McXal's Reviews

The sub-title for this is 'The New Era Of Honor Begins', and it certainly is that, as we check in for the debut episode of the Khan-owned Ring Of Honor television. After publically shopping it around for a TV deal for some-time, he has settled for launching ROH's new standalone show behind the paywall of Honor Club. Clearly that has some drawbacks in terms of mass appeal and reaching new fans - but to existing fans and subscribers to Honor Club this format clearly has some perks. Episodes do not have a prescribed length and can be as long as appropriate. Nor do they need to be broken up for endless commercial breaks (something which continually hampered the SBG show). I do have a concern that - much like the Jay Briscoe Tribute show - the format Tony Khan has opted to run this with to keep costs down (taping on a soundstage at Universal Studios alongside AEW Dark tapings) will leave this new ROH feeling less like a standalone product/brand and more like another version of Dark/Elevation. But I'm approaching this with an open mind and the announced ten-match card for this debut episode certainly has some intriguing bouts. The World Title will be on the line in the main event; Claudio Castagnoli defending against AR Fox. That isn't the only title on the line either, as Zack Sabre Jr. makes his first appearance in an ROH ring since G1 Supercard in 2019 to defend his NJPW TV Title against Blake Christian. In a sentimental moment, we also know that - just as the original Era Of Honor Begins show in 2002 opened with Jay Briscoe in action - this 'new Era Of Honor' will begin with Mark Briscoe taking on another veteran who's ROH career dates back to 2002 in the form of Slim J. Ian Riccaboni and Caprice Coleman are still ROH's trusted announce duo (Bobby Cruise is back as ring announcer too). As mentioned, we are taping in Orlando, FL. As a long-time ROH fan the irony is not lost on me that ROH is now effectively running it's TV tapings at an equivalent of TNA's 'Impact Zone'...

As I mentioned during my introductory paragraph, Mark has been slotted in to open the new Era Of Honor just as his older brother kicked off the very first show in 2002 in an exciting clash with Amazing Red. Slim J is now something of a stooge to Ari Daivari in the Trust Busters but he too is an ROH veteran having been part of Special K over twenty years ago. This is something of a continuation of the issues Mark has been having with Josh Woods and Smart Mark Sterling on AEW television, since Sterling affiliated with Daivari's group.

Mark is still introduced as one-half of the Tag Champions, which is still absolutely heart-breaking. Some early Redneck Kung Fu quickly sends Slim flying out of the ring, with the crowd absolutely lapping up Briscoe's act. Mark Sterling recognises that J is totally out-matched, so distracts the ref which enables Slim to level Briscoe with a low blow. Nevertheless Mark quickly recovers and hits a big boot which sends his opponent flying through the ropes again. Ari Daivari hauls his partner out of the way to ensure he doesn't fall victim to one of Mark's signature planchas off an open chair too. Again Sterling distracts Briscoe (who has sustained a cut to the forehead somewhere along the way)...and Slim nails him with a corkscrew enzi kick from the top. Springboard inverted DDT gets 2 (and was hit with more precision than I think Slim J managed in his entire Special K run!) - before Mark is fed to the outside where Ari and Sterling take a few cheap shots. Sensibly Slim looks to ground Briscoe, first working an armbar then a sleeper hold in an effort to wear him down. Briscoe escapes and hits the Day One Neckbreaker...only for J to pepper him with strikes to his lacerated forehead. Slim evades the Froggy Bow, only for Mark to boot him in the face and hit the JAY DRILLER for the win at 08:59

Rating - ** - The live audience in Orlando was incredibly into the match, and Mark Briscoe in particular. Therefore to that end this was probably a successful opener. For my taste this went on way too long, and was substantially more competitive than I expected or wanted it to be. With the greatest of respect to Slim J, if Tony now wants to use Mark as a major singles star (particularly in ROH, but in AEW too) then he should be running through someone like Slim J more quickly. Still, fun enough for an opener and it really is special to watch Mark perform and pay tribute to his late brother. 

Tony Deppen is backstage, with a pre-prepared statement ahead of his scheduled match against 'King Of Television' Samoa Joe next week. He sat front row to watch Joe defend the TV Title at Final Battle and as a result knows all of Joe's weaknesses - intending to submit him with either the STF or the Chickenwing. This was a fun promo, with a little more personality than he got to show in 2021 with Violence Unlimited.

