In a thrilling development for wrestling fans, former WWE NXT standout Oro Mensah made his highly anticipated Ring of Honor (ROH) debut on July 30, 2025, during the ROH television tapings held at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, Illinois. Now performing simply as “Oro,” the talented British competitor squared off against New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) legend Tomohiro Ishii in a hard-hitting singles match that showcased Oro’s impressive in-ring skills despite ultimately falling short[1][2].
Oro Mensah’s first appearance in ROH came just months after his departure from WWE, where he had spent six years honing his craft. Oro publicly confirmed his release by WWE in early May 2025, shortly after his on-screen faction Meta-Four was disbanded on NXT programming. Originally signed to WWE in 2019 under his real name Oliver Carter, he initially gained attention through his time in NXT UK before undergoing a rebranding to Oro Mensah in the U.S. developmental system. He also held the NXT UK Tag Team Championship alongside Ashton Smith for a short but memorable run in spring 2022[1][4].
Sources close to the former NXT star revealed that Oro’s appearance in ROH marks a significant step as he looks to rebuild momentum in a company now under the umbrella of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) President Tony Khan. While it remains unclear if Oro has signed a formal contract with ROH or if his show of talent was a one-off appearance, insiders suggest that this debut could herald a longer-term involvement with the promotion, which has become a popular landing spot for recently released WWE talent[1][3].
The match between Oro and Tomohiro Ishii was a hard-fought contest, demonstrating Oro’s ability to engage with seasoned veterans and showcase his striking and technical wrestling abilities. Despite the loss, this bout was seen as a statement performance, signaling that Oro is ready to compete at a high level and eager to carve out a new path post-WWE[2][4].
The ROH tapings also featured other notable matches, including Jay Lethal defeating Alex Zayne and Willie Mack overcoming Gringo Loco. These bouts contribute to ROH’s continuing strong card quality, further enhancing its reputation as a destination for wrestling purists and fans seeking top-tier action[2][3].
Fightful’s report confirmed the spoilers from the taping, detailing Oro’s debut match, while PWInsider credited Jake Garcia for providing additional insider updates during the event[3]. Moreover, insiders from Wrestling Inc. and SEScoops have highlighted Oro’s gratitude toward WWE fans for their continued support, referencing his heartfelt farewell message upon release, where he expressed appreciation for the backing he received throughout his WWE tenure[1].
The trend of recently released WWE talents quickly securing new bookings in AEW’s ecosystem is well-established, with Oro’s debut following in the footsteps of performers like Karl Fredericks (formerly Eddy Thorpe) who have found success on the independent circuit or ROH. Industry commentators speculate that Oro’s move could inspire further roster enrichment for ROH, especially as AEW strengthens its relationship with the promotion, providing fresh opportunities for talent to shine outside WWE’s banner[1].
According to a WWE insider interviewed on a recent wrestling podcast, Oro Mensah’s tough and versatile wrestling style coupled with his charisma make him a valuable asset in ROH’s competitive environment. The insider added, “Oro has always had the look and in-ring capabilities that could elevate someone on the roster. His transition to ROH is exciting for fans who missed out on his potential during his WWE days”[4].
With all signs pointing to Oro Mensah’s promising return to prominence, wrestling fans should keep a close watch for future ROH shows and announcements regarding his status. As the landscape for professional wrestling continues to evolve, Oro’s debut underscores the increasingly dynamic movement of talent between promotions and the opportunities that arise for wrestlers eager to redefine their careers.
In summary, Oro Mensah’s ROH debut represents a pivotal moment post-WWE, highlighted by an intense match against Tomohiro Ishii at the Chicago tapings. His performance, backed by official reports from WWE.com, Fightful, SEScoops, and other trusted wrestling news outlets, signals a fresh chapter for the former NXT star within AEW’s broader wrestling platform. Fans excited about ROH’s growing roster will likely see more compelling matches featuring Oro in the near future.