ROH Final Battle 2015

After the ratings collapse that WWE suffered during the final quarter of the year and the tumultuous time that TNA have had once again over the past 12 months, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Ring of Honor had had an uneventful 2015. However, between an expansion of their offerings on traditional pay-per-view, their network television debut on Destination America, there continuing deal with New Japan and the collective challenges all of these bring both directly and indirectly, it is fair to say that 2015 was potentially the most significant year the company has had in some time. Some of the direct issues involved have meant an increased spotlight placed on their talent- essentially putting them in the shop window for other promotions to have a look at- primarily amongst those in this position ahead of Final Battle were Michael Bennett, one half of the ROH Tag Team Champions, The Kingdom, and his wife, and The Kingdom’s valet, Maria Kanellis who are rumoured to have signed a deal with TNA. Indirectly, ROH have come under more scrutiny than ever before from WWE (never likely to take lightly any slight infringement on the money that could potentially come their way, no matter how small the threat).

NJPW G1 Tag League Final 2015

During a year where WWE’s overall performance has been questioned, both in terms of its commercial success and creative output, the world’s number 2 promotion, New Japan, has continued to ride a wave of momentum that has allowed the company to build continuously over the past few years or so. Year on year since 2013, attendances at the company’s showpiece event, Wrestle Kingdom, has increased, the promotion have launched New Japan World and have gained a foot hold in the US television market with their critically acclaimed show on the AXS network. Where WWE have struggled to create new stars and find themselves in a difficult position due to a flurry of injuries, the 3 shining lights of New Japan continue to shine brightly, not only drawing healthy crowds but also between them putting on a body of matches unassailable at this time. While many fans of US wrestling have been bemoaning the poor quality on show from its mainstream promotions, New Japan has been in rude health going into it’s final major show of the year.