Column of Honor: 09.01.07
Posted by Ari Berenstein on 09.01.2007
ROH Manhattan Mayhem II--extensive live report and impressions. Plus: the latest on Dragon, Jimmy Rave and 161’s secret shameful past.
A short rant to get things off my chest and then the rest of the column is nothing but good ol' Ring of Honor coverage.
It's been quite the week for me and to be honest it's ended up worse than it began. Of course one week ago I was riding off of the emotional high of being able to see Ring of Honor live at the Grand Ballroom in Manhattan for the first time in months. I also had a very good time the next day hanging with some friends of mine and watching the WWE Summerslam PPV (even if it was an average show). However, the rest of the week was filled with ups and down, frustrations, possible hope and then the rug pulled out from under me as it relates to my future positioning as a teacher.
Ironically enough, I was so consumed with guaranteeing a stable spot for the year that I have ended up making my position more unstable in the process. I won't go into the details, but it looks like in my attempts to secure a spot on the "regular roster" (to put it in wrestling terms) have backfired, for the meantime.
As the ECW (cum ROH) fans might shout at me, "You Fucked Up! You Fucked Up! You Fucked Up!"
Welcome to the Column.
Ring Toss
-ROH Results: Manhattan Mayhem II
-Live Impressions from NYC
-ROH Call
-ROH News
-161 Shameful Past Revealed
-Ringtones
-OUT
ROH Results: "Manhattan Mayhem II" August 25th 2007 Manhattan, NY
Matches
-Erick Stevens and Matt Cross defeated Mike Quackenbush and Jigsaw when Stevens pinned Jigsaw with the Doctorbomb.
-Jimmy Jacobs defeated Top of the Class Trophy holder Mitch Franklin via submission with a DDT / Guillotine choke combination.
-Adam Pearce, BJ Whitmer and Brent Albright defeated Nigel McGuinness, Delirious and Pelle Primeau via pinfall when Whitmer destroyed Primeau with the Adrenaline Spike sit out tombstone piledriver.
-Davey Richards defeated PAC via submission with a keylock armbar.
-Austin Aries won the Battle of Generation Next Founding Fathers in defeating Jack Evans and Roderick Strong. Aries pinned Strong after a 450 Splash and some timely help by Erick Stevens.
-Ruckus defeated Eddie Edwards via pinfall after a Spinal Tap splash.
-Claudio Castagnoli defeated Chris Hero w/ Sweet and Sour Inc. via pinfall after a Riccola Bomb.
-ROH World Champion Takeshi Morishima retained the title by defeating challenger "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson via pinfall with the Backdrop Driver.
-ROH World Tag Team Champions Jay & Mark Briscoe retained the titles by defeating challengers Kevin Steen & El Generico in a two out of three falls match. The Briscoes won two straight falls for the fourth match in a row of this kind. First Fall: Jay Briscoe wins with a splash. Second Fall: Mark Briscoe gets the pin after a Jay Driller into a Cutthroat Driver.
Return Date: November 3rd, 2007 for the appearance of Mitsuhara Misawa!
Live From New York, It's ROH
Ring of Honor continued its streak of awesome shows in Manhattan, but that's not to say there weren't moments of extreme highs and lows during the show, and as it turns out afterwards. I've often said that ROH can't have a bad show here in the Big Apple, but as it turns out, they can have a bad match or two.
August is not a lucky month for top draw "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson. Last year he separated his shoulder and after his contest in Manhattan last Saturday he sustained another, very serious injury, this time a broken orbital bone which has impaired his vision. Dragon had to undergo surgery in the days that followed and while it was a success, there is a 10% chance that he won't fully recover his vision. One can truly say of his match against ROH World Champ Takeshi Morishima that it was an amazing encounter, filled with hugely exciting moments of action and drama. It is what all fans, but especially ROH fans, dream of when they hear the phrase "Match of the Year". On the other hand, the impact of the rough and tumble "strong style" of wrestling has never been more evident, or controversial.
But we begin at the beginning, with just the fun and thrill of riding into the city to once more see a Ring of Honor wrestling show in Manhattan. I hadn't seen a show live since the Pay Per View tapings back in May. I think I actually may have seen that PPV more times than any ROH show ever, counting being there live and all the viewings on tape (and again on DVD after purchasing it at the show). However, needless to say I was jonesing for some ROH and ready for it.
As Chris and I got out of the train system and walked to topside through the Manhattan Mall, we were halted by the amazing sight in the window display to Kay Bee Toys. A huge display of a WWE wrestling ring, with a BONUS action figure of…CM Punk! Wow. Punk has made it big time man. No regular schmo gets featured as a pack in for a wrestling ring accessory, plus here he was on display (albeit in plastic) in the middle of one of the more well known toy stores in midtown Manhattan. From seeing him wrestle on Broadway at the New Yorker and The Supper Club, to becoming a child's birthday present or toy collectible, available for purchase on Broadway, in a matter of two years.
The fun and wonder of the day did not end at Kay Bee, as we soon took our usual pre show dinner at the Tick Tock Diner (on the corner of the same block as Manhattan Center / Grand Ballroom). Now previously over the years, we have spotted ROH wresters through the window walking to the venue. One of my first show reports in fact noted how I spotted James Gibson walking from Duane Reade to The New Yorker with a bag of peanut M&Ms in his hand. Well, this time we "star-spotted" another wrestler, but this time he wasn't walking past the diner, he was in it! As I walked back from the bathroom in the newly redesigned restaurant, I noticed a familiar goatee style. Said facial hair belonged to none other than "Lightening" Mike Quackenbush!
Quack was finishing up a meal with a lady (presumably his wife) and it became a mission to try to get Chris to understand who was sitting right next to us. Quack got up for a moment and we quickly discussed whether or not we should say anything to him. Well, we decided if we were going to say anything it would be after he finished his meal. I guess we're either a bit rusty at doing that sort of thing, or Quackenbush lives up his name, because after he paid his bill, he was out of there in a flash! Too slow on the draw, or maybe we pussed out. Hey, it happens sometimes, but besides all that sometimes there should be that separation between fan and wrestler. You hear all the meeting wrestler stories and sometimes I feel for them, being bothered by the marks and all. I'm sure Quack would have been cool to us, as he just comes across that way in his media appearances, but alas, twas not to be.
By the way, we spotted Kevin Steen walking to the venue soon after. He was not holding a bag of peanut M&Ms.
