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Here is what we know:
*As of this writing, Michael Elgin is still signed to a ROH contract and is not done with the company. Elgin is one of the talents who signed a new, exclusive deal awhile back that gave him a full-time salary while also giving the company the right to approve and deny independent dates that Elgin is offered to work.
*There are stories floating around that the company was not happy that Elgin didn't do more to protect the ROH title while working the independents, specifically a loss to Trevor Lee during the PWG Battle of Los Angeles tournament last week. On the surface, that certainly looks like something that ROH would obviously be upset with. Since the company was first formed in 2002, they went well out of their way to protect the credibility of the championship and always asked whoever held that belt to not do jobs on the independent scene. So, I do believe this to be correct, although I want to note that no one from ROH has confirmed that to me. But, if you put a gun to my head, I'd tell you that I do believe it factored into the decision.
*Another factor, which probably was a far greater concern is that according to several sources, Elgin's work visa for the United States expired and wasn't renewed. There are differing stories on what happened here but I am told the responsibility for that falls on Elgin's shoulders. When we have clarification, we'll update. Either way, not having the work visa renewed meant that Elgin, who is Canadian, was not going to be able to return to the United States after traveling from the States to Toronto for last night's iPPV. Elgin has already canceled a date with AIW in Cleveland tonight, citing paperwork issues with his visa preventing him from entering the country. The word making the rounds is it will take at least 90 days to get all of Elgin's paperwork back in order. With ROH having 8 live events, including three TV tapings in the next few months, they couldn't be without their champion. So, a title switch was in order if they wanted their champion in the mix building to Final Battle in NYC.
I was told that Jay Briscoe winning the belt was not the original plan for the iPPV, so obviously something changed. However, Elgin's status with the company, as of this writing, has not.
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