Category: ROH

Promotions Sever Ties With Talent Following #SpeakingOut, WWE Stars Encourage Movement

The #SpeakingOut movement has been growing on social media over the past 24 hours as many women have been discussing past experiences with abuse and assault in the industry.

Many independent promotions cut ties with David Starr earlier this week after a woman alleged that Starr sexually assaulted and abused her. Starr is being stripped of titles that he held in RevPro U.K., OTT, TNT Extreme and Ultimate Pro Wrestling.

Starr denied accusations that he was a sexual predator, although admitted that he was “an awful partner.” Starr said that he’s fine if this is the end of wrestling for him, adding, “No matter what I say, I’m the bad guy. No pity party. It is what it is.”

Starr has since deactivated his social media accounts.

Accusations have since surfaced online against talent in WWE, AEW, Impact and ROH, as well as wrestling legends and a top NWA executive. There will clearly be a lot more on these stories in the coming days and weeks.

WWE already issued a statement regarding an accusation from a woman who claimed that WWE NXT UK Superstar Jordan Devlin abused her. She posted photos on her Twitter of bruises on her body which she alleged were caused by Devlin, which she since deleted. WWE’s statement read, “We take any allegation of this nature very seriously and are looking into the matter.”

British Wrestling Revolution noted that they removed a member of their roster weeks ago due to an accusation of inappropriate behavior. They are not releasing the name “out of respect to the wishes of the victim.”

Black Label Pro announced that they are severing all ties with Johnathan Wolf after a woman claimed that he had verbally and sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions.

Jim Cornette’s attorney, Steve New, indicated that they would be taking legal action regarding some serious allegations made against Cornette and his wife.

A number of people in the industry have commented on the movement. Paige wrote, “I’m only just catching up properly with social media and wow. Seeing so many of you speaking out against these disgusting humans makes me so sad to see your experiences but proud of you for telling your story. Keep using your voice. We love you and have your back”

Big E also commented on the movement, writing, “I pray our industry is swiftly rid of all these predators & abusers. To everyone brave enough to tell their story, I’m so sorry you had to endure this.”

There were many other comments from stars in WWE, AEW, Impact and other promotions, you can see some of the reactions below:

https://twitter.com/WWEBigE/status/1273742032691920897

https://twitter.com/Kay_Lee_Ray/status/1273736708681617409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1273736708681617409&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wrestlinginc.com%2Fnews%2F2020%2F06%2Fmore-promotions-sever-ties-with-talent-following-speakingout-671589%2F

https://twitter.com/RealPaigeWWE/status/1273853107164770304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1273853107164770304&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wrestlinginc.com%2Fnews%2F2020%2F06%2Fmore-promotions-sever-ties-with-talent-following-speakingout-671589%2F

https://twitter.com/MiaYim/status/1273863076329160705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1273863076329160705&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wrestlinginc.com%2Fnews%2F2020%2F06%2Fmore-promotions-sever-ties-with-talent-following-speakingout-671589%2F

https://twitter.com/PeteDunneYxB/status/1273679714645917701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1273679714645917701&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wrestlinginc.com%2Fnews%2F2020%2F06%2Fmore-promotions-sever-ties-with-talent-following-speakingout-671589%2F

https://twitter.com/PeteDunneYxB/status/1273922222244139008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1273922222244139008&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wrestlinginc.com%2Fnews%2F2020%2F06%2Fmore-promotions-sever-ties-with-talent-following-speakingout-671589%2F

https://twitter.com/SwoleWorld/status/1273775117080973313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1273775117080973313&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wrestlinginc.com%2Fnews%2F2020%2F06%2Fmore-promotions-sever-ties-with-talent-following-speakingout-671589%2F

https://twitter.com/tuckerwwe/status/1273786931160080385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1273786931160080385&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wrestlinginc.com%2Fnews%2F2020%2F06%2Fmore-promotions-sever-ties-with-talent-following-speakingout-671589%2F

