SHOWN IN CLUB 69 FLIRTS

APRIL 1st & APRIL 2nd, 2023

FROM MIDNIGHT

CONFIRMED MATCHES

NIGHT ONE

United States Championship -- Austin Theory (c) vs. John Cena: A match between Theory and Cena has been discussed since Theory was on the independent scene. So, when Cena was set to appear on Raw ahead of WrestleMania, it seemed a no-brainer what the end result of that all would be. Indeed, Theory confronted Cena and laid out the challenge, which Cena refused before running Theory down on the microphone, saying Theory was not ready for that level of competition. By the end of the segment, Cena agreed to the match but to please the fans, not to give Theory what he wanted.

SmackDown Women's Championship -- Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Rhea Ripley: Ripley was the frontrunner to win the women's Royal Rumble match and did just that. Entering at No. 1, Ripley set the record for the longest performance in a traditional women's Rumble match en route to winning the bout. Ripley officially challenged SmackDown women's champion Flair the following evening over a match against Raw women's champion Bianca Belair.

Undisputed Tag Team Championship -- The Usos (c) vs. Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens: Zayn and Owens have had their own issues with The Bloodline. Jey Uso stood by Zayn after Zayn's falling out with the group but eventually turned on his best friend, berating him for thinking he would choose a friend over family. Zayn spent weeks trying to reunite with Owens before the longtime friends finally hugged it out. As expected, that reunion will lead to Zayn and Owens trying to finally get one over on The Bloodline by taking the tag titles from The Usos at WrestleMania.

Seth Rollins vs. Logan Paul: Celebrity appearances have been tied to the fabric of WrestleMania since its inception. Paul has emerged as one of the most athletically brilliant celebrity crossovers in professional wrestling. His match against Reigns at Crown Jewel received rave reviews. Certainly, Reigns did the heavy lifting, but Paul over-delivered on his part. Paul returned from injury as a surprise entrant in the men's Royal Rumble match and eliminated Rollins. Then, as Rollins was one of the last two men standing in the Elimination Chamber, Paul interfered, taking out Rollins and allowing Austin Theory to retain his United States championship. Paul has knocked out Rollins with a single punch multiple times, playing up his prowess as a boxer.

Becky Lynch, Lita & Trish Stratus vs. Damage CTRL: Lynch's issues with Damage CTRL have been going for quite some time. Lita made her return to WWE to help Lynch defeat Bayley in a steel cage match, which led to the pair teaming to battle Dakota Kai and IYO SKY for the women's tag titles. Lynch and Lita managed to take the belts with the help of a returning Stratus. This led to the expected challenge for a six-woman tag at WrestleMania, which Damage CTRL was quick to accept.

Dominik Mysterio vs. Rey Mysterio: After a long build that has seen Rey leave Raw for SmackDown to get away from his son, Dominik finally made an official challenge for a match at WrestleMania. Rey declined, leading to Dominik insulting him. While Rey insists he will never wrestle his son, Dominik pushed him over the edge by disrespecting Rey's wife and daughter ringside. Rey smacked Dominik on the March 24 episode of SmackDown and accepted his challenge for WrestleMania.

Braun Strowman & Ricochet vs. The Street Profits vs. Alpha Academy vs. Viking Raiders (Men's Showcase): A special four-team match was announced for the card, giving some roster staples a chance to showcase their skills on the biggest stage in wrestling.

NIGHT TWO

Undisputed WWE Universal Championship -- Roman Reigns (c) vs. Cody Rhodes: Rhodes returned at the Royal Rumble following a seven-month absence to heal a completely torn pectoral muscle. Rhodes entered the eponymous match at No. 30 and eliminated GUNTHER to punch his ticket to the main event of WrestleMania. Reigns and Rhodes have since engaged in a long series of mind games, as well as Rhodes picking up a big win over Solo Sikoa, ending Sikoa's undefeated streak since joining The Bloodline on the main roster.

