Ring Of Honor has announced it is putting itself on the shelf as it says it needs to “pivot with a new mission and strategy following the pandemic.
Ring Of Honor has been a fixture of the wrestling scene since the company’s inception in 2002. Wrestling luminaries such as CM Punk, Samoa Joe, Bryan Danielson, Adam Cole, Christopher Daniels, Kyle O’Reilly, Seth Rollins, and The Young Bucks have all graced the ROH canvas over the years but now the company says it’s taking a break.
The company put out a statement on their social media channels saying the following:
“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 wrestling 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.”
Final Battle is scheduled to take place on the 11th of December at the UMBC Event Center in Baltimore. and will be the 20th Final Battle event that Ring Of Honor has promoted.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reported on social media that the company has released everyone from their contracts:
“ROH released everyone from contracts, more to come.”
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful followed up that report with more information, saying that the releases come into effect at the end of 2021:
“Based on who I’ve spoken with, ROH releases are effective at the end of the year. If a contract goes beyond that, they’re paid until March 31.”
Based on who I've spoken with, ROH releases are effective at the end of the year. If a contract goes beyond that, they're paid until March 31.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) October 27, 2021
According to Cagematch.net, ROH #529 – Championship Edition is due to air on the 5th of November and will see Josh Woods defend his ROH Pure Title against LSG and Bandido defend the ROH World Championship against Alex Zayne.