ROH and NJPW teaming up to takeover Madison Square Garden continues to be the talk of the wrestling world. Many thought of MSG to be off-limits to anyone but WWE, but ROH broke the mold with their decision to use the venue on WrestleMania weekend.
Speaking to Alfonso A. Castillo of Newsday, ROH Chief Operating Officer Joe Koff stated that he doesn't believe the decision has damaged his relationship with WWE.
“If I’m in their crosshairs, I don’t feel that I’ve ever not been in their crosshairs, but not for anything more than the talent that I have and the opportunity that they see in taking our talent. But I don’t feel any strain on our relationship.”
Koff previously stated that he doesn't believe a war is brewing between the two companies.
When the show was first announced, WWE immediately tried to put the kibosh on things. After some negotiations, MSG and ROH agreed to keep the date and venue. As to why no one else, including WWE, didn't book MSG for that weekend, Koff didn't have an answer.
“This was a big decision, and we had to take a look at the risks and the reward. But, really, what it came down to was: Where are we going to run that weekend if we want to run in New York? It’s hard to find a building that can accommodate wrestling in that 6,000 to 10,000 range that’s in the city and that’s not a schlep to get to,” said Koff.
Koff also stated that “WWE wasn’t even thinking of using” the Garden on that night before continuing, “I can’t speak for other organizations and why they do or they don’t use it. It was the right venue for us on that day.”
The ROH-NJPW G1 Supercard takes place on April 6, 2019; one night before WrestleMania 35.
