ROH news and video thread

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DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR XI UPDATES!
Two new bouts signed for our Philly return...



Friday night September 20th will be an historic day for Ring of Honor wrestling as we not only return home to Philadelphia for the first time since January 2012, but it will also mark the crowning of a new World Champion as Tommaso Ciampa, Adam Cole, Michael Elgin, and Kevin Steen compete to fill the vacancy cause by Jay Briscoe's injury back in June.

In addition to that monumental occasion, the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Titles will be defended, Ricky Marvin will join ROH stateside for the very first time, and Match Maker Nigel McGuinness has now informed ROHWrestling.com of two new matches just signed:

8-Man Tag Team Action: World Tag Team Champions reDRagon (Kyle O'Reilly & Bobby Fish), World TV Champion Matt Taven, and Michael Bennett w/ Truth Martini, the Hotties, & Maria Kanellis vs. Adrenaline RUSH (ACH & Tadarius Thomas) and C&C Wrestle Factory (Caprice Coleman & Cedric Alexander)

With the championship focus on the World Title Tournament and the IWGP Tag Team battle between The Forever Hooligans & The American Wolves, Nigel determined that neither the TV nor Tag Team Champions would be defending their titles on 9/20. Instead, he has united reDRagon and Matt Taven, and alongside Michael Bennett, they will take on two of the most exciting teams on the ROH roster today! Caprice and Cedric found themselves frustrated in singles bouts against Fish & O'Reilly at “Road to Greatness: Night 1” and that frustration was compounded when they, along with RUSH & Alabama Attitude, were denied a tag title opportunity in the Proving Ground Instant Reward match on Night 2.

The frustration isn't isolated to one side of this contest though as Matt Taven experienced one of his most disappointing weekends since becoming TV champion as he was first submitted by former World Champion Davey Richards in Chattanooga and then defeated in Proving Ground action by former TV Champion Jay Lethal during the Birmingham event. That loss now means Taven will have to defend the title against Lethal and we expect more information on that bout later today.

On the flip side, both reDRagon and Michael Bennett experienced triumphant weekends as the World Tag Team Champions first defeated Coleman & Alexander in a pair of singles bouts and then denied C&C, RUSH, and AA a chance at challenging for their championship titles. As for Bennett, while he only competed in Birmingham, it was in a victorious battle over Davey Richards that came as a result of the former Prodigy's devastating piledriver (albeit with a little assistance from Maria).

There are a lot of threads running through this one folks! Can Bennett capitalize on his biggest victory in quite some time? Will Taven get some momentum back prior to his championship battle? Will reDRagon continue to reassert their dominance over the tag team division? Will either C&C or RUSH breakthrough and get that win over Fish & O'Reilly they desperately crave? We will see on 9/20 in Philly!

Jay Lethal vs. Silas Young

Two men who were frustrated in their bid to become World Champion, Jay Lethal and Silas Young will now collide for the very first time at “DBD XI”! Young has been impressive as of late and as evidenced by his first meeting with Tommaso Ciampa, the self-proclaimed “Last Real Man In Wrestling” will show no restraint in his attempts to secure victory. Be it Ciampa, Steen, Richards, or Adam Page, Silas has shown no fear regardless of who his opponent may be and it is safe to say he won't be intimidated by a former TV Champion either.

Lethal, coming out of “Road to Greatness”, has a World TV Title match with Taven in his immediate future. After a disappointing outing in the World Title Tournament, Jay has rebounded with that victory over Taven as well as one over Luke Hawx, and now hopes to continue that with a win over Young.

These are two veterans of the ring wars and they will collide for the very first time at “Death Before Dishonor XI”!

History will happen on September 20th when ROH returns to Philadelphia for “Death Before Dishonor XI”! For more information on the event and to purchase tickets, click here now so you do not miss out on the best professional wrestling on the planet!

RING OF HONOR WRESTLING TV TAPING UPDATE!
Two Titles matches signed for Saturday in Philly...



One night after a new World Champion is crowned at “Death Before Dishonor XI”, ROH will hold our first ever ROH TV Tapings in Philadelphia! The National Guard Armory on Southampton Road will host the best pro wrestling on the planet for the second night in a row including the already announced Davey Richards versus Ricky Marvin contest!

ROHWrestling.com has now been informed of TWO title matches that will go down that night and we have been provided with the names of several more athletes signed to compete:

ROH World Television Title Match
World TV Champion Matt Taven defends vs. Jay Lethal

Already a former TV Champion, Jay Lethal earned this chance to regain the title after beating Matt Taven at “Road To Greatness: Night 2” in a Proving Ground battle. Lethal faced tremendous odds that night as the whole of the HoT did their best to insure he came up short but Jay overcame and now looks to be the first two-time champion!

After a very unsuccessful “Road to Greatness” weekend, Taven is looking to redeem himself with a win over Lethal in ROH's hometown. To his credit, Taven has shown an ability to step up after dropping a Proving Ground match as evidenced in his bout with Eddie Edwards & ACH. Will that be the case in Philly?

