Ring of Honor Review - August 30, 2021

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

Angelina Love def. Max the Impaler in a ROH Women's Championship Tournament Quarterfinal Match

Love did a nice job of recapping her history with Max and her manager Amy Rose in a pre-match sit-down interview. I have no idea where Mandy Leon was, but I'm not complaining because she almost always interferes in Love's matches. This was thankfully kept on the shorter side because Love's matches are typically abysmal and this was what it needed to be. Love picked up the win by disqualification to advance, but hopefully she doesn't make it past the semifinals.

Trish Adora def. Allysin Kay in a ROH Women's Championship Tournament Quarterfinal Match

Although this was taped a while ago, Kay is coming off a big weekend where she became one-half of the NWA World Women's Tag Team Champions with Marti Belle at NWA EmPowerrr. I will be legitimately shocked if Kay isn't signed to a full-time deal by a major promotion one of these days. She's quite good and Adora has impressed the hell out of me. This was a great match with an excellent sense of urgency. Adora advancing to the semifinals was a pleasant surprise.

ROH World Television Champion Dragon Lee def. Eli Isom

As emotional and as well-delivered as Isom's pre-match promo was, the graphic for Isom vs. Dalton Castle at Death Before Dishonor that aired right before pretty much telegraphed the finish to this match. Yes, Isom could have defended against Castle at the event, but I didn't feel the title was in jeopardy of changing hands, anyway. Despite that, this was a high-quality contest with a fun final stretch. I appreciate the passion from the commentators, but Caprice Coleman practically screaming when Isom nearly became champion was obnoxious and unnecessary, especially when there wasn't anyone in the audience. That just might be me, though. All in all, this was a terrific main event with a strong showing from Isom.

Overall Show

I didn't have high expectations for Love vs. Max, but I'm glad it ended up being booked the way it was. Kay vs. Adora was the better bout of the two and once again featured strong showings from both women. The evening was capped off with an above-average ROH World Television Championship clash, as well as a few match announcements for Death Before Dishonor. Top-notch stuff this week. Next week's episode will feature both semifinal matches in the ROH Women's Championship Tournament as well as all of Shane Taylor Promotions vs. La Faccion Ingobernable.

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