It's our second episode of the new year, and judging by the card we have tonight, this episode is most definitely looking stacked (including a particularly big TV debut). With that being said, let's not waste any more time and get right into it.
Zack Sabre, Jr. vs. Tracy Williams
Much to my delighted surprise, we start the show off with these two technical marvels. Right from the beginning, it's an absolute chess match as the two men exchange various holds and counters, no one really having the advantage for very long. ZSJ works Williams' left shoulder in an attempt to gain leverage. Williams fight back, however, hitting a death valley driver then delivers a series of forearm strikes as ZSJ continues his gameplan.
Following an incredibly fluid series of submission attempts, the two grapplers go straight to pure striking; after suffering more abuse to his arms via numerous ZSJ kicks, Williams hits a desperation lariat. Williams attempts a last-ditch piledriver, but ZSJ counters and submits him with a double-arm Octopus Hold for the win.
A fantastic way to start the show off. If you're a fan of technical wrestling clinics, you'll dig this match. Each hold and counter was so fluidly performed by both men. Not only that, but the way these guys were able to switch from submission wrestling to pure striking at the drop of a dime was nothing short of impressive to say the least. While ZSJ is always fantastic, it's nothing to take away from Williams as he also. I'm really looking forward to seeing more of his work, as well as more of ZSJ in ROH.
Twisted Sisterz (Holidead and Thunder Rosa) vs. Madison Rayne and Britt Baker
Baker and Rayne start the match with the upward momentum, displaying surprisingly fluid tag chemistry despite not being a regular tag team. But following a quick distraction from Rosa, the Sisterz turn the tables and start working Baker over, Rayne trying to intervene intermittently throughout. Despite the disadvantage, Baker manages to fight back, evading a tag manuever from the Sisterz. She and Rayne hit an impressive ripcord elbow/enzuguiri combo, then Baker finishes off Rosa with pumphandle flatliner (I think?) and secures the victory for her team.
Not too much to say here. A brief, but entertaining match with four women who work well with each other. I'm pleasantly surprised at how Baker and Rayne are coming along as a tag team. I've only seen two televised matches of theirs as a unit, yet their chemistry together is quite polished, all things considered. I like all four of these women and I hope to see them work together again in the future.
SoCal Uncensored (Frankie Kazarian and Scorpio Sky) vs. The Briscoes (Jay and Mark), ROH World Tag Team Championship Match
It's main event time as SCU seeks to reclaim their titles after dropping them at Final Battle in dramatic fashion. Both teams attempt some mind games by introducing chairs before the bell starts, with the brothers coming out with the advantage. Jay and Mark tag in and out, working Sky over for a bit before Sky fights back with a jumping knee strike to Jay. Kaz finally gets tagged in and he goes to work on the brothers, displaying some incredibly innovative offense.
The two teams brawl on the outside for a while before getting back in the ring, momentum constantly shifting while SCU pull out some more innovative tag maneuvers (an impressive backstabber/slingshot cutter combo in particular). SCU attempts to finish The Briscoes off, but Mark breaks it up and following a ref bump, the brothers bring chairs into the equation once again and secure the advantage once again after a ref switch.
Jay takes out Sky with a Jay Driller and the brothers then turn their attention to Kaz. After planting him with a superplex/Froggy Bow combo, the Briscoes hit Kaz with the Redneck Boogie (Razor's Edge/neckbreaker combo) to retain their titles.
An excellent match and main event. It was more than apparent both teams have excellent chemistry with one another given their various matches throughout 2018, and they once again proved said chemistry here. The sequences are all familiar, yet they still feel fresh and exciting, which really speaks to the prowess of all the talent involved. SCU pulled out crisp, impressive spots while The Briscoes did their job well of executing ring psychology and cutting off tag opportunities whenever possible. Not their absolute best bout, but definitely a damn good one.
Marty Scurll Segment
Much to my surprise, we're actually closing the show with a promo. Scurll comes out and addresses his current situation in ROH and his intentions to procure the World Title. Just as he starts, though, The Kingdom interrupts him. Taven chastises Marty and brings up the fact he's the only member of The Elite to still be in ROH, claiming he doesn't "have a friend in the world." Marty acknowledges this, but telling Taven he can always make new ones.
The lights then go out; Brody King appears, then PCO soon after. The three men attack The Kingdom, and Scurll closes out the show to announce the formation of Villain Enterprises.
So if it wasn't obvious enough, this was taped before Honor Reigns Supreme. Regardless, I still dug the presentation and am hype for a potential VE/Kingdom feud in the future. Plus, Scurll having his own stable means he can get more of the spotlight, which is always a good thing.
Overall, this was a pretty damn good episode. Great opening and closing matches (check those ones out in particular), plus speaking as an absolute mark, it's dope to actually see the formation of Villain Enterprises. Definitely check this one out when you get a chance.
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