From ROHWrestling.com:
Tomorrow night the ROH SUMMER HEAT TOUR scorches Cincinnati! This is just night one of a full weekend of ROH action. And it is an extra special event because it is one of Kevin Steen’s last scheduled appearances!
ROH World Title Championship Match
“Unbreakable” Michael Elgin vs. Roderick Strong
On June 22nd at BEST IN THE WORLD, “Unbreakable” Michael Elgin finally dethroned Adam Cole and became Ring of Honor World Champion. His entire career lead up to this moment – days on the road, days in the gym, days away from home. But though Elgin’s road to the title was long, from the moment he reached the top of the mountain he has sworn to be a fighting champion.
Roderick Strong, on the other hand, had a less successful night at BEST IN THE WORLD. He fell victim to his own trademark submission and tapped out to the man he intended to humiliate in Nashville, young Cedric Alexander. Strong insists the victory was merely a fluke and that he still deserves to be counted among the top professional wrestlers in the world. According to Roddy, Cedric didn’t earn any respect from him tHat night. In Strong’s opinion, no other former champion is more qualified to receive a title shot. He’s been a cornerstone of ROH for years. That’s the entire mission statement of The Decade: earning respect and loyalty. And he knows Michael Elgin better than anyone thanks to their time together with Truth Martini.
Roderick Strong is even willing to admit that since those days gone by Michael Elgin has become one of the absolute top professional wrestlers in the world. But not THE best. That is still Roderick Strong and he is ready to become a two time ROH World Champion.
Kevin Steen Farewell Match #2
NO DISQUALIFICATION
“Mr Wrestling” Kevin Steen vs. “The Last Real Man” Silas Young
As a reflection of all that Steen has meant to Ring of Honor – to the locker room and the fans – Nigel McGuinness has decided to allow him to hand select his opponents for his remaining ROH matches.
On July 18th in Cinncinati, Ohio, Kevin Steen has demanded one more shot at Silas Young! This feud has quickly become extremely personal. Young disrespected Steen after losing at BEST IN THE WORLD, and now he’ll face the consequences of that deplorable attack…because Kevin Steen has also declared this match to be NO DISQUALIFICATION! This is sure to be an all-out war between two men who aren’t afraid to get violent!
ROH World TV Title
Jay Lethal w/ Truth Martini vs Romantic Touch
In Collinsville on THE ROAD TO BEST IN THE WORLD, the mysterious Romantic Touch was scheduled to face Jay Lethal in a Proving Ground match for a future TV Title opportunity. Shockingly, The Romantic Touch defeated Lethal…and unmasked himself to reveal Matt Taven!
Technically, “The Romantic Touch” did earn a TV Title shot by surviving the Proving Ground. It seems clear to virtually everyone that Matt Taven is not the real man behind the mask…probably. However, it’s only fair to grant The Romantic Touch his title opportunity and that goes down in Cincinnati! Last time, Jay Lethal clearly underestimated his opponent and was sucked into a trap. This time, there’s no doubt The House of Truth is prepared for anything!
Tag Team Attraction
The Kingdom (Adam Cole & Michael Bennett w/Maria Kanellis) vs. “The Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian
Ever since the announcement that “The Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian would be teaming up in Ring of Honor, fans have been busy speculating about possible opponents. At BEST IN THE WORLD, Daniels and Kazarian took on ROH Tag Team Champions reDRagon. While Daniels and Kazarian were not successful in snaring the titles, they made to known live on PPV that they haven’t missed a step and are ready to take on anyone in Ring of Honor.
Now Adam Cole and Michael Bennett will have the opportunity to display the power of The Kingdom when they face the team of Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian! Could we be seeing a new tag team making their mark in ROH? Daniels and Kazarian, meanwhile, intend to test themselves against all the top players in Ring of Honor. It all happens July 18th!
First Time Ever
Jay & Mark Briscoe vs War Machine (Hanson & Rowe)
Last weekend in Hopkins, ROH fans were supposed to see a huge 6 Man War flight between Michael Elgin & War Machine and The Kingdom. Elgin and his crew had a score to settle with Hardy, Cole, and Bennett, who had interfered in the World Title match at BEST IN THE WORLD. But the 6 Man was ruled a no contest when JAY AND MARK BRISCOE hit the scene and attacked The Kingdom themselves. Since officials could not contain the chaos, the match was officially thrown out.
The Briscoes seemed to feel they have some unfinished business with The Kingdom. And while Hanson and Rowe no doubt respect a man’s right to fight…in Hopkins, the Briscoe interference cost War Machine a huge opportunity to prove they have what it takes to compete against the top athletes in ROH. Not to mention the fact that they were denied the opportunity to destroy The Kingdom as planned.
Due to the mounting tensions between these two teams, Nigel McGuinness has decided to let them have at each other as soon as possible! That’s right, just days from now in Cincinnati, Hanson & Rowe step into the ring with ROH tag legends Jay & Mark Briscoe!
Six Man Tag Team Match
ACH, Cedric Alexander & Caprice Coleman vs. BJ Whitmer, Tadarius Thomas & Adam Page
Six man action in Cincinnati when The Decade takes on their biggest rivals! The Decade’s issues with Cedric Alexander are long standing – and Alexander forced Roderick Strong to tap out at BEST IN THE WORLD! But while Strong is busy with his own world title match, the other members of The Decade will try to teach Alexander and 2 of his closest allies some respect.
All eyes will be on ACH and Tadarius Thomas in this match. It’s just one night away from their one-on-one encounter in Dearborn. This is an opportunity for either man to gain an advantage – and the entire Decade is sure to be gunning for ACH!
Friday, July 18, 2014
The Masonic Center
315 East 5th Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Bell time – 7:30pm EST
For tickets, click HERE!