Raw Women's Championship -- Bianca Belair (c) vs. Asuka: Ripley's decision to challenge Flair left Belair without a match at WrestleMania. Authority figure Adam Pearce announced that an Elimination Chamber match would determine the No. 1 contender for Belair's Raw women's championship at WrestleMania. Asuka was able to outlast Liv Morgan, Carmella, Raquel Rodriguez, Nikki Cross and Natalya to punch her ticket to WrestleMania.

Intercontinental Championship -- Gunther (c) vs. Sheamus vs. Drew McIntyre: McIntyre and Sheamus battled on SmackDown with the winner punching his ticket to a match with Gunther at WrestleMania. Imperium attacked both men during the match, which led to a disqualification with no clear winner. As a consequence, both men were named challengers for the title at WrestleMania. Sheamus and Gunther have already had a series of great matches.

Edge vs. Finn Balor (Hell in a Cell): Edge and Balor have been engaged in a heated feud since Balor turned on Edge and took over The Judgement Day. After winning their "I Quit" match by threatening to have Rhea Ripley deliver a Con-Chair-To to Beth Phoenix, Balor seemed to have gotten the better of his rival. Phoenix and Edge came back to win a mixed tag match against Balor and Ripley at Elimination Chamber. Now the two men meet one more time, this time on the biggest stage in wrestling and inside Hell in a Cell. Adding more fuel to bout, Balor has indicated he will enter the match in full "Demon" persona.

Brock Lesnar vs. Omos: Despite not truly settling things with Bobby Lashley at Elimination Chamber, Lesnar was quickly shuffled into a new program when MVP laid out a challenge for Lesnar to face the towering Omos at WrestleMania. Lesnar appeared on Raw, asking MVP to sell him on the match, which MVP did to Lesnar's satisfaction. After being surprisingly cordial, Lesnar did eventually hit MVP with the F5 after MVP accidentally spit moonshine in his face as they toasted to celebrate the newly official bout. Omos has gotten the better of every physical confrontation between the two giants to date.

Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez vs. Natalya & Shotzi vs. Ronda Rousey & Shayna Bazler vs. Chelsea Green & Sonya Deville (Women's Showcase): It was announced on the March 17 episode of SmackDown that a fatal four-way tag team WrestleMania showcase match would take place. Mogan and Rodriguez were the first to qualify by beating Emma and Tegan Knox. Natalya and Shotzi qualified by beating Xia Li and Lacey Evans; meanwhile, Rousey and Bazler were given free entry into the match. Green and Deville qualified on the final pre-WrestleMania Raw by beating Michin and Candice LeRae.

HIGHLIGHTS

RESULTS - NIGHT ONE

United States Championship -- John Cena vs. Austin Theory: The story of the match was Theory's youth and athleticism against Cena's experience and veteran savvy. Cena got in Theory's head early, outwrestling him with fundamentals despite his lack of activity in recent years. Theory took over the match as the pace quickened, somersaulting into a blockbuster and shotgun drop kick. Theory returned to the well one too many times and Cena capitalized. The challenger caught Theory's leg mid-roll and trapped him in an STF. Theory resorted to underhanded tactics to escape, biting Cena's hand.

Theory took over momentarily but his inexperience got him in more trouble. Theory tried to double up on a technique; Cena countered with an Attitude Adjustment, but Theory wiggled free. Cena was on the verge of victory after hoisting Theory up for another Attitude Adjustment. The referee took a spill after Theory's legs caught him in the face. Cene transitioned into an STF and forced a tap from Theory. Unfortunately, the referee was incapacitated and Cena let go of the hold thinking he had won. Theory capitalized, cracking Cena with A Town Down for the win.

WWE took the easiest approach to the conclusion, giving Theory a big win while protecting Cena. The match was solid considering it was Cena's first singles match since SummerSlam 2021, but it won't go down in history as one to remember. Theory def. Cena via pinfall to retain the United States Championship.

