ROH 12/01/18 TV Review: Socal Uncensored (c) vs Guerrero Maya Jr & Stuka Jr
11/03/18
Stage AE
Pittsburgh, PA
This week was another episode from the set of tapings from Pittsburgh, PA. Ian Riccaboni, Colt Cabana and Marty Scurll were on commentary and welcomed everyone to show.
First Match: Christopher Daniels vs. Kenny King
Before the match got underway King insulted Daniels on the mic, mocking him about his contract status. Daniels did not take kindly to King’s comments and took it to the former Bachelorette contestant right off the batt. Not to be outdone, Marty Scurll also insulted Daniels throughout the contest from commentary. He gave him some credit for being a former star but essentially said that he’s too old to be effective anymore. Pretty even back and forth match here between the two, with Daniels seemingly a step behind. In the end, Turner got pushed into the corner, allowing King to hit a low blow and then a Royal Flush to pick up the win. A strong opener from these two. The story of Daniels not being able to find the right footing as he heads towards Final Battle sans a contract has been engaging and King’s heel turn has been cemented, so a clash between these two gave them both a chance to further their respective storylines.
Winner: Kenny King
A Dalton Castle promo aired next. He shared that he did not fight back from injury to fight Matt Taven. He called the ROH title that Taven carries is fake, but assures him that the rage the Peacock feels for Taven is not fake.
Second Match: Josh “The Goods” Woods vs. ROH World Television Champion Jeff Cobb
Shortly after the match started Adam Page set a chair up on the ramp to get a closer look at Jeff Cobb. Woods slowed things down by trying to keep Cobb close and wear him down with MMA type holds, but it was not enough against Cobb, who was able to use his strength to toss Woods around before sending him packing after hitting a Tour of the Islands. Page then came to the ring and mockingly congratulated Cobb before demanding that the Television champion leave the ring and watch Page show him how to kick some ass. This was short and sweet and allowed the story between Cobb and Page to continue.
Winner: Jeff Cobb
Third Match: Adam Page vs. Facade w/ Dani Mo
Facade’s aerial ability was on display during this one as he once again wowed ROH fans with his ability to jump from anywhere at any moment. The pairing with Page worked well here, both complemented each other well.Facade got a bit of offense in here and looked like a viable candidate for the roster moving forward. Despite his best efforts though, Page was able to walk away the victor after hitting a Rite of Passage. The focus here was clearly Page showing off in front of Cobb and the mission was accomplish, while allowing Facade a chance to show off what he’s able to do once again. Post-match Cobb came into the ring and he and Page stood toe to toe, building tension for the match at Final Battle.
Winner: Adam Page
A backstage spat between Scurll and Daniels aired, explaining why they are facing off at Final Battle, stemming from an altercation after Survival of the Fittest during which Daniels goaded Scurll into put his title shot on the line against Daniels at Final Battle.
A run down of Final Battle played next, followed by a Matt Taven program during which he vowed to continue his reign after he defeats Dalton Castle at Final Battle.
Main Event: ROH World Tag Team Title Match
Socal Uncensored (c) vs Guerrero Maya Jr & Stuka Jr
A bit of an anti-climactic match here in that SCU is set to tangle with the Briscoes and the Bucks in Ladder Wars at Final Battle. The action was fun, but the result was never really in question here and begs the question what Stuka and Guerrero Maya did to earn the championship opportunity, but I digress. Socal looked strong, winning after hitting their new finish, Burning Desire, on Stuka jr. before picking up the victory via pinfall. Afterwards Daniels got on the mic and revealed that SCU has contracts through the new year, but only Kaz and Sky. Daniels then announced that he will be facing Scurll at Final Battle and he plans on beating him to earn a contract. Scurll came down from commentary and
Winners: Socal Uncensored
Final Reaction: B
With two weeks of television left before the Final Battle PPV, this was very nearly a go home show in many ways, building to the matches at the biggest event of the year. Daniels and SCU’s stories both continued here and painted Daniels as the sympathetic former heel, set to prove his worth against a man in the form of Scurll who espouses many of the virtues a younger Daniels has in the past. Cobb and Page’s “anything you can do, I can do better” segment allowed for Woods and Facade to get of bit of air time to shine while simultaneously propping Page and Cobb against each other in what promises to be a hard-hitting contest.