From the ROH Message Board via Gabe:
If you have followed Ring Of Honor since "The Era Of Honor Begins" you have seen a progression and evolution in the ROH style. Once a land of pure workrate with no frills, ROH has seen riots, raves and alcoholic fathers come into play. In an effort to stay true to its roots, ROH has decided to crown a Pure Wrestling Champion.
What is pure wrestling? Basically it means there will be no frills, just straight up athletic wrestling like you've come to expect from ROH. Pure Wrestling title matches will be under different rules than all other matches. The three rules are:
1) A competitor is only allowed three rope breaks. Once that competitor uses his three rope breaks, his opponent does not have to release the hold if he reaches the ropes. This creates a lot of unique, interesting scenarios.
2) There will be a 20 count on the floor to insure that action stays in the ring.
3) No closed fists. If a competitor uses a closed fist, he will be issued a warning. Every closed fist punch thrown after that will result in a penalty of one rope break. If the competitor has no rope breaks left, he will be disqualified. This will insure that brawling stays out of the Pure Wrestling title matches.
The first Pure Wrestling champion will be crowned in an eight man tournament. The participants, location and date of the tournament will be announced shortly. You can never tell what is going happen next in ROH, but one thing you can count on is that ROH will always be based on producing the best athletic action going today. The Pure Wrestling title will continue that mission.