It has already been two years since Tony Khan, CEO, owner, and booker of AEW, acquired Ring of Honor, one of the most iconic wrestling companies in wrestling history. Founded in 2002, ROH has been considered the cornerstone of modern wrestling in America and has played a key role in the development of many of the most influential wrestlers over the past two decades. However, as we approach the third year of his management, ROH’s identity remains unclear, and its purpose uncertain. With a rumored television contract on the horizon, it is imperative that strategic decisions are made to revitalize the brand. In this article, I will discuss several of its pressing issues and the changes that should be implemented as we enter 2025:
One of the most urgent problems facing ROH is the lack of an exclusive roster. Since the return of ROH TV in 2023, only a couple of wrestlers, such as the historic ROH Women’s World Champion Athena and her teammate Billie Starkz, have been considered central figures due to their total exclusivity with the brand. The constant rotation of AEW-signed wrestlers has created a sense of instability and has hindered ROH from developing a clear identity and a solid roster. The limited attention given to regularly appearing wrestlers, combined with the lack of proper presentation, has led the audience to not perceive them as serious contenders.
Furthermore, ROH faces a significant challenge in developing new stars. While AEW has the necessary infrastructure and connections to support emerging talent, ROH must focus on cultivating its own. The need to establish a clearer separation between ROH and AEW is evident, and the scouts’ search for new talent must be more drastic and organized after the announcement of the WWE ID program, which will make it very difficult for AEW/ROH to attract and use many of these talents who are currently making a career in the indies; ROH should become a training ground similar to what NXT represents for WWE, as well as a place that consolidates the careers of the veterans who will be leading and helping these young upcomers along the way to adapt to the television style of wrestling. The perception of ROH as a step back in wrestlers’ careers must change. The brand should be seen as a legitimate platform for professional growth and personal advancement.
Another critical aspect is the lack of champions’ presence on the shows. Many titles have lost value due to the absence of their holders, who sometimes compete in AEW only to lose. This not only affects the legitimacy of the championships but also diminishes audience interest. To restore the importance of the titles, it is essential that champions appear exclusively on ROH and are given the respect they deserve, honoring the rich history of the company.
Additionally, ROH is experiencing an identity crisis that will not be resolved until a dedicated team focused entirely on developing the product is hired. The company must aim to attract a hardcore audience that appreciates wrestling in all its forms and is willing to revive the essence that made ROH a benchmark in the industry. It is crucial that the television product evolves from being merely an extension of what AEW Dark was to a space that represents the true spirit of Ring of Honor TV.
Nonetheless, there are positive aspects to highlight. ROH’s women’s division is stronger than ever, led by Athena and supported by the introduction of the ROH Women’s Television Championship. This has generated great interest and could be expanded with the creation of tournaments and teams in the division. Additionally, the presence of high-flyers and luchadors has been one of the great attractions of the current in-ring product, which leads me to suggest that the company could benefit from creating a division that offers a different approach from the Pure Division, with its own title and rules.
The stories and rivalries developed under Tony Khan’s management, such as Dalton Castle vs. Johnny TV, Athena with M.I.T., Leyla Hirsch vs. Diamante and the most current one which is the rebuild of Shayne Taylor Promotions are examples of what ROH can offer. However, the inconsistency in narrative and lack of structure in episodes generate frustration. It is essential to establish a ROH Only creative team committed to improving the product and to clearly define its focus.
A fundamental aspect that Ring of Honor must consider for its future is the connection with its fan base. The loyalty and enthusiasm of fans are crucial to the success of any wrestling promotion. ROH has a rich history that has cultivated a passionate community, and it is vital that the company not only recognizes but also engages these fans in the revitalization process. This can be achieved through interactions and collaborations with allied companies such as CMLL, DDT, STARDOM, TJPW, NJPW, and RevPro, as well as by creating content that resonates with the history and culture of wrestling. Listening to and adapting the product to fans’ desires will not only strengthen their relationship but also contribute to building a more robust and appealing identity for the brand.
In my opinion, Ring of Honor must undergo significant changes, both in its presentation and in the management behind the scenes. The brand cannot continue to rely solely on the quality of its PPVs, even though they are exceptionally good. As a passionate follower of ROH who would do anything for the opportunity to contribute to the brand’s future, I believe it is vital to demand a higher standard in the content presented to the audience.
Despite the current challenges, Ring of Honor possesses immense potential if leveraged correctly. It is a book that is still only partially written, and with the right adjustments, public perception of its purpose and future can be radically transformed. In 2025, it is crucial that ROH regains its status as one of the most important institutions in wrestling, and that Tony Khan invests in its restructuring to demonstrate its worth to the world.
Want to discuss wrestling further? Join our Discord community by clicking here!
If you enjoy Bodyslam’s content, you can help donate to the site here. You can also visit our PWTees store and buy Bodyslam official merchandise here.
You can listen to all of Bodyslam’s podcasts by following us on Spotify and subscribing to our YouTube Channel, Twitch, Apple, Google, or any of your favorite podcast platforms.
Follow me on X: @EDGXR5
Follow us on X: @BodyslamNet