ROH Episode #414 Review: Alex Shelley Returns

ROH Episode #414 features the ROH World Champion, Matt Taven, defending his title against Alex Shelley.  We also get highlights from Ladder War featuring the Briscoes vs. G.O.D.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjLQFDoNDp0

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Highlights and Video Packages:

• Mass Hysteria Highlights:  Jay Lethal, Alex Shelley, and Jonathan Gresham vs. The Kingdom
• Alex Shelley Backstage Interview
• Summer Supercard:  WOH Champ Kelley Klein vs. Tasha Steelz
• Kelly Klein attacks Angelina Love
• LifeBlood Interview
• Summer Supercard: Shane Taylor vs. Tracy Williams
• Shane Taylor Interview
• Summer Supercard:  ROH Tag Team Title Match:  The Briscoes vs. G.O.D

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The Main Event:  Matt Taven vs. Alex Shelley for the ROH World Title

It was great to see Alex Shelley back on TV.  This wasn’t his first match back in ROH, as referenced above.  However, this is the first singles match on ROH television in over a year.  He left after being injured.  It’s always great to see someone get to do what they love and not have it taken away by injury.  Alex Shelley has been a great performer and hopefully this indicates a nice return to wrestling for him.

Early on in this match, Shelley had the upper hand.  He seemed to be one step ahead of Taven.  Shelley went for Sliced Bread outside, but Taven reversed and put him through a table.

Taven and Shelley battled back and forth before Shelley got the upper hand again.  Shelley hit the Blade Runner for a 2 count before Taven kicked out.  He went for the Sliced Bread one more time.  This time he hit it.  Another close call.  However, Taven kicked out again.  Taven hits the Climax.  Shelley kicks out.  Taven hits Just the Tip and the Climax again.  He retains the title.

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Final Take

I’m still not sure about this new format.  I’d love to see at least two full matches per show.  They need to get guys over and fans invested in the new guys they have on the roster.  I’m not sure highlights are the way to go.  However, they’ve had a string of solid matches for the main event.  Instead of leaving feeling like they didn’t have enough depth to fill a show, fans are leaving getting a high quality match featuring the best they have.  I guess the jury’s still out.

It’s rumored Taven’s contract is up soon.  He’s got a date with RUSH.  RUSH has been on quite the roll and seems to be the man ROH is getting behind.  It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see RUSH be the next ROH World Heavyweight Champion.  Next week, we get Jay Lethal and Jonathan Gresham vs. Bandido and Haskins of LifeBlood.  Additionally, we get the first ROH Top Prospect match between Joe Keys and Dante Cabellero.

• Matt Tave
• alex shelley
• ROH
• Rush

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