Column of Honor: 03.15.08: The Independent Buy In Spectacular 2!

Posted by Ari Berenstein on 03.15.2008

Dover, Dover, won’t you come on over. Results from ROH in New Jersey as a part of “The Wrestler” filming, a preview of tonight’s second showing and Sunday’s PPV taping, video from Nigel’s sit down interview and the best of SHIMMER and CHIKARA’s new releases.

Welcome to the Column.



Ring Toss
-ROH Results: 03/14/08 in Dover, NJ
-ROH Call
-ROH News
-My Fave 5
-Honorarium
-ROH Preview: March 15th in Dover, New Jersey, march 16th PPV Taping in Philadelphia, PA
-The Independent Buy In Spectacular 2!
-Name That Tune
-Ringtones
-ROH @ 411
-Honor Bounds Links


ROH Results: ROH @ "The Wrestler" Taping, Night One, March 14th, 2008, Dover, New Jersey

Matches
-FIP Heavyweight Champion Roderick Strong defeated Pelle Primeau via submission with a variation of an inverted Texas cloverleaf. The FIP title was not on the line in this match.
-Non-Title Four Corner Survival Match: Claudio Castagnoli defeated ROH World Champion Nigel McGuinness via pinfall with the Ricola Bomb. Erick Stevens and BJ Whitmer were also involved in the match.
-Four Corner Survival Qualifier: Delirious defeated Necro Butcher when Necro was distracted by Daizee Haze and Lacey fighting it out.
-Bryan Danielson and Austin Aries defeated The Vulture Squad of Ruckus and Jigsaw. Aries submits Ruckus with the Horns of Aries after he and J-Train were distracted by Eddie Kingston.
-Four Corner Survival Qualifier: Go Shiozak defeated Brent Albright via pinfall with a moonsault
-Kevin Steen defeated Davey Richards via pinfall with the package piledriver.
-The Age of the Fall of Tyler Black &Joey Mathews defeated The Briscoe Brothers. Via pinfall with a double arm DDT by Matthews on Mark on the chair.


Angles & Issues

-A Stage Has Been Erected: Along with "The Wrestler" filming came an upgraded production stage (don't know if its just for these shows or whether or not it will be incorporated full time). An improved lighting rig and an elevated stage with red stripe in the center and red lights all around the ramp way. it looks very, very cool:


(photo credit: Bones Barkley)

That's going to look good for both the movie and the ROH DVD.

-Every Other Wrestler: Filming for the movie "The Wrestler" with Mickey Rourke and Ernest "The Cat Miller' (oh yes, that Ernest Miller) directed by Darren Arnofsky basically took place every other match / segment. I don't think that's the way I would have gone about it, but then again, there really was no best way to go about it, since any way you slice it, adding a movie filming to a wrestling event is very hairy business.

-Green Team?: apparently ROH is now playing up some sort of bond or connection between Delirious and Haze, as da green guy was making goo-goo eyes and faces at Haze after she interfered on his behalf in the match against Necro Butcher. It was reported this was behind her back, so this just looks to be the set up of something as opposed to a mutual feeling. More as it develops.

-The King Has Arrived: After many months of being on the ROH Fans' wanted list (well, some of them anyway), Eddie F'NNNN Kingston is being brought into ROH. He worked an angle where he bought a ticket and was in the crowd. He became a distractive force to The Vulture Squad, particular Ruckus, his fellow member of BLK OUT. Apparently he doesn't appreciate Ruckus taking any independent work outside of their own unit.

-So…The Gun for Hire Can't Be Bought? Weird: "Sweet & Sour" Larry Sweeney's big play of the day came as he tried to recruit Brent Albright into Sweet and Sour Inc Albright declined, saying he didn't "associate with dirt bags". Huh, how ironic.

-Sara You Later: It was further insult to injury when Sara Del Ray gave Sweeney his walking papers immediately after, stating that she didn't appreciate or approve of his actions back in NY regarding Dempsey & Danger. To be honest, I'd rather they'd have not mentioned it, and if anything she should have just walked out because of the aggregate of abuse piled on top of Bobby Dempsey.

-Dover and Over: After the main event The Age of the Fall looked to continue to deal damage to The Briscoes, as Necro "West Virginia Son" Butcher came down to make the beat down three on two, which brought out THE HAZE and The Delirious to even the score.

ROH plays The Baker Theatre again tonight (full preview below).


ROH Call

ROH Champions—As of 03/15/2008

ROH World Champion—Nigel McGuinness (champion since 10/06/07, 7 successful defenses)
-defeated Takeshi Morishima in Edison, New Jersey to win the championship.

Next Defense:: vs. TBD, Philadelphia, PA, 03/16/08

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)
V.3 defeated Austin Aries, Jawbreaker Lariat (12/29/07 Manhattan, NY)
V.4 defeated Go Shiozaki, London Dungeon (wristlock submission) (01/20/08 Tokyo, Japan,)
V.5 Steel Cage Match: defeated Chris Hero (01/25/08, Dayton, OH)
V.6 defeated Roderick Strong, Jawbreaker Lariat (01/26/08, Chicago Ridge, IL)
V.7 defeated Bryan Danielson, London Dungeon (02/23/08, Manhattan, NY)


ROH World Tag Team Champions—The No Remorse Corps (Davey Richards & Rocky Romero) (champions since 01/26/08, 1 successful defense)
-defeated Age of the Fall (Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black) in Chicago Ridge, IL to win the championship.

Next Defense: vs. winner of Vulture Squad / Hangmen Three, Orlando, FL, 03/28/08

V.1 defeated Ruckus & Jigsaw (02/23/08 Manhattan, NY)


Sweet & Sour Incorporated Presents The Intergender Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Of The World —Chris Hero & Sara Del Rey (champions since 01/12/08, 2 successful defenses)
Status Unknown since Del Rey has left Sweet & Sour Inc. as of 3/14/08

V.1 defeated Ernie Osiris & Alexa Thatcher (01/12/08, Edison, NJ)
V.2 defeated Kyle Durden & Alex "Sugarfoot" Payne (01/26/08, Chicago Ridge, IL)


FIP Heavyweight Champion: Roderick Strong (since 02/16/2008)
-defeated Erick Stevens via count out to win the title (FIP title can change hands on count out)
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
-The Age of the Fall vs. The Briscoes
-Kevin Steen & El Generico vs. No Remorse Corps
-Erick Stevens vs. Roderick Strong
-Austin Aries & Age of the Fall / Lacey vs. Sunny
-Sweet & Sour Inc. "Corporate Takeover"
-ROH vs. Dragon Gate (upcoming series in Orlando, FL)



ROH News
(via the ROHnewswire… and other sources when attributed

The 411 on 4/11 in Boston Right Here… on 411Mania!

