Ring of Honor - Do or Die VHS
May 31, 2003
Murphy Recreation Center
South Philadelphia, PA

REVIEW BY: John of NoHoldsBarredWrestling.com (completed on Sunday, 11/23/03)

- First up is a promo by Homicide, with his homie, Julius "J Train" Smokes. Homicide tells us some of his life story - that he was a street thug 10 years ago, but that all changed when he was married and had a son. Tonight, he has a sacrifice he wants to make and that's to win the ROH World Heavyweight Title from Samoa Joe.

- Special K is shown in the locker room acting all whacked out, as usual. They try to go out to the main ring area, but are told that the ring is still being set up and that if they want to have a rave, they'll have to wait till later tonight. They return to the locker room disappointed, but high, nonetheless.

- We head to the ring for our first match. Chris Lovey (sp?) and CM Punk (who will be wrestling twice tonight!) are on commentary.

MATCH 1: BJ Whitmer vs. Dan Maff (w/ Allison Danger)

Maff joined the Christopher Daniels' heel Prophecy stable at the previous show, if I'm not mistaken.

The two trade blows for the first minute or two before BJ blocks a chop and hits a t-bone suplex. Maff rolls out to ringside and starts heading backstage, but BJ chases after him. They both whip one other into the guardrail before re-entering the ring. Maff kicks and chops at BJ's back and then back elbows him down to the mat. A body slam and a Dick Togo-style running leaping senton follows. BJ fights out of a rear chinlock after awhile and chops and kicks at Maff's back, but is grounded by a surprise lariat. Maff sits BJ in the corner and hits a running butt attack, à la Rikishi, Vic Grimes, and some other big men. He tries the same move again, but BJ gets up and charges at him, delivering HHH's leaping knee lift for 2. BJ moves Maff into the corner and continues with some similar knee lifts, but Maff dodges a tipup and hits two consecutive half nelson overhead suplexes. Maff then attempts the Burning Hammer (Inverted DVD), but BJ flips out and although his super kick is blocked, his German suplex is not. BJ then climbs up top and signals for a moonsault, but Allison crotches him behind the ref's back. Maff lifts BJ off of the buckle and into a torture rack, allowing him to hit the Burning Hammer for the win.

WINNER: Dan Maff

Maff celebrates after the bout for awhile with Allison and puts over the Prophecy, but before he leaves, Julius "J Train" Smokes, comes out and enters the ring. Smokes berates Maff for joining the Prophecy and even uses the "n" word before they exchange some heated words. However, their confrontation is interrupted by Low Ki, who comes out wearing the cast that he had to wear due to being injured at the FWA-ROH Frontiers of Honor interpromotional show. Ki enters the ring and receives some crowd chants as Maff starts to leave, only to be berated by Ki for not only joining the Prophecy, but also for needing a woman to help him win this match. Ki vows that he'll get his hands on Maff one day and that when that happens, "May God help you (Maff)."

Maff leaves and Ki turns his attention to Smokes. He says that he's "standing in a ring for athletes, not thugs." and that "the streets don't belong here, and neither do you." Homicide comes out and settles them down so that they don't go at it. Ki takes off his cast, but surprisingly continues and puts over Homicide, saying that tonight is his chance to win it all. The commentators make an interesting point, saying that it seems as if Homicide's two worlds - wrestling and his thug life - are colliding right now, as Smokes and Ki both seem to be putting him over. Ki then leaves, but Homicide turns around right into a Yakuza Kick from Trent Acid, who has just ran out. Smokes immediately chases Acid backstage. Homicide runs out of the ring and backstage in pursuit of Acid. Cut out.

ANALYSIS: Nothing excellent, but what can you expect from an opener? This bout was based mainly on strike exchanges with a couple of higher profile moves mixed in. I really would've liked to see it go on a bit longer because it seemed like it was just starting to get fun when it ended, but that's alright. Some of the suplexes used really seemed to come out of nowhere a bit too much and I would've liked to see some more Irish whip-based work off of the ropes. I did think that it was a good idea for the guardrails to be used during the bout, so as to get the fans into the show early. Fine stuff for an opener. *1/2.

- Some quick highlights from the showcase card's Special K (Slugga & Hydro) vs. Dunn & Marcos match are shown. The highlights feature some solid action and athleticism. I met Dunn at a recent show and he was a very nice fellow.

MATCH 2: Tony Mamaluke vs. Jason Cross

This is the ROH debut of Cross (who had some sensational matches in NWA Wildside while he worked there), while Mamaluke - of course - is best known for his work in ECW as a Full Blooded Italian, alongside Little Guido, currently known as Nunzio in WWE.

