Adam Cole, the AEW star and member of the Undisputed Era, recently looked back on a memorable match he had with his best friend, Kyle O’Reilly, in 2012. The match took place at Ring of Honor’s Best In The World event in the iconic Hammerstone Ballroom in New York City. In a recent interview with Superstar Crossover, Cole revealed that this match is his all-time favorite memory in New York City.
The match between Cole and O’Reilly was a Hybrid Fighting Rules Match, a match type that was initially confusing and convoluted for the fans. At that time, both Cole and O’Reilly were still early in their wrestling careers and were working hard to earn the respect and support of the audience. Cole mentioned that they hadn’t reached the level of popularity where fans would line up to buy their shirts or go wild when their music hit.
Initially, the crowd was not fully invested in the match and seemed bored. However, everything changed when Cole got busted open and started bleeding profusely. This unexpected turn of events immediately grabbed the attention of the New York City fans, and they became completely invested in the match.
Cole described how the atmosphere shifted dramatically during the match. The crowd went from being disinterested to standing on their feet, banging on the barricades, and chanting “This is awesome” and “Adam Cole.” The sight of blood and the intensity of the match captured the imagination of the audience, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
This match proved to be a turning point in both Cole and O’Reilly’s Ring of Honor careers. Cole won the ROH Television Title the following week, and both wrestlers developed a stronger connection with the fans. The match not only elevated their status but also solidified their bond as performers.
Reflecting on the significance of the match, Cole emphasized the importance of the passionate New York City fans. Their enthusiasm and energy made the experience even more special and memorable for him.
In addition to discussing his match with O’Reilly, Cole also shared his thoughts on Jay Lethal, whom he considers one of the most underrated performers in the industry today. You can read more about Cole’s thoughts on Lethal in an article by Wrestling Headlines here.
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