ROH Joe vs. Kobashi Review

Here's my review of the first show of Kenta Kobashi's ROH Tour. I actually picked this up on Ebay for a cheap price (Case was damaged but disk plays great).

ROH Joe vs. Kobashi
New York, New York 10/1/05

1.) Colt Cabana vs. Claudio Castagnoli: **1/2

Decent opener as Claudio makes only his second ROH Main Show appearance. Homicide's group costs Colt the match to further the feud.

2.) Three Way Elimination Match - Christopher Daniels vs. Azrieal vs. Matt Sydal: ***1/2

Actually a pretty good three way. Very entertaining.

3.) ROH Tag Team Titles - BJ Whitmer & Jimmy Jacobs vs. Tony Mamaluke & Sal Rinauro: ***1/4

I think this was supposed to be Mamaluke vs. Rinauro but the decided to team & challenge for the Tag Belts. Good match, but why did Mamaluke & Rinauro get a Tag Title Reign?

4.) ROH Pure Title Match - Nigel McGuinness vs. Jay Lethal: **3/4

A decent match. Nigel uses shady tactics to retain his title.

5.) Roderick Strong vs. Jimmy Rave: ***1/4

Good match, but of course this will be better well known for Jade Chung finally breaking away from the Embassy & Steel Cage Warfare being announced.

6.) Ricky Reyes vs. Pelle Primeau: DUD

Reyes squashes a Jobber...er....ROH Student. Next.

7.) James Gibson vs. Jimmy Yang: ***1/2

First match of Gibson's farewell weekend. Pretty good stuff.

8.) Homicide vs. Jack Evans: **3/4

A nice showing, with Colt returning the favor from earlier.

9.) Kenta Kobashi vs. Samoa Joe: *****

What else needs to be said? Great Atmosphere & Awesome Match. MUST SEE!!

Overall: 9.0/10

I think if you're looking for just the Main Event you can get Joe's new DVD but the actual show as a whole wasn't bad. Obviously the main event raises its stock greatly but their are a lot of other historical happenings (Big Moment in Gen Next/Embassy Feud, Tag Title Change) that make this show worthwhile and enjoyable.