ROH Wrestling Presents: The King of the Indies
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RING OF HONOR
SECOND YEAR ANNIVERSARY SHOW
Philadelphia, PA – February 14th, 2004
SECOND YEAR ANNIVERSARY SHOW
Philadelphia, PA – February 14th, 2004
We open with “Samoa Joe’s Ring” as Samoa Joe appeared in a pre-taped segment, speaking about elevating the ROH Heavyweight Championship into a legitimate World Title by defending it around the globe. Joe called it an insult that ROH would introduce a second championship on its anniversary, rather than celebrating him as the embodiment of professional wrestling and the best in the world. Joe claimed that the Pure Title has been created for one reason: no one can take his title from him. He reminds everyone that he is pro wrestling, and he is the ROH World Champion.
Backstage, Allison Danger addressed the absence of Christopher Daniels at the hands of CM Punk and the Second City Saints after Punk put Daniels through a table with the Pepsi Plunge back at "The Battle Lines Are Drawn", and vowed that either Dan Maff or BJ Whitmer would bring the World Title back to The Prophecy for Daniels. The tension between the two partners was unmistakable. Maff told Whitmer he cannot stand him, but he will put that aside to realise Daniels' dream.
1. ROH PURE TITLE TOURNAMENT – ROUND ONE: CM Punk defeated John Walters. Punk entered to "Disposable Teens" as the mystery participant, teasing a Daniels return before revealing himself to a chorus of boos. He really got the fans with that one. Walters kept the match grounded and technical, repeatedly attacking the arm and forcing Punk to wrestle rather than posture. The finish came in a frantic exchange of roll-ups. Walters thought he had it, but Punk rolled through into a tight tiger pin cradle and stole the three-count. (14:32 – ★★★½)
2. ROH PURE TITLE TOURNAMENT – ROUND ONE: Doug Williams defeated Chris Sabin after methodically targeting Sabin’s neck and cutting off every attempt to create distance throughout the match. Williams showed that he has become an even more accomplished and well-rounded technician in the year or so since his last appearance for ROH. Sabin finally broke through late on, utilising his speed, but one mistake was fatal. He missed a corner charge, Williams caught him in a waistlock and dropped him with Chaos Theory to end it clean. (13:48 – ★★★)
3. ROH PURE TITLE TOURNAMENT – ROUND ONE: Matt Stryker defeated Josh Daniels via submission after surviving Daniels’ numerous suplex attempts and sharp forearms before dragging the match back to the mat and working over Daniels’ knees. Daniels overcommitted and Stryker capitalised immediately, locking in the Stryker Lock for the tap. (9:22 – ★★½)
4. ROH PURE TITLE TOURNAMENT – ROUND ONE: AJ Styles defeated Jimmy Rave despite Rave attacking AJ's weakened knee without mercy in a callback to last year’s Field of Honor tournament where Rave had been too hesitant to strike decisively. Rave committed fully to the onslaught and controlled long stretches of the match as a result, but Styles weathered the pressure and countered a charging knee into the Styles Clash to advance. After the match the two shook hands. Rave attempted to apologise for targeting the knee. AJ told him not to apologise, he would have done the same thing. (12:10 – ★★★¼)
After the final first round match, a pre-taped promo from Jim Cornette aired. Cornette claimed he did not even need to be in the building because The Briscoe Brothers are that good. He mocked The Backseat Boyz and guaranteed they had no chance of winning tonight. He also turned his attention to March 13th’s “At Our Best” show, promising that Jay Briscoe would beat Samoa Joe inside the cage because the escape rule is in effect.
5. Special K (Hydro, Izzy & Dixie) defeated The Carnage Crew (Loc, Devito & Justin Credible) in a chaotic brawl that spilled to the floor and never quite settled. After Special K kidnapped Devito’s daughter(~!), the Carnage Crew looked to inflict maximum damage, but to no avail as Hydro found an opening and landed the 450 splash to secure the win. (10:05 – ★½)
6. ROH PURE TITLE TOURNAMENT – SEMI-FINAL: CM Punk defeated AJ Styles by controlling the pace and refusing to let Styles build any real momentum. Every time Styles threatened to take over, Punk grounded him and forced a reset, either kicking, chopping, or wrenching the knee into increasingly uncomfortable positions. The end came when Punk snapped him down into the Devil’s Twist DDT and scored the pin. (17:41 – ★★★★)
7. ROH PURE TITLE TOURNAMENT – SEMI-FINAL: Doug Williams defeated Matt Stryker in a tightly contested technical match built around positioning and patience. Stryker hunted submissions repeatedly, but Williams used his strength and experience to avoid anything truly dangerous. After failing to hit Chaos Theory several times, Williams adapted and reversed out of a Stryker Lock attempt into a Texas Cloverleaf in the middle of the ring, forcing the tap to advance to the finals. (15:18 – ★★★½)
Backstage in a taped promo, CM Punk spoke directly to the camera. He dedicated his first round win to Colt Cabana. He dedicated his semi-final win to Ace Steel. And tonight, he said, the final was for himself. Punk doubled down on his claim that in 2004 he will win every championship ROH has to offer, starting with the ROH Pure Title tonight, and then the ROH Tag Team Titles in April when he and Colt Cabana challenge The Briscoe Brothers in Chicago. And after that? Joe, Maff, Low Ki, Whitmer, whoever it is with the ROH World Title, he's coming for them too.
Gary Michael Capetta interviewed Julius Smokes about the whereabouts of Homicide. Smokes claimed he does not know where Homicide is and that he is not returning his phone calls. J-Train reminded everyone that Homicide has beaten Whitmer, Punk and Samoa Joe. Smokes smirked and said when Homicide comes back, everybody will know.
Immediately following intermission, Mick Foley came out to a big pop and addressed the crowd regarding his future plans as ROH ambassador. Starting with Samoa Joe. Foley demanded more from Samoa Joe and said ROH deserved better from its champion. It deserves a better champion. He said he isn't here to wrestle, he is here to demand a handshake. Joe comes out and immediately slaps the microphone out of Foley's hand. Foley backs off as Joe advances, so Foley throws a punch but gets caught. Joe chopped him hard before locking him in a Cochina Clutch. Officials intervened and begged Joe to release the hold. Eventually he did. Leaning over him, Joe warned that the next time Foley steps into an ROH ring, it better be in wrestling boots or not at all.
8. ROH WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP: The Briscoe Brothers (Jay & Mark Briscoe) © defeated The Backseat Boyz (Trent Acid & Johnny Kashmere) after the challengers pushed them to the limit with well-timed double teams and near-falls in the closing stretch. The champions survived the scramble and retained with a spike Jay Driller on Kashmere from the top rope. (16:02 – ★★★½)
9. ROH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – FATAL FOUR WAY: Samoa Joe © defeated BJ Whitmer, Dan Maff and Low Ki where a challenger had to pin Samoa Joe to win the title. Pinning another challenger would earn a one-on-one title shot next month. Joe could pin or submit anyone to retain. The history between all four men made every exchange volatile. Joe and Ki circled with violence in their eyes reminiscent of Glory By Honor. Maff still chased revenge for being knocked out cold by Ki. Whitmer was desperate to step out of the shadows. Joe and Ki shook hands to begin while Whitmer and Maff refused. When the match broke down late, Joe and Ki briefly united to dismantle The Prophecy. In a nod to their past battle, Joe and Ki lowered their kick pads and traded brutal strikes. An enziguri from Ki nearly won the championship before Maff and Whitmer returned to break it up. They dropped Ki with a Burning Hammer, but instead of capitalising on Joe, they argued over who would get the fall. Allison Danger screamed at them to focus on Joe. The hesitation allowed Joe to recover, throw Maff aside, and trap Whitmer in the Coquina Clutch until he tapped. (28:46 – ★★★★)
10. ROH PURE TITLE TOURNAMENT – FINAL (PURE RULES): Doug Williams defeated CM Punk to become the first ROH Pure Champion. With the Pure rules in effect, Punk lost multiple rope breaks and looked increasingly frustrated. He complained constantly and attempted to dictate tempo, but as his options narrowed Williams tightened control and delivered Chaos Theory for the three count. Punk argued with the referee afterward, believing he had been wronged on the rope breaks, but ultimately relented and shook Williams’ hand before leaving.
Following the match, a pre-taped edition of Good Times, Great Memories aired with Colt Cabana and Ace Steel. Colt insisted Williams cheated Punk. Ace launched into a rambling monologue about anniversaries, including Kris Kross going number one thirteen years ago, his Teddy Ruxpin doll singing twelve years ago, and Ace Steel beginning his impression career twenty-six years ago. Ace then delivered a Dusty Rhodes impression, only for Dusty Rhodes himself to walk into frame. Dusty called the Saints “toilet paper.” Colt and Ace quickly tried to calm the situation, insisting no disrespect was intended as the show closed.
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For me, 2004 was the start of peak ROH, so really looking forward to this. I don't mind Doug Williams as the Pure Champion. His style suits it perfectly, even if it does mean big names from AJ and Punk failed in the tournament. He's a worthy winner. Curious to see whether AJ only appears sporadically in here. Meanwhile, Punk/Daniels is coming at some point, and Punk using the tactic of coming to the ring to Daniels' music is perfect heel bullshit to get the fans irate. Loved it.
Push Jimmy Rave. Hanging with AJ is a good start I hope.
Cornette's promo was fine and I like The Briscoe Brothers being able to defend the titles without Cornette. Makes them see more credible.
Another angle set up that I'm intrigued to see how you handle is whenever Homicide decides to come back.
Samoa Joe is just on top of the world right now. Not only is he defending his title in a Fatal Four way, he's got a cage match with Briscoe coming up, and then he goes and has the awesome confrontation with Foley. As this is BTB, fully expect to get this match we should have got in real life when Foley appeared in ROH.
Oh hey, Dusty Rhodes appearance at the end... Cool.
Not a lot to comment on as it's a condensed style of writing (which I like), and its the first show meaning you need time to develop angles. Feels like plenty of stuff already brewing though, a solid first show for sure.
Push Jimmy Rave. Hanging with AJ is a good start I hope.
Cornette's promo was fine and I like The Briscoe Brothers being able to defend the titles without Cornette. Makes them see more credible.
Another angle set up that I'm intrigued to see how you handle is whenever Homicide decides to come back.
Samoa Joe is just on top of the world right now. Not only is he defending his title in a Fatal Four way, he's got a cage match with Briscoe coming up, and then he goes and has the awesome confrontation with Foley. As this is BTB, fully expect to get this match we should have got in real life when Foley appeared in ROH.
Oh hey, Dusty Rhodes appearance at the end... Cool.
