By Speed on the Beat (Find SOTB!!! on Twitter)
On a whim, I took the plunge. I went to YouTube, went to El Rey's channel (since I don't have the actual network on my provider at home) and loaded up a match. The match, Johnny Mundo (John Morrison) versus King Cuerno, was a cage match that seems like it was part of a blood feud between the two. From the moment they locked up, there was something different about this match versus a WWE or a TNA.
It felt real. It felt like these two guys hated the holy bejeweled beejeebus out of each other and wanted to kick their respective heads in. It isn't a spots-only affair, something people tend to expect from gimmick matches these days. Each attack, each connect, each miss, it carried weight. And as the match drew to a close, the audience swelled with anticipation and I legitimately marked out over Mundo's finisher done off of a cage. Hell, the announcers even put over the "holy shit!" chants, something that doesn't happen anywhere these days.
Now, LU isn't perfect. Their camera angles are a bit dizzying, for starters. Also, the promotion features some--but not all--of the better talents from Mexico and beyond. So, you're still missing out on wrestlers. Finally, the announcing crew is just "meh," for me at least. However, if you're looking for a reason to watch LU, maybe this match will give you one.
Showing posts with label WWE alternatives. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WWE alternatives. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Sunday, March 15, 2015
ROH Review: 3/14/15
Ring Of Honor Wrestling Review 3/14/15
By Nathan Neumann, Twitter @Headliner5
Hello Ringers, Nathan here with another ROH TV review which has become a signature of mine for Eyes On The Ring. We are now two weeks removed from the 13th Anniversary show and things are gaining steam going into the next IPPV offering, Supercard of Honor IX. The show had only two matches this week. But as I've said beforelonger, less matches usually means we get longer, better quality matches. Although sometimes lengthy matches don't always equate to equal quality in said matches. We pan around the William J. Myers Pavilion in Baltimore, Maryland and then head to the commentary booth where Kevin Kelly and Steve Corino welcome us to the show and send us over to the ring for the first of only two matches for the night.
Match 1
Matt Sydal and ACH vs. Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian
Thoughts: This match was pretty fast paced to the point where it was hard to take notes during. However, I'll do the best I can.
Daniels starts off the action against Matt Sydal and quickly grounds the high flyer. From there, Daniels hits one of many moonsaults to come to score a near fall on Sydal. Sydal crawls over to his corner and tags in his partner ACH, meanwhile Daniels tags in Kazarian. ACH immediately hits Kazarian with a picture perfect dropkick to pick up a near fall. Daniels tags back in and hits a moonsault to the outside on ACH.
Daniels grabs Sydal, who, at this point, is on the ground on the outside and sends him barreling into the protective wall at ringside. Daniels picks ACH up and tosses him back in the ring, which allows his partner Kazarian deliver a drop kick to pick up a near fall. Kazarian tags in Daniels and Daniels hits ACH with a side suplex for a near fall. Kazarian gets tagged back in and hits ACH with a leg drop while ACH is grounded to pick up the near fall. ACH recovers long enough to tag in Sydal who comes into the ring, he grabs both Kazarian and Daniels and delivers a combination chin breaker, leg drop. Both Kazarian and Daniels go down and Sydal covers Kazarian for a near fall.
ACH then climbs to the top rope and hits a double foot stomp off of the top to the back of Daniels head while Daniels was leaning forward in the ring to pick up a near fall. Daniels rolls to the outside of the ring and ACH capitalizes by hitting him with a vaulting body press to the outside to Daniels, which brings out one of the members of the Knights Of The Rising Dawn. The KRD member distracts Sydal long enough for Daniels and Kazarian to capitalize and finish the match off with a double team back suplex/Jawbreaker combo for the deciding fall.
Result: Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian defeat ACH and Matt Sydal after a double team suplex/Jawbreaker combo.
Match Rating: **
Back from commercial and the ROH World Champion Jay Briscoe makes his way out to the ring with two championship belts. The first is the traditional ROH World Championship and the second is his personalized "Redneck" World Title which was recovered by ODB at the conclusion of her match with Maria at the 13th Anniversary show (I think it's actually a new version of the title...but I'm going with what ROH is telling me).
Jay Briscoe says that he successfully retained his title at the 13th Anniversary show against three very formidable opponents. He wants to know whom his next challenger will be. This brings out Samoa Joe.
Samoa Joe gets into the ring and grabs a microphone, he says that both of the Briscoe's have manned up since Joe left the company. Joe then goes on to say that he wants a World Title match with Jay Briscoe at Supercard Of Honor IX. From here, Jimmy Jacobs makes his way down to the ring and gets on a microphone, he berates Samoa Joe for leaving Ring Of Honor when the company needed him the most. Jacobs then goes on to say that Joe is no longer relevant in ROH because the last person he defeated in the company was Tyler Black, which happened years ago. Jimmy then says he wants a title shot and says that things are changing and something has to give and that something is the ROH World Title.
