Column of Honor: 02.14.09: Playing Catch Up

Posted by Ari Berenstein on 02.14.2009

Get caught up on all the latest developments involving ROH’s debut on HD Net, the latest results from Proving Ground 2009, upcoming matches and cards, wrestlers returning and more!

Welcome to the Column.



Ring Toss
-ROH Results: January 31st, 2009 in Chicago Ridge, IL
-ROH Results: February 6th, 2009 in Coral Springs, FL
-ROH Results: February 7th, 2009 in Orlando, FL
-HDNet Updates
-Honored News
-ROH Call
-Ringtones
-ROH @ 411


ROH Results: ROH Caged Collision PPV Taping, January 31st, 2009 in Chicago Ridge, IL (via ROH message board)

Matches

-"Sugarfoot" Alex Payne defeated Silas Young & Kenny King in a three way match via pinfall with a hurricanrana on Young.
-‘Very European" Claudio Castagnoli defeated Kevin Steen via pinfall with a Ricola Bomb after a Larry Sweeney distraction on Steen.
-Grizzly Redwood defeated "Addicted to Love" Rhett Titus via pinfall with a roll up.
-Jerry Lynn & Necro Butcher defeated The Age of the Fall of Brodie Lee & Delirious via pinfall when Lynn pinned Delirious with a cradle piledriver.
-Tyler Black defeated Jimmy Jacobs via pinfall in a Four Corner Survival match that also included Austin Aries and "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson. Black won with a roll up on Jacobs.
-ROH World Champion Nigel McGuinness retained the title by defeating El Generico via submission with the London Dungeon.
-The Team of Brent Albright, Roderick Strong, Erick Stevens, Jay Briscoe and Ace Steel defeated The Team of Sweet & Sour Incorporated of Davey Richards, Eddie Edwards, Tank Toland (!) Bobby Dempsey (!!) and Adam Pearce (!!!) in a Steel Cage Warfare match. Brent Albright pinned Adam Pearce with the Half Nelson Suplex to win the match. Order of entry: 1. & 2. Davey Richards and Roderick Strong 3. Tank Toland 4. Ace Steel 5. Eddie Edwards 6. Jay Briscoe (jumped before enters the ring) 7. Bobby Dempsey 8. Erick Stevens 9. Adam Pearce 10. Brent Albright


Angles & Issues

-Daizee Haze attempted to continue her quest to save Delirious from the clutches of Jimmy Jacobs' influence. She attempted to stab Jimmy, who egged her on, but she accidentally spiked Delirious in the face.

-Bryan Danielson convinced Tyler Black, Jimmy Jacobs and Austin Aries to turn their planned tag team match into a four way match in order to determine who would win the future ROH World Title shot. During the match, Bison Smith made his presence known by demolishing Bryan Danielson and taking him out of the match with a massive powerbomb on the floor.

-Tyler Black attempts to cash in on his title shot after McGuinness puts away Generico. However the match never gets to begin as Jacobs and Aries ambush Black. Necro Butcher and Jerry Lynn come to make the save and Nigel runs away to the back.

-After the Steel Cage Warfare Match, Larry Sweneey confronts Bobby Dempsey and slaps him. Bobby finally had enough and tears off Sweeney's shirt and beats him down. Dempsey gets massive cheers and wipes out Sweeney with a Death Valley Driver. Strong talks about how this night is all about how Bobby Dempsey finally stood up for himself.

Return Date: April 25th, 2009


Quick Commentary on Caged Collision: I knew from the outset that some outsiders would be thinking "Bobby Dempsey is the last thing people see on this show! Look how pathetic ROH is!" However, this moment was the culmination of over two years of storyline involving Dempsey and Sweet & Sour Inc. It was an ultimate moment of redemption for Dempsey to take it all out on Sweeney. I think the moment will play out great on Pay Per View. Nigel vs. Generico went down as expected—a good match like the other two, but ultimately predictable because Generico wasn't likely to win the belt. I also like that Steen lost due to Sweet & Sour Incorporated interference—it leads into the feud with the American Wolves and also rehabs Claudio a bit as he gets back into the upper card with a win on PPV. The business with the so called "money in the bank" shot I can sort of do without, since its been done in WWE and I'd think there could be a more creative way to get Black to another title shot without winning such a stipulation match. I'm also glad to see Kenny King, Silas Young and Brodie Lee featured on Pay Per View—they provide a very solid undercard. However, other than it was in Chicago, I'm just not buying Alex Payne winning against either one of them right now.


ROH Results: Proving Ground 2009 Night One, February 6th, 2009 in Coral Springs, FL (via ROH message board)

Matches

Preshow

-"Sugarfoot" Alex Payne defeated Wes Eskimo via pinfall with a hurricanrana.
-The British Lions of Chris Grey & Tommy Taylor defeated The Heartbreak Express via pinfall with a clothesline/sunset flip combo.


Main Show:

-Brad Attitude defeated Sean Osbourne via pinfall with a "variation of an inverted side slam".
-Bison Smith SQUASHED Sal Rinauro via pinfall with an Iron Claw Chokeslam (!).
-The team of Roderick Strong, Erick Stevens, & Bobby Dempsey defeated the team of YRR (ROH edition) of Kenny King, Chasyn Rance, & Rhett Titus via pinfall. Dempsey over Rance with the Death Valley Driver.
-Austin Aries defeated The Necro Butcher via pinfall after with a kick/brainbuster combo and with the interference of Jimmy Jacobs and Delirious.
-The team of "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson & Jerry Lynn defeated The Age of the Fall of Jimmy Jacobs & Delirious via pinfall. Danielson made Jacobs tap to Cattle Mutilation.
-ROH World Champion Nigel McGuinness defeated Brent Albright in a non-title match pinfall using th tights.
-ROH World Tag Team Champions Kevin Steen & El Generico defeated The Dark City Fight Club of Kory Chavis and Jon Davis via pinfall with the brainbuster & package piledriver combination.
-Tyler Black defeated Davey Richards via pinfall with a corner powerbomb & superkick.

