ROH Death Before Dishonor PPV Review

Jonathan Gresham(c) vs Claudio Castagnoli | ROH World Championship Match

Claudio Castagnoli def. Jonathan Gresham via Pinfall at 11:30

This match went shorter than I thought it did, and honestly deserved more considering it’s for ROH’s signature championship, but I digress. This ended up being a pretty good match while it lasted. Not too crazy, but enough to put me in a good mindset for the rest of the show. While I would’ve waited for Claudio to win the title, I’m really happy that he’s getting the push he deserves. Also gotta give credit to Gresham, who really showcased his technical skills and his athleticism. I really hope his current issues are resolved and he comes back to give us more bangers. ***

The Righteous(c) vs Dalton Castle & The Boys | ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships Match

Dalton Castle def. Vincent via Pinfall at 9:11

A fun tag match that introduced me to all 6 of these guys. This was all over the place and was a bit crazy. I’m really happy for Dalton Castle and The Boys mostly because of their performance. **3/4

Wheeler Yuta(c) vs Daniel Garcia | ROH Pure Championship Match

Wheeler Yuta def. Daniel Garcia at 15:55

I really enjoy the unique pure rules stipulation. It really reflects the art of wrestling and pretty much draws the line between real and professional. Which is why I enjoy this match a lot because it focuses on the in ring mat wrestling perspective which I always love. As I get more into the match I learn more about pure style wrestling and really am interested in seeing more of it. Loved the final few minutes where we got transition after transition of the both of them trying to defeat the other. Loved that Wheeler and won too. Really good match. ***1/4

Rush vs Dragon Lee | Singles Match

Rush def. Dragon Lee via Pinfall at 15:50

For being brothers, these two beat the living hell out of each other and I really enjoyed it. Some really good mat wrestling before they let loose and did anything they could to incapacitate their opponent. Especially Rush who did not hold back and brutally beat the shit out of Lee. From throwing Lee into something to tricking him into thinking he’s injured in order to win, Rush really showed out here and I’m interested in seeing more of him. ***1/4

Mercedes Martinez(c) vs Serena Deeb | ROH Women’s World Championship Match

Mercedes Martinez def. Serena Deeb via Submission at 17:20

I think both women wrestled pretty well here, and this match isn’t bad in the slightest, but my issue was the lack of interest myself and even the crowd had shown. This also went a bit too long and really felt more like 30 minutes. Again not badly wrestled, just not exactly exciting. **1/2

Samoa Joe(c) vs Jay Lethal | ROH World Television Championship Match

Samoa Joe def. Jay Lethal via Submission at 12:20

I really enjoyed the pre match brawl and once they got started they had a pretty good contest. I like the formula they went with here and the crowd was being really receptive which I loved. I was surprised at Joe winning after such a long build up, but I’m happy that he remains champion. Maybe Lethal will win a big match some day. ***

FTR(c) vs The Briscoes | ROH World Tag Team Championships 2 out of 3 Falls Match

Dax Harwood def. Jay Briscoe via Pinfall at 43:26 (2-1)

This very well may be match of the year. These guys fought for nearly 3/4 of an hour with zero bullshit. Just wrestling. And I loved it. Loved the first fall being dedicated to them trying to out wrestle each other and it was a great start to the match. Also loved the story of FTR getting the two final falls after the disadvantage of losing the first fall. The drama of who will win was incredible, and even though I wanted FTR to just win, I couldn’t help but want the match to go on forever. This is also my first look at The Briscoes and from what I’ve seen they are a great team. As for FTR, we’ll of course they are incredible. The finish makes sense as it is arguably the most brutal move in the entire match. A top rope piledriver to get FTR the win and the respect of many wrestling fans. I adored this match. ****1/4

Overall, this is a great show and I personally do like the presentation of new ROH. A lot of good matches here and a match of the year contender. What’s not to like? 8/10

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