ROH 7/21/18 TV Review: ROH 4 Corner Survival Championship Match
06/30/18
Eaglebank Arena
Fairfax,VA
This week was the first episode from the set of tapings from Fairfax, VA. After a PPV recap video package, Ian Riccaboni and Colt Cabana were on commentary and welcomed everyone to show.
Jay Lethal made his way to the ring in street clothes, ready to speak his mind. He spoke to avenging the losses that he had in the recent past and officially challenged Dalton Castle to a title match for the World title. Matt Taven came out and complained that Lethal gets preferential treatment. He pointed out that lethal was dressed up, saying that someone had to actually work for the company. Taven ended by saying that Lethal had to get in line. Next Cody came out to the ring and agreed that both men deserved title shots, but made it clear that he’s next in line. Lastly, Castle came out and said he hasn’t felt this way since people fought over his Tamagotchi. Castle admitted that he was tired, but that he’s up for a fight and that he would take all three of them on the show.
First Match: Women of Honor Championship Match
Hazuki vs. Sumie Sakai(c)
In exciting news, it seems Hazuki carries a stuffed animal to the ring and Cabana and Riccaboni agreed to call the animal Harold. Riccaboni provided a bit of background of Hazuki and he accomplishments and membership in Odetai. Suzuki slapped away Sakai’s code of honor handshake offer and was able to take control after weathering Sakai’s initial offensive flurry. Hazuki threw Sakai to the arena floor and body slammed the champion before sending Sakai into the barricades. After the break the action was finally back in the ring, with Hazuki almost scoring a three count. Sakai took control after winning a strike showdown, hitting a Northern Lights, but not enough for the victory. Hazuki went on the offensive again, but couldn’t put Sumie away. Sumie sent Hazuki to the outside and while she was helped up by her friends, Sakai floored all three with a body block from the top. As Kimura distracted Sinclair, Kagetsu came in and went to kick Sakai, nailing her partner Hazuki instead. Sakai hit Smashmouth and another successful title defense. This one of the best one on one matches that has been featured on ROH television/VOD. Hazuki and Sakai worked very well together and that match was given time to really work.
Winner: Sakai
Marty was talking to report Shane Helms, attacking him for having said that Page was responsible for Joey Ryan’s murder.
Main Event: ROH 4 Corner Survival Championship Match
Matt Taven vs. Cody vs. Jay Lethal vs. Dalton Castle(c)
Brawl to start with Taven and Castle pairing up outside as lethal and Cody traded blows in the ring. Taven quickly tried to surprise Lethal, but missed a dropkick, allowing Lethal to gain the advantage. Cody came in and disposed of both Lethal and Taven, only for Castle to send him outside and take the time to strut. Lethal hit seven tope suicidas before putting the cherry on top by hitting Burnard for an 8th. He should be suspended for such terrible actions, but back in the ring Cody faked using hairspray before hitting Belvederes on both Lethal and Taven. Shortly after, Taven scored a visual pin on Castle, but referee Todd Sinclair was checking on Lethal and missed the entire thing. A succession of near falls, replete with pulling out the referee rob both Cody and Lethal of wins, until Lethal and Castle were left alone inside. Lethal countered out of a Bang-A-Rang and hit the Lethal Injection before pinning Castle to win the match. This match was very strong, there were some moments during which it really did feel like anyone’s match to win. Castle dropping the title here is good for the company and the man-his injuries have limited him and the time off should help. Lethal’s win here was the culmination of Lethal’s mission to earn the chance to challenge and is a strong start to his second reign. The conspiracy angle with Taven will continue and could very well see him holding gold in the near future,
Winner: Jay Lethal
Final Reaction: B-
This was a good episode of ROH television this week. The women’s match was one of the better title defenses that Sakai has had and the world title match was PPV quality. As it aired on Honor Club earlier, this was the second time many would come across the match. The episode didn’t have the element of surprise going into it but was a solid show nonetheless.
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