So it's a holiday-themed episode of ROH Wrestling this week, as the main event is the "Christmas Surprise" 10-Man Tag Match, an ROH tradition,; and this year, ROH World Champion Jay Lethal and "Real" World Champion Matt Taven are the captains of their respective teams. This is my first introduction to it and I'm already pumped. If it's as much fun as the Gravy Train Turkey Trot, consider my ass hooked. But before that, we gotta get to all of the other stuff. So let's not waste any more time and dig in.
Twisted Sisterz (Holidead and Thunder Rosa) vs. Britt Baker and Madison Rayne
This match is back-and-forth as both teams consistently trade the advantage. The Sisterz pull off some crisp tag team combinations (impressive strength from Holidead), displaying their experience as a team. Baker and Rayne are not to be outdone though, as they pull off some impressive combos of their (loved that ripcord elbow/cutter sequence). But it's all for naught as the Sisterz put Baker away with a swinging slam/double stomp combo to end the match and pick up the W.
A decent enough opener. All four women worked well together, especially the Sisterz, as they're the established tag team. But that's not to take anything away from Baker and Rayne, as they showed strong chemistry despite this being a first-time (I think) pairing. Not too much more to say here.
Team 1 (Matt Taven, Brian Milonas, Jonathan Gresham, Beer City Bruiser and Marty Scurll) vs. Team 2 (Jay Lethal, Cheeseburger, Rhett Titus, Vinny Marseglia and Jeff Cobb)
I already love this match, and the ring work hasn't even started yet. Each competitor has their own unique entrance as they make their way to ring and jaw-jack. A brief squabble ensues before Bruiser breaks it up and the match starts out with Lethal and Gresham, Bruiser, and then Taven, who demands Cheeseburger. Milonas is tagged in and Cheeseburger tries to wear down the much larger Milonas.
Silliness further ensues as Scurll and Marseglia tease an ax vs. umbrella fight before Taven is tagged in. Both teams refuse to tag in, leaving Marseglia and Taven to duke it out. Each man bounces off the ropes before sliding underneath, chaos ensuing outside the ring. Both teams trade delightfully impressive tag-team sequences before Cobb eventually puts Bruiser away with the Tour Of The Islands and secures a victory for his team.
Words cannot even begin to describe how much I loved this match. It's rare feeling when I just feel pure joy when watching wrestling, and this match definitely fits that criteria. Everything from the entrances, to the in-ring sequences, even Based God Riccaboni making a Christmas Vacation reference. For me, the whole match just epitomized the concept of fun. I'll probably be watching this match again very soon; I felt so fucking happy watching this match, you have no idea.
Overall, a great way cap off the year. Something light, but engaging. A decent women's tag match to start the show off, plus a fucking GOAT match to cap it off, with some 2018 recaps sprinkled in. ROH, you spoil us. Cheers.
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