411 ROH Roundtable Preview: Orlando - Dragon Gate Challenge II & Supercard of Honor III
Posted by Samuel Berman on 03.28.2008
The 411 staff comes together for a preview of ROHmania weekend, featuring ROH's debut in Florida, the taping of an ROH World Tag Team Title match for Pay-Per-View, and appearances by eight of Dragon Gate's best talents!
Hello all and welcome to a very special edition of the 411 Ring of Honor Roundtable Preview. This weekend marks the third year that ROH will run shows in conjunction with WWE's annual Wrestlemania event. Previous years have taught us that ROH spares no expense for these shows, with both 2006 and 2007's shows being amongst the best in the Ring of Honor canon. This year, just like in past years, ROH will heavily feature Dragon Gate talent during what has come to be known as "ROHmania weekend". Typhoon's CIMA, Dragon Kid & Ryo Saito, the Muscle Outlaw'z of Naruki Doi, Masato Yoshino & Genki Horiguchi, and New Hazard's Shingo Takagi & BxB Hulk will all be appearing during the weekend, primarily in a series of tag team showcases that are bound to captivate the live crowds. As if that weren't enough, Saturday's show will also feature the highly-anticipated rematch between Nigel McGuinness and Austin Aries, again with McGuinness' ROH World Title hanging in the balance. Before we get to the preview, let's take a look at this week's contributing 411 staff members:
Now that we've been introduced, here are the 411 staff's picks for this weekend's shows. Cards are current as of Tuesday, 3/25.
DRAGON GATE CHALLENGE II
FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2008 – ORLANDO, FL
Nigel McGuinness vs. Delirious
Jerome Cusson: Remember when Delirious was over? How about getting pushed? Those days are long over with. It's so bad, he's not even worthy of a title match against Nigel. Poor guy. This would be a nice way to set up a new challenger for the belt, but I can't see ROH jobbing the champ the night before such a big title defense.
Winner: Nigel McGuinness
Matt Short: The only reason I can see for making this match would be to establish Delirious as a potential challenger somewhere down the line. He doesn't have to win, but if he comes off strong enough he could be seen as a contender later. Nigel should win this though and get some added momentum going into his title match with Austin Aries the next night.
Winner: Nigel McGuinness
Jarrod Westerfeld: Ohhh, this should be fun. Can we play off of Delirious' challenge to Danielson during his title reign? Can we tease Delirious being a serious contender here so we get a big encounter that teases Delirious becoming our new ROH BAH-BAH-BAH Champion? Come on! Let's get crazy here.
Winner: Nigel McGuinness
Ari Berenstein: I see flashbacks to the Danielson vs. Delirious matches from 2006, with Delirious fighting from behind with heart and passion but getting cut off and eventually overwhelmed by the better (and more merciless) wrestler. Non-title means there is the chance of an upset, but I think Nigel is going to be showcased in a strong way as the spotlight shines on ROH during Wrestlemania weekend.
Winner: Nigel McGuinness
Michael Bauer: I like the idea of making Delirious into a contender after these two had great matches when Nigel was Pure Champion. That said, I see this as nothing more than a tune up for Aries.
Winner: Nigel McGuiness
Theo Fraser: This match pits Delirious against the ROH World Champion in a non-title match. A win for the masked man would be huge and would surely put him in line for a title shot during one of the April events. Is this a renewal of Delirious' bi-annual main event push? It's possible, now that he's presumably finished up his feud with the Hangm3n after they were bought out by Sweet & Sour Inc, but I'm leaning towards this merely being a tune-up match for Nigel. That's not to say it'll be a squash; Delirious is bound to get his key offence in on the champ, but I think we're pretty safe is saying Nigel is walking away from this one relatively unscathed.
Winner: Nigel McGuinness
Samuel Berman: Remember two years ago when Delirious won a permanent spot on the ROH roster with a win during ROHmania weekend? What a great moment. Unfortunately, he's been dialed back over the past fifteen months or so. Nigel in a walk.
Winner: Nigel McGuinness
411 Staff Picks: Nigel McGuinness (7-0)
Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black vs. Shingo & BxB Hulk
Jerome Cusson: This is the match that of everything happening this weekend, I'm most excited about. Shingo was awesome during the last few months of his ROH run. I've never seen BxB before, and I've heard a lot of great things. Tyler Black has wrestled some very good singles matches recently, but he still has very good chemistry with Jimmy Jacobs. I haven't really enjoyed Jacobs' matches since he came back in August, but this match could steal the weekend. And to keep things even steven, I think Dragon Gate wins this match as well.
Winners: BxB Hulk and Shingo
Matt Short: People have extremely high expectations for this match. Shingo and Hulk have had two great matches as a team already this year while Black has been having career making matches on the last few shows. I think this will live up to the hype. If Hulk has his dancers he can't lose. I'm giving this one to the New Hazard team.
