Column of Honor: 02.24.07

Takeshi Morishima Destroys Homicide to Become ROH Champion, Defeats Whitmer in Dayton to Continue Run

What…do you need more details than that headline? I mean, that pretty much says it all doesn’t it?

The ROH fanbase watching in Philadelphia and tuning into the internet from around the world for results were dealt with a pretty huge shock. There was much discussion about what would happen if this situation were to come to pass, but it couldn’t happen, could it? After suffering a shameful loss to Samoa Joe on Friday night in New York City, Takeshi Morishima of Pro Wrestling NOAH unseated “The Notorious 187” Homicide for the ROH World Title.

The match was a fifteen minute car crash, at least from the perspective of the former champion Homicide. Despite some brief flurries of offense, it was a determined and vicious Morishima who controlled the match. His devastating impact offense of suplexes, ass splashes, lariats and back drop drivers threw Homicide off of his game from the start. Outweighed and overpowered, ‘Cide was stuck playing from behind but could not come up with enough to overcome the challenge of Morishima. Last night in Dayton, Morishima also turned back the challenge of hometown boy BJ Whitmer in what was described as a glorified squash.

This title win places the ROH title in the hands of a foreigner for the first time in the independent company’s history. It is also a sudden sea change in the direction of the top of the card, one that has become the source of much controversy and debate over the last week. Many fans fear that Morishima will take the belt back to Japan and that ROH will not be able to get it back. Some fans feel that without the ROH title defended on the cards, ROH is significantly weakened in its promotional ability (more on this later). Others believe that Morishima’s title win and his defenses of the title in Japan will widen the door for business to be done in Japan. Morishima is already scheduled to defend the belt against KENTA in Budokan Hall in Tokyo next week. Meanwhile, ROH runs its two show set in Liverpool…without its champion.

Ironically, the one most to blame for this desperate situation may be Samoa Joe. ROH’s dominant legend laid out the challenge to NOAH in late 2006 to send some of their best to face him. They sent out Morishima. Joe conquered the challenge, but in doing so brought the Trojan Horse into the fort. Morishima took advantage of his situation and won the ROH title. Now the only man who seems capable of matching up to Morishima is leaving. Indeed, if the former World champion Homicide and a tough as nails wrestler like BJ Whitmer are laid waste by Morishima, who on the roster really stands a chance against the big man? Ring of Honor officials have a real problem on their hands.

The reign of Morishima has begun. It is a reign of terror and uncertainty. All should cower in fear for what is to come.

ROH Results: Fifth Year Festival Night 2: 2.17.07, Philadelphia, PA

Matches
-Nigel McGuinness defeated TJ Perkins via pinfall with the lariat.
-Austin Aries defeated Claudio Castagnoli via pinfall with the 450 splash.
– Colt Cabana, BJ Whitmer and Daizee Haze defeated Adam Pearce, Jimmy Jacobs and Lacey in a street fight when Whitmer pinned Jacobs after a Super Exploder Suplex.
-The Briscoes defeated El Generico and Kevin Steen via pinfall with their Shooting Star Press / Leg Drop uber finisher.
-Samoa Joe defeated Jimmy Rave via pinfall.
– FIP Heavyweight Champion Roderick Strong retained the title by defeating Delirious via count out.
– ROH World Tag Team Champions The Lords of The Ring (Christopher Daniels and Matt Sydal) retained their titles by defeating SHINGO and Jack Evans via pinfall over Evans with a double team Angel’s Wings on Jack.
-Challenger Takeshi Morishima defeated ROH World Champion Homicide to become the NEW ROH World Champion. Morishima used a lariat and then his backdrop driver to become the new champion.

Angles and Issues

Injury List: Reports of Aries’ match have noted Aries looked okay but in some noticeable pain after landing awkwardly in his match in New York. Delirious was also injured with a possible concussion after getting hit with a boot. Reports were that he was out cold and that a lot of the boys, including Gabe came out to check on his condition.

YOU WANT A WAR?: This show was based around the Aries-Evans-Strong hate triangle. Austin Aries called out Roderick after his match, but Jack Evans came out for a response. Evans tried to smooth things over, but Strong and Davey Richards came out and made the “you’re with us or you’re against us” ultimatum. Later on in the night, Aries would repeatedly try to get to Strong but was stopped by security. Evans could not make a deicision about who to side with in this situation, so Aries walked out and stated he was going to find the next generation of wrestlers, the “diamonds in the rough.” Say, the Diamonds in the Rough were just released from TNA…you don’t think…? NAAAH! In response, Evans said that maybe HE would start his own group.

Bad Sport?: After winning the title, Takeshi Morishima pushed off all the ROH students who came in the ring to celebrate the victory. He also attacked BJ Whitmer who had come out as well to celebrate. Morishima snatched the ROH World title and walked away, beginning what could be the darkest days ahead of the ROH World title. The title is now tethered to a man from another promotion.

Return Date: Saturday, June 9.

ROH Results: Fifth Year Festival Night 3: 2.23.07, Dayton, OH

Matches
-Colt Cabana and Nigel McGuinness defeated Jimmy Jacobs & Brent Albright via pinfall with the Walking Tower of London on Jacobs.
-Jimmy Rave defeated Sterling James Keeenan via submission with the heel hook.
-Lacey defeated Daizee Haze when Jimmy Jacobs hit Haze with the Spear.
-Homicide defeated Christopher Daniels and Jay Briscoe in the Fifth Year Anniversary Three Way Dance. Homicide hits the Super Ace Crusher for the pinfall.
-Dragon Gate Open The Brave Gate champion Matt Sydal retained his title by defeating Austin Aries via pinfall.
-Tank Toland defeated. Mitch Franklin via pinfall.
-Claudio Castagnoli won a Six Man Mayhem match by defeating Matt Cross with a high European Uppercut in a match that also included Roderick Strong, Shingo, Mark Briscoe and Pelle Primeau.
-Samoa Joe defeated Davey Richards via pinfall after a muscle buster off the top rope to the apron (!)
-ROH World Champion Takeshi Morishima retained his title by defeating BJ Whitmer via pinfall with a backdrop driver.

Angles and Issues

Speechless: Takeshi Morishima was supposed to begin the show to address the crowd, as is custom for new champions. Instead, Nigel McGuinness came out as Takeshi’s spokesman and said he wouldn’t come out because he was preparing for his title match. Irish Airborne came out and said that ROH is about opportunity and they wanted to take theirs by challenging Morishima and McGuinness. Morishima attacked them from behind and he and Nigel proceeded to demolish the youngsters.

