A no holds barred stipulation is set for one of the top matches at Extreme Rules.
While appearing on a KO Show segment at the start of this week’s SmackDown, Shane McMahon announced that The Undertaker & Roman Reigns vs. Shane & Drew McIntyre at Extreme Rules will now be a no holds barred match.
The Undertaker & Reigns vs. Shane & McIntyre was announced for Extreme Rules after Undertaker made a save for Reigns on last week’s Raw and took out Shane and McIntyre.
This is the second stipulation match that’s been confirmed for Extreme Rules thus far. Universal Champion Seth Rollins & Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch vs. Baron Corbin & Lacey Evans will be an extreme rules match. It also has a winners-take-all stipulation where Rollins and Lynch’s titles are both on the line.
The Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is hosting Extreme Rules on July 14. Here’s the updated card for the pay-per-view:
The Undertaker & Roman Reigns vs. Shane McMahon & Drew McIntyre in a no holds barred match
Universal Champion Seth Rollins & Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defending against Baron Corbin & Lacey Evans in an extreme rules match (winners-take-all stipulation with both titles on the line)
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston defending against Samoa Joe
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley defending against Alexa Bliss
SmackDown Tag Team Champions Daniel Bryan & Rowan defending against Big E & Xavier Woods and Heavy Machinery in a triple threat match
WWE Cruiserweight Champion Drew Gulak defending against Tony Nese
After becoming United States Champion at Stomping Grounds, Ricochet faced off with AJ Styles in a non-title match in the main event of last night’s Raw.
Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson came out to ringside at the start of the match and tried to get involved but were sent away by Styles. Styles won after hitting the Phenomenal Forearm, likely setting up a future US title match.
The Undertaker made a surprise appearance last night. He saved Roman Reigns from Shane McMahon & Drew McIntyre during a handicap match, with it later being announced that Reigns & Undertaker will face Shane & McIntyre at Extreme Rules.
Universal Champion Seth Rollins & Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch vs. Baron Corbin & Lacey Evans was also confirmed for Extreme Rules. It will be a winners-take-all match, with the winning team getting both title belts.
The Undertaker is officially set for a match at Extreme Rules.
Roman Reigns & The Undertaker will take on Shane McMahon & Drew McIntyre at Extreme Rules. The pay-per-view is being held at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 14.
The match was set up by The Undertaker’s surprise appearance on tonight’s post-Stomping Grounds edition of Raw. Shane & McIntyre faced Reigns in a handicap match where they could be in the ring at the same time and didn’t have to make tags. Undertaker made the save for Reigns and took out both Shane & McIntyre.
This will be the second time that The Undertaker has wrestled in 2019. He defeated Goldberg at Super ShowDown in Saudi Arabia earlier this month.
In what appeared like it was going to be Undertaker’s retirement match at the time, Reigns defeated Undertaker at WrestleMania 33 in 2017
Universal Champion Seth Rollins & Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch vs. Baron Corbin & Lacey Evans has also been confirmed for Extreme Rules. The Universal and Raw Women’s Championships will both be on the line, with the winning team getting the respective titles.
A handicap match on tonight’s Raw led to The Undertaker making a surprise appearance.
Shane McMahon & Drew McIntyre took on Roman Reigns in a two-on-one handicap match on tonight’s episode. There was a stipulation where Shane & McIntyre could be in the ring at the same time and didn’t have to make tags.
Shane & McIntyre attacked Reigns with the steel steps on the outside. McIntyre hit two Claymore Kicks, Shane hit a spear, and they wouldn’t go for the pin. As Shane was about to hit a coast-to-coast dropkick, the lights went out and Undertaker’s gong went off. Undertaker made the save for Reigns, chokeslamming Shane and sending both Shane & McIntyre out of the ring.
The handicap match was announced for tonight after Reigns defeated McIntyre at Stomping Grounds.
This was Undertaker’s first appearance on WWE television since defeating Goldberg in the main event of Super ShowDown in Saudi Arabia on June 7.
After some scary moments in his match against The Undertaker at Super ShowDown in Saudi Arabia today, Goldberg tweeted that he knocked himself out at one point in the match.
Goldberg wrote: “Knocked myself out and thought I could finish…. love my fans…..but let u down. Everyone else that found ‘pleasure’ ….. hope ur happy”
Goldberg was busted open (after entering the match with a mark on his forehead) when he went for a spear in the corner and hit the ring post. He also landed on his head when the Undertaker gave him a Tombstone during the match.
Goldberg went for a Jackhammer near the end of the match but ended up dropping Undertaker with a brainbuster. He picked up Undertaker for a Tombstone after that. It appeared that they were going for a reversal spot, but both fell down. Undertaker then chokeslammed Goldberg and pinned him to get the win.
This was the first time Goldberg has wrestled since facing Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 33 in April 2017. Prior to today, Undertaker’s most recent match was teaming with Kane against Triple H & Shawn Michaels at Crown Jewel last November.
The third show in WWE’s 10-year deal with the Saudi General Sports Authority takes place today as Jeddah hosts Super ShowDown.
The Undertaker and Goldberg are set to face off in their first singles match against each other ever. And a rivalry will be renewed as Triple H takes on Randy Orton.
Seth Rollins will defend the Universal Championship against Baron Corbin, though Brock Lesnar has said he’ll cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase today. The WWE Championship will also be on the line in Saudi Arabia, with Kofi Kingston defending against Dolph Ziggler.
Roman Reigns vs. Shane McMahon, Braun Strowman vs. Bobby Lashley, “The Demon” Finn Balor defending the Intercontinental title against Andrade, and The Lucha House Party (Kalisto, Gran Metalik & Lince Dorado) vs. Lars Sullivan are set for the main card.
The pre-show begins at 1 p.m. Eastern time and will feature The Usos vs. The Revival. The main card will then begin at 2 p.m. Eastern.
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Michael Cole, Corey Graves and Renee Young are doing commentary for tonight’s show. They noted that those at ringside tonight are going to have to endure what feels like 100 degree weather.
The Usos defeated The Revival
The Usos controlled early, sending both of the Revival to the floor. Revival blind tagged and took out Jimmy. Jey made the hot tag and took out Dawson. They mentioned on commentary that both teams are gunning for Raw tag team champions Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder, who have not been on television in weeks.
Jey had a inside cradle on Dawson but Dash distracted the referee. Jey took out Dash but Dawson took advantage with a spinebuster. Both teams tagged in as the Usos started to go on the offense, hitting superkicks. Dawson was laid out with a double superkick then was pinned. That was anticlimactic. Pretty basic, but the crowd was into it.
Seth Rollins defeated Baron Corbin to retain the WWE Universal title
This was alright. Exactly the type of title match you’d see at a house show.
Seth Rollins gained control early with a dropkick, but Corbin shoves Rollins as he climbs to the top rope and immediately focuses on Rollins’ ribs, which are injured in storyline due to Lesnar’s assault on Monday.
