Ring of Honor - 2024

[DreamBroken]

Lots of tag squashes open this week with The Infantry, SAP, and EJ Nduka & Lee Johnson going by Lee-J.  Sammy Guevara over Preston Vance was short but pretty good. 

Diamante beats Rachael Ellering quick then furthers the feud with Red Velvet after.  Welcome back Leyla Hirsch with a squash of Tina San Antonio. Ishii wipes out Aaron Solo in 5 mins. 

Nice ringside brawl between Dustin/Sammy and the Righteous.  Ryan Clancy had a great showing in defeat against Nick Wayne, getting crowd chants & commentary putting him over big.

Shane Taylor is calling out Dustin for the trios titles, so this week's Throwback match is when the original Shane Taylor Promotions won the trios titles in 2021.

Awesome match between AR Fox and Josh Woods, felt like both guys could use/get the win. Some good spots & near falls. Fox goes over then gets attacked by Nick Wayne setting up their match on Collision.

Main event felt like a nice bonus as Shibata makes quick work of the Butcher.

[HarryArchieGus]

I earmarked an ROHOHC episode from 10/17 for Jack Cartwheel vs AR Fox, which did not disappoint. Both of these guys are one element away from a better card position. What would a mouthpiece the likes of MVP do for an AR Fox? Jack Cartwheel is just one thing short of a worthy push too. I wonder what a good masked presentation and new name would do for him. I also caught Komander v Willie Mack. Mack is looking like a super heavyweight, but still smooth as silk. Willie Mack is another guy who could really better himself with the right presentation. I'd like to switch Mack and Kevin Owens' attire with Willie Mack's multi-colored classic tights combination on Kevin, and the cut off shirt/shorts look on Mack. One of these two combinations would work. Komander deserves a round of significant wins. Get Nick Jackson back in for Wednesday night duty. Athena v Frost was pretty strong to close out the show. I like the prospects of a TV deal putting Athena back on Television. That said, the ridiculous Lexi/Minions nonsense would be best to move on from. Lady Frost often outshines her opponents and deserves to win some matches. Some seriously stellar mechanics on this show. 

[AxB]

Jack Cartwheel signed a WWE ID deal, he'll be gone from ROH for a while. And apparently he'll be known as Jack Summit there.

Edited November 9, 2024 by AxB

[DragonZombie]

ROH Final Battle 2024 planned for Hammerstein Ballroom.

[HarryArchieGus]

17 hours ago, DragonZombie said:

ROH Final Battle 2024 planned for Hammerstein Ballroom.

This is the best ROH news in quite some time. 

On 11/9/2024 at 3:40 PM, AxB said:

Jack Cartwheel signed a WWE ID deal, he'll be gone from ROH for a while. And apparently he'll be known as Jack Summit there.

Ah damn, but if this is what it was going to take to get that name changed. He could also use a presentation tweak which WWE can be more relied upon than the freewheeling AEWROH. Maybe they could sign Shane Taylor to an ID deal and get him out of the ill-fitting spandex. 



 

[NoFistsJustFlips]

1 hour ago, HarryArchieGus said:

Maybe they could sign Shane Taylor to an ID deal and get him out of the ill-fitting spandex. 

Shane was an amateur wrestler in high school and college. He's been wearing singlets for 20+ years now. It's what he's comfortable working in. Some people don't feel as comfortable / work as well in other styles of gear. Probably not a hill to keep trying to die on.

[HarryArchieGus]

3 minutes ago, NoFistsJustFlips said:

Shane was an amateur wrestler in high school and college. He's been wearing singlets for 20+ years now. It's what he's comfortable working in. Some people don't feel as comfortable / work as well in other styles of gear. Probably not a hill to keep trying to die on.

A Singlet can be a great look, but obviously not for everyone. Same goes for tights. I can’t imagine Kevin Steen reaching anywhere near the success he’s had presented in his I’ll fitting ROH singlet. Comfort is important but presentation is a pretty significant key in the success of any wrestler. I ‘die’ for this one because I think Shane Taylor is that one element away from being featured on tv as opposed to being enhancement, and on a barely seen steaming show. All that said, I’m sure you’re correct on his reasoning.

[DreamBroken]

4 way tag to open this week, only goes like 5 mins but a solid win for the Undisputed Kingdom

Dustin/Sammy squash followed by a Righteous attack, then Preston Vance & Griff Garrison team up for a squash. Shibata wipes out Aaron Solo.  Komander/Josh Woods was fun if short, Abrahantes taking out Sterling was amusing.

Abadon's back, looks great in a 2 min squash of Viva Van. Nice set up for Athena/Leila Grey next week, while this week's Throwback match is Athena/Hyan from last year early HonorClub episodes.

After a Righteous squash, I dig the story work tying in Dutch training under Dusty for the feud with Dustin. Made me wanna see a bullrope match in the eventual blowoff.