Becky does that to most men: Delirious was out in the crowd watching the event. At one point, Becky Bayless came out to interview him, but he was frozen solid, as is usual with Delirious in a non wrestling segment. Later in the evening, Delirious saved Austin Aries from a beat down by Roderick Strong and Davey Richards.

Sweet Gym Deal: Larry Sweeney made an appearance with Tank Toland and Mitch Franklin. He introduced Toland as Hero’s new personal trainer and claimed that Franklin was the opposite of everything that Chris Hero represented. This led to another quick squash as Tank destroyed Franklin.

BJ Whitmer Appreciation Fan Club

In breaking news, BJ Whitmer has become the most beloved wrestler throughout the entire Internet Wrestling Community. A recent internet poll has shown that 75% of the people responding love getting some BJ action. The other 25% seem to favor giving BJ. Clearly, the internet loves BJ, Whitmer that is. This is hardly a surprising finding though. I mean, why not? The IWC has often loved watching BJ in action, often downloading many videos filled with hard knocks, table dancing and money chair shots.

Whitmer is a man of the people, but online, we like to refer to him as the number one internet wrestling celebrity. The online message boards are packed with people who praise his name. Just read the following testimonials of IWC adoration for Mr. ROH, BJ Whitmer:

“If Morishima loses to BJ Whitmer, I’ll never watch ROH again.”

“If BJ Whitmer even WHIFFS the ROH title the company deserves to die.”

“For the love of God that **** sucker better not win it.”

“Dear God please don’t let BJ Whitmer win.”

“Wow this [Tables are Legal] match sucked…Someone said that it was like two people playing Smackdown vs. Raw 2007 and they were right. BJ just sucked so bad and he even kicked out of being powerbombed over the top through two tables.

In summary fuck BJ Whitmer.”

“I never thought that Whitmer had a strong chance of winning, but I was not looking forward to the internet bitchfest that would take place if he did.”

“i wish that the czw guyz had killed him in the cage of death so i wouldnt be subjected to such trash. he is the most generic man in the world.”

Is there any doubt that BJ Whitmer is one of the most popular wrestlers on the Ring of Honor roster? Whitmer has slowly but surely built up his fan base over the last several years. I mean, who wouldn’t appreciate a man who crashes through tables, gets staple gunned for the love of a company, has been bashed with chairs, been stomped in between chairs, had gashes from barbed wire and even has worn a crown of barbed wire thorns on his head? Only Whitmer can take barbed wire and make it a fashion statement. Often seen after the shows glad handing, kissing babies, giving photo opportunities (as blood stained as his face may be at the time) for the people, Whitmer is clearly the guy to be right now in ROH. In fact, if I had the ability, I would nominate this man for the Presidency of the United States. Is there any doubt that one day BJ Whitmer will become ROH World Champion? I, and his legion of fans, admirers and well wishers, cannot wait for the day. It cannot come soon enough.

Honorarium

-Something quietly occurred in Dayton amid all the hubbub of Morishima holding the title belt. Matt Sydal successfully defended the Dragon Gate lightweight title and became the first American to defend a Dragon Gate belt on American soil. I guess what is good for the goose should be good for the gander, right? I wonder if there are fans in Japan on the Dragon Gate message board wondering why their belt has been taken overseas and held hostage by a gaijin.

You also have to wonder why Dragon Gate allowed a gaijin to take their belt overseas, when NOAH wouldn’t give the okay for The Briscoes to do the same with the GHC Jr. Heavyweight title belts. Actually that is a rhetorical question, as we all know how leverage and politics go. I don’t have to go into details about it, but let’s just say that I and some of my ROH buddies have been hotly debating the issue

-Then again, I just saw that Briscoes-Suzuki/Marvin match (where the Briscoes lost the belts) last night and I have to say that it was without a doubt an early match of the year contender. It was an absolutely amazing outing. The first minute was rough but then everything else was balls to the walls. I didn’t think all that much of Suzuki but this match really sold me on Marvin. Oh and THE BRISCOES FUCKING ROCKED that match. The Briscoes have been on a big time roll this year–Final Battle 2006, their matches against Nigel/Colt and Steen/Generico last week–THEY ARE stealing the show.

-Even now given that Delirious has been pulled out of the cards for this weekend, I am slightly suspicious of all the injuries reported from the last few weeks. I’m not so sure that at least some of these injuries are being worked to add fuel to the fire as far as how bad ass Strong and Richards are for their No Remorse Corps. I mean, I wasn’t there in Philly to witness what was reported as a horrifically bad fall for Delirious that resulted in him becoming even more discombobulated than ever, but Strong did attack the bejesus out of him AFTER the injury. By attacking after the injury / concussion, Strong reinforces the idea that he and Richards have “no remorse” (get it?) in their new attitudes and convictions.

I don’t want to belittle the seriousness of Aries and Delirious’s injuries since more than likely they are indeed legitimate, but isn’t it interesting that they come at a time when Strong and Richards have just turned heel and position themselves as a major force to be reckoned with within Ring of Honor? At the very least it unintentionally helps get these two over even more as the bad guys.

-After watching International Challenge and Final Battle 2006, I feel that it high time that Jimmy Jacobs should start receiving credit for some excellent promo work. Jacobs takes it to a new level on these two DVDs. He does some excellent talking, reminiscent of Mick Foley’s dark promos, minus the over the top (albeit fun to watch) screaming Foley was known for in his day. Jacobs instead is soft spoken but his sharp words are what really tell the tale. He is so convincing in what he says about love, pain and his desire to get revenge for what happened to Lacey. The “tears of blood” makeup now found under his eyes is also a perfect new addition to his persona. This is a little detail that says so much about the growth of a character in storylines. Again, I give much credit to Jacobs for improving his character in ROH. He ran with the ball by creating his own songs and then going the extra mile of filming the videos. Now these promos are the continuation of the hard work he is putting into developing the emo-core character.

-I also re-watched the Homicide vs. Bryan Danielson match from Final Battle 2006. Not only did they do the right thing in including ALL of Homicide’s victory celebration on the DVD, but the post show recap video package (ala Danielson’s win against Gibson, which can be found at the end of Glory By Honor IV) is also damn near perfect.

