411 ROH Roundtable Preview: ROH Fifth Year Festival, 2/16 & 2/17

J.D. Dunn, reviewer extraordinaire,

Brad Garoon, one-half of the ROH review team and watcher of all things FIP and SHIMMER,

Jacob Ziegler, Brad’s partner in crime,

Ari Berenstein, of the top-notch Column of Honor,

Andy Clark, writer of The Shimmy,

Stuart Carapola, who writes almost too much stuff to list here,

Michael Bauer, he of the weekly ECW recap,

Bayani Domingo, who cannot tell a lie,

Theo Fraser, who joins us from Nintendophiles in the Games Zone,

And me, Samuel Berman, of the IMC and occasional editions of The Box in the Attic

With the introductions out of the way, here are our thoughts on this weekend’s Ring of Honor events. The cards are complete as of Monday, 2/12.

RING OF HONOR FIFTH YEAR FESTIVAL – NIGHT ONE
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2007 – NEW YORK, NY

Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. Colt Cabana & Nigel McGuinness

J.D. Dunn: The winners of this are likely right in line for an ROH Tag Title shot in the near future. Colt and McGuinness have shown that they are great individual wrestlers, but their previous attempts at tagging are…less than desirable. The Briscoes, on the other hand, have been a part of some tremendous efforts, even if they don’t always result in wins. Still, the Briscoes should find a way to pull this one out.

Winners: The Briscoes

Brad Garoon: As much fun as it is to know that Beer & Girls have reunited it looks like their first match back together will end in failure. The Briscoes are about to tear through every team on the way to winning the tag titles in Chicago, so I don’t see the reunion of Cabana and the vastly improved McGuinness stopping them.

Winners: The Briscoes

Jacob Ziegler: The Briscoe Brothers seem poised for a third Tag Team Title run, so I don’t see them losing to this new regular tag team. This should be a hell of a match though.

Winners: The Briscoes

Ari Berenstein: Colt and Nigel are a fun team, but I don’t think this match is going to be all that much fun for them. The Briscoes look to control the tempo and have been seriously bad ass over the last year. Colt and Nigel will have to adjust to The Briscoes game of high stakes tit for tat moves and in the end they don’t have the ability to do that.

Winners: The Briscoes (Spike Jay Driller on Colt; look for Jimmy Jacobs to take advantage of a downed Cabana after the match)

Andy Clark: Let’s see, if WWE had a tag team of singles wrestlers beat one of the best tag teams in the industry the ROHbots would be up in arms. Therefore the Briscoes must get the win here.

Winners: The Briscoes

Stuart Carapola: I think that 2007 is going to be the Briscoes’ year. They’ve already proven themselves as main eventers, and I think that now is the time for them to pick up the ROH World Tag Team Title that they once held, but has eluded them for all of 2006. Cabana and Nigel, on the other hand, seem a little directionless just now. Cabana’s been involved in a feud against Lacey’s Angels, but with Joe’s departure possibly taking the wheels out from under the NOAH angle, Nigel may need something else to do with himself for a while. I see Nigel doing big things later in the year, but just now I don’t think that the Cabana/McGuinness team, Version 3 is going to work out long term and will probably lead to them feuding with each other again.

Winner: Jay & Mark Briscoe

Michael Bauer: Colt has his own problems in a feud with Jacobs, meanwhile the Briscoes looked poised to be the breakout team of 2007. Pretty easy here.

Winner: The Briscoe Bros

Bayani Domingo: My logic is that the Briscoes should be the next in line for a tag team title reign. That being said, I can’t see them losing to a mainly thrown together team in Colt and Nigel.

Winner: Jay and Mark Briscoe (via the Man Up Driver)

Theo Fraser: Not quite as obvious as some think it may be. ROH have stated that Cabana and McGuinness are scheduled to tag on a regular basis, and as such, you’d think they’d want to come out on top after their first match together as an ‘official’ team. However, the last time Cabana and McGuinness tagged together was at In Your Face back in June of last year. This could be detrimental to the team when faced with the slick and polished Briscoe Brothers, who have been on a roll as of late. With Jay and Mark heading for tag gold in the near future, I’d expect them to pick up the win on this night.

WINNERS: JAY & MARK BRISCOE

Samuel Berman: The deal since their return has pretty much been that the Briscoes win as a team and lose as singles. They’ll beat two regular singles just returning to the tag ranks. I do like Cabana and Nigel together, however.

Winners: Jay & Mark Briscoe

411 Staff Picks: Jay & Mark Briscoe (10-0)

Four Way Fray: Jack Evans vs. Shingo vs. Davey Richards vs. Jimmy Jacobs

J.D. Dunn: This one is tough to call. Evans is returning after a brief absence in late 2006. Richards is full of ass-kicking venom. Jimmy Jacobs is…Jimmy Jacobs. Shingo is the wild card here as he’ll be teaming up with Evans in a probable tag title shot. I look for them to cancel each other out, leaving Richards to get the win on Jacobs.

Winner: Davey Richards

Brad Garoon: When it was announced that Roderick Strong would be defending the FIP belt in ROH one of my worries was that the lines between the two companies would start to blur. This is another sign of that happening as this FIP staple is making its ROH debut. For the most part Four Way Frays are throwaway matches in FIP, but the talent in this match far surpasses your average FIP 4 way. I’m guessing Richards picks up the win here as a slump buster, last eliminating Shingo.

Winner: Davey Richards

Jacob Ziegler: Davey Richards just lost to Rocky Romero, so it seems like he could really benefit from a win here. This is an odd mix of guys but could be pretty entertaining with Evans, Shingo, and Jacobs.

Winner: Davey Richards

Ari Berenstein: This is going to be fast pace when Jack and Jimmy are in the ring and a stiff fest when Shingo and Davey face off. Colt Cabana should neutralize Jacobs’s chances of winning in this one. Davey needs to prove himself after losing a large share of his matches over the last few months and I think this is the beginning of that happening.

Winner: Davey Richards

Andy Clark: This one is interesting. Davey’s push has cooled off since his debut and Jimmy Jacobs seems to be in a holding pattern. I haven’t gotten the impression that Shingo is supposed to be looked at as a big threat, and Evans has been getting a nice string of lower card wins since his return from Dragon Gate.