From dinner we went directly to the line, which soon began to move at a decent clip. However, before entering the venue, a stange incident occurred. Well, more than strange, it was in fact disturbing. You see, in the middle of 85 degree weather—which was supposed to feel like it was close to 100 burning hot degrees—walked a stout man in a hooded sweatshirt. This man, bedecked in sunglasses and sporting a thick beard was dressed like it was the middle of winter. And he was slowly walking up and down the block, carrying a box. Even the weirdos in the city would have found this weird.
So it was that one of the people next to us on line asked if he could take a picture of the guy. The man flatly refused. However a few moments later, he came back to our section. "Who's the guy who wanted to take a picture?" he coarsely demanded. The fan identified himself and the strange, pseudo-Hunchback like man replied "Here, have a DVD instead."
Project 161, the grassroots movement of some sort of unknown revolution of enigmatic mystery, was here and present in NYC. Someone call the police and the Anti Terrorism Unit.
Chris and I have been playing along with the 161 blog for weeks now, so of course we were down for some shenanigans. As 161guy made another sweep, to the strange, bemused or grossed out looks of the non wrestling citizenry of NYC, Chris gave a thumbs up to the man. The man stared a whole though my friend
"Why are you giving me a thumbs up?"
"Because I like your shirt."
"Here, have one of these."
And lo and behold, Chris was given a Project 161 T-Shirt.
Of course, what I was really interested in was the DVD, as this was the new item for giveaway this week and obviously what was meant by last week's column on the 161 blog regarding "finders keepers." Chris wanted to arrange a trade for the DVD with the guy, but he was rebuffed. And I couldn't pull out the "media" angle fast enough. The shady dude turned the corner and disappeared, perhaps slipping down a NYC sewer gate to rejoin his life with the homeless and alligators. Alas, ‘twas not to be, as I guess I'm not just as hip or as cool or as deserving of free mystery swag as my brother-in-wrestling arms. Actually no guessing, it pretty much is the case. As it would turn out (and I'll detail this more in the news), the DVD wasn't actually all it could have been, so it looks like Chris got the better end of the deal after all.
So enough of the pre show shenanigans, we got in the venue, immediately bought our tickets for the 11/3 show and then headed to the seventh floor via the ELEVATOR~! A short time later, the traditional tunes of Black Sabbath played out to a huge pop, and we were underway with Manhattan Mayhem II.
After the traditional use of "Supernaut", the stirring guitar licks of "Rock The Casbah" begat the introduction of Mike Quackenbush and Jigsaw. The pop for Quackenbush was amazingly large, especially for someone making his NYC debut. The man is just BELOVED and infinitely respected by wrestling crowds. Quackenbush had a smile a mile wide (as the saying goes) and was really appreciative of the reception. This made me regret even more that we didn't say anything to him at the diner.
After this match I'm sure even that those who had never seen a Quack match before were wowed, but not just by him, but by everyone else in this match as well. Actually, for it being the one (and for now only) time Quack would be in NYC, he really wasn't in the ring a whole heck of a lot besides the beginning and the comeback. Yet everything he did received a good to great reaction. Jigsaw really rose above my expectations, hitting everything cleanly, demonstrating some good basics, good lucha and some very nice flying moves. He took the heat segments and played the babyface in peril to the hilt, and it's surprising how good he can do it. Usually masked wrestlers (especially fully masked wrestlers) can have a difficult go of it getting the crowd to sympathize, but for some reason, even though he is taller than most other wrestlers on the show, Jigsaw came across as a great underdog babyface.
Stevens and Cross have been criticized as of late, although some of the reason for that would be the mediocre booking of the stable wars. Recent crowd reports have stated that these two have upped their game and this is indeed the case. Cross in particular has found his groove again—he has the fire and passion and most importantly it's demonstrable in his body language. Actually, let me correct myself, most importantly he is hitting his big flying moves cleanly and "sticking the landing", like any good gymnast should. Now the crowd support was pretty good for The Resilience but clearly in favor of Quackenbush. Of course, fans did the "choo choo" chant for Steven, although (and it might have just been my interpretation of the sounds of the match) maybe there was a smattering of boos whenever Stevens decided to use his power to smash through Quack and Jig.
Jimmy Jacobs' entrance for his return was a pretty good nod to the roots of Jacobs' character and a clear sign (well, maybe) that Jacobs is a babyface again. The smooth, dulcet tunes of "The Ballad of Lacey" emanated from the arena and not the harsh and dark violent chords of "Kiss2Kill". Get out those cell phones and start waving them again. Jacobs fought new "top student" Mitch Franlin, and it was… well, eh. Some good stuff here and there, some underwhelming and loose stuff here and there. It was what it was, and what it was was a tune up match for Jacobs. Was. Jacobs used a few new moves and busted out a new finisher, which is likely being used for now as a substitute for the Contra Code due to taking it easy on the knee. It's okay but not nearly as cool.
It looks like Pearce, Whitmer and Brent Albright, with Shane Hagadorn as the lackey are indeed a new stable, although maybe they are not "Project 161" after all. Although Pearce's new "monotone" delivery style and his speeches about ‘the truth" about fans and why Whitmer has become heel would hint at this group and 161 being one and the same, something doesn't quite match up in my mind. Unless they're hiding their actions in plain sight, they seem to be a major red herring in this storyline.
Anyway, I have major reservations about Albright being lumped in with this group for several reasons. One being that he seemed to be heading quickly to the top of the active roster with impressive showings in his title matches against Morishima. Also, unless it comes out that Albright is in fact being paid by Pearce to be the muscle for his group, this move does not fit the M.O. established for Albright. He has never expressed any outward hatred or annoyance at ROH or its fans, and he has certainly been given opportunity to show his stuff. I would hope it's the greenbacks that are talking to Albright. Being involved in this stable is going to tie down Albright when eh should be rising up to the next level on the cards.
The match itself was a decent mid card match with a few spectacular moments but overall lacking in depth. Pelle Primeau ended up being the surprise of the match, as he pulled out some moves I had not seen from him before, including a flying dropkick off the apron to the floor (which I have since seen him use on the more recent DVDs that at the time I had not yet watched). The face sympathy was placed on both he and Delirious, but the post match was all about Pelle being punched and bloodied up by a cold and remorseless BJ Whitmer.
Richards vs. PAC was the definition of "gutting it out". As I'm sure many have read, this was not a good match at all, in fact it was one of those rare bad ROH matches. As I'd speculated last week, PAC did indeed choke in his Big Apple debut. I'd want give him a pass because it was obvious he was nervous and wasn't giving the crowd what they wanted from him early on (FLIPZ!). However, you have to take the compliments with the criticism and in this case it was obvious he was not up to par.