Winners: Shingo & BxB Hulk
Jarrod Westerfeld: Fun for the whole f**king family, folks. You've got the brooding tandem of the Age of the Fall's founding members, Jacobs and Black, taking on the hard hitting Shingo who'll be teaming up with the wrestling world's dancing sensation, and Japan's own heart throb, BxB Hulk. If we don't see a dance off, I riot! And much like the tradition with anyone debuting in ROH, even Japanese talents, so it would appear, BxB Hulk won't be getting the pinfall here.
Winner: PANIC! At the Necro (Jacobs and Black)
Ari Berenstein: Hopefully we'll see some form of Hulk's big entrance with coordinated dancers and moves and overly dramatic J-Pop music. That will instantly hook the casual fans who have no idea who these crazy Japanese wrestlers are and why they're fighting Team-o. Jacobs and Black are riding a hot streak, so they'll get the win.
Winners: Black and Jacobs
Michael Bauer: I wish I was in Orlando just to see BxB Hulk. Jacobs and Black need to be kept kinda strong for the Briscoes the next night, but I also don't see this team going 0-2 from Japan. In the end, go with the foreign team here.
Winners: Shingo and BxB Hulk
Theo Fraser: Just looking at that line-up on paper gives me tingles all over! This could be very good indeed. SHINGO and Hulk have just come off of a GHC Jr. Heavyweight tag team title run, so they're still a hot commodity in the wrestling industry right now. With that in mind, I'd give them the edge here. As a side note, it's great to see BxB Hulk finally debut for the promotion.
Winners: SHINGO & BxB Hulk
Samuel Berman: Shingo & Hulk are probably my favorite team anywhere in wrestling right now. Jacobs & Black aren't far behind, but I'm going with my heart rather than my gut here and so I'm picking New Hazard to get the duke over the former ROH tag champs.
Winners: Shingo & BxB Hulk
411 Staff Picks: Shingo & BxB Hulk (5-2)
Austin Aries vs. Genki Horiguchi
Jerome Cusson: I know ROH is allergic to giving victories to guys who are challenging for titles the next night, but Aries has been struggling so badly he needs a victory here. This should be another good match, but I think it's a nice change of pace considering all the others will tend to be more on the high-flying side.
Winner: Austin Aries
Matt Short: I love the look of heel Genki and it's about time he showed up in ROH. Aries should win this one as a warm-up for his title match just like Nigel. I still expect this to be a competitive bout though with Genki going full heel with blue mist, MO'z protein power of doom, and the Backslide from Hell.
Winner: Austin Aries
Jarrod Westerfeld: Throw that traditional Aries look out the window – throw out the guyliner wearing Aries as well. Let's get crazy and hectic here and have Austin STARR make his return to take on the feather cap wearing Genki Horiguchi in some whacky and silly, emo fun. You could easily have this be the final straw that leads Aries to deciding between Sytch and Age of the Fall, and what better way to lead into that decision than a loss?
Winner: Genki Horiguchi
Ari Berenstein: Aries is riding a frustrating record over the last several weeks, losing way more than winning. However, he is challenging for the ROH World title the next night and I think he needs a win to push him up and over the top. Genki is a bit low on the current DG totem pole, so a loss here would be no great shakes against him.
Winner: Austin Aries
Michael Bauer: Austin Aries needs this win more than anything heading into a rematch with Nigel and I think he gets it here against a guy not too high on the list.
Winner: Austin Aries
Theo Fraser: The ‘ace' of Ring of Honor takes on one of Dragon Gate's finest in this highly anticipated contest. Aries is receiving a World title shot the following evening, so I've got to believe that will play a factor in the decision here. He's looking for momentum heading into Supercard of Honor III, PLUS he wants to show the AOTF that he doesn't need them; he can get the job done on his own. I'll be interested to see what kind of style Aries uses here. Will he try to slow the pace down here and ground and pound ol' HAGE, cutting off his opponent's speedy, high-flying offense? Or are we in for a blistering contest, with Aries hoping to match Horiguchi's speed and agility, showing us flashes of the old Austin Aries from 2004?
Winner: Austin Aries
Samuel Berman: I like Genki a lot more than most people, and it's not as if he hasn't had stateside success (he beat Chris Hero in the opening round of BOLA 2006), but he's not going over Aries the night before Aries' rematch with Nigel.
Winner: Austin Aries
411 Staff Picks: Austin Aries (6-1)
Kevin Steen & El Generico vs. Naruki Doi & Masato Yoshino
Jerome Cusson: Steenerico has wrestled in Dragon Gate before, but Doi and Yoshino are the bigger stars. I say Dragon Gate gets the win in another insane match. Certainly are a lot of tag team matches on this night.