Rollins comes back with an enziguri and hits a slingblade, then hits a pair of suicide dives on both sides of the ring. Corbin went for a chokeslam but Rollins floated over and went for a pinfall, getting two. Corbin cut him off with an elbow then landed a release rotation side slam for a nearfall.
Corbin hit the deep six, then screamed at the referee when he only got a two count. Rollins hit an elbow that sent Corbin out of the ring. He grabbed a chair, which the referee told him to get rid of. Corbin got into it with the referee again, which led Rollins to roll up a distracted Corbin for the win.
After the match, Corbin hit the End of Days on Rollins, which was the cue for Brock Lesnar to come out with a steel chair. Rollins low blowed Lesnar, however, and grabbed the steel chair, striking Lesnar. Lesnar grabbed the briefcase as he was being assaulted, which led to Rollins stomping Lesnar into the briefcase. Lesnar never cashed in, so Rollins left with the title.
Finn Balor defeated Andrade to retain the Intercontinental title
Technically this was a step above the other matches, pretty good. The crowd here weren’t into this like they were into the first match and that hurt it a bit.
Things were pretty even early. Andrade went for the hammerlock DDT, but Balor escaped and hit a dropkick. Andrade was sent out of the ring, but he ended up tripping Balor on the apron, giving him his opening.
Balor came back alive with a dropkick as he clotheslined Andrade to the floor and hit a giant tope con hilo. They went back and forth. Andrade went for a reverse tornado DDT but Balor escaped, took out Andrade and hit 1916. Andrade countered with a springboard knee and knees to the corner.
Andrade went for the double moonsault but Balor got the knees up Andrade went for the second moonsault. They went to the apron where Andrade went for a sunset flip bomb on Balor, but instead Balor took control, sending him back to the ring and hitting a foot stomp.
Andrade cut off Balor and hit the hammerlock DDT, but Balor kicked out. He hit the running dropkick and started to go for the coup de grace but instead Andrade met him on the top rope. Balor instead hit a DDT off the top rope then hit the coup de grace for the win.
Shane McMahon defeated Roman Reigns
This was such a weird match. It was short, so it wasn’t bad, but just silly in a lot of ways. I can never buy Shane McMahon being a competitive wrestler, but yet here he was getting heat on Roman Reigns in an actual wrestling match. Despite having McIntyre in his corner and establishing him as backup, he really didn’t get involved until the end.
Shane, already sweating bullets, attacked Reigns at the bell. He immediately gained control, but Shane cut him off and posted him, sending Reigns to the floor. Shane worked over Reigns putting him down with a long chinlock. Shane getting control for this long feels so weak psychologically.
Roman made a comeback, hitting short-arm clotheslines in the corner then took down Shane with a kick. Roman went for the Superman punch but Shane clipped Roman’s knee then went for a triangle submission. He escaped the hold as Shane exited the ring. McIntyre jumped Roman as he entered the ring, but Reigns posted him then laid him out with the Superman punch.
Back in the ring, Shane hit a spear of his own for a nearfall. But Reigns started to make a comeback, going for a spear Shane countered by kicking Reigns, but Reigns immediately took him down with a punch. McIntyre entered the ring, however, and laid out Roman with the claymore kick, allowing Shane to pin him.
Lars Sullivan defeated Lucha House Party by DQ
This was real bad, to the point of just sheer incoherence. I don’t know what the goal was of this match, but this is the best example of WWE taking something pretty easy (a squash match) and overthinking it to a ridiculous degree.
Dorado got some brief offense on Sullivan, but he quickly pushed him to the floor, took him back to the ring and hit a giant shoulder block. He sent both Dorado and Kalisto to the floor. Metallik tried for some offense, but it was to no avail. Same thing for Kallisto, who was quickly swatted down after an attempt for some top rope offense.
Sullivan took down Kallisto with a one-armed powerbomb and went to the top rope, but Dorado and Metallik pushed him down to the mat and beat him up for the DQ. Yes, this match ended in a disqualification.
All three Lucha House party members beat up on Lars after the match, to the point that it actually looked like they laid him out. They tried to leave, but Sullivan stalked them. Metallik attacked him, but he ended up laying all three out on the floor. Dorado went for a crossbody off the ring, but instead was slammed on the apron. And that was it.
Randy Orton defeated Triple H
This was a painfully boring, plodding match that went about 25 minutes. To their credit, once finishers were starting to get dished out the crowd got into this more than anything on the show so far. But the bulk of this match felt like it lasted forever, in a bad way. Exactly the kind of match neither man needs at this point in their career, but it got the job done by the end at least.
Triple H came out on a motorcycle. Michael Cole noted that it had to be a Wrestlemania caliber event if Triple H came out with an entrance like that. Nice try.
They start off slow. They exchange holds until Orton cheap shots Triple H and goes on offense. Triple H posts him and starts working on Orton’s shoulder. Orton came back in a big way by giving Triple H a big side slam on the announcer’s table.
Orton stomps on Hunter back in the ring. Orton had a headlock on for what felt like ages. Triple H finally cut him off and tried for the pedigree but Orton slingshotted him into the corner. Triple H still managed to take down Orton with a clothesline.
Triple H went for the pedigree again but Orton dropped him on the apron, then hit a dropkick. Orton hit him with punches in the corner then went for the RKO but Triple H escaped and struck Orton, sending him down. Triple H cross chopped Orton but Orton promptly replied with a powerslam.
Triple H hit a spinebuster, then the two traded nearfalls. Triple H put Orton in a crossface. Orton struggled until finally reaching the rope. Triple H went for the pedigree but Orton countered with the RKO but Triple H kicked out. Orton went to the corner and went for the punt. Triple H caught him and pedigreed him instead, but only hit two.
Back on the outside, Triple H hit a side slam on the table, but it didn’t break. He did this three more times, but the table still didn’t break. Oops. Triple H threw Orton back the ring and paused for a bit before re-entering. Orton then hit the RKO and pinned Triple H, just like that.
They did a recap of the YouTube video where Jinder Mahal won the WWE 24/7 just before everyone got on the airplane. R-Truth then won the title while the flight was going on and Jinder was sleeping. He then ran to the airplane bathroom where he barricaded himself.
Baron Corbin came up to Byron Saxton, mad. He said the referee cost him the biggest match of his career. He said heads will roll.
Braun Strowman defeated Bobby Lashley
This was better than I thought it would be. It wasn’t super great, but they did work hard and ended up having a pretty good big guy match.
Lashley came out and posted on a platform. When Strowman came out, he grabbed the platform and threw it off the stage, smashing it.
They actually did some agile stuff at the start, with leapfrogs and everything. Lashley grabbed him and hit a powerslam but Strowman kicked out. Lashley took him down with a headlock, but Strowman powered out and splashed Lashley to the corner, sending him to the floor. Strowman ran around the ring, shoulder blocking Lashley to the floor not once but twice.
