ROH Wrestling on FSN! (Overall: 74)
10/23/10
As the pyro goes off, we cut to the announce team where Joey Styles sits comfortably alongside “Lightning” Mike Quackenbush, apparently taking over for Dave Prazak and Larry Sweeney. Styles and Quack run through the card, including the TV Title Tournament qualifying matches and MDK's challenge to SPEED Muscle.
As they finish up, "Digital Love" by Alphabeat begins to play as Commissioner Rebecca Bayless makes her way down to the ring.
"As you all know, Rising Above 2010 is coming up in three weeks, and already we're preparing. The TV Title Tournament will wrap up at Rising Above, and after what happened last week, I've decided that Mike Quackenbush and KENTA will get their revenge against The All-Night Express to put an end to this once and for all. Not to mention, the World and Pure Titles will be defended, and the ROH Tag Team Champions Murderdeathkill will defend their belts against a worthy team.
But moving on, I do need to address an incident that happened last week. Jack Evans took on Randy Orton last week in a match that Orton won. However, it was after Orton had done a considerable amount of damage, ending with dropping Jack right on his head. Jack was rushed to the emergency room after his match, where he was diagnosed with a minor concussion. He's up and walking right now, but unfortunately will have to miss some in-ring time."
"HEY!"
"Burn In My Light" plays as Randy Orton walks out, a swagger in his step as the crowd showers him in boos. Even Bayless looks less than pleased at Orton's appearance, something that Orton takes delight in.
"Unfortunately? Becky, I think I did you a favor. That joke didn't take his job seriously, and I ended him. Besides, you have Randy Orton on the roster. In two weeks, I've made this company into the hottest thing in pro wrestling. You think anyone cares about what's going on in Florida? You think people are excited about the crap that the McMahon family is promoting? No, they're talking about Randy Orton making this company worth a damn. And if it takes Jack Evans getting put out of action for a while, so be it."
"The Fighter" plays as Roderick Strong, the man that spoiled Orton's debut in ROH. Strong enters the ring, immediately approaching Orton.
"You know Randy, I don't know how you did things in Connecticut, but I want you to look at what the H stands for in ROH: Honor. It's what this company was founded on, it's what this company has over everyone else in the wrestling world. The Code of Honor that everyone was required to abide by, it meant that fights started and ended in the ring. It meant we cared about one another."
"Oh cut the crap and get to the point Roddy."
"Last week, what you did to Jack Evans was borderline criminal. And for what? To prove you're the better man? To send a message to everyone else? Because the only thing you did with that match was sign yourself up for another beating at my hands.”
Orton’s eyes twitch before he speaks, a cold tone replacing the usual cocky swagger.
“Last time we fought Roderick, I had you beat. And were it not for me looking to end you once and for all, I would have a record of 2-0 here. What you want to parade around as a victory, I see as a fluke, just like everything you’ve done in your career. Because where I’m from Roderick, you’re nothing but enhancement talent to make guys like me look good.”
“But we’re not where you’re from, are we Randy?”
With that, Roderick drops the mic before rushing Orton, taking him to the mat before unloading with rights and lefts. Orton begins fighting back, but when Roderick looks to lock in the Stronghold, Orton scrambles out of the ring, a look of anger in his eyes. Roderick makes the tap out motion as we head to commercial.
Segment Rating: 69Randy Orton lost 2 points of overness from this segment. Roderick Strong lost 2 points of overness from this segment. (Dammit.)Segment Two: TV Title Tournament Qualifying Match
BxB Hulk vs Petey Williams
With the announcement of the TV Title Tournament, both men are looking to get into possible contention. For Petey Williams, it’s a chance to redeem himself after coming close to winning the Pure Title from current champion Bryan Danielson at Death Before Dishonor. For the man known as BxB Hulk, it’s an opportunity to become known here in ROH after a stellar career in Dragon Gate and Dragon Gate USA as the Open The Freedom Gate Champion.
