Rocky Romero

{{Infobox professional wrestler

|name = Rocky Romero

|image = Rocky Romero 2017.jpg

|image_size =

|caption = Romero in 2017

|names = Azteko
Black Emperor
Black Tiger (IV)
Chico El Luchador
Grey Shadow
Havana Brother I
El Mono Negro
Rocky Romero

|birthname = John Raymond Rivera

|height = 173 cm

|weight = 80 kg

|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1982|10|28}}{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/data/detail_profile.php?f=475|script-title=ja:ロッキー・ロメロ|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|access-date=October 16, 2012|language=ja | trans-title=Rocky Romero | archive-date=October 21, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021201140/http://www.njpw.co.jp/data/detail_profile.php?f=475}}

|birth_place =Havana, Cuba

|billed = Havana, Cuba
Roppongi, Japan
Los Angeles, California

|trainer = Kevin Quinn
Jesse Hernandez
Bill Anderson
Antonio Inoki
Shinya Makabe
Negro Casas

|debut = September 13, 1997

|retired =

}}

John Raymond Rivera (born October 28, 1982), better known by his ring name Rocky Romero (ロッキー・ロメロ, Rokkī Romero), is a Cuban-American professional wrestler. He is signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is a member of the Don Callis Family and one-half of Roppongi Vice with Trent Beretta. He also makes appearances for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), as well as Major League Wrestling (MLW). Also known by his nickname "Azúcar (sugar in Spanish)", he is best known for his accomplishments as a tag team wrestler. He was a member of the Chaos stable until their disbandment in 2025. He was member of tag teams like The Havana Pitbulls/Los Cubanitos, Forever Hooligans, and Roppongi Vice. His tenure as the fourth incarnation of Black Tiger was also met with praise and recognition.

Rivera made his in-ring debut on September 13, 1997, and, over the years, he portrayed several different characters including masked luchadores and has wrestled extensively in Mexico for both Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre and Lucha Libre AAA World Wide. In the United States, he is known for his work with Ring of Honor as a member of No Remorse Corps, and was one of the featured wrestlers for Lucha Libre USA.

As a singles wrestler, Romero won the CMLL World Super Lightweight Championship on three occasions, the NWA World Historic Welterweight Championship, the MLW World Middleweight Championship, the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship (as Black Tiger) and the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship. In the tag team division, he is a former three-time ROH World Tag Team Champion and a record eight-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion. Romero's wrestling style incorporates stiff shoot-style kicks and multiple arm-lock variations resembling mixed martial arts, competing in lucha libre style events in Mexico early in his career.

In addition to his work in the ring, behind the scenes Romero is considered one of the most influential figures in professional wrestling, working as a liaison between AEW, CMLL, and NJPW, amongst many other behind-the-scenes duties. Through his work, Romero has helped forge strong ties between the three international promotions.

Professional wrestling career

= Early career (1997–2009) =

Rivera made his wrestling debut in 1997, using the ring name Rocky Romero. He was trained by Antonio Inoki at the NJPW Dojo in Los Angeles. His career has taken him through promotions in the Southern California region to Mexico, where he competed successfully for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), the world's oldest wrestling promotion, and in Japan where he has worked most notably in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, (NJPW) where he was chosen to become the fourth incarnation of Black Tiger, the villainous gaijin opponent of Tiger Mask (in this case Tiger Mask IV).{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=2&nr=254&view=&page=4&gimmick=Black+Tiger&year=&promotion=®ion=&location=&arena=&showtype=&constellationType=&worker= | title=Rocky Romero >> Matches >> Black Tiger | work=CageMatch | access-date=June 21, 2017 | archive-date=November 7, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107235033/https://www.cagematch.net//?id=2&nr=254&view=&page=4&gimmick=Black+Tiger&year=&promotion=®ion=&location=&arena=&showtype=&constellationType=&worker= | url-status=live }} On October 8, 2005, Romero, as Black Tiger, defeated Tiger Mask for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/champions/iwgp-jr|title=IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship history|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|publisher=NJPW.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=December 3, 2016|archive-date=July 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705211155/http://www.njpw.co.jp/champions/iwgp-jr|url-status=live}} After a four-month reign, Tiger Mask regained the title from his nemesis.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/result/result.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060603154846/http://www.njpw.co.jp/result/result.html|title=試合結果|archive-date=2006-06-03|access-date=2015-08-30|work=NJPW.co.jp|publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja | trans-title=Show results }} Romero made his debut in Pro Wrestling Noah on March 4, 2007, versus Mushiking Terry, casting into doubt the future of the Black Tiger persona. Romero, however, did compete as Black Tiger in August 2007 in Chikara to compete for the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship against champion Mike Quackenbush. At NJPW's Resolution '09 on April 5, Romero lost in a mask vs. title match against Tiger Mask, thus ending his role as Black Tiger.{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2009/04/05/results-new-japan-4509/|title=(Results) New Japan, 4/5/09|date=April 5, 2009|access-date=January 23, 2011|work=Strong Style Spirit|archive-date=December 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215084550/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2009/04/05/results-new-japan-4509/|url-status=dead}}

= Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (2003–2004, 2008) =

In late-2003, Romero began working for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre in Mexico, using the name "Havana Brother I", where he would team up with Havana Brother II and Havana Brother III to form a three-man team known as Los Havana Brothers. A few months later Los Havana Brothers began working as Rocky Romero, Pinoy Boy and Bobby Quance respectively. On September 12, Romero became CMLL's first-ever World Super Lightweight Champion after defeating Volador Jr. in a tournament final. On November 14, Virus defeated Romero to win the championship, signaling the exit of Los Havana Brothers for the time being. In late 2004 Romero made a surprise return to CMLL and defeated Virus to regain the championship. After the title win he left CMLL again, occasionally defending the championship in Southern California.{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=1100&page=5&reign=4 | title=CMLL World Lightweight Championship > xx.09.2005 - 20.01.2006: Tommy Williams | work=CageMatch | access-date=May 31, 2017 | archive-date=April 5, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405044727/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1100&page=5&reign=4 | url-status=live }} In 2005, local wrestler Tommy Williams won the Super Lightweight Championship but Romero regained it in January 2006. At that point the championship became inactive, with no mention of it.