I had a bad feeling about the match from the moment PAC's theme song of Jurrasic 5's "What's Golden" became fuzzed out and distorted over the PA. The match started as a chain sequence with absolutely no heat. It was clear from this frosty reception that when fans wanted to see PAC, it was not for this. I don't know if this is part of a larger trend of ROH crowds rejecting the more technical wrestling style in favor of flips and high spots (as speculated by a recent PWTorch article) but that was for sure the case in this one. It kind of snowballed from there and when PAC botched a spot and then made one of the most ostentatious, needless flip sequences to do a running dropkick in the corner, the crowd turned and was way all over him.
There were many problems in this match, but one of them may have been by the time these two clicked with some big moves, it was too late. Richards also took 90 percent of this match, which didn't help the beginning and definitely made PAC out to be the inferior lesser wrestler of the two. Without some shine to help sell PAC on his debut, the crowd didn't take to him well. Although Richards' domination. ended up being the saving grace as he took it upon himself to save the match (ala HBK from New Year's Revolution). He was grinding out the rest of the match to try to get the crowd back into it, including feeding PAC by getting thrown to the outside and prepping for PAC to do a sensational (but very dangerous) corkscrew press from the turnbuckle to the outside. The crowd was all love-hate for the end sequence of huge impact moves. They'd love an awesome highspot and then boo when it wasn't the finish, rinse repeat. The flips and flying were seen right through (which is funny because all the flips and such in the next match were given major applause). The finish was also a bit mystifying o me, as not just in this one but in another more recent match Richards has used a Tombstone / Keylock combination. The Tombstone move is awesome in and of itself. It looks so devastating and it looks like his opponent is knocked out. He should go for the pinfall right there, not transition into a submission.
Another big controversy stemming from the match is Richards' supposed likeness to Chris Benoit, such that a subsection of fans in the crowd were loudly chanting "Benoit's" name. You know at the time the connection didn't even come to my mind and I just brushed it off. Then in posts later on things were connecting. Richards brought a leather vest that looked like Benoit circa 1996, was using all of Benoit's moves, etc. The problem with that criticism is that Richards has always used Benoit's moves and hard nosed style. The chops, snap suplexes, multiple Germans and submissions, he's used them all in past matches going back years now.
As far as the look, that is new and recent, but not a conclusive connection that Richards is somehow trying to leech off heat based on the actions of a ruthless killer. If anything, Richards may be trying to borrow from Dynamite Kid, not Benoit (one did come before the other you know). Also, many wrestlers use that type of leather vest, including BJ Whitmer, who also uses chops, snap suplexes, and multiple chained German suplexes. Is he trying to be like Benoit too? Finally, recent NRC promos on DVD release have shown that Richards is actually developing a very different personality for his character. If the NRC is a frat boy group, Richards has appeared to be the wacky, self conscious and slightly clueless member of the group. If Rocky Romero is the "suave" member of the NRC, Richards comes across as anti-suave, repeatedly feeling that he doesn't get enough hot chicks comparably to Romero and such.
Luckily it took all but one match to bring the crowd back into it, and that was the hugely entertaining and fun triple threat match between Aries, Evans and Strong. Evans came out, chided himself in a funny moment about the lack of his starting a crew (and in one line was able to explain months of lack of storyline development) and brought out his "hype man" in J-Train, Julius Smokes. This was a welcome sight to the NYC crowd, who have taken to J-Train as one of their own. Train was sporting a different look as compared to his more thug style in The Rottweilers, he was going for an updated urban look. It works well, as he looks different and more importantly, looks refreshed and ready to contribute to this storyline. He was entertaining on the mic as usual, including changing up the rhythm on some of his catchphrases. He then dubbed Evans' new group "The Vulture Squad". Well, at least it's better than No Remorse Corpse and The Resilience.
The match itself was a ton of fun and in my mind was exactly what this Generation Ex war should have been all about in the first place—three guys fighting it out over who is the best. Austin Aries received a good and warm reception from the crowd, but it was nowhere near what I thought it would be. In particular it speaks to how ROH has blown Aries' return. They had sure gold on their hands with his comeback, but this has become a rare and mind-boggling miss. This was clearly Jack's crowd and the Jack Evans show.
In Evans' time of need, a new member of his crew came through…and brought the NYC to his feet. RUCKUS, one of the heads of BLK OUT and current CZW Heavyweight champion, is the "Chocolate" member (as dubbed by Smokes) of The Vulture Squad. And Ruckus was MAJORLY OVER. To the shouts of "TRANSFORM! TRANSFORM! TRANSFORM!", he ran out and put on quite the show. He used his acrobatics and flips to send everyone reeling in the match. As J-Train hailed Ruckus on the mic, he did an insane flip to the outside, followed by a springboard dive by Jack Evans that on further replay via the ROH Videowire you can clearly see almost caused Evans to break his leg in two on the outside canvas.
"We're the Vulture Squad! We show no mercy!" shouted J-Train, and he was right, as Aries came in, befuddled and looking for an explanation. Um, dude, you're the one who said you would find your own men to fight this war, what are you expecting, a hug? As J-Train exclaimed "Don't live in the past, kick his ass!" Evans did exactly that and he and Ruckus beat down on Aries. Erick Stevens and Matt Cross came in to save their leader to a less than happy reaction from the crowd. It's really clear to see what can happen if ROH is not careful. While The Resilience is a face team, the crowd is clearly favoring the fresher and more entertaining Vulture Squad, at least here in NYC.
The match itself saw lots of action and violence and the dog and pony show finish was well received, We don't get much of that in ROH, so when it is used sparingly and with the right wrestlers it works the crowd up into a frenzy. There was a very long tease on a table break that delivered. Aries crashed through a table chest first and later took some nasty shots to the head thanks to Roderick Strong. I mean I thought the dude was DONE after them. Luckily Stevens returned fire, which allowed Aries the time to recover and hit his trademark three move combination to finally pin Roderick Strong. While the show was all about Jack, the more important win was all about Aries.
With that the show headed into intermission. I ran down and grabbed a ton of bottled water as the heat in the Ballroom was inexplicably turned way up (at the end of August no less) and I felt like I was in the Sahara. I was able to speak to Stu Carapola again and enjoyed that as always. I also was pleased to meet long time column reader and emailer John Mabery, who I spotted at the end of the night by the subway entrance as Chris and I descended down to the tracks on our way home.
