The Future of the ROH Title
Written by vivalabrave
Man, it doesn’t seem that long ago that seemingly everyone wanted Aries to get the belt. Felt like he was the hottest thing in the company at the time. Now he’s just kind of there leaving….well…nothing really close to a mark as the champion. I clearly wouldn’t give him full blame for the reign, but I can’t name anything positive that has come out of it. Names in a hat? Ehhhhhhh. I know people shit hardcore on the Lynn switch and reign, but at least it had a story behind it with the whole “Does Jerry Lynn still have it and how long can he do it?” spiel. Plus, Lynn was just the transitional champion anyway. They then proceeded to pass over Black for what seems like the 85th time and Davey for a guy who they felt was the prototypical slimeball heel (one who could carry the company to the next period) without giving him at least a megaface who can battle against the odds to take him down. Now it isn’t, “Who’s gonna beat Aries?”, it’s “Whos’ gonna be the next champion after this guy?” I’m probably thinking the same way, so might as well take a look at the contenders:
Chris Hero – THAT YOUNG KNOCKOUT KID, SPLIT YA WIG. Love him. Probably the biggest name of the indys in this decade bar Danielson. His act is hot now…but I’m thinking longterm and I can’t really see him being anything more than exactly what Aries is. At the top until he’s not. Wouldn’t mind if they gave him a reign, though.
Tyler Black – Well, they clearly missed the boat with him. It would be tough to argue otherwise. Really reminds me of Nigel in that sense with how late it seems they are waiting to make him the guy. I still think he’ll get the belt after Aries at Final Battle, but will it be too late to garner any interest?
Roderick Strong – More than paid his dues. Feels like he’s given back more to ROH than they’ve given to him (that is, if you feel the company that gives him his check owes him more. I’m sure many people out there busting their ass would garner top respect just as much as a top money). Doesn’t have the possibility of being a long term champion imo, but I’d love to see him get what he has coming.
Davey Richards – ROH has been handed a fucking grand goose with him, but the expiration date is creeping up quick. (SUPERMARKET JOKE!) He’s where Tyler was last year, except he’s about 10 times the worker imo. He’s fresh and his name is spreading like wildfire on the circuit. No doubt my (and I’m sure many other’s) pick to be the man in ROH. Probably as close to 2006 Danielson as they’ll ever see again if he get’s the chance. This whole new promotion with Gabe has me wondering if he’ll be in ROH by this time next year, though.