Glory By Honor IX: The Night I Refell In Love With Pro Wrestling

Ninety Nine percent of the Articles/Slideshows published on the Wrestling Section on the B/R discuss North America's Biggest Wrestling Companies. The WWE & Total Nonstop Action. Most are meaningless slideshows like which Diva can wear a bikini better.

Myself being the definition of this ignorance, will never return to that again.

With all the buzz surrounding Bryan Danielson and Kaval(Low Ki), I decided to observe the company that established them as Superstars. The Ring of Honor.

The #3 company in the U.S. has groomed major stars from both of it's counterparts. AJ Styles, Homicide, Samoa Joe, Christopher Daniels, Paul London, Desmond Wolfe, and Eddie Guerrero to name a few, have all wrestled for the Ring of Honor.

Before last Saturday, I never gave the Ring of Honor the proper respect and attention it deserved. Going into Sunday night, my intentions were to see this guy, Tyler Black, in action. I felt all the buzz about him joining the WWE was unnecessary, and quite frankly, he didn't deserve it. But oh was I in for a surprise.

Kenny King vs Jay Briscoe

This match starts out with both slapping and shoving each other around. Nothing special, yet. King goes on the offensive after a lock up. While attempting a double knee attempt in the corner, King gets dumped on his head out of nowhere. Weird landing to say the least. Crowd chants "You Killed Kenny!". Humor ensues, I'm really getting into this match now. 

Some guy storms to ring. Titus is all I heard. Wasn't this breaking the Code of Honor? Not knowing it had been changed six years prior to the event. King whips Briscoe, who counters by diving out onto Titus. Not a good idea, as King connects with some kind of Fireman's carry into a cutter.

Referred to as the Royal Flush. Creative on King's part. Get's the one two three. Beat down on Briscoe after the match up. Mark Briscoe runs out. I'm guessing Jay is his brother, to stop the beat down. Immediately leading to the next match

Rhett Titus vs Mark Briscoe

The first two competitors remain at ring side to observe the match. Titus dominates Mark for the better part of the match. Dirty wrestling from Titus. Typical match until Titus wows me with some type of over-the-shoulder neckbreaker. Some how the match makes it outside the ring. Briscoe is being stopped at any attempt at offense. Briscoe knocks Titus to the floor. About time. He climbs to the top rope. Hits a somersault senton onto Titus. The Crowd is going crazy, so am I. Such perfection.

After a series of unsuccessful roll up attempts by both, Briscoe connects with a super kick. Then a reverse death valley driver. Dropping Titus right on his head. OUCH. Briscoe gets the win.

Though all matches were GREAT, I wanted to cut to the main event. This match just kept me on the edge of my seat. One of my favorites of the year.

Tyler Black vs Roderick Strong

Jim Cornette announces Terry Funk as the Special Guest Ringside enforcer. Great to see these pioneers again. Both competitors make the entrances while Strong is accompanied by a Truth Martini. The match begins as both try some quick near falls. After laying out Strong, Black taunts him by using the 'You Can't See Me" hand gesture. Already showing the WWE Attitude. Get's boo'd in the process. Black isn't done yet. He applies Cena's signature STF!!! This guy is nuts!

Bout continues with Black hitting both of his signature moves. Roderick is able to power out before three. Strong mounts some offense as they battle on the top rope before his momentum is trampled again by a superplex from Black. Black attempts what they are calling "God's Gift" once again but Strong counters with some sort of suplex to double knee backbreaker. 

Amazing match by these two. Crowd goes crazy for it. Strong gets over zealous and connects with a kick right to the ref's face. Black capitalizes by superkicking Strong. Terry Funk throws the ref out the ring. He takes off his shirt revealing a referee shirt. Two guys run out (I'm guessing to help Black) but is held off by Funk.

Martini is also sent out the ring.

Back to the match, Both men hit superkicks on each other. Black seemed to get the better of Strong. He connects with FOUR SUPERKICKS afterwards, even being spat on by Strong before the fourth. Black attempts some sort of splash but misses. Strong connects with a few backbreakers before  a running one legged drop kick to the face for the win.

The Owner comes out and shakes Strong's hands before leaving. Strong attempts a handshake with Black before he flips him off and leaves.

Great show and a good ending before the lights go out! Weird music hits. Homicide appears at the top of the ramp! He quickly gets in Strong's face as they close out the show.

The Show was also Highlighted by Shelton Benjamin & Charlie's Haas reformation, They weren't successful in their debut but trust me it's worth WATCHING. They even got a "please come back" chant from the fans.

This is quality wrestling. They have earned my viewership. I can't wait until Black's debut in the WWE. That guy's going to be one of the greats if he works like he did at the ppv.