Honor Arrives Early

[The Final Countdown]

November 17th, 1990

 

<div id="divContentWrapper" style="font-size:62.5%;line-height:normal;"><div style="width:950px;margin:0px auto;position:relative;"></div><div style="width: 700px; margin: 0px auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); padding: 0px 20px 20px; position: relative; overflow-y: auto; background-image: none;"> <div style="padding:0 5px;overflow:hidden;" id=""><div id=""><div style="height:18px;"></div><div style="clear: both; position: relative; padding: 5px; margin: 5px 0px; height: auto; border: 1px solid transparent;"> <div style="font-size: 16px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; display: block;"><div style="text-align: center;" id=""><hr style="margin:0px;" id=""><span style="font-size: 20px;" id=""><span style="font-size: 20px;" id=""><strong id="">Wrestling Observer Newsletter</strong></span></span><hr style="margin:0px;" id=""><span style="font-size: 20px;" id=""><strong id=""><br id=""></strong></span></div></div> </div></div></div></div></div>

An update on Ricky Steamboat: rather than returning to the WWF as had been rumored, Steamboat is actually hard at work at opening an independent promotion of his own. The promotion, tentatively titled Ring of Honor, will revolve around great in-ring action as opposed to the more cartoonish style of the WWF. Steamboat is currently contacting some of the most skilled wrestlers from not only the U.S., but Canada, Japan, and Mexico as well. From what we've heard, he already has verbal agreements in place with the likes of indy standouts Steve Austin, Dean Malenko and Al Snow, Owen Hart, the youngest of the Hart clan, and talented young international athletes like Ultimo Dragon, Psicosis and Rey Misterio Jr. If all goes according to plan, the new promotion will run its first set of shows in January of the new year.

[NWAvsWWF]

Not sure if your WWF diary is over but either way this sounds awesome, always liked the idea of playing ROH in the 90's with people like Benoit, Malenko, Owen Hart and the luchas! Can't wait!

[Dawn]

Sounds awesome TFC, i can't wait.

 

But...TGA is over?

 

If not...

 

But then again...welcome to the 2-diary group if TGA is still alive!

[The Final Countdown]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="NWAvsWWF" data-cite="NWAvsWWF" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="37334" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Not sure if your WWF diary is over but either way this sounds awesome, always liked the idea of playing ROH in the 90's with people like Benoit, Malenko, Owen Hart and the luchas! Can't wait!</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Smasher1311" data-cite="Smasher1311" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="37334" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Sounds awesome TFC, i can't wait.<p> </p><p> But...TGA is over? <img alt=":eek:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt=":(" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/frown.png.e6b571745a30fe6a6f2e918994141a47.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> If not...<img alt=":o" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/redface.png.900245280682ef18c5d82399a93c5827.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> But then again...welcome to the 2-diary group if TGA is still alive!</p></div></blockquote><p> Not to worry; the WWF diary isn't going anywhere! This is just a little side project I'm going to play around with occasionally.</p><p> </p><p> One note about this diary before we go any further: don't expect detailed write-ups or pretty formatting. I plan for this to be very bare-bones. Honestly, I started this game with no intention of posting it, but I've found that I just can't get interested in any save games anymore unless I'm expanding upon them in some way.</p>

[Dawn]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Final Countdown" data-cite="The Final Countdown" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="37334" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Not to worry; the WWF diary isn't going anywhere! This is just a little side project I'm going to play around with occasionally.<p> </p><p> One note about this diary before we go any further: don't expect detailed write-ups or pretty formatting. I plan for this to be very bare-bones. Honestly, I started this game with no intention of posting it, but I've found that I just can't get interested in any save games anymore unless I'm expanding upon them in some way.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Just like me. I want to do diaries with nearly every save i have. It's crazy. But no, i can get interested in non-diary saves.</p>

[KingofOldSchool]

Look forward to this. Your '87 diary gave me a bit more motivation to do mine, although I find trying to go way out of my way with the pictures and everything a bit tedious at times, especially when I only have so much free time.

