SuperAlbino Posted March 10, 2018 Share Posted March 10, 2018 Final Battle December 15th, 2017 What am I doing here? I was perfectly content to living a life away from wrestling, it had been almost four years since I left this god forsaken business. I loved it but it didn't have any love left for me. At least, that was what I thought. Then, I got invited to come backstage for Ring of Honor's biggest show of the year. This wasn't new, I got calls constantly to come to various events and I ignored them all. I even ignored the first two or three calls to come out to this one. Cody had been calling me leaving messages about some "All In" event. The only reason I ended up going at all is that Colt convinced me. The bastard knew I wasn't doing anything that week and that April was out of town. I walked in backstage and everyone stopped and stared. Can't say I blamed them, who would have expected this. Everyone came up, one by one, and they all asked the same question. "You joining ROH?" "Hell no," was my reply but the more I talked to the locker room the more that nagging love of this business came back. People always assumed that I wasn't in love with wrestling because I left but they've got it wrong. I left because I wasn't in love with WWE. I wasn't a fan of busting my ass and seeing no results. Ring of Honor, though? I still loved this company and seeing some old faces like Daniels and Whitmer did my heart some good. I'd be lying if I didn't notice that something was off though. The Ring of Honor of old, it was exciting and offered something different, before WWE took the different thing and homogenized it into their own stale garbage. Now, ROH felt just as stale. I clearly wasn't the only one thinking that either. "What do you think?" I turned around to see Joe Koff, the COO, he was smiling as if he already knew my answer. "I'll be honest, it doesn't feel right. These guys are working hard but for what? This feels like a lesser version of NXT." Joe nodded, a little hurt but taking it well. "Do you want to do something about it." I almost decked him but my mouth moved before my brain or my fist could react. "Yeah. Yeah, I do. Hunter is out here stealing all your guys. He's making his own indy federation and it makes me sick. I want to show him how it's done. " He smiled again, "let's show him. Go out there tonight and make your presence known. We'll work out the details after." I wouldn't know it until later but Koff had gotten approval from Sinclair to expand the company and I was part of the plan. He couldn't pay me what I was used to but I didn't need the money. For the first time in four years, I was passionate. I even got a little nervous right before I went out that night. Dalton Castle is given the ROH World Championship, having just defeated Cody Rhodes. He celebrates with his boys before Adam Page enters the ring and knocks Castle down. The Boys try to fend off Page but Cody makes his way in and takes them out as well. The duo begin beating on the newly-crowned champion when suddenly... "Cult of Personality" blares through the speakers as CM Punk runs down to the ring. The fans in attendance losing their minds. Punk easily takes out Page and then stares down with Cody before Dalton sneaks up and hits Bang-A-Rang on the Bullet Club member. Punk goes and picks up the ROH title as the fans buzz, he looks over to Dalton before handing the champion his prize and raising his arm. The show goes off the air with streamers flying into the ring as Punk and Castle celebrate. I made my way to the back, following behind Dalton who could not stop talking about how shocked he was. It became clear that everyone was shocked, even Colt didn't know this was gonna happen. The whole locker room was assembled and they cheered as I reached the back. I quieted them down and decided to give a speech. Jesus, a speech? What the hell am I doing? "Remember when I told you all I wasn't joining the company. Yeah, I guess I lied, sorry about that. You know, I had no intention of coming back to wrestling but Joe convinced me. I see what WWE is trying to do, they're trying to take our brand and our guys and make them part of their image. Well, frankly I had enough of it. I'm back because Ring of Honor means something to me. I want to show Hunter and all of those cronies in Stamford that we're a threat. Not to WWE but to NXT, we're gonna make their precious little wannabe indy quake in it's boots. I'm bringing honor back to this company and I hope you're all willing to come along for the ride." God, what have I just gotten myself into. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon The GOAT Posted March 11, 2018 Share Posted March 11, 2018 Color me intrigued. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WilburTrey Posted March 12, 2018 Share Posted March 12, 2018 That would have been amazing. so now I want to see what would have happened. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nobby_McDonald Posted March 12, 2018 Share Posted March 12, 2018 Intriguing... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theheel Posted March 12, 2018 Share Posted March 12, 2018 Yeah I'm intrigued by the Punk factor as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DatIsraeliGuy Posted March 13, 2018 Share Posted March 13, 2018 <p>4/10 Punk’s theme should be This Fire Burns.</p><p> </p><p> Seriously though, looks interesting</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C0D3D2BLazy Posted March 13, 2018 Share Posted March 13, 2018 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="DatIsraeliGuy" data-cite="DatIsraeliGuy" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45094" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>4/10 Punk’s theme should be This Fire Burns.<p> </p><p> Seriously though, looks interesting</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I believe there was a typo there. You said "This Fire Burns" when you obviously meant to type Miseria Cantare.<img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> Also, I second the intrigue part. This looks like it could be amazing.