Well, folks, here it is. The very first episode of 2019, and you don't need me to tell you a LOT has changed in the realm of ROH in recent.time. As a result of major shakeups and shocking departures, ROH hit the reset button, leading many to wonder what direction the company would be taking. Let's not waste any more and see if the first episode of the new year helps enlightens us.
Opener
The show opens with Ian Riccaboni introducing four men: Chris Sabin, Flip Gordon, Dalton Castle and Marty Scurll, all of whom have #1 Contendership opportunity for Jay Lethal's World Title. In the main event, they'll compete to see who gets the very first pickings at the belt. And just as Riccaboni tries to bring out Lethal, Matt Taven appears still in "Real World Champion" mode and cuts down all four competitors. Lethal quickly comes out to confront Taven and the two tussle before being pulled apart by security.
I've always been a fan of Matt Taven, but I think I like him even more with this gimmick. He really pulls off this delusional, arrogant character quite well, and I think he has potential to be the new top heel of ROH. If anyone in the main event scene gets an extended feud with Lethal, it should either be him or Scurll. And aside from Taven, I'm absolutely hyped for the main event. Given the competitors involved, it should be a damn good match.
Luchasaurus vs. Jeff Cobb
The action starts off hot as Luchasaurus gets the jump on Cobb and delivers a series of strikes and kicks, seemingly getting the upper hand from the get-go. Cobb, however, halts his momentum with a quick suplex and from there, it's a battle for leverage as each competitor plays to their strengths: Luchasaurus with his strikes and Cobb with his power and agility. There are several impressive spots throughout the match, including a crispy chokeslam/standing moonsault combo from Luchasaurus and a superplex/standing moonsault combo from Cobb.
Despite his best efforts, Luchasaurus falls short after taking a devastating belly-to-belly superplex/spike piledriver/Tour Of The Islands combo from Cobb, who continues his path of dominance in ROH.
A short match, but fun as hell. I'm really not that familiar with Luchasaurus, so this was definitely a nice introduction; needless to say, I liked what I saw and I want more. And Cobb of course kills it, as always, proving yet again why he's one of the most versatile performers in ROH right now. Not much else outside of that, but definitely a blast to watch.
Kelly Klein vs. Nikki Addams
Prior to the start, Klein announces that since becoming WOH Champion, every singles match of hers (starting with this one) will be a title match. The match is over as quickly as it started, with Klein absolutely dominating Addams despite her best efforts. Klein hits a running knee strike and picks up the W. After the match, Jenny Rose comes out and reflects on her rivalry with Klein then asks if she wants to make their upcoming match at Honor Reigns Supreme a street fight, which Klein accepts.
A pretty decent squash match, all things considered; Klein shows up, dominates, gets her hand raised. I like the direction they're taking with her as champion by making all of her subsequent singles matches a title match; it really taps into the arrogant powerhouse persona she displays. Plus, for what it is, I like this rivalry between her and Jenny Rose. It's not much, but it's a lot more than what's happening elsewhere in the division. Above all else, I'm hyped for their HRS match.
Christopher Daniels Segment
Not flanked by his SCU consituents, Daniels comes to the ring and cuts a promo reflecting on his time in ROH as well as saying goodbye to the ROH faithful, as per the expiration of his contract. COO Joe Koff comes out and offers Daniels a new contract, impressed with his performance at Final Battle. Shane Taylor breaks up the emotional moment and he and Daniels get into a scuffle before Taylor plants him on a steel chair, then rips up Daniels' new contract and stuffs it in his mouth.
While it ran a bit longer than I'd have wanted it to, it at least accomplished its goal of highlighting Daniels' popularity within ROH; he cut a damn good promo, and every moment reaction he had really seemed genuine. Plus, Taylor gets a little bit more heat by ruining an emotional moment from an ROH legend.
Gordon vs. Sabin vs. Castle vs. Scurll
The match starts off interestingly enough with Gordon and Sabin briefly teaming up to take out Castle and Scurll, first with tandem suicide dives then with a succession of missile dropkicks. This is all for naught, as Castle quickly recovers and from there, it's a constant battle for momentum in the ring; Castle, Sabin, Scurll and Gordon each have time together in the ring as they try to gain the advantage in a match where it's anybody's ballgame.
For a brief respite, Sabin has the upper hand by working all three of his competitors; first with breaking up an impressive submission sequence, then a diving crossbody followed up by his patented springboard tornado DDT/kick combo. He continues his momentum by taking out Scurll and Gordon with a series of kicks before Castle puts him away with an emphatic Bangarang, securing his spot as the first challenger for Lethal's world title.
While I think it would've benefited from having at least another minute or two latched onto it, this was still a damn good main event, all things considered. Each man had their time to shine and picked their spots perfectly (especially Sabin, who even in defeat, was the MVP of the match in my book). And as for the finish? I mean, I like Castle and he technically deserves it, but I'm still not entirely enthralled at the idea of him being in the world title picture. Here's hoping he changes my mind at Honor Reigns Supreme.
Regardless, a great match and an excellent way to cap off the first episode of ROH Wrestling in 2019. It may be too early to tell, but I think I'm gonna like what I see from here on out. Fingers crossed I'm not wrong and look like a dumbass in the process.
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