Ring of Honor always loves to go all out on the final show of the year, and the 2006 edition is no different. Homicide’s quest to the top of ROH comes to ahead with his final shot at the ROH World title against the 15-month reigning champion Bryan Danielson. The match stipulation stated that Homicide would have to leave ROH if he lost tonight. Normally this would be a dead giveaway that ‘Cide would win. But with his career turning toward TNA more and more, the chances of Homicide winning had diminished greatly. More importantly, is Final Battle 2006 Worth Your Money?

Final Battle 2006

Manhattan, NY

12/23/06

Homicide enters the locker room with a few of his friends. On the other side of the building is a lonely Bryan Danielson coming in by himself.

We are introduced to the Manhattan Center before being interrupted by Santa Claus and an elf. Or should I say Santa Dempsey and Elf Mitch Franklin. Having Franklin play an elf is one the truest things I’ve ever seen. Before the gifts could be passed out to everyone, The Briscoes jump in to ruin the merry occasion. The fans actually like it because, I’m assuming, Santa never gave them any good presents during their previous holidays. The Briscoes are out because they want a rematch with the Kings of Wrestling. Mark follows his brother’s challenge by screaming, “Man up” like a protester outside of the White House.

Jimmy Jacobs feels like a stranger. No he doesn’t like giving himself strangers, Jimmy’s socially inept. Jacobs didn’t care about the people; he only cared about love. And Colt Cabana and BJ Whitmer sullied that love by having sex with Lacey and spiking her face respectively. And spiking is not a sexual innuendo…or is it? Jacobs promises revenge tonight with the help of Brent Albright

El Generico vs. Davey Richards vs. Jimmy Rave vs. Christopher Daniels w/Allison Danger

Danger is rocking the Girl Scout uniform tonight. Yeah, I could make a “cookies” innuendo, but her husband Ares might come across the pond and hurt me. Thankfully, the fans help me out by stating they want cookies. After a speedy, technical feeling out process, Daniels becomes the whipping boy of Rave after Rave pulled down the top rope when Daniels when to hit them. Rave tried to focus on the abdomen of “The Fallen Angel,” but it wasn’t enough to stop Daniels, who tagged in Richards. Davey went kick crazy on every one, specifically Generico. Daniels was able to tag himself back in after recouping, putting the hurt on Richards with his uranage/Best Moonsault Ever combo. Generico ran in to stop the sure pin as Rave laid low on the floor, watching the action. Danger got the fans behind her man after Generico planted Daniels with a tornado DDT. Rave continued to keep himself out of the action as Generico caught Daniels with the yakuza kick in the corner. Generico tried it on Davey, but Richards caught him coming in, northern lights suplexing Generico into the turnbuckles. Generico was able to recover, Brain Busting Richards on the top turnbuckle. Generico didn’t notice Rave tagging himself in on Richards. Rave caught Generico off guard, making him tap out in the Heel Hook.

Rave grabbed a microphone, stating his main goal was to win the ROH World title. This brought out Nigel McGuinness, who Rave had made tap out a few times in recent months. Nigel slapped the taste out of Rave, forcing him out of the area.

Adam Pearce w/Shane Hagadorn vs. Ricky Reyes w/Julius Smokes

Pearce wanted the people in NYC to know that today was in honor of Jim Cornette, who Homicide had gotten exiled out of the company recently. Julius decided to follow Pearce’s promo by stating that tonight was the night the Rottweilers party like never before…after deciphering Smokes’ words. It’s not as bad as an Ashley Massaro blog, but it’s still pretty hard to understand. Pearce was able to get the jump on Reyes, mocking him and Julius throughout the match. Right when Pearce got locked in the Dragon Sleeper, Hagadorn got on the apron, distracting the referee. Smokes pulled Hagadorn to the floor, beating him down. This distraction gave Pearce the time to pull out a pair of knux, knocking out Reyes to pin him. Smokes ran in, trying to defend his boy’s honor. Instead, Smokes got piledrove to the point he couldn’t tell the difference between referee Todd Sinclair and Ricky Reyes. On the way out, Smokes started speaking in tongues. What, you say that’s how he always sounds? Clicks and buzzes.

