Post by MGH on Sept 29, 2007 14:03:26 GMT -5
OK, I decided to put off doing 06 until today so expect 07 tomorrow.
Again keep in mind, just my opinions here. And since the OP only asked for the essentials, there will be many good/great shows skipped over. Just going for the OMG!!!!!MUST HAVE!!!!! type deals here.
2006 is most known for the brilliant ROH/CZW war that stretched over the entire first half of 06. Unlike the InVasion with WWE/WCW/ECW, this was done right. And while this show isn't a top to bottom great card, it's essential just it kicks the war off.
Hell Freezes Over
The first stone was cast in this inter promotional war with Chris Hero of CZW challenging Bryan Danielson for the ROH World Championship. This card also has a really fun 6 man mayhem with Pearce being the focal point, as well as a FANTASTIC Matt Sydal vs AJ Styles match.
Now in the middle of the CZW War was ROH's 7 show stretch that has come to be known as the "Milestone Series". Each show representing the company reaching a significant milestone in their history. Each show had something to offer, and getting them as a group would be recommended.
4th Anniversary Show
Arena Warfare
Best In The World
Dragon Gate Challenge
Supercard of Honor
Better Than Our Best
100th Show
There are a number of highlights worth mentioning here, topped off by Bryan Danielsons run of ****+ title defenses. From Jimmy Rave's best match I've seen yet, to Alex Shelley, Roderick Strong, and former WWE/WCW/ECW star Lance Storm.
Also, the ongoing blood feud between Colt Cabana and Homicide picked up steam and eventually concluded here in the Milestone Series. An excellent Ghetto Fight at the 4th Anniversary show, a number of encounters on and off, and then the culmination at Better Than Our Best in the Chicago Street Fight.
Of course CZW had their time to shine here. Running in and interrupting the 4th Anniversary Show, and taking one ROH star and making him the sacrificial lamb of ROH in Philly at Arena Warfare.
That is far from all. Jimmy Jacobs and BJ Whitmer have a great match, including one of the most dangerous botches I've ever seen in my life. The guys from Dragon Gate come in and steal the show on three nights. And not to mention, Delirious became a legit main event player in the company.
Ring of Homicide
Now following the Milestone Series, the CZW war was still in full motion, and Homicide had a choice to make. Whether to help the company that he had called home since it's debut, or leave it to stand alone against Combat Zone. He made his choice here, making this show a must see in the feud IMO. And the card itself isn't that shabby either. Including the Briscoes first shot at the tag team titles since 2004, and Delirious getting his MS rematch against Bryan Danielson.
Death Before Dishonor IV
All good feuds must have an end, and for ROH/CZW this was it. While Necro Butcher and BJ Whitmer would have a later score to settle, this was the end of CZW vs ROH. THe match to settle it all was decided to be CZW's Cage of Death. That isn't the only attraction on this card however. ROH vs CZW continued, as Bryan Danielson went up against CZW legend Sonjay Dutt and his World Title was on the line. Not only that, but Nigel McGuinness' Pure Title reign was in full force here, and this is arguably one of the best matches in it. Nigel vs Roderick Strong. Add in the always red hot Philadelphia crowd, and this is a show for the ages.
Unified
Throughout the year, Pure Champion Nigel McGuinness and World Champion Bryan Danielson began wagging a war of words, which led them in to two previous matches earlier in the year. It was then decided that when they would meet in Liverpool, England that both belts would be defended and unified together. The match is one of the best in ROH history, and lives up to the great rivalry. The semi-main event is in the argument for ROH's best tag match even, with the Briscoes getting their 3rd and final chance to dethrone Austin Aries and Roderick Strong for the World Tag Team Championships. This is a can't miss.
Epic Encounter II
Gut Check
Fan of long matches? Fan of great wrestling? These back to back matches could in fact be the crowned jewel of Bryan Danielson's title reign. The end of Nigel/Dragon (at least for 06) and the end of Danielson/Cabana and their match series. Gut Check especially has a really good card. These aren't "must haves" unless you are a big Danielson fan, but if you are these can not be missed.
