Potential Reason Behind Michael Elgin Dropping ROH World Championship Revealed

At ROH’s “All-Star Extravaganza” on Sept. 6 in Toronto, Jay Briscoe defeated “Unbreakable” Michael Elgin to become the new Ring of Honor World Champion. Briscoe joins Austin Aries as the only stars in ROH history to hold the belt twice.

The reason behind the title change could have something to do with Elgin trying to become a full-fledged American citizen.

Elgin and his wife were detained at the Canada-US border following the iPPV, according to ProWrestling.net. The problem was that he’s working with an expired work visa as he looks to get his green card.

Unfortunately, until that problem is resolved, Elgin will be unable to get back into the United States.

There’s a strong possibility that ROH management was aware of this problem prior to their show. Since there’s no timetable on when he’ll be able to re-enter the country, the decision to take the belt off of him makes a lot more sense.

Elgin also has some heat on him after expressing interest in a recent radio interview to become a professional baseball player. He also put over Trevor Lee at a PWG event, something management was not happy about considering his status as the company champion at the time of the match.

Update: The former champion took to Twitter to Sunday night to clear the air on all of the rumors surrounding his status with ROH Wrestling.

I’m going to make something clear. I wasn’t giving up to play baseball. I wanted to prove to myself I could do it. Trying out doesn’t hurt

— Michael Elgin (@ROHMichaelElgin) September 8, 2014

Anything at all, @ringofhonor did not tell me there was an issue with wanted to try something. Wrestle still has my full attention and love

— Michael Elgin (@ROHMichaelElgin) September 8, 2014

I wanted to prove to myself I could do something. There has been issues but oh well. @ringofhonor is being helpful and are great ppl.

— Michael Elgin (@ROHMichaelElgin) September 8, 2014

I love wrestling but wanted to test myself outside of wrestling. Don’t talk unless you know everything.

— Michael Elgin (@ROHMichaelElgin) September 8, 2014

I’m saying is ROH didn’t say there was an issue becusse there wasn’t. I’m saying @ringofhonor has been great to me and is in this situation

— Michael Elgin (@ROHMichaelElgin) September 8, 2014

Editor’s Note

As someone who attended “All-Star Extravaganza” live, I can safely say that nearly everyone in attendance was baffled by the end result. Now looking at the circumstances of why the change took place, it makes a lot more sense. The World Championship match wasn’t even the main event, which could also be perceived as another shot at Elgin. 

Follow @WalderSports