ROH Death Before Dishonor: Review, Grades and Analysis

Credit: RING OF HONOR//ROHWrestling.com

Sumie Sakai (c) vs. Tenille Dashwood – WOH World Championship

Tenille and Sakai started the match with some good chain wrestling before Sumie got really aggressive. When Dashwood shoved Sumie to the mat and displayed a heelish attitude. Dashwood hit a drop toe hold into the corner, yelled “It’s about me!” and hit the Taste of Tenille. Dashwood hit some elbows, but Sumie hit a back suplex.

Sumie nailed Dashwood with a missile dropkick and a triangle hip attack before shoving Tenille to the outside. Sakai hit a flying crossbody from the top rope to the floor, which was quite incredible. Sumie went for an armbar, but Tenille fought it off for a minute or so, and Tenille made it to the ropes. Dashwood sold her shoulder, indicating that the offense of Sumie has been working.

Dashwood managed to lock in a submission, but Sumie bridged and tried to escape. Her shoulder didn’t let her keep it on, but she hit a curb stomp on Sumie instead. Sumpie kicked out. Dashwood tried to powerbomb Sumie, but Sumie countered into a hurricanrana, but Tenille kicked out. Sumie hit a Twist and Shout, a knee to the face, but Tenille kicked out. Sakai hit the Smashmouth, but Tenille kicked out. Sumie tried to lock in another armbar, but Tenille made it to the ropes again.

Sumie charged at the corner, but Tenille caught her with a kick and then hit a Tiger suplex into the corner! Dashwood locked on the tarantula and broke it before the 5 count! My goodness, Tenille powerbombed Sumie off the apron onto the floor! That was sickening. Sumie somehow kicked out and Tenille hit a German Suplex, but Sumie kicked out again. Tenille couldn’t quite bring her up and over because of her shoulder. Both women exchanged forearms, and Dashwood hit another powerbomb! Sumie countered immediately and locked on an armbar! Dashwood passed out in the armbar!

Result: Sumie Sakai

Rating: ***1/2 (3.5 stars out of 5)

This was the kind of showcase the Women of Honor needed to establish them as a draw in ROH, and this was a great match. ROH finally gave the women a platform that people have been calling for, and they picked the right two women to do it. If ROH wants to keep establishing their women’s division, this is the way to do it. Let’s hope ROH can continue to provide good challengers for Sumie as she establishes herself as a world champion.