- 6 weeks ago
One of ROH's underrated gems from their early days, as James Gibson faced NJPW's Black Tiger at the New Yorker Hotel in Midtown Manhattan at ROH Manhattan Mayhem on May 7, 2005.
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00:00From Tokyo, Japan, weighing 1,195 pounds, Glenn Titor!
00:10From the middle of West Virginia, weighing 1,195 pounds, James Gibson!
00:30From the middle of West Virginia, weighing 1,195 pounds, James Gibson!
00:39Thank you!
01:05Thank you!
01:30This is a match I'm really looking forward to. I think I've said that before, every match on this show.
01:36James Gibson squaring off of Black Tiger. James Gibson requested this match.
01:42He wanted a wrestler from New Japan Pro Wrestling.
01:46James Gibson was ashamed of the fact that he did not win the Best of American Super Juniors Tournament
01:51as presented by ROH and Inoki Sports Management back on April 2nd.
01:56He was embarrassed by his showing, and he has no reason to be embarrassed, but he wants to redeem himself.
02:01He wanted a new Japan wrestler. Here's Black Tiger, who I felt was the MVP of that tournament, even though
02:08he did not win it.
02:09Black Tiger making it all the way to the finals of that tournament.
02:13These are two wrestlers that have made their way to ROH during year 2005, and have made quite an impact.
02:20I mean, James Gibson's experience and his history in the wrestling business speaks for itself, but he's really stepped up
02:27his game since coming to Ring of Honor,
02:30and this should be, unquestionably, a high-impact and very athletic context.
02:35I'll let the cat out of the bag right now, Dave. We're going to save this to later for an
02:39announcement, but James Gibson will get his rematch for the ROH World Title at the next event in Dayton on
02:46Friday, and that's going to be huge.
02:49Of course, James Gibson and Austin Aries going to a double pin in that classic at Stalemate just a few
02:54weeks ago.
02:56Gibson will get his rematch this Friday, and maybe it'll be against Alex Shelley after tonight.
03:02And you never know. Coming up later on this evening, former partners in Generation Next to collide with the ROH
03:08World Title on the line.
03:10No matter who wins that match later on tonight, though, James Gibson will be getting a shot at that title,
03:16and what a match that was at Stalemate, Dave.
03:19And it would have been nice to see a decisive winner in that matchup.
03:25No doubt as we have some nice lucha there from Black Tiger.
03:29Taking him over with the Flying Mare, and out to the floor goes James Gibson.
03:34Black Tiger proved that he is a very serious competitor as he pinned both Alex Shelley and Bryan Danielson with
03:42the Tiger suplex in that Best of American Super Juniors tournament.
03:46Bryan Danielson, of course, had a very tough first-round match against Spanky, a match that I feel was one
03:52of the best matches ever between Danielson and Spanky.
03:56Collar and elbow tie-up right here as Black Tiger rings away on the arm.
04:01James Gibson suffered a lot of damage to his back in the first round at the hands of Roderick Strawn.
04:08In fact, Strawn absolutely decimated the back of James Gibson. Hold on, will they actually pick it up here?
04:13Step over by Black Tiger, and James Gibson with the forearm smash takes it right down to the canvas.
04:21As I was saying, James Gibson had that very tough first-round match against Roderick Strawn.
04:26Strong doing a lot of damage to Gibson's back, and that actually caused Spanky to throw the towel in and
04:32cost Gibson the second-round match against Dragon Soldier B.
04:35And you know that nagging back could have been the deciding factor in him not being able to get that
04:41victory against Austin Aries in Dorchester.
04:44No doubt about that.
04:46Trying to keep the shoulders of Black Tiger down on the canvas, but he rolls it up.
04:50As he holds on to the Greco-Roman knuckle-lock, trying to force him down to the canvas. Todd Sinclair
04:55right on top of the edge.
04:57James Gibson has been very successful with that front guillotine choke.
