Column of Honor: 11.24.07: The Haul
Posted by Ari Berenstein on 11.24.2007
New DVDs mean I have no life, The Briscoes are back to MAN! (CLAP!) YOU UP! Plus a preview of the ROH show in Dayton, Ohio on 11/24/07 and PWG’s fourth anniversary is a part of the Independent Buy In!
My wallet is a couple of hundred dollars lighter, which is fitting because a few days ago my stomach was a couple hundred dollars worth of turkey, stuffing and fixings heavier. Freaking holidays.
Welcome to the Column.
Ring Toss
-The Haul
-A Man Up Thanksgiving
-ROH Call
-ROH News
-Hero's Sandwich
-Honorarium
-ROH Preview: Dayton, OH 11/24/07
-Classic Promos Month: Week Three
-Name That Tune: Week 11
-Independent Buy In: PWG Giant Sized Annual # 4
-ROH @ 411
-Honor Bound Links
-OUT
The Haul
I came home from work on Wednesday afternoon, reveling in the wonder of having the next two days off. As I came up the steps my eyes spotted what I had already surmised would be waiting for me. On the stoop and in the lawn chair were not one, not two but three packages. Media Mail boxes delivered straight to me via the United States Postal Service from the following locations: Ring of Honor, Smart Mark Video and Highspots.com. Media Mall boxes that contained within the precious cargo of the hardcore wrestling fan. DVDs, DVDs and yes, more DVDs of wrestling product.
The Haul had arrived.
You know, I had looked forward to a relatively low stress Thanksgiving weekend. Oh wait, actually that's never really the case, what with family dinners and the negotiations therein. I did expect to have a life though and be able to go out and maybe smell some fresh air, so cold and crisp in these late November days.
The Haul said "think again."
There goes my life I thought. Here in total are the contents of the boxes I received, a sort of pre-Black Friday buy out (and I guess a sort of unofficial Independent Buy In Holiday Shoppers Guide, as no doubt most of these will end up on the list by early next year). I received (and I am not joking here) all at the same time: WSX: The first (and last) season (4 DVDs), Samoa Joe: Before They Were Stars, NOAH Special Budokan Double Shot, CHIKARA "Cibernetico and Robin" and "Bruised" (each 2 DVD sets), IWA: MS Ted Petty Invitational 2007 (4 DVDs), PWG Battle of Los Angeles, Nights 1, 2 and 3. That's right—9 DVD titles and 17 actual DVD disks of nothing but wrestling related content. All at once.
The Haul said "get ready to lose some sleep. Get ready to lose your friend's numbers. Hell, get ready to lose some sun."
I knew I had to get started and I knew I had to do it without delay. On that Wednesday evening I tore through the WSX DVD, watching a few of the episodes I'd seen already, but watching and listening to the alternate commentary. Then I sat down and watched the fabled, never before seen final episode. Pirana Fish Tank Death Match. Electrified Steel Cage match. OH YES. WSX at its finest. By the way, Lacey and Lizzy valentine fans, let's just say you will be very happy with the bonus section.
Things were going apace. The Haul was a demanding master but I had begun to address its needs. And then…
Thursday morning I head down the stairs and look outside the door…where there has been a box had been mysteriously placed. I thought there was no mail delivered on Thanksgiving Day? Well, maybe the neighbor had left it there for me. At any rate, it was addressed to me, so I took it inside. It was a large brown box from Amazon.com…uh, oh…that can only mean one thing.
I opened the box and confirmed my greatest hope but now my worst fears. It had arrived, finally. After a week's delay, it was here.
The Haul had brought in my order of Fire Pro Wresting: Returns.
I had heard about this game for months, maybe years on end. I pre ordered it (you can get it for between fifteen and twenty bucks, which is a price that can't be beat) and had been waiting on it for about a week. I figured it wouldn't come until Saturday…but there it was a full two days ahead of schedule.
The Haul said "Goodbye Thanksgiving morning. Goodbye Friday. Goodbye the rest of the week."
I opened that sucker up and played it right out of the box…and well…um…I lost. And then I lost again. In fact for two straight hours I did nothing but experimenting with the thing, getting confused about the control scheme…and losing match after match. I took a break to hit the internet and download some of the saves available. Readers who have purchased this game, make sure you go to fireproclub.com, register for the forums and grab yourself a copy of the latest ROH / TNA save. Actually it's a lot more than that, as you get almost a full roster for CHIKARA, some WWE and ECW guys, tons of American independents and more. Plus all of the false names have been translated to their real counterparts.
I'm getting the hang of the control system now (it's a lot like No Mercy) and experimenting with all the options. Exploding time bomb death matches and the like, well that's right at home with the WSX DVD I was watching just the other day. But the icing on the cake is the Survivor Series style elimination matches you can do. I have been waiting for YEARSto have the ability to do 4 on 4 elimination matches. Smackdown vs. Raw had six man eliminations, but it just wasn't enough. All that, plus league play and other tournaments give this game a lot of life to it. I'm a bit upset that you can only do eight men in the battle royal and that there are no simulate or skip math options for computer controlled league / tournament matches, but that can be dealt with. Is it better than SD vs. Raw? Maybe it's not as great as the best out of that series, Here Comes The Pain. It also can't compete in the graphics department, but with a packed roster and awesome movesets, its close overall.
And while I play the game, The Haul is still there. It is stacked up on my television…and it is waiting.
The Briscoes' Guide to Manning Up: A Man Up Thanksgiving
credit: onlineworldofwrestling.com
From time to time the Column of Honor is very lucky to have as its special guest for commentary Jay and Mark Briscoe. This time around, we join The Briscoes for a very special look at their Thanksgiving dinner.