Not a lot to comment on as it's a condensed style of writing (which I like), and its the first show meaning you need time to develop angles. Feels like plenty of stuff already brewing though, a solid first show for sure.
NEWSWIRE UPDATE
February 25th, 2004
Ring of Honor returns to action on March 13th in Elizabeth, NJ at the Rex Plex with “Do Or Die II,” followed by the evening event “At Our Best” in Philadelphia, PA, a card that will shape the direction of the company heading into the spring. Almost all the matches have been signed for both shows, and we have a handful of tickets left which can be purchased on the night when doors open (see our tickets page for further information).
At the Second Year Anniversary Show, Doug Williams became the first ROH PURE CHAMPION by defeating CM Punk under the newly devised Pure Rules. CM Punk has since questioned how his rope breaks were administered in the closing stretch of the match and has requested consideration for a rematch from ROH officials. A decision has yet to be reached how this will be handled, but in the mean time we can confirm that a Fatal Four Way contest at “At Our Best” will determine the first challenger to Williams' Pure Title. Something we are keen to note is that only matches contested for the Pure Title will be fought under Pure Rules at this time as the division continues to establish itself.
Speaking of four ways, Samoa Joe retained the ROH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP against Low Ki, Dan Maff, and BJ Whitmer, once again demonstrating his control and dominance over the division. Next, he turns his attention to our top ranked wrestler, one half of the ROH World Tag Team Champions, Jay Briscoe. Joe was able to defeat Jay's brother Mark back in December at Final Battle, but the advocate for the tag champions, Jim Cornette, promises that the match stipulation benefits Jay more than it does the champion. A steel cage will surround the ring, and the match can only end via pinfall, submission, or escape.
The updated Top Five rankings following the Anniversary Show are as follows:
1. Jay Briscoe
2. Doug Williams
3. CM Punk
4. Matt Stryker
5. Dan Maff
The Pure title tournament propelled several wrestlers up the rankings, and as we look to name title challengers for future events, placement in the rankings is paramount to title opportunities.
Internal strain within The Prophecy remains evident since the disappearance of the "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels at the hands of CM Punk. BJ Whitmer and Dan Maff failed to capitalise on and secure the ROH World Title for The Prophecy at the Anniversary event. They will have an opportunity to right their recent wrongs when they take on Colt Cabana and Ace Steel at "At Our Best".
Incredible news coming from the mid-south as a major inter-promotional championship contest has been signed for “At Our Best” as Jerry Lynn defends the IWA MID-SOUTH HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP against AJ Styles. Both competitors are regarded as two of the very best and most exciting athletes within independent wrestling, and the match looks to showcase the depth of indy wrestling in 2004.
Despite the assault and subsequent warning from Samoa Joe to stay away, Mick Foley has informed ROH officials that he will honor his commitment to being an ambassador for Ring of Honor, which will include several appearances over the next few shows.
DO OR DIE II
Elizabeth, NJ – March 13th, 2004
Sal Rinauro vs Jerelle Clark The Solution (Havok & Papadon) vs Todd Sexton & Jared Steele Allison Danger (w/ BJ Whitmer) vs April Hunter (w/ Slyk Wagner Brown) Jimmy Jacobs vs Sederick Strong vs Brad Bradley vs Alex Shelley Jay Lethal vs Roderick Strong Austin Aries vs Petey Williams Super Dragon vs Excalibur Don Juan & Fast Eddie vs Ring Crew Express vs The Havana Pitbulls |
AT OUR BEST – EVENING EVENT
Philadelphia, PA – March 13th, 2004
SIX MAN SCRAMBLE MATCH Amazing Red vs Chris Sabin vs Matt Sydal vs Jack Evans vs Mark Briscoe vs Delirious Backseat Boyz vs Outkast Killahz (w/ Prince Nana) Chad Collyer vs Danny Daniels IWA MID-SOUTH HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP Jerry Lynn (c) vs AJ Styles Fatal Four Way – ROH Pure Title #1 Contenders Match Matt Stryker vs John Walters vs Nigel McGuinness vs Jimmy Rave Carnage Crew vs Special K ROH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – STEEL CAGE MATCH Samoa Joe (c) vs Jay Briscoe |
Tickets for both events are on sale now through ROHwrestling.com.
Predictions Welcome.
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I know I've stated this before to you but this is right in my wheelhouse, and this Rex Plex show was my first of many attended ROH shows from this time period. What I really love about this thread so far is the authenticity of the Newswire. I remember having it bookmarked on internet explorer and would check it every day. The way you presented it for these two shows was so spot on, so great job with that. The presentation as a whole is great, and I'm excited to see this all play out.
Show 1
Sal Rinauro vs Jerelle Clark
The Solution (Havok & Papadon) vs Todd Sexton & Jared Steele
Allison Danger (w/ BJ Whitmer) vs April Hunter (w/ Slyk Wagner Brown)
Jimmy Jacobs vs Sederick Strong vs Brad Bradley vs Alex Shelley
Jay Lethal vs Roderick Strong
Austin Aries vs Petey Williams
Super Dragon vs Excalibur
Don Juan & Fast Eddie vs Ring Crew Express vs The Havana Pitbulls- As much as I loved Dunn and Marcos, Romero and Reyes were so believable at this time, I really thought they were gonna go onto WWE and become huge.
Show 2
SIX MAN SCRAMBLE MATCH
Amazing Red vs Chris Sabin vs Matt Sydal vs Jack Evans vs Mark Briscoe vs Delirious- Holy shit what a match. Excited to see how you book this one out.
Backseat Boyz vs Outkast Killahz (w/ Prince Nana)
Chad Collyer vs Danny Daniels
IWA MID-SOUTH HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Jerry Lynn (c) vs AJ Styles- Would be fun to see a title change here.
Fatal Four Way – ROH Pure Title #1 Contenders Match
Matt Stryker vs John Walters vs Nigel McGuinness vs Jimmy Rave- I remember John Walters being so boring lol- hoping you pull the trigger on Nigel earlier than ROH did
Carnage Crew vs Special K
ROH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – STEEL CAGE MATCH
Samoa Joe (c) vs Jay Briscoe- Joe continues his reign as you build up other challengers along the way.
Really excited and looking forward to these two shows, my friend. Best of luck writing!
Show 1
Sal Rinauro vs Jerelle Clark
The Solution (Havok & Papadon) vs Todd Sexton & Jared Steele
Allison Danger (w/ BJ Whitmer) vs April Hunter (w/ Slyk Wagner Brown)
Jimmy Jacobs vs Sederick Strong vs Brad Bradley vs Alex Shelley
Jay Lethal vs Roderick Strong
Austin Aries vs Petey Williams
Super Dragon vs Excalibur
Don Juan & Fast Eddie vs Ring Crew Express vs The Havana Pitbulls- As much as I loved Dunn and Marcos, Romero and Reyes were so believable at this time, I really thought they were gonna go onto WWE and become huge.
Show 2
SIX MAN SCRAMBLE MATCH
Amazing Red vs Chris Sabin vs Matt Sydal vs Jack Evans vs Mark Briscoe vs Delirious- Holy shit what a match. Excited to see how you book this one out.
Backseat Boyz vs Outkast Killahz (w/ Prince Nana)
Chad Collyer vs Danny Daniels
IWA MID-SOUTH HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Jerry Lynn (c) vs AJ Styles- Would be fun to see a title change here.
Fatal Four Way – ROH Pure Title #1 Contenders Match
Matt Stryker vs John Walters vs Nigel McGuinness vs Jimmy Rave- I remember John Walters being so boring lol- hoping you pull the trigger on Nigel earlier than ROH did
Carnage Crew vs Special K
ROH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – STEEL CAGE MATCH
Samoa Joe (c) vs Jay Briscoe- Joe continues his reign as you build up other challengers along the way.
Really excited and looking forward to these two shows, my friend. Best of luck writing!
