Improving wrestlers

[Knapik]

A lot of ROH guys ahve made leaps and bounds and/or defied expectations this year.

People hate the crap out of Tank Toland, but there are few more entertaining personalities in Ring of Honor IMO. His move set plays into his gimmick (stomping jumping jacks, one arm spinesbuster, squatting vertical suplex) and he's gold on the mic. His interaction with Bobby Dempsey has been hilarious, and he really helps make Sweet & Sour Inc. a cool stable.

Steen/Generico - we've talked about it, but how about these two stepping up their game and securing a full-time roster spot in ROH? They were going to be a feature and busted their butts and made the roster and they ALWAYS give it 110%. Steen is a fantastic heel.

Davey Richards - I've talked enough about this, but I'd be remiss to leave him out. He went from bland by-the-numbers indie guy into the best cocky, punk heel in ROH. Watch as his stablemates imitate his act! Now Romero is spitting on people and Strong is interacting with the crowd more. I really think a guy as outgoing as Richards (who still needs mic help, but is improving there too) will continue to be a good influence on the talented (but bland) Strong.

Brent Albright - by all accounts he was crazy over against Morishima. I always liked the guy, but lately he's been given opportuniites to talk and is WAAAY better than I thought he'd be! He also has a sweet haf nelson suplex and I'd love to see him against Misawa if Misawa comes to ROH. He has another shot against Morishima coming up (in a three way with Castagnoli) and that should be a hot match.

Adam Pearce - the best heel in ROH? I think he is. Great old-school heel that gets heat like no one else. Love this guy.

[Highway61Revisited]

I hated Steen and Generico for a long, long time but it's been their run against the Briscoes that's turned me on to them more. It hasn't just been a case of Mark and Jay carrying them either, they've held up their end of the bargain really, really well.

Glad Albright's finally getting his due. His match with Mori this weekend sounded really, really hot.

It's not really most improved but Knapik I know you watch a lot of NOAH as well. Is it just me or does Mori seem more motivated in ROH?

[Knapik]

Yeah I just watched Marufuji's match with Sydal and he seemed really pumped. I think the reason is that the crowd is chanting his name and are really into him, I think he's pumped because he's not used to such an exuberant reaction and wants to earn all the love he's getting.

edit: Oh I thought you meant Marufuji hahaha. Morishima? I dunno, I can't tell too much, but I havent watched a NOAH show from the last few months. He seemed really into it against Misawa. Then again, he may be that way in ROH because he's the champ and booked as an unbeatable killer... that'd get me hyped!

[daytondave]

Cary What's-his-name was on local radio promoting the PPV and was asked who he thought the next breakout star would be with the departures of Daniels, Joe, Homicide and Cabana.

He said the guy who had really stepped up his performance the most was Claudio Castagnoli.

[Knapik]

daytondave said:

Cary What's-his-name was on local radio promoting the PPV and was asked who he thought the next breakout star would be with the departures of Daniels, Joe, Homicide and Cabana.

He said the guy who had really stepped up his performance the most was Claudio Castagnoli.

Yes, Claudio is the man and is getting main event matches. He's a big guy, which bodes well for him and he puts on great matches every time out. Love him!

[JamieOD]

Claudio definately. Brent Albright has also made himself a force to be reckoned with.