Nigel McGuinness & Kevin Kelly in the ring
The broadcast team chats in the ring as we have mic issues. A staple of ROH broadcasts! Things are working now, and Kelly welcomes us to the show. He puts over the roster and mentions out two title matches. They put over the young stars in the main event. Nigel references that 10 years ago it appeared that sports entertainment won the battle, but several guys got together and proved that professional wrestling wasn't dead. Yeah, and none of those guys work there anymore! Nigel is really passionate about the product.
Comments from the All Night Express
The comments are REALLY low and hard to read, but I could tell that Rhett was indicating they wanted to test themselves before they went after the tag team titles and got retribution on The Young Bucks.
The All Night Express (Rhett Titus & Kenny King) vs.
Wrestling's Greatest Tag Team (Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin)
Rhett Titus returns to wrestling, and he came back very early. He developed a little bit of a gut, but he's still in better shape than 95% of us. Fast action to start as Benjamin attacks, but Titus retaliates with chops and a bulldog out of the corner for two. Kenny King tags in and goes to work on the arm. Matching tights for both teams—in 2012! That makes me smile.
Shelton Benjamin takes King down, but King comes back with a hiptoss. Shelton reverses the Irish Whip, and nails a lifted low blow in front of the referee. Paul Turner is obviously trying out for TNA. Charlie Haas is in and levels King in the face, then lays the boots. Double bird for the fans. Kenny King ducks a punch and delivers a drop kick. Double team by the ANX ends in a neck breaker from Titus and Charles Haas is on the floor. Shelton in, and he eats a leg lariat from King and hits the floor as well. DOUBLE TOPE SUICIDO! WGTT are down, and Haas is sent back in by Titus. Charlie Haas grabs the ropes for protection, and Kenny King levels him. Shelton takes out Rhett's leg, but we don't get to see it. Haas immediately goes after the knee brace and goes after the surgically repaired knee. Titus apparently worked with the NY Giants physical therapy staff to come back early. Shelton is in, and it's all about Rhett's knee. By the way, Titus calls tonight his "Rhetturn." Step over toehold, but Titus kicks him away. Thus, Shelton just unloads on Rhett!
Charlie Haas in, and the fans immediately give him hell. He continues to work over the knee in the corner, and delivers a chop for good measure. Corner charge connects with the knee as well. WGTT has Titus trapped in their corner and they go to work on Titus's knee some more. Kenny King goes for the save, distracting the ref. Shelton gets a chair, but the ref sees it and prevents it. Twice. But as he does, Charlie Haas chokes Rhett. RINGPOST FIGURE FOUR! This can't be good for the rehab process.
Haas celebrates, and proves just how great of a heel he is. Rhett crawls in and rolls up Shelton for two as Kenny King provided the distraction by going up top. Reverse Figure Four by Shelton and the audio levels change. Rhett turns it into a roll-up for two. Haas tags in and continues to work on that knee. Haas kicks Titus in the ear ad Kelly tells us that Rhett suffers from a chronically ruptured eardrum.
HOT TAG TO KING! And he's a house-a-fire! King went for a really cool transition into a single leg crab but it botches. He still goes right into it. Shelton in, and he eats the double shotgun knees from King. Small package gets two for Shelton as we get a "Ken-ny King" chant in NYC. Knee lift-spinning kick combo connects, and Rhett gets two before Haas breaks up the pin. Backdrop telegraphed by Haas, but he connects with the German. Kenny King tags in, inverted atomic drop superkick combo, but Kenny King grabs the bottom rope as Titus makes the save. Haas & Titus toe-to-toe now, and Titus "Hulk's up." Both men tumble over the top with a clothesline.
Shelton Benjamin goes to powerbomb Kenny King, who reverses it into a roll-up for two. Shelton kicks out, but Kenny King is persistent and scores the win!
Winners: The All Night Express, 13:34, ***1/2
Kevin Kelly & Nigel McGuinness talk about ROH's start in 2003 in front of 250 people, to being viewed by over 1 million people. Homicide vs. Bennett is next, and we talk about Nigel's love for Maria. Can you blame him?
Mike Bennett (w/Maria Kanellis & Brutal Bob) vs. Homicide
Yes, Maria is smoking hot tonight (as usual). Bennett makes out with Maris in the ring, and grabs her ass for good measure. I like him even more now. Bennett has a mic, and tells the people that they are jealous. Maria's jacked says "Prodigy's Girlfriend." They chant CM Punk at Maria, and Bennett says he's the best in the world. He's from Boston, is wicked smart, has Brutal Bob & the beautiful Maria. The fans chant "shut the fuck up!" Bennett calls Homicide out.
This place is about to go nuts...
And they go nuts! Homicide hits the ring and we we fight amongst the streamers. Homicide hit sthe ropes and Bennett takes a powder on the floor. In fact, he appears to be leaving. Nope, he's sticking around. Bennett is chewing gum, by the way. Maria? Still hot.
Now we get Homicide's introduction? The fight starts on the outside, and I'm not sure the bell ever rang. Homicide sends Bennett into the ring post, and throws a chair into the ring. Homicide bites the ear, and the crowd heat is off the charts already. ‘Cide chokes Bennett, making Ari Berenstein smile. Homicide has a fork, but Bennett kicks him and goes to work on ‘Cide. Homicide falls to the ringside table, right on the monitors. Homicide catches Bennett=-=EXPLODER! Bennett to the floor, and Homicide wants to fly. Brutal Bob takes the bullet for Bennett, diving up to collide with ‘Cide in the ropes. Bennett sends Homicide into the barricade, and celebrates for his fans. Like me. Bob really trained Bennett, by the way. And Steve Cook's girl, Taeler Hendrix.
Homicide rolled into the ring, and Bennett unloads with rights. Homicide no sells the punches, except for the last one. Suplex for Bennett gets two. Bennett unloads with elbows in the corner. Weak clothesline to the opposite corner, and the crowd gives him hell. Bennett slams Homicide and works the crowd. Snapmare by Bennett, and we finally get another look at Maria. Bennett does have a fan or two tonight, but that's about it. Spinebuster by Bennett as Homicide grabs his back. Bennett tears off part of Code's top, which was a Yankees jersey. Homicide retaliates with chops, but Bennett goes for another spinebuster—ACE CRUSHER! Homicide is still hurt, and can't make the cover as Maria bounces up and down on the floor. We get the "Yay-Boo" punch exchange, but Cide takes the advantage with a knee, followed by a powerbomb for two. He turns it over into the STF—shades of Samoa Joe called by Nigel! Homicide in the corner, elbows a charging Bennett, and Homicide goes up top. Bennett joins him. Superplex? Nope. Homicide headbutts Bennett, and teases a Pepsi Plunge. Bennett backdrops him down.
Homicide back in control with a neck breaker. He signals for the for the Go 2 Sleep, and has Bennett up! Maria provides the distraction, but Homicide dodges Bennett. GO 2 SLEEP! Maria dives into the ring, being held back by Bob. She's a tough woman if she wants part of Homicide. She literally smacks Bob away, and Bennett rolls up Homicide for three.
Winner: Mike Bennett, 9:23, **1/2
Homicide levels Bennett, and Brutal Bob attacks the Notorious 187. Down goes Evans! Homicide turns his attention to Maria. She dives out, and it's a Maria tug-of-war! They get Maria out of the ring and bail. If Homicide came back for good, this could be one hell of a feud. Homicide cuts a promo that's hard to hear, but I do understand the "Let's Go Yankees" chant. He finishes by telling the fans that ROH is the best promotion in the world, and leads the crowd in chanting ROH.
Eddie Kingston promo
Bobby Cruise announces special (surprise) guest, and CHIKARA Grand Champion, New York's own Eddie Kingston! Kevin Kelly conducts the interview. He says it's great to be there as CHIKARA champion, and lays out a challenge to Davey Richards. However, it's answered by Wrestling's Worst Nightmare, Kevin Steen. Steen gets a great reaction, and is carrying the tennis racket he debuted last night (with Davey Richards on the cover). He's also eating a banana. Over-under on an El Generico sighting tonight? He swats a steamer as the crowd chants "Mr. Wrestling!"
