2013 Year in review, Part Four: Japan and Women's Wrestling

2013 Year in review, Part Four: 

New Japan, All Japan, NOAH, 

SHIMMER and SHINE 

Outdoing the Independents and standing firm on their own, the scene has changed drastically for Japan and female promotions across 2013. More so, in Japan, New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) lost its core being through ignorance and mismanagement allowing its rival All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) to catch up and give them a real chance at competition. With only Kazuchika Okada firmly in place shining brightly for New Japan, All Japan launched the likes of SUWAMA, Go Shiozaki, Jun Akiyama, Joe Doering and others to stand sturdily against the flawed rivals of NJPW. New Japan made fundamental errors which proved costly.

Adding another blow was NOAH. KENTA's rise and the use of strong support structures from outside and continental visitors boosted their reputation. Able to provide expert matches, sheer quality and intrigue, the position of NOAH could indeed catch up with All Japan and supplant New Japan as Japan's number one promotion. Both should avoid hasty moves with foreign western countries that can harm their rise. One wrong move could destroy everything worked for. The next few years are crucial to re-position the core companies to dominate Japan's wrestling scene.

The bottom line is clear. All Japan and NOAH are rapidly catching New Japan's heels. Costly mistakes and stupidity with thought and placement have expose NJPW as somewhat awkward and resigned. It could be pushed into third or even third place as the national promotion of talent and skill. The evolution should be more than interesting to see unfold. Roster selection of new over shore signees is also a serious test for company devaluing. Choices must be careful researched than ignorant split choices made on a whim for a quick buzz wearing off in two minutes.

Even Dynamic Dream Team (DDT) manage to keep their credibility with comedy matches in expert and well thought out fashion, including such comedians as Golden Loves Kota Ibushi and Kenny Omega. This could even be an up and comer for Japan and that is no joke.

The Women's Indy scene has developed vividly over the past three years. With a strong reputation and the real place to go for female wrestling action, all promotions elsewhere have allowed themselves to become inferior.  The interest on the scene for the ladies is now about how they can capitalise on their success and choose the right outlets to help. Making ludicrous ones will be costly and they understand this. They are keeping themselves distant, and for very good reason. Able to survive on its own, with a host of battling beauties, the real wrestling babes can really draw.

Top promotion SHIMMER has managed to not only build its reputation but maintains its credibility. With virtually every serious professional female wrestler flocking to its nest the promotion is currently winning hands down. Now, it needs to drive an extra push. It should not pair up with other promotions overseas or the big nationals for two minute publicity. If it seems good at the time, it could be costly when the magic fades soon after the deal is struck. Only fools rush in.

Athletes such as Mercedes Martinez, Cheerleader Melissa and others retain its core foundations and draw respect from fans. It is able to survive whilst it plans its next move if it draws up plans. If not, it may need an expert fixer to do it for them. Choose wisely though. Regardless, SHIMMER will be able to keep expert matches flourishing for the scene, keep healthy competition and drive female empowerment whilst keeping the doors open. This is one Indy promotion that can keep its standards high and boast success.

SHINE is a lagging but catching promotion. Its major flaw is that it tries to move in such ways which are predictable, obvious and similar to other partnerships. Owned by the EVOLVE group, SHINE is starting to fizzle out. It is clear favouritism in decision's is once again affecting the product from bookers at the top holding on to their 'luvvies' instead of professional and title upholding. Becoming a slight throwaway promotion where action and gold mean nothing is a troubling sign. Stick to SHIMMER until another becomes available. Noticing how shows and companies are booked by certain people in the same context can be very costly to the output overall. Many careers are often on the line, especially in the women's field of blasé inferiority. 

©  Max Waltham 18th February 2014

Davey Richards: Shrewd, cunning and not retiring

Independent champion's trust issues 

irk key industry players

Before 2012, Davey Richards was hailed by numerous 'insiders' and fan gossip writers infatuated with Richard's one spot moves, as the new star force of the wrestling business. A few years later, over the last two years, everyone's loveable smiley elven shrew surprised them all. Richards announced he would retire by 2014. he made previous statements in 2010 and 2012 of impending retirement only to resurface on the indy scene instead.  His aspiration to become a paramedic in America shocked the independent fantasy writers who adore Richards even spouting biased accounts to paint a glamourous picture on the blank canvas in the form of the 5 foot, 8 inch luchador. 

