411 ROH Roundtable Preview: Hartford & New York City – Caged Rage & Manhattan Mayhem II – 8/24 & 8/25

Hello readers and welcome to another 411Mania Ring of Honor Roundtable Preview. This week we’ll be taking a look at the upcoming ROH events on Friday in Hartford, CT and Saturday at the Manhattan Center in New York City. A number of matches on these shows have been built directly from the company’s Death Before Dishonor V weekend, including a huge three-way elimination match in Hartford that will see ROH World Champion Takeshi Morishima put his title on the line against both Claudio Castagnoli and Brent Albright. Jay & Mark Briscoe will also do battle with top challengers Kevin Steen & El Generico twice throughout the weekend, with the ROH World Tag Team Titles hanging in the balance during both contests. Jack Evans will face off with former tag team partner and friend Roderick Strong inside a steel cage, and PAC will make his United States debut for Ring of Honor, but all of that pales in importance to Saturday’s main event as former champion “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson receives his first shot at the ROH World Title, taking on Takeshi Morishima in one of the most highly-anticipated bouts in Ring of Honor history. Before diving into our preview, let’s have a look at this week’s contributing staff:

J.D. Dunn, DVD reviewer extraordinaire,

Ari Berenstein, of Column of Honor,

Matt Short, of The Navigation Log,

Michael Bauer, of the ECW Recap,

Larry Csonka, 411Mania Wrestling Zone Editor,

Theo Fraser, of Nintendophiles in the Games Zone,

Brad Garoon, of our ROH DVD Review team,

Stuart Carapola, of Friendly Competition,

And me, Samuel Berman, of The Independent Mid-Card.

Now that the staff has been introduced, let’s get to our predictions for this weekend’s shows. Cards are current as of Tuesday, 8/21.

CAGED RAGE
FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2007 – HARTFORD, CT

Hallowicked vs. Chris Hero
JD Dunn: Hallowicked is, let’s face it, a jobber with a cool mask. Hero has been sort of a JTTS over the past few months, but he’s been resurgent after his feud with Claudio reignited.

Winner: Chris Hero

Ari Berenstein: Hallowicked is getting more play in ROH thanks to some well received matches over the last few months. Chris Hero is one of the teachers at the CHIKARA Wrestle Factory, where Hallowicked trained and discipline himself in the arts of wrestling and Halloween related activities. Hero knows ‘Wicked’s game plan and I think its easy to see that not only does he have a wrestling advantage, but he has the momentum advantage with two wins at Death Before Dishonor V and the entourage of Sweet and Sour, Inc. to back him up.

Winner: Chris Hero

Matt Short: Out of all the CHIKARA guys that gets around the other promotions, Hallowicked might be my favorite. He’s had a good deal of experience wrestling Chris Hero in CHIKARA, so I’d expect him to have a good showing here. I can’t see Hero losing though, especially considering his experience and the fact that he has back-up. I think it’ll come down to Hallowicked getting some near falls before Larry Sweeney’s distractions get to be too much.

Winner: Chris Hero

Michael Bauer: Hero needs a boost to get back on track. Hallowicked is cool, but this is Chris Hero.

Winner: Chris Hero

Larry Csonka: Should be a fine bout, Hallowicked is fun but not on the ROH radar as far as importance goes.

Winner: Chris Hero

Theo Fraser: Chikara makes its presence felt in Hartford! These two should have a fine contest, and as Ari said, Hero knows all the ins and outs of Hallowicked’s arsenal, so it’s unlikely the ROH newbie will surprise him with anything. Hero is starting to gain a few impressive wins, and a loss here would certainly set him back months. However, Sweet & Sour Inc will be there to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Winner: Chris Hero

Brad Garoon: There’s not really much to say about this one. These guys teamed in the only CHIKARA match I’ve seen that featured the two (the 2006 Torneo Cibernetico) and both are quite talented so I’m sure it’ll be interesting. ROH should really run a CHIKARA vs. Sweet N’ Sour Incorporated feud to get the ROH fans familiar with the CHIKARA guys.

Winner: Chris Hero

Stuart Carapola: From what I understand, Hallowicked is Lucha-speakj for “masked jobber”. Hero wins en route to his long-awaited showdown with Claudio the following night.

Winner: Chris Hero

Samuel Berman: Finally, a dominant singles win for Hero. Match could be a sleeper hit of the weekend, too, and for this doubleshot, that’s really saying something.

Winner: Chris Hero

411 Staff Picks: Chris Hero (9-0)

Austin Aries, Erick Stevens & Matt Cross vs. Eddie Edwards, Jason Blade & Pelle Primeau
JD Dunn: Given the participants, I think this will just be a tune-up squash for the Resilience. That’s not to say it won’t be a good match, but I think Edwards & Crew are overmatched.

Winners: Aries, Stevens & Cross

Ari Berenstein: I fail to see how Aries thinks Edwards, Blade OR Pelle are better than Cross and Edwards at this point. Pelle has plenty of potential but Edwards and Blade…no one wins when they’re wrestling…and Aries won’t win if they’re on his team. If I were Stevens and Cross, I’d be very insulted and angry at the suggestion. Oh for the love of God…please, please, please Aries, Stevens and Cross win this one!

Winners: Aries, Stevens and Cross

Matt Short: This should be academic for The Resilience. They need to take this chance to let them show off, especially Stevens and Cross. The ending here is pretty obvious.

Winners: Austin Aries, Erick Stevens, & Matt Cross

Michael Bauer: Um, this should be a forgone conclusion, right? No way the NRC Whipping boys lose here.

Winners: Aries/Stevens/Cross

Larry Csonka: Is this serious?