Jimmy Jacobs & Brent Albright vs. Colt Cabana & BJ Whitmer w/Daizee Haze

Cabana & Whitmer use Haze as a distraction to jump Jacobs & Albright from behind from the crowd. Cabana was able to use his wacky skills to fight both men off, sending Jacobs to the floor with Whitmer. After getting slammed on the steel ramp, Whitmer & Cabana set Jacobs up to be power bombed through the ringside table. Albright was there to make the save, causing Jacobs to suplex Whitmer to the floor. Before Whitmer could recover, Albright drilled Whitmer with a clothesline. Albright & Jacobs used quick tags, and Jacobs’ body, to hurt Whitmer, and keep him in their side of the ring. Whitmer was able to tag out to Cabana after knocking Albright down with a leg lariat. Cabana fought off both men at the same time, nearly getting the pin after a moonsault. Cabana mule kicked Albright before preparing to stomp Jacobs' family jewels. Before he could, Albright knocked Cabana into the ropes for the 61Knee. Whitmer ran in, spine busting Albright before hitting the Exploder Suplex on Jacobs. Jacobs refused to stay down, freeing himself from the Doomsday Device before hitting the Contra Code on Cabana, rolling into a head scissors on Whitmer. This dazed Whitmer enough for Albright to hoist Whitmer into the air, Awesome Bombing Whitmer through the table on the floor. Cabana was all alone, allowing Albright to hit a series of German suplexes on him, followed by the senton splash off the top to pin Cabana. As the officials checked on Whitmer, Albright stood on the middle rope, snotting on the laid out BJ.

Kings Of Wrestling (Claudio Castagnoli & Chris Hero) w/Larry Sweeney vs. The Briscoes

Hero gives Sweeney a proper introduction before moving on to Claudio, who was going to WWE. Hero promises to make this going away to remember. The Briscoes immediately rush the ring; with Mark hitting a sick somersault plancha on both KOW after Jay forced them to the floor. In the ring, the brothers Briscoe had everything in order, using quick tags and quick moves to keep the momentum. It wasn’t until Jay went for a hurricarana on Claudio did it go downhill. Castagnoli was able to prevent the flip, holding Jay for Hero to dropkick him in the chest. Jay tried to fight back, but was dropped by a double big boot, and a fall away slam by Hero. After getting Jay in the corner, KOW set up for a double suplex. Jay kneed his way out of it, turning it into a double DDT to allow himself to get the tag out. Crazy Mark flying kicked his way in, working both men. Mark gave us a shot at his jack-o-lantern smile after tossing Hero across the ring. Mark went for the springboard splash, but got nothing but the knees of Hero to his abdomen. Jay came back in, nearly pinning Claudio with a gordbuster. Claudio was able to turn it around on the weakened Briscoe, hitting that swinging face buster. Hero tagged back in, hitting a couple of big boot combos before telling Claudio to superplex Jay. When Jay hit the mat after the move, Hero came flying off the top, splashing Jay for a near fall. Mark was able to help his brother, hurricaran’ing Claudio off of Jay’s shoulders, moonsaulting Hero in the process. The brothers called for the Doomsday Device, but Hero stopped Mark. In an amazing show of strength, Claudio was able to get both Briscoes on his shoulders, doing the big swing. The Briscoes recovered, causing all four men to hit their biggest moves. Mark was the first to go for a pin after the Cutthroat Driver, but to no avail. Larry Sweeney jumped onto the apron in an attempt to distract the ref. Claudio slipped in with the metal briefcase, accidentally clubbing Hero in the face. The referee turned back to the ring to find The Briscoes crashing down on Hero with a shooting star press/leg drop combo to get the victory. Even though the fans were happy to see The Briscoes win, they gave Claudio a standing ovation as Sweeney checked on Hero. Castagnoli informed the fans that their farewell chants were premature as he was going to stay in ROH for a little while so the KOW could terrorize the tag team ranks in 2007. Sweeney wasn’t too happy about this development as Sweeney felt KOW was dead due to “Cas-tag-noli’s” supposed departure. Claudio knew that Hero wouldn’t walk on him as Sweeney wanted. Hero didn’t know what to do, shaking Claudio’s hand before leaving with Sweeney.

As Claudio stood in the ring speechless, Samoa Joe’s music hit. Joe, rocking a shirt that proclaimed him a “serious pimp”, was here to cut a little promo. Joe informed Claudio that it was his ring, and Claudio needed to leave it. Claudio did just that, heading through the crowd instead of the entrance. Joe had a score to settle with Japan’s Pro Wrestling NOAH organization. Joe didn’t care who it was, be it Morishima, Marifuji, “Old man” Misawa, 2 Cold Scorpio, or Nigel McGuinness. This brought out McGuinness, who promised to be here on February 16^th to beat Joe down. Jimmy Rave, seeing the opportunity, hit the ring, jumping Nigel from behind. Joe didn’t take too kindly to this, smacking Rave out of the ring. Joe decided to do some guest booking, setting up Rave vs. Nigel right now.

