Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
WWE Battleground has been a less than impressive show over the years. Despite that, it is all the way up to its fourth edition this year. Despite that pedigree, this show's card was stacked with top matches even a dream match for the main event that we have long awaited.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't excited about this show. The Shield triple threat was always guaranteed to be top notch, but the card also included more John Cena vs. AJ Styles, multiple title matches that could brand split issues, and of course a potential final match between Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't excited about this show. The Shield triple threat was always guaranteed to be top notch, but the card also included more John Cena vs. AJ Styles, multiple title matches that could brand split issues, and of course a potential final match between Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
Breezango were told yesterday they'd win this match tonight. They are still in shock.
Breezango def. The Usos
Overview: Fandango locked in a headlock on Jey Uso and knocked him down only to take a hip toss. The Usos teamed up on Fandango for a one count, but Breeze slipped in a tag to get into the action. Breezango hit a slingshot into a springboard elbow for two.
Jimmy Uso fought out of the Breezeango corner with two enzuigiris allowing the hot tag to Jey. He hit Samoan drops on both heels then hit the avalanche for two. Breeze hit a superkick on Jimmy to help clear the ring but got cleared out. Fandango was left with Jey and got a nearfall then went for a superplex.
Breeze saved Fandango from a Tower of Doom but Jimmy hit both with a Superfly Splash for a nearfall. Breeze got the tag, but both heels took huge kicks. Jimmy hit a superkick, but Fandango distracted him long enough for Breeze to block a Superfly Splash with the knees into an inside cradle for the three count.
Analysis: This match was sloppy, but it was impressively consistent in its pacing and competitiveness. You got the feeling these guys were only given five minutes but wanted to use every second like they were in the main event. Both teams used strong team moves and showed their best.
We even got multiple nearfalls and high energy sequences. It was impressive how much the four did with only a few minutes. What this really showed was how much the brand split can begin benefiting this talent. The hierarchy in the tag team divisions is reset, and Breezango are the number one tag team on SmackDown which is why they could win here clean.
Jimmy Uso fought out of the Breezeango corner with two enzuigiris allowing the hot tag to Jey. He hit Samoan drops on both heels then hit the avalanche for two. Breeze hit a superkick on Jimmy to help clear the ring but got cleared out. Fandango was left with Jey and got a nearfall then went for a superplex.
Breeze saved Fandango from a Tower of Doom but Jimmy hit both with a Superfly Splash for a nearfall. Breeze got the tag, but both heels took huge kicks. Jimmy hit a superkick, but Fandango distracted him long enough for Breeze to block a Superfly Splash with the knees into an inside cradle for the three count.
Analysis: This match was sloppy, but it was impressively consistent in its pacing and competitiveness. You got the feeling these guys were only given five minutes but wanted to use every second like they were in the main event. Both teams used strong team moves and showed their best.
We even got multiple nearfalls and high energy sequences. It was impressive how much the four did with only a few minutes. What this really showed was how much the brand split can begin benefiting this talent. The hierarchy in the tag team divisions is reset, and Breezango are the number one tag team on SmackDown which is why they could win here clean.
Rating: 7.75/10
"So this is what the main roster is like? Can I go back to NXT now?"
Sasha Banks and Bayley def. Charlotte and Dana Brooke
Overview: Bayley made her huge main roster debut to a huge ovation, but Charlotte and Dana Brooke refused to let them soak in the crowd excitement and attacked them from behind. The heel beat down on Sasha Banks as the match began despite Sasha fighting off the offensive.
Bayley got the hot tag and laid waste to Dana inside the ring and Charlotte on the apron. Charlotte tripped Bayley on the second rope and made Bayley's head bounce off the turnbuckle. This allowed Brooke to begin dominating. The two hit each other with simultaneous clotheslines which allowed a tag to Sasha and Charlotte.
Charlotte finally was stuck fighting Banks one on one and was overwhelmed. She took double knees to the gut off the second rope for a two count then a crossbody for another two count. Charlotte hit the Natural Selection out of nowhere with Bayley saving the cover.
Brooke took out Bayley outside the ring, and Charlotte fell right into the Bank Statement with Dana saving the match. Bayley cleared out Dana then Sasha hit the backstabber into the Bank Statement for the victory. Afterward, Sasha and Bayley hugged out their victory.
Analysis: It was a shock when Nia Jax, Alexa Bliss, and Carmella were all called up without Bayley who has been ready for the main roster transition for several months now at least as the most over NXT star male or female for at least six months now.
It was great to see her on the main roster, and she helped elevate this match which had no real stakes. The crowd was completely behind Bayley, and the faces went all out in the match. Charlotte was also solid while Brooke seemed a bit out of place.
I don't know what this actually means for Bayley's standing on the WWE roster yet. I would really like to see her play free agent and get offers from both Raw and SmackDown. She may not get an official call up until NXT Takeover Back to Brooklyn, but this proved Bayley is being wasted if they spend too much time with her on the sidelines.
Bayley got the hot tag and laid waste to Dana inside the ring and Charlotte on the apron. Charlotte tripped Bayley on the second rope and made Bayley's head bounce off the turnbuckle. This allowed Brooke to begin dominating. The two hit each other with simultaneous clotheslines which allowed a tag to Sasha and Charlotte.
Charlotte finally was stuck fighting Banks one on one and was overwhelmed. She took double knees to the gut off the second rope for a two count then a crossbody for another two count. Charlotte hit the Natural Selection out of nowhere with Bayley saving the cover.