Petey and Hulk begin having a good back and forth, using their speed to try and outmaneuver one another. However, as the match goes on, Hulk begins to gain control, countering Petey while frustrating him with his own aerial skill. An attempt at a hurricanrana turns the tide however, as Petey manages to counter the attempt into a powerbomb, following it with a single leg crab. From then on, Petey begins to break down the legs, looking to neutralize Hulk’s main asset. Ultimately, it proves to be ineffective, as Hulk manages to reverse an attempt at the Canadian Destroyer into the EVO-P to move on to the TV Title Tournament. (***3/4)
Winner: BxB Hulk (pinfall, EVO-P)
Quality: 82
Crowd: 57
Overall: 69Segment Three: TV Title Tournament Qualifying Match
CIMA vs Kevin Steen
Much like the last match, these two men are looking to raise their stock here in ROH. Kevin Steen is coming off a successful team with El Generico before Generico’s injury, while CIMA is another import from Dragon Gate after a successful run there.
CIMA quickly controls the match, either evading or reversing almost everything Steen throws at him. It quickly turns into a highlight for Dragon Gate fans, as CIMA begins busting out every high-profile move in his arsenal. Venus followed by a Goriconoclasm only gets a two, as does CIMA’s version of the Ricola Bomb he calls “Crossfire”. Steen tries to mount some offense, even managing to get CIMA down with a half nelson backbreaker that almost gives Steen the win. As Steen looks to go for the moonsault, CIMA is able to counter, lifting Steen up before delivering the Schwein Steiner off the top. Meteora soon follows, and CIMA advances to the TV Title Tournament. (***1/2) As CIMA celebrates his win, Kevin Steen picks himself up from the mat. Out of frustration, Steen spins CIMA around before delivering a low-blow, followed by a vicious Package Piledriver. Steen laughs as referees begin to check on CIMA.
Winner: CIMA (pinfall, Schwein Steiner from top rope)
Quality: 85
Crowd: 64
Overall: 74“Idiot Outlaw” by ACMA begins to play as the team of Naruki Doi and Masato Yoshino, the two men who managed to defeat the team of Murderdeathkill last week, come out, followed by a mysterious woman. As the trio approach the ring, Doi and Yoshino hold the ropes open as the female figure steps in before entering the ring, grabbing a microphone.
“ROH fans, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Naoto Shirogane, and I have traveled here from Japan to lead SpeedMuscle to greatness. As seen from our other Dragon Gate brethren, Dragon Gate wrestlers are clearly head and shoulders above the rest, and it is my duty to make sure that we are respected as such.
Last week, SpeedMuscle did what no other team in this company has done. Justice Pain and The Messiah have reigned supreme in the Tag Team division ever since their arrival, and have put both Eddie Edwards and El Generico on the shelf with lasting injuries, while neither Dark City Fight Club or The Briscoes have been seen since their encounters with MDK. And yet in one match, Doi and Yoshino did what many believed to be impossible, not only defeating Murderdeathkill, but making them tap out. Murderdeathkill submitted to Doi and Yoshino, proving that Dragon Gate is head and shoulders above the garbage wrestlers from CZW.”
“The Thing That Should Not Be” echoes throughout the arena as ROH World Tag Team Champions Murderdeathkill walk out, cold looks on their faces.
“Garbage wrestlers? Messiah and I, we may be a lot of things, but garbage wrestlers ain’t one of them toots. Sure, we’ve competed in our fair share of hardcore matches, we’ve been in matches where many other wrestlers would be too scared to compete, but garbage wrestling ain’t exactly what we’re known for. CZW Heavyweight Champions, ROH Tag Team Champions, THE tag team in ROH, two unstoppable machines who take pleasure in causing pain to our opponents… that’s what MDK are known for.”
“You conveniently left out the part where Doi and Yoshino defeated you.”
Pain and Messiah laugh, a cold chuckle that sends shivers down the audiences spines.