Jay: Hey y'all, we're glad to be heah in dis column once again. Welcome back. Mark: Yeah! Where y'all been? Jay: Um Mark, they been here all dis time, they've just been indivisible, you know? Mark: What Jay, you mean like dey're ghosts? Like in Pac-man? Jay: Yeah…exactly. Anyway We ahh very happy to tell y'all about our Thanksgiving. It was da bomb yo! Mark: Yeah. And you know what we did? We Manned Up Thanksgiving! Jay: Yeah, that's right. We said MAN UP! to our Thanksgiving— Mark:MAN UP! Jay: That's right—and we'll show y'all how we did it. First of all, you got dis turkey right heah. Mark:TURKEY! Jay: That's right Mark, and its great turkey, Momma Briscoe's own special KFC-recipe. But it's not enough to have a turkey for Thankgiving. Mark: It in't? Jay: No mark! You gotta…MAN UP!That Turkey! Mark: That's right…um…how'd we do dat? Jay: Well, you follow the advice of a very good friend of our'n, John Madden, and you make that Turkey a Turduckin! Mark: Yeah! Turduh…wha? Jay: Turdukin Mark. You see you take a turkey, preferably, fried, cover it with stuffing, then take a layer of duck, preferably fried, and you cover that with stuffing. Then you take a layer of chicken, preferably, you guessed it, and so on and so fort. Mark: Turduh…Turduch…Tu… Jay: Turduckin Mark. Mark: Yeah…that! MAN UP!MAN UP TURDUCKIN! Jay: Well anyways, how else you gonna MAN UP!your Thanksgiving? Well, speaking of turkey, we got some Wild Turkey and some Grey Goose right here! That's right if you're gonna be celebrating the day, you might as well get your drink on! Mark:MAN UP! ALCOHOL! MAN UP! BEER! Jay: Easy now Mark, we know how you get when our cousins Jim Beam and Jack Daniels come on over for the holidays. So now…we got the beer, we got the turckin, now we need a manly sport to watch on television. Mark:YEAH!!! SOCCER!!! Jay: … Mark: ….No? No Soccer? Jay: …NO MARK! FOOTBALL!!! Mark: …but, I'z thought Soccer was Football. Jay: Well yeah, it is like over in Japan or somethin, but over here in The Briscoes' household, If you want a manly sport, its FOOTBALL and nothing else! Mark:YEAH MAN UP SOCCER! WHY CAIN'T YOU BE LIKE FOOTBALL? Jay: So now you've got your food, you've got your drink, you got your sport, its all good now. You are prepared for a very MAN UP!Thanksgiving. So that's all we got from here in Sandy Fork Delaware. We be seeing you next time alright? Mark: Yeah, don't foget to MAN UP!next weekend and see us on MAN UP!the Pay Per View! November 30th! Jay:MAN UP! Mark:MAN UP!! Jay:MAN UP! Mark:MAN UP! FOO!
As always, I'd like to thank The Briscoes for making a very special appearance for this column. Now I'm told I have to go shot for shot with them the next time they're out here in NYC. Oh boy…
ROH Call
ROH Champions—As of 11/24/2007
ROH World Champion—Nigel McGuinness (champion since 10/06/07, 2 successful defenses)
Next Defense:: Austin Aries, New York, NY 12/29/07
V.1 defeated Jay Briscoe, wristlock submission (10/21/07 San Francisco, CA)
V.2 defeated Chris Hero, wristlock submission (11/02/07 Philadelphia, PA)
*Due to injury, Nigel McGuinness's future defenses up through Final Battle 2007 (12/30/07) remain questionable and subject to change
ROH World Tag Team Champions— Jay and Mark Briscoe (champions since 03/30/07, 17 successful defenses)
Next Defense: vs. Rocky Romero & Davey Richards Dayton, OH 11/30/07
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
V.13 defeated Austin Aries & Matt Cross (9/14/07 Detroit, MI)
V.14 Ladder Match: defeated Kevin Steen & El Generico (9/15/07 Chicago Ridge, IL)
V.15 defeated Roderick Strong & Rocky Romero (11/02/07 Philadelphia, PA)
V.16 fought The Age of the Fall to a double disqualification (11/3/07 New York, NY)
V.17 No DQ match: defeated The Age of the Fall (11/3/07 New York, NY)
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): Ernie Osiris (since 11/02/2007)
Top Feuds & Pairings:
-Bryan Danielson vs. Nigel McGuinness
-Roderick Strong vs. Nigel McGuinness (FIP / ROH title rivalry)
-The Age of the Fall vs. The Briscoes
-The No Remorse Corps vs. The Resilience vs. The Vulture Squad
-The Vulture Squad vs. The Age of the Fall
-Delirious / Kevin Steen & El Generico vs. Albright, Whitmer and Adam Pearce (The Hangman's Three)
-Chris Hero vs. Claudio Castagnoli
ROH News
(via the ROHnewswire… and other sources when attributed
Danielson vs. Morishima IV Confirmed for Fifth Pay Per View
One of the hottest feuds in ROH pits Bryan Danielson vs. Takeshi Morishima. Now for the first time in his career Morishima is mad. The last time in the Manhattan Center these two collided in a violent fight. Now the intensity is increased as Morishima wants revenge. 12/29 will see Danielson vs. Morishima as part of the pay-per-view taping!!!
ROH claimed they would have several major match announcements to go along with their Black Friday sale and so they have come through. This is the fourth match between these two in five months, but each previous encounter has been an intense neo-classic that has left the fans wanting more. The attention has been turned away from title shots and title defenses and now towards the grudge match aspect. Morishima tried to take Danielson's eye, and Danielson countered by stomping the man's nuts and trying to remove his manhood. This is not a "respectful" situation anymore and so many fans are wondering if this will turn out to be a "Fight Without Honor". I would love to see it go down that way.
Four Way Elimination to Headline Final Battle 2007
"Final Battle 2007" on 12/30 in NYC with a special 5pm start time is shaping up as the card of the year. Two big matches have been signed. The main event will be one of the most unique World Title Matches in ROH history. The winner of the 12/29 Nigel McGuinness vs. Austin Aries bout will put the title on the line on 12/30 in a Four Man Elimination Match. It will be McGuinness/Aries winner vs. Chris Hero vs. two more competitors who will be named in the upcoming days. Bryan Danielson, Takeshi Morishima, Claudio Castagnoli, Naomichi Marufuji and Brent Albright are all petitioning for the final two spots. The only other time a bout like this took place was when James Gibson won the World Title from CM Punk in an emotional classic that included Samoa Joe and Christopher Daniels at "Redemption" on 8/12/05.
The Briscoes vs. The Age Of The Fall feud will continue on 12/30 in Manhattan. This time it will be ROH World Tag Team Champions Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black. This will be the first time that these four collide in the same match. Tyler Black has promised comments soon at AgeOfTheFall.com. We will announce the stipulation in the upcoming weeks.
Two more high profile matches to befit the reputation of what has become one of ROH's marquee events. As noted in the above news wire its been almost a year and a half since this particular type of match has been used in ROH and with a plethora of top contenders emerging, this is the right time to do it. It's interesting to note that the loser of the PPV title match is not automatically guaranteed to appear in this, so a rematch is not automatic. McGuinness is still a huge question mark, adding the buzz of title changes in a similar manner to the amped up atmosphere of Danielson vs.KENTA from Glory By Honor V Night 2. Chris Hero collects on his title opportunity here and his late in the year momentum could carry him all the way to the top. The crowd in Philadelphia was absolutely crazy for him winning the title; will the fans in NYC replicate that reaction?