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Show 1
Sal Rinauro vs Jerelle Clark
The Solution (Havok & Papadon) vs Todd Sexton & Jared Steele
Allison Danger (w/ BJ Whitmer) vs April Hunter (w/ Slyk Wagner Brown)
Jimmy Jacobs vs Sederick Strong vs Brad Bradley vs Alex Shelley
Jay Lethal vs Roderick Strong
Austin Aries vs Petey Williams
Super Dragon vs Excalibur
Don Juan & Fast Eddie vs Ring Crew Express vs The Havana Pitbulls
Show 2
SIX MAN SCRAMBLE MATCH
Amazing Red vs Chris Sabin vs Matt Sydal vs Jack Evans vs Mark Briscoe vs Delirious
Backseat Boyz vs Outkast Killahz (w/ Prince Nana)
Chad Collyer vs Danny Daniels
IWA MID-SOUTH HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Jerry Lynn (c) vs AJ Styles
Fatal Four Way – ROH Pure Title #1 Contenders Match
Matt Stryker vs John Walters vs Nigel McGuinness vs Jimmy Rave
Carnage Crew vs Special K
ROH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – STEEL CAGE MATCH
Samoa Joe (c) vs Jay Briscoe
Sal Rinauro vs Jerelle Clark
The Solution (Havok & Papadon) vs Todd Sexton & Jared Steele
Allison Danger (w/ BJ Whitmer) vs April Hunter (w/ Slyk Wagner Brown)
Jimmy Jacobs vs Sederick Strong vs Brad Bradley vs Alex Shelley
Jay Lethal vs Roderick Strong
Austin Aries vs Petey Williams
Super Dragon vs Excalibur
Don Juan & Fast Eddie vs Ring Crew Express vs The Havana Pitbulls
Show 2
SIX MAN SCRAMBLE MATCH
Amazing Red vs Chris Sabin vs Matt Sydal vs Jack Evans vs Mark Briscoe vs Delirious
Backseat Boyz vs Outkast Killahz (w/ Prince Nana)
Chad Collyer vs Danny Daniels
IWA MID-SOUTH HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Jerry Lynn (c) vs AJ Styles
Fatal Four Way – ROH Pure Title #1 Contenders Match
Matt Stryker vs John Walters vs Nigel McGuinness vs Jimmy Rave
Carnage Crew vs Special K
ROH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – STEEL CAGE MATCH
Samoa Joe (c) vs Jay Briscoe
Show 1
Sal Rinauro vs Jerelle Clark
The Solution (Havok & Papadon) vs Todd Sexton & Jared Steele
Allison Danger (w/ BJ Whitmer) vs April Hunter (w/ Slyk Wagner Brown)
Jimmy Jacobs vs Sederick Strong vs Brad Bradley vs Alex Shelley
Jay Lethal vs Roderick Strong
Austin Aries vs Petey Williams
Super Dragon vs Excalibur
Don Juan & Fast Eddie vs Ring Crew Express vs The Havana Pitbulls
Show 2
SIX MAN SCRAMBLE MATCH
Amazing Red vs Chris Sabin vs Matt Sydal vs Jack Evans vs Mark Briscoe vs Delirious
Backseat Boyz vs Outkast Killahz (w/ Prince Nana)
Chad Collyer vs Danny Daniels
IWA MID-SOUTH HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Jerry Lynn (c) vs AJ Styles
Fatal Four Way – ROH Pure Title #1 Contenders Match
Matt Stryker vs John Walters vs Nigel McGuinness vs Jimmy Rave
Carnage Crew vs Special K
ROH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – STEEL CAGE MATCH
Samoa Joe (c) vs Jay Briscoe
Sal Rinauro vs Jerelle Clark
The Solution (Havok & Papadon) vs Todd Sexton & Jared Steele
Allison Danger (w/ BJ Whitmer) vs April Hunter (w/ Slyk Wagner Brown)
Jimmy Jacobs vs Sederick Strong vs Brad Bradley vs Alex Shelley
Jay Lethal vs Roderick Strong
Austin Aries vs Petey Williams
Super Dragon vs Excalibur
Don Juan & Fast Eddie vs Ring Crew Express vs The Havana Pitbulls
Show 2
SIX MAN SCRAMBLE MATCH
Amazing Red vs Chris Sabin vs Matt Sydal vs Jack Evans vs Mark Briscoe vs Delirious
Backseat Boyz vs Outkast Killahz (w/ Prince Nana)
Chad Collyer vs Danny Daniels
IWA MID-SOUTH HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Jerry Lynn (c) vs AJ Styles
Fatal Four Way – ROH Pure Title #1 Contenders Match
Matt Stryker vs John Walters vs Nigel McGuinness vs Jimmy Rave
Carnage Crew vs Special K
ROH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – STEEL CAGE MATCH
Samoa Joe (c) vs Jay Briscoe
Do Or Die II
Sal Rinauro vs Jerelle Clark
The Solution (Havok & Papadon) vs Todd Sexton & Jared Steele
Allison Danger (w/ BJ Whitmer) vs April Hunter (w/ Slyk Wagner Brown)
Jimmy Jacobs vs Sederick Strong vs Brad Bradley vs Alex Shelley
Jay Lethal vs Roderick Strong
Austin Aries vs Petey Williams
Super Dragon vs Excalibur
Don Juan & Fast Eddie vs Ring Crew Express vs The Havana Pitbulls
At Our Best
SIX MAN SCRAMBLE MATCH
Amazing Red vs Chris Sabin vs Matt Sydal vs Jack Evans vs Mark Briscoe vs Delirious
Backseat Boyz vs Outkast Killahz (w/ Prince Nana)
Chad Collyer vs Danny Daniels
IWA MID-SOUTH HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Jerry Lynn (c) vs AJ Styles
Fatal Four Way – ROH Pure Title #1 Contenders Match
Matt Stryker vs John Walters vs Nigel McGuinness vs Jimmy Rave
Carnage Crew vs Special K
ROH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – STEEL CAGE MATCH
Samoa Joe (c) vs Jay Briscoe
Sal Rinauro vs Jerelle Clark
The Solution (Havok & Papadon) vs Todd Sexton & Jared Steele
Allison Danger (w/ BJ Whitmer) vs April Hunter (w/ Slyk Wagner Brown)
Jimmy Jacobs vs Sederick Strong vs Brad Bradley vs Alex Shelley
Jay Lethal vs Roderick Strong
Austin Aries vs Petey Williams
Super Dragon vs Excalibur
Don Juan & Fast Eddie vs Ring Crew Express vs The Havana Pitbulls
At Our Best
SIX MAN SCRAMBLE MATCH
Amazing Red vs Chris Sabin vs Matt Sydal vs Jack Evans vs Mark Briscoe vs Delirious
Backseat Boyz vs Outkast Killahz (w/ Prince Nana)
Chad Collyer vs Danny Daniels
IWA MID-SOUTH HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Jerry Lynn (c) vs AJ Styles
Fatal Four Way – ROH Pure Title #1 Contenders Match
Matt Stryker vs John Walters vs Nigel McGuinness vs Jimmy Rave
Carnage Crew vs Special K
ROH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – STEEL CAGE MATCH
Samoa Joe (c) vs Jay Briscoe
DO OR DIE II
AT OUR BEST
Sal Rinauro vs Jerelle Clark The Solution (Havok & Papadon) vs Todd Sexton & Jared Steele Allison Danger (w/ BJ Whitmer) vs April Hunter (w/ Slyk Wagner Brown) Jimmy Jacobs vs Sederick Strong vs Brad Bradley vs Alex Shelley Jay Lethal vs Roderick Strong Austin Aries vs Petey Williams Super Dragon vs Excalibur Don Juan & Fast Eddie vs Ring Crew Express vs The Havana Pitbulls |
AT OUR BEST
| SIX MAN SCRAMBLE MATCH Amazing Red vs Chris Sabin vs Matt Sydal vs Jack Evans vs Mark Briscoe vs Delirious Backseat Boyz vs Outkast Killahz (w/ Prince Nana) Chad Collyer vs Danny Daniels IWA MID-SOUTH HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP Jerry Lynn (c) vs AJ Styles Fatal Four Way – ROH Pure Title #1 Contenders Match Matt Stryker vs John Walters vs Nigel McGuinness vs Jimmy Rave Carnage Crew vs Special K ROH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – STEEL CAGE MATCH Samoa Joe (c) vs Jay Briscoe |
IMPORTANT UPDATE
March 4th, 2004
Ring of Honor officials have confirmed that the company has formally parted ways with RF Video and Rob Feinstein, effective immediately.
Due to recent events, Ring of Honor management has determined that it is in the best interest of the promotion, its wrestlers, and its fans to move forward independently from RF Video. The decision was made following internal discussions regarding the future direction and presentation of Ring of Honor.
At this time, Cary Silkin will assume responsibility for the day-to-day operations of Ring of Honor moving forward. Additional information regarding the company’s organizational structure and future plans will be announced in the coming weeks.
ROH officials emphasised that all scheduled events will proceed as planned, and the company remains fully committed to delivering the same level of professional wrestling that fans have come to expect.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Coming Home to the Chaos
Well 14 hours on a plane and finally home, and in the thick of it all.
There is nothing I would like better to do then talk about my latest German excursion, and expound on a positive experience I have had, but alas I can't.
This is only a portion of my thoughts and feelings on Rob Feinstein.
Rob please do not allow yourself to EVER enter my sight. My anger for you and your actions far surpass anyone or anything imaginable. Your heinous, terrible acts are beyond excuse and explanation.
Your shame is YOURS alone and forced upon us by your arrogance and lies.
Though others formerly close to you are holding their tongue and focusing their efforts on salvaging what your sick, selfish and stupid actions have caused, I have the luxury of telling you that I hope you get exactly what you deserve. My gut instinct tells me I hope you are found one morning without breath, but in reality as a DECENT human being, unlike you I hope you find some help for your sickness.
As for ROH I will be at 3/13 and all whatever future dates I am able to attend. ROH is much larger then one individual and I am only coming back on the assurance that Rob Feinstein is done with ROH and all associated companies.
To all the naysayers your criticism are valid, but you must also know that I am participating on the word that none of the money from my appearance or any other wrestler will be benifitted upon by Rob.
ROH is something that not only myself but EVERY guy in the lockeroom has literal blood sweat and tears invested into building. This is not about "saving a paycheck", this is about saving a place we have taken pride in working in and have done our very best to build.
There are others out there which I hope I will address my issues to personally (and in a civil manner) including Eric Gargiulo who's rant about Rob in my eyes was COMPLETELY justified except for the convienent insertion of CZW rhetoric which has NOTHING to do with the situation. My question is why wait till now to air this about Rob? Once again no strikes against Eric, he like MANY others who work within the confines of Independent wrestling deserve all the support we can get in a industry that is waning, so I emplore you all to remember who your wholesale comments are REALLY affecting.
To Fans and Foes of ROH, please be assured that if indeed the dismissal of Rob is a fake, I have no problem making such public, handing back the belt and/or, melting it down for a new 9 iron and hopefully catching a few rounds of golf with Bob Barnett.
To Rob once again, I hope your happy YOUR situation has hurt so many who trusted you to do NO MORE then NOT be a fucking sicko loser! I am ashamed that at a time I spoke well of you and your respect for my comments resulted in this.
"Hey All Those Guys work for me"
I believe where your words, You could not have been more wrong since I worked for just about everyone else in that picture except for you, and I hope your horrible acts will not prevent me to continue to do so. I am sure my sentiments are shared by the rest of the roster who will appear on 3/13.
Thank you for the read, and I hope we can come to the BEST possible resolution to this tragic and sad series of events.
Samoa Joe
8/3 Newsletter Update; RF incident fallout; more companies part ways with RF Video
The fallout from the Rob Feinstein situation continues to ripple throughout the independent wrestling scene this week.
Following the public revelation of the incident involving Feinstein, a number of independent promotions have moved quickly to distance themselves from RF Video, which had long served as one of the primary distributors for independent wrestling tapes, DVDs, and merchandise. Among the promotions reported to have severed ties with RF Video are Ring of Honor, IWA: Mid South, Pro Wrestling Guerilla, Combat Zone Wrestling, and several smaller Northeast and Midwest independents that had previously relied on RF’s distribution network. Discussions are already underway between multiple promotions and alternative distributors regarding future tape and DVD releases, as well as online merchandise distribution.
The loss of RF Video represents a significant shift in the independent wrestling economy, as the company had played a central role in the tape trading boom of the nineties, video production, and dvd and merchandise distribution throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Sources within several promotions indicate that whilst the industry has responded quickly in an effort to ensure continuity for both fans and performers, the decision was unanimously agreed upon by all key players across the indies due to both the seriousness of the allegations and the desire among promoters and wrestlers to protect the credibility of the independent scene at all costs.
Despite the upheaval behind the scenes, there have been no reported changes to Ring of Honor’s upcoming schedule. As of this writing, ROH officials have not announced any alterations to the cards scheduled for the March 13th, and both events are expected to proceed as advertised.
OOC: I deliberated over how to handle this carefully, but realistically, because it's a significant turning point for both ROH but also the indies as a whole. I remember this happening at the time and how shocking it was, but also how there was a lot of worry that all the companies that relied on RF Video would fold and struggle to fill that distribution void. The other thing that stuck with me was a blog that Samoa Joe posted at the time about how he felt about it all, and when I looked to start planning this time period, that was the first thing that came back to me. So it's copy and pasted directly from Joe's blog, and it says everything I think all of us were thinking at the time.
