10 Times The Wrong Wrestler Won
8. Jerry Lynn Over Nigel McGuinness (Supercard Of Honour IV)
545 days.
Nigel McGuinness lariated his way through 39 successful defences of the ROH World Championship during this time. Working hurt and then injured, McGuinness rocked the house time and time again and was a smash hit with the ROH fanbase. He was closing in on Samoa Joe’s 645 day reign and whoever beat McGuinness was poised for a heft credibility boost.
The up and comer who beat him? Jerry Lynn.
A great talent over the years, Lynn’s comeback storyline in ROH was inspired by hit film ‘The Wrestler’ and it culminated in him defeating McGuinness for the strap. ROH had presented itself for years as the number one showcase of new, indie and international talent in wrestling and Lynn’s victory felt like a step backward on this front. The reign did little for Lynn or ROH and the belt was promptly moved to company favourite Austin Aries after just 71 days. McGuinness meanwhile would leave the promotion for a brief run in TNA before losing his career to injuries and an unfortunate battle with hepatitis.
A shame all round, one can’t help but feel that a McGuinness victory would’ve boosted his heel heat further on the way to breaking Joe’s record, and would’ve set Aries (or a rising star at the time such as Tyler ‘Seth Rollins’ Black) up effectively as the real deal for the promotion.