ROH World Tag Team Title Triple Threat Match (1 Fall)

World Tag Team Champions reDRagon (Kyle O'Reilly & Bobby Fish) defend vs. C&C Wrestle Factory (Caprice Coleman & Cedric Alexander) vs. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Champions The Forever Hooligans (Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov)

Several roads converge in this one as reDRagon put their titles on the line as both C&C Wrestle Factory AND The Forever Hooligans look to bring Fish & O'Reilly's second title reign to an end. Romero & Koslov have shown more than capable of doing so as they were the duo responsible for bringing reDRagon's first reign to an end in Providence. That being said, Kyle and Bobby have also proven capable of putting down The Hooligans having kicked off their first title reign by beating Romero & Koslov in Chicago Ridge. Now it will be the rubber match of sorts as one day removed from defending their IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Titles against The American Wolves, Rocky and Alex will look to become two-time ROH tag champions.

As for C&C, they head into this contest after having quite a disappointing “Road to Greatness” weekend. First Cedric and Caprice dropped a pair of singles bouts to Fish and O'Reilly in Chattanooga. Then the following night in Birmingham they, along with Adrenaline RUSH and Alabama Attitude, were unsuccessful in earning a Tag Title match in the first ever Proving Ground Instant reward bout. They may not have been the team that took the deciding fall but it was a loss that stung nonetheless. After this weekend though, Coleman and Alexander petitioned Nigel McGuinness for another opportunity to challenge for the World Tag Team Titles and stated a case that the ROH Match Maker found trouble arguing against.

“Caprice and Cedric made a valid argument.” said McGuinness to ROHWrestling.com, “They ran over their history of title challenges and highlighted how they have been the repeated victims of outside interference and distractions. They pointed out how their traditional shot at Best in the World became a three way with S.C.U.M and how their make-good bout on TV was marred by violence outside the ring. It was a case for which I couldn't find any flaws and as such they will challenge reDRagon in Philadelphia. Still, I can't discount the Hooligans and given that Rocky and Alex have split bouts with the champions, they are also more than deserving of rematch for the ROH tag titles. That is why both teams will get their chance in Philadelphia. One fall, to a finish, may the best team win!”

In addition to those two contest, we have also learned that Outlaw Inc(Homicide & Eddie Kingston), Silas Young, Adam Page, and Marshall Law (QT Marshall & RD Evans) will all be in Philadelphia on 9/21!

Tickets for our first ever “Ring of Honor Wrestling” TV Taping in Philly are available right now in the ROH Store!

[mcmahonfan85]

BJ WHITMER UPDATE
The latest on the status of The Buzzsaw



On August 3rd, during the "All Star Extravaganza V" event in Toronto, BJ Whitmer and Michael Bennett met one-on-one as part of the World Title Tournament. During the course of the match, after taking a piledriver on the ring apron, BJ was ruled unable to continue and the match was immediately stopped.

BJ would spend the next several days in a Canadian hospital under observation until he was well enough to travel. Upon returning home, BJ underwent extensive testing to determine the condition of his neck and spine and has also started physical therapy in recent weeks. Still there is a definite question mark pertaining to his future with Ring of Honor and with wrestling in general.

It is a question that will soon be answered though.

We here at ROHWrestling.com can now announce that on September 20th at "Death Before Dishonor XI", BJ will return to Ring of Honor for the first time since the accident in Toronto and will make an announcement regarding his future. We can only speculate on just what BJ will say in Philadelphia. As a man who has been a member of the Ring of Honor family for over ten years, he has been in our thoughts every day and BJ will continue to have our complete support in whatever the future holds.

Tickets for "Death Before Dishonor XI" are on-sale here in the ROH Store.

[mcmahonfan85]

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THE BRUTAL BURGERS IN ACTION IN PHILLY!
And Michael Bennett is not happy...



As you can see in the above video, Brutal Bob and Cheeseburger are looking for a battle with Michael Bennett and on September 21st in Philadelphia they will get it!

Just signed by Match Maker Nigel McGuinness, The Brutal Burgers as they dubbed themselves will get a shot at Michael Bennett and...Maria?!?

"I took a look at the tale of the tape." said McGuinness to ROHWrestling.com, "And it all adds up mate. The height, the weight, it all balances out between Burger and Maria Kanellis and between Bob and Bennett. It's a fair fight in my book."

Michael Bennett, when informed of the contest, did not see things in the same light as Nigel...

"The Brutal Burgers?" he offered, "I don't curse a whole lot but are you ******* serious? I just beat The American Wolf! I pinned Davey Richards with THE best piledriver in pro wrestling...a former World Champion, one of the centerpieces of ROH, and the next thing Nigel has for me is Bob and Burger? This is either a joke or just another mark in the track record of continued disrespect from the ROH offices. I RETIRED Jerry Lynn in ROH, I RETIRED Lance Storm in ROH, I just beat Davey Richards, and now Brutal Burgers? But I'm not sure what's worse in this situation honestly; the disrespect from Nigel in making me wrestle Bob and Burger or the fact that the ROH fans cheer a 100 pound kid who sexually harasses Maria every chance he gets? Nigel, Bob, Burger...what I will tell you now is that on Saturday night, when this is done, all of you will regret making this match happen. Bob, you are the past. Burger, you are beneath me and Nigel...this is all on your head!"

