Jonathan Gresham might be done with Ring of Honor and All Elite Wrestling.
Before Tony Khan acquired ROH, Gresham was the reigning ROH World Champion; he won the title by defeating Jay Lethal at ROH Final Battle. Lethal replaced Bandido, the reigning titleholder, because he tested positive for COVID-19 and was unable to compete. Gresham later signed with AEW/ROH, and he competed at ROH Supercard of Honor and AEW Battle of the Belts II. In recent weeks, he has made multiple appearances on AEW programming. On July 23, he lost the title to Claudio Castagnoli at ROH Death Before Dishonor.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful reports that Gresham asked for his release before the pay-per-view on Saturday. Sapp cited sources who noted that there was a “lack of communication” between the company and Gresham ahead of the show, and the champion reportedly felt disrespected by it. Plus, the lack of time given for the world title match was said to be a “tipping point.”
Sapp wrote that Gresham met with Khan before the pay-per-view and, as he discussed his frustration, he reportedly cussed Khan out, with several talent confirming this situation after the show. The report also notes that, when Fightful reached out to Gresham, the response was that he is “done with wrestling for the foreseeable future after this month.” Khan’s side of the situation remains unclear.
As of this writing, Gresham’s requested release has not been confirmed.
WrestleZone will provide more details as they become available.
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