ROH Contention Review

Tyler Black gets another Non-Title opportunity against the champion.

ROH Contention

Manassas, Virginia 6/12/09

Bonus

1.) Daizee Haze vs. LuFisto (The Hunt Begins 4/17/09): **1/4

This is from the Double Feature II Weekend (again why they spread out these matches instead of including them on one disk I don't know). Anyway the match itself was fine. LuFisto is a strange character.

Main Show

1.) Colt Cabana, Necro Butcher & Grizzly Redwood vs. Jimmy Rave, Claudio Castagnoli, Ernie Osiris: **1/2

To make himself feel more comfortable with his partners, Colt takes his boots off, and they (literally) rub their feet in their faces. It was fine for what it was....more of a comedy match.

2.) Shawn Spears vs. Alex Payne: *3/4

Really don't know what ROH saw in Shawn Spears, his match here wasn't that good. Thankfully he wasn't booked after this (to my knowledge).

Ric Flair comes out to cut a promo. He talks of the days when there were lots of hot women at wrestling shows.

3.) Bryan Danielson vs. Kenny King: ***

These two had a match at Age of Insanity that put King on the map as a singles wrestler. This match was good, but it had very strange twists. The entire match (at the suggestion of the crowd) was pretty much built around a simple Snapmare from Dragon (See...you can build a match around anything). The thing with Titus singing was annoying though...

4.) Kevin Steen & El Generico vs. The Young Bucks: ***1/2

The snapmare thing continued for a little bit in this match. This was entertaining. The first of three very good matches involving these teams. The Young Bucks look good in the loss.

Nigel McGuinness comes out to cut a promo, saying he's been sitting on the sidelines, watching ROH, waiting to make his return. He predicts Jerry Lynn's days as champion are numbered but doubts that Austin Aries can beat him in New York City. This brings out Aries, who complements Nigel on his dress attire and makes fun of Manassas before the next match gets started.

5.) Four-Corner Survival – Austin Aries vs. Roderick Strong vs. D-Lo Brown vs. Eddie Edwards: ***1/4

Aries has "hired" D-Lo for protection to save himself for tomorrow's title match. Add Edwards in the mix, and it's 3-on-1 against Roderick Strong. Things, however, would eventually break down. Aries taps quickly to the Stronghold to save himself for his title match.

6.) Jimmy Jacobs vs. Sonjay Dutt: **1/2

This was ok. Dutt put up some nice moves. Jacobs is lost (both literally & figuratively) since The Age of the Fall dissolved.

7.) Jay Briscoe vs. Davey Richards: ***1/2

The issue between these two goes back to Final Battle 2008 when The Wolves put Mark Briscoe on the shelf. This was a pretty good match...what one would expect from these two.

8.) Non-Title – Jerry Lynn vs. Tyler Black: ***3/4

For a non-title match this was actually very good. They pulled the Snapmare stuff here as well, which proved to be entertaining. Wish Lynn pulled off that Super-Snapmare though. Another good match.

Overall: 7.0/10

This was a fine B-Show. The two main event matches were entertaining (as well as the Danielson Snapmare Stuff) but the rest of the card was average. If you enjoy a good snapmare, go check this one out.

PWG 2012 Battle of Los Angeles: Night Two Review

PWG wraps up its annual tournament with a bang!

PWG 2012 Battle of Los Angeles: Night Two

Reseda, California 9/2/12

1.) 2012 Battle of Los Angeles Quarter-Final Round Match – Sami Callihan vs. TJ Perkins: ***1/4

The theme for this show is that the guys who won last night would move on into a blind bracket, meaning that the pairing for the Quarter-Finals on tonight's show would be completely random. Callihan kisses (I think?...Looked like it) Perkins before the match for some reason. The match was a good opener, and a quick one. These two put on a good show. Sami Callihan advances to the Semi-Finals.

2.) 2012 Battle of Los Angeles Quarter-Final Round Match – Adam Cole vs. Eddie Edwards: ***1/2

Cole is heeling in up once again in this one. These two showed A LOT of personality in this match, definitely more than they show in ROH. This seemed like a normal wrestling match with bits of a comedy match added in. Adam Cole advances to the Semi-Finals.

