May 7, 2017
Episode 293
(taped April 8, 2017)
#WatchROH
City: Baltimore, MD
Venue: William J Myers Pavilion
Event: Charm City Excellence
Commentary: Ian Riccaboni, Colt Cabana
Ring Announcer: Bobby Cruise
Intro Video
“War Zone” by 615 Music
Match 1
ROH World Tag Team Title Match
The Young Bucks (ROH Tag Champs) vs Mike Mondo & Ken Doane
(referee: Paul Turner)
Result: Matt Jackson pins Mike Mondo after a Meltzer Driver to retain the titles
Time: 8:35 (1 break)
Match Thoughts
Good match. The Spirit Squad attacked the Bucks from behind before the match started, so they retained control for the first part of the match. Matt Jackson was isolated for a good while, but once Nick got the tag the match completely changed. It became a Young Bucks exhibition. This was a fun match, but not particularly competitive.
Backstage
Matt Taven (with TK O’Ryan and Vinny Marseglia behind him) talks about destiny. Specifically, Christopher Daniel’s claim that it was his destiny to become ROH World Champ. Taven thinks Daniels is pathetic. Taven claims that he will beat Daniel’s for the title and become the first ever ROH grand slam champion.
Backstage
The Briscoe Brothers (two-thirds of the ROH 6-Man Tag Champs along with Bully Ray) talk about their upcoming match against The Rebellion. They seem quite confident.
Match 2
Punishment Martinez vs The Beer City Bruiser w/ Silas Young
(referee: ?; guest commentary: Silas Young)
Result: Punishment Martinez wins via pinfall after a South of Heaven Chokeslam
Time: 5:54 (1 break)
Match Thoughts
This was okay. It started off fairly strong, with Bruiser and Martinez both showing some impressive agility, but it slowed down considerably after the commercial break. The finish was okay.
Backstage
Marty Scurll has no idea where Matt Sydal has been, but he doesn’t seem to care. Sydal has Scurll’s attention now, but Sydal will never have Scurll’s TV Title.
Backstage
Adam Cole again says The Bullet Club is stronger than ever. No one can touch them, and anyone who tries to stop them will pay.
Match 3
Adam Cole & “The American Nightmare” Cody vs Dalton Castle w/ The Boys & Christopher Daniels (ROH World Champ)
(referee: Todd Sinclair; guest commentary: Jay Lethal)
Result: Cody pins Christopher Daniels after Cross Rhodes
Time: 10:38 (1 break)
Match Thoughts
Good match and a nice main event. There was some good story stuff in this match, using Adam Cole’s troubles with the Bullet Club as a way to add some misdirection into the action in the ring. Cody probably looked the best out of everyone in the match which is completely understandable considering his upcoming title shot.
Ring Area
The Young Bucks head to the ring to join Adam Cole and Cody. All four of them “Too Sweet” each other in the middle of the ring. It appears as if the Bullet CLub is all on the same page heading into War of the Worlds.
After the Bullet Club leaves, Jay Lethal heads to the ring to have a word with Daniels. He’s upset that the title match between them is a triple threat. They get into a shouting match, and while they’re distracted Cody returns to the ring and attacks them both. Lethal fights back and ends up hitting both Cody and Daniels with a double Lethal Injection.
Show Impressions
This was a good show. It felt important, and it was quite entertaining.
Match of the Night
Cole & Cody vs Castle & Daniels
The opening tag match was fun, but the main event was definitely a better match. The action was good and the story implications made it feel a lot more important than the opener.