Commentaries  

Austin Says:
June 22, 2005

As most know I lost the ROH World Title on 6/18 to CM Punk. I'll offer no excuses as to why I lost the title, as Punk was simply a better man that night. He fought with great heart and determination, and taking a page from my book, just wouldn't stay down no matter what I hit him with. As I handed him the ROH World Title I told him "you earned and deserve this title", however what happened after that was appalling...

A lot of people had been questioning, if not criticizing, my approach in defending the ROH World title at a grueling pace and many feel it was my eventual downfall. I disagree. I believed as the ROH World Champion I had a responsibility to take on any and all challengers from near and far to prove that not only I, but ROH, was the best there is. In just under 6 months I defended the ROH World Title over 20 times, in 10 different promotions, and 5 different countries. In the end, my approach to title defenses didn't undermine my title reign, it defined it.

I'm very happy to announce that I've been asked, and agreed, to take over the job as Head Trainer of the ROH School. ROH has a top notch facility with everything one would need to begin his or her journey into professional wrestling. I'm very excited for this opportunity to use my wrestling knowledge and teaching skills, and can't wait for my first class to start. Initial tryouts will be held on June 26th and classes are set to start July 11th. Anyone interested (you too girls) can go to ROHWrestling.com for all the details.

The 1PW show in the UK I'm booked for is now scheduled for Oct. 1st. I also will be wrestling on a few other shows while I'm overseas. On Oct. 2nd I'll be on the 2FC show in France and on Oct. 7th I'll be wrestling for Total Bloodsport Wrestling back in the UK. There are a couple other shows I'm still negotiating terms for but I should have everything finalized in the next couple of weeks.

Finally, I feel I need to address something. I admit I frequent certain wrestling message boards, as I find the opinions of wrestling fans to be insightful. I also find it amusing that people outside the business think they're so smart and in the know. I take these opinions, although many times passed off as facts, with a grain of salt and always consider the source. I don't get upset if someone posts they didn't like my match, or call me a midget, or say my new beard's ugly. I have, however, taken exception to one certain poster who has questioned my integrity, heart, and love for this business. I'll just give you a couple of quotes of what he believes is "clear, factual, truth" ...

"wrestling is a form of entertaiment you think i'm an idiot and i don't think much of you if you can support a guy who doesn't like what he does or work at his job , if you worked the same way he does you know you'd be fired flame on me all your want but it's the truth"

"it's clear he doesn't like being in front of crowds or even giving the minimal effort to help put on a good match."

"he doesn't really like the bussiness and you can see that as clear as day face it he needs another job because he sure as hell doesn't like the one he's doing this is a fact that will hold roh back!"

Now I understand that this poster probably doesn't even have his license yet and has a hard time distinguishing between make believe and reality, but it irks me that someone who hides behind a keyboard can have the balls to tell me I don't put any effort into what I do and that I "clearly" don't enjoy wrestling. Trust me there are much easier, more lucrative jobs out there that won't require hip replacement when i'm 50. To this kid I ask that until you've paid your dues: multiple 14 hours drives to wrestle for free, wrestled concussed, wrestled with torn knee ligaments, compressed vertebras, dislocated shoulders. Until you've spent hours in the gym, days on the road, missed family weddings and graduations. Until you've relocated time after time just to be where the action is, don't pretend you even have a clue as to who I am. And don't you dare question the heart, hard work, and sacrifices that I've put in to make it this far. You know the old adage "until you've walked a mile in my boots..." well kid you couldn't lace mine much less walk two steps in them.

On a lighter note, thank you to whoever started a thread on the ROH message board about my new beard. I bet a friend $20 bucks I could get a thread started about my beard and whatta know it took two whole days for me to collect. So thanks again, dinner was on you.

Keep checking back for more updates. I know I keep saying it but my new shirts will be done soon. I'm also working on Austin Aries action stickers! That's all for now, hope all is well in your world.

  -Aries