Braun Strowman & Ricochet vs. The Street Profits vs. Alpha Academy vs. The Viking Raiders (Men's Showcase): The tag team showcase was just that. Every superstar in the match showed off ridiculous feats of athleticism and strength. Gable executed a stunning roll through German suplex on Strowman, Ivar attempted a moonsault, Strowman landed a huge splash off the top rope and the entire field contributed to a sublime twist on the overplayed "Tower of Doom" spot.

Strowman steamrolled his opponents towards the end of the match, barrelling through foes on the outside with his Strowman Express spot. Strowman's train was derailed, however, when he ran into a Dawkins in wait. Ricochet blew the roof off the stadium with a springboard shooting star press on the outside of the ring. Ricochet landed a second Shooting Star Press in the ring for the victory, but Dawkins got the knees up. Dawkins held Ricochet in place for Ford to hit a big frosh splash to Ricochet's back. Dawkins subsequently rolled up Ricochet for the win.

The idea of a showcase match seemed like a total throwaway, but the superstars involved exceeded expectations by a mile. It was a fast-paced action match with no shortage of memorable moments. Everyone involved deserves praise for cramming so much good stuff into a relatively short spot. Street Profits def. Ricochet and Strowman, Alpha Academy and Viking Raiders via pinfall.

Seth Rollins vs. Logan Paul: Rollins vs. Paul gave WrestleMania fans their first taste of elaborate entrances. Paul trolled the audience with an extremely annoying variation of Shawn Michaels' iconic WrestleMania XII entrance, ziplining to the stage while shouting into a wireless microphone. Paul was accompanied by a life-sized bottle of his Prime beverage. Rollins took inspiration from this year's ode to Hollywood, wearing an outfit resembling a red carpet while a conductor led the audience in chanting his theme song.

Paul has impressed in all of his WWE matches to date and Saturday night was no different. Paul is quite athletic and has taken to wrestling very well. Saturday showed the development of his overall wrestling skills, employing a more well-rounded attack. The athleticism was certainly there as he landed a buckshot lariat, springboard attack and standing moonsault on his vastly more experienced opponent. His physical skills were complimented by more technical moves, such as a leg sweep and submission move.

It took a long time for Rollins to find a response to Paul's surprisingly effective offense. After dodging a top rope move, Rollins hit Paul with three consecutive suicide dives. Rollins set up for the pedigree but got clocked by Paul's right punch for a close two-count. Rollins responded quickly with a powerbomb for his own near fall. The Prime mascot yanked Paul out of the ring, revealing himself to be KSI. The social media stars sprawled Rollins across the announcer's table, but Rollins yanked KSI onto the table just as Paul launched off the top rope. A subsequent pedigree nearly clinched the match for Rollins, but Paul kicked out. Another near fall saw Paul hit Rollins with a GTS and a top rope frog splash. The match came to an end after Rollins hit Paul with a super kick coming off the top rope and a stomp.

Paul continues to play an incredible foil in every match he's in. He is by far the best celebrity-turned-superstar and is so sublimely dislikeable. Rollins was a wonderful ring general and seeing KSI get planted through a table was so satisfying. This might just be the match of the night. Rollins def. Paul via pinfall.

Becky Lynch, Lita & Trish Stratus vs. Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky): Damage CTRL were in rare form as irritating heels, endlessly mocking their Hall of Fame opponents. The trio cornered and bullied Lita for an extended period before Stratus got the tag and cleaned house. Stratus moved somewhat nimbly around the ring. Lita and Lynch launched Stratus into a handspring head scissors on the outside, tossing Kai into her allies ringside. The tag team champions also gave a nod to Team Xtreme, executing the Hardy Boyz's Poetry in Motion-Top Rope Leg Drop combo. Damage CTRL's biggest moment of the match saw Sky living up to her last name, clearing the field with a moonsault to the outside. The fan-favorites play their greatest hits en route to victory: Stratus hit a Chick Kick, Lita landed a moonsault and Lynch planted Bayley with a Man-Handle Slam off the top ropes for the win.