Winner: Austin Aries, Erick Stevens & Matt Cross

Theo Fraser: *Sniff sniff* What’s that smell? Smells like a squash to me! The Resilience need a win after their devastating loss to the No Remorse Corp at Death Before Dishonor V Night 2, so poor Edwards, Blade and Primeau are going to get KILLED out there. One 450 splash later, your winners of the match…

Winner: Austin Aries, Erick Stevens & Matt Cross

Brad Garoon: Well the story here is that if any of the jobbers pin either of the junior Resilience members they get their spot. Obviously the only person with enough personality to get into the Resilience is Primeau, but I don’t think being a background character in that stable is right for him now. That being said this will probably be a chance for Stevens and Cross to prove their worth. I honestly don’t think it’s worth getting into the prospect of either Blade or Edwards joining the Resilience given how bland that would make this already rather dull group.

Winners: Aries, Stevens & Cross

Stuart Carapola: I swear, if the Resilience loses this match, I will have lost any and all respect for them.

Winner: Austin Aries, Erick Stevens & Matt Cross

Samuel Berman: Unlike everyone else, I actually think that this match will be the beginning of a major shakeup in the Gen Ex Wars. Though the Resilience will take the win, and a relatively easy one at that, I think Stevens and Cross will more than express their displeasure at being put in such an insulting position. Nothing big will come of it tonight, but just give it 24 hours to simmer.

Winners: Austin Aries, Erick Stevens & Matt Cross

411 Staff Picks: Austin Aries, Erick Stevens & Matt Cross (9-0)

Four Corner Survival: Nigel McGuinness vs. Delirious vs. BJ Whitmer vs. Adam Pearce
JD Dunn: Nigel has failed to get it done time and time again, but he’s still a cut above the midcard. Things seem to be brewing with Whitmer and Pearce and a possibility that they’re involved with the 161 thing. Delirious seems to be the odd man out (as usual). As with many four-corner survivals, they could literally pick any guy to win and justify in some way. That’s why I’m saying Adam Pearce.

Winner: Adam Pearce

Ari Berenstein: I have no idea what to expect with this one. This could be played out as a normal Four Corner Survival, or wacky, freaky Project 161 events could occur. I think the two men to look out for are actually not Nigel and Delirious by Whitmer and Pearce. I’m curious to see if they get physically involved against each other, have weird body language in the match or end up mysteriously “teaming” against Nigel and Delirious in order for one of them to secure a win. I think BJ snaps his losing streak here thanks to some questionable assistance from Pearce.

Winner: BJ Whitmer

Matt Short: This match is getting attention for the possibilty of more shenanigans from Project 161. Especially given that Whitmer and Pearce’s names always come up when talking about this angle. These Four Corner things are never easy to pick, so I’m closing my eyes and picking whoever’s name I’m closest to.

Winner: BJ Whitmer

Michael Bauer: If anything, this match will help build to Nigel vs Whitmer in NYC the next night, yet I don’t see either man getting the win here. Pearce has been treading water for a while now and could really use the win and Delirious has been the king of these matches this year. I’ll give the edge the heel here.

Winner: BJ Whitmer

Larry Csonka: This is a difficult match to pick. ROH seems as if they don’t want to put the title on Nigel, they have decided to get off the pot rather than shit. Delirious I just can’t see as champion although he rules. Whitmer and Pearce will probably counteract each other here, so I will go with…

Winner: Nigel McGuinness

Theo Fraser: Tough one to call, this. All four of them could do with a win, as they’re all in no man’s land, exempt from major feuds. McGuinness looks to have used up his last chance at the World Title, Delirious has seemingly finished his business with the NRC, and Whitmer and Pearce are just treading water. A win here could catapult any of them to a future World Title shot. During the match, I’d put money on some Project 161 shenanigans taking place, due to Pearce’s involvement, but ultimately I see Delirious going over, because he hasn’t got much going on right now.

Winner: Delirious

Brad Garoon: I thought this was more interesting as a singles match between the two (undoubtedly) future partners Pearce and Whitmer. As it is I’m sure it’ll end up that Pearce and Whitmer will team up and demolish Nigel and Delirious as a way of establishing their new (non-Project 161) stable.

Winner: BJ Whitmer

Stuart Carapola: Of course the rumor is that Whitmer and Pearce are going to be part of this Project 161 angle, so expect there to be at least a small development with that storyline. If they are going to be built as a bunch of guys who never got their just due and keep getting buried, expect them to not win as part of that build. Then it’s down to Nigel and Delirious, but Nigel’s going to win the title from Morishima, so he should win.

Winner: Nigel McGuinness

Samuel Berman: Delirious is usually the king of these types of matches, but he doesn’t need the win here. Though BJ ending his absurd streak if ineffectiveness would be nice, I think he hits the Wrist-Clutch Exploder on Nigel and then allows Pearce to get the pin. This officially kicks off Project 161. If I’m wrong, then I’ll join with the 143% of ROHbots predicting Pearce & Whitmer being involved in the angle in being wrong.

Winner: “Scrap Iron” Adam Pearce

411 Staff Picks: BJ Whitmer (4-2-2-1)

Bryan Danielson vs. PAC
JD Dunn: It seems like everyone in the world loves PAC but me. Not that there’s anything wrong with him, he just doesn’t stand out to me. The few times I’ve seen him, he’s taken a pretty good whuppin’, and Danielson is on the warpath, so look for those trends to continue here.

Winner: Bryan Danielson

Ari Berenstein: It took a while, but I’ve finally come around to PAC. From the surface he looks like just another one of those “flippy do” wrestlers, but even if that’s the case, right now he’s one of the best in that category. Everything he does looks “Phenomenal” (to steal a catchphrase from another well known high flier). Dragon does well in these matches as he can control the match with his ground game and submissions. I expect PAC to give a great effort, but Danielson should pick up the win on his way to the title match tomorrow in Manhattan.

Winner: Bryan Danielson

Matt Short: PAC comes to ROH in the US. I’ll admit that I’m not as impressed with the guy as some people are, but he does have some sweet arial moves. Putting him against Danielson is a good call since it’s very hard to not have a good match against Danielson. He makes everyone look good. Case in point his match against Go Shiozaki. PAC has a lot to live up to in ROH and a good showing against The American Dragon would do him well.