3.) 2012 Battle of Los Angeles Quarter-Final Round Match – Brian Cage vs. Michael Elgin: ***1/2

The match started off slow but definitely picked up down the stretch. Kevin Steen interjects himself and costs Cage the match, much like Cage did the night before. Michael Elgin advances to the Semi-Finals.

Steen goes back to beating up Cage after the match until the Young Bucks, who weren't even scheduled to be there, come out. Senior Referee Rick Knox tries to break things up. The Young Bucks & Brian Cage then triple team Knox. They set up for More Bang For Your Buck until El Generico comes out with a chair & runs them off. Knox then lays down a challenge...The Young Bucks & Brian Cage against...Rick Knox & Steenerico!! Steen however, flips them off & leaves, so it looks like it'll be three on two later...for now.

4.) 2012 Battle of Los Angeles Quarter-Final Round Match – Ricochet vs. Roderick Strong: ***1/2

Once again PWG provided us with an Indy-Dream Match that you won't see anywhere else. It seems like Roderick Strong works some of his better matches against smaller opponents. Ricochet advances to the Semi-Finals.

5.) Six-Man Tag – B-Boy, Willie Mack & Drake Younger vs. Kyle O’Reilly, Davey Richards & Joey Ryan: ***1/2

This is a match made up of guys who were eliminated on Night One. O'Reilly & Richards are dressed like Joey Ryan, making them Team Statutory!! I'm not sure how one rates a match like this. While there was wrestling, it was mostly comedy from the heels (hilarious comedy at that!). This needs to be seen to be believed.

6.) 2012 Battle of Los Angeles Semi-Final Round Match - Sami Callihan vs. Adam Cole: ***1/4

These two have wrestled each other before in CZW. While it was rather short, it was still pretty good. Adam Cole advances to the Finals. 

7.) 2012 Battle of Los Angeles Semi-Final Round Match – Michael Elgin vs. Ricochet: ****

Here we get another Indy Dream Match involved Ricochet. Nice. These two put on a great match. Not much else to say. The Power ends up prevailing over speed. Michael Elgin advances to the finals.

8.) Six-Man Tag – The Young Bucks & Brian Cage vs. Rick Knox, El Generico & Kevin Steen: ****

After Steen's rejection, this starts out as a Three-on-Two Match, but part way through Rick Knox gets thrown into the ring post. Steen goes to check on him, and sees Generico in trouble. He offers his hand for tag. Generico looks reluctant, but eventually makes the tag to Steen!! The faces get their act together and eventually pull out the win. This match had a lot of great story telling, especially when Steen entered the match. 

After the match it looks like Kevin Steen & El Generico are going to shake hands, but Steen flips off Generico, followed by Generico flipping off Steen. We won but we're still enemies! Grr!

9.) 2012 Battle of Los Angeles Final Round Match – Adam Cole vs. Michael Elgin: ****

This was another short match (11 Minutes roughly) that ended up being really good. Adam Cole once again shines as a heel. Lots of great stuff from these guys, as you would expect. Adam Cole is the 2012 Battle of Los Angeles Winner!

After the match, Cole cuts a heel promo and calls out the PWG World Champion Kevin Steen. Steen gets in the ring and starts to cut a promo, but is the kicked in the nuts by Cole and struck with his own PWG World Title Belt. Cole takes the BOLA trophy & belt and runs off.

Overall: 9.5/10

While this did not have that one overly awesome match like Night One did, it still had some great moments. The last three matches really brought the show together, and the Team Statutory match is worth watching. Plus....it's PWG...need I say more?

PWG 2012 Battle of Los Angeles: Night One Review

The 2012 edition of the Battle of Los Angeles gets under way!!

PWG 2012 Battle of Los Angeles: Night One

Reseda, California 9/1/12

1.) 2012 Battle of Los Angeles First Round Match – TJ Perkins vs. Joey Ryan: **3/4

Joey Ryan starts off with a promo before the match, he talks about BOLA, makes a racial joke towards Willie Mack, and talks about how this is his 12th Year in Wrestling. The match itself was pretty decent. They told a good story in the ring with Perkins using his speed & technical ability to his advantage. TJ Perkins advances to the next round.