Michael Bennett & Maria Kanellis versus The Brutal Burgers (Cheeseburger & Brutal Bob)! It will go down on 9/21 as part of the very first "Ring of Honor Wrestling" TV Taping in Philadelphia! Tickets are on-sale now!

SEPTEMBER 11TH NEWSWIRE

- This past Friday & Saturday night Ring of Honor brought the best pro wrestling on the planet to Chattanooga, TN and Birmingham, AL! We want to thank everyone who supported us over the weekend and we appreciate all of the great feedback. These events will be available very soon on VOD.

- Ring of Honor is back on the road to Philadelphia on Friday September 20th and Saturday the 21st for “Death Before Dishonor XI”! This will be one of the most important weekends in the history of ROH and we invite everyone to attend and witness history unfold. It will be the moment of a lifetime for either Michael Elgin, Kevin Steen, Adam Cole, or Tommaso Ciampa as one of them will enter Saturday as the new ROH World Champion. Click HERE for an updated look at the ROH World Championship Tournament brackets and join us in Philadelphia for the moment of a lifetime!

- Two title matches have officially been confirmed for Saturday September 20th as World TV Champion Matt Taven defends against Jay Lethal and the World Tag Team Champions reDRagon (Kyle O'Reilly & Bobby Fish) defend against C&C Wrestle Factory (Caprice Coleman & Cedric Alexander) and The Forever Hooligans (Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov) in a Triple Threat Tag Team Match! Tickets for our first ever “Ring of Honor Wrestling” TV Taping in Philly are available HERE.

- The Barrister R.D. Evans returns from his injury at “Death Before Dishonor” and is looking for revenge. With Evans recently away from his offices, Veda Scott has helped ease the load by handling the affairs of "God's Gift" QT Marshall as well as handling a majority of Evans legal paperwork.

- Ricky Marvin is excited to make his ROH US debut at "Death Before Dishonor" and officials are just as excited to see how his style translates in an ROH ring. Both of his matches over the weekend against Roderick Strong and Davey Richard could possibly steal the show.

- As we know Jay Briscoe will present the ROH World Title belt to the winner of the tournament. Jay Briscoe is still a few months away from being cleared to wrestle but his brother Mark will be in action on September 21st in Philly!

- What does Outlaw Inc. have planned for Philly?

- This week on "Ring of Honor Wrestling" TV the ROH World Championship Tournament continues as Jay Lethal faces Adam Cole in a Quarter-Final match! Plus Kevin Steen battles Brian Kendrick and Roderick Strong goes one-on-one with Matt Taven in First Round Matches. Click HERE to see if ROH airs in your area.

- ROH World TV Champion Matt Taven has not been very successful during non-title matches and Truth Martini recently let him know after his loss against Jay Lethal last Saturday in Birmingham. It is known that Truth Martini has requested that Taven's championship be up for grabs at all times in order to motivate the current champion. Nigel has yet to respond to Martini's request.

- The latest DVD to hit the ROH Store is "Manhattan Mayhem V" from New York City. Top matches include The American Wolves defending their newly won World Tag Team Titles against reDRagon, a first time ever dream tag team match with The Young Bucks vs. The Forever Hooligans, and three Quarter Final matches in the ROH World Title Tournament with Karl Anderson vs. Michael Elgin, Kevin Steen vs. Roderick Strong, and Tommaso Ciampa vs. Michael Bennett! Plus much more including extras and commentary from Prince Nana and Kevin Kelly! Click here to order yours now!

- Also, the new ROH "DESIRE" Logo T-Shirt is available for purchase right HERE.

- Michael Bennett scored one of the biggest wins of his career last Saturday in Birmingham against former ROH World Champion Davey Richards. ROH officials have taken notice and, especially with Maria in the ear of the office, it is hard not to take notice of a man who can defeat Richards. Bennett wants more competition and has went on record claiming to have the best Piledriver in all of pro wrestling.

- Speaking of Davey Richards, Davey will be touring England during the month of October while partner Eddie Edwards heads to Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan.

- The Ringmasters Challenge between Roderick Strong and Adam Cole last Saturday was definitely a test of endurance, skill and heart. Two of the best collided and while Cole did nothing "wrong", his method of attaining victory was once again questionable.

- Kyle O'Reilly and Cedric Alexander had a fantastic one-on-one showdown last Friday in Chattanooga and it is a match that you definitely want to see.

- Despite their losing effort, Alabama Attitude (Mike Posey & Corey Hollis) impressed over the weekend as a team and look better every time they compete.