Winner: Jack Evans

Stuart Carapola: Elimination rules? Cool! Jacobs is the King of Losers right now, so we can take him out. Evans and Shingo are teaming the following night, so it’s possible that this match will be used to tease dissension leading to them losing to Daniels and Sydal and then feuding. Any way you slice it, Richards is looking good to win this one.

Winner: Davey Richards

Michael Bauer: This could almost go either way. I’d love for Jack Evans to win, but I just don’t see it happening. Again, with Jacobs involved with Cabana, I don’t see him getting the win either. Shingo is indeed a possibility, but Davey Richards needs the win here.

Winner: Davey Richards

Bayani Domingo: I love 4 way matches in RoH and “The Fray” is one of my favorite. Some don’t get it, but mainly I think it’s over their heads, over their heads. But I digress. SHINGO really needs a win here, as does pretty much all these guys as they’re clearly going to run out of things to do with Evans and Richards if they don’t get put back in the title scene. This should be a pretty decent match as SHINGO will throw all these guys around and they’ll bump heavy for him. Evans and SHINGO are supposed to wrestle for the tag belts the next night so one would think it has to go to someone other than them.

Winner: Davey Richards, via, kicking someone really, really hard.

Theo Fraser: An interesting clash of styles in this match should make it a fun bout. Evans and Shingo will be teaming up the following evening to take on Daniels and Sydal, so I’d look for the two to show a bit of teamwork in this match. Ultimately, I see Davey Richards going over, as he’ll be challenging for the World Title in just a few weeks in Liverpool, and as such needs to be kept strong.

WINNER: DAVEY RICHARDS

Samuel Berman: Richards almost has to win to stay strong for Joe in Philadelphia. If he is eliminated early, it could be a sign of him going over the big guy. I don’t see that series of events happening, so I’ll go with Jacobs to eliminate both DG guys via nefarious means, only to fall to Richards.

Winner: Davey Richards

411 Staff Picks: Davey Richards (9-1)

Delirious vs. Adam Pearce

J.D. Dunn: I don’t want to say Pearce has been directionless, but with the Briscoes assuming the role of Jim Cornette’s enforcers in the feud with Homicide, Pearce has experienced a “reduced role.” Delirious, on the other hand, was on fire in late 2006, winning the Survival of the Fittest event and putting on a good show against Bryan Danielson. With Delirious challenging for the FIP Title, I look for him to be as focused as one can be when their eyes don’t point at the same thing at any given moment.

Winner: Delirious

Brad Garoon: I didn’t care for this match much the last time around and the feud really has to be seen as a step down for Delirious. Pearce is a great heel but he’s done little in ROH and Delirious was looking to be getting a main event push late last year. Here’s hoping Delirious picks up the decisive win here and Pearce can go back to helping Hagadorn look legit.

Winner: Delirious.

Jacob Ziegler: Delirious has already lost to Pearce, and for the Survival of the Fittest winner to lose to Adam Pearce (who I do like) twice would be ridiculous.

Winner: Delirious

Ari Berenstein: Delirious lost the first match at the Manhattan Center and has been chasing the win ever since. Pearce should make it challenging, but ultimately The Lizard Man will get his validation.

Winner: Delirious

Andy Clark: Have I mentioned how badly they’re wasting Delirious? I refuse to pick against him here.

Winner: Delirious

Stuart Carapola: I believe that Pearce has beaten Delirious twice now, so this is probably going to be the match where Delirious beats his rival. Pearce no longer has Jim Cornette to rely on, but Shane Hagadorn’s involvement in his matches has more than made up for that. I think that interference is going to backfire here, however.

Winner: Delirious

Michael Bauer: Rule #1: If you can’t understand the guy, he is your pick.

Winner: Delirious

Bayani Domingo: No clue. I get this feud, and at the same time I don’t. Still, I can’t even believe Pearce is as over as he is in RoH, but the man is definitely old school and good on the mic.

Winner: Pearce, via Man servant-eference

Theo Fraser: This feud has been simmering away for a few months now, and finally the two get one more chance at each other in singles competition. Delirious has eked out a couple of wins in tag team action over Pearce, but one on one, Pearce seems to have Delirious’ number. This will most likely be the occasion that Delirious finally gets the W. I wonder if Pearce will still be wearing those goggles…

WINNER: DELIRIOUS

Samuel Berman: While a Pearce win would extend the issue and give Delirious something real to do until the logjam on the top of the card clears up (after Joe and Morishima leave), I agree with the notion that Pearce can’t get two wins over the SOTF winner.

Winner: Delirious

411 Staff Picks: Delirious (9-1)

Tables Are Legal: BJ Whitmer vs. Brent Albright

J.D. Dunn: These two roughhousers have had a feud brewing ever since Albright debuted. It’s kind of like two alpha lions trying to stake out their territory. Albright has been impressive with his wrestling, but he seems oddly detached from what he’s doing. I look for him to step up big time here against an ROH veteran.

Winner: Brent Albright.

Brad Garoon: As much of a force as Albright’s been since debuting and becoming the hired gun in ROH Whitmer needs a lot of momentum heading into the final stretch of his feud with Jacobs. These two match up really well so I’m hoping we see those flashes of brilliance that Whitmer shows from time to time and the usual reliability of Albright.

Winner: BJ Whitmer

Jacob Ziegler: Lacey’s Angels seemed to get the upper hand on the last double shot, so I think a Whitmer win here would be a good momentum boost

Winner: BJ Whitmer

Ari Berenstein: This match is down Whitmer’s alley but Albright seems to be slumming it here. Whitmer is a mystery—he has the toughness and brawling ability to make it far, but there always seems to be something missing. The fans have increased their support in him, but Albright has his fans as well (even though he’s a heel, yeah, go figure). This will be a huge brawl but I don’t expect the tables aspect to become involved until the end of the match.

Winner: BJ Whitmer

Andy Clark: This could be a big win for Brent Albright, but ROH doesn’t like to give their young talent too much too soon, and BJ has been really established ever since the CZW feud. BJ survived barbed wire, tables shouldn’t be much of an issue.

