ROH 9/15/18 TV Review: Socal Uncensored vs The Briscoes and Punishment Martinez
08/25/18
2300 Arena
Philadelphia,PA
This week was the first episode from the set of tapings from Philadelphia, PA. Ian Riccaboni and Caprice Coleman were on commentary and welcomed everyone to show.
Jay Lethal came down to the ring in street clothes to start the show and commentary spoke about who Lethal might be facing at Death Before Dishonor. Lethal said that his match with Jonathan Gresham was one of his favorite matches ever and that Gresham has a friend if he ever needs one in the form of Lethal. RThe champ then extended a “Lethal Challenge” to any locker room in the world. Cue a video screen promo from Will Ospreay. Ospreay challenged Lethal for the title. Lethal accepted, setting the match for Death Before Dishonor.
First Match: WOH Proving Ground Match
Tasha Steelz vs. Sumie Sakai(c)
Brandi Rhodes joined commentary for the match. Steelz refused the code of honor handshake and quickly took control of the match She threw Sakai to the outside and launched her into the barricade before hitting her with a running senton. Back inside, Sumie took control, only to lose to Steelz quickly thereafter. Steelz went for her finisher but Sumie escaped the double under hook setup and hit Smashmouth for the win. After the match, Riccaboni joined the champion in the ring and announced the WOH title is now the Women of Honor World Championship. He asked Sakai for her comments after the match. Sakai apologized for her bad English before continuing and sharing that she has worked very hard to have the title. She then followed by saying that she would feel like a true world champion if she defeats Tenille Dashwood. Dashwood came down to the ring immediately and accepted, suggesting that the two battle at Death Before Dishonor. The match was short, but solid. The segment after was good and allowed Sumie to try and connect with the crowd. Dashwood could have easily been the first WOH and this match has been one that pits two of the best women in the company against each other.
Winner: Sumie Sakai
The Bullet Club all cut a promo on Chaos in the build to their match at Death before Dishonor.
Kenny King cut a backstage promo about his match with Adam Page next week. He said after taking Page down, he plans on taking Jushin Liger down at Death before Dishonor.
Ian Riccaboni was then joined in the ring by Jonathan Gresham in the ring. Gresham began talking about what was next for him after his fantastic match with Lethal but was interrupted by Bully Ray making his way to the ring. Ray believed Riccaboni and forced him to leave the ring, saying that Colt Cabana wasn’t there to protect him and that Ray knows what Riccaboni says about him on commentary. Ray then commandeered the interview, claiming that he sold out Madison Square Garden G1 Supercard. Ray then said that the interview reminded him of a Roddy Piper interview with Frankie Williams, calling him a jobber. Gresham finally got on the mic and admitted that he can’t win a fight against Bully, but that he knows he can win a wrestling match. Gresham then said that he knew he could because he has seen D-Von carry Bully in matches for years.
Second Match: Jonathan Gresham vs. Bully Ray
Bully accepted and called for a referee to come down. After telling Sinclair to ring the bell he belvedered Gresham and tossed Sinclair to the ground. He then grabbed a mic and his chain, admitting to Gresham sarcastically that he is a better wrestler. Flip Gordon came down for the save but was quickly taken down. Jay Lethal then came down to the ring and was lacing Ray with rights until Silas Young ran down and gave Lethal his finisher Misery. Ray offered him a hug but Young pushed him away and went back to the locker room.
Winner: Gresham by DQ
Backstage Lethal was furious. He cut a promo about how Gresham doesn’t need his help but that Ray and Young are disrespectful. Gresham and lethal then challenged Young and Bully Ray to a tag match next week. Good segment, the graining nature of the video quality added to the raw feeling of the promo.
A full video package of the history between Punishment Martinez and Chris Sabin played. As always, these are great.
Main Event: Socal Uncensored vs. The Briscoes and Punishment Martinez
Chris Sabin joined commentary before the match got underway. This one started off hot with all six men brawling immediately and was a fun affair throughout. The end came whenJay went to hit Kazarian with a chair but hit referee Paul Turner instead. Martinez and Jay went chair crazy, prompting Sabin to run down and attack Martinez. Sabin threw a shoe at Martinez and the two started brawling. Sabin took his shoe off and ran after him back to the dressing room. Jay was about to hit Sky with a Jay Driller but Scorpio escaped and clotheslined Jay to the arena floor. Daniels and Kazarian then hit a Best Meltzer Ever on Mark and Todd Sinclair ran down to make the three count. Fun main event-both teams really work well as trios and the match helped build to the Death Before Dishonor title matches in a very logical way.
Winners: SCU
Final Reaction: B
This week’s episode of ROH television was all about building to Death Before Dishonor. Lethal accepting Ospreay’s challenge, Dashwood accepted Sakai’s challenge and both other announced title matches had story progression or interaction on the night. There are times when the cards are not always this fleshed out this far in advance and doing it this way allows for there to be some real build for every match on the card. The company continues to keep Gresham relevant here and all signs point to him being involved in a DBD as well. Overall, a strong episode this week with the build to what looks to be a strong PPV.
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