RING OF HONOR
DO OR DIE II
Elizabeth, NJ – March 13th, 2004
(Attendance: 582)
DO OR DIE II
Elizabeth, NJ – March 13th, 2004
(Attendance: 582)
1.Jerrelle Clark vs Salvatore Rinauro
We open the day with a clash of styles between the high-flying youngster 'Mr 630' Jerrelle Clark and the gritty mat technician Salvatore Rinauro. Rinauro immediately slows the pace, dragging Clark into grounded exchanges and controlling the early match with tight headlocks and wrist control, repeatedly keeping the aerial specialist pinned to the canvas. Clark showed he is no slouch on the mat, able to counter a series of holds that created a bit of separation. Clark fired off with a flurry of armdrags and a springboard diving lariat that sent Rinauro rolling to the floor. Clark called for a dive, but when he hit the ropes Rinauro was back inside to cut him off. Rinauro tried to beat Clark at his own game, pointing for his patented 540 corkscrew leg drop, but he gets cut off with a BURNING HAMMER~! Clark didn't hesitate, climbing to the top rope and delivering a spectacular 630 Splash to score the victory and give us an explosive start to the afternoon. (5:42 – ★★)
2.The Solution (Havok & Papadon) vs Sex 'n' Steel (Todd Sexton & Jared Steele)
The Jersey All Pro Wrestling #1 contenders for their tag team titles in Havok and Papadon of The Solution continued to impose themselves on the indy tag ranks taking on the energetic pairing of Todd Sexton and Jared Steele. Sexton and Steele sought to use their speed early, catching Papadon with a quick series of double teams and briefly isolating him in their corner to the delight of the crowd. However, this didn't last for long as Havok entered the match and started to assert his authority with his near fifty pound size advantage. A throat crushing lariat nearly finished things for Sexton, but Steele was able to break up the pin. Havok began bullying Jared Steele around the ring and The Solution settled into a methodical rhythm from there, making frequent tags and keeping Steele trapped in their corner while Sexton grew increasingly desperate for the tag. Steele finally managed to create just enough separation with a desperation kick that allowed Sexton to storm the ring and briefly swing the match with a flurry of offense, but the comeback was short-lived as Papadon cut him off and the team set up their finishing combination, dropping Sexton with the Problem Solver (a top rope blockbuster/powerbomb combination) to pick up the win. (5:10 – ★½)
3.April Hunter w/ Slyk Wagner Brown vs Allison Danger w/ BJ Whitmer & Dan Maff
April Hunter looked to uphold the Code of Honor before the bell, extending her hand to Allison Danger and immediately showing her inexperience. Danger shrugged, slapped the hand away and punched Hunter square in the face - a cheapshot to start the match. Danger, with experience and a tendency for breaking the rules in her corner, was able to stay one step ahead of the more powerful Hunter with quick strikes and underhanded tactics. Any time April was able to land a strike or got too close, Danger killed the momentum by ducking between the ropes or rolling to the floor. Eventually the game of cat and mouse caught up with Allison, who was grabbed as she tried to slide out of the ring. Just as Hunter looked ready to finally manhandle her opponent, Maff distracted the referee with an attack on Slyk. Whitmer, meanwhile, slid into the ring readying to attack Hunter. Fortunately, CM Punk and Colt Cabana suddenly arrived and all four men began brawling around ringside, drawing the attention of the referee. Punk shouted something about revenge for Lucy before the four men disappeared into the depths of the Rex Plex. Danger screamed after her stablemates to come back, but she had bigger problems - April Hunter was closing in. This time when Hunter grabbed Danger she didn’t let go, driving her down with a thunderous powerbomb for the 1...2...3. (4:31 – ★★)
4.Jimmy Jacobs vs Brad Bradley vs Sederick Strong vs Alex Shelley
The pace picked up considerably for this four-way contest as Jimmy Jacobs, Alex Shelley, Brad Bradley and Sederick Strong all looked to make a statement. The crowd recognised the step up in talent on show, especially Jacobs and Shelley who have long been touted as future ROH wrestlers. Jacobs and Shelley immediately went at it, trying to outmanoeuvre one another with quick exchanges and evasive movement while Strong looked to slow the chaos with crisp technical wrestling, snapping Shelley down early with a pendulum backbreaker before following up with a gutbuster across the knee for a two count. Bradley brought a different dimension entirely, using his size and strength to throw opponents around the ring whenever he found an opening, flattening Jacobs with an ax handle smash and a heavy spinebuster, and muscling Shelley overhead with a delayed release falcon arrow. The action quickly broke down with Shelley standing tall after landing enzuigiris on everyone in the ring. He climbed up top but was snatched out of the sky by Bradley and flattened with a massive powerslam. Sederick was close to securing victory after folding Jacobs with a sudden half nelson backbreaker, but Bradley broke the cover and immediately tried to steal the match himself. Sederick broke that attempt up and the two big men began unloading on one another with knife edged chops and forearms, Bradley getting the better of the exchange until Shelley and Jacobs crashed the party with stereo dropkicks that sent both men tumbling to the floor. STEREO TOP CON HILO!! Shelley and Jacobs wiped everyone out on the outside, but Shelley recovered first and clubbed Jacobs from behind before shoving him back into the ring. Shelley dragged Jacobs up looking to finish things with the Shellshock, but Jacobs was wise to it and rolled out the other side. HUSS HUSS HUSS! Jacobs powers up...BIG BOOT! Shelley staggers, right into the Contra Code. Jacobs takes the match. (8:58 – ★★★¼)
5.Jay Lethal vs Roderick Strong
Jay Lethal entered looking to establish himself under a new name, but standing across from him was one of the most polished technicians on the independent scene in Roderick Strong. Strong immediately demonstrated the difference in experience and technique, controlling the early exchanges and smoothly chaining his offense together, snapping Lethal down with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, transitioning straight into an exploder suplex for a near fall. Lethal fought back with a flying headscissors and a springboard hurricanrana that sent Strong tumbling across the ring, following it with a backflip dropkick to the chest that knocked Roderick backwards. Sensing an opening, Lethal raced to the turnbuckle and launched off with a moonsault that connected cleanly for a two count. Strong shut the rally down with a running knee strike, stepping in close with a stiff forearm and a roaring chop before hoisting Lethal into the Argentine rack and dropping him hard across the knee with his signature backbreaker variation. Lethal kicked out at two. Struggling to his feet, Lethal ducked a clothesline and attempted a northern lights suplex, but the damage to his back stopped him and Strong immediately capitalised, planting him again, this time with a running backbreaker. Confident he had worn his opponent down, Strong lifted Lethal for a powerbomb, perhaps going for the CX '03, but Lethal slipped out the back into a sunset flip roll up for two. Both men scrambled up - Lethal ducked one strike, then another, before cracking Strong with a sudden roundhouse spin kick that caught him flush on the jaw. Lethal hit the ropes, handspringing into position and connecting with the Lethal Injection to secure the victory. Strong sat on the canvas briefly after the three count, clearly frustrated with himself, but still extended his hand in respect under the Code of Honor. Lethal accepted. (8:06 – ★★★¾)
After the match, Julius Smokes storms into the ring with a microphone, shouting over the crowd before they even settle down. “Yo yo yo! Hold up, hold up! Y’all better listen to me right now!” Smokes paces the ring, pointing toward the locker room and continues, “Everybody in that back better start paying attention, because the streets just stepped into Ring of Honor! And when I say the streets… I mean the baddest man walking those streets today!” The Rex Plex immediately begins chanting for Homicide as Smokes grins and leans over the ropes. “Oh you know who I'm talking about! The Notorious 187! And when he gets here he ain't coming jus' to shake nobody’s hand! He's coming to shake things down! My man Homicide... he's coming here to hurt people!” Smokes laughs and straightens up, shouting one last warning toward the back: “And Samoa Joe… that starts with you and that Ring of Honor World Title, son!”
6.Austin Aries vs Petey Williams
We kick off the second half with something of an indy dream match between Austin Aries and Petey Williams. Both men are well known across the indy circuit, but this is the first time either man has wrestled in an ROH ring. Aries opened by twisting Williams into a tight arm wringer before snapping him down with a snapmare and driving a sharp kick into the spine. Williams popped straight back up and fired back with a spinning wheel kick that caught Aries flush and sent him retreating to the ropes. Williams pressed the advantage with a running clothesline that spilled Aries to the floor and followed with a slingshot plancha, but the momentum swung violently seconds later as Williams attempted to re-enter the ring and Aries caught him mid-stride, lifting him high and dumping him with a brutal powerbomb onto the ring apron that drew an audible gasp from around the arena. Aries tried to capitalise on the damage with a series of knee strikes and a stiff elbow smash before planting Williams with THE BRAINBUSTAH~! that looked like it had the match won, but Williams somehow kicked out at two point nine. Aries shrugged it off and pointed to the turnbuckle, immediately climbing up and looking to finish things with the 450 splash, but Williams rolled out of the way! Sensing his chance, Williams regained his composure and attempted the Canadian Destroyer, but got caught! Aries muscles him up into an Alabama Slam position and then drops down with the Kryptonite Krunch to secure a hard fought victory. (11:24 – ★★★½)
Backstage, having finished for the night, Jimmy Jacobs is bragging loudly about his victory while attempting to impress a couple of the ROH ring crew members and a few girls nearby. Jacobs smirks and says, “You see that? That's what a future Ring of Honor star looks like. HUSS!” He gestures back toward the curtain and adds, “Alex Shelley tried to make a name off me tonight… didn't work out so well for him, did it? The once and future King of Honor… has arrived.” Jacobs laughs and continues talking himself up when Super Dragon walks past and suddenly stops, slowly turning his head toward Jacobs. Dragon stares silently and Jacobs immediately goes quiet, shifting uncomfortably before muttering a vague apology under his breath. Dragon glares at him for another moment before continuing down the hallway.
