January 23, 2016
Episode 227
(taped January 9, 2016)
City: Charlotte, NC
Venue: Cabarrus Events Center
Commentary: Kevin Kelly, Mr. Wrestling 3
Ring Announcer: Bobby Cruise
Intro Video
“War Zone” by 615 Music
Match 1
2016 Top Prospect Tournament Round 1 Match
Brian Fury vs Shaheem Ali
(referee: Paul Turner)
Result: Brian Fury wins via pinfall with a sitout powerbomb
Time: 5:56
Match Thoughts
Pretty good match. It was a little slow in the middle section with a lot of trading basic moves, but the ending got interesting. Ali showed some nice strength by catching Fury in a dive and suplexing him on the floor. I expect they’re saving the best stuff for later in the tournament, but this was a fine match and a good way to start.
Ring Area
Cedric Alexander and Veda Scott head to the ring. Veda gets on the mic and says that Cedric has been a victim of unsafe working conditions and after their settlement they are now rich. She claims Cedric is the best in the world and deserves the biggest and baddest in Ring of Honor. Cheeseburger heads to the ring.
Match 2
Cedric Alexander w/ Veda Scott vs Cheeseburger
(referee: ?)
Result: Cedric Alexander wins via pinfall after a Lumbar Check
Time: 1:41
Match Thoughts
This was a quick, fun match. Cheeseburger had some nice pinning holds early and caught Cedric off guard a little, but Cedric didn’t hold back. His moves looked painful and violent.
Ring Area
After the match Cedric continues to beat on Cheeseburger. Jonathan Gresham comes out to help Cheeseburger and Veda Scott sets up a match.
Match 3
Cedric Alexander w/ Veda Scott vs Jonathan Gresham
(referee: ?)
Result: Jonathan Gresham wins via DQ
Time: 1:40
Match Thoughts
Not much of a match. Gresham and Alexander traded various holds for a while, neither really getting a move in. Alexander got frustrated, then when Gresham put Alexander in a Royal Octopus, Veda entered the ring and caused a disqualification.
Ring Area
Veda slaps Gresham then Alexander attacks him. Alexander repeatedly kicks Gresham in the head until referees come in to break it up.
Ring Area
Jay Lethal, Truth Martini, and Taeler Hendrix head to the ring to hear what Nigel McGuinness has to say. Nigel says that Kyle O’Reilly is a worthy contender for Lethal’s title, but Adam Cole beat Kyle O’Reilly.
Adam Cole enters the ring and tells Lethal that his battles with O’Reilly are over and he’s ready to take Lethal’s title. McGuinness reminds Cole that O’Reilly is still a credible contender and makes a triple threat match for the title for Las Vegas. O’Reilly comes out and wants a match right now. McGuinness makes a tag match.
Backstage
Silas Young is still upset about losing The Boys to Dalton Castle. He says The Boys will be sorry if they don’t come back to him.
Ring Area
Michael Elgin and Jay Briscoe comes out for their main event match. As they are about to start, Moose comes out and Stokely says that McGuinness has agreed to make this match a triple threat.
Match 4
Michael Elgin vs Jay Briscoe w/ Mark Briscoe vs Moose w/ Stokely Hathaway
(Mark Briscoe on guest commentary; referee: Todd Sinclair)
Result: Jay Briscoe pins Michael Elgin with a backslide
Time: 8:08 (1 break)
Match Thoughts
Good match. Elgin was probably the standout in this match with his strength and agility. He pulled of some of his usual moves as well as some nice variations. Briscoe and Moose looked good as well. I really enjoyed how this match was very much about power, but the finish involved a very simple hold that usually doesn’t finish a match.
Ring Area
Elgin gets on the mic says that one on one he and Jay Briscoe are even. He proposes a tag match for Vegas: The Briscoes versus Elgin and Hiroshi Tanahashi.
Show Impressions
This show really felt the the true start to the new year. They’re setting up some matches for Vegas and starting the prospect tournament. It was a good show but it’s main purpose was to set up shows to come. I think I’m more excited about the tag match set up by Elgin rather than the triple threat for the world title.
Match of the Night
Michael Elgin vs Jay Briscoe vs Moose
A very nice triple threat with a fun, sudden ending. Definitely the most competitive and intriguing match of the night.