Lashley got control, taking him outside of the ring and hitting a big suplex on the stage. He went to the top rope, but Strowman threw him off the top rope then eventually hit the powerslam for the win.
Kofi Kingston defeated Dolph Ziggler to retain the WWE title
This was okay, but pretty flat. Just something missing that didn’t get me into the match. The crowd were into Kofi Kingston, but I don’t think they were into the actual match.
Dolph was in control early, stomping and elbowing Kingston. Kingston finally whipped Dolph into the corner hard, giving him some breathing room. Ziggler went for the zig zag, but Kofi cut him off in order to start building momentum.
Dolph came back with a DDT and posted Kofi. He went for a famouser, but Kofi blocked it as they exchanged nearfalls. Kofi hit the SOS, then took out Dolph with a trust fall off the top rope to the floor below. Dolph shoved Kofi into the barricade, then shoved him into the nearby steps.
Kofi immediately fought back, sending Dolph back into the ring but Ziggler blocked a trouble in paradise attempt. Ziggler countered with a roll-up, but Kingston kicked out. Kingston shoved Ziggler into the ropes where Woods smacked Ziggler with a kick, then Kingston followed with the trouble in paradise for the win.
Byron Saxton asked Ziggler backstage if his break was too long. Ziggler said he thought Kofi was a hero, a fighting champion, but actually he was nothing but a coward. Saxton said some say he deserved it. Ziggler said he outperformed everyone. Ziggler called out Xavier Woods’ interference and demanded another match, this time one on one in a steel cage.
Mansoor won the 50 man battle royal
This was, for the most part, dreadfully boring. There were parts of this match where literally nothing was going on. At least by the time they whittled it down to six people business picked up.
Most of the participants came out like geeks. A few, like Cesaro, Samoa Joe and the Miz got entrances. Elias came out last, running down some of the participants in the match. The match featured a lot of guys who aren’t on TV or even worse, 205 Live.
People were being thrown out pretty quickly, I think Robert Roode was the first one. Authors of Pain, who are now back, faced off against the Viking Raiders and Heavy Machinery. AOP threw out Tucker while the Viking Raiders sent out AOP. Titus, meanwhile, came out from under the ring after hiding. Why didn’t he wait until there were no more people left? He then threw out both Viking Raiders, which tells you their future.
More eliminations followed. Shelton Benjamin threw out Titus O“Neil. Samoa Joe eliminated Hawkins and Ryder. There was literally nothing going on the point that the announce team was talking about how hot it still was. Otit hit the caterpillar but was immediately eliminated by Rowan after. He took out Xavier Woods with the iron claw and sloppily threw him out to Otis. This brought in a lot of eliminations, including the Revival throwing out the Usos.
It boiled down to Ricochet, Samoa Joe, Cesaro, Ali, Elias and Mansoor, the NXT star who is from Saudi Arabia. Ali and Ricochet worked to eliminate Joe. Cesaro eliminated them both from behind, then Elias threw out Cesaro, leaving Elias and Mansoor. The latter superkicked Elias and went to throw him out, but Elias countered and threw him out of the ring. Mansoor countered by backdropping Elias out of the ring and to the floor for the win.
Saxton interviewed Mansoor, mentioning he was born in Riyadh. Mansoor said he doesn’t have the words to describe how important it is to him or to us. He said he was a WWE prospect last year. He was just a rookie with a dream to represent his country all across the world. He said he won the biggest WWE battle royal in history and his dream came true. He then finished his promo by speaking in Arabic.
The Undertaker defeated Goldberg
This was sad more than anything. The layout of the match was designed for it to be as simple as possible, but it was clear, especially in the closing moments of the match, that both men can’t even do this type of match anymore, and I don’t know if that is because of Undertaker or Goldberg because both looked bad.
Both men got long entrances. Goldberg busted himself open hitting his head on the door before exiting for his entrance, which brought back the pyro. Undertaker got an elaborate entrance with druids, pyro, smoke, the whole nine yards.
Goldberg did the cut throat gesture, then hit two spears but the Undertaker kicked out. The Undertaker sat up. Undertaker ducked a clothesline and tried for a chokeslam but Goldberg countered and transitioned into a kneebar. Goldberg whipped Undertaker into the ropes but Undertaker missed a spear attempt, sending Golberg into the post hard. Goldberg was bleeding heavily, his head busted wide open.
Undertaker hit old school then went for the chokeslam and after Goldberg paused, got it. He went for the tombstone but Goldberg kicked out. A double clothesline spot followed. Undertaker hit snake eyes, but Goldberg followed with another spear. He hit the sloppiest looking jackhammer you’ll ever see for a nearfall. This was falling apart badly. Goldberg seemed like he was going for a tombstone piledriver and Undertaker was going to reverse, but both fell down. Then Undertaker pinned him with a chokeslam.
The show finished off with a Undertaker pyro celebration.
This was a ridiculously boring show that felt like it lasted ages. I think it will earn votes as one of the worst shows of the year, just because it was so boring in execution and none of the matches, save for Lashley/Strowman (and think about that) would be considered good.
When they said, in their own WWE speak, that this would be “the equivalent to or exceed Wrestlemania”, maybe they meant some of the worst ones of all time, like WrestleMania 2 or IX, because this doesn’t come close to touching this year’s or any recent WrestleMania. There are no highlights here. Move on. Live your life.
SmackDown’s go-home show for Super ShowDown saw Goldberg and The Undertaker go face-to-face ahead of their match in Saudi Arabia this Friday.
Goldberg cut a promo responding to Undertaker’s comments from Raw. He said Undertaker was right — the family man version of Goldberg would fall short against Undertaker. Goldberg said Undertaker will get the Goldberg that he’s been watching for 20 years and wondering how he stacked up against.
Goldberg said Undertaker is next…to rest in peace.
The lights then went out. Undertaker appeared in the ring and they had a staredown. The lights went out again. When they came back, Undertaker was gone.
Also on SmackDown, Kofi Kingston and Dolph Ziggler finished building to their WWE Championship match at Super ShowDown, Shane McMahon again got help from Drew McIntyre and The Revival as he laid out Roman Reigns, and a triple threat match decided the challenger for Bayley’s SmackDown Women’s Championship at Stomping Grounds.
The Undertaker made a brief appearance on Raw’s go-home show for Super ShowDown last night.
Ahead of his match against Goldberg in Saudi Arabia on Friday, Undertaker cut a promo saying that Goldberg is next. Undertaker said he doesn’t want the family man version of Goldberg, he wants to face the unstoppable, mythical icon.
WWE uploaded a clip from after Raw went off the air, with Undertaker saying he’ll make Goldberg rest in peace on Friday. Goldberg will respond to Undertaker on tonight’s SmackDown.