7.Super Dragon vs Excalibur
The two men representing Pro Wrestling Guerrilla had the fans buzzing with anticipation for this first ever ROH appearance from Super Dragon and Excalibur. The match opened with Dragon immediately asserting his brutality, hammering Excalibur with stiff forearms before wrenching him down into a half Boston crab. Excalibur clawed desperately toward the ropes, but Dragon calmly stepped on his outstretched hand to stop the escape before dragging him back to the centre of the ring. Dragon continued to punish him with heavy strikes and a thunderous double stomp that seemed to carry him halfway across the ring, drawing a huge reaction. Excalibur refused to stay down however, eventually creating an opening with a sudden kip-up rana that sent Dragon spilling to the outside and Excalibur followed with a soaring plancha. Dragon returned the favour, launching himself over the ropes with a tope that had both men down on the outside. Back inside, Super Dragon regained control, crushing Excalibur with a devastating top rope double stomp before hauling him up and drilling him headfirst into the mat with the Psycho Driver. (9:02 – ★★★)
8.Fast Eddie & Don Juan vs Ring Crew Express (Dunn & Marcos) vs The Havana Pitbulls (Rocky Romero & Ricky Reyes)
The afternoon closed with a frantic three team contest as Fast Eddie and Don Juan teamed up once more to take on both Ring Crew Express and The Havana Pitbulls. Dunn and Marcos immediately won everyone over declaring that in 2004, they were "not going to take it", opening up with strikes on both teams and trying to take an early victory. When that failed, the action broke down right away, leaving Don Juan alone in the ring. He glanced around, nodded to the crowd and launched himself through the ropes with a tope suicida. Marcos immediately followed with a soaring plancha, Dunn came flying off the top rope with a diving crossbody to the floor, and Fast Eddie wiped everyone out with a springboard Asai moonsault. The Havana Pitbulls avoided the moonsault and grabbed Marcos, dragging him back into the ring to put him away. Dunn quickly followed and after a brief back and forth Fast Eddie and Don Juan joined the fight, the four men briefly uniting to clear the Pitbulls from the ring. Dunn then launched Marcos like a lawn dart through the ropes into Romero and Reyes, to a big pop. With the Pitbulls down and Marcos clearing Eddie from the ring, Dunn slid back inside and Ring Crew Express were moments away from victory as they trapped Don Juan in their signature Armbar Guitar, wrenching both arms at once whilst playing air guitar on their victim as the Rex Plex roared for the submission. Unfortunately for them, The Havana Pitbulls stormed back in and broke up the submission. They launched Dunn out of the ring and then dropped Don Juan with a lariat into a German suplex combination, finishing him off with La Bamba for the win. (10:17 – ★★½)
Backstage, Austin Aries is congratulated on his victory by Roderick Strong and Sederick Strong. The Strong brothers shake Aries’ hand and compliment him on the win over Petey Williams, with Roderick telling him he hopes their paths cross again. “Maybe next time in the ring, eh?” Aries laughs and thanks them, noting that if Ring of Honor is truly “do or die”, he's going to do what needs to be done.
After the show in the parking lot, CM Punk is pacing angrily while Ace Steel tries to calm him down. Steel reminds him they’ve got a trios booking in Middletown in a couple of hours and that ROH didn’t even book them on the evening show. Punk shakes his head, still furious about what happened earlier with Whitmer and Maff. Colt Cabana leans against the car trying to lighten the mood, shrugging and saying, “Hey, we got 'em good back there. Trust me, they ain't forgetting that any time soon.” Cabana suddenly brightens up and adds, “Besides… the Honky Tonk Man is gonna be there tonight! You know how long I've wanted to meet the Honky Tonk Man?” Steel finally manages to steer Cabana toward the car and the two climb in, but Punk suddenly stops pacing and turns back toward the building. Punk mutters that he'll find a ride to Philly, saying he’s going to the evening show whether he’s booked or not. “They can pay me from the gate,” he says before storming back toward the arena. Cabana watches him go for a moment before turning to Steel and shrugging. “He’ll be fine… c’mon, Ace. This might be our only chance. Honky Tonk Man!”
Julius Smokes is seen speaking with Rocky Romero and Ricky Reyes of the Havana Pitbulls. Smokes tells them that he and Homicide have been watching them closely, adding that Homicide has given them his personal blessing and expects big things from them in Ring of Honor. Smokes nods toward the ring and tells them the tag division is soon going to be wide open, advising that if they want to get a seat at the table, now is the time to claim one. The show fades out as the Pitbulls head out, with the ring being disassembled in the background.
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RING OF HONOR
AT OUR BEST
Philadelphia, PA – March 13th, 2004
(Attendance: 1850)
AT OUR BEST
Philadelphia, PA – March 13th, 2004
(Attendance: 1850)
We open with "Samoa Joe's Ring", the ROH World Championship draped over Joe’s shoulder and a pair of ROH Wrestling School graduates standing beside him. Joe says that while everyone else in Ring of Honor is busy celebrating “pure wrestling” and pretending the ROH Pure Championship means something, he sees it for exactly what it is. “I think it’s bullshit, but that’s just my opinion. The only title in Ring of Honor that means anything is MY title. The Ring of Honor World Title.” Joe calls the Pure Title a consolation prize for men who know they cannot take his belt, a shelter for so-called “purists” who need rules and regulations to survive. He says he does not need restrictions to be champion, then grabs one of the graduates and takes him down to the mat, showing off a leglock variation that, in Joe’s words, achieves “the same effect, but half the effort, as the good old-fashioned Texas Cloverleaf.” From there Joe smoothly transitions into an STF, then a crossface, before finally sinking in the Coquina Clutch. “Once I lock in that chokehold, everybody taps out.” The graduate does exactly that. Joe releases the hold, kneels over the man as he gasps for breath, picks up the world title and says, “Pure wrestling technicians, purists, champions... there is only one real champion in Ring of Honor. The Ring of Honor World Champion. Samoa Joe.”
Backstage in a pre-taped segment, Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles are shown talking ahead of their IWA-MS Heavyweight Championship match. Lynn tells Styles, “I respect you, kid. I know exactly how good you are. Last time we met in an ROH ring, you beat me.” Lynn says Styles has only come further since then, and there is no question that he is now one of the premier wrestlers in the world. “But talent and reputation only get you so far. Tonight you’re stepping in there with a champion who’s seen every trick, every shortcut, and every burst of athletic brilliance a younger wrestler can throw at him.” Styles nods and says Lynn has been one of the best in the world for a long time, but he did not come here to prove he belongs in the ring with Jerry Lynn, he came here to beat him, again, and to take his IWA MS Heavyweight title. Lynn smirks slightly. “Confidence is a good thing, AJ. But if you make one mistake tonight, just one, I’m gonna make you pay for it.” The two men stare at one another for a moment before shaking hands, the respect obvious, but the tension starting to build.
Dusty Rhodes comes out before the show begins to a huge ovation, soaking in the reaction before grabbing a microphone. “Now a lotta people thought the American Dream was gonna be somewhere else tonight, daddy. They thought I’d be down there at that big Hall of Fame ceremony. But let me tell you somethin’... I turned all that down, because this, right here, is where professional wrestling still got soul, baby. This is where it still got a heartbeat.” Dusty says Ring of Honor is built on heart, sweat, and that fight inside a man to be great, and that this is exactly the kind of promotion he wants to stand with. “I see passion. I see hunger. That’s what this business is suppos’ to feel like.” Dusty puts over the locker room and the fans before we get the show underway proper.
1.SIX MAN SCRAMBLE MATCH: Amazing Red vs Chris Sabin vs Matt Sydal w/ Daizee Haze vs Jack Evans vs Mark Briscoe vs Delirious
Amazing Red, making his first ROH appearance in nine months, and Chris Sabin start as the others take a corner. The referee glances at Delirious, still crouched motionless in the ring, shrugs, and calls for the bell. Delirious suddenly explodes into motion, sprinting around the ring before sliding outside and circling ringside, nearly crashing into Daizee Haze, leading to Matt Sydal cutting him off. Inside, after a series of counters, Sabin snaps off an arm drag only for Red to answer with a satellite headscissors and a spinning heel kick that send Sabin to the floor. Mark Briscoe enters next and overpowers Red with a biel toss and shoulder block, then lands a pumphandle driver for two. Red escapes a follow-up, fires back with a wheel kick and flips Briscoe outside with a headscissors. Jack Evans leaps in, grins at the crowd and instead of going after Red, he launches a twisting corkscrew senton onto Briscoe and Sabin on the outside. Red, impressed, answers with a corkscrew moonsault onto Sydal and Delirious on the opposite side as Haze dives clear at the last second. Red tosses Sydal back in, but Delirious suddenly claws at Red, latches on and drags him down to the floor like some creature pulling prey down into the abyss. In the ring, Sabin sneaks in behind Sydal with a running dropkick; Sydal lands on the ropes but Sabin’s 619 attempt misses and the two trade hurricanranas until both men spill to the floor. Evans climbs the ropes, springboards across them, and launches a breathtaking somersault plancha onto the entire field outside. “ROH! ROH! ROH!” Mark Briscoe recovers first, dragging Evans inside for the Cut-Throat Driver (DANGEROUS~!?), but Evans flips free INTO A DRAGON RANA for two. Sabin rushes in and plants Evans with the CRADLE SHOCK DRIVER~! 1...2...Matt Sydal breaks it up with a shooting star press onto both men. Sydal nearly pins Sabin before Delirious dives in with a sudden crucifix for two. Amazing Red returns with a Shining Wizard that sends Delirious outside, blocks Sydal - CODE RED! 1…2…NO! Mark Briscoe dives in to break it up, only to eat a spinning heel kick that sends him back to the floor. Red turns right into a jumping roundhouse from Evans that sends him tumbling through the ropes. Jack Evans is left alone with the downed Sydal. He climbs up for the 630 splash, but Sydal rolls clear at the very last second. Evans crashes hard. Sydal then pulls himself up to the top rope and hits a picture-perfect SHOOTING STAR PRESS for the victory. (9:11 – ★★★¼)
2. The Backseat Boyz vs OutCast Killaz w/ Prince Nana
After the handshakes, but before the match begins, Prince Nana grabs a microphone and tries to cut a deal with the Backseat Boyz, offering them money to walk away and hand his men an easy victory as he attempts to rebuild The Embassy. Trent Acid takes the cash, looks it over… and throws it into the crowd. “Acid! Acid!” Nana is livid, and the Killaz jump the Boyz from behind as the bell sounds. Johnny Kashmere quickly rallies with right hands, an Irish whip to the corner and a basement dropkick that sends Oman Turtoga scrambling. Acid and Kashmere take early control with quick tags and sharp double-team offense. Frustrated at ringside, Nana jumps onto the apron to argue with Acid, distracting the referee and allowing Santiago and Turtoga to cut Kashmere off. They isolate Johnny in their corner, grounding him with stomps and a double-team clothesline. Kashmere finally breaks free with a jawbreaker and makes the HOT TAG to Acid, who comes in firing with kicks and a lariat before blasting Turtoga with a YAKUZA KICK! Nana tries the distraction again, but Kashmere quickly yanks him down and slings him hard into the guardrail. With the distraction gone, Kashmere tags back in and the Boyz finish Santiago with the T-Gimmick. (4:57 – ★★)
Chad Collyer is backstage clearly irritated not to be a part of the four-way later tonight to determine the first challenger for Pure Title. Collyer says he doesn't understand how Ring of Honor can claim to care about pure wrestling while overlooking the one man in the locker room who has already proven he belongs at the front of the line. “Matt Stryker? I’ve beaten him. Nigel McGuinness? I beat him eleven days ago in Cincinnati. And Jimmy Rave? Please. Jimmy Rave hasn’t beaten anybody, has he? The only reason he’s even here is because AJ Styles needed a chauffeur.” He closes by saying that Chad Collyer is the standard for technical wrestlers, and sooner or later, whoever the champion is, they are going to have to deal with him.