[The Final Countdown]

<p><div id="divContentWrapper" style="font-size:62.5%;line-height:normal;"><div style="width:950px;margin:0px auto;position:relative;"></div><div style="width: 700px; margin: 0px auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); padding: 0px 20px 20px; position: relative; overflow-y: auto; background-image: none;"> <div style="padding:0 5px;overflow:hidden;" id=""><div id=""><div style="height:18px;"></div><div style="clear: both; position: relative; padding: 5px; margin: 5px 0px; height: auto; border: 1px solid transparent;"> <div style="font-size: 16px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; display: block;"><div style="text-align: center;" id=""><hr style="margin:0px;" id=""><span style="font-size: 20px;" id=""><span style="font-size: 20px;" id=""><strong id="">Wrestling Observer Newsletter</strong></span></span><hr style="margin:0px;" id=""><span style="font-size: 20px;" id=""><strong id=""><br id=""></strong></span></div></div> </div></div></div></div></div></p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Show Report: The Era of Honor Begins, Night 1 </span></strong></p><p>

January 24th, 1991</p><p>

From Viking Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania</p><p>

Attendance: 2,000 (sell-out!)</p><p>

Announce Team: Marc Lowrance and Chris Jericho </p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

Ricky Steamboat stood in the ring and thanked everyone for showing up for the debut show of Ring of Honor, promising a night of great wrestling action featuring the very best in various wrestling styles from all over the world. He was interrupted by "Stunning" Steve Austin, who called Steamboat a washed-up has-been from the 80's, while he was the superstar of the 90's, and would prove it when he outwrestled and embarrassed Ricky in the main event. Austin was tremendous on the mic here. <strong>(C+)</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Ultimo Dragon vs. Psicosis:</strong> The fans weren't familiar with either man, but their fast-paced, high-flying style won the crowd over quickly. This was the best match on the show aside from the main event. Ultimo won the match with a beautiful Moonsault. <strong>©</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Dave Finlay vs. La Parka :</strong> The Irishman Finlay showcased a nice blend of wrestling and brawling against the masked man en route to a victory. His fighting Irishman persona seemed to connect with the crowd pretty well. <strong>(D+)</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Lance Storm vs. Al Snow:</strong> Storm, a graduate of the Hart Brothers Wrestling Academy, did a great job playing the sympathetic young babyface to Snow's cheating heel. The fact that Storm trained and traveled with Chris Jericho was played up on commentary, with Jericho getting progressively angrier as the match wore on. Snow won the match, much to Jericho's displeasure. <strong>(C-)</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Snow kicked and stomped at Storm after the match, until Jericho threw down his headset and chased him off before checking on his friend. The fans didn't think much of this segment, likely because they aren't very familiar with any of the men involved yet. <strong>(D-)</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>2 Cold Scorpio vs. Norman Smiley:</strong> This may not have been the best person to showcase Scorpio's aerial skills against. 2 Cold won a rather pedestrian match. <strong>(D+)</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Owen Hart vs. Chris Candido:</strong> A great deal was made about Owen being the most athletic of the storied Hart family, and he spent most of the match showing off that athleticism. The unknown Candido did a good job selling Hart's offense and putting him over. Owen won with a Missile Dropkick. <strong>(C-)</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Ricky Steamboat vs. Steve Austin:</strong> Easily the best thing on the show. Steamboat hasn't lost a step, and Austin proved his mettle, matching up with Ricky and putting on a great technical wrestling match. They also told a great story, with Austin cockily mocking Steamboat and trying to show him up, until Steamboat made him pay for his arrogance with a quick flurry and a Flying Crossbody for the win. Austin looked like a guy who could be picked up by one of the bigger companies very soon. <strong>(B)</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Steamboat offered Austin a handshake after the match, but Austin slapped him across the face and stormed off. It seems that we haven't seen the last of Steamboat vs. Austin, and that's a good thing.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Overall Show Grade:</span></strong><strong> B-</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p>

[guyver3]

ROH in 1991 o the wonderful possibilitys looking forward to this I'm guessing this

[franticloser]

Looks like I have a third diary to follow looks good so far TFC, can't wait to see what you do here, and your continuing efforts over in WWF

[The Final Countdown]