The second half kicked off with a BONUS match…with Eddie Edwards. I immediately groaned in agony. I do not consider Eddie Edwards a bonus. At any rate, my hopes immediately went up as the tunes of Jim Jones' "We Fly High" signaled the entrance of Ruckus. "Oh cool" I thought "Ruckus is wrestling tonight." I definitely didn't expect that and it made me happy, also happy in the fact that this popcorn match was now going to be a Ruckus gets over match. Alright…I do have to say this though. Ruckus is fresh and new and got majorly over with the crowd. This because not only is he new, but it's the first time many ROH fans who don't go to CZW shows will have seen his moves and what he brings to the ring. And what he brings to the ring is plenty of flash and acrobatics. He hit them all cleanly, but Edwards was there for him to land that offense cleanly. Maybe with another opponent this spotlight match wouldn't have worked as well. Yes, damnit, that was a compliment for Edwards. It still doesn't mean I like his cardboard babyface character or his wrestling.
Chris Hero vs. Claudio Castagnoli went by in a flash. Speaking of dog and pony show, Hero's entourage were running all over the ring: Sweeney, Toland, Dempsey, Sara Del Rey and then Daizee Haze came out to attempt to be (but failed to be) an equalizer for all the outside shenanigans. I remember lots of European uppercuts and big boots, and lots of "Hey" vs. "Boo" chants (obviously favoring Claudio over Hero). Even Bobby Dempsey got some love from the crowd with huge chants of his name, to the delight of Dempsey but to the hatred and anger of Larry Sweeney, who laid the verbal abuse down upon him. The finish was Claudio working his way to completing a Riccola Bomb on Hero for the clean pin. I was delighted but really surprised to see Claudio go over here. It puts a bit of the kibosh on the Hero-Claudio feud just when it really was kicking into high gear, unless there is some outside the ring antics that can restart the issue. This seemed to be a blow off really and I think there is way more life in this issue than just this one match.
I find it amazing that in three months' time since returning to ROH action, Bryan Danielson has made such a dramatic impact on the in ring quality of matches. Even with Danielson's injury, this match was damn near perfect and a very clear front runner for match of the year for 2007. Think about that—how a hurt Danielson can still be the best in the world. Well, except that he lost this match and does not have the gold belt, which as I discussed in last week's column, makes Morishima the best wrestler in the world.
These two put on a very different match than I expected—it was filled with huge strikes and a more UFC style psychology. Danielson did work on the body part but as opposed to an arm or limb, it was the leg (much like his work with Samoa Joe in 2006). Danielson repeatedly struck Morishima with kicks, tenderizing the muscles in the champion's leg, calf and ankle. Danielson would later apply leg submissions including a leg grapevine, a half crab and of all things, Jimmy Rave's version of the heel hook! Morishima meanwhile, tried to respond by crushing Danielson with blow after blow to the head and body. He used his mass to bring Danielson down and take the fight out of him.
About halfway into the match, after Danielson had done one of his humongous dives into the crowd, I could clearly see him flinching a sporting a huge mouse under one of his eyes. It had become swollen. Word quickly spread around the crowd, which drew everyone in that much more—could Dragon come back from a big injury to win the match? The big moment that told the tale was when Dragon let go with a massive kick, and Morishima buckled, falling down to his knees, unable to stand. The crowd let out a massively audible gasp, almost a unified shout of "YES!" This was Danielson's big moment to win. Unfortunately it did not occur.
A few minutes later, Morishima absolutely launched Danielson into the air with a massive lariat. Danielson flipped about one and a half times in the air and crumbled to the mat in a heap. This was the very move Danielson had fell to in the title match against Homicide back in December of 2006. This closeline was twice as bad as far as inflicting damage. This time however, Dragon kicked out.
Danielson would mount a comeback and go to what worked for him in the past—the Cattle Mutilation and MMA elbows. However this is not what the challenger had worked on during the match. Morishima withstood the attack and finished the job with his patented backdrop driver, just smashing Danielson down with it at an acute angle. Another one bites the dust, but it was a hell of an effort for the former champion.
Danielson got on the mic after the watch, visibly hurt and shaken and apologized to the crowd for not coming through. He didn't refer to him as such, but he deferred from accepting the chants of "Best in the World" and seemed to indicate that it was indeed Morishima who was the best in the world. Chants of "Thank You Dragon" resonated through the Grand Ballroom as Dragon left the stage, with a world of pain and unpleasantness to follow in the hours to come.
As if the tag title match didn't have enough to live up to going in the main event position, it now had to follow what was one of the best matches of the year. I've heard all the complaints about the ROH World Title match not going on last in ROH shows, but let me tell you, I think that's all bullshit. First of all, the ROH World title match doesn't always main event a show. When Danielson won his first title at Glory By Honor IV, against James Gibson / Jamie Noble, they were on second to last in favor of a feud ending match between AJ Styles and Jimmy Rave So if people didn't believe there would be a title change, you go in knowing there is precedent for a World title change happening even if it's not in the main event (this also happened at Unscripted in 2002 when Xavier won the title in a match that was FIFTH from the top).
Then there is the idea that The Briscoes are tops in the tag division. They are placed in main event matches, therefore they are main event worthy. Other 2 out of 3 falls Briscoes title matches have main evented shows, such as Dedicated in January and United We Stand in June.
Gabe Sapolsky has expressed his booking philosophy many times of going with a one-two punch of top matches. If you have two really great matches to end the show, you captivate the crowd and even if the undercard isn't up to snuff, the top two matches are what will stick out the most in a person's mind.
Now, I went in expecting the title change or Steen and Generico to pick up at least one fall on their rivals, but I am in no way upset that it didn't happen that way. BECAUSE THE MATCH RULED.
These guys pulled out all the stops—huge brawls all over the arena for much of the match, big impact moves and a great story of Steen and Generico desperately avoiding being pinned and trying to come back with their biggest moves just to pick up a fall. A favorite moment of mine wasn't so much a huge high impact move (although I loved each and every one of those runs at the end of the match), but rather a simple moment in the fight. Early on, both teams were fighting outside. At one point, I forget who did this to who, but someone sandwiched an opponent between the ROH barrier sign and the actual metal barrier. Then I think it was Steen who crashed into The Briscoe who was stuck inside that barrier sandwich. Just awesome and great move, something as subtle and good a strategy as when you tuck someone's jersey over his head in a hockey fight.
