David J. Lagana sent along the following:
MAIN EVENT ANNOUNCED FOR "THE BIG BANG"
BRISTOL, PA (March 3, 2010) – Ring of Honor Wrestling’s debut event in Charlotte, N.C., "THE BIG BANG!", is gaining interest daily among pro wrestling fans around the world, and now the official announcement of the main event of the evening has been made by ROH on HDNet Executive Producer Jim Cornette–new ROH World Champion Tyler Black will defend his title for the first time against BOTH ex-champion Austin Aries and top contender Roderick Strong in a Triple Threat Match!
Cornette, who originated the three-way match concept back in 1993, explained how he came to this decision. "All three of these men had demands–Aries demanded his obligatory rematch immediately after losing to Black in New York City on February 13th. Strong has been lobbying for his title opportunity for months. Black, to his credit, demanded to defend against Strong to honor the agreement he had made with Roderick before the New York match. There is no doubt these men are the top three athletes in ROH. But neither the champion nor the contenders make the matches–ROH does. Therefore, to give the athletes what they want, and the fans what they want, I have decided to settle the issue with a Triple Threat Match. The rules are simple–all 3 men start the match, when a man is pinned or submits he is eliminated, and the last unbeaten man in the ring is the winner and ROH World Champion."
This exciting contest will headline THE BIG BANG!, which is shaping up as Ring of Honor’s "coming out" party, when it makes a clear statement that it is the new style of pro wrestling for the 21st century. It takes place on April 3rd at the historic Grady Cole Center at 310 North Kings Drive in Charlotte, North Carolina, a city rich in pro wrestling tradition.
"There is incredible buzz for this event", Cornette said. "Front row tickets were gone within 15 minutes after they went on sale, and second row didn’t last the first day. Good seats are still available, but it’s best to hurry, because they are moving fast." Tickets for the event are on sale now at ROHwrestling.com or by calling 215-781-2500, and general admission seats, only $20 each or $10 for children 12 and under; will be available at the Grady Cole Center box office from 3PM until the 7PM belltime the day of the event.
Ring of Honor, which is seen nationally Mondays at 8PM and 11PM EST on Mark Cuban’s HDNet, intends for this to be a showcase event for the company’s thrilling style of pro wrestling, featuring the youngest and most athletic talent roster in the industry utilizing a high-risk, hard-hitting style of pro wrestling not seen in the huge corporate-wrestling companies that dominate the cable airwaves. It will also be available worldwide to anyone with internet access via pay-per-view on GoFightLive.tv for only $14.95.
There will also be two feature matches spotlighting the cultural phenomenon of Mexican pro wrestling, known as Lucha Libre, sponsored by ROH’s promotional partner Norsan Multimedia, North Carolina’s largest Latino communications company. Lucha superstar Blue Demon Jr., known in the United States for his namesake energy drink and one of Mexico’s biggest celebrities, will team with Misterioso to battle Super Parka and his partner Solar. Additionally, one of Lucha’s most unique personalities, Cassandro el Exotico, will face young high-flyer Magno.
The ROH World Tag Team Championship will be defended as well, with champions Mark and Jay Briscoe facing the challenge of Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli, the Kings of Wrestling. In a Pick 6 Contenders Series bout, Davey Richards, one of the hottest young names in wrestling, will battle Kenny King. ROH stars Colt Cabana, Necro Butcher, Steve Corino, El Generico, Kevin Steen, the Embassy and more will be in action, as well as a spotlight match from the Charlotte-based NWA New Beginnings promotion.
ROH is also proud to announce the signing of veteran wrestling announcer Kevin Kelly to be the voice of Ring of Honor internet Pay-Per-View events beginning with “THE BIG BANG!”. Kelly has literally thousands of hours of play-by-play under his belt for the WWE and regional wrestling promotions, and his experience will enhance the broadcast for those around the world unable to make it to Charlotte in person for this landmark event.
For those attending live, doors open at 5:30PM for a special meet and greet with some of the legends of Charlotte wrestling, including Jim Cornette, former NWA World Tag Team Champions The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Dennis Condrey), Dutch Mantell, former senior NWA referee Tommy Young, and more.
"Whether you join us live in Charlotte, or on the internet, this is a must-see card for wrestling fans", Cornette said. "The Grady Cole Center, located next to Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, was where pro wrestling became popular in the Queen City in the 60’s and 70’s. It all begins again with “THE BIG BANG!” when pro wrestling explodes into the 21st century. I’m proud to be a part of it."
Be a part of history with this exciting night of action in Charlotte on April 3rd.
