Matt Taven vs. Tadarius Thomas
On an interesting note, this is a rematch of the 2013 Top Prospects tournament. Taven would of course win that match, and go on to become the longest reigning TV champion in company history. Taven accepts the Code of Honor and the announcers make a big deal of it. No House of Truth at ringside. A pretty good back-and-forth match that sees a lot of grappling and counter-wrestling early on. Taven gets a win with a superkick and a Frog Splash to get a win after losing the title at Final Battle. Another handshake after the match from Matt Taven.
The self-proclaimed "real world's champion" Jay Briscoe makes his way down to the ring with his version of the belt. Bobby Fish, one half of the World Tag Team Champions, comes out with a live mic. He talks about the real champions like himself and Adam Cole, and calls Briscoe's championship fake. Looks like Bobby Fish is accepting the challenge on behalf of Adam Cole.
Jay Briscoe vs. Bobby Fish
Technically this is a match for "the real world championship", for what little that actually means. Briscoe's look is amazing right now. Fish's pre-match promo was pretty great. A physical match early on with Briscoe beating the hell out of his opponent for about five minutes straight. Fish took over during a short commercial break so I'm not quite sure what happened there, but suddenly Jay is in "a bad way". A superkick puts him back in control, and the Falcon Arrow gets a two-count as the crowd comes alive. We're heading towards the end here as they trade right hands – Adam Cole marches down to the ring making fun of an "ROH" chant from the fans. Fish with a low blow, but Briscoe knocks him into Cole on the apron and hits the Jay Driller for the 1-2-3.
A pretty O.K. match that picked up in the final few minutes. Not bad at all, but nothing really drew me in until Cole came to ringside. I've seen much better from both guys, honestly.
Adam Cole tries to blast Jay Briscoe with the actual real world title, but Briscoe ducks underneath and chases the champion from the ring. Jay ends the night by throwing Cole's title on the mat and holding his above his head as the fans chant for him.
Man, another solid week of Ring of Honor TV. They are off to a really great start in 2014, as everything seems to be clicking just right. There's so many stories going on, which makes their roster interesting and gives you a reason to turn on the TV (or subscribe as a ringside member to ROHWrestling.com!).
Michael Elgin is the guy to watch, but I can't help but wonder if he'll always play the role of "second best". He didn't beat Davey, he didn't Kevin, and he hasn't beaten Cole. The fans love him and I wouldn't mind seeing a babyface title run in the future – not any time soon hopefully, as Cole is just getting started – but it makes you wonder if the company just doesn't want to flip the switch on him. I'm sure that's not the case. He's a great talent, one of the best parts of the roster, and he'll get his shot one of these days.
The RD Evans stuff was really fun and the live crowd ate it up. TD and Taven had the match of the night in my estimation, as they continue to develop the character of the former TV champion. Is he really turning a new leaf, or is it just a matter of time before the House of Truth makes its return?
I guess we'll have to wait and see. AJ Styles returns next week in a match I'm sure many of you are on the edge of you seats waiting to see. Until then stay safe, have a good week and #WatchROH.
(Oh yeah…. B-)