While The Briscoes picked up both falls to win their fourth straight two fall match, Steen and Generico looked competitive and controlled a lot of the match, especially the first fall. The second fall was more about The Briscoes pouring it on in an effort to get those two straight falls. They made sure to keep isolating either Generico or Steen by throwing one or the other to the outside. From there, The Briscoes kept bringing their powerful double team moves, but their opponents refused to give up. At this point it was about survival for the challengers and taking the opportunity when it came. Unfortunately, Steen and Generico never quite could put together there SUPER hybrid finisher, their package piledriver into brainbuster combination which I have dubbed "The Assembly Line". Without that move, it was a matter of time to where they fell prey to a super finisher of The Briscoes own. They combo-ed their singles finishers, the Jay Driller and Cutthroat Diver to get the final pin of the night.
If I was booking, I may have well given Kevin Steen and Generico a fall. But this is just a good a way to get to the next match as that--because there is still something to fight for. If they had gone and won one fall and come up short and NOT done the post match angle-then how would they justify the ladder match?
Sometimes the champion is just better than the challengers. It doesn't mean El Generico and Kevin Steen are a horrible team or shouldn't ever be champions Steen and Generico seem to get more and more over with each loss.. I don't think it hurts their credibility. They did rack up singles wins in the beginning of the month AND won the unsanctioned street fight in Boston. It's just that the champs are the champs for a reason, they MAN UP when it counts. This match goes to prove that The Briscoes are a cut above everyone in the tag division—much like Bryan Danielson proved he was a cut above everyone else in 2006 by putting down all of his challengers to the ROH World title.
El Generico and especially Kevin Steen gained back "heel heat" when Steen gave a low blow to both of The Briscoes after shaking their hands and stealing the champions' title belts. This after El Generico went back and forth about shaking their hands and ultimately did so, then spent a huge amount of time trying to convince Steen to do the same. Instead, it was Steen to "convinced" (more like forcibly influenced) El Generico to help him bash The Briscoes with a chair. Steen pushed the title belt into El Generico's hands, and made him walk out of the venue. The conflicted emotions of Generico wanting to be a great team with Steen but not condoning his actions is a fine detail for their tag team.
Now, sure, stealing the belts has been done before (just last year even) but that's because IT WORKS. Possession is nine-tenths of the law (the other tenth is he who smelt it dealt it). When someone takes something that is yours, you want to fight to get it back. The belts are the Briscoes and Steenerico have them. Thus-the necessity of another title match. As Jay Briscoe said at the end of the show, "This shit just got personal."
ROH Call
ROH Champions—As of 09/01/2007
ROH World Champion—Takeshi Morishima (champion since 02/17/07, 16 successful defenses)
Next Defense:: vs. winner of Four Corner Survival: Erick Stevens vs. Delirious vs. Roderick Strong vs. Kevin Steen 9/14/07 Detroit, MI
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)
V.12 defeated Nigel McGuinness via pinfall / backdrop driver (7/16/07 Tokyo, Japan)
V.13 defeated Claudio Castagnoli via pinfall / backdrop driver (8/10/07, Roxbury Crossing, MA)
V.14 defeated Brent Albright via pinfall / backdrop driver (8/11/07, Philadelphia, PA)
V.15 Three Way Elimination Match: defeated Brent Albright and Claudio Castagnoli (8/24/07, Hartford, CT)
V.16 defeated Bryan Danielson via pinfall / backdrop driver (8/25/07, New York, NY)
ROH World Tag Team Champions— Jay and Mark Briscoe (champions since 03/30/07, 12 successful defenses)
Next Defense: Ladder Match vs. Kevin Steen & El Generico, 9/14/07 Detroit, MI
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)
V.8 defeated Jimmy Rave & Genki Horiguchi (7/17/07 Osaka, Japan)
V.9 defeated SHINGO & Susumu Yokozuka (7/17/07 Osaka, Japan)
V.10 defeated "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson & Nigel McGuinness (7/27/07, Long Island, New York)
V.11 Steel Cage Match: defeated. Kevin Steen & El Generico (8/24/07 Hartford, CT)
V.12 defeated Kevin Steen & El Generico (8/25/07 New York, NY): 2 Out of 3 Falls – 2 straight falls
FIP Heavyweight Champion: Roderick Strong (since 11/10/2006)
SHIMMER Champion: Sara Del Rey (since 6/2/2007)
Top of the Class Trophy (For ROH Students): Mitch Franklin (since 8/24/2007)
Top Feuds & Pairings:
-The Briscoes vs. El Generico and Kevin Steen
-Bryan Danielson vs. Takeshi Morishima
-Danielson vs. Nigel McGuinness
-The No Remorse Corps vs. The Resilience vs. The Vulture Squad
-Delirious vs. Albright, Whitmer and Adam Pearce
ROH News
(via the ROHnewswire… and other sources when attributed
Dragon Injures Eye, Has Surgery, Out for 4-6 Weeks
It was clear that Danielson had been hurt in the title match, but fans didn't find out about the severity of the injury until the next day. Here are the updates from the newswire:
It was a great weekend in ROH that ended in a major negative. Bryan Danielson challenged ROH World Champion Takeshi Morishima last Saturday in Manhattan. Morishima retained in one of the greatest matches in ROH history. Danielson paid the price for the hard-hitting contest. He suffered a small orbital fracture and there is something wrong with his retina. Danielson will see a specialist today. It was a scary scene in the locker room as Danielson's eye was rolled back in his head and he lost vision in his left eye. We will have more information as soon as we get an update.
Booker Gabe Sapolsky left a message which you can read here updating Danielson's condition.
First of all: this is obviously a setback for Danielson and for ROH. Sometimes great matches have a price to pay and this was a heavy price. I (and I'm sure many other) are relieved that Danielson's surgery was a success, but what I really would hope to see is that he makes a full recovery and that he suffers no long term damage to his eye. I want Danielson around as long as possible delivering his quality wrestling in the ring. This type of injury could shorten careers or at least change a person's ability to perform. Danielson once again gutted out a painful injury early on in a match to deliver a tremendous performance.
Of course this continues to bring about all sorts of discussion about "Strong Style" and working stiff vs. working safe. Of course, the goal should be to put on as good a match as possible in the safest way possible. And sometimes, accidents happen. However, there certainly needs to be more care taken to protect Danielson, ROH's clear franchise player. He was out five months in 2007, came back and put on some of the more spectacular matches of the year and of his career, but now he's back out again due to injury. This is a pattern that hopefully will not continue.