Tieup. They trade waistlocks before Tony - with the exception of a few brief sparks of offense by Cross - maintains control, using such basic moves as an armdrag, a snapmare, and a side headlock takeover. He applies a grounded headlock with an arm cradled. Cross escapes by kicking back up to his feet (he used the same move a few moments before, too) and swinging around into an armringer, but Tony does a roll on the mat and creatively counters into a hiptoss before applying a jujigatame. Cross uses a *very* cool counter where he does a back roll and then uses all the strength he has to lift Tony up into the air (while he still has the jujigatame applied!) and drops him with a modified backdrop/wheelbarrow-style suplex! The most recent time that I saw that move was while watching a Benoit/Malenko match from Japan. Tony hitails it out to the apron, but finds no safety there, though, as Cross knocks him out to ringside and flies out with an awesome *Multi-Rotation* Corkscrew Topè over the top ring rope! Only a few moments later, though, Cross re-enters the ring and hits another highspot, a Catapult Somersault Attack. Meh. Cross rolls Tony back into the ring and gets a 2 count. Tony flips out of a backdrop suplex attempt and hits a head drop/snap version of his own (a Saito Suplex). Tony now uses a front suplex and drapes Cross' feet on the top ring rope before pulling him off of the ropes into a DDT (Todd Sexton of NWA Wildside's Gamebreaker and Bull Pain [formerly of ECW and currently of IWA-MS]'s Pain Game) for 2. An Irish whip sequence results in Tony succeeding with a knee-to-gut smash. Some waistlock reversals follow and result in Tony hitting a rolling snap suplex into a picture-perfect bridging northern lights suplex for 2. Tony now uses a shinbreaker and a dragon screw leg whip before wrapping Cross' leg around his head (w/ Cross on his chest), but Cross makes it to the ropes. Tony grips Cross' leg now, but the youngster fights back with an inverted enziguri. The ref begins a 10 count and they eventually struggle back to their feet. Some punches are exchanged before Cross uses a kneecap dropkick and then runs off of the ropes and forward flips over Cross' body, hooking his arms in the process and delivering Christian's Unprettier, all in one motion! Very creative! 2. Cross follows with the Crossover Neckbreaker (Somersault Perpendicular Neckbreaker from the middle buckle) for the same result. Next, Tony counters an attempted suplex and is ready to apply a fujiwara armbar, but Cross messes up, so Tony immediately does an awesome move where he starts doing a run-the-ropes Tornado DDT, but instead of doing the DDT, he rotates his body awesomely and applies an awesome modified version of the squatting cradle bodyscissors that FMW's Chocoball Mukai once used regularly. It looks *very* cool, but Cross is able to escape it by overhead belly-to-belly suplexing Tony into the ringpost! Cross rallies up to his feet and hits TWO ROLLING BRAINBUSTER SUPLEXES for 2! Sweet! Another brainbuster follows and Cross attempts the Cross Fire (Flying Shooting Star Leg Drop~!), but Tony rolls away! The ref begins a 10 count and both men eventually rally to their feet. Tony immediately tries a gore/spear, but Cross sidesteps and Tony rams his head into the ringpost before bouncing backwards, right into a stiff SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX for 2! Ouch...Cross climbs back up to the top, but Tony pushes the ref into the ropes, causing Cross to be crotched. Tony hits his signature Superplex rolled into the Italian Sleeper (Grounded Bodyscissors/Front Facelock Hold combo) for the submission win.

WINNER: Tony Mamaluke

ANALYSIS: Any fan of innovative mat-based exchanges will enjoy this bout. The opening chain wrestling sequence was flawless and Tony guided Cross to a very well-worked match. They timed when to apply submissions and when to keep to he mat stuff very well and there were several very nice manuevers from both men. Cross looked solid in this bout and Tony - as always - was fantastic (as were his suplexes). Tony really makes up his size well by compromising with a very unorthodox, yet entertaining, style. I love the way he rolls through with his suplexes and transitions into other moves, a quality that he exemplified in this match. My only two problems with the bout were 1. There really was no point for Cross (especially so early into the bout) to hit two highspots within a minute or so of each other. The first one was beautifully done, but I would've liked for him to have left it with that. 2. Cross' rookie mentality looked to have caused him to mistime dropping down to the mat to sell the fujiwara armbar, but - although it annoyed me for that to be the only botched spot in the match - I'm not going to complain any more than this because Tony quickly transitioned into another spot. Overall, this bout was very good and borderline great. **3/4.

- Backstage, NWA Wildside's 600 lb. Iceberg (the guy currently known in NWA-TNA as Edward Chastain) confronts ROH owner Rob Feinstein and thanks him for booking him tonight. Iceberg then turns around and walks out of camera range and we see that there are a ton of thumbtacks sticking out of his forehead that spell, "ROH!" Damn, yo! Anyway, the Outcast Killahs then confront RF and ask him why "that guy" is booked over them tonight. RF says that he's not telling Iceberg he's not booked, but they can if they want...by beating him in a match later in the night. RF walks off as the Thrillahs act hesitant at the thought of battling Iceberg.

MATCH 3: Oman Tortuga (one half of the Outcast Killahs) vs. Iceberg

Oman gathers the courage to attack Iceberg. Throughout the bout (which is about 3:00 or so in all), Oman getes in some sparks of offense (i.e. punches, kicks, and not much more than that), but Iceberg always ends up gaining back control. The big guy hits a massive sideslam followed by a running powerslam, after which he covers, but Oman kicks out at 2! Iceberg follows with a SICK Vertical Suplex into a Sheer Drop DDT(!), but yanks his foe up at 2. Oman dodges a running corner splash and falls victim to a leaping knee smash and a sleeper hold slam, but he counters an RVD-style running corner monkey flip with an Air Raid Crash/Kryptonic Krunch/Reality Check, followed by a Dick Togo-style running leaping senton for the win. A brief "Don't Come Back!" chant surfaces for the big guy. He must be ready to shit in his pants right about now, although hopefully he'll wait until he gets backstage.

Afterwards, Diablos (Oman's partner) tries to convince Iceberg to let him check on his pal, but Iceberg delivers a sloppy corkscrew German suplex on Diablos. He then grabs what the announcers call "a pointy stick," but before he can use it on his foes, Kevin Dunn & Marcos run out and deliver some dropkicks to the big man. Dunn gives him a super kick to little effect, but it provides he and Marcos enough time to drag the Outcast Killahs out of the ring.

WINNER: Iceberg

ANALYSIS: Obviously, this wasn't meant to be much and had the primary purpose of putting over Iceberg, so there's not really much to be said. No botched spots, but I'd sure hope there wouldn't be with that short of a match. LOL. I'll give it 1/2* for Iceberg's moves, but it doesn't really deserve any higher than that.

- Clips of Alexis Laree vs. Persephonie from the showcase card are shown.

