They are both extremely similar in almost every way. They have both been the breeding ground for future stars and champions. They have also been where talents can go and reinvent themselves and their careers. I am talking about Ring of Honor and NXT.
They even share roster similarity. Neither brand relies on the “monster” sized guy to be the face of the brand. They are based on talent and crowd reaction, which at the end of the day to me is what’s important.
If you haven’t realized the similarities, this article is perfect for you. I am going to break down and compare the rosters.
World Champions
NXT: Finn Balor
ROH: Jay Lethal
Both world champions are enjoying lengthily title reigns at the moment. Lethal won the ROH title from Jay Briscoe in June of 2015. It marked the first time in over 2 years that Briscoe was defeated in a singles match.
Balor won the NXT title on July 4th from Kevin Owens in Japan. Both champions have fought off all challengers to date and are showing no signs of their runs ending any time soon.
I would call both World Champions even.
Tag Team Champions
NXT: The Revival (Dash & Dawson)
ROH: War Machine (Hanson & Rowe)
War Machine captured the titles at ROH’s Final Battle in December. They have been dominant with the titles and don’t look to be slowing down any time soon. ROH has an amazing tag division with teams like: The Young Bucks, The Briscoes, The Addiction, Reddragon, ANX and ACH & Matt Sydal.
The NXT Tag Titles seem to be on the back burner in NXT. The titles have changed hands on NXT TV more than any of the other NXT titles.
Dawson & Wilder captured the titles from the Vaudevillians on October 22 on an episode of NXT. They have held on to the titles so far, but a showdown with American Alpha appears to have the titles in jeopardy.
After American Alpha, the division is made up of Enzo & Cass, The Vaudevillans, The Hype Bros and Blake & Murphy. With the Mechanics positioned to drop the titles, the lack of deptt in NXT’s division, and with War Machine’s early dominance, I give the overwhelming edge to ROH.
Roster Depth
NXT has an interesting roster. Made up of guys like Baron Corbin, Apollo Crews, projects like Tye Dillinger & Elias Samson, and former ROH standouts Samoa Joe and Sami Zayn the roster is extremely strong.
Add in the arrivals of Austin Aries and Shinseke Nakamura, an eventual return of Hideo Itami, and the roster is just…wow.
ROH carries an amazing roster as well. With guys like Adam Cole, TV Champ Roddrick Strong, Moose, ACH, and Dalton Castle among others, the roster is extremely strong.
Add in the fact that ROH also brings in big name free agents (Samoa Joe, Alberto El Patron, AJ Styles among others), as well as the working relationship with NJPW, and ROH has the ability to constantly put on amazing shows. ROH also has the great ability to put their tag teams in singles feuds and they work. This would also be considered EVEN.
The NXT Woman’s division is just crazy. Headlined by Champion Bayley, she leads a roster made up of amazing talent like Auska, Carmela, the powerhouse of the division in Nia Jax, an amazing heat magnet in Eva Marie, and many other talented women. Bayley has already main evented a Takeover with Sasha Banks. With her eventual main roster arrival, the roster will be in very good hands.
The Women of Honor are an amazing bunch in their own right. Veda Scott, Amber Gallows, and Mandy Leon lead a group of vastly improving women. With a little more time, and some dept the division could be amazing in the future. Being that they aren’t there yet, the edge defiantly goes to NXT.
So for the most part these companies come out even. Did I forget anyone? Agree or disagree? I look forward to see people’s thoughts on this comparison.