After being burntout on the independent scene and irking several managerial forces in the booking and business committees backstage, Richards was recently dropped from his final match in homestay company Ring of Honor in December 2013. After venting his upset on social media, including his Facebook account, Richards scurried quickly to old booking friend Gabe Sapolsky, now in the wrestling company Dragon Gate for its USA franchise. 

Aiming to be given favouritism on a recent EVOLVE card in January 2014, Sapolsky shocked onlookers by refusing to book the pintsized hunchback. Sapolsky, who has made some ludicrous choices that eat into the credibility of the promotions he operates under today within the last two years, refused Davey on a level of trust issues. Sapolsky said "I am a trusting person until I'm given a reason not to trust someone. 95% of the time that trust pays off as there are a lot of good, honorable people in independent wrestling. I like to think I have good instincts when dealing with people. I have worked on verbal agreements since 2002. When a man looks me in the eye and assures me of something repeatedly, I take his word on it. I don't advertise anyone or anything until I am 100% confident that they are committed. I take advertising something very seriously. I know when you buy a ticket to a show that you are spending your leisure time and money on us. You deserve to get what is promised to you. Now things happen. Planes don't take off. Wrestlers get injured. There are circumstances beyond our control when it is just not possible to deliver what was advertised. However, if it is humanly possible to make a show, I expect people to keep their word, especially when they have made countless promises and assurances to me spanning several months. Especially when they have expressed such a strong desire to move on from their old company and help build something new and have done this time and time again over months in many different ways." 

Richards, certainly had scores of trust issues over the years, but the most recent debacle that took place involved a shocking revelation on an independent wrestling card in mid 2012. Richards had agreed to work a couple of matches on the circuit alongside working pals, Tony Kozina and Kyle O'Reilly. Wrestling company APW and wrestler/promoter Jaysin Strife also dubbed Richards and his partner at the time in mid 2012, Kyle O'Reilly, "thieves" among other strong language, available on our YouTube channel here - Wrestling Wonders on YouTube . Such strong language means viewer discretion over 18 is advised. After being likened to scammers elsewhere Richards, who also appeared with a now notorious event in Iowa in which he was two hours late, demanded payment up front then stated they "forgot wrist tape" in their car, headed outside and left the venue.

Richards sent demands to have the card of the event changed to his liking with an 8 man tag instead of a 4 man tag, the following evening. Richards then bailed on the show, leaving the promoter to deliver the news on the evening's card to dismayed fans in attendance in 3XW. Being a world champion elsewhere, Richards felt the need too bargain the price tag further and demanded more income adding "Since I am champion, my price has to go up." After showing up at just before the main event Richards, with his teammates, aggressively requested their payment. 

After taking it outside, thug Richards and pals challenged the promoter stating they will "kick your ass" of a 140 pound promoter doing his job. After smoothing over details, Richards and friends then agreed to work the main event for a reduced fee. Whilst changing in the lockerroom, Richards then adds he forgot the tape in the car as an accomplice loads their bags into the vehicle. 

With his partners in tow, Richards then hurriedly ran outside the back door with Kozina driving the getaway vehicle, like something out of a real life action movie, taking $350 from the promoter, who paid out of his own finances and not the company's budget.  As Team Ambition the group were later branded #TeamBandit by wrestling fans for the sheer disbelief of obscene unprofessionalism involved. 

Kyle O'Reilly quietly blogged his response, more of an admission, to the modern day wrestling heist.

"So we agreed to work a tag, Davey and myself against 2 of his guys, who I wont mention because after all the shit talking they’ve done in the last 24 hours they don’t deserve any more publicity. We take a pay cut, yet still enough to cover our gas and all of our food for the day, put our gear on, got paid and walked out the back door.

Was what we did wrong and unethical? Perhaps. Was what we did completely justified and reasonable? Perhaps. The fact of the matter was we felt disrespected and so “give and you shall receive”. The point being that sometimes you have to be the bad guy and stand up for what you believe in. I’ll be completely honest in saying the entire thing made me feel really uncomfortable and I felt a sense of guilt. Am I going to apologize? Absolutely not, because you have to live and die by the sword. Regardless of regrets, one must stand by their decisions and at the end of the day a guy disrespected two of my close friends that I look up to and that’s simply, morally wrong.

The majority of you reading this is probably in complete disagreement with me on the matter and thinks what went down in Milo, Iowa yesterday was a crime. Most of you reading this probably have a strong dislike for me, being my wrestling style, my selling, my promos and character ability (or lack there of) or just you know me and personally dislike me for whatever reason. I’m okay with that. Hopefully this whole incident won’t affect anybody’s desire to book me or Team Ambition. However, if it does that’s okay because I’m a man of honour and regardless of what you say or think I’m going to continue being the best possible professional wrestler I can be. I’m standing by the decision that was made whether I regret it or not."