Glory By Honor V Night 2
The must have show of the year in my opinion. My choice for greatest match in ROH history headlines this show, with Bryan Danielson and his injured shoulder defending the ROH World Championship against NOAH sensation KENTA, who was undefeated in ROH to this point. Also, the GHC Championship defended on US soil for the first time with Nigel McGuinness getting a shot against Naomichi Marufjui. CZW influence was still being felt, as the Kings of Wrestling get their shot at the ROH World Tag Team Championships. This show is amazing top to bottom, and for $10 (in this current sale) it CAN NOT BE SKIPPED.
Chicago Spectacular Night 2
Following GBHVN2, the company had a long stretch of what I'd call very mediocre offerings. Some good, some bad, nothing IMO that you MUST buy. Then the December Chicago doubleshot came around, and while Night 1 felt like a placeholder, night 2 was incredible. All fall Jimmy Rave had been suffering from a fall from grace, and all the way out of the main event scene. Finally, after developing a new lethal submission hold known as the "heel hook", he was tapping people on his way back to the top. This match was his big "welcome back" to the main event scene. The Briscoes here have two very good singles matches, Matt Cross is brought to the attention of ROH fans everywhere, and there is a cage match between Homicide and Adam Pearce which was much better than I could have guessed. Big time buy here.
Final Battle 2006
The Road of Homicide comes to an end, and highlights one of the best cards ROH has had in years. The show keeps getting better and better and never drops off after the Jacobs/Whitmer tag match. Claudio's "farewell" to ROH as the KoW team for the "final time" against ROH's premier tag team the Briscoes. Dragon Gate comes back to visit, and nearly steals the show in the semi-main event. Jimmy Rave's climb back to the top continues in a big way as he wrestles twice in one night, and the main event speaks for itself. Homicide wins the title, or he goes home forever.
So to me, those are 2006's must haves. I'll be back with 07 tomorrow sometime.
Again keep in mind, just my opinions here. And since the OP only asked for the essentials, there will be many good/great shows skipped over. Just going for the OMG!!!!!MUST HAVE!!!!! type deals here.
2006 is most known for the brilliant ROH/CZW war that stretched over the entire first half of 06. Unlike the InVasion with WWE/WCW/ECW, this was done right. And while this show isn't a top to bottom great card, it's essential just it kicks the war off.
Hell Freezes Over
The first stone was cast in this inter promotional war with Chris Hero of CZW challenging Bryan Danielson for the ROH World Championship. This card also has a really fun 6 man mayhem with Pearce being the focal point, as well as a FANTASTIC Matt Sydal vs AJ Styles match.
Now in the middle of the CZW War was ROH's 7 show stretch that has come to be known as the "Milestone Series". Each show representing the company reaching a significant milestone in their history. Each show had something to offer, and getting them as a group would be recommended.
4th Anniversary Show
Arena Warfare
Best In The World
Dragon Gate Challenge
Supercard of Honor
Better Than Our Best
100th Show
There are a number of highlights worth mentioning here, topped off by Bryan Danielsons run of ****+ title defenses. From Jimmy Rave's best match I've seen yet, to Alex Shelley, Roderick Strong, and former WWE/WCW/ECW star Lance Storm.
Also, the ongoing blood feud between Colt Cabana and Homicide picked up steam and eventually concluded here in the Milestone Series. An excellent Ghetto Fight at the 4th Anniversary show, a number of encounters on and off, and then the culmination at Better Than Our Best in the Chicago Street Fight.
Of course CZW had their time to shine here. Running in and interrupting the 4th Anniversary Show, and taking one ROH star and making him the sacrificial lamb of ROH in Philly at Arena Warfare.
That is far from all. Jimmy Jacobs and BJ Whitmer have a great match, including one of the most dangerous botches I've ever seen in my life. The guys from Dragon Gate come in and steal the show on three nights. And not to mention, Delirious became a legit main event player in the company.
