by Justin Parker, Torch specialist

PWTorch VIP members have first-look access to all of Torch specialist Justin Parker's latest ROH-themed blogs in the newly upgraded VIP Forum. His blogs are published first in the PWTorch VIP Forum, and Parker interacts with other VIP members and Torch staff and contributors in the blog comments area afterward. Some of Parker's blog entries will be exclusive to the VIP Forum.

After watching Final Battle 2008, I have renewed optimism for ROH after a long period of complete apathy for the product from mid-late 2008. This show showcased the greatness that we came to expect of ROH¹s big shows during the Gabe Sapolsky era combined with some of the positive changes that have been implemented since the Pearce regime took over.

There are a few things that stood out from this event, but I have to say that the production values were the most impressive thing about this show. It's amazing how much more enjoyable the professional look makes these shows. The new camera angles added a new dimension to the product and immediately made ROH look more major league.

The show itself was great top to bottom, and one of the best shows of the year in ROH. The improved pacing of the shows since Gabe's departure has allowed the show to be much easier to watch and actually climax at the best time to allow the crowd to be energized when the true main events come on.

This show was highlighted by the last three matches which were all very stellar matches. The main event was the match of the night for me, as it combined the intensity of a great feud with a hot NYC crowd, and you had a fantastic match. The story of the match with Danielson being cut off at every turn by the monster who may have had his number was a great one to watch play out.

The title match was a notch below their previous encounter in 2006, but still a great match nonetheless. They may have had to go home a little early due to Nigel's apparent arm injury, so that could have been the problem. I liked the Aries-Black match, but I am not a fan of the now two sets of heated blood feud participants (Stevens-Strong, Aries-Black) that are now seemingly together for no reason. This just reeks of not paying attention to the details booking.

Other highlights of the show included a good hardcore brawl with Sweet and Sour, Inc. members especially standing out, as well as a good (albeit below expectations) Briscoes match with Sasake and Nakajima.

All in all, this has been positioned as ROH¹s biggest show year over year and always ends up delivering, so go check this DVD out to get up to speed before ROH debuts on HDNet.

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