COMING SOON!
RESULTS
PHASE ONE:
#001: The Era of Honor Begins [2/23]
#002: The Second Coming [3/30]
#003: TBC - TBC
#004: TBC - TBC
#005: Road to the Title [TBC]
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PHASE ONE:
#001: The Era of Honor Begins [2/23]
#002: The Second Coming [3/30]
#003: TBC - TBC
#004: TBC - TBC
#005: Road to the Title [TBC]
RING OF HONOR ANNOUNCES DEBUT SHOW
We can finally confirm that RING OF HONOR’s debut show, ‘The Era of Honor Begins’, will take place at the Murphy Recreational Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 23rd, 2002.
We have all been looking for that real alternative to the nonsense churned out by other companies - are you not sports entertained? The loss of both ECW and WCW last year hit hard - one more so than the other - and Ring of Honor is here to fill that void with hard-hitting action, the best technicians and high-flyers from around the world, a legitimate tag team division, and some of the best wrestlers to grace the squared circle.
A former protégé of Paul Heyman - Gabe Sapolsky has built one of the most well-known tape trading companies within professional wrestling. Now he presents a new promotion that will be built around RESPECT, HONOR, and above all else, taking pro wrestling out of the sewers and treating it as the art form it can be. To ensure this, Sapolsky has developed the CODE OF HONOR and its five laws.
- You must shake hands before and after every match.
- No outside interference - no interfering in others' matches or having others interfere on your behalf.
- No sneak attacks.
- No harming the officials.
- No purposefully disqualifying oneself; definitive winners by pinfall, submission, or a time limit draw only.
Any breach of these rules will result in forfeiture of appearance fees and removed from future bookings.
We hope that this will create a more competitive environment with a focus on the action in the ring, and not the distractions from outside of it. We have already signed three blockbuster matches to our debut show, so make sure you catch it live, or pre-order the tape now from ROHWrestling.com
Monday 4th February, 2002
Newswire #001
A New Era of Wrestling Begins
We don't imitate...we innovate.
Our very first show will take place in just a little under three weeks, and we are pleased to announce that Ring of Honor has procured two of the greatest names in the history of Mexico, and two of the greatest wrestlers in the business. Free agents EDDY GUERRERO and REY MISTERIO JR. will face off in our inaugural main event at Era of Honor Begins. We are intent on providing you the best possible matches available, not just in North American independent wrestling, but in the world. Both men have a storied past before you even begin to look at their rivalry. Starting in 1997 in World Championship Wrestling, these two men fought over the Cruiserweight Title, trading it back and forth, producing epic after epic. Their rivalry is currently tied at 5-5, and we intend to settle the score once and for all between these two genuine superstars of wrestling.
The Texas Wrestling Academy may be best known by its trainer SHAWN MICHAELS, but it has also started to make a name for producing a plethora of top talent all itching to make their mark. We have arranged for four of their students to face off in a FATAL FOUR WAY at Era of Honor Begins. First is the technical master and runner-up of the 2001 ECWA Super 8 Tournament, AMERICAN DRAGON. Next we have the enigmatic and happy-go-lucky SPANKY. His semi-frequent tag team partner, the high-flying PAUL LONDON. Round off the four is the cousin of the Heartbreak Kid himself, looking to establish himself separate from his superstar cousin, is MICHAEL SHANE. The winner of the match will win a guaranteed contract with Ring of Honor, meaning no more long-drives, no more sourcing your own hotels; we fly you in, we take care of you, and if you get injured - we pay you. So big stakes on the line for these four up-and-comers.
We know that women's wrestling has been poorly showcased, or removed completely, by other promotions. Maybe you even started to believe it was because there weren't many options out there, but we are bringing two of the best women on the scene today to our first show. MSCHIF and MERCEDES MARTINEZ. MsChif has been tearing it up in Missouri whilst Mercedes has been fighting for titles against Sumie Sakai for NECW. Long-term plans are already being made to showcase great wrestling, whether that be the mens division, women's division, or last, but certainly not least, the tag team division.
Tag team wrestling is a staple of this business, and for good reason, but when did you last see a truly great tag team match? The death of the tag team division that was so hot in the territory days has been one of the bigger losses in the modern era. However, the art of tag team wrestling is still alive on the indies baby! We're going to be showcasing some of the brightest talent from across the world. First we have six man tag team scramble action with THE SAT (JOEL & JOSE MAXIMO) and THE AMAZING RED taking on JIMMY YANG, CHRISTIAN YORK, and JOEY MATTHEWS. Not only that, but DA HIT SQUAD (DAN MAFF & MONSTA MACK) will face DIVINE STORM (QUIET STORM & CHRIS DIVINE).
