Column of Honor: 07.08.07
Posted by Ari Berenstein on 07.08.2007
A coming back from vacation edition—shorter than usual, but with a spanking new tan. We’ll talk Dragon v. Quack, PPV, Sydal and more.
Ring Toss:
-Lessons learned from Vacation
-When Animals Attack
-ROH Call
-ROH News of the Week
-Hero's Sandwich
-Ringtones
-Independent Buy in
-ROH @ 411
-Honor Bound Links
Hey everyone, I'm back from a week long vacation away from Brooklyn for a concise but information packed new column. I've been chilling and getting some peace of mind in upstate New York for the last seven days, namely in Ithaca and in Lake George. Approximately four of those days I had almost no internet access. In this day and age, that'd almost be considered a crime. However, I bore through it and enjoyed nature for nature's sake. I hit the beach and got some sun, although little good it did me. Bryan Danielson may be the "Palest Wrestler in the World" but I may take the cake for "Pastiest Columnist in the World."
Other things I learned while on vacation:
-Never allow your cousin to know you are a big Samoa Joe fan, because he will bring it up and turn it into a running joke throughout your vacation.
-Even the non-wrestling fan family members know about what happened with Chris Benoit.
-NEVER start to take a thirty minute walkabout when it looks like it's about to rain.
-Younger children will use your body as a punching bag, if you allow them to do so.
-Lake George is only several miles away from Glens Falls, the hometown of "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, tough guy! HOOOOOOOOO!
-Upstate New York radio stations are far cooler than NYC's selection. You can turn the dial and within seconds find a good song. Although they do seem to love their Kelly Clarkson and Red Hot Chili Peppers. I couldn't escape them.
-Skee Ball will always be fun, no matter how old or young you are.
When Animals Attack: Dragon vs. Duck
In the water, the duck waddles confidently and with ease. It knows it's surroundings and its territory. It sounds off its "quack" as a beacon to other animals to stay out of it's way. This is where the duck belongs. However, one might never suspect trouble brewing in the waters from the supposedly extinct species known as Dragonus Americanus. While rarely spotted until it is almost too late for its victim, the dangerous Dragon can easily slip into any environment, take its time and wait for its opportunity and then…without warning—STRIKE! The Dragon has taken down the other animal without mercy. Dead duck. It is the way of nature in this ecosystem. The circle of life has been completed.
Earlier this week, ROH announced a dream match for long time independent wrestling fans. On August 11th in Philadelphia, PA, ROH veteran "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson will face off against veteran star (but relative newcomer to ROH) "Lightening" Mike Quackenbush. It will be the first time meeting of these two wrestlers anywhere in the industry.
This is a match fans are looking forward to—as it takes two longstanding wrestlers which different but complimentary strengths and positions them against each other. It is Quackenbush's chain wrestling and Lucha style that will match up very well against Danielson's submission and technical attack.
There are no grudges in this match, just the spirit of competition. Quackenbush always gives his best in the ring and seems to have an incredible amount of fun while he's doing it. Conversely, Danielson is serious and workmanlike once he is in the ring. He clocks in, does his job, and then clocks out, reveling in the thrill of victory.
Both men win a lot of matches and both men have won a lot of championships. They are the kings of their respective jungles (Danielson in ROH and Quack in CHIKARA). Only one man will win the encounter—nature will take it's course in determining the winner.