Ring of Homicide
Now following the Milestone Series, the CZW war was still in full motion, and Homicide had a choice to make. Whether to help the company that he had called home since it's debut, or leave it to stand alone against Combat Zone. He made his choice here, making this show a must see in the feud IMO. And the card itself isn't that shabby either. Including the Briscoes first shot at the tag team titles since 2004, and Delirious getting his MS rematch against Bryan Danielson.
Death Before Dishonor IV
All good feuds must have an end, and for ROH/CZW this was it. While Necro Butcher and BJ Whitmer would have a later score to settle, this was the end of CZW vs ROH. THe match to settle it all was decided to be CZW's Cage of Death. That isn't the only attraction on this card however. ROH vs CZW continued, as Bryan Danielson went up against CZW legend Sonjay Dutt and his World Title was on the line. Not only that, but Nigel McGuinness' Pure Title reign was in full force here, and this is arguably one of the best matches in it. Nigel vs Roderick Strong. Add in the always red hot Philadelphia crowd, and this is a show for the ages.
Unified
Throughout the year, Pure Champion Nigel McGuinness and World Champion Bryan Danielson began wagging a war of words, which led them in to two previous matches earlier in the year. It was then decided that when they would meet in Liverpool, England that both belts would be defended and unified together. The match is one of the best in ROH history, and lives up to the great rivalry. The semi-main event is in the argument for ROH's best tag match even, with the Briscoes getting their 3rd and final chance to dethrone Austin Aries and Roderick Strong for the World Tag Team Championships. This is a can't miss.
Epic Encounter II
Gut Check
Fan of long matches? Fan of great wrestling? These back to back matches could in fact be the crowned jewel of Bryan Danielson's title reign. The end of Nigel/Dragon (at least for 06) and the end of Danielson/Cabana and their match series. Gut Check especially has a really good card. These aren't "must haves" unless you are a big Danielson fan, but if you are these can not be missed.
Glory By Honor V Night 2
The must have show of the year in my opinion. My choice for greatest match in ROH history headlines this show, with Bryan Danielson and his injured shoulder defending the ROH World Championship against NOAH sensation KENTA, who was undefeated in ROH to this point. Also, the GHC Championship defended on US soil for the first time with Nigel McGuinness getting a shot against Naomichi Marufjui. CZW influence was still being felt, as the Kings of Wrestling get their shot at the ROH World Tag Team Championships. This show is amazing top to bottom, and for $10 (in this current sale) it CAN NOT BE SKIPPED.
Chicago Spectacular Night 2
Following GBHVN2, the company had a long stretch of what I'd call very mediocre offerings. Some good, some bad, nothing IMO that you MUST buy. Then the December Chicago doubleshot came around, and while Night 1 felt like a placeholder, night 2 was incredible. All fall Jimmy Rave had been suffering from a fall from grace, and all the way out of the main event scene. Finally, after developing a new lethal submission hold known as the "heel hook", he was tapping people on his way back to the top. This match was his big "welcome back" to the main event scene. The Briscoes here have two very good singles matches, Matt Cross is brought to the attention of ROH fans everywhere, and there is a cage match between Homicide and Adam Pearce which was much better than I could have guessed. Big time buy here.
Final Battle 2006
The Road of Homicide comes to an end, and highlights one of the best cards ROH has had in years. The show keeps getting better and better and never drops off after the Jacobs/Whitmer tag match. Claudio's "farewell" to ROH as the KoW team for the "final time" against ROH's premier tag team the Briscoes. Dragon Gate comes back to visit, and nearly steals the show in the semi-main event. Jimmy Rave's climb back to the top continues in a big way as he wrestles twice in one night, and the main event speaks for itself. Homicide wins the title, or he goes home forever.
So to me, those are 2006's must haves. I'll be back with 07 tomorrow sometime.
Lame.