ROH’s Last Stop Before ALL IN
Ring of Honor returned to Philadelphia this past weekend for its next set of TV tapings.
On the last stop before “ALL IN,” Ring of Honor returned to the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia for its next set of television tapings. Editor-in-Chief John Corrigan attended the standing room-only event and here are his spoiler-free thoughts:
- Cody and Nick Aldis met face-to-face in the ring, most likely for the last time before “ALL IN.” Although Kelsi from “Superkicking It With Kelsi” maintains that the “Ten Pounds of Gold” series has done a tremendous job building up the NWA World Heavyweight Champion, the Philly crowd didn’t react much for Aldis’ arrival. Keep in mind, he has been a main event villain at the 2300 Arena over the past year, feuding with Tommy Dreamer. With all due respect to the champion, it doesn’t really matter who wears the gold heading into “ALL IN” – the story is about Cody trying to win the same title as his father, and doing it on such a historic platform.
- Going to ROH was the best career move for Tenille Dashwood. She is one of the most recognizable faces in the company, adding credibility and star power to the growing Women of Honor division. Whereas some WWE products wouldn’t be able to transition to the “high workrate” style of ROH, the former Emma was undervalued in McMahonland and can back up her glamorous looks in the ring. She also seems to be having the time of her life right now, and is slated to challenge Sumie Sakai for the Women of Honor World Championship at the Death Before Dishonor pay-per-view in September.
- Flip Gordon was the most popular non-Bullet Club member of the night.
- Jonathan Gresham had a career-defining performance in Philly on Saturday, portraying the underdog babyface to maximum effect. He has been competing for well over a decade, but he’s finally getting the TV exposure that he deserves. If you haven’t had a chance to see his work, check out his match with Jay Lethal from Honor Reigns Supreme in February – a MOTY contender.
- Ian Riccaboni is beloved. You wouldn’t expect a commentator without previous in-ring experience to be over with the hostile Philly crowd (Joey Styles was the exception to the rule), but the voice of ROH was cheered and honored with streamers during his appearances throughout the night. An Allentown native and professor at Holy Family University (around the corner from my house), Riccaboni is a feel-good, local boy achieves dream, story. And by all accounts, couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.
- I’ve been following Punishment Martinez via Steven Jackson’s weekly ROH recaps, and our U.K. expert knows his stuff. The ROH Television Champion looks like Baron Corbin before the head shave, and has equally explosive offense. His eerie entrance is sick, and he is definitely world championship material.
- Speaking of future world champs, it’s easy to see why Hangman Page was the breakout star of 2017. The Bullet Club member has the look, the charisma and the athleticism to carry ROH on his back for years to come. He hit a shooting star press HEADBUTT off the apron that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
- Bully Ray may be the biggest heel in professional wrestling today. On the surface, he sticks out like a sore thumb amongst the high spot-happy, breakneck pace that is the foundation of ROH. But then he opens his mouth, spewing all kinds of venom toward up-and-coming stars as well as the ROH faithful, and he becomes a heat magnet. Of course, he’s had a penchant for inciting hatred (and even riots) since his ECW days. He makes you believe that he considers himself the biggest star in the company, that he doesn’t think these rookies know how to wrestle and that modern fans spend too much time complaining on Twitter. Bully embodies the old adage of “I can’t make you believe everything else on the show, but I can make you believe I’m real.”
- What else can be said about The Young Bucks? They are the Hulk Hogan of this generation.
- Local grappler Brian Johnson participated in the Top Prospects tournament. As one-third of One Mean Team with Justin Pusser and Miss Jasmine, Johnson has held gold in OTW and ECWA. While understandable because it was a five-hour show, it’s a shame that some fans left for the bathroom or refreshments when Johnson came out. They’re missing out on one of the most entertaining performers in the Northeast independent wrestling scene.
- Because it has already happened on ROH TV, I don’t mind telling you that Marty Scurll faced Shane “Hurricane” Helms once again. Superhero vs. Villain…the crowd loved it! Scurll was arguably more popular, but fans appreciated Helms donning the mask again and busting his ass all these years later.
In conclusion, this was one of the best ROH shows I’ve attended. Obviously, five hours is a long time, but the show was paced well with promos conducted earlier in the night building anticipation for the matches later on. And unlike in WWE, the most over act in the promotion goes on last, so nobody has to worry about following.
It’s an exciting time to be a pro wrestling fan. If ROH comes to your area or you’re able to travel, it’s definitely worth it.
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