Now before I post this review, I want to make one thing very clear. I will never, as long as I live, try to review an XPW DVD again. I tried reviewing the whole Redemption show and I just can't. I think those that have reviewed full XPW shows or Heros of Wrestling should get a Medal of Honor to put up with that crap. You are brave men and perhaps even women. On to the match review.
Backstory: A match.
Outcome: Super Dragon via pinfall after a Dragon Bomb on Rising Sun
Analysis: HOLY CRAP! This is actually decent. They don't go out of the way to tell a story but instead just go full bore for about a good seven/eight minutes. Both teams just beat the absolute hell out of each other and everything was pretty clean. Plus when you see people hitting moves clean in XPW, it's a huge bonus. Although there are some silly things about this match. Such as I think it was Rising Sun made a hot tag after maybe getting two moves planted on him. But like I said, this is XPW, the land where nothing makes sense. So basically, this match consists of more dives then a Jack Evans' match, more head drops then a puro match and maybe one or two botches. Would have been great if they would have gotten more then a seven minutes to show what they could do. Probably the best match on this disc and it's one of the shortest. That's XPW for you. **1/2
Saturday, December 29, 2007
2007 End of the Year Awards
Match of the Year: Bryan Danielson vs. Takeshi Morishima at Ring of Honor Manhattan Mayhem II
Why: This is about as great as wrestling gets anywhere. This whole match had a simple concept. Danielson is simply the smaller wrestler and knew he couldn't do anything to 'Shima without having to weaken the legs. That said, most of Danielson's beginning offense was focused on kicking the leg of Morishima. 'Shima just uses his raw power to beat the everliving shit out of Danielson, nearly costing Danielson his eye in the process. The whole match comes circle once Morishima finally goes down to the kicks to the leg. It had a basic concept but it worked so well. Danielson knew he had to wear down 'Shima to win while all that 'Shima had to do was use his power. Matches like this is why I love professional wrestling.
Show/PPV of the Year: Ring of Honor Driven
Why: Two hours of wrestling you'll never see in TNA or WWE, not on a consistent basis. Even with two squash matches included in, the great far outweights the bad and even then, the squashes were really fun to watch. Plus with the bonus DVD, you got another great Bryan Danielson vs. KENTA match.
Company of the Year: Ring of Honor
Why: It was a huge year for the promotion. First they had a Japanese invasion that saw both Ring of Honor championships held by Japanese wrestlers. Then they had the Pay Per View announcement. More recently, they have secured a deal to sell two compilation sets in nation wide stores next year. Ring of Honor is close to unseating TNA as the number two promotion. If they ever get a TV deal, TNA is dead IMO.
Angle of the Year: Jimmy Loves Lacey -> Age of the Fall
Why: For over a year, Jimmy chased after Lacey's love. He wanted her so bad and once he finally got her in bed, Jimmy realized that nothing saves, not even the love he had wanted for oh so long. That led into Project 161, later revealed as Age of the Fall. For months Ring of Honor had wondered about it. Then at Man Up, everything was revealed.
Promo of the Year: Austin Aries at Ring of Honor Driven
Why: Pretty much the perfect way to bring Aries back into the fold after what seemed as two long months when he was exclusive to TNA. The promo brought him back into the fold of things quite well and he didn't bury TNA his promo either, not like former WWE contracted wrestlers do in TNA. Good class and a great promo.
Moment of the Year: Homicide winning the Ring of Honor World Title
Why: First of all, I know this happened at Final Battle 2006 but keep in mind the DVD wasn't released until 2007, so it counts... bastards. Anyways, this was the pinnacle of Homicide in Ring of Honor. It had a fantastic celebration afterwards where every babyface came into the ring and partied with 'Cide as "We Fly High" kept playing in the background. A smile always comes across my face when I see that.
Most Popular Wrestler of the Year: Delirious
Why: ItwaseasyformetopickDeliriousbecausepeoplelovehim. Healwaysgetsgreatpopsandthatwholebit. Nothingmoretosay.
Rookie of the Year: Pelle Primeau
Why: It wasn't a good year of rookies. Pelle won the RoH top the class trophy though. Plus he gets pretty good crowd reactions.