Winners: Naruki Doi and Masato Yoshino
Matt Short: People are hyping up the AotF vs. New Hazard match, but this is the one I want to see. Steenerico vs. Speed Muscle promises to be an insane affair. I think these two teams compliment each other extremely well, with Steen and Doi bringing power while Generico and Yoshino bring speed. Also add in the fact that they've worked together in the past (though not in these specific teams) and this is a potential show stealer. Doi and Yoshino just reformed their team after a cold spell and I expect them to go over big here.
Winners: Speed Muscle
Jarrod Westerfeld: We can easily see this as the pedestal to launch El Steenerico as legitimate contenders to the tag team champions. A win over Doi and Yoshino would be big here, and why not do it if the end result helps further sell them on being the most deserving team of the ROH World Tag Team Titles?
Winner: El Steenerico
Ari Berenstein: Doi and Yoshino on the other hand have been positioned as a very strong tag team internationally. I think they get the win here over the capable Steenerico, who probably deserve to win but won't, because well, someone from ROH has to do the job to the international guys.
Winners: Doi & Yoshino
Michael Bauer: This is a tough call. Steen and Generico have been red hot lately, but Doi and Yoshino are one of the top international teams out there today. Looking ahead a little bit, Steen and Generico could lose here, as long as there are really kept strong.
Winners: Doi and Yoshino
Theo Fraser: Steen & Generico faced the Dragon Gate duo of Dragon Kid and Susumu Yokosuka at PWG's Battle of Los Angeles 2007 Night One with the PWG tag titles on the line, eeking out the win on that occasion. Here, Steenerico are pitted against two more DG representatives, and the stakes are arguably just as high. Steen & Generico desperately want those ROH tag belts, and a win of this caliber would certainly put them in contention. Equally, Doi is no stranger to ROH gold, winning the tag titles last year with SHINGO in a shock upset over the Briscoes, and I imagine he'd love nothing more than to get another shot, this time with partner Yoshino in tow. Factor in how important these guys view a Stateside victory, and you have a recipe for one incredibly hard-fought contest indeed. It's bound to have a lightning quick pace, and after a brainbuster/package piledriver combination, Steen & Generico should pick up the win to advance in their quest for the tag titles.
Winner: Kevin Steen & El Generico
Samuel Berman: Steen hasn't lost in forever, and I don't see it starting here, no matter how amazing Speed Muscle is. For the record, Steen & Generico's matches during this weekend are the two I'm most excited to see once these shows are released on DVD. Doi & Yoshino impress, but Steen pins Doi to get the win.
Winners: Kevin Steen & El Generico
411 Staff Picks: Naruki Doi & Masato Yoshino (4-3)
Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. Dragon Kid & Ryo Saito
Jerome Cusson: The key to this challenge is knowing two victories are going to ROH and the other two to Dragon Gate. There will be some very good matches, but it's going to be a tie. I think the Briscoes get the win since they've wrestled in Japan before, are well-known, and should be looking to get a tag title match coming up soon. I say they get a big win here to set them up for the next night.
Winners: Jay and Mark Briscoe
Matt Short: This is going to be another crazy spotfest. Something to keep in mind is that the bookings on the Dragon Gate Challenge shows tend to follow DG storylines. For example after the first Dragon Gate six-man Blood Generation began showing dissention and not long after that Muscle Outlaw'z was formed. Following that train of thought, Saito has not been getting along with his stable mates in Typhoon and that could be a factor in this match. The Briscoes pick up the win here.
Winners: The Briscoes
Jarrod Westerfeld: Fast paced, hard hitting style – I expect this to work like a Dragon Gate rules tag match. And as fast and frenzied as this match is, I expect the Briscoes to lose out here just because of the faster team of Kid and Saito being more capable of recovering in time to break up big pin attempts and just out lasting the Briscoes. End result, Dragon Gate takes this one.
Winner: Dragon Kid & Ryo Saito
Ari Berenstein: Kid has always been up and down for me. Sometimes I think he is overrated and sometimes I think he has been over hyped. I haven't seen much of Saito since his last appearance in ROH. I do know that The Briscoes need momentum to get back in the title picture and I think a win here gets them into that position. It creates a 3-1 ROH win over Dragon Gate, but hey, they're in America AND last time ROH did this challenge Dragon Gate won. So what's fair is fair.
Winner: The Briscoes
Michael Bauer: The Briscoes, like Age of the Fall, can use all the momentum in the world going into their match on Saturday. Unlike them, I can't see the Briscoes losing here.
Winners: The Briscoes
Theo Fraser: Wow, this should be a real treat for the fans in attendance. Despite there being no grudge here, the stakes are still high, as each team is representing their company and thus wants to get that elusive win. Gabe loves to put over foreign talent, and I think this is one occasion they can definitely afford to do so, as the Briscoes are still riding a wave of momentum from their incredibly successful 2007 and can therefore take a loss with there being no real consequences to follow.