Thoughts: This overall was a decent segment, as everyone involved got to say what they needed to say which made for a great segment and exchange between the three. I'm not sure where Jacobs fits into the business of Joe and Jay but I'm interested to see where it will lead.
From here we go to the second match of the night, which also happened to be the main event of the night.
Main Event - Match 2
Matt Taven and Michael Bennett vs. Matt and Nick Jackson
Thoughts: The match starts off fast as both teams look to gain the advantage early on. They feel each other out for a bit until The Young Bucks hit the first real move of the match after hitting a duel dropsaults to Michael Bennett. Bennett manages to come back and waits for Nick to get out of the ring; from here Bennett hits a dropkick to Matt to pick up a near fall. Matt Jackson recovers and Michael Bennett tags in Matt Taven.
Taven comes in and Matt capitalizes quickly with a flurry of punches, which forces Taven into the corner. From here Matt (Jackson) grabs Taven and comes off of the top rope with a diamond dust on Taven for the near fall. Taven kicks out and Matt Jackson turns his attention to Michael Bennett who is on the outside of the ring by hitting him with a moonsault. Taven who has since recovered runs off of the ropes inside of the ring and launches himself to the outside of the ring to take out Matt Jackson.
Taven and Bennett roll the fallen Matt Jackson into the ring and Bennett hits a twist of fate and Matt Taven who at this point is positioned on the top rope comes off with a senton splash which gets a near fall. Taven gets up and Bennett comes off of the ropes with a spear attempt on Nick Jackson but Nick moves out of the way which causes Bennett to spear Taven his own partner. The Young Bucks get the upper hand and go for a spike piledriver on Bennett but as they are coming down to complete the move Matt Jackson gets kicked in the face.
This brings out one of the members of the Knights Of The Rising Dawn who distracts Nick Jackson just long enough for both Bennett and Taven to capitalize by hitting Matt Jackson with a spike piledriver allowing The Kingdom to pick up the win. In defeating the Young Bucks, Matt Taven and Michael Bennett have earned a future shot at the ROH World Tag Team Titles, which will come against reDRagon at Super Card Of Honor IX.
Result: Matt Taven and Michael Bennett defeat The Young Bucks via top rope spike piledriver.
Match Rating: **3/4
After the match, the Kingdom celebrates their hard fought win as another episode of Ring Of Honor wrestling television comes to an end which in turn brings an end to this review.
In closing be sure to follow @EyesOnTheRing on twitter as well as @ElitePodcastNet and get in line with the #EPNERA. The Elite Podcast Network is growing by the day and we just added 4 Corners Radio to the great selection of shows and coverage that are at your disposal. Also be sure to follow myself @Headliner5 and check out EyesOnTheRing.com for my future ROH reviews as well as other great content from the rest of the EOTR team.
In closing be sure to check out the radio show each and every Sunday night over at blogtalkradio.com/ElitePodcastNetwork at 11:00pm Eastern Time. Last but certainly not least be sure to like us on facebook at Facebook.com/EyesOnTheRing. For now this has been Nathan saying so long and I will see you right back here next week for another one of my Ring Of Honor reviews.
By Nathan Neumann, Twitter @Headliner5
Hello Ringers, Nathan here with another ROH TV review which has become a signature of mine for Eyes On The Ring. We are now two weeks removed from the 13th Anniversary show and things are gaining steam going into the next IPPV offering, Supercard of Honor IX. The show had only two matches this week. But as I've said beforelonger, less matches usually means we get longer, better quality matches. Although sometimes lengthy matches don't always equate to equal quality in said matches. We pan around the William J. Myers Pavilion in Baltimore, Maryland and then head to the commentary booth where Kevin Kelly and Steve Corino welcome us to the show and send us over to the ring for the first of only two matches for the night.
Match 1
Matt Sydal and ACH vs. Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian
Thoughts: This match was pretty fast paced to the point where it was hard to take notes during. However, I'll do the best I can.
Daniels starts off the action against Matt Sydal and quickly grounds the high flyer. From there, Daniels hits one of many moonsaults to come to score a near fall on Sydal. Sydal crawls over to his corner and tags in his partner ACH, meanwhile Daniels tags in Kazarian. ACH immediately hits Kazarian with a picture perfect dropkick to pick up a near fall. Daniels tags back in and hits a moonsault to the outside on ACH.