Comeback Wrestler of the Year: Kenta Kobashi
Why: In very early 2006, Kobashi was diagnosed with cancer. On December 3rd of 2007, he made his return to wrestling. Sure he lost because Misawa is a cockhead but just that one match makes him the greatest comeback story of the year because he no sold cancer.
Most Improved: MVP
Why: MVP has grown into his role of a cocky shithead pretty damn well. He knows how to react to any situation and has put on some damn good segments and matches. He is one to look out for in the future.
Tag Team of the Year: The Briscoe Brothers
Why: They've put on more match of year candidates then any other team in recent memory. Against Murder City Machine Guns, Kevin Steen and El Generico on numerous different shows and against themselves at Fifth Year Festival. Best tag team in wrestling... period!
Most Hated: Randy Orton
Why: First he started off the year as part as Rated RKO, one of the better pure heel teams the past few years. Once they split, Randy really came into his own as a huge asshole. Plus he kicks people in the head. Still, I can't think of an instance where he was given a legit reason to get cheered.
Best Champion: Takeshi Morishima
Why: He killed many bitches during his reign with the RoH World Title. He beat the whos who in Ring of Honor. McGunniess, Danielson, Aries, Strong, Briscoes, Rave and so many more. He was dominate and he put on some really good defenses along the way.
Feud of the Year: The Briscoe Brothers vs. Kevin Steen/El Generico
Why: These two teams produced so many memorable matches this year. From the Street Fight at Death Before Dishonor V Night One. The 2/3 Falls at Manhattan Mayhem II. The match at Driven. Then, of course, the much loved Ladder War from Man Up. Steen provided the fuel to the Briscoes fire and Generico was forced into everything. Great stuff.
WWE MVP: John Cena
Why: This isn't a typo. John Cena was the best WWE had to offer this year. From his matches with Umaga, to Michaels and then his match against Randy Orton at Summerslam, he has done some great stuff in the ring. Plus he's made the WWE a shit load of money as well. Cena is the top star in the WWE.
NWA TNA MVP: Christian Cage
Why: Cage has done a lot better in his heel role in TNA. He's done some good stuff on the stick and had a few decent matches in the ring which is few and far between for anyone in TNA these days. Plus he's gave AJ Styles a personality that just isn't Mr. Bland. For that, he should get a huge pay day.
RoH MVP: The Briscoe Brothers
Why: When you look back at everything Ring of Honor has done this year, there is one consistant thing to everything. The Briscoes putting on great matches no matter the placement on the card. A lot of their tag team matches main evented numerous shows, even Glory By Honor VI Night Two when Misawa defended the GHC Heavyweight Title. This shows how much faith Ring of Honor has in these two young men. And to think they probably haven't hit their prime either.
Overall Best Wrestler of the Year: Bryan Danielson
Why: He is called "The Best In The World" for a reason. He hasn't put on a stinker this year. He's pulled at least four match of the year candidates. Danielson has become really good on the stick. This guy is the total package for Ring of Honor and wrestling period. He is a great wrestler and has a good character that can work the mic better then most anymore.
Why: This is about as great as wrestling gets anywhere. This whole match had a simple concept. Danielson is simply the smaller wrestler and knew he couldn't do anything to 'Shima without having to weaken the legs. That said, most of Danielson's beginning offense was focused on kicking the leg of Morishima. 'Shima just uses his raw power to beat the everliving shit out of Danielson, nearly costing Danielson his eye in the process. The whole match comes circle once Morishima finally goes down to the kicks to the leg. It had a basic concept but it worked so well. Danielson knew he had to wear down 'Shima to win while all that 'Shima had to do was use his power. Matches like this is why I love professional wrestling.
Show/PPV of the Year: Ring of Honor Driven
Why: Two hours of wrestling you'll never see in TNA or WWE, not on a consistent basis. Even with two squash matches included in, the great far outweights the bad and even then, the squashes were really fun to watch. Plus with the bonus DVD, you got another great Bryan Danielson vs. KENTA match.
Company of the Year: Ring of Honor
Why: It was a huge year for the promotion. First they had a Japanese invasion that saw both Ring of Honor championships held by Japanese wrestlers. Then they had the Pay Per View announcement. More recently, they have secured a deal to sell two compilation sets in nation wide stores next year. Ring of Honor is close to unseating TNA as the number two promotion. If they ever get a TV deal, TNA is dead IMO.