In early-2008, Romero returned to CMLL and began working under the name "Grey Shadow", a masked gimmick, without CMLL openly acknowledging that it was Romero under the mask. No official references were given to his past with CMLL, nor any mention of the fact that Romero was a CMLL World Super Lightweight Champion.{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/mexico/emll/cmll-l.html | title=Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre World Lightweight Title | work=wrestling-titles.com | access-date=June 1, 2017 | archive-date=August 14, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814123232/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/mexico/emll/cmll-l.html | url-status=live }}

=Ring of Honor (2004–2005, 2007–2010)=

File:Rocky Romero.jpg

Romero's main exposure in the United States came while he was one-half of the Havana Pitbulls tag team, with partner Ricky Reyes, in Ring of Honor where he and Reyes set a record for the longest reign as ROH Tag Team Champions at 196 days, a record they held until 2005 when it was eclipsed by the team of Austin Aries and Roderick Strong.{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/wrestlers/champions?quicktabs_view__roh_championships__page_1=1#quicktabs-view__roh_championships__page_1|title=Ring Of Honor Championships|access-date=April 5, 2010|publisher=Ring of Honor|archive-date=November 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112123501/http://www.rohwrestling.com/wrestlers/champions?quicktabs_view__roh_championships__page_1=1#quicktabs-view__roh_championships__page_1|url-status=live}} While in ROH, he and Reyes were also members of Homicide's stable, The Rottweilers. He left the company at the end of 2005 to focus on working in Japan.

He returned on January 26, 2007 by defeating Davey Richards. The following evening, Romero walked out on his longtime partner Reyes in the midst of a match against the Briscoe Brothers. On March 31, Romero was introduced as the newest member of the No Remorse Corps. Romero and new stablemate Davey Richards lost to Jack Evans and Naruki Doi. Rocky Romero has been touring with Noah recently and is currently teaming with Atsushi Aoki in the NTV Jr Heavyweight Cup. He also made his debut for Antonio Inoki's new promotion the Inoki Genome Federation defeating El Blazer. On January 26, 2008, Romero teamed with Davey Richards and defeated the teams of The Age of the Fall (Tyler Black and Jimmy Jacobs), Austin Aries and Bryan Danielson, and Brent Albright and B. J. Whitmer in an Ultimate Endurance match to capture the World Tag Team Championship. Romero and Richards later lost the titles to the Briscoe Brothers, and Romero later left ROH in mid-2008 to once again compete in Mexico. He returned at Final Battle 2009, where he won a match against rival Alex Koslov.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_37521.shtml|title=Caldwell's Ring Of Honor PPV Report 12/19: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of ROH's first online PPV - Austin Aries vs. Tyler Black|date=December 19, 2009|first=James|last=Caldwell|access-date=July 9, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303170327/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_37521.shtml|url-status=live}} They had a rematch on March 26, 2010, in Arizona during WrestleMania weekend, which Koslov won.{{cite web|url=https://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Past Events|access-date=October 14, 2011|work=Ring of Honor|archive-date=July 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729090026/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|url-status=live}}

= Lucha Libre AAA World Wide (2008–2010) =

On October 5, 2008, Romero jumped from CMLL to rival promotion Lucha Libre AAA World Wide (AAA). He made his surprise debut at the promotion's television taping in Puebla, Puebla and was announced as a member of Sean Waltman's D-Generation MEX stable at the show.{{cite web | url=http://Superluchas.com/no-mas-gray-shadow-rocky-romero-a-aaa/ | title=No más Gray Shadow: Rocky Romero a AAA | first=Jose | last=Miguel | date=October 5, 2005 | access-date=June 1, 2017 | work=Súper Luchas | language=es | trans-title=No more Gray Shadow: Rocky Romero joins AAA | editor-first=Ernesto | editor-last=Ocampo | publisher=Impresos Camsam, SA de CV | location=Mexico City, Mexico | archive-date=December 30, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230081529/https://superluchas.com/no-mas-gray-shadow-rocky-romero-a-aaa/ | url-status=live }} On July 4, 2010, Romero turned rudo and joined La Legión Extranjera instead. However, just four days later it was reported that Romero had left AAA, after the company had asked him to take a pay cut.{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1278693147|title=Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly|date=July 9, 2010|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|access-date=July 9, 2010|work=WrestleView|archive-date=July 11, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100711071259/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1278693147}}

= New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2010–present) =

== No Remorse Corps (2010–2012) ==

Image:ROCKY ROMERO.JPG

On October 12, 2010, New Japan Pro-Wrestling announced that Romero would return to the promotion in November, teaming with Davey Richards in the Super J Tag League, as a member of the promotion's top heel stable, Shinsuke Nakamura's Chaos.{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2010/10/12/super-j-tag-league-teams-and-lineups-revealed/|title=SUPER J TAG LEAGUE teams and lineups revealed!|date=October 12, 2010|access-date=October 12, 2010|work=Strong Style Spirit|archive-date=April 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406073056/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2010/10/12/super-j-tag-league-teams-and-lineups-revealed/|url-status=live}} The five-day-long tournament ended on November 13, with Romero and Richards winning their block and advancing to the finals, where they were defeated by their Chaos team mates Jado and Gedo.{{cite web | url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2010/11/13/results-new-japan-111310/ | title=(Results) New Japan, 11/13/10 | date=November 13, 2010 | access-date=November 13, 2010 | work=Strong Style Spirit | archive-date=March 26, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326041504/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2010/11/13/results-new-japan-111310/ | url-status=live }} On May 3, 2011, Romero and Richards unsuccessfully challenged Prince Devitt and Ryusuke Taguchi for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=173|script-title=ja:レスリングどんたく 2011|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|access-date=May 3, 2011|language=ja | trans-title= Wrestling Dontaku 2011 | archive-date=May 8, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508211138/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=173}}