Steen asks Kingston "When did you become such a bitch?" He's wearing a tuxedo t-shirt. Steen explains, saying it's because Eddie is being so nice to Ring of Honor, and implicates that Jim Cornette sent Kingston away from ROH. During this, Steen also expertly berates a fan. He says the people want to see them fight, but Steen thinks it'd be better if they teamed. "Kill Steen Kill" chant now. He says they can take over ROH and CHIKARA. Kingston doesn't want to destroy ROH, he calls it the best wrestling company in the world. He's not about destroying anything.
Steen takes it up a notch by calling CHIKARA a "Bullshit Mickey Mouse promotion." Kingston takes exception and sends Kevin Kelly out of the ring. Kingston says that CHIKARA means everything to him, he lost his wife & kids to that promotion (much like ROH's world champion, by the way), and threatens Steen. Steen says he didn't plan to start a fight, but the fight is on.
And here comes security! The briefly break things up, but Steen charges once more. Steen has the belt, and teases taking a leak on it. Out comes The Colony! Dive to the floor takes everyone out! "Holy shit!" by the fans. Jigasw is out there, too, as we all brawl out of the ringside area. There is a chair and the CHIKARA belt in the ring.
The House of Truth (Roderick Strong & Michael Elgin) w/Truth Martini vs. TJ Perkins & The Amazing Red
Streamers for Red, and Perkins celebrates like they're for him. Strong shakes with Red, no one else shakes. Small "Fuck TNA" chant as Storng & Perkins start. Chain wrestling early. Perkins slips out of an armbar and dropkicks Strong. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand the stream freezes.
We're back after I reload, and Red is tossed aside by Elgin. Red is wrestling in a t-shirt, pimping the House of Glory Wrestling School. Multiple kicks to the head by Red, and he counters a Wheelbarrow German into an armbar, followed by a beautiful headscissors! Stereo slingshot crossbody blocks by the faces, both getting two. Perkins & Elgin grade forearms. Perkins to the apron, and slingshots himself into be caught by an Elgin powerslam. That gets two. Multiple backbreakers by the powerhouse, and Strong tags in. Trademark chops to the corner by the former World Champion. Strong gets two, as Kevin Kelly talks about the triple threat match set for Miami between Davey Richards, Eddie Edwards & Roddy Strong. Elgin tags in, and Perkins has a tornado guillotine. Elgin immediately reverses into a back breaker for two.
Double team by the House of Truth, followed by a Urinage Backbreaker or two. Roddy with the Camel Clutch, and Perkins fights out. Perkins to the ropes, but Roddy connects with a dropkick. Avalanche missed by Elgin, and Perkins sends Roddy's head into Elgin's crotch. TJP goes for the tag but Roddy pulls him away.
Elgin in with Red, and an Around the world DDT gets two. Kick to Roddy, but Elgin has a powerbomb set-up. Kick by Perkins, who baits Elgin into the corner. Assisted kick by Red. Red dives to the floor, but is caught by Elgin. TJP dives on both! He returns to dive to the other side on Roddy! As much as I personally hate TJ Perkins, he's damn talented!
Red to the top as Elgin is up in the ring. Stereo missile dropkicks for Elgin, CODE RED! Two count. Strong and TJP trade strikes, and Roddy connects with a huge knee to the jaw. Lariat KILLS Red, but he kicks out! Elgin has Red up for an Alabama Slam, but TJP makes the save. Neck breaker on Strong by TJP, and he goes to work on Elgin. Strong & Elgin get their double team Alabama slam to the Double Knees finisher on Red as Truth Martini holds TJP back. Strong gets the three.
Winners: Roderick Strong & Michael Elgin, 11:08, ****
In a word: awesome! That match delivered big time.
Backstage, cardy carrying DeMarcette Veda Scott interviews The Embassy about Tomasso Ciampa's title shot against Jay Lethal tonight. Ciampa says he holds Lethal's career in his hands, and intends to be the first undefeated champ in ROH history.
World Television Title Match
Jay Lethal (champion) vs. Tomasso Ciampa (w/The Embassy of Prince Nana, Ernesto Osiris, Princess Mia Yim, RD Evans and Jay Lethal's graphic)
Great reaction for Jay Lethal. 15-minute time limit as this is a TV title match. I love how the Tale of the Tape references the Code of Honor. Ciampa refuses the handshake. Lethal is the 4th TV champ (Eddie Edwards, Christopher Daniels, and El Generico before him). Tie-up to start, and Ciampa pushes Lethal to the corner. Clean break. Very slow pace to start, which is well placed given the first three matches. Headlock by Lethal, he runs the ropes and chops Ciampa down. They stalk each other and tie up again. Lethal flips out of an armbar, and we trade head scissors. Dropkick by Lethal give s him the advantage. The camera cut to the crowd, and it appears we missed Ciampa avoiding Lethal and heading outside. There has been a lot of discussion about the time limit by Kevin Kelly & Nigel McGiuinness—makes me worry. Headlock by Ciampa, and Lethal pushes him to the ropes. Ciampa shoulder blocks the bigger Lethal down, ducks the Asai Moonsault and eats a cartwheel dropkick. Ciampa to the apron, and Lethal dropkicks him from the top! Ciampa eats barricade as The Embassy attends to him. Heat Seeking Missile from Lethal—connects with RD Evans!
Ciampa sends Lethal face first into the barricade and goes to work. Ciampa rolls inside to break the count, and whips Lethal to either side of the aisleway. Haven't seen that before. He pushes him into the ring, and gets two. We're halfway through the time limit, and Ciampa is in control but is not rushing. Handspring (to set-up the Lethal Injection II) by Lethal is thwarted by a Ciampa dropkick. Nigel references the time limit, and we have 8 minutes left. So they waited a minute to start the clock—finy by me.
Lethal punches Ciampa, who no sells each and sends Lethal into the corner, stomping him down. Ciampa is being made to look really strong here, and that's a smart move. Prince Nana with a cheap shot behind the ref's back. Ciampa talks trash, and Lethal pie faces him. That ignites Ciampa, who appears to have needed it. They trade chops, and Ciampa hits an ill-advised headbutt. Lethal down into the corner and eats a running knee. And two. And three. Ciampa charges for four and Lethal jumps up with a superkick! Sweet spot, albeit a nasty bit of selling issues. I am okay with it. 4 minutes remain, and the clock is back in order.
Dropkick by Lethal, handspring elbow. Lethal with a two count. Jay Lethal heads up top for the Macho Man Elbow, but Ciampa follows him up. He sets up for the Kryptonite Crunch, but Lethal sends him down. Macho Man Elbow—HAIL TO THE KING! Two count only.
Ciampa on the apron, and Lethal goes after him. Ciampa with repeated chops, and Lethal responds in kind. Air Raid Crash to the apron, and Jay Lethal was 26. Both men are down for the count as we have one minute left. Both men hit the ring. Lethal combination, and The Embassy gets involved. Project Ciampa reversed and we have a slugfest until the bell rings. The crowd went NUTS for the slugfest, but booed the finish.
Winner: Time Limit Draw, 15:00, ****
Lethal calls for 5 more minutes and Ciampa attacks. Project Ciampa connects. Ciampa has the belt, and takes it home with him. Huge "Jay" chant for the champ.
[INTERMISSION]
Halftime Report
Great show thus far. Only one match under ***, plus we got a great Kevin Steen-Eddie Kingston promo with a CHIKARA appearance. Minor pet peeve for me is that we had a little too much interference in three of the four matches. But the action more than makes up for it. I am excited for the second half. Steen-Jacobs will be insane, Briscoes-Bucks will be impossible to cover, and the main event will deliver.
Great video package, I left or most of it, but I did catch my favorite ROH moment to date: Eddie Edwards surprise win of the ROH World Championship from Roderick Strong.
We come back with a recap of the first half, and comments from The Briscoes & The Young Bucks
ROH World Tag Team Championship
Jay & Mark Briscoe (champions) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson)
#DemBoys have been in ROH since Day One, and they are seven time world tag team champions. Streamers for the Briscoes, most of the night so far. The Briscoes are so over right now, this could have been the main event.