2.) 2012 Battle of Los Angeles First Round Match – Roderick Strong vs. Drake Younger: ***3/4

One of the good things about PWG is that you get to see first time match-ups that you won't get to see in other Indy Promotions. This match was filled with lots of stiff, hard hitting action, which is what you would expect from a match involving these two. Roderick Strong advances to the next round.

3.) 2012 Battle of Los Angeles First Round Match – Eddie Edwards vs. Kyle O’Reilly: ***1/2

These two had a very exciting and technical match-up. Both guys looked really good (providing us with some unique offense) and provided a great contest. Eddie Edwards advances to the next round.

4.) 2012 Battle of Los Angeles First Round Match – B-Boy vs. Brian Cage: ***1/4

Although this was a little slower than the previous matches, it was still good (with the slower pace giving people a change to catch their breath) for what it was. Brian Cage advances to the next round.

5.) 2012 Battle of Los Angeles First Round Match – Ricochet vs. Kevin Steen: ****

Another match that you will only see in PWG. These put on a great contest, playing the big man vs. little man story well. Brian Cage interferes and it ends up costing Steen the match. Ricochet advances to the next round.

6.) 2012 Battle of Los Angeles First Round Match – Sami Callihan vs. Willie Mack: ***1/2

It's Sami Callihan's Birthday and he gets Happy Birthday Chants. The match itself was pretty good. Another first time encounter, I believe. Sami Callihan advances to the next round.

7.) 2012 Battle of Los Angeles First Round Match – Adam Cole vs. El Generico: ***3/4

This is Cole's first singles match in PWG, after teaming for several shows with Kyle O'Reilly as part of Future Shock. Cole's a heel in this one. For a match that went only 11 minutes, this was awesome!! The match felt like it went full throttle from start to finish. The last part of the match was just fantastic. Kevin Steen's reactions on commentary (because he hates El Generico) just added to it even more. Adam Cole advances to the next round.

8.) 2012 Battle of Los Angeles First Round Match – Michael Elgin vs. Davey Richards: ****3/4

Here we have a rematch from the Match of the Year these two had in ROH during WrestleMania Weekend. While it was not as good as that match, this was still pretty great. Both guys gave 110% in the ring and put on a fantastic match. Michael Elgin advances to the next round.

Overall: 9.5/10

For it just being Night One, comprised completely of first round matches, this was an awesome show!! Every match on here was good, with certain ones being really good. This whole show just came together really nicely. Definitely worth checking out.

Dragon Gate USA Mercury Rising 2012 Review

Dragon Gate USA wraps up WrestleMania Weekend the best way they know how...great wrestling!

Dragon Gate USA Mercury Rising 2012

Miami Beach, Florida 3/31/12

1.) Bobby Fish vs. Jon Davis: **1/2

This was a fairly decent opener. Both guys put on a fair match, though I do think it could have been a little better, if it wasn't the opener.

After the match, Fish (the winner) puts over Jon Davis, and reiterates what Low Ki say the night before about Evolve needed a title. He says if there is one, he wants in.

PAC is out next. He talks about the match he had with Low Ki the night before, and says before the weekends over, he wants to face him again. Since CIMA isn't 100% due to some injuries, he will take his place in the Six Man Tag Team Match, which the crowd is pleased to hear. Chuck Taylor then comes out, and PAC leaves do to his disgust towards him. Taylor says since PAC's Aerial Invitational is now not taking place, he will be holding the Chuck Taylor Kentucky Gentleman Invitational, and it will take place whenever he wants.

2.) Arik Cannon (with Pinkie Sanchez) vs. AR Fox: ***1/4

Colt Cabana joins Lenny Leonard on commentary, immediately making it more enjoyable....because's he's Colt Cabana! The match itself was going fine...until Sami Callihan interfered, causing a DQ.

Callihan cuts a promo saying Sabu's match tonight will be his last. He calls for their match to be now, the lights go out, and Sabu is here!!

