Matt Taven says he felt he was beginning to turn his detractors by the end of his reign.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with ROHWrestling.com, Taven acknowledged the critics of his time atop the acclaimed promotion but said he feels like his consistency inside the squared circle developed a trust in Taven in the eyes of the Ring of Honor fans.
"Well, I still think I have a long way to go in my efforts to make everyone a believer, but I do think people started to realize that during the toughest period of this company?s history there was one man that held it together," Taven said. "There was one man that went out there every single night and made sure that if you spent your money on Ring of Honor you would get your money?s worth. I?m very proud of my title reign and the matches that I had against the variety of opponents put against me. I think history will look back on it fondly, will see the dedication I put into my craft and the pride that I have in this company."
Taven would win the ROH World Championship in Madison Square Garden at G1 SuperCard in a Ladder Match. Regarding that moment, Taven would say it still feels like a dream.
"MSG still feels like a dream to me, still feels like a movie when I watch it, but there?s one picture, one scene, one moment that always sums up things for me," Taven began. "After winning the title, I look up at the screen and can see myself holding the ROH World Title and a giant banner that says ?Madison Square Garden? behind me. At that moment there?s a smile that comes across my face that?s the most pure joyful happiness I?ve ever experienced."
You can read the full interview at this link.