ROH Wrestling on FSN!
8/10/10 (Overall: 71)
Pyro explodes on the entrance ramp as Dave Prazak and Joey Styles welcome us to ROH Wrestling LIVE on FSN!! Prazak and Styles quickly run down the card, including ROH World Tag Team Champions Murderdeathkill taking on a mystery team, ROH Pure Champion Bryan Danielson putting his belt on the line against Alex Koslov, Hallowicked and Jimmy Jacobs seeking vengeance from Delirious, and much more!
But all this pales in comparison when “The Greatest Man That Ever Lived” begins playing, as stagehands quickly roll down a red carpet. First out is The All Night Express of Rhett Titus and Kenny King, clearing the way while the only two-time ROH Champion in history, Austin Aries, makes his way to the ring. Titus and King hold the ropes open for Aries before entering as well, handing Aries the mic.
“No one, not a single person in the audience, thought it would be possible. ‘Never gonna happen!’ they said. ‘Can’t be done!’ they proclaimed. The very idea of a two-time ROH World Heavyweight Champion was for the longest time a foreign concept to this company. See, ROH isn’t like companies in Florida and Stamford. We don’t trade our titles back and forth like baseball cards. No, you have to prove that you deserve to hold this title, you need to prove that you’re the best wrestler ROH has. And this title around my waist says that not only am I ROH World Champion, not only am I the record-setting two-time ROH World Champion, but I am The Greatest Champion That Ever Lived. Ric Flair? Nope. Hulk Hogan? Don’t think so, brother. Shawn Michaels? My smile’s never left. Bret Hart, Steve Austin, The Rock, Mankind, all of them. I. Am. Better.”
At this, the crowd begins chanting “Joe’s Gonna Kill You!”, to which Aries smiles.
“Did you simpletons forget that I was the man to end the ‘historic’ run of Samoa Joe? Everyone in ROH tried, they all failed, but Austin Aries survived. And as far as I remember, Austin Aries was never kidnapped by ninjas of all people, so score another one for A Double.
But you know what? Let’s go with that topic. Tell me, what other former ROH Champion do you think is better?”
The crowd begins chanting for CM Punk.
“The man that beat me for this belt? The one that ran out on you to become Big Show’s whipping boy? Yeah, forgive me for not including him. How could I forget such career highlights as teaming with f***ing Festus of all people. Next.”
The crowd chants for Homicide.
“Two month champion before getting beat by an overgrown Japanese baby in a diaper. Better than him.”
This time, the crowd chants for Danielson.
“Wasn’t he the one that walked out when he couldn’t win the belt? Yes, the perfect qualities of a champion. Great morals to teach your kids. Boys and girls, if you can’t win, just quit and leave. Next.”
“A Test Of Faith” begins playing over the PA System as Jerry Lynn walks out to cheers from the fans. Aries doesn’t back down as Lynn slides into the ring, grabbing a mic.
“How about me? Over a year-long reign after being told that I was too old to even compete, putting on great matches with Roddy Strong, Tyler Black, McGuinnes, even you.”
“You know Lynn, you’re right. No one thought you could even win the ROH World Title, let alone defend it for over a year. You proved your doubters wrong, you proved you could still go.
But I’m better than you. And all the proof I need,” At this, Aries holds the ROH Title in front of Lynn’s face, “is right here.”
“You know as well as I do that the only reason you have that belt is because you had one of your boys push me off while the lights were off. I had that title within my grasp before you screwed me out of my title.”
“Whoa whoa whoa. The ANX was busy preparing my celebration party after the show. Me, Rhett, and Kenny painted the town red that night with our celebration. Hell, they barely made it to see my triumphant win and celebrate with me. I don’t know who you pissed off Lynn, but I’d do a little more research before I start pointing fingers.”
“Well, you have my belt, you benefited off of the ‘mysterious’ interference, so I think you could see how I think you’re behind it.”
Aries laughs before taking a wild swing with the belt, barely missing as Lynn ducks underneath. Lynn connects with a kick to the gut before lifting Aries up, planting him with the Cradle Piledriver! Lynn holds the ROH Belt in the air before laying it on Aries’ unconscious body as we got to commercial.