Daniels grabs Sydal, who, at this point, is on the ground on the outside and sends him barreling into the protective wall at ringside. Daniels picks ACH up and tosses him back in the ring, which allows his partner Kazarian deliver a drop kick to pick up a near fall. Kazarian tags in Daniels and Daniels hits ACH with a side suplex for a near fall. Kazarian gets tagged back in and hits ACH with a leg drop while ACH is grounded to pick up the near fall. ACH recovers long enough to tag in Sydal who comes into the ring, he grabs both Kazarian and Daniels and delivers a combination chin breaker, leg drop. Both Kazarian and Daniels go down and Sydal covers Kazarian for a near fall.
ACH then climbs to the top rope and hits a double foot stomp off of the top to the back of Daniels head while Daniels was leaning forward in the ring to pick up a near fall. Daniels rolls to the outside of the ring and ACH capitalizes by hitting him with a vaulting body press to the outside to Daniels, which brings out one of the members of the Knights Of The Rising Dawn. The KRD member distracts Sydal long enough for Daniels and Kazarian to capitalize and finish the match off with a double team back suplex/Jawbreaker combo for the deciding fall.
Result: Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian defeat ACH and Matt Sydal after a double team suplex/Jawbreaker combo.
Match Rating: **
Back from commercial and the ROH World Champion Jay Briscoe makes his way out to the ring with two championship belts. The first is the traditional ROH World Championship and the second is his personalized "Redneck" World Title which was recovered by ODB at the conclusion of her match with Maria at the 13th Anniversary show (I think it's actually a new version of the title...but I'm going with what ROH is telling me).
Jay Briscoe says that he successfully retained his title at the 13th Anniversary show against three very formidable opponents. He wants to know whom his next challenger will be. This brings out Samoa Joe.
Samoa Joe gets into the ring and grabs a microphone, he says that both of the Briscoe's have manned up since Joe left the company. Joe then goes on to say that he wants a World Title match with Jay Briscoe at Supercard Of Honor IX. From here, Jimmy Jacobs makes his way down to the ring and gets on a microphone, he berates Samoa Joe for leaving Ring Of Honor when the company needed him the most. Jacobs then goes on to say that Joe is no longer relevant in ROH because the last person he defeated in the company was Tyler Black, which happened years ago. Jimmy then says he wants a title shot and says that things are changing and something has to give and that something is the ROH World Title.
Thoughts: This overall was a decent segment, as everyone involved got to say what they needed to say which made for a great segment and exchange between the three. I'm not sure where Jacobs fits into the business of Joe and Jay but I'm interested to see where it will lead.
From here we go to the second match of the night, which also happened to be the main event of the night.
Main Event - Match 2
Matt Taven and Michael Bennett vs. Matt and Nick Jackson
Thoughts: The match starts off fast as both teams look to gain the advantage early on. They feel each other out for a bit until The Young Bucks hit the first real move of the match after hitting a duel dropsaults to Michael Bennett. Bennett manages to come back and waits for Nick to get out of the ring; from here Bennett hits a dropkick to Matt to pick up a near fall. Matt Jackson recovers and Michael Bennett tags in Matt Taven.
Taven comes in and Matt capitalizes quickly with a flurry of punches, which forces Taven into the corner. From here Matt (Jackson) grabs Taven and comes off of the top rope with a diamond dust on Taven for the near fall. Taven kicks out and Matt Jackson turns his attention to Michael Bennett who is on the outside of the ring by hitting him with a moonsault. Taven who has since recovered runs off of the ropes inside of the ring and launches himself to the outside of the ring to take out Matt Jackson.
Taven and Bennett roll the fallen Matt Jackson into the ring and Bennett hits a twist of fate and Matt Taven who at this point is positioned on the top rope comes off with a senton splash which gets a near fall. Taven gets up and Bennett comes off of the ropes with a spear attempt on Nick Jackson but Nick moves out of the way which causes Bennett to spear Taven his own partner. The Young Bucks get the upper hand and go for a spike piledriver on Bennett but as they are coming down to complete the move Matt Jackson gets kicked in the face.
This brings out one of the members of the Knights Of The Rising Dawn who distracts Nick Jackson just long enough for both Bennett and Taven to capitalize by hitting Matt Jackson with a spike piledriver allowing The Kingdom to pick up the win. In defeating the Young Bucks, Matt Taven and Michael Bennett have earned a future shot at the ROH World Tag Team Titles, which will come against reDRagon at Super Card Of Honor IX.
Result: Matt Taven and Michael Bennett defeat The Young Bucks via top rope spike piledriver.