While Danielson won't be wrestling, he really isn't stopping his movement around the circuit. He was pulled off the card for PWG's BoLA tournament, but he made an appearance there to apologize for his injury and lack of involvement. Danielson is also making the trip to Puerto Rico to be the special outside referee for the NWA Heavyweight tournament finals between Brent Albright and Adam Pearce (replacing Danielson in the tourney). In wrestling, an outside enforcer is usually a neon sign that something wacky will happen which will force that man into action. I want to express this clearly and succinctly. I'm sure Dragon wants to make his bookings, for god sakes, the man was just injured and had surgery. He needs to be at home, resting and recuperating and making sure he takes no risks in further becoming injured in the short term. GO HOME AND REST!
Resilient Title Shot
Bryan Danielson underwent laser eye surgery on Monday to repair his retina. He is scheduled to be out 4-6 weeks, but will have check ups every week to look at his progress. All signs from the surgery are positive and it is 90% that Danielson will regain his eyesight, although it might be blurred. We'll have more updates as soon as we get them. As a result, we don't want to false advertise Danielson for the 9/14 main event in Detroit in case he can't wrestle that night. Detroit will now have Jay & Mark Briscoe defend the ROH World Tag Team Titles against The Resilience of Austin Aries & Matt Cross. The Resilience have been on a hot streak and are gaining momentum. The ROH World Tag Team Titles could be in their future!!!
It makes sense and is logical for Aries to choose someone in his own roster to go after the titles. Plus if he did choose someone else, man I'd imagine his soldiers would be pissed off something fierce. The Briscoes are on top of the ROH tag team scene and this match is one day before the ladder match vs. Steen and Generico at the PPV taping, so don't go expecting any miracle title change.
Misawa confirmed for 11/2 and 11/3 in Philadelphia and New York
There is so much news coming out of last weekend. NOAH legend and GHC Heavyweight Champion Mitsuharu Misawa will wrestle in ROH on "Glory By Honor VI" weekend. November 2nd in Philadelphia and November 3rd in Manhattan will see the largest NOAH contingent yet with Misawa, KENTA, Naomichi Marufuji and ROH World Champion Takeshi Morishima in action. We are told that both nights will feature "Budokan Hall level main events" and there will be more information soon. Were you there when Kobashi made a once in a lifetime appearance in ROH?
Jimmy Rave Signs with TNA, Joe Puts Down Rumors of Unhappiness with TNA
According to many websites including here at 411 and PWInsider, Rave has already or is about to sign a contract with TNA. He is scheduled to appear on the No Surrender PPV, possibly in a tag match with Lance Hoyt. He should also make the following day's TV tapings.
Samoa Joe went public in light of recent super internet rumors that he was unhappy with TNA and would rather sign a $50,000 starters contract with WWE than resign with TNA. He basically called that out as bullshit and said he was vastly more concerned with money and that he went public because he was made to look "SO UNCOOL" in frton fo the TNA execs because of this rumor.
The Rave signing puts down for now the possibility of his leaving being a worked shoot to come back later as a part of Project161. Rave coming back to ROH would not have been surprising, since they did this very same unhappy with ROH deal two years ago. This time it seems to be life imitating art. Of course I continue to refuse to believe this until I see Rave in the six sided ring, but it looks like we'll find out for sure way before the ROH PPV tapings, as the TNA PPV is set for a week earlier on 9/9/07.Until then I remain cautiously suspicious of it all.
Joe's statements aren't altogether surprising, all the way he said them is very much "very Joe" style (and you can check it out in full on his MySpace blog). No need to continue to perpetuate any heat with anybody in the back in TNA based on internet rumors. However, if you go and read the statement, you see he doesn't really address whether or not he is happy or unhappy with the way he is being used in TNA, a factor which besides money, can in fact direct a person's future in a wrestling company. Still, we know Joe views wrestling as a business, and the key is making money. If he is happy with his paycheck when it clears, then maybe TNA can make him go out there and wear a fez and clap some cymbals while AJ Styles puts on a mustache and plays an accordian for all he cares.
Teacher, Leave Those Wrestlers Alone!
From F4W:
Brian Gewirtz, the head writer of Raw, was at the ROH show in New York this past weekend. He really loves Delirious' character and has pushed for WWE to sign him. Whether anything comes of it, who knows. Gewirtz attends a lot of the shows in the area.
Johnny Ace wanted a meeting with Takeshi Morishima when Morishima was in New York this past weekend. He's very high on him. NOAH put the ixnay on it, citing loyalty to Ring of Honor. That should give you an idea of how tight NOAH and ROH are, because in the grand scheme of the universe it seems insane to favor ROH over WWE. WWE had approached Morishima a year or so ago when he was down training at Harley Race's school. People had heard that he was potentially a new Terry Gordy, and there was interest in putting him on ECW since Masato Tanaka and Tajiri fell through. Ace pursued it, but NOAH shot it down then as well. All of this also seems to indicate that NOAH plans on him being a major player for the next several years.
Well, the talent raids aren't ending just because ROH has locked wrestlers into contracts. There goes some of my confidence in this new contract system. I would think WWE would at least have to buy out the contracts if an ROH talent really wanted to leave. I am hoping however, that the roster honors their contract and sticks with the company. I'm also thankful to see NOAH is being loyal to its ties with ROH, although this matter obviously impacts them directly. They don't want to lose Morishima to WWE, and they value the exposure ROH gives them and their talent. All in all, thanks to this rebuffing of the WWE, Morishima shall be champion until 2009!
A Ladder Between Them
The violent feud pitting ROH World Tag Team Champions Jay & Mark Briscoe against Kevin Steen & El Generico saw two more insane matches last weekend in Hartford and Manhattan. While The Briscoes won the matches, Steen & Generico won the wars. Steen & Generico left The Briscoes laying after both matches. Not only that, but Steen & Generico walked off with The Briscoes' belts in Manhattan after they attacked Jay & Mark with a ladder. Now the feud will finally come to an end when ROH tapes its 3rd PPV on 9/15 in Chicago. ROH officials have already stated that this will be the final match between these two teams...and it will be a first time ever match in ROH. Steen & Generico will hand the belts over to ROH officials. They will be hung above the ring. It will be Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. Kevin Steen & El Generico in a LADDER MATCH on 9/15 in Chicago for the ROH World Tag Team Titles.
Not like this wasn't a subtle hinting or anything. A ladder has been used three or four times now as a means of attack. I'm looking forward to the match however. LKadders have been used as weapons in several ROH matches, but never has there been a ladder match before.
