Last month we reported that former Ring of Honor TV Champion Matt Taven would not be re-signing his contract with the company. Taven did not compete in the “All Star Extravaganza” iPPV and has been taking independent bookings all over the country. It looks like his hiatus from ROH didn’t last long, as he made his return at this weekend’s television tapings in Wheeling, WV.

When Taven left last month, he was in the midst of a major babyface turn after dropping the title to Jay Lethal, and leaving the “House of Truth” faction led by Truth Martini. At the TV tapings Saturday night, the 29-year-old returned to Ring of Honor and at first, it looked like he’d be aiding ROH World Champion Jay Briscoe. However, Taven instead aligned himself with The Kingdom, a heel faction made up of Adam Cole, Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis. Matt Hardy was also a part of the group, and is expected to resume his role with the up-and-coming stars when his current run with TNA ends.

Taven lost the title to Tommaso Ciampa, not Lethal.

There were rumors Taven wasn't really done with ROH based on his post match promo at Field of Honor. I didn't expect him to come back though. I didn't figure ROH would have much to do for him anyway. I'm not sure they still do now. Hopefully they didn't do this to just surprise everyone.

And I don't expect to see Matt Hardy return to ROH. But it would be great to see him come back for a match or two. He had a great heel character.