ROH 4/6/18 TV Review: Matt Taven vs Cody vs Christopher Daniels
03/10/18
Sam’s Town
Las Vegas, Nevada
This week was the third 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: Shane Taylor vs. Punishment Martinez
It’s not often that Punishment Martinez or Shane Taylor square with someone that can equal their size in ROH, so it’s always interesting to see the two clash. The character work that ROH has done with Taylor, highlighting his story of needing to do anything he can to assure his daughter does not experience the difficulties he did as a child is a solid one. However, not much has been done with this as of late and this match against Martinez reinforces that/ Martinez is over with the ROH audience, but he could easily be used to make Taylor seem more sympathetic. The two work well together and this was a solid match, but given more time and allowing for Taylor to come off as more sympathetic could have offset the resounding chants for Martinez. Martinez is interesting as he’s ostensibly a heel, but his in-ring work has garnered a following and it was no different here. The two stood toe to toe early on, but Martinez walked away with a relatively easy victory with a South of Heaven chokeslam.
(**¾)
Winner: Punishment Martinez
A Coleman’s Pulpit segment aired next, with Jay Lethal as Coleman’s guest. Lethal was unhappy to be there and essentially told Coleman that he’s only on the show because ROH management encouraged him to do so and that he agreed to do it as long as he was only asked two questions. Apparently, he has seen the other segments and knows that Coleman has had a habit of messing with his guests. Coleman commented that Lethal lost the title in 2016 and that his goal was to win it back in 2017. He needled Lethal by asking if that’s his goal for 2018 and 2019 as well, to which Lethal responded by saying that he always has the goal to be champion again, but that his goals aren’t any of Caprice’s business. Coleman then asked about who Jay Lethal is dating, instead of asking questions about Lethal’s career. Lethal became incensed and walked off the set as Coleman howled with laughter.
Second Match: Jay Lethal vs. Caprice Coleman
Coleman attacked Lethal while the former champion posed on the apron during his entrance and the match got underway right away. Lethal quickly turned the tables and the two brawled on the outside with Lethal gaining the upper hand. Once the action went inside, Coleman took control and showed off why he really should be used more often in a wrestling role. His segments work and add a bit of storytelling to episodes that may lack it, but he can still go. Coleman locked on a cobra clutch and transitioned to the floor with the move, serving as a crossface submission of sorts. Despite the impressive maneuver, Lethal broke the hold and hoisted Coleman up for a Lethal rack. Coleman raked the eyes to escape the hold, but Lethal was able to hit the Lethal Injection for the victory. The previous segment made this match mean more than if the two had just wrestled and it really added to this match, with both using that fire during the match. A short, but good match with a good pace. (***)
Winner: Jay Lethal
Women of Honor video segment, the same one that played before the PPV. As the PPV and the episode aired on the same night, it seems odd to include it as the drama here is for a result that was over by the time this aired in many markets for the first time.
Main Event: Matt Taven vs Cody vs Christopher Daniels
Cody came down to the ring with Burnard the Business Bear, who made his debut at Supercard of Honor in a nice piece of continuity. Burnard refused to give Riccaboni a high-five, as he’s all business- I think he’s just a jerk for not high-fiving someone, but that’s just me. Daniels and Cody ping-ponged Taven with right until Daniels dumped him onto the arena floor. As the two squared off, Taven made his way back in and sent them both to the outside with a top rope dropkick. What worked here is that there were not too many moments that saw one man being knocked out while the other two fought, only to be repeated. All three really got a chance to shine during the match and Taven eventually came away the winner after taking advantage of the match type. Cody planted Daniels on the canvas with the Cross Rhodes, but the pin was broken up but Taven who hit a frog splash on both men before rolling Cody off and pinning Daniels for the win. Big win for Taven here and the use of an alternate finisher, one he used in Mexico en route to winning the CMLL Welterweight title is a great addition. Taven will have his belt in tow when he faces Cody in a first Blood match at Masters of the Craft and this clean win over two former champions really gives the match for gravitas. (***1/4)
Winner: Matt Taven
Final Reaction: B+
After a few episodes that were not the strongest, ROH bounced back this week with a strong episode. Each match felt different in the best possible way. The segment used for the quick build between Coleman and Lethal was brilliant, Martinez vs Taylor was a strong opener that left me wanting to see more and the main event saw the right guy win, as Taven has much more to gain from coming away the victor. It’ll be interesting to see how next week’s episode plays out and if the results from Supercard and Masters of the Craft will be reflected or if they dance around it. Definitely an episode to check out this week.