Match Rating: **3/4
After the match, the Kingdom celebrates their hard fought win as another episode of Ring Of Honor wrestling television comes to an end which in turn brings an end to this review.
In closing be sure to follow @EyesOnTheRing on twitter as well as @ElitePodcastNet and get in line with the #EPNERA. The Elite Podcast Network is growing by the day and we just added 4 Corners Radio to the great selection of shows and coverage that are at your disposal. Also be sure to follow myself @Headliner5 and check out EyesOnTheRing.com for my future ROH reviews as well as other great content from the rest of the EOTR team.
In closing be sure to check out the radio show each and every Sunday night over at blogtalkradio.com/ElitePodcastNetwork at 11:00pm Eastern Time. Last but certainly not least be sure to like us on facebook at Facebook.com/EyesOnTheRing. For now this has been Nathan saying so long and I will see you right back here next week for another one of my Ring Of Honor reviews.
Monday, February 23, 2015
You Have Options: Looking Beyond WWE
By True (@TrueGodImmortal)
 |
| And these aren't the only ones. |
Good day, folks. As you know, we are currently on the Road To WrestleMania. Usually this time of year, I'm all in for WrestleMania, excited about the card, the build, etc. However, as I explained in an earlier article titled "Losing The Mania of WrestleMania", I don't feel that way this year--and haven't for quite some time. Fast Lane, an unnecessary PPV that replaced the fun and enjoyable Elimination Chamber, just took place and to say I'm a tad apathetic about the WrestleMania direction is an understatement. WWE, has benefited from not having a strong national competitor on the mainstream for wrestling (or "sports-entertainment"). However, just because WWE has no competition on the "mainstream" level, that doesn't mean that you have no other options. Without dwelling on the WWE and their mediocre product too long, let us take a look at some of your other options.
Ring of Honor:
ROH is getting ready to celebrate their 13th anniversary. In my opinion, despite a lackluster TV deal, they are the number two professional wrestling company in the United States. ROH relies heavily on strong style wrestling, with an emphasis on technical prowess and high flying. With former WWE stars like Alberto El Patron (f/k/a Del Rio) in the fold, big name guys like AJ Styles and Michael Elgin, and rising stars such as ACH and Cedric Alexander, ROH provides you with all the in ring entertainment minus the fluff and bullshit. If you're looking for other options, this is the first place I'd suggest starting. (Ed. Note: Also, be sure to check out Nathan's ROH Reviews)
TNA (Impact Wrestling):
I am not a fan of TNA personally, never have been. While they do have a decent TV deal now and had a great one previously, they remind me a bit of WWE, with an out of touch, delusional person running the show(though Vince might not be nearly as lost as Dixie Carter). Be that as it may, TNA does have some great talent on that roster, with former WWE stars Kurt Angle, MVP and Bobby Lashley in the fold, amazing performers like Austin Aries and Bobby Roode, along with the always fun X-Division. While TNA is no longer seen as the clear number 2 company in North America, it still holds strong and has a loyal fan base. Unfortunately, they did just lose one of their veterans, Samoa Joe, as he decided to go elsewhere. They've lost quite a few big names over the last 2 years, but regardless, TNA still has the roster equipped for putting on a good show.
I am not a fan of TNA personally, never have been. While they do have a decent TV deal now and had a great one previously, they remind me a bit of WWE, with an out of touch, delusional person running the show(though Vince might not be nearly as lost as Dixie Carter). Be that as it may, TNA does have some great talent on that roster, with former WWE stars Kurt Angle, MVP and Bobby Lashley in the fold, amazing performers like Austin Aries and Bobby Roode, along with the always fun X-Division. While TNA is no longer seen as the clear number 2 company in North America, it still holds strong and has a loyal fan base. Unfortunately, they did just lose one of their veterans, Samoa Joe, as he decided to go elsewhere. They've lost quite a few big names over the last 2 years, but regardless, TNA still has the roster equipped for putting on a good show.
New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW):
For some, NJPW is the best thing going in wrestling today. With the Bullet Club being as over as it is and breathtaking matches at every event, NJPW is staking its claim with the wrestling fans in the US and all around the world, as well as in Japan. NJPW has been around for many years, even having supershows in the past with WCW back in the '90s. Today, names like Nakamura, Tanahashi, Shibata, Nagata, and more bring the pain inside that NJPW ring. You may see legends such as Jushin Liger, The Great Muta, and more in that ring or some of the best indie performers from the US there such as AJ Styles, Doc Gallows, and The Young Bucks, to name a few. NJPW has a solid system, smart booking, and knows how to please their fans. If you're not watching WWE, I'd suggest as NJPW as your next option right after ROH.