Swooping into Boston and Jersey
Jack Evans has gotten his crew together. The Vulture Squad of Evans, Ruckus and Julius Smokes will be in Boston on 10/5 and Edison on 10/6. Boston will see Ruckus & Evans take on two members of the No Remorse Corps.
The Vulture Squad will get tested out in these matches, but what's really clear is that they still have the numbers disadvantage, as its 3 on 2 as far as wrestlers go comparing them to the NRC or The Resilience
.
Poor Pelle
In more injury news, Pelle Primeau was beaten badly by BJ Whitmer and Whitmer's new associates Adam Pearce & Brent Albright in NYC. Primeau might miss several months of action.
NOOOOOO! PELLE!
Jumpin Jim-miny!
In positive injury news, Jimmy Jacobs' knee felt great after last weekend and he says he is 100%.
Great news for ROH fans as hopefully Jacobs can rebuild some of the momentum he was riding back in the year. We know he's good for the promos, now let's get back to having some good Jacobs matches.
Sydal Gets Delirious Parting Gift
Delirious vs. Matt Sydal for the very last time has been signed for the 9/15 PPV taping in Chicago. This will be a bonus match for the live fans and DVD audience and not a match taped for PPV. You know there will be huge matches when ROH tapes its third PPV on 9/15 in Chicago.
These two have been wrestling each other for years on the independent scene and now much like Punk and Cabana in 2005, these two very well tied together wrestlers will have a farewell match that will send off Sydal to the WWE. It is only fitting that these two will wrestle each other to end Sydal's run, as these two fought each other in their first ROH match on a "Do or Die" pre show.
Morishima With Barely A Leg to Stand On
ROH World Champion Takeshi Morishima suffered an excruciating amount of pain in his leg after his defense against Bryan Danielson last Saturday. Morishima's thigh and knee were bruised bright red from Danielson's numerous kicks. Things won't get any easier for the World Champion in Detroit. In fact, Morishima won't even know who his challenger will be that night. The first half of the show will feature a Four Corner Survival with Roderick Strong vs. Delirious vs. Erick Stevens vs. Kevin Steen. The winner will face Morishima for the World Title in the second half of the show. Morishima is sure to face a tough challenge in Detroit.
Morishima was indeed taking some devastating kicks and strikes to the leg in his title match, but I wonder if this more a storyline injury than a real one. It certainly plays into future match psychology for how a wrestler can attack the champion. Out of the four wrestlers in that title shot 4CS it looks like Delirious will be the likely choice, as he is strong in the Detroit market. Roderick has had his shot already, Steen will get his in Boston in October and Stevens, while a possibility, is also very tied up in the stable warfare right now.
More in the Motor City
We have many more exciting matches to announce for 9/14 "Motor City Madness '07" in Detroit. El Generico has been on fire lately in his feud against The Briscoes and his recent trip to the finals in the "Race To The Top" tournament. Generico will face the biggest singles test of his career in Detroit. It will be a first time ever contest of El Generico vs. Naomichi Marufuji in Detroit!!!
We aren't done with matches for 9/14 in Detroit. Jimmy Jacobs says his knee feels great and he wants a tough opponent for when he returns to his home area of Detroit. Jacobs' comeback will continue in Detroit when he faces Chris Hero with Larry Sweeney, Sara Del Rey, Tank Toland & Bobby Dempsey. This one will really show if Jacobs' knee is strong.
Generico vs. Marufuji is a very strong singles match right now, because ROH fans have bought into Generico's credibility thanks to great performances in his tag team matches and a terrific run in the Race to the Top Tournament. Marufuji is of course a top flight NOAH talent and will bring his game to the ring. We have seen a similar match up when he faced off against Matt Sydal. Marufuji has actually been putting together a very impressive string of singles victories in ROH, such that he should probably be considered for a ROH World title shot against Morishima.
Driven to Watch
Look for an almost 10 minute preview of ROH's second PPV "Driven" later today or tomorrow at ROHvideos.com.
Not only is this 10 minute preview up, but there is also a new video wire up with the introduction of The Vulture Squad and then pretty much the entire last few minutes of the Gen Next triple threat. Graphic backstage footage of Danielson's eye injury is shown.
I've seen people knock the Driven preview as being specifically made for new fans, but I think it's a tremendous preview for anyone. You get exclusive promos, extensive footage of the Danielson vs. McGuinness "Unified" match and good hype for some of the other action on the card. I don't know what some people were expecting, but I didn't walk in expecting anything and I liked it a lot.
Project 161, Week 5: Minor Action & Minor Reaction
Besides my recollections above regarding the action of strange shady character giving out free stuff, there has been more news about 161 actions.
Reports had the shady man going up to different people inside the Grand Ballroom and whispering things into their ears. When fans pointed out this man to different ROH personnel, their reaction was to warn security about this guy and have them keep a close eye on the man.
The DVD that was distributed over the weekend, according to an ROH message board poster was "a camera strolling through the forest and then it would cut to a scene of either dead bodies, people jumping off a cliff, nooses, a bullet hole, or a grave stone...nothin interesting..."
You can see at least a clip of this footage on Youtube via this link.
It seems to be more of a metaphor or cryptic message about who they are going after, two sunflowers, two hanging nooses. That and the uploading of a new image of Jay & mark Briscoe in football jerseys seem to definitely confirm who the initial target of this group is for the alleged speculated launch on 9/15.
This also may indicate that Project 161 is a tag team and that the new group of Pearce and Whitmer and Albright are not involved, as their actions were not gloated upon in the blog.
Another image from the web site showed Project 161 shirts being rolled off a rack in a dirty basement. This is a sort of "assembly line", in my opinion a metaphor for building their ranks
.
Special Project 161 Commentary: You know I think I've solved the Project 161 Connection. It's a front for NAMBLA.
NAMBLA, for those that don't know or choose to ignore it, is the North American Man/Boy Love Association (NAMBLA), which purports to condone and accept sexual and physical relationships between older men and younger boys!
(all of which is highly illegal and just wrong)
That's right, forget all the death and gore stuff, the Chicago connections and so called hidden messages in code and focus on what we've really seen and heard. Pictures of two boys…YOUNG boys no less, posted repeatedly on the front page of the 161 website. The boys are clearly dressed in provocative manner and you have to wonder why. Then there was a recent blog asking respondents to write down why they came to the website—well, that's clearly a clever masquerade in order to discover who is single, male, young and lonely. Who do you think are the bloggers who are falling prey to the mindless prattling and soliloquies of this madman? It's not hot single, chesty women! It's the emo teen boy wonders!
