THE 2/22 ROH VIDEOWIRE: PREVIEWING THE 9TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW

This weekend, Ring of Honor is celebrating their 9th anniversary with two shows - tonight in Dayton, and tomorrow in Chicago (and live on iPPV) for their actual 9th Anniversary Show. Both cards are pretty stacked, and considering that in the past while they've lost Kevin Steen, Austin Aries, Tyler Black, Delirious, Necro Butcher and others, that is impressive. Here's what's in the final VideoWire before the big event on Saturday.

ROH 02/22/11 VIDEOWIRE

PREVIEWING THE 9TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW

IN THIS VIDEO

- ROH World Champion Roderick Strong seals his promo with a kiss.

- Christopher Daniels and Eddie Edwards put over the importance of being a champion in Ring of Honor. Their match on Saturday will no doubt be a highlight for the weekend.

- The Kings of Wrestling don't think Kenny King is "tough enough" to hang with the ROH World Tag Team Champions.

- Rhett Titus and Kenny King, the All Night Express, RAP THEIR PROMO. NOT EVEN JOKING. DYING OVER HERE. Titus has got FLOW.

- Steve Corino turning over a new leaf. I love this story. Seeing Corino struggling to be the ultimate good guy is both hilarious, and maybe something that hasn't really been done before (someone will probably correct me on that). His "I can have a five star match... if you give me a two star curve" comment cracked me up. So did his teasing of the thumb in the bum. That really... cracked... me up. I hate myself.

- Truth Martini and Michael Elgin speak. Truth Martini might be the most hate-able man in wrestling. Whenever I see him, I want to punch him in the face. Then, I stop to think about how great he is at being a heel and looking like a guy you want to punch in the face. But then I still want to punch him in the face. And I want to punch myself in the face for thinking about Truth Martini for this long.

- Homicide brings the real talk to Roderick Strong. He also says he might do the "Homicide Shuffle" with Colt Cabana in Chicago, but he could say anything and I'd be scared.

No sign of the Briscoes or Haas and Benjamin, but an entertaining twenty minutes nonetheless.

Here are the cards, hype and tweets for this weekend.

Friday, February 25th

DAYTON, OHIO - "WORLD'S GREATEST"

Tickets + Info

SIX MAN MAIN EVENT - "WORLD'S GREATEST" COLLIDE

ROH World Champion Roderick Strong

ROH World Tag Team Champions The Kings of Wrestling

VS.

Davey Richards

"Wrestling's Greatest Tag Team" Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin

TOP CONTENDERS COLLIDE

Homicide VS. El Generico

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST FINALS REMATCH

Eddie Edwards VS. Kenny King

SPECIAL CHALLENGE

Michael Elgin VS. ROH World TV Champion Christopher Daniels

SPECIAL ATTRACTION #1

Jay Briscoe VS. Kyle O'Reilly

SPECIAL ATTRACTION #2

Mark Briscoe VS. "The Prodigy" Mike Bennett

FOUR CORNER SURVIVAL

Colt Cabana

VS.

Rhett Titus

VS.

Mike Mondo

VS.

Andy "Right Leg" Ridge

TAG TEAM ACTION

The Bravado Brothers VS. Steve Corino & Grizzly Redwood

Saturday, February 26th

CHICAGO RIDGE, IL - "9TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW"

Tickets + Info - ORDER NOW at GoFightLive

ROH WORLD TITLE MATCH - NO HOLDS BARRED BARRIO STREET FIGHT

Roderick Strong defends VS. Homicide

ROH WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

"The Kings of Wrestling" Chris Hero & Claudio Castagnoli

defend VS.

"The All Night Express" Rhett Titus & Kenny King

ROH WORLD TV CHAMPIONSHIP - 2/3 FALLS

Christopher Daniels defends VS. Eddie Edwards

FIRST TIME EVER - DREAM TAG TEAM MATCH

"The Briscoes" Jay & Mark

VS.

"Wrestling's Greatest Tag Team" Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin

SPECIAL ATTRACTION

Colt Cabana VS. Davey Richards

SPECIAL CHALLENGE MATCH

Michael Elgin VS. El Generico

WOMEN OF HONOR

Sara Del Rey VS. MsChif

FOUR CORNER SURVIVAL

Steve Corino

VS.