<p><div id="divContentWrapper" style="font-size:62.5%;line-height:normal;"><div style="width:950px;margin:0px auto;position:relative;"></div><div style="width: 700px; margin: 0px auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); padding: 0px 20px 20px; position: relative; overflow-y: auto; background-image: none;"> <div style="padding:0 5px;overflow:hidden;" id=""><div id=""><div style="height:18px;"></div><div style="clear: both; position: relative; padding: 5px; margin: 5px 0px; height: auto; border: 1px solid transparent;"> <div style="font-size: 16px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; display: block;"><div style="text-align: center;" id=""><hr style="margin:0px;" id=""><span style="font-size: 20px;" id=""><span style="font-size: 20px;" id=""><strong id="">Wrestling Observer Newsletter</strong></span></span><hr style="margin:0px;" id=""><span style="font-size: 20px;" id=""><strong id=""><br id=""></strong></span></div></div> </div></div></div></div></div></p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Show Report: The Era of Honor Begins, Night 2</span></strong></p><p>

January 25th, 1991</p><p>

From the Charles L. Sewall Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</p><p>

Attendance: 2,000 (sell-out!)</p><p>

Announce Team: Marc Lowrance, Chris Jericho and Steve Austin </p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Great Sasuke vs. Mike Awesome:</strong> This was a fun clash of styles, with Sasuke playing the agile little man to Awesome's powerful big man. They did a good job telling the David vs. Goliath story, but this time, Goliath won with an Awesome Bomb. <strong>(C-)</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Rey Mistero Jr. vs. Kid Kash:</strong> This was supposed to be an exciting aerial match akin to the stellar opener the previous night, but these two couldn't live up to that standard. Misterio's inexperience may have shone through, or perhaps he was just nervous in his US debut. Either way, he seemed a bit off. He did get the win, but they may cool on him for a bit after this performance. <strong>(D)</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Chris Jericho vs. Al Snow:</strong> This was a continuation of the debut show the previous night, where Jericho made the save for his friend Lance Storm. They employed a formula similar to the one Snow and Storm used the previous night, with much the same level of success. Jericho dominated towards the end, but Snow caught him with a quick roll up. <strong>(C-)</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>La Parka vs. Dean Malenko:</strong> Malenko was put over as a master technician on commentary, and he lived up to the billing. He impressed the crowd with his skills and won via submission with the Texas Cloverleaf. <strong>©</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Steve Austin had been needling Chris Jericho about his loss after he returned to the announce table, and Jericho eventually got on the microphone and demanded another crack at Al Snow on a future show. <strong>(D)</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Lance Storm vs. Steve Austin:</strong> Storm and Austin delivered a passable semi main, but both men looked to be tiring near the end of the 16-minute match. Storm got his stuff in, but Austin was clearly presented as the star here, and he won the match with the Stun Gun. <strong>(C-)</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Ricky Steamboat vs. Joe Malenko:</strong> Dean's older brother Joe is a solid worker in his own right, and he engaged Steamboat in another scientific match. It was a fine match, but not on the same level as Steamboat's work with Steve Austin the previous night. It didn't help that Jericho and Austin had been talking over each other on commentary all night, detracting from several of the matches, this one included. Unsurprisingly, Steamboat won again. <strong>©</strong> </p><p> </p><p>

Austin came into the ring after the match and talked trash to Steamboat, saying that he just got lucky last night, but it didn't change the fact that Austin was the star of the 90's, and the man who would put ROH on the map. <strong>(C+)</strong> </p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Overall Show Grade: C</span></strong><strong> </strong></p></div><p></p><p></p>

[michgcs]

VERY interesting concept, TFC-- now if only you'd made ROH your developmental fed instead of USPW, we could've had the 80's version of current NXT! <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

[Nobby_McDonald]

I'll be watching this progress TFC.