The match itself translates beautifully to DVD, maybe even better than live. The drama of the storylines comes into focus even more when Prazak, Bower and Leonard are all providing their commentary on the match. They make sure to highlight the shoulder injury vs. shoulder injury storyline, as well as hone in on everything surrounding the “DQ” finish, the restart, and why Danielson goes all the way with his illegal tactics throughout the remainder of the match (screwing the five count, low blowing Homicide when Homicide put the ring bell down, etcetera). I have to re-emphasize that this is not just a must watch match because it is a title change, but because it is a title change that is done so effectively.

I wish even more now that Homicide was still champion because this show just proves that his run could have ended up being something special. Many were complaining that Homicide was not “fit to be champion” but It took a few shows before Danielson hit his groove as champion. Just watch his title matches at Enter the Dragon and Buffalo Stampede for examples of Danielson’s slow start. Yet Danielson grew into his title reign and dethroning him became the biggest storyline throughout 2006. Maybe Homicide would have hit his stride as well given enough time. It’s too late now to find out.

-As far as Takeshi Morishima winning the title—well I’m fine with him winning the title, but not with him keeping the title for a very long time. I don’t want to see an “invader” holding the belt hostage storyline play out for over five months, as many people are speculating that the big man reigns with the title until ROH makes its debut in Japan in July.

I just don’t see Morishima holding the belt until July. Five months without shows where the title isn’t defended (or just sporadically) and the champion isn’t on it is insanely risky and borderline bad business. Bryan Danielson may not have defended the title on every show his last few months before taking time off for the shoulder injury, but he was at least wrestling on most of those shows and making appearances. ROH does not have that guarantee with Morishima.

Speculation is that added attention to the ROH World Tag Team Titles and the FIP Heavyweight title will make up for the void of the ROH World title. If the Briscoes win the belts this weekend, they would make for very good main eventers and you can kind of see that this is the direction they are going. Each of their recent tag team matches have been the talk of many fans and have almost stolen the show from the advertised main events. I have no doubt that if they get the chance The Briscoes may be able to carry the company in the main event for a few shows (as Aries and Strong were able to do last year), but long term it won’t make up for the fact that the World title is absent.

As for the FIP title? Gabe may want to push it as a serious belt, but it has a long way to go towards being considered anywhere near the level of the ROH title. Main event-ing with FIP defenses by Strong during this factional warfare storyline doesn’t cut it in my opinion. There needs to be something more than Strong vs. Aries or Strong vs. Evans as THE last match on the card.

My hope is that after Morishima defends the title in Japan against KENTA that he is cleared and gets added onto the Wrestlemania weekend shows in Detroit on 3/30 and 3/31. The prestige of a title defense in Budokan Hall on 3/4/07 is a great addition to the history of the ROH World title. ROH is not going to pass up the opportunity to have the ROH belt defended in Japan in Budokan of all places. However, you can’t put the cart before the horse as far as ROH’s home base of tour stops. ROH is running TWO shows in Japan five months down the line, but they are running AT LEAST eleven shows in the United States in between then and now. Guest shots by Doug Williams, Naomichi Marufuji and others can only cover up so much. If ROH can get Morishima for the Wrestlemania weekend shows (and for all I know they may already have done so and kept it from the public), he can proceed to drop the belt on the 3/31 show and restore some stability to the main event scene. At the most that leaves ROH with only two shows without a title match. The England shows would be without a world title program, but there is enough to get by short term on those shows, including Joe’s last match (for now) in ROH.

ROH Call
ROH Champions—As of 02/23/2007 (heading into 5YF Night 4)

ROH World Champion— Takeshi Morishima(champion since 02/17/07, NEW CHAMPION, 1 successful defense)

Next Defense:, KENTA 3/04/07 Budokan Hall in Tokyo, Japan

V.1 defeated BJ Whitmer via pinfall / backdrop driver (2/23/07 Dayton, OH)

ROH World Tag Team Champions—Christopher Daniels and Matt Sydal (champions since 11/25/06, 3 successful defenses)

Next Defense: Jay and Mark Briscoe, 2/24/07 Chicago, IL

V.1 defeated SHINGO and CIMA (12/22/06 Hartford, CT)
V.2 defeated Austin Aries and Roderick Strong via pinfall / SSP & BME (2/16/07 Manhattan, NY)
V.3 defeated SHINGO and Jack Evans via pinfall / Double Team Angels Wings (2/17/07 Philadelphia, PA)

ROH News
(via the ROHnewswire… and other sources when attributed

Hostage Situation
Last weekend was one of the most newsworthy weekends in ROH history. Of course the big story is that Takeshi Morishima won the ROH World Title from Homicide last Saturday in Philadelphia. There is an article on the main page of ROHwrestling.com detailing the title win. We will have much more on this all week right here in the ROHwrestling.com Newswire. Morishima will make his first defense of the title against BJ Whitmer this Friday in Dayton. Morishima has stated that if he makes it past Whitmer, he will defend it in Tokyo at Budokan Hall on March 4th against KENTA. If Whitmer does not win the World Title in Dayton, there will be no ROH World Title defenses on the big shows in Liverpool and Detroit.

Splitting the Atom
The other major news story is ROH’s 2006 tag team of the year split up. Roderick Strong shocked everyone at the sold out Manhattan Center last Friday by turning on Austin Aries. Check out the article on the main page of ROHwrestling.com for the details. By the end of the weekend, Strong, Aries and Jack Evans all said that they would put new factions together.

March 4th with No Remorse
We have huge news for ROH’s event on March 4th in Liverpool. Another big match has been added. It will be the No Remorse Corps of Roderick Strong & Davey Richards vs. the Dragon Gate representatives of Naruki Doi & Shingo!!! This is going to be athletic tag wrestling at its best.

I discussed the Morishima situation in the open and I’ll get to the Aries-Evans-Strong break up below. Yup, this is about all the news fit to print this week, but everything else is pretty much covered elsewhere in the column.

Hero’s Sandwich

**DISCLAIMER** The words and thoughts of “Chris Hero” do not necessarily reflect those of Column of Honor, its staff or that of 411 and its staff.