Angle of the Year: Jimmy Loves Lacey -> Age of the Fall
Why: For over a year, Jimmy chased after Lacey's love. He wanted her so bad and once he finally got her in bed, Jimmy realized that nothing saves, not even the love he had wanted for oh so long. That led into Project 161, later revealed as Age of the Fall. For months Ring of Honor had wondered about it. Then at Man Up, everything was revealed.
Promo of the Year: Austin Aries at Ring of Honor Driven
Why: Pretty much the perfect way to bring Aries back into the fold after what seemed as two long months when he was exclusive to TNA. The promo brought him back into the fold of things quite well and he didn't bury TNA his promo either, not like former WWE contracted wrestlers do in TNA. Good class and a great promo.
Moment of the Year: Homicide winning the Ring of Honor World Title
Why: First of all, I know this happened at Final Battle 2006 but keep in mind the DVD wasn't released until 2007, so it counts... bastards. Anyways, this was the pinnacle of Homicide in Ring of Honor. It had a fantastic celebration afterwards where every babyface came into the ring and partied with 'Cide as "We Fly High" kept playing in the background. A smile always comes across my face when I see that.
Most Popular Wrestler of the Year: Delirious
Why: ItwaseasyformetopickDeliriousbecausepeoplelovehim. Healwaysgetsgreatpopsandthatwholebit. Nothingmoretosay.
Rookie of the Year: Pelle Primeau
Why: It wasn't a good year of rookies. Pelle won the RoH top the class trophy though. Plus he gets pretty good crowd reactions.
Comeback Wrestler of the Year: Kenta Kobashi
Why: In very early 2006, Kobashi was diagnosed with cancer. On December 3rd of 2007, he made his return to wrestling. Sure he lost because Misawa is a cockhead but just that one match makes him the greatest comeback story of the year because he no sold cancer.
Most Improved: MVP
Why: MVP has grown into his role of a cocky shithead pretty damn well. He knows how to react to any situation and has put on some damn good segments and matches. He is one to look out for in the future.
Tag Team of the Year: The Briscoe Brothers
Why: They've put on more match of year candidates then any other team in recent memory. Against Murder City Machine Guns, Kevin Steen and El Generico on numerous different shows and against themselves at Fifth Year Festival. Best tag team in wrestling... period!
Most Hated: Randy Orton
Why: First he started off the year as part as Rated RKO, one of the better pure heel teams the past few years. Once they split, Randy really came into his own as a huge asshole. Plus he kicks people in the head. Still, I can't think of an instance where he was given a legit reason to get cheered.
Best Champion: Takeshi Morishima
Why: He killed many bitches during his reign with the RoH World Title. He beat the whos who in Ring of Honor. McGunniess, Danielson, Aries, Strong, Briscoes, Rave and so many more. He was dominate and he put on some really good defenses along the way.
Feud of the Year: The Briscoe Brothers vs. Kevin Steen/El Generico
Why: These two teams produced so many memorable matches this year. From the Street Fight at Death Before Dishonor V Night One. The 2/3 Falls at Manhattan Mayhem II. The match at Driven. Then, of course, the much loved Ladder War from Man Up. Steen provided the fuel to the Briscoes fire and Generico was forced into everything. Great stuff.
WWE MVP: John Cena
Why: This isn't a typo. John Cena was the best WWE had to offer this year. From his matches with Umaga, to Michaels and then his match against Randy Orton at Summerslam, he has done some great stuff in the ring. Plus he's made the WWE a shit load of money as well. Cena is the top star in the WWE.
NWA TNA MVP: Christian Cage
Why: Cage has done a lot better in his heel role in TNA. He's done some good stuff on the stick and had a few decent matches in the ring which is few and far between for anyone in TNA these days. Plus he's gave AJ Styles a personality that just isn't Mr. Bland. For that, he should get a huge pay day.
RoH MVP: The Briscoe Brothers
Why: When you look back at everything Ring of Honor has done this year, there is one consistant thing to everything. The Briscoes putting on great matches no matter the placement on the card. A lot of their tag team matches main evented numerous shows, even Glory By Honor VI Night Two when Misawa defended the GHC Heavyweight Title. This shows how much faith Ring of Honor has in these two young men. And to think they probably haven't hit their prime either.
