ROH 8/18/18 TV Review: Marty Scurll vs Kenny King
07/21/18
Center Stage
Atlanta,GA
This week was the first episode from the set of tapings from Atlanta, GA. Ian Riccaboni and Colt Cabana were on commentary and welcomed everyone to show.
First Match: Scorpio Sky vs. Chris Sabin w/ Alex Shelley
As Sabin made his way to the ring, a short clip was played of him defeating Silas Young to become number one contender for the Television title. The two adhered to the code of honor before locking up. Sabin gained control after out maneuver Sky to begin with, but found himself on the outside after a double stomp to the back. Sky flew out after Sabin, catching him with a slingshot plancha to the arena floor. Back inside Sky kept control until Sabin connected with a sidekick that staggered Sky, sending him to the outside. Sabin followed with a punt kick from the apron and he stood tall into the break. Back inside the two traded control until Sabin hit Sky witn an Enziguri followed by the Cradle Shock driver for the pinfall victory.
After the match, Alex Shelley grabbed a mic and asked that the music be lowered. He explained that hit injured his teeth and has had nerve damage. He continued by saying that he was stepping away-he did not want to call it a retirement. He gave Sabin the credit for their tag team run and asked Sabin to win ROH gold and validate their accomplishments. Punishment Martinez then ran out as a huge party pooper, attacking both men and setting Shelley up for a SIlencer on a chair. Scorpio Sky ran out to make the save and chase Martinez away.
Winner: Chris Sabin
Kenny King cut a short promo, in the form of a rap, saying that he’s pushing forward and that he believed that maybe he could learn something from The Villian.
Second Match: Jenny Rose vs. Karen Q
Kelly Klein joined commentary for the match. A video package aired of the issues between Rose and Klein, with a focus on Klein’s tooth being cracked during the match. As Q and Rose made their way to the ring, short backstage promos aired during which both said that they needed to win to get back on the right track. The two adhered to the code of honor before locking up. The match had good back and forth action but stalled out a bit as it just felt as if was only a matter of time before Klein interfered. Just as Rose seemed poised to win, Klein climbed up on the apron and distracted Rose, allowing Q to hit a full nelson slam for the pinfall victory. Post-match, Klein attacked Rose and beat her down as Q looked on, claiming she didn’t need Klein’s help to win as she walked away. This was more about continuing the issues between Rose and Klein and as such, never really felt like it went to the next gear before it ended.
Winner: Karen Q
A video packaged detailing the background between Jonathan Gresham and Jay Lethal aired next, hyping a rematch, specifically a 30-minute Iron Man match for the ROH World title in three weeks.
Footage was shown from the backstage area where Alex Shelley had apparently been attacked and was on the floor near a chair. Sabin called for medics as he demanded the camera be shut off.
Third Match: FR Josie vs. Eli Isom
Coleman joined commentary and Ian implied that Coleman was there to see Isom move on in this Top Prospect Tournament match. The two had a nice little match going and Eli Isom was catching fire until Jeff Cobb made his way down and clotheslined Isom, attacking Josie next. This is a huge arrival for ROH and Cobb is being presented as a monster and a star right off the bat. Not sure what his involvement moving forward is, but he brings a well known different face to the brand and could be a vital player moving forward.
Winner: No Contest
The Kingdom cut a short promo about facing the Bullet Club on the next episode, making it clear that ROH favors the Bullet Club and simply grants them title shots without truly being deserving. Nevertheless, they insist that they will retain the titles.
Main Event: Marty Scurll vs. Kenny King
The two traded wrist control to start and proved to be equals in the early going. Scurll was in control until King took him out with two leg sweeps, sending the Villain to the outside for a brief respite. Undeterred, King followed him outside and the two brawled until King swung on the apron and sent Scurll to the floor with a right. Back in the ring Scurll grew frustrated and reached for his umbrella, but King quickly thwarted the attempt. Scurll took advantage of King and referee Paul Turner playing tug of war with the umbrella and sent King to the outside. The two went back and forth, neither able to get the win. Scurll once again reached for his umbrella, but Turner was on him quickly. King was the one who took advantage this time, rolling Scurll with a schoolboy and propping his feet on the second rope for extra leverage. King won via pinfall to a chorus of boos from the crowd, as King seems to have had a change in philosophy. This was a good main event that told a great story here. King alluded to learning from Scurll early in the show and he made good on that here. King transitioning from his feud with Aries in this way allows for some new pairings moving forward.
Winner: Kenny King
Final Reaction: B-
This week’s show was dedicated to mind-card and WOH feuds. The issues with Klein and Rose will continue and both Sabin and King leave the week with a bit of renewed purpose. Shelley’s stepping away was a heartfelt moment and Martinez interrupting that will add some fuel to the upcoming match with Sabin. Sky also had a bit of a change of heart here, continuing SCU’s change in attitude as well and Jeff Cobb’s appearance bodes very well for both parties. There parts moving in different directions, setting matches up down the road with strong continuity here. The episode has a lot going on this week and while it was not best episode ever, there’s a lot of good here.
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