Angles & Issues

Return Date: None Given


ROH Results: Proving Ground 2009 Night Two, February 7th, 2009 in Orlando, FL (via ROH message board)

Matches

Preshow:

-Heartbreak Express defeat Brett Thunder &?
-Brandon Marino defeated Chris Escobar.
-The YRR of Chasyn Rance & Sal Rinauro defeated Ninja Brown & Bobby Dempsey

Main Show:

-Jerry Lynn defeated Shawn Osborne via pinfall a cradle piledriver.
-The team of Kenny King & Rhett Titus defeated The British Lions via pinfall with an assisted springboard blockbuster.
-Bison Smith defeated ? via pinfall with Iron Claw Chokeslam.
-Kevin Steen defeated Davey Richards via pinfall with a small package.
-The team of Tyler Black & The Necro Butcher defeated The Age of the Fall of Jimmy Jacobs & Delirious via disqualification when Jacobs hits Black with a steel chair.
-Austin Aries defeated Brad Attitude with via pinfall with the kick to the head / brainbuster combination
-The team of Roderick Strong, Erick Stevens, & Brent Albright defeated The Dark City Fight Club & Francisco Ciatso via submission when Ciatso tapped to the Stronghold.

-El Generico defeated "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson via pinfall with the brainbuster off the top turnbuckle after distraction from Bison Smith.
-ROH World Champion Nigel McGuinness retained his title by defeating challenger D'Lo Brown after a Jawbreaker Lariat

Angles & Issues

-A funny moment that opened up Generico vs. Danielson was when they shook hands and the fans wanted them to hug. Danielson does not hug Generico so the crowd chants " Say you're sorry". Danielson takes a minute to learn Spanish from the crowd and then apologies to El Generico and does indeed hug him. AWESOME.

-Unfortunately not all happy funny times for Dragon as Bison Smith not only interrupted the match but then beat down Dragon AGAIN after the match, powerbombing him again.

-D-Lo Brown and Nigel McGuinness got into it on the stick before their match, with Nigel insulting D-Lo by referencing how Barack Obana" isn't black and neither are you." D-Lo countered by saying Nigel was watching Nigel as a young wrestler and compared Nigel to a child watching a real man. D-Lo says this a man's game and then slaps the bejesus out of Nigel to start the match. Afterwards, McGuinness continues to run trash on D-Lo until D-Lo knocks him out and poses on top of him with the ROH belt. AWESOME. THIS IS WHY I APPROVED OF D-LO COMING INTO ROH.

Return Date: None Given


Quick Commentary on Proving Ground 2009 Nights One and Two: Proving that there such a thing as Santa Claus and the annual January Slump for ROH, the two Proving Ground shows were met with unanimous praise from those in attendance reporting on the message board. These shows were filled with a mix of the established talent and new blood (mostly from FIP and the Florida scene) looking to make a big impression. I think it really is that kind of mix that gets you great results, because you've got the young guys trying to impress and keeping the old guard on their toes. From live reports, it seemed that the Dark City Fight Club and British Lions tag teams made the best and most positive impression. DCFC already have a future booking with ROH, likely due to their performance and reception from the crowd during this weekend. Overall this sounds like the weekend that ROH got a bit of its groove back, rediscovering what is fun and upbeat about their product and delivering in the ring while still keeping in tune with the newer booking philosophies that have been put in place. If they can do that on a consistent basis, ROH may find itself heating back up as it heads into the television tapings and the Seventh Annniversary Show. ROH has a new slogan now: TGIF- Thank God its February.


HD Net Updates: Show Format, No DVDs, Music Changes

Change has come to Ring of Honor thanks to the addition of the HDNet television show. Some of the changes are welcome, some of which are unpleasant and unavoidable, yet necessary.


Show Format

The official announcement of television tapings came last week as ROH announced that the 2/28 Philadelphia show and an added event the next day in Philly would be the start of the ROH HD Net series. ROH will be looking to schedule television tapings every six weeks and likely back to back. This will both subtly and overtly change the way ROH fans experience the ongoing chronology of the series. It is not yet know specifically how the continuity of the angles and storylines will be affected, but you'd have to think they will have to be adjusted in some way to accommodate and work around the television series.

ROH later announced that the Seventh Anniversary Show would take place in New York on March 21st, 2009. This will be the third year in a row that New York will host the anniversary show. Of course, the true anniversary is February 23rd, which would have placed the card in Danbury, CT or the Philadelphia show as the location for the anniversary show, were it not for the television tapings being announced for that weekend. It may have actually made more sense to do it the other way around, with the anniversary show taking place closer to the actual birthday and then ROH using the Hammerstein Ballroom show and the location for its tapings.

Honestly I'm not sure why ROH did not decide with the far more professional looking and picturesque presence of the Hammerstein. ROH has inexplicably shied away from taping a Pay Per View and now for television at the Hammerstein location ever since running the main ballroom. Unless it is a cost issue, then I don't see many other valid reasons for not taping in the best possible venue for the show. First impressions always count and a packed house in a brightly lit and well conditioned location such as the Hammerstein would make a hell of a first impression on new fans tuning into the HD Net show. I'm not quite sure they will have the same best first impression when they see the HD quality video from the former ECW Arena a.k.a. The New Alhambra a.k.a. The Arena. It just doesn't compare in terms of how the video and picture quality is going to transfer given the set up of the building and the atmosphere created by the two crowds.

ROH will look to take three shows each on 2/28 and 3/1. This makes sense, as each show will be one hour long and so you can fit in about six weeks of tapings within a two show period. ROH's own newswire states that they are taking a different approach to the framework of the shows for these tapings. They are looking at these shows as "beginner's classes" of sorts for new fans with the goal of educating them to the top wrestlers in the company as well as the in-ring style that ROH presents with its product. According to the newswire: " One of the more unique aspects of presenting these tapings is wonderful opportunity to expose the great competitors of ROH to a brand new audience – one that we concede may not be familiar with the personality and style that ROH is known for. With that in mind, ROH Officials are looking at the initial tapings as a way to bring our new audience "up to speed". On February 28 and March 1, fans will see a sort of a "Ring of Honor 101" up close and personal as we introduce our wrestlers, their personalities, and their skill in competitive matches that may not otherwise be seen on "normal" Ring of Honor live events. There is no telling what matchups we could see during the weekend, but rest assured, whoever locks up with each other will be doing so with an entirely new agenda – to say to the television world – Welcome to what professional wrestling is supposed to be. WELCOME to RING OF HONOR."

