We have an update on Ring Of Honor signing popular luchador, Bandido. According to the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Bandito signing with ROH came as a big surprise to … members of The Elite.
Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks and company were said to be very interested in featuring Bandito as one of the top attractions in their upstart All Elite Wrestling promotion. Looking back to All In, Bandido was not only booked into the main event, but had most of the highlight spots in the match.
Bandido’s Reasoning
As for why Bandito chose Ring of Honor over All Elite Wrestling, it boils down to the uncertainty surrounding AEW. The Elite is gearing up to make some huge announcements after the new year. However, they have yet to publicly announce a television deal or tour dates for 2019.
Contrast that with Ring of Honor making a strong financial offer that includes exposure on their weekly television show and regular touring schedule.
Despite this, Bandido “adores those guys [The Young Bucks/The Elite]” and wants to see them succeed with their new venture. It’s reported that he would have been thrilled to have been a part of AEW, but there was just too much uncertainty involved.
With WWE, New Japan, ROH, MLW, Impact and now All Elite vying for talent as we head into 2019, it’s going to be a very interesting to see how the wrestling landscape looks in a few months time.