Matt Taven took a lot of pride in being the Ring of Honor Champion.
Speaking with Spencer Love, the ROH Star was asked to look back on his 2019 title reign and describe what he believes its legacy to be. Taven noted that although he doesn't receive much love from the internet community if you go back and watch his work, it'd be hard to find holes in it. He takes pride in his work and took pride in the challenge of taking up that mantle at a time when a lot of the company's biggest stars were on their way out the door. He said the following:
“Well, I guess it would have to depend on who you ask. I've never been loved by the internet community, which, it is what it is at this point. But I always felt like - you know, I joke to other people in the locker room I'm the Rodney Dangerfield of wrestling: 'I get no respect!' And I feel like a great artist, those people that go back and watch it now, it's hard to see any holes in it. I took a lot of pride being the champion at that time. I mean, we knew what was coming. You know, half the roster had left on the last day of the year before, and there's only a couple of people that really would want to have that spot because it's not the best one to have, knowing what's coming down the pipe. But that's why I'm - that's what drives me as a competitor. You know what I mean? Not only have I been a wrestling fan my entire life, but I've been an athlete, someone who's been involved in some sort of sport my entire life, and someone who's just has a competitive nature. If we're gonna play Monopoly, I will go all 16 hours until I win."
In December of 2018, Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks, Adam Page and several other wrestlers left Ring of Honor. Taven served as ROH Champion from April until September of 2019.
Ring of Honor recently announced that Matt Taven will clash with Vincent in an unsanctioned match at the promotion's 19th Anniversary event on Friday, March 26.
If you use any of the quotes above, please credit Spencer Love and Love Wrestling.