Winner: Bryan Danielson

Michael Bauer: PAC in the United States should rock, but there is no way in hell that Danielson loses the night before his title shot.

Winner: Bryan Danielson

Larry Csonka: This should be a damn fine bout here. PAC is a crazy little bastard and Danielson knows how to work with about anyone and have a good match.

Winner: Bryan Danielson

Theo Fraser: A really interesting matchup here that will assuredly have shades of Survival of the Fittest ‘04, as Danielson contorts PAC in ways one can only imagine. As this is PAC’s US ROH debut, I’d count on him getting some good offense in, but with Danielson challenging for the title the following evening, he’s not giving up a victory here.

Winner: Bryan Danielson

Brad Garoon: If PAC’s match against Roderick Strong in Liverpool was any indication than this should be phenomenal. I should be careful throwing that term around considering reports had Danielson’s match against Sydal on the previous show a disappointment. At any rate Danielson isn’t dropping a match the night before his big title match.

Winner: Bryan Danielson

Stuart Carapola: Danielson’s not going to lose one night before his big shot at regaining the ROH World Title. Still, I like PAC and this should be a fun match.

Winner: Bryan Danielson

Samuel Berman: I’d love PAC going over in an upset, but I just don’t see it happening. PAC would be a great addition to the regular roster, though, and I hope Danielson gives him enough to make him appear credible as a main event threat in the future. If this turns into another excellent-but-never-in-doubt Dragon squash, it could ruin any chance of PAC being viewed on his level in the future. That would be the real shame.

Winner: “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson

411 Staff Picks: Bryan Danielson (9-0)

ROH World Title, Elimination Match: Takeshi Morishima © vs. Claudio Castagnoli vs. Brent Albright
JD Dunn: Morishima has been a monster no matter who he’s in there with. A lot of people feel Claudio got screwed last time, so Morishima might be wary of him. Albright, on the other hand, is out for money, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he took a payoff to eliminate Castagnoli before falling to Morishima. Either way…

Winner: Takeshi Morishima

Ari Berenstein: The marquee match being sold for NYC is Morishima vs. Danielson and while there are man other great matches on that card, I think if you take that main event away you are looking at a substantially weaker show than before. Castagnoli is on an incredible hot streak right now and Albright has woken out of the doldrums to put on a massive title match performance at Death Before Dishonor. If there were to be a world title change, either man would be believable and Claudio especially I think is ready for it. However, Claudio is involved in what is going to be a bitter and extended rivalry against Chris Hero. I expect Hero’s involvement to somehow spell the end of Claudio in this match. Albright will try valiantly but ultimately fall one more time to the champion.

Winner: Takeshi Morishima

Matt Short: This is the appetizer to the main course in New York. Morishima managed to get by both of these guys in his last two defenses, but now he’s given the steeper challenge of taking on both at once. There’s really no way they’ll let Morishima drop the title before he defends against Danielson, but these three can put on a hell of a show and continue Morishima’s dominant streak.

Winner: Takeshi Morishima

Michael Bauer: Morishima and Danielson has been built so hard for so long, having a title switch here would be pure foolishness. I like how RoH is putting this as Morishima wiith the disadvantage due to three men, but remember, after the first fall, it’s one on one. And very few have stopped him yet.

Winner: Morishima

Larry Csonka: I would love to see a title change here, but I just do not see it happening. Albright out first and then Double C (Heeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy)

Winner: Takeshi Morishima

Theo Fraser: Morishima barely left Death Before Dishonor V with the World Title, and that was after competing against these two individuals separately. Now he has to face them at the same time? Once again, I’d expect to see Claudio and Albright get a couple of nearfalls, but ultimately Morishima will vanquish his foes, as Castagnoli and Albright are unlikely to work together for long, if at all. Morishima has proven to be a very shrewd champion, and he’ll undoubtedly exploit the tension between the two competitors to break them down and get the pin.

Winner: Takeshi Morishima

Brad Garoon: Claudio and Albright can have ***** matches all up and down and still neither of them will be the champion at least until 2008. Hopefully they’ll be able to morph the reportedly great matches they had at Death Before Dishonor into an elimination triple threat here. It worked for Danielson vs. Whitmer vs. Jacobs, so why not here?

Winner: Takeshi Morishima

Stuart Carapola: I certainly feel that the challengers can be top players for ROH for some time to come, but do not expect for a minute that either of them has a chance of taking the title here. If anything, I expect Morishima to demolish both of them to look that much stronger going into Manhattan.

Winner: Takeshi Morishima

Samuel Berman: I think this could be just as good as Danielson’s three-way with Jacobs & Whitmer from last year, though I wish there was more of an issue between Albright and Claudio coming into the match. Wouldn’t the three-way with Danielson and McGuinness make more sense? Regardless, having two such diverse challengers limits the likelihood that they’ll be smart and team up against Morishima, eliminating him before fighting it out for the title. If Gabe really wanted to get cute, he could pull the ‘Morishima’s been eliminated, but the one-hour time limit expired before either of the other competitors could win and so a draw means the champion retains’ bit that they teased during Punk’s four-way elimination defense at Redemption, but I just think that’d be too highbrow for this match. Claudio will eliminate Albright, only to fall victim to a Backdrop Driver after taking Morishima to the limit once again.

Winner and STILL ROH World Champion: Takeshi Morishima

411 Staff Picks: Takeshi Morishima (9-0)

Steel Cage Match: Jack Evans vs. Roderick Strong
JD Dunn: This is always a good match, and it has the potential to steal the weekend spotlight. Jack is a flyer who can do it all. Strong is a ground and punish sort of guy who always seems to get the better of Jack. I don’t see this being any exception, although I do expect Jack to bust out some insane moves.

Winner: Roderick Strong

Ari Berenstein: The cage matches are difficult to predict because there are a number of variables for each. Here we have the possible end of the feud, or possible introduction of Jack Evans’ crew. I think we wait on that, but that Strong for sure will utilize the NRC to help him out. Unless The Resilience somehow also comes for the clear out, that should lead to victory for Strong. The only ways I see Evans coming out of this with the W is with the debut of his crew OR if he does a massive show stopping 960 degree flip from the top of the cage.