Some but not all of the talent has been announced for these shows. They include: Nigel McGuinness, Bryan Danielson, Tyler Black, Kevin Steen, Chris Hero, Larry Sweeney, Austin Aries, Jerry Lynn, Jimmy Jacobs, Eddie Edwards, Jay Briscoe, Kenny King, Rhett Titus, Cheech and Cloudy, Sterling James Keenan, and the Dark City Fight Club. As you can see, there are plenty of new names (or returnees) mixed in with the established wrestlers from the last few years. I'd expect a big reason for this to be that the wrestlers who are at this point the less established in ROH such as Cheech, Cloudy, SJK and the Dark City duo will be used in preliminary matches. They may have the opportunity to show their stuff, but generally speaking they will be there to put over the established stars in the singles and tag division such as McGuinness, Danielson, Black, The American Wolves, etc. It indicates that ROH will be throwing in some quash matches into its programming, but hopefully they will also makes sure to put in some worthy main events for each show that truly demonstrate the quality of the action you get at the shows.

There are some notable absences thus far. Bison Smith, who upon entry into ROH last month has been pushed very hard as a monster heel the likes of a Vader (or since he constantly shouts out "who's the man?" maybe a Psycho Sid Vicious), but he will be back in Japan for Pro Wrestling NOAH on those dates. Thus the feud he began with Bryan Danielson will likely not get airtime unless through vignettes or recaps. Also of major importance is the absence of one-half of the tag team champions in El Generico. He will not be at any of that weekend's events, and ROH is citing a knee injury at the hands of the American Wolves in their newswire as the reason for his missing the shows. This is actually far more of a serious blow to the start up of ROH on television than it appears on paper. ROH will go into these tapings without their tag team champions at full strength. Therefore it will be more difficult to showcase the tag team division, which has been one of the highlights of the promotion for several years running. ROH will need to explain that Steen and Generico are the tag champs and hopefully build up to their first tag match on television, which at this point would not take place until the next set of tapings. Not only is El Generico a valuable asset in the tag team division, but he is an exciting wrestler and an easy fan favorite who gets the crowd behind him every time, he is also an incredible wrestling character. He would have lit up the HD television whether in the ring or in comedy segments playing up his gimmick with Kevin Steen.

Mike Johnson of PWI reported on the possibility of the television shows being released via ROH's usual method of exposure, that being DVD production. The news is not so happy on that front. Johnson writes: TV tapings will be exclusively done for the HDNet airings and won't be immediately released on DVD. I have heard HDNet will have exclusivity to the TV footage for a period (one source stated one year, which I am unable to 100% confirm), which is fair. If they are producing the series, they should be able to have exclusivity to the footage. The hope within ROH is that the new audience will want to seek out ROH DVDs and PPVs, with an interest in not just the current product but also the company's back library of DVDs. Down the line, ROH can always try and release the series in some sort of box set form as well.

The above stipulations of the HDNet-ROH contract would be an obvious blow for fans who have been buying DVDs of the ROH "series", both those who have picked up on DVDs in the last few years and those who like to be completists and have every show on video or DVD. It also means those who are not in attendance for these shows will have to wait a measure of time to actually see these events (like the delay between taping PPV shows and the time they air). Fans who don't have access to HD Net will have an even more difficult time finding a way to watch these shows, unless they go through "other" means (youtube, file sharing, torrents). I know that is exactly what I'll have to do in order to find these shows and while I usually don't approve of downloading ROH DVDs from file sharing sites, in this case ROH is leaving some of their hardcore fans no choice but to either change their cable distributor or to go to those other measures in order to gain access to the shows. Its an inconvenience for those fans to switch cable companies or get a dish package that includes HD Net. There will be some cases where it is flat out impossible to do so.

In other words, this is yet one more indication that ROH is trying to expand its customer base, as it rightly should, but unfortunately it will come at a cost to its established clientele.


The Music, or Lack Thereof

The last bit of unfortunate news that must be swallowed down with some liver and cod oil is the music rights issue. ROH will no longer be able to use the copyrighted music that has become highly associated with its wrestlers due to the increased exposure of the product now that it will appear on a visible television channel. At first this change was hoped to be only for the television program and that ROH would not have to change the songs for the regular DVD series, but now it looks like ROH will need to stop using the established entrance music on those live event shows as well.

It may seem like a small detail, but proper entrance music is an important key towards the overall feeling and presentation of a modern professional wrestling product. Fans associate songs with wrestlers and that in and of itself can help a wrestler to get "over" with the crowd or set up the atmosphere of an upcoming match. Music would certainly be critical in the opening tapings for television shows, because ROH should want its fans to react with passion and energy when their wrestlers come down to the ring. It's hard to be pumped for someone when you are guessing whose new music is for which wrestler. Ultimately, the fans will get into the action, but it is another inconvenience and problem that needs to be dealt with at the onset of the tapings schedule. Of course ultimately the fans will become more used to the new songs and the Pavlovian reactions to them will develop, but that will take time.

To ROH's credit, it really does seem like they tried to come up with a solution to this issue. These were some of the statements released during this week's newswire, when fans were making their case to keep Bryan Danielson's "The Final Countdown" as his entrance music: " ROH Officials have heard the comments of several fans as it pertains to the ring music used by Bryan Danielson. Rest assured that ROH has exhausted itself trying to find an economically feasible way to keep the loved "Final Countdown" playing at live events, on PPV, and on the upcoming HDNet Television Production. We, unfortunately, are at a standstill. Royalty fees are astronomical, and we need your help."

ROH had earlier sent out a press release inquiring about up and coming bands that were willing to work with ROH to use their songs or develop new ones to fit the wrestlers. The release stated: Are you a musician? Have any interest in National exposure? If so, we can help each other! ROH is in need of original music for the upcoming HDNet television program, and if you've got original music that you think would fit ROH or one of its stars, we want to talk to you! We'd love nothing more than to be able to give National exposure to up-and-coming musicians in exchange for your talents! If interested, please email [e-mail] and let us know where we can hear you do your thing!

While unfortunate, this could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for both ROH and aspiring professional musicians. Although it seems the word "exchange" would mean "We're not going to pay you" or "we'll pay you peanuts for your music", this would be a good chance for a band that is looking to break in to gain increased exposure. If ROH is willing to put up the titles of the band, song and album when the entrance plays (like TNA does with its hype packages and like how WWE sometimes does with its own theme and licensed PPV songs), then you could assume the increased visibility would lead to progress in that musical act's career. In addition, ROH benefits greatly with music it can use repeatedly, but also could help to freshen up some wrestlers who maybe need a change of pace in music and presentation in entrance.