MATCH 4: Matt Stryker vs. "The Technician" Tom Carter

The fans are split about 50/50 on who to chant for during the bout's first few minutes. Some waistlocks and hammerlocks are briefly exchanged. Stryker looks to have scouted Carter well in the early part of the match, as he counters several of Carter's holds via a grounded headscissors. They break the action for a moment and square off before tieing up again. A Greco-Roman knuckle lock leads to Stryker initially gaining control, but Carter soon drop toe holds his foe and immediately applies a grounded hammerlock. Stryker bridges up and transitions into a side headlock. He works over Stryker's wrist with some cool moves before applying a grounded armringer/headscissors-type combo hold. Stryker briefly escapes, but receives an ipponzei before Carter applies a jujigatame. Stryker grabs the ropes and another squareoff occurs. They tie up two more times, but each time they break it relatively quickly. The match truly begins a few minutes later, as a tieup leads to Stryker weakening Carter with a grounded abdominal stretch/wristlock combo. Carter escapes with the judo-style armdrag that he used before and applies a jujigatame, but Stryker eventually counters this into an anklepick and transitions into a bow-and-arrow hold until Carter fights out and they square off again, as Punk hypes his Scramble Match later tonight and says that he's scouted out each of the opposing teams. Another tieup sees Carter visibly mistime the selling of a drop toehold before fighting back and applying an STF. Carter plays up his heel persona by continuing to beat on Stryker even after he reaches the ropes and then hits a Half Nelson Lift into a Bulldog-style Gutbuster (a gutbuster version of Edge's crooked underhook bulldog/facebuster combo) and a running somersault senton for 2. He whips Stryker into the ropes and dropkicks him down for another 2 before weakening him with a grounded wristlock/crooked Indian deathlock-like combo and then a rear chinlock. Stryker escapes and uses a slightly botched powerslam for 2. Stryker does some uppercuts before getting frustrated and applying his own rear chinlock. Carter fights out, only to be knocked out of the ring. Stryker hits a Pescada, but Carter is relentless as he fights back with a DDT onto the apron. Carter rolls Stryker into the ring and signals for a Frog Splash, but Stryker chases him up top and belly-to-belly overhead suplexes him down to the mat! The ref begins the count as Punk - saying that he's putting his money on Stryker, but that he must prepare for his first match- leaves. Also, later on tonight, he says, he'll have a surprise for the fans. He leaves Lovey in a confused state as Ray Murro (sp?) joins Lovey for commentary. Meanwhile, the two competitors in the ring struggle back to their feet and trade forearm shots before Stryker catches Carter (who's running off of the ropes) with a surprise HHH-style leaping knee that turned into more of a heelkick as he descended down towards the mat. Carter, though, fights back and hits a *big* implant DDT a few moments later, dropping Stryker right on his leg from a sick angle! Carter follows with a 'Lo Down-style Frog Splash off of the top for a surprising 2 count. Another 10 count begins as the fans rally Carter back to his feet. A fun pinfall exchange occurs, as the two use combos including sunset flips, schoolboys, la majistrals, backslides, and small packages before Stryker forearms Carter down and then collapses himself. A 10 count ensues as Carter rallies to his feet and uses some headbutts. He fights off Carter's attempted comeback and eventually delivers a DVD for 2 after some failed attempts. He then tries the same move, but from a standing position on the middle buckle. As he falls back, though, Carter counters into an INVERTED DDT IN MIDAIR for a dramatic 2 count! When they get back to their feet, Carter catches Stryker's leg when he tries a kick and swings him into an inverted dragon screw leg whip flapjack-style move! This is basically the end of the bout, as Carter repeatedly tries to apply an *Inverted Texas Cloverleaf*, which Stryker counters after awhile of selling it into a victory roll pin for the win!

WINNER: Matt Stryker

After the bout, after Stryker struggles back up to his feet, Carter refuses a handshake, so Gary Michael Capetta enters the ring and tells him that what he saw was one hell of a match and that Carter knows the routine - you shake hands with your opponent before and after the match. He says that Stryker won via a "cheap pin" and that Stryker doesn't know who he is - He acts arrogant, insisting that - just like how he "pioneered the junior style" that is so popular in ROH, he's going to reinvent the technical style that is also highly regarded in ROH. He then challenges Stryker to a Tapout Match at the next Murphy Rec Center show.

Stryker says that the fact that Carter pioneered the junior style (which Stryker admits Carter did do) doesn't change the fact that he was pinned cleanly tonight. He finally accepts Carter's challenge for a rematch, but the segment is cut short by Allison Danger, the leader of the Prophecy. She enters the ring and offers Carter a spot in the Prophecy stable if he doesn't shake hands, but he decides against that and decides to shake hands with Stryker before leaving the ring. The commentators put the rematch for the next show over.

ANALYSIS: Great match. 90% or more of it was submission work, yet they were still able to keep the fans very excited, which is quite an accomplishment in today's day and age of wrestling. Both men - especially Stryker - looked very seasoned (which is a bit surprising considering that Carter has more experience than Stryker). What I really didn't like was the ending, as it seemes as if Carter played out his attempted Cloverleafs a bit too long. I would've liked to see the finish actually finish (if that makes any sense) quicker than it did. Besides that and a few miniscule mistakes regarding the execution of some of the non-submission moves, I was very pleased. ***1/2.

MATCH 5: Scramble Tag Team Match - Special K of Izzy & Dixie (w/ the rest of Special K) vs. The Carnage Crew (HC Loc & Tony DeVito) vs. The Second City Saints (CM Punk & Colt Cabana) (w/ Lucy Furr a.k.a. Daffney, formerly of WCW) vs. The Briscoes (Jay Briscoe & Mark Briscoe)

The bell rings, but all we get is a tieup and a break from Colt and Jay before cutting to the backstage area, where ROH World Heavyweight Champion Samoa Joe enters Dan Maff's locker room and attacks him, leaving Gary Michael Capetta (who witnessed the assault) to console Maff and yell for some help as Joe leaves.

