The Big Picture

Ring of Honor is currently operating as the high-workrate engine room for the Tony Khan era. As we sit just ten days away from Supercard of Honor on April 17, the brand is attempting to balance the veteran prestige of its world champions with a youth movement that feels more urgent than ever. While some critics argue the brand lacks the standalone identity it possessed in the mid-2000s, the current roster is delivering some of the most consistent technical wrestling on the planet.

The Supercard Shuffle

10. The Portland Premiere (Expansion Strategy)

The announcement that AEW and ROH will make their Maine debut on May 13 at the Cross Insurance Arena marks a significant territorial expansion for the brand. This isn't just about selling tickets in a new market; it's about proving that the ROH brand can draw as part of a traveling road show rather than being tethered to the Universal Studios soundstage. According to recent reports from PWInsider, the pre-sale push for this event is a litmus test for the company's northeast footprint. If the Portland show sells out, expect more standalone ROH dates to bleed into the 2026 touring calendar. The move is a calculated risk, as Maine has historically been a tough market for non-WWE products to penetrate with high production costs.

9. Action Andretti (The Gatekeeper)

Action Andretti continues to be the most reliable high-flyer in the mid-card, though his recent loss to Brian Cage highlights his role as a developmental gatekeeper. At the latest television tapings, Andretti took a devastating Steiner Screwdriver that reminded everyone why he is the go-to guy for making powerhouses look like monsters. He has the speed to keep up with anyone, but his inability to secure a major singles win is starting to hurt his credibility with the Honor Club faithful. Andretti needs a signature victory soon, or he risks being permanently branded as the 'good hand' who never actually grabs the brass ring. His matches are always a highlight, but the lack of upward mobility in his current booking is a glaring issue for a talent with his ceiling.

8. Red Velvet (The Proving Ground Factor)

Red Velvet’s recent Proving Ground match against Athena served as a reminder of her technical evolution, even if she came up short in the final minutes. Entering the ring with a champion of Athena’s caliber is a high-stakes audition, and Velvet showed she could hang with the fastest striker in the division. While she didn't secure the title shot, the back-and-forth exchange proved that the women's mid-card has enough depth to sustain long-term programs. Velvet’s 'Stir the Pot' gimmick has matured into a more focused, aggressive style that fits the ROH aesthetic better than her earlier AEW work. She remains a dark horse for the upcoming tournament cycles, provided she can find a way to finish her matches with more authority.

The New Blood and The Old Guard

7. Crazzy Steve (The TNA Influx)

The debut of former TNA standout Crazzy Steve at the most recent ROH tapings has sparked a divided reaction among the purist fanbase. As WrestlingNews.co reported, Steve’s arrival adds a layer of psychological warfare that the roster has lacked since the departure of some of its more eccentric characters. While his character work is undeniable, there is a legitimate concern that ROH is becoming a landing pad for veterans who have already peaked elsewhere. Steve’s match quality will have to be exceptionally high to justify his spot over younger, hungrier talent waiting in the wings. It’s a cynical move to boost television interest, but if he can replicate his hardcore intensity in a ROH ring, it might just work. For now, he is a curiosity that needs to prove he isn't just a nostalgia act.

6. The Undisputed Kingdom (Tag Team Dominance)

Mike Bennett and Matt Taven remain the most cohesive unit in the company, holding the tag division in a vice grip that few seem able to break. Their veteran presence is the glue holding the mid-card together, often working double duty to ensure the television product remains polished. However, their reliance on outside interference and stable politics has started to grate on fans who want to see the tag titles contested on merit alone. The Kingdom’s current run is effective at drawing heat, but it has arguably stifled the growth of other teams like The Infantry. They are the benchmark for excellence in the division, but the 'Kingdom Rules' era is in desperate need of a fresh challenger to push them to their limits. A title change at Supercard of Honor would be a shock, but perhaps a necessary one to revitalize the ranks.