In my mind, there were five wrestlers whose songs were the most important for their rights to be obtained and to be kept in use:

1. Bryan Danielson: Obviously the most recognizable theme currently in use for an ROH wrestler is Europe's "The Final Countdown". It's a massively fun part of Danielson's entrance and fits his character like a glove. It's a great interactive moment between the wrestler and the fans when the chorus is sung and Danielson climbs up to the top rope to rally around them. This would have been an instant galvanizing force for the first television tapings and the fan reaction to Danielson's entrance would have immediately shown any new viewers just how important Danielson is to the company. While the above release makes it seems unlikely that they will gain the rights to the music, perhaps they can have one of the new musicians / bands they are working with develop a cover version "in house" for use. However, if this is the final countdown of "The Final Countdown", then it received a hell of a last hurrah back in New York during Final Battle 2008.

It should also be noted that Danielson has changed music several times in ROH since 2002. He began in ROH with The Offspring's "Self-Esteem". He then mixed that with a version of the "Imperial March" from Star Wars (back in his Jedi / Sith-robe wearing days). Danielson was Danielson in the ring regardless of the music, and he became only more and more popular with the ROH fans as time wore on. New music for Danielson shouldn't change how the fans think of him and react to him once he steps into the ring to perform.

2. El Generico and Kevin Steen: Bouncing Souls' "Ole!" has been a battle cry for El Generico ever since he arrived in ROH. It's another one of those themes that fans can get behind due to its high energy and an easy and powerful chant to go along with it. The "Ole!" chant has been such a huge part of ROH, first for Samoa Joe and then for Generico.

3. The Briscoe Brothers Lynard Skynard's "Gimmie Back My Bullets" has become synonymous with The Briscoes in ROH. It's iconic in the same way that "Final Countdown" is for Danielson (although again it should be noted it wasn't their first and only theme song and they have changed it several times through the years). You know when that song hits that a fight is about to start. Fans clapped along the guardrails in time with the song, which again shows just how important fan interaction is in the entrance and presence of wrestlers, even in the moments before a match begins. ROH may have caught a lucky break in some small way because due to Mark's injury, the Briscoes won't be a unified presence in the initial tapings. Therefore ROH can do a song change for them now for Jay as a singles. Then it won't be as awkward a transition when Mark comes back.

4. Tyler Black: A huge babyface run needs a theme song that is catchy and instantly recognizable. The Age of the Fall theme song has actually become more attached to Black than to Jacobs at this point and suits his presence and identity to a "T". The song really pumps you up for the damage Black is about to do in the ring. Without it, Black will still be very popular, but he might lose some of that initial "edge" and intensity that is gained from the angry roar and churning death metal.

5. "Addicted to Love" Rhett Titus This might seem like an odd choice for the fifth and last spot of essential theme music, but "Addicted to Love" IS the very essence of the Rhett Titus gimmick. Not only did that song say everything about Titus in a nutshell (hmm…wrong choice of word?) but the timing of insertion of his name into the song was perfect timing and excellent comedy. Titus' character will need an equally smarmy theme song so that he can get back into the groove after the song change.

Again, it should be repeated that if ROH has to start over when it comes to music, then that is what they must do. Songs are and have to be expendable, because of the hefty cost of licensing fees and royalties to the artists and the record company that come attached.


Other roHD notes:

" Most likely, although this also could change, is that ROH will air on Saturday nights at 9 p.m. and midnight Eastern time, and be repeated on Sundays, and possibly several other times per week as HDNet endlessly repeats its original programming. While they don't want to pretend ROH is "real" like MMA, they are hoping for a more sports oriented presentation, which would be different from WWE and TNA. With Adam Pearce as booker, the expectation is this will be a 1980s style television show, and be less reliant on lengthy interviews. There are ideas like doing maybe three television matches, two shorter matches, perhaps squashes to build stars, and a longer main event that would showcase the ROH in- ring style. . . Saturday night will mean some preemptions because some of the live MMA events they carry." (Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer)

The HDNet camera crew that was shooting footage this past weekend in Florida was there to collect footage for commercials, as well as to get familiar with the ROH product. (PWInsider)

While Lenny Leonard and Dave Prazak will start off as the commentators for the ROH on HDNet series of shows, that may change. The initial tapings will be a tryout of sorts for the duo, before the network officially signs off on them. This appears to be some form of creative control that HDNet holds, which makes sense since they are paying for the production of the shows. (PWInsider)


Honored News

Pearce Back to Full Time Booking, Aries Steps Back to Full Time Wrestler Role

According to Dave Meltzer and the Wrestling Observer, " [Austin] Aries is now back as only talent. That was inevitable now that Adam Pearce is starting with this as his full-time job at the end of the month. Aries and Larry Sweeney had been running the Friday night shows in Pearce's absence."

This is actually a positive and a step in the right direction when it comes to ROH having a clear and focused vision. It can be one that you agree or disagree with, but at least with one man controlling the booking helm, we know the direction the ship is headed in. It will be clearer and fairer when it comes time to assess the direction of ROH under Pearce from here on in. You can also see with how the Danbury, CT show is shaping up that there is a return to more of a focus on giving the Friday night shows good matches that will attract the fans and DVD purchases.

ROH looking to Renew Contracts, TNA Releases Wrestlers Including Jimmy Rave, Others up for Renewal

With the HDNet TV deal in place, ROH is working to re-sign their top talents like Bryan Danielson and Nigel McGuinness. Several of the ROH contracts expire in May and or June. (PWInsider)

Jimmy Rave, Lance Hoyt and Petey Williams were all released from their TNA contracts this week. TNA is attempting to freshen up its roster by releasing some of the undercard wrestlers who have been there a while and mix in new talent (new not so much in unexposed to the mainstream before, but new to TNA, as Stevie Richards is expected to sign with TNA at any moment).

