ROH Best in the World 2026

Ring of Honor's Best in the World is one of professional wrestling's most storied pay-per-view events. The event's name carries particular resonance given its association with CM Punk, who used "Best in the World" as his defining catchphrase during his landmark ROH and WWE career. In 2026, Best in the World returns as ROH's flagship PPV event, showcasing the current generation of Ring of Honor talent under AEW ownership.

The History of Best in the World

Ring of Honor's Best in the World event originated as one of the promotion's most prestigious shows, built around the concept of crowning — or challenging — the definitive best performer in professional wrestling. The event's name became inseparable from CM Punk's identity after his legendary ROH run, during which he declared himself the "Best in the World" while feuding with Samoa Joe in a series of matches considered among the greatest in ROH history.

After ROH was acquired by Tony Khan and became affiliated with AEW, Best in the World was revived as part of ROH's expanded pay-per-view schedule. The event now serves as ROH's premier annual showcase, broadcast on HonorClub streaming and integrated into the wider AEW/ROH television ecosystem.

One of Ring of Honor's oldest and most prestigious named events
The event name is historically linked to CM Punk's "Best in the World" era (2004–2005), considered ROH's golden age
Revived after ROH was acquired by Tony Khan and merged into the AEW content structure
Broadcasts on HonorClub (ROH's streaming platform) and available via Bleacher Report/AEW content deals
CM Punk's ROH vs Samoa Joe trilogy — performed in the same era the Best in the World name originated — is still discussed as among the greatest championship series in wrestling history

CM Punk's Connection to the Best in the World Legacy

No single name is more synonymous with Ring of Honor's "Best in the World" identity than CM Punk. Punk's time in ROH from 2002 to 2005 produced some of the promotion's most iconic moments, including his farewell promo at Final Battle 2005 that remains one of the most emotionally resonant speeches in wrestling history.

Punk's subsequent WWE career — culminating in the legendary "Pipe Bomb" promo of 2011 in which he declared himself the "Best in the World" on a global stage — traced directly back to the character and promo style he developed in ROH. His return to wrestling via AEW in 2021 and subsequent WWE return in 2023 brought renewed attention to the ROH era that defined him.

CM Punk's ROH run: 2002–2005, including two ROH World Championship reigns
The ROH vs Samoa Joe trilogy (2004) is frequently ranked among the greatest rivalry series in wrestling history
Punk's Final Battle 2005 farewell promo remains a touchstone moment of ROH's independent era
His 2011 "Pipe Bomb" promo in WWE directly referenced his ROH origins and "Best in the World" identity
Punk's AEW signing in 2021 and WWE return in 2023 brought a new generation of fans back to discover his ROH history
Best in the World as a named event carries the weight of that legacy into every edition

ROH Championship Picture in 2026

Ring of Honor's title structure under AEW ownership features several championships that are defended regularly on ROH programming and at events like Best in the World. The ROH World Championship is the primary title, with the ROH Pure Championship, Women's Championship, and Tag Team Championships rounding out the title picture.

ROH in 2026 operates as a distinct brand from AEW, with its own roster, television presence, and championship lineage. Talent regularly crosses between ROH and AEW programming, with ROH serving as a platform for both AEW-affiliated wrestlers seeking additional exposure and dedicated ROH performers who prefer the promotion's in-ring style.

ROH World Championship: the premier title, defended in the Best in the World main event
ROH Pure Championship: defended under Pure Rules (limited rope breaks, no closed-fist strikes) — a technical wrestling showcase
ROH Women's World Championship: one of the oldest women's championships in North American wrestling
ROH World Tag Team Championships: the tag division features teams from both the ROH and AEW rosters
ROH World Television Championship: defended with a 15-minute time limit — a throwback to the television championship format