66Austin Aries lost 2 points of overness from this segment. (Wow.)
Segment Two: TJ Perkins vs. Tyler Black
As we come back from commercial, “Man on the Moon” begins playing as TJ Perkins makes his way to the ring, slapping hands with the fans. Commentators Dave Prazak and Larry Sweeney make note of how Perkins picked up a huge win at Death Before Dishonor by pinning Tyler Black, who was furious at the result. No sooner is this said than Tyler Black comes running out, attacking Perkins from behind. Black doesn’t give Perkins a chance to even register the pain, picking Perkins up before throwing him into the steel steps. As Perkins tries to recover, Black throws Perkins chest-first into the guardrail before grabbing Perkins, hitting the Paroxysm on the floor. As Black gets to his feet, a look of euphoria spreads across his face before he grabs Perkins, throwing him into the ring to officially start the match.
Black enters the ring, a smug expression on his face while Perkins rolls over the ropes, trying to pick himself up. As Perkins manages to get to his feet and turn around, Black catches him with a kick to the gut before putting him in position for God’s Last Gift, a smile on his face. As he hooks the arm and goes to lift up Perkins, Perkins shifts his weight before rolling Tyler up, scoring the upset victory once more (***)! As Perkins has his hand raised by the ref, Tyler spins Perkins around before catching him with a Superkick, stunning Perkins long enough for Tyler to lay him out with God’s Last Gift. Tyler just smiles before rolling out of the ring as referees begin checking on the falled “Pinoy Boy”.
Winner: TJ Perkins (roll-up)
Quality: 90
Crowd: 49
Overall: 69TJ Perkins gained 2 points of overness from this match. TJ Perkins is losing overness because of his weak gimmick.
Segment Three: Murderdeathkill vs Justice Pain & The Messiah walk down to the ring, Singapore canes in one hand and ROH Tag Team Titles in the other. As the crowd begins showering the duo with boos, Justice Pain grabs the mic.
"No one, not a single team in this company has been able to beat us. Dark City Fight Club thought they were tough until we beat them and sent them packing. Steenerico thought they were top shit, and they haven't been seen since we got through with 'em. The American Wolves were the guys everyone said could beat us, and Eddie Edwards is still in the hospital after what we did. And at Death Before Dishonor, The Briscoes were your last hope, and we put them six feet under."
"Fact is," Messiah says, "there's no one in this company left for us to beat. So Pain and I, we took a page out of Roddy Strong's book and put out an open challenge. Any team, come on down, because quite frankly, it's getting a bit boring beating these bunch of clowns ROH keeps throwing at us."
MDK toss the mics aside before preparing for their opponents. They don't have to wait long, as familiar guitar chords hit the PA System.
DP: Sweeney, do you remember that song?
Sweeney: I haven't heard it in years, but I'll be damned if I forget it!
The lyrics finally kick in for "Danger! Danger! (High Voltage!)" as Brian Kendrick and Paul London come out, dancing to the tune of the music. MDK begin laughing as London and Kendrick slide into the ring, motioning for the two of them to bring it. MDK just continue to laugh as they hand their belts to Bryce Remsburg, who calls for the start of the match.
Withing the opening minutes, it becomes obvious that MDK aren't taking this match seriously, toying with the smaller London and Kendrick. This comes back to haunt them big time, when after a missed Avalanche Splash in the corner, London connects with a dropkicksault that sends Messiah to the mat. From there, London and Kendrick begin to use their speed to their advantage, keeping the bigger man grounded with high-flying moves. However, they go to the well once too often, and at a stereo springboard dropkick, Pain shoves London, sending him to the crowd barrier while Messiah avoids Kendrick's springboard dropkick. From there, MDK plant Kendrick Six Feet Under and get the victory. (***1/2)
Winners: Murderdeathkill (Pinfall, Messiah over Kendrick, Six Feet Under)
Quality: 91
Crowd: 63
Overall: 77Segment Four
"The Fighter" plays over the PA System as Roderick Strong makes his way to the ring.
"You know, leave it to scum like MDK to steal my thunder and offer an open challenge of their own. Don't get me wrong, it was great to see two guys I never expected back here, but MDK just had to use my open challenge for themselves.