'The Infantry' of Shawn Dean and Carlie Bravo have been bouncing around the AEW Dark circuit for a couple of years (Dean is on Dynamite more than his partner), and move to ROH for the first time tonight. Their opponents are Matt Taven and Mike Bennett, former ROH Tag Champions who will be looking to recapture their past glories as this new Era Of Honor starts to take shape. The OGK have Maria Kanellis-Bennett in their corner as always.

Maria distracts Bravo before the match even starts, meaning we get underway with both members of The Kingdom putting the boots to him. Dean recognises the danger and joins his partner to hit a few double-teams of their own on Bennett. Purple Thunder Driver from Taven to Carlie gets 2. Bravo does a smart job blocking Taven's signature DDT seconds later though, and counters it with a neckbreaker to set up a big tag to Dean. The Infantry haul Bennett into their corner and bombard him with strikes whilst Matt recovers on the outside. Taven returns to rescue his partner; hauling Dean to the floor then blasting Bravo with a kick as he tries to climb the ropes. Proton Pack nailed, giving The Kingdom the win at 04:54

Rating - * - Much like the first match, it was probably too long and too even to be an effective squash for The Kingdom...and yet also too short to amount to anything of real significance as a legitimate wrestling contest either. The OGK are a decent team and in a post-Briscoes ROH landscape are a solid, veteran hand in the tag division as Tony Khan tries to rebuild it. The Infantry are lively, but perhaps not the most exciting of the young, dynamic up and coming teams under the AEW/ROH talent umbrella.

Blake Christian says he is all about seizing opportunities and making the most of his moments to shine. He did it when he took a late booking to wrestle Colt Cabana in the first ever Khan-owned ROH event last year and he plans to do it again tonight by upsetting Zack Sabre Jr. with the New Japan TV Title on the line.

ZSJ cuts a more succinct pre-match promo where he calls the fans 'cretins' and 'morons', and sarcastically encourages Blake to use the fifteen minute time-limits in NJPW World TV Title Matches wisely. Zack proclaims himself to be the very best technical wrestler in the world. Does 'All Heart' have it in his locker to cause an almighty upset tonight?

Sabre saunters into battle, under-estimating Blake to such an extent that he almost gets crucifix pinned by the challenger inside thirty seconds. Christian continues to impress as he staves off attack after attack from the British veteran, but Zack slowly starts wearing him down and commences picking apart the arm and wrist. Blake tries to hit an armdrag to counter - but comes up noticeably nursing his arm. He quickens the pace and starts using kicks, eventually driving ZSJ to the floor with a running dropkick. He charges for a running moonsault to the floor...BUT ZACK CATCHES HIM WITH A MID-AIR CRAVAT! After pausing briefly to proclaim himself 'the best technical wrestler in the world' (name-dropping 'Bryan' in the process) he continues to work over Christian's shoulder and neck. Blake is again defiant and keeps him at bay with a tiger feint dropkick in the ropes then a springboard crossbody. He catapults Sabre into the corner, boots him in the head then drills him with a back suplex for 2. Judo DDT by Zack in response; another move which decimates the neck and shoulder. SPEAR ON THE APRON by Christian! RUNNING MOONSAULT NAILED! He flies back in with a springboard knee strike which causes Zack to crumple to the mat...but only briefly before the champ regains his senses and clamps onto an octopus stretch. He starts sarcastically pie-facing Christian, reminding him that he only has five minutes left in the time-limit to beat him...then peppers the arm and neck with European uppercuts. STANDING C4 by Blake! DVD to counter a kimura by ZSJ, into a brainbuster for 2. Springboard 450...countered to a headscissors...but Blake fights out of that. Sabre converts to another vicious submission punishing the neck and shoulders to win the match at 12:28

Rating - *** - If I gave half stars I'd definitely go to ***1/2 on this as it was a lot of fun. Zack Sabre Jr. is an absolute treasure to the sport of professional wrestling; a world class performer who improves the quality of every single card he wrestles on. If Tony Khan can lure him to even appear on a part-time basis for the new ROH then that will be a real coup. He was first-rate here, both from a wrestling perspective (the way he picked apart Blake's neck and shoulder was superb as always) but also from a character standpoint...nailing his portrayal of a cocky, dominant champ totally outclassing - but occasionally threatened by - a game challenger. I'd have liked Blake to have sold the neck and shoulder more as I felt the drama in the match was really hurt in the closing stages as he abandoned it altogether in favour of reeling off high spots. I'm in no doubt this will be one of the best matches on the card though.

