Alberto Del Rio, who is wrestling under the name El Patron, has officially joined Ring of Honor and will make his debut for the promotion on Jan. 3 in Nashville.
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ROH officially announced Del Rio's signing late Thursday night in a press release.
"The hottest free agent in the world makes his debut in the organization known for the best wrestling on the planet as Alberto El Patron debuts in Ring of Honor on January 3rd, 2015 in Nashville, TN" the company said in a press release via Cageside Seats.
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The release continued: "Formerly known in WWE as Alberto Del Rio, Alberto El Patron is a former 4 time World Champion in World Wrestling Entertainment and the current AAA Heavyweight Champion in Mexico. Known for his brash demeanor, this Mexican aristocrat brings an attitude and desire to prove his greatness to Ring of Honor but how will that attitude mesh with the ROH stars?"
The company also said that fans can voice who they want to see Del Rio face in the ring by tweeting @RingofHonor and using the hashtag #AlbertoROH.
Ring of Honor also announced that Del Rio will wrestle for the company on the following dates:
* Saturday January 3, 2015 Nashville, TN, Nashville Fairgrounds - ROH Television Taping
* Friday January 30, 2015 Dearborn, MI, Ford Community Center
* Saturday January 31, 2015 Dayton, OH, Montgomery County Fairgrounds
* Sunday March 1, 2015 Las Vegas Nevada, Orleans Hotel & Casino for the 13th Anniversary Pay-Per-View
Del Rio was released by the WWE on Aug. 7 for slapping a social media worker who allegedly passed a racist comment about him by saying that it was Del Rio's job to clean off his plate in catering behind the former WWE Superstar's back.
The two sides recently worked out a deal where Del Rio's no-compete clause was lifted in exchange for the former WWE Superstar not bashing the company publicly or painting it in a racist light.
Del Rio joined AAA and recently said that he is going to wrestle for TNA next year, but the organization -- which is preparing to launch Impact Wrestling on its new network home Destination America next month -- has stayed distant from the rumor.
Del Rio won the AAA World Heavyweight Championship this past Sunday when he defeated El Texano to capture the gold. Del Rio was reportedly recently contacted by Bellator MMA after CM Punk signed with UFC, but it's doubtful he'd accept an offer.
Ring of Honor touted the official signing of Del Rio.
"It's been said that Alberto wants to show that he is one of the best in the world between the ropes, and he will certainly have every opportunity to prove that in Ring of Honor."
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