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Title of tape - RoH road to the title
Format - Pal .
Place to Order - RFVideo.com
Running Time - 3hrs approx.
Quality - very good.
Language - English .
Road to the ROH Title
June 22, 2002
from the Murphy Recreation Center in Philadelphia, PA, USA.
The real question, and one it feels bizarre to ask - Is that is there ever a bad match in RoH? I know it SOUNDS ridiculous, but when their game is on - Nobody else comes close.
Here are the highlights of the tape - We kick off with a nice Philly scenic montage, then lead into the RoH debut of Bio-Hazard being thrown in at the deep end against fellow Texas Wrestling Academy graduate American Dragon. It only lasts 2 and a half minutes, but very fine match.
The previous month, the man known as Spanky had defeated Paul London to win the aforementioned TWA Gauntlet match. This one went pretty much 10 minutes, and just goes to prove that Spanky is one of THE most talented guys in the entire business in my opinion.
Following that, comes the first of the guys from my part of the world (England), in Doug Williams against Jay Briscoe; with the winner facing American Dragon later on the tape. Lasting 6 minutes 19 seconds, (is that a cue for a run-in from Rey Mysterio Jr? Oh, never mind!); this is a very solid mat based match.
Two more of my fellow countrymen, Jody Fleisch and Jonny Storm take it from here; to take their jaw-dropping feud worldwide - winner meeting Spanky later on the tape. When these two kick off, duck - as it always gets lively. As always, some missed spots; but look past that as it always happens because of the level of pace these two go at each other at. Killer match.
An angle follows with Jerry Lynn and a banana. I dont usually acknowledge angles in video reviews, but I've mentioned this so if you get this video; you'll pay attention to it. And I'm saying no more....
Prince Nana fights Low Ki next on the tape. Not exactly a classic, probably the weakest match on the card - but I wouldnt place any of the blame on the ever watchable Low Ki. Not the best 4 minutes of your life, but better than a hell of a lot that bigger promotions give you for 'free' all the same.
Man, do I wish I could sit down with Jerry Lynn and his taste in music. Short angle, where Xavier appears and Lynn offers him a listen. Which leads us to Xavier facing The Amazing Red. Enjoyable match, 4 and a half minutes of the good stuff.
Christopher 'Fallen Angel' Daniels and Scoot 'The Black Nature Boy' Daniels is the next match, and I must admit I was looking forward to this one.It was signed after a verbal altercation during the announcement of the tournament, as Andrews issued the challenge. Daniels cuts a promo introducing his new group, The Prophecy; and introduces it's first member. Sadly, this is as long as the match; which lasts 2 and a half minutes and left me wondering why these two weren't given more time to do their thing.
Leading us to a girlie match, with the Christopher Daniels accompanied Simply Luscious fighting Sumie Sakai; who has the company of Scoot Andrews. 3 and a half minutes, and a respectable match. Certain WWE women could take note.
AJ Styles versus Jerry Lynn. Guaranteed show stealer in my opinion, and given the time to be built up right; which it was - With the winner to meet Christopher Daniels. This was just before the feud the two had in NWATNA, as TNA first aired 3 days previous to this show. Incredible match, all you'd expect - 15 minutes of psychology and just reminds you of why you love wrestling so much.
The ever loveable Spanky follows, against the pride of the UK's cruiserweights Jodie Fleisch. Typical Fleisch match, as you barely have time to take your eyes from the screen; and Spanky is at his usual high level. Great stuff.
American Dragon and Doug Williams follows, and whilst a total change of pace; this is an incredible match. Built right, lots of moves that leave the viewer impressed - you wont be disappointed here.
High flying crazyness follows, with Low Ki and Amazing Red - you wont want to miss a second of this one and you'll feel breathless yourself after watching.
Christopher Daniels and AJ Styles was another one of those matches I looked forward to, lots of solid mat wrestling; and with the match going over 20 minutes - everything means something which is a precious change these days. Another contender for best match of the night.
John Finnegan then calls for Doug Williams and Low Ki to join Spanky and Daniels in the ring, because they'll be wrestling for the ROH Title next month. The belt is supposed to be unveiled, but Daniels immediately tries to steal the belt. A four way fight ensues, and Finnegan hightails it with belt still unshown as the brawl continues. Low Ki locks the Dragon Clutch onto Daniels, and Daniels is tapping out madly. The locker room empties in an attempt to get Low Ki to release the hold. Commentator Steve Corino pulls out a killer line on commentary at this point : "Low Ki can't win the title if he's in jail for murder!".
Wrap-up - WHAT a great tape. Strongly recommended by yours truly. He who hesitates....is seriously missing out. Warning - this can seriously disillusion you as to watching anything else as RoH provide a level of action unparalled.