Winner: BJ Whitmer

Stuart Carapola: Albright is being built as a soulless killer, but I don’t know if I see Whitmer losing here. Whitmer’s been impressing me for almost a year now with the spirit he’s been showing, and I don’t see him giving up here.

Winner: BJ Whitmer

Michael Bauer: I got the chance to see the 6 man turmoil match in Long Island and these two put on a clinic in the ten-fifteen minutes they got. With Tables being legal, I can almost see someone getting DQed for using a chair or some crap. But I’ll stay optimistic for once and say that this match will be entertaining.

Winner: Brent Albright

Bayani Domingo: So this isn’t a “hardcore” match, it’s not a “tables” match, it’s a regular match that you can use a table in. Umm…okay. I’d love to see a “16 year old female fans are legal match”. Just to explain to the authorities after about it being a “work”. Still, for some reason Albright has really taken off in RoH, enough for Vince to want him back in 3 months in order to job to Boogeyman by Summerslam I bet.

Winner: Brent Albright

Theo Fraser: This one should be pretty brutal. Whitmer is no stranger to being driven through tables at the hands of Albright, but it is time for his comeuppance. With Albright dispensed, Whitmer has a clear path in front of him to get to Jimmy Jacobs in the Falls Count Anywhere match on 3/4. Albright has already established himself as a monster, so a loss here shouldn’t hurt his credibility. But if 2007 is to be the year that Whitmer steps up into the main event, then he needs to come out of this whole angle shining. A decisive win over Albright will suffice for now.

WINNER: BJ WHITMER

Samuel Berman: Whitmer’s going for the title in Dayton next Friday, so he’s going to win this one. ROH is usually pretty good about keeping the title challengers strong. A very small part of me actually thinks Gabe has considered giving BJ the strap in Ohio, which would allow for the World Title to be defended in Chicago on 2/24. Probably won’t happen, but you never know.

Winner: BJ Whitmer

411 Staff Picks: BJ Whitmer (7-3)

ROH World Tag Team Titles: Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal © vs. Austin Aries & Roderick Strong

J.D. Dunn: This has the potential to be the Match of the Night. Sydal was briefly a member of GenNext, so there is a little history there. Aries and Strong were also one of the greatest tag teams to hold the straps. With other distractions for them (TNA & FIP), it will be difficult to overcome Daniels and Sydal, though.

Winners: Daniels & Sydal

Brad Garoon: I’ve been dying to see this rematch since Sydal and Daniels won the belts. Aries and Strong’s defense against the current champions was the highlight on an otherwise dull show (Gut Check), and I get the feeling they’ll be cranking it up to another level here. With Sydal and Daniels on weird schedules and Sydal’s untimely injury the current champs have had something of a lackluster reign so far, but I get the feeling that this coupled with the Evans/Shingo defense will give them a little more credibility heading into their forgone conclusion match against the Briscoes.

Winners: Daniels & Sydal

Jacob Ziegler: Aries and Strong may soon be breaking up and feuding over the FIP Title (or at least I think they should), and I don’t think Daniels and Sydal are ready to drop the belts yet.

Winners: Daniels & Sydal

Ari Berenstein: Matt Sydal has been teasing the cocky and arrogant behavior over the last few months, but if he needs to be brought down a peg, Aries and Strong are the ones to do it. They have his number in singles and in tag matches. Christopher Daniels is the glue to his team and he needs to keep Sydal’s head on his shoulders. I don’t expect the title change here—the big question is if Sydal finally pins Aries, and if he becomes even more of a prick because of it.

Winner: Christopher Daniels and Matt Sydal

Andy Clark: On one hand ROH should be focusing on phasing out the TNA crop and Daniels & Sydal have done about jack since winning the belts. On the other hand Aries is also in TNA and Roddy is busy with the FIP Title. I give the champs the win here.

Winners and STILL ROH World Tag Team Champions: Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal

Stuart Carapola: This is going to be a great match. These four men have always worked well together, both in singles and tag matches. However, I think that Aries and Strong’s time as a team has passed them by. They’ve already dropped two straight falls to the Briscoes after dominating them last year, and are probably going to come up short here as well. Besides, Strong has the FIP Title to think about as well. Could we possibly be seeing the start of the breakup of these two longtime companions?

Winner: Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal (and me if Allison Danger is wearing something hot)

Michael Bauer: Rule #2: If they say “if they are still champs” then they will retain for at least one more week. Also, when do title changes happen on Friday Nights? Isn’t that like Rule #3?

Winners: Daniels/Sydal

Bayani Domingo: Daniels is a great wrestler, Sydal has improved greatly since being in DG, but Aries/Strong are the more complete tag team in my opinion. The bad news is that Strong was busted open last weekend in PWG. His eye was pretty swollen and it took him 6 stitches to close it up so it may open up and be a real problem. For some reason I see Daniels and Sydal holding the belt for at least another 2 months before dropping them again.

Winner: The “Fallen Angel” and “Cocky Cover Boy”. (yeah, great nickname WSX)

Theo Fraser: A lot of people have spoken out against Daniels & Sydal for failing to defend the titles on a regular basis. What better way to prove the critics wrong than to take on THE tag team of ROH, the guys who made the titles into WORLD titles, Aries and Strong. Daniels and Sydal are looking to prove themselves more than ever, and this is the big win they need to show that their title reign is nothing to be scoffed at.

WINNERS: CHRISTOPHER DANIELS & MATT SYDAL

Samuel Berman: The money with the tag belts is for Daniels & Sydal to lose to the Briscoes in Chicago and for Aries to turn on Strong and the former champs to feud with each other. Combine that with the current champs getting the job back from the original version of this matchup in August and you’ve got a pretty clear result.

Winners and STILL ROH World Tag Team Champions: Daniels & Sydal

411 Staff Picks: Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal (10-0)

Samoa Joe vs. Takeshi Morishima

J.D. Dunn: Joe always ramps it up when the Japanese come to town. But then, you’ve probably heard about his battles with Kobashi and KENTA. With Joe on the way out, I’m sure he wants to finish strong.

Winner: Samoa Joe

Brad Garoon: Joe is on his way out so unfortunately the Joe vs. NOAH feud has to be tweaked. I have a strong feeling that Morishima is taking the title in Philly so I’m confident he’ll win here. The match has had a Joe vs. Kobashi build to it and while Morishima is no Kobashi this should still be the match of the night. Look for it to be the main event as well.