Triple H and Randy Orton also appeared on last night’s Raw and took part in a face-to-face segment to build up their match at Super ShowDown.
Though it was again teased that he would cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase on Raw, Brock Lesnar instead laid out Seth Rollins and said he’ll cash in at Super ShowDown. The angle saw Rollins get stretchered out and taken away by an ambulance.
Rollins will defend the Universal Championship against Baron Corbin at Super ShowDown.
Date: June 3, 2019 Location: Frank Erwin Center in Austin, TX
The Big Takeaway —
There’s a network special on Friday, which means most of the top male babyfaces were laid out. Roman Reigns was laid out by Shane McMahon, Drew McIntyre and The Revival. Seth Rollins was laid out by Brock Lesnar. Rey Mysterio was laid out by Samoa Joe. Braun Strowman was laid out by Bobby Lashley.
Lesnar did not cash in his contract but instead declared he would do it on Friday at SSD.
Triple H, Randy Orton, and the Undertaker all appeared to plug their matches on Friday.
Show Recap —
Roman Reigns came out to start the show as Corey Graves reminded us about the wild card rule. As Reigns entered, the announcers ran down Stephanie McMahon’s comments from during the week and plugged Brock Lesnar’s cash-in tonight.
They cut to a camera shot of the loading dock area, anticipating Lesnar’s arrival. A crew member was walking around and realized he was on camera, so he jogged behind a truck to hide, which wasn’t subtle at all.
Reigns had come out for a match, but before it could start, Shane McMahon entered. Shane made Mike Rome announce him as best in the world, then told Reigns what he would do to him at SSD. Shane said he would lock in the triangle choke and make Reigns tap-out for the first time in his career.
Reigns told him to shut up. He thought this was amusing and told him he would drive him through the mat. Reigns said the only reason Shane’s gotten this far is with help from Drew McIntyre. Reigns promised to beat Shane, then take out McIntyre in a few weeks at Stomping Grounds.
McIntyre came out and talked about Stomping Grounds too, then threatened to take him out right now. The Revival attacked Reigns from behind as McIntyre and Shane marched to the ring, then the Usos ran down to make the save, which got a good reaction from the crowd.
(Reigns and McIntyre talked about the Stomping Ground PPV like we’re supposed to know what they were talking about.)
6-man tag match: Drew McIntyre & The Revival defeated Roman Reigns & The Usos (14:31)
The Usos took out the Revival with dives and they went to break 40 seconds into the match.
Back from break, the Revival were in control but Jimmy Uso quickly made a hot tag and hit Dash Wilder with an enziguri. He attacked McIntyre and Scott Dawson on the apron, then Wilder took him down with a dropkick. The crowd chanted “we want Roman” as McIntyre worked over Jimmy.
Back from break, Reigns was already in the ring, so we missed the hot tag. Reigns gave McIntyre a superman punch, then Jimmy hit Wilder with a superkick and Reigns followed with a superman punch.
Shane pulled Jey off the top, so Reigns went after him, but McIntyre wiped out Reigns with a Claymore kick. The Revival took out Jimmy on the outside with a Shatter Machine, then McIntyre gave Jey a Claymore kick for the pinfall win.
After the match, Shane directed traffic as Revival gave Reigns a Shatter Machine, then McIntyre gave him a Claymore kick. The heels then picked up Reigns and Shane gave him a “spear.” Shane was sweating buckets. The crowd chanted “Shane’s adopted.”
I was looking forward to this match, but so much if it happened during commercials that it never really amounted to anything. They did get plenty of heat on Shane, though.
MizTV with guest Seth Rollins
Lance Armstrong and Matthew McConaughey were shown at ringside before Miz came out, so Miz started his promo with “alright, alright, alright.” Miz introduced Seth Rollins.
Miz brought up Rollins’ scheduled title defense on Friday against Baron Corbin and asked about Brock Lesnar possibly cashing in tonight. Rollins wondered if Lesnar would even show up tonight and said we’d have to believe that Paul Heyman was telling the truth. Rollins and Miz agreed that the last time Heyman told the truth was never.
Miz thought maybe Rollins was putting on a brave face regarding Lesnar. Rollins said he’d be relieved if Lesnar did cash-in, because right now, the only thing he knows for sure that he has a match with Corbin. He said nobody on earth liked Corbin, but he earned his shot and Rollins would stomp his head into the mat.
The crowd chanted “burn it down” as they cut to the back where Heyman and Lesnar were shown arriving to the building. Heyman told him, “let’s cash it in” and they marched into the building. Instead of walking through the curtain to cash-in, Lesnar stopped and walked elsewhere in the area.
They cut back to the ring where Rollins looked on as the crowd chanted “burn it down.” They played his music and the segment ended.
Lucha House Party came out for a match, but before anything could happen, Lars Sullivan came to the ring. He attacked them and was getting the better of it, but Lucha House Party fought back. They each hit him with dropkicks, then all three hit dropkicks at once to knock him out of the ring. He seethed.
In the locker room, the IIconics picked on Nikki Cross. Alexa Bliss showed up and asked if they shouldn’t be off somewhere eating a blooming onion together. Peyton Royce said no and told them she’d beat Cross in their match tonight with her wifey Billie Kay by her side. They left.
Bliss told Cross she didn’t blame her for siding with Becky Lynch and knew that nobody around here liked her. Cross said Bliss has always been kind to her and called them friends. Bliss offered to be in her corner tonight.
They plugged Undertaker’s appearance and an arm wrestling match between Braun Strowman and Bobby Lashley.
Becky Lynch came out. She ran down the busy schedule she’s had, including winning the title at WrestleMania. Lynch said she’s never been more content in her entire life. However, it hit her that contentment is the worst thing that can happen to a fighter like her, because content fighters can get hurt, get passed over and get beaten.
She said Lacey Evans helping Charlotte Flair beat her for the title pissed her off and woke something inside of her. She said there was no woman who could hold her down and issued a warning to Evans. Evans came out and talked for a while until Charlotte interrupted. Charlotte said she beat Lynch and became nine-time champion. Lynch wondered where her title was now.
Evans said Charlotte struts like a peacock and called her a daddy’s girl, starved for attention. Charlotte said she struts like that because she’s already more than halfway to beating her dad’s title record. Evans warned her to get out of the ring, then knocked her down.
[Second hour]
Lacey Evans defeated Charlotte Flair via DQ (10:21)
The crowd chanted “we want Becky,” who watched from ringside. After a break, Charlotte gave Evans a boot and exploder suplex. Evans missed what was probably a slingshot elbow attempt, then Charlotte gave her a backbreaker and clothesline.
Charlotte went for a Figure Eight but Evans pushed her off (which took her way too long to do). They then collided with crossbody attempts. Perhaps Lynch was as bored as the crowd was because she suddenly yanked Charlotte out of the ring for the DQ. Lynch then gave Evans a Man-handle Slam (Rock Bottom variation).