In TNA, the contracts of Robert Roode, Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley are all up in the spring, and TNA has been working with them to sign new deals. While there are no names available right now, others have had their deals renewed, while the contracts of others will be allowed to expire. (PWInsider)

A few months ago there was so much rumor and speculation that there would be major roster shifts in April and May of 2009, when the ROH contracts expire. The talk is still there, but with the television deal now in place you would hope to think that many of the wrestlers under contract with ROH, including the big names, will stick around to see how this TV deal works out. In a manner of speaking, this television deal could end up helping to keep many of the favorites of ROH fans during the extension / resigning period.

Of course, long time wrestling fans cannot forget that when the original ECW went to national television through its deal with TNN (now SpikeTV), that it wasn't long after that WWE swooped up and signed Tazz and The Dudleys, who were some of the heart and soul of ECW at that time. Then Mike Awesome and Lance Storm soon made their way to WCW. ECW was being split apart even as they were making their largest stand and attempt to broaden their audience. Ring of Honor cannot forget the lessons of ECW. Now that ROH is trying to expand, no doubt their biggest wrestlers like Danielson and McGuinness will be under increased attention from TNA and WWE. If the big names go, then no doubt that would hurt ROH's chances of making a name for itself on HD Net. While ROH has never been about "one" name, as they've lost many big names in the past like Samoa Joe, CM Punk, AJ Styles and Homicide and kept on keeping on, this time, there is far more at stake. There are less "big names" in the independent pool than before, except those that were released by WWE (D-Lo Brown, Paul London, Val Venis). However, Danielson, McGuinness, Aries, Black, Jacobs, Steen, Generico, The Briscoes and Lynn as well as Claudio and to a lesser extent Chris Hero, Davey Richards and Larry Sweeney represent the upper crust of ROH at this point. Lose too many of those names without replacing them and you start to dismantle the very heart and soul of ROH. Now that ROH has television, they need to ensure their core remains intact.

This brings up another issue of frequent debate: established names in wrestling versus developing your own homegrown talent. If you don't add enough established names, then there is the fear that newer and more casual audiences will tune out. Add too many established names at the cost of your homegrown stars and it starts to look like the former "big league stars" are overshadowing everything else. ROH needs to be careful to add these stars in carefully. For example, I wouldn't expect any backlash for adding in Paul London on a regular basis (if that happens at all, see below), but adding in all of these guys at the same time and it could be asking for trouble.

Then again, with Jimmy Rave and Petey Williams being released, these guys could come right in and play great roles in ROH. A return to ROH for Rave would work well especially now that Prince Nana is back in the fold and working a storyline where he desperately wants to return to work for ROH. A Nana / Rave reunion would be interesting, as would some sort of twist where Rave rejects Nana and teams up with someone else.

The departure of Petey Williams was somewhat of a shocker considering his length of stay in TNA and his hard work and effort while there. He was a huge component of the X-Division and of course his Canadian Destoyer finisher was voted best finisher by the TNA fans trhee years in a row. Williams made one appearance for ROH, wrestling and losing to AJ Styles at Death Before Dishonor III. He's never really had a chance to show what he could do in ROH, so a run with him could also prove worthwhile. Regardless, Williams, Rave and Lance Hoyt should be able to gain bookings on the independent scene given they can be billed as "TNA stars" appearing on those shows.


CIMA him on Smackdown?

Also of interest to note is that ROH guest star and Dragon Gate's centerpiece CIMA wrestled a tryout match for WWE during the Smackdown tapings in Fresno, California. He wrestled Jamie Noble under an assumed name. CIMA is coming back from a very serious neck injury but is said to be slower and still working off ring rust since his return.

Hmmm. CIMA, CENA. CENA, CIMA. Mmmh.


Paul London Set For PWG Debut

Last week Paul London's return to wrestling action was announced. He will be wrestling for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla for a show entitled "Express Written Consent" . London will be teaming with Matt and Nick Jackson to fight the dastardly Dynasty of Scott Lost, Joey Ryan and Karl "Machine Gun" Anderson. Ring of Honor fans (including myself) have been clamoring for Paul London to return to ROH action for months on end, so I can only express my envy at PWG for having gotten their first. It should make for a great selling point of their DVD, as will El Generico vs. Kenny Omega and Human Tornado (back from a long absence due to injury) vs. Chris Hero for the PWG Championship!

As far as a return to Ring of Honor, London was noncommittal in a recent (awesome) interview with Figure 4 Daily's Bryan Alvarez. London stated that there were some "slight talks" with ROH, but seemed to indicate it wasn't in the cards for right now. He discussed ROH, mentioning that he appreciates and respects ROH and the creativity of the wrestlers. He obviously has a loyalty to the company, but a large part of that was to Gabe Sapolsky, who believed in him and booked him in 2002- 2003. London mentioned that he hadn't watched the new version of the show. "I can't make any promises or any guarantees, but for the fans especially the diehards, that would be a great thing for me."


The Quack Attack is Back, Jack!

Okay, so someone at the ROH Message Board beat me to that line first, but hell, I was thinking that exact same thing when ROH announced that Mike Quackenbush would be returning to ROH action. As hinted at in a previous newsbit mention a few weeks back. Quackenbush has been confirmed for March 20th in Elizabeth, PA and March 21st in New York at the Hammerstein Ballroom.




New Matches for Februrary 27th in Danbury, CT

ROH World Title Match Elimination Rules: Jimmy Jacobs vs. Tyler Black vs. Jerry Lynn vs. Nigel McGuinness: I'm a huge mark for the four way elimination matches, but with good reason: there almost never seems to be a bad match in ROH under those rules. The last one, held at Death Before Dishonor VI, was my choice for match of the year. This time around we have Tyler Black and McGuinness again in the ring (although Black has a title shot "in his back pocket" at this point, but that's for a singles match). Jacobs has won several matches against Bryan Danielson, which should guarantee anyone a future title opportunity. Jerry Lynn remains in top contention due to high profile wins in recent events. Here is the newswire update on this match: Jimmy Jacobs and Tyler Black. Nigel McGuinness and Jerry Lynn. These four men amount to two of the biggest feuds within the ranks of ROH. And now on February 27 in Danbury, all four men will be in the ring at the same time with the ROH World Title on the line. McGuinness will oppose two men, Black and Lynn that have recently taken him to his limit. Now add in the maniacal Jimmy Jacobs, and his bloodlust for Tyler Black, and you have all the makings of a classic. The match will start with all four men and it will be contested under elimination rules.