Kyle O'Reilly

VS.

Grizzly Redwood

VS.

"The Prodigy" Mike Bennett

TWEETS FOR THIS WEEKEND'S SHOWS

@ROHonHDNet

@Sheltyb803

@ccastagnoli

@theChrisHero

@SteveCorino

And finally, here are five reasons why you should order this show:

1. ROH's track record. They have literally never let me down when ordering one of their iPPVs.

2. Tag Team Wrestling. Two of the potential best matches on this card are tag team matches. You don't get that anywhere else.

3. GoFightLive allows you to watch at anytime. So even if you're someone who's looking to watch UFC that night, you can still get 9th Anniversary Show as soon as the next day (usually).

4. Christopher Daniels vs. Eddie Edwards. Their match at Supercard of Honor V was a phenomenal showcase of technical wrestling. It was one of those matches that makes you forget the pro wrestling is two guys cooperating, not two guys trying to out-wrestle each other. This match has the potential to steal the entire weekend to me.

5. There is selling.

This last point is a rebuttal to my good buddy TH over at The Wrestling Blog. He has been doing a series of posts titled "Intro to Match Analysis," and the latest one is all about selling. TH has this to say:

"Whenever I see a match featuring Shingo Tagaki or Davey Richards, and all they do is kick the other guy, take kicks and move around like nothing's wrong, it only reinforces that vile, four-lettered "f" word that haters of the artform bandy about like a sharp blade around the soft flesh of our fandom. Fake."

Now TH, we're still bros and all, but I can't help myself here.

I think a lot of people who write about wrestling on the internet have a list of keywords in their head when they watch wrestling. Where these keywords came from, I don't know. But typically these words are "storytelling," "psychology," and "selling." I think a lot of us love to use these words, and we also use these words incorrectly, probably because we just watch wrestling and that's it. I'm certainly not saying I know what these words mean more than anybody else, I don't. But I feel the need to defend Davey Richards and, similarly, ROH for a second.

I am not an authority on the matter AT ALL. I watch a lot of wrestling and love it and will be a fan until I die (probably of watching too much wrestling). I can watch Davey Richards and KENTA kick each other's faces off in a moment of "fighting spirit" and I can watch John Cena sell a stomp for forty-five seconds. The difference is that I see these two moments as two separate worlds.

I just see it as ROH (or Dragon Gate) putting themselves over as the "best wrestling in the world" and therefore you need to do more to their top guys to put them out. It's not a question of selling, it's a question of style. And if John Cena and Randy Orton started trading sequences of big moves like Roddy Strong hitting a Gutbuster, then a Sick Kick, then a Gibson Driver all in the span of three seconds, then yeah, that wouldn't make a whole lot of sense. It's the style of the promotion that drives the selling. To me. I don't know. Who the fuck am I to say. I've seen Rich Franklin knock Chuck Liddell out with a broken arm without flinching, so who knows what amount of selling is enough or not enough to make any kind of pro wrestling seem "real."

I feel dumber for writing this. But, I'd like to hear what TH has to say. I know he's a fan of ROH (and I turned this into an ROH-related argument only because he mentioned Davey, and I'm talking 9th Anniversary stuff here), although this seems to be more directed at Dragon Gate, which has the volume turned up even more on the "unbelievable" style of wrestling/selling/whatever you want to call it.

Anyway, with that said... E-FIIIIIIIGGGGHHHHT!

THE 09/08/10 ROH VIDEOWIRE + GLORY BY HONOR IX MASSIVE PREVIEW

This Saturday in New York the fate of the Ring of Honor World Championship will be decided. And not just what man will wear the belt... but what company we will see that same belt in. Here's all you could possibly want or need to know about Glory By Honor IX (live on iPPV at GoFightLive.TV), starting with the latest ROH VideoWire:

ROH 09/08/10 VIDEOWIRE

LAST WORDS BEFORE GLORY BY HONOR IX

First of all, let me just say that this might have been the strongest VideoWire ROH has ever put together - and a lot of it is not only because of how unbelievably good the promos are, but also how good the build and hype has been for this event. All you need to do is watch this video and you'll find that your hands will act without your knowledge and just order the iPPV for you by clicking this link right here. Awesome, awesome stuff.

