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WWE WrestleMania 42 (Night 2) PLE Results: 4-19-26
Results courtesy of ProWrestling.net (complete link to Powell's ongoing report).
1. Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar (w/Paul Heyman).
Alicia Taylor delivered in-ring introductions for the match. Heyman took the mic and introduced Lesnar, and then Taylor introduced Oba. The wrestlers locked up a couple of times, with neither man getting the better of it. Lesnar picked up Oba and drove him into the corner. Oba no-sold it and shoved Lesnar to the mat. Lesnar threw two clotheslines that didn’t move Oba, who put Lesnar down with a clothesline of his own.
A frustrated Lesnar rolled to the floor and took the top piece off the ring steps. Oba reached out and grabbed Lesnar, who ended up running Oba into the ring post casing and the ring steps. Back in the ring, Lesnar took Oba to Suplex City with a few German Suplexes. Lesnar went for another, but Oba caught him with an elbow.
Oba charged Lesnar and hit him in a corner of the ring twice. He went for a third time, but Lesnar scooped him up and put him down with an F5. Oba recovered and chokeslammed Lesnar. Oba followed up with the Fall From Grace sit-out powerbomb and pinned Lesnar clean.
Oba Femi defeated Brock Lesnar in 4:45.
Lesnar sat up in the ring and looked to the sky. He spoke to himself and then removed his gloves and boots. Lesnar got emotional. There was a “Thank you, Brock” chant. Lesnar stood up and waved to the fans.
Heyman entered the ring and shared a hug with an emotional Lesnar. Heyman raised Lesnar’s arm, and the fans cheered. Lesnar blew a kiss and then waved. He went to the ropes and played to the cheering crowd. Lesnar dropped down on his hands and knees and pounded the mat a few times before exiting.
Once on the stage, Lesnar patted his chest and said, “Thank you, guys, I appreciate this.” Lesnar and Heyman headed to the back. The camera showed Lesnar’s boots and gloves in the middle of the ring before they cut to a commercial break…
Wow. Brock put over Oba Femi clean and even sold it like he was laid out. As if that wasn’t enough, Lesnar removing his gloves and boots to signify his retirement was obviously a huge moment that will surely get plenty of attention on ESPN’s various shows. Is this truly the end? Undertaker did the same thing at WrestleMania 33 in 2017, and then stuck around and eventually had his last match at WrestleMania 36. I’m keeping the door open, as SummerSlam is in Minneapolis, where he went to college, and there’s been a lot of talk about him facing Gunther on that show. If this is the end, Brock definitely did right by Oba Femi on his way out.
2. Penta vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Dragon Lee vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Rusev vs. JD McDonagh in a six-way ladder match for the Intercontinental Title.
Penta and Lee set up for a double suicide dive during the opening minute, but Rusev held up a ladder that struck them both. McDonagh pulled a ladder into Penta. Evans dove over the top rope onto McDonagh.
Rusev set up a ladder and made the first play for the Intercontinental Title belt that was hanging above the ring. Penta broke it up. Evans and McDonagh climbed opposite sides of the ladder, which was pushed over. McDonagh landed on the apron while Evans took a bump to the floor. McDonagh climbed the ladder again, but Evans knocked him down with a springboard clothesline.
Rey performed a 619 and then set up a ladder. Evans jumped ahead of Rey on he ladder, but Rey pulled him down. After being tripped, Rey ended up hanging by his legs from the ladder. Penta suplexed Evans on a ladder that was leaning in a corner of the ring. Lee hit Rey with a missile dropkick to knock him off the ladder.
Rusev created a ladder bridge between the ladder in the middle of the ring and the middle turnbuckle. Rusev slammed Evans on the bridge before being sent to the floor. Penta and Rey fought while Rusev returned to the apron and put both feet on another ladder bridge that was located outside the ring. Penta launched Rey, who hit Rusev with a West Coast Pop onto the ladder.
McDonagh climbed the ladder. Penta climbed up the other side. McDonagh tried to suplex Penta, who blocked it and then pulled McDonagh’s head into one of the ladder rungs. Penta climbed to McDonagh’s side of the ladder and hit a Mexican Destroyer onto the in-ring ladder bridge.
Evans made a play for the belt while everyone else was on the floor. Rusev returned and pushed the ladder out from under Evans, who hung from the hook. Rusev pulled Evans down and then tossed him to the floor. Rusev limped as he positioned the main ladder. Evans went up top and pulled Rusev off the ladder with an OG Cutter.
Penta returned to the ring and jumped off the ladder before hitting Evans with a Mexican Destroyer. Pena also limped before climbing up the ladder and pulling the belt down to win the match.
Penta defeated Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee, Je’Von Evans, Rusev, and JD McDonagh in a six-way ladder match in 15:10 to retain the Intercontinental Title.
Cole put over all six wrestlers, and then Barrett recapped highlights from the match…
Cole and Barrett recapped Lesnar leaving his gloves and boots in the ring after his loss to Oba Femi. Barrett said he was going to pump the brakes on what this meant until Lesnar makes it official. Cole said one thing they do know is that Oba Femi is for real. They wrapped up the ESPN coverage before a batch of commercials aired…
The wrestlers lived up to high expectations. It was the crazy spot-fest ladder match that everyone envisioned. Here’s hoping that everyone came out of it healthy. My only complaint is that it was more difficult to cover than it should have been because three babyfaces wore red gear. Yes, poor me.
Results courtesy of ProWrestling.net (complete link to Powell's ongoing report).
1. Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar (w/Paul Heyman).
Alicia Taylor delivered in-ring introductions for the match. Heyman took the mic and introduced Lesnar, and then Taylor introduced Oba. The wrestlers locked up a couple of times, with neither man getting the better of it. Lesnar picked up Oba and drove him into the corner. Oba no-sold it and shoved Lesnar to the mat. Lesnar threw two clotheslines that didn’t move Oba, who put Lesnar down with a clothesline of his own.
A frustrated Lesnar rolled to the floor and took the top piece off the ring steps. Oba reached out and grabbed Lesnar, who ended up running Oba into the ring post casing and the ring steps. Back in the ring, Lesnar took Oba to Suplex City with a few German Suplexes. Lesnar went for another, but Oba caught him with an elbow.
Oba charged Lesnar and hit him in a corner of the ring twice. He went for a third time, but Lesnar scooped him up and put him down with an F5. Oba recovered and chokeslammed Lesnar. Oba followed up with the Fall From Grace sit-out powerbomb and pinned Lesnar clean.
Oba Femi defeated Brock Lesnar in 4:45.
Oba showed a look of disbelief while standing over Lesnar. Oba backed up the ramp. Cole told fans to look at the ring. Cole said Lesnar was laid out and had not moved. Oba celebrated in the entrance aisle while the broadcast team narrated highlights from the match, which included Heyman with his jaw dropped. “Oba Femi, ladies and gentlemen, is the next big thing,” Cole declared.Lesnar sat up in the ring and looked to the sky. He spoke to himself and then removed his gloves and boots. Lesnar got emotional. There was a “Thank you, Brock” chant. Lesnar stood up and waved to the fans.
Heyman entered the ring and shared a hug with an emotional Lesnar. Heyman raised Lesnar’s arm, and the fans cheered. Lesnar blew a kiss and then waved. He went to the ropes and played to the cheering crowd. Lesnar dropped down on his hands and knees and pounded the mat a few times before exiting.
Once on the stage, Lesnar patted his chest and said, “Thank you, guys, I appreciate this.” Lesnar and Heyman headed to the back. The camera showed Lesnar’s boots and gloves in the middle of the ring before they cut to a commercial break…
Wow. Brock put over Oba Femi clean and even sold it like he was laid out. As if that wasn’t enough, Lesnar removing his gloves and boots to signify his retirement was obviously a huge moment that will surely get plenty of attention on ESPN’s various shows. Is this truly the end? Undertaker did the same thing at WrestleMania 33 in 2017, and then stuck around and eventually had his last match at WrestleMania 36. I’m keeping the door open, as SummerSlam is in Minneapolis, where he went to college, and there’s been a lot of talk about him facing Gunther on that show. If this is the end, Brock definitely did right by Oba Femi on his way out.
2. Penta vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Dragon Lee vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Rusev vs. JD McDonagh in a six-way ladder match for the Intercontinental Title.
Penta and Lee set up for a double suicide dive during the opening minute, but Rusev held up a ladder that struck them both. McDonagh pulled a ladder into Penta. Evans dove over the top rope onto McDonagh.
Rusev set up a ladder and made the first play for the Intercontinental Title belt that was hanging above the ring. Penta broke it up. Evans and McDonagh climbed opposite sides of the ladder, which was pushed over. McDonagh landed on the apron while Evans took a bump to the floor. McDonagh climbed the ladder again, but Evans knocked him down with a springboard clothesline.
Rey performed a 619 and then set up a ladder. Evans jumped ahead of Rey on he ladder, but Rey pulled him down. After being tripped, Rey ended up hanging by his legs from the ladder. Penta suplexed Evans on a ladder that was leaning in a corner of the ring. Lee hit Rey with a missile dropkick to knock him off the ladder.
Rusev created a ladder bridge between the ladder in the middle of the ring and the middle turnbuckle. Rusev slammed Evans on the bridge before being sent to the floor. Penta and Rey fought while Rusev returned to the apron and put both feet on another ladder bridge that was located outside the ring. Penta launched Rey, who hit Rusev with a West Coast Pop onto the ladder.
Rey made a play for the belt, but Lee climbed up the other side and traded punches with him. Rey knocked Lee off the ladder, but Lee got up and grabbed Rey’s ankle. Rey kicked his way free and dove at Lee, who caught him and put him down with a Styles Clash. Lee went up the main ladder, but McDonagh cut him off and performed a Spanish Fly off the ladder to the mat. A “this is awesome” chant broke out.McDonagh climbed the ladder. Penta climbed up the other side. McDonagh tried to suplex Penta, who blocked it and then pulled McDonagh’s head into one of the ladder rungs. Penta climbed to McDonagh’s side of the ladder and hit a Mexican Destroyer onto the in-ring ladder bridge.
Evans made a play for the belt while everyone else was on the floor. Rusev returned and pushed the ladder out from under Evans, who hung from the hook. Rusev pulled Evans down and then tossed him to the floor. Rusev limped as he positioned the main ladder. Evans went up top and pulled Rusev off the ladder with an OG Cutter.
Penta returned to the ring and jumped off the ladder before hitting Evans with a Mexican Destroyer. Pena also limped before climbing up the ladder and pulling the belt down to win the match.
Penta defeated Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee, Je’Von Evans, Rusev, and JD McDonagh in a six-way ladder match in 15:10 to retain the Intercontinental Title.
Cole put over all six wrestlers, and then Barrett recapped highlights from the match…
Cole and Barrett recapped Lesnar leaving his gloves and boots in the ring after his loss to Oba Femi. Barrett said he was going to pump the brakes on what this meant until Lesnar makes it official. Cole said one thing they do know is that Oba Femi is for real. They wrapped up the ESPN coverage before a batch of commercials aired…
The wrestlers lived up to high expectations. It was the crazy spot-fest ladder match that everyone envisioned. Here’s hoping that everyone came out of it healthy. My only complaint is that it was more difficult to cover than it should have been because three babyfaces wore red gear. Yes, poor me.
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WWE WrestleMania 42 (Night 2) PLE Results: 4-19-26
3. Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams (w/Lil Yachty) for the U.S. Championship.
Yachty shook hands with the broadcast team and then stood at ringside. Trick performed an early Bookend and got a two count. Cole said Trick paid homage to Booker T with that move. Trick went for a Trick Shot, but Zayn countered with a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count of his own.
Zayn booted Trick while he was leaning over the bottom rope. Yachty checked on Trick. Zayn left the ring and then hit Yachty from behind. Zayn ran Yachty into the barricade. Zayn returned to the apron and performed a brainbuster on Trick. Zayn returned to the ring. Once Trick pulled himself up using the barricade, Zayn went back to the floor and hit Trick with a Helluva Kick.
Once Trick was back in the ring, Zayn set up for another Helluva Kick, but Yachty grabbed him from behind and clotheslined him over the top rope. Tirck put Zayn down with a spin kick and covered him for a good near fall. Trick went for a Trick Shot, but Zayn avoided it and rolled him up for a two count. Zayn hit an exploder suplex. Zayn went for another Helluva Kick, but Trick caught him with the Trick Shot and then pinned him.
Trick Williams defeated Sami Zayn in 7:10 to win the U.S. Championship.
Pryo shot off on the stage, and Trick celebrated with Yachty. Trick’s parents were shown in the front row dressed in white while chanting, “Whoop that Trick.” Trick greeted his parents and then returned to the ring and stood on the ropes while playing to the crowd. A dejected Zayn was shown seated on the floor…
A fun match with a satisfying finish. I love that the creative team didn’t mess around by dragging things out. They gave Oba Femi and Trick Williams big WrestleMania moments. This show has already topped the disappointing WrestleMania night one.
4. Dominik Mysterio vs. “The Demon” Finn Balor in a Street Fight.
Dom was apprehensive once the bell rang. The Demon worked him over with chops. Dom caught the Demon with a kick, but he no-sold it and went right back on the offensive. The Demon went to the floor and pulled out a table. Dom hit him with a suicide dive and then worked him over with a kendo stick before tossing him back inside the ring.