The crowd was dead for most of the match and only chanted for Lynch. Evans was no good in the ring.
They aired a sponsored clip of Undertaker’s debut at Survivor Series 1990.
Rey Mysterio’s U.S. Championship announcement
Rey Mysterio came to the ring with the U.S. title. Mysterio said he’s been in this company a long time and this business is in his blood. That now includes his son Dominick who would eventually carve a path of his own. Mysterio wanted to set an example and do the right thing. Before he could make his announcement, Samoa Joe interrupted.
Joe heard the word “champion” and thought that was his cue. Joe wanted to set the record straight: Mysterio wasn’t relinquishing the title because of an injury, it’s because he can’t beat him.
Mysterio said he’s won championships for years through various injuries. He was man enough to do that, and he’s man enough to do this. Mysterio said: “I’m here to relinquish my United States championship to Samoa Joe.”
Mysterio laid the belt down in the ring as was about to leave, but Joe attacked him and put him in the Coquina Clutch. Officials ran in to break it up, then Joe held up the belt.
(As others haven’t noticed with other WWE belts, this one was strapped together with velcro, not the snaps.)
Cesaro and Ricochet cut quick pre-taped promos hyping their rematch tonight.
Arm Wrestling Match: Braun Strowman defeated Bobby Lashley
They set up to start, then Lashley smacked Strowman. That pissed off Strowman but officials got between them as Lashley egged him on. They set up the table again but Lashley backed off. They chalked up their hands and got started again. Strowman won. Lashley chucked chalk in Strowman’s face then laid him out with a powerslam.
This was fine. The crowd liked Strowman so the segment didn’t die and it was over fairly quickly.
They aired a video of Jinder Mahal beating R-Truth on a golf course for the 24/7 title, then losing it back. Backstage, Carmella was looking around for Truth. Drake Maverick, with EC3 and a referee, followed closely behind. Maverick told EC3 that if they follow Carmella, they’ll find Truth. EC3 held a red solo cup and seemed only slightly interested in listening to Maverick.
Royce caught Cross immediately with a spinning kick to the face and Cross came up bleeding from the mouth. Cross eventually came back with elbows, forearms and a bulldog for two.
As this was happening, some guy delivered a coffee to Bliss at ringside. Royce was annoyed that she had a coffee, then Bliss flicked some at her. Royce kicked the cup out of her hand and the coffee spilled everywhere. Billie Kay pushed Bliss down into the coffee spill which stained her white pants.
Royce laughed at her, then Cross gave her a swinging neckbreaker for the pinfall win. The camera focused on Bliss, who was pissed. She fired up and attacked Kay with a dropkick and DDT. The crowd popped like this was a babyface turn. Cross held up her hand and they celebrated.
[Third hour]
Seth Rollins came out. He spoke for a bit, then Lesnar’s music hit, but he didn’t show. Rollins was tired of Lesnar’s games and dared him to come out now. Corbin came out. He called himself the dream crusher and said he was taking Rollins’ title. Rollins said he had no chance and could only take it from his cold dead hands.
Corbin was okay with that and reminded us that he retired Kurt Angle. Corbin threatened to retire him too and shoved him. Rollins attacked him and wiped him out with a suicide dive. Lesnar’s music hit again, so Rollins focused on the stage. Corbin jumped in the ring and gave him an End of Days.
Lesnar’s music hit and he walked out with Heyman and a referee. Lesnar gave Rollins a low-blow, hit him with a steel chair, and gave him a German suplex. Lesnar hit him again with the chair as Heyman pleaded with him to cash in now. Lesnar gave Rollins an F5 on the outside.
Lesnar hit Rollins with the chair three more times in the ring and again Heyman screamed at him to cash in. Lesnar gave Rollins another suplex. Lesnar went to Heyman and said “Friday.” Heyman said, “Friday? I promised them now!” Lesnar picked up the belt and laid it over Rollins.
Lesnar began to leave, but grabbed the briefcase (no longer a beastbox) and went back to the ring. He hit Rollins with the briefcase, then again with the chair. Lesnar grabbed the briefcase, held it like a boombox, bobbed his head and chuckled. They left.
Officials and EMTs came out to place Rollins on a stretcher and wheel him out.
After a break, they took Rollins to an ambulance and Becky Lynch was with them. Lynch went with Rollins in the ambulance. As the announcers spoke solemnly about Rollins’ condition, the crowd chanted for the Undertaker in the background.
Firefly Fun House
The theme of this episode was exercise. Bray Wyatt encouraged a pig puppet to take better care of itself. A Vince McMahon puppet (with devil horns) appeared and was about to fire everyone, but Bray stopped him. A dance sequence broke out with Bray, which was pretty incredible. You should probably go watch this if you missed it.
Triple H/Randy Orton face-to-face
Triple H came out first and was greeted with “NXT” chants. Orton came out and the crowd chanted “RKO.” Hunter said we all knew what these segments were about. He can talk crap about Orton, and maybe there will be some physicality. But they have both been around a long time and have already said everything that can be said.
Hunter didn’t want to waste everyone’s time so he kept it short. He got in Orton’s face and said he would kick his ass on Friday. Orton said he wasn’t Batista. He called himself the legend killer and would gladly add another notch to his belt on Friday.
Hunter said he watched the hype video for their match and one thing rang true: they said they would put the pressure on Orton and he would become one of the greats, and he did. Hunter said a lot of people have tried to put him down, but he’s still here, and Orton wouldn’t be the one to do it.
Orton wanted Hunter to promise him something: before he stepped in the ring on Friday, retrieve his balls from Stephanie’s purse. The crowd popped and they both chuckled. Hunter thought that was a great idea. “They’re just so big, it’s such a burden carrying them around.”
Hunter said Orton wouldn’t know what it’s like because he’s never had any balls. Hunter said he’d see him in Jeddah. Hunter dropped the mic and left. Orton was amused by this whole thing.
Backstage, Charly Caruso asked Corbin about Rollins. Corbin acted concerned but then laughed and said Lesnar did him a favour. Corbin said he would become the next champion.
Ricochet defeated Cesaro (9:12)
Ricochet was all over Cesaro early on. After a break, Cesaro was in control. Ricochet made a brief comeback but Cesaro cut him off and hit a superplex. They did a bunch of counters playing off of last week’s match, including Ricochet going for a Code Red but Cesaro turning it into a big swing. Cesaro followed with an uppercut for a nearfall.
Ricochet came back with a couple of knee strikes but Cesaro rolled through a crossbody into a pin for two. Ricochet tried a roll-up for two, then spun into a schoolboy for the pinfall win.
