ROH 5/26/18 TV Review: The Kingdom vs. Socal Uncensored
05/13/18
The Odeum
Chicago, Illinois
This week was the second episode from the set of tapings from Chicago, Illinois. Ian Riccaboni and Colt Cabana were on commentary and welcomed everyone to show.
First Match: The Dawgs vs. Cheeseburger & Jushin “Thunder” Liger
Cheeseburger started out against Titus and after being overpowered in the lock was able to use his quickness to surprise Titus and roll him up twice. Ferrara tagged in after Titus was able to catch Burger with a right hand and a gutwrench slam. Burger was able to quickly control Ferrara and tag Liger in. The Dawgs were sent to the outside and hit with dueling sentons before the action made it back into the ring. Liger and Cheeseburger worked ferrara over until Titus tagged un by slapping hs partner in the back of the head. The Dawgs kept Burger on their side of the ring until he muster a reverse DDT and tagged out to Liger who almost put the match away with a Ligerbomb. Although Ferrara kicked out, he hit a brainbuster on Titus and pinned him with a little help from Burger. This was a perfectly fine opener- the Dawgs still mix in a bit of comedy here, but being toned down, it works here. The Dawgs could have used the win here, but from a live fan perspective, seeing Liger and Burger win is a fun moment.
Winners: Cheeseburger & Jushin “Thunder” Liger
Dalton Castle promo about who might be the challenger at Best in the World. He ended by saying that both Scurll and Cody could challenge him, but they will go the way of a grizzly bear trying to usurp a parking spot from him.
Second Match: Women of Honor Championship Match
Sumie Sakai vs. Jenny Rose
The match started off with both women brawling, building off of the issues they have had before the WOH tournament. The story of former friends turned bitter enemies was told during the match and this did feel like Rose was focused on winning the title at all costs, while Sakai was a bit more vicious here than normal as she tried to do anything within her power to retain the title. There were very many high spots here and the match was a bit slow at times, but it worked for the story that they were telling here. Sakai retained after hitting Smash mouth, which makes much more sense than Smashmouse, which I have been writing for months now. Many thanks to Riccaboni’s might as well be walking on the sun reference to set me straight.
Winner: Sumie Sakai
A package the of issues between Dalton Castle, Marty Scurll and Cody aired . Scurll and Cody cut a promo together, with Cody trying to get Scurll on the same page, but there was clear tension between the two.
Backstage promo from Socal, with Kazarian speaking about how their time is ticking and that they need the title back to stay in ROH.
A Silas promo aired about facing Austin Aries next week, during which he expressed frustration that Aries waltzed back ito ROH and demanded a title shot that he doesn’t deserved.
Main Event: ROH World 6-Man Title Championships Matches
The Kingdom(c) vs. Socal Uncensored
We got a recap of the Kingdom winning the titles from Socal Uncensored after having stolen the championships and having them stolen back. O’Ryan started off against Kaz, but Marseglia released balloons, sending Daniels and Sky looked under the ring. Meanwhile, Marseglia, Taven and O’Ryan swarmed Kazarian. Daniels came back with a balloon and popped it in Marseglia’s ear, taking control, prompting Cabana to utter the line of the night, “maybe the only pop Christopher Daniels is going to get”. The Kingdom gained control, Marseglia popped a balloon in Sky’s ear and there was a stretch of heat on Sky, who finally tagged Kazarian. Everyone went to the outside and upon returning, Daniels tried to catch Taven with brass knuckles, but Turner caught him. Taven went for the cane and Turner caught him as well. Kazarian ran in with a chair, but his errant swing bounced off the ropes and he hit himself, but Turner assumed he had been struck and disqualified the Kingdom. A very different ending here to what was a fun match here.
Winners: Socal Uncensored
Just before the show went off the air, the Best in the World main event was officially announced, as Castle will defend against both Scurll and Cody.
Final Reaction: B-
This week’s episode had two titles matches that felt organic and were not simply on the show for the sake of the titles being defended. The Addiction’s countdown clock to Final Battle and needing leverage against Joe Koff will always be a believable motivating facotr. Although the Women’s match was not ground-breaking, the issues between Sakai and Rose have been building for a while, so this worked as well. The opener was a bit of nostalgic fun, having Liger win a match and get a chance to shine, but the Dawgs, truly a team in the division need more wins to feel credible against other tag teams. The Kingdom feels like something to watch-the entertainment factor whenever they come out plays an important role in the product as a whole. Overall a solid show of television this week as the company looks to solidify more matches for Best in the World.
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