https://twitter.com/Shazza_McKenzie/status/1273875731177594880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1273875731177594880&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wrestlinginc.com%2Fnews%2F2020%2F06%2Fmore-promotions-sever-ties-with-talent-following-speakingout-671589%2F

https://twitter.com/Sienna/status/1273736086012014598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1273736086012014598&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wrestlinginc.com%2Fnews%2F2020%2F06%2Fmore-promotions-sever-ties-with-talent-following-speakingout-671589%2F

https://twitter.com/RealKeithLee/status/1273797945276747778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1273797945276747778&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wrestlinginc.com%2Fnews%2F2020%2F06%2Fmore-promotions-sever-ties-with-talent-following-speakingout-671589%2F

Source: Wrestling Inc.

ROH Cancels All June Events, Including “Best In The World” Pay-Per-View

Ring of Honor has announced all of their events in June have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including their “Best in the World” pay-per-view.

The company posted a statement on their website which explains:

Maintaining the commitment to making the health and safety of our fans and personnel the top priority during the COVID-19 crisis, Ring of Honor has cancelled all live events that had been scheduled for June.

The cancelled shows include live events in Dallas (June 5 at Gilley’s Dallas) and San Antonio (June 6 at The Aztec Theatre) in addition to the Best in the World pay-per-view in Baltimore (June 19 at UMBC Event Center).

Ticket-holders for the Dallas event will receive a refund via the credit card they made the purchase with. Anyone who purchased a ticket to the San Antonio or Baltimore events through Ticketmaster with a credit card will receive an automatic refund. Those who purchased a ticket with cash directly from the Aztec Theatre in San Antonio or UMBC Event Center box office in Baltimore will need to contact the venues about a refund.

Ring of Honor appreciates your understanding through these difficult times as everyone does their part in helping stop the spread of the virus. ROH will continue to provide timely updates related to live touring plans going forward.

The entire ROH staff, talent and partners remain committed to providing daily and weekly content on all platforms. Please stay tuned to all ROH digital channels and ROHWrestling.com to keep up with the “Best Professional Wrestling on the Planet.”

ROH Cancels Tonight’s 18th Anniversary PPV And Past vs Present Show Due To Coronavirus/Covid-19

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on the world of professional wrestling and now the first pay-per-view event has been canceled due to the outbreak.

Ring of Honor announced today that their 18th Anniversary pay-per-view scheduled for Friday in Las Vegas, and their Past vs. Present event on Saturday, also at Sam’s Town Live in Vegas, has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

ROH noted that additional details on the schedule changes will be released soon, including details on refunds and potential re-scheduling.

ROH 18TH ANNIVERSARY AND PAST VS. PRESENT SHOWS CANCELLATION

Dear ROH Family,

After much consideration and consultation with local officials regarding COVID-19, ROH has decided to cancel this weekend’s 18th Anniversary (Friday, March 13th) and Past vs Present (Saturday, March 14th) shows at Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.

This extremely difficult decision was made in conjunction with the most recent developments surrounding COVID-19, known as the Coronavirus.

While the marquee “18th Anniversary” and the very special “Past v Present” events were ready to show the world why Ring of Honor is truly the “Best Professional Wrestling on the Planet,” the safety and health of our fans, talents and staff are always our utmost priority.

Additional Information will be provided as soon as possible regarding refunds and potential rescheduling of the events that were set to transpire this weekend.

Once again, thank you for understanding and we truly appreciate your continued patronage and support.

Below was the card for the 18th Anniversary Show:

ROH World Championship: Rush (c) vs. Mark Haskins

ROH World TV Championship: Dragon Lee (c) vs. Bandido

ROH World Tag Team Championship: Jay Lethal and Jonathan Gresham (c) vs. Villain Enterprises (Marty Scurll and Flip Gordon)

Dealer’s Choice Match: Kenny King vs. Shane Taylor vs. Dan Maff vs. Tyler Bateman
Winner earns future shot at any title.