[The Final Countdown]

<div id="divContentWrapper" style="font-size:62.5%;line-height:normal;"><div style="width:950px;margin:0px auto;position:relative;"></div><div style="width: 700px; margin: 0px auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); padding: 0px 20px 20px; position: relative; overflow-y: auto; background-image: none;"> <div style="padding:0 5px;overflow:hidden;" id=""><div id=""><div style="height:18px;"></div><div style="clear: both; position: relative; padding: 5px; margin: 5px 0px; height: auto; border: 1px solid transparent;"> <div style="font-size: 16px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; display: block;"><div style="text-align: center;" id=""><hr style="margin:0px;" id=""><span style="font-size: 20px;" id=""><span style="font-size: 20px;" id=""><strong id="">Wrestling Observer Newsletter</strong></span></span><hr style="margin:0px;" id=""><span style="font-size: 20px;" id=""><strong id=""><br id=""></strong></span></div></div> </div></div></div></div></div>

Show Report: Road to the Title, Part I

February 8th, 1991

From the Burlington Memorial Auditorium in Burlington, Vermont

Attendance: 1,974

Announce Team: Marc Lowrance and Chris Jericho

 

Brian Pillman was in the ring to welcome everyone to the show. He plugged ROH being a member of the NWA, and said he was honored to be taking part in the tournament to crown the first ROH champion thanks to that connection. The fans enjoyed seeing Pillman, who thanks to his WCW exposure was the most recognizable person on the show aside from Ricky Steamboat. (D+)

 

ROH Championship Tournament, Quarterfinals: Brian Pillman vs. Psicosis: The result was never in question here. Psicosis was clearly put into the tournament solely because his lucha style would be a nice complement to Pillman, and it was a good decision. Brian won a very entertaining high-flying spectacle. ©

 

Chris Jericho vs. Dave Finlay: The only non-tournament match on the show built off of the momentum from the opener and provided another strong match. Finlay worked his aggressive, realistic-looking European style, but young Jericho got the win with a flying Sunet Flip. ©

 

On his way to the ring for his tournament match, Al Snow stopped by the announce table and got into a verbal exchange with Chris Jericho. (D)

 

ROH Championship Tournament, Quarterfinals: Owen Hart vs. Al Snow: Snow had a pair of pretty good matches on ROH's first two shows, but his match against the youngest Hart well surpassed both of them. They turned in a stellar performance that nearly stole the show. It was Snow who advanced in the tournament with his version of the Northern Lights Bomb called the Snow Plow. (B-)

 

ROH Championship Tournament, Quarterfinals: Ultimo Dragon vs. Steve Austin: Ultimo and Austin gave it their all in the semi main. They may have even given a little too much, because both men looked gassed by the end of the match. They delivered a fine match, but couldn't top the Hart/Snow match that preceded them. Austin won, as expected. ©

 

After the match, Austin got on the mic and talked trash about his Semifinal opponent Brian Pillman, saying that Pillman might be in the “big leagues”, but the only true big-time player in the tournament is him. He also sarcastically wished “that old fossil” Ricky Steamboat luck in his tournament match. Another very strong performance on the mic from Austin. (C+)

 

ROH Championship Tournament, Quarterfinals: Ricky Steamboat vs. Dean Malenko: Malenko might not have anywhere near the charisma of a guy like Steve Austin, but in this match he was allowed to do what he does best: wrestle. This was quite different from the previous Steamboat/Austin match in that it focused more on the art of technical wrestling, holds and counter holds, but it was just as excellent as that first main event. They put on a clinic, with Steamboat winning after countering Malenko's Texas Cloverleaf into a Small Package. (B)

 

Overall Show Grade: B-

[The Final Countdown]

<div id="divContentWrapper" style="font-size:62.5%;line-height:normal;"><div style="width:950px;margin:0px auto;position:relative;"></div><div style="width: 700px; margin: 0px auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); padding: 0px 20px 20px; position: relative; overflow-y: auto; background-image: none;"> <div style="padding:0 5px;overflow:hidden;" id=""><div id=""><div style="height:18px;"></div><div style="clear: both; position: relative; padding: 5px; margin: 5px 0px; height: auto; border: 1px solid transparent;"> <div style="font-size: 16px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; display: block;"><div style="text-align: center;" id=""><hr style="margin:0px;" id=""><span style="font-size: 20px;" id=""><span style="font-size: 20px;" id=""><strong id="">Wrestling Observer Newsletter</strong></span></span><hr style="margin:0px;" id=""><span style="font-size: 20px;" id=""><strong id=""><br id=""></strong></span></div></div> </div></div></div></div></div>

Show Report: Road to the Title, Part II

February 10th, 1991

From the Flickinger Center in Buffalo, New York

Attendance: 2,000 (sell-out!)