We are so excited for you guys to see what we will have on offer for you on the 23rd of this month, we hope as many of you as possible can join us at this unmissable debut event of the future face of professional wrestling.
Thursday 7th February, 2002
Newswire #002
Event Card for ERA OF HONOR BEGINS [2/23]
Texas Wrestling Academy Graduate Fatal Four Way
American Dragon vs. Paul London vs. Spanky vs. Michael Shane
Legends of Lucha Libre Showcase Match
Eddy Guerrero vs. Rey Misterio Jr.
Six-Man Tag Scramble Match
The SAT (Jose & Joel Maximo) and The Amazing Red vs. Christian York, Joey Matthews, and Jimmy Yang.
MsChif vs. Mercedes Martinez
Da Hit Squad (Monsta Mack & Dan 'Mafia' Maff) vs. Divine Storm (Chris Divine & Quiet Storm)
Also featuring: Low-Ki, Christopher Daniels, CM Punk, Jay Briscoe, Prince Nana, Xavier, and more.
Tuesday 19th February, 2002
Newswire #003Future Dates Announced, American Dragon Q&A, Editorial, Final Confirmed Card for Debut Show
We are delighted to announce that we have three future events already in the works with tickets going on sale next Monday (2/25). All events will be at the Murphy Recreational Centre, Philadelphia, PA. Directions available upon request.
#002 - Angels & Dragons (3/30)
On the 30th March we will see the Ring of Honor debut of COLT CABANA who will face off against his Illinois brethren CM PUNK. We are privileged to be able to add that the IWA MID SOUTH HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE will be defended for the first time outside of an IWA:MS ring. CM Punk has held the title for seventy-six days after what was a breakout year for the Straight-Edge wrestler. Both men are graduates of the Steel Dominion wrestling school in Chicago, and whether as rivals or as partners, these two men leave it all out there in the ring.
#003 - TBC (4/20)
TBC.
#004 - TBC (5/18)
TBC.
Interview w/ American Dragon
Earlier this week I managed to catch up with Bryan Danielson (BD in the transcript), more commonly known by his in-ring moniker the American Dragon. We source our questions from our fan hub and also from your emails, so please do send us any questions you have for any of our wrestlers. Next month I will be catching up with Low Ki, so please send any questions ahead of that one.
ROHWrestling: Hi Bryan, great to have you join me for our first interview article for the new website. Let's get right into it. I wondered if you could shed some light on why you've signed on with Ring of Honor, what was it about the pitch that brought you onboard?
BD: Thanks for having me. I have to say, the opportunity to showcase my technical abilities to a larger audience is one I couldn't pass down. I've wrestled all around the world, in front of big crowds and in front of no crowds, and all I want to do is get better all the time at my craft, and you have to test yourself against the best.
ROHWrestling: We certainly do strive to bring the best here. With the likes of Low Ki, Christopher Daniels, Eddy Guerrero, and Rey Misterio already confirmed for the first show, that has to excite you. Of everyone you know has attached themselves to this project, do you have someone you would like to get a chance to face off with?
BD: Well obviously any of those four you mentioned would be a dream come true. Eddy and Rey are obviously the bigger names, but some of the things that Low Ki and Chris Daniels can do in a ring are very impressive. I think the fans are in for a treat if they haven't seen some of the talent we've got. As for me, I'm going to pick one slightly unexpected in Paul London. We've been up and down the road, I've seen him wrestle dozens of times, but we've never had an actual match. He's crazy.
ROHWrestling: How about the age-old question of past or present, dead or alive, if you could face anyone at any point in time..
BD: William Regal. One hundred percent.
ROHWrestling: Why Regal?
BD: Aside from being an absolute badass, he showed people like me that technical holds can be cool and effective. You don't need to be a big badass brawler, although that helps too, but you can control a match by effective exertion of effort, and that's always appealed to me. Regal's the best at it, and on a personal note, he's also been very supportive of my questions since we briefly met during my time in Connecticut.
ROHWrestling: Let's take it even further back. A lot of the questions we got through the website were around your start in wrestling, if you could expand on that for us?
BD: Sure. I mean, I loved it as a kid. The Ultimate Warrior was my absolute favourite, so then when I was in college, I'm not sure what happened but a few of us were into wrestling and the Dean Malenko school wasn't too far. So I graduated. Well, I was supposed to graduate but they actually shut down around the time Shawn's school opened so I ended up there and actually, I was quite fortunate because they actually paid us for a little while to have that as a job, which was really fortunate.
ROHWrestling: Not many companies operate that way
BD: And they shouldn't, you know, not everyone has a Shawn Michaels they can lean on, who actively wants the school to expand, and to be more than just a school with his name on it, but to showcase the types of wrestlers that it can produce.