On October 10, 2011, at Destruction '11, Romero and Richards defeated Devitt and Taguchi in a rematch to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship for the first time.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=412|title=Destruction '11|work=[New Japan Pro Wrestling|access-date=October 10, 2011|language=ja | archive-date=October 14, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111014001109/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=412}} Romero and Richards made their first successful title defense on November 12 at Power Struggle, defeating the team of Kushida and Tiger Mask.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=469|title=Power Struggle|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|access-date=November 12, 2011|language=ja | archive-date=November 14, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114175302/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=469}} On December 23, Romero unsuccessfully challenged Prince Devitt for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=487|title=Road to Kingdom 1st|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|access-date=December 23, 2011|language=ja | archive-date=January 8, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108173618/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=487}} On January 4, 2012, at Wrestle Kingdom VI in Tokyo Dome, Romero and Richards lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship back to Devitt and Taguchi.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=470|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour. レッスルキングダムVI in 東京ドーム|access-date=January 4, 2012|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja | trans-title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour. Wrestle Kingdom VI in Tokyo Dome |archive-date=January 8, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108044116/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=470}} No Remorse Corps regained the title from Apollo 55 on February 12 at The New Beginning.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=513|title=The New Beginning|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|access-date=February 12, 2012|language=ja | archive-date=February 15, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215184034/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=513}} On May 2, Romero and Richards were stripped of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, after travel issues forced Richards to miss the following day's Wrestling Dontaku 2012 event, where the two were scheduled to defend the title against Jyushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=7455|script-title=ja:デイビー・リチャーズ選手が交通事故により来日中止【5・3福岡大会カード変更のお知らせ】|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja | trans-title=Davey Richards not travelling to Japan due to a traffic accident 【Notice of change in Fukuoka convention matches】 |date=May 2, 2012|access-date=May 2, 2012 | archive-date=May 25, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525222622/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=7455}}

== Forever Hooligans (2012–2015) ==

Image:Forever Hooligans at ROH.jpg, Alex Koslov and Romero (right), with both the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship and ROH World Tag Team Championship belts in 2013.]]

Romero soon reunited with his former AAA partner Alex Koslov.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=584&c=4343|title=Dominion 6.16|access-date=June 16, 2012|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja | archive-date=June 19, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619045237/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=584&c=4343}} On July 22, the team, dubbed "Forever Hooligans",{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=7818|title=「ライガーとタイガーのブサイクな顔を公開してやる！」/IWGP Jr.タッグ王座次期挑戦者・ロメロ＆コズロフスペシャルインタビュー|date=July 17, 2012|access-date=July 22, 2012|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja | trans-title= "I'll expose the ugly faces of Liger and Tiger!" / IWGP Jr. Tag Team Championship next challenger Romero & Kozlov Special Interview | archive-date=August 19, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819201933/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=7818}} defeated Liger and Tiger Mask to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=593|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour Kizuna Road|access-date=July 22, 2012|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja | archive-date=July 30, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730073154/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=593}} Romero and Koslov made their first successful title defense on August 26 at a Sacramento Wrestling Federation (SWF) event in Gridley, California, defeating the team of A.J. Kirsch and Alex Shelley.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_64632.shtml|title=8/26 SWF results Northern California: Alex Shelley & A.J. Kirsch challenge for IWGP Jr. Tag Titles, New Japan's IC Title defended, more|last=Gee Schoon Tong|first=Chris|date=August 27, 2012|access-date=August 27, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=September 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922224305/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_64632.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8055|title=【アメリカ遠征速報!!】中邑がIC王座初防衛!! 新ベルトも披露!! Ａ・シェリーをKushidaが救出!!|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|date=August 28, 2012|access-date=August 28, 2012|language=ja | trans-title=【America Expedition Breaking News!】Nakamura First Defense of IC Championship !! New championship introduced! Shelley Kushida rescued! | archive-date=August 30, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830162744/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8055}} Forever Hooligans made their second successful title defense on October 8 at King of Pro-Wrestling, defeating the Time Splitters (Alex Shelley and Kushida).{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=619|title=NJPW 40th anniversary King of Pro-Wrestling|access-date=October 8, 2012|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja | archive-date=October 14, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014185115/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=619 }} On October 21, Forever Hooligans entered the 2012 Super Jr. Tag Tournament, defeating Jyushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask in their first round match.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=621|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour Road to Power Struggle|access-date=October 21, 2012|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja | archive-date=October 23, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023085921/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=621}} On November 2, Romero and Koslov were eliminated from the tournament in the semifinals by Apollo 55.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=624|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour Road to Power Struggle|access-date=November 2, 2012|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja | archive-date=November 6, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106082652/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=624}} On November 11 at Power Struggle, Forever Hooligans lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship to the winners of the Super Jr. Tag Tournament, the Time Splitters, ending their reign at 112 days.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=625|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Power Struggle|access-date=November 11, 2012|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja | archive-date=November 14, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114051112/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=625}}{{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/28337-sun-update-turning-point-preview-ppv-title-change-mania-tickets-big-show-cena-linda-mcmahon-campaign-new-wwe-announcer-debuts-major-wrestling-historical-anniversary | title=Sun. update: Turning Point preview, PPV title change, Mania tickets, Big Show, Cena, Linda McMahon campaign, New WWE announcer debuts, Major wrestling historical anniversary | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | author-link=Dave Meltzer | date=November 11, 2012 | access-date=November 11, 2012 | work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter | archive-date=November 14, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114013214/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/28337-sun-update-turning-point-preview-ppv-title-change-mania-tickets-big-show-cena-linda-mcmahon-campaign-new-wwe-announcer-debuts-major-wrestling-historical-anniversary}} On May 3, 2013, at Wrestling Dontaku 2013, Romero and Koslov regained the title from the Time Splitters.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=708|script-title=ja:レスリングどんたく 2013|access-date=May 3, 2013|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja | trans-title= Wrestling Dontaku 2013| archive-date=May 7, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507235145/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=708}} They lost the title to Suzuki-gun (Taichi and Taka Michinoku) on October 14 at King of Pro-Wrestling.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=762|title=King of Pro-Wrestling|access-date=October 14, 2013|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja | archive-date=October 16, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016215946/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=762}}

