ROH World Champion Bandido has tested positive for COVID-19, and will not be able to compete at the “Final Battle: End of an Era” pay-per-view this weekend.
ROH just announced that Bandido tested positive for COVID-19, and has been pulled from Saturday’s main event title defense against Jonathan Gresham. There is no word on who Gresham will face now, or what they will do with the title.
“Unfortunately, ROH World Champion Bandido returned a positive result on his most recent Covid Testing and will not be present at Final Battle this Saturday, December 11th in Baltimore. Thank you for continuously supporting Ring of Honor through it all and we appreciate your understanding that safety and health of our talents, staff and fans are our top priorities. Stay tuned for match updates regarding Final Battle 2021 as we commemorate the history-making era that is coming to an end,” ROH wrote.
Final Battle is scheduled to be the final ROH pay-per-view as the company prepares to go on a major hiatus until April 2022. The plan is to “re-imagine” the company in hopes of returning with a “fan-focused product” moving forward. Bandido has held the ROH World Title since defeating Rush at Best In The World 2021 this past July.
Bandido competed in Mexico at AAA TripleMania Regia II this past Saturday, in the Fatal 5 Way for the vacant AAA Mega Title. That match was won by new champion El Hijo Del Vikingo, but also also featured Jay Lethal, Bobby Fish and Samuray Del Sol.
Jonathan Gresham announced he is starting up a new wrestling promotion called Terminus.
“Terminus. Modern age grappling. 1/16/22 Atlanta, GA,” Gresham wrote on social media.
In the video promo, it also teased “all roads lead to Terminus.”
Jonathan Gresham defeated Brody King over the weekend at ROH Honor For All to become the new number one contender.
The ROH World Champion is currently Bandido and he will meet Gresham for the title at ROH Final Battle on December 17.
Ring of Honor is set to go on hiatus after the PPV until April 2022. The company is reportedly going to operate more as an independent promotion in the future as it is not renewing contracts.
“Throughout the pandemic, our top priority was to keep everyone healthy and safe, and despite not producing any live events over 18 months, we were able to keep everyone fully contracted,” ROH wrote in a statement last month. “We now find ourselves at a time where we need to make changes to our business operations and are planning a pivot for Ring of Honor, with a new mission and strategy.”
WWE Superstar Seth Rollins retweeted Gresham’s video and recalled a story:
“One time a young JG paid my booking fee — when the promoter couldn’t come up with the cash — so I would stay and work. We ended up tearing it up in front of about 6 people, & had a couple more bangers months later. He never looked back. Invest in yourself, friends.”
One time a young JG paid my booking fee—when the promoter couldn’t come up with the cash—so I would stay and work. We ended up tearing it up in front of about 6 people, & had a couple more bangers months later. He never looked back. Invest in yourself, friends. https://t.co/A6hMIOmb56
As Ring Of Honor begins to scale back its business, recent reports suggest its back catalog of video footage is for sale to ‘the highest bidder.’
As we previously reported, Ring Of Honor recently released its entire roster as it begins to scale down its business ahead of an announced revamp next year, but if recent reports are accurate, the company is also selling off one of its most valuable assets — its coveted tape library.
Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated reports that ROH’s back catalog of Sinclair-owned video footage from 2012 onwards has been available to the ‘highest bidder’ for over a year. It is believed that ROH is expecting to receive more than market value for the library, although how the market value of pro wrestling footage was determined was not disclosed.
No doubt both AEW and WWE will be attempting to acquire ROH’s library, but only time will tell who wins out. Interestingly, AEW announcer Tony Schiavone recently said that he expects AEW to launch its own streaming service at some point. “I think we’re going to see a streaming service — This is my thought, I don’t know anything for sure. Just by talking to people, I think there’s going to be a streaming service by the end of 2022,” Schiavone said on the most recent edition of Ask Tony Live!. “So I think it’s going to come up very, very soon,” he added.
Ring of Honor was founded by Rob Feinstein in 2002 but was owned by Cary Silkin from 2004 until 2011. In 2011, the company was purchased by Sinclair Broadcast Group. From its inception, ROH was home to some of the most exciting independent talents in the United States. Huge stars like Samoa Joe, CM Punk, Bryan Danielson, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Seth Rollins cut their teeth in the promotion.
At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, Ring Of Honor ceased operations and canceled all of its upcoming shows, though it continued to pay its talent. The company resumed operations in August of 2020 but has struggled to regain momentum.
On Wednesday, October 27, ROH announced that its upcoming Final Battle event would be its last show for some time as it needs to alter its business strategy moving forward.
Ring Of Honor has made a huge announcement regarding its operations … and if recent reports are accurate, it’s also laid off its entire roster.
Mere moments after Ring Of Honor made a huge announcement regarding its future, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that the company had released its entire roster.