It will be Nigel McGuinness vs. Austin Aries vs. Erick Stevens vs. Roderick Strong. This match will be under elimination rules!!! There will be one man standing at the end of the night and he will be ROH World Champion. If McGuinness loses the belt at the 3/16 PPV taping in Philly, whoever defeats him will be put into this match instead of McGuinness.

Last time in Boston at "Proving Ground" Kevin Steen battled The Necro Butcher in a wild fight. Now the rematch has been signed!!! 4/11 will see Steen vs. Necro Butcher in a Last Man Standing Match!!! There will be no rules and the only way to win is to knock your opponent out for a 10 count.

The Four Corner Elimination in Boston has four of ROH's top contenders for the title, so you're looking at an exciting main event where a change could be possible (but not likely). Its interesting in that we have a very Generation Next / Resilience / NRC vibe going in the match with the three challengers and although those issues have been settled, you'd have to think those relationships may be reprised in order to play up the drama. Steen & Necro hasn't let down yet, either in ROH or PWG, so a last man standing is a natural progression for their "unofficial" series of matches.


Nigel McGuinness Sit Down Interview

The long awaited McGuinness interview explaining his feelings as a result of his actions at the sixth anniversary show has been released and its been met with rave reviews. This is only part one with the next installment being available sometime next week.




Jacobs Tells Shelley to Talk to the Hand

Jimmy Jacobs made a very interesting challenge on his Myspace that is getting a lot of talk among ROH officials. You can check out his blog at: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=2505822
The basic gist is that Jacobs is offended that Shelley is returning to ROH and that he still has a ton of hatred and unresolved feelings against him because of their long standing rivalry on the independent scene. SO Jacobs has challenged Shelley and Sabin to fight he and Black in Detroit to see who the better team really is.


Use the Battering Ram Luke!

Bushwacker Luke will be on the ROH events in Orlando, FL to meet the fans and sign autographs. Bushwacker Luke will have an official match in ROH in one week on 3/16 in Philadelphia. It will be Bushwacker Luke vs. Shane Hagadorn, representing The Hangmen Three. This will be a bonus match for the live crowd and won't be on the PPV.

Its very different to see Luke being involved in ROH on a more consistent basis, but the fans were very accepting of his presence in NYC and it worked for Tammy Sytch, so I guess I don't take too much offense to this at all. It gets a veteran wrestler another payday, and we get to see Shane Hagadorn humiliated once again. Works all around.


Contender's Match for PPV Tag Title Shot

Ring Of Honor is set to tape PPV #6 in Philadelphia THIS SUNDAY with a special 5pm belltime. This is sure to be a very special show as ROH finally tapes PPV in its birthplace. The entire PPV will be taped, except for the ROH World Tag Team Title Match, which will be taped on March 29th in Orlando, FL. There will be a special non-PPV match this Sunday in Philadelphia. A team representing The Hangmen Three will take on The Vulture Squad of Ruckus & Jigsaw with Julius Smokes & Mercedes Martinez. The winning team will get booked in Orlando and challenge for the ROH World Tag Team Titles on pay-per-view!!!

There will be a special edition of "The Larry Sweeney Show Starring Larry Sweeney" as part of the PPV taping this Sunday. Sweeney promises to do some business.

Not much to add right now, but I'll comment more on each in my PPV preview below.


Edison Gets Butchered

The 6th Anniversary Show a few weeks ago in Manhattan saw an absolutely brutal FIP Title Three-Way pitting Roderick Strong vs. The Necro Butcher vs. Erick Stevens. The ending saw Strong almost break Necro's neck. Now Necro wants a one-on-one match. It will take place on 4/12 in Edison, NJ. Get tickets now for under $10 at www.ROHwrestling.com to see Roderick Strong vs. The Necro Butcher, Austin Aries vs. Kota Ibushi and Kevin Steen challenge for the ROH World Title in Edison, NJ. The stipulation of Strong vs. Necro will be announced in the upcoming weeks depending on if Strong is still FIP World Heavyweight Champion.

There's good reason that Necro is so mad at Strong for almost breaking his neck-remember kids, he doesn't have health insurance. Only so many times he can borrow Tyler Black's card.


Dragon Gate vs. ROH Also in Jai-Alai

The stars of Dragon Gate will be in attendance at the free ROH fanfest in Orlando on March 29th from 12pm-3pm. For more information check out: http://www.orlandojaialai.com/promotional.htm

You know, this expands the spectrum of possible Dragon gate vs. ROH matches a hell of a lot. Think about this DG vs. ROH in a best two out of three of unnecessary sports, Jai-Alai, racquetball and bocce.

By the way if anyone is interested in how t play Jai alai, here you go. Not that I have any idea of what any of it means, mind you, but FYI.


Punk vs. Homicide Released from Vault

ROHvideos.com will soon feature a "Vaulted Classics" section featuring matches from out-of-stock DVDs. the first bout of the series will be CM Punk vs. Homicide from "ROH Gold."

There are better quality choices of matches to start out with than Punk vs. Homicide, although I can understand why they would want to use this match as their first (name value). It's a solid match, but if I recall it was the first step in Punk's three match weekend. He was in the main event of Gold and then went on to headline in the famous Joe vs. Punk 2 match the next night. You can tell he was saving a little something for later on, but again, a decent little match overall.





I wanted a new feature in the wake of the middle of the column being vacated and this is what I came up with. These are the wrestlers on my fave five list right now. What that means is that I really enjoyed their efforts and performance in one way or another. This is different from the Wrestle of the Week feature because I am including the wrestling DVDs I watched over the last week, not just mainstream TV or PPV. Also, I'm measuring personal enjoyment, not determining who had the "best week ever".

So who's in my fave five this week?