Winner: Dragon Kid & Ryo Saito
Samuel Berman: After a 2007 that saw them take their game to the next level, the Briscoes have been somewhat listless in recent months. I think the challenge series is ending in a draw, so that means that Jay & Mark end up losing here. Now I'm actually rethinking my pick of Genki not pulling a crazy upset after Nigel interferes in that match, but I'll stick with my guns and pick Typhoon to win this one.
Winners: Dragon Kid & Ryo Saito
411 Staff Picks: Jay & Mark Briscoe (4-3)
CIMA, Go Shiozaki & Erick Stevens vs. Roderick Strong, Davey Richards & Rocky Romero
Jerome Cusson: Since NRC did the job back in Osaka, I think they'll get a big victory here to keep their hot streak going. I like the idea of getting Stevens in there with two international superstars. I think he'll have his moment the next night, but I think he loses here.
Winners: Roderick Strong, Davey Richards, and Rocky Romero
Matt Short: I think it's great that Erick Stevens is in this match. He's a hometown star and he's getting to team with two international talents. The clash of styles is interesting on the face team: CIMA brings the Toryumon style while Shiozaki will look like Kobashi-lite and Stevens brings his Steve Williams inspired offense with a touch of American indy. This should be a brawl more than anything, but watch Shiozaki. He wrestles like Kobashi, but he's also a crazy motherfucker so I wouldn't put it past him to try some wacky double-team stuff with CIMA. The NRC look overwhelmed here, but if they can get the rookie Shiozaki alone they might be able to pull off the win.
Winners: CIMA, Go Shiozaki, & Erick Stevens
Jarrod Westerfeld: And why not end this night with another face victory? No Remorse Corps can easily go down here to establish a few things – such as they're beatable and that Steenerico has a legitimate shot to defeat them, and establish Stevens as being the stronger worker over Strong. With the help of CIMA and Shiozaki, you can easily have Richards and Romero pulled away to allow Stevens and Strong the stage here to put on a powerhouse match, while the rest can come in with stiff shots and fast paced action.
Winner: Team Good-Guy-A-OK! (CIMA, Shiozaki & Stevens)
Ari Berenstein: The No Remorse Corps are solid as a unit here but CIMA remains the top dog in Dragon Gate and the international all star unit of CIMA, Shiozaki and Stevens proves too strong and too upper tier to defeat. The crowd goes home on a happy note and with a good match, with CIMA getting the pinfall.
Winner: CIMA, Shiozaki and Stevens
Michael Bauer: My chest hurts already thinking about a chop fest between Strong and Go. OUCH! Trust me, I sat right behind Roderick chopping Stevens in NYC last month AND right behind Go chopping Necro in Long Island. They hurt me even. As for the match itself, I have got to imagine the NRC take the fall here. Stevens will probably pin Richards or Romero, leaving Strong for another day.
Winners: CIMA, Go, and Stevens
Theo Fraser: This match plays off of the main event from the Live in Osaka show last July, which pitted the No Remorse Corps against a dream team of ROH, NOAH and Dragon Gate stars. This time, Stevens is the man representing ROH, allowing him to continue his feud with the NRC and get his hands on Strong one day before his shot at the FIP World Title. He won't be alone, as he has some fine back up in CIMA and Shiozaki. CIMA helped win the match in Osaka, so he'll be looking to continue a streak against the NRC, and Shiozaki is hoping to impress ROH management with a few high profile wins in order to gain a future main event spot/ World Title shot. Of course, Strong, Richards and Romero have their sights set on success, hoping to maintain their power trip over ROH by adding a massive main event win to their already-impressive resume, which includes holding both FIP and ROH World tag team gold. It'll no doubt be quite the upset, but I've got a feeling CIMA, Shiozaki and Stevens will be shown NO REMORSE!!!
Samuel Berman: A lot of people seem to think that the faces are going over here because CIMA's on that team, but I think ROH has a vested interest in having their champions look strong with all the new fans that will (hopefully) be in attendance. I see the NRC winning here, with Strong submitting Go to set up a program between the two.
411 Staff Picks: CIMA, Go Shiozaki & Erick Stevens (4-3)
SUPERCARD OF HONOR III
SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 2008 – ORLANDO, FL
Delirious vs. Go Shiozaki
Jerome Cusson: Go has been on the short end of the stick in a lot of matches. I actually think this is a good thing because they can do the slow build with him instead of having him be a world beater. Thanks to the merger of Larry Sweeney and Adam Pierce, Delirious actually has less to do then before since B.J. Whitmer is no longer with the company. Go win the win in the comedy match of the weekend.
Winner: Go Shiozaki
Matt Short: I think this match could surprise some people. While it may seem like this could be a styles clash Delirious can be a good person for Shiozaki to work with to improve himself. That is why Shiozaki is in ROH after all. I'm calling for a Delirious win here. If you consider that he comes off strong of Nigel the previous night, a win against Shiozaki would raise his stock a bit more.