Cesaro attacked Ricochet after the match. Cesaro went under the ring and pulled out a table, but Truth was actually lying flat on the table as Cesaro pulled it out. Ricochet dropkicked Cesaro, then a bunch of wrestlers ran down to surround Truth. Cedric Alexander flew in and took everyone out with a flip dive. Truth slipped back in the ring and was confronted by Maverick. Carmella took out Maverick with a superkick, then she and Truth escaped through the crowd.
Undertaker promo
Taker’s music hit with 5 minutes left in the show. He came out and the music cut with 2 minutes left. The crowd chanted loudly for Taker. I don’t know why, but I tried writing his promo down word-for-word. Here it is:
“Do you ever wonder what happens when you come face-to-face with death for the very first time? Does the sky grow dark? Does the ground begin to rip open at your feet? Or do you choke on the stench of the souls that are already gone? Goldberg, this Friday, you will get the answer to all those questions.
But when I stand across the ring for the very first time, I don’t want Goldberg the family man as his wife and son look up beaming with joy. No. I want the unstoppable, mythical icon, Goldberg. I promise you this, if you bring anything less, our first match will be your last. I will open the gates of hell and unleash an inhumane level of brutality for which you have never felt.
When the reaper beckons, you will answer his call. I will claim your soul for all of eternity. Goldberg. You’re next.”
They went off the air right after that line. I’m not sure if this is where the promo ended or not. He never said “rest in peace.”
Raw’s final build to Super ShowDown will include an appearance by The Undertaker.
WWE has announced that The Undertaker is returning to television on next Monday’s Raw. It’s the go-home show for Super ShowDown, with Undertaker set to face Goldberg at the event in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Friday, June 7.
This will be the first time The Undertaker has appeared on Raw since the night after WrestleMania 35. Undertaker took part in a segment where he interrupted Elias and laid him out on that episode.
Super ShowDown will be the first time Undertaker has wrestled since Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia this past November.
Super ShowDown is the third event in WWE’s 10-year deal with the Saudi General Sports Authority.
Next week’s Raw is taking place at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas. WWE has also advertised that Rey Mysterio will appear on the episode and relinquish the United States title due to the shoulder injury he suffered at Money in the Bank.
WWE has announced three matches and revealed the name for their next show in Saudi Arabia.
It was announced today that Goldberg and The Undertaker will face off for the first time ever at WWE’s show in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Friday, June 7. The show is taking place at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium and is named WWE Super ShowDown, which was the same name the company used for their event in Melbourne, Australia last October.
This will be the first time Goldberg has wrestled since WrestleMania 33 in April 2017.
Triple H vs. Randy Orton is also official for Super ShowDown in Saudi Arabia, and there will be a 50-man battle royal at the event.
King Abdullah Sports City Stadium hosted a 50-man match at last year’s Greatest Royal Rumble, though that had a Royal Rumble format.
Super ShowDown will be the third event in WWE’s controversial 10-year deal with the Saudi General Sports Authority. It will air live on the WWE Network.
Roman Reigns, WWE Champion Kofi Kingston, Braun Strowman, Universal Champion Seth Rollins, AJ Styles, and Brock Lesnar are also advertised for Super ShowDown.
The Undertaker and Kurt Angle have both been pulled from Starrcast II.
The news was revealed in an interview that Sports Illustrated did with Starrcast’s Conrad Thompson. The article stated that Undertaker and Angle not appearing at the event is “due to the burgeoning war between All Elite Wrestling and WWE, with the first battle centered around Starrcast.”
Undertaker was announced for Starrcast on February 14, while Angle was added on April 1. Starrcast and AEW Double or Nothing are taking place in Las Vegas over Memorial Day weekend. Starrcast isn’t officially an AEW event, but it will feature AEW wrestlers and events related to Double or Nothing.
“The announcement went wide and viral. I was told it had gotten WWE’s attention and that Vince McMahon texted The Undertaker about the appearance,” Thompson told Sports Illustrated. “’Taker’s representation, which is a company called Get Engaged, called to tell me, ‘WWE says he can’t do it.’”
The deposit that Thompson paid for Undertaker’s appearance was returned to him by Get Engaged.
“I had a friend discuss the situation with Vince McMahon, and I was assured the ‘heat’ wasn’t on me or my event but rather that The Undertaker shouldn’t be doing personal appearances outside of WWE,” Thompson said. “I was assured that damages would be covered, a suitable replacement offered, or some sort of compromise to make everyone happy.”
Thompson said he suggested Vince McMahon, Triple H, or Stephanie McMahon as Undertaker’s replacement, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Connor’s Cure and Thompson matching that with a personal donation.
Thompson was told that WWE wouldn’t allow any replacements from the main roster. The article states that Thompson then set his sights on Shawn Michaels, who was “originally set to be booked for the event, but backed out before signing because of the close proximity of Starrcast and AEW.”
“I asked to keep Kurt Angle and announce Shawn Michaels as the replacement for The Undertaker,” Thompson said. “I offered to book everyone ‘through the office.’ I wanted to play by the rules but I felt like I already had, since each of these guys were actively marketing themselves for outside appearances via booking agents or their own social media. I have checked in daily for a week now and nothing is changing.”
It was noted that Undertaker and Angle signed new WWE contracts, with WWE exercising its right to withhold talent from events that aren’t deemed to be in the company’s best interest.
Inside the Ropes announced earlier this month that Undertaker won’t be able to participate in the Q&A portion of their Rise of the Taker tour shows on April 29, April 30, and May 1. Undertaker will still be appearing at the meet and greet portion of the events, and Mick Foley will be doing the Q&A and talking about Undertaker’s career and their rivalry.
Undertaker made a surprise appearance on Raw the night after WrestleMania 35 and interrupted Elias.
Angle had his farewell match at WrestleMania 35, losing to Baron Corbin. On the Raw after WrestleMania, there was an angle where Angle put Corbin in the ankle lock but was laid out by Lars Sullivan.
Though he didn’t take part in WrestleMania 35, The Undertaker made a surprise appearance on tonight’s episode of Raw.
Undertaker was involved in an angle with Elias the night after WrestleMania. It ended with Undertaker laying Elias out with a big boot, a chokeslam, and a tombstone piledriver.
The night after he was interrupted by “Dr. of Thuganomics” John Cena, Elias cut a promo saying Cena ruined his WrestleMania for the second year in a row. Elias vowed that next year was going to be a different story and said Cena isn’t a musician or an artist.
Elias then said he was going to show everyone how easy it is to rap. He ended with: “Every superstar wants to make their name on Elias. I get it, you’re a fan. But mark my words — the next one to interrupt me is a dead man.”
That led to Undertaker’s appearance. Undertaker and Elias went face-to-face, Elias acted like he was going to leave, and Undertaker hit the big boot when Elias charged at him.
Prior to tonight, Undertaker’s most recent appearance for WWE was at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia this past November. Triple H & Shawn Michaels defeated Undertaker & Kane at that show.