IN THIS VIDEO

- Davey Richards teases (er, clearly states, rather) that his retirement is drawing near.

- The All-Night Express make Wu-Tang references in their challenges to the Briscoe Brothers.

- The Briscoe Brothers make no references what so ever, because they are clearly very pissed off and covered in blood.

- The Kings of Wrestling outdo themselves once again, particularly Chris Hero. His promo is incredible, and needs to be seen by anyone who had to endure a Kane soliloquy in the past few months. I don't think anyone can stop him on the mic. He's like a method actor or something, I don't know. And yet, Claudio says two words at the end of Hero's promo that stands up to what Hero just did. Incredible. Kings. Reign. Supreme.

- Erick Stevens dons a disco-looking Ghana football jacket that makes him even more hilarious. No one has improved like Erick Stevens in terms of gimmick and promo skills. He's finding his stride as this douchey bro guy that is really easy to hate. Prince Nana ALSO kills it in this interview - my goodness ROH has some gold on their hands right now.

- Kevin Steen busts out his Roderick Strong impression again and promises to essentially chop Generico's head off and keep it in his living room.

- Speaking of, Generico and Cabana cut yet another fired-up promo (well, Cabana does all the talking) leading into this chain match, which I'm positive will be an absolute bloodbath.

- Roderick Strong says he will save the ROH World Title even though everyone just lies to him.

- Tyler Black does what no one thought he could do, and that's cut a killer fucking promo. On the people that think he can't do it, nonetheless. Excuse me while I get off my fat ass and do something with my life - I'm sorry, Tyler!!

Now if that doesn't wet your wrestling whistle, here's a card preview for Glory By Honor IX, followed by some GBH history:

GLORY BY HONOR IX NO DISQUALIFICATION MAIN EVENT

ROH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: TYLER BLACK DEFENDS AGAINST RODERICK STRONG

SPECIAL ENFORCER - TERRY FUNK

THE RUNDOWN

Notable Encounters: Time limit draw in Toronto; the Supercard of Honor V three-ref fiasco; a Pick 6 battle in Manassas with Roddy coming out on top.

Height Advantage: Tyler (3 inches)

Weight Advantage: Tyler (10 pounds)

Chop Advantage: Roddy (lots)

Outside Interference Advantage: EVEN - Roderick has Truth Martini at ringside, and he could always enlist the help of his cronies the House of Truth. Tyler, on the other hand, has a wildcard in Kevin Steen who could make his presence known at any moment. In fact, in the last VideoWire Steen went as far as saying he'd do anything to make sure that the Ring of Honor World Title stayed around Tyler's waist. And he's a scary bastard right now - he could easily dispense of Strong, Martini, Raymond, Able AND Funk in a heartbeat.

Other Variables: Tyler Black's pending trip to WWE developmental; Roderick Strong's confidence boosted after the world sees the Tyler Black he always saw; Terry Funk's involvement from ringside and how he could butt heads with Truth Martini; the New York crowd (and any "fat ass" at a computer)'s rich and pure hatred for Tyler Black.

Winner?: Logic points to Roderick Strong - Tyler Black can't take the ROH Title to WWE, can he? Or could something drastic happen and neither man walks out with the belt? Or something EVEN MORE DRASTIC (yeah I went there) and someone ELSE walks out with the belt?! I DON'T KNOW.

DREAM TAG TEAM MATCH

ROH WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS THE KINGS OF WRESTLING VS. "WRESTLING'S" GREATEST TAG TEAM - CHARLIE HAAS & SHELTON BENJAMIN

THE RUNDOWN

Years Teaming Advantage: WGTT (Debuted 2002, approx. five years of solid teaming together)

Combined Weight Advantage: WGTT (25 lbs)

Combined Height Advantage: I don't think combining height makes sense.

Double Team Advantage: KOW - No one has ever kicked out of the KRS-1.

