Ring of Honor got some free publicity in "The Wrestler" as the closing scene between Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) and The Ayatollah (Ernest "The Cat" Miller) was shot using the ROH logo and set-up.
Speaking on ROH Strong, former ROH Owner Cary Silkin discussed how the deal came together between ROH and distributor Fox Searchlight Pictures.
"'The Wrestler' movie comes along in 2008. When we got approached by them, it was sort of a pipe dream, but it was cool. Getting to do the movie and Ring of Honor being the last ten minutes of the movie. Mickey Rourke getting nominated for an Academy Award! Just before the movie came out, it was a month before release, someone knew [Bruce] Springsteen. As the credits roll, Springsteen did a song called 'The Wrestler' and that was thrown in. Even though Mickey Rourke was nominated, it wasn't a huge hit and didn't turn the dial, but it kept us moving along," said Silkin.
Rourke was nominated for an Oscar for his performance in the film and made an appearance at WrestleMania 25 when he knocked out Chris Jericho.
Though ROH had ties to "The Wrestler," Rourke competing in ROH was never on the table.
"Our dealings with Mickey Rourke, he was a very nice man, but he didn't express any interest in being involved in wrestling. I don't even know if it came up. Even though he was physically in good shape, he had no interest in pro wrestling. We got our own Mickey Rourke in Jerry Lynn," said Silkin.
Lynn won the ROH Title at Supercard of Honor IV in 2009 at the age of 45. ROH ran a similar storyline to that of "The Wrestler," portraying Lynn as a wrestler on his last legs, looking for one last big moment.
Elsewhere during the interview, Silkin discussed two "rinky-dink" offers he had to purchase ROH during his time as the owner. You can find his full comments by clicking here.
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