Fans were so upset with such conduct numerous felt O'Reilly as his counterparts, had lost perspective and could only continue by riding coattails of other name worthy stars.

Social network Facebook was also inundated with messages in which the wrestling 'professionals' began verbally attacking fans. Richards later blocked comments to his Facebook account and even claimed he was hacked on Twitter before shutting it down. He returned with a new handle, current today.

Strifled

Richards then chose to adapt the situation in a work to gain bookings on the British wrestling scene.

Booker Adam Pearce also condemned the actions via Twitter with these statements. 

@JaysinStrife I think anyone robbing anyone is a piece of s***. In or out of wrestling.

After seeing the footage, & regardless of why, what Tony Kozina did is reprehensible; totally classless. And I really respected Tony. #sad

@BJ_Whitmer As a vet, Tony has to be better than choking out a 16 yo kid, regardless of whether the kid belonged in the ring. Irresponsible.

Rewinding back to 2012, Richards was booked for the Best Of The Super Juniors card for New Japan Pro Wrestling. Richards, who claimed an injury permitting him unable to travel, he and then tag team partner Rocky Romero were instantly stripped of the NJPW Tag championships. Then the BOTSJ card followed. Richards appeared on the independent circuit some few days after the scheduled event took place in Japan. Feeling cheated and conned New Japan sent a clear message. Richards was soon barred from New Japan for the foreseeable future. Compulsive liar Richards, who then travelled the European markets making ignorant choices, whilst trying to fox promoters and bookers made them all finally realise they were being played. 

In 2007, Richards was also accused by fans of spitting on them in the front row on several occasions. 

Richards, who now has no options left but to try and be signed to a developmental contract with pal and tag partner Eddie Edwards with WWE onto its NXT brand is the only option available. He also implied in December 2013 after their first tryout they had pretty much sealed the deal adidng his time on the Indy circuit was coming to an end. 

WWE are not interested in the small boys with Triple H focusing on strong tag team values, trust, commitment and overall star appeal. Richards offers no real standout qualities to the WWE system. Can such an amazing superstar who tells gigantic fibs be the main event headliner at Wrestlemania in five to ten years? WWE are correct on this decision but some are cautious as TNA are attempting to offer the pair a deal only to snub WWE. WWE should let TNA pick up the scraps. The company will run out of options for them as will the duo after their five minutes of fame are up. 

Upsetting bookers, industry executives, owners and writers that can make careers is not a valid decision to conduct. After having done it all on the independent circuit, with nothing else to offer, Richards should focus on swapping the black curtain for a green one instead. As one of America's most caring professions, the medical board should consider its background checks more healthily with such negligence. When all else fails, who knows, Richards could appear in a guest spot as an EMT. 

©  Max Waltham 07th January 2014

Prince Devitt: The downward darling

Indy sensation flounders 

on flip turn

Devitt made headway in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) in early 2008 involved in the Junior Heavyweight IWGP title series which he would go on to hold numerous times over the next three years. Devitt’s most successful year would be in 2011 at the height of a IWGP junior heavyweight title win for the third time, with successful defences and showing some interesting skills.

He tangled with the likes of Kota Ibushi, Kenny Omega, Low Ki and others. He teamed with Ryusuke Taguchi in a spaceman gimmick team Apollo55. It was here that NJPW sidelined Taguchi for Devitt.  It would soon all go downhill in 2012. Given strong opportunities, Devitt took liabilities and made crucial mistakes. 

Devitt’s in ring action has always been standard. 2011 was his standout year, but not entirely exceptional afterward. Having dipped overall, despite minor entrances in the Best of the Super Juniors tournament adequate given the right competition, Devitt’s star is slowly falling.

Devitt turned on Taguchi at the invasion attack PPV at the beginning of April after losing to tag champs Time Splitters. (Alex Shelley and KUSHIDA) After the decoupling of Devitt and Taguchi NJPW decided Devitt, unable to generate any interest on his own, was selected to put Princey with Bad Luck Fale who became his protector, calling himself the Real Rock ‘n’ Rolla.

Pal Karl Anderson, who had no role since Tensai left him for WWE last year, has joined Devitt’s crew. The group absurdly renamed themselves “Bullet Club” which is irrelevant for 2013 and unnecessary and should alter the name once more. It’s also a copied remake of The Shield and Aces and 8’s gathering no steam and sadly tacky.