Announce Team: Marc Lowrance and Chris Jericho

 

Lance Storm vs. Lance Diamond: The “battle of the Lances” was a pretty average opener. They followed a fairly standard heel/babyface formula, with Storm ultimately outwrestling Diamond and forcing him to submit at 11:15. (C-)

 

Rey Misterio Jr. vs. Mike Awesome: They tried to tell the usual big man versus little man story, but just as in his debut, Mistero did not give his best effort. It also ran too long considering none of Misterio's offense could make him look like a threat. Awesome pinned the luchador with the Awesome Bomb at 09:15. (C-)

 

2 Cold Scorpio vs. Kid Kash: The pace picked up considerably in this match, with both guys trying to wow the crowd with aerial moves. It wasn't as crisp as it could have been, though. Scorpio got the win at 13:25 in the third mediocre match of the night. (C-)

 

The crowd got a bit of a break when Brian Pillman and Steve Austin had a verbal back-and-forth in the ring before their Semifinal match. Both guys really seemed to thrive in the unscripted creative freedom given to them in ROH, and had a fun promo to get the crowd interested in their match. ©

 

ROH Championship Tournament, Semifinals: Brian Pillman vs. Steve Austin: This was the best match on the show to this point, but not quite as good as you'd probably have expected given who was involved. A lot of that had to do with them going out of their way to keep Pillman looking strong, which detracted from the overall flow of the match. Austin won it in 27:44 and advanced to the tournament finals. ©

 

ROH Championship Tournament, Semifinals: Ricky Steamboat vs. Al Snow: This show had been something of a disappointment heading into the main event, but all of that would be long forgotten by the time Steamboat and Snow were through. The two men demonstrated great chemistry as they put on a thrilling match that had the crowd chanting “match of the year” by the end. It wasn't hyperbole, either; we may only be in February, but this was a legit match of the year contender. Steamboat won it with a Flying Crossbody at 25:05, setting up a rematch with Austin in the Finals. (A)

 

Austin came back out to the ring after the match and got right in Steamboat's face, hyping up their rematch and promising to come out on top over the “brittle old man” this time, claiming his deserved spot at the top of ROH in the process. Austin seemed to flub a couple of his lines this time, but it didn't drag the segment down too much. (B-)

 

 

Overall Show Grade: B

[Beejus]

WOW that was a show saving match at the end there. As I've read Scott Keith say about shows before, "how much crap do you sit through to get to one ***** match?"

[Anderz]

<p>Steamboat saving the day has to be expected but I imagine you were disappointed with Austin vs Pillman?</p><p> </p><p>

Love the quick recap style here and how you manage to seamlessly drop in notes about the matches (chemistry, keep strong, etc..)</p><p> </p><p>

You've got a great little side project here; long may it continue!</p>

[PhenomenalPat]

Loving the concept and execution so far.

[Nobby_McDonald]

C grades aren't crap for a fledgling promotion.