Welcome once again to the greatest segment contained in any wrestling website today, welcome to another addition of the Hero’s Sandwich. It is I, Chris Hero, once again reporting from the frontline of Japan, brightening your day, your week, and your lives with my words of wisdom. It has been another outstanding week of work and training here in Japan with the great people of Pro Wrestling NOAH, and if you’ve been checking the results from the shows, you know it’s been a great week for yours truly, Chris Hero, but I will speak about that a little bit later.

What I would like to address first is the fact that the honorable Takeshi Morishima has made his first successful defense of the ROH World Championship, by decimating that stooge, BJ Whitmer in one of my favorite cities in the world, Dayton, Ohio. Now, the stage is set for the ultimate humiliation of ROH, as their coveted championship title is about to leave the United States, and come to a far more civilized place, where it will be truly appreciated for the first time. Here in Japan, honor is not just a buzzword used by basement dwelling geeks who only shift their attention from some role-playing game to watch the newest ROH DVD release. Honor is a way of life, a part of the culture, something real, something tangible. I am tempted to stay here in Japan forever, but alas, I know my “Hero-ites” in North America need me back, to be their shining beacon once again. I know that when Mr. Morishima brings that belt into the Budokan Hall on March 4th, 2007, the ROH championship will finally be at home. All those ROHbots always talk about having the best challengers vying for the title. Now those hollow words will ring true. If only I could stay a little longer and defeat Morishima here in Japan, and return to the shores of my native land as a conquering HERO, with the ROH belt strapped around my svelte waist. I guess that will just have to wait for another day.

The second issue that I would like to address at this time is to revel in the fact that I, Chris Hero, have had an amazing and history-making week of wrestling here in Japan. I, not any of your idols in ROH (such as Sloppy Joe, the pale Danielson, the street thug, Homo-cide, just to name a few) have scored wins over the likes of Jun Akiyama, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Makoto Hashi, Yoshinari Ogawa, Kotaro Suzuki, Mohammed Yone & Ippei Ota. What a list, huh? But wait, it gets even better. I, Chris Hero, defeated the legendary Mitsuharu Misawa as well! Who else in the U.S. can say that? That’s right. NO ONE. I truly am on my way to becoming a wrestling legend. I must thank my excellent tag team partners for small assists along the way, the unintelligible Doug Williams and the quasi-human Bison Smith for their help in my ascension, but as you all know, it was inevitable anyway. Beating these supremely talented Japanese wrestlers must stand as a career highlight, only rivaled by my association with the greatest agent the wrestling world has ever known, Larry Sweeney, who by the way has hired a personal trainer for me upon my return from the Rising Sun, Tank Toland. What a specimen he is, huh? Wow. I’m totally excited to get started with Tank.

Lastly, there is an important issue that I need to address in this open forum today, and the subject matter is cheating. Yes, that’s right, cheating. Now I know that many of you will laugh your pimply faces off when I broach this subject, but let me explain myself slowly and clearly enough for all of you nitwits to understand. This week I received a package in the mail from the author of this entire column of honor, Ari, with a copy of the home release of “Dethroned”, which contained the match in which The Kings Of Wrestling were “defeated” by that pretty-boy, Matt Sydal and his partner, the most overrated wrestler of all time, Christopher Daniels. Ari included a note mocking me, saying, “I hope you enjoy repeated viewings of your loss.” He even put a smiley face next to that. What a hater. However, I must say “Domo Arigato” to Ari for the DVD, because upon viewing the match, I have discovered something. That Swiss Idiot—Claudio Castagnoli—his shoulders were NOT, I repeat NOT on the mat when “Fat Pants” Sinclair counted him out. Using the advanced technology at my fingertips here in Japan, I zoomed in, clarified, and discovered that Sydal’s legs were underneath Claudio’s shoulders, so they were not, and were NEVER touching the mat, and therefore, we did not lose the match. This video evidence, that anyone with a decent pause button and a zoom ability on their own home DVD players can see for themselves, is indisputable evidence that the ROH officials conspired to strip the Kings Of Wrestling of the ROH Tag Team Championships, and it is with this evidence that I will go to the state of New Jersey Athletic Commission, and have them force ROH to give us back our titles. I have hired a team of litigators (better than lawyers, just so all you dolts know) who are already hard at work on a series of legal briefs in this matter. Remember, kids, winners never cheat, and cheaters never win. Hopefully, when I return stateside, the belts will be waiting for me. Thanks again, Ari. You truly are a friend to Chris Hero.

Alas, I must take my leave of you simpletons, as the culture of this great land is once again calling out to me. My tour guide Kiko has an excellent day planned for me, with stops throughout Oksaka. When the tour is over, who knows what will come next, you know? I think Doug wants to come, and that’s okay by me. It’s not like Kiko, who speaks poor English herself, will understand anything he says anyway. So, until next week this is Chris Hero, signing off once again from the land of the rising sun. This has been your moment of enlightenment, your Hero’s Sandwich. Sayonara, suckers!!

…This has been Hero’s Sandwich.

…I, I… just don’t have the words…

Factions and Integers: Aries, Strong and Evans

The other major storyline coming out of the Fifth Year Festival is the factional warfare that has divided the original Generation Next unit. It’s a genius move, as well as a unique irony, to use an established group like Generation Next to push the new crop of ROH wrestlers. Generation Next was founded on that very principle—pushing Aries, Strong, Evans and Shelley to the stratosphere in ROH. They were legitimized and made into effective draws on the card, first as heels, then as faces and finally as marquee names on the ROH roster. Now ROH will use the drawing power of Strong, Aries and Evans to good use and at the same time reinforce a very deeply rooted story idea in ROH—get over newer wrestkers, claiming the top spots and brash wrestlers fighting to supplant those already in power. It is clear that Roderick Strong and Davey Richards represent the latter idea, meanwhile Austin Aries and Jack Evans will each find their own crew and in effect accomplish the former goal.

So we know that each man will start to develop their own factions. The only question left is who will each man bring into the fold? Lots of speculation is already in effect, so allow me to do some of my own prospecting and predict the other wrestlers to join in on the Generational warfare.

No Remorse Corps: Roderick Strong, Davey Richards

Strong and Richards—the established leaders and co-captains of the heel faction in this war. Strong and Richards have a unique philosophy—dish out punishment and pain without any regret or guilt. This key characteristic is what we are looking for in new recruits for the Corps. Who else shares similar traits in their wrestling?