Main event of Red Velvet vs Diamante is a pretty good street fight. The finishing stretch of spots weren't perfect but I liked how Diamante putting herself more through the table with a superplex played in to the end.

[DreamBroken]

Gabe Kidd beats Angelico in a pretty quick opener.  Shane Taylor & Lee Moriarty vs JD Drake & BEEF ruled.  Kevin Knight looked good against Serpentico.

Ishii vs. Bennett was a solid match.  Throwback match of the week is Briscoes vs Sasaki & Nakajima from Final Battle 08.

Shingo looked great against Ari Daivari.  Athena/Leyla Grey was pretty good with Leyla getting a decent amount in. 

Main event of Brian Cage defending the TV title over AR Fox was a lot of fun, some good near falls. 

[Shartnado]

I checked out a couple of episodes a few weeks back and the idea of putting a throwback match into every weekly episode is a fantastic way to show some of the classic stuff that will mostly be completely new to me. Well, Athena vs Mercedes Martinez wasn't, but it was way better than I remembered it being.

[HarryArchieGus]

Interesting show this week. And much better than the last time I tuned in. I wonder if they're starting to tune things up for the presumed forthcoming TV show. Gabe Kidd v Angelico was a nice competitive showcase to open. Kidd will be one of the top heels in the business after he leaves New Japan. Maybe before. Maybe after the Omega match. STP v Drake/Beef was a pretty good tag. Would've liked to see a Team Beef win, but I'm patient. Nice finish. Big Shane! STP looked good heeling post-match. Very good Dutch promo. I love the idea of getting behind this guy as a singles. Kevin Knight v Serpentico was a nice showcase. I hope a few of these New Japan guys continue on with ROH. Or AEW in the case of Kidd. Bennett v Ishii was a lot of fun. Mike Bennett is an incredibly underrated role player. I wish the ROH Classics were more highlight packages presented by somebody in the match or some notable or whomever is choosing the match. The matches are already available on Honorclub. I'd prefer simply a direction to them. Shingo v Davari was neat. I like seeing Shingo showcased US TV style. Athena v Leila Grey followed with a nice hard fought contest. Grey continues to look like somebody well deserving of a push - especially in ROH. AR Fox v Cage closed out the show with more of the same. I know it's not happening, but I wonder what an MVP or mouthpiece would do for a Foxy. This was a better show than last time I tuned in. That said, it was a bit too much of a match marathon that would have benefitted from some variety - packages, promos. Champion Jericho doesn't need to wrestle, but he and the other Champions really oughtta be shown/featured promo-wise every week. 

Edited November 25, 2024 by HarryArchieGus

[DreamBroken]

Quick under 2 min squash from Lee Johnson & EJ Nduka to open. Queen Aminata squashes courageous Christina Marie just as quick.

MxM Collection with a nice win over Iron Savages. Taven/Woods pure rules was a fun little 5 minutes. 

The Righteous beat JD & BEEF,  nice to see AR Fox get a win over John Silver. 

Red Velvet vs. Leyla Hirsch for the women's TV title is the first match announced for Final Battle. Looking forward to that one.

This week's Final Battle throwback is Hero vs Kingston fight without honor from 2009.

Main event sees Pat Buck randomly joining the Grizzled Young Vets for a quick trios match against the Conglomeration. 

[hammerva]

Oh fuck if this is the expected Ring of Honor heavyweight title match for Final Battle 

Spoiler

Chris Jericho vs Matt Cardona

 

Edited December 5, 2024 by hammerva

[Casey]

I’ve actually been a big fan of his for the past few years, so I’m happy with that.

now just crown Billie Starkz and we’re cooking

[DreamBroken]

Shibata makes quick work of Alex Reynolds to kick off this week, followed by a JD/BEEF squash.

Liked the different kind of backstage segment/set up for Jay Lethal returning to ROH and QT Marshall trying to get a match on Final Battle.

Nice win for Trish Adora over Rachael Ellering in a quick but solid match. Love the Rachael/Harley comedy backstage. 

Jericho/Cardona seems so out of nowhere, but I think it will be entertaining.  Glad to see Dustin/Sammy vs the Righteous is officially a bullrope match for Final Battle

This week's Final Battle throwback is Nigel/Marufuji from 2008.

Pretty quick main event as Andretti & Top Flight beat Shane Taylor & the Infantry, actually thought it would go the other way.

[stuntmanc]

I honestly think that Cardona winning would be the right call.

[DreamBroken]

Final Battle is a week away with only 3 matches, so let's see what comes together! Some of the stuff on this episode seems like it could've been on there. 

Super fun opener as Athena beats Red Velvet, Billie Starkz & Leyla Hirsch to qualify for WrestleDynasty as expected. I think Athena wins there to get an eventual shot at one of the AEW titles. They mention we will find out Athena's Final Battle opponent later tonight.  

Outrunners over Premiere Athletes was a pretty good tag. Strong Dustin Rhodes video promo for Final Battle.

