ROH 3/30/18 TV Review: Champions Challenge
03/10/18
Sam’s Town
Las Vegas, Nevada
This week was the second episode from the set of tapings from Las Vegas,NV. Ian Riccaboni and Colt Cabana were on commentary and welcomed everyone to show.
First Match: Dalton Castle & Kenny King vs The Briscoes
Marty Scurll was on commentary for the match. Castle and Mark started off for their sides, with Mark overpower Castle and sending him to the corner to make a tag out to Jay. King tagged in soon after, but Castle got singled out and the Briscoes took turns beating him down He finally did make the hot tag to King, who cleared house, but it ultimately wouldn’t be enough. The Briscoes really dominated most of the match, but in the end, it was a distraction from Silas Young that led to Jay hitting a Jay Driller on King for the pinfall victory. Post-match, Scurll grabbed the world title and slid into the ring, handing the title to Castle without trying any funny business. A good match that showcased four of ROH’s champions. The Briscoes winning here made sense even without interference, as they are a well-oiled machine, whereas King and Castle don’t often tag. The match also gave both singles titles some more build to the respective matches at Supercard. A bit odd was the lack of mention of the Briscoes match at the event, but otherwise, this was a perfectly solid match in all aspects.(***)
Winners: The Briscoes
A recap of the Kingdom’s showdown with Bully Ray before a promo backstage from the Kingdom. Taven vowed to be at Supercard of Honor despite Ray’s edict and that he would live to regret his decision.
Second Match: Cheeseburger vs. Kikutaro
The Dawgs joined commentary for the match. This bout was quite short, with the two playing off of each other and referee Paul Turner in a comedic match. The entire time, both Rhett Titus and Will Ferrara, who was actually not on the mic, seemed irritated with this display and eventually simply could not stand anymore, hitting the ring and the combatants. As a comedy match, this did not really have enough time to get into too much and seems to be pointing to a tag match between the Dawgs and Cheeseburger/ Kikutaro either next week or at the PPV.(NR)
Winner: No Contest
Main Event: WOH Championship Tournament
Deonna Purrazzo vs. Mayu Iwatani
This is easily one of the best matches that have taken place during the tournament thus far. Iwatani and Purrazzo told a great story here, one that was centered around Purrazzo trying to lock in the Fujiwara armbar. The first go around saw Purrazzo lock it on on the outside as a reversal to Iwatani’s dive. Back inside, Purrazzo was able to lock it in once more, but Iwatani showed excellent ring awareness, making it to the ropes to break the hold. Iwatani connected with three rolling suplexes, but could not hit the dragon suplex at first, needing to attack Purrazzo with stiff legs strikes before finally cinching it in. A bit of a surprise result here, as Purrazzo has not just been a stalwart for WOH, but American Independent wrestling overall. ROH’s association with Stardom and Iwatani’s international renown assure that she is no slouch just getting a pass and should add more international heft to Klein’s victory in the semi-finals. (***1/4)
Winner: Mayu Iwatani
Cody came out for a go home promo before his match with Kenny Omega. He addressed Omega’s claim that Cody is a WWE reject, to which he retorted that Omega was a developmental reject from the very same company. Cody then claimed that Omega and Ibushi’s reunion was a publicity stunt before he began to address Omega laying his hands on Brandi (although Brandi had actually kissed Omega). Omega’s music hit and he came out, with Bury’s head in tow. He got into the ring and riled Cody up, claiming that it was not the first time Brandi and he had kissed and that it was clear that she wanted more. This incensed Cody and the two began to brawl until the Bullet Club came out to separate the two.
Final Reaction: B+
As the go home show before Supercard of Honor, this was strong all-around as a selling point for the PPV. The biggest matches of the night were focused on building to the show, whether it be the women’s match or the tag team opener. Kikutaro and Cheeseburger was a bit of filler here and unless there is a pay off at Supercard, it seemed like it may have been a better spot to get Coast to Coast or the team of Milonas and Bruiser som work here, but that’s really the only criticism overall. The closing segment between Cody and Omega was excellent and really drove home the hatred the two have for one another.
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