Winner: Roderick Strong

Matt Short: Jack Evans in a cage means he’ll be taking at least one life threatening dive. This one is going to be pretty crazy when you’ve got Evans flying around inside the cage until Strong catches up with him and punishes him. Then insane high spot. I’m thinking Strong will pull this one out.

Winner: Roderick Strong

Michael Bauer: If all the rumors are true and this is Jack Evans’ huge weekend, then he needs to win tommorrow night. As for the cage match with Strong, it could go either way since Strong needs to stay hot after the huge win two weeks ago. I’ll stick with the current hot streak vs. the one that will start.

Winner: Roderick Strong

Larry Csonka: Jack will do a quintuplet moonsault and land on his head, break dance out and amaze everyone that he is alive. Roddy will bring the intensity and it should make for a damn fine match.

Winner: Roderick Strong

Theo Fraser: Evans and Strong had a fantastic match in FIP last year, but that was when they were all buddy-buddy and everything was in the spirit of competition. This year, their matches have told a very different story, as Roderick has seemingly tried to cripple his former stablemate with a succession of backbreakers followed by the Stronghold. Their last match against each other in a singles match was a little over a month ago at the Osaka leg of the Japanese tour. Evans got the win that time, but that comes after two straight defeats by Roderick at Good Times, Great Memories and All Star Extravaganza III. Can Evans make things even with a win here? Or will Strong certify his dominance over Jack with another submission victory? Evans has previously performed well in Cage matches, but that was usually down to his showmanship. He’s never had such a bitter rivalry going on in such an environment, which could affect his game. Strong doesn’t care about pleasing the fans, which in my opinion will be his ticket to victory.

Winner: Roderick Strong

Brad Garoon: This one is tough to call. I said a lot about this in Buy or Sell, so I’ll refer you to that for my thoughts on this match. Pressed as I am I’ll say Evans wins this and goes on to be uninvolved in the finish the following night.

Winner: Jack Evans

Stuart Carapola: Though I wouldn’t normally hesitate to pick Strong in this match, Evans is back for at least 30 seconds and is allegedly going to put a crew together, so it won’t make sense for him to look like Roderick’s bitch yet again. Expect the Jack Evans Crew to at least make an appearance in this match en route to an Evans victory via some insane move off the top of the cage.

Winner: Jack Evans

Samuel Berman: Strong and Evans will trade crazy, stiff, insane offense for twenty minutes until Davey comes in to try to upset the balance. Matt Cross & Erick Stevens of all people will come in to fight him off, leading to Jack hitting something huge off of the top of the cage to get the win over his former partner. No one thinks anything strange of it what with the Resilience feuding with the NRC and all. Jack looks strong heading into the three-way in Manhattan.

Winner: Jack Evans

411 Staff Picks: Roderick Strong (6-3)

ROH World Tag Team Titles, Cage Match: Jay & Mark Briscoe © vs. Kevin Steen & El Generico
JD Dunn: Steen & Generico suddenly gained credibility in the spring when they had a much talked-about match with the Briscoes. After giving Mark concussion after concussion, the challengers have the champs just pissed off enough to make a mistake. And I believe they will.

Winners: Steen & Generico

Ari Berenstein: There are great deal of possible permutations for this weekend’s Tag Title Matches, including multiple title switches or no title switches at all. In Buy ot Sell this week, I “bought” the idea of there being at least one title switch due to the hard work and effort of El Generico and Kevin Steen. Now it’s possible but unlikely that Steen and Generico break up if they lose these matches, even if Steen has a World title match waiting for him in Roxbury Crossing during October. The question remains if there should be one or two title switches. I think it would be more interesting to see The Briscoes win this match and gain revenge for all the “street fight” losses. However, the victory will be short lived.

Winner: The Briscoes

Matt Short: Speaking of cage matches with insane spots there’s this. Steen and Generico are on a roll since their big wins against the champs. I have a feeling that these two teams are going to split the weekend. It’s possible to see the titles change here and then the Briscoes winning again in 2 out of 3 falls. I think it’ll be the other way around, so as to make a Steen and Generico title win mean more than just a one night switch.

Winners: The Briscoes

Michael Bauer: Steen and Generico are getting two shots at the titles. While there is no doubt the titles will switch hands at least once, the question is when. Do they change on the first night with a rematch the next? Do they change hands Saturday is the Briscoes style of match? I’ll go with the later, because the Briscoes do need to show some toughness before they lose the belts.

Winners: The Briscoes

Larry Csonka: Guess who’s manning up? Kevin Steen & El Generico bitches. They will end up “injuring” Mark, which will play into the next night.

Winner: NEW CHAMPIONS Kevin Steen & El Generico

Theo Fraser: If their previous matches are anything to go by, this should be off the charts. But perhaps fans in the front few rows should bring some kind of protection, as these guys have been pretty insane recently. I’m just praying none of them get injured. Blood will feature prominently, and I expect the match to go long. Neither team have a particular advantage in this caged environment, so I’d look for quite a few crazy spots as all four competitors begin to get desperate. When all is said and done, I don’t think Steenerico are getting the straps just yet. 2007 is the Year of the Briscoe, and whilst Steen and Generico have had their opponents’ number in singles competition, they just haven’t got it in them to MAN UP and take the titles.

Winner: Jay & Mark Briscoe

Brad Garoon: Much like the other cage match this one is tough to call. Also like the other cage match I said a lot about this in Buy or Sell, so I’ll refer you to that for my thoughts on this match. Pressed as I am I’ll say that Steen and Generico pick up the win and the titles here to make the next night more interesting.

Winners: Steen & Generico

Stuart Carapola: I don’t expect Steen & Generico to get the titles at all, so I’m going to shoot down those one-day reign rumors. Though it’s going to be kind of weird to see Steen & Generico main eventing an ROH show, it should be a good, brutal match that Steen & Generico will lose, but will most likely put enough of a beating on the Briscoes that the outcome of Saturday night’s match will be in question.