My Choices

Rocky Romero: With his vast array of strikes and submission holds, Romero is a perfect fit in the NRC. Romero is well known for his bad attitude and poor sportsmanship. Strong and Richards are demonstrating that plenty now. There are two problems here though–one would be Romero’s on again, off again tours with Pro Wrestling NOAH that gets in the way of a long term residence in ROH. The other is that Romero seems likely to feud with his old partner Ricky Reyes and eventually with his former Rottweiler leader Homicide. Secondly, even though Romero is in the same boat as Strong as far as feeling rejected by former stable mates, you wouldn’t want to mix those inter-factional issues with the factional warfare of the Generation Next break up—it would be too messy and hard to catch up with. However, if there is one man who is the example of “no remorse”, it would have to be Romero.

Probability: 50%

Gran Akuma: Out of Chikara and more recently wrestling for ROH’s sister promotion Full Impact Pro down in Florida, Akuma is a stoic and machine-like striker who has martial arts and submission skills. He looks like Yul Brenner with his bald mane and serious grimace, and no doubt he can be just as heartless as the Pharoah of Egypt in The Ten Commandments. Akuma has the skills to graduate from FIP into ROH competition and the best way to go about it in my opinion would be to add him in as a junior member to the No Remorse Corps.

Probability: 35%

Other Choices

Brent Albright shares a similar philosophy to Strong and Richards, but is more likely to want to be paid for his services than be a willing volunteer in what is likely to be a long and drawn out war. Probability: 15%

BJ Whitmer is the man has been knocking at the door of the main event spotlight, but he keeps getting knocked down. There is a backlash from the internet fans that can help fuel his fire and of course Whitmer has been known to be an ass kicking machine—so he would fit right in with Richards and Strong. Probability: 15 %

The Most Likely Choice

Adam Pearce: Talk about a man without remorse. Adam Pearce embodies viciousness and pure hatred. Pearce has kind of floundered without the physical presence and guidance of his mentor James E. Cornette. Positioning Pearce with Strong and Richards gives the NRC a core group of men who will be at every show and willing to go out and destroy some hapless fool every time out in the ring. Probability: 65%

Austin Aries’ A-Men

By the way I’m just adding in the names of Aries and Evans’ group for fun, obviously they’re not the official names ROH will go by. A-Men is a fitting name though, as Aries is kind of like Professor X in that he must finding new mutants to enlist into the X-Men.

Austin Aries: Aries is looking for a few good men to join the ranks of his new stable. His reasoning is that he once led the greatest unit in ROH history to the top of the roster and he can do it again. Therefore, Aries would be looking for the “next generation” of wrestlers in ROH.

My personal choice of psychology for these choices goes with Aries actively looking for wrestlers who are the next evolution of his former Generation Next members; i.e. the “next” Jack Evans, the “next” Roderick Strong and the “next” Alex Shelley, which, was ironically Alex Shelley’s nickname for a while. Now we really are looking for someone who will fit the bill of that moniker.

My Choices:

Matt Cross: The replacement for Jack Evans’ insane high flying comes from someone who is already part time on the roster and should really get the opportunity to distinguish himself. Cross’s flagpole sitta plancha to the outside and his insane take on the Sasuke special make him a natural for the role. Cross is receiving attention on Wrestling Society X and seems to be living up to his role of “The Fury” in the tag team with Teddy Hart. An impressive win or outing on an ROH show could impress Aries enough for him to ask Cross to join his ranks and take on Strong’s group.

Probability: 75%

Erick Stevens: The replacement for Roderick Strong as the heavy of the outfit. Stevens has long been rumored to be brought up from FIP to Ring of Honor, and this may be just the position for him. Stevens can be a good heel but he has also become a surprisingly fantastic face character down in Florida. Fans have gotten behind him due to his fire and hard work. The man with the sometimes Mohawk and somewhat Scott Norton-esque physique hits hard, has some great power moves and could be the great equalizer in the matches that will be forthcoming. Stevens has connections to Strong and Richards down in FIP that can be played on as a reason to join the fight against them.

Probability: 35%

Sterling James Keenan: Ah, the dark horse candidate. Keenan is a truly fitting choice to replace the charismatic and devious Alex Shelley. This is an interesting pick, because Keenan is a natural heel and someone who doesn’t necessarily fight other people’s fights. This just makes Keenan’s inclusion into Aries’ group that much more special. Aries needs someone as scheming and wily as Keenan in order to combat the mind games that the NRC will want to play with him. At the same time, Keenan can stir the pot with Evans’ group and keep the drama going between Aries and Evans. Keenan is a decent worker, but he’s never received a big chance in ROH, and like Alex Shelley did in 2004, he could use this as an opportunity for a stable place on the roster and a chance to move up in the world. Then, when the opportunity is right, Keenan can turn his back on Aries’ group and fight on his own. What an ironic twist on the Generation Next history that would be.

Probability: 15%

Other Choices:
Irish Airborne have recently stated that they are looking to take advantage of opportunity. They bring strength in numbers to Aries in that he’ll get two men for the price of one. Aries will have to sacrifice experience for youth and energy, because aside from a win against the Briscoes, IA has not accomplished anything substantial in ROH thus far. Probability: 45%

The Most Likely Choice

Delirious: The man with the current and most clear axe to grind against Roderick Strong. Delirious suffered a concussion at the hands of Strong in their match at Philadelphia and did get involved in his match at Dayton. Delirious would be an unlikely fit with Aries but the most likely fit from the ideological perspective of “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Probability: 65%

BOOM!: Jack Evans’ crew

Jack Evans: God knows what Jack would really name his crew, maybe something video game related, but I like the catchphrase Evans always likes to shout out before a big move. Evans has stated that he is looking for his own crew to run with to make this a three way feud, but it isn’t clear right now what his philosophy will be with his choices. I think Evans may run to those he knows best, which means Dragon Gate wrestlers. However, I did add one man who could get along with Evans very well and yet is someone who has somehow never made it to action in ROH.

My Choices:

Human Tornado: The super fly supa pimp of the West Coast, including Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and WSX would be the coolest addition to the ROH roster. Tornado has upped his game and his credibility by appearing in “Nacho Libre” and on national television for MTV. He would become a draw for ROH in no time at all. Even better, he is the pimp yang to Evan’s pimp yin. They are both insanely cool and charismatic, they have over the top gimmick, and they can both fly and do crazy moves. I love this idea.