Dom tossed the kendo stick and several chairs into the ring. Dom worked over the Demon with one of the chairs. Dom set up a couple of chairs in the middle of the ring. Dom set up for a suplex, but the Demon reversed it and dropped Dom on the chairs. Dom caught the Demon with a superkick and then hit a 619 and a top rope frog splash. Dom went for the pin, but the Demon kicked out at one.
The Demon hit Dom with a pair of shotgun dropkicks. The Demon went for a Coup de Grace, but Dom avoided it and hit him with a chair, which led to a two count. A table was set up in a corner of the ring. The Demon put Dom down with a sling blade and then charged toward him, but Dom superkicked him and tossed him through the table.
Dom hit the Demon with a chair and then placed it in front of him while he was leaning against the ropes. Dom hit the 619 that drove the chair into the Demon’s face. Dom followed up with a top rope frog splash for a two count. Dom went to the floor and returned with a sponsored table, which he set up in the ring. The table fell over, and the fans gave him a hard time.
The Demon stood up and turned Dom inside out with a clothesline. Demon grabbed a chair and worked over Dom with it. The Demon wrapped the chair around Dom’s neck and then hit him with another shotgun dropkick. The Demon put Do on top of the table Dom set up in the ring and then drove him through it with a Coup de Grace before pinning him…
“The Demon” Finn Balor defeated Dominik Mysterio.
The match was solid. The fans love The Demon, but Finn Balor bringing back his alter ego made the outcome feel predictable. I grumbled in the WrestleMania 42 Night One Hit List about the abundance of ads on last night’s show. And now WWE officials totally redeemed themselves by putting together the greatest PLE teaser video ever by including Minnesota Vikings highlights!
5. Jade Cargill vs. Rhea Ripley for the WWE Women’s Championship.
Alicia Taylor delivered in-ring introductions for the title match. Jade was dominant early. She applied a crossface in the middle of the ring. Ripley broke it and tried to power up Jade on her back, but Jade broke free.
Ripley dropped Jade with a kick. Jade stuffed a Riptide. She followed up with a spinebuster. The broadcast team gushed over Jade’s performance. Jade went for Jaded, but Ripley countered into a pin. Ripley took offensive control.
Michin came out and distracted the referee. B-Fab tried to interfere. Ripley booted B-Fab off the apron. Jade picked up a near fall. Ripley ended up down on the floor. The referee caught Michin and B-Fab as they were approaching Ripley.
Iyo Sky made her entrance and worked over Michin and B-Fab on the floor. Sky hit them with an Asai moonsault. In the ring, Ripley headbutted Jade and set up for her finisher, but Jade avoided it and caught her with a kick to the face. Jade went for Jaded, but Ripley slipped between her legs and hit the Riptide finisher before getting the three count.
Rhea Ripley defeated Jade Cargill in 10:10 to win the WWE Women’s Championship.
Jade broke out some new moves and had a good outing. I’m a little surprised they moved the title to Ripley, but no complaints.
3. Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams (w/Lil Yachty) for the U.S. Championship.
Yachty shook hands with the broadcast team and then stood at ringside. Trick performed an early Bookend and got a two count. Cole said Trick paid homage to Booker T with that move. Trick went for a Trick Shot, but Zayn countered with a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count of his own.
Zayn booted Trick while he was leaning over the bottom rope. Yachty checked on Trick. Zayn left the ring and then hit Yachty from behind. Zayn ran Yachty into the barricade. Zayn returned to the apron and performed a brainbuster on Trick. Zayn returned to the ring. Once Trick pulled himself up using the barricade, Zayn went back to the floor and hit Trick with a Helluva Kick.
Once Trick was back in the ring, Zayn set up for another Helluva Kick, but Yachty grabbed him from behind and clotheslined him over the top rope. Tirck put Zayn down with a spin kick and covered him for a good near fall. Trick went for a Trick Shot, but Zayn avoided it and rolled him up for a two count. Zayn hit an exploder suplex. Zayn went for another Helluva Kick, but Trick caught him with the Trick Shot and then pinned him.
Trick Williams defeated Sami Zayn in 7:10 to win the U.S. Championship.
Pryo shot off on the stage, and Trick celebrated with Yachty. Trick’s parents were shown in the front row dressed in white while chanting, “Whoop that Trick.” Trick greeted his parents and then returned to the ring and stood on the ropes while playing to the crowd. A dejected Zayn was shown seated on the floor…
A fun match with a satisfying finish. I love that the creative team didn’t mess around by dragging things out. They gave Oba Femi and Trick Williams big WrestleMania moments. This show has already topped the disappointing WrestleMania night one.
4. Dominik Mysterio vs. “The Demon” Finn Balor in a Street Fight.
Dom was apprehensive once the bell rang. The Demon worked him over with chops. Dom caught the Demon with a kick, but he no-sold it and went right back on the offensive. The Demon went to the floor and pulled out a table. Dom hit him with a suicide dive and then worked him over with a kendo stick before tossing him back inside the ring.
Dom tossed the kendo stick and several chairs into the ring. Dom worked over the Demon with one of the chairs. Dom set up a couple of chairs in the middle of the ring. Dom set up for a suplex, but the Demon reversed it and dropped Dom on the chairs. Dom caught the Demon with a superkick and then hit a 619 and a top rope frog splash. Dom went for the pin, but the Demon kicked out at one.
The Demon hit Dom with a pair of shotgun dropkicks. The Demon went for a Coup de Grace, but Dom avoided it and hit him with a chair, which led to a two count. A table was set up in a corner of the ring. The Demon put Dom down with a sling blade and then charged toward him, but Dom superkicked him and tossed him through the table.
Dom hit the Demon with a chair and then placed it in front of him while he was leaning against the ropes. Dom hit the 619 that drove the chair into the Demon’s face. Dom followed up with a top rope frog splash for a two count. Dom went to the floor and returned with a sponsored table, which he set up in the ring. The table fell over, and the fans gave him a hard time.
The Demon stood up and turned Dom inside out with a clothesline. Demon grabbed a chair and worked over Dom with it. The Demon wrapped the chair around Dom’s neck and then hit him with another shotgun dropkick. The Demon put Do on top of the table Dom set up in the ring and then drove him through it with a Coup de Grace before pinning him…
“The Demon” Finn Balor defeated Dominik Mysterio.
The match was solid. The fans love The Demon, but Finn Balor bringing back his alter ego made the outcome feel predictable. I grumbled in the WrestleMania 42 Night One Hit List about the abundance of ads on last night’s show. And now WWE officials totally redeemed themselves by putting together the greatest PLE teaser video ever by including Minnesota Vikings highlights!
5. Jade Cargill vs. Rhea Ripley for the WWE Women’s Championship.
Alicia Taylor delivered in-ring introductions for the title match. Jade was dominant early. She applied a crossface in the middle of the ring. Ripley broke it and tried to power up Jade on her back, but Jade broke free.
Ripley dropped Jade with a kick. Jade stuffed a Riptide. She followed up with a spinebuster. The broadcast team gushed over Jade’s performance. Jade went for Jaded, but Ripley countered into a pin. Ripley took offensive control.
Michin came out and distracted the referee. B-Fab tried to interfere. Ripley booted B-Fab off the apron. Jade picked up a near fall. Ripley ended up down on the floor. The referee caught Michin and B-Fab as they were approaching Ripley.
Iyo Sky made her entrance and worked over Michin and B-Fab on the floor. Sky hit them with an Asai moonsault. In the ring, Ripley headbutted Jade and set up for her finisher, but Jade avoided it and caught her with a kick to the face. Jade went for Jaded, but Ripley slipped between her legs and hit the Riptide finisher before getting the three count.
Rhea Ripley defeated Jade Cargill in 10:10 to win the WWE Women’s Championship.
Jade broke out some new moves and had a good outing. I’m a little surprised they moved the title to Ripley, but no complaints.
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Night 2 was a vast improvement over night 1. My thoughts just because:
Oba v. Brock-Until I saw Brock retire, I thought this was absolutely the wrong finish for the match because where does Oba go now? Win the title? Then what? Who will beat him? What does he have to prove? Who in WWE can even marginally threaten him? Losing would have been the better option for his character because that way, he would have to show some depth in his character work. But when Brock retired, I thought 'well, if that's the way this is gonna go, then it makes sense for Oba to win.' I mean, Oba still has a character problem because unbeatable monsters end up always being boring eventually but we will see where this goes.
6 man ladder match-I thought this was going to be the match of the night and up until the main event it absolutely was. JD is vastly underrated and underused. Evans is a great talent but he needs a storyline and a heel to chase before you put a strap on him. Otherwise, he's just Kofi 2.0-a flashy guy with nothing to do. Rey and Dragon Lee do what they do. Rusev was a good insertion into this match. But Penta deserved this win and I'm very happy he retained. He is a legit star and was the best wrestler in that match and he needs to win these big matches to keep the strap relevant.
Samy v Trick-The wrong finish. WWE fans make no sense to me. Social media brain. Trick is a star and this will help him but Sami needed a big win. Why should any of us even care about him at this point? He never wins the big one.
Jade v Rhea-Surprisingly good, fluid match between the two. Jade looked the best she ever has, smooth transitions into moves, great counters and awesome power. Why haven't we been getting this version of her all along? Rhea was the right choice because she needed a big singles win even though the feud leading up to the match was garbage. Michin is smokin' hot.
Danhausen segment-exactly what it needed to be. Lots of fun and a good tension breaker before the finale.
Punk v Roman-Wonderful match. The best wrestling match Roman has ever had and this is the best Punk has looked in a LOOOONG time.
But fuck that finish. Punk should have won. Roman's time should be over and this will not do anything for either man or the company. We've been here before. Punk is an every day guy. Roman is now a dreaded part timer and NONE of his title defenses will be as good as this match tonight. No one will be able to carry him to a match this good besides Punk. There is nowhere for him, the title and the company to go but down from here. Just an awful finish and everyone that booked that finale should receive a Danhausen curse, but for real.
Wonderful match though.
Oba v. Brock-Until I saw Brock retire, I thought this was absolutely the wrong finish for the match because where does Oba go now? Win the title? Then what? Who will beat him? What does he have to prove? Who in WWE can even marginally threaten him? Losing would have been the better option for his character because that way, he would have to show some depth in his character work. But when Brock retired, I thought 'well, if that's the way this is gonna go, then it makes sense for Oba to win.' I mean, Oba still has a character problem because unbeatable monsters end up always being boring eventually but we will see where this goes.
6 man ladder match-I thought this was going to be the match of the night and up until the main event it absolutely was. JD is vastly underrated and underused. Evans is a great talent but he needs a storyline and a heel to chase before you put a strap on him. Otherwise, he's just Kofi 2.0-a flashy guy with nothing to do. Rey and Dragon Lee do what they do. Rusev was a good insertion into this match. But Penta deserved this win and I'm very happy he retained. He is a legit star and was the best wrestler in that match and he needs to win these big matches to keep the strap relevant.
Samy v Trick-The wrong finish. WWE fans make no sense to me. Social media brain. Trick is a star and this will help him but Sami needed a big win. Why should any of us even care about him at this point? He never wins the big one.
Jade v Rhea-Surprisingly good, fluid match between the two. Jade looked the best she ever has, smooth transitions into moves, great counters and awesome power. Why haven't we been getting this version of her all along? Rhea was the right choice because she needed a big singles win even though the feud leading up to the match was garbage. Michin is smokin' hot.
Danhausen segment-exactly what it needed to be. Lots of fun and a good tension breaker before the finale.
Punk v Roman-Wonderful match. The best wrestling match Roman has ever had and this is the best Punk has looked in a LOOOONG time.
But fuck that finish. Punk should have won. Roman's time should be over and this will not do anything for either man or the company. We've been here before. Punk is an every day guy. Roman is now a dreaded part timer and NONE of his title defenses will be as good as this match tonight. No one will be able to carry him to a match this good besides Punk. There is nowhere for him, the title and the company to go but down from here. Just an awful finish and everyone that booked that finale should receive a Danhausen curse, but for real.
Wonderful match though.
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WWE WrestleMania 42 (Night 2) PLE Results: 4-19-26
6. CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Alicia Taylor delivered in-ring introductions for the championship match. The wrestlers fought at ringside. Punk was sent over the barricade, and he took a seat in the front row. Reigns went after him, but Punk tossed him back to ringside and jumped off the barricade onto him.
Punk climbed to the top of a broadcast table and struck a Roman pose. Reigns grabbed Punk and tossed him to the floor. Back in the ring, Reigns had Punk down when he said, “Mock me again, bitch.” A short time later, Reigns went for a Superman Punch, but Punk moved, and Reigns crashed into the corner. Punk took control and signaled for his finisher, but Reigns sent him through the ropes and into the ring post. Reigns hit Punk with a Superman Punch for a near fall.
Reigns went to a corner and let out the war cry, but Punk ran over and blasted him with a knee strike. Punk sent Reigns to the floor and then hit him with a suicide dive. Punk put his knee on Reigns and then flexed, which drew a mix of cheers and boos. Punk placed Reigns on the English broadcast table and threw punches at him. Punk returned to the ring. Referee Rod Zapata scolded Punk, who went up top for an elbow drop, but Reigns returned to the apron and cut him off.
