31-01-2019
Centerstage , Atlanta , GA
This is trendiest time I’ve watched Ring of Honor in 2019, and I wasn’t disappointed.
Let’s bear in mind that this is only an hour long weekly show but the match quality does not suffer . The match up between ‘Hot Sauce’ Tracy Williams and David Finlay was a positive way to start the show. The customary ‘Code of Honor’ was adhered to and the match began, both men were evenly matched trading counters and high impact moves as well as submissions, including the Cross Face and Sharpshooter. In the end, following a Death Valley Driver, Tracy Williams claimed the victory with a Piledriver.
After match both men shook hands again respecting the code of honor.
The kingdom had a brief promo about how they are far from impressed by Villain Enterprises (a feud looks likely)
Second match up, my favorite of the night, pitted Bandido against Mark Haskins.
This was a fast-paced match at times, with Haskins seeming to have the technical advantage. Various high points in the match were Bandido’s Space Flying Tiger Sault and springboard Corkscrew Crossbody, not to mention his innovative version of the GTS.
Mark Haskins also made me, and the attending crowd, sit up with his slick Running Transition into a Sharpshooter and a bridging Fujiwara Armbar. But the conclusion of the match came when Bandido connected with a Superkick which rocked Haskins who followed up with a rebound German Suplex for the 3 count. Again, both men shook hands, which was refreshing to see. Keep your eyes out for both these gentleman in the future.
Nick Aldis – NWA world champion cuts a short promo saying he likes ‘Firsts’ and lists his accomplishments. He moves on to say he is the ‘national treasure’ and then addresses his challenger, PJ BLACK. According to Aldis, next week he will know why he is the national treasure and the champion. This will be a contrast in styles that I can’t wait to see.
Main event This match is to determine the number one contender to Jeff Cobb’s TV title. It was between the young upstart and rising star Eli Isom and professional wrestling’s ‘last real man’ Silas Young. Straight from the first bell, Silas was trying to establish dominance, only for the younger Isom to derail momentum. Although Silas was in control for the majority of the match, Isom gave a great account of himself, which will only go in good stead for his confidence.
He nearly upset Young after hitting an Air Raid Crash for a near fall. Silas was gradually breaking Isom down with his repertoire. There was an especially brilliant Finlay Roll/ Headstand Arabian Press and giant Superplex, which Isom kicked out of at barely a one count. But it was the more aggressive Young who got the victory following a Ripcord Knee to the face and his finisher, MISERY.
He now goes on to face Jeff Cobb, which will be a hard hitting affair, no doubt.
Overall a good solid show. Only 3 matches but other companies could really take note of what ROH are doing, as the match quality was very good. There’s no interference, no chair shots etc, which really is a change, a nice change.
Dan – @BiekoDaniel
