6 Ways Gabe Sapolsky's ROH Followed Paul Heyman's ECW Legacy

6. Brought An International Style

In ECW Paul Heyman was left in a dire situation after a talent raid by WCW, during which time he turned to Mexico to bring the lucha libre style to American audiences for the first time. He had previously introduced technically gifted wrestlers who had made a name for themselves globally in the likes of Eddie Guerrero, Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko. The international flavouring carried on to his colleague Sapolsky who established an international flavour from the very beginning of Ring of Honor. The first main event saw a triple threat between Christopher Daniels, Bryan Danielson and Low Ki. The former had made a name for himself as a great all-rounder around the world while the latter two had seen success in Japan and brought a stiff kicking style back with them. One of the biggest feuds in ROH's opening year was between Raven and CM Punk. Punk is well versed in Muay Thai and like Ki and Danielson utilises a variety of kicking offence that strays into the MMA marketplace, something that would be continued in later years by the likes of future World Champion Davey Richards. Two later roster additions upped the ante for the stiff Japanese style in ROH in Samoa Joe and Nigel McGuinness. Both excellent technical wrestlers and submission specialists but two of the stiffest hitters in the company's history. It wasn't just hard hitters, as high fliers were gathered from around the globe. Canada (Teddy Hart), Puerto Rico (Amazing Red and Homicide), Britain (Jody Fleisch), India (Sonjay Dutt) and numerous wrestlers Japanese wrestlers brought a fast-paced athletic style. ROH had a diverse roster with different styles and it was a great strength of the company to set itself apart from the competition.