ROH Call
ROH Champions—As of 07/08/2007
ROH World Champion—Takeshi Morishima (champion since 02/17/07, 11 successful defenses)
Next Defense:: Nigel McGuinness (opponent TBA), 7/16/07, Tokyo, Japan
V.1 defeated BJ Whitmer via pinfall / backdrop driver (2/23/07 Dayton, OH)
V.2 defeated KENTA via pinfall / backdrop driver (3/04/07 Tokyo, Japan)
V.3 defeated Nigel McGuinness via pinfall / backdrop driver (4/14/07 Edison, NJ)
V.4 defeated Austin Aries via pinfall / backdrop driver (4/27/07 St. Paul, MN)
V.5 defeated SHINGO via pinfall / backdrop driver (4/28/07 Chicago Ridge, IL)
V.6 defeated KAZMA via pinfall / backdrop driver (05/06/07 Tokyo, Japan)
V.7 defeated BJ Whitmer via pinfall / backdrop driver (05/12/07 New York, NY)
V.8 defeated Jay Briscoe via pinfall / backdrop driver (6/08/07 Roxbury Crossing, MA)
V.9 defeated Roderick Strong via pinfall / backdrop driver (6/09/07 Philadelphia, PA)
V.10 defeated Jimmy Rave via pinfall / backdrop driver (06/23/07 Chicago Ridge, IL)
V.11 defeated Adam Pearce via pinfall / backdrop driver (06/23/07 Chicago Ridge, IL)
ROH World Tag Team Champions— Jay and Mark Briscoe (champions since 03/30/07, 7 successful defenses)
Next Defense: SHINGO & YAMATO, 7/17/07, Osaka, Japan
V.1 Ultimate Endurance: defeated Pelle Primeau & Mitch Franklin, Mike Quackenbush & Jigsaw, Hallowicked & Gran Akuma (4/27/07 St. Paul, MN)
V.2 defeated Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) (4/28/07 Chicago, IL)
V.3 defeated BJ Whitmer and ROH World Champion Takeshi Morishima (5/11/07, Hartford, CT)
V.4 defeated Claudio Castagnoli and Matt Sydal (5/12/07, New York, NY)
V.5 defeated The Kings of Wrestling (Claudio Castagnoli and Chris Hero) (6/09/07, Philadelphia, PA): 2 out of 3 falls- 2 straight falls
V.6 defeated Claudio Castagnoli and Matt Sydal (6/22/07, Dayton, OH): 2 out of 3 falls- 2 straight falls
V.7 defeated El Generico & Kevin Steen (6/23/07, Chicago Ridge, IL)
ROH News
(via the ROHnewswire… and other sources when attributed
Pay Per View Updates
After last week's debut on DISH Network, phase two of the ROH PPV debut plan will go into effect tonight on TVN cable systems. According to ROH's newsbit, TVN includes "Cable systems like Insight, Mediacom, Verizon, AT&T, Bresnan, Buckeye, Blue Ridge and many others." Meanwhile, tons of replays will be offered on DISH Network throughout the month. Then as anticipated, InDemand networks will get the show on July 20th. Here is a selection of reviews for the "Respect Is Earned" show to whet the appetite of those who cannot yet order the show:
BJ Whitmer Interview
On Wrestling Weekly, Les Thatcher and Doc Young interviewed BJ Whitmer about his career thus far and of course his time in ROH. What came out about Whitmer's neck condition is pretty important and very serious. He said that if he gets hit in the right spot, he could go numb. THAT SUCKS. His ankle is back to full condition but he might need knee surgery later on because he put undue pressure on his other leg to compensate for the injury. THAT ALSO SUCKS.
From the newswires:
YAMATO DOWN, Hulk Up We have a big lineup change for ROH's Osaka show on July 17th. Due to an injury YAMATO will not be able to compete. BXB Hulk will now make his ROH debut to team with Shingo in the main event. It will be Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. BXB Hulk & Shingo in Osaka for the ROH World Tag Team Titles. ROH officials are already negotiating with Dragon Gate officials to bring BXB Hulk & Shingo to the United States if they win the belts.
There's always been lots of clamor for ROH to bring in BxB. He won't be stateside, but at least he will make his debut on an ROH DVD. I wouldn't expect the title change given the direction of The Briscoes as feuding with Kevin Steen and El Generico, but crazier things have happened and Jay and Mark have been bitten by the Japanese talent bug already this year.
YOU WRESTLE LIKE A GIRL! Oh…wait… SHIMMER action will come to "Death Before Dishonor" weekend including the first SHIMMER Title match in ROH. August 10th in Boston will see a grudge match pitting Lacey vs. Daizee Haze. The winner will wrestle SHIMMER Champion Sara Del Rey for the belt on August 11th in Philadelphia. See history as the SHIMMER Title is defended for the first time in ROH!!!