Young Bucks attack to start! They stomp The Briscoes in the corner as the crowd chants "Man Up!" The Bucks celebrate, which is a bad move as they eat stereo clotheslines. Nick Jackson is along, and he is double beel tossed over the top onto Matt Jackson! Nick suplexed on the ramp and Matt suplexed on the apron. The action is all oer ringside at this point, as Mark headbutts Matt on the floor and Jay unloads on Nick. A camera man is taken out as we finally make it into the ring.
Corner clothesline, snap mare seated dropkick combo by Jay on Matt. Matt is trapped In #DemBoys' corner, and they are relentless. Stereo clotheslines to the corner, followed by stereo boots to the face! HUGE Suplex by Mark for two. This has been all Briscoes so far. Nick Jackson has yet to return to the corner. Double team football tackle by The Briscoes. Nick drags Jay out of the ring, allowing the Bucks to double team him. The Bucks take the advantage on the floor, but they are still apparently recovering. Nick unloads on Jay in the ring…..aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand my stream freezes.
A single reload and we're back as Matt pulls the rope down and sends Jay to the floor. Nick tries to dive but Mark cuts tim off. Ouch. Mark with the Lion Chops on Nick as Jay stalks about ringside. Backdrop into a superkick by the Bucks as Nick flies into Jay on the floor. Matt with the cover for two. Kevin Kelly asks people to Tweet him during the show. Seriously? Double back handspring back rake by Nick, and Mark is bleeding from the mouth. Matt stomps him in the corner, then draws Jay into the ring. Nick has the chance to choke Mark during the distraction, and Kevin Kelly reads a Tweet. Stop!
Headbutt by Mark onto Matt, and he does a Bushwacker stomp before tagging in Jay. Jay is on fire, and stomps a proverbial mudhole in Mat. Flatliner sends Nick into Matt's nuts. The Briscoes connect with…something. I was talking ot my son. Nick has Mark down in the floor, and slingshots into a facebuster as Mark pulls Nick to the floor.
AMAZING 450/NECKBREAKER COMBO! Gets two. Kevin Kelly's Twitter is blowing up. Hey, follow me @gregdemarcoshow! Superkick combo gets two. The Bucks call for More Bang For Your buck as Nick goes up. Matt has Jay up. Jay gets the knees up on Nick with the 450, and Jay has Nick up. Mark is on top—DOOMSDAY DEVICE!
Winners: Jay & Mark Briscoe, 13:12, ***1/2
I was actually a little bit let down. What we saw was great—amazing in fact. But there was too much brawling on the floor for a 13-minute match. I'd love to see them go for twenty.
In a nice touch, The Briscoes hug former ROH owner Cary Silkin on the floor. Nigel talks about they're ROH family as #DemBoys head to the back, followed by The Young Bucks.
No Disqualification
Kevin Steen vs. Jimmy Jacobs
The highlight package was cut off by Steen's music, as it appears they forgot something was airing. Kevin Kelly says Steen isn't waiting for anyone. Jimmy Jacobs is out with Steve Corino, and both men are in street clothes. Steen is in the tuxedo shirt and warm-up pants. No one is dressed to wrestle. Corino talks, says Steen is playing a monster—and Steen delivers a Thriller pose. Corino isn't going to allow this madness to continue. He says ROH isn't only about Steen, and it's time to move on. Corino says there won't be a match, and Steen isn't happy. He takes the mic and calls Corino a selfish little girl. He say she's disappointed—and Jacobs attacks!
Jimmy takes off the fur coat to reveal the Age of the Fall jacket! It's still bloody! We battle on the floor with a chair, and Corino has joined commentary to say that Jacobs was done with this. Obviously he's not. Kevin Kelly doesn't believe any of it. Jacobs posts Steen, and Steen is seated on the floor. Jacobs with a Twisting Plancha, but he barely hits Steen. There are five chairs in the ring as well. Jacobs & Steen return to the ring, and Jacobs swings a chair wildly. Steen connects with a chair, but misses the avalanche roll. Jacobs flies at Steen, who catches Jacobs and plans him into the guardrail. Jacobs eats guardrail again, unprotected to the head. They do that a lot here.
The fans chant "Kev!" as Steen tells Paul Turner "I have ‘till FIVE!" as an ode to Bryan Danielson. Slam to Jacobs on the ramp, and Steen eats a fan's Twizzler. Steen on the guardrail, but Jacobs slams him to the ramp! That's like Flair—but HARDCORE! Nigel calls this evil meets evil. Corino can't bear to watch, but feels obligated to. Steen unloads on Jacobs with chairs and a guardrail piece. He pulls down another rail, and a female fan goes down with it. That's a lawsuit. Steen slams Jacobs to the rail Steen has two rails set-up now, but Jacobs fights back and lands a Tornado DDT off the ramp the fallen guardrail. Kevin Kelly is still reading Tweets as we return to the ring. Two count for Jacobs, our first cover comes at nearly 7:00. Jacobs realizes Devon isn't around, so he goes out and gets a table. Corino begs him not to. Jacobs has Steen set for a suplex from the apron to the table on the floor. Steen reverses, goes for a powerbomb, then pulls Jacobs to the outside and powerbombs him to the ring apron!
Jimmy Jacobs is broken in half!
Steen calls for another, and the crowd agrees. Corino watches as Jacobs is broken into fourths, and Nigel can't believe Corino is watching this. Steen goes for powerbomb #3, through a table, but Jacobs reverses, stands on the apron with Steen, gets in the ring, charges, and spears Steen through the table!
On the floor, Corino begs Jacobs to call the match off, but Jacobs isn't listening. Both men are in the ring, and Jacobs covers for two. Jacobs goes for Sliced Bread through two chairs, but Steen simply throws him off—through the chairs. That gets two. Steen is slow to get up, and slow to make his way up top. Steen-ton bomb, and Jacobs gets the knees up! Jacobs has a knee brace on, too. Jacobs reaches into the boot—RAILROAD SPIKE! He's famous for that. He charges and stabs the turnbuckle. Steen has Jacobs up—F5! Steen elects not to cover, and gets a chair instead. Brainbuster? Steen sets up a second chair as Corino watches on. Steen turns the chairs around, back to back, and glares at Corino. Steen licks the chairs, says Jacobs is going to die, and lifts him for the F5. Jacobs slips out, grabs the spike and stabs Steen in the head! Steen is bleeding like crazy, and Jacobs is staring at the spike, confused by what he did. He drops the spike, and Steen gets it. This is trademark Jacobs—punishing himself. Steen drives the spike into Jacobs's nuts, then lands the F5 on the chairs—nuts first! That does it.
Winner: Kevin Steen, 14:56, ***1/2
For a hardcore match, this was good, and told a good story. I am not a huge fan of hardcore matches anymore—but if I can put my personal bias against TJ Perkins aside, I can do the same for hardcore matches! Steen wipes his blood onto Jacobs. Corino helps Jacobs as Steen can barely walk. Steen does the universal signal for "I want the belt" as he leaves. Will we see him again after the main event? Jacobs leaves, in full-on emo mode.
Time to clean the ring, and I hope that towel is soaked in bleach! Kevin Kelly and Nigel McGuinness discuss the main event as we clean up.
Main Event: Young Wolves Rising
ROH World Champion Davey Richards & Kyle O'Reilly vs. Eddie Edwards & Adam Cole
This match has a 45-minute time limit, and anything is possible thanks to iPPV. Richards has a short robe and two belts on. And he looks like a tool. Sorry man, gotta be honest. Tale of the Tape shows that Davey is the oldest at 28, and Cole is the youngest at 22. Code of Honor is followed. In a nice touch, the young wolves start. Richards tags in before any contact is made. Edwards wants in, but Cole seems reluctant. Edwards finally gets his way, and it's Richards & Edwards to start. Except for the fact that Cole tags himself in. They lock up as 44 minutes remain in the time limit. NYC gives this a faint "BORING" chant, as they've recently soured on Richards. Armbars are traded to start until Cole lands a dropkick. Slow and methodical to start, which is fine, as this thing is gonna build.