Winner: Delirious
Jarrod Westerfeld: Well, Delirious can't go out and lose every match this weekend…but I think he has to. He's still the face that can pull in support based entirely on sympathy, so losing here doesn't hurt him. Besides, it's Shiozaki and he's a much bigger looking guy with a better power game. You can afford to have Delirious lose here and still look strong enough to be considered, down the road, for a title shot with Nigel.
Winner: GO! GO! Shiozaki, GO!
Ari Berenstein: Sounds like an interesting battle of Delirious' confusing antics vs. Go's relentless forward attack. Who will bend first? My guess is Go gets the win to push his win-loss average farther upwards.
Winner: Go Shiozaki
Michael Bauer: Oh, the craziness that should ensue will be amazing. Go has been booked very strong so far, but I think he can afford to lose to Delirious. This is on the basis of that the guy has to lose sometime in a one on one match, to someone other than Aries or during a one night tournament.
Winner: Delirious
Theo Fraser: It'll be interesting to see how Shiozaki adapts to Delirious' "unorthodox" in-ring antics. Who knows, maybe we'll even see a bit of comedy from Go, but I doubt it. I expect a competitive match from this, with Shiozaki leaving Orlando the victor, solidifying his first full month in ROH a great success.
Winner: Go Shiozaki
Samuel Berman: Delirious is perpetually over, while Go would benefit from a win after taking the fall in the previous night's main event.
Winner: Go Shiozaki
411 Staff Picks: Go Shiozaki (5-2)
Kevin Steen & El Generico vs. Shingo & BxB Hulk
Jerome Cusson: I can't see a guy ROH is pushing so hard losing two matches in a row. I like Kevin Steen and think he could be a fine ROH champion someday, but I really want to see Steenerico win the belts before it feels like (kinda like Nigel and the world title) it's too late for them to get the titles.
Winners: Kevin Steen and El Generico
Matt Short: Just like the Steenerico vs. Speed Muscle match on the previous night, these two teams should compliment each other well in terms of balancing speed and power. I already said that Hulk won't lose if he's got his dancers. This time I'll take the scenario that he's dancer-less.
Winners: Kevin Steen & El Generico
Jarrod Westerfeld: Okay, that's it, we have to have BxB Hulk dancing with Generico and Steen to kick start this match, and bonus points if they're dancing on a baby seal's head! Fun paced match and I can see El Steenerico winning this one, despite the fact that Shingo and BXB Hulk need a win here.
Winner: El Steenerico
Ari Berenstein: I have Steenerico taking the loss for Dragon Gate Challenge II but I think they need to win at least one match this weekend to keep them afloat in the number one contender's spot. Besides, its Steen and Generico dammit! BxB Hulk will likely take the fall here.
Winner: Steen & Generico
Michael Bauer: Steen and Generico get their win back against Shingo and Hulk in another tough call. There is no shame for losing either match this weekend for Steen-erico, but I'll give them the split.
Winners: Steen-erico
Theo Fraser: Of all the ROH vs Dragon Gate encounters occurring this weekend, this is the one I'm most looking forward to. I could pretty much start up a "This is Awesome" chant right now in anticipation, and I doubt I'd be looked at too disapprovingly. This will just be balls-to-the-wall action, and I'm predicting a Steen & Generico win to keep them on the path to the ROH tag titles.
Winner: Kevin Steen & El Generico
Samuel Berman: Mark my words, this will be THE match of the weekend. I could be tempted into predicting that this will be the best match in Orlando this weekend, but I'll hold off of that. Shingo & Hulk get their win on Friday, so I think Steen continues his winning ways here.
Winners: Kevin Steen & El Generico
411 Staff Picks: Kevin Steen & El Generico (7-0)
Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black
Jerome Cusson: This feud started back in September and I swear to God it feels like they've wrestled each other on every show since then. I'm quite tired of this feud, and I hope this night ends it once and for all. I think the Briscoes are going to win this match and challenge for the belts in either Boston or Edison. This has the potential to be a great match, but they've had so many against each other, does it really mean anything?
Winners Jay and Mark Briscoe
Matt Short: The Briscoes were The Age of the Fall's first targets when they debuted. Meaning that this match should really try to reflect the intensity of the feud. I don't know where else they can take it though so despite being a good match it's hard to see where the feud will go from here.
Winners: The Briscoes
Jarrod Westerfeld: Finally the Briscoes will get a chance to exact their revenge upon Jacobs and Black, and though there are still rules in place here, I don't see them standing up for too long. The Briscoes will look to hurt Age of the Fall, while Jacobs and Black will look to reestablish their dominance for another shot at some ROH gold. And with Black having been a contender to Nigel's title at the pay-per-view taping, you can expect that Black will look to further establish his own brand of dominance in this match as he pulls out the win further adding to the Briscoes frustration and wait for their chance to get the revenge they seek on the Age of the Fall.