Winner: Takeshi Morishima

Jacob Ziegler: Morishima is challenging for the World Title the next night and Joe is on his way out. I think that points to a win for the NOAH import.

Winner: Takeshi Morishima

Ari Berenstein: This will no doubt be a huge moment for ROH and the crowd will be amped for it. I expect almost the same atmosphere and drama that accompanied the Joe vs. Kobashi match. As far as a winner, it’s made an even tougher call considering the politics involved and Joe leaving the company. Ultimately I think Joe gives a great effort and then falls once again to the Japanese talent. Joe will give up the ghost of his vendetta against NOAH by the February 24th show in Chicago.

Winner: Takeshi Morishima

Andy Clark: So they start the Morishima tour off with the big one, eh? Let’s see, if Morishima a visiting talent? Is Joe on his way out? Sounds like an easy call.

Winner: Morishima

Stuart Carapola: Even though the ROH Title is being defended on this show, I expect this match to go on last. A month ago I would have picked Joe to win this match, but being that he’s on his way out, it would make more sense for him to lose here to build up Morishima to lose to Homicide the following evening.

Winner: Takeshi Morishima

Michael Bauer: Now this match should be amazing. With Joe coming to the end of his Ring of Honor road, you would think that it makes sense for Takeshi to go over him. Normally, I go against that rule, but since Takeshi is challenging for the title the next night…

Winner: Takeshi Morishima

Bayani Domingo: I have no idea who Morishima is, but he looks like a big version of Yajirobe from “Dragon Ball Z”. Yeah, got wiki that shit. Still, I’m fairly sure Joe’s record vs Japanese guys is pretty decent, although he is leaving soon. So I think he does RoH right by jobbing to Yajirobe.

Winner: Big Japanese dude that doesn’t have the afro.

Theo Fraser: One of the hottest angles coming out of Glory By Honor V Night 2 was the altercation between NOAH’s Morishima and the Samoan Submission Machine. Morishima is touted to be the ‘Next Big Thing’ in NOAH, and a strong international showing is vital for him to be viewed as a legit big-time player. Hell, in a few years time, this guy could be the next Akiyama or Misawa. Whatever the case, ROH and NOAH have a very strong relationship at present, so ROH will do everything in their power to appease the Japanese promotion. Joe is still seen very highly in Japan after the Kobashi match, and is still considered to be the measuring stick for guys in ROH. Therefore, Morishima going over would be a big deal and would no doubt strengthen his credibility in the eyes of the NOAH faithful.

WINNER: TAKESHI MORISHIMA

Samuel Berman: I want to see Joe get a win, because I think a singles victory against a major player from Japan is the one thing his ROH resume is missing (he lost to Kobashi twice and was unable to beat KENTA or Marufuji), but I just don’t see Morishima losing before his title shot.

Winner: Takeshi Morishima

411 Staff Picks: Takeshi Morishima (9-1)

ROH World Title: Homicide © vs. Jimmy Rave

J.D. Dunn: I think it’s safe to say that a Rave win would be a major upset, even considering the major upset he had against Homicide a few months ago. You always look for a letdown after a long title chase, but I don’t see it happening for the Notorious 187.

Winner: Homicide

When Homicide won the belt I immediately began to believe that Rave would be the one to take the belt from him. He was given a new submission that was putting everyone away and seemed a perfect fit to end Homicide’s short babyface run and give another heel the title. Unfortunately for Rave he already beat Homicide with the heel hook a couple months ago and in the wrestling world that means he’s going down here. Also it seems more and more like Morishima is going to be the one to unseat the Notorious 187, so Rave’s window of opportunity may be gone.

Winner: Homicide

Jacob Ziegler: Rave is on a tremendous roll as of late, but I just don’t think Homicide will be losing the title just yet.

Winner: Homicide

Ari Berenstein: The even bigger question mark is if title changes here. Everyone (including myself) and their mother (AND the grandmothers from the Edison, NJ show) has called their shot as saying Homicide won’t last long as champion. Rave, after getting a massive push for the last few months thanks to his even sourer attitude and the heel hook, seems to be positioned as the next heel champion. The wild card is actually neither Homicide nor Rave, bur rather Takeshi Morishima. Homicide vs. Morishima is the bigger match to go with the next night in Philly, but Morishima would come out the biggest babyface in the world if he can take the title away from Rave in his first defense. Then again, that would just mean two hot shots (and a third to come considering Morishima’s short stay) and building up Rave for nothing. Ultimately, I think Homicide may get the win here and you’ll have a short setback for Rave, who will use this loss as more fuel to his desire to eventually win the ROH World Title.

Winner: Homicide

Andy Clark: At this point Jimmy Rave would be the least inspiring choice for ROH Champion since James Gibson.

Winner and STILL ROH Champion: Homicide

Stuart Carapola: Jimmy Rave’s been getting a huge push since late last year, but I don’t think it’s getting over with ROH fans as much as hoped. His last couple of wins over Nigel McGuinness got totally shit on, especially the last one. If Rave got the win here, especially in New York City, I’d be shocked.

Winner: Homicide

Michael Bauer: See Rules #2 and #3 for title changes. Besides, Homicide is on a tear in every organization he is in right now. There is no way he loses to Jimmy Rave.

Winner: Homicide

Bayani Domingo: Jimmy Rave “RoH Champion”. Man, that sounds as pleasant as “well, I see here why you’re peeing up blood, it seems you have a lego man caught in your urethra”. Man, that really was soooooome bachelor party.

Winner: Homicide, via the collective will of everyone who has ever watched a Jimmy Rave match.

Theo Fraser: Jimmy Rave has been awesome as of late. After Nana had one too many shrimp cocktails and left for fresh pastures, I was afraid that Rave’s career would sink into oblivion. But it is a credit to Jimmy that he has been able to completely turn things around, and, mere months after losing to Pelle Primeau, is challenging for the World Title once again. The key factor going into this match is Rave’s patented new submission, the Heel Hook, which is as of yet unstoppable. If Rave locks that bad boy in, it’s Game Over. Whilst I would like to see the move remain unbeatable, I just don’t see Rave as champion at this point. Don’t get me wrong, he’s definitely got it in him, but now is just not the right time, in my eyes. It just makes more sense for Homicide to continue as the standard bearer for the time being. Homicide should fear the Heel Hook, but I don’t think Rave is gonna be able to make it past the Ace Crusher, Lariat and Cop Killa. Homicide makes his third defense of the title.