Punk and Reigns traded blows on the apron. Reigns sat Punk on the top rope and put him in a tree of woe. Reigns went to the floor and smiled as Punk threw punches while hanging upside down. Reigns threw punches at Punk and then hit him with three Superman Punches. Reigns removed the top piece of the ring steps and struck Punk with it. Punk bled from the forehead.
Reigns picked up Punk and powerbombed him through the English broadcast table. Reigns rolled Punk back inside the ring and let out another war cry on the floor. Reigns returned to the ring and ran the ropes, but Punk hoisted him up and hit a GTS for a good near fall. Punk hoisted up Reigns, who slipped away. Punk threw a clothesline, but Reigns ducked it and speared him, which led to another good near fall.
Reigns grabbed Punk’s head and slammed his face into the mat repeatedly. Reigns signalled for a GTS. Punk threw a punch, but Reigns put him right back down. Reigns hoisted up Punk and held up his index finger. Reigns went for a GTS, but Punk blocked it and dropped Reigns with a roundhouse kick that led to a near fall.
Punk motioned for a Superman Punch by doing Roman’s Locked and Loaded bit. Punk drilled Reigns with a Superman Punch and covered him for another near fall. Punk grabbed Roman’s ulafala and put it on. Punk mocked Reigns and tried to spear him, but Reigns caught him in a guillotine. Punk countered into a rollup for a two count. Punk applied the Anaconda Vice. Reigns slipped out and reapplied the guillotine. Punk escaped and set up for a Sharpshooter, but Reigns avoided it and reapplied the guillotine. Punk countered into a pin for an ice near fall. Both men stood up and put each other right back down with simultaneous clotheslines.
Punk and Reigns got up and traded strikes. Punk hit Reigns with a knee strike, and Reigns returned the favor. Barrett said both men were driven by pure hatred. Punk headbutted Reigns. Punk removed some tape from his left wrist and motioned for Reigns to bring it. Punk threw the tape at Reigns. The referee picked up the tape to clear it from the ring, and Punk hit Reigns with a low blow. Punk hit a GTS and covered Reigns for a great near fall.
Punk brought Reigns to ringside and placed him on the English broadcast table. Punk went up top and hit Reigns with an elbow drop that put him through the table. Reigns moaned and dropped an F-bomb that was censored. Punk got up first and rolled Reigns back inside the ring. Punk hit Reigns with a GTS. Reigns fell on top of Punk, who wanted to go for another GTS, but he collapsed.
Punk stumbled as he got back to his feet. Reigns speared him. Both men were on the mat. Punk swung and missed. They both got to their feet. Reigns ran the ropes and speared Punk before pinning him.
Roman Reigns defeated CM Punk in 33:55 to win the World Heavyweight Championship.
Cole said Reigns is now a seven-time world champion. The referee presented Reigns with the title belt. Reigns looked down at Punk. Cole said Punk never said die. He said the exhaustion got to Punk, and Reigns capitalized. Barrett narrated match highlights and said it was one of the most stunning matches he’d ever witnessed.
Reigns got to his feet, went to the ropes, and held up his title belt while pyro shot off. Punk was no longer in the ring. Cole said all seemed right once again now that Reigns holds gold. The executive credits were shown. “You can all say what you want, but Roman Reigns was built for WrestleMania,” Cole said. Reigns greeted his family at ringside. Reigns got back in the ring and held up the title belt and the ulafala to end the show…
An outstanding main event. Punk and Reigns created tremendous drama and suspense, and the live crowd was with them every step of the way. I like the story that Punk may have won had he not collapsed. It protects him and could eventually be a talking point if they ever decide to run this back.
6. CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Alicia Taylor delivered in-ring introductions for the championship match. The wrestlers fought at ringside. Punk was sent over the barricade, and he took a seat in the front row. Reigns went after him, but Punk tossed him back to ringside and jumped off the barricade onto him.
Punk climbed to the top of a broadcast table and struck a Roman pose. Reigns grabbed Punk and tossed him to the floor. Back in the ring, Reigns had Punk down when he said, “Mock me again, bitch.” A short time later, Reigns went for a Superman Punch, but Punk moved, and Reigns crashed into the corner. Punk took control and signaled for his finisher, but Reigns sent him through the ropes and into the ring post. Reigns hit Punk with a Superman Punch for a near fall.
Reigns went to a corner and let out the war cry, but Punk ran over and blasted him with a knee strike. Punk sent Reigns to the floor and then hit him with a suicide dive. Punk put his knee on Reigns and then flexed, which drew a mix of cheers and boos. Punk placed Reigns on the English broadcast table and threw punches at him. Punk returned to the ring. Referee Rod Zapata scolded Punk, who went up top for an elbow drop, but Reigns returned to the apron and cut him off.
Punk and Reigns traded blows on the apron. Reigns sat Punk on the top rope and put him in a tree of woe. Reigns went to the floor and smiled as Punk threw punches while hanging upside down. Reigns threw punches at Punk and then hit him with three Superman Punches. Reigns removed the top piece of the ring steps and struck Punk with it. Punk bled from the forehead.
Reigns picked up Punk and powerbombed him through the English broadcast table. Reigns rolled Punk back inside the ring and let out another war cry on the floor. Reigns returned to the ring and ran the ropes, but Punk hoisted him up and hit a GTS for a good near fall. Punk hoisted up Reigns, who slipped away. Punk threw a clothesline, but Reigns ducked it and speared him, which led to another good near fall.
Reigns grabbed Punk’s head and slammed his face into the mat repeatedly. Reigns signalled for a GTS. Punk threw a punch, but Reigns put him right back down. Reigns hoisted up Punk and held up his index finger. Reigns went for a GTS, but Punk blocked it and dropped Reigns with a roundhouse kick that led to a near fall.
Punk motioned for a Superman Punch by doing Roman’s Locked and Loaded bit. Punk drilled Reigns with a Superman Punch and covered him for another near fall. Punk grabbed Roman’s ulafala and put it on. Punk mocked Reigns and tried to spear him, but Reigns caught him in a guillotine. Punk countered into a rollup for a two count. Punk applied the Anaconda Vice. Reigns slipped out and reapplied the guillotine. Punk escaped and set up for a Sharpshooter, but Reigns avoided it and reapplied the guillotine. Punk countered into a pin for an ice near fall. Both men stood up and put each other right back down with simultaneous clotheslines.
Punk and Reigns got up and traded strikes. Punk hit Reigns with a knee strike, and Reigns returned the favor. Barrett said both men were driven by pure hatred. Punk headbutted Reigns. Punk removed some tape from his left wrist and motioned for Reigns to bring it. Punk threw the tape at Reigns. The referee picked up the tape to clear it from the ring, and Punk hit Reigns with a low blow. Punk hit a GTS and covered Reigns for a great near fall.
Punk brought Reigns to ringside and placed him on the English broadcast table. Punk went up top and hit Reigns with an elbow drop that put him through the table. Reigns moaned and dropped an F-bomb that was censored. Punk got up first and rolled Reigns back inside the ring. Punk hit Reigns with a GTS. Reigns fell on top of Punk, who wanted to go for another GTS, but he collapsed.
Punk stumbled as he got back to his feet. Reigns speared him. Both men were on the mat. Punk swung and missed. They both got to their feet. Reigns ran the ropes and speared Punk before pinning him.
Roman Reigns defeated CM Punk in 33:55 to win the World Heavyweight Championship.
Cole said Reigns is now a seven-time world champion. The referee presented Reigns with the title belt. Reigns looked down at Punk. Cole said Punk never said die. He said the exhaustion got to Punk, and Reigns capitalized. Barrett narrated match highlights and said it was one of the most stunning matches he’d ever witnessed.
Reigns got to his feet, went to the ropes, and held up his title belt while pyro shot off. Punk was no longer in the ring. Cole said all seemed right once again now that Reigns holds gold. The executive credits were shown. “You can all say what you want, but Roman Reigns was built for WrestleMania,” Cole said. Reigns greeted his family at ringside. Reigns got back in the ring and held up the title belt and the ulafala to end the show…
An outstanding main event. Punk and Reigns created tremendous drama and suspense, and the live crowd was with them every step of the way. I like the story that Punk may have won had he not collapsed. It protects him and could eventually be a talking point if they ever decide to run this back.
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2000
- Posts
- 19,980
Apparently, Roman is saying that he will be an everyday guy through the summer.
Okay.
What champion says 'I'll be here for a while and then I won't be?'
This makes the whole thing worse in retrospect.
I really don't want Oba to win a title without a feud to accompany it. That promo he cut on Raw before 'mania was fantastic, better than I ever expected it to be. He is legit in all the ways. Only problem is...who can feud with the guy? Putting the belt on him because he's the 'best' doesn't really work in a scripted competition. Oba maybe should go on a Goldberg style tear for a while. He needs something other than to be champ because he wants it. This was why I didn't want him to win the match against Brock. The only thing a guy like that can do besies beat people is have a story. What is his story going to be? He isn't going to have 'great' matches. So what is he going to actually be about?
Okay.
What champion says 'I'll be here for a while and then I won't be?'
This makes the whole thing worse in retrospect.
I really don't want Oba to win a title without a feud to accompany it. That promo he cut on Raw before 'mania was fantastic, better than I ever expected it to be. He is legit in all the ways. Only problem is...who can feud with the guy? Putting the belt on him because he's the 'best' doesn't really work in a scripted competition. Oba maybe should go on a Goldberg style tear for a while. He needs something other than to be champ because he wants it. This was why I didn't want him to win the match against Brock. The only thing a guy like that can do besies beat people is have a story. What is his story going to be? He isn't going to have 'great' matches. So what is he going to actually be about?
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2006
- Posts
- 593
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2003
- Posts
- 20,766
WWE Backlash PLE Results: 5-9-26
Results courtesy of ProWrestling.net (direct link to Powell's complete report).
1. Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker (w/Paul Heyman). The wrestlers went nose-to-nose. The referee separated the wrestlers and then called for the opening bell. Breakker charged for a spear, but Rollins leapfrogged him. Rollins kicked Breakker, who fell to the floor. Rollins performed a suicide dive and then roughed up Breakker before tossing him back inside the ring.
Rollins clotheslined Breakker, who ended up back on the floor. Rollins hit another suicide dive. The fans chanted Rollins’ theme song. Breakker caught Rollins with a knee and tossed him over the barricade. Rollins came right back by leaping off the barricade onto Breakker, who returned to the ring. Rollins went up top and dove at Breakker, who caught him and suplexed him over the top rope to the floor.
Rollins and Breakker fought on the floor. Breakker tackled Rollins and fired several punches at his head before rolling him back inside the ring. Breakker returned to the ring and suplexed Rollins before covering him for just a one count. Breakker suplexed Rollins and put him in a chinlock. Rollins used a jawjacker to break free. A “Let’s go, Rollins” chant broke out once Breakker regained offensive control. Breakker talked smack after reapplying a chinlock. Rollins broke the hold with a suplex.
Breakker recovered, ran the ropes, and put Rollins down with a clothesline that resulted in a two count. Breakker performed a pair of release German Suplexes before covering Rollins for a two count. Rollins was lying on the mat when he slapped Breakker, who encouraged him to do it again. Rollins obliged. Breakker took Rollins to the ropes and performed a clunky hurcanrana. Breakker covered Rollins for a near fall. Barrett said Breakker didn’t perform the move the way he wanted and cited that as a possible reason for Rollins kicking out.
Breakker tossed Rollins to the floor. Breakker exited via the other side of the ring and then charged Rollins, who caught him with a superkick. Breakker returned to the ring, and Rollins barely beat the referee’s count. Rollins ducked a clothesline and then performed one of his own. Rollins caught Breakker with a knee to the head and covered him for a near fall. Heyman showed concern by covering his mouth.
Breakker mounted Rollins in the corner and threw punches at him, but Rollins powered him up and performed a Buckle Bomb. Breakker blasted Rollins with a clothesline. Moments later, Rollins superplexed Breakker and set up for a Falcon Arrow, but Breakker powered him up and slammed him to the mat before covering him for a nice near fall. A camera showed off the size of the rowdy crowd.
Breakker set Rollins on the top turnbuckle and set up for a superplex, but Rollins raked his back. Breakker ran up the ropes and performed another huracanrana, which looked much better than the first. Breakker placed Rollins on the turnbuckle in the opposite corner and went for another huracanrana, but Rollins landed on his feet. Rollins fired up and threw two superkicks at Breakker. Rollins went for a third superkick, but Breakker stuffed it. Rollins kicked Breakker and performed a rough Pedigree. Rollins followed up with a Stomp. Heyman climbed on the apron and then stood on the bottom rope while motioning for Rollins to come after him. Rollins went to the floor and pulled a chair out from underneath the ring.
Logan Paul and Austin Theory came out. Rollins worked them both over with the chair. Rollins performed a Stomp on Theory. Rollins chased Logan up the entrnace aisle, and Logan headed backstage. Rollins returned to the ring and was immediately speared by Breakker, which led to a good near fall. Breakker and Heyman both acted surprised. The fans chanted Rollins’ entrance theme again. Breakker lowered the straps on his gear, then ran the ropes and went for a spear, but Rollins countered with a Pedigree. Rollins went to the middle rope and went for a Stomp, but Breakker speared him in midair. Breakker ran the ropes and speared Rollins before covering him for the three count…
Bron Breakker beat Seth Rollins in 21:45.