Probability: 15%

SHINGO: Evans has been teaming up with the medium man from Japan with the sweet mullet on the last few shows. It would be a natural choice for Evans to enlist SHINGO to his posse, especially since he already has a built upon issue with Roderick Strong in ROH. He would be a great power man for Evans to play off and would really help even the field in the matches against the NRC. Not to mention that SHINGO is now a regular for ROH and will be there for Evans when it really counts.

Probability: 65%

CIMA (when available): Speaking of Dragon Gate wrestlers, with SHINGO comes his mentor and leader CIMA. Evans and CIMA are pretty tight and it would be great to see CIMA help out Evans in this issue, with extra incentive and reasoning there if SHINGO is part of the unit. The only problem is the CIMA is only a special attraction wrestler for ROH, part time at best. He wouldn’t be available for every show and this puts Evans’ group at an automatic numbers disadvantage. Then again, this too helps differentiate the three groups and puts some drama into the three way stable war. Evans would need to make up for being outnumbered by being extra spectacular with his moves and actions. Then, when he is really needed, CIMA can come in and help balance the scales.

Probability: 40%

Other Choices:
Trik Davis has been receiving pre show and curtain jerking duty for years now. Some people see big things for him. Me, I’m not so sure. However, this could be the opportunity for Trik to prove it. Trik is also another natural fit with Evans since he is young and a high flier. Probability: 20%

El Generico has been given another chance in ROH and has come up with big performances in multi man and singles matches. If ROH can’t get Tornado, then Generico could slide right in to fill that spot. However, I would rather see Generico maintain his team with Kevin Steen and the both of them help to fill in the tag ranks and keep that division strong. Probability: 15%

The Most Likely Choice

Out of all the choices, I’d still think SHINGO would be the most likely to make it to Evans’ group.

Summary:
NRC: Strong, Richards, Romero, Akuma
A-Men: Aries, Cross, Stevens. Keenan
BOOM!: Evans, Tornado, SHINGO, CIMA

I’m hoping at least some of my picks will happen. I’ve given each group basically one new wrestler from outside ROH to get over in the same way the original Gen Next group were able to rise up and become known properties instantly. They will also help bolster the roster and keep things interesting in the issues between the NRC, Aries’ and Evans’ groups. So who will actually join up with each group? Only time will tell who goes to what faction, but the enlistment process has already begun.

ROH Preview: Fifth Year Festival—Show 4: 2/24/07 Homicide and Samoa Joe vs. Takeshi Morishima and Nigel McGuinness, in Chicago, IL

Dream Tag Team Main Event- Joe’s United States Farewell To ROH
ROH World Champion Takeshi Morishima & Nigel McGuinness vs. Samoa Joe & Homicide

Well, not only is this Joe’s last match for ROH in America, it is also Morishima’s last match in the US for the foreseeable future. This means that unless this match gets changed at the last second into a four corner survival for the title, Morishima will be leaving America with the ROH title in toe. Not only that, but he will look to continue his dominance in ROH by avenging his loss to Joe in his first match back in NYC. Joe continues to steam roll through his opponents on his farewell tour, so maybe he won’t be doing job duty in this one. However, I don’t see he or Homicide being able to do anything substantial to stem the momentum of Morishima. The only chance they have is if they cut him off from Nigel and concentrate on the NOAH sympathizer throughout the match. Otherwise, this main event seems to be in the hands of the biggest man on the roster, currently YOUR Ring of Honor World Champion.

Windy City Death Match
Colt Cabana vs. Jimmy Jacobs with Lacey

Two trains of thought for this match—Cabana can get the hometown win in front of his hometown crowd, as usual…OR you can do the more interesting scenario. That being Jacobs get the win in the ring in this match, but Cabana sticks it to Lacey somehow (not in that way) enough to anger her and Jacobs into a final rematch in Jacobs hometown of Detroit during Wrestlemania weekend (3/30 or 3/31). This makes sense to me, because as much as Cabana suffers in his hometown until he does get that big win, this breaks the cycle of predictability. The match will no doubt be fun and wild, as both men have brought it in the ring for this feud.

World Tag Team Title Match
Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal defend vs. Jay & Mark Briscoe

Many are predicting that The Briscoes take the match and the titles from Daniels and Sydal. Conventional wisdom says there is money in the chase, but the Briscoes have been chasing those belts ever since they returned one year ago. Daniels and Sydal have subtly demonstrated that there is some division within their team up. Daniels has been quietly disapproving of Sydal’s sudden brashness and cockiness. However, it’s not bragging if you can back it up and Sydal has the titles to do just that. You still have to wonder about their cohesiveness. The Briscoes have never looked better and work so perfectly as a team. You have to think they are the new champions after this one.

Grudge Tag Team Match
FIP Heavyweight Champion Roderick Strong & Davey Richards vs. Austin Aries & ???

Aries’s partner (and new stable member) is a mystery although I have predicted in the 411 roundtable that it will be Matt Cross. This is just the beginning of the Generational Warfare, so it seems reasonable to believe that the heels will take this one and maybe even pretty handily. We may even get to hear Roderick Strong on the microphone.

Special Challenge Match #1
BJ Whitmer vs. Jimmy Rave

Whitmer’s ankle has been a sore spot for months now and Rave’s newest finisher, the heel hook, concentrates on the heel of the ankle. You have to believe this will be the key part of the psychology behind the match. Whitmer could use a big win here, and so could Rave. It would be interesting to see Rave continue to lose and be even more distraught over coming so close to the title and yet dropping down again so quickly. There may be something to Rave as the broken man who becomes a sociopath.

Special Challenge Match #2
Brent Albright vs. Claudio Castagnoli

Larry Sweeney has no doubt paid off Brent Albright to take out Claudio Castagnoli before he becomes a clear thorn in the side of Chris Hero. Sweeney has already brought in Tank Toland as Hero’s physical trainer. Maybe he will become involved in this match and physically “train” Claudio not to mess with Sweet and Sour International.

SHIMMER Special Attraction
Allison Danger & Sara Del Rey vs. MsChif & Serena

Serena has trained down in OVW and has made several SHIMMER appearances, but the true star of this match should be MsChif. The unpredictable, tough as nails, banshee like wrestler has some devastating moves and a nasty disposition. She has also been a big winner in Chicago when she has wrestled on ROH cards. The Dangerous Angels of Danger and Del Rey are a more cohesive unit, but they may be out powered by MsChif in this match.