WWE was wise to position the match after the fatal four-way tag team and Rollins vs. Paul matches, two hot contests. The crowd needed a cooldown and this was definitely that. Lita and Stratus were a touch labored, particularly the former, which is completely understandable. The flow of the match didn't quite click for the most part, but it was an honest effort from all parties. Lita, Lynch and Stratus def. Damage CTRL. 

Rey Mysterio vs. Dominik Mysterio: Dominik Mysterio arrived handcuffed with police escorts, leaning into his hilarious gimmick as a prison-hardened convict. Dominik Mysterio took a swipe at his dad by wearing his father's famous Halloween Havoc mask. The legendary luchador one-upped his son, entering the arena accompanied by Snoop Dogg in a low-rider. The vehicle was a nod to Rey Mysterio's late friend, Eddie Guerrero, and was complimented with Guerrero's theme music.

Rey Mysterio toyed with his less talented son through the early portions of the match. The former WWE champion took off his belt and spanked his son with it, eliciting a loud and favorable crowd response. Dominik Mysterio only took control after distracting his dad. Dominik Mysterio tossed a drink in his sister's face ringside and attacked Rey Mysterio as the father tried to restrain his irate daughter. Dominik Mysterio returned ringside to antagonize his family and was promptly greeted by the palm of his mother's hand. Rey Mysterio hit the 619 and had the match in his grasp, but Judgement Day intervened. That led to the arrival of Legado del Fantasma, now rebranded as the Latin World Order to even the playing field.

Dominik Mysterio gave his father a receipt by landing his own 619 but was not able to get the three-count. Dominik Mysterio attempted to close out the show by hitting his father with a steel chain. Globally acclaimed musician Bad Bunny, sitting ringside, intervened by snatching the chain. That gave Rey Mysterio the opening to hit a 619 and top rope splash for the win.

What a great match. The entrances will live as some of the best in WrestleMania history, Dominik Mysterio got what was coming to him and the company can build to a tag team match featuring Mysterio and Bunny against Judgement Day. An ultra-rare match between father and son and one -- one blending elements of pro-wrestling present and past -- that delivered.

SmackDown Women's Championship -- Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Rhea Ripley: Ripley's Royal Rumble revenge tour culminated in her coronation as champion at WrestleMania. Ripley had repeatedly fallen short against the more-established Flair throughout their careers but not on this night. Ripley's imposing combination of strength and smarts was too much for the now-former SmackDown women's champion to overcome. Flair had her moments but was generally outgunned by her ferocious and confident challenger. It appeared that Flair would sneak by with her title intact after countering Riptide into a spiked DDT, but Ripley endured.

A series of big moves and near-falls populated the back half of the SmackDown women's championship match. Ripley landed a terrifying German suplex that saw Flair land awkwardly on her head and face. Fortunately, she appeared alright. Flair hit a moonsault to the outside, but Ripley turned the tables in the ring with a headbutt and Riptide combo. Ripley dropped Flair face first into the corner post and hit a top rope Riptide for the win.

Ripley and Flair presented a solid match with dynamic attacks, creative counters and a pendulum of momentum. The match exceeded the lackluster build leading in and the right woman won. There wasn't much steam on Flair's latest title reign and there was an appetite to see Ripley elevated to champion. The match arguably went too long, but it was a strong and spirited showing from all involved. Ripley def. Flair to win the SmackDown women's championship. 

Pat McAfee vs. The Miz: The Miz and Snoop Dogg came to the ring after the women's match to hype up the crowd a bit more. Snoop told Miz the only thing better than the massive attendance would be if Miz had a match. Miz agreed, which led to Pat McAfee returning to accept Miz's challenge. Miz attempted to back out but the match was made official. McAfee took the fight to Miz quickly and hit some of his standard high spots, including the backflip to his feet from the top rope. As Corey Graves encouraged Miz, Miz tried to walk off but was booed by San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle at ringside. Miz shoved Kittle, leading Kittle to jump the guardrail and deliver a clothesline before McAfee hit a swanton from the top rope onto Miz on the outside. Miz was tossed back into the ring, allowing McAfee to hit a punt and score the pinfall in a fun little cooldown segment to allow the crowd to breathe between the women's title match and the main event. McAfee def. The Miz via pinfall. 