3. Chad Collyer vs Danny Daniels
Code of Honor is upheld and both men open with tight chain wrestling as Collyer takes Daniels down with a waistlock and turns him into a front facelock. Daniels slips free with a switch into a hammerlock but Collyer rolls through, countering with a drop toehold and floating over into a grounded headlock to keep Daniels pinned to the mat. Daniels adjusts slightly, rolls Collyer into a quick cradle for one, then escapes into a wristlock before Collyer releases the pressure with another drop toehold into a side headlock. As Daniels works back to his feet, Collyer clips the back of the knee and tries to hyper-extend it, but Daniels reaches the ropes and forces the break. Daniels shakes it off and tries to quicken the pace with a snapmare DDT for a near fall. Collyer answers with a dropkick to the knee and immediately brings the match back to the mat, twisting Daniels’ leg with a kneebar and repeatedly stomping the joint as Daniels scrambles to the ropes. Daniels rallies with a spinebuster for two and a bridging suplex for another near fall. Daniels then tries to lift Collyer up, but his leg buckles and Chad cuts him off with a sharp chop block. Collyer returns to the leg with driving knees before wrenching Daniels down and stomping the knee again, forcing Daniels to retreat to the ropes once more. Daniels fires back with forearms and tries to power through the pain, but Collyer catches him, takes him down, and spins him over into the Texas Cloverleaf. Daniels claws toward the ropes, dragging himself across the mat, but the pressure is too much, the ropes too far away, and he taps out. (7:24 – ★★¾)
Backstage, CM Punk arrives at the building having apparently had to get a ride over from New Jersey with Julius Smokes of all people, and he looks like he seriously regrets it. “I am never spending that much time with you again,” Punk snaps as soon as they step through the door. Smokes throws his hands up. “Yo, yo, yo, don’t be like that, Punk. We had some good times, you know?” Punk just shakes his head. “Do you ever stop talking about Homicide?” Smokes starts to answer. “He’s my...” Punk cuts him off. “Huckleberry, yeah, sure. Look, I know he’s your boy, but geez...” Gary Michael Cappetta steps in, hoping to get a word with Punk, but Punk brushes straight past him and heads into the building. Cappetta turns instead to Smokes and asks what brings him here tonight. Smokes straightens up, grins into the camera and says he’s got a message for Samoa Joe, so you better believe he’s gonna deliver it like a postman in that ring later tonight.
4. IWA-MS Heavyweight Championship Jerry Lynn (c) vs AJ Styles
The two men shake hands and immediately settle into a technical exchange as Lynn controls the wrist and turns Styles into a hammerlock, but AJ rolls through and counters into a headlock takeover. Lynn breaks free with a headscissors but AJ kips up out of it. Styles hits the ropes, Lynn attempts a back body drop but AJ lands on his feet. Headlock takeover from Lynn, Styles with the headscissors, and Lynn kips up to escape. Stand off to a roar of approval from the crowd. The relentless pace continues as Lynn matches Styles’ speed and intensity, Styles hits a dropkick and Lynn answers with a spinning heel kick followed by a rolling cradle for two. AJ ducks a clothesline, handspring back elbow-no! Lynn grabs AJ by the waist and dumps him on his head with a bridging German suplex. 1..2..AJ kicks out. The challenger rebounds quickly, landing a springboard quebrada that spikes Lynn into the mat for a two count of his own. Styles presses the advantage with a neckbreaker and a basement dropkick before whipping Lynn into the turnbuckle. The veteran champion blocks a hurricanrana attempt and plants AJ with a sit-out powerbomb for another near fall. Both men scramble up and trade forearms until AJ whips Lynn into the corner and charges, only for Lynn to lift him onto the top rope where Styles suddenly springs backward with a flying forearm attempt - SUPERKICK! Lynn catches him mid-flight! 1..2..Styles survives. Lynn goes for the Cradle Piledriver but AJ slips free - tornado DDT attempt, blocked - Lynn launches Styles into the corner with a Northern Lights EXPLODER suplex. 1..2..Kickout. The veteran senses the opening and again goes for the Cradle Piledriver, but Styles kicks free and tries to hook the Styles Clash. Lynn flips out and pulls Styles up into position for the Cradle Piledriver once more - hurricanrana! AJ can't capitalise as Lynn is up first and answers instantly with a thunderous LARIAT! Both men rise trading forearms until Styles gains the advantage, finally catching the champion, hooking the arms and driving Lynn face down with the Styles Clash. 1...2...3! AJ wins! We have a new champion. AJ Styles is the new IWA-MS Heavyweight Champion! After the match Lynn slowly rises and offers a handshake which Styles accepts before Lynn pulls him in for an embrace and raises AJ’s hand in the air, the crowd rising to its feet in appreciation for both men and the new champion. (19:42 – ★★★★¼)
Gary Michael Cappetta catches up with Jay Briscoe in the locker room and asks if he really believes he can take the belt from Samoa Joe tonight. Jay says everybody keeps talking like he is already dead, like he is just walking into that cage to get slaughtered, but that is not how he sees it. He says he has already pinned Joe before, and tonight all he has to do is get out of that cage and become champion. “Joe can call me a kid, he can call me stupid, he can call me whatever he wants. But tonight, I ain’t walkin’ in there to survive him. I’m walkin’ in there to beat him.” Jay says Samoa Joe has spent months trying to make a habit out of beating Briscoes, but tonight he is stuck in a cage with one, and that changes everything. Mark steps into frame beside his brother and Jay says when that cage door opens later tonight, he is walking out of it with the title. He stares into the camera for a moment and adds, “Joe better kill me, because if he don’t, I’m takin’ that belt.” GMC sends it over to SSP.
Elsewhere in the arena Samoa Joe is stopped by Sugar Sean Price who wants to know what Joe has to say about Smokes announcing Homicide as a future challenger, and Joe's upcoming steel cage title match against Jay Briscoe. Joe says Jay Briscoe has a chance tonight that most challengers do not get, because all Jay has to do is run. Joe says that is what makes tonight dangerous, Jay can choose to just run away. "So yeah, maybe that makes me a little nervous". Price then brings up Julius Smokes coming out during the intermission and warning Joe about Homicide. Joe’s expression hardens immediately. He tells Price that Smokes is spending too much time talking and not enough time understanding his place. Joe says if Julius Smokes wants to send messages, that is fine, but now Joe has one of his own. He leans in and tells Price to go find J-Train and tell him Samoa Joe wants a word with him. Price hesitates for a moment before Joe barks, “Now.” Price quickly backs off as Joe stares down the camera.
Towards the end of the Intermission, Julius Smokes swaggers out to a strong reaction and hollers at some fans before getting to the point. Smokes says Samoa Joe has been spending too much time worrying about pure wrestling, technicians, and proving how dangerous he is when he should be worrying about one thing and one man only: Homicide. “Joe out here stressin’ about the pure style, when what he need to be worryin’ about is that Puerto Rico style, holmes!” Smokes says Joe can choke out trainees, disrespect titles, and talk down to everybody in the back all he wants, but none of that changes what happens when his man finally gets his hands on him. “You can be a machine, you can be a monster, you can be the champ, but when Homicide come for you, son, it gon' get ugly real quick.” Smokes says he promised to deliver a message, and here it is plain and simple: Samoa Joe better stop looking past Homicide, because sooner rather than later, the Notorious 187 is coming for Joe's title.
5.FATAL FOUR WAY – ROH PURE TITLE #1 CONTENDER: Matt Stryker vs John Walters vs Nigel McGuinness vs Jimmy Rave
Walters and Stryker start the match to chants of “BORING! BORING!” Nigel points at Walters and joins in, egging the crowd on, and Stryker uses the distraction to take Walters down and attempt an early STF, only for Walters to scramble quickly to the ropes. Stryker stays on him, taking Walters down again and trying to lace in a crossface, but Nigel steps in from the apron and promptly breaks it up with a boot. Stryker has no time to complain as Walters answers with a sharp arm drag and a backbreaker that sends Stryker rolling to the floor. Jimmy Rave enters and tries to steal a win with a sunset flip, but only gets two. Rave stays on him with another quick cradle for two before getting cut off by a vertical suplex. Walters grabs the dragon sleeper, but Nigel gets in and breaks that one up too. He shakes his head at Walters who gets too close to the Brit and Nigel tags himself in. Walters can't believe it as the referee forces him out of the ring. McGuinness throws several stiff European uppercuts that fold Rave in half. Rave tries to stick and move from there, slipping behind for a quick roll-up and a running big boot that misses the mark. Nigel DROPS Rave with a lariat that sends him sprawling out of the ring. Stryker steps in, going straight for another submission, trying to trap Nigel with the Stryker Lock, only to have it broken up by Walters. Stryker is furious now and starts trading strikes with Walters. Nigel is up and clotheslines both men out of the ring. Rave is back in, SHINING WIZARD! 1...2...Nigel kicks out. Nigel fires off some more European uppercuts but Rave dodges the last and gets a backslide pin for a long two count. JAWBREAKER LARIAT! With Stryker and Walters exchanging strikes on the outside, Nigel makes the cover. One...Two...Three! Nigel McGuiness becomes the new number one contender to Doug Williams' ROH Pure Championship. (11:54 – ★★★¼)
6. The Carnage Crew (Devito, Loc, Masada, Justin Credible) vs Special K (Deranged, Izzy, Angel Dust, Dixie) w/ Cheech, Cloudy, Hijinx, Lit, Slim J, and YeYo
Less a match and more in the vein of a riot. Carnage Crew charge straight into Special K and start throwing fists before any handshakes are given, cutting through the chaos with pure violence. Special K try to swarm them with numbers and quick shots from all sides, but Justin Credible changes everything when he starts handing out Singapore canes and the Crew begin lashing anyone in sight, match participant or not! The whole thing breaks down into bodies brawling in every direction as Special K’s seconds keep trying to tip the numbers in their favour. That brings out Dusty Rhodes, who storms to ringside and starts dropping Bionic Elbows on the Special K entourage, sending the crowd into a frenzy, but even Dusty begins to get outnumbered as Special K spares start to surround him. He is saved at the last second before they can overwhelm him as Masada climbs up top and launches a huge 450 splash onto the pile at ringside, wiping out everyone in sight while Dusty stumbles clear at the last second. Back in the ring, with the chaos finally swinging in their favour, Carnage Crew isolate Angel Dust, drag a table into position, and Loc and Devito finish the job with a double-team piledriver through the table for the decisive win. (7:36 – ★¾)
CM Punk storms to the ring seething, snatches a microphone, and lets loose. “I look at this card tonight and what do I see? Chaos. Garbage wrestling. Opportunity after opportunity handed out to everybody except the one guy in this company who actually deserves it.” Punk says that last month he had the inaugural ROH Pure Championship won until “some referee who didn’t even understand the rules” robbed him of it, and ever since then the office has ignored the obvious solution: give him the rematch against Doug Williams that he is owed. “I’m sick of the disrespect. I’m sick of the politics. And I’m sick of cowards like BJ Whitmer and his brain-dead buddy Dan Maff still trying to make themselves a problem for the Second City Saints when they’ve got no leader and they've got no balls.” Punk says he is done waiting, done being ignored, and if nobody in the back is man enough to step up, then he is not leaving until he gets a fight. Before he can say another word, the building erupts as Spanky makes his return. Spanky grins, shrugs at the reaction, and says the two of them have never properly been introduced, so he figured he should come out and do it properly. Punk glares and replies, “Unless you’re here to earn an ass whipping, I don’t care about another WWE reject polluting the indies. There’s enough of that already.” Spanky laughs, steps into the ring, and offers his hand. Punk accepts it, but refuses to let go, keeping Spanky close while he continues jawing at him face to face until a referee arrives and calls for the bell for this impromptu match.