Winner: PANIC! At the Necro (Jacobs & Black)
Ari Berenstein: The heads of Age of the Fall take on the Briscoes and without the titles this is all about dealing with the grudges of the last several months. I think we'll find out where Age of the Fall is heading this weekend, with or without Austin Aries. While The Briscoes need to get the revenge win against Black and Jacobs, I'm not sure enough is at stake for them to get that big win.
Winner: Black & Jacobs
Michael Bauer: I'm kinda torn here. Sure, the Briscoes always beat the Age of the Fall when nothing is on the line, so they should win here. Yet, I have this funny feeling that with Black being made into a star on PPV that it might continue here in a way. I'm sensing a rift in the ranks and maybe Aries coming into the fold has to do something with that.
Winners: The Briscoes
Theo Fraser: ROH fans need no back story to this one. The Briscoes get one more shot at Jacobs & Black, with relaxed rules, which is probably a godsend for them, as I doubt they'd be too willing to have a straight-up wrestling match with their sworn enemies. These four had a great match back at Final Battle 2007, so there's no question that this will be anything less than stellar, but picking a winner is a tough call indeed. On the one hand, Jay & Mark still need to get their revenge on the AOTF, as there is the unresolved issue between the two teams, stemming back to the Man Up PPV. Booking 101 says it's about time that the babyfaces get a significant win. On the other hand, with the roll that Tyler Black has been on as of late, do we really want to derail him so soon? This would be quite a big loss and in my opinion would hurt him considerably. Tyler seems to be the hot commodity, and I think ROH will want to protect him here, so I'm going with another AOTF victory.
Winner: Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black
Samuel Berman: This is a VERY tough call, as I think Jacobs & Black winning makes more sense in the overall booking of the company, but I also think that ROH wants to showcase the Briscoes with a win in Orlando. I'll go with the overall booking, but I have very little confidence in this pick.
Winners: Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black
411 Staff Picks: Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black (4-3)
Roderick Strong vs. Erick Stevens
Jerome Cusson: Stevens was built up so well the first few shows of the year, and since then he's been on one of those infamous ROH losing streaks. Stevens having the FIP title makes a lot more sense since I tend to believe the belt is a little beneath Roderick anyway. Judging from what I've read and since it isn't listed, I'm assuming this is a non-title match. Therefore, Stevens gets some measure of revenge.
Winner: Erick Stevens
Matt Short: This is a great match to run down in Orlando. That's kinda obvious right? We've seen this before so we know to expect a stiff as hell brawl. By rights Stevens should be the FIP Champion and it's perfect to have him go over Strong in his home state if the belt's on the line. Either way Stevens should win this to keep him in the upper end of the mid-card.
Winner: Erick Stevens
Jarrod Westerfeld: Aww, it's not for the FIP World Title? I'm almost disappointed in that. I'm also disappointed that at the pay-per-view we didn't see Stevens, utilizing his push from January and his big victories over Danielson and Aries, being pushed to take on Nigel and possibly tease becoming the new ROH World Champion. I think the safe bet here is to have Stevens go over and begin his campaign to challenge for the FIP World Championship, once more.
Winner: ROH's answer to John Cena – Erick Stevens
Ari Berenstein: The match is for the FIP and I think another stipulation was to be determined, but haven't heard much if anything about what that could be. Even though ROH is in FIP's home state of Florida, I just don't see another title change for the FIP title in an ROH ring as this would make two changes within four months. Both men will provide a very good match as they usually do, but Strong will find a way to escape with the title yet again. Another big title win against Strong must happen during an FIP event.
Winner: Roderick Strong to retain the FIP Title
Michael Bauer: I'll guess that the FIP Title for once will not be defended on an RoH show, but I know it could happen. If it doesn't (hell, even if it does), I think this is where Strong needs to get his win back over Stevens in an RoH ring. Yes, he has done it in a way in FIP, but not here.
Winner: Roderick Strong
Theo Fraser: It was just confirmed that this will indeed be for the FIP World Heavyweight Title, which obviously raises the stakes a great deal. It was felt by many that Stevens was somewhat derailed after losing the FIP Title back to Strong at the first FIP show of 2008, so this is Stevens' chance to redeem himself. Having said that, if he IS to win the title back, I don't think it will be on this occasion, as I see us getting some kind of stipulation Grudge Match before this feud is all said and done. This is the Supercard of Honor, and the card is absolutely stacked from top to bottom, so expect these two to pull out all the stops if they don't want to get lost in the shuffle.
Winner: Roderick Strong
Samuel Berman: In late-breaking news, this match will indeed be for the FIP World Heavyweight Title. The belt already moved once between these two in ROH, only to move right back to Strong at the first FIP show after that company's hiatus. I want to think that the belt won't move in ROH again anytime soon, but given the announcement that the strap is now officially a second belt in ROH (and the confirmed rumors that the ROH and FIP universes are being somewhat combined), I think Stevens may just walk away with the belt again. Some may question hotshotting the title between Strong and Stevens so much, but hey, it worked for Foley and The Rock.