Brent Albright vs. Claudio Castagnoli: a rematch from last month in Detroit where Albright lose via DQ when he refused to let go of the ropes despite the referee's count and was disqualified. Claudio was tapping out but that was after he had reached the ropes. Both men cut very persuasive promos in this week's videowire. Albright has never been the best promo guy, but he does a few here and there that make you think that he can pull out the dramatic monologue card when he needs to. Claudio has also gotten his groove back with promos, especially this one where he is so over the top arrogant. He really got to that place where the arrogance is both humorously entertaining and yet remains a wildly annoying heel action. It makes you want to see someone beat the piss out of him. But then again…he can't be all bad; he did give Kyle Durden money to buy a new suit.

Anything Goes Street Fight: The Necro Butcher vs. Brodie Lee: Necro teamed with Jerry Lynn to defeat The Age of the Fall combination of Lee and Delirious. Now Necro wants a singles win over Lee. Expect this to be a wild and wooly brawl, and we should get a decisive finish either way since the count out and disqualification rules are finally out of the way. Lee has been an impressive big man / power type of wrestler in CHIKARA and in his brief appearances for ROH. Hopefully he'll stick around and mix it up with a few others on the roster.

Austin Aries vs. Sami Callahan: I'm looking forward to this one. Callahan has a world of promise and some interesting variations on moves, like using the ropes as added momentum for a splash. He also has a unqiue "horror" style personality, although he hasn't really showcased that in his main show matches. Hopefully he will be encouraged to show more of his personality in this match, since he is interacting with Aries, who also recently had a change in his character's persona. From the newswire: Sami Callahan has impressed in his ROH appearances thus far, and on 2/27 in Danbury he'll face his toughest test yet as he'll oppose Austin Aries. Aries and his new attitude have rubbed everyone the wrong way, and his odd relationship with Jimmy Jacobs doesn't help. Aries has yet to unveil the "A-Double Manifesto", but assured ROH officials that "Callahan will be lucky if he even gets a mention in the glossary".

Bobby Dempsey and Erick Stevens vs. Rhett Titus and Kenny King: Stevens continues the string of babyfaces who look to encourage Bobby Dempsey to have the confidence to stand up for himself. Dempsey won on the main show back at Proving Ground Night 1. Titus and King are now a regular tag team combination in ROH and have good chemistry as the swarthy "players" who are full of themselves.

Eddie Edwards and Chris Hero vs. Kevin Steen & ???: Steen is looking for revenge on Sweet & Sour Incorporated since they "injured" El Generico in a backstage attack. Supposedly his partner is someone "unexpected", whatever that means. Chris Hero will be back in action for the first time since his tour in NOAH in January and February.


ROHdds and Ends

-ROH "Caged Collision", which was taped on January 31st, will not air on Pay Per View until April 17th, 2009. This seems like a long time, but it's a deceptive time frame considering that ROH needs to give the tape of the show at least a month in advance. This could end up working in ROH's advantage anyway as it could give them a focal point of advertisement for the HDNet shows should they begin to air before or around the time of this PPV.

-ROH is apparently interested in Val Venis once he is ready to return from injury. [PWInsider.com]

-From the newswire: El Generico will not be appearing in Danbury on 2/27 nor at the TV tapings on 2/28 and 3/1. He was attacked by Davey Richards after the Orlando event this past Saturday and has suffered a knee injury. Once again the "Wolves" target another knee. Larry Sweeney ignored all requests for comment. Kevin Steen had already left the building when the attack occurred, and he has assured ROH officials that he will be in Danbury and Philadelphia, and he wants revenge in the worst way. We have been told that footage of the attack will be included in an upcoming Videowire.

-From the newswire: Bryan Danielson suffered a concussion after being powerbombed brutally to the floor by Bison Smith last Saturday at "Caged Collision". (storyline)

- From the newswire: Larry Sweeney made several heated phone calls to ROH officials, claiming that he's suffered "permanent neck damage" as a result of the beating he faced in the cage to end "Caged Collision" in Chicago. He claims that the Death Valley Driver that Bobby Dempsey leveled him with has left him "physically unable to professionally compete in any fashion" going forward; and he's threatened to sue Ring of Honor and Dempsey if a monetary settlement isn't reached.

Kayfabe Quote of the Week: "He is a big American oaf. He lost in Detroit because he is stupid." --Claudio Castagnoli, speaking of Brent Albright.

ROH Call

ROH Champions—As of 02/14/2009

ROH World Champion—Nigel McGuinness (champion since 10/06/07, 35 successful defenses)
-defeated Takeshi Morishima in Edison, New Jersey to win the championship.

Next Defense: vs. Tyler Black vs. Jimmy Jacobs vs. Jerry Lynn (Four Way Elimination Match), Danbury, CT, 02/27/09

