Being the end of an era, ROH brought in some surprises for Final Battle.
The first surprise of the night was none other than Rocky Romero, who has recently appeared on AEW, NJPW, and IMPACT Televison. Romero will provide commentary and compete on the show.
Romero is a former three-time ROH World Tag Team Champion, holding the belts with Alex Koslov, Davey Richards, and Ricky Reyes. He last wrestled for ROH on the May 21 episode of ROH Television, losing to Fred Yehi in a Pure Rules match.
EC3 and Daunhausen appeared despite not being advertised. Both were previously signed to ROH. Danhausen provided commentary for the ten-man tag team match on the pre-show.
IMPACT's Eddie Edwards sent in a video message and thanked ROH for everything they did for his career. Eddie is a former ROH World Champion, Television Champion, and Tag Team Champion. He last wrestled for ROH at Final Battle 2013 when he teamed with BJ Whitmer to defeated Jay Lethal & Roderick Strong.
AEW World Champion Hangman Page sent in a video thanking ROH and the fans for his time in the company. Page is a former ROH World Six Man Tag Team Champion alongside the Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson). He last wrestled for ROH on the January 26, 2019 episode of ROH Television teaming with The Young Bucks and Cody in a loss to Best Friends (Beretta & Chuckie T), Flip Gordon & Jay Lethal.
Jimmy Jacobs sent in a video recalling his time in ROH, recalling sharing "the scrub room" with the likes of Sami Zayn, Seth Rollins, and The Young Bucks and how they would change the business. "And we were right." Jacobs is a former five-time ROH Tag Team Champion, winning the titles two times with BJ Whitmer, two times with Tyler Black (Seth Rollins), and once with Steve Corino. Jacobs last wrestled for ROH at Supercard Of Honor IX when he lost a No DQ match to BJ Whitmer.
CM Punk sent in a video message saying he is proud of ROH's past and that when he was there, it felt like lightning in a bottle. "I don't think people should be upset if this is the end, you should be damn happy it happened." He also said ROH's fingerprints are all over the business today and that many top guys now came through ROH. "It's a spirit I will always remember and love." Punk is a former ROH World Champion and two-time ROH Tag Team Champion. Punk last wrestled at ROH Unscripted II where he teamed with Bryan Danielson to defeat Adam Pearce & Jimmy Rave.
Former IMPACT Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo showed up following Rok-C retaining the ROH Women's Championship against Willow. Purrazzo said Rok-C has what has always been her and that when she defeats Mickie James to win the Knockouts Championship, she challenges Rok-C to a winner take all match.
Adam Cole sent in a video message saying ROH inspired him and that the Adam Cole fans see today wouldn't be this Adam Cole if it wasn't for ROH. His video message was cut short. Cole is a former three-time ROH World Champion and a former ROH Television Champion. He last wrestled for ROH on the June 3, 2017 episode of ROH TV, losing to Hangman Page.
The Young Bucks sent in a video thanking ROH and Joe Koff. The Young Bucks are former three-time ROH World Tag Team Champions and two-time ROH World Six Man Tag Team Champions. Matt & Nick Jackson last wrestled for ROH on the January 26, 2019 episode of ROH Television teaming with Hangman Page and Cody in a loss to Best Friends (Beretta & Chuckie T), Flip Gordon & Jay Lethal.
Bryan Danielson sent in a video message thanking the company and the fans. "You guys made those shows and made Ring of Honor what it was. I hope that it's going to stick around and be something great." Danielson is a former ROH World Champion and ROH Pure Champion. He last wrestled for ROH in 2009 at ROH Glory By Honor VIII: The Final Countdown where he defeated Nigel McGuinness.
Fightful will continue to update fans on any surprises at ROH Final Battle as they happen.
You can find Fightful's coverage of ROH Final Battle by clicking here. After the show, check out the post-show podcast for a full review of all the action.
