[2002-09-21-ROH-Unscripted] Michael Shane vs Paul London

[ShittyLittleBoots]

Incredibly wild & pretty innovative for 2002 standards, and it still is really effin' wild in 2020. Michael Shane & Paul London sure weren't afraid to go nuts with them added weapons. The birth of the "PLEASE DON'T DIE" chants too - it's always fascinating to hear Gabe's & the other commentators confusion upon hearing those, and the finish that followed w/ London delivering that Shooting Star Press off the ladder rules. An important match in the ROH lore, and it still stands the test of time. ***3/4

[cactus]

The commentator going on about this is a blood feud and it's not being about athleticism as London lands a crisp standing backflip tickled me more than it should have. London plays the sympathetic babyface well and Shane does a serviceable job at being the cocky heel. Some of the spots here are still mind-blowing. They seem to toss out the face/heel divide during the final moments so that they could get more shit in, but some of the final ladder spots are so incredible that I can easily forgive it. This match made London a star with the ROH faithful and the match itself holds up surprisingly well. ★★★★

[ohtani's jacket]

Paul London is extremely flippy. This match is pretty weak when it comes to projecting the hatred between the wrestlers, and it's not a great street fight in that respect, but Good Gawd Almighty, some of those spots! It's too bad the commentators can't put a match over to save their lives. They're forever going on about how ROH is professional wrestling not sports entertainment, but they could do with a dose of sports entertainment in their commentary. Match is more of a glorified stunt show than a grudge match but at least it's watchable.