But, it is what it is, and there's no changing the past. Instead, there's only the future, and that's exactly what I'm doing right now. I couldn't make an impact at Death Before Dishonor due to commitments, but I'm damn sure going to make an impact tonight, one way or ano-"
"HEY!"
Everyone's attention turns towards the entrance ramp.
"HEY!"
Once again, the familiar sounds of a guitar playing are heard while Strong smiles.
"HEY! NOTHING YOU CAN SAY!..."
RANDY ORTON walks out, a smug smile on his face. Orton does his trademark pose as a shower of pyro goes off behind him, his eyes never breaking contact from Roderick Strong's.
"Whoa. Never thought I'd get you as an opponent Randy..."
"That's the beauty of an open challenge, isn't it? You never know who exactly is going to answer. You're putting yourself out there, hoping that you're able to beat whoever decides to answer your challenge.
So let me save you the time and effort and tell you right now Roderick: You can't beat me. Not because you don't have skill. It's because I'm simply better than you."
"Really? This coming from a man who was made to be John Cena's bitch all last year? The man who got outshined by his LACKEYS? Honestly, when Teddy and Cody became more watchable than you, something clearly became wrong.
I don't know why you're here Randy. Maybe you quit, maybe you got fired, maybe Florida didn't want you. But whatever the reason, if you're going to claim that you can beat me, I want you to back it up. You accepted my challenge Randy, so what do you say we do it right now?"
"I don't think so Roderick. You want to challenge me? Fine. But we do it on my terms. So right now, I'm gonna go back to my locker room, I'm going to relax and enjoy myself, and when time comes, I'll let you know when
I want to fight you."
"Burn In My Light" plays as Randy simply smiles at a seething Roderick.
78Randy Orton lost 2 points of overness from this segment. (
)
Segment Five: The Kings of Wrestling vs London Brawling.
With the recent hiring of Brutus Magnus following Death Before Dishonor, he and Nigel McGuinness took an immediate liking to one another, deciding to team as "London Brawling". They don't get an easy break, as former ROH World Tag Team Champions The Kings of Wrestling are chosen to be their opponents. For their first time teaming together, Magnus and McGuinness blend together almost perfectly, hitting several double team moves in synch. However, for as good as they are individually, the Kings are perfect as a tag team, quickly capitalizing with a blind tag before taking out McGuinness with a Rolling Elbow. With Magnus isolated, The Kings hit the KRS-ONE, ending the match in dominant fashion. (***1/2)
Winners: The Kings of Wrestling (Pinfall, Castagnoli over Magnus, KRS-ONE)
Quality: 87
Crowd: 77
Overall: 82Segment Six
"Date With The Night" begins playing as Jimmy Jacobs and Hallowicked make their way towards the ring, Jacobs immediately grabbing a mic.
"DELIRIOUS!! You are among the lowest of the low, a disease that is slowly infecting ROH. You attack Hallowicked pre-match in an attempt to humiliate him, you resort to using another to get the victory... I don't know what poison Ariel has fed you, but like a starving child, you devoured it greedily, all the while asking for more. I believed that there was a chance to save you, I thought I could atone for the sins I perpetrated against you by saving you from the same fate I went through. But when I fought you at Death Before Dishonor, when I saw the look in your eyes.... I realized that there was no saving you. That, as strange as it may seem, you chose to follow Ariel. You abandoned your friend Hallowicked of your own free will, and for that Hallowicked will make you pay."
"Hybrid Stigmata" plays as Ariel walks out, followed closely by Delirious.
"Hallowicked, how.... unpleasant it is to see that hideous mask of yours. And Jacobs. Nice to see you’re conscious after my Delirious left you lying face down on the mat."
“Get to the point Ariel.”
“Oh, I plan to Jimmy. But allow me to savor this moment. The moment that I will no doubt look back on years from now and laugh with glee as I remember that you met your ultimate demise.”
“Get. On. With it.”
“Impatient, are we Jimmy? Very well, I’ll allow this transgression to pass. Now, allow me to introduce Delirious’ new partner. Someone who will not only replace Hallowicked, but outshine him ten times over.”
