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.
Adam Scherr (fka WWE’s Braun Strowman) has been announced for his first post-WWE booking.
Scherr, who became a free agent from his WWE contract on Tuesday, has been announced to face EC3 on the “Free The Narrative II: The Monster In Us All” event.
EC3’s “Free The Narative II: The Monster In Us All” will be released on Friday, October 1 at midnight. It can be pre-ordered now via Vimeo for $10. You can see the trailer for Scherr vs. EC3 below.
FTN2 is the sequel to the original FTN event, which featured EC3 vs. Matt Cardona. That event is now available at a reduced price of $4.99 via Vimeo.
EC3’s official announcement for FTN2 noted that many more wrestlers will be announced for the event. The original FTN event included Moose, John Skyler, Bill Carr, Matt Sydal, and others.
EC3 describes FTN as “a series that tells original and personal stories with some of professional wrestling’s biggest names, and those yet known. ‘Free The Narrative’ is completely independent of any wrestling promotion. Set to an original score, FTN blends professional wrestling, cinema, and harsh reality in what will become the true definition of ‘creative freedom’ for an industry that desperately needs it, and any performer that truly seeks it. To #ControlYourNarrative is to ‘Tell Your Story.’ In ‘Free The Narrative’ those stories are told.”
Scherr has posted several tweets today to hype the FTN2 announcement, his first teasers as a free agent. He continues to use the “My Life My Rules” catchphrase.
“It’s time to live you own life without worrying about the expectations of others!!!! #MLMR #MyLifeRules #Rise,” he wrote. Scherr added in a tweet with the FTN2 poster, “Take control of your own life!!! Live how you wanna live. #MLMR #MyLifeMyRules @therealec3”
Scherr, who was released from WWE on June 2, has been rumored to sign with Impact Wrestling and AEW, with Impact Executive Vice President Scott D’Amore actually teasing him for Bound For Glory in October. He recently teased that he will be using “Titan” as his post-WWE ring name, but for now the former WWE Universal Champion is just going by his real name.
Scherr was previously announced for Qatar Pro Wrestling’s SuperSlam 3 show on February 26, 2022 at the Lausail Sports Arena in Doha, Qatar. He will travel to Qatar this month to sign the contract with QPW Chairman Ali Al-Marafi. Other names announced for the QPW event include EC3, Jon Moxley, Brian Cage, Sammy Guevcara, Will Ospreay, and IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi.
Below are related posts, along with the official poster and trailer, plus the announcement issued today by EC3:
It’s time to live you own life without worrying about the expectations of others!!!! #MLMR#MyLifeRules#Rise 12:00!!!!!
From the propaganda desk of the essential character (ec3)
Are you born a monster? Or is it something you become?
After his shocking dismissal from the corporate wrestling realm, join Adam Scherr on a journey of self-discovery in his return to the ring when Scherr battles ec3 in “Free The Narrative II: The Monster In Us All.”
Available 10/01/21
(PRE ORDER NOW)
Is Scherr’s fight against ec3 and his #ControlYourNarrative mantra?
To take back #Control.
Fight for your #Freedom.
And find your #Purpose.
Or is Scherr’s fight against himself?
What will happen when this “monster” knocks on this “man’s” door?
Adam Scherr’s fight truly begins on 10/01/21.
“Free The Narrative II” will feature many more “names” and is the sequel to “Free The Narrative” ft. Matt Cardona vs ec3.
FTN is available on FITE TV and the link below for the reduced price of $4.99
Free The Narrative is a series that tells original and personal stories with some of professional wrestling’s biggest names, and those yet known.
“Free The Narrative” is completely independent of any wrestling promotion. Set to an original score, FTN blends professional wrestling, cinema, and harsh reality in what will become the true definition of “creative freedom” for an industry that desperately needs it, and any performer that truly seeks it.
To #ControlYourNarrative is to “Tell Your Story.”
In “Free The Narrative” those stories are told.
For more intel and to sign up for FTN’s email list visit
Top ROH star Rush of La Facción Ingobernable underwent surgery in Mexico on Tuesday and his condition was said to be serious.
The operation was described locally in Mexico City, Mexico as “emergency surgery.” Rush’s family is scheduled to hold a press conference later today, Thursday, to address the surgery and his future.
Below is a photo of Rush in the hospital after surgery, which was released to media by his family. Also below is a photo of Rush being pushed in a wheelchair by his wife earlier in the week, which was released to local media on Monday. It was noted then that his pre-surgery condition was serious.
Rush’s official Twitter account posted a message from his wife, Martha Morales, on Tuesday night. Translated by Google, the message reads like this:
“This short message is to thank my husband Rush for showing affection and good wishes after his operation. Next Thursday, in the press conference that we are going to offer, we will give you more details about his state of health and we will reveal some news.”
Rush competed at ROH Glory By Honor XVIII Night 1 and Night 2 earlier this month in Philadelphia. Night 1 on Friday, 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.
ROH then announced that Rush suffered a knee injury during the tag team bout on Night 2. It was noted as of last week that the exact nature of the injury was unknown, and Rush’s recovery time was to be determined.
At the time of the 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.
There is no word on why Rush was hospitalized or when he will be back in action.
Este breve mensaje es para agradecer las muestras de cariño y buenos deseos hacia mi esposo Rush después de su operación. El próximo jueves, en la conferencia de prensa que vamos a ofrecer, les daremos más detalles sobre su estado de salud y revelaremos algunas noticias. pic.twitter.com/yD6dGkrX5q
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