3.) No Rules Street Fight – Sami Callihan vs. Sabu: **1/2

This was....ok....for a Street Fight, but it felt at times rather slow....and sloppy. Mostly because of Sabu. He doesn't need to be wrestling here. It was fine when they brought him in in originally at the end of 2011, but he overstayed his welcome. The fact that he went over Callihan was stupid (although the finish, which had AR Fox getting involved, didn't bother me as much for some reason).

After the match, Callihan goes nuts and beats up some ring attendant.

4.) Chuck Taylor Invitational – Chuck Taylor vs. Rich Swann vs. Samuray Del Sol vs. Lince Dorado vs. El Generico vs. CIMA: ***3/4

Originally this was supposed to be Samuray Del Sol vs. Lince Dorado, but Chuck Taylor comes out, saying his Invitational Match is now. This causes CIMA & Rich Swann (who is still pissed at Taylor for him turning his back on Ronin the night before) to come out. Taylor badmouths the two of them, then the two masked men, saying he hates Luchadors...(he shouldn't have said that)...which brings out EL GENERICO, who earlier in the day, lost to Jimmy Jacobs in an unscheduled opening match at ROH Showdown in the Sun: Day Two. The match itself was really good. Dragon Gate USA seems to do these Six-Man Matches very well. Taylor oddly enough is wrestling in his bare feet, and apparently the stench is enough to take out CIMA in a funny moment. Fun Match overall. El Generico coming in opens the door for a bunch of potential match-ups. 

Following intermission it is announced that Dragon Gate USA, Evolve, CZW (who was not received well) and CHIKARA (who were received well) will be teaming up for a Super-Weekend during the WrestleMania 29 festivities in New York/New Jersey.

5.) The Scene vs. Los Ben Dejos: **

I think Los Be Dejos wrestling on ROH on the Battle of the Carolinas shows (I think they lost to the Bravados). Nothing more than a squash for The Scene really. I think one of the girls that accompanies The Scene to the ring is Shelly Martinez (of WWE & TNA fame). Still hate Larry Dallas though.

6.) Open The Freedom Gate Title – Johnny Gargano vs. Masato Yoshino: ****1/4

This was a great match that proved once again how good Johnny Gargano really is. One of the items that was built up during the match is that nobody had been able to escape Yoshino's Submission Hold, called Sol Naciente, which made for an interesting story. Chuck Taylor was on commentary, saying Gargano became too serious and lame during his time with Ronin. He also talked about Gargano's recent injury and the fact that they lost the CHIKARA Tag Team Titles because of his absence. Gargano & Yoshino shook hands after the match, but Chuck Taylor attacks Gargano, leading to Rich Swann making the save.

7.) Dragon Gate Six Man – PAC, Ricochet & Masaaki Mochizuki vs. Low Ki, BxB Hulk & Akira Tozawa (with Christina Von Eerie): ****1/2

The Dragon Gate Six-Man Matches have always been great, and this one is no different. The substitution of PAC for CIMA, leading to more interactions with Low Ki. Great match overall.

Low Ki cuts a promo after the match, saying he'd love to face PAC & Ricochet again in the future.

Overall: 8.0/10

This was a good way for Dragon Gate USA to end its weekend. While the undercard left some things to be desired...The Invitational, Open The Freedom Gate Title Match, and the Dragon Gate Six Man all proved to be pretty great, and are well worth the price of the show.

ROH Validation Review

ROH returns to New Jersey as Jay Briscoe challenges for the World Title!

ROH Validation

Edison, New Jersey 5/9/09

1.) Eddie Kingston vs. Ricky Reyes: **1/4

Much like the night before, it was more or less a squash, but Reyes held his own against Kingston.

2.) Brent Albright & Erick Stevens vs. The Super Smash Brothers: **1/4

Again, much like the night before, The Super Smash Brothers serve the roll as enhancement talent, but are entertaining in their loss. Decent match. 

3.) Sonjay Dutt vs. Chris Hero (with Shane Hagadorn): ***1/4

Apparently this is a first time ever meeting between Hero & Dutt. It was actually a pretty good match. These two proved to be a good pairing.