- The Honor Rumble returns on September 28th in Hopkins, MN and the winner of the Honor Rumble will get an Instant Reward in the form of an ROH World Championship bout the same night! The four men still involved in the World Title Tournament (Tommaso Ciampa, Kevin Steen, Adam Cole, and Michael Elgin) will NOT be participants in the Honor Rumble but we can confirm that previous Honor Rumble winner Jay Lethal will compete. What a fun night it will be and you can get your tickets right HERE.

- We want to take the time to give a special thanks to all of the great fans who watch our television show each week making it a ratings success! The loyal fans watching on WLOS in the Ashville, NC and Spartanburg, SC area and WRLH in Richmond have made us a huge hit and we appreciate it. Our show continues to draw rave reviews and we are proud of the continuous growth and quality of our presentation. If you want true pro wrestling then this is your show!

- The latest edition of "Ring of Honor Wrestling" TV is now available to Ringside Members and we invade Toronto with the ROH World Championship Tournament raging on! The First Round matches airing on this episode include "Unbreakable" Michael Elgin vs. Paul London, Michael Bennett vs. BJ Whitmer, and Tommaso Ciampa vs. Silas Young! If you are not a Ringside Member, but would like to become one click HERE.

- The next ROH Try-out/Seminar Camp will take place on Saturday December 7th & Sunday December 8th at the ROH Dojo in Bristol, PA. If you are a pro wrestler looking for valuable advice then this is the place to be. We have a fantastic system with fantastic instructors and we guarantee a wonderful experience! Please click HERE for more information.

- Check out the latest blog from "Brutal" Bob Evans regarding the ROH Try-out/Seminar HERE.

- Check out our Twitter & Facebook for all of the latest news and info.

[mcmahonfan85]

[mcmahonfan85]

Throwback Thursday Saturday:

Jay Lethal vs. Jimmy Jacobs
"Buffalo Stampede"
October 15, 2005
Buffalo, NY

[mcmahonfan85]

[mcmahonfan85]

[mcmahonfan85]

FULL CIRCLE
posted on : Monday, Sep 16, 2013 07:00pm EDT
by : Adam Cole


Full Circle

Dreams are a really funny thing. Many times, dreams are exactly that, they're dreams. You imagine and picture them in your head, just wishing that someday they become a reality. Then once in awhile, that reality hits, and it hits hard. Your scared. Your overjoyed. Your self conscious. Your deserving. Your ready. But no matter what emotion you're feeling the strongest, that reality is there and it's coming. Everything you've dreamed of is right in front of your face. My reality check is September 20 in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia has a very special place in my heart. It really is my home away from home when it comes to wrestling. When I was 9 years old, the first wrestling event I ever went too was in Philadelphia. I remember being so nervous and anxious when I was on my way to the event, just like September 20 will be. I remember sitting in the 8th row, and being completely blown away by the athleticism and charisma these athletes had and carried. I remember deciding in my brain at that moment that I wanted to be a professional wrestler.

Fast forward about 10 years later, and I am stepping into a wrestling ring for the very first time to begin my wrestling training. I remember being so thankful and excited to step through those ropes, but also so afraid of failure. What if I'm no good? What if I don't succeed? The training was brutal, both physically and mentally, but I pushed through. I thought back to that 9 year old boy that dreamed of being a pro wrestler, and it made me realize at that very moment that I was living my dream. I was going to push as far as I could, and be the best that I could be. That was in Philadelphia. Little did I know that 5 years after that, I would have the chance to become THE best. And of course, it all goes down in Philadelphia.

The Ring of Honor World Championship is the most prestigious belt in all of pro wrestling. It exemplifies hard work, dedication, and a true love for this sport. You fight your entire career to get a chance at this title, let alone hold onto it. In Philadelphia, everything I've ever worked for all comes to a head. I get the chance of a lifetime to become the best professional wrestler on the planet, and I get that chance at home, in Philadelphia.

Life is built on moments, and what you make of those moments. If there has ever been a moment of a lifetime then September 20 in Philadelphia is that. It's no secret that the first half of 2013 wasn't my best time in ROH. The losses out ranked the win column that's for sure. This night is my chance at redemption. This night is me proving that my recent "attitude change" is nothing more than being more focused than ever on being the best. I'm not going to promise to walk out of Philadelphia as champion. What I am going to promise is that Tommaso Ciampa and Michael Elgin/Kevin Steen are going to get the very best Adam Cole that they've ever seen. This is so much bigger than winning the ROH World Title. This is my life...going full circle.



ADAM COLE

WHAT ABOUT ME??
A Blog By Steve Corino


"What About Me" by Steve Corino

"What about me? It isn't fair. I've had enough and I want my share. Can't you see? I want to livE. But you just take more than you give..."
-Moving Pictures, 1982

A sad song for a sad situation, written by a sad man.

My name is Steve Corino and for almost 20 years I have given my life to professional wrestling. And for the last 11 plus years, off and on, I have been a LOYAL employee of Ring Of Honor. Never complaining, always showing up on time, and a role model for what HONOR means.

But I have been wronged.