WINNER: HOMICIDE

Samuel Berman: Jimmy Rave is good, but ROH absolutely CANNOT main event the next night with Rave/Morishima over Homicide/Morishima. Rave will have a good showing, and might come in with a great strategy (like in his title match with Danielson), but will ultimately fall short of the belt.

Winner and STILL ROH World Champion: Homicide

411 Staff Picks: Homicide (10-0)

RING OF HONOR FIFTH YEAR FESTIVAL – NIGHT TWO
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2007 – PHILADELPHIA, PA

NOTE: Nigel McGuinness is advertised, but as yet unbooked.

Street Fight: Adam Pearce, Jimmy Jacobs & Lacey vs. BJ Whitmer, Colt Cabana & Daizee Haze

J.D. Dunn: Lacey seems to have finally found a guy who can get the job done for her — no, not *that* job. The question is whether Jacobs will be detriment or an asset to his team. I’m predicting detriment.

Winners: BJ Whitmer, Colt Cabana & Daizee Haze

Brad Garoon: When in doubt, put Pearce in a brawl. This should have the same crazy violence between men and women that the entire feud has consisted of. ROH has come under a little bit of fire due to the injuries that Haze and Martinez have sustained during the feud, but to those detractors I say grow up. Everyone will bust their ass here and put on a good show. I expect the heels to get their comeuppance when Jacobs faces Cabana in Chicago and has the inevitable feud ender with Whitmer in Detroit, and when Lacey finally gets what’s coming to her at the hands of Haze in a singles match. With that in mind they’ll probably be able to weasel out another win here.

Winners: Pearce, Jacobs & Lacey

Jacob Ziegler: I think Jacobs should get the pin on Daizee just to be a bigger dick and keep the feud hot.

Winner: Pearce, Jacobs & Lacey

Ari Berenstein: The heels have been dominating the middle of this program and ROH does have a tendency to let the heels win six man tags. Something nefarious happens at the hands of Lacey’s ingenuity, setting up the later blow off matches for this feud, one of which is to come in Chicago on the 24th.

Winner: Pearce, Jacobs and Lacey

Andy Clark: Another interesting lower card match. Is Whitmer going to be able to survive a “Tables Are Legal” Match and a Street Fight in two nights? I say play up BJ being worn down and let Pearce make up for losing to the Lizard Man.

Winners: Adam Pearce, Jimmy Jacobs, & Lacey

Stuart Carapola: Could this be the end of the feud? Why is Pearce in this match and not Albright? I’m really going to be interested to see how Lacey and Daizee Haze work in the confines of a street fight environment, though I have no doubt the others will do just fine.

Winner: Adam Pearce, Jimmy Jacobs & Lacey

Michael Bauer: Chicks in a street fight in good old Philly. Yesh, this should be brutal. My guess is that it depends on who wins, if any of these guys, on Friday. And since I am guessing none of them will, I’ll take the hotter of the two women.

Winner: Adam Pearce, Jimmy Jacobs & Lacey

Bayani Domingo: Does anyone else find it disturbing that Daizee Haze is so skinny that her nipples touch? Speaking of touching nipples, I prefer the RoH Lacey to the WSX one any day. I also think a stable of Pearce/Albright/Jacobs would be pretty damn cool. Although one has to wonder how Lacey affords to pay off a mercenary? Shrewd investing? Inheritance? Part-time job stripping? Who knows? I think we’ll see Haze get a measure of retribution here. And that measure? A teaspoon.

Winner: Whitbanaze.

Theo Fraser: The Whitmer/Jacobs feud shows no signs of slowing down, and with the Falls Count Anywhere match coming up between the two, I’d expect them to try to tear each other apart here. I’d expect the SHIMMER girls, Pearce and Cabana to keep things in the ring, whilst Jimmy and BJ brawl all over the arena. Mind you, things have really heated up between The Haze and Lacey as of late, so there’ll be a fair bit of hair-pulling, biting and general dirty behavior when these two square off. Lacey was also recently spiked in the face at the Chicago Spectacular Night 2 so she will be looking to get even with Hillbilly Jesus. One thing is for sure; it will definitely be interesting to see how Lacey and Daizee fare in this type of environment. Ultimately, I see the heels walking away with the victory, with Jimmy getting the fall over Whitmer. That way, BJ has one more reason to want to kill Jacobs on 3/4; he’ll want his win back.

WINNERS: ADAM PEARCE, JIMMY JACOBS & LACEY

Samuel Berman: This (along with a Whitmer/Albright from 2/16) is all an offshoot of the original Jacobs vs. Whitmer feud that started about a year ago at this point. If nothing else, that shows how effective Gabe is at booking long-term issues well. Now it includes everyone from Daizee to Cabana to Albright. The heels take this one, because Cabana will get his win against Jacobs in Chicago and Whitmer & Daizee will finally get their decisive victories during Wrestlemania weekend.

Winners: Pearce, Jacobs & Lacey

411 Staff Picks: Adam Pearce, Jimmy Jacobs & Lacey (8-2)

Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. El Generico & Kevin Steen

J.D. Dunn: This has squash written all over it and is probably just an excuse to get the Briscoes on the card.

Winners: The Briscoes

Brad Garoon: The Canadian Connection is back and people are excited. I’ve seen Steen and Generico in plenty of singles matches but only rarely as a team. I don’t think they have a prayer of winning here but if all the fan hype is warranted then the match should be pretty great.

Winners: The Briscoes

Jacob Ziegler: I don’t think El Generico & Kevin Steen should go over the two baddest people on the roster, at least until they start coming back on a more regular basis.

Winner: The Briscoes

Ari Berenstein: Generico and Steen teaming up in the same match? Blasphemy! Well, Steen has always underachieved in ROH, far belying the talent he demonstrates in other companies. Hopefully he turns that reputation around here and gives The Briscoes a run for their money. That said, I expect another strong performance from Jay and Mark here to keep them hot for their tag title shot.