4.) Jimmy Rave & Claudio Castagnoli (with Prince Nana & Ernie Osiris) vs. Necro Butcher & Delirious: **3/4

This was decent tag team match, but Necro actually wrestles here, which is kind of odd to see...

5.) Kenny King & Rhett Titus vs. Grizzly Redwood & Alex Payne: **

Nothing more here than another squash for King & Titus. It did look a little sloppy at times as well.

6.) Colt Cabana vs. Joey Ryan (with Prince Nana): **3/4

This was a fun match. Comedy comes from Cabana as one would expect. Ryan gets pantsed, which is kinda funny. While this is pretty much what you'd expect from a Ryan/Cabana match, I wish ROH used Ryan more seriously.

7.) ROH World Tag Team Titles - The American Wolves (with Shane Hagadorn) vs. Bryan Danielson & Kevin Steen: ****

These four put on a great match for the World Tag Team Titles, even though people knew Danielson & Steen weren't going to win. The Wolves look good as usual & Davey looks like the star that he would eventually become.

8.) ROH World Title - Jay Briscoe (with Mark Briscoe) vs. Jerry Lynn: ***1/2

While this wasn't as good as the World Title Match with Chris Hero, this was still pretty good. Jay is another one of those guys who can have a World Title Match when needed, prove to be a credible challenger, and go back to the mid-card with no damage done to his credibility. 

Overall: 7.0/10

I guess you can call this a one and a half match show. The Wolves match is once again the Match of the Night (and the must see match) but although the World Title Match isn't overly great it isn't bad either. The rest of the card is mostly average.

ROH Never Say Die Review

Ring of Honor heads to Boston where Jerry Lynn looks to tame That Young Knockout Kid!

ROH Never Say Die

Boston, Massachusetts 5/8/09

Pre-Show

1.) Ernie Osiris (with Prince Nana) vs. Grizzly Redwood: *1/2

This was an energetic little match. Pretty much what you would expect from these two, especially in a pre-show match.

Main Show

1.) Delirious vs. Ricky Reyes: **1/2

Nothing against Reyes, he's a good wrestler, but his lack of a personality just kills him for me. But he's only here to put over Delirious so I'm ok with that.

2.) Kenny King & Rhett Titus vs. The Super Smash Brothers: **3/4

I really don't know why Ring of Honor didn't keep the Smash Brothers on, they're a great tag team. Unfortunately they'd be treated more as enhancement talent this whole weekend. Doesn't mean the matches were bad. This one against King & Titus was pretty decent.

3.) Jay Briscoe vs. Necro Butcher: **1/2

This is interesting, as Briscoe shows respect to Necro before their match. This is strange, considering their history, but I'm willing to look past that. It was a decent match, then the Embassy got involved to cause a DQ. Necro fights them off.

4.) Anything Goes - Davey Richards (with Shane Hagadorn) vs. Kevin Steen: ****

This was a really good match. Given the feud going on between Steenerico & The Wolves, the hate was definitely brought here. A great extension of that feud.

After the match, Eddie Edwards comes out & helps lay out Steen.

5.) Three-Way - Bryan Danielson vs. Sonjay Dutt vs. Eddie Edwards: ***

Here we got a fine three-way. It was made up of a unique combination of guys I will say that. Danielson gets the win.

6.) Six-Man Tag - The Embassy (Claudio Castagnoli, Jimmy Rave & Joey Ryan with Prince Nana) vs. Erick Stevens, Brent Albright & Colt Cabana: **1/2

This is Joey Ryan's Debut as a member of the Embassy. You know, I really don't know why Ryan needed to be part of the Embassy. His gimmick is so good that he can be a heel on his own. Why ROH didn't do this I'm not sure. Anyway, the match itself wasn't anything spectacular. Just decent. 

7.) ROH World Title - Jerry Lynn vs. Chris Hero (with Shane Hagadorn): ****

2009 was definitely an important year for Chris Hero. He completed his transition from comedy act to a serious wrestler. Here he proved just how good he's gotten. The match was very good. Lynn once again proved that he can still hang with the younger wrestlers. Hero's one of those guys (in his more serious form) who can be a credible World Title Challenger, then after he loses, go back to the mid-card with no damage done to him as far as his credibility is concerned.