Powell’s POV: A strong opening match that should ease concerns over the possibility that the large number of brief WrestleMania matches would become the new norm. There were some clunky moments, but far more good than bad. The live crowd is hot, and they were firmly behind babyface Rollins.
2. Trick Williams (w/Lil Yachty) vs. Sami Zayn for the U.S. Championship. Zayn took a cheap shot at Trick before the bell, which resulted in Trick shoving him to the mat. Once the bell rang, Zayn backed Trick into a corner and then chopped him. Zayn ducked a clothesline, but continued to run the ropes, and then Trick followed up with another clothesline that connected.
A short time later, Zayn avoided a Trick Kick, but Trick stuffed his Blue Thunder Bomb attempt. Trick performed a Bookend for a near fall, and Cole said uranage slam was an homage to Booker T. Zayn used a sunset flip to get a two count. Moments later, he avoided a kick and put Trick down with a Blue Thunder Bomb for a near fall. Yachty climbed on the apron to argue with the referee at one point. Zayn grabbed the kendo stick and hit Trick. Zayn cleared the weapon from the ring and covered Trick, which resulted in a two count.
Zayn set up in a corner of the ring for his finisher while the referee checked on Trick. Yachty hit Zayn with the kendo stick. Trick dropped Zayn with a spin kick and covered him for a good near fall. Zayn and Trick ended up on the floor. Zayn dropped Yachty with a punch and then worked him over with the kendo stick. Trick clotheslined Zayn, who fell onto the bottom half of the ring steps. Brick set for another Bookend, but Zayn fought back and DDT’d him on the bottom half of the ring steps.
Zayn tossed Trick back inside the ring. Zayn was going to follow, but then he spotted Yachty talking with fans. Zayn got a running start and blasted Yachty with a Helluva Kick to the back of the head. Zayn returned to the ring and went for a Helluva Kick, but Trick avoided it and then ran the ropes and dropped him with a Trick Shot. Trick covered Zayn for the win.
Trick Williams defeated Sami Zayn in 12:52 to retain the U.S. Championship.
After the match, Yachty took out money and made it rain. Cole told Barrett to sit down, then said he knew that it was more money than Barrett makes in a year. Cole thanked ESPN2 viewers for joining them, and said the remainder of the show would be available on the ESPN app via the Unlimited plan. Cole and Barrett ran through the remainder of the card.
Powell’s POV: An entertaining match. Zayn really carried it with his heel antics and the drama with Lil Yachty. It didn’t sound like there were any “ride or die” Zayn fans, as Trick was over big with the live crowd. I’m curious to see what comes next for both wrestlers.
Results courtesy of ProWrestling.net (direct link to Powell's complete report).
1. Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker (w/Paul Heyman). The wrestlers went nose-to-nose. The referee separated the wrestlers and then called for the opening bell. Breakker charged for a spear, but Rollins leapfrogged him. Rollins kicked Breakker, who fell to the floor. Rollins performed a suicide dive and then roughed up Breakker before tossing him back inside the ring.
Rollins clotheslined Breakker, who ended up back on the floor. Rollins hit another suicide dive. The fans chanted Rollins’ theme song. Breakker caught Rollins with a knee and tossed him over the barricade. Rollins came right back by leaping off the barricade onto Breakker, who returned to the ring. Rollins went up top and dove at Breakker, who caught him and suplexed him over the top rope to the floor.
Rollins and Breakker fought on the floor. Breakker tackled Rollins and fired several punches at his head before rolling him back inside the ring. Breakker returned to the ring and suplexed Rollins before covering him for just a one count. Breakker suplexed Rollins and put him in a chinlock. Rollins used a jawjacker to break free. A “Let’s go, Rollins” chant broke out once Breakker regained offensive control. Breakker talked smack after reapplying a chinlock. Rollins broke the hold with a suplex.
Breakker recovered, ran the ropes, and put Rollins down with a clothesline that resulted in a two count. Breakker performed a pair of release German Suplexes before covering Rollins for a two count. Rollins was lying on the mat when he slapped Breakker, who encouraged him to do it again. Rollins obliged. Breakker took Rollins to the ropes and performed a clunky hurcanrana. Breakker covered Rollins for a near fall. Barrett said Breakker didn’t perform the move the way he wanted and cited that as a possible reason for Rollins kicking out.
Breakker tossed Rollins to the floor. Breakker exited via the other side of the ring and then charged Rollins, who caught him with a superkick. Breakker returned to the ring, and Rollins barely beat the referee’s count. Rollins ducked a clothesline and then performed one of his own. Rollins caught Breakker with a knee to the head and covered him for a near fall. Heyman showed concern by covering his mouth.
Rollins held Breakker’s arms and kicked him in the face several times. Rollins set up for a Stomp. Rollins blew a kiss at Heyman and then went for the move, but Breakker stuffed it. Breakker pressed Rollins over his head and gave him a gutbuster. Breakker ran into a kick. Rollins went for what appeared to be a crucifix, but he failed to pull it off and came up holding the back of his head or neck. Breakker performed a standing moonsault for a near fall.Breakker mounted Rollins in the corner and threw punches at him, but Rollins powered him up and performed a Buckle Bomb. Breakker blasted Rollins with a clothesline. Moments later, Rollins superplexed Breakker and set up for a Falcon Arrow, but Breakker powered him up and slammed him to the mat before covering him for a nice near fall. A camera showed off the size of the rowdy crowd.
Breakker set Rollins on the top turnbuckle and set up for a superplex, but Rollins raked his back. Breakker ran up the ropes and performed another huracanrana, which looked much better than the first. Breakker placed Rollins on the turnbuckle in the opposite corner and went for another huracanrana, but Rollins landed on his feet. Rollins fired up and threw two superkicks at Breakker. Rollins went for a third superkick, but Breakker stuffed it. Rollins kicked Breakker and performed a rough Pedigree. Rollins followed up with a Stomp. Heyman climbed on the apron and then stood on the bottom rope while motioning for Rollins to come after him. Rollins went to the floor and pulled a chair out from underneath the ring.
Logan Paul and Austin Theory came out. Rollins worked them both over with the chair. Rollins performed a Stomp on Theory. Rollins chased Logan up the entrnace aisle, and Logan headed backstage. Rollins returned to the ring and was immediately speared by Breakker, which led to a good near fall. Breakker and Heyman both acted surprised. The fans chanted Rollins’ entrance theme again. Breakker lowered the straps on his gear, then ran the ropes and went for a spear, but Rollins countered with a Pedigree. Rollins went to the middle rope and went for a Stomp, but Breakker speared him in midair. Breakker ran the ropes and speared Rollins before covering him for the three count…
Bron Breakker beat Seth Rollins in 21:45.
Powell’s POV: A strong opening match that should ease concerns over the possibility that the large number of brief WrestleMania matches would become the new norm. There were some clunky moments, but far more good than bad. The live crowd is hot, and they were firmly behind babyface Rollins.
2. Trick Williams (w/Lil Yachty) vs. Sami Zayn for the U.S. Championship. Zayn took a cheap shot at Trick before the bell, which resulted in Trick shoving him to the mat. Once the bell rang, Zayn backed Trick into a corner and then chopped him. Zayn ducked a clothesline, but continued to run the ropes, and then Trick followed up with another clothesline that connected.
Zayn ducked to the floor. Trick followed and was eventually run into the ring steps. Zayn chased Yachty while Trick returned to the ring. Once Zayn followed, he worked over Trick with punches, which were met with boos from the live crowd. Zayn shook his head. Cole said Zayn couldn’t understand why so many fans had turned on him. Zayn put Trick down with a clothesline and covered him for a two count. A “Sami sucks” chant broke out. Zayn stood up and looked at the fans before slapping Trick, who was on the mat. Zayn jawed at Yacthy. Trick caught Zayn with a kick and a neckbreaker.A short time later, Zayn avoided a Trick Kick, but Trick stuffed his Blue Thunder Bomb attempt. Trick performed a Bookend for a near fall, and Cole said uranage slam was an homage to Booker T. Zayn used a sunset flip to get a two count. Moments later, he avoided a kick and put Trick down with a Blue Thunder Bomb for a near fall. Yachty climbed on the apron to argue with the referee at one point. Zayn grabbed the kendo stick and hit Trick. Zayn cleared the weapon from the ring and covered Trick, which resulted in a two count.
Zayn set up in a corner of the ring for his finisher while the referee checked on Trick. Yachty hit Zayn with the kendo stick. Trick dropped Zayn with a spin kick and covered him for a good near fall. Zayn and Trick ended up on the floor. Zayn dropped Yachty with a punch and then worked him over with the kendo stick. Trick clotheslined Zayn, who fell onto the bottom half of the ring steps. Brick set for another Bookend, but Zayn fought back and DDT’d him on the bottom half of the ring steps.
Zayn tossed Trick back inside the ring. Zayn was going to follow, but then he spotted Yachty talking with fans. Zayn got a running start and blasted Yachty with a Helluva Kick to the back of the head. Zayn returned to the ring and went for a Helluva Kick, but Trick avoided it and then ran the ropes and dropped him with a Trick Shot. Trick covered Zayn for the win.
Trick Williams defeated Sami Zayn in 12:52 to retain the U.S. Championship.
After the match, Yachty took out money and made it rain. Cole told Barrett to sit down, then said he knew that it was more money than Barrett makes in a year. Cole thanked ESPN2 viewers for joining them, and said the remainder of the show would be available on the ESPN app via the Unlimited plan. Cole and Barrett ran through the remainder of the card.
Powell’s POV: An entertaining match. Zayn really carried it with his heel antics and the drama with Lil Yachty. It didn’t sound like there were any “ride or die” Zayn fans, as Trick was over big with the live crowd. I’m curious to see what comes next for both wrestlers.
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2003
- Posts
- 20,766
WWE Backlash PLE Results: 5-9-26
3. Danhausen and Minihausen vs. The Miz and Kit Wilson. Minihausen started the match and tried to curse Wilson, who dropped him with a big boot. Minihausen came back with a springboard elbow. “I think he’s a Luchahausen,” Cole said. Danhausen launched his partner onto Miz and Wilson on the floor. Miz recovered and ran Danhausen into the ring post.
Wilson put Minihausen down. Miz returned to the apron and tagged in. Miz, who wore a t-shirt, pressed Minihausen over his head and then dropped him onto his shoulder and powerslammed him. Miz ripped off his t-shirt and hammed it up while acting like a powerhouse. Wilson tagged in and swivelled his hips while holding up Minihausen and then suplexed him. Wilson performed a lazy cover on Minihausen, who kicked out at two. Danhausen returned to the apron.
Wilson put Minihausen in a tree of woe. Wilson went for a diving headbutt, but Minihausen sat up, causing Wilson to crash into the corner. Minihausen hit a top rope moonsault. Danhausen took a hot tag while Miz also tagged in. Danhausen hit both opponents with clotheslines in opposite corners, then acted like he was exhausted. Danhausen fired up before clotheslining Miz, and then put Wilson down with a German Suplex.
Danhausen did the curse spot while fans chanted along. Wilson sacrificed himself by pushing Miz out of the way and taking Danhausen’s move himself. The heels were cleared from the ring, and then Minihausen hit them with a suicide dive. Minihausen chased Wilson to the stage, but Wilson caught him with a kick while lying down. Wilson tossed Minihausen back inside the Cloning Machine and closed the door. The light inside the machine went off, and then the door fell open.
Several Minihausens emerged from the machine and attacked Wilson. The Minihausens chased Wilson back to the ring, where the original Minihausen performed an airplane spin and dumped him on the mat. Minihausen cursed Wilson, who held up his mirror. Miz hit Minihausen from behind and put him down with a Skull Crushing Finale. Miz had Minihausen beat, but Danhausen broke up the pin. Cole explained that the mirror caused Minihausen to curse himself.
Danhausen performed a Thesz Press on Miz and followed up with several punches. Danhausen cleared both heels from the ring. Danhausen went to the floor and high-fived one of the two Minihausens standing on the broadcast table. Miz kicked Danhausen. Miz pulled a fire extinguisher out from underneath the ring, but he was cursed, so it didn’t work initially. Miz sprayed himself with the fire extinguisher (or at least that was the idea), and then he sprayed Wilson. Miz got back in the ring. Danhausen cursed him. Minihausen dove off the top rope onto Wilson on the floor. Danhausen put Miz down with a pump kick and pinned him.
Danhausen and Minihausen beat The Miz and Kit Wilson in 11:50.
Danhausen and the Minihausens went to the stage and danced. Pyro shot off, and the lights went out, so Danhausen could “disappear.” When the lights came on, Danhausen was still trying to direct traffic before he and the Minihausens ran to the back…
Powell’s POV: It sounded like the Minihausen gag was met with some boos. There was a lot of speculation that CM Punk or Jelly Roll would team with Danhausen. I’m not sure if those fans had someone in mind or just didn’t care for the Minihausen gag. I’m not sure which lucha mini was under the mask, but he did a good job. I didn’t get my hopes up for anything in particular. The match was mostly harmless, but it went a bit longer than necessary. If nothing else, the live crowds love yelling, “You are cursed.”