Devitt won the Best of Super Juniors tournament blocks, on May 24^th 2012 with a clean eight win record though needed help almost everytime from his partner and associates to get over with the crowd and win.

Softspoken, tender metrosexual Devitt has previously worked for homosexual soft porn esq wrestling company BGEAST. Devitt has also denied questions from fans of his sexuality being backward. Devitt tweeted his adoration for enigmatic footballer Robin Van Persie on social network Twitter last year.

Fergal Devitt has agreed with New Japan, after other people’s recommendations, that Devitt can work overseas independent shows on occasion. This was a huge mistake that ate into Devitt’s credibility and proved outside of NJPW he could not have great matches with competition and looked a fool which has highlighted immense flaws in Devitt’s in ring style, high flying masquerading haze and awkward promos. It follows neither clear direction nor value and all involved look feeble.

In mid-2013, Devitt has now resorted to a modified version of Max Waltham just as WWE had CM Punk, TNA had minor tool Bully Ray and ROH’s Kevin Steen copying the hard talking, honest notion fused by promotions with a level of rude intentions displaying insults, aggression and in some cases nobility. Only problem is they all fail miserable and can never be a Waltham and don’t get how to act properly as a heel whilst remaining noble in moral intent.

Devitt has begun swearing, dropping unnecessary lack of style and progression very awkwardly as a bad boy. His failings as a nasty guy are clear and tacky. It won’t be long before it all falls apart, despite having an entourage of jobbers in Japan at his side to mask his inaccuracy.

Prince Devitt has now currently proven, despite his chances to change perception, that he is of minimal value, only a poster boy for international communications and lacking real identity as a performer. Devitt went from being a caring, charming, respectful gent to an obnoxious, clumsy and foolish disrespecter. With no true scope and technique or clever donation to certain promotions and promotional work, Devitt has not only tarnished his credibility but also NJPW’s look as a company.

©  Max Waltham 13th June 2013

Adrian Neville: Defying Gravity, soaring ambition

As a stronghold on the independent circuit and impressive to numerous viewers and industry experts with his innovative style, charisma and washboard abs, 26 year old Englishman, Benjamin Satterly, known as PAC, earned his accolades as “The Man That Gravity Forgot.” Swiftly signed by the Dragon Gate promotion in the United States from 2007, PAC instantly set the pace for wrestling’s new form of style and daring technique.
    

So unfair. Look at that thigh.

Before Dragon Gate pounced on the high flying aviator, PAC spent time from 2006 with Pro Wrestling Guerrilla battling the likes of AJ Styles, El Generico and Kevin Steen. While a fill in for Jack Evans in a tag team tournament with Roderick Strong after Evans had to pull out from Dragon Gate recalling him, Strong and PAC entered the PWG tournament over May 20th and 21st 2007 to win the tag titles in a career defining platform for the launching pad of PAC.

Both dropped those titles on July 29^th in a 2 of 3 falls encounter with Steen and Generico in a pleasing portrayal that gave rise to all four stars, breezily facilitating PAC’s entry level to rising star for the business as a major player. PAC made brief appearances in 2011 and 2012 later on once more.

His big break came when he finally signed to WWE at its developmental territory NXT where Neville is honing his skills and WWE TV will be imminent within the next two years or less. Neville is scheduled to be called up within possible months or even a year's time due to his exceptional ability to mould instantly to the product and retain his zephyrl technique. Before signing, as PAC, Satterly finished up with a dazzling entry in the annual Best of Super Juniors tournament in New Japan Pro Wrestling proving his outstanding finesse and high flying attributes once more, also nabbing the Wrestling Wonders 2012 Kingfisher award.

Currently teaming with another Brit stud Oliver Grey, who has strong potential and appeal as a cutey and muscle bound hero of tag and midcard divisions, both received the NXT tag titles from a tournament in February 2013. They complement each other well.

Recently battling
Antonio Cesaro
 in NXT, 2013.

After battling everyone on the independents and with some of the best portrayals in wrestling adding a new dynamic to the spectrum, PAC had no need to remain on the Indy’s any longer. WWE finally remains to be Adrian Neville’s biggest challenge. It is one that should come naturally to Newcastle native who will be one of WWE’s highest flyers in every sense of the word up the card for a bright future in the business as its stronghold for tag, midcard and even upper echelons in time, so long as WWE present him strongly and keep him above contention levels instead of looking feeble in places. With a sheltered audience unknown to him, the possibilities to amaze are mind-blowing in unison with a meshed WWE format to present bulked muscle in accordance. 