Late last year, I made the decision to go back to school and get my broadcasting degree. I wanted to contribute to the ever-growing ROH television product on the Sinclair Broadcasting Network. For over 100 episodes, there has been a lack of consistency in the booth and I knew I was the guy to help boost ratings. And why not? I would listen to me. It was great for a while. Kevin Kelly, even though he won't admit it right now, was thrilled. I became like a brother to him in the booth. I mean, we didn't hang out and get girls after the show or anything (I am a honorably married man for God sake), but I could feel that we were close.

Then it all changed in Baltimore.

For NO reason at all, I was asked to leave the DuBurns Arena.

I called, texted, Tweeted, Facebooked, and even mailed Nigel McGuiness and Ring of Honor...No answer.

Then I was asked to leave Providence.

So I called, texted, Tweeted, Facebooked, and even mailed Nigel McGuiness and Ring of Honor again...No answer.

Then I was asked to leave New York City...New York City. Can you believe that? I sold out that building 13 years ago. If it wasn't for me, ROH wouldn't have a New York City to run events in.

And now, I stand here. Broken and upset. Not broke, but broken.

I have been wronged by a multi-million dollar corporation and no one can tell me why. I feel like everyone now hates me for NO reason whatsoever. Is it jealousy that I have such a good broadcast journalist? Maybe. Why won't anyone talk to me? I don't stink, I am a really great guy, and I am a freaking legend in professional wrestling. They should all be getting me coffee, but they just to ignore me.

WHAT DID I DO?

On September 20, ROH will crown a new World champion. But the bigger issue is "Why is ROH ignoring me???"

I want answers. I need answers. I have over 27,000 loyal Twitter followers that beg me to be back on ROH TV and they don't understand either.

ROH, answer this question: What did I do?



Sincerely,
Steve Corino

[mcmahonfan85]

[mcmahonfan85]

I WOULD RATHER DIE THAN BE FORGOTTEN...
posted on : Tuesday, Sep 17, 2013 09:28am EDT
by : Michael Elgin


I WOULD RATHER DIE THAN BE FORGOTTEN...

The things I'm about to write, you have probably read before. Actually I can tell you, you have read it many times before. The only reason you have read it before is because the people who wrote it made something of themselves. They beat the odds and stood tall to tell their story.

The only thing I can ever remember wanting to be was a Pro Wrestler. It's what I lived for. It captivated me unlike anything ever had. But, growing up I was always told I couldn't do it or people said, "Sure, but what else do you want to do?". I was the fat kid who dreamed of greatness, I had the desire but not the tools. At the age of 13 I stepped into high school at 315 lbs and had a lot of adversities to overcome. When you're that obese, one of the biggest let downs at that age and time in your life can be girls. But, that isn't what drove me. I knew I wanted to wrestle, but at that weight, I couldn't be the wrestler I wanted to be. That year was the year that changed my life. I began to diet. I woke up every morning at 5am to hit the gym before class began. Ten months later heading into the summer of 2001, I was 175 lbs and ready to start my path.

That summer I joined a wrestling school and everything started to run its course. I admit it wasn't the best school, but at the age of 14 I didn't care. I was in a wrestling ring learning the basics of something I loved. Over the next year and a half I knew I needed to get bigger, knew I was too short and not built enough to live my dreams. I wanted to show everyone they were wrong. One and a half years later, weighing 225lbs (not all good weight), I found a proper school, Squared Circle Training. My summer job in construction was simply to afford proper training. Stepping into that school was the best thing that ever happened to me. I began to actually understand wrestling and was itching to get my start. At this time, I was interested in a new promotion. One that began to mold my style and garnered my undivided attention, Ring of Honor. My first road trip at the age of 16 in November of 2003 is one I will always remember. I drove to Detroit Michigan with 3 friends, a drive that really set the tone for my career. I stated on that drive that one day I would wrestle for ROH and I would be the ROH World Champion.

It's now 2013, almost 10 years later and I find myself 2 wins away from being ROH World Champion. In 10 years I have had my ups and downs including injuries, weight issues and frustration of not being at a place I want to be. Coming back from knee surgery that put me out of action for 5 months, I was almost 300 lbs again and not in the shape I envisioned. Now, being so close really makes a person think back on everything. It makes me remember when I was one of the outcasts from my training school, I wasn't the one that anyone thought would make it. The top 3 students that were given all the attention don't even wrestle anymore. From my class, only 3 of us are even still active and 1 is a referee. Maybe I wasn't supposed to be here, But I am. It's all these things that have made me the man I am. Hearing all the "you can't do that" and "you'll never be" that drives me.

Over the years there have been a lot of changes. I've seen people come and go and some things have lost meaning, but the ROH World Title is not one of those things. The only thing that has changed, is that it's harder to become ROH World Champion and even more difficult to remain the champion. The ROH World Title is the standard of Professional Wrestling. The man who wears that title around his waist can stand tall and say he is the best in the world with confidence. To me, becoming the ROH World Champion is proof that hard work pays off. It's a statement. It says hey, remember me. I was right and you were wrong. I don't know what is going to happen September 20th, but I do know that my blood, my sweat and my tears have been shed. I have worked my ass off to be here. My path saw me defeat 2 very accomplished men, Paul London and Karl Anderson. Now 2 more stand in my way. Kevin you beat me, but this path has been about vengance, it's been about revenge. I hope your prepared because I know I am. Ciampa and Cole, best of luck to both of you. Know the man that will stand in front of you in the finals would rather die than be forgotten and being ROH World Champion means you will always be remembered!

