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 9/16/15)

Distractions, Distractions

– The Donovan Dijak/J. Diesel-reDRagon match with ROH World and Television Champion Jay Lethal on commentary made sense since he was literally facing both reDRagon members at All Star Extravaganza in San Antonio on 9/18. Lethal addressed the two matches by saying he’d get to prove he was the best in the world by beating both number one contenders – two men in one night. The match action was good, as reDRagon showed off their in-ring athleticism and stiff kicks, while the heels did their thing showing off their strength. The finish was well-orchestrated as it showed the swell teamwork of reDRagon, able to lock in respective submission holds for the decisive win. Things nearly coming to blows between reDRagon/Lethal needing to be separated by officials was good.

– The Briscoe Brothers backstage promo had them hype their match against Adam Page and a mystery partner at ASE. They were ready for whoever it was.

– The Cedric Alexander-Dalton Castle match with Silas Young on commentary was smart as both guys had upcoming matches at ASE. Castle was over with the crowd, as Young talked of the problems he had over Castle’s flamboyance and put himself over as a real man. Commentary also put over the Moose-Alexander No-DQ match at ASE. The interactions between the Boys and Scott were funny. Castle had a good showing, as he did some impressive Suplexes. The finish with Young causing a distraction by physically yanking the Boys from the apron to give Alexander a fluky win was logical. Alexander goes into the match with Moose riding some form of momentum and then that makes Castle want to get his hands on Young even more. Post-match saw Stokely Hathaway come out with wrench in hand, distracting Alexander enough for Moose to spear him. Nice.

– The tag team main event match between Matt Taven/Michael Bennett and War Machine saw The Kingdom representatives in battle since they were a part of the three-way Tag Team Championship match at ASE with The Addiction and The Young Bucks. The match was consistent with past tag contests as far as being action-packed and entertaining. The theme of the night included distractions, so it made sense for The Young Bucks to come out and throw Kanellis off her game and distract Taven/Bennett to make them lose. Bucks’ Superkick on The Kingdom was well-received, while the Belt attacks by The Addiction afterwards drew much heat, as they stood tall as the segment drew to a close.

– The end-show video package chronicling the PPV matches saw effective promos from Castle – who sent a message that him and his Boys liked to drink mimosas and that he hoped Young liked it too – and others. Hathaway/Moose put over Moose being the dirtiest player in the NFL, The Addiction were out to prove nobody could “kick them,” Kyle O’Reilly threatened to break Lethal’s arm and take his World Title in a serious tone and Lethal closed things out saying it would all end how it started – him as both Champions.

Quick Results

• reDRagon def. Donovan Dijak/J. Diesel (w/Truth Martini) via pinfall
• Cedric Alexander (w/Veda Scott) def. Dalton Castle (w/The Boys) via pinfall 
• War Machine def. Matt Taven/Michael Bennett (w/Maria Kanellis) via pinfall