WWE, ROH and MSG Comment on ROH’s MSG Show

The New York Post has an article about the whole ROH/WWE/MSG situation, where Ring of Honor tried to book a show at Madison Square Garden, which led to WWE getting MSG to cancel the booking, before a ROH/NJPW show was ultimately announced after all for WrestleMania weekend.

WWE played innocent when asked about the situation by the NY Post, saying, “MSG is, of course, free to work with ROH however they want.”

Ring of Honor COO Joe Koff had this to say:

“I think that’s a question better asked of Madison Square Garden because we were very aggressive in wanting that date and we thought we had that date, but we did what we had to do as a business. [MSG] did what they had to do as a business and I guess all of a sudden there was a phone call and we were able to work it out. … That’s probably their story to tell because they made the call [to us] and said let’s get on the phone and see if we can work this out. They wanted us. They knew that we would be good promotion. I think they were just looking for a satisfactory outcome for all parties.”

“It came down to this is where it [WrestleMania] was. This could be a whole different conversation if it were in Boston or Chicago. This is the site that was chosen for that big weekend and then we had to look for buildings to accommodate what we think would be the best opportunity for our business and for our fans.”

“If it works for both parties and it makes sense for both parties, I wouldn’t see why if we get the sellout that I’m hoping and anticipating we’re gonna get why they wouldn’t want us back,”

When asked about the situation by the NY Post, Madison Square Garden declined to comment and instead gave a generic answer about being excited to have the show.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ring of Honor Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling to Madison Square Garden for the much anticipated G1 Supercard,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, MSG Marquee Events in a press release. “We expect April 6th to be another memorable night of wrestling at The World’s Most Famous Arena.”