I'm disappointed in how ROH went about announcing the AoTF title rematch. To me, it seems like AotF tried their best and did not win last time, so they would need to prove themselves again. If the storyline was that ROH didn't give them a title shot, it would also reinforce the plot point of ROH's "bias" against Jacobs and his group. I thought AotF would walk away with the Trios Tournament 2007 and the ability to call their own shots in order to get more rematches. Just "giving" a rematch doesn't do it for me. Not to say that this won't be an exciting match (and hopefully this time the crowd won't be too tired to support it) but it could have been gone about differently.
Puder To Appear in NYC
Daniel Puder will be a special guest at the 12/29 & 30 Manhattan shows. Puder approached ROH and said he likes the physical style and wants to see what ROH is all about in person.
This announcement comes as a bit of a shock. Daniel Puder can be a very controversial guy. He is more well known as the Tough Enough winner who schooled Kurt Angle in the amateur challenge that turned into a legit shoot. Puder tried his hand at professional wrestling but has been more successful in the field of MMA.
Note that Puder will be a gust for BOTH dates in NYC, so will he appear just to appear or is he actually going to get involved in some manner with the wrestlers? I'd bet on the latter and maybe even a match at Final Battle 2007.
It's an interesting move to bring in someone as controversial as Puder. ROH has done it before, what with Shane Douglas and Johnny Fairplay each leaving their own mark on ROH history. It remains to be seen if Puder will be accepted by the fans or if they turn on him because he doesn't "fit" the notion of what they think ROH is supposed to be about. Maybe they will support him because they respect what he has accomplished in the ring and you know how the crowds love to use any excuse to deride TNA, Angle is in TNA, so what if we get "F you Angle, F TNA" chants?
Trios Tournament Brackets Announced
ROH also broke news about the bracketing for their final tournament of the year, the Trios Tournament 2K7. Here are the announced matches for the series, which will take place in Chicago Ridge:
Trios Tournament First Round Match #1
ROH World Tag Team Champions Jay & Mark Briscoe & Claudio Castagnoli
vs.
Sweet & Sour Inc. of Chris Hero, Tank Toland & Bobby Dempsey with Larry Sweeney & Sara Del Rey
Trios Tournament First Round Match #2
The Age Of The Fall of Jimmy Jacobs, Tyler Black & The Necro Butcher with Lacey
vs.
The Vulture Squad of Jack Evans, Ruckus & Jigsaw
Trios Tournament First Round Match #3
No Remorse Corps of Roderick Strong, Davey Richards & Rocky Romero
vs.
The Hangmen Three of Adam Pearce, Brent Albright, & BJ Whitmer
Claudio Castagnoli invited himself onto The Briscoes' team in a hysterical segment on the latest ROH Video Wire. Watching The Briscoes go "hey!" and act all wacky is just priceless comedy. The match making really worked in Claudio's favor as his alignment with the tag champions put him right up against his former partner and current nemesis Chris Hero and the rest of Sweet & Sour Incorporated. Age of the Fall vs. Vulture Squad is another no-brainer as that has been the second tier feud for each group. No Remorse Corps and Hangmen Three is the pairing that is left and that will be a heel-heel combination. Who will get the crowd support in that one?
Dayton OH Card Takes Shape
Two more matches have been signed for 11/30 in Dayton. Anyone who saw "Caged Rage" saw Adam Pearce staple Delirious' mask into his flesh. Now Delirious is insane in his quest for revenge. It will be Pearce vs. Delirious Falls Count Anywhere on 11/30 in Dayton!!!
Also signed for 11/30 in Dayton is a bout of athletic skill. It will be Jigsaw vs. Hero. As usual, Larry Sweeney, Sara Del Rey, Tank Toland & Bobby Dempsey will be in Hero's corner. Jigsaw wants to make his name at Hero's expense and Hero needs to prove that he is the #1 contender to the ROH World Title.
The stipulation for the 11/30 Austin Aries vs. Roderick Strong has been determined. This battle between former partners is a fight for pride. Each athlete wants to prove that he is better than the other. This won't be about spilling blood, but showing the other man who is superior. Both competitors have agreed that the way to do this is a 30 Minute Ironman Match. Strong and Aries will be locked in combat for 30 minutes. Whoever scores the most number of falls in that time period wins the match. We will truly see who the best wrestler is in Dayton.
I'll have more in-depth comments on these matches later on in the column with the show preview. However it should be noted that ROH is going out of its way to present Dayton one hell of a show. Dayton has become part of the B-show circuit as of late, but this card is absolutely top notch, with several high profile matches. Danielson vs. Necro Butcher is an exciting match and one that immediately opened up some eyes. The addition of Aries vs. Strong adds some technical wrestling backbone to the event. ROH has gone back to the "a little something for everyone' motto of presenting pro wrestling here and hopefully it adds up to a hot crowd and some great action.
Erick Stevens Goes His Own Way
The new storyline path for Erick Stevens has begun, starting with an article for ROHwrestling.com. In that article Stevens is said to be upset that Aries had disbanded the Resilience. He challenged Aries in the sake of competition and to prove his worth. They will fight on December 1st in Chicago Ridge, IL. He also is going to seek out revenge on Davey Richards for putting him out with an arm injury (storyline).
The full article is here, check it out, as its very good, Pro Wrestling Illustrated style reporting.
I like the idea of Aries vs. Stevens as a competitive rivalry and not yet anything more than that. I think there happens to be an outside shot Stevens can end up convincing Aries to give The Resilience another go, maybe in 2008. If that is not to be, however, then a grudge feud based on anger or envy could work. I happen to like Stevens as a face more than as a heel (he did some heel work in FIP last year) but this is going to go where it's going to go. There storyline paths are right there if they so choose to do it.
Hero's Sandwich
Greetings once again my Hero-ites, it is I, Chris Hero, back again for another amazing segment of the world's finest wrestling opinion based editorial, the Hero's Sandwich. I hope that all of you enjoyed gorging yourselves during Thanksgiving and are now ready to purge yourselves of all of the excess carbohydrates and fats that you invariably consumed. I'm worried that Blobby Dempsey went home and pulled his own version of a "Leaving Las Vegas" weekend of excess, not with alcohol, but with stuffing and mashed potatoes. I'm sure my corpulent friend Ari has been groggy for the past few days, drunk with tryptophan from all the turkey that he most likely stuffed down his hungry gullet. I enjoyed a sensible day with my loving family and friends here in "Metropolis", and was right back on my customary diet and training regiment on Friday. Unlike most of you people, I really do know when to say when, and that's why I can keep my physique in top form, and can continue to dominate the pro wrestling landscape the way that I do. With that in mind, I need to get started on this week's issues so that I can get myself back to the gym so that I can be in tip top shape heading into next weekend's matches in Dayton and Chicago, and even more importantly, the events of Final Battle Weekend in New York City at the end of December. Let's get started!