On July 27, 2013, Romero and Koslov, returned to ROH, through NJPW's close working relationship, and defeated reDRagon (Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly) to become the new ROH World Tag Team Champions.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_72302.shtml|title=ROH News: New ROH tag champions, Results from Night 1 of ROH Title tournament|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=July 28, 2013|access-date=July 28, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=August 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130817185011/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_72302.shtml|url-status=live}} They lost the title to The American Wolves (Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards) in their first defense on August 3.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=79385|title=ROH title change|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|date=August 3, 2013|access-date=August 3, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Insider|archive-date=September 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927025024/http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=79385|url-status=live}} On September 20 at Death Before Dishonor XI, the Forever Hooligans defeated the American Wolves in a rematch to retain the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.{{cite web | url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=80417&p=2 | title=New ROH Champion crowned: complete ROH Death Before Dishonor XI coverage from Philadelphia, PA | last=Johnson | first=Mike | date=September 20, 2013 | access-date=September 21, 2013 | work=Pro Wrestling Insider | archive-date=September 25, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925065805/http://pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=80417&p=2 | url-status=live }}

For the first half of 2014, Forever Hooligans received several new shots at the NJPW Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, held by The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), but were defeated each time,{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_75461.shtml|title=Caldwell's NJPW Tokyo Dome results 1/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of New Japan's biggest show of the year - four title changes, former WWE/TNA stars featured, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=January 4, 2014|access-date=May 11, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303181649/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_75461.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_78158.shtml|title=Show results - 5/3 New Japan "Wrestling Dontaku" PPV: A.J. Styles captures IWGP World Title, plus NWA & more title matches|date=May 3, 2014|access-date=May 11, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043538/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_78158.shtml|url-status=live}} including in a three-way match, also involving the Time Splitters, on May 10 at Global Wars, a special event co-produced by NJPW and ROH in Toronto.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_78316.shtml|title=Caldwell's ROH vs. New Japan iPPV report 5/10: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of iPPV from Toronto - ROH Title match, IWGP Jr. Tag Titles, Styles, Tanahashi, Okada, top NJPW stars|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=May 10, 2014|access-date=May 11, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303203604/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_78316.shtml|url-status=live}}

== Roppongi Vice (2015–2017) ==

Forever Hooligans broke up in January 2015, when Koslov announced he was taking an indefinite break from professional wrestling.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_82598.shtml|title=NJPW news: "Forever Hooligan" announces semi-retirement|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=January 9, 2015|access-date=January 9, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=January 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109162355/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_82598.shtml|url-status=live}} On March 1, Romero revealed he and Trent Baretta were forming a new tag team named Roppongi Vice.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/104-ring-of-honor/41441-roh-live-coverage-from-las-vegas-four-way-for-roh-title-alberto-vs-lethal-bucks-vs-fish-a-oreilly|title=ROH live coverage from Las Vegas - four-way for ROH title, Alberto vs. Lethal, Bucks vs. Fish & O'Reilly|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=March 1, 2015|access-date=March 1, 2015|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter | archive-date=March 3, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303014012/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/104-ring-of-honor/41441-roh-live-coverage-from-las-vegas-four-way-for-roh-title-alberto-vs-lethal-bucks-vs-fish-a-oreilly}} On April 5 at Invasion Attack 2015, the team captured the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship from The Young Bucks.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=956|title=Invasion Attack 2015|access-date=April 5, 2015|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja | archive-date=April 9, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409000342/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=956}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_84294.shtml|title=Show results - 4/5 NJPW "Invasion Attack" in Tokyo, Japan: A.J. Styles defends IWGP World Title in main event, ROH tag teams win both Tag Titles, Bullet Club in action, more|date=April 5, 2015|access-date=April 5, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303193155/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_84294.shtml|url-status=live}} They lost the title back to The Young Bucks on May 3 at Wrestling Dontaku 2015.{{cite web|url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=968|title=レスリングどんたく 2015|access-date=April 5, 2015|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja | trans-title=Wrestling Dontaku 2015 | archive-date=May 4, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504225146/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=968}}

Image:Roppongi Vice 2016.png in February 2016 with Romero wearing a version of his Black Tiger mask.]]