For some, NJPW is the best thing going in wrestling today. With the Bullet Club being as over as it is and breathtaking matches at every event, NJPW is staking its claim with the wrestling fans in the US and all around the world, as well as in Japan. NJPW has been around for many years, even having supershows in the past with WCW back in the '90s. Today, names like Nakamura, Tanahashi, Shibata, Nagata, and more bring the pain inside that NJPW ring. You may see legends such as Jushin Liger, The Great Muta, and more in that ring or some of the best indie performers from the US there such as AJ Styles, Doc Gallows, and The Young Bucks, to name a few. NJPW has a solid system, smart booking, and knows how to please their fans. If you're not watching WWE, I'd suggest as NJPW as your next option right after ROH.
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG):
PWG has been around for years. So many names have come through that place, that its legacy is forever legendary. From El Generico (Sami Zayn), to Kevin Steen (Kevin Owens), Bryan Danielson (Daniel Bryan), CM Punk, Samoa Joe,and others, damn near anyone who has a name in this era of the business, has been through PWG. They run amazing events, usually monthly or bimonthly, and the physical high impact style that they infuse is beyond entertaining. Their DVD sales are usually through the roof, and they continue to give the people what they want to see (what a concept, Vince). Check out their website or Highspots and experience the magic yourself.
PWG has been around for years. So many names have come through that place, that its legacy is forever legendary. From El Generico (Sami Zayn), to Kevin Steen (Kevin Owens), Bryan Danielson (Daniel Bryan), CM Punk, Samoa Joe,and others, damn near anyone who has a name in this era of the business, has been through PWG. They run amazing events, usually monthly or bimonthly, and the physical high impact style that they infuse is beyond entertaining. Their DVD sales are usually through the roof, and they continue to give the people what they want to see (what a concept, Vince). Check out their website or Highspots and experience the magic yourself.
Lucha Underground:
I recently got into Lucha Underground after catching a little bit of their TV show on the El Ray Network. This show is paced much differently than the WWE, TNA, or really any wrestling show for that matter. They've given great wrestlers some new fun gimmicks to work under, also brought in Alberto El Patron, and put on great matches every event. Lucha Underground and their style might appeal more to the hardcore fan instead of the casual fan, but considering the casual fan's enjoyment of high flying, risk taking action on WWE, I doubt they'd have a big issue adjusting here. Be on the lookout for Lucha Underground, as they strive to bring us the best.
I recently got into Lucha Underground after catching a little bit of their TV show on the El Ray Network. This show is paced much differently than the WWE, TNA, or really any wrestling show for that matter. They've given great wrestlers some new fun gimmicks to work under, also brought in Alberto El Patron, and put on great matches every event. Lucha Underground and their style might appeal more to the hardcore fan instead of the casual fan, but considering the casual fan's enjoyment of high flying, risk taking action on WWE, I doubt they'd have a big issue adjusting here. Be on the lookout for Lucha Underground, as they strive to bring us the best.
SHIMMER/Shine:
SHIMMER and Shine are both female promotions that highlight the best and rising women wrestlers in the business. Mia Yim, Su Yung, Ivelisse, Leva Bates ("Blue Pants" in NXT), and countless others all take part in the events and put on some amazing shows. If you're a fan of women's wrestling and the Knockout division or Divas division doesn't do it for you, then this would be the place to start. The things these women do in the ring are unlike anything we've seen before.
SHIMMER and Shine are both female promotions that highlight the best and rising women wrestlers in the business. Mia Yim, Su Yung, Ivelisse, Leva Bates ("Blue Pants" in NXT), and countless others all take part in the events and put on some amazing shows. If you're a fan of women's wrestling and the Knockout division or Divas division doesn't do it for you, then this would be the place to start. The things these women do in the ring are unlike anything we've seen before.
Other Independent Promotions
There are far too many to write about, but I'll give you a rundown of some of my favorites:
- PWX Wrestling: A company I used to do work for, based in the North Carolina area, with some of the best talent on the entire circuit. Check their website out for ticket info and their Video on Demand features.
- AIW (Wrestling): Based in Ohio, this company goes above and beyond to put on immaculate shows for their audience and I believe they also have great DVD production values as well.
- Maryland Championship Wrestling: Based out of Maryland(as evidenced by the name), MCW has a massive following as every month they draw from 800-1300 people, which for an indie promotion, is amazing numbers. Check them out.
There are a lot more indie promotions out here, such as:
- Wrestleforce in SC
- Smash Wrestling in Canada
- CZW in Philly
- 2CW in NY
- Promotions in Texas (including Booker T's ROW)
- And countless others.
-The Immortal
@TrueGodImmortal
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
