Welcome to a loaded ROH Weekly. This week we have the top 5 ROH matches in four major markets, along with big previews for this weekend’s huge shows.
Top 5 Ring of Honor Matches in Philadelphia
Notes: Bryan Danielson vs. Nigel McGuinness from Driven would rank #4 on this list, but it is on a DVD based in Chicago due to PPV and has been disqualified. It’s still a classic worth seeing.
5. Austin Aries vs. Samoa Joe, Final Battle 2004 – This ROH World Title bout marked a changing of the guard and the end of ROH’s Rebirth, during which Joe put the company on his back and refused to let it die. A great finish and absurdly hot crowd help make this a must watch match. **** ¾
4. Samoa Joe and Low Ki vs. Homicide and Kenta Kobashi, Unforgettable – Normal partner Ki and Homicide are on opposite sides here for the only time in ROH history, but the high concept here was simply to put the very best guys ROH could in the ring around Kobashi and have a classic. This succeeds in spades. **** ¾
3. Cage of Death: ROH vs. CZW, Death Before Dishonor IV – CZW and Ring of Honor had a war for the first 6 months of 2006 and it’s one of the best feuds ever. A War Games style match with weapons settled things with many of independent wrestling’s most accomplished names. Twists and turns make every entrant matter here in a near perfect culmination of a perfect feud. **** ¾
2. Bryan Danielson vs. Low Ki, Round Robin Challenge – Two guys get in the ring and just wrestle on ROH’s second ever show. With Shamrock the referee, they give a tour de force of shoot style, mat wrestling, and Puro junior style. In 2002 this was amazing and unique in the states and showed ROH to stand a step above. *****
1. Bryan Danielson vs. Paul London 2 out of 3 falls, The Epic Encounter – Bryan Danielson was a main eventer from ROH’s first show. He was trained by Regal and Shawn Michaels and one of the best pure wrestlers on the planet even then. Paul London was just another undercard guy who, through charisma, selling and hard work, connected with the crowd and forced his way into the main event. Another Shawn Michaels guy getting this much attention lead to a rivalry with Danielson that was not only competitive but also showed some of Danielson’s first killer/cocky persona. The match is perfect and must see, despite a weird crowd and bad commentary. The wrestling is amazing. *****
Top 5 Ring of Honor Matches in Massachusets
5. Bryan Danielson vs. Austin Aries, Honor Nation – Two guys got on the mat and just went at it. This was their fourth encounter and it proved to be among their best. This kicked off a series to be considered ROH’s Ace in great fashion. **** ¼
4. Austin Aries vs. James Gibson, Stalemate – A ROH World Title match here had Gibson trying to show he was a top wrestler in the world against the fast, hard hitting and technically proficient Aries. Gibson tried to match Aries, using veteran skill to make up what physical skill wouldn’t in a classic encounter that you wouldn’t believe if all you knew were Jaime Noble. **** ½
3. Jay and Mark Briscoe vs. Kevin Steen and El Generico in a Street Fight, Death Before Dishonor V Night 2
Sometimes guys can just radiate hate. Crowd brawls have become a cliché, but these guys seemed to really despise each other so much, it simply didn’t matter. They found new ways to hit each other hard and took their feud to a new level. **** ½
2. Claudio Castagnoli vs. Takeshi Morishima, Death Before Dishonor V Night 2 – The mighty Morishima defended his title against Castagnoli and Claudio was left to show that he could rise to the level of one of the best in the world. He did exactly that, using his speed to set up his power as best he could before Morishima’s girth wore him down. **** ½
1. AJ Styles vs. Paul London, Night of the Grudges – AJ and London were to go for the tag titles, but London was hurt. AJ picked Red as his partner instead and won the tag titles. London returned angry and got a match with AJ. Filled with a ton of personality and vicious body part work, this is both men at their very best. **** ¾
Top 5 ROH Matches in New Jersey
5. Bryan Danielson vs. Jimmy Rave, Fourth Anniversary – Rave, much maligned as a worker and rarely standing out for much of his ROH tenure, got a shot at the best in the world. In a mat classic, Rave showed he could keep up in both moves and personality with Danielson. **** ¼
4. Samoa Joe vs. CM Punk, All Star Extravaganza 2 – The finale of the Joe vs. Punk Trilogy. After matches 1 and 2 went 60 minutes, who knew what to expect from two of the best with no time limit? **** ½