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperAlbino Posted March 16, 2018 Author Share Posted March 16, 2018 <p><em>I didn't hear from Joe Koff again for a week but it gave me time to think about how I wanted to approach this company. The way I saw it, the biggest thing that was holding ROH back, outside of Hunter poaching our talent, was trying to keep people exclusive to the company. We were missing out on some truly amazing wrestlers because we wanted them to commit to us. I also want to get better use out of our working agreements with CMLL and New Japan but I can focus on that once we get settled into a rhythm.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Eventually, I got the call from Joe. He said everything was set but made sure I was aware of a couple things. I was dreading that this was going to be the moment where he took the wind from my sails but it was pretty standard stuff. He made it clear that he didn't want me spending ludicruous amounts of money and bankrupting the company. It's pretty simple but I guess, it's good. He didn't mention expanding the company but just hoping that it never falls below it's current status. Now, I'm not usually one for checking my own ego but...c'mon, my goal here is to expand the company and that's going to happen once fans realize I'm here for the long term.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> With all that finished he sent over the final paperwork and mentioned that I should give Delirious a call, since he was the booker. He was apparently fine with giving me the reigns and I offered him to stick around and help me get the hang of things. I could tell he wasn't completely thrilled with that though so I offered him the chance to get back in the ring more frequently. He's a talented guy and there's no reason to keep him around only making occasional in-ring appearances. </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> With that settled, I decided to take care of freeing up some space on the roster. Delirious offered to tell the folks they were getting the ax for me but that didn't feel right. Most of the folks I got rid of were midcarders who just weren't standing out, Shaheem Ali, Leon St. Giovanni and Jay Diesel. The others got let go for various other reasons.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> The Women of Honor project has been a failure up to this point and that is due to the talent involved, they are all very green with only the aging Sumie Sakai as the standout. That's not gonna fly now, I got rid of Scarlett Bordeaux and Mandy Leon, they were both fixtures of the division but they just weren't good enough currently. Maybe that will change but I'm not gonna hold my breath, honestly.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Next, I got rid of "Brutal" Bob Evans. I honestly have no clue what he's doing still employed. He was just sort of wandering around backstage at Final Battle and I thought he was someone's lost grandpa for a second. I also gave the ax to Bully Ray. I might have considered keeping him around if he was still an active wrestler but he retired at Final Battle and, frankly, I've been told he's quite a pain to deal with so I don't need him on my Road Agent team either. </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Last, I sent Sho and Yoh, Roppongi 3K, back to New Japan. I probably could have held on to them if I wanted but they weren't really going to be much use currently. I'll be keeping my eye on them once they get more established though.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> With all the cleaning out of the way I was ready for the new year and for my stint as booker to begin. Still can't believe I'm actually doing this.</em></p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Champions</span></span></strong></p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">World Heavyweight Champion</span></strong></p><p> <img alt="AwmOGKe.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AwmOGKe.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>Dalton Castle (1st Reign)</strong></p><p> <img alt="Yj4xRqw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Yj4xRqw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>Won: Week 3, December 2017 from Cody at Final Battle</strong> </p><p> <em>Previous Champions (Since December 2017):</em></p><p> None</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">World Tag Team Champions</span></strong></p><p> <img alt="n6TyrVY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/n6TyrVY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>The Motor City Machine Guns (1st Reign)</strong></p><p> <img alt="XpOlMpg.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XpOlMpg.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="GkDlhyJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GkDlhyJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>Won: Week 4, September 2017 from The Young Bucks at Death Before Dishonor XV</strong> </p><p> <em>Previous Champions (Since December 2017):</em></p><p> None</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">World Television Champion</span></strong></p><p> <img alt="Rguu6iq.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Rguu6iq.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>Silas Young (1st Reign)</strong></p><p> <img alt="QpvVHIc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QpvVHIc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>Won: Week 3, December 2017 from Kenny King at Final Battle</strong> </p><p> <em>Previous Champions (Since December 2017):</em></p><p> None</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">World Six Man Tag Team Champions</span></strong></p><p> <img alt="eofQOV8.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/eofQOV8.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>The Hung Bucks (1st Reign)</strong></p><p> <img alt="w9YPnN2.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/w9YPnN2.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="FJHIwe8.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FJHIwe8.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="du563by.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/du563by.