Overall Best Wrestler of the Year: Bryan Danielson
Why: He is called "The Best In The World" for a reason. He hasn't put on a stinker this year. He's pulled at least four match of the year candidates. Danielson has become really good on the stick. This guy is the total package for Ring of Honor and wrestling period. He is a great wrestler and has a good character that can work the mic better then most anymore.
Top Ten Matches of 2007
10. Bryan Danielson vs. Homicide at RoH Final Battle 2006 - ****
Why: This was the pinnacle of Homicide's career in Ring of Honor. He finally got his World Title. Sure he reign wasn't long or all that memorable. Not too mention both men had bad shoulders and that was the focal point for a good portion of the match. Just great work by them.
9. Jay/Mark Briscoe vs. Naruki Doi/Shingo at RoH Fifth Year Festival: Liverpool - ****
Why: This is the match that started out the year of the Briscoes in my opinion. This was worked like a puro style match. Both teams brought out the big guns and fired off for a good five minutes to wind out the match. Fun stuff.
8. Randy Orton vs. John Cena at WWE Summerslam - ****
Why: Best match by either man ever? You bet it is. Everything was focused on Orton trying to kick Cena's head off. If that failed, he had the RKO. Everything Orton did went towards the neck and head of Cena to soften him up for that huge finish from Orton. Even his rest holds worked into the focus of the match. Cena's comebacks are the usual but he pulls them off pretty well. Just great stuff between two guys who weren't known for having outstanding matches.
7. El Generico/Kevin Steen vs. Jay/Mark Briscoe (Street Fight) at RoH Death Before Dishonor V Night One - ****1/4
Why: Hate. That sums this match up. Pure hate between three guys that hate each other. Generico just happened to find himself along for the ride. But these four had many great matches this year and this was probably the best. A lot of a good spots with only a few contrived spots that keep this from being a truely great match. Plus it set up the last three matches in their series.
6. Jimmy Jacobs vs. BJ Whitmer (Cage Match) at RoH Supercard of Honor II - ****1/4
Why: Take what I said about Steenerico and The Briscoes and multiply it by about ten. It still doesn't come close to the amount of hate Jimmy and BJ had for a year. The level of violence and blood was simply awesome as both men made it seem that they wanted to just kill each other. Both men sacrified themselves in order to win. Just a great match.
5. KENTA vs. Bryan Danielson at RoH Driven - ****1/4
Why: While this wasn't as good as their classic from Glory By Honor V Night Two, it's still a pretty damn good match. The no selling towards the end with quite a few moves, most notably KENTA no selling Go2Sleep, it was good stuff. Great dark main event for the Chicago crowd at Driven.
4. KENTA & Taiji Ishimori vs. Naomichi Marufuji & Kota Ibushi 7/15/07 from Pro Wrestling NOAH - ****1/4
Why: Pretty much a great tag match from the NOAH juniors. I've only seen this a couple of times but it's bell to bell action with some great sequences. The crowd heat for the KENTA/Marufuji opening is fantastic. I don't get to see a whole lot of full puro matches but from the few I've seen this year, this is the best.
3. Jay/Mark Briscoe vs. Chris Sabin/Alex Shelley at RoH Good Times, Great Memories - ****1/2
Why: Take what I said about the match just below this one and add more length to it with hotter crowd. For my money, this is the best tag team match I've seen in years! Seriously, I can't find anything to say about this match because it leaves me speechless. This is required viewing folks.
2. Nigel McGuinness vs. Bryan Danielson at RoH Domination/Driven - ****1/2
Why: There is a reason why this is pimped as a possible ***** from some people. These two have fantastic chemistry in the ring. Even with Nigel's overuse of the lariat, the match doesn't trip up in the least bit. Every thing was pretty damn good in this one. Once again, this is required viewing.
1. Bryan Danielson vs. Takeshi Morishima at RoH Manhattan Mayhem II - ****3/4
Why: This is about as great as wrestling gets anywhere. This whole match had a simple concept. Danielson is simply the smaller wrestler and knew he couldn't do anything to 'Shima without having to weaken the legs. That said, most of Danielson's beginning offense was focused on kicking the leg of Morishima. 'Shima just uses his raw power to beat the everliving shit out of Danielson, nearly costing Danielson his eye in the process. The whole match comes circle once Morishima finally goes down to the kicks to the leg. It had a basic concept but it worked so well. Danielson knew he had to wear down 'Shima to win while all that 'Shima had to do was use his power. Matches like this is why I love professional wrestling.