Winner: Jay & Mark Briscoe

Samuel Berman: I think the hotshot title trick only works once per champion, so I’m actually not going to go with the one-day reign for Steen & Generico that many are predicting. Jay & Mark got seriously roughed up two weeks ago and will be looking for revenge. However, their character development over the last few months suggests that instead of getting mad (which is what they used to do), now they’ll get wise and put together a clean, crisp title defense, proving themselves to truly be the champions.

Winners and STILL ROH World Tag Team Champions: Jay & Mark Briscoe

411 Staff Picks: Jay & Mark Briscoe (6-3)

MANHATTAN MAYHEM II
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2005 – NEW YORK, NY

Matt Cross & Erick Stevens vs. Mike Quackenbush & Jigsaw
JD Dunn: Quack has developed a big following in ROH, but Cross & Stevens need the win to maintain any kind of respectability for the Resilience. Besides, jobbing is what Jigsaw is for!

Winners: Cross & Stevens

Ari Berenstein: I am ecstatic to see Quackenbush live and in person after missing the opportunity in Edison, NJ. I like this match a lot, because even though it’s a definite mid card match, there’s a lot of great in ring action these two teams can do against each other. This should also really be a good chance for Stevens and Cross to break out of the pack in the tag team division and hopefully get on the way to a tag title shot.

Winner: Matt Cross & Erick Stevens

Matt Short: I am quite glad that The Quackenbush (as UltraMantis Black has called him) is continuing with the ROH bookings. That said Quack and Jigsaw are something of a longshot against Cross and Stevens here. The Resiliance needs to win more matches I feel and this is a good place to get it. A win over Quackenbush and one of his top students would say a lot for them. BUT. I am a huge Quack mark, so I’m picking him over logical judgement.

Winners: Mike Quackenbush and Jigsaw

Michael Bauer: Wow, as much as Stevens and Cross have been part of a great thing lately, they run out of steam here. Quack’s NYC debut, man he should be booked better than this.

Winners: Quack and Jigsaw

Larry Csonka: With rumblings of stable changes and such, this is where things start getting crazy. QUACK and Jigsaw snag the win and we get more DRAMA later in the show.

Winner: Mike Quackenbush & Jigsaw

Theo Fraser: I expect a pretty fun contest out of this one. Quack won’t be seen in ROH for quite some time after this, due to previous engagements, so I’d assume he’ll take the loss here. Cross and Stevens will need to look impressive if they want Austin Aries to retain them as part of his Resilience crew, so look for them to pull out all the stops.

Winner: Matt Cross & Erick Stevens

Brad Garoon: Cross and Stevens have more experience in ROH and Quack won’t be in ROH for the next while. With that said Cross has been dropping a lot of matches lately and is already in Aries’s dog house for that. I could see him dropping the fall here and getting booted from the Resilience leading to something more interesting for him.

Winners: Quackenbush & Jigsaw

Stuart Carapola: Everyone wants Quack to finally get his big win in ROH, so what better situation than having them beat the most overhyped jobbers in the promotion in New York City? Then again, he IS teaming with Jigsaw, which I understand is Lucha-speak for “Hallowicked’s jobbing twin brother”.

Winner: Mike Quackenbush & Jobsaw

Samuel Berman: I’m as big a fan of having Quackenbush in ROH as anyone, which is why I’m a little disappointed that he’s not in a higher profile contest on this show (how about Quack vs. PAC???). That said, I think that a win here doesn’t do anything for him while the Resilience could use the victory over an exciting team to catapult them up the ranks a bit. Jigsaw takes the loss unless Quack is feeling generous. The best part about the CHIKARA guys is that to some degree they retain their popularity in spite of wins-and-losses. Cross & Stevens with the win, leading to big things later in the night.

Winners: Matt Cross & Erick Stevens

411 Staff Picks: Mike Quackenbush & Jigsaw (5-4)

Nigel McGuinness vs. BJ Whitmer
JD Dunn: Nigel has been bumping his head up against the glass ceiling for a year now while BJ has seen the bottom fall out. I think the trend continues, and Nigel takes this one.

Winner: Nigel McGuinness

Ari Berenstein: On the surface this seems like a bummer of a lower card match. However, with both men fighting it out in the Four Corner Survival, some heat can easily be established between the two based on events from the 8/24 show. Not to mention various “strange” Project 161 activities that may occur in this one.

Winner: BJ Whitmer

Matt Short: Since I randomly managed to pick Whitmer from Night 1, here’s the story on this match. Whitmer wins through mysterious circumstances resulting in there being some hostility here against Nigel. More crazy stuff happens. On and on it goes. Ok, I’m a shitty fantasy booker.

Winner: Nigel McGuinness

Michael Bauer: Whitmer still can’t win a match, need I say more?

Winner: Nigel McGuinness

Larry Csonka: Nigel takes the win the in the 4-corner match the night before, but I think they give BJ the big win here to try and elevate him.

Winner: BJ Whitmer

Theo Fraser: This could be quite an intense affair. Whitmer and McGuinness are both very hard hitting strikers, so we could see a brutal encounter of Homicide/Whitmer Main Event Spectacles proportions. Rumours about Project 161 members suggest Whitmer could be heavily involved, so until then I predict a short losing streak for Whitmer, thus giving reason for him to band together with the other ROH misfits.

Winner: Nigel McGuinness

Brad Garoon: With my prediction that Whitmer and Pearce will team up and destroy Nigel and Delirious in the four-way this recently added match only adds fuel to my guessing fire. I said then that Whitmer would win the match and I think this will be a continuation of the Nigel vs. Pearce/Whitmer feud. I can’t see Nigel dropping a fall to Whitmer two nights in a row though.

Winner: Nigel McGuinness

Stuart Carapola: Whitmer’s angle the last few months has been that he can’t buy a win. Nigel’s been coming within an eyelash of winning the ROH World Title. Who do YOU think is going to win?