So, I've been told that I will be facing Jigsaw in Dayton on Friday night, and that it's sort of like a "do or die" kind of situation for that masked moron. I feel bad for him, considering the fact that he stands NO CHANCE against me. I've beaten up on that idiot for the better part of his entire career, and Friday night will be no different. Its wrestlers like him who really make me sick to my stomach. He has less than no talent, and should not be allowed within a mile of a wrestling ring, never mind in one. I can trace it all back to one man, the man who trained him, Mike Quackenbush. Jigsaw is just an example of the second rate workers that Quack turns out from his classes at the Chikara Wrestle Factory, and that's why, in my estimation that that place should be closed down. I know initially I sent out my support when I left, but ever since it's been all downhill, and it really hit rock bottom when they hired Castagnoli to replace me. Can you imagine that? The Swiss idiot replacing my greatness? Yeah, right. How funny is that? About as funny as the heart attack you all almost had eating too much turkey and gravy. Quackenbush may be a decent wrestler in the ring, but he has no business sense. He lost the greatest part of that school when I left. Well, I hope Jigsaw has his health and life insurances paid up because I know what I'm going to do to him in Dayton, and its not going to be pretty, I'll just leave it at that.
That brings me to the next night in Chicago where I will be teaming up with my personal trainer Tank Toland and that fat bastard, Blobby Dempsey in the annual Trio's Tournament. I'm sure you've all heard that my team has drawn a formidable group of challengers in the first round match, the Briscoes and Castagnoli, but don't worry too much, you know that Tank and I will be able to take them down to Chinatown, and get into the main event, and inevitably win that, and then secure the guarantee of our own choices of booking in the future. I know what you're thinking. What about Blobby, you say? Well that's simple. Since having him on our team is more like a handicap, if we win, I will get two shots at my own booking. He doesn't deserve to be in this match, but ROH officials wouldn't let Tank and I do it as a tag team, so we had to take him on our team. In effect, it's almost like taking the biggest nerd on the block with the last pick when you're playing football in the park. Does that sound familiar to many of you or what? I'm sure that Ari can 100% relate to that feeling. I can't wait to hold another trophy over my head. First it was the Peterson Cup, then it was the Survival of the Fittest, and next it will be the Trio's Tournament Trophy. I'm just that good, you know?
So, as I sit here writing this, I've been reminded that today is "Black Friday". This is that one-day of the year where all the crappy businesses throughout the USA try to get their annual sales into the "black" for the year by dropping the prices on all of their disposable products. See, if they sold high quality products like I do on my myspace page, they wouldn't have to worry about a day like today. I've never had a month where I'm not in the "black" , and I think that I could teach these businesses a lesson or two. Or maybe they should just start selling some Chris Hero merch to guarantee that they'd make some money. From what I've heard, even ROH has to do this kind of thing, but I also know that the one t-shirt that they can't keep in stock is their version of my classic t-shirt. Sure, it's a nice shirt, but if you really want the real deal, and some awesome DVD's, visit my site to get your friends and family the best there is to offer in high quality merchandise.
Last but not least are my early thoughts on Final Battle Weekend 2007. I'm super psyched about my chance to rid the ROH of Castagnoli on Saturday night, December 29th. We all know its just an inevitability that I will be victorious that night, especially after the fact that Larry has gotten me the guarantee that that moronic referee, Paul Turner, will not be allowed to work my matches. I really believe that Turner is either legally blind or on the take to make some of the calls that he does. Now that I know he won't be anywhere near my match with the Swiss idiot, I know that I will exterminate him like the bug that he is. Even if he finds some way to beat me and gets his match with Larry, I know for a fact that Larry will mop the floor with him, because he'll be in no shape to step into the ring after I'm done with him. After I win on the 29th, I'll be primed to capture the ROH World Title the next night from whoever holds it at that time. Even though its going to be a 4 way match, and anything can happen in those, think about how I performed at the Survival of the Fittest main event, where I beat not 4, but 5 other wrestlers. This will be child's play for me. Its going to be so great to celebrate New Years in NYC with the ROH belt around my waist, and then to prepare for my first defense a week or so later in Boston, Massachusetts. 2008 is sure to be YEAR HERO.
One last note on Final Battle Weekend. I hear that ROH is having that hack, Daniel Puder come down to see what's going on with the product. I'm not sure why they want to do that because he's a no one. Even if he decides that he wants to get into the ROH, he doesn't stand a chance against anyone, not even the students. I even think that Blobby could beat him up. I mean, who is he and what has he done in the business to deserve to be a special guest at the New York shows? I think that if he wants to see what's going on in ROH, he should either buy himself a ticket or a DVD, because he's no one special. I hope he sticks his nose into my business when he's there just so that I can punk him out in the middle of the ring, and make him tap out like the bitch that he is in the Hangman's Clutch. Go back on a radio show and call out Kurt Angle again, you moron. At least when you do that you know that no one's going to answer your challenge. Call me out, and I'll either knock you out or make you tap out. How about that? And to top it off, I know that I'm not the only ROH wrestler who feels that way, so if I were you, Puder, I'd just stay away.
On that note, I'm headed back to the gym to further perfect my wrestling skills. It's going to be a great week, and I can only hope that you can be there live to see me do my thing. Oh, wait. Most of you never leave the basement, so I guess that's not going to happen. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to share my greatness with the usual suspects in the crowd and my ever growing entourage. Don't worry; I'll be back next week with an update on my best week ever, as well as my guide to the holiday season. Also, be on the lookout for my "Gift Bag" for the ROH stars as we lead into Christmas. With that in mind, I bid you farewell for yet another week. This has been your weekly dose of enlightenment; this has been your Hero's Sandwich. Sayonara, suckers!
Yes everyone, that's Chris Hero. Truly world class and world classy. Can you see me rolling my eyes? They're almost in the back of my head.