Lock up again, and Richards has a headlock. Sent to the ropes, and Cole lands a sunset flip—reversal by Richards for two. We got the typical nearfall exchange, but my stream slowed a bit. Waistlock by Richards, reversed by ole. Richards goes into the armbar, takes him over and locks in a head scissors on the floor. Kevin Kelly discussed the wheelchair circuit not giving the kids a chance, and drives home that ROH is doing the opposite. Eddie Edwards and Kyle O'Reilly are tagged in, and the crowd is split. Test of strength, and they go head to head in the ring. I am going to Tweet just see if it gets read.
Reversal sequence, and O'Reilly goes for the Kimura. Edwards reverses into an STF, and O'Reilly escapes. The crowd is appreciative. Big "This is Wrestling" chant by the crowd. Richards & Cole in now, and Richards unloads with kicks in the corner. Across the ring, and Cole eats a huge dropkick. Faint "overrated" chant for Richards yet again. O'Reilly back in, and he gets a headscissors on Cole. O'Reilly goes for a killer kick, but Cole knows him too well. Lock-up/headlock, and Cole sends O'Reilly down time after time. O'Reilly has head enough and lands a backdrop Suplex. Richards tagged in, and he immediately locks in a Trailer Hitch. Kicks to the corner by Richards as we approack 10 minutes in. Corner charge is thwarted with a Cole boot, and Adam gets two. Richards & Edwards in, exchanging strikes until Cole comes in. Cole in control, getting multiple two-counts on the champ.
Double team by Cole 7 Edwards, but Richards reverses it into a beautiful O'Connor Roll/Northern Lights combo. Backdrop Driver follows. O'Reilly in with Edwards, and he gets a one count. Nigel explains the one count—it was to prove something. Richards charges Edwards in the corner, then crosses and dives to Cole on the floor. Edwards & O'Reilly up—TOP ROPE BELLY TO BELLY! Gets two, and O'Reilly immediately gets the cross arm breaker. Edwards reverses and locks in the single leg crab. O'Reilly reverses into the crossface, but Edwards rolls him up for two.
Approaching 15:00 and we're trading strikes, Edwards misses the backfist, and O'Reilly lands a Regal-Plex. O'Reilly to the ropes, and Edwards damn near kills him with a lariat. Cole in with O'Reilly now. Fireman's Carry dropped over the knee, and Nigel incorrectly calls it the Welcome to Chicago (that was a Butterfly Suplex into the knee). Richards in--huge knee, and he has the Tequila Sunrise locked in. Frozen stream!
I reload and we're back. O'Reilly with a snap mare on Cole, and it appears Team Richards has him isolated. Cole punches away, and they're exchanging punches. Richards wins. Exchanging forearms now, and Cole is winning this time. Spin kick by Richards, and he tags in O'Reilly. O'Reilly comes in, and kicks Cole in the face. O'Reilly is showing some heel tendencies now. O'Reilly with his trio of Butterfly Suplexes into the cross arm breaker, and Cole immediately rolls him up for two. Cole is now in with both, and causes Richards to hit the enziquiri on O'Reilly. Neck-breaker/DDT combination by Cole on both opponents, and he makes the tag to Edwards. Eddie up top, missile dropkick to both men! Big chop by Eddie to Davey as O'Reilly and Cole are down. Fisherman Buster gets two for the former champ, on the current champ. O'Reilly breaks up the Tiger Suplex attempt as Todd Sinclair doesn't seem to care about the legal man. Both members of Team Richards on the outside, Cole flies Eddie Edwards to the apron—Asai Moonsault connects!
Edwards is up first as Nigel cheers on Eddie Edwards. He rolls Richards in, and eats a boot. Edwards nails the Backpack Chin Breaker, followed by a huge splash by Cole for two. Edwards trying for the backdrop driver, but Richards blocks. He finally connects, twisting into a Falcon Arrow style finish. Waistlock by Cole, but he blocks the superkick. Wheelbarrow rolled through and Richards lock sin the Ankle Lock. Edward with forearms, but Richards won't let go. O'Reilly locks in the guillotine. Edwards reverses and we have dueling half-crabs! They both drop them and go after each other. Both Cole & O'Reilly attack from behind, and they exchange clotheslines. Forearm city! And they won't stop! Stop! Cole clotheslines O'Reilly and both men go over the top!
Release German by both Edwards & Richards, and both land on their feet. Quick Branbuster by Davey, and this is way too fast to call! Nigel calls it wrestling at its finest, and it's hard to argue. 10-count by Sinclair, but both men tag out. The Young Wolves trade strikes, and neither man will back down. They both charge, are both caught by the opposition, and both are suplexed over the top to the floor. All four man are down! Huge "ROH!" chant by the crowd, and it's well deserved.
27 minutes has elapsed, and all four men make it back into the ring. Cole strikes with Richards, Edwards with O'Reilly. Edwards & Richards are seeing who can strike their opposing partner the hardest. Nice dynamic as they keep looking back at each other. It must suck to be Cole & O'Reilly right now! They meet in the center of the ring and exchange chops and kicks. Kick to the head lands for Richards, backfist lands for Eddie, and Richards takes his former partner down with a lariat. Now Cole & O'Reilly stand toe-to-toe. Cole to the ropes, and we trade huge kicks! German by O'Reilly, kick misses, and Cole with the German. We trade roaring elbows and superkicks, and O'Reilly slaps the shit out of Cole repeatedly? His answer? Superkick for two! Cole eliminates Richards, and we get a Codebreaker-Backstabber combo from Edwards & Cole—it gets two.
Cole has O'Reilly up, but he slides out and kicks Cole down. O'Reilly on top with Edwards, and he nails a top rope face buster! Edwards doesn't cover, and he & Cole chop & kick the crap out of O'Reilly. Near fall at 33:00 as Richards returns from his scheduled break to stop the pin. O'Reilly isolated again, but he's holding his own
Davey to the top—double stomp to Cole gets two! Davey kicks the crap out of Cole again. Beautiful German Suplex with the arms trapped on Cole by Davey gets two. Huge "This is Awesome" chant. Richards slaps Cole, who kicks out his mouth piece. Amazing suplex combo by Richards & O'Reilly, and somehow Cole kicks out. Richards isolated now, and Edwards's double stomp gets two. Richards kicks away at Edwards to break a half-crab. Chop-German combo leads to a two count on Richards for Edwards. This match is insane.
Edwards has Richards up top, slapping him in the face. Edwards goes up for the superplex, and Richards headbutts him down. Edwards right back with a knee to the head…Super Rana! Powerbomb Backstabber gets two when O'Reilly breaks up the pin. O'Reilly slaps both opponents, and then eats stereo boots! Cole heads up top as Edwards lifts Richards. O'Reilly blocks Cole, who simply tornado DDT's him through a table on the floor! Small package by Richards gets two, and they roll through to an ankle lock on Edwards! Roll-uop by Edwards for two! Top rope Codebreaker by Edwards is turned into an ankle lock by Richards. Edwards breaks it up, and Adam Cole is up top. HUGE AIR—HIGH CROSS BODY! 1…2…3! Cole pinned Richards—he earns a title shot!
Winners: Adam Cole & Eddie Edwards, 39:32, ****1/2
That match was insane, and the crowd is giving props to Adam Cole. Richards is speechless, and finally congratulates Adam Cole. Richards shakes with Cole & Edwards, and O'Reilly has a mic. He doesn't respect Eddie Edwards or Adam Cole, and he won't shake either man's hand. Richards takes exception, but...
KEVIN STEEN IS HERE! Steen is in the balcony, and doesn't want the show to end with a Davey Richards's bitchfest. He'd love to shoot Richards, and calls that a shoot. He calls the show's name, Young Wolves Rising, the worst name ever. He says Cole & Reilly are young & cute, but the future is ugly—Kevin Steen. He says Steen-Richards should have been the main event. He says he knows Richards isn't scared of anyone, but Jim Cornette is scared of Steen. Steen challenges Richards to get Cornette to make the match, calls him a Ju Jitsu Jackoff, and then says that Ju Jitsu Jackoff is "Trending Worldwide!" Steen's music plays, O'Reilly is gone, and the remaining competitors head to the back as Kevin Kelly closes the show.