We cut back to the ring, where Colt and Jay execute a very nice Irish whip sequence that eventually results in Colt obtaining 2 via an excellent leaping 'rana. Colt is knocked out of the ring soon thereafter and Jay takes him out with a Pescada. Back in the ring, DeVito delivers a stiff lariat to Dixie, but Dixie fights back a few moments later with a Sabu-style slingshot swinging DDT off of the middle buckle. DeVito quickly regains the advantage, however, by back body dropping/northern lights suplexing Dixie into the ringpost. Izzy breaks up the count at 2 with a catapult elbow drop. Mark enters and receives Loc's funky signature combo - a DDT onto his knee that is immediately transitioned into a Swinging Neckbreaker (all in one motion). Izzy hits a really fake-looking move backflip kick that takes out both C.C. members before making it up for it with a fantastic-looking STANDING SITOUT SLICED BREAD #2 on Mark for 2! Mark fights back a few moments later with a t-bone suplex, causing Izzy to roll out to ringside. A six-way brawl ensues and results in everyone ending up at ringside except for Izzy and Punk. After lariating Izzy, Punk trades forearms with Jay (who just re-entered the ring) and delivers a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker to him. Punk follows with a backdrop suplex hold into a swinging lariat and then absorbs a running leaping heelkick from the re-entering Loc before - with Colt - hitting a backbreaker (Colt)/catapult somersault senton (Punk) combo. Izzy and Dixie now re-enter the ring and botch their attempted spots, but the camera misses the mistakes, luckily for them. Colt tosses Dixie out of the ring and the Saints perform on Izzy a modified Doomsday Device where Punk does a missile dropkick instead of a flying lariat. Izzy absorbs the kick, but he makes it look as if he - in the process of falling backwards - holds onto Colt's head via his legs and takes him over with an inverted 'rana, sparking a "Holy Sh*t!" chant! DeVito enters and dropkicks Punk out of the ring before he and Loc hit their awesome 180º Horizontally Swinging Backdrop Suplex (Loc)/Swinging Neckbreaker (DeVito) combo on Izzy. I've seen them use that move a few times and I absolutely love it. The Briscoes enter and and Jay Yakuza Kicks Loc following a t-bone suplex on DeVito by Mark, sparking a "Briscoes!" chant. Loc fights back with a head drop backdrop suplex on Jay, after which Dixie saves Izzy from a Super Spike Piledriver attempt and helps him Super 'Rana DeVito. Dixie hits a Plancha on Jay and that's followed by a Running Backwards Leaping Moonsault Attack by Mark! "Holy Sh*t!" chant. And...HOLY F*CKIN' SH*T! DeVITO HITS A MOONSAULT off of the top buckle and takes out another bunch of guys! WOW! Meanwhile, back in the ring, Colt hits the Colt .45 on Dixie and Punk then hits the Pepsi Plunge (Super Pedigree) on Izzy, planting him right on top of his partner, Dixie! Punk covers Izzy for the win.

WINNERS: The Second City Saints

Afterwards, Lucy enters and dances with Punk before the participants in the match (besides Special K, whose two representatives are still laying on the mat) shake hands with one another. Punk then cuts a promo, insisting that he is leading a "revolution" of straight edgers. He shoots on Special K and puts over the "straight edge" concept before berating those in the crowd who don't accept this idea, gaining himself a lot of heat in the process. He also shoots on Raven and lambasts former-ECW personality "Hat Guy," who is sitting at ringside(!). Punk warns Raven that he's going to destroy him in their upcoming match on 6/28. Cabana then takes the mic and puts over his "goof" gimmick, while Lucy does the same thing with her "I love to scream at the top of my lungs" gimmick. A great promo by Punk, which furthered his credibility and also put over Cabana's personality.

ANALYSIS: Alright match, considering the time alotted. I say this because I would've liked to see it have been given a bit more time, even with the knowledge that Punk had to work a second match later on. He did very little, so I don't see why they couldn't have gone a few more minutes, especially considering that Punk had been pushing the match during his commentary earlier. The participants did pull off some cool spots during the match, however, and although it didn't last exceptionally long, this match made it quite obvious that both C.C. members can work very well for their sizes. It's unfortunate that few companies (if any) besides ROH have booked them as a team because they work quite well together. The Special K boys gave me little to complain about, which is a pleasant surprise. The match seemed to be mainly based around the C.C. and Special K, so the Saints and the Briscoes unfortunately didn't get in too much offense. I reiterate, however, that the C.C. looked very impressive in this bout. **.

- Backstage, Gary Michael Capetta interviews BJ Whitmer about his recent string of losses and what he's going to do this, but before BJ can really answer, Christopher Daniels interrupts the interview and tells G.M.C. that Dan Maff is going to the hospital. He criticizes Samoa Joe for breaking the Code of Honor by attacking Maff backstage. He makes a challenge to Joe for not a match, but a fight - an Empty Arena Match. Daniels leaves as G.M.C. sends it back to the ring. CM Punk, by the way, has returned to the commentary position.

MATCH 6: "Hurricane" John Walters vs. "The Lone Wolf" Andy Anderson

This match pits two newcomers to ROH vs. one another. Andy - hailing from Canada - is known for his work in Dutch Mantel's IWA Peurto Rico promotion.

The bout begins with a solid mat sequence, featuring headlock takeovers, grounded headscissors holds, hammerlocks, wristlocks, etc. Walters shows lots of athletecism, as he performs several lucha-style rolls and kickups. Follow a pinfall exchange, they halt the action briefly before tieing up again. Some snapmares are exchanged before Walters uses a stiff shoulderblock and then a La Majistral for 2. Walters tries to tip up in the corner, but Andy catches him and hits a double-leg slam. A backdrop suplex and then a delayed Falcon Arrow follow for 2. Punk leaves the commentary position again, apparently because he has to get ready for his second match. Before he leaves, however, he's informed that he'll be facing BJ Whitmer in a rematch on 6/12 in Boston. Meanwhile, in the ring, Andy works over Walters in the corner before an extended Irish whip reversal sequence occurs, ending with Walters hitting his signature corner slingshot 180º corkscrew somersault powerbomb on Andy (who is standing on the middle buckle) for 2. Walter weakens Andy with a leg lock and a body slam, but misses a Flying Splash, allowing Andy to execute a delayed Razor's Edge for 2. A second attempt at the same move fails, though, as Walters drops out behind him and knocks him down. A 10 count ensues and they eventually stand back up. Walters is on the apron and does a sunset flip. Andy rolls through and tries a roll over pin. They bridge upward and back to their feet. Walters gains 2 with his his signature Canadian Backbreaker Rack DDT. They exchange forearms until Andy rolls through an attempted backslide, lifts Walters up onto his back, and hits a Spinning Razor's Edge Toss for the victory.