On October 27, ROH took to social media to release a statement in which it revealed that it would be undergoing a revamp and was aiming to relaunch in 2022.
Read Ring Of Honor’s announcement here:
“Throughout the pandemic, our top priority was to keep everyone healthy and safe, and despite not producing any live events over 18 months, we were able to keep everyone fully contracted. We now find ourselves at a time where we need to make changes to our business operations and are planning a pivot for Ring of Honor, with a new mission and strategy.
The year will culminate with a Final Battle in December, and we will be taking the first quarter of 2022 to work internally to reimagine ROH. ROH has the most dedicated fans in the industry, and we appreciate their loyalty and patience as we reconceptualize ROH.
We anticipate returning to live events in April for the Super Card of Honor with a new fan-focused product and provide a unique experience for wrestling fans.”
According to Meltzer’s colleague Bryan Alvarez, Ring Of Honor will not renew any contracts, but the releases will not take effect until the end of the year. Talent is also able to begin accepting bookings elsewhere immediately.
At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, Ring Of Honor ceased operations and canceled all of its upcoming shows, though it continued to pay its talent. The company resumed operations in August of 2020 but has struggled to regain momentum.
Ring of Honor was founded by Rob Feinstein in 2002 but was owned by Cary Silkin from 2004 until 2011. In 2011, the company was purchased by Sinclair Broadcast Group. From its inception, ROH was home to some of the most exciting independent talents in the United States. Huge stars like Samoa Joe, CM Punk, Bryan Danielson, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Seth Rollins cut their teeth in the promotion.
Marty Scurll looks to be attempting an in-ring comeback as he’s set to wrestle next month for the first time since backlash from fans.
Marty Scurll looks to be attempting an in-ring comeback as he’s set to wrestle next month for the first time since early 2021. Scurll is slated to make his return in Puerto Rico and from the immediate sounds of some responses to the news, the expiry date on him being blacklisted from wrestling events may not have quite expired.
The former ROH star and potential future signee of AEW is now scheduled to work a show for the CWA promotion on October 23rd at their ‘Halloween Fan Fest’ show in San Juan. He’s not been around the wrestling scene for some time as he was accused of sexual assault in 2015. The accusations came during the Speaking Out Movement where a number of wrestlers were either fired or split from their respective promotions. Those splits were due to the backlash that was coming as multiple women came forward and shared their stories of how many of the men in the wrestling industry, Scurll included, had stepped well over the line of acceptable behavior.
At the time Scurll was outed as one of the male wrestlers who had acted inappropriately, he was working with ROH as their head booker and had just recently signed a new contract. He showed up in NWA just prior to that and there was talk he might join his friends from The Elite in AEW. When ROH broke ties with him in 2021, all those other possibilities seemed to vanish as well.
Scurll did try to make a comeback before this and was previously going to join NJPW Strong. He was backstage at a taping, but when word spread of his involvement and the backlash gained momentum, he was removed from working the show.
Very few of the wrestlers who were accused during the Speaking Out Movement are around in the mainstream wrestling scene. Scurll was extremely popular before he all but disappeared. At one point, he was considered one of the hottest free agents in wrestling.
The landscape has changed, but the tolerance for sexual misconduct has not and with the Dark Side of the Ring episode doing a number on both Ric Flair and Tommy Dreamer, it will be interesting to see if there is more backlash involving Scurll trying to work in the industry again.
Former ROH World Champion PCO has confirmed that he will be leaving the company this fall.
It was reported earlier this week that PCO plans to leave ROH when his contract expires at the end of November. In an update, PCO appeared on the Pro Wrestling 4 Life podcast this week and told WWE Hall of Famer Sean Waltman that he has given his notice to ROH, and will not be signing a new deal.
PCO revealed that his last contractual date with ROH is Tuesday, November 30. He will be a free agent as of Wednesday, December 1.
PCO spoke with PWInsider today and confirmed that he will be fulfilling all contractual obligations and dates with ROH before departing. He said he’s very thankful for his time with ROH.
ROH taped two days of TV earlier this week in Philadelphia and will tape more content from Baltimore in November, which look to be PCO’s final dates with the company.
There’s no word on if PCO has had talks with WWE, AEW, Impact Wrestling or the NWA. He noted in previous interviews that he had talks with AEW, but still had a year left on his original ROH contract. He also had talks with WWE Director of Talent Development & Head of Global Recruiting William Regal before re-signing with ROH, but no offer was made.
PCO, who turns 54 at the end of December, originally signed with ROH on December 1, 2018. Since then he has held the ROH World Title once, the ROH World Tag Team Titles once, and the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Titles once.
15-MAN HONOR RUMBLE (PRE-SHOW) Alex Zayne wins and earns a future ROH World Title Match.
