April 4, 2014, marked a significant night in professional wrestling as Ring of Honor (ROH) presented its annual Supercard of Honor VIII at the John A. Alario Sr. Event Center in Westwego, Louisiana. The event drew approximately 2,000 fans, who were treated to a series of exhilarating matches culminating in a dramatic Ladder War for the ROH World Title between Jay Briscoe and Adam Cole.
The main event was set against a backdrop of rivalry, with Briscoe returning to reclaim the title he had won the previous year, only to see it vacated due to injury. This led to Cole capturing the championship in Briscoe’s absence, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown. The tension was palpable as both competitors were vying for not just the title, but also to prove their superiority.
High-Octane Matches Lead Up to the Main Event
The card featured a variety of exciting bouts, beginning with a contest between Roderick Strong and Cedric Alexander. Strong, accompanied by his faction, The Decade, secured victory with his finishing move, the End Of Heartache, in a match that showcased his experience and ruthless tactics. The match, lasting 10:28, received a commendable rating of B- for its solid storytelling.
Next, a chaotic six-man tag match saw The Decade face off against Adrenaline Rush and Andrew Everett. The action was frenetic, with high-flying maneuvers and quick tags keeping the energy high. The Decade triumphed again, continuing their streak of victories on the night.
The card also included a notable encounter between RD Evans and Silas Young, where Evans, maintaining an undefeated streak, ended up winning by disqualification due to Young’s actions against the referee. This match, filled with comedic elements, was entertaining but did not overshadow the more serious competitions.
A Memorable Ladder War Conclusion
As the event progressed, the atmosphere intensified, particularly leading up to the main event. The Ladder War between Briscoe and Cole was everything fans anticipated. The match was brutal and chaotic, featuring numerous chair shots and high-risk maneuvers. Briscoe brought the fight to Cole early on, using a series of strikes and power moves to establish dominance.
The climax of the match saw both competitors exchanging blows atop a ladder, with Briscoe delivering a Jay Driller, which sent shockwaves through the arena. Yet, it was Cole who ultimately laid claim to victory, using the interference of Matt Hardy to secure the titles after a grueling 28:36 minutes. This match was rated B+, reflecting the high stakes and emotional investment from both wrestlers.
The Supercard of Honor VIII not only highlighted the athleticism and storytelling that ROH is known for but also set the tone for future rivalries, particularly between Briscoe and Cole. The night concluded with a sense of anticipation for what’s next in the ongoing saga of these fierce competitors.
Overall, the event was characterized by a series of well-executed matches and dramatic storytelling, culminating in a thrilling main event that will be remembered by fans. With both Briscoe and Cole proving their mettle, the landscape of ROH wrestling continues to evolve, promising more excitement in the future.