WINNER: Andy Anderson

ANALYSIS: Very good stuff. This was about half as long as the previous scramble match, yet was about as good, which is quite an accomplishment. These two debuting performers produced a solid technical match, using every second to their advantage. In only a few minutes, they told a sufficient story, as Andy repeatedly looked to hit his modified Razor's Edge moves and Walter fought to escape them. The amount of time prevented it from being great, but the fact remains that in only a few minutes, they worked a match with one another very effectively and efficiently. Kudos to both. *3/4.

MATCH 7: Four Corners Match (Non-Elimination/Tag Team Rules) - Jimmy Rave vs. Frankie Kazarian vs. CM Punk (Lucy Furr) vs. Christopher Daniels (w/ Allison Danger)

Rave/Punk start the bout and tie up a few times, but Punk is repeatedly bested by Rave, so he eventually tags out to Frankie, who enters and squares off vs. Rave. Tieup - Frankie uses a leg takedown and applies a rolling leg lock until Rave grabs the rope and they break. Squareoff. Tieup - an exchange of hammerlocks and similar holds is followed by Rave pushing Frankie into the ropes and hitting a belly-to-belly overhead suplex. Daniels is tagged in and he delivers a leaping heelkick, only for Frankie to fight back with a running swinging neckbreaker off of the ropes. Rave is tagged back in by Daniels and he again squares off with Frankie. Before they can tie up, Frankie surprises Rave with a dropkick, but stereo crossbody blocks cause them to each collide with one another a few seconds later. Punk and Daniels are tagged in and briefly play some mind games with one another before finally grappling. Hammerlocks, wristlocks, and shoulderblocks are traded, but they all fail to faze either man. Daniels shows his atletecism with a leapfrog and a handspring before another squareoff and then a shoving match occurs. A grapple sees an exchange of armringers and hammerlocks. Daniels is pushed into the ropes and absorbs a hiptoss and a dropkick before trying to mount a comeback, but Punk uses his flips back to his feet via his "Jackie Chan" move and surprises Daniels with a shoulder jawbreaker. Rave then tags himself in, knocks Punk and Daniels out to ringside, and takes out Daniels via a Flying Plancha. A Pescada by Frankie onto Punk follows. Back in the ring, Punk regains control and delivers a delayed brainbuster suplex and a powerslam for 2. Punk tags in Frankie, whose has his Irish whip reversed and therefore receives a back body drop from Rave. Rave tags in Daniels and shortly thereafter Frankie tags in Punk. Daniels delivers a back elbow and a gutwrench suplex (both of which obtain 2 counts) before Punk escapes his offense with an eye rake and tags in Rave. After taking a leaping heelkick from Rave for 2, Daniels hightails it over to Frankie and tags him in. Rave delivers an enziguri kick to Frankie and a running knee strike to the returning Punk. Daniels then enters the fray and - in a BEAUTIFUL SEQUENCE - tries to swing around so as to escape Rave's full nelson, only to receive an inverted DDT for his troubles. After a brief halt in the action (a 10 count), Rave fights off Punk and Frankie with forearms and delivers his signature satellite headscissors into a Crippler Crossface on Punk. Frankie eventually breaks the hold up, only to receive a bridging backdrop suplex from Rave for 2! Daniels reappears and knocks Rave out to ringside before receiving a Superplex (for 2) and "Welcome To Chicago, MF'er!" butterfly (double underhook underhook) backbreaker drop (like Y2J once regularly used) from Punk. Allison Danger and Lucy each interfere on the parts of their respective men, but nothing of note happens and - before they can engage in a catfight - Punk and Daniels re-attack each other. Daniels nabs a pair of two counts with a a creative forward rolling Russian leg sweep-style cradle pin and then a schoolboy rollup. Next is a sequence that sees Daniels and Punk block one another's respective signature moves (Daniels' uranage and Angel's Wings and Punk's Shining Wizard) and trade punches with each other until Frankie re-enters. He pump kicks Daniels down (Punk ducked it) and delivers a super kick (for 2), a body slam, and a nice catapult leg drop (one more deuce) to Punk. Punk fights back with a leg sweep DDT (the Devil Lock DDT, I believe he calls it) on Frankie for 2 before being forearmed out of the ring by Rave, who in turn receives the Wave of the Future (Swinging Inverted Russian Leg Sweep) from Frankie. Daniels breaks up the count at 2, but - when he tries a tipup a few moments later - Frankie catches him on his shoulders delivers the Back to the Future (Bridging Electric Chair Suplex) for 2. Frankie is relentless, as he absorbs a jawbreaker before drilling Daniels with a lariat and following this with a slingshot double-leg drop for 2. Frankie lifts Daniels back up and tries another Wave of the Future, but Daniels counters with his signature STO and - after a series of Irish whip reversals - delivers the Last Rites for the pinfall victory over Frankie.

WINNER: Chris Daniels

Allison Danger enters and celebrates with Daniels until he grabs the mic. The fans applaud as he puts over Frankie and Rave. Punk then steps up and moves face-to-face with him. A fan yells something to Daniels, who responds, "Hey, look, asshole - if I want shit from you I'll scrape your tongue. (pause) That's why - That's why I have a microphone and yoou're in the third row." Classic Chris Daniels, baby. He continues, telling Punk that what he likes about him most is that he does what he wants, not what anyone else tells him to do, and then offers him a spot in the Prophecy.