MICHAEL ELGIN

[mcmahonfan85]

[mcmahonfan85]

[mcmahonfan85]

EVERY MAN HAS A STORY TO TELL.... BY TOMMASO CIAMPA
posted on : Wednesday, Sep 18, 2013 12:26pm EDT
by : ROH Wrestling


Every man has a story to tell. We create our own paths, often times with no real understanding of what our journey has in store for us. I am not naïve. I realize that every journey has ups and downs, triumphs and let downs.

It is safe to assume Michael Elgin’s journey to the very top of ROH was anything but easy – injuries, weight issues, overcoming his lack of height – I’m sure he has heard “no” a million times before he heard “yes” once.

Kevin Steen is a self-made independent wrestling star. With over 36 thousand Twitter followers and a ridiculous amount of t-shirts sold every month, there is no doubt that Steen is one of the most loved wrestlers alive today. None of his success has come by accident or by chance – he’s overcome every obstacle in his path.

At 24 years young, Adam Cole is as close to a wrestling prodigy as there is today. He’s climbed the mountain at an unprecedented pace. But, don’t be mistaken – that does not mean the journey was easy. While Cole has been blessed with all the tools that make a wrestling star, I can only assume he has eaten his share of shit -whatever the case, his trail to the top was a bumpy one.

Then there is Tommaso Ciampa – me, the wild card, the Sicilian Psychopath, the bi-polar guy living a double life. In the wrestling world I have earned my spot by being an intense, hard hitting, tough son of a bitch. But in life, I have earned my spot by being a trustworthy, faithful, loving family man…

While I travel around the country every weekend living my dream, every Monday-Thursday I work 40 hours managing a very successful personal training studio, and then I come home to my beautiful fiancé and loyal dog. It may be odd for some people to think of the Sicilian Psychopath chatting nutrition tips with middle-aged women, and then coming home to a family life – but it is my reality. In fact, the weekend of September 20-22 is not only the biggest of my career, but it’s the biggest of my life.

On September 20th I face Adam Cole in the semi finals of the ROH World Title Tournament (with a potential finals match to follow); while on September 22nd I get married to the love of my life.

Hundreds of arguments can be made against me winning the title – I am trying to juggle too much at once, I can’t possibly be 100% focused on wrestling while simultaneously planning a wedding, I am running my body into the ground with such an aggressive schedule – hell, truth be told I have not had a day away from wrestling, work, or travel since returning to the ring full time after my ACL surgery. My wedding day will by my first day off in months.

I tend to believe all of this will help me in the tournament more than hurt me. The ROH World Title is prestigious. It is proof that the man who holds that Title is the best pure wrestler in the world today. The Title carries a sense of responsibility, but it also leads to higher pay-days. It leads to more bookings. And for me, it could potentially mean a better life for my soon to be family. Not only a better life financially, but winning this Title could also allow me to leave my day job – meaning more time to actually see my family. My life will change on September 22nd (when I get married). My life can change on September 20th (if I win the ROH World Title).

I met my fiancé 5 years ago, and since then I’ve balanced three lives (wrestling, work, and family) – and there is no arguing that the last 5 years of my career have been the best. I’ve come too far to burn out. My work ethic is unparalleled and in Philadelphia my journey reaches its peak. I will not fight for the doubters… I will fight for my job, I will fight for my life, I will fight for my family.

If you get a chance, take it.
If it changes your life, let it.
No one ever said it would be easy,
They just promised it would be worth it.
Shoot for the moon, maybe you will land on a star.

SEPTEMBER 18TH NEWSWIRE

- This weekend Ring of Honor will return home to Philadelphia on Friday, September 20th for "Death Before Dishonor XI" and Saturday, September 21st for a special "ROH TV Taping".

To say that this weekend is important is an understatement. "Death Before Dishonor XI" will shape ROH for the foreseeable future and the best way to see it is live and in person. Get your tickets right HERE.

- We are pleased to announce two different fan fests that will take place over the course of "Death Before Dishonor" weekend in Philadelphia prior to each event. Each fan fest will be FREE to anybody with a paid ticket for the event. Fans will receive one free autograph OR posed photo with each wrestler. You will also have the opportunity to purchase additional autograph and/or posed photo tickets for $10 each. 8 X 10 photos will also be available to buy. On Friday a special commemorative event poster featuring Kevin Steen, Michael Elgin, Adam Cole, & Tommaso Ciampa will be available to purchase for only $25. Included with the purchase of the poster will be one free autograph from each of four men listed above. One of these competitors will walk out of the building on Friday night as the NEW ROH World Champion.