Gary Michael Capetta was in the back with Adam Pearce, who did his best Jack Nicholas Joker impression upon entering the area, was happy that he put Julius Smokes in the hospital, causing Homicide to go it alone tonight in his World title match against Bryan Danielson.

Nigel McGuinness vs. Jimmy Rave  

Knowing that Rave had to pull double duty, Nigel rushed Rave immediately, focusing on the left shoulder after rocking Rave. Rave was able to recover, dropping Nigel face first onto the apron with a DDT. The fans were behind Nigel as he fought back. Nigel was able to make a roaring comeback, nearly decapitating Rave with one of those lariats. Nigel was fired up as he unleashed European uppercut after uppercut, followed by another lariat and the Tower of London. Somehow, Jimmy powered off the mat, coming back with rush of moves. Rave was able to hit the Pedigree. The fans began to boo, knowing how devastating the move is. Nigel must didn’t get the memo as he kicked out at the one count, firing up. But Rave was able to lock in the crossface, making Nigel contemplate about tapping out. Nigel fought it, scooting to the ropes to break it. Rave hit a belly to back suplex, which Nigel rolled through. Nigel rebounded off the ropes, hitting that Jawbreaker Lariat for a shocking near fall. Nigel was staggering around the ring after the move as the crowd got behind both men. Nigel was able to put Rave on the top rope, hitting the Tower of London on the apron. McGuinness followed up with the lariat off the top, only for Rave to kick out with great force. The fans couldn’t believe it, as could I. Nigel had a crazed look in his eyes as Rave avoided the lariat, locking Nigel in the Heel Hook. Nigel couldn’t fight it, tapping out to a great ovation. Rave proclaims #2 Contendership status after this win, and I can’t disagree after that contest.

Bryan Danielson was shown with his ROH World title belt lying in front of him as he psyched himself up for the main event.

Matt Sydal, Shingo, and Cima vs. Austin Aries, Roderick Strong, and Delirious

For some reason, Cima’s head was itching a lot during his entrance. This match is under Dragon Gate rules, which means no tags are needed. In the middle ring, Delirious did his usual deaf, blind, and dumb squatting, causing Cima to do the same. Cima couldn’t do it as long as Delirious, with his legs giving out. Cima was in shock as he pretended to pee like a dog on Delirious, but the masked man refused to react. When the bell sounded, Delirious lost his mind, sending Cima scurrying to the floor. Sydal and Delirious, who have a ton of history dating back to their novice days in the Midwest, start off the match, with both men tackling each other to the floor after a series of counters. Strong and Shingo replaced them, causing a shoulder block exchange that ended with Strong chopping Shingo out of the ring. Cima popped in, asking for Aries. Aries proved once again that you can’t head scissors Austin, sending Cima to the floor with his partners. Aries dove on top of all of his opponents, pitching Cima back in for some sternum cracking shots from Strong. Cima was just getting pounded until he flipped out of a double belly to back suplex by Delirious and Strong, pulling both men down before double stomping them. Shingo ran in, taking it to both men. Sydal was there to assist him, allowing Shingo to use Sydal as a projectile on Aries. Cima returned, leading to an argument with him and Delirious. To say that the argument is pretty understandable would be a joke in itself. Shingo decided to slow it down, putting Aries in a side headlock. Shingo turned that side headlock into a big swing, causing Delirious to run in to help Aries. Aries was stuck on the ropes as Sydal held him for Shingo to leap frog Sydal, splashing Aries. Sydal picked Aries back up, hanging him across the top rope for Cima to senton splash him as well. Cima pulled Aries out of Shingo’s grip, hitting a lung blower to allow Sydal to moonsault across Aries’ back. Aries was able to use the momentum of an Irish whip by Sydal & Shingo to run up the ropes, moonsaulting off. Aries used this opportunity to tag out to Strong. Strong & Delirious was running wild on all three men. Shingo was able to stop the momentum, dropping Delirious on his head. Aries and Cima returned to the ring, putting Aries in a modified Indian deathlock. Delirious ran in to make the save, but got caught, getting suplexed, with Cima cranking the legs of Aries again. In an impressive sight, Shingo and Sydal held Delirious on their shoulders, allowing Cima to double stomp Delirious from off the top rope. Cima hit the mat rolling, grabbing Aries, who was stuck in the corner, and driving him into the mat with the back cracker. Cima started going wild, Venus punching Strong for Sydal, who turned a powerbomb into a neck breaker on Strong. Aries slipped back in, kicking Sydal in the head, allowing Delirious to hit Chemical Imbalance 2. Cima broke it up with a double stomp to Delirious’ head. Aries Brain Busted Sydal, but couldn’t follow up with the 450 Splash as Cima pushed him off the top. Delirious replaced Aries, connecting with Shadows Over Hell, giving Aries enough time to recover to hit the 450 Splash. Cima slipped in, breaking up the pin before super kicking Strong into a clothesline by Shingo. Delirious rolled Shingo into the Cobra Stretch until Cima broke it up. Cima hoisted Delirious up, Schwinning him for shocking near fall. This did weaken Delirious enough for Cima to pin him with the package piledriver. Incredible contest. Afterwards, Cima and Delirious have a nice little conversation that ends in a handshake. Cima gives a shout out to NYC and ROH, promising to be back in 2007.