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)
V.8 defeated Tyler Black, London Dungeon (03/16/08, Philadelphia, PA)
V.9 defeated Larry Sweeney, Jawbreaker Lariat (03/22/08 Crystal River, FL)
V.10 defeated Austin Aries, Jawbreaker Lariat (03/29/08 Orlando, FL)
V.11 defeated Erick Stevens, London Dungeon (04/11/08 Boston, MA)
V.12 defeated Kevin Steen, roll up holding the ropes (04/12/08 Edison, NJ)
V.13 defeated Kevin Steen, Jawbreaker Lariat (04/19/08 Chicago Ridge, IL)
V.14 defeated Claudio Castagnoli, London Dungeon, (05/10/08, Manhattan, NY)
V.15 defeated KENTA and BJ Whitmer, Jawbreaker Lariat to Whitmer (05/15/08, Tokyo, Japan)
V.16 defeated Go Shiozaki, London Dungeon (06/07/08, Philadelphia, PA)
V.17 defeated Vic Viper, London Dungeon (06/14/08, Tallaght, Ireland)
V.18 defeated Keith Myatt and Lionheart, (06/20/08, Doncaster, U.K.)
V.19 (title for title) defeated NWA Champion Adam Pearce, Jawbreaker Lariat (06/27/08, Dayton, OH)
*match later reversed via DQ, both men keep their respective titles.
V.20 defeated Kevin Steen, Lariat off Turbuckle, (07/25/08, Toronto, ONT, CN)
V.21 defeated Claudio Castagnoli, Jawbreaker Lariat (07/26/08, Detroit, MI)
V.22 defeated Ruckus, London Dungeon (08/01/08, Manassas, VA)
V.23 Four Way Elimination Match: defeated Bryan Danielson, Tyler Black & Claudio Castagnoli (08/02/08, Manhattan, NY)
V.24 defeated El Generico, London Dungeon (08/15/08, Cleveland, OH )
V.25 defeated Jimmy Jacobs, Jawbreaker Lariat (09/14/08, Tokyo, Japan)
V.26 defeated Roderick Strong, (09/19/08, Boston, MA)
V.27 defeated El Generico, roll up, (09/20/08, Philadelphia, PA)
V.28 Four Way Elimination Match: defeated Go Shiozaki, El Generico & Kevin Steen (11/07/08, Montreal, Quebec, Canada)
V.29 lost via disqualification to Necro Butcher (11/08/08, Markham, Ontario, Canada) Champion retains on a DQ.
V.30 defeated Bryan Danielson, Jawbreaker Lariat (11/22/08, Chicago Ridge, IL)
V. 31 defeated Jerry Lynn, pin using ropes (12/06/08, Nashville, TN)
V.32 defeated Naomichi Marufuji (12/27/08, Manhattan, NY)
V.33 fought to a time limit draw vs. vs. Tyler Black (01/17/09, Edison, New Jersey)
V. 34 defeated El Generico, London Dungeon (01/31/09 Chicago Ridge, Illinois)
V.35 defeated D-Lo Brown, Jawbreaker Lariat (02/07/09, Orlando, Florida)

**

ROH World Tag Team Champions—Kevin Steen & El Generico (champions since 09/19/08, 5 successful defenses)
-defeated The Age of the Fall of Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black on September 19th, 2008 in Boston, MA to win the championship.

Next Defense: TBA

V.1 defeated Jay & Mark Briscoe (11/08/08, Markham, Ontario, Canada)
V.2 defeated Jimmy Jacobs & Delirious (11/21/08. Dayton, OH)
V.3 defeated Jay & Mark Briscoe (11/22/08, Chicago Ridge, IL)
V.4 defeated Jimmy Jacobs & Delirious (12/27/08, Manhattan, NY)
V.5 defeated American Wolves (Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards) (01/30/09, Detroit, MI)
**


Top Feuds & Pairings:

-What is going on between Aries and Jacobs?
-Tyler Black's face turn
-Jerry Lynn vs. Nigel McGuinness
-Claudio Castagnoli vs. Brent Albright
-Brent Albright, Roderick Strong & Erick Stevens vs. Sweet & Sour Inc.
-Daizee Haze wants to save Delirious.
-Necro Butcher continues his war against Age of the Fall
-Bison Smith's run of terror and agenda against Bryan Danielson


ROH Home Theatre Station

ROH Videowire: February 3rd, 2009


ROH Videowire: February 10th, 2009

---

Going Home

Ringtones

Time to catch up on the last few weeks of comments and emails.

In an update on RVD coming to fight Jerry Lynn on march 21st, the anniversary of their first PPV bout in ECW, Alex writes:

I am a French ROH fan and just wanted to give you an information about the petition for Jerry Lynn vs RVD in NYC. I heard of this petition on the ROH message board but was unable to drop any lines as the registrations are disabled since I don't know when.

The fact is Rob Van Dam is already scheduled to appear at the American Wrestling Rampage tour in Europe from March 18 to April 1st and nobody seems to be aware about it. So it is unlikely that he'll appear in NYC March 21, petition or not. AWR Official site: http://www.rampageamericanwrestling.co.uk/

Just wanted to let you and all ROH Message Board members know that. Please spread the word! Thank you.
This is a definite disappointment, but it was rather much of a longshot to start with. RVD does seem to be booked for the shows in France and on March 21st will be appearing in Cleremont-Ferrand, France.

Regardless, I am still a huge supporter of RVD somehow or someway making it into ROH one of these days, especially in a reprise match against Jerry Lynn.

Michael writes about Petey Williams:

I'm sure you've gotten a bunch of mail on this, but what's your take on Petey WIlliams in ROH? I think he would be perfect. He's got the "cred" with the ROH crowd with the added bonus of having the name appeal that goes along with being on national tv weekly for the better part of two years.

To restate what I wrote earlier, I think adding Petey is a fine decision as he's a very capable wrestler with a hell of a finishing move. I just think ROH needs to be careful about which wrestlers from TNA and WWE they decide to bring in and limit the number so that they don't fall prey to the very things fans criticized TNA for when they brought in WWE guys. I think guys like D-Lo Brown and Petey Williams can be used effectively, but so long as they don't overshadow the "homegrown" guys who deserve the spotlight like Danielson, McGuinness, Steenerico, Black, Aries, and Jacobs and so on.

From the comments section:

You're probably right that Black winning the title at FB would have been a better move overall, but as a selfish NYC fan,a Tyler hater and Marufuji mark I'm glad I saw the match I did, particularly since Nigel/Marufuji had been teased at the previous NYC show. Also, I would have been totally infuriated if Dragon/Morishima hadn't happened in NYC. On the other hand, one advantage Gabe's version of history had that you didn't mention was the gradual and much more logical maneuvering of Strong and Stevens into allies, which was totally rushed and otherwise poorly executed in Pearce's version. Also Steel Cage Warfare in NYC would've ruled, though I can see why they wanted to save it as a draw for another show which needed it more.

Posted By: Ben (Guest) on February 07, 2009 at 08:13 PM

I agree that Morishima vs. Danielson was meant to end in New York City, and I would have hoped that Gabe would have realized that in time and flip flopped the matches he had planned (Danielson vs. Castagnoli was the other). Regardless of booking possibilities, I do think the Morishima vs. Danielson finale was everything it was supposed to be and more. An epic success of a blow off match if there ever was one. The other point you mentioned is certainly valid, because it would have flowed from week to week as opposed to just happening all at once. It takes time for wounds to heal, and I don't think the truce behind Strong vs. Stevens feud should have been as rushed as it was.


Interesting column. I felt pretty strongly before Gabe was fired that Black was the guy to take the title before the end of the year. It was all being crafted right in that direction and think it was the correct move. Not that Nigel is bad at the moment but he's clearly not generating the buzz that Black would be. Overall it's a bit of a wash, and I see we basically agree on that.

