What Happened to Ring of Honor Wrestling?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling Ring of Honor (ROH) Wrestling is a professional wrestling promotion that has been captivating fans around the world for nearly two decades. With its unique blend of athleticism, storytelling, and high-octane action, ROH quickly gained a reputation as one of the top wrestling promotions in the industry. However, in recent years, fans have been left wondering what happened to Ring of Honor Wrestling and why it seems to have lost some of its momentum. The Rise of Ring of Honor Wrestling Founded in 2002, Ring of Honor was created by Rob Feinstein and Gabe Sapolsky with the goal of providing an alternative to mainstream wrestling promotions. It quickly gained a loyal following by focusing on pure wrestling and showcasing some of the best talent from around the world. Under the leadership of Cary Silkin, Ring of Honor experienced a period of growth and success. The promotion secured several TV deals, including a partnership with Sinclair Broadcast Group in 2011, which gave ROH access to a larger audience. The Departure of Key Talent In recent years, Ring of Honor has faced challenges due to the departure of key talent. Many wrestlers who made their name in ROH have moved on to sign lucrative contracts with other promotions like WWE or All Elite Wrestling (AEW). This exodus has left ROH with the difficult task of rebuilding its roster and establishing new stars. The Impact on Storytelling The departure of key talent has had a significant impact on ROH’s storytelling ability. Wrestlers like Daniel Bryan (known as Bryan Danielson in ROH), CM Punk, Seth Rollins (known as Tyler Black in ROH), and Kevin Owens (known as Kevin Steen in ROH) played pivotal roles in creating compelling storylines that kept fans invested in the product. While ROH has managed to create new stars like Jay Lethal, Adam Cole, and Dalton Castle, the loss of these established names has undoubtedly affected the promotion’s ability to generate the same level of excitement and buzz. Competition from Other Promotions In recent years, Ring of Honor has also faced stiff competition from other wrestling promotions. With the emergence of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019 and its subsequent success, ROH has had to compete for both talent and viewership. AEW, founded by Cody Rhodes, Kenny Omega, and The Young Bucks, quickly gained a strong following and secured a major TV deal with TNT. AEW’s success has offered fans an alternative to mainstream wrestling and attracted several former ROH stars. Impact Wrestling (formerly known as TNA) has also remained a viable competitor. Impact has managed to reinvent itself over the years and continues to provide fans with an alternative wrestling experience. The Pandemic’s Impact The COVID-19 pandemic further impacted Ring of Honor’s momentum. With restrictions on live events and limited fan attendance, ROH was forced to adapt its programming. The absence of live crowds diminished the overall atmosphere and energy that is synonymous with professional wrestling. The Future of Ring of Honor Wrestling Despite these challenges, Ring of Honor remains committed to providing high-quality wrestling entertainment. In recent months, they have focused on creating partnerships with other promotions like New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), which have brought fresh talent into the mix. Marty Scurll, a former ROH wrestler, has returned as the head booker, and his creative input could potentially breathe new life into ROH’s storytelling and make it a more captivating product for fans. As live events gradually return to normalcy, Ring of Honor has an opportunity to rebuild its fan base and reestablish itself as a major player in the wrestling industry. With its rich history and commitment to pure wrestling, ROH has the potential to once again capture the hearts and minds of fans around the world.