In early 2016, it was reported that WWE was interested in signing Romero as both a trainer and a wrestler. However, on January 9, Romero announced he had instead signed a new two-year deal with NJPW.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/rocky-romero-signs-2-year-deal-new-japan-205236|title=Rocky Romero signs 2 year deal with New Japan|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 9, 2016|access-date=January 9, 2016|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|archive-date=January 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110085205/http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/rocky-romero-signs-2-year-deal-new-japan-205236|url-status=live}} On March 14, 2016 at an ROH television taping, Roppongi Vice won a seven tag team gauntlet match to determine the #1 contenders for ROH World Tag Team Championships by defeating The Young Bucks after entering the match as the seventh team.{{cite web|last=Sapp|first=Sean Ross|title=ROH TV Recap (3/14): Tag Team Gauntlet: Young Bucks, Roppongi Vice, ReDRagon, Addiction, More|date=14 March 2016 |url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2016/0314/608567/roh-tv-recap/|access-date=March 18, 2016|publisher=Wrestlinginc|archive-date=March 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317094147/http://wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2016/0314/608567/roh-tv-recap/|url-status=live}} On April 10 at Invasion Attack 2016, Roppongi Vice defeated Matt Sydal and Ricochet to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship for the second time.{{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-invasion-attack-live-results-kazuchika-okada-vs-tetsuya-naito-iwgp-championship-210736 | title=NJPW Invasion Attack live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP Championship | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | author-link=Dave Meltzer | date=April 9, 2016 | access-date=April 10, 2016 | work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter | archive-date=August 6, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806182320/http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-invasion-attack-live-results-kazuchika-okada-vs-tetsuya-naito-iwgp-championship-210736 | url-status=live }} They lost the title back to Sydal and Ricochet on May 3 at Wrestling Dontaku 2016.{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1123 | script-title=ja:レスリングどんたく 2016 | access-date=May 3, 2016 | work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling | language=ja | trans-title=Wrestling Dontaku 2016 | archive-date=May 5, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505093337/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1123}} On November 5 at Power Struggle, Roppongi Vice defeated A. C. H. and Taiji Ishimori in the finals to win the 2016 Super Jr. Tag Tournament.{{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-power-struggle-live-results-tetsuya-naito-vs-jay-lethal-224011 | title=NJPW Power Struggle live results: Tetsuya Naito vs. Jay Lethal | last=Rose | first=Bryan | date=November 4, 2016 | access-date=November 5, 2016 | work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter | archive-date=August 2, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802011426/http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-power-struggle-live-results-tetsuya-naito-vs-jay-lethal-224011 | url-status=live }} On January 4, 2017, at Wrestle Kingdom 11 in Tokyo Dome, Roppongi Vice defeated The Young Bucks to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship for their third time together.{{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-11-live-results-kazuchika-okada-vs-kenny-omega-227626 | title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 11 live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega | last1=Rose | first1=Bryan | last2=Currier | first2=Joseph | date=January 3, 2017 | access-date=January 4, 2017 | work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter | archive-date=June 12, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163312/https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-11-live-results-kazuchika-okada-vs-kenny-omega-227626 | url-status=live }} Individually, Romero set a new record by winning the title for the seventh time.{{cite web | url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/62211 | script-title=ja:戦国炎舞 -Kizna- Presents Wrestle Kingdom 11 in 東京ドーム | access-date=January 5, 2017 | work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling | language=ja | trans-title=Sengoku Musume Mai - Kizna - Presents Wrestle Kingdom 11 in Tokyo Dome | archive-date=January 5, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105184442/http://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/62211 | url-status=live }} They lost the title to Suzuki-gun (Taichi and Yoshinobu Kanemaru) at NJPW's 45th anniversary show on March 6,{{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-45th-anniversary-show-live-results-okada-vs-tiger-mask-w-231266 | title=NJPW 45th Anniversary show live results: Okada vs. Tiger Mask W | last=Rose | first=Bryan | date=March 6, 2017 | access-date=March 6, 2017 | work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter | archive-date=March 6, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306124911/http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-45th-anniversary-show-live-results-okada-vs-tiger-mask-w-231266 | url-status=live }} before regaining it on April 27.{{cite web | url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/85477?showResult=1 | script-title=ja:Road to レスリングどんたく 2017 ～安芸の国戦国絵巻～ | access-date=April 27, 2017 | work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling | language=ja | trans-title=Road to Wrestling Dentaku 2017 ~ Aki Country Sengoku Picture Scroll ~ | archive-date=April 28, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428050724/http://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/85477?showResult=1 | url-status=live }} They lost the title to The Young Bucks on June 11 at Dominion 6.11 in Osaka-jo Hall.{{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-dominion-live-results-kazuchika-okada-vs-kenny-omega-237066 | title=NJPW Dominion live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega | last=Rose | first=Bryan | date=June 10, 2017 | access-date=June 11, 2017 | work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter | archive-date=December 14, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214204518/https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-dominion-live-results-kazuchika-okada-vs-kenny-omega-237066 | url-status=live }} On July 2 at G1 Special in USA, Roppongi Vice unsuccessfully challenged The Young Bucks for the title in a rematch. Afterwards, Romero brought up a five-year plan he and Beretta had made three years earlier, which included them winning the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship and the Super Jr. Tag Tournament, both of which they had already done, as well as Beretta's eventual transition into the heavyweight division. Having failed to regain the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, Romero gave Beretta his blessing to move to the heavyweight division, effectively disbanding Roppongi Vice.{{cite web | url=http://pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=110703&p=3 | title=Complete G1 Special in the USA night two report: a United States Champion is crowned, Young Bucks versus Roppongi Vice, Los Ingobernables de Japon, The Bullet Club, and more | last=Trionfo | first=Richard | date=July 3, 2017 | access-date=July 3, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Insider | archive-date=July 7, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707171603/http://pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=110703&p=3 | url-status=live }} Roppongi Vice's farewell match took place on September 16 at Destruction in Hiroshima, where they defeated Bullet Club's Chase Owens and Yujiro Takahashi.{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/101345?showResult=1 | title = Destruction in Hiroshima | access-date = September 16, 2017 | work = New Japan Pro-Wrestling | language = ja | archive-date = September 16, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170916140337/http://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/101345?showResult=1 | url-status = live }}

== Manager of Roppongi 3K (2017–2021) ==

Later that same day, Romero announced he was transitioning into the role of a manager and bringing in a new tag team named "Roppongi 3K" to take on the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions Ricochet and Ryusuke Taguchi. On October 9 at King of Pro-Wrestling, Romero revealed his new team as Sho and Yoh, who defeated Ricochet and Taguchi to become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.{{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-king-pro-wrestling-live-results-kazuchika-okada-vs-evil-244191 | title=NJPW King of Pro Wrestling live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Evil | last=Rose | first=Bryan | date=October 8, 2017 | access-date=October 9, 2017 | work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter | archive-date=February 16, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216214011/https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-king-pro-wrestling-live-results-kazuchika-okada-vs-evil-244191 | url-status=live }} Over the subsequent years Romero managed Roppongi 3K to a second reign with the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship,{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/champions/iwgp-jr-2tag | title = IWGP Jr. Heavy Tag Weight Class | access-date = October 9, 2017 | work = New Japan Pro-Wrestling | language = ja | archive-date = July 5, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170705050652/http://www.njpw.co.jp/champions/iwgp-jr-2tag | url-status = live }} as well as Sho and Yoh winning the 2018 Super Junior Tag Tournament.{{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-power-struggle-live-results-hiroshi-tanahashi-vs-kota-ibushi-245736 | title=NJPW Power Struggle live results: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kota Ibushi | last=Currier | first=Joseph | date=November 5, 2017 | access-date=November 5, 2017 | work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter | archive-date=November 7, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107030634/http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-power-struggle-live-results-hiroshi-tanahashi-vs-kota-ibushi-245736 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/819904/ | script-title=ja:【新日】Yoh&ShoがジュニアタッグＴ圧巻Ｖ | date=November 6, 2017 | access-date=November 6, 2017 | work=Tokyo Sports | language=ja | archive-date=November 7, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107011832/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/819904/ | url-status=live }} Romero also teamed up with Roppongi 3K for various multi-man matches while representing Chaos, for tours such as the CMLL/NJPW Fantastica Mania 2018 tour.{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/116511?showResult=1 | title=NJPW PRESENTS CMLL FANTASTICA MANIA 2018 | publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling | language=ja | access-date=October 28, 2018 | date=January 17, 2018 | archive-date=October 29, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029030818/https://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/116511?showResult=1 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpwcmll-fantastica-mania-recap-brothers-tag-tournament-finals-250291 | title=NJPW/CMLL Fantastica Mania recap: Brothers tag tournament finals | date=January 23, 2018 | access-date=October 27, 2018 | first=Ethan | last=Renner | work=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online | archive-date=October 29, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029031031/https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpwcmll-fantastica-mania-recap-brothers-tag-tournament-finals-250291 | url-status=live }}