1. Shawn Michaels & Ric Flair: These two are masterful at conduction wrestling promos that make you excited to see them wrestler, but also just to see them. I love Ric Flair's promos because they're just so compelling. The way Flair talks to you as if you know him intimately and you know his cause and what he fights for, that's what gets me into professional wrestling angles to begin with.Flair and HBK held a symposium for how to create excitement for a match. Without turning either one heel, Flair and HBK have invoked, respect, honor and the desire to win within the thread of their feud. I am greatly anticipating their match as one of the major highlights of WWE Wrestlemania 24.
2. The Big Show: Another wrestler right now who I loved to cheer for and I'm not sure why, but right now Big Show is just immensely easy to cheer for and support. The crowd is digging him, I am digging what he has to say and I really do hope against hope that he gets to chokeslam the hell out of Floyd Mayweather. By the by, while Show manages to sell himself as a giant capable of squishing Mayweather in many different ways with many different examples, Mayweather has subscribed to the Randy Orton school of promos…say everything over and over and over again, in the most flat and monotone way.
3. CM Punk: Sure, Punk lost a mid-Raw four minute special to Edge and looked like your typical "stupid" babyface. Sure Punk only was able to defeat Big Daddy V via count out to "earn" his entry into the Money in the Bank match (even though the massively pro-Punk crowd in Chicago would have MARKED for Punk maneuvering V from the apron or on the ropes into the Go 2 Sleep). Forget all that. What I want to talk about is CM Punk vs. AJ Styles from At Our Best! Yes, I broke out some old school ROH in the middle of the week and watched Punk and Styles go at it in a Pure Wrestling title defense with Ricky Steamboat as the special ref. Punk and AJ going at it, pushing a very nice pace and the subtle progression of Steamboat from special ref to newly minted nemesis of CM Punk. What a blast it is just to break this one out every so often as marvel at how good Punk is as a heel. I definitely appreciate his selling for Steamboat's chops at the end, including the wide eyed look he gives as he realizes he was just taken to school. Its not the cleanest, most botch-free match, but it was a definite breath of fresh air from everything, including the current ROH scene.
4. Samoa Joe & Jay Briscoe: The other match from At Our Best that I took in was the Joe / Jay cage match and STILL to this day it remains up there on the charts as one of the most bloody matches in ROH history. I have to admire both men for going at it, even after Jay is bleeding all over the place a sickening amount of "the clarin" as Ray Morrow (Doug Gentry) put it. The crowd freaks out for the cage match, as they love the brutality of it. I love the booking of the escape through the cage after Joe Ole's a hole through the mesh. Jay almost gets out thanks to his brother's help. The super back drop driver (called as such), the super muscle buster from Joe, just an awesome sequence of big moves down the stretch. Plus you get the second half of the Joe-Styles encounter as they debate world politics and whose title was better, Joe's World title or Styles's Pure title.
5. Tommy Dreamer & Colin Delaney: Delaney has officially ARRIVED to the world of extreme. Two massive flip dives, giving the hardcore as good as he takes it…this is solid and exciting character progression. It all makes sense given Delaney is spending time under the Tommy Dreamer learning tree. Yes, that means he is learning how to job. Seriously, Dreamer is also giving a ton of effort, killing himself almost on that table break spot to end the match. This is the most dynamic jobber to the stars duo since the likes of 1-2-3 Kid and Marty Jannetty.


Honorarium

-In the wake of the Jeff Hardy suspension, I overheard two teenage girls in the school I teach talk for several minutes about how they loved Hardy and were really inspired by him. Plus, they thought he was hot (of course). It basically broke my heart to know that Hardy has broken their hearts and they don't even know it, because I know these girls did not know of Hardy's suspension and don't check the internet. I wasn't about to spoil the moment for them, but I know in a few week's time they'll find out why Hardy isn't on TV any more…and that's going to suck for them. One more reason why drug addiction sucks…the innocent wrestling fans that watch just to be entertained, inspired and yes, watch "hotties" pretend to fake fight, they don't even have the first clue about the dark side of it all.


ROH Preview: March 15th 2008 at The Baker Theatre in Dover, New Jersey

7:30 pm belltime
41 West Blackwell Street
Dover, NJ 07801

The Main Event
Bryan Danielson & Austin Aries vs. Nigel McGuinness & Go Shiozaki

We get another round of a Ring of Honor dream team matching up against a NOAH all-star connection. Last time it was back at United We Stand in mid-2007 with Danielson and McGuinness teaming up to fight Marufuji and Morishima. We've long since past the point where Danielson and McGuinness can be on the same team and get along, but Danielson and Aries seem to have respect for each other's talent and accomplishments. The "gold" is the thing that connects Danielson, Aries and McGuinness together. Go Shiozaki is looking to continue to make an impression among the fans and the rest of the ROH roster. He's done a great job thus far with commanding performances since he's arrived and he's 3-2 in the record column. I'm expecting McGuinness to help him add another one to the win tally, especially since Nigel took a loss last night in Dover. Danielson & Aries are tremendous team, but I think Aries will be moving on soon to the services of Tammy Sytch and that might take him away from Team"work" (as they've been dubbed by the ROH fans). This is going to be THE match worth the wait of the taping for the movie. All four men can bring the excitement and I think lots of buzz will be stemming from this one after its all said and done.

Tag Team Challenge
Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. Brent Albright & BJ Whitmer

The Briscoes surprisingly lost their first match in ROH back from their overseas tour. Albright and Whitmer are currently the defacto number two contenders for the ROH World Tag Team Titles, so a win here will help Jay & Mark's case for another crack at the titles. However, I expect it to be a harder road to get back to the top than might be expected for 2007's top team. Albright's power and Whitmer's durability make for a tough combination to beat, and The Briscoes might have Age of the Fall on the brain too much to really take the HM3 seriously.

Qualifying Match For 3/16 Four Corner Survival
Claudio Castagnoli vs. Davey Richards

I predicted Claudio would make it through in this one and I will stick with that call. Currently, Castagnoli is a top tier face in ROH and his in-ring mechanics and workmanship help to prove his case. Richards has checked in with some command performances (notably against Naomichi Marufuji back at Final Battle 2007) and has looked great as a part of the tag team champions along with Rocky Romero. I think Claudio makes it through Richards' bluster and European uppercuts his way into the win column.

Qualifying Match For 3/16 Four Corner Survival
Tyler Black vs. Erick Stevens

It would help to keep Stevens looking good in the wake of losing the FIP Heavyweight Title if he came away with a win here and qualifies for the 4CS match at the PPV tapings. Black has had some really good appearances in ROh lately, including what some are calling a breakout match against Bryan Danielson in late January. I am expecting age of the Fall to have business with The Briscoes at the PPV and so the win for me goes to Stevens, using his power to knock down and knock over Black for the three count.