- As we know Jay Briscoe will present the ROH World Title belt to the winner of the tournament this Friday. Jay Briscoe is still a few months away from being cleared to wrestle but he has assured us that he will be in Philadelphia with the belt! Jay's physical and mental condition continue to be a concern to everyone around him.

- This is truly the most important weekend in the lives of the 4 great athletes competing in the semi-finals. It will be the moment of a lifetime for either Michael Elgin, Kevin Steen, Adam Cole, or Tommaso Ciampa as one of them will be crowned the new ROH World Champion. Each man recently put their thoughts on paper for the world to see. Go to the blog section on ROHwrestling.com to check them out or...

- To view ADAM COLE'S blog click HERE

- To view "UNBREAKABLE" MICHAEL ELGIN'S blog click HERE

- To view "SICILIAN PSYCHOPATH" TOMMASO CIAMPA'S blog click HERE

- Kevin Steen's blog will be posted tomorrow.

- Support your favorite in the tournament by purchasing their official ROH T-Shirt in the ROH Store right HERE. Yesterday we released a brand new "UNBREAKABLE" MICHAEL ELGIN T-SHIRT as well as a TOMMASO CIAMPA T-SHIRT.

- Also, the new ROH "DESIRE" Logo T-Shirt is available for purchase right HERE.

- We are proud to partner with the NOH8 Campaign and THIS Saturday in Philadelphia there will be a NOH8 open photo shoot! Scheduled to begin at 3:00PM and end at 6:00PM, the photo shoot will take place in the LOBBY of the NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY prior to the ROH event. For more info click HERE or visit www.NOH8Campaign.com

- With our first 100 episodes of "Ring of Honor Wrestling" TV, ROH has presented to the fans the finest pro wrestling action you will find anywhere and for 100 episodes we have continued to strive to be the best! The latest DVD to hit the ROH Store is a 2-disc set presenting some of the best action that has gone down on ROH TV since our 2011 debut through the 100th episode that aired in August 2013 including many matches released here for the very first time. El Generico vs. Jay Lethal, the 2012 Survival of the Fittest Finals, the final appearance of The Kings of Wrestling, Matt Hardy vs. Adam Cole: those are just a few of the 21 complete matches included on this release! Not to mention several pieces of bonus material highlighting some of the more memorable moments in ROH's TV history. This is a great DVD! Order today right HERE.

- Steve Corino recently sent a blog to ROHwrestling.com that was too entertaining to ignore. Please click HERE to see the delusional world that Corino currently lives in.

- A few new matches have officially been confirmed for Saturday September 21st as it's Redneck Kung Fu vs. Capoeira when Mark Briscoe faces Tadarius Thomas! Plus Adam Page will battle ACH and JUST SIGNED..... Roderick Strong vs. "No Fear" Mike Mondo! Tickets for our first ever “Ring of Honor Wrestling” TV Taping in Philly are available HERE.

- This week on "Ring of Honor Wrestling" the ROH World Championship Tournament continues with 3 big Quarter Final matches! "Unbreakable" Michael Elgin suffered a rare loss in New York City last April and he has the chance to even the score against "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson! In addition, Michael Bennett faces Tommaso Ciampa and Roderick Strong battles Kevin Steen. Don't miss the best wrestling show on TV today!

- Expect the full card for September 28th in Hopkins, MN to be released as soon as "Death Before Dishonor" weekend has taken place. We do know that the Honor Rumble will return with the winner getting an Instant Reward in the form of an ROH World Championship bout the same night! In addition... JUST SIGNED to compete are the tag team known as "Monster Mafia" comprised of Josh Alexander and Ethan Page. Get your tickets right HERE for what will be a fun night at the matches!

- Ring of Honor returns to The Du Burns Arena on October 5th, for our final Baltimore event of 2013 and, as always, we are bringing with us the absolute best professional wrestling on the planet! We have just received word the ROH World Tag Team Championships will be defended! Click HERE to pick up your tickets for our October 5th return to Baltimore & The Du Burns Arena!

- Speaking of upcoming events, Lone Star State Fans get ready as next Monday, we will announce our return date to San Antonio, Texas!!! If you were there last time you witnessed an action packed night of the Best Wrestling on The Planet. If you weren't there, don't miss our return!!!

- The latest edition of "Ring of Honor Wrestling" TV is now available to Ringside Members and the ROH World Championship Tournament continues as Jay Lethal faces Adam Cole in a Quarter-Final match! Plus Kevin Steen battles Brian Kendrick and Roderick Strong goes one-on-one with Matt Taven in First Round Matches. If you are not a Ringside Member click HERE and join today!

- reDRagon have recently proclaimed themselves as "the role models of tag team wrestling."

- The next ROH Try-out/Seminar Camp will take place on Saturday December 7th & Sunday December 8th at the ROH Dojo in Bristol, PA. If you are a pro wrestler looking for valuable advice then this is the place to be. We have a fantastic system with fantastic instructors and we guarantee a wonderful experience! Please click HERE for more information.