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>Won: Week 3, August 2017 from Dalton Castle and the Boys at War of the Worlds</strong> </p><p> <em>Previous Champions (Since December 2017):</em></p><p> None</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Roster Breakdown</span></span></strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45094" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Main Event:</span></strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> <span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>CM Punk</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong> Jay Briscoe</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong> Jay Lethal</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong> Matt Jackson</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong> Nick Jackson</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong>Alex Shelley</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong> Christopher Daniels</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong> Cody</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong> Frankie Kazarian</strong></span></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45094" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Upper Midcard:</span></strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> <span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>Dalton Castle</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong> Mark Briscoe</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong> Raymond Rowe</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong>Beretta</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong> BJ Whitmer</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong> Chris Sabin</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong> Kenny King</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong> Rocky Romero</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong> Silas Young</strong></span></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45094" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Midcard:</span></strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> <span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>Cheeseburger</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong> Chuck Taylor</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong> Delirious</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong> Flip Gordon</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong> Hanson</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong>Adam Page</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong> Jonathan Gresham</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong> Matt Taven</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong> Rhett Titus</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong> The Beer City Bruiser</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong> TK O'Ryan</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong> Vinny Marseglia</strong></span></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45094" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Lower Midcard:</span></strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> <span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>Josh Woods</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong> KUSHIDA</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong> Will Ferrara</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong>Caprice Coleman</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong> Shane Taylor</strong></span></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45094" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Opener:</span></strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> <span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>Jay White</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong>Marty Scrull</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong> Punishment Martinez</strong></span></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45094" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Women's Division:</span></strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> <span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>Deonna Purrazzo</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong> Jenny Rose</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong> Sumie Sakai</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong>Kelly Klein</strong></span></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45094" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Announcer:</span></strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> <span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>Bobby Cruise</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong> Ian Riccaboni</strong></span></p><p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45094" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Referee:</span></strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> <span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>Brian Gorie</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong> Gino Colucci</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong> Paul Turner</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong> Todd Sinclair</strong></span></p><p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45094" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Road Agent:</span></strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> <span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>Jerry Lynn</strong></span></p><p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45094" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Personality:</span></strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> <span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>Cary Silkin</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong> Colt Cabana</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong> Joe Koff</strong></span></p><p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> ***</p><p> </p><p> Thanks to everyone who responded already! This is my first real attempt at a diary and I'm glad to see there is some interest in this one. I'm gonna try to stick pretty close to how Punk himself might handle things so we'll see how well that goes.</p><p> </p><p> Looking at the roster, you'll notice that some of those Face/Heel alignments are weird. I'm chalking that up to members of the roster being tweeners and it being easier to make a tweener a face than a heel in TEW. I'll be playing around with that a bit once we get into it. Speaking of, I should have the first show up this weekend hopefully. Something crazy happened, in-game, the day before my first show so we're already heading into interesting territory.