“Woman, there’s a first time for everything. One of these teams had to beat us eventually, and your boys were the lucky ones. But now, now you have two very pissed off men coming for you. Two pissed off men who break people in two for FUN. So, before your mouth writes a check that your ass ain’t prepared to cash, I’d think long and hard about the next words that come out of your mouth. Because otherwise? We won’t just beat the piss out of you two. We’ll bury you six feet deep.”
Shirogane and SpeedMuscle merely smile.
“Doi and Yoshino aren’t afraid of you two. Not after what they’ve went through just to get here. Anytime you gentlemen would like a rematch, you know where to find us.”
“Idiot Outlaw” plays as SpeedMuscle and Murderdeathkill stare one another down.
Segment Rating: 61Naoto Shirogane gained 2 points of overness.Segment Five: Singles Match
Alex Koslov vs Paul London
As Paul London begins talking to Senior Official Bryce Remsburg, “Amerika” begins to play as Alex Koslov makes his way down to the ring. For weeks, Koslov has declared that he will make sure his name will be recorded alongside men such as Samoa Joe, Bryan Danielson, Low-Ki, Austin Aries, and countless others who have made their mark in ROH, determined to not be forgotten. Tonight, he has an opportunity to get one step closer to his goal, as he takes on a man that was with Ring Of Honor at the very beginning. Paul London goes for the handshake, adhering to the old Code of Honor, but Koslov merely sneers at London before slowly backing away, motioning for Remsburg to start the match.
Within five minutes, Koslov proves that he has all the tools to break into the upper echelon of ROH, methodically breaking London down while softening him up for the Shining Wizard he calls “Perestroika”. London puts up a valiant effort, even connecting with a London Calling 450 Splash for two, but Koslov refuses to be put down for more than three seconds. A mistimed attempt at another London Calling results in London crashing into Koslov’s raised knees, driving the wind out of him. As such, he’s unable to prevent Perestroika, giving Alex Koslov another win here in ROH. (***3/4). After the match, Koslov once again waits as London slowly recovers from the attack. As soon as London is in a kneeling position, Koslov bounces off the ropes, delivering Perestroika once more. As Koslov admires his handiwork, Bryan Danielson makes a beeline for the ring, prompting Koslov to slide out. Koslov begins taunting as Danielson checks on his fallen friend while we go to commercial.
Winner: Alex Koslov (pinfall, Perestroika)
Quality: 81
Crowd: 66
Overall: 73As we come back from commercial, Tyler Black is slowly pacing backstage, rubbing his hands together.
“Last year, they said that Tyler Black would be ROH World Champion. They said that Jerry Lynn had a good run, but that Tyler Black was going to be the breakout star here in Ring Of Honor. And all that was thrown away in the blink of an eye when Austin Aries beat me to get the shot Lynn. Suddenly, I’m not good enough to headline shows. I’m not good enough to go against the top guys here in ROH. Hell, I was FIRED by this company! I was treated like Chad Collyer or Matt Stryker, someone who could put on a good match but outlived his usefulness.
Then, they bring me back in, saying that I’d get my chance to get back to the top. All I need to do is compete in the Four Corner Survival Match at Death Before Dishonor. And when it seems like I’ll be able to do it, motherfuckin’ TJ Perkins decides to steal MY moment. He took my victory away from me, and refused me a chance at redemption when he beat me at ROH Live a few weeks ago.
Tonight, Perkins doesn’t get that chance. Tonight, you see how sick and twisted Tyler Black can be. You thought The Age of the Fall was something? You thought my actions over the past couple of weeks was something? Wait until tonight. Wait until you see what I put TJ Perkins through. Because I guarantee you, nothing will prepare you for what you will see.”