Madison Rayne's back after like 9 months with a nice little win over Allysin Kay, welcome back. Toa Liona pretty much squashes Big Shotty in 3 minutes to set up a face off with EJ Nduka. 

Grizzled Young Vets defend the NJPW Strong titles over MxM Collection. They had me wishing MxM could go over.

Paul Wight announces the official ROH return of Jay Lethal and signs Lethal vs QT at Final Battle.

this weeks' Final Battle throwback is Shane Taylor vs Kenny King fight without Honor from 2021.

After a quick Dustin/Sammy squash, a really good main event in Moriarty defending the Pure title against Matt Taven. Loved the rope break usage coming in to play for the finish.

Backstage confrontation sets up Athena/Billie II at Final Battle. Doesn't feel like it has quite as much heat as it once did, but I guess they're going more with Athena not taking the match seriously potentially leading to her downfall.

Show ends with the Jericho/Cardona contract signing and Cardona putting Jericho through the table.

Post-show they announced Brian Cage defending the TV title in Survival of the Fittest vs. Mark Davis, Willie Mack, Komander, AR Fox, & Blake Christian at Final Battle

Edited December 13, 2024 by DreamBroken

[Gorman]

10 hours ago, DreamBroken said:

 

After a quick Dustin/Sammy squash, a really good main event in Moriarty defending the Pure title against Matt Taven. Loved the rope break usage coming in to play for the finish.

 

Who were the judges for the Pure title match? 

[DreamBroken]

54 minutes ago, Gorman said:

Who were the judges for the Pure title match? 

Nigel, Christopher Daniels, & Jerry Lynn

[hammerva]

On 12/6/2024 at 1:11 PM, stuntmanc said:

I honestly think that Cardona winning would be the right call.

To be fair I can think of probably half dozen wrestlers who would be better for ROH champion than Jericho.   Hell Cardona would be a better champ as well.   I just don't see if doing anything to help Ring of Honor.  

Given the headaches that AEW and GCW are having right now, I would think Jericho wins or wins it back almost immediately  because they know if Cardona has the belt for more than a month he will defend the title at a GCW show in Hammerstein.   If they are being petty about people like Willie Mack and Ricky Starks then there isn't enough influence that Matt can use

[HarryArchieGus]

Dear Admins,

I'm wondering if we could move the 'AEWROH on Honorclub' to the regular TV thread. That's where Dark existed, and this is pretty much that. The ROH thread has become very challenging to locate from the main page. I suspect the regular posters in the AEWTV thread would welcome this discussion, and in particular @DreamBroken's outstanding regular reviews. 

[HarryArchieGus]

2 hours ago, hammerva said:

If they are being petty about people like Willie Mack and Ricky Starks then there isn't enough influence that Matt can use

Petty is certainly an arguable way to describe their response. I'm not sure I'd be so generous with my paid contracted talent either. Maybe if Lauderdale had competently followed up Effy's ridiculously poor tact you could argue 'petty', but as is that's a bit more difficult. 

[hammerva]

I agree that most of this issue with AEW and GCW was because of Effy and how GCW basically enabled him until it was too late.   I guess I consider it petty in the sense that you are clearly not going to use them and just waiting for the contract to expire.  I mean did anyone even know that Willie Mack was still in AEW given how he hasn't been seen in about a year in any form.  I mean if they asked for Angelico or a Griff Garrison I get it he is still off and on.   At this rate I would be shocked if they use Willie Mack as a security guard much less a wrestler

[sabremike]

10 hours ago, hammerva said:

To be fair I can think of probably half dozen wrestlers who would be better for ROH champion than Jericho.   Hell Cardona would be a better champ as well.   I just don't see if doing anything to help Ring of Honor.  

Given the headaches that AEW and GCW are having right now, I would think Jericho wins or wins it back almost immediately  because they know if Cardona has the belt for more than a month he will defend the title at a GCW show in Hammerstein.   If they are being petty about people like Willie Mack and Ricky Starks then there isn't enough influence that Matt can use

Why do people not seem to understand that Jericho is the ROH champion because they are trying to get a TV deal and he's one of the biggest stars in the industry of the past quarter century and someone TV execs are likely familiar with? 

[HarryArchieGus]

8 hours ago, hammerva said:

I agree that most of this issue with AEW and GCW was because of Effy and how GCW basically enabled him until it was too late.   I guess I consider it petty in the sense that you are clearly not going to use them and just waiting for the contract to expire.  I mean did anyone even know that Willie Mack was still in AEW given how he hasn't been seen in about a year in any form.  I mean if they asked for Angelico or a Griff Garrison I get it he is still off and on.   At this rate I would be shocked if they use Willie Mack as a security guard much less a wrestler

Interesting, I thought Mack had gotten injured. I also thought he'd been working more frequently than he has been on ROH. That's a far better reason than I suspected for calling AEW petty, but I still think they're in the right to keep contracted performers from a company with a profile 'star' disparaging them in the 'Wrestling media'.