EVOLVE, OTT, ROH/NJPW

EVOLVE 121: Austin Theory vs. Darby Allin

Much of Theory's work on top was really generic & pretty dull, but ANYONE can look GREAT when Darby lets them throw him around like usual, and he sure did that here. A Darby carryjob through & through - Theory's power moves looked great, because of his willingness to bump like the maniac that he is, and all of the times he was on the offense himself, going for that arm, he brought a very nice sense of urgency with him. Really great performance by the man, and a really good match overall. ***1/2

EVOLVE 121: Anthony Henry vs. Eddie Kingston

This was really good, and was heading towards to being great, but then the DQ finish happened. Kingston's bully performance was absolutely amazing - everything he did in this match was super compelling & straight up fantastic. Henry was very good from underneath too with his hard hitting, strike heavy comeback bursts. ***1/2

OTT Homecoming 2: David Starr vs. Jordan Devlin

This kinda drifted into the generic indy big movez-zone a few times, but for the most part, it was pretty enjoyable. Incredible atmosphere throughout definitely helped. Really dug that lariat battle they had & the opening brawl on the ramp with Starr's entrance music blasting out loud was awesome. **3/4

OTT Homecoming 2: PAC vs. WALTER

This had such a great start with PAC going to work on WALTER's leg immediately w/ them kicks, and then using that as a set-up to bring on his flippy combinations. The finger dislocation looked disgusting & much props to PAC for continuing the match after that - I actually really liked how he seemed more grumpy than usual after he put it back in place, as he started angrily just stomping WALTER. WALTER on top working the arm & being the awesome big lad that he is was great as well, of course. The best moment of the match though was PAC dropping WALTER w/ those leg kicks - felt like a huge moment & the crowd certainly reacted like it was exactly that. Gave me some Danielson vs. Morishima 1 flashbacks, too - just absolutely loved it. Really good match & the best I've seen PAC in so far post-WWE. ***1/2

ROH/NJPW Honor Rising: Japan - Day 1: Shota Umino vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

Young Lion vs. established wrestlers is my KINK, and there's not many better wrestlers right now that seem better on paper for the role of the established wrestler in a match like that, than Zack Sabre Jr. The match probably wasn't as good as it could've been, but it definitely was still good. Umino looked like a million bucks, as he got to have a 50/50 bout vs. ZSJ, and ZSJ made him look so good in the submission exchanges. The finish was really good w/ ZSJ's leg targeting paying off, and I loved the post-match too w/ him putting Umino in the half crab, showing how frustrated he was by this young boy pushing him to the limit. Good stuff. ***1/4

ROH/NJPW Honor Rising: Japan - Day 1: Jonathan Gresham & Jushin Liger vs. Robbie Eagles & Taiji Ishimori

This was such fun 5 minutes; a brilliant showcase for Gresham, and the finish w/ the crucifix roll-up was AWESOME. ***