05:01As I mentioned earlier, Black Tiger loves to use the Tiger suplex, and he picked Bryan Danielson with that and
05:07Alex Shelley in the same night.
05:09So that speaks worlds right there.
05:11Black Tiger, great agility to the top rope and takes him over, holding onto that knuckle-lock.
05:16And now takes him over with the head scissors-lock.
05:19More lucha elements being shown right here from Black Tiger. Connects with the drop kick.
05:24Descends, gives it to the floor. Black Tiger can fly.
05:27Black Tiger, great, great! Come on, guys!
05:39Ohhhh!
05:40Come on, guys!
05:49Gibson getting serious.
05:51I mean, we've got two great junior heavyweight athletes, and he just throwed him right into the barricade.
06:00James Gibson is one determined individual, he's here to win.
06:04What an acquisition this has been for Ring of Honor in 2005.
06:08Ever since his debut and the third anniversary celebration of Part II and Dayton with that
06:13classic defeating Spanky, he has been on fire.
06:16Solid leg drop right across the throat of that tiger.
06:20Gibson follows up with the elbow.
06:22I could easily see James Gibson being an ROH World Champion.
06:26In fact, I would be proud to have James Gibson as ROH World Champion.
06:31That could happen in Dayton, Ohio coming up.
06:34The inter-back suplex and drives him down to the mat.
06:37Lateral press, but not hooking the leg, only two.
06:41Keeping hold of the arms now, into a camouflage he goes.
06:45As Todd Sinclair checks on the condition of Black Tiger.
06:50You know Dave, there is a lot of pressure on Black Tiger to win this match.
06:53This individual is the new Black Tiger.
06:56And wow, what kind of history does the Black Tiger gimmick have?
07:00Carrying on the tradition for New Japan Pro Wrestling and bringing that to Ring of Honor here in 2005.
07:07Anytime you're following in the footsteps of Eddie Guerrero, the pressure is going to be on.
07:12Gibson now with Black Tiger sent hard into the buckle and down to his knees he tumbles.
07:20Maybe we're seeing the next Eddie Guerrero here.
07:23Could very well be the case as to the second rope he goes.
07:26Cross body all the way into the center of the ring.
07:29Not able to go for an immediate cover, knee to the midsection by Gibson.
07:32Now going from the belly to back once again.
07:34But the leverage in the favor of Black Tiger right there and gets another gear fall.
07:39Now out to the apron he goes.
07:40Shoulder blocked to the midsection to Gibson.
07:42Connects with the forearm strike.
07:44And again.
07:45He's got Gibson Day springboard by Black Tiger into the drop kick.
07:53What a flurry of offense from Black Tiger.
07:56That's what you're going to need to do if you're going to defeat someone like James Gibson.
08:00Two very focused and determined athletes right here.
08:05I mean at the same time Black Tiger, I mean this could be a future ROH world champion.
08:10Black Gibson.
08:10After what we saw out of him in the Best of American Super Juniors tournament.
08:13This is only our second look at Black Tiger thus far here in ROH.
08:17Really showing what he's made of.
08:20Against one of the best in the business as far as junior heavyweight competition.
08:25Hell even heavyweight competition goes.
08:30Driving him head first into the turnbuckle.
08:34You hear the fans clapping showing their appreciation for the great wrestling.
08:38They're witnessing right here at the New Yorker Hotel in Midtown Manhattan.
08:44This place is packed.
08:46Ready to see one of the biggest shows in Ring of Honor history.
08:50It's absolutely electric in here Dave.
08:52Up against the ropes.
08:53Referee asking for a clean break.
08:55Black Tiger does break.
08:56But he stops away at the midsection of Gibson.
08:59I don't know about that.
09:00Not a clean break from Black Tiger.
09:03Comes running with the head right into the turnbuckle once again.
09:07You know we say it so frequently but that's not much padding on that turnbuckle.
09:12It's just a steel knob right behind that pad.