Mark Sterling approaches Konosuke Takeshita and tries to get him to sign a contract to cancel his scheduled match with Josh Woods tonight. Ari Daivari offers Takeshita an extra ten thousand dollars to accept the deal as well. Konosuke smiles broadly...then rips up the contract and walks off.

Christopher Daniels feels it is only fitting that - just as he was when the original Era Of Honor began - he remains in the thick of the action in ROH

As he just alluded to, Daniels was in the main event of Era Of Honor Begins and he's back again still pursuing greatness in Ring Of Honor. Here he is actually looking to rebound after failing to take the World Title from Claudio Castagnoli at the Jay Briscoe Tribute Show too. Raju isn't making an ROH debut either; the former Impact star made several appearances during Sinclair's ownership under his 'Hakim Zane' gimmick. He knows it would make a big splash if he could beat a former ROH Champion here.

Ian Riccaboni reminds us that Daniels has plenty of history in front of the Orlando/Universal Studios crowd during his time in TNA and they are vocal in their support as Raju uses an assortment of cheap-shots and sneak attacks to seize an early advantage. Jora Johl accompanied Rohit to ringside and blind-sides Daniels on the floor as well to put him further in danger. Daniels lands a desperate back suplex at the four minute mark, which is pretty much his first offensive move of the contest. Angel's Wings blocked, but Raju misses the Dragon Stomp and walks into a urinage slam. BME wins it for Daniels at 04:59

Rating - * - I don't quite understand what these matches are supposed to be. I didn't need to see Raju scrappily beating on Daniels for four straight minutes before losing comprehensively - and as a package this didn't particularly feel like it did either man any favours. Daniels has always been a favourite of mine so I'm glad that a rejuvenated ROH will give him a place to continue his tenured in-ring career, but I hope Tony has something more substantial lined up for him than this.

Lexy Nair is with former ROH Tag Champions Rhett Titus and Tracy Williams. Hot Sauce is particularly passionate as he talks about their dreams being taken from them when the previous era came to an end. They're back to help 'restore Honor'...but are interrupted by Aussie Open. They call themselves the best tag team in the world right now and want to prove it in a match with Titus and Williams next week.

'The Technical Best' Josh Woods returns to ROH, now part of the Varsity Athletes and with Mark Sterling in his corner. Earlier they tried to pay Takeshita off to cancel this match (Sterling saying that Josh wanted to return to ROH against a higher calibre opponent), but the Japanese star tore up the contract and is here to fight. ROH has a legacy of helping talented young Japanese stars cultivate their reputations and skills (KENTA & Takeshi Morishima to name just two) so Takeshita fits right into that bracket.

Woods looks to swarm Takeshita, grappling from the bell and looking to keep him within his grasp. They ferociously trade shoulder tackles but in doing so Woods loses his grip on his opponent and finds himself blasted across the ring. Rebound gutwrench suplex by Josh brings Takeshita firmly back under his control though, and he stays on the midsection with shoulder tackles and knee strikes. Konosuke tries to rally but Woods again fires back with knees to the ribs. Yakuza Kick by Takeshita, but he is slow to the top rope and Woods ambushes him with a gutbuster over the turnbuckles. DDT ON THE APRON by Konosuke! Blue Thunder Driver follows for a nearfall, but the Japanese athlete collapses alongside Woods still feeling the effects of the rib injury. The delay allows Josh to recover with a springboard knee strike into a STALLING Doctor Bomb. Josh makes an ill-advised climb up the ropes, where he is inevitably caught with a running kick by Takeshita. SPINNING SUPERPLEX BY WOODS! Followed with an exploder suplex...but Takeshita no sells and hits a German! Stereo elbow smashes leave both men down! Chaos Theory blocked by Takeshita, who charges into an elbow smash. Now Woods blocks a Chaos Theory into a roll-up. COUNTERED TO A WHEELBARROW CHAOS THEORY! Takeshita wins at 10:20

Rating - **** - A generous rating, but I thought this was ten minutes of awesome. There were exciting moments a-plenty, but it was the tight story which really caught my attention. Josh Woods is an accomplished grappler and a former Pure Champion so set about trying to negate Takeshita's explosive skillset with a methodical approach which denied the Japanese star space and time to hit any big moves. Every time Woods deviated from that he was punished and, ultimately the strike-power and high impact arsenal of Konosuke was enough to secure victory. I liked this when I watched it during the 'live' broadcast, but on second viewing I actually thought it was even better. Josh Woods has improved so much since his early days in Ring Of Honor.