3. Low Ki vs. KENTA, Final Battle 2005 – KENTA is the hard hitting Puro star who took ROH by storm. He had his first ROH match against the hard hitting ROH Icon for the GHC Jr. belt. Both men decided to go all out and beat the shit out of each other in a constantly elevating, exciting manner. **** ¾
2. Bryan Danielson vs. AJ Styles, Main Event Spectacles – You may have heard of these two. Their first match was only good for **** so for their rematch, with a hostile crowd, they simply went all out, telling a story for the ages, building their legends early on. **** ¾
1. CM Punk vs. Austin Aries, Death Before Dishonor 3 – CM Punk challenges for the ROH World Title in his last night in the company. Punk is treated like Hogan, but is far better in the ring. Aries is treated like Piper and is technically superior there. The match is amazing and near perfection. You won’t believe the finish or how engrossing this match is. **** ¾
Top 5 ROH Matches in NYC
5. Low Ki vs. Paul London vs. AJ Styles, First Anniversary Show – Ring of Honor threw out three top guys for a great match on their first anniversary. Each took a separate role, with AJ the flier, Ki the striker, and London the underdog, in making a memorable, fast paced match that didn’t sacrifice story. **** ½
4. Austin Aries vs. Nigel McGuinness, Rising Above – Aries and McGuinness had a face vs. face match in NYC that many consider the best in ROH PPV history, no small feat. McGuinness spends half the match concussed and broken, but he won’t give in as he both men work their asses off with a slow build to an incredible climax. **** ½
3. Takeshi Morishima vs. Bryan Danielson, Manhattan Mayhem 2 – No one had yet gone hit and run against the Japanese behemoth, but Danielson, with his new MMA oriented style, was surely going to try. His hit and run tactics work great until Morishima breaks his eye socket and detaches his retina. This one is intense. **** ¾
2. Samoa Joe vs. Kenta Kobashi, Joe vs. Kobashi – Kobashi is a legend and came to America for two matches in ROH. Kobashi was, at this point, easily the best in the world. Joe was the Ace of ROH and wanted to protect his home ground. He knew he couldn’t do it alone, so he broke out many of the best maneuvers of Misawa, Tenryu, Kawada and other notable Kobashi enemies. The crowd was out of this world for a true clash of the titans. *****
1. Bryan Danielson vs. KENTA, Glory by Honor V Night 2 – Let me set the stage: KENTA was an undefeated invading menace in ROH. He’d even beaten the World Champion Bryan Danielson twice, once in a tag and once in a three way. Danielson had just torn his shoulder up and probably shouldn’t even be competing. ROH was debuting in the Manhattan Center and the match was set. Watch in awe as Danielson turns his own injury and previous losses against KENTA in the best match in ROH history. *****
ROH Weekend Preview: August 15, Cleveland
ROH World Title Match: Nigel McGuinness © vs. El Generico
Why its happening: Nigel has beaten Steen three times, so now he wants to take out Steen’s partner. Generico, for his part, is just happy to get the title shot.
What to expect: Generico is the best underdog face in the business right now. Every time he’s allowed to shine, a great match occurs. If he and Nigel provide anything else, it’s time to start seriously questioning Nigel as champion.
Who should win: Nigel has matches set up with Tyler, Danielson and Marufuji still. Generico, great as he is, can afford to come up short.
Who will win: Nigel wins.
Grudge Match: Austin Aries vs. Tyler Black
Why its happening: Aries continues to try and dismantle the Age of the Fall here in a rematch from Unscripted III. Tyler is climbing the card and attempting to become a main eventer in Aries spot.
What to expect: A great, athletic match. I really hope no AotF shenanigans occur, but they might due to a rematch coming up in Japan.
Who should win: Tyler Black could really use this huge win to help his push up the card. A great match also would help.
Who will win: Aries will win since Tyler has yet to beat Nigel, Danielson, or Aries in a singles match, this isn’t a big enough platform for him to start.
FIP World Title Match: Erick Stevens © vs. Claudio Castagnoli
Why its happening: Erick wanted big challenges as FIP Champion and he gets to start with the newly heel, ultra-aggressive Castagnoli.
What to expect: This is a weird match. Claudio, newly heel and messing with Nigel and Danielson, shouldn’t lose yet, but Stevens surely can’t afford a loss. The match will be as good as Claudio’s heel wrestling allows.