This show cost $10, and featured a 4 ½ star main event. This would have been worth the $55 we'll likely pay for ‘Mania, and it cost ten bucks. Go out of your way to watch this show
If anyone can find a link please post it thanks
The broadcast team chats in the ring as we have mic issues. A staple of ROH broadcasts! Things are working now, and Kelly welcomes us to the show. He puts over the roster and mentions out two title matches. They put over the young stars in the main event. Nigel references that 10 years ago it appeared that sports entertainment won the battle, but several guys got together and proved that professional wrestling wasn't dead. Yeah, and none of those guys work there anymore! Nigel is really passionate about the product.
Comments from the All Night Express
The comments are REALLY low and hard to read, but I could tell that Rhett was indicating they wanted to test themselves before they went after the tag team titles and got retribution on The Young Bucks.
The All Night Express (Rhett Titus & Kenny King) vs.
Wrestling's Greatest Tag Team (Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin)
Rhett Titus returns to wrestling, and he came back very early. He developed a little bit of a gut, but he's still in better shape than 95% of us. Fast action to start as Benjamin attacks, but Titus retaliates with chops and a bulldog out of the corner for two. Kenny King tags in and goes to work on the arm. Matching tights for both teams—in 2012! That makes me smile.
Shelton Benjamin takes King down, but King comes back with a hiptoss. Shelton reverses the Irish Whip, and nails a lifted low blow in front of the referee. Paul Turner is obviously trying out for TNA. Charlie Haas is in and levels King in the face, then lays the boots. Double bird for the fans. Kenny King ducks a punch and delivers a drop kick. Double team by the ANX ends in a neck breaker from Titus and Charles Haas is on the floor. Shelton in, and he eats a leg lariat from King and hits the floor as well. DOUBLE TOPE SUICIDO! WGTT are down, and Haas is sent back in by Titus. Charlie Haas grabs the ropes for protection, and Kenny King levels him. Shelton takes out Rhett's leg, but we don't get to see it. Haas immediately goes after the knee brace and goes after the surgically repaired knee. Titus apparently worked with the NY Giants physical therapy staff to come back early. Shelton is in, and it's all about Rhett's knee. By the way, Titus calls tonight his "Rhetturn." Step over toehold, but Titus kicks him away. Thus, Shelton just unloads on Rhett!
Charlie Haas in, and the fans immediately give him hell. He continues to work over the knee in the corner, and delivers a chop for good measure. Corner charge connects with the knee as well. WGTT has Titus trapped in their corner and they go to work on Titus's knee some more. Kenny King goes for the save, distracting the ref. Shelton gets a chair, but the ref sees it and prevents it. Twice. But as he does, Charlie Haas chokes Rhett. RINGPOST FIGURE FOUR! This can't be good for the rehab process.
Haas celebrates, and proves just how great of a heel he is. Rhett crawls in and rolls up Shelton for two as Kenny King provided the distraction by going up top. Reverse Figure Four by Shelton and the audio levels change. Rhett turns it into a roll-up for two. Haas tags in and continues to work on that knee. Haas kicks Titus in the ear ad Kelly tells us that Rhett suffers from a chronically ruptured eardrum.
HOT TAG TO KING! And he's a house-a-fire! King went for a really cool transition into a single leg crab but it botches. He still goes right into it. Shelton in, and he eats the double shotgun knees from King. Small package gets two for Shelton as we get a "Ken-ny King" chant in NYC. Knee lift-spinning kick combo connects, and Rhett gets two before Haas breaks up the pin. Backdrop telegraphed by Haas, but he connects with the German. Kenny King tags in, inverted atomic drop superkick combo, but Kenny King grabs the bottom rope as Titus makes the save. Haas & Titus toe-to-toe now, and Titus "Hulk's up." Both men tumble over the top with a clothesline.
Shelton Benjamin goes to powerbomb Kenny King, who reverses it into a roll-up for two. Shelton kicks out, but Kenny King is persistent and scores the win!
Winners: The All Night Express, 13:34, ***1/2
Kevin Kelly & Nigel McGuinness talk about ROH's start in 2003 in front of 250 people, to being viewed by over 1 million people. Homicide vs. Bennett is next, and we talk about Nigel's love for Maria. Can you blame him?
Mike Bennett (w/Maria Kanellis & Brutal Bob) vs. Homicide
Yes, Maria is smoking hot tonight (as usual). Bennett makes out with Maris in the ring, and grabs her ass for good measure. I like him even more now. Bennett has a mic, and tells the people that they are jealous. Maria's jacked says "Prodigy's Girlfriend." They chant CM Punk at Maria, and Bennett says he's the best in the world. He's from Boston, is wicked smart, has Brutal Bob & the beautiful Maria. The fans chant "shut the fuck up!" Bennett calls Homicide out.
This place is about to go nuts...
And they go nuts! Homicide hits the ring and we we fight amongst the streamers. Homicide hit sthe ropes and Bennett takes a powder on the floor. In fact, he appears to be leaving. Nope, he's sticking around. Bennett is chewing gum, by the way. Maria? Still hot.
Now we get Homicide's introduction? The fight starts on the outside, and I'm not sure the bell ever rang. Homicide sends Bennett into the ring post, and throws a chair into the ring. Homicide bites the ear, and the crowd heat is off the charts already. ‘Cide chokes Bennett, making Ari Berenstein smile. Homicide has a fork, but Bennett kicks him and goes to work on ‘Cide. Homicide falls to the ringside table, right on the monitors. Homicide catches Bennett=-=EXPLODER! Bennett to the floor, and Homicide wants to fly. Brutal Bob takes the bullet for Bennett, diving up to collide with ‘Cide in the ropes. Bennett sends Homicide into the barricade, and celebrates for his fans. Like me. Bob really trained Bennett, by the way. And Steve Cook's girl, Taeler Hendrix.
Homicide rolled into the ring, and Bennett unloads with rights. Homicide no sells the punches, except for the last one. Suplex for Bennett gets two. Bennett unloads with elbows in the corner. Weak clothesline to the opposite corner, and the crowd gives him hell. Bennett slams Homicide and works the crowd. Snapmare by Bennett, and we finally get another look at Maria. Bennett does have a fan or two tonight, but that's about it. Spinebuster by Bennett as Homicide grabs his back. Bennett tears off part of Code's top, which was a Yankees jersey. Homicide retaliates with chops, but Bennett goes for another spinebuster—ACE CRUSHER! Homicide is still hurt, and can't make the cover as Maria bounces up and down on the floor. We get the "Yay-Boo" punch exchange, but Cide takes the advantage with a knee, followed by a powerbomb for two. He turns it over into the STF—shades of Samoa Joe called by Nigel! Homicide in the corner, elbows a charging Bennett, and Homicide goes up top. Bennett joins him. Superplex? Nope. Homicide headbutts Bennett, and teases a Pepsi Plunge. Bennett backdrops him down.
Homicide back in control with a neck breaker. He signals for the for the Go 2 Sleep, and has Bennett up! Maria provides the distraction, but Homicide dodges Bennett. GO 2 SLEEP! Maria dives into the ring, being held back by Bob. She's a tough woman if she wants part of Homicide. She literally smacks Bob away, and Bennett rolls up Homicide for three.
Winner: Mike Bennett, 9:23, **1/2
Homicide levels Bennett, and Brutal Bob attacks the Notorious 187. Down goes Evans! Homicide turns his attention to Maria. She dives out, and it's a Maria tug-of-war! They get Maria out of the ring and bail. If Homicide came back for good, this could be one hell of a feud. Homicide cuts a promo that's hard to hear, but I do understand the "Let's Go Yankees" chant. He finishes by telling the fans that ROH is the best promotion in the world, and leads the crowd in chanting ROH.
Eddie Kingston promo
Bobby Cruise announces special (surprise) guest, and CHIKARA Grand Champion, New York's own Eddie Kingston! Kevin Kelly conducts the interview. He says it's great to be there as CHIKARA champion, and lays out a challenge to Davey Richards. However, it's answered by Wrestling's Worst Nightmare, Kevin Steen. Steen gets a great reaction, and is carrying the tennis racket he debuted last night (with Davey Richards on the cover). He's also eating a banana. Over-under on an El Generico sighting tonight? He swats a steamer as the crowd chants "Mr. Wrestling!"