With 0% body fat in unison this dazzling hunk, makes WWE's mainstream for the future an extremely interesting prospect in all areas. 

©  Max Waltham 15th April 2013

All Rights Reserved

Brit Wrestler PAC joins WWE

PAC gains WWE contract

WWE have gained a hiring buzz. After offering contracts to Buggy Nova and Sara Del Rey, the company have offered a contract to independent Brit worker PAC.

Unrelated to X-Pac, the British high flying superstar is something you can only truly witness to understand. Check out some work against BUSHI at the BOTSJ event below.

Some of his finest work came at the Best of Super Juniors tournament in Japan over the past month, in outstanding showings with another excellent wrestler, Prince Devitt. Devitt, like PAC was offered a contract by one of the US top leading companies. He turned it down. WWE have not been confirmed as the hand extending.

PAC has now accepted his place in WWE’s Universe. PAC received the offer on Sunday 8th July 2012.

PAC will be the next Brit star to join the fold among William Regal, Layla and Mason Ryan, to name a few.

WW made the suggestion that WWE should hire more Brit wrestlers, as stars like Wade Barrett, whom they were earmarking for title success, has passed his level of heavyweight ownership. His time has passed. We wrote at the No Way Out 2012 review -  When Wade Barrett returns, winning the Money in the Bank briefcase will be an irrelevant choice. Barrett will not become WWE’s new champion force. His time has passed. He lacks the full charisma to branch over that final hurdle.

“The man that gravity forgot” at 25 years of age, slots in very finely to WWE’s future. Triple H believes developmental is the future of WWE and has suggested initiating more developmental facilities becoming available to the infrastructure than just one. As a man understanding the need for female wrestling, perhaps H has got his WWE leadership qualities in order favourably.

For all the dumb marks already suggesting, PAC is a beefy built guy, just because he is excellent at flying doesn’t mean an instant dumb comment claiming he should be in the cruiserweight division. Plus, will his size allow him to be weight restricted? Goodness sake.

PAC had been a solid worker for Dragon Gate USA, capable of causing main competition to them, as noted in the  State of the Stars:Part 3, ROH, DGUSA & NJPW piece. Perhaps WWE pilfered its talent to remain on top?

We also noted here at WW that in the Wrestling Wonders end of year awards 2011 awards, PAC was frontrunner for the Kingfisher award, but narrowly missed out. 

The question, however is already raised. Will WWE strip PAC of his style that made him a household name and reason to be signed to begin with? It is one of many reasons why performers have caution joining WWE, having to go through its developmental system for the best part of two years, in order to prove themselves, to dismally remain there unused. Some, not all, are already able to jump to the main roster, after say a three month guidance in developmental, should this be considered to occur.

If PAC’s moves become too limited, and constrained, viewers will not be impressed and slightly defer. Allow some moves to remain, the most notable ones, and if some have to be ‘toned down’ then allow those minimally instead of maximum downplay. WWE have to protect the rest of its roster, granted, so that none of them are exposed. Though PAC must maintain some of his style known for and be allowed a hearty push, instead of losing a debut match to Big Show or Mark Henry which will not create his future career.

WWE have endless opportunities if they continue the new upstarts and keep developmental ticking over considerably. The test will be how many individual stars they allow onto their WWE rosters, instead of the corporate cloned aspect of 6”6’, bulky, muscled and toned entry level requirements, with no charisma nor aptitude for speaking (or wrestling) fluently.

I shan't message you on Twitter, because as you'll be read the riot act, all WWE staff and personnel are prohibited to make any contact with Max Waltham. WWE thought we didn't know... we have the memo noted. :) Congrats to you, Sir.

PAC was ranked 17th in the Wrestling Wonders Pro 50 of 2011 .

Here's another video of PAC's tremendous talent - 

Most feel now John Laurinaitis has been ousted and isn't making hiring decisions by looking through a swimwear catalogue (how Kelly Kelly got hired) additions to the roster look strong, credible, competent and enjoyable for a future in sight. Small steps, build a bigger platform.

© Max Waltham 12th July 2012

Best of the SUPERIOR Juniors

NJPW's Best of the Super Juniors 

Tournament concludes

Ryusuke Taguchi won the contest after defeating finalist Low Ki where both dominated the tournament.

This year’s theme was – “The door to the glory.” 


Finals took place on 10th June 2012.


The comeption emanated from Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, sold out to 2,050 fans in attendance.