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-Nection Posted March 16, 2018 Share Posted March 16, 2018 Yeah I'm in that was a great intro! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blodyxe Posted March 16, 2018 Share Posted March 16, 2018 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45094" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>God, what have I just gotten myself into.</div></blockquote><p> I thought Punk was an atheist <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png"></p><p> </p><p> I wonder if you bring AJ back into wrestling too. Nice start, interested to see what's next!</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperAlbino Posted March 17, 2018 Author Share Posted March 17, 2018 <p><em>I began making calls to talent almost immediately. I got quite a bit of interest once word got out that I had the book now. I managed to snag at least one person who seemed WWE bound. I also grabbed Dave Taylor and Ricky Steamboat to help us as Road Agents. Steamboat is only going to be at our monthly events but he's still a big get for us. As for the announce team, Riccaboni is talented and Colt isn't half bad at colour, but I feel like we can get a better team. </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> A few calls later and I was proven right. Joey Styles hasn't been up to much since making some tasteless comments at an Evolve show and losing his job there. I'm willing to look past that as long as he doesn't do it again. Josh Barnett has been doing work on NJPW's AXS show and I think he'll be a much better colour guy. No offense to Colt, although he isn't super happy about losing that job and doesn't seem interested in renegotiating his contract to allow him to compete. I figured we'd write him off this week on TV and call it a day. Hopefully, he doesn't stay mad at me for too long.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Then, the Thursday before my first episode of ROH it happened. News that no one could have possibly been expecting. Vince McMahon had died.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Not only had Vince died, his death was ruled as a result of hard drugs. Not a great look for the company. I knew Vince had a history with that stuff but I didn't think he was dumb enough to keep using at his age. Either way, I made the decision to have us pay tribute to Vince at the start of the show. It'd be petty of me to not acknowledge what he's done for the business even if I disliked him. </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Either way, Stephanie has taken control of the company and it looks like she's going to be booking it going forward. Although, I imagine, Hunter will have his hands in it as well. It seems like this was the final push I needed to convince Koff to install a drug testing program in ROH. It's not as intensive as WWE's because we can't afford that but it'll do a decent job at catching anyone who's on drugs in our employ.</em></p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="AaEhkrq.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AaEhkrq.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Ring of Honor Wrestling</strong></p><p><strong> Saturday, Week 1, January 2018</strong></p><p><strong> From the Fleming Gymnasium in Greensboro, North Carolina</strong></p><p><strong> Attendance: 2,055</strong></p><p><strong> Announce Team: Joey Styles and Josh Barnett</strong></p><p> <img alt="oP3Q2zY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oP3Q2zY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="YJI6pyt.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/YJI6pyt.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45094" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="lrEVhl7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/lrEVhl7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ot6Cnal.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ot6Cnal.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="tOHymxo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/tOHymxo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> After the new announce team pays tribute to Vince and introduces themselves, Cody makes his way out, still clearly angry about losing his belt. He says that Castle got lucky and it'll only be a matter of time before he takes back what is his. He addresses my return and offers an olive branch from the Bullet Club. "On behalf of the Bullet Club, I want CM Punk to be 'All In!' Now get down here and let's make it official!" </p><p> </p><p> Colt comes out instead and tells Cody he's delusional if he thinks I'll stroke his ego by joining up for their event. Colt wasn't great here, which is a surprise but maybe he's still mad at me.</p><p> </p><p> "Maybe you're right, after all you're Punk's best friend. You two traveled up and down the country together back in the day. When he left this business with no explanation you were the person he turned to to get his story out. He'd need a pretty good reason to come out here, far better than accepting an offer of peace from me."</p><p> </p><p> Cody stared at Colt for a moment but before Cabana could react Cody hit him with his microphone and began pummeling him. He grabbed a chair from ringside and nailed Colt with it shouting "Where is he! Where is Punk, huh!?" Before long, I raced down to the ring and Cody wisely rolled out as I entered. The crowd was buzzing as I attended to Colt and Cody smiled as he walked up the ramp.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Grade: C</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45094" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Kelly Klein vs Marti Belle</strong></p><p> <img alt="EcnwKCz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/EcnwKCz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="AYalktV.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AYalktV.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gAWFRVJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gAWFRVJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> The announcers mention that the winner of this contest will be one of three women fighting in a triple threat to determine our first WOH Champion at our next event, Winter Warriors.