ROH 1/27/18 TV Review: Coast to Coast Conquers War Machine

ROH 1/27/18 TV Review: Coast to Coast Conquers War Machine
12/14/17
2300 Arena
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Vote Now for the ROH Top 5 Following ROH on SBG TV Ep. #329-332 (1/6-1/27/18) by clicking here

This week was the fourth episode from the set of tapings from Philadelphia,PA. The show opened with a recap of So-Cal Uncensored’s actions last week, paying off Shane Taylor and attacking the Bullet Club. Ian Riccaboni and Colt Cabana were on commentary and welcomed everyone to show.

First Match: Punishment Martinez vs. Dobbs
Complete Squash. South of Heaven Chokeslam for the win. Dalton Castle’s music hit right away and he came down to the ringside with the Boys in tow. The two stared each other down for a bit before Martinez took a swing at Castle. The champion ducked the strike and tossed Martinez over his head and eventually out of the ring. Martinez jumped up on the apron and thought better of the fracas and stalked away with a smirk on his face as commentary reminded us that Martinez has a title shot promised to him. The match was simply a vehicle, as commentary said, to send a message. It’s positive that someone else on the roster wasn’t squashed, but by the same token, it’s tough to feel Martinez’s win mattered leading to his title shot against an unknown talent. The staredown was good-at this point they should be kept apart until Martinez’s match is announced to build a bit of tension. (NR)

Winner:  Punishment Martinez

Second Match: Coast 2 Coast (Shaheem Ali & LSG) vs. War Machine (Rowe & Hanson)
Coast to Coast made their way to the ring, clearly apprehensive about the bout as Caprice Coleman joined commentary. The match started off hot, with Al leaped over the top to take War Machine out before the two could make it into the ring. He and LSG kept the heat coming in the ring as Coleman actually complimented them. War Machine quickly turned the tables and left C2C lying in opposite corners before they settled into a traditional tag match. War Machine tried everything to put C2C away, but both Ali and LSG kicked out of everything, showing some real fight and heart, granted a lot of this was due to Rowe and Hanson pulling out all the stops, but it just not being enough. As War Machine went for a second Fallout on Ali, LSG held Hanson’s leg, allowing Ali to slip out and quick roll up Rowe for the upset victory. The crowd really got into this because of the excellent near falls and by the end of the match it felt as if Coast to Coast had won the fans over completely with their shocking win.  Despite knowing that War Machine was leaving the company, this was still an extremely engaging match and it elevated C2c into the division proper-they key will be seeing how they are used moving forward after the compelling story of fighting to stay together. (*** ¾ )

Winners: Coast to Coast

A video recap of Brian Milonas joining up with the Beer City Bruiser and SIlas Young aired, transitioning to a backstage segment during which BCB introduced Milonas as his partner officially, stating that they are the biggest tag team in ROH.

Bully Ray made his way down to the ring carrying his boots with him. He made it clear that Final Battle was his final battle, going on to say that his wrestling career flashed before his eyes after his match. Jay Lethal came out and put Bully Ray over, thanking him for his career and the advice and help he has given the ROH locker room. Nice moment and send off for Ray here in former home of ECW.

A video segment introducing the participants in the WOH Championship tournament, but no bracket as of yet.

Main Event: So-Cal Uncensored (Christopher Daniels, Frankie Kazarian, Scorpio Sky) vs. The Bullet Club (Cody, Marty Scurll & Adam Page)
Matt Taven joined commentary as Marseglia and O’Ryan flanked him silently. Cody and Daniels squared off early and Riccaboni took a moment to acknowledge their past, reminding the audience that Cody recently put Daniels through a flaming table, to which Cabana just blurted out “Flaming Moe”, reading my mind with that Simpson’s reference. Taven then admitted to Riccaboni that he’s in House Slytherin as my mind almost exploded. Taven said he was out to watch Draco Malfoy (Cody) wrestle up close-great stuff and a sick burn. There was a Bullet Club train here, with Scurll in the comedy spot, being the only one that could not connect with a running corner move, taking punishment each time. Riccaboni made a Quad City DJs reference and I just can’t take it anymore! Not sure why Scurll goes from serious to comedy to serious in what would most likely be a build to rematch with Lethal. If he’s going to be at the top of the card, a more villainous track is most effective in presenting him as a threat to the world title.In the end, So-Cal isolated Page in the ring and triple teamed him with a lungblower from Kaz, right hand from Daniels and a knee to the head from Sky to pick up the pinfall victory on a prone Adam Page. This was an entertaining affair, showing off the chemistry that So-Cal Uncensored has. They will need to work on a stronger team finisher, but otherwise, this had everything you want and gave So-Cal Uncensored legs and a reason to earn a shot against the Hung Bucks. (*** ½)

Winners: So-Cal Uncensored

Final Reaction: A-

This a very strong episode of ROH television. The final two matches were excellent, with the War Machine Coast to Coast match being the match of the night. Taven on commentary during the main was entertaining and continue the build for his program with Cody, while also telling the story that So_cal Uncensored is a credible threat. The first match was a straight squash, but Castle and Martinez are an interesting clash of styles and the segment was effective. Bully Ray’s segment was a nice moment considering the venue and commentary was on fire this week, so be sure to watch with the volume turned up, especially if you remember the 90s or love Harry Potter.

Thanks for stopping by again this week and look for more Ring of Honor coverage the same time next week. Until then, please go over to Running Wild Podcast and take a listen to a show that covers oodles of wrestling news and ridiculous conversations. You can find us on iTunes, Stitcher, Soundcloud

Vote Now for the ROH Top 5 Following ROH on SBG TV Ep. #329-332 (1/6-1/27/18) by clicking here

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