09:17I gotta say Dave, everyone's kind of on the edge of their seats here.
09:21Including myself.
09:22And not just for the great action we're seeing in the ring.
09:24But what are low key and homicide.
09:26Julia Smokes the Rottweilers up to tonight.
09:28Not to mention what is the embassy up to tonight.
09:32Later on this evening CM Punk and Jimmy Wave to do battle in a dog collar match.
09:39So many things coming to a head right here in Manhattan.
09:41I still can't believe that Key ruined ROH's moment on WB's morning show yesterday.
09:47Coming in, getting into Austin Harry's face.
09:50Key totally on that right.
09:51Loki technically is still suspended from a technical referee back at Final Battle 2004.
09:57We have not seen him since December 26th.
10:00Well he saw an opportunity on the WB and he seized it.
10:04We will have footage of that on a future ROH home release.
10:08Rolls Gibson back inside the ring.
10:10Black Tiger following now.
10:12And stomping away on the back of Gibson.
10:15He knows that that's a weakness on Gibson's body.
10:18Black Tiger really taking control here.
10:22He is dictating the pace.
10:24And James Gibson is paying the price.
10:26I believe Gibson has a scratch there on his shoulder.
10:29On the side of his arm perhaps in the guardrails.
10:33Now the edges of those steel barricades very sharp have been known to slice up the competitors
10:38for an ROH on a regular basis.
10:41The crowd booing their disdain for Black Tiger who gained his advantage when he did not break cleanly.
10:49Off the top rope looking for the elbow drop by Gibson with enough presence in mind to move out of
10:54the way.
10:55And now going after the arm of Black Tiger.
10:59Come on Gibson!
10:59Gibson trying to buy himself some time here perhaps while doing damage to Black Tiger.
11:04Great agility to counter out of it.
11:06Going for the cross arm breaker on Gibson.
11:08Todd Sinclair getting right in there.
11:09Full extension on the hole.
11:12Trying to turn it over and reverse the pressure.
11:32He makes the ropes forcing the break.
11:35This crowd firmly behind James Gibson.
11:39Yeah you can hear the crowd sort of let down but that wasn't it.
11:43But he wasn't able to make Black Tiger tap out with that move.
11:46And he did reach the ropes.
11:47As now Gibson firing away on the side of the head of Black Tiger.
11:51Short clothesline down to the canvas.
11:53Still holding onto that wrist.
11:54And again.
11:57Look at that.
11:58Gibson clutching that arm.
12:01Elevates Black Tiger right across the knee with the back breaker.
12:05Now sending the turnbuckles in the corner.
12:07To the second rope.
12:08He goes.
12:09Cat drops the leg.
12:12Color.
12:12Team!
12:13Team!
12:14Team!
12:14You know James Gibson needs a victory here.
12:17Could you imagine if he loses this match?
12:20That will kill his momentum going into next loose title match.
12:25Crowd getting behind Gibson here in Manhattan.
12:29As he's got Black Tiger sent to the ropes once again.
12:32Tilted well no.
12:33Tiger lands on his feet.
12:34Going for the tombstone pile driver.
12:36Gibson counters out of it.
12:38Reverses the momentum.
12:40It looked like he was going to drive him into the turnbuckle.
12:43But he wiggled off the shoulders of Gibson.
12:46Black Tiger once again showing his agility.
12:48He's going for the Tiger suplex.
12:50Down to his knees goes Gibson.
12:51Trying to block it.
12:52Beautiful way to block the hold there by Gibson.
12:55And he's trying to power out of it now.
12:57Yes!
12:59The shoulders down to the canvas.
13:01Oh!
13:02But only two.
13:03Both bent back to their feet.
13:05Black Tiger with the kick attempt.
13:08Neckbreaker from Gibson.
13:11Beautifully executed by James Gibson.
13:14Can he follow up?
13:15One!
13:16Both bent down on the canvas as senior official Todd Sinclair applies the count.
13:22One!
13:26Four!