Punk reminds Daniels that he does makes his own decisions and he has followed this philosophy "ever since [he] was a little Punker." He eventually agrees to join Daniels' group under one condition - that Daniels shakes his hand right then and there. Daniels goes to shake, but pulls away at the last moment and turns down his offer. Punk warns Daniels to watch himself down the line before walking off and Daniels tells Punk that when they collide, he'll be the victor. This segment was fantastically executed and left the viewer with a favorable impression of the brewing feud between these two stars.

ANALYSIS: Overall, this match was great, while the post-match segment was absolutely fantastic. The bout started slow, but it's pace gradually increased. All four men were impressive (especially Daniels, as usual) and I especially liked how the Daniels-Punk exchanges during the match were kept to a minimum because this made the post-match confrontation between them seem all the more special. I especially enjoyed Rave's offense in the middle of the bout, as those sequences produced an effective story portraying Rave as working his ass off in order to fight off all three of his opponents. The sequence that ended with an inverted DDT by Rave was executed especially brilliantly. What I didn't like about this match was quite minimal - I do understand that management was building towards a Daniels-Punk feud, but they stalled during the bout slightly too much. Also, some of the changes of control during the early stages of the bout seemed somewhat abrupt, as if one guy had just lost the advantage when he gained it back via an awkward transition. Considering the length of this match, though, I'm quite pleasured to only have two complaints, let alone as slight as these are. The bout was very enjoyable to sit down to and what was even better was that the fun didn't end there, as the post-match stuff was fantastic. ***1/4.

MATCH 8: Special K of Jody Fleisch & Slim J (w/ the rest of Special K) vs. The Backseat Boyz (Trent Acid & Johnny Kashmere)

Before we get down to the match, let me just give you guys the general gist of this match, because it has some interesting history. Both B.S.B. members have faced off vs. Fleisch before, each at CZW Lobo's Junior Heavyweight Invitational Tournament: Best of the Best 2: in June 2002. Kashmere wrestled him and Jonny Storm in a three-way match in the first round and Acid defeated Fleisch in the final round to win the event. Meanwhile, this is Slim J's ROH in-ring debut. This match came about when Special K of Hydro & Dixie won a Scramble Tag Team Match at the 5/31 Epic Encounter show and thereby were awarded a shot at the B.S.B. They decided to send Slim & Fleisch to represent them.

Now, to the match...

Acid and Fleisch start and introduce some high-paced action immediately. They execute an excessively choreographed, "Mortal Combat"-style exchange, featuring each man mirroring his foe's offense so that they end up ducking or blocking each attempted strike. Fleisch is now back body dropped over the ring ropes, only to land on the apron and attempt the Phoenix DDT (Corkscrew Springboard into Backwards-Diving Swinging DDT that must be seen to be believed!). Acid avoids the move and tries his signature Yakuza Kick, but Fleisch blocks that, leading to a stalemate and a halt in the action, as the fans applaud. Each man tags out and Slim and J.K. (which is what I'll call Kashmere from now on) square off. Slim goes after J.K. before they even grapple and the two trade armringers before Slim executes its a handstand headscissors takeover. Slim and Fleisch rotate in and out a number of times, as each weakens J.K. with armringers and wristlocks briefly before tagging in his partner. They make the mistake, though, of turning their backs on the B.S.B, who quickly attack them when they spot this opening. Acid super kicks Fleisch into a Test-style full nelson slam by J.K., although the spot was somewhat mistimed by those involved. Fleisch rolls out as Slim somersaults off of the top, but the B.S.B. catch him and...Holy Sh*t! They toss him up SEVERAL feet in the air and - all in one motion - catch him as he comes down with a THUNDEROUS Backseat Driver (Sitdown Powerbomb by Acid/Catching Neckbreaker by J.K. combo) that appears to shake the ring! Slim rolls out to ringside, but the impatient B.S.B. take out all of Special K with their signature stereo running somersault planchas! The B.S.B. roll their foes back into the ring, where the bout returns to normal tag team formula. Slim absorbs some stiff kicks, ducks a rolling elbow attempt, and lifts Acid up into a Gory Special position. Fleisch enters and Special K execute an assisted Gory Special-style neckbreaker and follow with a spinebuster (Fleisch)/inverted DDT (Slim) combo, both of which are done executed pretty carelessly, so I don't think that they looked like they were intended to look. Anyway, Fleisch unloads with a Slingshot Crossbody Block off of the top buckle (2 count), a backflip splash, and a *non-running* Standing Shooting Star Press (another 2) on Acid! Slim is then tagged in and he performs an innovative *Double Underhook Tornado Piledriver* (double underhook tornado DDT, but with a piledriver, instead of a DDT!) for 2! Fleisch dropkicks J.K. out of the ring and Special K executes a double-team vertical suplex lift into a falling inverted DDT (Slim)/suplex (Fleisch) combo for 2. Fleisch appears to be the legal man now, although he never tagged in. Acid avoids Fleisch's Phoenix DDT attempt and - after some stalling - delivers a Super Inverted 'Rana. Both men lay on the mat for awhile before Acid finally tags in J.K., who cleans house with a double spear. Acid delivers a missile dropkick to Fleisch and J.K. executes a *sick* CROOKED BELLY-TO-BACK SCOOPUP CRADLE SITDOWN/HEAD DROP POWERBOMB/PILEDRIVER (it's hard to explain) on Slim for 2! The B.S.B. complete about 2/3 of their signature Dream Sequence before Fleisch interrupts it by catching Acid in midrun with the Phoenix DDT! Fleisch covers, but J.K. breaks it up at 2 and tosses him out of the ring. Slim hits a wacky Slingshot Inverted DDT for 2 on J.K., who then rolls out, which leaves Slim and Acid. After a brief sequence, Acid receives an Oklahoma roll-style inverted 'rana combo and is then leaping 'ranaed over the top rope and out to ringside. Fleisch and Slim lead their foes into the crowd, where they climb up to and execute STEREO MOONSAULT PRESSES OFF OF A 20 FOOT TALL PLATFORM onto their foes and some Special K members. A well deserved "Holy Sh*t!" chant follows. Fleisch sells a knee injury as Slim, the rest of Special K, and the B.S.B. stumble back to ringside. Special K rolls Acid back into the ring and Slim covers, but the ref is busy at ringside, so by the time he arrives, Acid is able to kick out at 2. Fleisch rolls J.K. back into the ring and limps up to his feet, but is unable to stand, so Slim climbs up top to execute the finish. By now, though, the B.S.B. are rested and stand back up, crotch Slim, climb up into standing positions on the middle buckle, and perform what I believe is their first ever SUPER T GIMMICK (Double-Team Lifting [by the arms] Crucifix Powerbomb) ever on Slim. With Fleisch laying on the mat in pain, the pinfall is academic and the B.S.B. capture the victory.