Winner and NEW FIP World Heavyweight Champion: Erick Stevens
Winners and still tag team champions: Davey Richards and Rocky Romero
Matt Short: I'm in the camp that believes that this match shouldn't be happening. At least not now. Jigsaw just came out from under his mask which is supposed to help The Vulture Squad win. Unless he puts on a a command performance if the Vultures lose here it still makes them look weak. On the other hand Ruckus and Jigsaw don't feel like they've been build up enough to hold the ROH Tag Team titles.
Winners: Davey Richards & Rocky Romero
Jarrod Westerfeld: Why, oh fucking why is this being taped for pay-per-view? Did something happen at the card that ROH is doing this "tape another match from a different card and sticking it on the pay-per-view" move once more? And we were on such a good roll with seeing improvements in the ROH pay-per-views. Unless this will be the signal for the return of Jack Evans, it's looking even worse as a standalone tag match for ROH and their pay-per-view, Take No Prisoners.
Winner: Davey Richards & Rocky Romero (Retain ROH World Tag Team Championship)
Ari Berenstein: Come on...Ruckus and Jigsaw are NOT winning the ROH World Tag Team Titles. Not even after Jigsaw unmasked himself to be Peter Parker or Peter the Pirate or whoever. This will be a good tag team contest with some speed and nice moments to it, as it was during the Sixth Anniversary Show. However, the NRC will roll over Ruckus and Jigsaw. Look out for BLK OUT involvement perhaps.
Winner: The NRC to retain the ROH World Tag Team Titles
Michael Bauer: Ruckus and Jigsaw get their shot after Jigsaw has been unmasked. I hope they tell the story good about why he is unmasked and why they get a title shot after Steen-erico won on the last card. Either way, the titles need to stay where they are until Kevin Steen gets done with his singles quick hit and he goes back after Tag Team Gold.
Winners: No Remorse Corps
Theo Fraser: I'm pleased that the Vulture Squad are getting a chance to properly showcase themselves on PPV, and I'm expecting an even contest here. Can't see the titles changes hands just yet, however, as I think we're building to an NRC vs. Steenerico showdown, where Steen finally gets his taste of ROH gold. This should nevertheless be a fine addition to the Take No Prisoners PPV in May.
Winners: Davey Richards & Rocky Romero
Samuel Berman: Until I picked Stevens to win the FIP belt, I might have picked the Vulture Squad here just to be ornery. Now, I'm just going to play it safe and say that the NRC retain for the Pay-Per-View.
Winners and STILL ROH World Tag Team Champions: Davey Richards & Rocky Romero
CIMA, Dragon Kid & Ryo Saito vs. Naruki Doi, Masato Yoshino & Genki Horiguchi
Jerome Cusson: This is a great showcase, but what's at stake? I'm tired of ROH throwing this six man tag out there without a rhyme or reason. Spots are great, but why should I care who wins or loses? the reason people are inherently interested in pro wrestling is to cheer their favorites and boo guys they don't like. the first time, no one had any idea what to expect so it was fresh and cool. Last year, it was cool but like any other sequel, there really wasn't anything new. Now it feels like they're just throwing this out there again since they don't know what else to do with them. Since we seem to be rotating victories, I say CIMA, Kid, and Saito with the win.
Winner: CIMA, Dragon Kid, and Ryo Saito
Matt Short: These six guys tore the house down during their first six-man tag match in ROH. Now with CIMA and Genki changing sides they look to accomplish that again. I think that when the dust settles we'll get a little more of the factional strife that been going on Dragon Gate as of late. Keep a close eye on Ryo Saito who is going to be challenging CIMA for the Open the Dream Gate in the near future and has a lot of fans speculating about a heel turn. Doi and Yoshino have been showing face some face tendencies as of late while Genki blew them off when they wanted to shake hands with CIMA following his match with Yoshino. I'm thinking that The Muscle Outlaw'z take this one and helps set up the dissention angle. I really hope they do take all the Dragon Gate storyline aspects into play into this to give it slightly more meaning.
Jarrod Westerfeld: A rematch of the classic Dragon Gate Six Man? SWEEEEEEET! If this holds up nearly as well as the previous one, we're in for the ride of a lifetime. We've already seen CIMA defeat Yoshino to retain his Open the Dragon Gate Championship and Dragon Kid and Ryo Saito beat out Doi and his fellow Muscle Outlaw'z to become the number one contenders to the Open the Triangle Gate Championship, continuing the domination of Typhoon. I don't see Muscle Outlaw'z gaining a foothold here in the states with a victory.