[The Final Countdown]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Beejus" data-cite="Beejus" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="37334" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>WOW that was a show saving match at the end there. As I've read Scott Keith say about shows before, "how much crap do you sit through to get to one ***** match?"</div></blockquote><p> A show saver for sure! I didn't even know it was possible to have an A rated match at this level. The highest I ever got in over three (in-game) years in my previous ROH diary was a B+, which I think I only ever managed once.</p><p> </p><p> Is Scott Keith still around and writing? I remember reading him pretty regularly 10+ years ago, probably back around the time he was featured as one of the write-up styles in EWR.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="|Anderz|" data-cite="|Anderz|" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="37334" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Steamboat saving the day has to be expected but I imagine you were disappointed with Austin vs Pillman?<p> </p><p> Love the quick recap style here and how you manage to seamlessly drop in notes about the matches (chemistry, keep strong, etc..)</p><p> </p><p> You've got a great little side project here; long may it continue!</p></div></blockquote><p> I was definitely disappointed by Austin vs. Pillman. I initially had that penciled in as the main event for that show, but Pillman refused to lose unless I took away the open match note and kept him strong instead. And he had creative control due to it being a talent trade deal, so my hands were tied. I figured that would drag the match rating down quite a bit, which is why I swapped the main event/semi main event positions. I guess it all worked out for the best, though, because there's no way Pillman and Austin would have topped the match Steamboat and Snow had, no matter what road agent notes I used.</p><p> </p><p> I'm glad you're enjoying the style I'm using here. I'm trying to keep it as brief as possible while still relating all the info I feel is important.</p><p> </p><p> Who knows how long this will run for, or how frequently it will be updated, but thanks for the support!</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="PhenomenalPat" data-cite="PhenomenalPat" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="37334" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Loving the concept and execution so far.</div></blockquote><p> Thanks! I did a similar concept in my very first TEW game of any length, back on TEW2008, that I never shared with anyone. I had fun with that, and doing it again with this mod, with all the improvements from both TEW2010 & 2013, plus having a much greater understanding of how the game works now, has been a fun little side project to play around with.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Nobby_McDonald" data-cite="Nobby_McDonald" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="37334" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>C grades aren't crap for a fledgling promotion.</div></blockquote><p> That's true, though I was hoping for more from guys like Austin and Pillman. The ridiculously good main event just compounds that. I did give myself a pretty strong advantage at a regional level when I chose someone as skilled as Steamboat as my user character, though.</p>

[Beejus]

Is Scott Keith still around and writing? I remember reading him pretty regularly 10+ years ago, probably back around the time he was featured as one of the write-up styles in EWR.

 

http://www.rspwfaq.net/

 

He still post content there, mostly just blog, but he does have up a bunch of "2012 Scott Sez" rants, which go back over his old material and inserts a new, current perspective. He also still does a few newer shows, but nothing like how he used to. I checked his WCW 94 rants regularly again before starting my diary, in order to get a feel for the timeframe. He also sells collections of them on kindle now.

[PhenomenalPat]

Last I was there, he was doing the occassional "Smark Rant" for InsidePulse's wrestling section. A month or two back.

[Stennick]

<p>He does weekly rants for both NXT and RAW as well as some pay per views as well as things like the Mid South DVD. Certainly not as active as he once was. </p><p> </p><p>

I didn't mean the last show and didn't really think it was "sitting through crap". C rated matches at that level is above average in my opinion. </p><p> </p><p>

I think the only I might NOT like about this is that you got Chris Jericho, Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, etc. Jericho hasn't even been wrestling a year yet in 1991. </p><p> </p><p>

I did enjoy guys like Austin who was really hitting his stride and could really work as well as add the charisma you need to something like this. The Malenko's fit perfectly in this. Chris Adams, Chris Benoit, Finlay, Regal, Terry Funk would be fun to bring in if he would do it. Just my opinion to use guys that have been in the business for just a smidge longer.</p>

[The Final Countdown]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Stennick" data-cite="Stennick" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="37334" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> I think the only I might NOT like about this is that you got Chris Jericho, Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, etc. Jericho hasn't even been wrestling a year yet in 1991. </p><p> </p><p> I did enjoy guys like Austin who was really hitting his stride and could really work as well as add the charisma you need to something like this. The Malenko's fit perfectly in this. Chris Adams, Chris Benoit, Finlay, Regal, Terry Funk would be fun to bring in if he would do it. Just my opinion to use guys that have been in the business for just a smidge longer.</p></div></blockquote><p> I've never mentioned it, but my own internal logic behind signing Jericho and Storm so early was that due to their ties to the Harts via the wrestling school, Owen brought them along with him. (And yes, I know Owen didn't have anything to do with running the school; just play along! <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />) Aside from that, I think that ROH at its best is great at finding unheralded indy talent and helping that talent develop and blossom into great all-around performers. I'm trying to replicate that, but I understand if you don't agree with some of my signings for a variety of reasons.</p><p> </p><p> Finlay is already part of the company. I tried to sign Regal before my first show, but he declined. I'm not using Benoit because I still feel weird about trying to incorporate him as a character given what happened. Don't think I've tried to sign Funk, but he could be interesting if I can figure out the right spot for him. I hadn't even thought about Chris Adams, but now that you mention it, I'm intrigued...</p>

