ROH on Sinclair – Episode 119 – 28th December 2013
This is the year-end wrap-up show for ROH on SBG, meaning we’ll see highlights from some of the more memorable Ring Of Honor moments in 2013. It’s also time for me to do my annual countdown of my Top 10 ROH Matches of 2013. I got surprisingly positive reader feedback on my 2012 Top 10 last year. I have to say I’m expecting some disagreements this time around!
Larry Mercer is your host. He’s not great, and his set (including a television set with some grey gaffer tape covering the manufacturer’s logo) is as cheap looking as it gets.
We begin with an excellent video package highlighting the ROH vs SCUM feud. Our first set of match highlights are from the Steel Cage Warfare Match from Episode 97. That’s fitting, as it was one of the best ROH TV matches of the year. The Nigel/Corino stand-off during the climactic moments made for magical television
Larry talks about the success of reDRagon as the focal point of the ROH tag division this year. After highlights from the chaotic summer which saw three title changes in three weeks, we go back to the 11th Anniversary Show so see highlights of Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly dethroning the Briscoes to win the Tag Titles for the first time.
Next Mercer discusses Matt Taven’s remarkable year. He wasn’t on the roster at the start of the year, but controversially won the 2013 Top Prospect Tournament with the help of Truth Martini, then joined the House Of Truth. Under Martini’s guidance Matt would win the TV Title at the 11th Anniversary Show and begin an unprecedented title reign which lasted the rest of the year…until Tommaso Ciampa decimated the Hoopla circus single-handedly. Highlights of the Matt Taven vs Tadarius Thomas Top Prospect Tournament Final from Episode 75 are shown.
Apparently fans have been voting on an ROH MOTY – and Larry announces that the winner was Steen vs Generico from Final Battle 2012 (Ladder War 4). The show ends with extended highlights.
NEXT WEEK – Final Battle 2013 highlights. But at least Larry plugs the VOD…
Tape Rating - N/A - The usual from these year-ending TV episodes. It kills an hour of television, but doesn’t really do too much if you’ve seen it all already. That said, the ROH/SCUM feud video package was really well put together, and definitely a highlight of the show for me
2013 Top 10 Matches
10) Michael Elgin vs ACH (**** - Dragon’s Reign)
9) Eddie Edwards vs Kyle O’Reilly (****1/2 - Reclamation: Night 1)
8) Michael Elgin vs Tommaso Ciampa (****1/2 - Best In The World 2013
7) Paul London vs Roderick Strong (****1/2 - Glory By Honor 12)
6) Davey Richards vs Kyle O’Reilly (****1/2 - ROH on SBG Episode 085)
5) Michael Elgin vs Paul London (****1/2 - All Star Extravaganza 5)
4) Michael Elgin vs Jay Lethal (****1/2 - Supercard Of Honor 7)
3) American Wolves vs reDRagon (****1/2 - Manhattan Mayhem 5)
2) Adam Cole vs Michael Elgin (****1/2 - Death Before Dishonor 11)
1) Adam Cole/Matt Taven/Bobby Fish/Kyle O'Reilly vs Michael Elgin/Jay Lethal/Caprice Coleman/Cedric Alexander (****1/2 - Glory By Honor 12)