On February 10, 2019 Romero wrestled Jeff Cobb for the ROH Television Championship as part of ROH's Bound By Honor PPV, but was defeated.{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=218224 | title=ROH Bound By Honor 2019 | date=February 10, 2019 | access-date=February 28, 2019 | work=CageMatch | archive-date=August 21, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821162246/https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=218224 | url-status=live }}

= All Elite Wrestling (2021–present) =

On the May 24, 2021 episode of AEW Dark: Elevation, as part of the on-going relationship between All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Romero made his debut for the promotion defeating JD Drake. After the match, Romero briefly reunited with his former Roppongi Vice partner Beretta as he saved Romero from an attack by Ryan Nemeth, Peter Avalon and Cezar Bononi as their theme music played and they embraced in the ring.{{Cite web|last=Defelice|first=Robert|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/aew-dark-elevation-stream-and-results-524-matt-hardy-scorpio-sky-ethan-page-and-more|title=AEW Dark: Elevation Stream And Results (5/24): Matt Hardy, Scorpio Sky, Ethan Page, And More|date=May 24, 2021|access-date=May 27, 2021|website=Fightful|archive-date=May 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524233754/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/aew-dark-elevation-stream-and-results-524-matt-hardy-scorpio-sky-ethan-page-and-more|url-status=live}} Romero also wrestled a singles match against Bryan Danielson on the November 10, 2021 episode of AEW Dynamite.{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw1972.com/108528 | title=Rocky Romero Battles Bryan Danielson on AEW Dynamite 【NJoA】 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING }}

On the February 12, 2024 edition of Wrestling Observer, journalist Dave Meltzer reported that, Romero joined AEW's front office. However, the exact official role was not stated.{{Cite web |title=Rocky Romero Part Of AEW Front Office {{!}} Fightful News |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/rocky-romero-part-aew-front-office |access-date=2025-01-15 |website=www.fightful.com |language=en}} At Grand Slam on September 25, Romero was officially inducted as a member of The Conglomeration.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=September 26, 2024 |title=AEW News: Young Bucks Retain Tag Titles On Dynamite, Rocky Romero Joins The Conglomeration |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/aew-young-bucks-tag-titles-dynamite-rocky-romero-conglomeration/ |access-date=October 2, 2024 |website=411 mania |language=en}} On the April 17, 2025 at the Spring BreakThru episode of Collision, Romero turned heel after betraying stablemate Tomohiro Ishii in a tag match and participated in attacking Ishii with the rest of the Don Callis Family, joining the group and reuniting Roppongi Vice with Trent Beretta.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-17 |title=AEW Collision results: Mercedes Mone in tag team action |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/aew-results/aew-collision-results-mercedes-mone-adam-cole-josh-alexander/ |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=F4W/WON |language=en-GB}}

= Impact Wrestling (2021–2023) =

At Bound for Glory on October 23, 2021, Romero made an unannounced appearance as a participant in the Call Your Shot Gauntlet match, which he failed to win as he was eliminated by Rohit Raju.{{cite web|last=Moore|first=John|title=10/23 Moore's Impact Wrestling Bound For Glory live review: Christian Cage vs. Josh Alexander for the Impact World Championship, Deonna Purrazzo vs. Mickie James for the Knockouts Title, Steve Maclin vs. Trey Miguel vs. El Phantasmo for the vacant X Division Title, Call Your Shot gauntlet|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/23/10-23-moores-impact-wrestling-bound-for-glory-live-review-christian-cage-vs-josh-alexander-for-the-impact-world-championship-deonna-purrazzo-vs-mickie-james-for-the-knockouts-title-steve-maclin/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=October 23, 2021|access-date=October 23, 2021|archive-date=October 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024033817/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/23/10-23-moores-impact-wrestling-bound-for-glory-live-review-christian-cage-vs-josh-alexander-for-the-impact-world-championship-deonna-purrazzo-vs-mickie-james-for-the-knockouts-title-steve-maclin/|url-status=live}} On the October 28 episode of Impact!, Romero failed to win the Impact X Division Championship from Trey Miguel.{{cite web|url=https://impactwrestling.com/2021/10/28/impact-on-axs-tv-results-october-28-2021/|title=IMPACT! on AXS TV Results: October 28, 2021|publisher=Impact Wrestling|author=Impact Wrestling Staff|date=October 28, 2021|access-date=October 29, 2021|archive-date=October 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029072847/https://impactwrestling.com/2021/10/28/impact-on-axs-tv-results-october-28-2021/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/29/10-28-impact-wrestling-tv-results-moores-review-of-the-bound-for-glory-fallout-edition-with-ace-austin-vs-chris-sabin-trey-miguel-vs-rocky-romero-for-the-x-division-championship-tasha-stee/|title=10/28 Impact Wrestling TV results: Moore's review of the Bound For Glory fallout edition with Ace Austin vs. Chris Sabin, Trey Miguel vs. Rocky Romero for the X Division Championship, Tasha Steelz vs. Rachael Ellering, Joe Doering vs. Heath|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|last=Moore|first=John|date=October 29, 2021|access-date=October 29, 2021|archive-date=October 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029195233/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/29/10-28-impact-wrestling-tv-results-moores-review-of-the-bound-for-glory-fallout-edition-with-ace-austin-vs-chris-sabin-trey-miguel-vs-rocky-romero-for-the-x-division-championship-tasha-stee/|url-status=live}} In 2022, Romero returned for a match against Eddie Edwards which he failed to win.{{cite web | url=http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/rocky-romero-924.html?prom_id=224 | title=Rocky Romero: Profile & Match Listing - Internet Wrestling Database (IWD) }}