The Briscoes vs. Dalton Castle and Joe Hendry

Jeff Cobb vs. Slex

Nicole Savoy vs. Session Moth Martina

Villain Enterprises (Brody King and PCO) vs. Alex Zayne and Rey Horus

ROH And NJPW Announce War Of The Worlds Tour

Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling have announced that the 2019 War of the Worlds Tour will feature four big events in May.

The shows will take place on May 6 in Buffalo, May 7 in Toronto, May 9 in Kalamazoo, and May 10 in Villa Park, IL.

Below is the full announcement issued by ROH today:

ROH, NJPW TEAM UP FOR WAR OF THE WORLDS TOUR IN MAYRing of Honor and New Japan Pro-Wrestling are joining forces again for the War of the Worlds tour, which consists of four huge, star-studded shows in May.

The War of the Worlds tour, which will feature world class matches with stars from both ROH and NJPW, kicks off on May 6 in Buffalo before heading to Toronto on May 7, Kalamazoo (Mich.) on May 9, and concluding in Chicago on May 10.

Tickets for all four shows go on sale next Wednesday, March 4 at 10 a.m. local time for HonorClub members and Friday, March 6 at 10 a.m. local time for the general public.

A staple since 2014, the War of the Worlds tour features dream matches, title bouts, and first-time matchups you cannot see anywhere else with the stars of ROH and NJPW.

Keep it locked on ROHWrestling.com and ROH’s social media channels for talent and match announcements. Don’t miss your opportunity to see the stars of ROH and NJPW live!

ROH/NJPW PRESENT WAR OF THE WORLDS TOUR 2020

Wednesday, May 6: Buffalo RiverWorks, Buffalo, N.Y., 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 7: Ted Reeve Arena, Toronto, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 9: Wings Event Center, Kalamazoo, Mich., 6 p.m.
Sunday, May 10: The Odeum Expo Center, Villa Park, Ill., 7 p.m.

ROH Pure Title Tournament To Continue In NYC At Battlestarr 2020

Ring of Honor has announced that the quarterfinals of the Pure Title tournament will take place on Friday, April 23 when they return to New York City for the Battlestarr 2020 event at Terminal 5.

Tickets for Battlestarr 2020 go on sale next Wednesday, February 19 at 10am ET for HonorClub members. Tickets for the general public will be on sale next Friday, February 21.

ROH recently announced that they were bringing back the Pure Title, which was active from 2004-2006. Pure Rules matches are bouts where closed-fist punches are illegal, and each competitor is allowed three rope breaks to stop submission holds and pinfalls during the match, and after that, pinfalls and submissions on or under the ropes would be legal.

There will also be a ROH meet & greet before the Battlestarr 2020 event at Terminal 5. You can click here for the full announcement from ROH.

ROH noted in their official announcement, “The quarterfinals of the Pure Title tournament are among the featured attractions of what is guaranteed to be an incredible night of the fast-paced, hard-hitting, in-your-face action that only Ring of Honor can deliver.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Ring Of Honor Renaming Women Of Honor Title, Announce Upcoming Tournament

Ring of Honor announced the Women of Honor Title is changing to the Ring of Honor Women’s World Championship.

A tournament is going to decide a new champion and will begin at ROH Quest For Gold on April 24 at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Eight first-round matches will go down at the show. Participants have yet to be announced.

The original title also crowned a champion through a tournament, which was Sumie Sakai back in April of 2018 at Supercard of Honor. Kelly Klein was the last Women of Honor champion, but parted ways with the company at the end of the year.

Below is ROH’s full announcement about the upcoming event:

An exciting new era in women’s wrestling in Ring of Honor is imminent.To emphasize ROH’s commitment to women’s wrestling, a new Ring of Honor Women’s World Championship has been created. This title will replace the Women of Honor Title and carry the utmost prestige as only the best competitors will earn its gold.

