[2009-05-09-ROH-ROH on HDNET #8] Bryan Danielson vs Tyler Black

[TonyPulis'Cap]

Two weeks previously they had wrestled to a time limit draw, so this is the rematch, but with higher stakes as it's a No. 1 contenders match for the ROH Title. 

As with the previous bout, they start with grappling and Danielson is really snug and tight in everything he does, making sure that Black has to earn his way out of every hold. Dragon is lazeer focused and serious early on, with the implication he'd potentially underestimated Black first time round, whereas now he knows he's a threat he's making sure to not give up any cheap openings. Both men are cautious early on, not wanting to make a mistake given the increased stakes of a title shot being on the line. While it stays technical Danielson is able to keep control. Black in contrast tries to up the pace to try and get the advantage but that opens himself up and I loved when he got caught with a big dropkick from Dragon. 

Danielson controls the match for long periods as reflecting his position as the ace of the company, while Black is good at selling and being on the defensive, trying to hang in there and look for openings when he can. Black spills to the outside, but potentially frustrated by Black's resilience after a series of pin attempts and not yet putting him away (and mindful of the time limit draw last time) Dragon misses a dive to the outside allowing Black to hit one of his own. This creates the separation that Black has been looking for, and now he's able to start getting on the offence and turning the match into his type of contest. The offensive flurry however almost snaps Dragon back into focus and single leg crab gets him back in control and now he's much more vicious with his kicks and strikes. He knows he's in a fight. 

Just as the intensity was really building, I was taken out of it a bit by a rolling pinfall spot which felt a bit goofy and which didn't really fit into the vibe of the match at that point, but they get in the groove quickly, and at this point have gone past the 20 min mark which was the time limit of the previous contest. With both men starting to get more desperate, Black goes to the top but gets thrown over the barricade and Danielson follows him with a crazy dive from the top rope and into the crowd. Given the punishment both men struggle to make the count, Black almost gets in at 19, but knowing he can't win by getting in himself, Danielson makes sure not to lose and pulls Black out for the double count out and another draw. I thought this was great and loved how it built on the previous match between the two. (****)