Clearly this is a case of a well funded "club" (AHEM CULT OF BOY FONDLERS AHEM) trying to breach the wrestling world at large in an effort to better improve the number of "willing" concubines. And after all, it makes sense. Million of hot blooded male Americans watching half naked men pretend to touch each other in strangely homo-erotic positions? It's like a freaking field day for these miscreants! That's untapped potential right there, un-mined gold. And Project 161, ERRRRRRRRRRRRR NAMBLA 2007 is going for that gold, you better believe it.
Well, let me tell you one thing, you bunch of pervert kid touchers will not go unopposed or unreported. If you think you can brainwash the youth of America to your "Project 161" (notice the phallic nature of those particular numbers), you have got another thing coming. I, Ari Berenstein, stand ready and willing to report these abuses to the proper authorities. Be warned, Project 161, for you will NOT touch any male penis on my watch!
Now excuse me, I have to unpause my DVR of Dateline: To Catch a Predator. And get me Rob Feinstein's phone number!
Hero's Sandwich
Apparently, Rule 181 in the Chris Hero Guide to Life is that he does not write a column on Labor Day. Sorry readers, maybe you'll be lucky (?) enough to read his manifesto next week.
Going Home
Ringtones
411's own Samuel Berman, one of the big backers of Murder City vs. The Briscoes, responds to last week's geek-ssertation on said match.
Just finished your in-depth analysis of Briscoes-MCMG and wanted to drop you a line. First of all, I thought everything you said was well-reasoned and though you and I certainly disagree as to the level of quality, I'm glad to see that we at least both enjoyed the match. I think it would be far more of an indictment on our difference in taste were you to have completely disliked the match, rather than simply not considered it to be the Match of the Year (or other similar superlatives).
I did have one specific point that I wanted to make in response to your thoughts. You mentioned Mark's awkward pause before the moonsault press attempt as a bit of sloppiness, but I saw that (and another spot) in a different light. Both on the moonsault press and on the shooting star press later in the match, Mark takes a moment to breathe before attempting the high-risk dive. I read those pauses as him silently reassuring himself that he could hit the dives safely, making those moments a subtle nod to his earlier injury and not a moment of awkward error. Whereas the Mark Briscoe from even a month earlier would have just done the dive and hoped for the best, this new, wiser Mark Briscoe had learned that taking the extra moment to prepare would help him execute more crisply and thus help give him and his brother a better chance of retaining their ROH World Tag Team Titles. Perhaps I, too, have read too far into those spots, but even seeing the match live, the pauses were evident to me and seemed to be a tangible part of the match's story.
Just another view to perhaps explain where I personally see the match's brilliance.
As always, COH continues to impress, easily providing the most comprehensive ROH coverage around. Whether we agree or disagree, it's good to know that we both have such a fantastic forum for discussion and debate.
Well first of Sam thanks for not flaming my points all to hell (not that I would have expected that in the first place from you). I have to disagree with your assessment on the moonsault press. I think you're reading too much into what I perceive to be a bobble on Mark's part as far as his balance is concerned. The SSP, maybe you have a point to make there about Mark's prep for the move. He definitely plays it up.
JustinShaq is very very happy about The Vulture Squad:
Ari i'm right ruckus debuted tonight and he was the 1st member of jack's crew
i am so psychic.
While I predicted BLK OUT would make its debut in ROH this year, I didn't expect Ruckus to be used in this way—but I am excited by it. It looks to be the right placement at the right time. Now let's get Eddie Kingston in as V-Squad's brusier and we'll be ready for 3 on 3 on 3 action!
Regular emailer Gohan6482 was inspired to come up with his own fantasy Final Battle 2007
Hmmm I'm bored, and looking at the Final Battle '07 ideas made me wanna write in my own...
ROH World Title Match
Takeshi Morishima (c) vs. Bryan Danielson vs. Nigel McGuinness (There's bound to be a triple threat with this pairing, why not at one of the biggest shows of the year?)
ROH Tag Team Title Match
Briscoes (c) vs. Davey Richards and Roderick Strong (A dream match of mine)
Pure Wrestling Rules, Sweet and Sour Inc. banned from ringside
Chris Hero vs. Claudio Castagnoli (THE Blowoff)
Samoa Joe vs. Mitsuhara Misawa (Yeah, I know, likely won't happen, but the first mention of Misawa made me crave for this match and Joe not signing the contract with TNA yet makes it somewhat possible)
KENTA vs. CIMA (Again, very likely not to happen, but this would just be so fun)
Naomichi Marufuji vs. Austin Aries (Surprised this match has never happened, so why not at a very big show?)
Erick Stevens, Rocky Romero, Delirious and Jack Evans vs. Mike Quackenbush, Hallowicked, Jigsaw and Gran Akuma (ROH vs. CHIKARA. The ROH team is random, but very stacked in my mind, and it could be a big breakout for all those involved who need it)
Kevin Steen and El Generico vs. The Crists (I can't think of a feud for Steen-erico at this time so why not put them in with another spotty team to get the crowd into it?)
Oh those dream matches… it looks like if Joe vs. Misawa is to happen, it may be in Japan and not through ROH. Never say never in this crazy business. KENTA and CIMA would have certainly been logical if their dream team in Japan was able to come through. Unfortunately I think it's also more realistic to see this match in Japan before an ROH card. Thumbs up to almost everything else though, especially the title matches which I think would be spectacular. As far as the ROH vs. CHIKARA match up goes, this could only happen and go well for the ROH team if the Gen Ex War was over, because your ROH team all have grudges against one person or another on the same team! YIKES! Did you consult Nigel McGuinness in these selections? ;)
I am so totally out of column space I can't even finish my mailbag. I'll save it for next week.
Also, apologies to my fellow 411 writers as I have reached the word limit and since I'm limiting myself to ONE part columns for the foreseeable future (yeah, we'll see how that goes) and I can't add any links this week as I like to do usually. I'll try to catch up, especially to the ROH material in next week's column.
Speaking of next week, lots of great stuff on tap. I'll preview Motor City Madness 2007 and hit you up once again with the top five matches I want to see in ROH. PLUS I guarantee a new addition to the Indy Buy in and discussion of the latest ROH DVD releases. Have a very good Labor Day Weekend and hopefully your September won't be as shitty as mine.
