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As most members of the internet wrestling community (IWC) know, WWE released developmental Superstar Kassius Ohno from the company towards the end of last week. Rumors continue to swirl that it was related to his physique or work ethic, and for every plausible scenario, there's a reason why that doesn't make sense.
In all likelihood, it will be years before we get the story from either side. And even then, we'll probably never know the truth.
But what we can know is that Chris Hero, the name Ohno worked under for a decade prior to signing with the Stamford, CT-based company, is already booked for a couple of shows with companies and promoters with whom he has a long history. As a matter of fact, he'll be working for Gabe Sapolsky, the man who was in charge of creative for some of the time Hero worked with Ring of Honor (ROH), this weekend.
Chris Hero will wrestle at DGUSA live iPPV this Sun. in Brooklyn! He'll be in a main event quality match. Info at http://t.co/aKQdpCU1tc
— Gabe Sapolsky (@BookItGabe) November 11, 2013
No word on his opponent for the 17th, but Sapolsky is soliciting fan suggestions on his Twitter. More information can be found on the Dragon Gate USA website, or via the internet pay-per-view (iPPV) provider, WWN Live.
What's interesting is that he'll be appearing on iPPV this quickly. While it's not television, Bryan Danielson (Daniel Bryan) was not able to compete on any broadcast events during the time he was dismissed from WWE back in the summer of 2010. It's unlikely that Hero has a different deal than Bryan did, so this may indicate that the McMahons aren't concerned with what this released Superstar does outside of their employ.
Next month, Chris Hero will have a shot at the Pro Wrestling Guerilla (PWG) world championship. On December 20th, the first night of their tenth All-Star Weekend event, Hero will face Adam Cole, the third longest reigning champ in company history (Cole also currently holds the ROH title). The man with the longest PWG title run? Chris Hero.
The winner of the Saturday bout will defend the title against Johnny Gargano on Sunday, the 21st.
PWG does not offer iPPV delivery of their shows, but the full card will be available on DVD in 2014.
Where do you land on the Ohno/Hero saga, Cagesiders? Will you follow his work now that he's back on the indy circuit? Find it curious that no non-compete is being enforced for these bookings?
Knock us out with your take in the comments below.