Winner: Nigel McGuinness

Samuel Berman: If Project 161 (or whatever) gets kicked off the night before, then a big time, dominant win by Whitmer will go a long way towards establishing instant credibility. Whitmer breaks out of his funk by absolutely demolishing McGuinness in front of a shocked Manhattan Center crowd.

Winner: BJ Whitmer

411 Staff Picks: Nigel McGuinness (6-3)

Davey Richards vs. PAC
JD Dunn: Although my normal instincts would say that PAC wouldn’t come in to do two jobs, he’s just so darned good at taking a beating that Richards is likely to turn him into hamburger here.

Winner: Davey Richards

Ari Berenstein: After three appearances on ROH shows, I expect PAC will get the opportunity to have a showcase victory against Richards here. PAC needs to bring the “A” game to NYC because if he is nervous or slips on it, the rabid NYC crowd will be quick to call him on it. Conversely, if he can wow the crowd, the NYC faithful will quickly connect and support his efforts.

Winner: PAC

Matt Short: PAC comes to New York. He’s got a tough opponent in Davey Richards here, but I have a good feeling about this match. PAC needs to impress here and if he’s able to win over the New York fans he’ll be set in ROH.

Winner: PAC

Michael Bauer: PAC had a tough first night draw with Danielson, but should easily get the win back here against Davey Richards, who has been pretty strong himself lately.

Winner: PAC

Larry Csonka: PAC takes the loss in night 1, but gets the big win in night 2.

Winner: PAC

Theo Fraser: PAC has yet to win in ROH, and as we all know, wrestlers can only remain on the ROH roster if they pick up regular victories. With a loss to Danielson on Night One, I expect PAC to get the upset here. And if Jack Evans decides to recruit the Man Who Gravity Forgot, he’s already got a built-in feud with the NRC.

Winner: PAC

Brad Garoon: PAC has to win sometime right? Richards had a huge losing in late 2006 and early 2007, so we know he’s not above going down to help PAC win one in front of ROH fans. That’s how I see this one going.

Winner: PAC

Stuart Carapola: I think the outcome of this match will be dependent on whether PAC’s going to be coming back after this. If he is, then it might make sense for him to go over and build a storyline for his eventual return. If not, then I think Richards should beat him within an inch of his life and leave him a bloody mess.

Winner: Davey Richards

Samuel Berman: PAC gets his big singles win here, because otherwise he’s DOA in terms of a return. Richards isn’t highly-regarded enough to get a singles win over a top import talent, at least in my opinion. Seriously, why is PAC’s booking any different than CIMA’s or Marufuji’s?

Winner: PAC

411 Staff Picks: PAC (7-2)

Chris Hero vs. Claudio Castagnoli
JD Dunn: This has been brewing since Final Battle 2006 when Sweet ‘n’ Sour bought off Hero but not Castagnoli. The feud seemed to be forgotten until over the summer when it reignited. Claudio has been on something of a roll while Hero has been up and down. I look for shennanigans here, giving Hero the win.

Winner: Chris Hero

Ari Berenstein: It will be interesting to see if the booking of the match plays up the eye injury suffered last week when Hero stabbed Claudio in the eyeball with the Race to the Top trophy.If Claudio is “injured” that will be a good out for a loss here and will set up future rematches. I do think we’re only at the beginning of the one on one battle between these two in Ring of Honor storyline.

Winner: Chris Hero via various nefarious means.

Matt Short: This is a feud I’ve been waiting to play out since we learned Claudio wasn’t going to the WWE. They had a great match in CHIKARA that Hero won, so I’d expect them to build on that here. These two know each other extremely well from teaming so much, but they have both added a lot to their respective games since the Kings of Wrestling. Claudio is on a huge roll right now and he’ll win here. But a beat down by Hero and Sweet n’ Sour Inc will keep the feud going.

Winner: Claudio Castagnoli

Michael Bauer: This match has been a long time coming and one can only imagine that Claudio will be getting some measure of revenge here against Sweet N’ Sour’s top prospect.

Winner: Claudio Castagnoli

Larry Csonka: Can’t we all just get along? Why must the kings fight? They need to realize that if they reunite, with everyone at war they could take over. Anyway a good match here, Claudio gets the rebound win.

Winner: Claudio Castagnoli (Heeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy)

Theo Fraser: A match that has taken place all over the world, but never before here in ROH. As such, all eyes will no doubt be on both of these competitors to see if they can impress like they have done against each other in other promotions. I’d expect to see Sweet and Sour Inc get involved on numerous occasions, which will likely prove too much for Claudio to combat. Claudio got the rub after his Road To The Top Tournament win, so I see Hero going over here to get a much deserved big win.

Winner: Chris Hero

Brad Garoon: This is a feud that really should have started about nine months ago. Nothing really big has happened in either guy’s career since they broke up. Claudio will be coming off a big loss and Hero will be coming off a small win, so this could really go either way. Conventional wisdom says Hero goes over to keep the drama up on the feud, and I think the best way for that to happen is for Hero to reveal who the replacement member for Matt Sydal will be in Sweet N’ Sour Incorporated.

Winner: Chris Hero

Stuart Carapola: I think that if this match happened in January or February, I’d have picked Chris Hero without a doubt. As it stands now, Claudio’s main eventing shows and is becoming a HUGE star on the independents. In this first meeting of the former Kings Of Wrestling, I expect the student to upset the teacher.

Winner: Claudio Castagnoli

Samuel Berman: Seriously? Seriously?? If you look at the predictions so far, it’s leaving me to pick who the staff would select as the winner of this one. While I think that ROH booking often bucks the convention of the heel winning the first encounter, I just don’t see how the issue continues reasonably with Claudio getting the win here. The money in any feud is in the chase, leading to some sort of huge, final confrontation. Though this match is huge, it’s hardly being billed as ‘final’, so that leads me to think Hero’s going to win. Like many major ROH feuds, this one looks as if it will have its major milestones in a single market, in this case New York City, with the blowoff taking place at Final Battle 2007. I kind of want to be a jerk and go with a draw of some sort here, but I’ll be a man and pick Hero to win, though Sweeney will be highly involved in the decision. Perhaps a Dusty Finish for Claudio leading to a rollup?

