ROH TV CHAMP MATT TAVEN
His Shortcut To The Top … His Long Road To Disaster

It’s hard for a young wrestler to resist the lure of a man like Truth Martini. But for his long-term well being, Matt Taven is advised by men who have stumbled in his shoes to re-examine what could be a horrible career move

BY AL CASTLE

From Charles Manson to David Koresh, American history is filled with stories of crazed cult leaders who have corrupted the minds of their followers with promises of glory.

But what if those promises came true?

That was the conundrum faced by Ring of Honor up-and-comer Matt Taven when presented the opportunity to be managed by the devious Truth Martini. On one hand, Taven was well aware of Martini’s reputation, and the bitter falling-outs with past House of Truth stable members. On the other hand, he also knew Martini’s unquestionable record of success.

In the end, Taven chose to follow the so-called “Senator Of Sleaze.” The immediate results appeared to justify the decision made by Taven, who went on to win the prestigious Top Prospect tournament and later the ROH TV title.

But Martini’s former disciples warn Taven that the future chapters in The Book Of Truth could be his ultimate downfall.

“Trust me, I’ve been there,” said “Unbreakable” Michael Elgin, who left The House of Truth in September after months of turmoil within the faction. “He brainwashes you into thinking that you’re on top of the world. Money. Women. Everything you could ask for.

“But after a while, you realize you’re missing the most important thing in this sport,” Elgin added. “Self-respect.”

At least for now, Martini can do no wrong in the eyes of Taven, the 28-year-old Derry, New Hampshire, native who toiled in relative obscurity in ROH since 2010 before joining up with Martini. Taven had success in various New England independent promotions since making his pro debut in 2008, but appeared to lack the confidence to string together any meaningful victories in ROH, where he primarily competed in tag team undercard bouts.

And so when Taven was announced as a participant in the 2013 Top Prospect tourney, which included such buzzworthy talents as ACH and Silas Young, few observers thought he stood a chance. But despite his long-shot odds, Martini decided to back Taven. In Taven’s tournament final match against Tadarius Thomas, Martini came to ringside and shocked fans by clobbering Thomas with his Book Of Truth. Taven got the win, and The House of Truth got a new tenant.

Still, many fans and wrestlers saw Taven’s win as a fluke, and didn’t think he could pull off another upset when he cashed in his reward for winning the tournament: a shot at the TV title. At ROH’s 11th Anniversary Show in Chicago Ridge, Illinois, Taven went up against TV champion and rising star Adam Cole. For 13 minutes, both young warriors fought with heart and determination. But, once again, Martini’s suspiciously lethal hardcover made all the difference. Martini blasted Cole with the book, and Taven capitalized with a modified DDT for the championship victory.

“This kid is what the H.O.T. has always been about. And that’s creating hoopla,” Martini said in his obnoxious, gravelly voice. “Matt Taven is as talented as he is handsome, and he appreciates the finer things in life. I’m talking about broads and cash. And on the roll he’s on, we’ll have more of both than we’ll know what to do with.”

For a young competitor getting his first taste of success in a nationally televised wrestling promotion, the allure of Martini’s world can be irresistible. But observers warn Taven to be leery of Martini’s real motivations. His recruitment of Taven came only after The House of Truth was in virtual foreclosure.

In September, The Guardians of Truth, frustrated with the lack of attention they were getting from Martini, unmasked to reveal themselves as The Headbangers and left the stable. That same month, perennial fan favorite Elgin finally came to his senses and quit the H.O.T. as well. Around the same time, Martini’s muscle, Rhino, took a job with another ROH faction, Kevin Steen’s S.C.U.M. And in December, House charter member Roderick Strong dumped Martini after defeating former stablemate Elgin at Final Battle.

In all cases, Martini’s charges grew frustrated with the infighting and insincerity that came with being a member of The House of Truth. It helped that they were all ring veterans, with experience ranging from eight to 16 years, who had come across their share of snake oil salesmen over their wrestling careers.

And so it was no surprise that Martini appeared to change his blueprint for The House of Truth early in 2013. Rather than look for strength in numbers, Martini chose instead to focus on just one client. He looked for a young, easily influenced blue-chipper who had a big upside, but was also struggling to find his way in ROH. Taven fit the bill perfectly.

“In Matt Taven, Truth Martini sees a wide-eyed, small-town kid who finds himself lost in the big leagues, and looking for someone to show him the way,” said ROH’s veteran play-by-play announcer Kevin Kelly. “I’ve seen it a million times. He’s going to bleed this kid dry until Taven gets wise to what’s going on. By then, Martini will already have his eye on the next sucker.”

For his part, Taven said he entered his arrangement with Martini with both eyes open. In looking at past H.O.T. members, Taven saw not suckers, but successes.

“Facts are facts man. Roderick Strong was in this company for seven years before he joined up with Truth. Four months later, he was the ROH heavyweight champion. Michael Elgin became a top contender while he was with Truth and got a shot at Steen’s heavyweight title. The Guardians got a shot at the tag team title. Hell, less than a month after joining The House of Truth, I won the TV title,” Taven said. “I’m a big boy. I know what I’m doing. And what I’m doing right now is winning.”

But winning and earning victories are not the same thing. Because Taven’s biggest wins came after assists from Martini, the reigning TV titleholder is yet to prove he’s truly championship material. And with several formidable challengers waiting in the wings, including former champ Cole and Matt Hardy, Taven will need more than just a loaded piece of literature to stay on top.

There’s little doubt that Taven, with his impressive physique and dazzling wrestling skill, has the talent to make it far in Ring of Honor. But relying on the interference of an unscrupulous manager isn’t going to turn any heads. Only stomachs.