Steen asks Kingston "When did you become such a bitch?" He's wearing a tuxedo t-shirt. Steen explains, saying it's because Eddie is being so nice to Ring of Honor, and implicates that Jim Cornette sent Kingston away from ROH. During this, Steen also expertly berates a fan. He says the people want to see them fight, but Steen thinks it'd be better if they teamed. "Kill Steen Kill" chant now. He says they can take over ROH and CHIKARA. Kingston doesn't want to destroy ROH, he calls it the best wrestling company in the world. He's not about destroying anything.
Steen takes it up a notch by calling CHIKARA a "Bullshit Mickey Mouse promotion." Kingston takes exception and sends Kevin Kelly out of the ring. Kingston says that CHIKARA means everything to him, he lost his wife & kids to that promotion (much like ROH's world champion, by the way), and threatens Steen. Steen says he didn't plan to start a fight, but the fight is on.
And here comes security! The briefly break things up, but Steen charges once more. Steen has the belt, and teases taking a leak on it. Out comes The Colony! Dive to the floor takes everyone out! "Holy shit!" by the fans. Jigasw is out there, too, as we all brawl out of the ringside area. There is a chair and the CHIKARA belt in the ring.
The House of Truth (Roderick Strong & Michael Elgin) w/Truth Martini vs. TJ Perkins & The Amazing Red
Streamers for Red, and Perkins celebrates like they're for him. Strong shakes with Red, no one else shakes. Small "Fuck TNA" chant as Storng & Perkins start. Chain wrestling early. Perkins slips out of an armbar and dropkicks Strong. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand the stream freezes.
We're back after I reload, and Red is tossed aside by Elgin. Red is wrestling in a t-shirt, pimping the House of Glory Wrestling School. Multiple kicks to the head by Red, and he counters a Wheelbarrow German into an armbar, followed by a beautiful headscissors! Stereo slingshot crossbody blocks by the faces, both getting two. Perkins & Elgin grade forearms. Perkins to the apron, and slingshots himself into be caught by an Elgin powerslam. That gets two. Multiple backbreakers by the powerhouse, and Strong tags in. Trademark chops to the corner by the former World Champion. Strong gets two, as Kevin Kelly talks about the triple threat match set for Miami between Davey Richards, Eddie Edwards & Roddy Strong. Elgin tags in, and Perkins has a tornado guillotine. Elgin immediately reverses into a back breaker for two.
Double team by the House of Truth, followed by a Urinage Backbreaker or two. Roddy with the Camel Clutch, and Perkins fights out. Perkins to the ropes, but Roddy connects with a dropkick. Avalanche missed by Elgin, and Perkins sends Roddy's head into Elgin's crotch. TJP goes for the tag but Roddy pulls him away.
Elgin in with Red, and an Around the world DDT gets two. Kick to Roddy, but Elgin has a powerbomb set-up. Kick by Perkins, who baits Elgin into the corner. Assisted kick by Red. Red dives to the floor, but is caught by Elgin. TJP dives on both! He returns to dive to the other side on Roddy! As much as I personally hate TJ Perkins, he's damn talented!
Red to the top as Elgin is up in the ring. Stereo missile dropkicks for Elgin, CODE RED! Two count. Strong and TJP trade strikes, and Roddy connects with a huge knee to the jaw. Lariat KILLS Red, but he kicks out! Elgin has Red up for an Alabama Slam, but TJP makes the save. Neck breaker on Strong by TJP, and he goes to work on Elgin. Strong & Elgin get their double team Alabama slam to the Double Knees finisher on Red as Truth Martini holds TJP back. Strong gets the three.
Winners: Roderick Strong & Michael Elgin, 11:08, ****
In a word: awesome! That match delivered big time.
Backstage, cardy carrying DeMarcette Veda Scott interviews The Embassy about Tomasso Ciampa's title shot against Jay Lethal tonight. Ciampa says he holds Lethal's career in his hands, and intends to be the first undefeated champ in ROH history.
World Television Title Match
Jay Lethal (champion) vs. Tomasso Ciampa (w/The Embassy of Prince Nana, Ernesto Osiris, Princess Mia Yim, RD Evans and Jay Lethal's graphic)
Great reaction for Jay Lethal. 15-minute time limit as this is a TV title match. I love how the Tale of the Tape references the Code of Honor. Ciampa refuses the handshake. Lethal is the 4th TV champ (Eddie Edwards, Christopher Daniels, and El Generico before him). Tie-up to start, and Ciampa pushes Lethal to the corner. Clean break. Very slow pace to start, which is well placed given the first three matches. Headlock by Lethal, he runs the ropes and chops Ciampa down. They stalk each other and tie up again. Lethal flips out of an armbar, and we trade head scissors. Dropkick by Lethal give s him the advantage. The camera cut to the crowd, and it appears we missed Ciampa avoiding Lethal and heading outside. There has been a lot of discussion about the time limit by Kevin Kelly & Nigel McGiuinness—makes me worry. Headlock by Ciampa, and Lethal pushes him to the ropes. Ciampa shoulder blocks the bigger Lethal down, ducks the Asai Moonsault and eats a cartwheel dropkick. Ciampa to the apron, and Lethal dropkicks him from the top! Ciampa eats barricade as The Embassy attends to him. Heat Seeking Missile from Lethal—connects with RD Evans!
Ciampa sends Lethal face first into the barricade and goes to work. Ciampa rolls inside to break the count, and whips Lethal to either side of the aisleway. Haven't seen that before. He pushes him into the ring, and gets two. We're halfway through the time limit, and Ciampa is in control but is not rushing. Handspring (to set-up the Lethal Injection II) by Lethal is thwarted by a Ciampa dropkick. Nigel references the time limit, and we have 8 minutes left. So they waited a minute to start the clock—finy by me.
Lethal punches Ciampa, who no sells each and sends Lethal into the corner, stomping him down. Ciampa is being made to look really strong here, and that's a smart move. Prince Nana with a cheap shot behind the ref's back. Ciampa talks trash, and Lethal pie faces him. That ignites Ciampa, who appears to have needed it. They trade chops, and Ciampa hits an ill-advised headbutt. Lethal down into the corner and eats a running knee. And two. And three. Ciampa charges for four and Lethal jumps up with a superkick! Sweet spot, albeit a nasty bit of selling issues. I am okay with it. 4 minutes remain, and the clock is back in order.
Dropkick by Lethal, handspring elbow. Lethal with a two count. Jay Lethal heads up top for the Macho Man Elbow, but Ciampa follows him up. He sets up for the Kryptonite Crunch, but Lethal sends him down. Macho Man Elbow—HAIL TO THE KING! Two count only.
Ciampa on the apron, and Lethal goes after him. Ciampa with repeated chops, and Lethal responds in kind. Air Raid Crash to the apron, and Jay Lethal was 26. Both men are down for the count as we have one minute left. Both men hit the ring. Lethal combination, and The Embassy gets involved. Project Ciampa reversed and we have a slugfest until the bell rings. The crowd went NUTS for the slugfest, but booed the finish.
Winner: Time Limit Draw, 15:00, ****
Lethal calls for 5 more minutes and Ciampa attacks. Project Ciampa connects. Ciampa has the belt, and takes it home with him. Huge "Jay" chant for the champ.
[INTERMISSION]
Halftime Report
Great show thus far. Only one match under ***, plus we got a great Kevin Steen-Eddie Kingston promo with a CHIKARA appearance. Minor pet peeve for me is that we had a little too much interference in three of the four matches. But the action more than makes up for it. I am excited for the second half. Steen-Jacobs will be insane, Briscoes-Bucks will be impossible to cover, and the main event will deliver.
Great video package, I left or most of it, but I did catch my favorite ROH moment to date: Eddie Edwards surprise win of the ROH World Championship from Roderick Strong.
We come back with a recap of the first half, and comments from The Briscoes & The Young Bucks
ROH World Tag Team Championship
Jay & Mark Briscoe (champions) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson)
#DemBoys have been in ROH since Day One, and they are seven time world tag team champions. Streamers for the Briscoes, most of the night so far. The Briscoes are so over right now, this could have been the main event.