Winner: Typhoon (CIMA, Dragon Kid & Ryo Saito)
Ari Berenstein: The Dragon Gate six man tag stole the show on the first Supercard of Honor and had a very high quality reprise the following year. Although last year didn't match the insanity of the first one, this type of match is always welcome in my book. Its sort of like ROH's version of Money in the Bank...it takes place annually during Wrestlemania weekend and its almost guaranteed to pop the crowd huge with spectacular moves and "can you top this?" moments. A winner is hardly important so much as the content of the match, but I give the win again to CIMA's team since he is "Mr. Dragon Gate" to the American crowd familiar to that promotion.
Winner: CIMA, Saito and Kid
Michael Bauer: Last year, this match ended up being the main event (at least the concept), this year I'm not sure. CIMA is without a doubt the most over with RoH, but Doi and Yoshino are insanely over everywhere else as well. I may be wrong with who wins, but man, it might not matter with how good this match should be.
Theo Fraser: For the third consecutive year at the Supercard of Honor event, six Dragon Gate guys are brought together to put on an exhibition of what the Dragon Gate promotion is all about. The original Dragon Gate six-man in 2006 was phenomenal and pretty much universally praised, and whilst the ‘sequel' last year wasn't quite as well received, it still provided us with some high quality wrestling. As such, expectations are sky-high, and the pressure is on for these six men to deliver once again. This year's match-up is particularly interesting, as it features all six men from the original match 2 years ago, albeit with a slight twist; CIMA and Horiguchi have traded places, creating a new dynamic with the teams. This match is more about putting on an outstanding exhibition, and the outcome itself isn't overly important, but ROH always value a CIMA appearance, so I'll go with his team.
Winners: CIMA, Dragon Kid & Ryo Saito
Samuel Berman: Doesn't matter who wins, this one is a showcase at this point. If (and it's a big ‘if') ROH wanted to inject Dragon Gate storylines into the weekend, this would be the only appropriate place to do it. In that case, the match would most certainly see Ryo Saito cost Typhoon the win by turning on CIMA and allowing Yoshino to pin him, but absent that, I think Dragon Kid is taking the pinfall from one of the MO'z. I'll say this stays clean of internal Dragon Gate business.
Winner and still ROH world champion: Nigel McGuinness
Matt Short: Their first meeting for the title was well received and people will again expect another command performance. Hopefully the Dragon Gate six-man won't have burned the crowd out for the main event, but if Aries and McGuinness can match the quality their first match they shouldn't have any trouble getting the crowd hot. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about Nigel turning full heel yet, but either way it's too early for him to drop the title at this point.
Winner: Nigel McGuinness
Jarrod Westerfeld: A rematch from the December taping of Rising Above. I loved that match and I expect this match to be as good, if not better. This should probably be the night where Aries has made it clear where he stands, either with Sytch or Age of the Fall, so Aries has a lot more to fight for here as his new direction should kick start on the right foot, and what better way to start off on the right foot than to be crowned the ROH World Champion? Though, I don't see Nigel dropping the title anytime soon.
Winner: Nigel McGuinness (Retains ROH World Champion)
Ari Berenstein: The first match that was the main event of Rising Above was insane and high quality memorable action and that was AFTER Nigel had suffered some horrible injuries. Aries took some ridiculous bumps as well during that match, especially the finishing lariat. Now, hoping of course that neither man gets hurt as well I think we're in for ANOTHER great match from these two. Hopefully it won't be derivative but just as dramatic as the first one. I'm looking for Age of the Fall to try to help Aries win the title as a way to convince him to join, but ultimately their help backfires, Nigel retains and Aries takes out his frustrations on Black and Jacobs to a massive pop from the crowd.
Winner: Nigel McGuinness to retain the ROH World Title
Michael Bauer: Aries' decision with the Age of the Fall comes tonight and I honestly can not see him winning the title before that decision is made. Nigel needs to keep going with his heel champion mode and he won't lose here.
Winner: Nigel McGuiness
Theo Fraser: After putting on an absolute wrestling clinic at the Rising Above PPV, earning MOTYC honors from the majority of fans, the world is waiting with baited breath for this rematch. This time, the roles are much more clearly defined, with Nigel playing the incontrovertible heel, which should in theory put the crowd solidly behind Aries. I'm still firmly in the camp supporting a second title run for Austin Aries, but I really don't think it's time to end Nigel's reign yet, especially as his heel shtick has yet to make it to DVD. It's got legs, and there are still a ton of challengers that Nigel can go through before he starts to wear thin, with Claudio Castagnoli right at the top of that list. Nigel/Claudio for the title on PPV is money, and I think the company is slowly building to that. As such, McGuinness is likely retaining on this night.
Winner: Nigel McGuinness
Samuel Berman: I'd like to pick Aries to win here, but it's not happening. Nigel wins and moves on to Steen.
Winner and STILL ROH World Champion: Nigel McGuinness
411 Staff Picks: Nigel McGuinness (7-0)
[Editor's Note: A full preview of ROHmania weekend is also featured as a part of the newest podcast over at The Cool Kids' Table Dot Net.]