7. CM Punk vs Spanky
Punk comes out hot, backing Spanky into the corner with forearms and chops before charging in with a clothesline and then flattening Spanky with a backbreaker for an early two count. Spanky tries to slow him down with a headlock and a quick go-behind, but Punk shrugs him off, blasts him with a running knee in the corner and follows with the Pepsi Twist for another near fall. The fans are firmly in Spanky's corner, giving him a tremendous "Bri-An-Ken-Drick! Let's Go Span-ky!" chant which only seems to irritate Punk further as he keeps forcing the pace with hard strikes and a series of body slams instead of settling into his usual rhythm. Spanky absorbs the pressure and gradually finds openings, slipping out for a quick cradle before surprising Punk with a back suplex and a spinning neckbreaker. Punk holds his neck and Spanky launches a series of chops and strikes at the area, looking to weaken him. CM Punk fires back with more forearms and then charges in for a leg lariat, but Spanky avoids the wild attempt and sends Punk face first into the corner. Spanky follows with a springboard dropkick and then nearly steals the match with a hurricanrana, holding on for a long two count. Punk is up first and goes right back on the attack, driving Spanky back into the corner and landing a running knee, but a second attempt misses as Spanky ducks out of the way, pops up behind him and SPIKES CM Punk with SLICED BREAD #2 for the flash three count in an impromptu upset. (7:48 – ★★★)
The Carnage Crew enter their locker room only to find it completely trashed. Bags are dumped out, gear is everywhere, and drawers have been ripped open. Devito stops dead, drops to his knees and starts tearing through his stuff. “No, no, no... where is it? Where’s the money?” He looks up and shouts, “It was in my bag! The pay was in my bag!” Loc storms into frame, already furious. “I knew it. One of those fuckin’ tweakers. One of those Special K punks did this.” Justin Credible snaps back, asking Devito if he is sure the money was even in there to begin with, which only sets Devito off even more. “Yeah I’m sure! I put it in the bag myself!” Credible throws his hands up. “Then somebody in this building’s got a death wish.” Masada slowly looks around the room, taking in the damage, and says coldly, “Then we find out who it was... and we make an example out of them.” Loc is still pacing and swearing, Devito is still digging through the wreckage, and the whole Crew look ready to tear the place apart.
8.ROH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – STEEL CAGE MATCH: Samoa Joe (c) vs Jay Briscoe
The atmosphere is electric before the bell even rings, with streamers flying into the cage as the champion steps in for his fourteenth title defence and the chance to go a full year as ROH World Champion. No Code of Honor and no handshakes inside the cage. Jay wastes no time, sprinting straight for the door, but Joe drags him back to the center and goes right after the arm, wrenching the wrist, stomping the hand, and headbutting the fingers to take away one of Jay’s escape routes. Jay breaks free with a drop toehold and makes another dash for the door, only for Joe to snatch the ankle and pull him back again. A Yakuza Kick finally gives Jay some space and Mark swings the door open, but Jay waves him off with a defiant “Nah, I got this,” giving Joe just enough time to recover. Joe whips Jay hard into the steel, produces a chain from the turnbuckle, slams the cage door into Mark’s face and chains it shut, trapping Jay inside with him. From there Joe turns vicious, grinding Jay’s face into the mesh and repeatedly launching him into the steel until Briscoe is pouring blood. Jay keeps fighting through it, firing back with kicks whenever he can and trying to climb out, but Joe cuts him off every time, dragging him back down and crushing him with a back superplex for a near fall on one escape attempt. Later, when Joe climbs after him again, Jay suddenly snaps off a super Ace Crusher to turn the tide - but only gets a one count. Running on instinct, Briscoe lands a low blow and a clothesline before trying once more to escape, but Joe catches him one more time and leaves him trapped awkwardly between the ropes and the cage wall before smashing him with a brutal Ole Kick that actually breaks part of the cage. The crowd comes alive as Mark tries to pull Jay through the opening, but Joe yanks him back in at the last possible second and plants him with a powerbomb for a dramatic near fall before flowing straight into the STF, cranking back while Jay claws for survival. Briscoe somehow hangs on and, in one final burst, stuns Joe with an enziguiri and then plants the champion with a huge Jay Driller that leaves both men down. Mark starts climbing the cage to help his brother, but Joe charges the cage and Mark falls hard on to the floor. Jay makes one final climb, but Joe catches him halfway up, drags him back inside and delivers a terrifying top rope Muscle Buster to finally put him away and retain the world title. After the match Joe takes a microphone and admits that no one, including himself, gave Jay Briscoe much of a chance tonight, but says that after surviving this, Briscoe has proven he belongs among Ring of Honor’s top men. The two men shake hands to a huge ovation before Joe leaves, smirking as Jay is helped from the ring still covered in blood. (14:16 – ★★★★½)
After the main event, Samoa Joe is making his way through the building when Sugar Sean Price nervously tells him that Julius Smokes is waiting up ahead. Joe says nothing and keeps walking until he finds Smokes leaning against the wall with that same calm ease he had earlier in the night. Joe steps right into his space and tells him that if Homicide wants a shot at his title, then he can stop sending messages through other people and come ask for it himself. Smokes smirks and says, “Joe, my man ain’t askin’ for nothin’. He takin’.” Joe stares at him for a second, then says, “Then tell Homicide this.” In one smooth motion Joe grabs Smokes, spins behind him and sinks in the Coquina Clutch. Smokes flails for a moment before going limp in Joe’s arms. Joe lets him collapse to the floor, kneels beside him for a second and says, “Tell him I’m waiting.” Joe rises, picks up the world title and walks off.
In a pre-taped promo, Mick Foley addresses what happened between himself and Samoa Joe at the Second Anniversary Show. Foley says he came into Ring of Honor as an ambassador because he believed this company stood for the very best of professional wrestling. “I believed Ring of Honor was a place that pushed the limits of professional wrestling. Respect. Accountability. Pride. The idea that being the best means more than just being the most dangerous man in the room.” Foley says that is why Samoa Joe has bothered him the way he has. “Because Joe represents one side of professional wrestling. He represents violence. Intimidation. Control. And don’t get me wrong, there is a place for all of those things in this business. But when that becomes all you stand for, when violence matters more than respect, then you do not represent the best of professional wrestling and you are not the beacon for professional wrestling.” Foley says he did not step into that ring looking for a fight, he stepped into it looking for a handshake, man to man, champion to ambassador. “And Joe didn’t just refuse it. He slapped the microphone out of my hand, damn near choked me out, and left me lying there like the very idea of respect meant nothing to him.” Foley says that moment will stay with him. He pauses before admitting, “Maybe Joe was right about one thing. Maybe if Mick Foley ever steps into a Ring of Honor ring again... it ought to be in wrestling boots.” Foley gives a faint grin and trails off as the show comes to a close.
I intended to include these as part of the show, but I was far too tired 
. Some pretty high scores all round. Interesting to note that Jay Lethal and Matt Sydal were the only winners without a single vote for them.
Here we go:
At Our Best Prediction Contest Results:
BattleTank: 12/15
RoyMustang: 12/15
EZ3: 11/15
Stojy: 9/15
DGMC: 8/15
So we have a tie! Congrats BT and Roy, I'll PM you shortly with your reward. Thanks everyone for reading and for voting, hope everyone enjoyed At Our Best. Will have newswire updates and cards for the next couple of shows out later today/tomorrow.
. Some pretty high scores all round. Interesting to note that Jay Lethal and Matt Sydal were the only winners without a single vote for them.Here we go:
At Our Best Prediction Contest Results:
BattleTank: 12/15
RoyMustang: 12/15
EZ3: 11/15
Stojy: 9/15
DGMC: 8/15
So we have a tie! Congrats BT and Roy, I'll PM you shortly with your reward. Thanks everyone for reading and for voting, hope everyone enjoyed At Our Best. Will have newswire updates and cards for the next couple of shows out later today/tomorrow.
NEWSWIRE UPDATE
March 15th, 2004
Happy Monday Ring of Honor fans. A fantastic turnout for both events on Saturday, with a showcase of up and coming wrestlers at “Do Or Die II” in Elizabeth, NJ and then later that evening with “At Our Best” in Philadelphia headlined by an early match of the year contender where Samoa Joe defeated a heavily-bloodied Jay Briscoe to not only retain the ROH World Title, but to reach the one year milestone of his title reign. Elsewhere, Nigel McGuiness became the first challenger for Doug Williams' ROH Pure Title, outwitting Matt Stryker, John Walters, and Jimmy Rave. The Carnage Crew look to finally have put to bed their long time issues with Special K, with a little help from the American Dream, Dusty Rhodes! And last but not least, we saw the return of an ROH original in Spanky! Signed to the show last minute, he returned and immediately made an impact with a victory over CM Punk.
We also have to give a separate sincere thank you to IWA: Mid South for allowing us to showcase their prestigious heavyweight title with a PHENOMENAL match between AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn where AJ Styles became the new IWA MID SOUTH HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION. We hope to continue to build and add to this partnership for the benefit of you fans, bringing the best talent from around the world to you.