WINNERS: The Backseat Boyz

ANALYSIS: Very fun spotfest. This was definitely more exciting than the Scramble Match earlier on the tape. The opening sequence between Acid and Fleisch was enjoyable, depending on what your preference is. It was excessively choreographed, but IMO, provided some interesting visual spectacles. Special K's quick in and out switches added some psychology to the match, as did Fleisch's knee injury selling at the end (yes, a Special K match with psychology, as absurd as it may sound). The Backseat Driver early in was really quite a sight to behold. Then came Special K's two double-team manuevers. They were kind of creative, but the the awkward execution of both didn't help it the bout's quality. Slim was really off the wall (in more ways than one, considering his gimmick), but he did look fine during the bout with both the innovative moves he performed and his nasty bumps. Fleisch's Phoenix DDT rules, but in all honesty, I continue to maintain that Smokey Charmichael's (now "Smoke Dawg in NY's Lucha Xtreme Wrestling) version at XPW Fallout was the most picture perfect version of that move that I've ever seen and better than I've ever seen Fleisch do it. The stereo moonsaults off of the platform was quite cool, as was the finishing T Gimmick. The disorganized sequence that eventually led to Acid's Super Inverted 'Rana was minor, but I can't quite find it in me to ignore that exchange because it did seem poorly executed, so I'll go with ***, but don't let that rating fool you. Although this bout certainly isn't for everyone, spot fans won't be disappointed at all, nor will the casual fan; Rather, it's the purist, scientific gurus who will probably be turned off by it.

MATCH 8: ROH World Heavyweight Title Match - Homicide (w/ Julius "J Train" Smokes) vs. Samoa Joe (c)

The participants shake one another's hands, but each glares at the other menacingly all the while. The tieup leads immediately into a technical exchange, as they trade armringers, hammerlocks, wristlocks, side headlock takeovers, and grounded headlocks. They reach a stalemate and step back into their respective corners and square off again, as the fans applaud. Joe plays some mindgames with Homicide before they even tieup, as he cheapshots him with knee smashes a few times and then innocently backs off to give him his space, which is played off as an even more intelligent move than continuing to work over his foe, since Homicide now has some time to think about and maybe start doubting his abilities. Homicide recovers and they square off again. Homicide attacks out of nowhere with some low dropkicks before using a drop toehold and beating Joe down with fists. Homicide no-sells Joe's stomps and attacks with a running forearm, which Joe in turn no-sells. Homicide finally fazes him with an eyerake and nails a running corner Yakuza kick. A first Ohtani-like running corner knee (not boot) scrape to the face hits, but Joe avoids a second attempt and lifts his Homicide up into the air before absolutely SLAMMING him down to the mat with A TON OF FORCE, effectively playing up his immense power advantage. Joe works over Homicide's back with a chop and a kick for 2, but Homicide fights back with a head drop northern lights/t-bone suplex combo and Joe rolls outside. Joe sidesteps a baseball slide dropkick and proceeds to RAM Homicide into the guardrail! Homicide blocks a running Ohtani boot scrape, only to receive a friggin' *BELLY-TO-BELLY OVERHEAD SUPLEX ON THE CONCRETE*! Joe finally nails not one, but TWO, running Ohtani boot scrapes, and breaks the guardrail in the process, before rolling Homicide back into the ring for 2. Joe bites at Homicide's now somewhat bloody head before executing THREE consecutive (albeit non-rolling) SICK HEAD DROP SUPLEXES - a German, a Dragon, and finally a release German - for 2! Homicide's attempt to escape the last one failed. Joe lifts Homicide back up to his feet and a slap exchange leads to Joe charging at Homicide, who's in the corner, but each time Homicide gets his feet up and he finally proceeds to climb to the middle buckle and hit a sweet *Diving Swinging DDT*! Both roll out and Homicide sets Joe against a table that's set up vertically against a guardrail before attempting to put the champ through it with his ULTRA HIGH-SPEED SOMERSAULT TOPÈ, but - HOLY SH*T! - when he's in midair, Joe appears to duck downward and both (mainly Homicide) ABSOLUTELY CRASH through the table! They partially mess up the significance of the spot, though, as Homicide gets up first and rolls Joe into the ring. That was dumb. A bloody Homicide rolls in after Joe and covers for 2. Joe ducks a rolling backfist and hits an Elevated *Folding* Powerbomb for 2(!) before applying a Crossface, which he eventually transitions into his signature Taz(z)mission-style hold. The commentator does a pretty good job of putting over the hold, as he names off all of the guys Joe has defeated with this hold. Low Ki - wearing his cast - now comes to ringside and starts yelling for Homicide. Homicide eventually escapes Joe's hold and and applies the STF! He wrenches back as Ki continues rooting for him. Joe eventually makes it to the ropes and Homicide breaks the hold, lifts Joe up, and attacks him with some lariats, but the fourth one is blocked via a knee lift and Joe follows with a stiff knee-to-gut lift to regain control. The fans chant for Joe, who briefly argues with Ki before delivering another really stiff knee-to-face smash. Ki continues to root for Homicide, who unsuccessfully tries to slowly stagger to his feet. He ends up with his head laying on the bottom rope, right in front of Ki, who yells, "Get the fuck up!" and slaps the shit out of him. That wakes up the challenger, who suddenly cracks an evil (yet asbolutely classic-looking) smile and starts hulking up before dropping out of a body slam attempt and spikes Joe with a stiff HEAD DROP SIDE SUPLEX! Homicide continues to hulk up as he lifts Joe back to his feet and nails an Ace Crusher. He follows with a snapmare, a stiff kick to the back, and a Flying Double-Foot Stomp for 2. Homicide follows with two non-corner running Ohtani boot scrapes and then lifts him up and - after the two vie for position - powers over the big man with a suplex, dropping him on the back of his head. Joe rolls out to ringside and Homicide slowly follows, but the referee calls for some other officials to come out as it becomes clear that Joe is out cold (in storyline, of course). Homicide is kept back for about a minute, but he eventually makes his way through the refs and slowly lifts Joe up and rolls him back into the ring. The ref is allowing for the match to continue as Homicide re-enters the ring and covers for...2! Homicide performs three more non-corner running Ohtani boot scrapes before slowly lifting Joe up into a sitting position on the top buckle. At ringside, Ki and Julius Smokes argue, which distracts Homicide and allows Joe to counter his attempted Super 'Rana into a *sick* SUPER SITDOWN MARTINETTE/MUSCLE BUSTER/MEXICAN STRETCH BUSTER (Sitdown Folded Cradle Fisherman's Neckbreaker Crunch-type thingy) for the pinfall win and title retention!

