I'm a simple man. I see Silas Young on a wrestling card, I'm immediately watching that show. And given he's defending the World Television title against Flip Gordon in the main event, I'm even more excited. But before that, let's get to everything else.
Supercard Package
The show starts out with a highlight package featuring the results from Supercard of Honor, namely SoCal Uncensored retaining their 6-Man Tag Titles against the Young Bucks and Flip Gordon, Silas Young taking the Television title from Kenny King, Sumie Sakai becoming the inaugural Women of Honor Champion, Cody leaving the fate of Bullet Club in question after defeating Kenny Omega and Dalton Castle retaining his World title against Marty Scurll.
A nice, brief bumper that either gets viewers up to speed if they hadn't watched Supercard, or a quick refresher for those who did.
Chuckie T vs. Josh Woods
Woods starts this match off quick, taking Chuckie down and using his MMA experience in order to gain the upper hand. Chuckie tries to counter Woods' aggressive strikes with counter moves and old-school ring savvy. It seems like Chuckie's in control, but one exploder suplex later and the tides seem to have turned to Woods' favor.
Woods has a fun time tossing Chuckie around like a rag doll for a while with various suplexes. Chuckie tries to gain momentum with a slingshot plancha and a falcon arrow, but Woods remains resilient. After hitting Chuckie with a swinging knee strike, Woods tries to lock in the cross armbreaker. Chuckie counters with a roll-up for the victory.
A fun way to start the show out. Chuckie T in any capacity is always a delight, plus Woods looked strong even in defeat. This definitely wasn't going to be anything spectacular or momentous, but then again it didn't really need to be. It just needed to be a quick, entertaining curtain jerker, which it definitely accomplished.
Cody and Brandi/The Kingdom backstage
Following the first match, we cut to a backstage promo featuring Cody and Brandi Rhodes. The two give backhanded compliments to Dalton Castle while also suggesting Cody should get the next shot at Castle's World title. Following that, we cut to The Kingdom. Recently stealing SoCal Uncensored's 6-Man Tag Title belts, the team boast about their actions as well as their former title glory.
The segments were brief but engaging, giving you a glimpse at just how well all performers fulfill their heel personas. When it comes to being charismatic assholes, they've got it down pat. As far as I'm concerned, the sooner Cody and The Kingdom get back into title contention, the better.
Stella Grey vs. Sumie Sakai
Sakai starts the match out on top immediately, first with a standing dropkick then a missile dropkick. Following a spear and a tornado DDT, Grey seems to take advantage. After a back suplex and her Smash Mouse finisher, Sakai comes out victorious.
Nothing much to see here. A quick squash match that highlights Sakai's strength as a competitor.
SoCal Uncensored backstage
After the second match, we cut to the reigning 6-Man Tag Team Champions SoCal Uncensored backstage. They're without their belts following the recent theft by The Kingdom, and needless to say they aren't too fond of that fact. Christopher Daniels refers to Taven and company as "children" and demands that they be punished.
On paper, heel vs. heel match-ups are kind of awkward. But this may be an exception to the rule, as both teams are equally talented and perform their roles in this feud to a tee. The Kingdom bring the smugness, while SCU play out the anger and frustration.
Bully Ray Promo
After serving a decent amount of time as the benevolent Enforcer of ROH, Bully Ray has had a change of heart as of late, attacking talent such as Cheeseburger and Flip Gordon. He came to the ring to address this matter, stating guys like Cheeseburger and Gordon are "spoiled and entitled." He then berates ROH COO Joe Koff for giving such wrestlers a platform.
I'm definitely not into this Bully Ray angle. It feels hackneyed and contrived, and not particularly interesting. Bully Ray can still cut a good promo, but I'm just not into heel authority figures anymore.
Silas Young vs. Flip Gordon, ROH World Television Championship
It's main event time as the up-and-coming Flip Gordon challenges for Silas Young's World Television title. The two start the match out with an exchange of rest holds, trying to gain advantage over the other. Young eventually gains the advantage and spends his time punishing Gordon while also taunting him.
Following a quick counter, Gordon hits a couple of dropkicks followed up by a springboard spear, momentarily gaining the advantage. But just as soon as Gordon got the momentum, Young snatched it right back with a backbreaker/lariat combo and a rope-hung neckbreaker. No one seems to get the upper hand for along as Gordon once again turns the tables with a superkick followed by a falcon arrow.
Young puts Gordon in a small package following a brief respite outside the ring; Gordon kicks out, maintaining resiliency. This is to no avail, however, as a quick knee strike and a TKO finisher puts Gordon away as Young retains his title.
While not particularly mind-blowing, this was still a good match and a deserving main event. Both competitors laid it all out and brought out the best in one another. Both men's in-ring abilities were on full display, and it gave Young extra credibility as champion. On top of that, Gordon's stock has risen after that match. Don't be surprised if you see him challenge for another title down the line, because he damn sure deserves to.
Overall
The word I would use to describe this episode is "solid." Nothing was earth-shattering or particularly orgasmic, but overall, it was just a consistently good show. Chuckie T/Josh Woods was a good opener, there were some good promos and Young/Gordon was a nice main event. It's not an absolute must-see, but if you do get the chance, check it out. There's plenty of good stuff here.
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