Segment Rating: 73Segment Seven: Non-Title Match
Bryan Danielson © vs “Lightning” Mike Quackenbush
While this match isn’t for the Pure Title, you wouldn’t know it looking at these two. From the opening bell, these two put on a technical masterpiece, one the fans are declaring “Match of the Year” five minutes in. Danielson focuses on wearing down the neck and back for the Cattle Mutilation, while Quack focuses on the neck and legs, setting up for both the Quackendriver and the Lightning Lock. Twice Quack is able to lock in the Lightning Lock Beta, bending Danielson’s leg to the point where it’s almost touching his head, but Danielson refuses to give up, powering out on both occasions before bringing the fight back to Quack. As the match nears the twenty minute mark, Danielson locks in the double chickenwing, trying to force Quack to the ground. Quack manages to reverse the hold before lifting Danielson up for the Schwein. Rather than drop him to the mat, Quack kneels, locking in the [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H48HT7bGTNcSchweingatame[/url]! Quack begins wrenching on the hold, trying to force the tapout. Danielson tries powering out, but the repeated Lightning Lock Beta’s have weakened him. As Danielson looks to be on the verge of tapping out, Kenny King slides into the ring before booting Quack in the back of the skull, forcing the DQ (****). As Danielson begins to recover, King continues his assault, throwing Quack into the corner before attacking him with lefts and rights. As Quack stumbles out of the corner, King hoists him up for the Corontation, pausing to play to the fans. As he looks to send Quack crashing to the mat, Danielson comes from behind with a clubbing forearm, causing King to both drop Quack and stumble into the ropes. As he bounces off, Danielson locks in the double chickenwing before forcing King to the ground, locking in the Cattle Mutilation! King screams in pain for a couple of seconds before Danielson releases the hold, allowing King to roll to the outside. Danielson helps Quack up as King makes his retreat, vowing that this isn’t over.
Winner: "Lightning" Mike Quackenbush (DQ, Interference from Kenny King)
Quality: 90
Crowd: 64
Overall: 77Segment Eight: Singles Match
Tyler Black vs “The Pinoy Boy” TJ Perkins
As stated earlier, this all started at Death Before Dishonor, where TJ Perkins shocked everyone by winning the Four Corner Survival match, pinning former top contender Tyler Black. Black took this as an insult, repeatedly assaulting Perkins over the past couple of weeks. Last week proved to be the final straw, as Perkins went to Commissioner Becky Bayless and demanded this match be made, looking to silence Black once and for all.
From the beginning, neither man even attempt to make this a wrestling match, instead opting to see who can hit harder. Perkins catches Black with a strong right, but Black responds with a headbutt before catching a stunned Perkins with several elbow strikes, sending a rocked Perkins into the corner. Perkins does his best to cover up while Black throws several shots, looking for the killing blow. Black catches Perkins once more before heading to the opposite corner, building up steam. Black runs full steam at Perkins, looking to take his head off with a Yakuza Kick. At the last second, Perkins dives out of the way, causing Black to crotch himself on the top rope. Perkins wastes no time, springboarding off the second rope before catching Black with a Flying Chuck that sends him to the ground.
From there, Perkins begins to chop away at Black, softening him up for the springboard 450 he’s used as of late. Black doesn’t go out without a fight, constantly trying to take away Perkins’ speed. On one such occasion, Black has Perkins on the top rope, trying to deliver the Iconoclasm. As Black crosses the arms, Perkins leaps off prematurely, twisting in mid-air before catching Black with a Codebreaker. With Black down, Perkins is able to deliver the Springboard 450, finally gaining a measure of revenge against Black.
Winner: TJ Perkins (pinfall, Springboard 450 Splash)
Quality: 93
Crowd: 63
Overall: 78As Black is helped to the back, “The Greatest Man That Ever Lived” hits the PA System as ROH World Champion Austin Aries saunters down to the ring. As he passes Black, Aries laughs in his face before entering the ring, the crowd booing.
“That’s right, boo. Boo your hero, boo the man that puts your asses in the seats. Boo the man that has made history, the man that is going to lead this company into the promised land, the man who represents this company. Because honestly, I love hearing your boos. I love hearing you hate me, hearing you yell and shout and scream. You know why? Because there’s nothing you people can do about it. I doubt any of you have the stones to step over that guardrail and face me like a man, because you know I’d embarrass you in two minutes flat. So you hide behind your precious guardrail, you yell about how I don’t deserve this belt, but none of you fat slobs has the grapes to do what I do.”