Young Bucks attack to start! They stomp The Briscoes in the corner as the crowd chants "Man Up!" The Bucks celebrate, which is a bad move as they eat stereo clotheslines. Nick Jackson is along, and he is double beel tossed over the top onto Matt Jackson! Nick suplexed on the ramp and Matt suplexed on the apron. The action is all oer ringside at this point, as Mark headbutts Matt on the floor and Jay unloads on Nick. A camera man is taken out as we finally make it into the ring.
Corner clothesline, snap mare seated dropkick combo by Jay on Matt. Matt is trapped In #DemBoys' corner, and they are relentless. Stereo clotheslines to the corner, followed by stereo boots to the face! HUGE Suplex by Mark for two. This has been all Briscoes so far. Nick Jackson has yet to return to the corner. Double team football tackle by The Briscoes. Nick drags Jay out of the ring, allowing the Bucks to double team him. The Bucks take the advantage on the floor, but they are still apparently recovering. Nick unloads on Jay in the ring…..aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand my stream freezes.
A single reload and we're back as Matt pulls the rope down and sends Jay to the floor. Nick tries to dive but Mark cuts tim off. Ouch. Mark with the Lion Chops on Nick as Jay stalks about ringside. Backdrop into a superkick by the Bucks as Nick flies into Jay on the floor. Matt with the cover for two. Kevin Kelly asks people to Tweet him during the show. Seriously? Double back handspring back rake by Nick, and Mark is bleeding from the mouth. Matt stomps him in the corner, then draws Jay into the ring. Nick has the chance to choke Mark during the distraction, and Kevin Kelly reads a Tweet. Stop!
Headbutt by Mark onto Matt, and he does a Bushwacker stomp before tagging in Jay. Jay is on fire, and stomps a proverbial mudhole in Mat. Flatliner sends Nick into Matt's nuts. The Briscoes connect with…something. I was talking ot my son. Nick has Mark down in the floor, and slingshots into a facebuster as Mark pulls Nick to the floor.
AMAZING 450/NECKBREAKER COMBO! Gets two. Kevin Kelly's Twitter is blowing up. Hey, follow me @gregdemarcoshow! Superkick combo gets two. The Bucks call for More Bang For Your buck as Nick goes up. Matt has Jay up. Jay gets the knees up on Nick with the 450, and Jay has Nick up. Mark is on top—DOOMSDAY DEVICE!
Winners: Jay & Mark Briscoe, 13:12, ***1/2
I was actually a little bit let down. What we saw was great—amazing in fact. But there was too much brawling on the floor for a 13-minute match. I'd love to see them go for twenty.
In a nice touch, The Briscoes hug former ROH owner Cary Silkin on the floor. Nigel talks about they're ROH family as #DemBoys head to the back, followed by The Young Bucks.
No Disqualification
Kevin Steen vs. Jimmy Jacobs
The highlight package was cut off by Steen's music, as it appears they forgot something was airing. Kevin Kelly says Steen isn't waiting for anyone. Jimmy Jacobs is out with Steve Corino, and both men are in street clothes. Steen is in the tuxedo shirt and warm-up pants. No one is dressed to wrestle. Corino talks, says Steen is playing a monster—and Steen delivers a Thriller pose. Corino isn't going to allow this madness to continue. He says ROH isn't only about Steen, and it's time to move on. Corino says there won't be a match, and Steen isn't happy. He takes the mic and calls Corino a selfish little girl. He say she's disappointed—and Jacobs attacks!
Jimmy takes off the fur coat to reveal the Age of the Fall jacket! It's still bloody! We battle on the floor with a chair, and Corino has joined commentary to say that Jacobs was done with this. Obviously he's not. Kevin Kelly doesn't believe any of it. Jacobs posts Steen, and Steen is seated on the floor. Jacobs with a Twisting Plancha, but he barely hits Steen. There are five chairs in the ring as well. Jacobs & Steen return to the ring, and Jacobs swings a chair wildly. Steen connects with a chair, but misses the avalanche roll. Jacobs flies at Steen, who catches Jacobs and plans him into the guardrail. Jacobs eats guardrail again, unprotected to the head. They do that a lot here.
The fans chant "Kev!" as Steen tells Paul Turner "I have ‘till FIVE!" as an ode to Bryan Danielson. Slam to Jacobs on the ramp, and Steen eats a fan's Twizzler. Steen on the guardrail, but Jacobs slams him to the ramp! That's like Flair—but HARDCORE! Nigel calls this evil meets evil. Corino can't bear to watch, but feels obligated to. Steen unloads on Jacobs with chairs and a guardrail piece. He pulls down another rail, and a female fan goes down with it. That's a lawsuit. Steen slams Jacobs to the rail Steen has two rails set-up now, but Jacobs fights back and lands a Tornado DDT off the ramp the fallen guardrail. Kevin Kelly is still reading Tweets as we return to the ring. Two count for Jacobs, our first cover comes at nearly 7:00. Jacobs realizes Devon isn't around, so he goes out and gets a table. Corino begs him not to. Jacobs has Steen set for a suplex from the apron to the table on the floor. Steen reverses, goes for a powerbomb, then pulls Jacobs to the outside and powerbombs him to the ring apron!
Jimmy Jacobs is broken in half!
Steen calls for another, and the crowd agrees. Corino watches as Jacobs is broken into fourths, and Nigel can't believe Corino is watching this. Steen goes for powerbomb #3, through a table, but Jacobs reverses, stands on the apron with Steen, gets in the ring, charges, and spears Steen through the table!
On the floor, Corino begs Jacobs to call the match off, but Jacobs isn't listening. Both men are in the ring, and Jacobs covers for two. Jacobs goes for Sliced Bread through two chairs, but Steen simply throws him off—through the chairs. That gets two. Steen is slow to get up, and slow to make his way up top. Steen-ton bomb, and Jacobs gets the knees up! Jacobs has a knee brace on, too. Jacobs reaches into the boot—RAILROAD SPIKE! He's famous for that. He charges and stabs the turnbuckle. Steen has Jacobs up—F5! Steen elects not to cover, and gets a chair instead. Brainbuster? Steen sets up a second chair as Corino watches on. Steen turns the chairs around, back to back, and glares at Corino. Steen licks the chairs, says Jacobs is going to die, and lifts him for the F5. Jacobs slips out, grabs the spike and stabs Steen in the head! Steen is bleeding like crazy, and Jacobs is staring at the spike, confused by what he did. He drops the spike, and Steen gets it. This is trademark Jacobs—punishing himself. Steen drives the spike into Jacobs's nuts, then lands the F5 on the chairs—nuts first! That does it.
Winner: Kevin Steen, 14:56, ***1/2
For a hardcore match, this was good, and told a good story. I am not a huge fan of hardcore matches anymore—but if I can put my personal bias against TJ Perkins aside, I can do the same for hardcore matches! Steen wipes his blood onto Jacobs. Corino helps Jacobs as Steen can barely walk. Steen does the universal signal for "I want the belt" as he leaves. Will we see him again after the main event? Jacobs leaves, in full-on emo mode.
Time to clean the ring, and I hope that towel is soaked in bleach! Kevin Kelly and Nigel McGuinness discuss the main event as we clean up.
Main Event: Young Wolves Rising
ROH World Champion Davey Richards & Kyle O'Reilly vs. Eddie Edwards & Adam Cole
This match has a 45-minute time limit, and anything is possible thanks to iPPV. Richards has a short robe and two belts on. And he looks like a tool. Sorry man, gotta be honest. Tale of the Tape shows that Davey is the oldest at 28, and Cole is the youngest at 22. Code of Honor is followed. In a nice touch, the young wolves start. Richards tags in before any contact is made. Edwards wants in, but Cole seems reluctant. Edwards finally gets his way, and it's Richards & Edwards to start. Except for the fact that Cole tags himself in. They lock up as 44 minutes remain in the time limit. NYC gives this a faint "BORING" chant, as they've recently soured on Richards. Armbars are traded to start until Cole lands a dropkick. Slow and methodical to start, which is fine, as this thing is gonna build.