Overall: 8.0/10

This was a very good show from ROH. The World Title Match & The Anything Goes match are worth checking out. The rest of the card is relatively decent, with no overly good or bad matches.

ROH Double Feature II Review

Ring of Honor's second Double Feature comes from the Great White North!!

ROH Double Feature II

ROH The Hunt Begins

Montreal, Quebec 4/17/09

1.) Tyler Black vs. Jimmy Jacobs: ***

I believe this the first one-on-one encounter between the two since the break-up of the Age of the Fall. The match itself was fine, but it didn't really pick up until the end, and the crowd was just not getting into it like you would expect.

2.) Four Corner Survival - Austin Aries vs. Roderick Strong vs. Kenny Omega vs. Jay Briscoe: ***1/4

This was a very entertaining Four-Corner Survival. The crowd was into it, and the (relatively) new guy in Omega went over, so no complaints here.

3.) Jimmy Rave & Claudio Castagnoli (with Prince Nana & Erie Osiris) vs. Colt Cabana & Brent Albright: **3/4

Here we got a fine tag team match. Nothing good but decent. Crowd didn't seem into Albright that much.

4.) Kevin Steen, El Generico & Bryan Danielson vs. The American Wolves & Sylvan Grenier: ***1/4

This is interesting....curious as to why Sylvain Grenier (of WWE fame as part of La Resistance and later as a....model? I think). The Wolves are the new ROH World Tag Team Champions after defeating Steenerico in a Tables Match at the HD Net Tapings the week before, and make sure that fact is announced to the Montreal Crowd. They are going to sing the American National Anthem, but Sylvain breaks them off, cutting a promo in French, before then singing the American National Anthem himself. The face team comes out, Steen cuts a retort promo in French, and we get the match started!!

This was fine for what it was. There seemed to be a fair deal of stalling, and the match could have probably been shorter, but it was still fine.

ROH Tag Title Classic

Markham, Ontario 4/18/09

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

This was fine, but we saw less of Claudio's stuff and more of Cabana doing his usual stuff.

2.) Austin Aries, Rhett Titus & Kenny King vs. Kevin Steen, Generico Dos & Kenny Omega: ***1/4

Generico Does, aka Stupefied/Player Dos from the Super Smash Brothers, is taking the place of El Generico, who got injured in the Six-Man Tag in Montreal. Aries wishes Generico a speedy recovery, and proceeds to kick out his crutch, getting the match immediately started with the face team's retaliation. We got a very fun match here. Very entertaining.

3.) Markham Street Fight - Jimmy Jacobs vs. Delirious: ***1/2

This match is also available on the Delirious DVD. They had a match back in March at Insanity Unleashed, in which Jacobs got the win. Jacobs was cutting a promo when Delirious, in his Red Poison Attire, attacks him. They brawl out to the ring and the match gets officially started. Daizee Haze comes out, and ends up spiking Jacobs after the Delirious spit mist in his eyes...leading to a Delirious win. This was pretty entertaining. A great way to end the feud.

4.) Jay Briscoe vs. Roderick Strong: ***1/2

These two have been having sort of a friendly rivalry. While this was not as great as their encounter at Stylin' & Profilin', it was still pretty good. These two have great chemistry. Jay Briscoe is a very underrated singles wrestler and I think a brief World Title run is not out of the question.

5.) ROH World Tag Team Titles - The American Wolves (with Shane Hagadorn) vs. Tyler Black & Bryan Danielson: ****1/2

This was a fantastic World Tag Team Title match. While it started a little slow, with some stalling by The Wolves, it really went up in intensity as the match progressed. The super-hot crowd definitely helped. These four proved why they're some of the best in the world.

Overall: 7.75/10

The World Tag Team Title match makes this DVD a must by alone. The rest of the matches aren't bad either. The matches on The Hunt Begins were all decent but nothing stood out. Tag Title Classic did have some better moments like the Six-Man Tag, Markham Street Fight & Strong/Briscoe. Overall it's a good pair of shows, though I don't know why they didn't bother to put the rest of the matches from those shows on here, instead of spreading them out as bonus content on other DVD's.