[Stennick]

<p>I'll be reading no matter what I just always get a bit bummed when dynasties have "Stone Cold" show up in 1992 or things of that nature. Not saying your decisions were on that level I just wanted to give some constructive criticism. </p><p> </p><p>

I am very interested in this though because by this time WCW had completely lost its NWA "this is where we wrestle" status, the WWF was still very much is cartoon mode and yet there were so many great "wrestlers" still out there. </p><p> </p><p>

Looking forward to this and again Austin as the top heel is perfect for this time period.</p>

[The Final Countdown]

<div id="divContentWrapper" style="font-size:62.5%;line-height:normal;"><div style="width:950px;margin:0px auto;position:relative;"></div><div style="width: 700px; margin: 0px auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); padding: 0px 20px 20px; position: relative; overflow-y: auto; background-image: none;"> <div style="padding:0 5px;overflow:hidden;" id=""><div id=""><div style="height:18px;"></div><div style="clear: both; position: relative; padding: 5px; margin: 5px 0px; height: auto; border: 1px solid transparent;"> <div style="font-size: 16px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; display: block;"><div style="text-align: center;" id=""><hr style="margin:0px;" id=""><span style="font-size: 20px;" id=""><span style="font-size: 20px;" id=""><strong id="">Wrestling Observer Newsletter</strong></span></span><hr style="margin:0px;" id=""><span style="font-size: 20px;" id=""><strong id=""><br id=""></strong></span></div></div> </div></div></div></div></div>

Show Report: Crowning a Champion

February 24th, 1991

From the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan, New York

Attendance: 2,000 (sell-out!)

Announce Team: Marc Lowrance and Chris Jericho

 

Steve Austin opened the show with an in-ring promo about his match with Ricky Steamboat. Austin did his usual shtick about Steamboat being the past and himself being the man who would lead ROH into the future, but his delivery was great as usual, and the Manhattan crowd ate it up. (C+)

 

La Parka vs. Chris Candido: This match was fine from an execution standpoint, but the fans were not familiar with either man and had a hard time getting invested in the action. Candido got the pin with a Diving Headbutt. (C-)

 

Great Sasuke vs. Dave Finlay: The crowd was similarly flat for the second match, but the contrast of Sasuke's aerial skills and Finlay's European style made for a bit better match. Finlay won with a nice-looking Tombstone. ©

 

The Thrillseekers vs. The Malenkos : Al Snow sat in on color for this one, and spent most of the match mocking Chris Jericho. With the exciting flying of Jericho and Lance Storm and the technical skills of the Malenkos, this wasn't a bad tag match, though it might have been better if Jericho's performance hadn't been well off of his standard. The Malenkos won in a little under fifteen minutes, which Snow relished. ©

 

It was Ricky Steamboat's turn to promote the main event. He talked about how much Ring of Honor meant to him, and how much he wanted to represent this fledgling company as its first champion. Steamboat doesn't have the verbal skills of Austin, but his popularity evened things out. (C+)

 

2 Cold Scorpio vs. Al Snow : The best thing on the show to this point. Scorpio looked quite crisp when pulllng off his high flying stunts, and Snow followed his MOTYC with Steamboat up with another fine performance that further solidified him as the #2 heel in ROH behind Austin. Snow won it near the 22-minute mark with his Snowplow. (B-)

 

Tournament Finals for the ROH Championship: Ricky Steamboat vs. Steve Austin : This was another strong match between these two; more or less equal to the match they had to headline ROH's debut show. It was well below the lofty standard set by Steamboat and Snow in the Semifinals, but I don't think ROH will have any complaints with this performance. The finish came when Austin rolled through a Steamboat Flying Cross Body about 26 minutes in for a sudden three count to become the first champion of the new company. (B)

 

Austin was handed the championship belt, and got on the mic to gloat and rub his victory in while Steamboat looked shocked and disappointed. Austin made a point of saying how Steamboat would have to go to the back of the line, so this may be the end of this program for now. This was a great segment to close out the show and further establish Austin's cocky heel persona. (B)

 

Overall Show Grade: B-