Again, the ties between SHIMMER and ROH are clearly established and that allows ROH the ability to use SHIMMER matches as an attraction match and an extra selling point for the product. I know some fans could care less for women's wrestling in 2007 (Stuart Carapola and Chris Miccio I am looking at the BOTH of you!) but Del Rey may be women wrestling's best case for respect. Not only does Del Rey have the boon of training with "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson, she has also through osmosis absorbed some of his brains and intelligence about the in-ring psychology of wrestling. Lacey and Daizee Haze are very capable in the ring (as their longer matches in SHIMMER will no doubt prove) and they each bring something unique as far as personality and character. If you're going to run a women's division, you would want these three on the roster.
No Remorse on the No Remorse Corps The No Remorse Corps of Roderick Strong, Rocky Romero & Davey Richards are making a lot of enemies. They will have to answer to those enemies when "Death Before Dishonor V: Night 1" comes to Boston on August 10th. Fans found the Reggie Lewis Track & Recreation Center to be the nicest building ROH has ever run in the Boston area and a great location when ROH presented its first show there on June 8th. Now ROH is bringing an even bigger card to this first class facility on August 10th. Jack Evans will return to Boston as he faces Davey Richards. Another big Boston return will see Austin Aries back to team with Erick Stevens against Roderick Strong & Rocky Romero.
The NRC-Resilience feud will now pick up some steam thanks to the return of Austin Aries. His motivational leadership should help bring his team back from the brink of obliteration. I now see that tag match as the in ring turning point in the war between these two factions. If Aries can lead Stevens to victory, then the battle will truly be joined. Jack Evans returns to exact some revenge against the NRC, but once again he is doing it without back up, although he is still threatening to form a crew. Evans has lost his matches to Roderick Strong as of late and without the manpower to contain the other members of the NRC, I see his bout against Davey Richards pretty much going the same way.
Sydal: Wanted Man Matt Sydal is the hottest free agent in wrestling since signing with super agent Larry Sweeney's Sweet & Sour Incorporated. Sydal plans to spend the summer going back and forth from ROH and Dragon Gate. Negotiations are also taking place with two other major promotions in the United States. Sweeney says that Sydal will end up with whoever has the most to offer. ROH officials are doing everything possible to keep Sydal in ROH. We'll have more on this story as news develops. Sydal will be on ROH shows on 7/16 in Tokyo, 7/17 in Osaka, 7/27 in Long Island, 7/28 in Edison, 8/10 in Boston and 8/11 in Philadelphia before heading back to Japan.
So apparently Sydal wasn't on the TNA tapings, but he did received a dark match showcase for the agents. Sydal is also interested in fielding offers from WWE. I say, good for him, let him find success wherever it goes. Sydal could do well in either of the promotions, so hopefully the monetary compensation will be commensurate to his talent.
Finally, Chris Jericho likes Ring of Honor! Hooray! This doesn't really mean anything!
Hero's Sandwich
Greetings and salutations Hero-ites, it is I, your hero, your idol, your liege, Chris Hero, back again this week for another dose of reality. As I sit here in my living room reviewing tapes for future matches, I am brought to think about the fact that I have been left off the ROH trip to Japan. How can this be, you loyal Hero-ites ask. I wish I could provide you with an answer, but alas, I cannot. I believe that the powers that be in ROH are trying to keep me down yet once again, and for that, as well as all the other injustices that they have done to me over the past few months, they will pay. From what I've heard my anti-"Respect is Earned" campaign has gone well, and the PPV has only been ordered 3 times, once by Cary, once by Gabe, and once by Todd "Fat Pants" Sinclair. I guess the message is being clearly sent by my loyal Hero-ites to ROH. No Chris Hero means no PPV buys, no ratings, and ultimately, no success. Too bad. Things could have been so different, if they had just put me on the show, but they didn't, so now they will have to suffer the ramifications. Oh well.
