Roderick Strong
Even someone with a limited knowledge of ROH is likely to have heard his name. The Messiah of the Backbreaker is an incredible in ring technician. He’s not super flashy but his offense is hard hitting and looks/feels realistic. As far as persona goes he’s a ready made character and could succeed where Alex Riley flopped; As an a-hole varsity athlete. He carries himself like the kind of fella that could excel at any sport by putting in half the effort of anyone else and still out drink you. Making things look easy is a fantastic way to piss people off. Pairing him with a manager would be a winning combination. Perhaps someone who himself was also an incredible athlete, a man with fine tastes who admires limousines & jets? If you’re looking for a perfect blend of athletic skill, hard hitting offense and ring psychology Roddy is your brah.
Steve Corino
Now I know you’re all saying, “PWHipster, isn’t Corino a tad old to be an acquisition?” First of all that’s rude of you to say. Second I don’t want him to wrestle, I want him to replace JBL as color analyst. I’m not implying The King of Old School can’t still go, he can, but he is also one of the best talkers in the business. If you watch Ring Of Honor television you’re aware of how solid his commentary work with Kevin Kelly has been. Quick wits and an encyclopedic knowledge of the sport make him a perfect fit for the booth. Add to his commentary skills he would be a limitless asset to the young up and comers as a mentor and trainer. I’m sure there isn’t a single individual at NXT that wouldn’t love to gather around for storytime with Uncle Steve.
reDRagon
Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly are nothing short of an amazing pairing. The only word I can use to describe O’Reilly’s mat game is enthralling. His in ring technique is a stiff coupling of MMA and American Strong Style. Oh and selling? He does that like an expert. Now while Bobby Fish brings more stiff kicks and a similar MMA style to the team he also brings charisma. He is much better on the mic than his partner and has (I feel) aided Kyle in developing his character/persona. Fish’s heel work, especially the interplay with the live audience, should grant him a look from WWE. As individuals they’re both good, but as a team they are great. They have an arsenal of beautiful tandem maneuvers and behave as though they know each other better than they know themselves. reDRagon has everything it takes to succeed in WWE.
Adam Cole
I’m perplexed by the fact Cole is not already under contract and tearing it up on NXT. He has been putting in great work in ROH (and all over the indies) for years. Judging from a distance you’d never think he started in 2008. He has shown the world he can do great work as a face and even better work as a heel. The man oozes charisma regardless of which side of the fence he’s on. The facial expressions he displays are second to almost no one in the industry. Given the opportunity he can be a main event draw with a long storied career. When you see Adam Cole there is no question he belongs in the squared circle. With a firm grasp on technique, ring psychology, mic skills and a marketable look (let’s face it, he’s pretty), The Panama City Playboy is the complete package.
So there you have it ladies and gentlemen, the top seven talents I’d want to snag from ROH immediately. What do you think? Anyone you would have added? Anyone you’d subtract? Anyone you think I’m insane for including at all? I wanna hear about it! Also if you have ideas for future Magnificent Sevens tell me, I can book them to happen!