4. Iyo Sky vs. Asuka. Barrett said Sky looked stressed over everything that’s happened, while Asuka looked relaxed. A “we went Kairi” chant broke out as the match started. The chant stopped before picking up again and was louder the second time around. Asuka took offensive control and threw kicks at a kneeling Sky. Iyo came back and performed a standing double stomp on Asuka, but she fell over to sell the effects of Asuka’s early offense.
Sky fired up and performed a missile dropkick. Sky pointed at herself while the crowd cheered. Sky performed the Bullet Train Attack and covered Asuka for a near fall. Asuka stuffed a move and then threw a series of strikes at Sky before covering her for a near fall of her own.
A short time later, Asuka caught Sky in an armbar. Sky rolled out of the hold and kicked Asuka, who came right back with a knee strike. Sky threw a kick at Asuka, and then both wrestlers stayed down for a moment. Asuka eventually caught Sky in a submission hold, but Sky rolled out and hooked in a submission of her own, which Asuka broke by getting a foot on the bottom rope.
Sky went to the middle rope and tried to pull up Asuka from the apron, but Asuka slammed Sky’s head into the ring post casing. Asuka went to the middle drop. Sky hit Asuka with an uppercut. Sky joined Asuka on the ropes and pulled her off with a huracanrana, but Asuka rolled through and got a good near fall.
Both wrestlers ended up fighting on the broadcast table. Asuka sprayed mist at Sky, who held up one of the broadcast team’s tables to block it. Sky put Asuka down on the floor and then performed an Asai Moonsault that merely grazed Asuka. Sky pointed at herself, and the fans cheered. Back inside the ring, SKy went for Over The Moonsault, only to have Asuka avoid it and hook her in the Asuka Lock. Sky faded, and the referee checked her arm, but then she rolled on top of Asuka, who had to break the hold to avoid being pinned.
A “this is awesome” chant broke out while the wrestlers got to their knees and traded strikes. Asuka blocked a kick and then put SKy down with a German Suplex. Sky came right back with a German Suplex of her own. Sky hit Asuka with a Bullet Train Attack and then hit Over The Moonsault for the win.
Iyo Sky beat Asuka in 18:30.
After the match, Sky bowed to Asuka, who looked emotional. Asuka hugged Sky and kissed her cheeks. Sky raised Asuka’s arm and pointed at her, and then they hugged again. Asuka blew a kiss at Sky and then to the crowd before rolling out of the ring. Sky went to the apron and bowed to the fans. Cole said both women should be proud of what they accomplished…
Powell’s POV: It ended with a hug? Ugh. I kept waiting for Asuka to attack Sky, but it never happened. The match was entertaining, but Sky going over and then having a feel-good post-match moment with Asuka was not what I was hoping for. While it could lead to Asuka blindsiding Sky on Raw or something, it seemed like this was a one-and-done, which is a real shame if that’s the case. All those months of storyline build for just one match?
3. Danhausen and Minihausen vs. The Miz and Kit Wilson. Minihausen started the match and tried to curse Wilson, who dropped him with a big boot. Minihausen came back with a springboard elbow. “I think he’s a Luchahausen,” Cole said. Danhausen launched his partner onto Miz and Wilson on the floor. Miz recovered and ran Danhausen into the ring post.
Wilson put Minihausen down. Miz returned to the apron and tagged in. Miz, who wore a t-shirt, pressed Minihausen over his head and then dropped him onto his shoulder and powerslammed him. Miz ripped off his t-shirt and hammed it up while acting like a powerhouse. Wilson tagged in and swivelled his hips while holding up Minihausen and then suplexed him. Wilson performed a lazy cover on Minihausen, who kicked out at two. Danhausen returned to the apron.
Wilson put Minihausen in a tree of woe. Wilson went for a diving headbutt, but Minihausen sat up, causing Wilson to crash into the corner. Minihausen hit a top rope moonsault. Danhausen took a hot tag while Miz also tagged in. Danhausen hit both opponents with clotheslines in opposite corners, then acted like he was exhausted. Danhausen fired up before clotheslining Miz, and then put Wilson down with a German Suplex.
Danhausen did the curse spot while fans chanted along. Wilson sacrificed himself by pushing Miz out of the way and taking Danhausen’s move himself. The heels were cleared from the ring, and then Minihausen hit them with a suicide dive. Minihausen chased Wilson to the stage, but Wilson caught him with a kick while lying down. Wilson tossed Minihausen back inside the Cloning Machine and closed the door. The light inside the machine went off, and then the door fell open.
Several Minihausens emerged from the machine and attacked Wilson. The Minihausens chased Wilson back to the ring, where the original Minihausen performed an airplane spin and dumped him on the mat. Minihausen cursed Wilson, who held up his mirror. Miz hit Minihausen from behind and put him down with a Skull Crushing Finale. Miz had Minihausen beat, but Danhausen broke up the pin. Cole explained that the mirror caused Minihausen to curse himself.
Danhausen performed a Thesz Press on Miz and followed up with several punches. Danhausen cleared both heels from the ring. Danhausen went to the floor and high-fived one of the two Minihausens standing on the broadcast table. Miz kicked Danhausen. Miz pulled a fire extinguisher out from underneath the ring, but he was cursed, so it didn’t work initially. Miz sprayed himself with the fire extinguisher (or at least that was the idea), and then he sprayed Wilson. Miz got back in the ring. Danhausen cursed him. Minihausen dove off the top rope onto Wilson on the floor. Danhausen put Miz down with a pump kick and pinned him.
Danhausen and Minihausen beat The Miz and Kit Wilson in 11:50.
Danhausen and the Minihausens went to the stage and danced. Pyro shot off, and the lights went out, so Danhausen could “disappear.” When the lights came on, Danhausen was still trying to direct traffic before he and the Minihausens ran to the back…
Powell’s POV: It sounded like the Minihausen gag was met with some boos. There was a lot of speculation that CM Punk or Jelly Roll would team with Danhausen. I’m not sure if those fans had someone in mind or just didn’t care for the Minihausen gag. I’m not sure which lucha mini was under the mask, but he did a good job. I didn’t get my hopes up for anything in particular. The match was mostly harmless, but it went a bit longer than necessary. If nothing else, the live crowds love yelling, “You are cursed.”
4. Iyo Sky vs. Asuka. Barrett said Sky looked stressed over everything that’s happened, while Asuka looked relaxed. A “we went Kairi” chant broke out as the match started. The chant stopped before picking up again and was louder the second time around. Asuka took offensive control and threw kicks at a kneeling Sky. Iyo came back and performed a standing double stomp on Asuka, but she fell over to sell the effects of Asuka’s early offense.
Sky fired up and performed a missile dropkick. Sky pointed at herself while the crowd cheered. Sky performed the Bullet Train Attack and covered Asuka for a near fall. Asuka stuffed a move and then threw a series of strikes at Sky before covering her for a near fall of her own.
A short time later, Asuka caught Sky in an armbar. Sky rolled out of the hold and kicked Asuka, who came right back with a knee strike. Sky threw a kick at Asuka, and then both wrestlers stayed down for a moment. Asuka eventually caught Sky in a submission hold, but Sky rolled out and hooked in a submission of her own, which Asuka broke by getting a foot on the bottom rope.
Sky went to the middle rope and tried to pull up Asuka from the apron, but Asuka slammed Sky’s head into the ring post casing. Asuka went to the middle drop. Sky hit Asuka with an uppercut. Sky joined Asuka on the ropes and pulled her off with a huracanrana, but Asuka rolled through and got a good near fall.
Both wrestlers ended up fighting on the broadcast table. Asuka sprayed mist at Sky, who held up one of the broadcast team’s tables to block it. Sky put Asuka down on the floor and then performed an Asai Moonsault that merely grazed Asuka. Sky pointed at herself, and the fans cheered. Back inside the ring, SKy went for Over The Moonsault, only to have Asuka avoid it and hook her in the Asuka Lock. Sky faded, and the referee checked her arm, but then she rolled on top of Asuka, who had to break the hold to avoid being pinned.
A “this is awesome” chant broke out while the wrestlers got to their knees and traded strikes. Asuka blocked a kick and then put SKy down with a German Suplex. Sky came right back with a German Suplex of her own. Sky hit Asuka with a Bullet Train Attack and then hit Over The Moonsault for the win.
Iyo Sky beat Asuka in 18:30.
After the match, Sky bowed to Asuka, who looked emotional. Asuka hugged Sky and kissed her cheeks. Sky raised Asuka’s arm and pointed at her, and then they hugged again. Asuka blew a kiss at Sky and then to the crowd before rolling out of the ring. Sky went to the apron and bowed to the fans. Cole said both women should be proud of what they accomplished…
Powell’s POV: It ended with a hug? Ugh. I kept waiting for Asuka to attack Sky, but it never happened. The match was entertaining, but Sky going over and then having a feel-good post-match moment with Asuka was not what I was hoping for. While it could lead to Asuka blindsiding Sky on Raw or something, it seemed like this was a one-and-done, which is a real shame if that’s the case. All those months of storyline build for just one match?
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WWE Backlash PLE Results: 5-9-26
5. Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu for the World Heavyweight Championship. Alicia Taylor delivered in-ring introductions for the championship match. Fatu sent Reigns to the floor during the opening minutes. Fatu went for a suicide dive. Reigns stuffed it, but Fatu applied the Tongan Death Grip. Fatu backed Reigns into the ring post and released the hold. Reigns returned to the ring while Fatu looked at his taped fingers.
When Fatu tried to return to the ring, Reigns clotheslined him over thet op rope. Both wrestlers returned to the floor, where Reigns targeted Fatu’s right hand. There were loud “Let’s Go Jacob” and “OTC” chants as the wrestlers returned to the ring. Reigns blasted Fatu with clotheslines in the corner until Fatu grabbed his arm and then put him down with a big clothesline. Fatu followed up moments later by going for a corner splash that Reigns avoided.
Reigns dropped Fatu with a big boot and then blasted him with a Superman Punch. Reigns covered Fatu, who kicked out immediately and stood up. Reigns sat on the mat and showed a look of disbelief. Fatu no-sold a kick and then dropped Reigns with a big boot. Fatu clotheslined Reigns in a corner of the ring while Cole said Fatu reminds him of the late Umaga. Fatu headbutted Reigns ten times. Fatu performed an Umaga-style hip attack.
Fatu ran the ropes for a move, but Reigns cut him off with a Superman Punch that led to a two count. Fatu rolled to the floor. Reigns followed and hit Fatu with a Drive By kick. Fatu reapplied the Tongan Death Grip. Fatu released the hold and then powerbombed Reigns through the broadcast table. Fatu got Reigns back inside the ring and charged toward him, but Reigns cut him off with a spear that led to a good near fall.
Moments later, Reigns stood in the corner and delivered his war cry. Reigns charged Fatu, who popped him up and hit a Samoan Drop on the way down. Fatu hit a double jump moonsault. Cole gave away that it was a near fall by saying there might be a new champion, but it was a good near fall otherwise.
Both wrestlers traded punches while on their knees and as they got back to their feet. They switched to throwing uppercuts. Fatu knocked Reigns down and then hit him with a pair of hip attacks in the corner. Fatu signaled for the Tongan Death Grip and then licked his fingers before applying the hold. Reigns started to fade, but then he came back to life and escaped the hold. Fatu popped up Reigns, who hit him with a Superman Punch on the way down. Reigns speared Fatu moments later and covered him for a close near fall.
Reigns asked the official if it was really just a two count. Fatu applied the Tongan Death Grip. Reigns reached out and grabbed the referee for a moment, and then he grabbed the turnbuckle pad, which he pulled off while still in the hold. Reigns ran Fatu’s head into the exposed turnbuckle, speared him, and pinned him.
Roman Reigns beat Jacob Fatu in 18:15 to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.
Fatu was censored while complaining about the way he lost. Fatu grabbed the referee, then released him and put Reigns in the Tongan Death Grip. The referee got Fatu to release the hold. Fatu shoved the referee into a corner of the ring and reapplied the hold. The referee intervened again. Fatu put the referee down with a pop-up Samoan Drop.
Adam Pearce led a group of producers and referees to the ring. Fatu took out one of the producers and then tossed Pearce to the floor. Fatu reapplied the Tongan Death Grip on Reigns. Pearce returned and joined the others in trying to pull Fatu off Reigns. Fatu released the hold. Fatu looked into a camera and said, “I told him.” Fatu left the ring while Pearce and the others checked on Reigns.
Fatu returned and reapplied the Tongan Death Grip. Pearce grabbed Fatu’s braids while others tried to pull him off Reigns. Fatu released the hold. Fatu picked up the title belt and stood over Reigns while holding up the title belt. The executive producer credits were shown to close the show…
Powell’s POV: A good main event with a finish that obviously created the need for a rematch. While the finish was disappointing in the moment, I’m happy they didn’t make this a one-and-done, and the match didn’t end due to outside interference from the Usos, Solo Sikoa, Royce Keys, or anyone else. The post-match angle effectively established Fatu as unhinged and dangerous.
5. Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu for the World Heavyweight Championship. Alicia Taylor delivered in-ring introductions for the championship match. Fatu sent Reigns to the floor during the opening minutes. Fatu went for a suicide dive. Reigns stuffed it, but Fatu applied the Tongan Death Grip. Fatu backed Reigns into the ring post and released the hold. Reigns returned to the ring while Fatu looked at his taped fingers.