Claudio Castagnoli is interviewed by Lexy, ahead of his World Title Match in the main event. He says occasions like this are what he and the Blackpool Combat Club live for, and is pumped to face AR Fox.

The ROH Six-Man Titles aren't on the line here. LSG and Keys were regulars in the last part of Sinclair's time running ROH and will be looking to earn themselves a spot under Tony Khan's ownership as well with a major upset victory. I believe this is Lawless' ROH debut, meaning he has much to prove too. Can The Embassy deliver the kind of dominant performance we all expect from them?

Kaun smears Lawless all over the floor of the arena before the bell, as in the aisle Liona absolutely decimates Keys with a running tackle. It means that LSG begins the match on his own and being manhandled by The Machine. Cage press slams him straight into the turnbuckles, and seconds later Kaun repeats the feat by hitting a turnbuckle backbreaker. SENTON ON THE APRON by Toa! Gates Of Agony launch St. Giovanni high into the air...and Cage is waiting to catch him with a sit-out powerbomb on the way back down. The Embassy win at 02:12

Rating - N/A - At least I understood the purpose of this match. It was a comprehensive squash match where The Embassy looked great as absolute killers. Keys, Lawless and LSG all took wild bumps and made their opponents come off like rockstars. 

This show has already had way too much of the Trust Busters and Mark Sterling. Daivari is now in action for himself, against a recognisable luchador opponent. Metalik previously wrestled as Gran Metalik in WWE, as well as Mascara Dorada in AEW and NJPW Strong. He owns the rights to the 'Metalik' name and now intends to go by that as he makes his second ROH appearance.

Metalik's entrance is cut for time, which the announcers cover by saying that Daivari 'paid' to get his entrance cancelled. I thought that was quite a fun little touch. The luchador tries to maintain a quick pace and utilise the ropes to his advantage, enjoying a lively start and driving Daivari to the floor. Slim J distracts the masked man though, allowing Ari to bash his head into the ringpost. Slim starts choking Metalik in the ropes whilst Daivari distracts the ref as well. Back in the ring Metalik walks the ropes into a springboard crossbody and follows that with a handspring elbow. ROPE RUN SOMERSAULT SENTON TO THE FLOOR! Metalik Driver blocked and Daivari blasts him with a superkick to the back of the head. Smart Mark distracts the ref again as Slim J invades the ring and tries to grab Metalik...but the luchador ducks causing Ari to accidentally lay out his own partner. Pepsi Twist (In Trust We Bust) wins it for Daivari at 07:22

Rating - ** - This never felt particularly exciting and was almost tedious in how predictable it was. However, it had a clear dynamic, a clear story it was trying to tell and I thought Metalik did a good job taking a beating in an attempt to connect Daivari with the 'ROH audience' in a way he hasn't been able to during his appearances on AEW television. I'm not sure it worked, but I could tell there was a clear purpose here. Metalik is a fun luchador, but does feel like a significant step down from the days of Bandido, Dragon Lee and Flamita in ROH..

AR Fox talks about being rejected from ROH after multiple trials and training seminars, and as a result is hugely fired up to main event the first episode of the 'new era'...

Charlette and Robyn Renegade are sisters, who I believe trained out of the Nightmare Factory with QT Marshall. They come into this taping on the back of a brief run with the NWA Women's Tag Titles so have some momentum on their side. Rayne is the veteran, and she has taken young Skye Blue under her wing. Last time we saw them on ROH television it was at the Jay Briscoe Tribute, when Athena defeated Madison then attacked Blue for good measure...

Skye starts with Robyn and uses her speed and illusiveness to stay one step ahead of the moderately taller opponent. Knee strike/diving clothesline combo from Madison and Skye gets an early nearfall and prompts Charlette to force her way in. Rayne shows her veteran smarts and dominates; Charlette barely able to lay a glove on her for more than a minute. It is only when Blue tags in that The Renegades get ahead; Robyn blasting her with a cheap shot to the back then Charlette landing a mafia kick. Things get a little messy as Robin and Skye roll around on the canvas, but Blue finally kicks her way free and brings Madison back into play. Ripcord Ace Crusher gets 2 on Charlette, only for Renegade to retaliate immediately with a facebuster. Samoan Driver by Robyn gets 2! All four women are down...with Skye up first to hit a flying crossbody. Skye Fall wins it for Blue at 06:30

Rating - * - There is something about The Renegades I quite like, but this wasn't a great match for them. Rayne and Skye were a little clunky and awkward too and in truth everything about this match felt quite laboured and clumsy. 

