1. It makes sense that Dave Prazak would compare the Young Bucks to the Rock n Roll Express, considering he and Mike Hogwood were talking about Jim Cornette. However, in terms of look and moveset, I think the OMEGA and WWE jobber version of the Hardy Boyz is more appropriate. Along the same vein, if they really want to go back to the 80’s, the Rockers would be a more appropriate comparison. But you can understand why they didn’t go there.
2. The Bucks’ match with the Briscoes was going along really well before the Dark City Fight Club interference. It took away from the match a little bit, but it’s forgivable if it actually leads somewhere. I particularly enjoyed the story the teams told, with the Briscoes wrestling a quicker pace than usual early on in order to match the Young Bucks’ speed but, when that didn’t work, ultimately gaining control of the middle portion by slowing down the pace and wrestling their type of match.
3. Another solid edition of Bryan Danielson’s Top 5 moments. What I’ve enjoyed the most about these segments the last two weeks is how genuine and enthusiastic about wrestling he comes across. When he talks about the bond he’s formed with other wrestlers and how much he cherishes it, you really believe him. Sadly, such genuineness is also why I used to enjoy the main feature of the Chris Benoit DVD so much (and no, I’m not comparing the two wrestlers) . . .
4. A couple of weeks ago, I commented how much I enjoy Colt Cabana’s goofy antics because he does them in a way that they don’t detract from the match. The opposite can be said for Rhett Titus. He could have had a nice, fast-paced affair with Alex Payne tonight, but his in-match extracurriculars slowed things down and took away from the match. I like Titus and appreciate the effort he puts into his goofy gimmick, but he needs to strike more of a balance if he wants to ultimately be taken seriously.
5. Another uninteresting promo hyping up Rasche Brown’s debut. I appreciate the effort being put towards introducing the guy so he doesn’t go out there “cold” in his debut, but his promos really aren’t making me wanting to see him. If he doesn’t deliver upon his debut, I can’t see the ROH fans giving much of a crap.
6. Tyler Black actually sounded less awkward on the mic than usual tonight. I wonder if they’ll do something with his statement that Jerry Lynn is in the twilight of his career – perhaps have Lynn take exception to that statement? The highlight of me, however, was Nigel McGuinness interrupting with “this isn’t Good Will Hunting!”
7. Claudio Castagnoli’s squash of Grizzly Redwood was obviously for the purpose of furthering the feud between Necro Butcher and the Embassy, but it at least allowed Claudio to look damn impressive. Tossing Grizzly up into the air and hitting a Europen Uppercut on the way down was pretty cool, in particular.
8. Kudos to Hogwood and Prazak for pointing out, correctly, that Nigel McGuinness has been wrestling a different style since his arm injuries, as the slower pace and lower lariat use of his more recent matches has been noticeable. It also makes Colt Cabana’s arm work at the beginning of the match make perfect sense, as opposed to working a body part simply for the sake of working a body part.
9. Considering how much I like Cabana and McGuinness, I was disappointed in the main event. The body of the match was REALLY slow, and while they did pick it up a little bit in the finishing sequence, it wasn’t enough. I think it’s the first match in the ROH oh HDNet Monday night era that’s gotten a “boring” chant (albeit a faint one), and I have to agree. Positives? Cabana’s Vertebreaker-style set-up for the Colt .45 was nice, as was his leaving the ring, despite being the winner, to let McGuinness have a moment. Plus, if they’re going to count on Cabana to step into one of the main event slots left by Danielson and McGuinness, this victory could help build him up.
10. One of the weakest shows in ROH’s Monday night era. The opening match was good, non-finish aside. Nothing else really clicked though, and the main event, which is usually ROH’s strong suit, disappointed, especially given the participants. But hey, Danielson/Strong vs. The American Wolves next week? I’m there.
