ROH CEO Joe Koff speaks on relationship with TNA

[cero2k]

http://www.tvinsider.com/126365/ring-of ... interview/

Q: A lot of fans found it interesting that the Hardy Boys will be part of the Supercard of Honor and seeing Matt Hardy on the big screen at Final Battle. Has there been any recent conversations now with the changing of the guard at TNA about your company working with them? You also see Cody Rhodes on both shows now, so it’s a unique situation the way the environment is right now.

Coff: I think what you are seeing with Cody, for example, where he has done some shows for them. However, he has been fairly exclusive to us from a television and domestic standpoint over the last two or three months.

That Hardy Boys and Young Bucks angle was born because of them. It all took an organic path that ended up on our channel and hopefully back to TNA. I think it’s a start. I think we are taking a look at it thinking, ‘How does this work? How would this work?’ Because this was talent-generated and not creative-generated by the office, I think it has an organic feel. When that video came on in the Hammerstein Ballroom in December at Final Battle, it was one of those Joe Koff Ring of Honor moments I will never forget. It was palpable. They had to process seeing Matt Hardy on the screen wondering why he was there. The reaction was amazing. I think that goes back to what is special about Ring of Honor—the ability to still surprise. We are really not influenced by the outside world. We stick to our guns. We have a tight knit group that are able to keep secrets for the most part. I think it helps. I’m proud of that.

Q: Being open-minded has been very important within this industry today. You are seeing companies working together in innovative ways. The Hardy Boys and Cody Rhodes are getting the opportunity to do what they are doing because ROH and TNA are giving them the freedom to do so. I think it’s a win-win for everyone.

Coff: I had no issues with the old management at TNA, but there is no question with the new management that they seem to be more open to working cooperatively in this space and have caught up. That is always good. It’s good for the business.