Onto more pressing issues, as my time is valuable and short. This week, I have been asked by many people if the rumors that they have heard are true, and want to know if I have indeed signed a contract with ROH for the next 2 years. The answer is yes, I have indeed signed with ROH, and I feel it is my responsibility to explain why I would do this, even though I hate ROH, its officials, and most importantly, their fans. The core reasoning behind my, and my super agent Larry Sweeney's decision is the fact that ROH has given me the single largest contract of all time. My base salary will exceed the sum total of all of the other contracted workers combined, as well as provide me with certain perks, if you will. They gave me a top line health care plan, as well as granting me a list of specific demands for all of my appearances. I was too psyched when Cary gave in on the demand for the bowl of M&M's with all the brown ones taken out. That was very nice of him. I also like the fact that Gabe has to polish my boots prior to each and every match I work, as well as pick up any and all of my, Larry's, Tank's, and even Patrick, er, Bobby Dempsey's dry cleaning. I know it's just a small detail, but damn, its going to be fun having Gabe as my personal valet. I hope he can handle all the work, plus still do a good job with the book. If he cant, I've made it abundantly clear to Cary that I would be more than happy to take the job, if the need arises. I figure that I'm already the best WRESTLER in the promotion, so why couldn't I do a great job as the booker? I know that I could be far superior to the other wrestlers who also were bookers over the years. Come on folks, don't you just know in your heart of hearts that I would be so much better than guys like Rhodes and Triple H? It's laughable to me. Just give me a shot, Cary. You won't be disappointed. I PROMISE. I guarantee that the ROH-bots will just eat up the idea of me winning each and every night, and in fact, defeating Morishima upon his return to the states. It might be a pipe dream, but you never know in this crazy business, so I'll keep up hope.
Now, I need to tackle a few issues with my buddy, Ari, the wannabe scribe of this "Column of Honor". I saw that some dope emailed him about the segment, and asked if it was actually written by yours truly, or this whole thing is some kind of giant work. Well, to Ari and his small-minded friend, I will say this: If you don't know, then you'll never know. Ari knows the truth, and has to follow my specific instructions, but for all of you who doubt my authenticity, I say this. I am who I am, and who I am, well, that's up to you to figure it all out. And besides, if I wanted to work you all, it would be as easy for me to do that, as it is for you to stuff your maws full of cheetos or something like that, you moronic slobs.
Now for Ari. So I saw that you and your 411 monkeys did an Indy draft and set up your own fantasy wrestling promotions. I also saw that you drafted me and my Swiss idiot buddy, Claudio Castagnoli for your "promotion". I was not at all surprised by this, as I knew all along that you really were just a closet Hero-ite. Then, to my ultimate surprise, when you posted your results, I saw that The Kings of Wrestling were victorious. Now I know for sure that you are a hardcore Hero-ite, and I appreciate that. I'll be sending you one of my new "Chris is Awesome" t-shirts as soon as possible, which by the way are available on the myspace page, for the low price of $25.00, with a small shipping charge of just $5.00. All you monkeys know you want one, so get on it.
Okay, my time with you is up again, so get out of your hovels, get away from your computers, and see what the outside world really looks like. Maybe you can talk to a girl or two. Hmm…yeah, like that's going to happen. On that note, I will take my leave for another week. I'll be back next week with a "recap" of the ROH tour of Japan, as well as other observations from the top of the mountain. This has been your weekly dose of enlightenment; this has been your Hero's Sandwich. Sayonara, suckers!
Going Home
Ringtones
From Paul Re: three workers you would show to a new fan:
Well, this is in response to Stu's question and honestly, I'm going to cheat a bit.
I'd go with Evans of course, but I'd also throw some Sydal in there as well. Both those guys are pull off some of the craziest moves i've ever seen and Jack Evans doing his 630 splash (which is still the greatest move I've ever seen live. I have no idea how he rotates that fast, but I really wanna meet him and ask him). Sydal is just an innovator who can do a lot of great things and he can improvise very well. I've seen him do some stuff that just made my jaw drop.
Secondly, the Briscoes. Yeah, MAN UP! They're far and away the most dominant team in ROH right now and they're well on their way to being the best team in ROH history. Great charisma and personality, death-defying singles and double team moves and they always give 120 percent any time they're in that ring. Every match they're in has a big match feel.Once again, I feel I'm kind of cheating since they're a tag team, but since I prefer them as a team, I'll count them as one.
For me, the third is a toss-up between Danielson and Nigel. Danielson gets a nod for (as you said well) being a throwback to the days of Backlund and Sammartino. He is packed full of charisma and always puts on A quality matches.
