ROH 6/30/18 TV Review: Matt Taven vs. Ultimo Guerrero
06/02/18
Hammerstein Ballroom
NYC, NY
This week was the second episode from the set of tapings from NYC, NY. Ian Riccaboni and Colt Cabana were on commentary and welcomed everyone to show.
First Match: Jonathan Gresham vs. Kenny King
As King made to the ring a picture and picture promo from King described him as a shark ready to rip the Octopus’s tentacles off. Gresham locked in the arm early with a wrist lock, forcing King to dig deep with a hip toss to escape. Gresham really focused his attack in the arm and early story was King doing his best to fend Gresham off. King then worked Gresham’s back over, to the point Gresham couldn’t lift King due to the injury. Gresham avoided shotgun knees before hitting a few boots to the face. Nevertheless, King was able to score with a spinebuster and went for the Royal Flush, but Gresham countered into a small package that was reversed a number of times in a fun spot. Gresham almost put King away with a magistral cradle, but King popped up and hit the Royal Flush for the win. A good opening contest between the two- Gresham continues to shine when given the chance and King was able to switch gears here, wrestling a serious match here that complimented both men. Gresham took the loss here although he looked strong in the loss, with King just one step ahead.
Winner: Kenny King
Second Match: Facade vs. Josh Woods
Shane Taylor joined commentary before this match, citing the issues he has with Woods and how he wanted to see Woods in action up close. Facade went for an early boot, but was dropped with a kick to the stomach. Woods quickly in control and hit two consecutive gut wrenches and worked an armbar that Facade escaped, hitting a springboard moonsault off the second rope that sent Woods to the outside. Despite the setback, Woods quickly entered the ring and tossed Facade over his head with a belly to belly, only to be felled with an enziguri. Facade followed with a top rope tightrope walk, followed amazing double jump flipping 450 that got the crowd into it. Back inside, Woods rolled through on a schoolboy and hit a rolling German, finally hitting a slam from a fireman’s carry position for the win. Post-match, Woods called Taylor out, citing he didn’t like getting knocked out the last time they fought. Taylor accepted at first, but ultimately refused to wrestle in front of the NYC crowd. Facade pulled off some incredible offense that got the crowd into the match and Woods is believable in his persona and style. The post-match between Woods and Taylor simmers the issues the two have had for now and it continues to give two lower card/mid-card guys a program that brings more relevance to both.
Winner: Josh Woods
A backstage aired featuring the Dawgs trying to get Woods to join them for their quest to win the 6-Man titles. The Dawgs, a bit cash-strapped offered an I.O.U., but Taylor made it clear that they needed to bring the money with them next time if they expect him to accept. This was a little piece of foreshadowing for the upcoming 6-Man Tag Team Gauntlet match that was announced for an episode in two weeks.
Cheeseburger cut a promo backstage saying that his heart of fire and his hands of gold he will kick Bully Ray’s derriere when the two battle in a no disqualification match on the next episode of ROH television.
Main Event: Matt Taven vs. Ultimo Guerrero
Crowd was very into Guerrero from the start. Taven took control early, working Guerrero over in the corner. Brawled to the outside, with UG sending Taven into the barricade. UG went for a dive from the top, by Taven pulled OFyan in the way and bailed, hitting a dropkick through the ropes. Then dropped UG over the ropes when they were back inside, then hitting a triangle dropkick. Taven went for his dive but missed and Guerrero tossed a beer in face before taking O’Ryan and Taven out with a senton with they were sitting on a chair. Back inside Guerrero was in control, hitting a Senton de la Muerte. Taven was in control after a swinging neckbreaker, but as he went for a hurricanrana from the top, Guerrero reversed it into a powerbomb. A Senton De La Muerte seemed to signal the end, but Taven was able to barely kick out at two. As Guerrero went for a what seemed like the finish, Marseglia’s balloons rose and distracted him- allowing Taven to hit Climax for the win. Post-match, Taven grabbed a mic and put himself over, extolling his virtues. He went on to tell Guerrero that Taven will always be better at the show closed. Taven and Guerrero have great chemistry together-they click really well together and this was the right match for a NYC crowd.
Winner: Matt Taven
Final Reaction: B
The original main event, or at least match up announced for the TV tapings had been Dalton Castle defending against Guerrero. Since Castle was riddled with injuries, Taven was placed in the match with Guerrero here and these two went out and rocked the house. Guerrero always does an absolutely amazing job of engaging the crowd whenever he comes to ROH, especially in New York. The history that he and Taven have shown in the in-ring work-they know each other well enough to do something interesting and new each time they clash. Gresham and King had a strong opener and the issues between Taylor and Woods were developed here giving both men a program steeped in previous issues between the two. An overall strong showing for the first episode after the PPV, which aired the night after the PPV, a historically tough spot an episode that will not feature any of the fallout from the big show.
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