Four Corner Survival
FIP World Heavyweight Champion Roderick Strong vs. The Necro Butcher vs. Delirious vs. Eddie Edwards

Strong, Butcher and now Delirious connect to each other via angles and storylines, while Eddie Edwards is the odd man out of the equation. I expect some nice sequences where Necro goes after Strong and Delirious goes after Necro (as a result of last night's show). Edwards tends to be reasonably over with the crowd due to his solid mechanics and he may get some moments to shine here. I'd also expect Strong to win this one, probably over Edwards.

Sixth Anniversary Show Rematch
Kevin Steen vs. Joey Matthews

One man is on his way to a ROH World Title shot and has been protected very well in the build up to that match. The other is one of the lower men on the AotF totem pole and already had a spotlight win in the main event to last night's show. I think Matthews puts in a better effort than he did in NYC against Steen, but the result stays the same—Mr. Wrestling proves why his name is on the marquee.

Tag Team Special Attraction Match
Ruckus & Jigsaw with Julius Smokes vs. Adam Pearce & Shane Hagadorn

It remains to be seen if Eddie Kingston will continue to stalk fellow BLK OUT member Ruckus in this match, but my guess would be yes. Would it be enough to unnerve The Vulture Squad? I would guess no, that The V-Squad will get a win here against slightly less dangerous competition as compared to last night. Pearce is a formidable opponent but Hagadorn is a weak link and I expect he will be taken advantage of and picked apart by the Vultures.

Plus more including:

The Women Of Honor including Lacey and Daizee Haze!!!
Larry Sweeney, with Bobby Dempsey, will be in attendance!!!
Bushwacker Luke will be available for autographs!!!
Special taping of scenes for the movie "The Wrestler" starring Mickey Rourke!!!


ROH Preview: March 16th 2008 at The National Guard Armory in Philadelphia, PA

5:00pm belltime
Pennsylvania National Guard Armory
2700 Southampton Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19154

Four Corner Survival - Winner Gets A World Title Shot That Night
The winners of the qualifying matches on 3/14 & 3/15 in Dover, NJ will compete in this bout

[Delirious] vs. [Go Shiozaki] vs. [winner of Richards / Castagnoli] vs. [winner of Stevens / Black]

Two of the four men who will compete for a title shot are now known and two remain to be seeded into the match. Delirious is riding high after a PPV victory against Brent Albright and an impressive showing against Necro Butcher in Dover. The green machine has proven in the past to be a capable challenge to the ROH title, but has never won the big one. Go Shiozaki will make his PPV debut as the latest Japanese import to get a huge opportunity with the company. ROH may look to take advantage of Go's history with Nigel, but it's a match that doesn't make a lot of sense given the plotlines of the last five PPVs. It's too out of the blue. To me, Castagnoli, if he makes it out of his qualifying bracket, would be the man to challenge Nigel. For one, he already has a pinfall win last night in Dover from the 4CS match, so that's some foreshadowing right there. Double C has also been constantly and consistently featured on the last five PPVs and has done a very good job being an upper card baby face that the crowd gets into. A win against Chris Hero from "Rising Above" puts Claudio in the spotlight and I think ROH should take advantage of the momentum from that win to get him to this title match. Claudio and Nigel have always paired up well in the past and if you're looking for a PPV quality main event that will given fans incentive to purchase the product, then you should match those two up. Erick Stevens has an outside shot should he qualify to make it to the title match due to the added attention he has received over the last few months, but the loss on the last PPV puts a question mark on whether or not he truly has "earned" his title shot for PPV.

ROH World Title Match
Nigel McGuinness Will Defend the ROH World Title against the winner of the Four Corner Survival

No matter who comes out the winner of the 4CS, I think we're looking at title retention for Nigel. We're just getting started with this new heel turn and no one is going to be taking the belt off of him anytime soon. ROH is merely looking for someone who can give Nigel a great run and a good match on PPV, and I think Nigel heels his way past the challenge.

No Rules Tag Team War
Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. members of The Age Of The Fall

My picks for the AotF army would be the top members Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black. I think after setting up the rivalry and the tension between the groups for two PPVs, its time to give the PPV fans the real deal as far as a Briscoes vs. Jacobs / Black match. These four can go hot and heavy against each other and provide a show stealer if that's what's called for. I'm hoping ROH will explain why neither team holds the tag belts and why it's important they fight each other, to settle differences and establish who will be the next team to challenge for the belts (that being for the seventh PPV).

Special Challenge Match
Roderick Strong vs. Kevin Steen

The NRC vs. Steen-erico feud is just beginning to develop, so this match featuring the NRC leader and one of the more charismatic faces on the roster comes early. If this is on PPV, I'd expect Strong to win because he has been made to look very dominant on those shows. If it's a DVD only match, Steen may get the win to continue to build momentum to his title shot as well as demonstrate that he is capable of taking out anyone in the NRC at any given moment.

The PPV edition of "The Larry Sweeney Show Starring Larry Sweeney"

As long as there is no Allison Danger I think we'll all be all right. My expectations is that Sweeney drops a bombshell announcement in order to kick start the hostile takeover. Maybe it will be a merger with another faction, or maybe it will be the signing of the ROH World Champ, Nigel McGuinness, to an exclusive talent contract. Now THAT would shake things up and bring the power direct to Sweet & Sour Incorporated.

Non-PPV Match- Winner Gets World Tag Team Title Shot In Orlando
Ruckus & Jigsaw with Julius Smokes & Mercedes Martinez vs. a team representing The Hangmen Three

Since its non-PPV and the V-Squad takes on the HM3 the previous night in Dover, my expectation would be the other two members who they didn't fight will be their opponents here. That means Brent Albright & BJ Whitmer, who provide strong competition and will make things interesting. If Jigsaw can truly break through without the mask, his effort here may be the difference. I think the baby faces win and that gives Jigsaw and Ruckus one more chance at the NRC and the tag titles.

Also signed for ROH's 6th PPV taping:
-Austin Aries
-Bryan Danielson
-SHIMMER Champion Sara Del Rey
-ROH World Tag Team Champion Davey Richards of No Remorse Corps
-The Age Of The Fall of Tyler Black, Lacey, The Necro Butcher & Joey Matthews
-Erick Stevens
-Claudio Castagnoli
-Go Shiozaki
-Delirious
-Daizee Haze
-The Hangmen Three of Adam Pearce, Brent Albright & BJ Whitmer with Shane Hagadorn
-Plus more to be added!!!