When Fatu tried to return to the ring, Reigns clotheslined him over thet op rope. Both wrestlers returned to the floor, where Reigns targeted Fatu’s right hand. There were loud “Let’s Go Jacob” and “OTC” chants as the wrestlers returned to the ring. Reigns blasted Fatu with clotheslines in the corner until Fatu grabbed his arm and then put him down with a big clothesline. Fatu followed up moments later by going for a corner splash that Reigns avoided.
Reigns dropped Fatu with a big boot and then blasted him with a Superman Punch. Reigns covered Fatu, who kicked out immediately and stood up. Reigns sat on the mat and showed a look of disbelief. Fatu no-sold a kick and then dropped Reigns with a big boot. Fatu clotheslined Reigns in a corner of the ring while Cole said Fatu reminds him of the late Umaga. Fatu headbutted Reigns ten times. Fatu performed an Umaga-style hip attack.
Fatu ran the ropes for a move, but Reigns cut him off with a Superman Punch that led to a two count. Fatu rolled to the floor. Reigns followed and hit Fatu with a Drive By kick. Fatu reapplied the Tongan Death Grip. Fatu released the hold and then powerbombed Reigns through the broadcast table. Fatu got Reigns back inside the ring and charged toward him, but Reigns cut him off with a spear that led to a good near fall.
Moments later, Reigns stood in the corner and delivered his war cry. Reigns charged Fatu, who popped him up and hit a Samoan Drop on the way down. Fatu hit a double jump moonsault. Cole gave away that it was a near fall by saying there might be a new champion, but it was a good near fall otherwise.
Both wrestlers traded punches while on their knees and as they got back to their feet. They switched to throwing uppercuts. Fatu knocked Reigns down and then hit him with a pair of hip attacks in the corner. Fatu signaled for the Tongan Death Grip and then licked his fingers before applying the hold. Reigns started to fade, but then he came back to life and escaped the hold. Fatu popped up Reigns, who hit him with a Superman Punch on the way down. Reigns speared Fatu moments later and covered him for a close near fall.
Reigns asked the official if it was really just a two count. Fatu applied the Tongan Death Grip. Reigns reached out and grabbed the referee for a moment, and then he grabbed the turnbuckle pad, which he pulled off while still in the hold. Reigns ran Fatu’s head into the exposed turnbuckle, speared him, and pinned him.
Roman Reigns beat Jacob Fatu in 18:15 to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.
Fatu was censored while complaining about the way he lost. Fatu grabbed the referee, then released him and put Reigns in the Tongan Death Grip. The referee got Fatu to release the hold. Fatu shoved the referee into a corner of the ring and reapplied the hold. The referee intervened again. Fatu put the referee down with a pop-up Samoan Drop.
Adam Pearce led a group of producers and referees to the ring. Fatu took out one of the producers and then tossed Pearce to the floor. Fatu reapplied the Tongan Death Grip on Reigns. Pearce returned and joined the others in trying to pull Fatu off Reigns. Fatu released the hold. Fatu looked into a camera and said, “I told him.” Fatu left the ring while Pearce and the others checked on Reigns.
Fatu returned and reapplied the Tongan Death Grip. Pearce grabbed Fatu’s braids while others tried to pull him off Reigns. Fatu released the hold. Fatu picked up the title belt and stood over Reigns while holding up the title belt. The executive producer credits were shown to close the show…
Powell’s POV: A good main event with a finish that obviously created the need for a rematch. While the finish was disappointing in the moment, I’m happy they didn’t make this a one-and-done, and the match didn’t end due to outside interference from the Usos, Solo Sikoa, Royce Keys, or anyone else. The post-match angle effectively established Fatu as unhinged and dangerous.
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Whom?
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WWE Clash in Italy PLE Results: 5-31-26
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (complete link to Keller's report).
NOTE: The first two matches aired live on ESPN...
(1) CODY RHODES vs. GUNTHER – WWE Undisputed Championship match
Cody made his entrance as fans sang his entrance theme with gusto. Cody seemed buoyed by the crowd response. Cole and Graves noted that Cody was nervous about whether he’d be seen as the away team here, but the crowd reaction was firmly pro-Cody. Fans sang “Cody, Cody Rhodes!” as the bell rang 9 minutes into the hour. Gunther and Cody went back and forth for a minute before Gunther dropped him with a chop and then several knees to the gut.
Cody made a comeback after escaping a suplex. He landed a snap powerslam, a Bionic Elbow, and a Pedigree for a two count. The crowd was firmly behind Cody. Gunther came back with a dropkick and a powerbomb for a two count at 5:00. Cody came back with a Disaster Kick and Crossroads for a near fall that the crowd popped for. Fans sang “Olé!”
Cody went for a top rope Cody Gutter, but Gunther caught him and applied a sleeper. Cody leaned back and had Gunther’s shoulders down. Gunther stood and then locked on the sleeper. He dropped to the mat and Cody struggled. Fans chanted, “Cody! Cody!” Cody stood and leaped backwards to break the hold, but Gunther re-applied it immediately. Cody draped his boot on the bottom rope to force a break.
Gunther looked upset with Cody and the crowd. They stood and exchanged rapid-fire intense chops. They hit each other with clotheslines. Gunther took Cody down; Cody took a hard bump. He got up and sent for a Cody Cutter, but Gunther blocked it and applied another sleeper. Cody broke free quickly and hit a springboard Cody Cutter. He took Gunther down with a clothesline and then landed a Crossroads for a three count. Gunther’s boot was under the bottom rope at the start of the cover, but Cody pulled it in for a hook.
Gunther protested that his boot was under the bottom rope. On the replay, Cole and Graves noted that Gunther was right and the ref shouldn’t have started his count.
WINNER: Cody in 12:00 to retain the WWE Undisputed Title.
(Really good match that, from the get-go, felt like it wasn’t going to go super long given the intensity early and pace throughout. The ESPN free hour format is likely to dictate matches being shorter than they otherwise would be, especially if there are two title matches booked for the hour. In this case, I think it worked for the match as it was electric and sometimes both Cody and Gunther can overdo the “slow methodical build” phase of the match just to add 8 minutes to the total length. Everything about this was well-executed and hard-hitting, with drama that the crowd bought into the whole way as they were invested in Cody winning and Gunther losing. Although it at first felt like an unexpectedly clean pin after a signature finisher, the controversy largely erased that, but that also means they’ll likely rematch them soon, which isn’t bad. If you want rematches, you either have to accept hot potato title reigns or controversial finishes that justify a rematch. This is the lower end of offensive regarding non-clean-finishes to justify rematches.)
(2) RHEA RIPLEY vs. JADE CARGILL – WWE Women’s Title match
Jade made her entrance first. Then a video package preview aired. Then Ripley made her entrance. Jade got booed during formal ring introductions. The bell rang 37 minutes into the hour. Fans chanted, “Let’s Go Mami!” Ripley kicked Jade in the gut, but Jade absorbed it and slammed Ripley. Jade then did push-ups right in front of her to taunt her. Jade battered Ripley at ringside and then back in the ring. Another “Let’s Go Mami!” chant broke out. At 7:00 Cole said it had been “alarmingly one-sided so far.”
Ripley began her comeback at 8:00. Fans applauded as Ripley took Jade down with a dropkick. She then delivered a German suplex, so Jade rolled to ringside. Ripley flip-dove off the ring apron onto Jade. Back in the ring, Ripley landed a top rope dropkick for a near fall. Jade slipped out of Rhea’s grip and then backdropped Rhea. Rhea upkicked Jade. Both were down and slow to get up.
Rhea and Jade went forehead to forehead as they began to stand. They exchanged mid-ring swings, but their arms grew more fatigued as they went. Jade ducked a kick by Ripley. Ripley blocked Jaded and landed a headbutt. She then set up a Rip Ride, but Jade back-elbowed out of it. Ripley tossed Jade to the mat and hit a Shining Wizard for a near fall at 11:00.
Ripley lifted Jade into an electric chair. Jade held onto the top rope and they somersaulted – after a struggle to execute the spot – over the top. Ripley held on and slammed Jade into the edge of the ring apron. Ripley scored a two count. Ripley went for a Rip Tide, but Jade countered with Jaded Attempt. Ripley avoided that, but Jade landed a DDT. Both were down and slow to get up. Fans applauded. Jade landed a Blue Thunder powerbomb for a two count seconds later. Cole said Jade was showing signs of frustration. They went to a wide shot and the clusters of empty seats on the floor filled out as Cole noted it was a sellout.
Ripley gave Jade a top rope German suplex for a two count. Both were down and slow to get up. Michin and B-Fab ran to ringside. Ripley looked at them. Jade caught her with a Pump Kick, but Ripley came right back and stomped Jade in the gut and then landed a Rip Tide. B-Fab reached for Jade’s boot, but completely whiffed since Jade had her leg out of reach, so Jade had to put her boot on the bottom rope herself. The ref kicked them out of ringside. The announcers had to pretend B-Fab actually put Jade’s leg on the bottom rope.
Jade stared them down at ringside. Charlotte showed up and leaped off the ringside barricade onto B-Fab and Michin as Ripley smiled. She threw B_Fab into the ringpost. Jade caught Ripley with a pump kick and a Jaded, but Charlotte put Ripley’s boot on the bottom rope to interrupt the count. Jade glared at Charlotte. Ripley then delivered Rip Tide for the win.
WINNER: Ripley in 17:00 to retain the WWE Women’s Title.
(This keeps coming up with her matches, but that might’ve been Jade’s best match yet. She’s really improved this year and it’s no longer even a talking point that she might not ever “get it” or adapt to what it takes to have matches hit a minimal threshold. Ripley was part of that here, of course.)
Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (complete link to Keller's report).
NOTE: The first two matches aired live on ESPN...
(1) CODY RHODES vs. GUNTHER – WWE Undisputed Championship match
Cody made his entrance as fans sang his entrance theme with gusto. Cody seemed buoyed by the crowd response. Cole and Graves noted that Cody was nervous about whether he’d be seen as the away team here, but the crowd reaction was firmly pro-Cody. Fans sang “Cody, Cody Rhodes!” as the bell rang 9 minutes into the hour. Gunther and Cody went back and forth for a minute before Gunther dropped him with a chop and then several knees to the gut.
Cody made a comeback after escaping a suplex. He landed a snap powerslam, a Bionic Elbow, and a Pedigree for a two count. The crowd was firmly behind Cody. Gunther came back with a dropkick and a powerbomb for a two count at 5:00. Cody came back with a Disaster Kick and Crossroads for a near fall that the crowd popped for. Fans sang “Olé!”
Cody went for a top rope Cody Gutter, but Gunther caught him and applied a sleeper. Cody leaned back and had Gunther’s shoulders down. Gunther stood and then locked on the sleeper. He dropped to the mat and Cody struggled. Fans chanted, “Cody! Cody!” Cody stood and leaped backwards to break the hold, but Gunther re-applied it immediately. Cody draped his boot on the bottom rope to force a break.
Gunther looked upset with Cody and the crowd. They stood and exchanged rapid-fire intense chops. They hit each other with clotheslines. Gunther took Cody down; Cody took a hard bump. He got up and sent for a Cody Cutter, but Gunther blocked it and applied another sleeper. Cody broke free quickly and hit a springboard Cody Cutter. He took Gunther down with a clothesline and then landed a Crossroads for a three count. Gunther’s boot was under the bottom rope at the start of the cover, but Cody pulled it in for a hook.
Gunther protested that his boot was under the bottom rope. On the replay, Cole and Graves noted that Gunther was right and the ref shouldn’t have started his count.
WINNER: Cody in 12:00 to retain the WWE Undisputed Title.
(Really good match that, from the get-go, felt like it wasn’t going to go super long given the intensity early and pace throughout. The ESPN free hour format is likely to dictate matches being shorter than they otherwise would be, especially if there are two title matches booked for the hour. In this case, I think it worked for the match as it was electric and sometimes both Cody and Gunther can overdo the “slow methodical build” phase of the match just to add 8 minutes to the total length. Everything about this was well-executed and hard-hitting, with drama that the crowd bought into the whole way as they were invested in Cody winning and Gunther losing. Although it at first felt like an unexpectedly clean pin after a signature finisher, the controversy largely erased that, but that also means they’ll likely rematch them soon, which isn’t bad. If you want rematches, you either have to accept hot potato title reigns or controversial finishes that justify a rematch. This is the lower end of offensive regarding non-clean-finishes to justify rematches.)
(2) RHEA RIPLEY vs. JADE CARGILL – WWE Women’s Title match
Jade made her entrance first. Then a video package preview aired. Then Ripley made her entrance. Jade got booed during formal ring introductions. The bell rang 37 minutes into the hour. Fans chanted, “Let’s Go Mami!” Ripley kicked Jade in the gut, but Jade absorbed it and slammed Ripley. Jade then did push-ups right in front of her to taunt her. Jade battered Ripley at ringside and then back in the ring. Another “Let’s Go Mami!” chant broke out. At 7:00 Cole said it had been “alarmingly one-sided so far.”
