By Jonathan Williams
Following the release of Davey Richards: The American Wolf, Ring of Honor gives Richards‘ American Wolves tag team partner Eddie Edwards a similar DVD treatment with Eddie Edwards: Road to the Triple Crown. Featuring 20 of Edwards ROH matches beginning with his 2006 debut against Austin Aries, Road to the Triple Crown shows just why Edwards deserves his nickname of “Die Hard.”
Though he often seems to be living in the shadow of his tag team partner, this two-disc set shows that Edwards is arguably just as deserving of being called the “best in the world” (a phrase often used to describe Richards). Of course it’s hard to deny the parallel career paths of Edwards and Richards, as well as the reciprocal benefits each man has had since they started tag teaming three years ago. From their World Tag Team Title victory over Kevin Steen & El Generico in April 2008 to impressive battles with Bryan Danielson & Tyler Black, the Young Bucks and Colt Cabana & El Generico, Road to the Triple Crown acknowledges the in-ring chemistry that is apparent between the two Wolves.
But what it also points out is that despite Richards being regarded as not only Ring of Honor’s top talent, but also one of the world’s best wrestlers, Edwards has beaten him to the proverbial punch in virtually every sense. Edwards became the inaugural World Television Champion in March 2010 (by defeating Richards, no less). And during a time when fans were proclaiming Richards to be the “next world champ,” Edwards won that honor by defeating Roderick Strong in March 2011 at Manhattan Mayhem IV, making him the company’s first (and so far only) Triple Crown winner (having held its three current titles).
All of these matches are included on Road to the Triple Crown, as are many others such as an anything goes match against Kevin Steen and one-on-one matches against the likes of the Necro Butcher, Bryan Danielson, Tyler Black, Kenny King and Christopher Daniels. Another interesting thing about watching these matches is the fact that Edwards has been a heel for most of his ROH career, with the American Wolves working under the guidance of manager Shane Hagadorn for much of their existence. But as is often the case in ROH, the fans know a good wrestler when they see one and it was only a matter of time before Edwards became a fan favorite. And regardless of where you think he stands in comparison to Richards or anyone else, Road to the Triple Crown is proof that Edwards is among wrestling’s best.
For more information, go to www.rohwrestling.com.