On March 30, 2023 Rocky Romero made his Impact Wrestling return as he took on Trey Miguel, Clark Connors, Frankie Kazarian, Kevin Knight, and Rich Swann in a Six-way Scramble match at Impact Wrestling's Multiverse United of year 2023 for the Impact X Division Championship but once more was not successful as Trey Miguel remained on top for the second time when it came to the X Division Championship being put on the line in a match with him and Romero being involved in it.{{cite web|url=https://impactwrestling.com/2023/03/09/impact-njpw-stars-vie-for-x-division-title-in-high-stakes-scramble-match-at-multiverse-united-only-the-strong-survive/|title=IMPACT & NJPW Stars Vie for X-Division Title in High-Stakes Scramble Match at Multiverse United: Only the STRONG Survive|publisher=Impact Wrestling|author=IMPACT Wrestling Staff|date=March 9, 2023|access-date=March 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310051828/https://impactwrestling.com/2023/03/09/impact-njpw-stars-vie-for-x-division-title-in-high-stakes-scramble-match-at-multiverse-united-only-the-strong-survive/|archive-date=March 10, 2023|url-status=live}}

Behind the scenes

In addition to his in-ring career, Rocky Romero has played a key behind-the-scenes role in several major wrestling promotions, including New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), All Elite Wrestling (AEW), and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL).

At NJPW, Romero has been involved in talent recruitment, contract negotiations, and expanding the promotion’s presence in the United States. He has played a part in the development of NJPW STRONG, the American wing of NJPW, where he has helped bring in talent and has worked towards securing broader distribution for the show, with hopes to extend its reach to cable television and additional streaming services.{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Andrew |date=1 October 2021 |title=Rocky Romero wants to get NJPW STRONG on cable TV, talks his future |url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2021/10/01/post-news-update-rocky-romero-wants-to-get-njpw-strong-on-cable-tv-talks-his-future/ |work=POST Wrestling |location= |publisher= |access-date=15 April 2025}} During the COVID-19 pandemic, he oversaw the creation of New Japan USA contracts, designed for US-based wrestlers who were prominently featured on NJPW STRONG, offering them a structured pathway into the NJPW system.{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Andrew |date=12 February 2022 |title=POST NEWS UPDATE: Rocky Romero discusses New Japan USA contracts for talents on STRONG |url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2022/02/12/post-news-update-rocky-romero-discusses-new-japan-usa-contracts-for-talents-on-strong/ |work=POST Wrestling |location= |publisher= |access-date=16 April 2025}} Romero has also served as a liaison and booker for NJPW STRONG, coordinating logistics and collaborating with wrestlers for potential collaborations on NJPW platforms.{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Andrew |date= |title=Rocky Romero does not have update on Mercedes Moné, hoping to speak with her & her agent ‘maybe soon-ish’ |url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2023/11/07/rocky-romero-does-not-have-update-on-mercedes-mone-hoping-to-speak-with-her-her-agent-maybe-soon-ish/ |work=POST Wrestling |location= |publisher= |access-date=16 April 2025}} He has expressed plans to gradually shift away from in-ring competition in favor of administrative and developmental roles within NJPW, focusing on building partnerships and expanding the promotion’s footprint in America.

In AEW, Romero has taken on an executive role, contributing to talent booking, contract negotiations, and strategic planning.{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Andrew |date=8 May 2024 |title=Rocky Romero’s official AEW front office title is Vice President of Show & Talent Coordination |url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2024/05/08/rocky-romeros-official-aew-front-office-title-is-vice-president-of-show-talent-coordination/ |work=POST Wrestling |location= |publisher= |access-date=16 April 2025}} He has coordinated production details and helped shape inter-promotional events, with a focus on blending talent from multiple promotions. Romero’s efforts have strengthened AEW’s connections with other wrestling organizations and broadened the company's reach.{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Andrew |date=13 February 2024 |title=REPORT: Rocky Romero joins AEW front office |url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2024/02/13/report-rocky-romero-joins-aew-front-office/ |work=POST Wrestling |location= |publisher= |access-date=16 April 2025}}

Romero has also played an important role behind the scenes with CMLL, where he has acted as an intermediary between the American and Mexican wrestling markets. He has facilitated communication between AEW President Tony Khan and CMLL head Salvador Lutteroth, helping to overcome cultural and business challenges.{{cite news |last=Russell |first=Skylar |date=16 December 2023 |title=Rocky Romero Had Been Trying To Link CMLL And AEW Together Since Forbidden Door |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/rocky-romero-had-been-trying-link-cmll-and-aew-together-forbidden-door |work=Fightful |location= |publisher= |access-date=16 April 2025}} Romero’s work has contributed to the inclusion of CMLL performers in inter-promotional events, enhancing their visibility in the US.

Championships and accomplishments

File:Roppongi Vice Super Junior Tag Tournament Winners.jpg after winning the 2016 Super Jr. Tag Tournament.]]