Who Is The Greatest?: Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas are so great that their tag team name, World's Greatest Tag Team, is trademarked. Meanwhile, the Kings of Wrestling are so great that they have beaten all there is to beat on the independent circuit, even capturing the Juggalo Championship Wrestling tag team titles.

Winners?: Us, because this match will reign supreme.

DOUBLE CHAIN MATCH

KEVIN STEEN & STEVE CORINO VS. COLT CABANA & EL GENERICO

THE RUNDOWN

Combined Weight Advantage: Steen/Corino (69 lbs)

Hardcore Experience Advantage: Steen/Corino. While Colt Cabana has been known to show his mean streak in matches with Homicide and Kevin Steen, I think the edge goes to ECW alum Steve Corino, and the Antichrist of Ring of Honor Kevin Steen. Steen's bouts in Ring of Honor and elsewhere in the indies go to show just how psycho this guy can be.

Chain Experience Advantage: Kevin Steen. He spends a lot of time petting chains backstage. Or maybe Colt Cabana, since he's been in the WWE and has probably seen John Cena's chain up close.

Vengeance to Be Had Advantage: El Generico. It's time for Generico to extract some serious revenge on Steen for the heartbreaking nutshot-chairshot combo he pulled at Final Battle. Steen got the win at DBD8, and now Generico needs to put an end to this 9-month blood feud by chopping Steen's head off, taking a picture and making a t-shirt out of it.

Other Variables: Steve Corino's son Colby. He could show up at any minute you guys!

Winners?: Generico/Cabana. And anyone who has a blood fetish (I hope that's not a real thing because that would be terrifying) because blood is going to be spilled like spaghetti sauce in a Bounty commercial come Glory By Honor IX.

BATTLE OF THE BEST

AUSTIN ARIES VS. CHRISTOPHER DANIELS

Photo - Scott Finkelstein's Get Lost Photography

THE RUNDOWN

Height Advantage: Daniels (3 inches)

Weight Advantage: Daniels (23 lbs)

Age Advantage: "Old Man" Daniels

Old Man Pipe Advantage: Aries

Momentum Advantage: Daniels. Aries has been caught up in becoming the Greatest Man(ager) That Ever Lived and not focusing so much on wrestling. In terms of iPPVs and live events (non televised), Aries hasn't scored a pinfall since March 19th when he pinned Petey Williams in Dearborn. Meanwhile, Christopher Daniels has been on an absolute tear on his mission to become the best in the world. It seems like it's only a matter of time until he finally crosses paths with Davey Richards, and then (if he weren't on his way to the WWE) to ROH Champion Tyler Black. Instead, it works out that Daniels will face Black in Plymouth, one night before GBH. If Daniels can take out Tyler, then what would stop him from taking out Aries?

Bottom Line: ROH World Title reigns - Aries: 2, Daniels: 0

Winner?: Even so, Christopher Daniels and Austin Aries seem to be going in two different directions. Daniels gets my vote.

ROH WORLD TELEVISION TITLE

CHAMPION EDDIE EDWARDS (IF STILL CHAMPION) DEFENDS AGAINST SHAWN DAIVARI

Photo - Scott Finkelstein's Get Lost Photography

THE RUNDOWN

Height Advantage: Eddie (2 inches)

Weight Advantage: Daivari (9 lbs)

Backup Advantage: Daivari. While Edwards has Davey Richards to back him up, Davey's been a bit of a lone wolf lately, focusing on big career decisions. Daivari, on the other hand, has the Embassy in his corner (although that could be up in the air after Eddie defends the TV strap against fellow Embassy member Erick Stevens the night before GBH9).

Conditioning Advantage: Eddie Edwards has been doing a ton of ten-minute hunts lately, but unfortunately they usually don't last long and could hamper his success in a match with a Championship time limit. Meanwhile, I remember reading a story somewhere about Shawn Daivari doing so many squats that he pissed black bile or some crazy shit.

Crazy Bastard Advantage: Eddie Edwards. He broke his elbow in an INSANE Anything Goes match against Kevin Steen, finished the match (don't know how), then wrestled the LADDER WAR THE NEXT NIGHT AND WON (DON'T KNOW HOW NEITHER).

Winner?: Eddie Edwards. He is cementing himself as a legit rising star in ROH today.