Why: This was the pinnacle of Homicide's career in Ring of Honor. He finally got his World Title. Sure he reign wasn't long or all that memorable. Not too mention both men had bad shoulders and that was the focal point for a good portion of the match. Just great work by them.
9. Jay/Mark Briscoe vs. Naruki Doi/Shingo at RoH Fifth Year Festival: Liverpool - ****
Why: This is the match that started out the year of the Briscoes in my opinion. This was worked like a puro style match. Both teams brought out the big guns and fired off for a good five minutes to wind out the match. Fun stuff.
8. Randy Orton vs. John Cena at WWE Summerslam - ****
Why: Best match by either man ever? You bet it is. Everything was focused on Orton trying to kick Cena's head off. If that failed, he had the RKO. Everything Orton did went towards the neck and head of Cena to soften him up for that huge finish from Orton. Even his rest holds worked into the focus of the match. Cena's comebacks are the usual but he pulls them off pretty well. Just great stuff between two guys who weren't known for having outstanding matches.
7. El Generico/Kevin Steen vs. Jay/Mark Briscoe (Street Fight) at RoH Death Before Dishonor V Night One - ****1/4
Why: Hate. That sums this match up. Pure hate between three guys that hate each other. Generico just happened to find himself along for the ride. But these four had many great matches this year and this was probably the best. A lot of a good spots with only a few contrived spots that keep this from being a truely great match. Plus it set up the last three matches in their series.
6. Jimmy Jacobs vs. BJ Whitmer (Cage Match) at RoH Supercard of Honor II - ****1/4
Why: Take what I said about Steenerico and The Briscoes and multiply it by about ten. It still doesn't come close to the amount of hate Jimmy and BJ had for a year. The level of violence and blood was simply awesome as both men made it seem that they wanted to just kill each other. Both men sacrified themselves in order to win. Just a great match.
5. KENTA vs. Bryan Danielson at RoH Driven - ****1/4
Why: While this wasn't as good as their classic from Glory By Honor V Night Two, it's still a pretty damn good match. The no selling towards the end with quite a few moves, most notably KENTA no selling Go2Sleep, it was good stuff. Great dark main event for the Chicago crowd at Driven.
4. KENTA & Taiji Ishimori vs. Naomichi Marufuji & Kota Ibushi 7/15/07 from Pro Wrestling NOAH - ****1/4
Why: Pretty much a great tag match from the NOAH juniors. I've only seen this a couple of times but it's bell to bell action with some great sequences. The crowd heat for the KENTA/Marufuji opening is fantastic. I don't get to see a whole lot of full puro matches but from the few I've seen this year, this is the best.
3. Jay/Mark Briscoe vs. Chris Sabin/Alex Shelley at RoH Good Times, Great Memories - ****1/2
Why: Take what I said about the match just below this one and add more length to it with hotter crowd. For my money, this is the best tag team match I've seen in years! Seriously, I can't find anything to say about this match because it leaves me speechless. This is required viewing folks.
2. Nigel McGuinness vs. Bryan Danielson at RoH Domination/Driven - ****1/2
Why: There is a reason why this is pimped as a possible ***** from some people. These two have fantastic chemistry in the ring. Even with Nigel's overuse of the lariat, the match doesn't trip up in the least bit. Every thing was pretty damn good in this one. Once again, this is required viewing.
1. Bryan Danielson vs. Takeshi Morishima at RoH Manhattan Mayhem II - ****3/4
Why: This is about as great as wrestling gets anywhere. This whole match had a simple concept. Danielson is simply the smaller wrestler and knew he couldn't do anything to 'Shima without having to weaken the legs. That said, most of Danielson's beginning offense was focused on kicking the leg of Morishima. 'Shima just uses his raw power to beat the everliving shit out of Danielson, nearly costing Danielson his eye in the process. The whole match comes circle once Morishima finally goes down to the kicks to the leg. It had a basic concept but it worked so well. Danielson knew he had to wear down 'Shima to win while all that 'Shima had to do was use his power. Matches like this is why I love professional wrestling.
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