Undisputed tag team championships -- The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) (c) vs. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens: The main event immediately got into the emotional thick of things as Zayn and Jey Uso squared off. The crowd popped for Zayn's initial offensive output, but it did not take long for the ferocious champions to take the reins. The crowd came to life when Owens got the hot tag, laying out Jimmy Uso ringside and flattening Jey Uso with a frog splash. The red-hot crowd only got louder as the match went on. An apron brainbuster from Zayn to Jey Uso, a swanton bomb from Owens to Jimmy Uso and an Uso style splash from Zayn to Jimmy Uso had the audience in a frenzy.

The twin brothers removed Owens from the equation, at least temporarily, after slamming him through the announcers' table. They planted Zayn with a 1-D. Zayn's razor-thin kick out brought the crowd to its feet. A vindictive Jey Uso repeatedly slapped his estranged best friend in the face before walloping on him with forearm and open hand strikes. Another hot tag to Owens, who hit both brothers with pop-up powerbombs. A Helluva Kick to Jimmy Uso and a stunner to Jey Uso appeared to be the end, but Jey Uso remarkably kicked out. Fans showed their appreciation as chants of "This is Awesome'' rang through the arena. A carousel of super kicks set up yet another near-fall after The Usos hit Owens with their finisher. Owens hit a Fisherman's Buster off the top rope that served as the match's final pendulum swing. Zayn landed three consecutive Helluva Kicks to Jey Uso for the three count.

A WrestleMania headliner fitting of the build that preceded it. The rise and fall of Zayn as part of The Bloodline, as well as his tale of revenge, is some of the best storytelling WWE has done in over a decade. Congratulations to all involved for a memorable WrestleMania moment and a rare showcase of the tag team division on the grand stage. Zayn and Owens def. The Usos via pinfall to win the undisputed WWE tag team championships. 

RESULTS - NIGHT TWO

Brock Lesnar vs. Omos: It is very rare for Lesnar to be physically outmatched, but Omos is an exceptionally rare specimen. The mammoth superstar tossed around Lesnar and effortlessly power-slammed him in the early portions of the match. Lesnar's early spurts of fire were easily extinguished, but the former UFC heavyweight champion finally turned the tables with a trio of German suplexes. An F-5 followed and wrapped the relatively short match. 

The match could have benefitted from a couple of additional swings in momentum. It was one-way traffic for Omos up until Lesnar did Lesnar things. Omos has one-of-a-kind size and could have believably kicked out of one F-5. The match was competitive on the surface, but Omos' non-existent defense and durability made him look weak in the end. Lesnar def. Omos via pinfall.

Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez vs. Natalya and Shotzi vs. Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler vs. Chelsea Green and Sonya Deville: The participants took the showcase branding to heart by taking turns showing off their skills for the SoFi crowd. Rodriguez lived up to her reputation as the match's powerhouse, effortlessly tossing around the field of opponents. Natalya sent the crowd into a frenzy by wrapping Deville and Green in a double sharpshooter. Morgan quelled Natalya's momentum with a painful codebreaker off the ropes. In an interesting twist that some may consider anti-climatic, Rousey found herself in the ring with her fallen rival Shotzi and the remaining superstars sidelined ringside. Rousey laughed, sauntered over to Shotzi and locked in an armbar for the quick submission.

The men's showcase match was a hard act to follow but the women put in a strong effort. Natalya's double-sharpshooter received a particularly warm reception from the crowd. Rousey did not see much ring time, but her approach to the finish was good heel fodder. Rousey and Baszler def. Shotzi and Natalya, Morgan and Rodriguez, and Deville and Green via submission.