Honorarium
-I absolutely thought the world of the Chris Jericho return. I cannot stand those who are saying it was underwhelming or whatever some such nonsense. Not that we have to worry about Jericho getting over or it not being what you thought it would be or what have you. Did you not hear the deafening reaction the fans gave him? How they chanted "Y2J" multiple times like it was indeed the second coming? The fans in attendance loved it and it was an incredible television moment.
You don't have to critique Jericho's hairstyle, his vest, the code being so easy to break (DUH like it was going to take NASA rocket scientists to solve the thing) or how the closeline "gave it all away". Um…IWC reports? the titantron screen being leaked? The WWE magazine cover? Jericho just about coming as close to admitting it without admitting it? HELLO!
Anyone who didn't realize this was going to be a throw back to Jericho's first appearance in WWE needs to get their head examined. Yes both WWE and TNA are living in the past as most especially much of 1997. At least from time to time WWe will flashforwad a couple of years to the good stuff that worked, in say 1999. Also it is GOOD stuff, not the nonsensical hackneyed and frustrating crap seen often on TNA. I can criticize WWE till the cows come home about much of its tasteless content (Eddie and Vicki I'm looking right at YOU) but when they get the good stuff right, man do they get it right.
Chris Jericho's return damn sure worked for me. It was one of those "pop out of your chair" moments for me, even though I knew it was coming. I was a huge fan of him in 1999 and I remain a huge fan of him today. I eagerly await what Y2J can do in 2007 and beyond.
ROH Preview: Dayton, OH 11/30/07
Montgomery County Fairgrounds
1043 S. Main St, Dayton, Ohio, 45409
8:00pm belltime
World Tag Team Title Match - To Be Taped For ROH's 4th PPV
Jay & Mark Briscoe defend vs. Davey Richards & Rocky Romero
The Briscoes have been bearing successfully the responsibility of being champions for some time now, including defending the tag titles twice on one show. Now the brothers who love to man up must do it all over again. First they face off against Roderick Strong's lieutenants in the No Remorse Corps. This will be a stiff challenge as the NRC have excellent chemistry in the ring and sharp tag team moves to match. The Briscoes can match them move for move, so it may come down to a knockout blow that will determine the winner. As this match is being taped for PPV, expect a more fierce than usual effort from The Briscoes to defend their reputations as they are perfect in tag team competition on PPV.
30 Minute Ironman Match
Austin Aries vs. Roderick Strong
Aries seemingly put this feud to rest in his victory against Strong in Edison, NJ for the fourth Pay Per View. However, in reality the score has only been tied up. Now we go to the proverbial extra innings and the series will be decided in an Ironman match. Strong has the edge in technical moves and submissions, while Aries remains the better striker and the faster wrestler. I'd advice against Aries matching up his strikes against Roddy's; he never could quite measure up to his former partner in that category. I'd expect great technical wrestling to start and perhaps a chaotic series of events (involving the other NRC members?) to wrap up the match.
Relaxed Rules
Bryan Danielson vs. The Necro Butcher
There's no particular reason this one is going down, except that it will be awesome! That's reason enough for me. Actually I'm sure Danielson is preparing to fight once again the wild monster that is Morishima and this is perfect target practice…well, maybe. Never underestimate the crazy Butcher whose stiff as hell punches and take no bullshit attitude drive him forward in matches. He can be unrelenting, especially in "relaxed" rules matches such as this. Yeah, relaxed, if you mean out of control crowd brawling, chairs, tables and maybe barbed wire (since this is Dayton, the site of War of the Wire II where Butcher and Whitmer scarred each other over aad over)…oh yeah, I guess you do mean relaxed rules.
This was a terrific "marquee" match to give to the Dayton crowd and in addition to the Ironman match and the two tag title defenses really solidifies the card as one to watch. Anyone who saw this fight go down in PWG (or viewed it from the comfort of their home) knows this one won't go to a 60 minute time limit. Not by far. In fact, it may very well be quick, but incredibly brutal for every moment that it lasts. Danielson knows how to fight, but he better not think he won't get bloody in this one.
Tag Team Scramble (if Briscoes win first title match, this will also be for the ROH World Tag Team Titles)
Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black with Lacey vs. Jack Evans & Ruckus vs. Brent Albright & BJ Whitmer
The Briscoes are no doubt going into this one hurt and perhaps injured after taking on the violent and deadly force of the NRC. The pain and the hurt will not stop them from fighting onwards, but perhaps if they are smart enough they will let the other teams take ach other out before going in for the win. Then again, that's more like Jacobs and Black's routine. After Jacobs and Butcher lost in New York, Age of the Fall have switched up their combination and this is the first time the D.I.F.H. unit will see action together in ROH. They worked together tremendously (sometimes in spite of each other) on WSX programming (as seen on MTV) and now that they are on the same page with the same agenda (and with Lacey by their side), they may be unstoppable in their march towards taking out The Briscoes and winning the ROH World Tag Team titles. The Vulture Squad and The Hangmen 3 are represented here with their top members for each faction. Evans and Ruckus are always threats to leave the ground and never return. Meanwhile the duo of Albright and Whitmer will love to lay waste to anyone in their path with suplexes and other high impact moves. The main issue is between AotF and The Briscoes, but either of these teams can play spoiler and win the straps going into the Trios Tournament.
Falls Count Anywhere Match
Delirious vs. Adam Pearce with Shane Hagadorn
Well, these two have a long and sordid history. They have fought and fought with each other, on and off since almost mid-2006. Pearce is a masked man-ist, and well, Delirious just happens to be masked. It's not his fault; he was born that way! Yet Pearce's horrible outlook on life and his belief that no man should remain masked has thrown Delirious into this horrible cycle. It's a shame spiral of match making, but who will escape with the victory in a fall count anywhere stipulation match? Delirious has no back up in this one, but Pearce always has his flunky Shane Hagadorn to assist. Plus you know the rest of his Hangmen are nearby. It's hard to think this feud will end here, but I would assume major damage gets dealt to someone here.
Special Attraction Match
Jigsaw vs. Chris Hero with Larry Sweeney, Sara Del Rey, Tank Toland & Bobby Dempsey
It was just a few months ago that Jigsaw was hired on by Sweet & Sour Inc. in order to help get the win against Nigel McGuinness and Claudio Castagnoli. While they did in fact win, you couldn't say that either man was on the same page. So it's not a shock to see that these two are now facing off against each other. Jig has looked mighty fine in his time in ROH, but has yet to earn that defining win that pushes him to the next level. Hero is surging and rejuvenated, almost at Kings of Wrestling 2006 levels. He is looking to prove that he is in top contention for the ROH World Title and so Jigsaw is a stepping stone in that path to the top. I'd expect Hero to win this one, but he will have to earn it in hard competition against a fellow CHIKARA wrestler.
