Entertainment
Ring of Honor ‘releasing whole roster from contracts’ as wrestling company goes on hiatus at the end of 2021
The promotion is going on hiatus for the first quarter of 2022 (Picture: Ring of Honor)
Ring of Honor has announced plans to go on hiatus until April 2022 as the company looks to ‘reimagine’ its entire brand.
The independent wrestling promotion – which launched the careers of the likes of Samoa Joe, CM Punk, Bryan Danielson and countless others – has been a staple of the global scene since its launch in 2002, but there will be major changes with its whole roster getting released as part of the reshuffle.
In a statement on Wednesday, ROH management said: ‘Throughout the pandemic, our top priority was to keep everyone healthy and safe, and despite not producing any live events over 18 months, we were able to keep everyone fully contracted.
‘We now find ourselves at a time where we need to make changes to our business operations and are planning a pivot for Ring of Honor, with a new mission and strategy.
‘The year will culminate with a Final Battle in December, and we will be taking the first quarter of 2022 to work internally to reimagine ROH. ROH has the most dedicated fans in the industry, and we appreciate their loyalty and patience as we reconceptualize ROH.
‘We anticipate returning to live events in April for the Super Card of Honor with a new fan-focused product and provide a unique experience for wrestling fans.’
As well as the official announcement, more details have started to emerge.
According to reports, the company will not be renewing any of its talents’ current contracts.
Dave Meltzer tweeted: ‘ROH released everyone from their contracts.’
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Meanwhile, Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp added: ‘Based on who I’ve spoken with, ROH releases are effective at the end of the year. If a contract goes beyond that, they’re paid until March 31.’
PWInsider noted that wrestlers will be ‘free to go work elsewhere’ at the end of their contracts, for those whose deals are up before the end of 2021.
However, Sapp added that talent wanting to work elsewhere has been told management will ‘work on making that happen’.
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