Dalton Castle defeated Eli Isom
Taylor Rust defeated Jake Atlas
Homicide, Chris Dickinson, and Tony Deppen defeated John Walters, LSG, and Lee Mortiarty
The OGK (Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) defeated The Briscoes
ROH PURE CHAMPIONSHIP Josh Woods defeated Jonathan Gresham to win the ROH Pure Championship
ROH WORLD SIX-MAN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP Shane Taylor Promotions (Moses, Kaun, and O’Shay Edwards) (c) defeated La Bestia del Ring, Dragon Lee, and Kenny King
ROH WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (VACANT) Rok-C defeated Miranda Alize to win the ROH Women’s World Championship
ROH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (FOUR-WAY ELIMINATION MATCH) Bandido (c) defeated Brody King, EC3, and Demonic Flamita
DATE: September 12, 2021 8:00 pm LOCATION: 2300 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania AVAILABLE ON:FITE, ROH HonorClub, Traditional PPV
ROH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (FOUR-WAY ELIMINATION MATCH) Bandido (c) vs. Brody King vs. EC3 vs. Demonic Flamita
ROH PURE CHAMPIONSHIP Jonathan Gresham (c) vs. Josh Woods
ROH WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (VACANT) Rok-C vs. Miranda Alize
ROH WORLD SIX-MAN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP Shane Taylor Promotions (c) vs. La Bestia del Ring, Dragon Lee, and Kenny King
The Briscoes vs. Matt Taven and Mike Bennett
Dalton Castle vs. Eli Isom
Homicide, Chris Dickinson, and Tony Deppen vs. John Walters, LSG, and Lee Mortiarty
Jake Atlas vs. Taylor Rust
15-MAN HONOR RUMBLE (PRE-SHOW) Danhausen, Beer City Bruiser, PJ Black, Dak Draper, Rey Horus, Brian Johnson, Joe Keys, Brian Milonas, Sledge, Silas Young, 5 TBA Winner receives future ROH World Title shot.
On Wednesday, former WCW and IMPACT star Shannon “Daffney” Spruill was on IG live threatening to harm herself and it has been learned she has passed away.
On Wednesday evening, there was real concern about the health and safety of former WCW and IMPACT Wrestling star Daffney Unger. After an Instagram Live post where she seemed emotionally distraught and was threatening harm to herself, the stream ended in a way that had many concerned. Multiple parties, friends and former co-workers including WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley reached out on Twitter asking, “If anyone has a way of reaching Daffney Unger, or knows her address, please help out. She’s in a bad personal place and is threatening to harm herself.”
Updates suggested authorities had been sent to her known address to check on her well being. Unfortunately, we are saddened to report that Daffney has died.
A spokesperson for the Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the death to TMZ Sports, but did not reveal a cause or manner. Shimmer Pro Wrestling tweeted out an update after people were frantically trying to get to Daffney (real name Shannon Spruill) saying: “We are very sad to have to announce the passing of Shannon Spruill aka Daffney Unger @screamqueendaff. We are posting this at the request of her family. Please respect their privacy at this trying time. I will miss you my logical sister from another mister.”
Daffney’s mother, Jean Tookey Spruill, announced her passing on Facebook and confirmed that the date of her passing was Wednesday night.
“It is with great sadness I have to let you know that my daughter Shannon Spruill… Scream Queen Daff, passed away suddenly last night. Absolutely heartbroken,” she wrote.
Wrestlers and friends have taken to social media on Thursday offering support and their condolences in the loss. Foley wrote: “I’m so very sorry to learn of Daffney’s passing. A terrible loss for her family, friends and wrestling. She was far ahead if her time in our business. #RIPDaffney” He also tweeted out a phone number and contact information for a help line for those who might be struggling mentally or emotionally.
Gail Kim wrote: “So incredibly sad to hear the news about Daffney/Shannon. Heartbreaking to know that she felt so alone and in that dark space. If you are feeling this way, please reach out to others. You’re never alone.”
Big E of WWE wrote: “I’m so sorry to everyone who knew and loved Daffney Unger. If you’re struggling with your mental health, please don’t be afraid to be a burden. Reach out for help. It saved my life.”
Tegan Nox wrote, “My thoughts and love are with Daffney’s friends and family! She was such an amazing influence in the wrestling community, a true pioneer for us women. RIP Daffney.
“Velvet Sky wrote: “Rest in eternal peace my sweet, sweet, Angel friend. You were such an amazing, funny, loving, caring person, and I’ll never ever forget you. I love you always, @screamqueendaff My deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of this beautiful soul.”
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Shannon ‘Daffney’ Spruill. We offer our sincere condolences to her friends and family,” Impact Wrestling said in a statement issued on social media. Daffney spent three years with Impact back when it was still known as TNA. She parted ways with the company in 2011. Impact also dedicated that evening’s edition of their weekly TV show to Daffney’s memory.