Who should win: This should go to a time limit draw with Stevens asking for more time and CC just destroying him before it’s granted.
Who will win: Stevens will win because he can’t afford to lose the belt.
Grudge Match: Jay and Mark Briscoe vs. Jimmy Jacobs and a Mystery Partner
Why its happening: The Briscoes feud with Jacobs over his targeting them when he first arrived, then taking the tag titles from them, will not end. At least it has a reason to go on with Jacobs still holding the tag titles and the Briscoe Brothers wanting a shot.
What to expect: A wild brawl all over the arena. The mystery partner I was expecting is BJ Whitmer, but he’s having wrist surgery. It could be almost anyone, but I have a sinking feeling it’s Necro, reuniting with Jacobs.
Who should win: Whoever Jacobs partner is could score a big victory here.
Who will win: The Briscoes will get the win on their march to a tag title shot.
Grudge Match: Go Shiozaki and Chris Hero vs. Roderick Strong and Brent Albright
Why its happening: Go and Hero represent Sweet n Sour, Inc. Roderick hates SnS for taking Davey Richards, leading to the NRC’s breakup, while Albright hates Sweeney for buying out the Hangmen 3 and being a crappy boss.
What to expect: All of these guys hit very hard, so this match has that going for it.
Who should win: The heels need to get some heat back after the huge NWA title loss last month.
Who will win: As an added bonus to Hero and Go winning, they look strong going into two title matches the next night.
Bryan Danielson vs. Kenny King
Why its happening: This is King’s ROH tryout match #1. He goes against a top guy to show what he has.
What to expect: This will likely be a Danielson showcase with some good heelishness by King.
Who should win: Danielson will and should carry the victory with King being allowed to show his skill and earn a roster spot.
Who will win: Danielson will and should carry the victory, unfortunately it’ll likely be an extended squash.
Rhett Titus vs. Delirious
Why its happening: This is a rematch from two weeks ago’s Virginia show, which Delirious won. Del is mad at Titus who is going around with supposed naked pictured of Daizee Haze on his phone. Delirious likes Daizee, who isn’t interested in him.
What to expect: This should be a match where Delirious is great, but easily tricked (since he’s a lizard man and all), while Rhett controls with some funny offense.
Who should win: Rhett needs the win here or the feud is basically over and Rhett comes off looking like a joke. Rhett really just came into wrestling as a full heel, so he shouldn’t win.
Who will win: Rhett will use shenanigans or a distraction to get the win.
Kevin Steen vs. Jigsaw
Why its happening: Steen needs rebuilding after three losses to Nigel. Jigsaw wants a big win to catapult his team with Ruckus into tag title contention.
What to expect: Steen will control most of this while Jigsaw tries to use speed to keep up. This feels like filler.
Who should win: Steen can’t lose to Jigsaw.
Who will win: Steen will win to begin rebuilding him after his losses.
Ruckus vs. Adam Pearce
Why its happening: Ruckus lost his shot against Nigel in Virginia. Pearce lost his NWA title to Albright in NYC. Both attempt to regain some momentum after big losses.
What to expect: Pearce lost a great match. Ruckus lost a squash. Pearce will do his usual Memphis heel stuff to counter Ruckus’s flips. This is filler, like the last match.
Who should win: Pearce, despite losing, has momentum because of how he lost. Ruckus got killed and has nothing going for him. Pearce can be built now if Gabe wants to, so he should win.
Who will win: Pearce will use his usual to come out ahead.
This is a bit of a top heavy show. If you’re in the area and you want ROH to run Cleveland more, be sure to check this out. Generico vs. Nigel alone will be worth admission, and Tyler vs. Aries and Claudio vs. Stevens merely add to that.
ROH Weekend Preview: August 16 in Chicago
Nigel McGuinness and Claudio Castagnoli vs. Bryan Danielson and Austin Aries
Why its happening: Nigel gets to take out two major challengers at once here. Danielson wants revenge on Claudio for turning on him at Death Before Dishonor VI and Nigel for months of mocking him. Aries, along with being Danielson’s regular partner, gets a shot at beating Nigel, which would put him right back in title contention. Claudio’s stake? I’m not quite sure, but perhaps he’s hoping to impress Nigel into a title shot like he did at Tag Wars 08.