Winner: Chris Hero

411 Staff Picks: Chris Hero (5-4)

Austin Aries vs. Roderick Strong vs. Jack Evans
JD Dunn: Generation Next explodes! Evans has been MIA since the breakup, thanks mostly to his time in Japan. That’s been changing recently, and it will be interesting to see if he can step up and finally solidify a stable behind him. Picking up a win here would be paramount toward keeping on the same level as the Resilience and the NRC. Plus, I have a feeling Evans will be looking for revenge from the previous night.

Winner: Jack Evans.

Ari Berenstein: The three way war began in NYC back in February when Strong turned on his longstanding partner Aries. Now these three get the chance to bring the feud to the next level. However, I feel this match could be a bit of a train wreck depending on in ring timing issues (and that sometimes happens in a three way dance regardless of the participants) but I’m optimistic that these three will want to make a statement about their roles and future within ROH.

Winner: Jack Evans thanks to the debut of his crew.

Matt Short: The Battle of Generation Next. The feud between these three has been stalled for awhile since Aries was in limbo with TNA and Evans has yet to assemble his crew. Things are all turning around now, which is great since I had been starting to get bored with the angle. It’s hard for me to pick a winner here, but I’ll go with Aries.

Winner: Austin Aries

Michael Bauer: Jack Evans has had all the rumors surrounding this new crew coming toa full head I this match. I gotta believe they are true, which would make things very interesting.

Winner: Jack Evans

Larry Csonka: More drama is added to the mix as Jack wins and FINALLY I hope introduces his stable. If it is Project 161 he loses 1-Million cool points.

Winner: Jack Evans

Theo Fraser: Generation Next implodes! It’s a match I’m sure fans have been eager to see for years, and whilst the addition of either Matt Sydal or Alex Shelley would have been nice (although seemingly impossible due to current circumstances), it’s undoubtedly going to be a great matchup. Aries and Strong have already established the dominance of their respective stables, but Evans has yet to debut his crew. With that in mind, I think Jack will need a bit of momentum behind him, and a win over his former comrades would do nicely.

Winner: Jack Evans

Brad Garoon: This is probably the hardest match of the weekend to call. The safest bet is that Strong will not win leading to whoever pins him getting a shot at the FIP belt. I’m going to guess that Aries pins Strong after Evans does the same in a cage the night before.

Winner: Austin Aries

Stuart Carapola: Tough one…Roderick would be the favorite, especially if he goes over Evans the night before, but I think Aries needs the win more than either of these guys if the Resilience is to have any credibility at all. Besides, even though he’s “back” for the 83rd time, you never know when Jack Evans is going to pull another one of his disappearing acts.

Winner: Austin Aries

Samuel Berman: So Strong and Evans and Aries fight it out in a huge, awesome, epic affair until Richards interjects himself into Strong’s match again to help turn things in his favor. Cross and Stevens then come out and dispatch with Richards… before absolutely leveling Aries and Strong, letting Evans hit the 630 on Aries for the win. Evans steals the Resilience, furious at being treated like second-tier players, out from under Aries’ nose, declaring them to be in his new crew. Evans pins both Aries and Strong during the course of the weekend and uses that momentum to springboard to an ROH World Title match with Morishima that ends up being surprisingly competitive, while Stevens & Cross, now rejuvenated by being a part of a winning team, challenge for (and win) the ROH World Tag Team Titles at Glory By Honor VI.

Winner: Jack Evans:

411 Staff Picks: Jack Evans (6-3-0)

ROH World Tag Team Titles, 2/3 Falls: Jay & Mark Briscoe © vs. Kevin Steen & El Generico
JD Dunn: Two straight! MAN UP! This has become ROH’s best feud over the last few months. Steen, in particular, has really made a name for himself as a sadistic and arrogant heel while Generico just seems to be the Lenny to Steen’s George. If Steen & Generico do capture the tag team titles, I don’t see the Briscoes falling twice in a row. Steen & Generico will be one-day champs.

Winners: The Briscoes

Ari Berenstein: There is going to be a title change this weekend in the tag division and this is it. The Briscoes have won all of the two out of three falls matches they’ve wrestled and each time they’ve won two straight falls. In this one, they’ll have to come back and “Man Up” from an early one fall deficit. They’ll tie it up but ultimately succumb to the offensive onslaught at the hands of a vicious Kevin Steen and a determined El Generico.

Winner: Kevin Steen and El Generico, new ROH World Tag Team Champions

Matt Short: This will be where Steen and Generico pull it off. The Briscoes will win the cage match in a convincing fashion to remind people of who they are. But Steen and Generico win here, in a match that the champs have been consistantly dominant in. Doing so proves that they truly are a top team and worth of beating the Briscoes. How long their reign lasts is up in the air, but this will be something to see.

Winner: Kevin Steen and El Generico

Michael Bauer: This is the Briscoe Brothers specialty match. They don’t just win these, they outright dominate in them. So how big would it be for Steen and Generico to win the belts in this match? Bigger than pretty much anything else that has happened this year.

Winners: Steen and Generico

Larry Csonka: With Mark being “injured” in night one, he will eventually be taken out of the match and Kevin Steen & El Generico will give the Briscoe’s a taste of their own medicine and win the match 2 falls to 0.

Winner: Kevin Steen & El Generico

Theo Fraser: After Caged Rage, these four combatants will no doubt be beaten up and worn out, but that won’t stop them going balls to the wall. Steen and Generico are on fire at present, so a title switch wouldn’t be an entirely bad idea. However, the tag titles have seen quite a few changes as of late, and the Briscoes are more than deserving of a good long title reign, so I think the straps are staying with the masters of the 2/3 Falls match.

