As ROH closed its doors on an era that likely will no longer exist, regardless of the company's fate, I can't but help to have some nostalgia for the company. At one time, ROH was an enjoyable and legitimate option for yours truly when it came to wrestling. In many ways, a saving grace when pro wrestling felt a bit bleak during that time in history.
With that said, in the following Pondering 10, I share my favorite wrestlers from ROH:
10. Silas Young - Not a super popular pick for many (I know), but I always enjoyed the gimmick of Silas Young as the "Last Real Man". In a company with very few gimmicks, I always thought Silas' deal gave him a unique feel, and that was enhanced by his appearance.
9. Low Ki - One of the most unique wrestlers I've ever seen - I'm just a fan of Low Ki, wherever he goes. A young (and highly motivated) Low Ki getting a break in the up-and-coming ROH was fun to watch. Lots of memorable matches.
8. Briscoe Brothers - Truthfully, I'm been shocked they've never left ROH. But with that, they're pillars for the company. I wasn't necessarily a huge fan, but always enjoyed and respected their work, especially that of Jay Briscoe.
7. Jay Lethal - The eventual "Franchise" of ROH as he became over the past decade, Lethal shed his "Black Machismo" reputation of TNA years and cultivated himself as a more rounded wrestler in ROH. I especially enjoyed his time with Truth Martini and the House of Truth. Awesome theme song as well.
5. Kevin Steen - Kevin Steen (now, Kevin Owens, of course) was special. And remains special. His time in ROH was the first glimpse of that. I will always remember his feud with El Generico (now Sami Zayn). After all, how could you not?
4. Takeshi Morishima - I was a huge fan of Morishima's run as ROH Champ. For starters, at the time you RARELY saw Japanese talent spotlighted in a serious manner on American television. Kudos to ROH for that. Morishima was badass. Like, legit badass.
3. Samoa Joe - See everything about Kevin Steen being special and double it here for Joe.
2. Bryan Danielson - Obvious. American Dragon was cool. The Final Countdown theme was awesome. Telling the referee he had until five was a gimmick you couldn't wait to should alongside him. Most of all, the dude can go in the ring. You knew Danielson was bound for greatness.
1. Nigel McGuinness - My guy in ROH was always Nigel McGuinness. I enjoyed and loved everything about the gimmick and the persona. The cocky Brit with the grunge music, leather jacket (and the union jack interior), wearing the belt backward, the frosted tips - everything came together for just a complete jerk of a character that was amazing in the ring. I loved it. Give me anything McGuiness vs. Danielson - I'll sit and watch intently.