Image provided courtesy of Ring Of Honor.

By Nicholas Jason Lopez

“Notes In Observance” features random thoughts and analysis on recent television shows. Quick results can be found at the bottom of the post. 

(Aired 8/5/15)

The Future Shocks Again

– Roderick Strong’s backstage promo provided good mic work, as he put over the 60-minute match with ROH World Heavyweight Champion/Television Champion Jay Lethal at Death Before Dishonor and how “nothing was settled,” practically begging Matchmaker Nigel McGuinness to book a rematch.

– The War Machine-Young Bucks match was more entertaining than it appeared it’d be on paper. The muscle-bound, agile War Machine were a good mix for the flashy, athletic and brash Young Bucks. Also loved King Corino’s over-the-top endorsing of the Bucks and their “Superkicks.” His comment about “being the first commentator to suffer a heart attack on the air” might’ve been in bad taste considering Jerry Lawler in 2012, but don’t think he did that purposely. Nick Jackson sold a leg injury for a little too long for us to buy it as legit, but it worked enough to let Referee Paul Turner allow AJ Styles to come in as a replacement partner, all leading into the finish that allowed all three Bullet Club members to take down War Machine with the referee down, which is pretty smart when you think about it and adds to Bullet Club’s “cool heel” tactics.

– Adam Cole’s backstage promo addressed his friendship with Kyle O’Reilly having nothing to do with his association with The Kingdom, as it was all about “respect and admiration.” Good promo.

– The Cedric Alexander-Romantic Touch match with Caprice Coleman on commentary was a decent buffer match for Alexander. Romantic Touch? What the hell kind of gimmick is that? Coleman talked about his disagreements with Alexander as of late and how he was a different person. Loved the cocky pin and how Scott also factored into the match. Scott’s post-match promo talked about how she saw something in him others just didn’t and wanted him to rip off RT’s mask, which welcomed Coleman to try to talk him out of it, pushing him down. This drew out Moose with Stokely Hathaway who ran to the ring, while Alexander fled. A lot to digest, but it clearly progressed things with Alexander-Moose/Coleman.

– The Jay Lethal/Truth Martini backstage promo put himself over as both Champions and talked about Strong taking him to the limit but not getting the job done. Truth was also good here in putting Lethal over, stupid book and all.

– The Cole-O’Reilly main event with Christopher Daniels on commentary had Daniels talk about his “new persona” as “Almighty,” shedding the “Fallen Angel” moniker. He trash talked O’Reilly, until the moment he stood and watched him on the floor. Cole struck Daniels, who struck back, causing a DQ. Despite a few good minutes of even-matched tests of strength, we didn’t get a lot of Cole-O’Reilly action. That said, the moment was set up well for a one night Future Shock reunion against The Addiction, once Kazarian came down to the ring. The new impromptu main event was fun while it lasted, though nothing insanely memorable. Future Shock scored the win, while Chris Sabin came down for a post-match attack, followed by Bobby Fish having the faces. It appears a 3-on-3 showdown is in some sort of order. Also liked the added touch of an annoyed Kingdom on the stage. making it clear they didn’t approve of all of Cole’s recent decisions, buddying up again with who they consider enemies.

Quick Results

• The Young Bucks def. War Machine via pinfall
• Cedric Alexander (w/Veda Scott) def. The Romantic Touch via pinfall
• Adam Cole def. Kyle O’Reilly via DQ
• Future Shock def. The Addiction via pinfall