*At this, several fans try to rush the barricade, only to be stopped by security.*
“No no, let them. Let them through. They want a beating, they want to get embarrassed on national TV, let them. I dare them to willingly go one-on-one against me.”
*Aries exits the ring before approaching the guardrail.*
“Come on. Which one of you wants to be the first challenger for this belt? Which one of you out of shape blobs of flesh wants a shot at the ROH World Title? How about you chuckles? On second thought, you’d pass out due to exerting yourself just by standing. And how about you, you buck toothed moron? You could sell this at a pawn shop and get yourself a bottle of moonshine, couldn’t you Elmer?”
*Aries continues walking around ringside before stopping in front of a fan in his late teens.*
“How about you kid? You want a shot at The Greatest Man That Ever Lived? Would make those years of getting wedgies and swirlies by the cool kids all worth it, wouldn’t it? Come on, grow a pair and face me like a man.”
*The teen merely shakes head before turning to sit down. Aries merely smiles before grabbing the kid, spinning him around until he’s face to face.*
“I said get your ass over this rail and take me on. It wasn’t a request, it was an order.”
*The kid begins shaking his head, prompting Aries to grab him by the shirt collar.*
“Take your beating like a man and fight me, you son of a bi-“
*At that moment, Jerry Lynn comes from behind, steel chair in hand. A quick swing causes Aries to release the kid, while another sends him to the floor. Lynn drops the chair before tossing Aries into the ring, grabbing the fallen mic before sliding in.*
“You want a challenge Aries? You want someone to take on inside this ring? I just finished talking to Becky Bayless, and it’s on. You and me for the ROH World Title at Rising Above. And just so there’s no crap like the last couple of weeks, it’s happening inside a steel cage. See you then Austin.”
*Lynn tosses the mic before heading to the back, soaking in the fans cheers as Aries seethes inside the ring.*
Segment Rating: 79Segment Ten: Singles Match
Davey Richards vs Joey “Magnum” Ryan
Last week, these two were involved in a four corners match along with Jerry Lynn and Chris Hero. After the lights went out for the third consecutive week, Richards looked to have the match won before Ryan connected with That 70’s Kick, picking up the win that Richards believed was his. While Ryan believes it was a matter of “right place, right time”, Richards demanded this match be made to “fix the mistake that happened last week”.
Immediately, Richards begins to light Ryan up with several stiff kicks that border on assault with a deadly weapon. To his credit, Ryan doesn’t take this lying down, responding with several chops that manage to elict a “Woo!” from the crowd. But no matter how good Ryan may be with his chops, Richards is deadly, using an MMA style of fighting to send Joey reeling after a Judo throw almost leads to an armbar. From there, it’s cat and mouse, with Ryan choosing to pick his spots and attack while Richards continues to use his newfound style to keep Ryan from really getting into his groove. In the end, it’s almost a repeat of what happened last week. Richards manages to catch an attempt at a clothesline before rocking Ryan with an elbow to the side of his head. Quick as lightning, Richards gets the double underhooks in, looking to hit the DR Driver. As he goes to lift him up, Ryan spins out before looking to hit That 70’s Kick. Richards has it well scouted though, catching the foot before spinning Ryan around, locking in the double underhook once more. This time, Richards doesn’t give Ryan a chance to counter, connecting with the DR Driver for the victory (****). As Richards soaks up the victory, Ryan slides to the outside, vowing revenge.
Winner: Davey Richards (pinfall, DR Driver)
Quality: 84
Crowd: 74
Overall: 79As Styles and Quack begin signing off, “Kings Reign Supreme” by Cody B. Ware rings throughout the arena, causing the crowd to groan. Sure enough, “Super Agent” Larry Sweeney begins heading to the ring, followed by Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli. As the trio enters the ring, Sweeney immediately grabs the microphone.