Okay, with only a few matches set in stone, let's bring back the unhandy-dandy, NEVER accurate and always flawed Ari Berenstein official PPV Taping Predictions!

Keep in mind out of countless predictions made for matches to take place on the taping / DVD extras for the first five PPVs, I have only had ONE match predicted right…and um…I forget which one that was. So here we go with matches sure NOT to happen on Sunday in Philly, fans, DO NOT GET YOUR HOPES UP. And I apologize in advance.

On PPV: Austin Aries & Bryan Danielson vs. Adam Pearce & Shane Hagadorn, Daizee Haze vs. Sara Del Rey vs. Lacey vs. Mercedes Martinez

For DVD: Davey Richards vs. an ROH student in a quickie squash


**The Independent Buy In Spectacular 2!**


**SHIMMER Women's Athletes Volume 13 (Melissa / Portuguese Princess Ariel, "Dark Angel" Sarah Stock / Daizee Haze, Portia Perez / MsChif, Del Rey & Roxx vs. Rain & Lacey, O'Neal vs. Melissa) (NEW ADDITION) Medium Recommendation

Why you Should Buy In: Taped during the same set of shows as the SHIMMER Title Tournament, this show features a strong cast of wrestlers, including Nikki Roxx (Roxxi Laveaux) and "Dark Angel" Sarah Stock making appearances.
Match of the Show: Cheerleader Melissa and Ariel absolutely steal the show in one heck of a strong style contest. There is fire and intensity aplenty here as both women go at it full tilt. Melissa's mean streak is evident, but even more surprising is the resolve and determination of Ariel. I have not been altogether that impressed with Ariel over the course of the SHIMMER series. She has been portrayed as a happy-go-lucky babyface and that's all well and good for the mid-card. It is here where the odds are stacked against her in facing a stronger and unrelenting opponent that we see Ariel as a complete and far more interesting wrestler. She fires back with all of her will, she gives as good as she takes, but even more so we start to see the semblance of anger and temper that flare up as Melissa wails on her. This match isn't a one-sided destruction but rather a hot and heavy match where each woman is able to take control and unleash a powerful offense. The conclusion of the match is strong and we are left with a terrific impression of both wrestlers—Melissa as a force of destruction and Ariel as a wrestler with far more heart than could ever be imagined. It's a shame she didn't get a standing ovation and cheer afterward, because she certainly deserved it.
Positives & Negatives: I continue to richly enjoy MsChif's act, especially coupled with Daffney. Their scream collaborations are super amusing. Here they double up on Portia Perez and boy oh boy, does Portia ever get taken to school with the intimidation game. She has no clue where she is or what she's doing by the time MsChif and Dafnney get through with her. Even Bryce Remsburg has to end up taking some of the screaming and intimidation factor. Beautiful… Sarah Stock plays the heel in her match up against Daizee Haze and they have a very good mid-card match up, lucha and technical wrestling oriented as one might expect from those two. Haze looks very good here, inspired by the choice competition, and Stock plays up her toughness as the crowd clearly favors Haze…SHIMMER champ Sara Del Rey teams up with Nikki Roxx to fight the Minnesotta Home Wrecking Crew. They get a relatively easy victory all things considered, so the main event isn't the best match on the card. It is good to get a babyface win to end the show, and Lacey and Rain were both due for a loss as a tag team…Danger vs. Rogers underachieves as a dog collar match, with the stipulations of touching the ropes just taking forever and ever to build up. It's so longwinded as to be over dramatic in their application and the crowd is noticeably dead as a result, even though there are some very brutal shots here and there, I was just wishing it was over. Josie is FAR leaner and has toned her muscle as a result of her stay with Derby City Wrestling…I skipped over Lexie Fyfe vs. Eden Black as I have given both a fair amount of time and matches to reel me in and neither have done so, therefore I have no need to watch their stuff right now… Serena Deeb has a standard face vs. heel opener against Alicia, whose New Jersey gimmick I find hysterical just because it IS so overbearing and obnoxious. This is NOT X-Pac heat, more like "holy shit, will someone kick her ass so I don't have to hear her talk" heat, which is pretty much what you want to get out of that gimmick….FIP bonus action gives us Amber O'Neal vs. Cheerleader Melissa and it's a very enjoyable match. Wow does the crowd get into Melissa and more than ever before it seems that she feels comfortable in her own gimmick, using the cheerleader poses and giving coy looks, belying her awesome shit kicker mentality once the bell rings. I freaking LOVE Amber O'Neal's diva act. Since she is the only character of this kind in SHIMMER, the act stands out and makes her an awesome heel, even if her ring work sometimes doesn't fit up to par. Here she rises to the occasion against Melissa and they have a very solid outing. We get some fun cowardly heel runs away, then gets butt-kicked kind of stuff…Overall a medium recommendation because the top two matches don't necessarily live up to the top billing, but a very strong mid card section really carries the DVD.


**SHIMMER Women's Athletes Volume 14 (SHIMMER Title: Del Rey / Lacey, Nikki Roxx / Amazing Kong, Two out of Three falls: Allison Danger / Cindy Rogers, Portuguese Princess Ariel / Amber O'Neal) (NEW ADDITION) Medium Recommendation

Why you Should Buy In: Not only is this the first SHIMMER show from outside the Berwyn, Illinois venue (taking place in FIP's locale of Iverness, Florida) but it is also the show with Sara Del Rey's first SHIMMER Title defense, in a rematch of the tournament finals against Lacey. Also, AMAZING KONG IS BACK! That's your money's worth right there, believe me.
Match of the Show: On this DVD, the top two matches DO deliver. Sara Del Rey and Lacey have a hell of a title match that is just as good as their match from the tournament finals and has plenty of heat due to Florida just loving to hate on Lacey. If you saw the Kong vs. Nikki Roxx match from SHIMMER volume 5, expect more of the same gruesome Kong violence in their re-match here. Although since both were now contracted to TNA, it almost seems out of place for SHIMMER to have these two on the DVD, and unfortunately the finish of the match and its lack of a conclusive finish may have resulted from that fact. Still, its awesome brutality while it lasts and Roxx does get more of a sporting chance in this one, using a wear down strategy that takes awhile to work but eventually gets Kong down to a point where she could lose. Then, well…Kong snaps…and it ain't pretty.
Positives & Negatives: Amber O' Neal has a new outfit and…my word…is it ever spectacular. Ariel does a very nice job with O'Neal here and her Dariel move hits nice and clean, looking impressive…Daffney is back in action for the first time in quite a while, but while she has a lot of fun comedy spots in the beginning of the match, her injury that abruptly ends the match leaves a bitter taste, kind of like the seltzer water in the flower gag. MsChif vs. Daizee Haze was supposed to be a face vs. face respect match, but the fans are clearly in the favor of Haze. The match doesn't work as well as intended, which is a shame because I think both are talented. Cheerleader Melissa gets to beat on Rain and has some fun getting those licks in. Allison Danger and Cindy Rogers have a MUCH better match here, using two out of three fall stipulations to play out their feud. Danger losing the first fall in record time gets the crowd actively booing Rogers, which certainly helps the atmosphere of the match…placing a longer match such as this one second on the card, however, not so much…The Iverness crowd was alive and popping and enthusiastic for much if not all of the card, which I think is terrific. Allso of note is the stage design of simple stars and a crescent moon, which goes with the color motif and theme of the SHIMMER brand….Overall another medium recommendation, as the main event and the opening matches are worthwhile and the mid-card is weak.


