by Matt Flash » Sun Jan 31, 2010 4:15 am
Just for the sake of publically stating it, PWG completely outdid ROH this weekend. They had the bigger stars, the better matches, the bigger crowd and the louder reactions. Yes, this is So Cal and it's PWG's territory, so they would naturally have more die-hard fans. But this was ROH's debut in So Cal, and it was a HUGE event with a built in audience. If they went for the convention, then surely they'd show up for the WRESTLING show that night. I mean how does PWG get Liger, Muta, Super Crazy and RVD and all ROH can do is have Liger? Sure Crazy isn't what he used to be, but the guy still gets a great reaction, and that helps a match a lot if that wrestler's skill has regressed. PWG put on a better show, and didn't even use the ROH World or Tag Champs. Think about that. ROH could've endeared itself to a new area and new fans, but I can't see why ANYONE would want to become a fan of ROH after seeing their show. The most entertaining parts were Colt saving the day and doing the Worm and Stink Face. And the dance fest. Nothing about the actual wrestling could steal the spotlight from THAT? Freaking pathetic.
And to add onto that, everyone who also wrestled on the ROH show Friday looked so much better in their PWG matches. Liger looked energized and stoked to be fighting Generico. He looked not nearly as thrilled in the match with Aries. Roddy seemed more energized, etc. etc. I know ROH is more well known, and have done PPV and have TV and blah blah blah, but PWG uses a number of the same wrestlers, and PWG blew their show out of the water. ROH just felt like it went match to match, no segues, narry an interesting angle or promo or any developments. Then PWG has the Young Bucks turn on Kendrick, brought back London and we get a certified dream match with London/Kendrick vs. The Young Bucks. That alone trumped anything ROH did.
PWGs shows just have a more urgent feeling to them. The young guys are hungry to make a name for themselves so they go all out like their life depends on it. And hey, maybe it does. ROH just went through the motions and felt lifeless and flat. And don't get me started on the shitty booking of some of the matches.
Alright, done ripping ROH.
Cutlers, Ryan Taylor and Von Eerie def. LTP, Malki, Goodtime and Lerae **3/4
Brandon Gatson def. Brandon Bonham **1/2
Human Tornado def. Super Crazy **1/2
Davey Richards def. Kevin Steen ***1/2
Great Muta and KAI def. Joey Ryan and Scott Lost ***
Jushin Liger def. El Generico ***3/4
Paul London and Brian Kendrick def. The Young Bucks ***3/4
Rob Van Dam def. Roderick Strong and Chris Hero ***1/2
Clearly not a mind blowing show, but the atmosphere was better than ROH's show, so even the spots that dragged (and there were plenty) weren't as bad as they could've been. Also, congrats to PWG for getting, far and away, the largest crowd they've ever had. Granted, that was due to the convention and not necessarily their card or their name recognition, but that had to be 1,000+ in attendance. And the crowds don't lie, they very clearly liked PWG more. WAY more.