August 13, 2016
Episode 256
(taped July 16, 2016)
City: Philadelphia, PA
Venue: 2300 Arena
Commentary: Kevin Kelly, Nigel McGuinness
Ring Announcer: Bobby Cruise
Video
Clips of Jay Lethal convincing Nigel McGuinness to give Adam Cole a title shot.
Intro Video
“War Zone” by 615 Music
Match 1
Donovan Dijak w/ Prince Nana vs Lio Rush
(referee: Paul Turner)
Result: Lio Rush wins with a crucifix pin
Time: 8:56 (1 break)
Match Thoughts
Good match. Lio Rush is an awful lot of fun to watch. He’s tiny, especially when in the ring with someone as tall as Dijak, but he runs and jumps and strikes extremely quickly. He had a lot of combinations and leaps that, when added up, made it believable that he could beat someone who appears to be twice his size. All the time though, it seemed like one big move from Dijak could finish it. This match had a really great false finish that made a good match even better.
Ring Area
After the match, Dijak and Nana attack Rush. Jay White comes out to help Rush, but Kamaitachi also comes out and attacks White. Eventually security breaks up the brawl.
Backstage
Dalton Castle is interrupted by The Cabinet. Caprice Coleman sees through Castle’s smoke and mirrors.
Backstage
War Machine is attacked by Keith Lee and Shane Taylor.
Ring Area
Hangman Page does the bidding for the Bullet Club, and the Bullet Club wants all the gold. Page wants the IWGP Tag Titles, but he also has a personal problem with Jay Briscoe. Jay Briscoe quickly heads to the ring and attacks Page.
Ring Area
The Addiction says there will be no ROH Tag Title match since everyone seems to be injured. Roppongi Vice says they’re healthy, why not have a tag title match with them? The Young Bucks come out and suggest a three way dance.
Nigel McGuinness says The Addiction already has a contract with War Machine and the Motor City Machine Guns, so he can’t make a title match tonight. But, he does make a number one contender match between Roppongi Vice and the Young Bucks, the winner getting a title match in two weeks.
Match 2
ROH Tag Title Number One Contender Match
Roppongi Vice vs The Young Bucks
(referee: Todd Sinclair; guest commentary: The Addiction [replacing McGuinness])
Result: Matt Jackson pins Beretta with a crucifix pin
Time: 11:17 (1 break)
Match Thoughts
Good match. Both teams looked good in this. The pace was kept high throughout. It was practically a tornado tag, but it was good.
Ring Area
After the match, The Addiction attacks the Young Bucks. They hit Celebrity Rehab on Matt using the title belt.
Ring Area
Adam Cole and Jay Lethal head to the ring and join Nigel McGuinness for the contract signing for their title match. Cole says that he runs the show, and he’ll prove it by taking Lethal’s title. He’s not out to steal the show, he’s out to steal the title.
Lethal says that nearly every match he’s ever had in Ring of Honor has been about an ROH World Championship. This match is personal though. He’s going to Las Vegas to fight. Lethal signs. As Cole signs, Lethal drops scissors on the table. They start to brawl and Lethal tries to cut Cole’s hair, but the Young Bucks run out to save Cole.
Show Impressions
I liked the show. There were a lot of people attacking other people, but I think it did a fine job of building interest for the PPV. The matches were both good, which helped a lot.
Match of the Night
Roppongi Vice vs The Young Bucks
A bit chaotic and all over the place, but it was fun.