5. Brian Cage (The TV Title Threat)

Brian Cage is currently on a tear, most recently demolishing Action Andretti in a 9-minute power-display that left the crowd in a state of shock. Cage has transitioned from a generic powerhouse to a calculating monster who uses his size to dictate the pace of every encounter. He is the clear frontrunner for a Television Title shot, and his involvement in the latest tapings suggests a collision course with Kyle Fletcher is inevitable. Cage’s strength is unparalleled, but his real growth has been in his timing and ability to sell for smaller opponents before shutting them down. If he captures the TV gold, he could have a dominant run similar to his previous world title reigns in other promotions. He is the most physically imposing athlete on the roster, and it’s finally being reflected in his win-loss record.

The Standard of Excellence

4. Billie Starkz (The Apprentice)

Billie Starkz is the most fascinating character in Ring of Honor, caught between her own rising stardom and her complex mentorship under Athena. At just twenty-one years old, her in-ring IQ is lightyears ahead of her peers, and her 'Space Jesus' persona has successfully evolved into something much darker and more nuanced. Her recent segments show a wrestler who is slowly realizing she might be better than the person she is supposed to be learning from. The tension between her and Athena is the best long-term story in the company, and the eventual payoff will likely be the crowning of a new face for the brand. Starkz represents the future, but she is currently being held back by a loyalty that is starting to feel like a cage. When she finally snaps, it will be the biggest moment in the brand's modern history.

3. The Pure Championship (Technical Integrity)

The Pure Championship remains the soul of Ring of Honor, providing a specialized environment where rules and technical proficiency actually matter. Wheeler Yuta and the subsequent challengers have maintained a standard that distinguishes ROH from every other wrestling program on television. However, there is a critical observation to be made about the division’s visibility; it often feels relegated to the 'workrate' slot without enough storyline progression. The matches are consistently four-star affairs, but the lack of personal stakes can sometimes make the division feel clinical rather than emotional. For the Pure Title to truly regain its prestige, the champion needs a rival who challenges his philosophy, not just his wrestling ability. It is the most honest title in wrestling, but honesty doesn't always sell pay-per-views.

2. Athena (The "Forever" Champion)

Athena’s reign as the ROH Women's World Champion has now surpassed 480 days, making her the most dominant champion in the history of the promotion. She has beaten every challenger from Red Velvet to Queen Aminata, often in brutal matches that push the boundaries of the division. Her 'Minion' storyline with Billie Starkz has added a layer of character depth that matches her incredible athleticism, proving she is a complete package. However, the sheer length of her reign has led to a 'final boss' problem where no challenger feels like a legitimate threat anymore. While her matches are the highlight of every Honor Club episode, the division is starting to feel stagnant under her undisputed rule. She is the gold standard, but even the best reigns eventually reach a point of diminishing returns.

1. Mark Briscoe vs. Eddie Kingston (The Crown Jewel)

The announcement that Mark Briscoe will defend the ROH World Title against Eddie Kingston at Supercard of Honor is the most important match the brand has booked in years. According to F4WOnline, this main event was finalized during the latest tapings, pitting two of the most authentic voices in the industry against each other. Briscoe carries the legacy of the most decorated tag team in ROH history, while Kingston is the ultimate outsider who clawed his way to the top. This match isn't just about the belt; it's about who represents the 'spirit' of the company in 2026. The outcome will set the tone for the entire year, and while Briscoe is the sentimental favorite, Kingston’s desperation makes him the most dangerous man on the roster. It is a must-watch encounter that justifies the price of admission for the Las Vegas show.

Honorable Mentions

The Infantry (Charlie Bravo and Shawn Dean) are narrowly missing the list but remain the most popular organic babyface team in the company. Dalton Castle continues to be the most entertaining figure on the roster, though his lack of a serious title program keeps him in the honorable mention category for now. Queen Aminata is also on the verge of a breakout, having recently secured a massive win over Taya Valkyrie at the TV tapings, signaling a potential shift in the women's hierarchy.