With The Undertaker beginning to make non-WWE personal appearances, he’ll be taking part in May’s Starrcast Convention.
Sports Illustrated announced today that The Undertaker will be appearing at Starrcast II. The convention is taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada during the same weekend as All Elite Wrestling’s Double or Nothing show.
“I know people might assume this is an AEW event, but that is not true,” Starrcast’s Conrad Thompson told Sports Illustrated. “We have wrestlers appearing from every promotion from all over the world, and Starrcast isn’t just for All Elite Wrestling fans, it’s for all wrestling fans.”
The convention will begin on Thursday, May 23 and end on Sunday, May 26. Starrcast bracelets will go on sale to the general public at noon Eastern time tomorrow (February 15). Sports Illustrated’s article noted that Undertaker’s event will go on sale later this month.
“The Undertaker experience is its own standalone experience at Starrcast,” Thompson said. “We are so proud to bring The Undertaker experience to fans this Memorial Day weekend at Starrcast II.”
Starrcast’s graphic lists him as “Mark Calaway aka The Undertaker.”
Dave Meltzer reported earlier this month that “one person attempting to book [Undertaker] said he is charging $25,000 per hour for appearances within the U.S. But he’s not taking regular bookings until the summer.”
Undertaker’s most recent in-ring appearance was at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia this past November, where he teamed with Kane against Triple H & Shawn Michaels. Undertaker also faced Triple H at Super Show-Down in Australia last October to set up the tag match.
Amid controversy, the second show in WWE’s 10-year deal with the Saudi General Sports Authority takes place at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh today.
Shawn Michaels will make his return to the ring as he teams with Triple H against The Undertaker & Kane. A new Universal Champion will also be crowned, with Braun Strowman facing Brock Lesnar for the vacant title.
With Daniel Bryan not wrestling in Saudi Arabia, AJ Styles will instead defend his WWE Championship against Samoa Joe. John Cena also pulled out of WWE’s World Cup tournament and was replaced by Bobby Lashley. Lashley vs. Seth Rollins and Kurt Angle vs. Dolph Ziggler are set for Raw’s side of the bracket, and Jeff Hardy vs. The Miz and Rey Mysterio vs. Randy Orton are SmackDown’s first round matches.
A stipulation for the World Cup was set up this week as Shane McMahon said he would fire the SmackDown wrestler who makes it to the finals if they lose to Raw.
SmackDown Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Sheamus defend their titles against The New Day. And on the pre-show, Rusev challenges for Shinsuke Nakamura’s United States title.
Hulk Hogan will also make his return to WWE as the host of Crown Jewel. The pre-show begins on the WWE Network at 11 a.m. Eastern time, with the main card starting at noon Eastern.
**********
Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Rusev to retain the WWE United States title
The crowd was still filing in as this match was going on, but they were hot for this match. Rusev fired back with some lariats after Nakamura had control for part of the match. Nakamura cuts him off and lands a running knee. Rusev connected with a machka kick and went for the accolade but Nakamura went to the apron and connected with a knee to the head.
Nakamura went for the kinshasa but Rusev tripped him and applied the accolade. Nakamura went for the ropes, Rusev dragged him back in the middle but in the process Nakamura managed to headbutt Rusev right in the netheregions. That allowed Nakamura to recover and pin Rusev after the kinshasa. Not much of a match, but a clever finish at least.
Hulk Hogan came out to start the show, got a pyrotechnic show and everything. Said it was awesome to be back in the WWE and to be hosting Crown Jewel. And that was it, another pyrotechnic show followed. Judging by Hogan’s promo and the graphics showing they’re in “Riyadh”, WWE is going out of their way not to mention the words “Saudi Arabia” on their broadcast.
World Cup: Rey Mysterio defeated Randy Orton
Mysterio went for a springboard early but Orton cut him off with a big dropkick. He took Mysterio to the top rope and tried to rip off his mask. Mysterio followed with a senton and a springboard crossbody.
Mysterio went for the 619 but Orton grabbed Mysterio and planted him with the draping DDT. He motioned for the RKO but Mysterio countered with a roll up and got the win. This was short and not much of anything.
Orton planted Mysterio with an RKO after the match. He motioned like he was going to leave, but instead slid him out of the ring and planted him face first on the Arabic announcer’s table, apparently landing on a monitor.
Miz was asked about potentially facing an injured Rey Mysterio. He said with the way this tournament is lining up, he feels awesome.
World Cup: The Miz defeated Jeff Hardy
Miz was asked about potentially facing an injured Rey Mysterio. He said with the way this tournament is lining up, he feels awesome.
Miz gained control early, grinding down Hardy. Miz hit a couple of dropkicks in the corner, but Hardy responded with a clothesline and made his comeback. Hary went for a twist of fate but Miz escaped.
Hardy hit whisper in the wind, but got cut off by Miz on the apron. Miz went for the figure four but Hardy cradled him for a near fall.Hardy sends Miz out of the ring, runs on the barricade and jumps off, hitting Miz with a clothesline. Hardy goes for a swanton bomb, but Miz rolls out of the way.
Miz posts Hardy and uses the ropes, but the referee sees it. Hardy goes for a twist of fate, but Miz countered with the skull crushing finale for the win. Kind of clunky overall and the finish was anti-climatic.
World Cup: Seth Rollins defeated Bobby Lashley
Lashley dominated the match early until Rollins escaped from a vertical suplex. Rollins hit two suicide dives to the floor. Lashley cut him off and went for a superplex. Rollins went for a sunset flip, but couldn’t get it. Lashley escaped from a powerbomb attempt, but then Rollins landed the stomp out of nowhere for the win. Another nothing match.
Kurt Angle backstage said most people doubt he can win. But people also doubted him when he won the Olympic gold medal with a broken friggin’ neck. He’ll prove tonight that he’s still the best in the world.
World Cup: Dolph Ziggler defeated Kurt Angle
They start off with some mat wrestling. Angle landed a belly to belly and a couple of German suplexes. They meet on the apron where Angle tried to German Ziggler to the floor, but Ziggler laid him out and threw him into the stairs.
Angle drives Ziggler into the turnbuckle and started a comeback until Ziggler laid him out with a DDT. Angle hit the Angle Slam for a near fall. He went for the Angle lock, but Ziggler escaped and hit a famouser.
Angle rolled through Ziggler and applied the Angle lock. Ziggler tried to escape, eventually doing do. He then posted Angle and planted him with the zig zag for the win. This was pretty decent.
The Bar defeated The New Day to retain the SmackDown tag team titles
The New Day came out on what I guess would be a magic carpet, throwing out pancakes.
Things started off with some good back and forth until Cesaro managed to cut off Kofi Kingston. They worked on him forever until Kofi escaped and tagged in Big E, who made a big comeback. Big E planted Sheamus with a uranage and went for the spear to the floor but Sheamus cut him off. Big E tagged in Kofi, who hit a double foot stomp as Big E planted Sheamus with a powerbomb for a near fall.
