Mark Briscoe retained the ROH World Heavyweight Championship at Death Before Dishonor, while the legacy of his late brother Jay continues to shine.
The 21st annual Death Before Dishonor pay-per-view, hosted by Ring of Honor (ROH) at the Esports Stadium in Arlington, Texas, saw seven title matches, culminating in a hard-fought victory for Mark Briscoe. The reigning champion defended his ROH World Heavyweight Championship against Roderick Strong, overcoming interference from The Kingdom with the help of Kyle OâReilly and Tomohiro Ishii.
In a heartwarming moment, Briscoe's victory was made even more special by the on-screen debut of his newborn son, Jay Briscoe, named after his late brother.
The legacy of Jay Briscoe
Jay Briscoe, a beloved figure in professional wrestling, tragically passed away in a car accident in January 2023, at the age of 38. He was a pivotal part of ROH's history, spending 19 of its 22 years with the company. Alongside his brother Mark, Jay helped establish ROH as a major force in the industry, winning the ROH Tag Team Championship a record 13 times.
The entire wrestling community mourned Jay's loss, and his legacy continues to inspire. Mark Briscoe has been a staunch advocate for his brother, honouring his memory in various ways. Earlier this year, he proudly introduced his youngest son, Matthew Jamin Pugh, to the world, a name chosen in tribute to Jay.
ROH's revival under AEW
Since acquiring ROH in 2022, Tony Khan, the owner of AEW, has been diligently revitalising the brand. Death Before Dishonor was a testament to this effort, showcasing a diverse roster of talented performers. The likes of Athena, The Von Erichs, and Mark Briscoe have brought fresh energy to the company.
Despite these efforts, a major hurdle for ROH has been securing a television deal. Despite featuring ROH talent and championships prominently on AEW television, Tony Khan has yet to convince a network to broadcast the show.
However, during the post-Death Before Dishonor media scrum, Khan presented an intriguing proposition. He suggested that bringing ROH under the AEW banner could significantly enhance its value and finally secure a TV partnership. This move could potentially see ROH become a regular fixture on AEW programming, offering fans greater exposure to its unique brand of professional wrestling.
The future of ROH remains uncertain, but with the legacy of Jay Briscoe shining brightly, and the company's revival under AEW, the future looks promising. The upcoming months will be crucial in determining the next chapter for Ring of Honor.