**CHIKARA The Battle of Who Could Care Less (Incoherence & Tim Donst / BLK OUT, Claudio Castagnoli & Equinox / Hero & Hawke, Lince Dorado & Pantera / Olsen Twins, Quackenbush & The Colony / F.I.S.T. / Osirian Portal) (NEW ADDITION) High Recommendation

Why you Should Buy In: There are a number of very solid and enjoyable wrestling matches on the show as an enthusiastic crowd turned up to send out the mirrored bar complex in Reading, PA as a venue for CHIKARA shows in style.
Match of the Show: If you want to see how much punishment two crazy men is masks and an amateur wrestler can take against three thugs, then check out the main event of Incoherence and "Tim Donst is America" take on BLK Out headed by the absolutely on-fire Eddie Kingston and his back up in Sabian and Joker. While those two are not at all my favorite wrestlers, when paired with Kingston as a part of BLK OUT, they are a golden team of rudos. Donst has captured the hearts and minds of the CHIKARA crowd and the three shows that closed out the 2007 season cemented that status. Meanwhile Kingston and Hallowicked continue their brutal war and preview their final encounter (for now) at Chapter 11.
Positives & Negatives: I continue to love how effective CHIKARA wrestlers are with their gimmicks. The Colony is absolute A+…they make you believe they ARE wrestling ants. Meanwhile The Osirian Portal have great chemistry for just a rookie team. Ophidian's snake gimmick and how he slides around the ring and slithers into and out of it add into his character. We get to see Amasis be all sorts of funky on this one. Plus its Quaackenbush back in action helping the ants and a nice babyface victory to open the show is definitely valued. Ricochet…ERRRRRRRRRRR Helios…still has the same problems he's always had a mask will not mask them…spotty and uneven with his landing his spots… Castagnoli and Equinox have a very solid tag match against Shayne Hawke (who lights up the commentary on the three season ending shows) and Chris Hero. Equinox gets his second win against Hero, which causes Hero to go postal and the only way to stop him is when Commissioner of Fun Leonard F. CHIKARASON guarantees a lucha de apresta match, mask vs. hair…even that doesn't stop Hero from kicking Equinox while he's down…man does he do a good job of making you hate him because of it (even knowing the angle that comes out of this which turns Equinox heel, but more on that later). Colin Delany ne. Olsen has what became his official last match in CHIKARA when he teamed up with his (fraternal) twin brother Jimmy against the lucha duo of Lince Dorado and Pantera. A fun little match here with some nice high flying dives and if you're real careful you can see Daizee Haze in the background taking in the action. Brodie Lee absolutely destroys Passion Hasegawa. Lee officially has my attention with this "bruiser" character of his…if CHIKARA continues to book him as such, he will be a killer main event heel in no time at all. Septuagenarian wunderkind Robbie Ellis continues to entertain with his act, teaming up with soul brothers Mitch Ryder and Larry Sweeney to fight Jigsaw and Los Ice Creams (some of the best double teams in the business)…Del Rey fights Portia Perez in a mostly one sided domination meant to portray Del Rey as a killer. Poor Portia, she's getting her face busted in so much by the top women's wrestlers that she's going to lose her looks by the time she falls over the edge of seventeen…Shane Storm's forearm smashes continue to bug me, so thank goodness Chucky T Omega Drivers him into unconsciousness.


**CHIKARA The Sordid Perils of Everyday Existence (Campeones de Parejas: Incoherence / Cheech & Cloudy, Lucha de Apresta: Chris Hero / Equinox, F.I.S.T., Ellis, Ryder / Quack / Donst / Super Smash Bros.) (NEW ADDITION) Medium Recommendation
Why you Should Buy In: Two show stealing matches worthy of repeat watching can be found on this DVD and one of them is a comedy highlight you CANNOT miss.
Match of the Show: Incoherence vs. Cheech & Cloudy for the Campeones de Parejas is said non-omissible match. As I mentioned last week, this one starts off as one of the weirdest mirror-universe episodes of the CHIKARAverse possible when Cheech & Cloudy dress up as Hallowicked-cito and Delirious-cito, leading to a series of do-see-does, mirror moves and reciprocating taunts so complex and full of multiplicities that even Delirious becomes confused. The transition out of the first, most comedy fall is very well done with Bryce left alone in the ring without any wrestlers to ref, unsure of what to do next. Cheech & Cloudy appear from out the back to replace the masked team, well one of them anyway. Bryce says sure you can come in, you're down one fall. Cheech's "What?" is hysterically timed. The rest of the match is solid back and forth action that doesn't quite get back to the heights of the first fall. Still incredible entertainment in my book. Then, Chris Hero goes mask vs. hair with the masked marvel from Mexico (or so you would think) in Equinox. This is a brutal match and the crowd gets behind Equinox like I've never seen before. They know the seriousness of such as match and they also want Equinox to humble Hero. When Hero DOES NOT tap out to the CHIKARA special (which has been his kryptonite) for the first time EVER, Mike Quackenbush on commentary is incredulous and confused "wait…I know that escape to the CHIKARA special, but Chris Hero isn't supposed to know that escape!" Which leads to a great unanswered question—who did tip off Hero on how to escape the hold? Hero applies a new variation of a Cravate buster, falling down Barbie Crusher style. Then the post match unmasking is done tremendously, as you feel a ton of sympathy for Equinox as he is revealed to be just a masked gringo. I would even side with him over the luchadores in the back over being kicked out and forced out of the building, but future shows would reveal that this was the start of a heel turn for the man who would become Vin Gerard.
Positives & Negatives: I mentioned Hydra's "Amy Winehouse" act last week, but it bears repeating here, nothing is funnier than a masked man in a robe doing the "Rehab" dance… As good as Lince Dorado & Pantera and The Osirian Portal looked in their respective matches during "The Battle of Who Could Care Less", their match against each other is loose, filled with multiple botches and slow moves, a definite disappointment…Castagnoli and Miyawaki have a back and forth indieriffic match all about who gets the better move…it was a bit tedious if I'm being honest and I'm just glad that Claudio won this one. I have no idea why you want to name yourself "Stupified" but I was impressed by the flippy guy. He hit just about everything he was looking for and works as a good partner for Player Uno. The eight man with Quack and Donst teaming up with them to take on F.I.S.T., Ellis and Ryder was filled with action… Uno's super Mario stomp remains an awesome ode to the video game genre…I'm starting to quickly get sick of Passion Hasegawa's gimmick. I know he's supposed to be simply a fun loving dancer character, but it's starting to wear on me. Thankfully once again he is destroyed, this time by Chuck Taylor.