- "Final Battle 2013" is on Saturday night December 14th at The Hammerstein Ballroom! This is the big one! Get your tickets now before its too late right HERE.

- Also, It's 8 months away, but Ring of Honor is already planning events for the biggest wrestling weekend of 2014! This year the road takes us to New Orleans on April 4th & 5th for a pair of events at the John Alario Event Center located at 2000 Segnett Blvd, Westwego, LA 70094. Ticket on-sale information will be available very soon but we wanted to make sure the ROH Faithful around the world knew our plans so they could make ones of their own! You do not want to miss what will surely be the absolute best professional wrestling events going do in Louisiana that weekend!

- Join us in Philadelphia this weekend for the moment of a lifetime!

[mcmahonfan85]

Throwback Thursday:

Christopher Daniels vs. Doug Williams vs. Low Ki vs. Spanky
Four-Way 60 min. Iron Man match for the ROH Championship
"Crowning a Champion"
July 27, 2002
Philadelphia, PA

[mcmahonfan85]

BECAUSE I AM KEVIN STEEN....
posted on : Thursday, Sep 19, 2013 08:36am EDT
by : ROH Wrestling


I recently saw that the other 3 men left in the ROH World Title Tournament, Elgin, Cole and Ciampa, had all written cute little blogs to tell everyone how much the ROH title means to them and convince the world that they will be walking out with the championship when it all comes to an end.



Considering my past affinity for writing blogs for this very website, you would think that I have one of my own already written, ready to be put online.



Turns out I don't...



Why?



Because as much as I enjoy writing these, I only enjoy writing them when there's something to actually write about but I don't need to tell anybody how much the ROH World title means to me.



And I sure as hell don't need to convince people that I'll be the one walking out ROH World champion...



Why?



Because I'm Kevin Steen.

I STAND BEFORE YOU MYSELF A VICTIM...
posted on : Thursday, Sep 19, 2013 08:43am EDT
by : ROH Wrestling

Honesty is my greatest virtue. Veda Scott simply cannot tell a lie. But my unfailing integrity means I have no choice but to be a champion for justice. If I see unfairness, I have to speak up. It's true, this compulsion for truth can be a bit of a burden, but I choose to see it as a gift. My own superpower. It's why I went to law school in the first place. Maybe someday I'll step in and change your life.*

But today I stand before you myself a victim.

I am a victim of Nigel McGuiness and Ring of Honor. I have been oppressed and, quite frankly, abused by these entities. And I am not alone. Look at Steve Corino, who continues to fight for his completely legitimate right to employment despite ROH's unfair and ILLEGAL attempts at termination. Where is our human resources department? Or have they been bullied by Nigel McGuiness too?

While I was forced to take a month off from Ring of Honor to recover from my match with MsChif, I was apparently (and unjustly) dismissed from my position backstage interviewer. ROH replaced me with Larry Mercer, a fact I only discovered well after the deed was done. Some people - not I, necessarily - might even say Nigel placed me an an unsafe working environment...allowing me to be injured so he could wrench the microphone from my hand and keep me from questioning his leadership. Like Steve Corino, I have to ask: what did I do wrong? As a journalist and champion of truth, it's my responsibility to expose injustice.

Most obviously, the abuses suffered by Barrister RD Evans stand as evidence of everything that's wrong with Dictator McGuiness and Ring of [alleged] Honor. When I look at RD Evans, I see not just a brilliant in ring technician...but an articulate, compassionate, intelligent total package of an athlete who could potentially be the face of Ring of Honor. Just picture Veda Scott and RD Evans visiting children in the hospital, their faces alight and their cells regenerating in the presence of their favorite ROH stars. But instead, Ring of Honor has established a consistent pattern of injury and abuse - and neglect. RD Evans might never recover full use and enjoyment of his pointer and middle fingers after the attack by Outlaw Inc. in New York City. We've already written off the pinky. And it's all because ROH allowed it to happen. RD Evans deserves justice (and whatever financial compensation might be incidental to that), and I promise he'll get it.

It's incredibly poetic that Death Before Dishonor takes place in the birthplace of revolution: Philadelphia, PA. There's more than one sort of American hero, after all - and we stand strong in the face of tyranny. RD Evans and I WILL be in Philadelphia on Friday. I've been working my blessedly unbroken fingers to the bone trying to keep up with the workload in the Barrister's office (and the managerial demands of an elite tag team like Marshall Law) while he rehabilitates. His bravery in the face of crippling pain has inspired me. And it's also inspired a plan to make a very pointed impact on Death Before Dishonor weekend.

Veda Scott, Esq.

[Chuck Conry]

Apparently tonight's stream of the show is FREE?

[Starshine]

Sept 20, 2013 16:17:34 GMT -5 Chuck Conry said:

Apparently tonight's stream of the show is FREE?

Yeah, here.

[AdamAFL was sooooo wrong]

Can "Veda", as a law student, please learn how to write somebody's name properly?

Also, awesome of ROH to have the show for free. Really looking forward to this.