ROH 01/26/19 TV Review:The Kingdom vs Villain Enterprises
12/15/18
2300 Arena
Philadelphia, PA
This week was the fourth episode from the set of tapings from Philadelphia, PA. Ian Riccaboni and Colt Cabana were on commentary and welcomed us to the show.
First Match: ROH TV title Number One Contender Tournament
Juice Robinson vs. PJ Black
Nick Aldis and Camille came out and joined the commentary table.ROH’s new look was on display in the opener here and not just with the two stars. Juice Robinson has taken it upon himself, alongside the help of his stablemates in LifeBlood, to bring Honor back to ROH. PJ Black is not of the same accord and from the onset, refused the code of honor handshake, choosing instead to chop Robinson. Both men went at it right away and it was clear that Black was not operating inside the rulebook. As Robinson scaled the turnbuckles, Black shoved the referee into the ropes to displace Robinson but instead was disqualified. Black was furious and post-match Robinson got on the mic and said he wasn’t in ROH to win by DQ. This was effective in delivering the message that both the wrestlers and the referees will be handling things differently.
Winner: Juice Robinson
Second Match: Shane Taylor vs. Mike Law
Caprice Coleman joined commentary before the match got underway. This was a total squash match. Taylor decked Law in the jaw and then followed up with Greetings from 216 to pick up the decisive victory here. Taylor then made it clear that no one paid him to take Daniels out and that he actually did it of his own accord.
Winner: Shane Taylor
Colt Cabana was in the ring for an interview segment with Flip Gordon. They spoke about Gordon’s victory at Final Battle against Bully Ray. As Gordon reveled in discussing making Bully Ray say I Quit, Kenny King made his way to ringside and made it clear that he felt it was unfair that Gordon would be getting a title match before he does. He provided video evidence of him getting a visual pinfall on Jay lethal, excluding the part that he was using the ropes for leverage. King insulted Gordon before leaving the ring, saying that Gordon was not even brave enough to join the army full time, only become part of the Army Reserves.
Main Event: ROH World 6-Man Tag Team Championship
The Kingdom vs Villain Enterprises
Matt Taven came out Villian Enterprises to explain why they deserve a title shot when they have not done anything to earn it. Taven then talked up the team that the eccentric trio would face instead before introducing Shinobi Shadow Squad.
Villain Enterprises vs. Shinobi Shadow Squad
3S had some flashes of offense here but ultimately the trio of Villain Enterprises was simply too much to overcome here. Although Burger and his boys have been presented as a credible threat on the recent Road To G1 tour in Texas this was more of a mismatch and as such, the television debut of PCO, Brody King and Marty Scurll as a team was a no-brainer. In the end, King hit a Gonzo bomb on Nova, leaving him flat on the mat for PCO to finish him off with a moonsault. This was a strong debut for Villain Enterprises.
Winners: Villain Enterprises
The show started with a video package of what appeared to be Bully Ray drinking a fifth of something or other near a fire reminiscing about his feud with Flip Gordon. The video ended with his saying “I never said I quit”.
The show ended after a very brief heartbeat style graphic played, indicating that the Old Foundation would be returning.
Final Reaction: C
After a few very strong standalone episodes this week’s show served more as a continuation to the build of different stars in the company. Taylor was presented as nigh invincible, Robinson as Honorable, and Villian Enterprises as a force to be reckoned with. Although this did have some flashes of strong wrestling performances, this was more of story building episode.