Kofi took out Cesaro on the outside as Big Show on the apron. Big E avoided the brogue kick but was shoved into the referee. Big Show punched Big E, allowing Sheamus to connect with the brogue kick for the win. A total paint by numbers match.
The Miz was interviewed. Tonight isn’t about happy endings, it’s about beating Rey Mysterio and proving he’s the best in the world. His voice seemed off and mentioned that he injured his throat during the first match. Rey Mysterio said he’s been underestimated by bigger and better.
World Cup semi finals: The Miz defeated Rey Mysterio
Rey controlled early, sliding himself to the floor with a splash. Mysterio started to sell his ribs after the splash. Mysterio went to leap on Miz’s shoulders but Miz instead fell, causing Mysterio to land face first on the mat.
Miz started to work him over, but Mysterio fought back, only to be laid out. In a callback from earlier, Miz slid Rey out of the ring, landing on his ribs.
Mysterio started to mount a comeback, landing a crossbody. Miz is sent into the second turnbuckle as Mysterio goes for the 619. Miz grabs him, smashes his head on the nearby top turnbuckle and lands the skull crushing finale…but Mysterio kicks out.
Miz pelts him with kicks, but Mysterio fights back, hitting the 619. Mysterio takes his time getting to the top rope, and when he goes for the frog splash Miz gets the knees up and cradles him for the win. This was okay overall, nothing special but the finish was pretty good.
World Cup semi finals: Dolph Ziggler defeated Seth Rollins
Dolph got the heat on Rollins after Rollins got distracted by McIntyre on the outside, working on his neck. Rollins came back and they exchanged a number of near falls before Rollins hit the ripchord knee for another near fall.
Rollins hit a suicide dive on the outside, taking out both Ziggler and McIntyre. Back in the ring, Ziggler hit the famouser. Rollins met Ziggler on the top rope and hit the superplex. Rollins tried for the Falcon Arrow, but Ziggler countered with the zig zag.
Rollins goes to the top rope, but McIntyre grabbed his leg. Ziggler connects with a superkick and picks up the win. So it’s heel Dolph vs. heel Miz in the finals. Match was pretty good.
Saxton interviewed Ziggler, saying it wasn’t fair how he got the win and it was an upset. Ziggler dismissed that and said the next time you see him, he’ll be holding his trophy because he’s the best in the world.
AJ Styles defeated Samoa Joe to retain the WWE title
Styles was in control early, taking him to the outside and posting him. Joe lifted him up, however, and drove him head first into the barricade, getting the heat. Joe blasted AJ with a suicide dive, sending ribs first into the announcer’s table.
AJ connects with a kick and hits the reverse DDT. He looks for the phenomenal forearm, but Joe escapes and hits a big powerslam and lariat. Styles goes for an O’Connor roll but Joe catches him in the coquina clutch. Styles grabs him and goes for the calf crusher but Joe quickly gets to the ropes. AJ connects with a pele kick then scores the phenomenal forearm for the win. This was good while it lasted, but they’ve had better matches.
Brock Lesnar defeated Braun Strowman to win the WWE Universal title
Baron Corbin, who came out with the Universal title, hit Strowman in the back with the title before the match started. Lesnar then destroyed Braun Strowman, hitting him with four F5’s, one to the floor. Strowman mounted a brief comeback, but Lesnar laid him out with a fifth for the win. No, it makes no sense to bury someone like this, nor does it make sense for Lesnar to win the title. But this is what they do.
McIntyre was sent to the back before the World Cup finals started. They fought before the bell rang, with Miz sending Ziggler into the steps. Miz favored his knee heavily. They sold like this was about to be called a forfeit in favor of Ziggler because Miz couldn’t continue. Shane McMahon said no, he would take his place. So after hyping this tournament for weeks, Shane just inserts himself in, everyone seems fine with it and the match starts. Even the announcers couldn’t sell this as making a lick of sense.
Shane McMahon defeated Dolph Ziggler to win the World Cup
Well, duh.
So Ziggler cut Shane and hit the zig zag. Shane fired back with a DDT and slingshotted Ziggler into the turnbuckle. Shane hit the coast to coast. And yes, in case you were wondering who the best in the world is, it is Shane McMahon, who wrestles maybe twice a year and just beat Dolph Ziggler clean in minutes. Raw announcers sold this like it was a heel move. Whatever. These last two matches couldn’t be more destructive towards people that need a boost the most.
Shane celebrated with the trophy as a huge pyrotechnic show followed. A McMahon winning this tournament, which was to crown the best in the world, feels like an allegory for something.
Triple H and Shawn Michaels defeated The Undertaker and Kane
Triple H and Kane start things off. Shawn was tagged in and looked fine. He hit a neckbreaker but Kane came up. After teasing a superkick, Undertaker was tagged in. All four got in the ring as HBK was put in the tree of woe position. Kane threw Triple H into Shawn as both DX members tumbled to the floor.
Back in the ring, Undertaker hit old school on Shawn. He avoided a boot in the corner and tagged in Triple H. Kane was tagged in and they exchanged chops. Shawn came in and took down Kane, then did the kip up. Double suplex spot by DX. Shawn connected with the elbow.
Shawn motions for the sweet chin music but Kane grabs him and lands the chokeslam instead. Undertaker comes back in and gets the heat, looking for his own chokeslam. He takes out Triple H, which allows Shawn to strike with the sweet chin music. Undertaker gets back to his feet and clears out the Arabic announcer’s table.
Triple H grabs Shawn from his doom as he takes out Kane and Undertaker by throwing them into the steps and guardrail, respectively. Well, I think he threw himself and Undertaker into the barricade, but whatever. Kane grabs Hunter by the throat, however, and sends him through the announce table. Undertaker takes out Shawn with a legdrop on the apron.
Undertaker taunts Triple H as he takes Shawn and puts him back in the ring. They work him over some more. Undertaker went for a tombstone on the floor, but Shawn escaped and threw him into the post. Kane’s mask came off at some point as Shawn went to the top rope and hit a moonsault.
Triple H is tagged in as he makes a comeback. He may have hurt his arm at some point during this match. Undertaker reversed a pedigree with the back body drop. Triple H reversed a tombstone and hit a pedigree. Hunter dispatched Kane as Undertaker locked in the hell’s gate. Kane grabbed Shawn but he escaped and hit a superkick, landing on Undertaker and breaking that submission.
Brothers of Destruction go for stereo tombstones but both DX members escape. Shawn superkicks Undertaker, then superkicks Kane, who walks into a pedigree. Triple H pins Kane for the win. This was better than last month’s match. Shawn looked great but honestly this was still a very plodding, long match.
Pyrotechnics display to close out the show. To quote Jim Ross after that Jackie Gayda match, mercifully, Crown Jewel is over.