We get a shot of Homicide getting ready before shooting to a return video for Jack Evans.

ROH World title: Bryan Danielson (c) vs. Homicide

The fans give Homicide one of the loudest ovations in ROH history. Just Goosebumps style stuff. We get an extended feeling out process for the first ten minutes of the match. Homicide actually stays hold for hold with Danielson, getting the advantage after hitting the Three Amigos. Just as Homicide had the momentum in his favor, Adam Pearce and Shane Hagadorn ran in, causing a disqualification. They drilled Homicide with a spike shoulder breaker. The fans were about to riot as Danielson ran out with his belt. The referee didn’t want to end the final show of 2006 like this, restarting the match. Homicide tried to keep the action fast to ignore the pain, and end it quickly. But Danielson pulled Homicide to the mat, wrenching the arm. Homicide was able to fight back, knocking Danielson to the floor before sailing into the front row with the tope con hilo. Danielson got up, showing signs of pain emanating from his right shoulder. Homicide tried to focus down it, but Danielson turned it into a brawl, sending Homicide over the guardrails before diving on top of him. Julius Smokes, who came out during the disqualification fiasco, cheered Homicide on as Danielson nipped to his feet with one arm after a missile dropkick after the action returned to the ring. Homicide was able to recover from the belly to back superplex, avoiding the lariat before hitting the t-bone suplex. Danielson pulled Homicide off the top, elbowing Homicide in the face before locking in the Crossface Chickenwing. The match seemed to be over as Homicide’s arm dropped three times to the mat. Before the ref could turn to signal for the bell, Homicide locked onto the referee’s pants, showing he was still in it. Danielson refused to let go of the hold when Homicide struggled to the ropes. The referee had to pull Danielson off of Homicide, refusing to allow Danielson to disqualify himself. Homicide pulled Danielson down after the distraction, locking in the STF. Danielson fought out of it, sidestepping the lariat into Cattle Mutilation. The fans began to rise as they begged for Homicide to not tap out. Danielson turned the hold into a tiger suplex before converting back to Cattle Mutilation. Homicide held on, powering his way to his feet before running up the ropes, forcing Danielson’s shoulders to the mat. Danielson kicked out, forearming his way to his feet. Homicide ducked one, picking Danielson up to execute the Cop (Gringo) Killa. The fans counted down, only to be stopped by Danielson’s arm reaching the ropes. Homicide, frustrated, grabbed the ring bell. Homicide’s history of snapping in World title matches was coming back. The referee took the bell away, missing Danielson kicking Homicide in the balls. Danielson tried to small package Homicide, but the challenger kicked out. Homicide rolled to his feet, rebounding off the ropes with an explosive lariat to finally win a ROH World title. The fans erupted, bringing out the locker room to celebrate. Danielson returned to the ring, handing the title over before promising to come after Homicide for that belt. The celebration was on in NYC. And I mean a celebration as we get whole thing with Homicide’s speech, shout outs to the fans and la familia, and, of course, a dance off. This was like a mini Wrestlemania celebration. Amazing video package and all.

Is It Worth Your Money: I feel for this show. With all the great shows ROH has put out since, this one kind of gets swept under the rug. Yes the main event is a solid match, with an enthusiastic crowd. But that’s not the only thing that makes this show good. We get two great tag matches (KOW/Briscoes and Six Man), with the Dragon Gate guys stealing the show once again. McGuinness vs. Rave really surprised me as they made the crowd get off their butts and appreciate an amazing performance. Yes, the show starts off a little slow. But by the halfway point, you are on the edge of your seat, and you can’t sit back. As I said at the top of review, ROH goes all out at the last show of the year; with 2006’s being the most well rounded one to date. Final Battle 2006 Is Worth Your Money.            

To order this DVD, check out rohwrestling.com

If you have a show you’d like me to review, e-mail me at fasjab@aol.com , or look me up on the WWI forums under “jakeb”