McGuinness would be my personal pick simply because his matches are exciting and with his army of destructive looking lariats, he can end a match whenever he wants. Plus, the jawbreaker is awesome looking. Not to mention showing a casual fan some of the Tower of London shots people have taken would probably make them cringe.
For the record, I've converted someone to ROH by showing them Nigel and Rave's "Fight Without Honor" from England which prompted him yelling "HOLY SHIT!" when he gave him the Tower of London on the guard rail. That match was brutal and that along with Cage of Death would be the first two matched I'd show someone (I'd also through in Joe vs Punk I and II to show that pure wrestling side of things).
My notable mention would have to be Jimmy Jacobs. I always liked Jacobs because I loved his gimmick of "fighting for love" (in a sick sense). Love him or hate him, he always aimed to do nothing but make Lacey happy. Think of the wars he's had over the years too. He has some of the best blow-off matches of anyone on that roster.
His match vs. BJ Whitmer in the cage is my MOTY right now.
**The Independent Buy In**
Support independent pro wrestling, ROH or non ROH, I don't care. But if you out there are spending so much time complaining about how WWE sucks, then dammit, spend some money so you won't have to spend so much time complaining. This list stays in the column and will be added to as the year goes on. Remember: don't bow out, BUY IN!
2007
**PWG Battle of Los Angeles 2006: Night One (Strong / Romero, CIMA / Cross, Deliirous / Generico, 8 Man Tag)
**SHIMMER Women's Athletes Volume 6 (MsChif / Melissa Last Woman Standing, Rebecca Knox / Allison Danger Pure Rules)
**PWG Hollywood Globetrotters (Super Dragon and Davey Richards vs. Roderick Strong and Jack Evans; Cape Fear (El Generico and Quicksilver) vs. Arrogance (Chris Bosh and Scott Lost); B-Boy vs. Frankie Kazarian; Alex Shelley vs. Chris Sabin.)
**PWG Beyond The Thunderdome (Super Dragon and Davey Richards vs. AJ Styles and Chris Daniels); Cape Fear vs. Arrogance; Joey Ryan vs. Chris Sabin)
**PWG Enchantment Under The Sea (Cape Fear vs. Briscoes; Matt Sydal vs. B-Boy; Super Dragon and Davey Richards vs. Arrogance; Austin Aries vs. Kevin Steen)
**wXw World Lightweight Tournament 2006 (Ares / Baron von Hagen, Pac / El Generico, Quackenbush / Roudin, 5 Way Tournament Match)
**ECWA Super 8 Tournament 2001 (Danielson / Low Ki, Danielson / Reckless Youth, Low Ki / Billy Fives, Danielson / Spanky)
**ROH FWA IPW:UK Frontiers of Honor 2 (Sydal / Richards, Cabana / Burridge, JC Thunder / Nigel McGuinness, Danielson / Brookside / Stone)
**PWG Battle of Los Angeles 2006: Night Two (Necro Butcher/Super Dragon, Hero/Horiguchi, Evans/Castagnolli)
**PWG Battle of Los Angeles 2006: Night Three (Generico / CIMA, Hero, Claudio, Necro, Romero / Cabana, Quicksilver, M-Dogg 20, Delirious, Generico / Sabin, Richards / Strong, Evans/ Horiguchi, Richards / CIMA)
**Chikara The Crushing Weight of Mainstream Ignorance (Quackenbush / Akuma, Steel / Steel, Sweeney / Kingston, Hair vs. Mask: Jigsaw / Icarus)
**Chikara King of Trios Night One (Order of the Neo Solar Temple / Los Ice Creams, Miyawaki, Yago & KUDO / Iron Saints, Sweeny, Eliis and Ryder vs. Neo Solar Temple POSEDOWN, Shima Xion / Nobutaka Moribe)
**SHIMMER Volume 7 (Daizee Haze/Cheerleader Melissa, Mercedes Martinez/LuFisto, Sara Del Rey/Nattie Neidhart)
**Chikara King of Trios Night Two (Sabin, Shelley and Dutt vs. Quackenbush, Jigsaw and Shane Storm / Hallowicked, Cheech and Cloudy vs. Lince Dorado, Pantera and Sicodelico Jr. / Olsen Twins vs. Miyagi and Yago / Quack T-Shirt Squad vs. Boyer and 2.0)
**Chikara King of Trios Night Three (Pantera, Lince Dorado & Sicodelico, Jr. vs. Mike Quackenbush, Jigsaw & Shane Storm / Kings Of Wrestling vs. Kudo, Yoshiaki Yago & Miyawaki / Mike Quackenbush, Jigsaw & Shane Storm vs. Kudo, Yoshiaki Yago & Miyawaki / Ricochet vs. Claudio Castagnoli / Daizee Haze vs. Sara Del Ray / Mokujin Ken vs. Mecha Mummy / Matt Sydal vs. Hallowicked)
**UWA Hardcore: Hour of the Dragon (Ultimo Dragon / Black Tiger, Chris Sabin / Josh Prohibition, Mike Quackenbush / Claudio Castagnoli, Tyler Black / Josh Ambercrombie)
**Fight Sports Midwest: Chapter One (Samoa Joe / Eddie Kingston, Larry Sweeney / Bryan Alvarez, Josh Ambercrombie / Austin Aries, Hydra / "Old Timer" Jeff King) **Fight Sports Midwest: Chapter Two (Alex Shelley / Low Ki, Mike Quackenbush / Tiger Mask IV, Human Tornado / Josh Ambercrombie)
**CHIKARA: Rey De Voladores (Chris Hero / Claudio Castagnoli, Chuck Taylor / Lince Dorado, Cheech & Cloudy / F.I.S.T. (Gran Akuma & Icarus), Chuck Taylor / Ricochet / Pac / Retail Dragon)
The ROH List
**Fifth Year Festival: NYC (Samoa Joe / Morishima, Homicide / Rave, Briscoes / Cabana & McGuinness, Albright / Whitmer, Evans / SHINGO / Xavier / Jacobs)
**Fifth Year Festival: Philly (Homicide / Morishima, Sydal & Daniels / SHINGO & Evans, Briscoes / Generico & Steen, Castagnoli / Aries, McGuinness / Perkins)
**Fifth Year Festival: Chicago (Morishima & McGuinness / Joe & Homicide, Cabana / Jacobs, Strong & Richards / Aries & Cross, Daniels & Sydal / The Briscoes, Albright / Castagnoli)
**Fifth Year Festival: Liverpool (Joe / McGuinness, ROH World Tag Team Titles: The Briscoes / Doi & SHINGO / FIP Title: Strong / PAC, 2/3 Falls: Delirious / Matt Sydal) **Fifth Year Festival: Finale (Joe / Homicide, Fight Without Honor: McGuinness / Rave, ROH World Tag Team Titles: Doi & SHINGO / Richards and Strong, Sydal / PAC, Falls Count Anywhere: Whitmer / Jacobs)
**All Star Extravaganza III (ROH vs. Dragon Gate 8 Man Tag, Strong / Evans, Mochizuki / Richards, Cabana / Sydal / Hero / Pearce, Homicide / Daniels)
**Supercard of Honor II (CIMA, SHINGO and Yokosuka / Dragon Kid / Saito / Mochikzuki, Strong / Aries, Whitmer / Jacobs, Evans & Doi / Richards and Romero, McGuinness / Hero, Daniels & Sydal / Delirious & Jay Briscoe)
**Fighting Spirit (ROH World Title: McGuinness / Morishima, Jay Briscoe and Erick Stevens Mark Briscoe / El Generico & Kevin Steen, Evans & Delirious / Strong & Romero, Claudio / Romero, Cabana / Williams)
**The Battle of St. Paul (ROH World Title: Morishima / Aries, FIP Title: Strong / Daniels, Delirious / Stevens / Romero / Evans, Albright & Pearce / Homicide & Cabana/ ROH World Tag Titles Ultimate Endurance)
This section needs your help! If you want to recommend some good independent wrestling to your fellow internet readers out there, drop me a line for the column.
Okay everyone, that's going to do it for this week. Next week I promise I'll go all out with coverage, as not only is it the second anniversary of this very column, but ROH is heading to Japan. I'll have a preview of the weekend there, as well as comments on recent ROH DVD's, a new Honor Culture feature (for real this time) and so much more that it will leave your head spinning with column goodness!