The tournament to crown the inaugural champion begins with eight first-round matches at “Quest For Gold” on Friday, April 24 at Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena. The tournament will feature talent from all over the world, including some new faces who have never competed in ROH.

“Quest For Gold” tickets go on sale Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 10 a.m. ET for HonorClub members and Friday, Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. ET for the general public.

The first women’s match in ROH history took place in 2002, the company’s first year in existence. In the ensuing years, some of the best women’s wrestlers in the sport competed in an ROH ring, including Sara Del Rey, Mickie James, Amazing Kong, Mercedes Martinez, MsChif, Cheerleader Melissa and Daizee Haze, who all paved the way for the current generation of female talent in ROH.

The ROH Women’s World Championship will take women’s wrestling in ROH to the highest level. Don’t miss your opportunity to witness history in the making at Quest for Gold!

https://twitter.com/ringofhonor/status/1227622085293375488

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Necro Butcher, Homicide, Matt Sydal, Doug Williams And More Returning To ROH For ‘Past Vs. Present’ Event

ROH has announced an upcoming “Past vs. Present” event which will feature the returns of Necro Butcher, Homicide and other names from the promotion’s past.

According to the press release, Ring of Honor will return to Las Vegas on March 13 for their “18th Anniversary” pay-per-view from Sam’s Town.

The company will then stream “ROH Past vs. Present” on HonorClub the following day.

Additional wrestlers scheduled to appear at the “Past vs. Present” event at this time include Doug Williams, Matt Sydal and Allison Danger.

Tickets to both events go on sale January 31 at 10am PT. Honor Club members can begin purchasing pre-sale tickets on January 29.

https://twitter.com/ringofhonor/status/1219360200504811522

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

NJPW Star Jay White Booked For ROH Supercard Of Honor

There has been speculation regarding the partnership with ROH and NJPW, however it appears as if the two companies will continue to work with each other. ROH announced that Bullet Club leader Jay White will be appearing at its Supercard of Honor event on April 4.

“#BULLETCLUB MEMBER & NJPW STAR JAY WHITE SIGNED FOR ROH SUPERCARD OF HONOR APRIL 4 IN LAKELAND, FLORIDA! @jaywhitenz is #GoingToLakeland”

This is the first time that White will be wrestling on an ROH show since the G1 Supercard last year, where he lost the IWGP Heavyweight Championship to Kazuchika Okada. White previously worked with ROH from 2016-2017 as a Young Lion in an excursion run.

Taking place in Lakeland Florida, the event will be during the evening. It should be noted that the Bullet Club will host the Bullet Club Beach Party on the same day at 10 a.m. ET.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Marty Scurll Re-Signs With Ring Of Honor

Marty Scurll has signed a new deal with Ring of Honor, confirms PWInsider. Scurll’s contract expired at the end of November.

It’s unclear the length of the contract, but as noted, ROH offered Scurll “WWE main roster money” and only have to work 40 dates per year for the company.

It was confirmed that he will be taking on lead booking and creative duties too.

On Saturday, Marty Scurll, Brody King, and Flip Gordon lost the ROH Six-Man Tag Team Championship to Bandido, Flamita, and Rey Horus at ROH Saturday Night at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia.

Backstage News On “WWE Main Roster Money” Offer ROH Made To Marty Scurll

It was recently announced that Ring of Honor will be bringing back the Supercard of Honor show for WrestleMania weekend.

An interesting name that appeared in the press release was Marty Scurll. “The Villian’s” contract recently expired, but he is a free agent who will be working with ROH and the NWA for the near future.

In the latest edition of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that ROH is offering Scurll “WWE main roster money” in a deal that would have him working only 40 dates per-year, among other perks. There is no word on if he has signed it, but it is reportedly a better deal than the one they offered Matt Taven.

Taven, a former ROH World Champion, signed a new deal in September before his old one expired in October. The contract starts out at double the highest-paid wrestler in NXT, and can end up being about triple by the end of it.

Source: Wrestling Inc.