Lock up again, and Richards has a headlock. Sent to the ropes, and Cole lands a sunset flip—reversal by Richards for two. We got the typical nearfall exchange, but my stream slowed a bit. Waistlock by Richards, reversed by ole. Richards goes into the armbar, takes him over and locks in a head scissors on the floor. Kevin Kelly discussed the wheelchair circuit not giving the kids a chance, and drives home that ROH is doing the opposite. Eddie Edwards and Kyle O'Reilly are tagged in, and the crowd is split. Test of strength, and they go head to head in the ring. I am going to Tweet just see if it gets read.
Reversal sequence, and O'Reilly goes for the Kimura. Edwards reverses into an STF, and O'Reilly escapes. The crowd is appreciative. Big "This is Wrestling" chant by the crowd. Richards & Cole in now, and Richards unloads with kicks in the corner. Across the ring, and Cole eats a huge dropkick. Faint "overrated" chant for Richards yet again. O'Reilly back in, and he gets a headscissors on Cole. O'Reilly goes for a killer kick, but Cole knows him too well. Lock-up/headlock, and Cole sends O'Reilly down time after time. O'Reilly has head enough and lands a backdrop Suplex. Richards tagged in, and he immediately locks in a Trailer Hitch. Kicks to the corner by Richards as we approack 10 minutes in. Corner charge is thwarted with a Cole boot, and Adam gets two. Richards & Edwards in, exchanging strikes until Cole comes in. Cole in control, getting multiple two-counts on the champ.
Double team by Cole 7 Edwards, but Richards reverses it into a beautiful O'Connor Roll/Northern Lights combo. Backdrop Driver follows. O'Reilly in with Edwards, and he gets a one count. Nigel explains the one count—it was to prove something. Richards charges Edwards in the corner, then crosses and dives to Cole on the floor. Edwards & O'Reilly up—TOP ROPE BELLY TO BELLY! Gets two, and O'Reilly immediately gets the cross arm breaker. Edwards reverses and locks in the single leg crab. O'Reilly reverses into the crossface, but Edwards rolls him up for two.
Approaching 15:00 and we're trading strikes, Edwards misses the backfist, and O'Reilly lands a Regal-Plex. O'Reilly to the ropes, and Edwards damn near kills him with a lariat. Cole in with O'Reilly now. Fireman's Carry dropped over the knee, and Nigel incorrectly calls it the Welcome to Chicago (that was a Butterfly Suplex into the knee). Richards in--huge knee, and he has the Tequila Sunrise locked in. Frozen stream!
I reload and we're back. O'Reilly with a snap mare on Cole, and it appears Team Richards has him isolated. Cole punches away, and they're exchanging punches. Richards wins. Exchanging forearms now, and Cole is winning this time. Spin kick by Richards, and he tags in O'Reilly. O'Reilly comes in, and kicks Cole in the face. O'Reilly is showing some heel tendencies now. O'Reilly with his trio of Butterfly Suplexes into the cross arm breaker, and Cole immediately rolls him up for two. Cole is now in with both, and causes Richards to hit the enziquiri on O'Reilly. Neck-breaker/DDT combination by Cole on both opponents, and he makes the tag to Edwards. Eddie up top, missile dropkick to both men! Big chop by Eddie to Davey as O'Reilly and Cole are down. Fisherman Buster gets two for the former champ, on the current champ. O'Reilly breaks up the Tiger Suplex attempt as Todd Sinclair doesn't seem to care about the legal man. Both members of Team Richards on the outside, Cole flies Eddie Edwards to the apron—Asai Moonsault connects!
Edwards is up first as Nigel cheers on Eddie Edwards. He rolls Richards in, and eats a boot. Edwards nails the Backpack Chin Breaker, followed by a huge splash by Cole for two. Edwards trying for the backdrop driver, but Richards blocks. He finally connects, twisting into a Falcon Arrow style finish. Waistlock by Cole, but he blocks the superkick. Wheelbarrow rolled through and Richards lock sin the Ankle Lock. Edward with forearms, but Richards won't let go. O'Reilly locks in the guillotine. Edwards reverses and we have dueling half-crabs! They both drop them and go after each other. Both Cole & O'Reilly attack from behind, and they exchange clotheslines. Forearm city! And they won't stop! Stop! Cole clotheslines O'Reilly and both men go over the top!
Release German by both Edwards & Richards, and both land on their feet. Quick Branbuster by Davey, and this is way too fast to call! Nigel calls it wrestling at its finest, and it's hard to argue. 10-count by Sinclair, but both men tag out. The Young Wolves trade strikes, and neither man will back down. They both charge, are both caught by the opposition, and both are suplexed over the top to the floor. All four man are down! Huge "ROH!" chant by the crowd, and it's well deserved.
27 minutes has elapsed, and all four men make it back into the ring. Cole strikes with Richards, Edwards with O'Reilly. Edwards & Richards are seeing who can strike their opposing partner the hardest. Nice dynamic as they keep looking back at each other. It must suck to be Cole & O'Reilly right now! They meet in the center of the ring and exchange chops and kicks. Kick to the head lands for Richards, backfist lands for Eddie, and Richards takes his former partner down with a lariat. Now Cole & O'Reilly stand toe-to-toe. Cole to the ropes, and we trade huge kicks! German by O'Reilly, kick misses, and Cole with the German. We trade roaring elbows and superkicks, and O'Reilly slaps the shit out of Cole repeatedly? His answer? Superkick for two! Cole eliminates Richards, and we get a Codebreaker-Backstabber combo from Edwards & Cole—it gets two.
Cole has O'Reilly up, but he slides out and kicks Cole down. O'Reilly on top with Edwards, and he nails a top rope face buster! Edwards doesn't cover, and he & Cole chop & kick the crap out of O'Reilly. Near fall at 33:00 as Richards returns from his scheduled break to stop the pin. O'Reilly isolated again, but he's holding his own
Davey to the top—double stomp to Cole gets two! Davey kicks the crap out of Cole again. Beautiful German Suplex with the arms trapped on Cole by Davey gets two. Huge "This is Awesome" chant. Richards slaps Cole, who kicks out his mouth piece. Amazing suplex combo by Richards & O'Reilly, and somehow Cole kicks out. Richards isolated now, and Edwards's double stomp gets two. Richards kicks away at Edwards to break a half-crab. Chop-German combo leads to a two count on Richards for Edwards. This match is insane.
Edwards has Richards up top, slapping him in the face. Edwards goes up for the superplex, and Richards headbutts him down. Edwards right back with a knee to the head…Super Rana! Powerbomb Backstabber gets two when O'Reilly breaks up the pin. O'Reilly slaps both opponents, and then eats stereo boots! Cole heads up top as Edwards lifts Richards. O'Reilly blocks Cole, who simply tornado DDT's him through a table on the floor! Small package by Richards gets two, and they roll through to an ankle lock on Edwards! Roll-uop by Edwards for two! Top rope Codebreaker by Edwards is turned into an ankle lock by Richards. Edwards breaks it up, and Adam Cole is up top. HUGE AIR—HIGH CROSS BODY! 1…2…3! Cole pinned Richards—he earns a title shot!
Winners: Adam Cole & Eddie Edwards, 39:32, ****1/2
That match was insane, and the crowd is giving props to Adam Cole. Richards is speechless, and finally congratulates Adam Cole. Richards shakes with Cole & Edwards, and O'Reilly has a mic. He doesn't respect Eddie Edwards or Adam Cole, and he won't shake either man's hand. Richards takes exception, but...
KEVIN STEEN IS HERE! Steen is in the balcony, and doesn't want the show to end with a Davey Richards's bitchfest. He'd love to shoot Richards, and calls that a shoot. He calls the show's name, Young Wolves Rising, the worst name ever. He says Cole & Reilly are young & cute, but the future is ugly—Kevin Steen. He says Steen-Richards should have been the main event. He says he knows Richards isn't scared of anyone, but Jim Cornette is scared of Steen. Steen challenges Richards to get Cornette to make the match, calls him a Ju Jitsu Jackoff, and then says that Ju Jitsu Jackoff is "Trending Worldwide!" Steen's music plays, O'Reilly is gone, and the remaining competitors head to the back as Kevin Kelly closes the show.
This show cost $10, and featured a 4 ½ star main event. This would have been worth the $55 we'll likely pay for ‘Mania, and it cost ten bucks. Go out of your way to watch this show
If anyone can find a link please post it thanks
