ROH & AEW Stars Reflect on Final Battle: Velvet, ricochet, Athena, & more Speak Out
(Originally published December 6, 2025 by Bryan Rose)
Following the electrifying ROH Final Battle event, key figures from Ring of Honor and All Elite Wrestling addressed the media, offering insights into their matches, future aspirations, and internal dynamics. The post-show press conference, streamed on Honor Club, featured Red Velvet, Ricochet, Athena, Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor & Kaun), Bandido, and AEW/ROH President Tony Khan. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways:
Red Velvet: A Dream Realized & respect for a Legend
Red Velvet’s stunning victory over Mercedes Mone at Final Battle was a major talking point. Velvet expressed confidence heading into the match, acknowledging her underdog status despite her previous championship reign. “I knew I was going to beat mercedes Mone, and I did,” she stated. She also revealed the emotional weight of facing someone she’d admired for years. “Mercedes is someone I looked up to growing up, so going up against someone like her is such a blessing.” The win, while meaningful, also served as a reminder of the competitive landscape, with Velvet acknowledging the impact of the loss in the lead-up to the event. Ultimately, she believes “everything happens for a reason.”
Ricochet: Unenthusiastic about Immediate Title Defense
Tony Khan announced a planned AEW National Championship match for Ricochet on the upcoming episode of Collision. Though, Ricochet’s reaction was less than keen. He didn’t explicitly reject the opportunity, but his tone suggested a preference for a more considered build-up to a title defense. When questioned about expanding his group,Ricochet emphasized a focus on quality over quantity,hinting at a deliberate approach to adding members.
Athena: Dominance, Discipline, and International Ambitions
Tony Khan highlighted Athena’s impending three-year milestone as ROH Women’s Champion, solidifying her reign as one of the most dominant in the division’s history. A significant portion of Athena’s segment was dedicated to a stern rebuke of Billie Starkz for failing to capture the Women’s Pure Championship. Athena’s message was clear: she expects results and holds her competitors to a high standard.Looking beyond ROH, Athena expressed a strong desire to compete in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, specifically citing the incredible talent within Stardom. “I would love the opportunity to wrestle in New Japan, as there’s so much talent in Stardom,” she stated, signaling her ambition to expand her reach internationally.
Shane Taylor Promotions: Internal Tension & Respect for the Past
The dynamic within Shane Taylor Promotions was on full display.Kaun Moriarty cited Bryan Danielson, Nigel McGuinness, and Katsuyori Shibata as his wrestling heroes, noting he’d now faced all three after debuting on December 5th. This led to a heated exchange with Shane Taylor,who stressed the importance of consistent winning and adherence to the team’s strategy. Taylor made it clear that victories are expected, not surprises. Moriarty, however, highlighted a notably meaningful moment: receiving the original ROH Pure Championship from Nigel McGuinness himself after their match, calling it “such a great moment.” This exchange underscored the internal pressure within STP and the contrasting perspectives of it’s members.
Bandido: A Positive Outlook & Future Plans
Despite not capturing the ROH World Championship, bandido maintained a positive outlook, declaring himself a winner based on the success of his year. Tony Khan confirmed that the previously planned ROH World Championship match between Rush and Bandido will take place upon Rush’s return to action, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash. Bandido also shared his dedication to improving his English, expressing hope that fans can now better understand his promos and interviews. “I’m putting effort into learning english and hope people can understand me now,” he said, demonstrating his commitment to connecting with a wider audience.
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