ROHWrestling: So your first match for Ring of Honor will be in the main event in a fatal four way against three of your Texas Wrestling Academy graduate buddies.
BD: That's a pretty strong accusation haha.
ROHWrestling: My apologies, I assume with travelling a lot you guys get pretty close?
BD: So me, Paul, and Spanky, we travel together a lot, and I know Paul and Michael used to but with Michael wrestling in WWF developmental a lot recently, I think this is the first time we'll have seen him in a while. But as far as I know it's Paul, me, Spanky, and one of our trainers Rudy Boy Gonzalez who will be making the trip.
ROHWrestling: Looking forward to the match?
BD: Of course. It's a really big opportunity for all of us to not only put TWA on the map, but to make a name for ourselves. I know a lot of people will be showing up or buying the tapes to see Rey versus Eddy, but stick around after it and you might find yourself a new hero in the American Dragon. Ha, bit of a shill there, but honestly, the card is stacked, with top guys from all over, and I can't wait.
ROHWrestling: Well thanks for your time Bryan, much appreciated. Next week we'll be talking to Low Ki, so remember to send any questions you have to fanhub@rohwrestling.com
FINAL CARD for ERA OF HONOR BEGINS [2/23]
Texas Wrestling Academy Graduate Fatal Four Way
American Dragon vs. Paul London vs. Spanky vs. Michael Shane
Legends of Lucha Libre Showcase Match
Eddy Guerrero vs. Rey Misterio Jr.
Six-Man Tag Scramble Match
The SAT (Jose & Joel Maximo) and The Amazing Red vs. Christian York, Joey Matthews, and Jimmy Yang.
MsChif vs. Mercedes Martinez
Da Hit Squad (Monsta Mack & Dan 'Mafia' Maff) vs. Divine Storm (Chris Divine & Quiet Storm)
Homicide and Low Ki vs. 'The Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels and Scoot Andrews
CM Punk vs. James Maritato
Xavier vs. Brian XL w/ Prince Nana
Jay Briscoe w/ Mark Briscoe vs. Chris Sabin
Monday 25th February, 2002
Newswire #004
Two days after the debut of our very first show and we just want to thank you everyone who has supported us, either by attending events or pre-ordering the Tape/DVD of the event (pre-orders will be distributed first, and then general orders will go live a week after that. If you're subscribed to our weekly newsletter, you'll receive any and all updates through there). We had a packed house for our first event, and it's safe to say that thanks to you fans we were able to put on a memorable show that we can't wait to share with the wider world.
Moving on to future live events, we are now able to reveal several matches already booked for the next three events and some of the stars set to appear on each show.
#002 - The Second Coming (3/30)
We had originally planned for two of the best wrestlers on the scene today to do battle in Christopher Daniels and American Dragon, however, the former's actions on our debut show cannot go unmentioned, and nor can they go unpunished. We have established a Code of Honour for a reason, and when Mr. Daniels exited the ring after the match, he failed to obvserve the Code of Honor, and so he will not be featuring on the second show. We have changed the name of the event to 'The Second Coming', but we can confirm that Jesus is not scheduled to appear (although when did that ever stop him). Instead of Chris Daniels, AMERICAN DRAGON will face a worthy technical opponent in JAMES MARITATO. Maritato was unfortunate against CM Punk, perhaps lacking a killer instinct, but you can bet he will be bringing his A-Game when he goes up against the future of technical style wrestling.
We already let the cat out of the bag that CM PUNK would be defending his IWA MID SOUTH HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE against his sometimes partner, often rival, COLT CABANA. We want to thank IWA-MS for honoring us by letting us showcase their title on one of our shows. When we claim to provide the best wrestling anywhere in North America, these two Chicago natives are leading the way.
At the end of Era of Honor Begins, we had a surprise visit from JERRY LYNN who challenged EDDY GUERRERO and REY MISTERIO JR., to a tag team match. His partner? SUPER CRAZY! We can confirm that all four men have signed on for the next show and will co-headline our second live event, titled Angel's & Dragons, which will once again take place at the Murphy Rec centre in Philadelphia, PA.
Unfortunately due to tour commitments and prior bookings, Low Ki, Homicide, Divine Storm, and Mercedes Martinez will not appear.
Also set to appear: Chris Sabin, The Amazing Red, The SAT, Xavier, Jay Briscoe, and many more!
#003 - TBC (4/20)
On April 20th, Ring of Honor will return to the Murphy Rec Centre for our third show, and whilst details are obviously scant until we know the fallout from 'The Second Coming', we can already announce two massive matches that we have already booked.
