ROH Unforgettable - James Gibson vs. Roderick Strong
This is Gibson's final ROH match, And apparently Strong has been his protégé for a while, which is weird considering how Strong tried to paralyze him back in April. BJ Whitmer accompanies Gibson to ringside. Another strange choice, as Whitmer left Gibson for the vultures when Spanky turned on him back in August. Really good, hard hitting match that was a fitting end to James Gibson's run in ROH. This had great build and awesome drama. They show a few more clips of Gibson's matches against Samoa Joe from New Frontiers, and the four-way where he won the title at Redemption. Whitmer is in the ring to raise both men's hands, which I guess is cool for them, and that's all that matters, right? Supreme story-telling throughout, and in typically classy fashion, Gibson goes out putting over Roderick in massive fashion (as Strong’s own excellent year continues). I love that Gibson constantly beat on the neck looking for his finishers, but there were other moments, like when he attacked the knee early to show his fear of the backbreakers, or when he went after the hand to stop Strong chopping him. With a touch better selling from both this would’ve been 5 STRAIGHT UP! ****1/2
