This Sunday, Bandido will have perhaps the biggest opportunity of his career (as of yet) at ROH Best in the World, where he’ll challenge RUSH for the ROH World Championship. Bandido earned the chance to face the champion by winning the prestigious ROH Survival of the Fittest tournament. In doing so, he joined a list that includes names like Bryan Danielson, Tyler Black, and Adam Cole, among others.
In an interview with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Bandido previewed this buzzworthy bout and promised to “leave his soul” in the ring in his quest to dethrone RUSH.
“I have the heart and the courage to face great challenges,” said Bandido through a translator. “I don’t know if this will be the end of Rush’s title reign, but I am sure that I will leave my soul inside that ring.”
Bandido complimented RUSH by calling him a dangerous competitior and explained that he’s aware of the way the champion elevates his game when the stakes are high. In fact, Bandido experienced it himself when he faced RUSH at ROH 17th Anniversary, where the then-undefeated “El Toro Blanco” defeated the fan-favorite star. But the challenger made it clear that, ahead of this rematch, he’s excited for the challenge RUSH presents.
“I think what characterizes Rush most in the ring is he’s so dangerous,” said Bandido. “He goes to huge levels and that’s where he finds his strength. I am looking forward to the challenge.”
At just 26 years old, it’s fair to say that Bandido has plenty of time to reach the top of the mountain in ROH and beyond. But he emphasized that he isn’t approaching his match on Sunday with the mindset that he’s just happy to be there. Instead, he’s determined to defeat RUSH because winning the title is his ultimate goal.
“I want to do more than just have this opportunity, because I want to win it,” said Bandido. “Becoming champion is what I’ve been looking for since I got to ROH, and that is what I will keep working to do until I make it happen.”
THE ROH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IS ON THE LINE THIS SUNDAY AT BEST IN THE WORLD LIVE ON PPV & HONORCLUB AT 7 PM ET
?@bandidowrestler WILL FACE ROH WORLD CHAMPION @rushtoroblanco?
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW: https://t.co/lkDAPij4IR#ROHBITW #NOPASANADA pic.twitter.com/YT9Sbe3qRA
— ROH – Ring of Honor Wrestling (@ringofhonor) July 8, 2021
