ROH & HDNet Part Ways 12.1.2011
Posted by David Damage on Sunday, October 9, 2011
Under: News
The
deal between Ring of Honor and HDNet will end after the January ROH
tapings in Philadelphia, PA at the ECW Arena. Those tapings will include
episodes through April of 2011.
Sources with ROH described the
reasoning for the parting of ways as the contract coming to and end.
ROH commented, "Ring of Honor Wrestling would like to thank HDNet for
the last two years, especially those behind the scenes that made it
possible every single TV taping."
People had high expectations
for the series, but it wasn't doing great numbers. It should be
mentioned that ROH and HDNET have not ended their relationship
completely. They are discussing a possible ROH special for 2011 and
potential future collaborations beyond that.
The sources with
ROH have made it known that they can look for a new TV deal and are
already eyeing one currently. By all accounts, the split was a friendly
one. After those final tapings on 1/21 and 1/22 in Philadelphia, they
will take a break from running events in Philadelphia.
ROH issued the following statement in response to the story:
Ring of Honor completed its 2 year TV contract with HDNet. During this
time "ROH on HDNet" fans witnessed many great matches, the introduction
of the ROH Television Title, and the crowning of new tag champions,
among other historical moments. HDNet will air new episodes of ROH until
4/4/11. Please continue to support ROH and watch these new shows on
HDNet.
The final ROH on HDNet TV tapings are scheduled for January 21st & 22nd in Philadelphia.
ROH
on HDNet Producer Dave Lagana recently spoke about the end of ROH on
HDNet, here is what he had to say… "It was a surprise to everyone and
one that leaves a lot of questions about the future of ROH. HDNet was a
great partner and honestly, without them, I don't know if my career in
wrestling would have continued after my time in WWE. I was given the
chance to really spread my wings and produce the ROH on HDNet show. It
was that trust that really exemplified the spirit of ROH. Ring of Honor
has always been a place for great talent to showcase their ability and I
believe it will continue that same mission into the future. Things will
obviously change, but doesn't progress require it?"
-- ROH
President Cary Silkin recently spoke to Fanhouse.com about ROH leaving
HDNet, and the future of the company. Here is what he had to say…
On Leavung HDNet: "It gives us an opportunity to ... naturally, we're
going to look for another outlet. But besides that, we should be filling
in some extra weekends now with some additional house shows. We have
the time open and we're also looking towards doing more of the
i-pay-per-views (online pay-per-view shows) which are becoming pretty
successful. We've gotten increased numbers on each one of them. The
"Final Battle" (on Dec. 18) was significantly better and I think people
are getting more accustomed to that forum of media. It's new. As people
are learning about it and they realize they can see the show live for
not that much money, they're enjoying it. So, we'll be working on those
aforementioned avenues."
On HDNet As A Partner: "We appreciate
our time with HDNet. As a regular TV show, they were the first ones to
give us an opportunity. They made us look like a million bucks. Their
production was fantastic. The good news is that they're open to working
with us to do a live special, hopefully in this year. That was
legitimately spoken about so maybe we're not fully done with HDNet yet
and they'll take another look at us through a live special."
On
Why They Originally Chose HDNet: "It's not easy but there are a lot of
networks out there. I think one thing HDNet did give us was the platform
that we're a real company, a real wrestling company. We needed to be
legitimized a little. They gave us two years of national exposure so it
gives you a little backbone going into this."
On ROH's Future:
"There have so many occasions where they were tolling the bell, like the
ten-bell salute for us. Whether it's been losing major stars
simultaneously or other things that have happened in the past and now
this. We've been able to come out of it. Sometimes these adverse
situations lead to new opportunity. So, that's how we're looking at it
and we're looking forward to 2011."
In : News