Winner: The Briscoes

Andy Clark: Something tells me we’ll be seeing this one on ROHvideos.com next week.

Winners: The Briscoes

Stuart Carapola: Can you say T-R-Y-O-U-T? Generico and Steen have been popping in and out of ROH for the odd match here and there for quite some time, but never stick around long enough to make any real impact. And forgive me if I’m a bit behind the times, but if they’re going to bring in Jersey All-Pro guys, I’d be much happier with Beef Wellington. I definitely think the ass punch would get over in ROH. However, there is no way these two jokers are going to beat the Briscoes.

Winner: Jay & Mark Briscoe

Michael Bauer: No offense to these guys, but who exactly are Generico and Steen? I’ve honestly never heard of them. That makes my pick easier.

Winners: The Briscoe Bros

Bayani Domingo: Man, I love Generico and Steen as PWG regulars but no way in HELL do these guys beat the Briscoes. Noooooo…way. Unless they find a secret ancient weapon to vanquish these formidable foes…. a thesaurus and a dictionary. MAN UP!!

Winner: Brisk-Ohs.

Theo Fraser: El Generico was most recently seen at Final Battle 2006, so another appearance this soon would suggest that ROH are interested in him. Steen has made sporadic appearances, but never set the world on fire. This should serve as a pretty good exhibition of the two, especially when faced against guys the caliber of Jay and Mark. We’ll no doubt see some wild stuff, but unfortunately for the PWG regulars, they just won’t be able to MAN UP!!

WINNERS: JAY & MARK BRISCOE

Samuel Berman: The Briscoes are headed for the titles in Chicago and newcomers rarely upset veterans in ROH competition. I would like to see Jay and Mark sell for the PWG regulars, however, because I think ROH is going to need an influx of new talent soon, and guys like Generico and Steen shouldn’t be DOA in the fans’ eyes if they’re brought back.

Winners: Jay & Mark Briscoe

411 Staff Picks: Jay & Mark Briscoe (10-0)

Austin Aries vs. Claudio Castagnoli

J.D. Dunn: Aries has been both intense and distracted as of late. Claudio had an aborted jump to the WWE, but now he’s back and ready to prove himself again. I’m sure Aries is still stinging from the tag title loss, and this is a good chance to heal that wound. This one is hard to pick, but I’ll say Claudio gets the win with some kind of chicanery.

Winner: Claudio Castagnoli

Brad Garoon: When people complain about ROH being in a holding pattern it’s matches like these that I think of. Honestly, I haven’t been as impressed with Claudio as many have and was actually kind of excited at the prospect of him leaving for WWE. This match has happened before and it wasn’t all that engaging. I don’t expect much from it here unless Larry Sweeney gets involved somehow.

Winner: Austin Aries

Jacob Ziegler: I think Aries won the last time, so Claudio should even things up here.

Winner: Claudio Castagnoli

Ari Berenstein: I’m not all that enthused by this match up. Claudio is in that spot in between face and heel (how appropriate for a Swizz (sic) man). Aries is till holding onto a vendetta from several months back. Let it go, Aries! People can change!

Winner: Austin Aries

Andy Clark: Man, Claudio sure screwed up a good thing. Not only is his WWE deal kaput but he doesn’t even get to keep teaming with Hero. Aries needs to get some credibility back after looking like such a tool in TNA.

Winner: Austin Starr

Stuart Carapola: Aries is totally stuck in a rut right now and, assuming that he and Roderick don’t win the Tag Title in NYC, he’ll probably continue to have no direction here. He and Claudio had their share of battles in 2006 over the ROH Tag Team Title, but I don’t believe any of their matches had a clean finish. Since Claudio is a man without a country right now in much the same sense as Alex Shelley in 2005, I have a sneaking suspicion that Claudio’s going to get the duke here, clean.

Winner: Claudio Castagnoli

Michael Bauer: So after the whole WWE fallout, Claudio is back in the Ring of Honor. I honestly think he needs to be with Chris Hero still, but that is the past. Aries should be made to look strong here, if only because of what happened with Claudio.

Winner: Austin Aries

Bayani Domingo: Not sure what they are doing with Claudio these days now that the Kings of Wrestling are no more. But one would think he needs a win pretty bad. My guess is he doesn’t get it here and he ends up getting a “Sweet n’ Sour” distraction to further the storyline. Plus, if this match is contested under the Bob Backlund system, there is no way Aries can lose.

Winner: Austin Starries

Theo Fraser: This is a pretty tough one to predict, as it really could go either way. Neither man has anything significant to gain or to lose from this match, which is taking place due to ‘unfinished business’ stemming from their recent Tag Team Championship battles, where Castagnoli’s Halliburton has come into play. Since being dropped by WWE, Castagnoli has done very little, so I’d say a win would be good for him here to re-establish himself as a key part of the ROH roster.

WINNER: CLAUDIO CASTAGNOLI

Samuel Berman: Aries can suffer a loss to Claudio and not lose any ground, so I’m going to go with that absent some interference from Larry Sweeney.

Winner: Claudio Castagnoli

411 Staff Picks: Tied (5-5)

FIP Heavyweight Title: Roderick Strong © vs. Delirious

J.D. Dunn: The FIP title seems to have become something like the Intercontinental Title with guys using it as a stepping stone to the ROH World Title. With ROH hoping for something big on the Fifth Anniversary, an FIP title switch might just be the ticket to generating interest.

Winner: Delirious!

Brad Garoon: Being the unapologizing Strong mark that I am I expect great things here. I wouldn’t be surprised if Delirious won the FIP title at some point, but it isn’t happening on this night. I half expect this to be almost an extended squash for Strong given the desire for the FIP title to be legitimized in the eyes of ROH fans and Delirious’ confusing recent de-push.

Winner: Roderick Strong

Jacob Ziegler: I kinda like Strong having the FIP title around in ROH so much, and I kind of like both of these guys a lot. This should be a really fun match with Roderick retaining.

Winner: Roderick Strong

Ari Berenstein: This should be a fun one, as Strong is a great straight man to play against. These two have fought down in FIP already, so they know what they can do against each other and will use that as a base to have a solid match here. Strong is the face of FIP right now and I don’t expect that to change for some time.

