Final Battle 2009 Preview
Written by vivalabrave
Final Battle has always been one of the biggest shows of the year for ROH. In 2003, ROH had it’s first taste of Japan when many AJPW stars were brought in. In 2004, arguably the most important title reign in the company’s history was brought to an end when Austin Aries ended Samoa Joe’s 21 month era as champion. In 2005, ROH fans got a glimpse of two Japanese athletes that have left an imprint on the company perhaps like no others before and since in Naomichi Marufuji and KENTA. Homicide’s destiny and Bryan Danielson’s reign as champion began and ended in the same match as Homicide ended the 15 month reign of Danielson in his hometown. Likewise to Danielson, the Briscoes’ long title reign was ended in 2007 by Tyler Black and Jimmy Jacobs. Just last year, the most violent feud in ROH history took center stage in the Hammerstein Ballroom as Bryan Danielson finally got a victory over a year in the making at Takeshi Morishima’s expense. What history does the 2009 version of Final Battle hold?
This also marks the first ever IPPV for ROH. Meaning fans from all over can watch Final Battle live on their computers. Click the following link for more information: http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/Article.aspx?id=3086
ROH World Title Match
Austin Aries defends vs. Tyler Black
Preview – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sq_e-7lfsy0
Background: Tyler Black’s journey to the ROH title has been a long and winding road. Ever since he took then champion Nigel McGuinness to the limit in March of 2008, he has been proclaimed to be the next king to sit on the throne. Time after time though, he has fallen short of achieving this apparent destiny. One year ago to the event at Final Battle 2008, Austin Aries and Tyler Black battled for number one contendership to the ROH Title, with Aries coming out on top. In June, Aries and Black met in the same building they met that late December night in 2008 (and as it just so happens, this Saturday night) in Manhattan as they faced off against champion Jerry Lynn to determine who would walk out champion. In the end, it was Aries pinning Black to win the title for the second time. Tyler had failed again. Recently, Tyler Black has been a man on a mission on his way to Aries. Can Tyler finally touch the mountain top or will he come crashing back down to reality?
My Take: Ever since Final Battle 2008, both men have taken very different roads. Aries was the hottest act in the company for the first half of the year while Tyler proceeded to thread water. Fans were getting restless at this “chase” that Tyler was on. They had seen it before with Danielson, Homicide and McGuinness. But unlike those men, Tyler is now starting to get looked over. Many now see Tyler as a transitional champion once he does finally get his win. ROH has done a nice job over the past couple months of saying THIS IS IT on the Black title hunt. It seemed obvious that once this new push began, he was destined to get the belt. Unfortunately for Aries, that means his reign is about to come to an end just when it was picking up steam. A lot of people are wondering if Pearce will pull the trigger on Tyler finally or if he’ll get all he can from Aries’ reign. I’ve thought for a while now that Tyler wins here, and I’ll stick to that, although now I’m not as sure. I’ll be curious to see the reaction Tyler gets when he comes out and after the match is over.
World Tag Team Title Match
The American Wolves defend vs. Jay & Mark Briscoe
Preview – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjjsGT0fmsk
Background: A year ago at Final Battle 2008, The American Wolves attacked the knee of Mark Briscoe and put him on the shelf. Since his return this past summer, The Briscoes have been on a mission for vengeance and for gold. Now they finally get their shot at the best tag team in the world. If the Wolves want to prve what they think they are, they must beat ROH greatest team ever.
My Take: Hard to pick a winner here. The Wolves have been the only real ‘must watch’ act in ROH this year. ROH showed their confidence in the Wolves when they put them over Steen and Generico in Ladder War II this past September, even though Edwards had a broken elbow. Clearly they had plans that didn’t end there. The outcome of this match rides on Davey Richards. He’s easily the hottest act on the indy circuit right now. Either the Wolves lose and you push him as the next messiah of ROH, or they lose and he spends his time with Gabe in EVOLVE in 2010. Or maybe ROH continues the ride for Edwards and Richards and keeps the belts on them. If I had to guess, I’ll go against consensus and say that The Briscoes walk out as champions once again.
Fight Without Honor
Eddie Kingston vs. Chris Hero with Shane Hagadorn
Hero gives his thoughts – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDLxeTpvL0c
Cornette Addresses Hero/Kingston – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4E0PhKum6kY
Background: One of the biggest feuds on the indy scene this decade may very well come to an end in NYC. Hero and Kingston have been brawling for years and now it has boiled over into ROH. Kingston claims that Hero was the reason behind him never coming to the company. His only reason for being here is to end Hero’s career just as it’s taking off. Hero has been on a roll in 2009 and has tried to stay clear of his past, but his past has found him around every corner. They both want this to end, but for different reasons.
My Take: Every time these guys square off, a lot of people are going to pay attention. Hero has been one of the breakout stars of the year for ROH, and Kingston has been on a mission to stop him. Another tough pick. On one hand I see Hero winning because his push should keep going, but on the other, Kingston already lost in NYC to Hero a few months ago, and if he wins this time he might be able to leave ROH in peace. I still say Hero wins due to how much they’ve already put into him.
Grudge Tag Team Match
Jack Evans & Rocky Romero vs. Teddy Hart & Alex Koslov
Background: AAA stars from Mexico come to ROH to display what they can do. This is the first time ROH fans have seen all four men in a while.
My Take: A nice welcome back match for all four guys. First time we’ve seen Evans in what seems like forever. I’ll say his team takes it for no reason other than he’s the most over guy here.
Tag Team Rematch
Kevin Steen & El Generico vs. The Young Bucks
Background: The Bucks have fallen twice to Steenerico in recent months. Bucks want to prove they belong in ROH and beating the former champs can only assure that. Steen and Generico are working their way back up the ladder to get a shot at the titles again. ROH has also taken note of a “situation” involving Steen.
My Take: Booking says Bucks finally get the win. Could be a fun match. Most are wondering what Steen does here as the newswires have been claiming that he’s going to make a statement.
Pick 6 Series – Special Challenge Match
(4) Roderick Strong vs. Kenny King
Background: Strong may be the most respected guy in the ROH locker room now that Danielson is gone. Probably a guy who will consistently get cheered for the rest of his time on the indy scene. King is a cocky newcomer looking to make a name for himself. If King can win, he moves into title contention as the 4 seed in the Pick 6.
My Take: Really like this as an undercard match. Roddy should be able to make King look great. I’ll say Strong holds onto his spot because seemingly everyone else hasn’t been.
Tag Team Grudge Match
Necro Butcher & Delirious vs. Bison Smith & Erick Stevens with Prince Nana
Background: Necro and Stevens have been beating each other all over the east coast in recent weeks. Now they meet in tag action along with Delirious and Stevens’ Ebassy comrade Bison Smith.
My Take: The least interesting match on paper. Can’t see this being anything great but I like Stevens so hopefully he and Necro can have a decent brawl. Smith and Stevens to win.
Pick 6 Series Four Corner Survival
(6) Kenny Omega vs. Rhett Titus vs. Colt Cabana vs. (1) Claudio Castagnoli
Background: Another Pick 6 match. A mixture of two matches from the last NYC show.
My Take: Should open the show. I’m smelling a Claudio push and he might be the first legit challenger for Tyler if he wins the belt. Castagnoli with the win.
Overall, ROH has actually done a solid job of building this show up. The top two matches have a nice “full circle” appeal to them with what happened at FB 08 and a lot of the undercard could be really solid. If you have expectations of previous Final Battles in your head, you’ll probably be disappointed after this is over, but as an ROH 2009 show, looks like it could be one of the best pound for pound shows they’ve done.
Go here to order the show: http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?event=560