ROH THE ERA OF HONOR BEGINS

I'm gonna start going through the interest/good looking stuff from each ROH show, starting from their debut show here. It's something I've wanted to do for a long ass time, and well, I think it finally is the time, so lessss go!

ROH THE ERA OF HONOR BEGINS 02/23/02

Eddie Guerrero vs. Super Crazy

This has never been touted as a super (had to do it to 'em) match or anything, but I do think it's somewhat of an essential viewing. Both guys, especially Eddie, feel like huge stars here & were really big additions to Ring of Honor's debut show. The match is certainly rock solid too; they work a very simple dynamic of Eddie being on top for most of it, going a bit heelish & not giving Super Crazy an inch. Everything Eddie does looks absolutely phenomenal -- the brainbusters, backbreakers, that powerbomb, those stomps, punches n' uppercuts -- what a damn good pro-wrestler that man was. Super Crazy is really good throughout too with his more fast-paced comeback chains, and the finish with him "stealing" the win & surviving Eddie's onslaught w/ that roll-up was classic stuff & fit the story they told perfectly. Definitely a very good match. ***1/4

American Dragon vs. Christopher Daniels vs. Low Ki

The perfect way to finish off this historic show. Three hungry wrestlers going out there & giving the fans 20-minutes of non-stop action. That said action is compelling from bell-to-bell -- each man involved got plenty of time to shine & showcase their styles; Low Ki with those deadly strikes & explosiveness of his, Dragon with also his vicious strikes + terrific submission-game, and then Daniels with his great subtle veteran-shtick. Some highlights for me were Bryan's submission where he looks to be going for the Muta Lock, but instead he chickenwings the both arms of his opponent, Ki going ham w/ those Kawada Kicks on Bryan's face, the submissions on the top rope -- abdominal stretch by Daniels, Ki with that hanging Dragon Sleeper. So much submission & striking greatness in this! Also loved the bit where Bryan & Ki try to one-up one another by repeatedly kicking Daniels. Oh and of course there's also the legendary spot of Bryan having Daniels locked in the Cattle Mutilation, only for Ki to climb up & Phoenix Splash him to break the hold. It is largely a "get-your-shit-in" spotfest, but that is to be expected from 3-ways, and it still stands out in 2020 as a truly phenomenal one. The Era of Honor has indeed begun! ****