With those results now in the books, ROH officials have begun confirming matches for several upcoming events, but before looking ahead, we have the updated ROH Top 5 rankings:
1. Doug Williams
2. AJ Styles
3. Homicide
4. CM Punk
5. Matt Stryker
2. AJ Styles
3. Homicide
4. CM Punk
5. Matt Stryker
Placement in these rankings will continue to determine future title opportunities, with the biggest news coming in the form of Homicide and the confirmation from Julius Smokes that Homicide will challenge for the ROH WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIPat the 6/12 show in Dayton, Ohio. Homicide has been missing from Ring of Honor for the last few shows but remains one of the few wrestlers to hold a positive record against Joe, albeit with both victories coming in non-title contests. In title matches, Joe is supreme. Will Homicide's fortune change in Dayton?
Speaking of Samoa Joe, he has recently declared a war on "so called 'purists'" and with no outright challengers in the midst until Homicide's return, Joe has demanded that the ROH office put in front of him the best technicians and wrestlers we can find. We expect to announce Joe's opponents for the 4/23 and 4/24 shows within the next few days. However, there's no need to wait to get excited about our upcoming April shows in St Paul, Minnesota, and Chicago Ridge, Illinois, as we have several matches that have already been signed at the bottom of this newswire.
Finally, we hope that everyone who attended “Do Or Die II” enjoyed the opportunity to see some of the most exciting talent from outside the ROH main roster showcasing their abilities. In particular we were impressed with the performances of Austin Aries, The Havana Pitbulls, and Jay Lethal, and as a result ROH officials are currently working to secure all four competitors for upcoming events in the near future.
4/23 - RING OF HONOR CARD - ST PAUL, MINNESOTA
Ring of Honor comes to Minnesota on April 23rd and we are can now confirm several matches for the event.
After a standout performance from newcomer Matt Sydal in Saturday's SIX MAN MAYHEM MATCH, he will once again step into the ring with The Amazing Red, this time in a singles match that should be electric from bell to bell. Red remains one of the most dynamic athletes in independent wrestling, but Sydal’s rapid development has caught the attention of both fans and wrestlers alike.
For many the most exciting news coming out of this weekend is that in St Paul, Ricky Steamboat will be presenting the STEAMBOAT SHOWCASE, having selected two wrestlers that he believes represent the best of the future of professional wrestling, not just in Ring of Honor. Steamboat has chosen CM Punk and Bryan Danielson, and will be watching the action up close as the special guest referee for the match. This will mark a huge first-time singles meeting between two of ROH’s brightest talents.
Chad Collyer had some choice words for Jimmy Rave, mocking his rookie status, asking if he's actually beaten anybody, and saying Rave was only here to be AJ Styles' chauffeur. We here at the ROH office were more than happy to sign a match between the two of them in Minnesota. Rave has asked us to point out that he already has two victories in Ring of Honor, and come April 23rd, he plans to make it three.
Another major singles match will see the recently returned Spanky collide with new IWA MID SOUTH HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION, AJ Styles. Styles currently sits near the top of the ROH rankings and continues to build momentum following several impressive performances over the past few months, especially his title win over Jerry Lynn. Spanky, meanwhile, having defeated CM Punk on his return to ROH, goes straight in against another one of the top-ranked competitors in the company, with a win likely moving him into the top five firmly into title contention.
4/24 - RING OF HONOR CARD - CHICAGO RIDGE, ILLINOIS
When ROH heads to Chicago Ridge the following night for the 4/24 show, the Pure Division will once again take center stage when Doug Williams makes the first defence of the ROH PURE CHAMPIONSHIP against Nigel McGuinness. McGuinness earned this opportunity with his victory in the four corners match at “At Our Best,” and many believe his disciplined, methodical style could present one of the toughest challenges Williams has faced so far under Pure rules. With both men representing the British technical wrestling tradition, this is expected to be a hard-fought contest on the mat, with the winner not only leaving with the championship, but also claiming bragging rights between two of the UK’s finest technicians.
A number one contender will be determined as the tag division comes into focus with a TAG TEAM GAUNTLET MATCH featuring The Backseat Boyz, Ring Crew Express, Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin, The OutCast Killaz, and The Carnage Crew. With the championship picture taking shape in the main event, this match presents a major opportunity for a team to establish themselves as the next in line. The gauntlet format will test endurance as much as chemistry, and with several teams seeking to build momentum, the winners will leave Chicago Ridge firmly positioned in the title hunt.
Following continued issues involving Special K and the wider ROH roster, officials have moved to take a more decisive approach with the group. With concerns growing over their attitude, repeated disruptions, and problematic lifestyle, this scramble match has been signed to force a resolution. One competitor will emerge as the winner and be awarded a permanent ROH contract, while the remaining members of Special K will be disbanded and released from the company.
The fallout from Do or Die II will be felt in Chicago Ridge as BJ Whitmer, backed by Dan Maff and Allison Danger, faces hometown favourite Ace Steel, who will have Colt Cabana in his corner. Whitmer’s reputation within ROH has been defined in recent months by his increasingly aggressive behaviour, most notably the attack on Lucy that has left her sidelined indefinitely. With Christopher Daniels absent following his injury at the "2nd Anniversary Show" at the hands of CM Punk, Whitmer and Maff have continued to represent The Prophecy’s presence, most recently brawling with CM Punk and Cabana throughout the arena during Danger’s match with April Hunter at Do or Die II. With Punk and Cabana focused on the tag team titles later in the night, Steel now steps in against Whitmer as tensions between the Saints and The Prophecy continue to escalate.
The main event in Chicago Ridge will see hometown challengers CM Punk and Colt Cabana, the Second City Saints, challenge Jay Briscoe and Mark Briscoe for the ROH WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS. Punk’s pursuit of championship success in ROH has so far been a frustrating one, having come up short against Doug Williams in the finals of the Pure Title tournament, a result he continues to dispute with the ROH office. Punk has since submitted a further complaint, claiming his loss to Spanky was a direct result of being denied a rematch for the Pure Title. Now turning his attention back to the tag division alongside Cabana, the Saints will look to make the most of a home crowd advantage, but standing across from them are the Briscoes, who have already built one of the strongest reigns in ROH history and will come into Chicago Ridge to spoil the Saints’ homecoming.
Cards will be finalised over the coming weeks, and as always, tickets for all upcoming events are available at ROHwrestling.com.
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The first show of the day was a perfect appetizer for the main course later on. Highlight some of the key guys you plan on pushing, while building up for the bigger show. One of the big takeaways was Austin Aries looking great, and the interaction with the Strong's has me hopeful for an eventualy Generation Next formation.
Starting off the second show-your attention to detail is so spot on with this. Joe starting off the show inside the ring beating down trainees was like a trip down memory lane for me watching one of the ROH dvd's.
I'm a fan of Dusty sticking it to WWE and using his time to put over ROH instead. If he sticks around, he is a very valuable Authority figure you can use. If he doesn't stick around, then it was a cool one-off.
Didn't expect Sydal to win, but you booked him very strongly throughout the match. Keep these Scramble matches coming, from personal experience they're so much fun to read (and write!) Evans taking the pin doesn't hurt him at all, he is still insane. Hopefully these X-Division guys stick around in this thread, the potential is limitless for booking them every show.
Glad you went with the somewhat shocking result of AJ picking up the big title win over Jerry Lynn. Lynn looked strong in defeat, and at this point (as you clearly demonstrated you know your shit) AJ was really starting to find his footing in both TNA and ROH. Will be exciting to see how you utilize AJ Styles moving forward, and if you keep him involved in major ROH storylines instead of booking him just to book him like ROH started to do around this time.
Nigel winning was great. He was still a bit of an unknown entity this early in 2004, so giving him the win made sense as you are probably gonna end up building the Pure Title around him eventually anyway.
Dusty dropping some Bionic Elbows on Special K was fun. Up until now I totally forgot about Justin Credible being a member of the early Carnage Crew. Fun stuff. Really a blast to read this show.
Spanky with the shock win over Punk was incredible. Really well done, and playing into Spanky as that underdog character worked perfectly here. Punk doesn't lose anything with the loss, if anything, it makes him that much stronger as you continue to build his character up. Really excited to see how far you can take Punk in this.
Joe was always winning the main event, but you did a hell of a job of making Jay Briscoe into a legit threat at the World title. Of course, the money is in the ending with Mick Foley. I'm really excited to see if you pull the trigger on Foley wrestling for ROH, as during this time period, this would have been one of the biggest stories in wrestling. I'm even more excited because you seem to have a very tight beat on this project, which makes me think you have a lot of fun stuff planned for Foley and Joe.
Overall man, this was so much fun to read. Nostalgic as all hell, and very well written. Keep up the great work, I'll be waiting for more of your ROH!!
Starting off the second show-your attention to detail is so spot on with this. Joe starting off the show inside the ring beating down trainees was like a trip down memory lane for me watching one of the ROH dvd's.
I'm a fan of Dusty sticking it to WWE and using his time to put over ROH instead. If he sticks around, he is a very valuable Authority figure you can use. If he doesn't stick around, then it was a cool one-off.
Didn't expect Sydal to win, but you booked him very strongly throughout the match. Keep these Scramble matches coming, from personal experience they're so much fun to read (and write!) Evans taking the pin doesn't hurt him at all, he is still insane. Hopefully these X-Division guys stick around in this thread, the potential is limitless for booking them every show.
Glad you went with the somewhat shocking result of AJ picking up the big title win over Jerry Lynn. Lynn looked strong in defeat, and at this point (as you clearly demonstrated you know your shit) AJ was really starting to find his footing in both TNA and ROH. Will be exciting to see how you utilize AJ Styles moving forward, and if you keep him involved in major ROH storylines instead of booking him just to book him like ROH started to do around this time.
Nigel winning was great. He was still a bit of an unknown entity this early in 2004, so giving him the win made sense as you are probably gonna end up building the Pure Title around him eventually anyway.
Dusty dropping some Bionic Elbows on Special K was fun. Up until now I totally forgot about Justin Credible being a member of the early Carnage Crew. Fun stuff. Really a blast to read this show.
Spanky with the shock win over Punk was incredible. Really well done, and playing into Spanky as that underdog character worked perfectly here. Punk doesn't lose anything with the loss, if anything, it makes him that much stronger as you continue to build his character up. Really excited to see how far you can take Punk in this.
Joe was always winning the main event, but you did a hell of a job of making Jay Briscoe into a legit threat at the World title. Of course, the money is in the ending with Mick Foley. I'm really excited to see if you pull the trigger on Foley wrestling for ROH, as during this time period, this would have been one of the biggest stories in wrestling. I'm even more excited because you seem to have a very tight beat on this project, which makes me think you have a lot of fun stuff planned for Foley and Joe.
Overall man, this was so much fun to read. Nostalgic as all hell, and very well written. Keep up the great work, I'll be waiting for more of your ROH!!