“Earth People” by Dr. Octagon plays over the PA System as SUPER DRAGON walks out, taking his place beside Ariel and Delirious. Ariel simply smiles before nodding as Delirious and Super Dragon rush into the ring, brawling with Jacobs and Hallowicked. Bryce Remsburg rushes into the ring as Dragon and Hallowicked tumble outside, signaling for the bell.
63Hallowicked gained 2 points of overness from this segment.
Segment Seven: Hallowicked and Jimmy Jacobs vs Delirious and Super Dragon
Delirious and Jacobs almost don’t even notice the bell ringing, picking up where they left off at Death Before Dishonor. Delirious manages to get the upper hand, sending Jacobs into the corner before wildly charging in. Jacobs counters with an elbow, stopping his momentum. From there, Hallowicked and Jacobs begin working over Delirious, with Hallowicked being surprisingly stiff in his offense toward his former partner. Hallowicked looks to end it with the Graveyard Smash, but Delirious manages to counter out of it before surprising Hallowicked with the Chemical Imbalance. A quick tag to Super Dragon later, and the momentum shifts with ease. Hallowicked takes a beating from Ariel’s warriors, but refuses to stay down, even after a brutal Panic Attack. An attempt at a super Psycho Driver by Dragon brings in Jacobs, who dropkicks Delirious onto Ariel before stopping Super Dragon in his tracks. Jacobs and Hallowicked begin attacking Super Dragon before setting him up for a Powerbomb/Contra Code. As Jacobs prepares to leap off, Delirious crotches Jacobs on the turnbuckle before shoving him to the outside. Hallowicked, unaware of what happened, goes for a Powerbomb, but Dragon rolls through with a hurricanrana. As Hallowicked tries getting up, Delirious comes with a brutal Panic Attack. A three count later, and Super Dragon and Delirious have picked up the victory over Hallowicked and Jacobs once more. (**)
What happens then is reminiscent of a MDK-style beating. Dragon picks up a limp Hallowicked before hitting the Psycho Driver, all while Delirious watches with a blank stare. Dragon picks Hallowicked up before tossing him over to Delirious, who looks at his former partner with a look of absolute hatred. Delirious grabs Hallowicked, planting him with a brutal Dragon Suplex before transitioning into the Cobra Stretch. Ariel cheers Delirious on until Jacobs runs in with a chair, sending the trio scampering. Jacobs checks on his fallen friend as Ariel has a look of glee on her face, once again winning the battle.
Winners: Delirious and Super Dragon (pinfall, Delirious over Hallowicked, Panic Attack)
Quality: 74
Crowd: 61
Overall: 67(Damn, damn, damn.)
Ariel debuted her new gimmick, it got a positive response.
Segment Eight: ROH Pure Championship Match
Bryan Danielson © vs Alex Koslov.
Danielson is coming off a narrow victory against Petey Williams at Death Before Dishonor, while Alex Koslov is fresh off a tour of Mexico, finishing up his commitments to AAA. With Danielson still feeling the effects of the match, Koslov puts on what has to be the match of his life, pulling out all the stops to claim his first ROH gold. Still, while Koslov may be driven by his desire to win the Pure Title, Danielson is just as determined to keep it, fighting through the pain to give just as good as he gets. An attempt at a Regal-plex from Danielson is countered into a surprise pin, and when Danielson kicks out, Koslov transitions into a Kimura Lock. Koslov begins applying intense pressure as Danielson screams in pain. Danielson looks to be on the verge of tapping before using his trapped arm to force Koslov back, catching him in a schoolboy pin. Three seconds later, and Bryan Danielson has once again retained his title (***). As Danielson celebrates his victory, Koslov comes up behind him, catching him with a Tiger Suplex. As Danielson tries getting up, Koslov comes off the ropes, catching him with a Shining Wizard that puts Danielson’s lights out. Koslov grabs the fallen Pure Title before draping it over Danielson’s limp body as we go to commercial.
Winner: Bryan Danielson (pinfall, over Koslov, schoolboy)
ROH PURE CHAMPION: Bryan Danielson
Quality: 84
Crowd: 65
Overall: 74The ROH Pure title has gained in image.
Segment Nine
Mike Quackenbush and KENTA are backstage with ROH Interviewer Maria and a translator.