Plus more to be signed with: ROH World Champion Nigel McGuinness; Claudio Castagnoli; Daizee Haze; Erick Stevens; Seth Skyfire; Human Tornado and others!!!
"Classic" Promo Month: Week Three
I wanted to go back and present some of ROH's past promos that I really enjoyed or found compelling. These aren't necessarily "the greatest ROH promos evar!" or else I would have called it as such. Rather these are "classic" promos in the sense that they are older but nonetheless remain quality due to content or circumstance. I hope you all enjoy.
Raven responds to CM Punk, Night of the Champions (Philadelphia, PA 03/22/03):
(Raven is sitting down on the floor next to a tiled wall, after the show)
CM Punk last week in Boston, you beat me in my own game. Raven's Rules…and CM Punk stepped up to the plate and hit one out. Some people think I should be upset at that, but I'm impressed. I think you got a lot of potential. Unfortunately I think you're also a jack ass. So tonight I made sure I had retribution. I made sure that I got revenge. And I made sure that I beat you.
Unfortunately and this bothers me, and this bothers me a lot. I was not able to give you the Raven Effect. I gave The Raven Effect to Ace Steel three or four times. I kept giving it to him and giving it to him, because I figured, you're not going to let your partner get beat up unmercifully. You gotta come in and make the save, you gotta come in and help him out, but you have such a complete and utter lack of balls.
You know, and then Cabana, somehow you manipulated him into joining your little rag-tag bunch of misfits, your little freak show. And the three of you stomped a mud hole in me and in the immortal words of Jim Ross, you walked it dry. But that's alright, because I don't mind taking three or four shots to give one. I don't mind getting choked out, knocked out, jumped on, beat down, as long as I get to give you The Raven Effect.
CM Punk I may not be on the next few shows. Maybe I'll be there in spirit. Maybe I'll be there laying low in the weeds and maybe I won't be there at all. Either way you're going to be looking over your shoulder. You're gonna be looking and you're gonna be wondering, because you know The Raven Effect is coming It may not be this week, it may not be next week, but its coming. It's coming and you know its coming. And there may be nothing worse than knowing that thing is out there and there is not a damn thing you can do about it. Welcome to Raven's Clockwork Orange House of Fun. Quote the Raven…nevermore.
Why it Works: Even in a short promo such as this, you can see the masterful promo ability of Raven at work. He layers his speech to give it more in-depth meaning but keeps it simple and clear enough that you can follow him at all points.
Raven lost his first match against CM Punk at Expect The Unexpected. He won his match against Punk and Ace Steel, but he is frustrated because the win itself was unfulfilling. What he really wanted to do he did not accomplish and that would be the thing that would eat at him and drive him more out of control by the time the feud reached its climax in late 2003. However, Raven never stops playing his own mind games here. He tries to figure out who CM Punk is, what he's about. Raven also tells the audience what he is all about—taking three hits to give one, which the one that will really count.
Raven never stops trying to intimidate Punk with his words. He sends out a clear warning that in the coming weeks he will be following Punk and trying to make his life a living hell, psychologically and maybe even physically. The psychology of paranoia is a very effective one and "the thing which know is out there" is a beautiful line, so clear and so on point.
Also don't lose the irony of Raven calling Punk's Second City Saints outfit a freakshow and a rag tag bunch. It was Raven's Flock / Nest which hosted an incredible assortment of oddities and freakzoids that brought Raven to the point he is at now. In fact, maybe Raven is so obsessed with Punk because he and Punk are so much alike…which would have really upset Punk to hear that idea at this point in his character's story. There is truth to it, made further by Punk in the show previous to this at Expect the Unexpected. In that show's closing promo, he warns Raven that Colt Cabana cannot be trusted as a partner. He subtly gave Raven a clue as to what would happen on this show….and so it came to pass. It seems like Raven should have seen it coming, should have expected it all along.
Raven and CM Punk's promos are a true classic highlight of ROH in 2003. Each one has the same sense of logic, emotional appeal and a prosaic delivery in their messages.
Going Home
Name That Tune Week 11
Every week I'll include an excerpt of music lyric and I'll ask you guys to guess the song. The catch is that it will be a wrestler's theme! All promotions are up for grabs, but I'll focus mostly on the independent scene.
Here was last week's clue
Clue: ROH alumnus
Lyric: "tell your children / not to do what I have done."
What's the name of the song and the artist?
The answer: "House of the Rising Sun" (made famous by The Animals, Jimmy rave's theme)
If there is anyone who would have that kind of message about not to do hat he or she has done, well its got to be that villainous Jimmy Rave. JIMMMEEEE RAAAVE! EH?
This week's winners (by order of receipt):
Mitchell Rose—who this week got in before even soulpower! Good job!
soulpower—who throws toilet paper into the air! YES!
Adam Nelson—who is a life long oldies fan. Well that's one advantage right there over the rest of the pack!
Bman
Brett Wright
Chris Landsell-- Is this a good time to point out I have 8 gig of themes on my hard drive?
Jbakes64
Jack Milner- i Loved Jimmy Rave in the Embassy, but when Nana left and he changed his music and entrance to this, he lost his heel heat and people lost caring.
Many people haven't forgotten The Embassy Now let's see if you can Name that Tune! for this week, November 24th, 2007!
Clue: ROH, for starters Lyric: "I've seen the future and I've left it behind" What's the name of the song and the artist?
**PWG Battle of Los Angeles 2006: Night One (Strong / Romero, CIMA / Cross, Deliirous / Generico, 8 Man Tag)
**SHIMMER Women's Athletes Volume 6 (MsChif / Melissa Last Woman Standing, Rebecca Knox / Allison Danger Pure Rules)
**PWG Hollywood Globetrotters (Super Dragon and Davey Richards vs. Roderick Strong and Jack Evans; Cape Fear (El Generico and Quicksilver) vs. Arrogance (Chris Bosh and Scott Lost); B-Boy vs. Frankie Kazarian; Alex Shelley vs. Chris Sabin.)