Ripley began her comeback at 8:00. Fans applauded as Ripley took Jade down with a dropkick. She then delivered a German suplex, so Jade rolled to ringside. Ripley flip-dove off the ring apron onto Jade. Back in the ring, Ripley landed a top rope dropkick for a near fall. Jade slipped out of Rhea’s grip and then backdropped Rhea. Rhea upkicked Jade. Both were down and slow to get up.
Rhea and Jade went forehead to forehead as they began to stand. They exchanged mid-ring swings, but their arms grew more fatigued as they went. Jade ducked a kick by Ripley. Ripley blocked Jaded and landed a headbutt. She then set up a Rip Ride, but Jade back-elbowed out of it. Ripley tossed Jade to the mat and hit a Shining Wizard for a near fall at 11:00.
Ripley lifted Jade into an electric chair. Jade held onto the top rope and they somersaulted – after a struggle to execute the spot – over the top. Ripley held on and slammed Jade into the edge of the ring apron. Ripley scored a two count. Ripley went for a Rip Tide, but Jade countered with Jaded Attempt. Ripley avoided that, but Jade landed a DDT. Both were down and slow to get up. Fans applauded. Jade landed a Blue Thunder powerbomb for a two count seconds later. Cole said Jade was showing signs of frustration. They went to a wide shot and the clusters of empty seats on the floor filled out as Cole noted it was a sellout.
Ripley gave Jade a top rope German suplex for a two count. Both were down and slow to get up. Michin and B-Fab ran to ringside. Ripley looked at them. Jade caught her with a Pump Kick, but Ripley came right back and stomped Jade in the gut and then landed a Rip Tide. B-Fab reached for Jade’s boot, but completely whiffed since Jade had her leg out of reach, so Jade had to put her boot on the bottom rope herself. The ref kicked them out of ringside. The announcers had to pretend B-Fab actually put Jade’s leg on the bottom rope.
Jade stared them down at ringside. Charlotte showed up and leaped off the ringside barricade onto B-Fab and Michin as Ripley smiled. She threw B_Fab into the ringpost. Jade caught Ripley with a pump kick and a Jaded, but Charlotte put Ripley’s boot on the bottom rope to interrupt the count. Jade glared at Charlotte. Ripley then delivered Rip Tide for the win.
WINNER: Ripley in 17:00 to retain the WWE Women’s Title.
(This keeps coming up with her matches, but that might’ve been Jade’s best match yet. She’s really improved this year and it’s no longer even a talking point that she might not ever “get it” or adapt to what it takes to have matches hit a minimal threshold. Ripley was part of that here, of course.)
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- Sep 14, 2003
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- 20,766
WWE Clash in Italy PLE Results: 5-31-26
(3) OBA FEMI vs. BROCK LESNAR (w/Paul Heyman)
Cole said this “might be the biggest rematch of all time.” Lesnar came out first with Heyman. Fans popped a bit and sang to his theme. Cole said Lesnar “claims he’s retired” and said he is the scariest retired man on the planet. Graves said it could be argued it’s “do or die for Brock Lesnar.” Cole said Lesnar admitted he was humbled at WrestleMania after an ass whipping. Oba then came out and fan engaged with his entrance theme and loudly sang “Oba!” with every step he took. Oba had his game face on as he strutted to the ring. Heyman interrupted ring introductions in Italian to handle Lesnar’s intro. Cole said Lesnar was pacing like a caged animal.
Lesnar attacked Oba before the bell and (in the dumbest trope in pro wrestling, which is saying something) the referee rewarded the illegal attack by calling for the match to begin, rewarding the attack. Cole “blamed” Femi was taking his eyes off Lesnar. Lesnar then gave Oba an F5. And another. “What an onslaught by Lesnar!” said Cole. He then hit a third and fourth F5 for a near fall. Lesnar looked shocked and had to regather himself. Heyman shouted, “Kimura Lock!” Cole talked about the history of that hold’s effectiveness. Oba held on for a minute and then stood and lifted Lesnar and slammed him to the mat, breaking the grip.
Oba went for a chokeslam, but Lesnar broke free and landed another F5 for a near fall. Lesnar pounded the mat. Cole said he was getting frustrated. Oba delivered a quick one-armed chokeslam for a two count. Oba then charged at Lesnar and clotheslined him. They both tumbled over the top rope. Lesnar took a great bump. Lesnar reverse-whipped Oba into the ringpost and then tried for a Kimura again. Oba blocked it. Fans chanted, “Suplex city!” Oba went for a choekslam, but Lesnar slipped out and gave Oba an F5 through the announce table, collapsing it.
Lesnar rolled into the ring as the ref began counting Oba down. Oba popped up at 7 and entered the ring at 9. Lesnar was sitting in the corner and looked exhausted. Oba then landed three running uppercuts into the corner followed by a toss across the ring. He then set up a Fall from Grace, but Lesnar leaped out of it and landed an F5 and scored a three count.
Lesnar yelled from the aisle, “One plus one, you’re done, bitch.” (Not sure what that was meant to mean.)
WINNER: Lesnar in 7:00.
(That felt longer than 7 minutes, but in the best way. There were multiple instances where it seemed almost sure to be a finish or at least a possible finish, but they kept building on it. The pre-bell attack by Lesnar, as ridiculous as it is that a referee would reward a pre-match attack like that, is some semblance of “protecting” Oba from it feeling like a fair fight, although the announcers didn’t harp on it. Lesnar is enough of a beast and has enough equity that Oba losing to him doesn’t define him down, especially the way the match was designed and considering he already had a dominant win over him. This sets up what will be a highly-anticipated “rubber match” between them this summer.)
(4) BECKY LYNCH vs. SOL RUCA – Intercontinental Title match
The bell rang 37 minutes into the hour. Becky tried to hide behind the ref and take a cheat shot, but Ruca avoided it and took early control. Back in they ring, Becky knocked Ruca off balance as she went for a springboard and took over at 2:00.
Becky landed a second rope legdrop for a two count at 5:00. Cole said she weathered the early storm from Ruca. Ruca made a comeback and landed a released German suplex and then a dropkick off the second rope. She kipped up and got polite applause. She then hit a running knee for a two count. Ruca went for a Sol Snatcher, but Becky avoided it and went right into an armbar. Ruca pivoted into a crossface. Becky applied a Disarm Her. Ruca esacped. The ref, Jessica Carr, rolled to ringside to avoid Becky pushing Ruca into the corner. She re-entered the ring and counted to two on a Becky roll-up. Ruca then countered into a two count. Becky stayed on offense and scored another two count. Graves said the match should be over if Carr had started her count on time. Becky got in Carr’s face. Carr explained herself.
Ruca countered a Manhandle Slam and dropkicked Becky into the corner. Ruca leaped off the top rope and face planted Becky with an X Factor for a near fall. sol climbed to the top rope. Becky held onto Carr’s arm and tried to yank her into the path. Intead, Carr broke free but bumped into the ropes, knocking Ruca off balance. Becky superplexed Ruca and set up a DDT, but Ruca hand-standed out of it and superkicked Becky. Both were down and slow to get up.
Becky rolled to ringside. Ruca kipped up and ran and cartwheeled over the top rope, but brushed against the ropes and came up short. Graves said she was lucky it didn’t end worse. Becky took the bump anyway. Becky gave Ruca a Manhandle Slam as Ruca re-entered the ring. Ruca blocked what appeared to be Becky going for a Sol Snatcher. Ruca gave Becky a Manhandle Slam for a near fall. Cole said, “Becky tried to get cute there.”
Becky lifted Ruca, but Ruca rolled out of it. Ruca then hit a Soul Snatcher for the win.
WINNER: Sol Ruca in 14:00 to capture the Intercontinental Title.
(The crowd gave Ruca a nice response after her win. Good match in a lot of ways with nice crowd pops and high-energy throughout, but for being so athletic, Sol botches her fancy spots too often.)
(3) OBA FEMI vs. BROCK LESNAR (w/Paul Heyman)
Cole said this “might be the biggest rematch of all time.” Lesnar came out first with Heyman. Fans popped a bit and sang to his theme. Cole said Lesnar “claims he’s retired” and said he is the scariest retired man on the planet. Graves said it could be argued it’s “do or die for Brock Lesnar.” Cole said Lesnar admitted he was humbled at WrestleMania after an ass whipping. Oba then came out and fan engaged with his entrance theme and loudly sang “Oba!” with every step he took. Oba had his game face on as he strutted to the ring. Heyman interrupted ring introductions in Italian to handle Lesnar’s intro. Cole said Lesnar was pacing like a caged animal.
Lesnar attacked Oba before the bell and (in the dumbest trope in pro wrestling, which is saying something) the referee rewarded the illegal attack by calling for the match to begin, rewarding the attack. Cole “blamed” Femi was taking his eyes off Lesnar. Lesnar then gave Oba an F5. And another. “What an onslaught by Lesnar!” said Cole. He then hit a third and fourth F5 for a near fall. Lesnar looked shocked and had to regather himself. Heyman shouted, “Kimura Lock!” Cole talked about the history of that hold’s effectiveness. Oba held on for a minute and then stood and lifted Lesnar and slammed him to the mat, breaking the grip.
Oba went for a chokeslam, but Lesnar broke free and landed another F5 for a near fall. Lesnar pounded the mat. Cole said he was getting frustrated. Oba delivered a quick one-armed chokeslam for a two count. Oba then charged at Lesnar and clotheslined him. They both tumbled over the top rope. Lesnar took a great bump. Lesnar reverse-whipped Oba into the ringpost and then tried for a Kimura again. Oba blocked it. Fans chanted, “Suplex city!” Oba went for a choekslam, but Lesnar slipped out and gave Oba an F5 through the announce table, collapsing it.
Lesnar rolled into the ring as the ref began counting Oba down. Oba popped up at 7 and entered the ring at 9. Lesnar was sitting in the corner and looked exhausted. Oba then landed three running uppercuts into the corner followed by a toss across the ring. He then set up a Fall from Grace, but Lesnar leaped out of it and landed an F5 and scored a three count.
Lesnar yelled from the aisle, “One plus one, you’re done, bitch.” (Not sure what that was meant to mean.)
WINNER: Lesnar in 7:00.
(That felt longer than 7 minutes, but in the best way. There were multiple instances where it seemed almost sure to be a finish or at least a possible finish, but they kept building on it. The pre-bell attack by Lesnar, as ridiculous as it is that a referee would reward a pre-match attack like that, is some semblance of “protecting” Oba from it feeling like a fair fight, although the announcers didn’t harp on it. Lesnar is enough of a beast and has enough equity that Oba losing to him doesn’t define him down, especially the way the match was designed and considering he already had a dominant win over him. This sets up what will be a highly-anticipated “rubber match” between them this summer.)
(4) BECKY LYNCH vs. SOL RUCA – Intercontinental Title match
The bell rang 37 minutes into the hour. Becky tried to hide behind the ref and take a cheat shot, but Ruca avoided it and took early control. Back in they ring, Becky knocked Ruca off balance as she went for a springboard and took over at 2:00.
Becky landed a second rope legdrop for a two count at 5:00. Cole said she weathered the early storm from Ruca. Ruca made a comeback and landed a released German suplex and then a dropkick off the second rope. She kipped up and got polite applause. She then hit a running knee for a two count. Ruca went for a Sol Snatcher, but Becky avoided it and went right into an armbar. Ruca pivoted into a crossface. Becky applied a Disarm Her. Ruca esacped. The ref, Jessica Carr, rolled to ringside to avoid Becky pushing Ruca into the corner. She re-entered the ring and counted to two on a Becky roll-up. Ruca then countered into a two count. Becky stayed on offense and scored another two count. Graves said the match should be over if Carr had started her count on time. Becky got in Carr’s face. Carr explained herself.
Ruca countered a Manhandle Slam and dropkicked Becky into the corner. Ruca leaped off the top rope and face planted Becky with an X Factor for a near fall. sol climbed to the top rope. Becky held onto Carr’s arm and tried to yank her into the path. Intead, Carr broke free but bumped into the ropes, knocking Ruca off balance. Becky superplexed Ruca and set up a DDT, but Ruca hand-standed out of it and superkicked Becky. Both were down and slow to get up.
Becky rolled to ringside. Ruca kipped up and ran and cartwheeled over the top rope, but brushed against the ropes and came up short. Graves said she was lucky it didn’t end worse. Becky took the bump anyway. Becky gave Ruca a Manhandle Slam as Ruca re-entered the ring. Ruca blocked what appeared to be Becky going for a Sol Snatcher. Ruca gave Becky a Manhandle Slam for a near fall. Cole said, “Becky tried to get cute there.”
Becky lifted Ruca, but Ruca rolled out of it. Ruca then hit a Soul Snatcher for the win.
WINNER: Sol Ruca in 14:00 to capture the Intercontinental Title.
(The crowd gave Ruca a nice response after her win. Good match in a lot of ways with nice crowd pops and high-energy throughout, but for being so athletic, Sol botches her fancy spots too often.)
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2003
- Posts
- 20,766
WWE Clash in Italy PLE Results: 5-31-26
(5) ROMAN REIGNS vs. JACOB FATU – World Heavyweight Title match with Tribal Combat rules
As Fatu came out, Graves said it is about the title, but “even more so” it’s about the family. Cole said Fatu was aiming to upend the family dynamic. Reigns made his usual ring entrance.