“Last week, last week two rejects from Orlando decided that washed-up wrestlers who’s glory days were during Scott Baio’s rise to power wasn’t the kind of guy they wanted to call “boss”, and came into OUR company. They came onto OUR turf, they looked these two men in the eye, and they called them out. They decided to make their names off of Royalty! Well buddy, you may do that down in Florida, but that’s not how it happens in Ring of Honor. You don’t go up to the top guys and demand respect, you get it beaten into you. Shelley, Sabin, I want the both of you to get down to this ring right now and give my clients the apology that they deserve. Otherwise, we’re off TV, we go on strike, we boycott this place. And I dare you, I DARE YOU SILKEN, try and have a successful company without the greatest duo that tag team wrestling has ever seen.”
*Sweeney doesn’t have to wait long, as “We Made It” by Busta Rhymes and Linkin Park plays over the speakers, drawing out Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin. Last week, these two made their surprise debut in ROH, immediately getting on the bad side of Hero and Castagnoli. These two teams came to blows last week before being separated, something that security is well aware of.*
“Apology. An apology is what you want. Apology for making our names known once again in ROH? Apology for practically doing what your boys did back in the ROH/CZW war? No Larry, that’s not going to happen. Unlike your boys, we’re not fighting to get a different company noticed. We’re not declaring war on everyone in ROH. We just decided to show up last week and announce we were ROH for good. Was it during the best time? Maybe, maybe not. But when you call out Detroit, you call out two people who were Made In Detroit. And we don’t take those kinds of insults lying down.”
“Oh waah waah waah!” says Hero. “They made fun of my city! They’re bad people!’ Get over it. I make fun of everything. From Styles’ lack of sex life to how goofy Colt Cabana looks on his best day, I make fun of people. Get used to it. And as for your little dig at us being former CZW wrestlers, at least we’ve held titles that count. At least our names will be recorded in the history books as one of, if not the greatest tag team in wrestling history. All you to have is praise from wrestling websites and fat marks who say you should be champions by now. Sorry if I’m not frothing at the mouth to have the kind of accolades you to have.
Last week, you two fired the first shot against us. And hey, kudos for that. But I’m telling you right now, if you expect us to come out and say ‘hey, everything’s hunky dory’, you have another thing coming. But after talking with my man Sweeney here, I’ve decided to do the nice thing and offer an olive branch. So what I’m gonna do is extend my hand, I’m gonna say ‘let bygones be bygones’, and I’m gonna give you the chance to shake my hand and bury our brief history. You’ll go your way, we’ll go our way, and the only time you’ll see us is when we’re crushing your hopes of becoming Tag Team Champions. Now I personally think that’s a hell of an offer, Double C here thinks it’s a hell of an offer, and Sweeney thinks I’m being more generous than Santa Claus come Christmas. So what do you say?” Hero and Castagnoli each stick out a hand. “Let’s let bygones be bygones.”
*Shelley and Sabin look out into the crowd, who begin booing this. The Guns turn back to Hero and Castagnoli and begin shaking their hands much to the crowd’s dislike. As The Kings begin to walk away, The Guns pull them back, immediately beginning an exchange of words. As the trash talking begins to get heated, Hero pie-faces Shelley before turning his back toward him. Sabin is quick to catch Hero with a right, causing Claudio to catch him with a European Uppercut. Soon, the ring begins to resemble a battlefield, as The Guns and The Kings begins brawling all over. Security rushes the ring to separate the two teams, but soon find themselves on the outside after elbows, uppercuts, and kicks send them to the mat. The brawling picks up once again, prompting the locker room to empty in an attempt to contain the four men. As the show comes to the close, The Guns are being held back by Danielson, Lynn, Londrick, and KENTA while SPEED Muscle, Super Dragon, Alex Koslov, and The ANX hold The Kings back, each team yelling that this isn’t over.
Segment Rating: 79Sunday, October 24Email:
TV Report: We got a 3.90 rating for 'ROH Wrestling'!
The attendance level was 2007 people.
We made $60210 from ticket sales.
~ "Better late than never" seems to be the theme of this diary
. Hopefully with school coming up this week I can manage to keep this going.