A PAIR OF SINGLES CHALLENGE MATCHES

THE ALL-NIGHT EXPRESS VS. THE BRISCOE BROTHERS

Photo - ROHWrestling.com

THE RUNDOWN

Combined Weight Advantage: King/Titus (3 lbs)

Combined Teeth Advantage: King/Titus (full sets)

Theme Music Advantage: Currently - King/Titus, couple years ago - Briscoe Brothers' "Gimme Back My Bullets" trumps just about any other song (save for the Final Countdown).

Tag Team Advantage: Briscoe Brothers. Frequently referred to as the greatest team in ROH history.

Singles Advantage: A much closer call. Both Kenny King and Rhett Titus can hold their own on their own, while the Briscoes tend to stick together.

Winners?: I'll give the upset to King and Titus to win both of their singles' matches.

TAG TEAM GRUDGE MATCH

ERICK STEVENS & THE NECRO BUTCHER VS. GRIZZLY REDWOOD & ???

Photo - Scott Finkelstein's Get Lost Photography

THE RUNDOWN

Squash Advantage: Embassy.

Winners?: Embassy forever.

And finally, a brief look at past Glory By Honor shows:

GLORY BY HONOR HISTORY

PAST MAIN EVENTS

I know this wasn't the main event, but c'mon, look at that beard.

Photo - SLAM! Wrestling

Glory By Honor - Murphy Recreation Center, Philadelphia, PA

October 6th, 2002

MAIN EVENT: Christopher Daniels VS. Doug Williams

Glory By Honor II - Murphy Recreation Center, Philadelphia, PA

September 20th, 2003

MAIN EVENT: ROH Title - Champion Samoa Joe VS. Challenger Christopher Daniels

Glory By Honor III - Rex Plex, Elizabeth, NJ

September 11th, 2004

MAIN EVENT: ROH Tag Team Title (Ultimate Endurance) - Champions The Rottweilers VS. Challengers Dan Maff & BJ Whitmer, The Carnage Crew, and Roderick Strong & Jack Evans

Glory By Honor IV - Lake Grove, NY

September 17th, 2005

MAIN EVENT: Styles Clash VS. Rave Clash Match - AJ Styles VS. Jimmy Rave

Glory By Honor V: Night 1 - A tent, East Windsor, CT

September 15th, 2006

MAIN EVENT: KENTA & Naomichi Marufuji VS. The Briscoe Brothers

Glory By Honor V: Night 2 - Manhattan Center, New York, NY

September 16th, 2006

MAIN EVENT: ROH World Title - Champion Bryan Danielson VS. Challenger KENTA

Glory By Honor VI: Night 1 - Pennsylvania National Guard Armory, Philadelphia, PA

November 2nd, 2007

MAIN EVENT: Mitsuharu Misawa & KENTA VS. Takeshi Morishima & Naomichi Marufuji

Glory By Honor VI: Night 2 - Manhattan Center, New York, NY

November 3rd, 2007

MAIN EVENT: Street Fight - The Briscoes VS. Necro Butcher & Jimmy Jacobs

Glory By Honor VII - New Alhambra Arena, Philadelphia, PA

September 20th, 2008

MAIN EVENT: Steel Cage Warfare - The Briscoes & Austin Aries VS. Jimmy Jacobs, Tyler Black, Delirious & The Necro Butcher

Glory By Honor VIII: The Final Countdown - Manhattan Center, New York, NY

September 26th, 2009

MAIN EVENT: The Final Countdown - Bryan Danielson VS. Nigel McGuinness

GLORY BY HONOR HISTORY

THE ROH WORLD TITLE - BY THE NUMBERS

Photo - ROHWrestling.com

Total times defended at Glory By Honor: 7

Times retained: 6

Historical percentage of Tyler retaining: 86%

Historical percentage of Roderick winning: 14%

Roddy's Only Hope: Growing a Bryan Danielson-sized beard and Crossface Chickenwinging the shit out of Tyler Black, and promise to never sign with the WWE as long as he was champion.

ROH Glory By Honor IX is this Saturday, September 11th in New York City, LIVE on iPPV via GoFightLive.TV and you can order it right here, right now, what the hell is stopping you.

