ROH: Athena vs. Kiera Hogan set for a Chicago Street Fight

For the last few weeks, Athena and Kiera Hogan have been at each other’s throats. Their feud hit a tipping point at the end of May when Hogan gave Athena a taste of her own medicine and planted her on the ROH Women’s Championship.

Last week, they finally faced off in a title match. The two had a hard-hitting affair and were finally able to let out all of their frustrations on one another. Athena retained, but the fighting didn’t stop there. The two continued going for one another and had to be separated by security and referees.

On this week’s episode, Dasha Gonzalez was supposed to be interviewing Hogan when the champ showed up in a blue wig. She mocked her nemesis by saying she was the “hottest flame” and that she created having blue hair. Athena repeatedly used Hogan’s catchphrase, “periodt.” Hogan had enough and took her out.

Athena was in action a little later in the night. She faced Trish Adora in a Proving Ground match. Adora was ready for Athena and gave her a run for her money. She lasted seven minutes with the champ, just three minutes shy of the 10 minute time limit. Had Adora lasted 10 minutes, she would’ve gotten a title shot. Nonetheless, Adora lasted longer than any woman has in a Proving Ground match against Athena.

After the match, Hogan tried to ambush Athena with a trash can lid. The women had to be separated once again until Athena attacked them. Hogan finally connected with the trash can lid. Hogan put a table in the ring and Athena speared her through it.

Last week, Stokely Hathaway was named as one of two new members of ROH Board of Directors along with Jerry Lynn. Hathaway suggested to Tony Khan that the women settle their differences in a Chicago Street Fight. Khan made it official for next week at the United Center in Chicago.

This is a huge match for both women. It will be the first women’s street fight in the new era of ROH. A street fight is a credit to both women and the trust Khan (and Hathaway) has in them. Hogan is a former Knockouts Champion and Knockouts Tag Team Champion. She has really been elevated in her time in ROH and this is the best she’s been utilized since coming to AEW.

Athena is the most dominant women’s champion in ROH history and arguably the best women’s champion in the U.S. right now. After Thursday, Athena moved within four wins of achieving 30 consecutive wins.

I predict the women will steal the show next Thursday.