</p><p> </p><p> Klein is very green and the only reason I decided to keep her around is because she is married to BJ Whitmer. Whitmer was at ringside encouraging her on which helped the match somewhat. This wasn't a great start to the new Women of Honor division. I had Klein keep it simple which mostly meant punches and kicks to Belle. Belle tried her best to sell for Klein but eventually made the comeback hitting Protect Ya Neck for the win in 7:44</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Grade: E+</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45094" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Jonathan Gresham vs Ricochet</strong></p><p> <img alt="OWOuJqY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/OWOuJqY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="AYalktV.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AYalktV.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="9tOPbFw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/9tOPbFw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> The crowd was stoked to see Ricochet and I can't say I blame them. Gresham was pretty sloppy throughout which angered Ricochet as he wanted to make his debut special. Gresham still managed to keep up with Ricochet for most of the match but was clearly gassed by the end. Ricochet hit a shooting star press and ended it at 13:26</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Grade: D+</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45094" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="9tOPbFw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/9tOPbFw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="9FxBa8x.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/9FxBa8x.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> Ricochet celebrates his win when Austin Aries walks out to a huge pop from the crowd. He congratulates him on the victory but lays out a challenge of his own. </p><p> </p><p> "I've heard a lot about you. People say 'Ricochet, he's one of the best I've ever seen.' Problem is, you're not THE best. That's me, A Double, The Greatest Man That Ever Lived! And I'm gonna prove it to you and all these lazy slobs."</p><p> </p><p> Ricochet didn't speak and simply gave his answer by diving to the outside onto Aries. Standing tall as we cut to commercial.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Grade: E+</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45094" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="Yj4xRqw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Yj4xRqw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="aiq7ZYJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/aiq7ZYJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="6PfshcU.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6PfshcU.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="fd9dv0L.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fd9dv0L.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> Dalton Castle came out with the Boys to celebrate his newly won ROH World title. He thanks the fans and says that many people counted him out in the business but the fans never did. Before he can say much more The Addiction, Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian, make their way down to the ring. Daniels says he and Kazarian were watching from the back when Castle won and the only thing they could talk about after he won was which one of them was going to challenge him first.</p><p> </p><p> "I won the coin toss," Daniels says with a smirk, "so, I'm calling you out. I want what's mine. I never got my rematch for that belt and now that's it on someone so far below our level. I'll take it and give the first shot to my very best friend, Kazarian."</p><p> </p><p> Castle was more than happy to agree but before anything else could happen Jay Lethal made his way down to the ring. He stated that after his win against Marty Scurll at Final Battle he was more than deserving of a title shot.</p><p> </p><p> "I was the MVP of ROH last year, every match I had was the match of the night and that's not gonna change in 2018. It's time that The Franchise of ROH takes back the top prize!"</p><p> </p><p> Daniels and Kazarian looked at one another before throwing fists at Castle and Lethal, respectively. The duos brawl and it looks like we have our main event.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Grade: D+</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45094" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>The Addiction vs Dalton Castle and Jay Lethal</strong></p><p> <img alt="aiq7ZYJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/aiq7ZYJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="6PfshcU.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6PfshcU.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="AYalktV.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AYalktV.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Yj4xRqw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Yj4xRqw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="fd9dv0L.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fd9dv0L.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> The Addiction get most of the offense early on as they take it to Lethal. Tagging in and out at will but keeping Jay isolated from Castle. Lethal eventually makes it to his corner and tags in Castle who wrecks house as he comes in. He focuses on Daniels but doesn't see the tag from Kazarian and gets his leg clipped while attempting a suplex. It doesn't take long after that for Daniels to hit Last Rites and seal the victory for Addiction in 18:24.</p><p> </p><p> Castle seemed to have trouble keeping up with the pace the other three were going at. That worries me a bit, not only because he's our world champion but because Daniels and Kazarian are both in their 40s. Daniels, especially, is still impressive given his age. I'm hoping that this program with him and Castle will help legitimize Castle as a main event player.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Grade: D+</strong></p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Overall Grade: D+</span></strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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