Intercontinental championship -- Gunther (c) vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus: There has been a lot of friction between friends McIntyre and Sheamus over their pursuits for the intercontinental championship. Gunther tried to game the situation by encouraging McIntyre and Sheamus to fight each other. The bruisers obliged but only after McIntyre rocked Gunther with a Claymore Kick. Gunther performed true to his moniker of "The Ring General" once he re-entered the fray, directing traffic and bludgeoning both challengers. Fans expected hard-hitting action and showed their appreciation once the superstars started painting welts on each other with chops and forearms.

Gunther's chest turned black and blue after McIntyre and Sheamus took turns bludgeoning him back and forth against the ropes. Sheamus earned a standing ovation from the crowd after cracking McIntyre with more than 25 Beats of the Bodhran, an assault that continued until McIntyre physically collapsed. Sheamus nearly captured the one championship that has eluded him after landing a Celtic Cross on Gunther and tying up the champion in a Cloverleaf. The friction between Sheamus and McIntyre continued to course through the match. Betrayal read all over Sheamus' face after McIntyre pulled him off a surefire pinfall on Gunther following a Brogue Kick. The longtime friends exchanged big blows but neither could keep the other down for good. Gunther capitalized on the two bulls locking horns. The champion powerbombed Sheamus onto McIntyre and subsequently powerbombed McIntyre for the win.

What a fantastic match that well exceeded the lofty expectations going in. The performers did a masterful job of telling a story of friction and feelings of betrayal between Sheamus and McIntyre. Sheamus was the MVP of the match with the contest primarily focused on him completing his trophy collection in the latter stages of his career. Gunther continued to look like an intelligent killer by taking advantage of the chaos around him. Strictly between the ropes, this is the match of the weekend. Gunther def. McIntyre and Sheamus via pinfall to retain the intercontinental championship.

Raw women's championship -- Bianca Belair (c) vs. Asuka: Belair and Asuka fought as if they had something to prove on Sunday night. The build to their match lacked heat and they were following a sleeper hit between Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair the night before. The match was chock-full of big moves and momentum swings. Asuka countered a handspring moonsault into a triangle choke, Belair rolled through a submission attempt to land a beautiful suplex. The superstars also showed a willingness to put their bodies on the line as was the case when Belair landed a big sit-out powerbomb on Asuka ringside.

The chemistry between Belair and Asuka was undeniable as they fluidly exchanged maneuvers. Belair ducked a cloud of mist, Asuka side-stepped a hair whip, Asuka rolled into an armbar and Belair lifted Asuka into a KOD for the win. The match was a half-step below the SmackDown women's championship in terms of drama, but their ability to work together was top-notch. Belair def. Asuka via pinfall to retain the Raw women's championship.

Snoop Dogg vs. The Miz: The west coast legend booked an impromptu match between The Miz and Shane McMahon. McMahon appeared to injure himself early into the contest, resulting in what felt like an impromptu match between Snoop and Miz. The legendary rapper clocked Miz with two right hands, did his best Dwayne "The Rock" Impression with a People's Elbow and scored the pinfall. I'm not sure what happened there with McMahon, but Snoop's performance was infinitely more entertaining than whatever McMahon and Miz could produce. Snoop def. Miz via pinfall 

Edge vs. "The Demon" Finn Balor (Hell in a Cell): The cell served as an appropriate final resting place for the long, bad-blooded feud between Balor and Edge. There was no feeling out process in this physically intense encounter. Each superstar laid into the other with hard kendo stick shots. In a creative and visually gruesome spot, Edge trapped Balor against the cell by wedging kendo sticks between the links at Balor's chin and chest. "The Demon" enacted a measure of revenge by kicking Edge through a table that Edge had positioned in the corner of the cell. The bout only grew more chaotic from there. The SoFi crowd expressed their enthusiasm after Edge entered a ladder into the equation. The ladder opened a cut on Balor that required attention from the referee and WWE's medical team. Balor found his way back into the match and drove his heels through Edge with a Coup de Grace. Balor attempted to replicate the feat from the ladder, but Edge cut him off with ladder-assisted Edgeuction. 

