Ring Of Honor Wrestling sent out the following:

RINGMASTERS CHALLENGE COMES TO CHICAGO RIDGE

ADAM COLE DEFENDS THE ROH WORLD TITLE AGAINST CHRIS HERO

At Ring of Honor’s 12th Anniversary, ROH World Champion Adam Cole successfully defended his title against “Knockout Artist” Chris Hero. But the result was not without controversy. In the closing moments of the contest, Hero managed to lock in a submission maneuver and it appeared that Adam Cole tapped out – but the incapacitated referee was unable to end the match. The message, however, was heard loud and clear: Adam Cole tapped out.

Due to the controversial nature of this world title defense, Head Matchmaker Nigel McGuinness has decided that Chris Hero must receive another ROH World Title shot. And it will happen sooner rather than later: March 8th in Chicago Ridge at RAISING THE BAR!

But this time, Cole vs. Hero will not be a straight, one fall to a finish wrestling contest. Since Hero pinned Cole at Wrestling’s Finest and got a visual tap out last Saturday, Nigel wants to ensure a winner. So at Raising the Bar, it will be a RINGMASTER’S CHALLENGE match!

The Ringmaster’s Challenge plays out in 3 distinct phases of action:

1st fall: Pin fall only

2nd fall: Submission only

3rd Fall (if necessary): 15 minute Iron man with Sudden Death Overtime if necessary

Adam Cole himself took part in the second Ringmaster’s Challenge match in ROH history, taking on Roderick Strong. That gives him the experience advantage for this particular stipulation, but Chris Hero is legendary for his endurance in the wrestling ring. He has had 30 minute, 60 minute, even 90 minute matches throughout his career – with stamina a huge factor in Ringmaster’s Challenge strategy, Hero is more than prepared. Additionally, both competitors utilize high impact AND submission maneuvers to win matches. Cole has his Florida Key straight jacket German Suplex and the figure four while Hero comes armed with devastating variations on knockout elbows and neck cranking submissions. With both men so focused and prepared, this will be an intense battle you need to see live!

RAISING THE BAR: NIGHT TWO rolls into Chicago Ridge on March 8th. To purchase tickets, click HERE.

Matches signed already include:

ROH World Tag Team Championship
reDRagon (Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly) vs. IWGP Jr Heavyweight Tag Team Championship The Young Bucks (Nick & Matt Jackson)

Signed to appear…

– “Unbreakable” Michael Elgin
– Mark & Jay Briscoe
– “Mr Wrestling” Kevin Steen
– Jay Lethal
– Michael Bennett with Maria Kanellis
– The Decade (Roderick Strong, Jimmy Jacobs & BJ Whitmer)
– Matt Taven
– “Last Real Man” Silas Young
– Cedric Alexander
– Plus More!