One of the hottest indy wrestlers anywhere in the world today; AJ STYLES, will make his Ring of Honor debut, facing JERRY LYNN. For those of you who haven't seen AJ Styles wrestle before, you are in for an absolute treat with this man. Jerry Lynn has been having legendary matches for over ten years with the likes of Rob Van Dam, Lance Storm, and even X-Pac (when he was the Lightning Kid), but this one has the opportunity to raise that bar even higher. We hope it's not hyperbole to say that AJ Styles may be the most athletic wrestler in the world, and we can't wait for you Ring of Honor fans to get to see him.
The returning LOW KI (fresh from a six week tour with Zero-One) will go into battle against 'The King of the Independents' RECKLESS YOUTH. Reckless Youth won't be coming alone, however, as he brings with him three of his top students from the Wrestle Factory in Allentown, PA. BLIND RAGE, HALLOWICKED, and ICARUS (formerly Ichabod Slayne), who go by the name THE NIGHT SHIFT will all make their in-ring wrestling debuts as they face off against THE SAT and AMAZING RED. Reckless Youth's new promotion CHIKARA, will debut in May, featuring many of his students, and several ROH wrestlers appearing on the show. We will be selling tickets to their first show at our live events and also here on ROHWrestling.com.
Also set to appear: Alexis Laree, American Dragon, CM Punk, Colt Cabana, Matt Sydal, MsChif, Xavier, and many more!
#004 - TBC (5/18)
We don't have much information available for our fourth event, but we can reveal one match that has been booked for this event (once again from the Murphy Rec Centre). In a rematch from last years 'King of the Indies' Semi-Final (run by our great friends over at APW), AMERICAN DRAGON will take on the incredible British technician DOUG WILLIAMS. We will also have a special announcement concerning the future of Ring of Honor at this show, so don't go anywhere, we're only just getting started.
Also set to appear: Alexis Laree, Christian York, Eddy Guerrero, Jimmy Yang, Joey Matthews, MsChif, Mercedes Martinez, Rey Misterio Jr., Sara Del Rey, and Xavier.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the very next show, but stay peeled to the website for any and all updates.
Interview w/ Michael Shane
Hey there, we're back with another interview, this time with the Texas Wrestling Academy graduate Michael Shane who didn't have quite the debut he would have liked, no doubt already planning how he can make his mark on the next show. For those who attended or have seen the clips circulating on the web, American Dragon - our first guest! - won the match and with it, an ROH contract. No more long-haul car rides, we cover travel, accommodation, and you're guaranteed to feature on every show since we're paying you anyway. Before we get into it, remember you can still send all your questions in for this months featured guest Low Ki (we should be catching up next week), and also for our Q&A grab bag sessions.
ROHWrestling: Hi Michael, it was incredible to see you and your peers debut on the first Ring of Honor show. I know it didn't go quite the way you'd have hoped, but how was the experience?
MS: How was the...experience? Let me tell you that those three low lives only got scholarships with my cousin at the TWA because he's got a charitable way about him. I'm not like that. I was put into a situation where I was one man against three, and even me, Michael Shane, I've got limits you know.
ROHWrestling: I have to say, given that I was in attendance, it looked like it was just Spanky that attacked you and eliminated you. Paul and Bryan seemed to just...watch.
MS: They were complicit, and that's why I've already spoken to Gabe and out of the kindness of his heart he's decided to do a little bit of a part deux. A sequel, if ya weeel. Later this month at The Second Coming, we'll have a three way dance between myself, Paul London, and Spanky, and then we'll see how it goes when I'm ready for Spanky's underhanded tactics.
ROHWrestling: I look forward to seeing it, and we wish you all the best with getting yourself a contract here at Ring of Honor. If I may...
MS: Thanks, but I think we'll call it there. I do my talking in the ring.
ROHWrestling: Well, thanks for joining us anyway, despite the quick turnaround. See you all next week as I catch up with Low Ki, hopefully for slightly longer than this went.
FINAL CARD for THE SECOND COMING [3/30]
Two out of Three Falls Tag Team Match
Rey Misterio Jr. & Eddy Guerrero vs. Jerry Lynn & Super Crazy
IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Title Match
CM Punk © vs. Colt Cabana
James Maritato vs. American Dragon
Delirious vs. Xavier
Three Way Dance
Michael Shane vs. Spanky vs. Paul London
Jay Briscoe w/ Mark Briscoe vs. Hernandez
Chris Sabin vs. Fast Eddie vs. Don Juan
The Amazing Red vs. Jimmy Yang
Four Corner Scramble Match
The SAT vs. York & Matthews vs The Lost Boyz vs. Da Hit Squad