1. The storyline of the opening match was obvious: Because Dutt attackled Delirious before the match, Delirious never really had a chance and was ripe for the picking by Hero. Still, they put together a fun little match, with Delirious predictably getting beaten up early, then timing his comeback perfectly before ultimately falling.
2. So they’re already teasing the “Pick 6 Contenders Series”. I like the concept. It’s something we haven’t seen before. It’ll make every match involving one of the top-6 mean something (hopefully). And it could lead to some fresh match-ups. However, I still think they missed the chance to do a HHH vs. Rikishi-like star-making performance with the Austin Aries Lucky Lottery before pulling the plug.
3. I’ve mentioned Danielson’s professionalism over the last couple of weeks, so this is hardly a new thought, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Danileson putting over Colt Cabana when discussing his #2 moment at ROH (the 2 out of 3 falls match in 2006). If Cabana is going to be built above comedy wrestler status to slide into a main event babyface slot, having the wrestler who has arguably meant more to ROH than any other certainly won’t hurt.
4. After Grizzly Redwood pinned Joey Ryan to win the Beard vs. Beard match, I was really hoping Prince Nana and Osiris would hightail, leaving Joey Ryan (whose work I’ve been enjoying) to get his chest chair trimmed by Grizzly and Necro. You can’t possibly tell me that wouldn’t have been a lot funnier than Osiris losing the beard.
5. It says a lot about Danielson’s toughness and character that, with all the technical masterpieces he has had, most of his favorite moments in ROH seem to involve persevering through injury to make it through a match. Still, here’s hoping this perseverance doesn’t lead to a Wellness Policy violation somewhere down the line.
6. Kenny King still sounds too over-the-top and unnatural on the mic in my opinion, but the video package is a good way to help him get over, especially by showcasing his best feature by far – his breath-taking athleticism. I like it that ROH takes the time to do these short packages. They should be a weekly feature.
7. Prazak annoyed me by engaging in unnecessary announcer hyperbole earlier (calling Grizzly’s performance in the tag match his best ever in ROH, when one can easily point to better ones), but redeemed himself by pointing out that Guerrero and Malenko had their ECW farewell match in the same building. Nice way to play up the significance of the event.
8. Other than some of the best matwork this side of Angle/Benoit, my favorite aspect of Danielson vs. Strong was all of the “little things” they displayed throughout the match. Danielson faking the kick to the chest of the seated Strong, waiting for Strong to try to block the kick . . . and then hitting the kick once Strong put his arms down. Strong blocking Danielson’s suicide dive with a forearm shot. Just great little nuances.
9. Outstanding main event in Danielson’s final HDNet effort. The emotion was evident in Danielson’s face from the time his music hit (I don’t know he didn’t break into tears), and he channeled it into a fantastic effort. Needless to say, Strong more than kept up his end of the bargain as well. Both men blended mat wrestling, stiff shots, and big spots into one hell of a match. You know what was missing though? Danielson working a “I have till five, ref!” in there.
10. Overall, this was very well-done as a tribute episode, given ROH’s production values and time constraints. There were a couple of decent matches, storylines were advanced, but the focus was definitely in the right place. Still, ROH dropped the ball by going off the air right before Danielson’s final HDNet promo. I felt short-changed, and I can’t be the only one.