The violence cranked up another gear as Balor tried to hit Edge with a Coup De Grace off a catwalk around the inside perimeter of the cell. Edge moved out of the way just in time as Balor drove himself through the table. Balor was reeling in pain but managed to kick out of a spear from "The Rated R Superstar." Edge reached his breaking point, walloping on Balor with a kendo stick and steel chair before slaying his bitter rival with a con-chair-to.

An absolutely chaotic match, well fit for the rivalry involved and the Hell in a Cell moniker. The feud has been hot and cold at times and this strong performance should spell the end of it. It was well positioned with a slower pace that should prepare fans for an emotionally invested main event. Edge def. Balor via pinfall. 

Undisputed WWE Universal Championship -- Roman Reigns (c) vs. Cody Rhodes: Rhodes relied on his amateur wrestling background and speed advantage to control his powerhouse opponent in the early portion of the match. Reigns showcased that power by catching Rhodes mid-air off a springboard attack and planting him with a powerbomb. The action took a spill to the outside as each man power-slammed the other on the ramp. Solo Sikoa made his presence felt for the first time by intercepting Cody ringside, allowing his cousin Reigns to take over. Sikoa quelled Rhodes' immediate comeback by tripping him against the ropes.

Rhodes delighted the crowd later in the match, countering the champion and driving him through an announcers' table with a backdrop. It was the Rhodes show from that point on as he delivered signature moves like the Cody Cutter and a suicide dive that had the crowd roaring with approval. Sikoa continued to be an asset to Reigns and a thorn in Sikoa's side, whipping Rhodes with his own weight belt. The referee continued to miss Sikoa's interjections, but assessed the situation and ejected The Bloodline's enforcer from ringside. An argument between Reigns and the referee primed Rhodes for another comeback. He cracked Reigns with a super kick and landed Cross Rhodes, his finishing move, for a deep two-count. A uranage slam by Reigns and a pedigree from Rhodes both had the referee with his palm inches from a three-count.

The big moves only continued from there. Reigns cold-cocked Rhodes with a nasty-looking Superman punch as Rhodes bounced off the ropes in pursuit of a Disaster Kick. Rhodes showcased his own savvy counter, sunset flipping over a potential match-ending spear before tying up the champ in a figure four leg lock. Rhodes' indomitable spirit persisted as he kicked out following a piercing spear from Reigns. The challenger's defiance angered "The Tribal Chief" as Reigns began laying in closed-fist punches. Rhodes appeared lifeless trapped in the vice-like squeeze of Reigns' guillotine choke, but he endured and broke free of Reigns' grip. Rhodes roared to life, punching away at Reigns but accidentally kicking down the referee during his spirited comeback. A double clothesline laid out both combatants and opened the door for shenanigans.

The Usos, one night after losing the undisputed tag team championships to Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens, laid out Rhodes with superkicks and a 1D. The crowd popped as loud as had all night when Zayn and Owens arrived to even the odds. Owens hit Reigns with a stunner and Zayn got a measure of revenge on the champion with a Helluva Kick that sent shockwaves through SoFi Stadium. Rhodes crawled over to Reigns and covered the champion just as the referee recovered. It was a long two-count, one that allowed Reigns to kick out in the nick of time. Rhodes channeled the spirit of his late father, "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, clocking Reigns with jabs and a bionic elbow that the live audience greatly appreciated. Rhodes appeared to have the match won with two consecutive Cross Rhodes, but interferences by Paul Heyman and Sikoa allowed Reigns to hit the match-winning spear. A truly fantastic outing that had the crowd in the palm of the superstars' hands. The outcome subverted expectations and it will be interesting to see where WWE takes things from here. Reigns def. Rhodes to retain the undisputed WWE universal championship.