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As we close down the year, there are a number of talents who have deals that are expiring soon. The belief among those we have spoken to is that if the company doesn't lock them into new deals, most will be offered the chance to continue on at their current contractual terms while they work on details or will sign short term extensions. With so many deals expiring at the same time, I would be shocked if the company didn't try to set up new deals that would prevent a similar situation where they all have to be negotiated at the same time.
The Young Bucks have been locked into a new two year deal already but others who are towards the end of their current deals are War Machine, Jay Lethal, BJ Whitmer, Steve Corino, Bobby Cruise, Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish. In the case of Cruise, he is now taking independent bookings for the first time in many years and can be booked at ringannouncer2004@yahoo.com.
Lethal and O'Reilly are no brainers for signing new deals. Lethal has been one of the longest running acts in the company and does a great job of representing ROH in media events. No way they don't come to terms. O'Reilly just won the ROH title. No way ROH is going to chance him leaving just as they placed him at the top of the company, even if they intend his title reign to be a short one that ends in early 2017. If either depart, I would be personally shocked.
With Whitmer, I would be shocked if the company didn't lock him into a new deal as well. He's been a great hand for ROH backstage as a producer and has always been the utility player that can be slotted into any role or be called upon to take big bumps. He's been an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to helping others get over and getting legitimate heel heat on shows. To me, locking him in is as important as WCW keeping a Bobby Eaton or an Arn Anderson locked in. He's integral to the fabric of the company.
In the case of Corino, he has the obvious opportunity to go work for WWE as a WWE Performance Center Coach but until his contract expires, there's always a chance he and ROH could come to terms. He's been an important part of the company for years so I could see ROH at least trying to make a play to keep him. It will be extremely hard to replace him and his chemistry with Kevin Kelly. Until his deal expires, anything is possible when it comes to what happens with him as ROH obviously knows that WWE values Corino. If ROH wants him to stay, they will have to show they value him at a similar level.
With War Machine, there is obviously a lot more that can be done with them and their recent New Japan tour has really shown an awesome, kickass side of them that ROH has yet to utilize consistently. Their work there has really reminded me of Michael Elgin remaking himself in the G1 Climax. I think they were an unfortunate victim of dropping the ROH Tag belts way too soon and never had the chance to rebound until the New Japan tour. Not sure what their future holds as I write this but I see them as an act that is just waiting to break out.
Bobby Fish is an interesting name. He's has a long run here and just dropped the TV title. His work is not in question from an in-ring standpoint and the idea of Fish challenging his partner for the ROH title is an interesting idea on paper.
Matt and Nick Jackson were very involved in the Matt Hardy video appearing on Final Battle. It is very much a case of the talents wanting to work together to do something special helping to drive the boat. Once Matt Hardy pointed out "The Bucks of Youth" in his personal zoo, it was probably just a matter of time for something to happen. There is nothing set in stone but the hope is to do something in Lakeland, Florida over Wrestlemania 33 weekend with the teams.
Backstage visitors at Final Battle last week as we discussed in Elite audio included Kevin Sullivan, former WWE announcer turned MSG Network "Hockey Show" host Arda Ocal, EVOLVE's Larry Dallas, and NYC independent talent Sonny Kiss, who is a hell of a talent. Dallas was in Philadelphia at TV as well. Former ROH manager Stokely Hathaway was around early in the afternoon at Final Battle to say hello to friends as he lives in the area near the Hammerstein Ballroom but left well before the event took place.
ROH was thrilled being back at the Hammerstein last week.
ROH has released t-shirts for Marty Scurll, Will Ospreay and The Superkliq (Bucks & Adam Cole) at www.rohwrestling.com.
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