Championship Wrestling From Hollywood
UWN Television Championship (1 time){{Cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=1561 |title=UWN Television Championship « Titles Database « CAGEMATCH - the Internet Wrestling Database |access-date=2017-05-29 |archive-date=2016-08-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809202419/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1561 |url-status=live }}
Percy Pringle Memorial Cup (2016)
Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
CMLL World Super Lightweight Championship (3 times, inaugural){{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=1100&page=5&reign=1 | title=CMLL World Lightweight Championship > 12.09.2003 - 14.11.2003: Rocky Romero | work=CageMatch | access-date=May 31, 2017 | archive-date=April 5, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405044753/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1100&page=5&reign=1 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=1100&page=5&reign=3 | title=CMLL World Lightweight Championship > 10.12.2004 - xx.08.2005: Rocky Romero (2) | work=CageMatch | access-date=May 31, 2017 | archive-date=April 5, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405050334/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1100&page=5&reign=3 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=1100&page=5&reign=5 | title=CMLL World Lightweight Championship > 20.01.2006 - xx.xx.2008: Rocky Romero (3) | work=CageMatch | access-date=May 31, 2017 | archive-date=April 4, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404135213/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1100&page=5&reign=5 | url-status=live }}
CMLL World Lightweight Title Tournament (2003)
Copa Bicentenario (2022) – with Místico{{cite web | url=https://superluchas.com/mistico-rocky-romero-dalys-y-lady-frost-ganan-la-copa-bicentenario/ | title=Místico, Rocky Romero, Dalys y Lady Frost ganan la Copa Bicentenario | date=10 December 2022 }}
NWA World Historic Welterweight Championship (1 time){{cite web | url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/116320-cmll-viernes-espectacular-rocky-romero-gana-peso-welter | title=Resultados CMLL Viernes Espectacular 20 de enero del 2023 | date=21 January 2023 }}
Costa Rica Wrestling Embassy
CWE Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
DDT Pro-Wrestling
Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship (2 times){{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/ddt/ironman-hm.html|title=Ironman Heavymetalweight Title|access-date=August 29, 2016|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com|archive-date=July 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729200555/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/ddt/ironman-hm.html|url-status=live}}
Empire Wrestling Federation
EWF Tag Team Championship (5 times) – with Ricky Reyes{{Cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/bios/r/rocky-romero/|title=Rocky Romero|access-date=August 4, 2009|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103042624/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/bios/r/rocky-romero/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2003-09.html |title=Independent Wrestling Results - September 2003 |access-date=July 5, 2008 |publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com |archive-date=September 21, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921233709/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2003-09.html |url-status=live }}
International Wrestling Council
IWC Tag Team Championship (1 time)– with Ricky Reyes
Lucha Libre Internacional Independiente
LLII Championship (1 time)
Mach One Pro Wrestling
M1W The Hall Of Fame Cup (2011)
Millennium Pro Wrestling
MPW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Ricky Reyes
Major League Wrestling
MLW World Middleweight Championship (1 time)
National Wrestling Alliance
NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship (8 times) – with Davey Richards (2) Alex Koslov (2), and Beretta (4)
Best of the American Super Juniors (2006){{cite web|url=http://socaluncensored.com/2017/06/26/inokidojo-njpw-usa/|title=SoCal and Puroresu Part 3: The Inoki Dojo and NJPW-USA|access-date=July 5, 2017|work=SoCal Uncensored|date=26 June 2017 |archive-date=July 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709111019/http://socaluncensored.com/2017/06/26/inokidojo-njpw-usa/|url-status=live}}
Super Jr. Tag Tournament (2016) – with Beretta
Pro Wrestling Illustrated
Ranked No. 11 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2002{{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/pwi-500/2002.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2002|access-date=October 7, 2015|work=The Internet Wrestling Database|archive-date=October 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018112021/http://profightdb.com/pwi-500/2002.html|url-status=live}}
Ring of Honor
ROH World Tag Team Championship (3 times) – with Ricky Reyes (1), Davey Richards (1), and Alex Koslov (1)
Trios Tournament (2005) – with Ricky Reyes and Homicide{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=26&nr=412 | title=Trios Tournament | work=CageMatch | access-date=June 21, 2017 | archive-date=March 4, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000555/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=412 | url-status=live }}
SoCal Uncensored
Tag Team of the Year (2001) with Ricky Reyes{{cite web|url=http://www.socaluncensored.com/titles/awards/scu01.htm|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20050213053904/http://www.socaluncensored.com/titles/awards/scu01.htm|archive-date=February 13, 2005|title=SoCal Uncensored Awards 2001|access-date=October 26, 2010|work=SoCal Uncensored}}
Toryumon
Young Dragons Cup Tournament (2004){{cite web | url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/mexico/toryumon/young.html#young2004 | title=Young Dragons Cup 2004 | date=December 14, 2004 | access-date=December 3, 2016 | work=Pro Wrestlong History | archive-date=December 20, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220110116/http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/mexico/toryumon/young.html#young2004 | url-status=live }}
Ultimate Pro Wrestling
UPW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Ricky Reyes
WrestleCircus
Big Top Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Beretta{{cite web|url=https://wrestlecircus.com/pages/07-22-2017-squared-ring-circus|title=07/22/2017 - Show Results: Squared Ring Circus|access-date=September 10, 2017|work=WrestleCircus|archive-date=September 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911114911/https://wrestlecircus.com/pages/07-22-2017-squared-ring-circus|url-status=usurped}}
Other titles
Talk 'N Shop A Mania 24/7 Championship (1 time){{Cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=284280 |title=Talk 'N Shop a Mania « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - the Internet Wrestling Database |access-date=2020-09-09 |archive-date=2020-10-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023104748/https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=284280 |url-status=live }}

''Luchas de Apuestas'' record

{{See also|Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|l1=Luchas de Apuestas}}

class="wikitable sortable" width=100% style="text-align: center"

!width=20% scope="col"|Winner (wager)

!width=20% scope="col"|Loser (wager)

!width=20% scope="col"|Location

!width=20% scope="col"|Event

!width=15% scope="col"|Date

!class="unsortable" width=5% scope="col"|Notes

Tiger Mask (IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship)

|Black Tiger (mask)

|Tokyo, Japan

|Resolution '09

|{{dts|2009|4|5}}

Mixed martial arts record

| {{no2}}Loss

|align=center|0-1

|{{flagicon|JPN}} Masahito Kakihara

|Submission (kneebar)

|JF 3 - Jungle Fight 3

|{{dts|2004|October|23}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:20

|Manaus, Brazil

|{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Rocky-Romero-11466|title=Rocky Romero profile|publisher=Sherdog|access-date=December 25, 2012|archive-date=November 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112212529/http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Rocky-Romero-11466|url-status=live}}