We're in Chicago this week as ROH wraps up their War Of The Worlds tour. The main event is Silas Young vs. Austin Aries, so needless to say, I'm beyond excited.
Cody/Marty Scurll Promo
The episode kicks off with Cody cutting a promo about the past few months in his life: how he supposedly gained control of Bullet Club, his campaign for the Texas State Senate, and his aspirations to be NWA World's Champion. He then laments that his next shot at the ROH World Championship is a triple-threat match involving the champion Dalton Castle, himself and his Bullet Club stablemate Marty Scurll.
This prompts Scurll to come out to the ring and cuts a promo of his own, pointing out that Cody adores bragging about himself, while stating he doesn't need to because everyone else already knows it. He then goes on to say Cody is frightened and intimated by how good Marty is, and that he has no problem going through him in order to secure his first World Title. He asks Cody for a gentleman's handshake, then teases breaking his fingers before leaving the ring.
Thoughts: An excellent way to start the show. The segment superbly displayed both performers' characters: Cody being the power-hungry, somewhat delusional egomaniac and Scurll being the cunning strategist seeking out people's weaknesses and manipulating them for his benefit. These guys are excellent mic workers, and they definitely proved it here. Beyond psyched for Best In The World.
Tenille Dashwood vs. Karen Q
The match starts out with a series of rest-holds, Dashwood seemingly taking control. Dashwood gets tripped up on the ring apron and Q takes advantage, landing a series of corner elbow strikes and kicks then nailing an exploder suplex. She holds control for a while; Dashwood tries to change the advantage multiple times, but Q always having an answer. Q tries for another boston crab, but Dashwood counters with a roll-up pin for the W.
Thoughts: A brief, but relatively decent match. Despite a few awkward moments (that tilt-a-whirl attempt, though), the match was relatively crisp, as both competitors are solid in-ring workers. Not too much more to say about. Nothing special, but decent nonetheless.
Austin Aries vs. Silas Young, World Television Championship match
The two start this match out attempting to gain leverage with rest holds, both men displaying their technical prowess. Following repeated taunts from Young, Aries smacks him in the face and the two throw hands. Aries gets the advantage, nailing a second-rope elbow drop then an ear clap on the ring apron. He attempts a suicide dive, but Young counters and takes control. He punishes Aries on the outside of the ring for a while, then brings him back in and nails a slingshot stomp.
Young then puts Aries in a full nelson and spins him around. Aries manages to shrug him off and finally nails his signature suicide dive following a rope-hung neckbreaker. After a full nelson knee strike, Young and Aries take turns attempting their respective finishers. The action makes it way to the apron again as Aries plants Young with a death valley driver. Aries then attempts another corner dropkick but Young counters and nails Aries with his signature handstand arabian press.
The two then trade off roll-ups and forearm strikes. Young sets Aries up for Misery, but knocks the ref out in the process. Aries gets out, hits Young with a rolling blow then finally connects with his corner dropkick. He tries for a 450 Splash, but Young knocks him off the top rope after being distracted by an altercation between Beer City Bruiser and Kenny King. Young tries to hit Aries with the title belt, but King pries from his grasp and nails him with it instead.
Aries pins Young, seemingly winning the match and securing another title. However, following a meeting between the officials, the decision is reversed into a disqualification victory for Young because of King's outside interference. Frustrated, Aries low-blows Senior Official Todd Sinclair and begins attacking him. King attempts to calm him down, only to be met with a low-blow himself, then a brainbuster and a Last Chancery from Aries.
Thoughts: Excellent main event. These two men proved once again they're elite talents in the wrestling industry following this superb performance. If I had to explain why I love Silas Young to someone, I would just tell them to watch matches like this; he's one of the best heel champions and midcard champions wrestling has to offer. Plus, the post-match altercation further pushes Aries' heel transformation; the heat he was getting was incredible. Fantastic match and a fantastic way to end the show.
Overall
This was, to quote Special Agent Dale Cooper, a DAMN FINE episode. The highlights of it were for sure the opening Cody/Scurll promo and Aries/Young, though Dashwood/Q isn't without merit as it proved to be, for what it was, an entertaining slice of filler. Definitely check this episode out right away, if only for Aries/Young.
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