THE 08/24 ROH VIDEOWIRE: IMPRESSIONS & REAL TALK

This recap is a little late since the latest VideoWire came out while I was away, and I just watched it today. But it's jam-packed with all kinds of promo goodness, so let's watch it together, shall we? C'mon! Join me! Weee!

IN THIS VIDEO

- More real talk with Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards. No one has more conviction in his or her voice than Davey Richards. And it's not because he's ranting and raving (but don't get me wrong, I love me some ranting and raving - wrestling was founded on ranting and raving!), but it's because he's so calm and collected that you just believe what he's saying. It is true when people say (or when Davey himself says) that Davey doesn't believe in face/heel dynamics. He just tells it like it is, and that's what makes his character fucking awesome.

- Tyler Black says "YOU'RE HIRRRRRED" in a Vince McMahon growl.

- Kevin Steen does the unthinkable - a bang-on Roderick Strong impression. He also continues to be the most believable "crazy" heel in recent memory by acting legitimately insane. Because crazy heels only seem crazy when they're not going around being like, "I'm crazy I love to hurt people whoaaaa!" (I'm looking at you, Eli Cottonpecker). The craziest people think they're completely sane.

- Jon Davis stares blankly into the camera looking completely pissed off and apathetic at the same time.

- Just like they themselves said, it's not even worth bragging or talking about how good the Kings of Wrestling are in this promo, because it's not even fun anymore. "Here lies your demise, close your eyes because Kings. Reign. Supreme."

- A Briscoe Brothers family reunion. Or maybe it's just a tailgating party. Either way it's the Briscoes drinking beers with people in a parking lot, and it's as hilarious as you're imagining right now.

NOT IN THIS VIDEO

- Austin Aries & The All-Nite Express. :(

ROH 08/03 VIDEOWIRE: TAG WARS 2010 CONTINUES; SHANE HAGADORN SHINES

Believe it or not (and this will be hard to believe), Shane Hagadorn is the star of the latest ROH VideoWire. I'm still rubbing my eyes in disbelief that I just wrote that.

ROH VideoWire & other videos now available via video podcast on iTunes

IN THIS VIDEO

- Austin Aries abducting Daizee Haze in Collinsville in the face of a protesting Paul Turner! Get him Paul!

- Jim Cornette teasing a World Title announcement before being interrupted by Delirious going "ashgdshgdghdsgsd" in search of his damsel in distress.

- Austin Aries saying distasteful things to Delirious and Daizee Haze (who plays the part of a emotionally scarred abductee quite well, actually)

- The All-Night Express and the Greatest Man(ager) Who Ever Lived having a group whiff of Daizee's ring attire (it's as creepy as it sounds).

- A real talk promo from Colt Cabana that feels like he's just your buddy.

- The line of the video might be Erick Stevens' "who cares, bro?!" to Prince Nana. I'm liking Stevens more and more as this douchey bro-saying asshole.

- Shane Hagadorn delivering the kind of promo I never thought he was capable of. Well done, sir. Well done.

- Tyler Black caked in dried blood.

ROH: TRIPLE SHOT IN THE MIDWEST BEGINS + THE 7/20 VIDEOWIRE

Beginning tonight in Louisville, Ring of Honor is burning through the midwest with three completely stacked cards that culminate in Chicago with one of the best top-to-bottom shows on paper I've ever seen, complete with the big Kevin Steen vs. Tyler Black title match. BROTHER, BROTHER, BROTHER... this will be crazy.

And by crazy, I mean Kevin-Steen-crazy. He has been a whole new brand of psycho, wanting to help Tyler Black in his own fucked-up way. Don't believe me? Take a look at the GREATEST promo I've ever seen Kevin Steen deliver (and I say this with no hyperbole whatsoever) here in the July 20th ROH VideoWire:

ROH VIDEOWIRE: 07/20/10

KEVIN STEEN IS CRAZY FOR REAL, GUYS

WHAT A LUNATIC

I have admittedly been neglecting ROH on my blog ever since I watched DBD8. I've been meaning to put a review up, but I almost ask, "what's the point?" I don't think any combination of words I throw together could explain how incredible Tyler/Davey was. But who knows - maybe I'll try my best and you'll see a review in the next few days.