**CHIKARA Chapter 11 (Hallowicked / Kingston, Colony / Super Smash Brothers & Shane Storm, Tex-Arkana Title Match: Alvarez / Sweeney, Quack, Trik Davis & Helios / Shayne Hawke & The Osirian Portal, MIYAWAKI, Hasegawa & Pantera / Cheech & Cloudy & Delirious) (NEW ADDITION) High Recommendation
Why you Should Buy In: The season ender for CHIKARA takes place at the ECW Arena, so everything looks super professional and high quality. This show is where a lot of feuds come to a head and is reserved for some of the best action to take place. Unfortunately the main event of Lince Dorado and Mitch Ryder is marred by the unfortunate major injury to Dorado and its very apparent just when it happens and how it affects the immediate and closing moments of the DVD. It leaves the show on a low note, so I'd recommend watching the show up to the main event and leaving it at that.
Match of the Show: Hallowicked vs. Eddie Kingston is the one on one showdown everyone was expecting to see tear down the house and it lived up to expectations. An absolutely terrific fight between the two sees the best CHIKARA student determined. The 2007 season was leading up to this match, but by no means is this feud over, as it continues in 2008 within the tag team ranks.
Positives & Negatives: Robbie Ellis & Hydra…what a showdown but in every way UNLIKE ‘Wicked vs. Kingston. Your eyes may turn on you in this one, but then again you may be laughing too hard to notice you are now blind…Figure 4 Weekly fans are going to want to see their man and emperor Bryan Alvarez make a rare wrestling appearance to continue his feud against Larry Sweeney. While the Philly crowd initially boos Alvarez he does slowly win them over with his consistency and in taking the fight to Sweeney. The finish to the match is very well timed. Viva la empire indeed…the opener is Los Ice Creams & Tim Donst vs. F.I.S.T. (now with enhanced ring jackets and crowd BOOOS of death) and Chuck Taylor. Los Ice Creams abandon Donst after several miscommunications (you know Donst doesn't speak Spanish!) and the Martel & Santana vs. Brainbusters Wrestlemania V match is mentioned. Just another reason why I enjoy CHIKARA so much. It's sad to see good Ice Cream go bad…Shane Storm returns to form with good involvement in the six match with Super Smash Brothers against The Colony. This is a match that is just great mid card action, going back and forth and using each team's gimmicks to the fullest. The pause button is even back again and used in favor of Player Uno for once…The Colony as a team are always super impressive…Hawke like an Egyptian were a surprisingly good unit and should team up more for trios action…I like that Quackenbush is bemused by the antics of Amasis and Ophidian, but he still retains his cool and his sense of "Quacky-ness"…I hate to knock a man when he's down, but Lince Dorado REALLY needs to work on his promos…Finally it has to be noted that the cover replicates old Nintendo comics that were published by Valiant…as those were some of the first comics that got me into collecting full time (yes its true, that, Archie and Uncanny X-Men) it was blast to see an homage to those comics.


2008
**CHIKARA "Cibernetico & Robin" (Torneo Cibernetico: Kings of Wrestling vs. Dorado's Luchadores, The Olsen Twins / Cheech & Cloudy, Quackenbush / Donst, The Colony / BLK OUT ) High Recommendation
**CHIKARA "Brusied" (Kingston / Donst, Campeones de Parejas: F.I.S.T. vs. Incoherence / Castagnoli / Taylor, The Colony / Brodie Lee & Olsen Twins, Cheech & Cloudy / Osirian Portal ) High Recommendation
**Pro Wrestling NOAH "Special Budokan Double Shot"7/15 & 9/9/07 (Determination League Semi Finals & Finals, NTV Cup Finals)High Recommendation
**PWG Battle of Los Angeles Night 1 (Castagnoli / Williams, Evans / Pac, Black / Shelley, Aries / Strong, PWG Tag Titles: Generico & Steen / Dragon Kid & Susumu Yokosuka)Medium Recommendation
**PWG Battle of Los Angeles Night 2 (CIMA / Tornado, Steen / Butcher, McGuinness / Richards, Kid / Yokosuka) Low Recommendation
**PWG Battle of Los Angeles Night 3 (the entire show) High Recommendation
**Shimmer Volume 11 (Sarah Stock / MsChif, Sarah Stock / Cheerleader Melissa, Sara Del Rey / Cindy Rogers, Nikki Roxx / Lacey, Daizee Haze / Malia Hosaka, Allison Danger / Hosaka)High Recommendation
**SHIMMER Volume 12 (Del Rey / Lacey, Del Rey / Sarah Stock, Haze / Lacey, Portuguese Princess Ariel / Josie / Nikki Roxx / Portia Perez, Melissa & MsChif / Lexie Fyfe & Hosaka)High Recommendation

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.


Going Home

Name That Tune Week 26

Clue: Steve Austin
Lyric: "Will she now /Run for her life in the battle that ends this day?"
What's the name of the song and the artist?

You didn't have to get stunned to know that Disturbed once penned a theme song for Steve Austin, but that their song "The Game" is Lacey's theme song. Waitaminute… "The Game"… Triple H? Where? What? HUH!

