By Tony Donofrio, Torch specialist

-- 6/28 ROH TV Hits & Misses

ROH TV HITS

Kevin Steen and Steve Corino open the show: This was a big hit and a great way to open the show. What was particularly entertaining was how Steen and Corino were able to interact on the mic while Steen was in the process of having a match with Bobby Shields. I know Shields is not exactly what you'd call an "established ROH roster member," but to watch Steen carry on a match with him, while being entertaining with a mic in his hand was really good stuff.

Grizzly Redwood vs. Erick Stevens: This was a pretty well-paced match where both guys looked good. The match didn't set the world on fire, but it did help set up the next flow of events involving the Embassy. I know the Embassy isn't quite what it was a few years back, but they played their roles well at ringside and it could see a revival of sorts since...

Necro Butcher officially turns heel: This was pretty well done, but I think some work will have to be done with Necro to make him more of heat-seeking heel. A make-over could be in order for Necro, perhaps shaving his beard that he is known for since he is now the "crown jewel" of the Embassy. However, that's just a suggestion as I'm looking forward to seeing where this angle goes from here, regardless.

Christian Able & Josh Raymond vs. Cheech and Cloudy: Not a whole lot to say about this one. The match itself was decent, but the crowd really didn't get into it. Seeing Cheech and Cloudy take the loss, though, shows ROH is trying to get new, young talent over (which, if you're a fan of ROH, you already know that). It's subtle things like this that promotions like WWE and TNA need to implement more frequently.

Tyler Black vs. El Generico: A very good main event match for TV. Both guys were able to get in a fair share of offense and a run-in at the end of the match didn't really hamper the finish. Steen seems like a logical choice to challenge Black next for the ROH Title. That should be another really good feud laced with good matches and promos.

ROH TV MISSES

None: Am I being generous here? Maybe. Am I watching ROH through my jaded WWE/TNA eyes? Probably. But, I'm sure as time goes on and I get to review ROH more, that will start to change. From an in-ring standpoint, though, ROH is head and shoulders above anything that WWE or TNA do on a regular basis. The very limited commercial interruption and ROH striving to deliver a product that doesn't insult the intelligence of the viewer creates strong selling points for the promotion. If you haven't taken the chance to watch ROH's TV show, I strongly advise that you give it a look on HDNet or via their clips on YouTube.

***

-- 7/5 ROH TV Hits & Misses

ROH TV HITS

Kings of Wrestling vs. The Dark City Fight Club: This wasn't a blow-away tag match, but it was fun while it lasted. The match ended with another run-in in the main event, but at least it made sense and kept the feud going between the KOW and the Briscoes. Some might say that this feud has run its course, but another good match from these two teams would really cap the feud off well.

Embassy promos: I enjoyed the interview with Prince Nana and the vignette with Shawn Daivari. Necro Butcher turning heel was a big deal last week and it was nice to see a follow-up this week, even if it was a video and an interview with Prince Nana. The vignette with Daivari was also well done and I liked the use of the disclaimer at the beginning. The Embassy has definitely picked up some steam in the past few weeks.

American Wolves vs. Christopher Daniels & Roderick Strong: This was easily the best match of the night. All four of these guys are great in the ring, so the fact that it was good should be no surprise to anyone. The only real gripe with the match could have been the ending. Did the top-rope German suplex look pretty sick? Of course. However, for this match to end that way, I was slightly (but not very) disappointed. I also liked the teased tension between Strong and Daniels. I wouldn't mind seeing some sort of a three-way feud between Davey Richards, Daniels, and Strong that would culminate in a number one contender's match for the ROH Title.

ROH TV MISSES

Daizee Haze vs. Jamilia Craft: For an ROH match, this just didn't cut it for me. With the short time given, it was still better than anything we'd see in WWE. However, I have pledged to grade on a tougher scale for ROH as far as the in-ring product goes because I think it is that much better as a whole. Had this match been given adequate time, I think it might have sneaked into the "hits" column. However, it was sloppy at times and not what I was expecting. Usually, three-minute women's matches are reserved for the show that follows ROH over on USA Network.

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