Four Corner Survival
Shingo vs. Matt Cross vs. Trik Davis vs. CJ Otis

Davis and Otis will look to get some time to shine in this match and impress the crowd, but SHINGO and Cross are there for the win. SHINGO seems to be the obvious standout here but I’ve predicted Cross as the winner, which will impress Aries enough for him to ask the man to join his group.

ROH Preview: Fifth Year Festival—Show 5: 3/03/07 ROH Returns to Liverpool, England

6:00pm belltime
The Liverpool Olympia
West Derby Road,
Liverpool
L6 9BY

Grudge Match
Samoa Joe vs. Nigel McGuinness

Joe and Nigel have had a long standing series in ROH stemming back to 2005. Joe has dominated these matches, but Nigel did manage to take the ROH Pure title away from Joe and defeat him in a rematch. Joe is on his way out and this is Nigel’s time. This match is also in front of Nigel’s crowd. While Joe will no doubt be cheered, the love and adoration factor will help propel Nigel to the huge win of his career. A win here positions Nigel as “the man” in Ring of Honor—and probably right into a title shot against Morishima.

Special Challenge Match
Homicide w/ Julius Smokes vs. Davey Richards

The former champion has yet to receive any consideration for a rematch and his schedule has become no less challenging. His big win in the three way in Dayton aside, a win here against a newly enfranchised Richards will give him all the bargaining power in the world for a ROH World title rematch. However, Richards is no push over and will look to use this match as his statement that the No Remorse Corps are no one’s stepping stone.

2 out of 3 Falls
Delirious vs. Matt Sydal

Following the potential loss of the ROH World Tag Team Titles, we may be looking at a Sydal with a bad attitude in this match. Both men have wins against the other and a two out of three fall match ensures another close encounter between the two. Can Sydal negotiate through Delirious’s antics in order to win when it counts?

FIP Heavyweight Title
Roderick Strong defends vs. PAC

Strong has an international challenge here against England’s hometown aerial specialist. PAC is known for his outrageous flipping maneuvers and using momentum to his advantage. Strong is best when he stops his opponent’s offense and just lays in the damage with chops and power moves. Strong has the definitive advantage here and while it may be a competitive match, I anticipate a Strong win.

ROH vs. Dragon Gate Challenge
Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. Naruki Doi & Shingo

This may very well be for the ROH World Tag Team titles by the time we get to this event. This is another international challenge and a further evolution of the ROH vs. DG series that has played out over the last few years. Doi can’t be overlooked as a powerhouse threat, while SHINGO (or SHANGO as Mark Briscoe would call him) is always ready to hit hard and rough. The Briscoes will no doubt “MAN UP” to the occasion.

Tag Team Grudge Match
Colt Cabana & BJ Whitmer vs. Jimmy Jacobs & Jimmy Rave

Cabana finds himself with his ally in the war against Jacobs. The team of two Jimmy’s may be a greater fit than anticipated, and I expect them to give the good guys a hard time in this match.

SHIMMER Special Attraction Match
Sara Del Rey vs. Allison Danger

With enough time and a willing crowd, this combination of female wrestlers can really impress. Del Rey is incredibly technically sound and Danger is always improving, so hopefully this will live up to be as good as its potential.

The Money Players: January / February 2007

Who are the money players? In the sports industry, money players are the athletes who are making the right plays at the right moments.

In wrestling, the concept of the money player is not all that different. The wrestler who has a great match or gives an impressive impression upon the audience ups their worth to the wrestling promoter. While you may be helping your team, you are also helping yourself and your career.

So once a month here at Column of Honor, I’ll be looking at some of the money players in Ring of Honor. We’ll also see who’s hot, who’s not, who’s making those key plays and who is dropping the ball, so to speak.

Money Player of the Month—January 2007

–Homicide (HOMI): Homicide had two successful title defenses in ROH’s only shows for January. Both nights he put in hard work and effort in those matches. The fans in Edison, NJ may have been cool to Homicide, but he and Samoa Joe worked to salvage what they could out of a distracted audience.

Money Player of the Month—February 2007

–Samoa Joe (SAMO): While Takeshi Morishima may be making the headlines as the new ROH World Champion, night after night it’s Samoa Joe who is stealing the show from the new monster heel in town. Joe is saying goodbye to the ROH crowd in the classiest way possible through post match promos. His emotion is genuine and demonstrates his true love for the promotion that made his reputation in the wrestling industry.

ROH STOCK INDEX

Breadwinners

STOCK UP!

–Larry Sweeney (SOUR): This stock representing a very exclusive talent agency recently went public in a big way, wrapping up exclusive rights to hot commodity Chris Hero (HERO). So far Sweeney and his parent company, Sweet and Sour Int. (SNSI), have both lived up to the billing and to their investment forecasts. The earnings potential of SOUR is unlimited.

–Takeshi Morishima (MORI): Just added to the board and an overnight sensation. MORI is already an earnings bonanza and an investor’s wet dream. Those who got in early and on the ground floor have no doubt found themselves with a financial windfall thanks to the explosion of this stock in the market.

–Jimmy Jacobs (HUSS): The little stock that could is impressing investors with great work in conference calls, an impressive “grassroots” promotional campaign of videos marketed directly to consumers and solid returns on investments.

Loss Leaders

STOCK DOWN!

–Austin Aries (ARES): After losing his partner to a younger, more brash competitor, the stock of Aries International, Ltd. Took a huge tumble last week. The stock is still in freefall but may stabilize with the news of a potential merger with some new partners. In the meantime, this stock is a huge risk but may be worth picking up a speculation purchase.

–Brent “The Shooter” Albright (SHOT): Investors initially liked the confidence of this stock and the guarantees of value for their services. However, with a recent and humbling loss to BJ Whitmer, there is concern that this stock cannot back up its earnings predictions. A market adjustment has affected the value of this stock, but what else can you expect from those uneven standards from hired gun yields? If you want a stable interest rate, go look at the blue chips.

Trendsetters

–No Remorse Corps (NRCP): Roderick Strong and Davey Richards: The surprise announcement of a new name brand addition to Ring of Honor helped bolster each of these two’s individual name values, as well as establishes some excitement about their new product. While there were some concerns about promotional work in an investor’s conference, there is lots of potential and promise in this new division. Future megers and acquisitions as well as the potential to destroy the competition place this stock way ahead of its rivals. Strong and Richards have just set the trend of 2007.

