Below are a couple of top WWE & ROH news stories of the day, featuring CM Punk and Joe Koff.
• During his appearance on the No Contest Wrestling Podcast, CM Punk was asked to name the top 3 matches of his career.
Here’s what Punk said:
“I think it’s easy to pick number one, and it’s me and John Cena… leading up to WrestleMania (29 in 2013 on RAW). Easily, I think, our best televised match. We might have had better matches on house shows — I don’t know.
As close to perfect as you can possibly get, I would put CM Punk vs. The Undertaker at WrestleMania (29). Me vs. Brock (Lesnar). Staples Center. SummerSlam (2013).”
All 3 matches took place in 2013, and Punk stated that 2013 might showcase his peak in-ring work.
• Former Ring of Honor Chief Operating Officer Joe Koff has passed away at the age of 73. Koff served as ROH’s COO from September 2011, after Sinclair Broadcasting acquired the company, until May 2022, when Tony Khan officially purchased the promotion.
During his time as COO, Koff played a key role in expanding ROH’s presence with monthly pay-per-views, weekly television programming, the launch of the HonorClub streaming service, and hosting major events like their Madison Square Garden show with NJPW and helping produce the All In event with Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks in 2018.
Koff had a long career with Sinclair Broadcasting, where he worked for over 20 years, joining in 2003 and serving as Senior Vice President of Training and Development.
Our thoughts are with Joe’s family, friends and fans in this difficult time.
MLW is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Ring of Honor COO Joe Koff. On behalf of MLW, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
Joe always led with honor, integrity, and a passion for the sport we all cherish. His legacy will live on in… pic.twitter.com/JNY7g2ILHG
— MLW (@MLW) October 15, 2024
The AEW & Ring of Honor Family, along with the wrestling world mourn the passing of Joe Koff. Our thoughts are with his family and his friends. pic.twitter.com/AyWc9qDTTp
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) October 15, 2024