WINNER: Samoa Joe to retain his ROH title

After the bout, Ki rolls into the ring and - along with some refs - checks on Homicide, while Joe - slowly struggling to his feet - is given his title belt. He and Ki engage in a staredown before Joe walks over, bends down, and shakes the limp hand of Homicide, all the while maintaining a firm glare into Ki's eyes. Joe heads backstage as the fans chant for Homicide, who - with the help of Rob Feinstein and Ki - is slowly making it to his feet. "I fuckin' had him, man," he repeatedly mutters audibly as we cut out.

ANALYSIS: Excellent Strong Style bout. Even if you have no previous knowledge of ROH, the bout is still enjoyable, but if you've followed the storyline that led to this match, the bout seems all the more exciting. I'd rate the actual in-ring at around ***1/4, but because of the heat and drama produced, I'm increasing it slightly. Joe was excellently portrayed as a very talented big man (the spot where he caught Homicide running towards him and slammed him to the mat especially ruled), thanks to both the match and the commentators. I was especially impressed by his quickness in the opening technical exchange. A sufficient amount of psychology was used, especially early in, as I described in the review. The bump through the table looked awesome and that earned them some points, but like I said, I'm not sure why Homicide got right back up. He clearly took the majority of the brunt from that spot. Anyway, though, his comeback was booked pretty well, but one of my few complaints is that he gained the advantage after taking some sick power moves a bit too abruptly. I did dig the Joe's non-rolling modified Chimera Suplex sequence midway through and the finishing spot. Joe's "injury" could've been built better, as it seemed somewhat sudden, but he at least sold it and acted as if the finishing move he used was done with his last ounce of strength. RATING: ***1/2.

- We get some extras, even though this is a VHS, and are shown a post-match promo by Joe, who repeatedly asks, "what does it mean to be champion." He tells us that his swollen eye is just a small sample of what the ROH title belt means to him. He puts over the belt's importance and the determination of the ROH roster. He then vows to finish his war vs. Christopher Daniels and the Prophecy.

- The Empty Arena Match between Christopher Daniels and Samoa Joe is shown. Joe charges into the ring and tackles Daniels. They roll around on the mat for a few seconds while brawling until a crowd of ring crew members hustle into the ring and break them up. Daniels is escorted backstage, yelling that he'll get his title shot sooner or later, while Joe leaves the ring and tells the camera, "Hey, fun's just beginning."

A livid Daniels is shown being pulled back to his locker room, trying to fight away the whole time. He eventually slams his locker room door on the officials and cuts a promo, asking ROH management if they're happy now that the Prophecy is self-destructing. He hypes the six-man tag team match on 6/14 and threatens Steve Corino's stable. He then slams the door on the cameraman as we cut out, once and for all.

OVERALL TAPE ANALYSIS: As usual, ROH provides another great release. This has a bit of something for each type of fan. The great thing about ROH is that many of their matches are able to cater to several types of fans, all at one time. Technical and aerial fans will enjoy Cross/Mamaluke, Stryker/Carter, the four-way, and the main event. Submission fans will enjoy Cross/Mamaluke, Stryker/Carter, and the main event. Spot fans will be more than pleased with the selection on this tape, from the Scramble Match to the four-way to the B.S.B./Special K match. Sports entertainment fans will be entertained by the first Ki/Homicide segment, Tortuga/Iceberg, the Punk/Daniels confrontation, Special K's appearances, and the dramatic main event. So, whatever you like, you're bound to be pleased by this tape and all of the other ROH releases. The average match rating on this tape was about **3/4 and it had four matches that were equal to or over ***, something that rarely get with a fed anywhere else in the U.S. besides with ROH. With that in mind, I give this a *solid recommendation*.

RANDOM RAMBLINGS:

I want to specially thank ROH booker Gabe for supplying me with this tape. It was much appreciated.

ROH's next live event will be held next Friday at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT and the very next night, they'll run in Framingham, MA. Then, on December 27, they'll run an interpromotional show in Philadelphia, PA with none other than ALL JAPAN PRO WRESTLING. The full cards - along with ticket info - for each of these events and any otheer future shows can be found at ROHWrestling.com, which also features archived results and of the promotion's past shows, a message board for ROH fans to interact with each other, and so much more. Also, you can check out RFVideo.com to pick up this and any of the other ROH shows, along with thousands of videos chronicling promotions and wrestlers from all over the world, dating back to several decades ago.

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