Speaking of Tyler/Davey, that match had a perfect build. It was tailored to the guys in the match, what with the simple, old-school sit-down interviews leading up to the match, the AWESOME hype videos (that fantastic Michael Jordan-monologued one has since vanished from YouTube), the "who's heel who's face?" dynamic that played out flawlessly in the match... it was perfect.

This Steen/Tyler build has been quite the opposite. Not in terms of quality, because you know it's been awesome if you just watched that Steen promo, but in terms of style. Instead of doing an MMA-inspired build with realistic interviews, Kevin Steen's psychotic behaviour has taken over this feud. It's great that ROH can build to two separate matches that both feel BIG and don't feel like you just watched the same feud twice in a row.

Enough fanboy babble. Take a look at these monster cards and try and tell me that Chicago won't be one of the best shows this year (okay NOW enough fanboy babble):

TONIGHT - "THE BLUEGRASS BRAWL" IN LOUISVILLE, KY

Tickets + Info

MAIN EVENT - NON-TITLE CHALLENGE MATCH

ROH World Champion Tyler Black

VS.

ROH World Tag Team Champion Claudio Castagnoli

SPECIAL TAG TEAM ATTRACTION

The Briscoes Brothers VS. The American Wolves

SIX-MAN-TAG TEAM BOUT

Roderick Strong & the House of Truth (with Truth Martini)

VS.

Austin Aries & The All-Night Express

PICK 6 CONTENDERS SERIES

(4) "That Young Knockout Kid" Chris Hero VS. Colt "Boom Boom" Cabana

WOMEN OF HONOR

Sara del Rey VS. Daizee Haze

SINGLES MATCH

Delirious VS. Mike Mondo

PLUS

- Two other bouts featuring top talent from OVW!

Collinsville, you have this rematch to look forward to, you lucky fools!

HATE: CHAPTER II

KEVIN STEEN VS. EL GENERICO

JULY 23RD - COLLINSVILLE, IL

Tickets + Info

SPECIAL CHALLENGE - TAG TEAM ATTRACTION

GenerationMe (formerly The Young Bucks) VS. The American Wolves

SIX-PERSON TAG TEAM WAR

ROH World Tag Team Champions the Kings of Wrestling & Sara del Rey

VS.

The Briscoe Brothers & Amazing Kong

TRIOS GRUDGE MATCH

ROH World Champion Tyler Black, Jerry Lynn & Delirious (with Daizee Haze)

VS.

Austin Aries & The All-Night Express

SINGLES MATCH

The Necro Butcher (with Prince Nana) VS. "Skullkrusher" Rasche Brown

HATE: CHAPTER II

Kevin Steen VS. El Generico

PICK 6 CONTENDERS SERIES

(1) Roderick Strong (with Truth Martini) VS. Colt "Boom Boom" Cabana

GRUDGE MATCH

Erick Stevens VS. Grizzly Redwood

PLUS

- House of Truth

JULY 24TH - CHICAGO RIDGE, IL

Tickets + Info

ROH WORLD TITLE MATCH

Tyler Black defends VS. Kevin Steen

SPECIAL ATTRACTION - TAG TEAM CHALLENGE

ROH World Tag Team Champions The Kings of Wrestling

VS.

GenerationMe (formerly The Young Bucks)

TAG WARS 2010 OPENING ROUND

Colt Cabana & El Generico VS. The American Wolves

PICK 6 CONTENDERS SERIES

(1) Roderick Strong (with Truth Martini) VS. Austin Aries

TAG WARS 2010 OPENING ROUND

The All-Night Express VS. Jerry Lynn & Delirious (with Daizee Haze)

SUPERCARD OF HONOR V REMATCH

Sara del Rey (with Shane Hagadorn) VS. Amazing Kong

TAG WARS 2010 OPENING ROUND

Necro Butcher & Erick Stevens VS. "Skullkrusher" Rasche Brown & Grizzly Redwood

TAG WARS 2010 OPENING ROUND

The Briscoe Brothers VS. The House of Truth (with Truth Martini)