Winner: Jay & Mark Briscoe

Brad Garoon: Having already guessed that Steen and Generico are winning the titles in the cage and also predicting that there will be one more match between these teams at the 3rd PPV in Chicago a couple weeks after I’m going to say that Steen and Generico retain here in two straight falls. Check out this weeks Buy or Sell for more of my thoughts on this match.

Winners: Steen & Generico

Stuart Carapola: As I said earlier, I don’t expect Steen & Generico to walk into this match with the titles, and I don’t expect them to win here, either. I do think that they’re going to take the Briscoes to a third fall, though, establishing them as a continuing thorn in Jay & Mark’s sides. Also, by picking up that one fall and coming close to winning a second, they can use it as the basis for one last, climactic shot at the title down the road.

Winner: Jay & Mark Briscoe (three falls)

Samuel Berman: While most are predicting at least one title switch, I think that this is the weekend the Briscoes cement their legacy, putting down their most dangerous challengers yet, not only in a cage, but also in two straight falls in this one. Steen & Generico are great, and I’d love for them to keep this feud simmering for the rest of the year (especially with the previously suggested ROH debut of the Ladder Match to finally settle things), but I don’t think that you have to give every great challenger a run with the belts. Look at Danielson’s ROH World Title reign. There was no need to hotshot the title to Cabana, McGuinness, Delirious or Strong just because they were strong challengers. Jay & Mark are the hottest act in the company and the best team in the world. Why have anyone else hold your tag belts?

Winners and STILL ROH World Tag Team Champions: Jay & Mark Briscoe

411 Staff Picks: Kevin Steen & El Generico (5-4) (NEW ROH World Tag Team Champions)

ROH World Title: Takeshi Morishima © vs. Bryan Danielson
JD Dunn: This is a much-anticipated match as Danielson was a world-class asskicker last year, even staving off hard challenges from Samoa Joe. Morishima has adopted the unbeatable man role this year, and he hasn’t even shown any noticeable weaknesses. Danielson is nothing if not a cerebral competitor, though, so if anyone can find a soft spot, it’s the American Dragon. I just don’t think he’ll find it in time.

Winner: Takeshi Morishima

Ari Berenstein: This match gives me the same vibe I had when Samoa Joe was set to face Danielson last year at “Fight of the Century”. This time the roles are reversed, with Danielson in the challenger’s position. Not that this one goes to a draw, but in a sense I think the match is too big to have a title change. The match itself will sell the DVD and I think right now it’s more realistic to see a title change at the PPV tapings then on a normal DVD release. This WILL however be a fun match and well worth the money to see.

Winner: Takeshi Morishima retains the title.

Matt Short: This is a highly anticipated match for obvious reasons. Morishima has run over most of his challengers, but he’s never faced someone like Bryan Danielson. The key here is that Danielson will probably try to drag this out as long as possible since Morishima hasn’t had those epic long defenses. Regardless, I think Morishima will win this one. I feel he needs to beat Danielson at least once during his title reign before dropping, otherwise he just looks like a weak champion who’s time at the top meant nothing. I don’t know who will topple Morishima, but it’s not going to happen here.

Winner: Takeshi Morishima

Michael Bauer: This match should be great to see live as Danielson faces a very large task here. Morishima has been unstoppable and Danielson has been on fire since coming back. As much as I like Danielson winning here, I don’t see it happening as Morishima will lose the title in NYC, but in the winter.

Winner: Morishima

Larry Csonka: Morishima has been running hot as champion, but I really think that they want to get the title back onto Dragon. I would have thought that they would save it for a PPV, and they may tape this for PPV, but I am going with the change here. This is the end, my only friend the end.

Winner: Bryan Danielson

Theo Fraser: In singles competition, Takeshi Morishima is undefeated since his loss to Joe back at FYF: NYC. Ever since that match, ROH fans have wondered who will step up to the plate to defeat the Japanese monster, and one name has come up again and again. Bryan Danielson. Being Danielson’s first title shot since losing the title to Homicide back in December, American Dragon will do everything in the rulebook (and possibly a couple of things outside of it!) to cement himself right back into the title picture. Whilst I’d ultimately like to see Danielson get a second title run, I feel that this is still Morishima’s time. Plus, I’m positive that ROH are building up to an epic three way title match between Morishima, Danielson and Nigel McGuinness. Morishima eeks out the win yet again…but Danielson will come close.

Winner: Takeshi Morishima

Brad Garoon: A lot of people see Danielson winning the belt back here. A lot of poeple (myself included) were sure that Nigel would win the title from Morishima in Japan. That didn’t happen and a switch won’t happen here either. Danielson is as likely to be the next champion as anyone, but I think after a loss here the feud will turn into a three way with Nigel, with one of them grabbing the belt off of Morishima at Glory by Honor VI.

Winner: Takeshi Morishima

Stuart Carapola: Ah, this one’s going to be a heartbreaker for me…I love Bryan Danielson and think he’s easily one of the best wrestlers I’ve ever seen, and curse the day he dropped the title to Homicide, and would love nothing better than to see him get *HIS* title back around his waist, especially now that he has a whole new slate of challengers who weren’t in contention for his 2005-6 reign. But as much as I’d like to see that happen, I don’t see him beating Morishima…at least not yet.

Winner: Takeshi Morishima

Samuel Berman: I’m intrigued by Larry’s notion that they could simply tape this match for Pay-Per-View, but Gabe has previously said that the Danielson-McGuinness taping was a one-time-only thing that resulted from needing to re-work the booking. With the NOAH relationship not going anywhere anytime soon, there seems to be no need to move the title to Danielson here rather than in the eventual rematch. I think it’d be a nice element to the story if Morishima were to have to pin Danielson with something other than the Backdrop Driver, establishing Dragon as a different breed of challenger against whom the power game is less effective, but that’s nitpicking. Morishima retains, leading to one big defense or another at the Pay-Per-View taping in Chicago Ridge.

Winner and STILL ROH World Champion: Takeshi Morishima

411 Staff Picks: Takeshi Morishima (8-1)