What to expect: All of these guys know what they’re doing. I wouldn’t expect a classic, but it should be **** with a lot of cool interpersonal rivalry stuff.
Who should win: Claudio really needs to pin Danielson here.
Who will win: Claudio should get the duke here.
No DQ Match: Necro Butcher vs. Jimmy Jacobs
Why its happening: Necro (with an assist from Austin Aries) got sick of being bossed around by stable leader Jacobs. Aries set this up by beating Jacobs at the last Chicago show (Vendetta 2), so it’s a good thing he split Jacobs and Necro up before now.
What to expect: A brawl with some kind of swerve ending. Both are awesome brawlers, so if it’s straight it could be a classic.
Who should win: Jacobs should win, barely scraping by to re-establish his dominance.
Who will win: Jacobs has a World Title match coming up, so he likely won’t lose right before it.
NWA World Title Match: Brent Albright © vs. Go Shiozaki
Why its happening: Go needs a title to make his American stay a success. Larry Sweeney wants a shot for one of his guys and Go coincidentally is one of those wrestlers, so he gets a shot at the prestigious NWA Title. Albright still hates Sweeney and I’m sure has no problem sticking it to his former “boss.â€
What to expect: This will continue Albright’s ascension to main eventer. They had a very good match at Double Feature in an undercard spot. This is a featured match and sure to be great, elevating both men.
Who should win: Albright just won the NWA Title and won’t be losing it yet, despite how great of a challenger Go is.
Who will win: Albright can be a legitimate draw for ROH long term and will successfully defend his title.
FIP World Title Match: Erick Stevens © vs. Chris Hero
Why its happening: Sweeney is good at getting his guys title shots and Stevens has the FIP Title, while looking for top name challengers.
What to expect: Stevens and Hero had a surprisingly good match at Race to the Top Night 1 and will have a much higher match on the card here. The FIP and NWA title matches are sure to be great because they put highlights on matches that were very good earlier on the card. Hero hits hard and Stevens sells great. I’m looking forward to this.
Who should win: Stevens would look like the biggest choker in the world if he lost here.
Who will win: Stevens isn’t losing his title to a guy who barely wrestles FIP.
The Sweet and Sour Gauntlet: Roderick Strong vs. Members of Sweet and Sour, Inc. including Adam Pearce, Shane Hagadorn and Bobby Dempsey
Why its happening: If Roderick wins he gets a shot at Larry Sweeney. He hates Sweeney for reasons detailed under yesterday’s show.
What to expect: Strong squashing all but Pearce. He’ll likely beat Pearce, but be weakened enough for Sweeney to take out. If not Pearce, then another new SnS member.
Who should win: Sweeney should pin Strong for more heat.
Who will win: Sweeney will win this one.
El Generico vs. Tyler Black
Why its happening: This is set up for Steen and Generico’s upcoming title shot with Black and Jacobs.
What to expect: This could steal the show. Tyler and Generico can both work a fast pace, sell, and get the crowd involved. If they do we have a sleeper MOTYC.
Who should win: Tyler should win. He’s being built for future title shots and Generico will have just lost one.
Who will win: Tyler needs to march on to being the ROH golden boy (TM John Wiswell)
Kevin Steen vs. Kenny King
Why its happening: King gets his second trial match. The first against Danielson was to show wrestling skill. This one is to show personality.
What to expect: Steen hates when people steal his thunder so he and King will go full bore with their personality. Steen will drop King on his head a lot to win.
Who should win: If they’re serious about King, an upset here would absolutely make him. Steen could win a rematch to get his heat back while King became a regular.
Who will win: Steen will essentially squash. He’s too high up the card for King, but Kenny is a regular anyway.
Tag Team Scramble: The Briscoes vs. Ruckus and Jigsaw vs. Delirious and Pelle Primeau vs. Tweek and Dash Phoenix
Why its happening: This is filler for the tag scene.
What to expect: Lots of spots will occur here. I wish we had a word for this kind of spot party.
Who should win: Man Up.
Who will win: Man Up to pop the crowd.
Chicago looks a bit weak up top until you realize ROH will absolutely deliver with the FIP and NWA Title matches. Tyler and Generico are more than a cherry on top. More like a steak on top. Take a moment to realize ROH rarely fails to deliver in Chicago. Then it becomes a great show to see new talent shine. Go see this one. You might just find some new favorite wrestlers.