Future Outlooks

(+) POSITIVE: Takeshi Morishima (NEW), Nigel McGuiness, The Briscoes, Delirious, Colt Cabana, Matt Sydal, Chris Hero (up), Matt Cross, BJ Whitmer, Roderick Strong, Davey Richards (up), Shingo (up), Jack Evans (up), El Generico (NEW), Kevin Steen (NEW)

(/) NEUTRAL: Samoa Joe (drops), Homicide (drops), Jimmy Rave(drops), Bryan Danielson, Brent Albright, (drops), Jimmy Jacobs, Tank Toland, Rocky Romero (new), Pelle Primeau

(-) NEGATIVE: Austin Aries (drops) Christopher Daniels (drops way down), Claudio Castagnoli, Adam Pearce, Shane Hagadorn, Irish Airborne (drops), Ricky Reyes

Penny Stocks
Looking for a cheap bargain? This is the place to speculate on the next possible big things…but look out; there could also be a few duds here.

–More than a penny for your thoughts
Shane Hagadorn (HAGA)
Irish Airborne (IAIR)
Pelle Primeau (PPRM)–Crowd surfing is “in” again thanks solely to Pelle.

–Still just one cent
Tank Toland (TANK)–Back in thanks to the machinations of Larry Sweeney.
M Dogg 20 “Matt Cross” (MD20)
Trik Davis (TRIK)
CJ Otis (OTIS)
Jason Blade (BLAD)–Still has some of the most annoying entrance music, especially from someone who is considered a curtain jerker in ROH. Good talent though.

-The Students-
Perhaps the purest of the penny stocks since these guys are at the very start of their career. Each shows promise but each has risks at this stage. Will any of these stocks show maturity in the future?

Mitch Franklin (MFRN)
Bobby Dempsey (BDEM)
Derek Dempsey (DDEM)—Where DID the other Dempsey brother go? Did Bobby eat him?
Rhett Titus (TTUS)
Alex Payne (PAYN)
Eddie Osirus (EOSI)

I kid, Bobby, I kid.

I should note that I am dropping the stock portfolio aspect of this feature, as it was really a bit too difficult to decide on my own which wrestlers were worth what in terms of dollars and cents. Besides, it was a bit of a conflict of interest for me to decide the value of my own stocks and heaven forbid the feds come after me for it. Didn’t you think it was a bit convenient that I always came out with a profit at the end of the month for this stock market game? Hmmm…

Till next month, the ROH stock market is closed.

Going Home

**The Independent Buy In**
Support independent pro wrestling, ROH or non ROH, I don’t care. But if you out there are spending so much time complaining about how WWE sucks, then dammit, spend some money so you won’t have to spend so much time complaining. This list stays in the column and will be added to as the year goes on. Remember: don’t bow out, BUY IN!

2007

**PWG Battle of Los Angeles 2006: Night One (Strong / Romero, CIMA / Cross, Deliirous / Generico, 8 Man Tag)
**SHIMMER Women’s Athletes Volume 6 (MsChif / Melissa Last Woman Standing, Rebecca Knox / Allison Danger Pure Rules)
**PWG Hollywood Globetrotters (Super Dragon and Davey Richards vs. Roderick Strong and Jack Evans; Cape Fear (El Generico and Quicksilver) vs. Arrogance (Chris Bosh and Scott Lost); B-Boy vs. Frankie Kazarian; Alex Shelley vs. Chris Sabin.)
**PWG Beyond The Thunderdome (Super Dragon and Davey Richards vs. AJ Styles and Chris Daniels); Cape Fear vs. Arrogance; Joey Ryan vs. Chris Sabin)
**PWG Enchantment Under The Sea (Cape Fear vs. Briscoes; Matt Sydal vs. B-Boy; Super Dragon and Davey Richards vs. Arrogance; Austin Aries vs. Kevin Steen)
**wXw World Lightweight Tournament 2006 (Ares / Baron von Hagen, Pac / El Generico, Quackenbush / Roudin, 5 Way Tournament Match)

More additions to the list…NEXT WEEK!

If YOU (yes, YOU!) would like to contribute your own additions to the Indy Buy In list, contact me and let your voice be known!

ROH @ 411 This Week

Nick Marsico discusses the Takeshi Morishima title win in detail as well as recaps his experiences from the New York City and Philadelphia in the News To Start Your Weekend.

Constant ROH reviewer J.D. Dunn has a new series up at 411 mania entitled The Kayfabe Chronicles, which tackles the news journalism aspect of wrestling storylines. This week it’s Danielson vs. Strong I and II.

Our ROH Roundtable Preview of last night’s show in Dayton and tonight’s show in Chicago is now up for viewing. You can see how right or wrong we were in our predictions from last night and see how off the mark we will be for tonight’s show.
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Cook details the Feinstein Incident for newer ROH fans not aware of the embarrassment and shame of that debacle.

The Independent Mid Card is on taget this week by looking at Aries vs. Strong in FIP.

Finally, Dunn has ROH reviews this week, another show I attended, the matinee at the Supper Club for ROH The Future Is Now and the great CM Punk title switch in Death Before Dishonor III..

Honor Bound Links

Meehan is in with your Saturday News and analysis.

Stuart Carapola has your Friendly Competition and part two of the history of the Macho Man in That Was Then.

High Road / Low Road about No Way Out.

Zac Calhoun discusses where ECW fits in with Wrestlemania. My guess is the bottom of the card, maybe on the Fan Axxess Tour.

Larry Csonka hits the 3R’s of the Week.

Weyer takes on the ugly and vicious task of Shining the Spotlight on wrestling movies. “Where’s My Refund?” chant not included.

Yanni continues his look at wrestling fandom by examining the “Casual” fan, i.e. the fan that thinks Bobby Lashley is the next coming of Hulk Hogan.

Samuel Berman has some ECW on TNN goodness. Hopefully he’s got the tag tournament from Hammerstein somewhere on tape—that was the only ECW show I was able to attend, but it was a fun one.

Time to punch out for another week here at the column. Next time, more results and previews for the Fifth Year Festival. Some more wacky comedy, some more analysis and some more honor value for your dollar. Also, I recommend lots and lots of ROH shows!

Enjoy your weekend.

Brooklyn! MORISHIMA!
–Ari–