Winner: Roderick Strong

Andy Clark: Seeing as how Delirious should have already won the Pure Title, they better make it up to him here.

Winner and NEW FIP Champion: Delirious (yes, I realize I’m delusional)

Stuart Carapola: Now listen, don’t get me wrong, I really enjoy watching Delirious wrestle and do his crazy guy act. I consider it one of the more entertaining things on the scene today. I also recognize that he holds a win over Bryan Danielson and won Survival Of The Fittest. However, I don’t see him going over Strong in a title match situation.

Winner: Roderick Strong

Michael Bauer: The FIP Heavyweight Title defended in ROH… yep, times have changed. I can’t honestly see another federation’s title switching hands like that, so the champ retains.

Winner: Roderick Strong

Bayani Domingo: Is it just me or is the FIP Heavyweight title now the RoH secondary title? Oh, it is just me? Sorry.

Winner: Roddy

Theo Fraser: Don’t overlook this match; I think it could quite easily be a show-stealer. Strong works very well with smaller guys, and the interaction between the two should be gold. Non-title, this might have been a little harder to predict, but with the FIP title on the line, I’ve got to give this one to Roderick. The Florida-based company is being built around him at present, and he is lending tremendous prestige to the title with high-quality bouts in both FIP and ROH. Yes, Delirious is the hot commodity in ROH at present, but the FIP title is staying firmly with Strong this evening.

WINNER: RODERICK STRONG

Samuel Berman: If Delirious wins the title here, that means that two of the three all-time FIP title changes will have taken place in ROH. That seems not only silly to me, but totally unfair to the dedicated FIP fans in Florida. Roderick retains here, but it has nothing to do with Delirious being an undeserving challenger. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if Delirious were to win the belt from Strong at a future FIP show.

Winner and STILL FIP Heavyweight Champion: Roderick Strong

411 Staff Picks: Roderick Strong (8-2)

ROH World Tag Team Titles: Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal © vs. Jack Evans & Shingo
(NOTE: Match will take place even if Daniels & Sydal lose the titles on 2/16)

J.D. Dunn: For some reason, I have a feeling Sydal and Evans are going to get razzed about WSX. I don’t see Daniels and Sydal losing, though, especially if it is for the tag team titles.

Winners: Daniels & Sydal

Brad Garoon: Jack Evans has to be the most improved wrestler ROH has seen in a long time and Shingo has proven himself to be the most consistent young wrestler on the roster. I don’t see them winning the titles due to their Dragon Gate commitments as well as the fact that the Briscoes are undeniably going to be the next champions, but the match should be a lot of fun.

Winners: Daniels & Sydal

Jacob Ziegler: This will be for the titles and Daniels & Sydal will retain. The team of Evans and Shingo sounds like uber-fun though.

Winners: Daniels & Sydal

Ari Berenstein: This will be a competitive match mixing in Evans’ flight and Shingo’s strength. If Daniels and Sydal get past Aries and Strong, then I expect them to have an easier time of it in this match. With the win, Sydal will actually have bested ALL of his former Generation Next teammates. How about that?

Winner: Christopher Daniels and Matt Sydal

Andy Clark: Take what I said for the first night and cut out the part about the former Gen Next. What the hell, give the Dragon Gate boys something.

Winners and NEW ROH World Tag Team Champions: Jack Evans & Shingo

Stuart Carapola: Evans and Shingo remind me of a Hart Foundation style “big man & small man” dynamic and think that they have potential if they stick together for the long term. However, Daniels and Sydal aren’t ready to drop the title just yet.

Winner: Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal

Michael Bauer: So they face each other, then team up the next night for the titles? Who is doing this booking anyway? Please tell me it is not Russo. Anyway, Evans and Shingo could make good champs, but not yet and not at the expense of these two.

Winner: Daniels and Sydal

Bayani Domingo: Damn, Blood Generation explodes…wait, it already explodes. Well the remaining remnants explode ever further then. It’ll be an interesting match up and my guess is SHINGO takes the pin here.

Winner: SyDaniels

Theo Fraser: I’m looking forward to this one. Daniels and Shingo will try to keep the pace down whilst Evans and Sydal will do all their crazy shit, especially Evans, who is still hot off of his Dragon Gate tour. Whilst the match itself will be great fun, I can’t really see Evans and Shingo getting the win, especially if the titles are on the line. If by some chance Aries and Strong do end up winning the titles back the previous night, it’s possible that Evans and Shingo could pick up the win here after teasing a break up between the Fallen Angel and the newly dickish Sydal. But if we follow my predictions, and the titles are to be defended, we’ll see Daniels and Sydal retain to make them unbeaten this weekend.

WINNERS: CHRISTOPHER DANIELS & MATT SYDAL

Samuel Berman: Again, it goes Daniels & Sydal vs. Jay & Mark Briscoe in Chicago for the titles. Plus, outside of that they both happen to have wrestled for Dragon Gate, Evans & Shingo have no real association. Let’s put it this way: if Evans couldn’t win the Tag Titles with Strong, he’s not going to win them with Shingo.

Winners and STILL ROH World Tag Team Champions: Daniels & Sydal

411 Staff Picks: Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal (9-1)

Samoa Joe vs. Davey Richards

J.D. Dunn: This is the sleeper match of the weekend. Joe will likely be looking to destroy everything in his path on the way to leaving the promotion, but Richards’ ability to deliver stiff kicks is a huge obstacle in his path. I think Joe will pull it out, but Richards can really make a name for himself.

Winner: Samoa Joe

Brad Garoon: This is a match a lot of people have been waiting to see. I didn’t see their PWG match but from all accounts it was pretty good. Richards has probably improved since then and Joe will want to put on a string of good matches on his way out. After losing to Morishima I see this being the only singles match during his final run where he goes over. Richards will be made to look good but it doesn’t seem like he’s getting that main event thrust anytime in the next few months.

Winner: Samoa Joe

Jacob Ziegler: Even though my rationale for the last night’s Samoa Joe match holds true here, I don’t think Richards is ready to beat Joe. It should be a killer match though.