Ian Riccaboni is in the ring to interview the Pure Champion, Wheeler Yuta. He takes offence to Ian calling him the 'junior member' of the Blackpool Combat Club and issues an open challenge to defend his belt next week on television. Timothy Thatcher answers the call and the match is set...

Willow is a familiar face to ROH fans who watched Maria Kanellis and Bobby Cruise reinvigorate ROH's women's division in 2021. She has had chances to win the ROH Women's Title before and very much remains in the hunt for that, with a formidable record in AEW to back up her championship prospects. Frost is a world-travelled veteran with experience in Impact, AEW, Chikara CMLL, NWA, GCW, SHIMMER, RISE and more, so a victory for Nightingale is by no means a formality here.

As ever, Willow is extremely popular - and also enjoys a pronounced size advantage which she uses to dominate the opening minute. Frost isn't interested in playing feel-good games with her opponent and does her best to increase the pace...only to be smashed with a running crossbody block and a series of shortarm clotheslines. She does finally manage to somersault out of Nightingale's grip and land a rolling neckbreaker, and they come back together in the middle of the ring to simultaneously land roundhouse kicks to the other's head. Spinebuster by Willow gets 2, but Frost hits back with a MOONSAULT! Nightingale catches her trying a spear and lands the Dangerous Babe Bomb for the win at 04:37

Rating - ** - A fun little sprint between two talented women. If you go back and revisit some of my older reviews you'll see that I've enjoyed Willow's work for a long time so I'm delighted to see her flourish under the AEW/ROH umbrella. She really is a unique talent with such a natural babyface charisma. Frost had a great showing here too, delivering her moves with precision, grace and an effortless ease. If there is room on the already over-crowded AEW/ROH roster for her then I'd welcome her getting more matches in ROH. 

Ian leaves his announce position and grabs an interview with Willow. She reminds everyone that she is from the 'old regime' in ROH and that victory over Lady Frost backs up two consecutive wins on the last two ROH pay-per-views as well. She challenges Athena to a Women's Title shot...and the Fallen Goddess quickly appears on the stage. Athena accepts the 'mediocre challenge' from 'happy to be here' Willow and says she'll see her next week...

Fox has been an under-rated talent for a long time. His work in WWNLive was great, I loved his character in Lucha Underground too...but it just felt like his opportunity with a major promotion was passing by. AEW took a chance on him and have thus far reaped the rewards as in his short run thus far he has always delivered the goods inside the ropes. His reward is to main event the first ever episode of the new ROH TV show, with a huge opportunity to challenge Castagnoli for the ROH World Title. Claudio is in his second reign as champion and a proud standard bearer for Ring Of Honor as it enters a new era. He won't want the first episode to be infamous for an upset title loss on his part. His promo earlier also referenced Fox 'costing him some money' on AEW programming.

Castagnoli pointedly backs Fox into the ropes then allows him to break; making the point that he is bigger, stronger and thinks he can push the challenger around. Even when AR tries to quicken the pace, Claudio finds a way to ensnare him into submission holds and curtail his momentum. An emphatic running uppercut knocks Fox's bandana from around his head as the champ's imposing opening salvo continues. An early attempt at the Riccola Bomb is blocked...with AR running the ropes into a multiple-springboard bulldog. Castagnoli splatters him with a dropkick when he tries to come off the top for a second time though. Press slam COUNTERED into a mid-air headscissors by Fox! He looks for another springboard, but slips and allows Claudio to get a shot in on his leg. Fox is winded...and Claudio makes it worse by throwing him around the ring with assorted suplexes. Half crab applied, making it harder for the challenger to breathe and further exacerbating the leg injury Double C has opened up. Repeated elbow strikes to the back cause AR to drop to his knees...and yet still he finds a way to respond with a hanging DDT out of the ropes (although his leg gives out on him again in the midst of that). Springboard cutter out of the corner gets 2 for the challenger. TOPE SUICIDA TO THE FLOOR! SWANTON BOMB back in gets 2! He tries to nip up into a kick on Claudio...who sees it coming and COUNTERS TO THE BIG SWING! Fox refuses to quit and collapses to the floor, forcing Claudio to waste time going out and dragging him back in. Springboard elbow drop by Castagnoli...into a Sharpshooter! AR escapes...crossface instead! LARIAT by Claudio gets 2! He drags Fox up the ropes looking for a superplex, but Fox slithers free and hits a DVD. 450 SPLASH gets 2! The ROH Title has been won with that move before! Foxcatcher blocked by Claudio! European uppercut countered to a backslide by Fox for 2! He springboards...INTO SWISS DEATH! Claudio retains at 15:35

