During a recent interview with Crave Online, Ring of Honor COO Joe Koff discussed some recent online rumors regarding ROH, TNA and more. Koff also discussed ROH”s working relationship with New Japan Pro Wrestling and more. Here are some highlights from the interview:
Koff on his recent comments about a working relationship with WWE being taken out of context: “I think that was taken out of context. We’re a business and our business happens to be wrestling. If there’s an opportunity with any kind of business, if ESPN called me, if NBC Sports called me, whoever is calling me that has an interest involving our product in whatever they’re doing, of course I’ll be open to it. Here’s what I’m thrilled about. You know what I think one of our greatest accomplishments have been? That we’re in the narrative with WWE. That fans would even think that having ROH on the WWE Network would be something that is important. We’ve done it in a relatively short time. I say relatively short time because I got into wrestling by watching what was the grandparent of WWE, called Capitol Wrestling. The man who promoted it was Vince McMahon Sr. That’s what hooked me on wrestling, so they have been doing it a long time.”
On the working relationship with NJPW: “It’s a very, very strong partnership. We have such similar styles and I think the credit for the relationship goes to our Creative Director Hunter Johnson who has had a long, long standing relationship with Tiger Hattori and the people over at New Japan. I think because we’re so likeminded in the way we present our product and our respect for the fan, the integrity and the authenticity of what we do in the ring. I think it was a natural partnership and we share a lot of talent now. I think it helps both companies because it gives them a global perspective as far as talent and it gives our talent a little bit of stability for their careers.”
Koff on Colt Cabana’s return to ROH: “I’m so happy on behalf of Ring of Honor that he agreed to come back and is excited to come back. I think there were some misgivings at the time but whatever happened I wasn’t part of it and it took us awhile. I’ve been talking to Colt [Cabana] probably since I took over the promotion and inviting him back and trying to thaw out whatever was cold and finally we agreed. This is a great spot for him in a great place and he deserves it. This is a man who deserves this kind of title shot and deserves this spotlight and I can’t wait to see him Sunday night.”