Do you find it entertaining when your detractors can't spell or edit for grammar? I'm not sure what is better, the racist comment or the crush on Ralph Macchio. Makes it real easy to laugh them off doesn't it? Where is K-money? Did he get grounded and lose his internet access?

Posted By: Andy (Guest) on February 08, 2009 at 01:14 AM

I think that Black not winning the title at the end of the year could be a decision that could come back to haunt ROH. I've already read posts on the ROH board (and some complaints by a commenter to this column two weeks ago) about how Black has received too many title shots—sounds like the start of the backlash. It's also the same complaint I think I've heard about a million times regarding other men who became champion --Nigel McGuinness--and look how well that turned out in the end.

As far as the haters on the 411 system go, let them riot—who gives a fuck what they think? Maybe I would have cared and been pissed off two years ago, but now I just laugh it off. Anything they say (and how they say it) would never make me do anything different than what I do now. It's funny because on the Wrestler of the Week, Bauer and Berman get shit on so much more than I do, but this week for some reason I got hit hardest, being called a freaking disgrace and someone wished I die, I guess because I had four out of five votes for independent wrestlers. Oh and apparently I "suck Vince's dick" because I voted Orton in number one. Oh well, too bad on them. It's funny as hell, but it's also some of the most pathetic activity on the ‘net. It will continue, and I will continue to laugh at it, and that's all I have to say about that.


Great column. I've always wondered "What if?" and I suppose I wasn't alone in that thought.

I'd take Sapolsky's version as long as Steenerico were booked the way they actually were. I agree with you there 100%, and I would have hated to wait to see them finally get their win against the Briscoes -- to be honest I think the Briscoes are totally overrated.

Posted By: TAT (Guest) on February 08, 2009 at 05:18 AM
In some ways I think Steen & Generico could have been hurt really badly by the booking as it was set up by Gabe. They worked so hard to win the titles, and the fans love them…but they can't get clean wins in an iron tag match or against The Briscoes when this time around THEY are the ones who are the defending champions? That would have pissed me off something fierce, so I'm glad the wins came when it did.


I'm glad, though, that fans are finally starting to realize Pearce isn't THAT damn bad of a booker. Just a really different style than Gabe. I think the problem with the majority of fans is that they'd built up a loyalty with Gabe and change, especially so sudden, threw them completely for a loop. And since Pearce books so much different than Gabe, their first reaction was to be negative in support of Gabe. Now the hate is dying down and the crowds seem to be warming up to the idea of Pearce as booker... even though it's veeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrry slowly.

And I know why they did it, but Bobby doing the huge turn on Sweeney definitely should've been in NY, not in Chicago. Yes, it was a PPV and is a really, really great moment that should come off great when it gets released, but there's no hotter a crowd for Bobby then NY. It'd be like if Albright had won the NWA Title from Pearce in a PPV taping that wasn't in NY. Would still be a great moment, but not NEARLY a great as it was because it was in NY.

But to counter that argument, it's hard to build/sustain all your markets if you save all the amazing moments for only one town just because they're the biggest.
Posted By: All Around Wrestling Fan (Guest) on February 08, 2009 at 07:25 AM

I think Proving Ground 2009 (a title for a show I suggested by the way, no, no, not bragging at all) turned the corner for people about Pearce's booking. The hate is dying very slowly, but if ROH comes through in the next few months I think the voices will definitely be dying down more quickly. Bobby Dempsey's standing O in New York on the pre show last December will definitely be a moment to remember—New York certainly loves its Bobby Dempsey.


To be honest I find Gabe's versions mostly hammered Pearce's. Escalation, Southern Hostility and Wrestling at the Gateway were horrible shows in comparison to anything from the rest of the year, and whilst ASE IV and Final Battle were seemingly better, they still should have gone with the Black win as Gabe planned.

Posted By: Col (Guest) on February 08, 2009 at 07:51 AM

Having watched both Wrestling at the Gateway and Southern Hostility I have to say I disagree with your assessment. I really enjoyed both shows—they were a good mix of undercard fun and fantastic main events. Maybe there were too many tag team matches on each show (and they ran back to back), but that didn't bug me all that much. The tag main event in St. Louis and the singles matches were the real highlights on the admittedly short card. Also, I really enjoyed the Danielson vs. Castagnoli no DQ match (excellent violence between the two and a hell of a match) and the McGuinness vs. Lynn title bout on Southern Hostility-great wrestling and counter wrestling and Lynn once again showing that "an old dog" can still have some new tricks up his sleeve. There were two bad parts to the show—the double countout ending to the Aries & Necro Butcher vs. Black & Jacobs tag match and the worst match on that show was Bushwhacker Luke & Grizzley vs. Irish Airborne. Though really, it was a match with a Bushwhacker and a blasé tag team—I wasn't expecting any more than I got out of that one. It was painful to watch and took forever. However, the rest of the undercard made up for it.

I'll go with Pearce's version of things, simply because it seems like Gabe would be doing his damndest to push the Team Albright/SnS feud to the back burner or trying to make Sns Inc. look almost completely inept (which makes no sense if they've been teaming as a unit longer). I also think if would have been too soon for a Briscoes heel turn--it's something to save for when they get on TV, to establish a top-tier heel team right away and give the American Wolves time to build themselves as one further down the card. That way they have a team to replace the Briscoes in that spot later in the year if injuries kept nagging Mark.

Posted By: B.W.G. (Guest) on February 08, 2009 at 01:59 PM

I actually dislike The Briscoes as heels, so anything that keeps them as faces I support—even, say an injury to Mark! Okay, just kidding…maybe…


ROH @ 411

411 Buy or Sell discusses several important ROH issues including whether or not ROH's 7th Anny should be in New York (I say no, sorry Michael), whether or not AJ Styles is coming back to ROH (again, no) and whether or not Bison Smith and Bryan Danielson will be a good feud that gets Smith over (yes).

J.D. Dunn gets in his "breakdown" style recap for ROH Rising Above 2008.

Bayani takes a time out. Hope he comes back soon—I need the latest dish on PWG…

…and the hot pics of beautiful women don't hurt either…

And with that we are done catching up for the week. Join me next week for some seventh anniversary celebration fun times. Thanks for reading!
BROOKLYN! NANA!
--Ari--