Ring of Honor Wrestling: A Complete History of ROH
The Founding of ROH (2002)
ROH was established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with the goal of emphasizing high-quality wrestling over flashy theatrics. The promotion quickly gained a loyal following among hardcore wrestling fans due to its focus on athletic matches, storytelling, and showcasing emerging talent.
The first ROH shows featured stars such as:
Low Ki – Fast-paced, high-flying wrestler who set a standard for ROH’s style
CM Punk – Charismatic performer who became a central figure in ROH’s early success
Samoa Joe – Powerful, technical wrestler who dominated the early ROH scene
ROH distinguished itself from larger promotions like WWE and TNA by offering a platform for wrestlers to showcase pure athleticism and innovative match styles.
Rise to Prominence (2003–2009)
During its first decade, ROH became a breeding ground for future global wrestling stars. The promotion emphasized:
Pure Wrestling – Strict rules emphasizing technical skill and in-ring ability
Long-term Storytelling – Feuds that developed over months and even years
Tag Team Excellence – The tag team division became one of the most competitive in wrestling
Notable wrestlers from this era include:
The Briscoe Brothers (Jay and Mark) – Iconic tag team who helped define ROH
Bryan Danielson (Daniel Bryan in WWE) – Technical genius and ROH World Champion
Adam Cole – Early career star who became a central figure in ROH’s roster
ROH events like Final Battle, Best in the World, and Death Before Dishonor became highly anticipated shows that drew fans nationwide.
ROH’s Influence on Wrestling
ROH has had a profound influence on professional wrestling globally:
Served as a launching pad for talent who later achieved WWE and AEW stardom
Pioneered a style that combines high-flying, technical, and hard-hitting matches
Established a loyal fanbase that appreciates storytelling and in-ring skill
Prominent wrestlers such as Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens (Kevin Steen), and Kenny Omega honed their craft in ROH before becoming international stars.
ROH in the 2010s: Growth and Challenges
Throughout the 2010s, ROH continued to innovate while facing challenges from larger promotions. Key developments included:
Partnerships with New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) – Created cross-promotional opportunities and international exposure
Expanding TV Presence – Shows aired on Destination America and online streaming platforms
Focus on Next-Generation Talent – Wrestlers like Jay Lethal, Dalton Castle, and Matt Taven became mainstays
Despite competition from WWE and TNA, ROH maintained a reputation for pure wrestling excellence and storytelling integrity.
Modern ROH (2020–Present)
ROH continues to thrive as a respected wrestling promotion, recently focusing on rebuilding its brand and roster. Current stars include:
Jonathan Gresham – Technical master and ROH World Champion
Shane Taylor – Powerful performer who dominates the ring
EC3 (Ethan Carter III) – Veteran talent bringing experience to the promotion
ROH maintains a dedicated fanbase through live events, streaming platforms, and international collaborations, ensuring its legacy as a premier wrestling promotion.
Legendary ROH Wrestlers
ROH has been home to many of wrestling’s most influential stars:
CM Punk – Charismatic leader and multi-time ROH World Champion
Samoa Joe – Early ROH star who gained worldwide fame
Bryan Danielson (Daniel Bryan) – Technical wrestling pioneer
The Briscoe Brothers – Tag team legends
Adam Cole – Career-defining performances in ROH
These wrestlers helped shape ROH’s reputation as a promotion dedicated to skill, storytelling, and fan engagement.
Conclusion
Ring of Honor (ROH) has played a vital role in shaping modern professional wrestling. From its 2002 founding to producing global stars like CM Punk, Samoa Joe, Bryan Danielson, and Adam Cole, ROH has consistently emphasized athleticism, storytelling, and in-ring excellence.
With legendary events, a commitment to developing talent, and a loyal fanbase, ROH continues to impact wrestling worldwide. Its legacy proves that passion, skill, and innovation can thrive even outside the biggest promotions, ensuring that ROH remains a cornerstone of professional wrestling history.