“Mike Quackenbush. KENTA. The two of you made your official ROH debuts at Death Before Dishonor, putting on what many are calling “Match of the Year”. However, that match ended without a winner, as the All-Night Express of Rhett Titus and Kenny King interfered, attacking both of you. I have to ask, what are your thoughts on that?”
The translator begins speaking in Japanese with KENTA as Quack takes the microphone.
“My thoughts Maria? My thoughts are Rhett Titus and Kenny King are just a couple of punks who are trying to make their name off of KENTA and myself. Kenny King could’ve been my opponent that night, but ROH management must’ve seen that a match against KENTA would have been in their best interests. If Kenny has a problem with that, he can take it up with Cary Silken, not us.”
“KENTA says that Rhett Titus and Kenny King have no respect for the wrestling industry. As someone who has fought for years in Nihon to earn the respect he now has, seeing Titus and King interrupt a match between two honorable competitors has angered KENTA.”
“Well, King and Titus are in the building tonight. Will we see an altercation between the All Night Express and you two?”
At this, Quack shrugs.
“I guess we’ll find out when the time comes.”
63Segment Ten: Roderick Strong vs Randy Orton.
This match is the result of Roderick Strong’s open challenge, which Orton accepted earlier in the night. For his first night in Ring of Honor, Orton seems at ease, almost as if this match is already in the bag. Strong is the opposite, as his expression shows that he’s completely focused on this match. The two start off evenly matched, neither man holding the advantage for too long. However, with each passing minute, Strong begins to gain the advantage, using his stiff chops to slowly chip away at the man who calls himself “The Legend Killer”.
As the match winds to a close, Strong begins to put Orton through his arsenal of backbreakers. After a half nelson backbreaker puts Orton down, Strong signals for the end. As Strong picks Orton up for the Gibson Driver, Orton spins out of the double underhooks before catching Strong with the RKO. Orton goes for the cover, but stops at two. A sick smile spreads across his face as he stands up, slowly backing away from Strong. As Strong gets on all fours, Orton looks to take his head of with the punt, but Strong moves out of the way before springing up, catching Orton with another half nelson backbreaker. As Orton writhes in pain, Strong locks in the Stronghold. Orton struggles for a few moments, looking for an escape as Strong continues to apply pressure. Ultimately, Orton has no choice but to tap out (**1/2).
Winner: Roderick Strong (submission, Stronghold)
Quality: 77
Crowd: 81
Overall: 79Randy Orton lost 1 point of overness from this match. Roderick Strong gained 2 points of overness from this match.
Segment Eleven:
“The Greatest Man That Ever Lived” plays once again as Austin Aries walks out, the All Night Express following behind him. As Aries gets to ringside, King and Titus hold the ropes open, allowing Aries to step inside.
“Well people, it’s happened. It’s finally happened. ROH Wrestling has had its first show on mainstream television, broadcasting to millions of people worldwide. We’ve proved in two short hours what TNA of WWE couldn’t do in years. We’ve innovated the wrestling industry. Not by pretending to have supernatural powers, not by having a gang of ninjas kidnap one of our wrestlers… but by actually WRESTLING. Imagine that, a wrestling show that focuses on wrestling. Color me shocked.
But all good things must come to an end, much like tonight’s show. And as your ROH World Heavyweight Champion, I felt it only right to come out here and show you people just who exactly is “The Greatest Man That Ever Lived”, “Your Personal Jesus”, Austin Ar-
“Break It Down Again” begins playing as Quack and KENTA make their way to the ring, KENTA never taking his eyes off of The ANX.
“Austin, far be it from me to interrupt the “Greatest Man That Ever Lived”, but KENTA and I have a little unfinished business with these two morons over here. So if you don’t mind, we’ll have our revenge right about now.”
“I don’t think so buddy. You don’t interrupt the ONLY two-time ROH World Champion just because you’re mad my boys schooled you two in the ring. Take it up with them on your time, not mine.”
“See, I figured you’d say something like that. Which is why I just came from Becky Bayless’s office, where she made it official. You and your boys, against us and our partner.”
