During a recent appearance on “The Shaky Experience” podcast, Orange Cassidy expressed his affection for the current ROH brand, stating that it provides chances for talent who don’t receive airtime on AEW.
AEW President Tony Khan acquired ROH in 2022.
Cassidy said, “I love watching the ROH shows because it is clearly, after AEW acquired it, it’s a different thing. It’s not going to be the Ring of Honor you saw in 2002, it’s just not. I enjoy watching it now because it really gives people on the roster who don’t get the TV time or wrestling on a Wednesday or Saturday, their chance to shine. Our roster is stacked and we have so many incredible people. We can see some of those people, who don’t necessarily get the spotlight, get a spotlight and go nuts. The wrestling is phenomenal. It’s matches, matches, and matches. That’s what I love about Ring of Honor. It’s still kind of finding its identity with AEW, but Ring of Honor having their pay-per-view in the Hammerstein Ballroom, that’s a step in a direction we could see going forward, which is incredible.”
In the latest edition of her “Mone Mag” newsletter, Mercedes Mone commended Kris Statlander following their TBS Title clash at AEW Worlds End 2024.
Mone mentioned that she wasn’t fully fit for the match as she was still healing from an illness.
She wrote, “As the final pay-per-view of the year, AEW Worlds End was an event that promised to leave an indelible mark on the fans and the wrestlers themselves. For me, this occasion was far more than just another match; it encapsulated a journey filled with challenges, determination, and, ultimately, triumph.
It all began with a long-awaited drive from Boston to Florida, a trip my brother had anticipated throughout the year. However, the universe had other plans. My flight was delayed, disrupting my carefully laid travel schedule. I needed to reach Orlando by Christmas Eve, so I embarked on a grueling 20-hour drive alone. Exhaustion weighed heavily on me, compounded by the lingering effects of a relentless illness. By the time I arrived home, sick and weary, I was grateful for my aunt’s support, who had driven in from Iowa to help with the holiday festivities.
Yet, as the clock ticked down to AEW Worlds End, I felt worse. I reached out to my doctor for advice on managing my illness, and on the day of the event, I was terrified about how I would make it through the show. Thankfully, my Boston’s Vital Care team arrived to help, providing me with an IV bag before I even set foot in the arena. Their support was invaluable, but I still needed to muster the strength to face my opponent, Kris.
Arriving at the arena in my Uncle Big Papa’s custom monster truck was a surreal experience. The thunder of the speakers blasted through me, a powerful reminder of the energy that awaited us inside. I prayed for strength, knowing I needed every ounce of it to deliver a memorable performance. Backstage, the trainers rallied around me, offering encouragement and advice. As I prepared for my match, I felt a mix of nerves and adrenaline. The moment I stepped into the ring, I was struck by Kris’s renewed energy. It was clear that this would be a battle like no other.
Despite feeling like I was at my lowest, I tapped into a reservoir of strength I didn’t know I had. Each move was a testament to the hard work and perseverance that had brought me to this moment. As the match progressed, I narrowly escaped defeat, pushing my body and mind to their limits. Finally, after the exhilarating 1-2-3 count, I stumbled to the back, utterly drained but exhilarated. The praise that followed was overwhelming. Fans and peers alike hailed our match as one of the greatest women’s bouts of all time. In my heart, I knew that Kris had pushed me to be better, to think creatively, and to fight with everything I had. She’s not just a formidable opponent, but I think I’ve found another wrestling soulmate who challenges me to elevate my game.
Reflecting on AEW Worlds End, I realize it was more than just a closing chapter for the year; it was a celebration of resilience, passion, and the unyielding spirit of professional wrestling. Kris, I can’t wait to step into the ring with you again, and next time—when I’m 100%—the world will witness an even greater showdown.
As we close out this year, let this be a reminder that no matter the obstacles we face, with determination and support, we can rise above and create unforgettable moments.“
Mone also celebrated the inclusion of three of her matches in Sports Illustrated’s Top 10 Women’s Matches Of the Year in her recent newsletter.
Her matches against Kris Statlander at AEW Full Gear 2024, Willow Nightingale at Double or Nothing 2024, and Hazuki at NJPW Strong Style Evolved 2024 were all featured on the list, with the match against Hazuki securing the top spot.
She wrote, “Sports Illustrated Top Ten Matches 2024 – Speaking of media and my deep gratitude, I want to acknowledge and give a huge shout-out to Sports Illustrated for crediting not one but three of my matches in the top ten best women’s wrestling matches of the year. Certainly, I am most honored to be credited with the number-one match of the year. If you really know me, I go into all my PPV matches with one goal: to be the best match of my life. I don’t know if I ever succeed but it is my goal. To have Sports Illustrated, the top sports magazine in the world that I would see at my cousin’s as a little girl, credit me and my opponents this way was an amazing way to end the year. On the note of my opponents, none of those matches would rank were it not for them. Each was equal to or greater than me on those nights. Kris (Statlander), Willow, and Hazuki had every bit to do with it. They helped me shine, and I hope I did the same for them and their careers as per the goal.
I also want to acknowledge the diversity and parity of the list. It’s nice to see women from other promotions get the credit they deserve. And it was so nice to see the likes of Toni Storm, Mariah May, and Iyo Sky, and, of course, Bayley be rightfully honored along with the other girls. I hope this group and others can do more of the same in 2025. Meanwhile, thank you again, Sports Illustrated.”
