Jonathan Gresham: ‘The ROH Championship Has Been Purified. Pure Wrestlers, We Have Won’

Jonathan Gresham shared some final thoughts after ROH Final Battle went off the air.

In the main event of ROH Final Battle, Jonathan Gresham defeated Jay Lethal to capture the original ROH World Championship. Gresham was presented the title by Cary Silkin as streamers hit the ring. He celebrated with his wife Jordynne Grace as ROH wrestlers surrounded the ring.

After the cameras stopped rolling, Gresham got on the mic and gave the following speech (via Ian Riccaboni):

“Somebody that couldn’t make it here tonight once said ‘Anything is possible.’ That man was Bandido. I wish him a speedy recovery with the one promise that I will keep to him which is keeping the idea alive that anything is possible. I stand before you as proof. A man that’s very important to this company’s history once said that this championship represents professional wrestling freedom. This pro wrestling freedom gives me the opportunity to become the best wrestler in the world. Like I told Bandido, to be the best in the world, you must defeat someone with the style, the style that represents the very essence of this company. For Bandido, that man was me. But for me, that man was Jay Lethal. Jay, thank you for everything that you have done for this company. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Most of all, thank you for being my friend. At one time, this championship meant that you were the best professional wrestler in the world, period. But to be honest, for that to be true again I must step in the ring with two men. Two men that are very important to this company’s history. But in time those matches will happen, I promise you. But until then, in preparation, I will defend this championship against all who come for it. Only under pure professional wrestling rules will this be defended. As of tonight, this championship has been purified. Pure wrestlers, we have won. Ring of Honor is now pure. In closing, I’ll tell you a story, a very short story so bear with me. Another man very important to this company’s history once said, ‘Isn’t this the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?’ He’s standing before you here right now and I completely understand what he meant. For so many years I believed in this company. Blindly. I believed that this company cared. But it wasn’t until a global pandemic hit that I realized that they do not. I realized that they were forced to use us for pure technical wrestling. I realized that they did not care about honor. So, as long as I am champion, I will not allow this company to get back on its feet and abandon us again. I will not allow it. I will take the heart and soul of this company and the essence of this company and I will take it with me to TERMINUS. In TERMINUS, the pure professional wrestler, the pure style will be valued. We will not be treated like a last resort. We are the essence, we are the lifeblood, we are the future of professional wrestling. I know this because I am The Foundation.”

Gresham was scheduled to face Bandido for the ROH World Championship, but Bandido tested positive for COVID-19 and was pulled from the event. Lethal, one of the most decorated ROH stars in history and former two-time ROH World Champion was named as the replacement.

During the pre-show of ROH Final Battle it was announced that Gresham and Lethal would do battle for the original World Title that was held by the likes of Samoa Joe, Bryan Danielson, Nigel McGuinness, and more. Bandido’s status as ROH World Champion is unknown.

You can find Fightful’s coverage of ROH Final Battle by clicking here. After the show, check out the post-show podcast for a full review of all the action.

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