“A Test of Faith” begins playing as Jerry Lynn walks out, a smile on his face as Aries begins yelling at him. Referee Rudy Charles comes down to the ring as Aries and The ANX huddle up on the outside, discussing how to deal with the unexpected announcement. As they break, it’s too late to see Quack, Lynn, and KENTA all dive over the ropes, crashing into them. Quack and KENTA are quick to their feet, dragging The ANX to a standing position before they begin to brawl, eventually spilling into the crowd. Lynn is a bit slower to his feet, but still manages to throw Aries into the ring, officially starting the match.
Within minutes, it’s clear that Quack, KENTA, and The ANX aren’t going to be making their way back to ringside anytime soon, as several submission attempts by Aries and Lynn are hardly thwarted by their partners. To their credit, Aries and Lynn hardly notice their teammates are missing, instead going back to their title match at DBD. A particularly hard kick sends tremors down Lynn’s spine before Aries catches him with a basement dropkick. With Lynn down, Aries begins to pander to the crowd before delivering a Pendulum Elbow, driving the wind out of the former ROH Champion. Rather than go for the immediate pin, Aries rolls Lynn over before locking in the Rings of Saturn! Prazak and Styles begin mentioning that the Rings of Saturn was once Aries’ pet wrestling hold as Aries begins applying more and more pressure. Just as he’s about to tap, Lynn manages to roll Aries over, turning it into a near-fall when Aries releases at two. Seeing red at this point, Aries delivers a swift kick to the skull, stunning Lynn. As Aries sets up for the Brainbuster, Lynn delivers several shots to the body, causing Aries to release his hold. Lynn begins unloading with several elbow shots to the head before finishing off with a roaring elbow that has Aries out on his feet. As Lynn sets up for the cradle piledriver, the lights once again die out. The mood is tense for a second before a voice rings out over the PA System.
“WARNING!
THIS IS NOT A TEST!
BE WARNED!
THIS IS NOT A TEST!”
As the voice dies out, the lights turn back on, revealing Aries holding an unconscious Lynn in the Horns of Aries. Rudy Charles doesn’t even hesitate, signaling for the bell (***1/4). The last image we see is Austin Aries once again holding the ROH World Title high, and Lynn unconscious due to a mysterious stranger.
Winners: Austin Aries and All-Night Express (submission, Aries over Lynn, Horns of Aries after mysterious attack)
Quality: 77
Crowd: 68
Overall: 72Sunday, October 10Email:
TV Report: We got a 4.90 rating for 'ROH Wrestling'!
The attendance level was 2509 people.
We made $75270 from ticket sales.
Super Dragon: How about booking me against Justice Pain? I'm sure we could do some pretty entertaining stuff that the fans would like.
Monday, October 11Email:
Sophie: Here is my weekly report on our battle with TNA. We have superior star power on our roster, which is hurting their image. We are seen as having better workers, and this is causing fans to choose us over them. The fans see us as being the more professional promotion, thanks to our higher production values.
Sophie: Here is my weekly report on our battle with WWE. They have more star power than us, and that is affecting our image. We are seen as having better workers, and this is causing fans to choose us over them. The fans see us as being the more professional promotion, thanks to our higher production values.
Tuesday, October 12Email:
TV Report: WWE got a 5.44 television rating for 'Raw'! The event was attended by 4035 people. They made $161400 from ticket sales.
Wednesday, October 13INCIDENT!!: Teddy Hart sustained an injury. (Broken Nose, 1 month)
Email:
TV Report: WWE got a 2.77 television rating for 'NXT'!
The event was attended by 2010 people.
They made $60300 from ticket sales.
Thursday, October 14
Friday, October 15Email:
TV Report: TNA got a 4.28 television rating for 'TNA iMPACT!'!
The event was attended by 1751 people.
They made $52530 from ticket sales.
TV Report: WWE got a 2.80 television rating for 'WWE Superstars'!
The event was attended by 2001 people.
They made $60030 from ticket sales.
- Not quite how I would've liked my debut show to go (damn non-clicking shows), but I managed to get some storylines across and introduce a few players. Hopefully I'll be able to crank out shows a bit faster than normal and get rolling with this.
Newswire should be up sometime tomorrow after I finish up WCTNA on the WC boards.