13:29Black Tiger.
13:30He's headed to the Tokyo Dome after this match.
13:33He needs a win.
13:34To have momentum going into his big Tokyo Dome IWGP Junior Traveway title match.
13:40Going for the Okada roll off the rubs.
13:42Pulling out of the waist lock.
13:43Going for that Tiger suplex once again.
13:46He hits it!
13:48One!
13:49One!
13:50One!
13:53One!
13:56One!
13:59One!
14:00One!
14:00One!
14:01One!
14:03One!
14:04One!
14:06One!
14:07Two victories in the Best of American Super Junior Tournament.
14:11Black Tiger pulling Gibson back up off the canvas
14:15as holding a head.
14:19Looks like he's going for his Fisherman Suplex, but Gibson holding it up to block.
14:24Moving down across the back of Gibson.
14:30Going for that Fisherman Suplex
14:33with a nice bridge.
14:35No!
14:36Able to get his shoulder off the canvas.
14:39Ankle lock.
14:48Gibson trying to crawl toward the rope
14:50to force a break of the home.
14:52Black Tiger just cranking a little
14:54on the ankle lock.
14:56You can see the expression of pain on the face of Gibson,
14:59but he reaches the ropes.
15:01One, two, three.
15:02One, two, three.
15:04Oh!
15:05Tiger going right back to the ankle.
15:07Trying to pull him back into the center of the ring
15:09and holding onto the bottom rope.
15:12Oh, Gibson was holding onto that rope for dear life.
15:14And now Black Tiger's got him in the middle of the ring again.
15:17Oh, yeah!
15:19Can Gibson hang on to pain racing for his body?
15:22The ankle twisting.
15:24The tundems, the bones almost snapping.
15:26Right in the center of the ring.
15:28Todd Sinclair has to get Gibson
15:30and he needs to give it up.
15:34What a burst of energy.
15:36What a reversal.
15:37Into the cover.
15:40Only two.
15:45Digging down for that extra burst of energy.
15:47Into the counter out of it.
15:49And scoring here for Black Tiger.
15:52Oh, Gibson's going on pure heart and desire right now.
15:55You've got to know the adrenaline is pumping through the veins
15:59of James Gibson right here.
16:02Black Tiger very focused himself.
16:04Gramps holding the leg up Gibson.
16:07Oh, I'll give Black Tiger credit for being very aggressive here
16:09and rightfully scored.
16:11Gibson trying to fight his way out of the corner.
16:13Connects with the elbow to the head.
16:15Come on, Gibson!
16:17Boot to the midsection of Black Tiger.
16:19Grabs hold of the head.
16:21Gibson now elevates Black Tiger to the top turnbuckle.
16:25Gibson's going to go for the home run swing here.
16:29Forearm strike to Black Tiger.
16:33What's this? Tiger's got the...
16:35He's got Gibson.
16:37Oh, he turns into an ankle lock.
16:39This is an illegal hold there in the ropes.
16:57Oh, and a round of booze for Black Tiger.
17:00The crowd not appreciating that unscored mistake.
17:03An ankle locking the ropes.
17:06Gunbuster right over the knee.
17:08Come on, Tiger.
17:09What do you say?
17:10Come on, Rock.
17:12That might have saved the match for James Gibson.
17:14But I mean, can't even walk at this point.
17:18Both men feeling the effects of this hard fought battle.
17:22Gibson back to a standing position.
17:25Pounds away on Black Tiger.
17:28Sends him to the ropes.
17:28No.
17:29Holds onto the wrist.
17:30Kicks away at the chest of Gibson.
17:32Black Tiger now.
17:33Yeah.
17:34Roll their leg suplex.
17:35One, two, four.
17:38He does that.
17:39Oh, can't even choke.
17:41Here, it says, up.
17:45One, two, three, four.
17:51Wow, Cam!
17:53Yeah.
17:54Five.
17:55ăn!
17:58The R.O.H. World Title.
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