NXT star Dakota Kai recalled her first time visiting the United States to tour as an independent wrestler and spoke highly of her first encounter with Daffney. “During my first tour of the states, I was terrified. Daffney made everyone feel loved, welcomed and was such a truly beautiful soul [broken heart emoji] To anyone struggling, you are not alone. You are loved. Check in with your loved ones,” Kai tweeted.
Zelina Vega took to Instagram to share a screenshot of a text message she had received from Daffney in which The Scream Queen thanked Zelina for encouraging her. Daffney also told Zelina that she was proud of her. “She was such a kind soul,” Zelina captioned a series of photographs of Daffney. “Always wanted to help others and smile. She genuinely cared. She used to send me videos of her singing Aaliyah songs because we both loved her. I’ll miss you always.“
SmackDown’s Shotzi Blackheart tweeted about how much Daffney inspired her. “RIP Daffney thank you for being my spooky inspiration,” she wrote. “I had the biggest crush on you. I will never forget meeting you and telling you how cool I thought you were and how sweet you were to me. I scream for Daffney!”
ROH recalled how Daffney managed CM Punk, Colt Cabana and Ace Steel during the early days of the company, and then made a special appearance in 2018. They issued the following statement on her passing:
ROH Mourns The Passing Of Shannon ‘Daffney’ Spruill
Ring of Honor is saddened to learn that Daffney (Shannon Spruill) has died. She was 46.
Spruill worked as a wrestler, manager and valet in WCW, ROH, TNA and various independent promotions during a 16-year career that began in 1999.
Performing under the name Lucy, Spruill managed The Second City Saints (CM Punk, Colt Cabana and Ace Steel) during the early days of ROH.
Spruill made an appearance at Supercard of Honor in 2018 for the finals of the Women of Honor Title Tournament. After Sumie Sakai won the match, Spruill celebrated in the ring with her.
ROH extends its deepest condolences to Spruill’s family, friends and fans.
WWE paid tribute to Daffney with a post on Instagram, seen below, and also issued the following statement:
Shannon “Daffney” Spruill passes away
WWE is saddened to learn that former WCW star Shannon Spruill, known to sports-entertainment fans as Daffney, passed away at the age of 46.
Spruill gained worldwide recognition when she first arrived in WCW in November 1999 as Daffney, aligning herself with David Flair and Crowbar. Shortly after making a name for herself, Daffney made history in May of 2000 when she became only the second woman to hold the WCW Cruiserweight Championship. With her signature scream and ever-changing style, Daffney would go onto become a mainstay of the independent scene for more than two decades.
WWE extends its condolences to Spruill’s family, friends and fans.
According to the World Health Organization, one person commits suicide every 40 seconds on average. Over 700,000 individuals take their own lives each year — more than twice the number of people who die as a result of homicide. If you, or someone you know, is suffering from a mental health crisis, seek assistance immediately via one of the phone numbers listed below:
Ring of Honor has announced that Rush will be out of action for the rest of 2021 after undergoing knee surgery.
As noted on Tuesday, it was announced by media in Mexico, and Rush’s family, that he underwent emergency surgery in Mexico City, and that his pre-surgery condition was serious. You can click here for those details.
In an update, ROH announced yesterday that the La Facción Ingobernable leader underwent knee surgery and will be on the shelf until at least the end of this year. This comes after it was previously announced that Rush suffered a knee injury during a tag team match at ROH Glory By Honor XVIII Night 2 on Saturday, August 21.
Rush competed at ROH Glory By Honor XVIII Night 1 and Night 2 last month in Philadelphia. Night 1 on August 20 saw La Facción Ingobernable (Rush, ROH World Television Champion Dragon Lee, Kenny King, Bestia del Ring) team up for a Philadelphia Street Fight loss to Violence Unlimited (Brody King, Homicide, ROH World Tag Team Champions Tony Deppen and Chris Dickinson). Night 2 on August 21 saw Rush and Lee defeat Rey Horus and ROH World Champion Bandido of MexiSquad.
At the time of the original knee injury announcement, Rush, Lee and King were still scheduled to challenge Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor, Moses Maddox, Jasper Kaun) for their ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Titles at the Death Before Dishonor XVIII pay-per-view on Sunday, September 12. However, it was announced on ROH TV this week that Bestia del Ring will be replacing Rush at Death Before Dishonor.
ROH also announced today that this weekend’s episode of ROH TV will feature Rush, Lee, Bestia and King vs. STP and O’Shay Edwards in an eight-man tag team match, which was taped before Glory By Honor.
On a related note, it was recently reported by Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio that Rush’s current ROH contract is set to expire at the end of this year. There is no word on if he plans to re-sign, or if he’s looking to sign with another promotion. He has been under contract to ROH since January 2019.
As noted, Rush and his family are scheduled to host a press conference in Mexico City on Thursday, where more details on his status and future will be announced.
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