ROH 4/27/18 TV Review: Silas Young vs. Flip Gordon
04/14/18
Stage AE
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
This week was the first episode from the set of tapings from Pittsburgh,PA. Ian Riccaboni and Colt Cabana were on commentary and welcomed everyone to show. Recap of Supercard of Honor, specifically the ROH Television title match, Cody vs Kenny Omega and the Main event.
First Match: Chuckie T vs. Josh Woods
Woods quickly almost locked on a cross arm-breaker, but Taylor slowed things down and took control with a vicious back scratch. Taylor tried his hand at a submission with a full abdominal stretch that Woods was able to power out of. Woods sent Taylor flying with an exploder suplex and took control for brief while. Taylor went hit a Falcon arrow but Woods somehow managed to kick out. A Taylor moonsault missed, allowing Woods to hit his GTS variation, but Taylor kicked out at two. Woods followed with a bridging german suplex/pin combination. When that didn’t work, Woods went for an armbar, but Taylor was able to use the hold to pin Woods for the victory. Good wrestling match here-the fans were into Chuck Taylor and it was a smart, logical win from a veteran who outsmarted the rookie Woods.
Winner: Chuckie T
A Cody promo during which he talks about how he actually likes Dalton Castle, but he was really just angling for a title shot and ended with Brandi reminding everyone that he beat Kenny “Hoemega”
The Kingdom cut a promo showing off the titles that they claimed after Socal Uncensored defended against Gordon and the Young Bucks.
Second Match: Sumie Sakai vs. Stella Grey
Jenny Rose joined commentary and put Sakai over before the match began.
Sakai hit smash mouse to win the match. Post-match, Jenny Rose came to the ring and congratulated Sakai, but reminded Sakai through the use of video that Sakai accidentally hit her during a tag match once. Rose then laid down a challenge for the WOH championship. Sakai responded by saying that she doesn’t want to fight Jenny because she loves her, but she will defend the title. Rose walked away without shaking Sakai’s hand to a smattering of boos. The match itself was short and nothing special, but the issues with Rose should develop into an interesting program.
Winner: Sumie Sakal
We got a recap of Bully Ray from Supercard which led to Bully Ray coming out. He basically said that he’s still the enforcer and threatened Joe Koff before walking off, but not before reminding us that he’s a WWE Hall of Famer. Commentary put over how everyone used to respect Ray, but his actions are reprehensible.
Main Event: ROH World Television Championship Match
Silas Young vs. Flip Gordon
Shane Taylor joined in on commentary. At the onset, Gordon would continue to build momentum, but Young continually nipped it in the bud and slowed the match down. Eventually, Flip took control with a couple of crisp dropkick and almost out Young away with a springboard spear. Gordon Continued offense with a suicide dive to the outside, but he missed the 450. Despite the miss, Gordon recovered quickly and hit Samoan Pop, but could not keep Young down for the count. Gordon no sold a snap German, but was almost beaten after a catapult suplex off the ropes. Gordon countered a full nelson attempt into a pinning predicament but only came away with a two count. Young barely kicked out after a Falcon arrow, much to Gordon’s dismay. In the end, Young was able to catch Gordon with Misery and picked the win and defense. A good main event here, as Gordon continues to work different matches against a wide range of styles and opponents. Young, as champion was strong as ever and is one of ROH’s best pure heels.
Winner: Silas Young
Final Reaction: C
An overall uneventful episode of ROH television. The matches were crip by and large, but there was no real movement after Supercard of Honor here, aside from the Bully Ray angle. Post-production had some nice promos from Scurll and SoCal to try and make this feel more current, but this felt like a well-planned week featuring a TV title shot, but not a lot more. Bully Ray could be viewed as a highlight here, but until more develops, this is unwelcome.
Thanks for stopping by again this week and look for more Ring of Honor coverage the same time next week. Until then, please go over to Running Wild Podcast and take a listen to a show that covers oodles of wrestling news and ridiculous conversations. You can find us on iTunes, Stitcher, Soundcloud