This week's winners (by order of receipt):
Bman—top spot and the first to get the Austin connection.
Mark Kohn
Mitchell Rose
Zack Danielson (a.k.a. MANUPBOY from the ROH forums)
411's own Chris Landsell
soulpower

Thanks to those who wrote in to answer and congrats to you. Now its time for Name that Tune! for this week, March 15th, 2008!

Clue: New Jersey
Lyric: "no time to sit down / just wanted to / run and run and run"
What's the name of the song and the artist?

It's a bit of an obscure one this week, so that's why the extra line for the lyrics. Think it over for a day and then Send in your answers here and if you're correct I'll list your name in next week's column!


Ringtones

seaneb14 rings in to discuss Rising Above:

Hey man, interested in the column for the big weekend ahead.

I just got around to watching "Rising Above" from start to end (I ordered the all day Monday, and watched all the matches out of order throughout the day). Overall I thought it was a decent PPV, on par with Respect is Earned, but it was a huge step up from "Undeniable". The Briscoes Vs. NRC match really blew me away, though I'm completely biased to the NRC, and Nigel/Aries was much better than I expected considering the limitations of both guys (Nigel in my opinion is like the Booker T. of ROH, he works up to the level of his opponent. Aries is a perfect tag guy. He's the Marufuji to Strong/Dragon's KENTA. He brings flash while his partner brings substance). I would say it was worth it for those 2 alone, but most of the undercard was so short that it really couldn't be bad (which could be interpreted as good or bad depending on how long you like your matches.) My 2 big complaints with the show are

1. We got the first, to my knowledge, JIP Ring of Honor match. Since day one ROH has been about showing the matches unedited much like ECW. The editing of some matches like Albright Vs. Whitmer from 5YF NYC got on my nerves, but blatantly cutting a match in half on PPV when you're preaching that you are a product about the in ring product is ridiculous. WWE even TNA wouldn't clip a match on PPV, it's just not done. the clipping along with the fact that they barely, if ever, mentioned the angles or factions that the women belonged in on commentary, and spent a lot of time talking about Sunny, came off as "The women's wrestling just isn't important to us here in ROH."

2. ROH has to just stop trying using celebs. on their shows. I can't think of a single time it has worked. Daniel Puder completely shut down the whole match between Stevens and Richards. You gotta know that any non-ROH fans or marks watching were going "THE Daniel Puder". I think of myself as a fairly smart fan, even I can't think of much the guy has done, yet he's portrayed as a big deal. Then you have the weird logic of Stevens being pissed at Puder for distracting him and the fans, when all he did was sit down, and (at least on tape) it didn't sound like the fans were reacting to him that much anyway.

Thankfully those 2 things were left in the undercard, and the 2 main events were able to shine. Hopefully, Richards will be able to get a singles match on PPV to show what he can really do. Right now, the guy is behind Danielson as my favorite wrestler, so I hope that they leave the belts on him and Romero long enough for them to get in one defense on PPV.

Anyway, my thinking is that Claudio being in the main event on Sunday with McGuinness. Which will be...interesting.

If they book Ibushi right, the buzz on his matches will be insane. I know the pop for that diving moonsault springboarded into a standing moonsault is going to be nuts.

I think ROH wanted to cram as much wrestling as possible onto the show and maybe they should have held this match back after all if it meant cutting into it. However, if anything I'd go the other way. My criticism is why didn't they include the post match angle with Sunny? Say what you need to say about WWE booking style for the ROH women's wrestlers, but the fans REACTED big time to the Lacey vs. Sunny showdown and I think ROH could have gotten a bit of a buzz from that segment if they had pushed it more. Unfortunately, the women's wrestling ISN'T as important to ROH as the men's wrestling, which is why there is a SHIMMER promotion to help sell the women's division.

Well I agree that ROH shouldn't have used Daniel Puder this way, especially since it seemed they were pushing Stevens so well (break out performance vs. Strong at Man Up, a solid promo package on Undeniable)…and then he takes a loss because of distraction from someone who hasn't been a part of ROH ever? I didn't like it then and I don't like it now. That said, I don't think ROH should completely avoid celebrity involvement. I thought the Johnny Fairplay segment was fantastic and of course loved seeing Nigel lariat him to death. Plus, if ROH didn't have involvement with celebrities, then we wouldn't have had the added attention in the MAINSTREAM (read: national newspapers) when Nicholas Cage went and visited ROH and we for sure wouldn't have had these two shows in Dover, NJ where they are filming "the Wrestler>" Sometimes you have to take the good with the bad when it comes to "star" wrestlers and celebrities.

And believe me, the fans WERE reacting big time to Puder's presence. That's why I was so annoyed by it.


ROH @ 411

J.D. Dunn has officially passed me by as he is currently reviewing ROH Transform and I just ordered that and Breakout.

Dunn also supplies the proving ground for ROH reviews with his look at ROH Proving Ground. He also goes all the way back to the beginning of SHIMMER with his review of the Volume 1 DVD.

It's me and the returning Brad Garoon (he of the gratuitous plug for The Cool Kids Table) going one on one, mano a mano and independent for independent in this week's 411 Buy or Sell.

The ROH Roundtable for the weekend with myself, Sam and more staff predictions for this huge tripleshot weekend.

Alex Mattis also checks in with his thoughts for the weekend in this week's Best of the Rest.

Jarrod Westerfield scripts his way through a fantasy ROH roster.

The Navigation Log shows you all the angles surrounding the Takeshi Morishima GHC title change.


Honor Bound Links

T.G. Corke supplies you with your addiction. The Seventh Dimension: Jeffrey Winehouse.

High Road and Low Road looks at Undertaker vs. Edge at Wrestlemania 24.

Matt Adamson loves the best of times and this time he looks at the best of the wrestling in a post-Wrestlemania I world.

Bayani Domingo scores many points with the Don't Dream It's Over reference.

Spotlight on celebrities at Wrestlemania.

Cook and Ask 411 go together like Peanut Butter and Crackers…if they asked questions and he answered them.

Scott Rutherford goes intellectual by examining the paradigms of Wrestlemania. So that's what college gets ya.


For those wondering, Chris hasn't been feeling the wrestling lately, so his "My Two Cents" feature in this column is currently on hiatus. He's my bro and he's welcome to contribute at any time.

Brooklyn beckons me, so it's at this point that you and I must part. Enjoy the rest of the huge ROH weekend, and I'll have the results and fall out from the shows next week. Thanks as always for reading!
--Ari--