Ranking Every MVP Of Every Major Wrestling Company
9. Ring Of Honor: Marty Scurll
Ring Of Honor was instantly made interesting and promising upon the announcement that Marty Scurll had re-signed as an onscreen talent and, in a masterstroke, head booker.
Infinitely so: that promotion was deep into its LOL-phase, having selected the unpopular Matt Taven ahead of natural Ace Scurll as World Champion under the idea that they couldn't convince the Villain to re-sign. Meanwhile, it was later revealed that Taven's contract was set to expire before Scurll's. ROH boasts a very talented roster - Rush is a potential language barrier-busting star, likewise Bandido - but it's Scurll who has single-handedly re-ignited interest in the company. Had he left to join AEW, that would have left ROH entirely bereft of needle-moving talent.
It's little wonder Sinclair threw such extravagant money at him; as ROH drew pathetic gates consistent, somehow, with the pre-BritWres boom, Scurll's creativity and intelligent marketing instincts still saw him listed as a Pro Wrestling Tees best-seller. He transcended ROH's dry and profoundly normalised presentation, and the hope is that he can transfer this impressive ability to stay over to the brand itself.
Already, the signs are positive; Scurll has seemingly convinced an apathetic NJPW to resume the fading cross-promotional exercise, and the idea to promote an upcoming free show is an excellent one. ROH doesn't need fan-driven revenue - yet - but is desperate for the PR of a big time-looking show to alter its perception as an IMPACT-adjacent zombie league.
On the subject of which...