Winner: Samoa Joe

Ari Berenstein: Joe is leaving, Richards is staying. Richards needs the “big” win, and defeating Joe in Philadelphia, one of ROH’s stronger towns (and THE birthplace of the company) would put do it. A win here puts Richards on the map for sure in ROH, but they have to be careful that it is not telegraphed and predictable. I have no clue what Richards meant in his promo during The Chicago Spectacular Night 2 about getting back up, but maybe that manifests itself during this match.

Winner: Davey Richards

Andy Clark: Will Joe give a big win to a young guy on the way out? It may be a good idea but might be too predictable.

Winner: Samoa Joe

Stuart Carapola: I expect Davey Richards to have a real good match with Joe in which Joe makes him look like a million bucks, but I think this is going to be one of the wins for Joe on his farewell tour.

Winner: Samoa Joe

Michael Bauer: It has been said. Davey needs the win and Joe is leaving Ring of Honor. All signs lead to a Davey win here, but I’m just not buying that Richards can beat Samoa Joe.

Winner: Samoa Joe

Bayani Domingo: I can’t see Joe jobbing all the way out of RoH and Davey isn’t ready for the big push yet.

Winner: Samoa Joe, via eating Davey

Theo Fraser: I agree with the sentiment that Joe shouldn’t job every match during the Five Year Festival, but I do believe that this is one occasion that he should. As we have noted several times in the past, Joe was and still is the measuring stick of all ROH competitors. You beat Joe and you’re a made guy. Davey Richards is one such wrestler who would benefit immensely from that kind of rub. In the last few DVD releases, Davey has shown considerable improvement inside the ring and looks really polished. With ROH trying to move focus away from the older guys to the ‘new breed’ of Sydal, McGuinness, Whitmer, Delirious and, yes, Richards, it’s important for these guys to look like they actually deserve to be the future of the company. Beating Joe is no mean feat, and that gives you instant credibility with the ROH fans. The win would also put some solid momentum behind Richards, going into the World title bout on 3/3.

WINNER: DAVEY RICHARDS

Samuel Berman: Joe won’t lose to a mid-carder on his last ROH event in the company’s home city. The only way it happens is if Joe has decided that he wanted to just put everyone over on his way out of the company. Otherwise, Davey’s got NO chance.

Winner: Samoa Joe

411 Staff Picks: Samoa Joe (8-2)

ROH World Title: Homicide/Jimmy Rave 2/16 Winner © vs. Takeshi Morishima

J.D. Dunn: ROH has been hyping Morishima to the hilt, but Homicide is…well, he’s HOMICIDE! He might not be destined to be long-term champion, but he shouldn’t lose it here.

Winner: Homicide

Brad Garoon: There’s no doubt in my mind that Homicide will still be the champion here but what is in doubt is whether or not he’ll leave with the belt. I think especially now that Joe has been pulled by TNA Homicide’s reign has become a dangerous thing for ROH. Morishima may be outside talent but ROH and NOAH have a much better relationship than ROH and TNA. The vibe has also been put out that ROH has been dying to get the belt on a hyped up Japanese wrestler, and Morishima fits that bill perfectly. I figure he’ll win the belt here and then lose it to Nigel either in Chicago or immediately upon his return to the states. Hopefully this change will get ROH fans excited about the product again.

Winner: Takeshi Morishima

Jacob Ziegler: This will be Homicide defending the title, and I really think that Morishima is taking the gold. It’ll shake things up pretty big and it’ll be something that has never happened in ROH before. I don’t think Morishima will hold it long, but he will be the ninth ROH World Champion

Winner: Takeshi Morishima

Ari Berenstein: Going on the premise that Homicide wins, he’s still going to have to face the big guy. Is it believable for Homicide to defeat Morishima? They’re going have to work really hard to sell that idea. We shall see what goes down when it goes down.

Winner: Homicide

Andy Clark: Homicide was never destined for a long title reign and this could be a good bargaining chip for Morishima’s services. Looking at my previous picks it makes me second-guess the lesser title changes, but I’m confident in this one.

Winner and NEW ROH Champion: Morishima

Stuart Carapola: It’s going to be interesting to see how Homicide (I mean, the winner of the Homicide/Rave matchPFFFFFFHAHAHAHAHAHA) deals with the sheer size of Morishima. It feels a bit weird thinking about Homicide going over on Morishima, but at the same time I definitely don’t see Morishima getting the ROH Title. I think it will be very entertaining to watch Homicide wrestle around Morishima’s size.

Winner: Homicide

Michael Bauer: Now I haven’t seen Takeshi, but I hear the guy is a monster. Homicide should retain the title against a non Ring of Honor guy, but let’s not forget one thing. The Briscoes did go to Japan and win their Tag Team Titles, even if for just a week. The question is, would Ring of Honor take that chance? I don’t think they would, especially considering BJ Whitmer is scheduled for the title shot on the 23rd.

Winner: Homicide

Bayani Domingo: I can’t see the RoH title going to a NOAH guy. At least not this one.

Winner: Homicide, via the ghetto chopsticks.

Theo Fraser: This one is going to have to be handled very cautiously. As I said previously, Morishima needs to be kept strong, but there is no way he walks out of Philly with the title on this night. As such, Homicide needs to look like a credible threat. If Joe loses to Morishima the night before, will people really buy Homicide getting the clean win? WWE logic would call for interference to keep both guys strong, but that doesn’t really cut it in ROH, especially in a World Title bout. Of course, I shouldn’t underestimate Homicide. The two could have a tremendous close-fought battle, with Homicide eking out the win with a flash pin. That would be the best scenario in my book.

WINNER: HOMICIDE

Samuel Berman: Homicide will still be champion entering the match. As for afterwards, I have no clue. NOAH is always so finicky about the Junior vs. Heavy stuff, and could throw a tantrum at the notion of one of their largest competitors losing to a guy who’s billed under 220 pounds. However, the idea of Morishima winning the title means one of two things: either he loses it to Whitmer in Dayton (which is REALLY unlikely in my mind) or he ends up having to come back during Wrestlemania weekend, because his last announced ROH match is the tag bout in Chicago (where the title wouldn’t be on the line) since he’s not announced for the UK shows. I’m going to hesitantly pick Homicide to win here so that he can make his scheduled defenses against Whitmer and Richards.

Winner and STILL ROH World Champion: Homicide