Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Mike Bennett from ROH/NJPW War of the Worlds 2014

Post by TJ Hawke:

Bennett was accompanied by Maria.

This was an odd match to book if the goal was to have an above-average match. Tanahashi has delivered some great matches over the years, but he does have his limitations. Bennett is clearly a fine performer overall, but he does not have a resume full of good matches in Ring of Honor. While they predictably did not produce a great match (by any stretch of the imagination), I thought it was watchable enough. It featured way too much shenanigans from Maria*, and neither man worked like they had something to prove or someone to impress. I liked Tanahashi’s build to the finish at least (strait-jacket German on the apron, High Fly Flow to the floor, High Fly Flow in the ring to finish him), and I was never bored by the match. If you go in with low expectations (as I did), I think you will not be underwhelmed. Just what you want from a Tanahashi singles match in ROH. (**3/4)

* If you ever get a chance to watch Bennett on the indies, he’s much better away from ROH booking and Maria.