The bell rang 16 minutes into the hour. Graves talked about how the Tongan Death Grip is only for emergencies and never against your own family. He said Reigns always finds a way and he is always at or near the top of the mountain because he doesn’t make mistakes. Cole said Reigns knows he’s in the ring with fiery hot-head.
Reigns pulled quickly away from a Tongan Death Grip. Reigns rolled to ringside. As Fatu dove onto him, Cole said those rumors of Fatu being injured don’t appear to be true. He tossed Reigns over the ringside barricade. They did a walk-and-brawl to the wide stairs in the corner of the bleachers. Fans chanted “OTC!” Reigns mounted Fatu and punched away at him. They fought over to a concessions table. Reigns threw a bucket of ice at Fatu and then tossed some food into the stands.
They fought back to ringside where Reigns beat up Fatu. Fans sang “Roman, Roman Reigns!” as Reigns set up a table. Then it went entirely silent, which was weird. Fatu recovered during the time Reigns slowly grabbed a table and slid it into the ring. Fatu shoved Reigns into the ringside steps. Fatu then slid the top of the stairs under the bottom rope. Cole noted that anything goes in Tribal Combat rules. Reigns threw the steps onto Fatu’s skull at ringside. The ref checked on Fatu, who was flat out on his back.
Fatu made it back into the ring. Reigns hit a leaping clothesline. Then he forearmed Fatu ten times in the corner as fans applauded. He took Fatu down with a big boot. Fatu fired back with punches. Reigns kicked Fatu on a backdrop attempt. Fatu rallied, though, with a barrage of headbutts and then a hip attack. Fatu gave Reigns a weak shove into the ropes, so Reigns had to accelerate on his own. He went for a Superman Punch, which missed but led to a two count and a replay that showed it missed. (Usually they’re good at not showing a bad camera angle on replays.)
Fatu blocked a spear with a superkick and then he applied the Tongan Death Grip. Reigns gasped and dropped to one knee. Fans chanted, “OTC! OTC!” As Reigns tried to fight out of it, Fatu shoved Reigns over the top rope. Fatu leaped through the ropes, but Reigns caught him mid-air with a Superman Punch. Both were down at ringside and slow to get up as fans chanted.
Reigns looked under the ring and grabbed a kendo stick, but then he saw a tool box. He smashed Fatu’s hand with a tool box. Reigns yelled, “You can’t do shit with that hand now, can you?” Reigns smashed his hand against the stairs with the box. Then he stomped on his hand in the ring.
Reigns leaned the table in the corner. He signaled for a Spear, but Fatu charged and crashed into Reigns. He held his hand, but also looked viciously down at Reigns at ringside. He let out a yell and charged at Reigns at one-third the speed of Bron Breakker. Reigns intercepted him with a Superman Punch. Fans chanted, “OTC!” Reigns assessed the situation and then charged at Fatu and speared him through the ringside barricade. Two security guys were knocked down and under the barricade.
Back in the ring, Reigns speared Fatu for a very near fall. Reigns asked Fatu if he really thinks he needs help to beat him. He said no one is at ringside “and I never needed anyone.” Reigns ripped the turnbuckle pad off of the corner. Fans chanted “OTC!” as Reigns yanked another one off. He did the same to a third corner.
Fatu went for a Tongan Death Grip, but his hand was too injured. Reigns connected with a Superman Punch and then rammed Fatu into both exposed turnbuckles. Fatu caught Reigns with a spear out of nowhere for a near fall at 24:00. Reigns avoided a Mighty Moonsault. Fatu landed a pop-up Samoan Drop and then a Mighty Moonsault for a near fall. When Reigns kicked out, he flailed his arm with a crotch shot to Fatu. Cole said that’s how Reigns won many times over the years. They wondered if it was inadvertent. After the replay from a better angle, Cole said he “went back to the well.” Graves said, “All is fair in love and Tribal Combat.” He said it also shows desperation by Reigns and cracks in his armor.
They began to stand and punched each other. Fatu applied a Tongan Death Grip, but Reigns escaped and rammed Fatu’s head into the exposed turnbuckle. Reigns speared Fatu into the table into the corner, shattering the table. Reigns speared Fatu and scored a three count. Cole said Fatu has been neutered and domesticated by Reigns, the Head of the Table.
The Usos entered the ring. Cole said Fatu “must, in Roman’s words, serve him, work for him, and love him.” He said tomorrow night on Raw, Fatu must do his “Tribal service” and pay his homage to the Head of the Table.
WINNER: Reigns in 28:00 to retain the World Heavyweight Title.
(Is the low-blow supposed to be Reigns fighting fire with fire, or are all the pieces of this story consistent with a slow build toward Roman breaking bad again and building sympathy over time for Fatu to break away from subservience under the abusive Tribal Chief?)
-Fatu sat in the corner and looked at Reigns as Reigns left the ring. Reigns and the Usos noticed Solo Sikoa and his (remaining) MFTs standing in the corner watching him. Fatu then stepped out of the ring and saw Solo. Cole said Fatu must now fall in line. Jey clapped and yelled for Fatu to follow them to the back. “Come on, man,” he said. Fatu did. Reigns said, “Now they know who the captain of the ship is!”
(5) ROMAN REIGNS vs. JACOB FATU – World Heavyweight Title match with Tribal Combat rules
As Fatu came out, Graves said it is about the title, but “even more so” it’s about the family. Cole said Fatu was aiming to upend the family dynamic. Reigns made his usual ring entrance.
The bell rang 16 minutes into the hour. Graves talked about how the Tongan Death Grip is only for emergencies and never against your own family. He said Reigns always finds a way and he is always at or near the top of the mountain because he doesn’t make mistakes. Cole said Reigns knows he’s in the ring with fiery hot-head.
Reigns pulled quickly away from a Tongan Death Grip. Reigns rolled to ringside. As Fatu dove onto him, Cole said those rumors of Fatu being injured don’t appear to be true. He tossed Reigns over the ringside barricade. They did a walk-and-brawl to the wide stairs in the corner of the bleachers. Fans chanted “OTC!” Reigns mounted Fatu and punched away at him. They fought over to a concessions table. Reigns threw a bucket of ice at Fatu and then tossed some food into the stands.
They fought back to ringside where Reigns beat up Fatu. Fans sang “Roman, Roman Reigns!” as Reigns set up a table. Then it went entirely silent, which was weird. Fatu recovered during the time Reigns slowly grabbed a table and slid it into the ring. Fatu shoved Reigns into the ringside steps. Fatu then slid the top of the stairs under the bottom rope. Cole noted that anything goes in Tribal Combat rules. Reigns threw the steps onto Fatu’s skull at ringside. The ref checked on Fatu, who was flat out on his back.
Fatu made it back into the ring. Reigns hit a leaping clothesline. Then he forearmed Fatu ten times in the corner as fans applauded. He took Fatu down with a big boot. Fatu fired back with punches. Reigns kicked Fatu on a backdrop attempt. Fatu rallied, though, with a barrage of headbutts and then a hip attack. Fatu gave Reigns a weak shove into the ropes, so Reigns had to accelerate on his own. He went for a Superman Punch, which missed but led to a two count and a replay that showed it missed. (Usually they’re good at not showing a bad camera angle on replays.)
Fatu blocked a spear with a superkick and then he applied the Tongan Death Grip. Reigns gasped and dropped to one knee. Fans chanted, “OTC! OTC!” As Reigns tried to fight out of it, Fatu shoved Reigns over the top rope. Fatu leaped through the ropes, but Reigns caught him mid-air with a Superman Punch. Both were down at ringside and slow to get up as fans chanted.
Reigns looked under the ring and grabbed a kendo stick, but then he saw a tool box. He smashed Fatu’s hand with a tool box. Reigns yelled, “You can’t do shit with that hand now, can you?” Reigns smashed his hand against the stairs with the box. Then he stomped on his hand in the ring.
Reigns leaned the table in the corner. He signaled for a Spear, but Fatu charged and crashed into Reigns. He held his hand, but also looked viciously down at Reigns at ringside. He let out a yell and charged at Reigns at one-third the speed of Bron Breakker. Reigns intercepted him with a Superman Punch. Fans chanted, “OTC!” Reigns assessed the situation and then charged at Fatu and speared him through the ringside barricade. Two security guys were knocked down and under the barricade.
Back in the ring, Reigns speared Fatu for a very near fall. Reigns asked Fatu if he really thinks he needs help to beat him. He said no one is at ringside “and I never needed anyone.” Reigns ripped the turnbuckle pad off of the corner. Fans chanted “OTC!” as Reigns yanked another one off. He did the same to a third corner.
Fatu went for a Tongan Death Grip, but his hand was too injured. Reigns connected with a Superman Punch and then rammed Fatu into both exposed turnbuckles. Fatu caught Reigns with a spear out of nowhere for a near fall at 24:00. Reigns avoided a Mighty Moonsault. Fatu landed a pop-up Samoan Drop and then a Mighty Moonsault for a near fall. When Reigns kicked out, he flailed his arm with a crotch shot to Fatu. Cole said that’s how Reigns won many times over the years. They wondered if it was inadvertent. After the replay from a better angle, Cole said he “went back to the well.” Graves said, “All is fair in love and Tribal Combat.” He said it also shows desperation by Reigns and cracks in his armor.
They began to stand and punched each other. Fatu applied a Tongan Death Grip, but Reigns escaped and rammed Fatu’s head into the exposed turnbuckle. Reigns speared Fatu into the table into the corner, shattering the table. Reigns speared Fatu and scored a three count. Cole said Fatu has been neutered and domesticated by Reigns, the Head of the Table.
The Usos entered the ring. Cole said Fatu “must, in Roman’s words, serve him, work for him, and love him.” He said tomorrow night on Raw, Fatu must do his “Tribal service” and pay his homage to the Head of the Table.
WINNER: Reigns in 28:00 to retain the World Heavyweight Title.
(Is the low-blow supposed to be Reigns fighting fire with fire, or are all the pieces of this story consistent with a slow build toward Roman breaking bad again and building sympathy over time for Fatu to break away from subservience under the abusive Tribal Chief?)
-Fatu sat in the corner and looked at Reigns as Reigns left the ring. Reigns and the Usos noticed Solo Sikoa and his (remaining) MFTs standing in the corner watching him. Fatu then stepped out of the ring and saw Solo. Cole said Fatu must now fall in line. Jey clapped and yelled for Fatu to follow them to the back. “Come on, man,” he said. Fatu did. Reigns said, “Now they know who the captain of the ship is!”
- Joined
- Sep 16, 2003
- Posts
- 11,158
That young fan that Gable legit tried to take the mask from that was kissed by Kaiser later in the match, and the kid pulled his own mask that he fought to keep, off…in tears…I mean, holy shit.
Holy shit to Gable honoring the sharing of his identity *to the letter* of how a luchador would do it…GABLE’S SON UNMASKED IN THE RING AS WELL.
*I’m not crying, you’re crying!*
Holy shit to Gable honoring the sharing of his identity *to the letter* of how a luchador would do it…GABLE’S SON UNMASKED IN THE RING AS WELL.
*I’m not crying, you’re crying!*
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2000
- Posts
- 19,980
I haven't watched any episode of Raw or Smackdown since WM. Watched the PLEs and right now the product is in the toilet. And it's not just because of the injuries to the roster.
Roman winning might have been the better option to give Punk a rest and time to be with his wife after she went home following her match with Becky, but this product needs Punk's brand of unpredictability. I've been watching some of the highlights and YT channels that cover it to stay up on what's going on but this product sucks.
Triple H must hate L.A. Knight because that guy's time is almost fully passed after how badly they've booked him over the past two years. He should win KOR, he should go on to win IC gold, he should go on to win one of the big two straps and he should have been the Raw standard bearer.
Guilia is right there, waiting to become another megastar. Why does this company hate her?
Tiffany Stratton sucks.
Liv Morgan SUUUUUUUUCKS.
Seth Rollins sucks. I never miss him when he's gone and I want him gone when he's around.
Bloodline is boring and stale. There is no bringing this shit back from the dead.
Cody should have lost to Gunther at CII.
Oba is great but his booking is ass. Just another Braun Strowman waiting to be failed by this company's writing. His entire story is 'big dude that kills people'. It's not new, interesting or compelling. His mic work is pretty good, though.
Roman winning might have been the better option to give Punk a rest and time to be with his wife after she went home following her match with Becky, but this product needs Punk's brand of unpredictability. I've been watching some of the highlights and YT channels that cover it to stay up on what's going on but this product sucks.
Triple H must hate L.A. Knight because that guy's time is almost fully passed after how badly they've booked him over the past two years. He should win KOR, he should go on to win IC gold, he should go on to win one of the big two straps and he should have been the Raw standard bearer.
Guilia is right there, waiting to become another megastar. Why does this company hate her?
Tiffany Stratton sucks.
Liv Morgan SUUUUUUUUCKS.
Seth Rollins sucks. I never miss him when he's gone and I want him gone when he's around.
Bloodline is boring and stale. There is no bringing this shit back from the dead.
Cody should have lost to Gunther at CII.
Oba is great but his booking is ass. Just another Braun Strowman waiting to be failed by this company's writing. His entire story is 'big dude that kills people'. It's not new, interesting or compelling. His mic work is pretty good, though.