**PWG Beyond The Thunderdome (Super Dragon and Davey Richards vs. AJ Styles and Chris Daniels); Cape Fear vs. Arrogance; Joey Ryan vs. Chris Sabin)
**PWG Enchantment Under The Sea (Cape Fear vs. Briscoes; Matt Sydal vs. B-Boy; Super Dragon and Davey Richards vs. Arrogance; Austin Aries vs. Kevin Steen)
**wXw World Lightweight Tournament 2006 (Ares / Baron von Hagen, Pac / El Generico, Quackenbush / Roudin, 5 Way Tournament Match)
**ECWA Super 8 Tournament 2001 (Danielson / Low Ki, Danielson / Reckless Youth, Low Ki / Billy Fives, Danielson / Spanky)
**ROH FWA IPW:UK Frontiers of Honor 2 (Sydal / Richards, Cabana / Burridge, JC Thunder / Nigel McGuinness, Danielson / Brookside / Stone)
**PWG Battle of Los Angeles 2006: Night Two (Necro Butcher/Super Dragon, Hero/Horiguchi, Evans/Castagnolli)
**PWG Battle of Los Angeles 2006: Night Three (Generico / CIMA, Hero, Claudio, Necro, Romero / Cabana, Quicksilver, M-Dogg 20, Delirious, Generico / Sabin, Richards / Strong, Evans/ Horiguchi, Richards / CIMA)
**Chikara The Crushing Weight of Mainstream Ignorance (Quackenbush / Akuma, Steel / Steel, Sweeney / Kingston, Hair vs. Mask: Jigsaw / Icarus)
**Chikara King of Trios Night One (Order of the Neo Solar Temple / Los Ice Creams, Miyawaki, Yago & KUDO / Iron Saints, Sweeny, Eliis and Ryder vs. Neo Solar Temple POSEDOWN, Shima Xion / Nobutaka Moribe)
**SHIMMER Volume 7 (Daizee Haze/Cheerleader Melissa, Mercedes Martinez/LuFisto, Sara Del Rey/Nattie Neidhart)
**Chikara King of Trios Night Two (Sabin, Shelley and Dutt vs. Quackenbush, Jigsaw and Shane Storm / Hallowicked, Cheech and Cloudy vs. Lince Dorado, Pantera and Sicodelico Jr. / Olsen Twins vs. Miyagi and Yago / Quack T-Shirt Squad vs. Boyer and 2.0)
**Chikara King of Trios Night Three (Pantera, Lince Dorado & Sicodelico, Jr. vs. Mike Quackenbush, Jigsaw & Shane Storm / Kings Of Wrestling vs. Kudo, Yoshiaki Yago & Miyawaki / Mike Quackenbush, Jigsaw & Shane Storm vs. Kudo, Yoshiaki Yago & Miyawaki / Ricochet vs. Claudio Castagnoli / Daizee Haze vs. Sara Del Ray / Mokujin Ken vs. Mecha Mummy / Matt Sydal vs. Hallowicked)
**UWA Hardcore: Hour of the Dragon (Ultimo Dragon / Black Tiger, Chris Sabin / Josh Prohibition, Mike Quackenbush / Claudio Castagnoli, Tyler Black / Josh Ambercrombie)
**Fight Sports Midwest: Chapter One (Samoa Joe / Eddie Kingston, Larry Sweeney / Bryan Alvarez, Josh Ambercrombie / Austin Aries, Hydra / "Old Timer" Jeff King) **Fight Sports Midwest: Chapter Two (Alex Shelley / Low Ki, Mike Quackenbush / Tiger Mask IV, Human Tornado / Josh Ambercrombie)
**CHIKARA: Rey De Voladores (Chris Hero / Claudio Castagnoli, Chuck Taylor / Lince Dorado, Cheech & Cloudy / F.I.S.T. (Gran Akuma & Icarus), Chuck Taylor / Ricochet / Pac / Retail Dragon)
**SHIMMER Women's Athletes Volume 8 (Sara Del Rey / Mercedes Martinez, Daizee Haze / Tiana Ringer, Nattie Neidhart / Portuguese Princess Ariel, Allison Danger / Lufisto)
**CHIKARA: Anniversario? (Hero / Quackenbush, Hallowicked / Kingston, Pantera & Lince Dorado / Castagnoli & Sweeney, Worker Ant / Hydra, Player Uno / Shayne Hawke)
**CHIKARA: Maximum Overdraft (F.I.S.T. / Briscoes, Mike Quackenbush / Black Tiger, Hero & Castagnoli / El Pantera & Lince Dorado, The Colony / Los Tres Deliriouses, Daizee Haze / Sara Del Rey—2 out of 3 Falls)
**SHIMMER Women Athletes Volume 9 (MsChif / Amazing Kong, Cheerleader Melissa / Sara Del Rey, Tiana Ringer / Nikki Roxx, Lexie Fyfe & Malia Hosaka / Allison Danger & Cindy Rogers)
**PWG: Passive Hostility (PWG Tag Team Titles: Super Dragon & B-Boy / Cape Fear of El Generico & Quicksilver, PWG Title Three Way: Joey Ryan / Human Tornado / Kevin Steen, Scorpio Sky, Chris Bosh & Scott Lost / Kazarian, Sabin & Shelley, Richards / Romero)
**SHIMMER Women Athletes Volume 10 (Daizee Haze / Amazing Kong, Del Rey Nikki Roxx, Melissa / Lacey, Amber O'Neal / MsChif, Allison Danger / Cindy Rogers, Perez / Ariel)
**PWG: Based on a True Story (PWG Title: Joey Ryan / Human Tornado, Loser Leaves PWG: Kazarian / Scorpio Sky, Colt Cabana / Rocky Romero, Bosh / Steen)
**PWG Holy Diver Down (PWG Title: Human Tornado / El Generico, PAC / Kevin Steen, Arrogance / Motor City Machine Guns, Karl Anderson / Frankie Kazarian)
**FIP Unfinished Business 2007 (Dog Collar Match: Erick Stevens / Steve Madison, TLC: Sal Rinauro / Seth Delay, FIP Heavyweight Title: Strong / Albright, Jack Evans / Gran Akuma, Sweeney / Claudio Castagnoli )
**TNA: Instant Classic: The Best of Christian Cage (NWA Title: Jarrett / Cage, Barbed Wire Six Sides of Steel: Rhino / Cage, Against All Odds 2007: Angle / Cage, Destination X: Joe / Cage)
**UWA Hardcore: vs. Toryumon Japan Night 1 (Jushin "Thunder" Liger & Puma / Ultimo Dragon & Kazuchika Okada, UWA Canadian Tilte: Alex Shelley / MDogg20 / Josh Prohibition, Sonjay Dutt / Brian Lee / Chris Sabin, Larry Sweeney / Passion Hasegawa, Dan Paysan / Daisuke Hanaoka )
**UWA Hardcore: vs. Toryumon Japan Night 2 (Jushin "Thunder" Liger & Ultimo Dragon / Motor City Machine Guns, UWA Lightweight Title: Lionel Knight / Hiromi Horiguchi, UWA Canadian Title: Josh Prohibition / Kazuchika Okada, Derek Wylde / Daisuke Hanaoka / Puma, M Dogg 20 / Brian Lee)
**FIP Battle of the Belts (Eddie Graham Memorial) (Stevens / Strong, Strong / Jay Briscoe, Jay Briscoe / Sweeney, Stevens / Delirious, Stevens / SHINGO)
**PWG Giant Sized Annual # 4 (PWG World Title: El Generico / Bryan Danielson, PWG World Tag Team Titles: Roderick Strong & PAC / Kevin Steen & El Generico, Danielson / Necro Butcher, Aries / Romero, Fergal Devitt / Davey Richards, Karl Anderson, Bino Gambino & Scott Lost / TJ Perkins & The Young Bucks) (NEW ADDITION)
ROH and TNA might be a bit older, but PWG is never too far behind. It has lasted a good while in this "neo-indy" era that has been happening ever since 2002. So this DVD, which marks PWG's fourth anniversary of shows, already had importance and relevancy. It also has some of the best wrestling this year for PWG. With a strong card and three marquee matches (two of which involve ROH favorite Bryan Danielson), this is a MUST BUY pick up. A lot of the hype will be surrounding PWG's Battle of Los Angeles 2007 tournament, but if you're on the way to picking that set up, don't forget about this one.