Rating - **** - As I've said quite a few times, I've enjoyed Claudio in his role as champion of the hibernating Ring Of Honor. He has a deep history with the promotion, name value to a casual audience, he looks imposing and he is an exceptionally skilled wrestler. He has represented the company well, whilst churning out high quality matches every time he's lined up for a novelty title defence. This is another one that falls into that bracket. Fox hasn't done loads to feel like a World Title challenger, and the ROH World Title doesn't feel like a prize you need to work particularly hard to get an opportunity at right now. But for a championship which is historically synonymous with great in-ring work, this was a fitting title bout. Claudio has always been great when he gets to work with high flyers like Fox and this was no exception. Indeed, Castagnoli is now so good that even Fox's occasional little mis-steps were effortlessly integrated into the fabric and narrative of the contest. It told a fine story; Claudio dominating and picking Fox apart for every mistake he made but AR courageously fighting through (not tapping to the Big Swing like Jericho did) and coming close to pulling off the upset. They had the audience really biting on some of their big spots at the end - a testament to the quality of the match given that the result was never really in doubt.

Claudio shows respect to Fox and shakes his hand, but the post-match pleasantries are interrupted by the arrival of Eddie Kingston. He has a deep history with Claudio (and his former partner Chris Hero), and although he 'promised Mox he wouldn't beat his ass in AEW', Eddie has now come to ROH to take Claudio's title. Double C walks out rather than answer Kingston...

Tape Rating - ** - It wouldn't be accurate to call this an outrageously good debut episode for the beginning of a 'new era'. But I also feel that some of the criticism I'd seen online - with phrases like 'AEW Dark: Three' used to describe it - are particularly unfair and inaccurate too. There were things that worked here, and things that didn't. Focusing on the positive first, when the show was good it really was GOOD. Claudio/Fox and Takeshita/Woods are great matches and a significant step above most of the content you'll see on Dark, Elevation (and some weeks even Rampage). ZSJ/Christian was a really solid match too. Although it is unfortunate that Khan couldn't get ROH a TV show, the format of the show on Honor Club - commercial free and unencumbered by a pre-prescribed episode length - really works for an in-ring focused company like ROH. And where wrestlers were allowed to show glimpses of character (Tony Deppen, Athena, Aussie Open, Yuta/Thatcher or the Claudio/Kingston exchange at the end) that was generally very watchable too. But lets not pretend there aren't issues; front and centre of which is that ROH's weekly show is no longer a 'free TV' entity. This is a premium wrestling product, behind a paywall for a streaming service which offers nothing more than this TV show and a historic back-catalogue of (admittedly great) stuff that a great deal of ROH's target fanbase may have already seen. This has to be a solid starting point and a place from which to build, because the overall standard here was NOT one of a premium wrestling product which will repeatedly have a high number of fans dipping into their pockets on a monthly basis. Part of the reason so many gave the episode unfavourable comparisons to Dark is that there were just too many short, pointless matches without any clear purpose. The focus here was on quantity of matches/wrestlers appearing on the show and not on quality/character. Even the basics of putting a show together like not having the same people appear over and over again in countless segments were ignored; it felt like the Trust Busters and/or Mark Sterling were constantly on my screen for the first 90 minutes (including the flat, colourless, cold opene which sorely lacked a proper title sequence). Use your Honor Club subscription to watch the three stand-out matches, don't listen to those who wrote this off as just another AEW Dark variant because this really isn't a bad show at all. But there are clear things which need to and must improve if Tony Khan wants to make ROH a viable, flourishing side-project. TV of this standard and the ROH back catalogue alone (and without the 'new' ROH PPV's going onto Honor Club until three months after they air) will not be sufficient to keep people spending 9.99 a month when comparable amounts of money gets you so much more on other streaming services...