The tournament is built on a points format, where a win receives two points, drawing gains one, and a loss equals nothing. Previous time limits were at twenty minutes, which has since increased to thirty. All participants are divided into two blocks, A and B, of equal numbers from the participants involved. The top two highest scorers proceed to the semifinals.


Ki defeated a former victor (from 2010), Prince Devitt in the semi-finals, while Taguchi, Devitt’s tag team partner also, downed PAC to advance.

Devitt, with 2010's gorgeous trophy

Taguchi went on to earn a title shot at the IWGP Junior heavyweight championship, one of Japan’s finest, and prestigious titles in existence.


Low Ki was the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight champion at time of entering and participating in the event.

Taguchi nabbed the pinfall to win the tourny after a seventeen minute and one second match up, after Ryusuke, for the last five years in a row, was the runner up every year.


Other combatants in the series were Taichi, Rocky Romero, Jushin Liger, PAC, Gedo, Angel de Oro, Jado, Hiromu Takahashi, Tiger Mask IV, Daisuke Sasaki, Taka Michinoku, Alex Koslov, Kushida, Bushi, Brian Kendrick and Prince Devitt.


Jushin Liger, Japan’s esteemed pinnacle of prestige made this his twenty-first entry to the tournament. Liger also shares the tournament victory with Koji Kanemoto, both at three successes of the contest while Tiger Mask IV is the only star to win twice back to back in consecutive years.






Last year’s reigning champion, Kota Ibushi was unable to defend his honour, due to injury last year.

Some expert matches took place including PAC and Prince Devitt, as well as the final, making the tournament an interesting insight to wrestling once again, with some tantalising images below. 


Enjoy!

Look Out! 

PAC drops onto Prince Devitt with high altitude

PAC, Koslov, Angel de Oro and BUSHI

© Max Waltham 27th June 2012

Hiroshi Tanahashi becomes six time IWGP champion

Hiroshi Tanahashi regains the 

IWGP Championship for sixth time

Hiroshi Tanahashi regains the IWGP Heavyweight championship from Kazuchika Okada at the Dominion 6.16 event making history tying the number of title reigns with previous champ Tatsumi Fujinami’s record.

Okada in action

Tatsumi Fujinami

The pair went on to produce yet another outstanding match at twenty-eight minutes and six seconds.

Tanahashi triumphant once again

Okada took the monumental win over Tanahashi being the first person to end his impressive reign of 404 days as champion at New Beginning on February 12^th this year.

Both Fujinami and Tanahashi have held the championship a record six times each.

NJPW founder, Antonio Inoki was the first champion to hold the gold when it was introduced in 1987, defeating Masa Saito.

Antonio Inoki, receiving his well deserved honours

Inoki has also been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, in the class of 2010.

The prestigious IWGP Championship

Check here to see the state of the stars for NJPW - State of the Stars, Part Three: ROH, Dragon Gate USA & NJPW

© Max Waltham 21st June 2012

ROH crowns new champ, previous Injured!

Kevin Steen defeats Davey Richards becoming sixteenth ROH Heavyweight champion

 

So it’s all change at Ring of Honor this month. Many developments have occurred.

In early May, Davey Richards was ROH champion until suffering a car accident forced ROH to shift the title to its new and current bearer, Kevin Steen.

Kevin Steen has managed to become the sixteenth ROH heavyweight champion in its history. Steen successful won the title at the Border Wars iPPV on May 12^th in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

ROH did not change the status of the card previously advertising the match, where speculation from fans was rife. With Richards removed from the NJPW Junior divisions annual upcoming tournament, after awaiting full confirmation, leaving the name up on the tournament (and time to find a replacement should it be true), fans were unsure if this was a work and having heat on him.

Oh, what a beautiful picture... :)
Hold me instead!

Richards was planned to defend the Junior IWGP tag championships with partner, Rocky Romero, though forced to vacate those also.

Rocky Romero, 2012, as NJPW Jr Tag Champion

Richards has been replaced by Brian Kendrick for NJPW. Steen has removed the title from him too.

Richards has legitimately received injury and is recuperating. WW sends their well wishes to you.

Until then however, now as new champion, Steen, victorious on May 12^th, is set to collide in his first defence against Eddie Edwards on June 15^th in Charleston, West Virginia.

In further revelations, Steen has suffered a concussion after his title win over the past weekend from the 18^th – 20^th May. Should we have more details, we shall update, though it does not seem encouraging for Steen’s first defence and new exposure as champion. ROH are hoping this injury is minor.

© Max Waltham 27th May 2012