The first thing that you will notice is the improvement in DVD production and presentation of the product. PWG usually does a great job with its cover and this one—an homage of Avengers Giant Sized Annual # 4, is top notch. Then when you start the DVD you get a full motion, "comic book" style opening sequence to get you to the menu options. That one had me smiling before any of the wrestling had begun.
The under card, as stated, is strong and well worth watching. The show really gets going with the six man tag match between Karl Anderson, who has joined up with The Dynasty, Scott Lost and Bino Gambino up against TJ Perkins and The Young Bucks. Larry Csonka often uses the phrase "this is what a TNA X-Division match ought to be" when complimenting fast paced matches of high quality and that's exactly what I think about this one. These guys almost stole the show with their high flying. The Young Bucks are in fact still very green, very generic babyfaces in The Rockers mold, but it's a gimmick and a style that works for them. They have great tag team chemistry and their timing is on point for this match. Fergal Devitt also jumps out as having a ton of potential in this one. He and Davey Richards have a great chain wrestling match, which unfortunately doesn't get as much positive reception as it should, but also does run a bit too long. I liked it a lot and think Devitt has a lot of upside to him.
Joey Ryan faces off against a now 100 percent babyface Scorpio Sky. While this is a match that features two of the more prominent names in PWG history, the match falls a bit flat. I think the placement of the match in the middle of the card, as well as the two being slower than usual in their execution of the match cost them some of the fan reaction that they could have received had the match opened the show or placed higher on the card.
The greatest matches on the show come with a 1-2-3 combination. Danielson was supposed to have received a PWG title shot on the show, but when The Briscoes couldn't make it "because they were too drunk to get on the plane" (an excellently funny way to bury them for the no-show) he issues an open challenge and Necro Butcher is there to answer it. ROH fans will get to see this one next week in Dayton, but PWG fans have already seen just how good this one can get. A few minutes in and both men are already bloody. Necro's punches are as usual, the highlight of his matches and he gets in a few great ones before he goes down to Danielson's technical prowess.
I love how Danielson arranges the finishes to matches—he amps it up to a frenetic pace, chaining his moves in sequence so that you know the finish could come at anytime, but he and his opponent still pour it on in an effort to win.
The PWG tag title match is Strong & PAC vs. Steen & El Generico, who at the time were riding the huge wave of momentum in their ROH feud with The Briscoes. What better way to stick it to their rivals by replacing them in this match? Then they actually went out and won the straps in an excellent match with plenty of athletic moves and another hot finishing sequence.
Finally we get the third act in the story as Danielson comes back to challenge El Generico for a title match right then and there. The nuances of this challenge are great. First he doesn't "tell" Steen, he "asks" Steen to leave the ring, thus showing us the difference between which man he has issue with (and avoiding the wrath of the hot tempered Mr. Wrestling). His case is that they have both wrestled a match that night and are both beaten up, therefore its even ground. He also challenges El Generico's pride by claiming he "Needs" to show that he is a worthy champion by putting the belt on the line in trying situations such as this one. Finally he slaps the taste out of Generico's mouth and it is on.
The resulting match is one of Danielson's finest efforts in a year when he had a bunch of them. Danielson's win also puts Generico over for survive what turned out to be a hell of an onslaught. Danielson shows he can be a great and inspiring champion not just in ROH, but anywhere he goes on the independent scene.
*The ROH List Returns next week.
This section needs your help! If you want to recommend some good independent wrestling to your fellow internet readers out there, drop me a line for the column.
ROH @ 411 This Week
It might be the Heat Report, but Stuart Carapola has quite a few comments and criticisms to make about ROH in this week's edition.
Mike Campbell goes back to where it all began for SHIMMER women's wrestling for his take on Volume 1 of their ongoing series.
Keeping up with the SHIMMER coverage is Ryan "Mr. SHIMMER" Byers with his part two at the ultimate starter's guide to the promotion.
Samuel Berman continues his rising stars theme to The Independent Mid Card by seeing just how far Kevin Steen has come in two year's time.
Honor Bound Links
I'm going to go outside of 411 to give my first plug in this section. Check out Alex Marvez's preview of ROH "Man Up" PPV and a look at The Briscoes in this column.
Matt Sforcina stops the evolution, just for a little while, in order to give thanks.
The Seventh Dimension: Chris Masters. Oh…is that NOT the masterpiece he's talking about? Sorry.
High Road / Low Road is talking about the pluses and minuses of Chris Jericho. Meanwhile, Bayani also has his say about Y2J in this week's Truth B Told.
One more week in, one more week to punch out. Final Column 2007 is 5 weeks and counting and I'm so freaking excited for it. Things are shaping up nicely and I think you all will enjoy the veritable cornucopia of columns available during the feature. I thank in advance all of those on staff involved in the project—folks, its going to be big!
Next week I'll have my thoughts and analysis on the Man Up PPV, which is debuting on the same night as ROH is running in Dayton, OH. I'll have results from that show and a preview of the Trios Tournament 2007 show from Chicago. It's also the last week of "classic" promos month and we're gonna go out with a bang baybeh. And yes that was a clue right there. Until next week…thanks for reading and…