Brooke took out Bayley outside the ring, and Charlotte fell right into the Bank Statement with Dana saving the match. Bayley cleared out Dana then Sasha hit the backstabber into the Bank Statement for the victory. Afterward, Sasha and Bayley hugged out their victory.
Analysis: It was a shock when Nia Jax, Alexa Bliss, and Carmella were all called up without Bayley who has been ready for the main roster transition for several months now at least as the most over NXT star male or female for at least six months now.
It was great to see her on the main roster, and she helped elevate this match which had no real stakes. The crowd was completely behind Bayley, and the faces went all out in the match. Charlotte was also solid while Brooke seemed a bit out of place.
I don't know what this actually means for Bayley's standing on the WWE roster yet. I would really like to see her play free agent and get offers from both Raw and SmackDown. She may not get an official call up until NXT Takeover Back to Brooklyn, but this proved Bayley is being wasted if they spend too much time with her on the sidelines.
Rating: 7.25/10
How can Xavier Woods not be in fear watching Bray Wyatt's wild new hairstyle?
The Wyatt Family def. The New Day
Overview: The New Day made clear how excited they were to be together still on the Monday Night Raw roster while they were supposedly not scared of The Wyatt Family who were having their last match together. Xavier Woods though was wary that this would make The Wyatt Family their most dangerous.
Xavier Woods seemed ready to fight for The New Day but froze when Bray Wyatt tagged in to start. Kofi Kingston forced a tag, and Braun Strowman and Erick Rowan quickly isolated and dominated Kofi. Bray Wyatt hit a vicious right hand, uranage, and a running senton for two on Kofi.
A vicious clothesline from Wyatt sent Kofi hard to the mat and caused Woods to jump off the apron. Kofi forced separation and got Big E the hot tag who hit a belly to belly on Rowan followed by a running splash. Big E and Rowan traded huge strikes then Kofi helped send Strowman to the outside then followed him over the top rope.
Kofi and Big E went for the Midnight Special, but Big E was thrown into the turnbuckle. Bray Wyatt got the tag and dodged the Trouble in Paradise. This led to Woods tagging in who was frozen until he saw Wyatt hit a uranage on Kofi. Woods suddenly lit up and began striking Wyatt repeatedly.
Woods hit a diving splash, but The Wyatt Family got involved again. Big E helped clear up Strowman, but Woods walked right into the Sister Abigail for the victory.
Analysis: Just like the feud that followed, this was all storytelling. Xavier Woods carried this match on that front, standing out even on the apron. His ability to rise above his fear and fight when he saw his friend get hurt was perfect as was The Wyatt Family being allowed to go out on a win.
Kofi did much of the highlight reel work here as he flew around though Big E made sure to hit his crazy dangerous Spear through the ropes. It was not a top quality wrestling match, but it was a storytelling classic between Woods and Wyatt with everyone else playing their part.
Xavier Woods seemed ready to fight for The New Day but froze when Bray Wyatt tagged in to start. Kofi Kingston forced a tag, and Braun Strowman and Erick Rowan quickly isolated and dominated Kofi. Bray Wyatt hit a vicious right hand, uranage, and a running senton for two on Kofi.
A vicious clothesline from Wyatt sent Kofi hard to the mat and caused Woods to jump off the apron. Kofi forced separation and got Big E the hot tag who hit a belly to belly on Rowan followed by a running splash. Big E and Rowan traded huge strikes then Kofi helped send Strowman to the outside then followed him over the top rope.
Kofi and Big E went for the Midnight Special, but Big E was thrown into the turnbuckle. Bray Wyatt got the tag and dodged the Trouble in Paradise. This led to Woods tagging in who was frozen until he saw Wyatt hit a uranage on Kofi. Woods suddenly lit up and began striking Wyatt repeatedly.
Woods hit a diving splash, but The Wyatt Family got involved again. Big E helped clear up Strowman, but Woods walked right into the Sister Abigail for the victory.
Analysis: Just like the feud that followed, this was all storytelling. Xavier Woods carried this match on that front, standing out even on the apron. His ability to rise above his fear and fight when he saw his friend get hurt was perfect as was The Wyatt Family being allowed to go out on a win.
Kofi did much of the highlight reel work here as he flew around though Big E made sure to hit his crazy dangerous Spear through the ropes. It was not a top quality wrestling match, but it was a storytelling classic between Woods and Wyatt with everyone else playing their part.
Rating: 8.5/10
Rusev is confused why security hasn't come yet to escort out the random Zack Ryder fan who barged into the ring.
Rusev def. Zack Ryder to Retain the United States Championship
Overview: Zack Ryder seemed to be able to keep up with Rusev early, but he was soon grounded by the big man. Ryder managed to use his strikes to fight back with elbows then sent Rusev into the corner with forearms before setting up the Broski Boot only to have it stopped.
Ryder reversed a suplex into a neckbreaker then hit a running boot for two. Rusev rolled outside then tackled Ryder into the steel barricade. Rusev seemed content for a count out but then decided to keep assaulting Zack who dodged a Rusev charge. He then hit a missile dropkick off the steel barricade.
Back to the ring, Ryder hit the Rough Ryder, but a diving elbow went straight into Rusev's knees. Rusev then hit a side kick and locked in The Accolade. Ryder seemed ready to break The Accolade, but Rusev leaned back into it and got the submission victory. Rusev tried to keep attacking Ryder afterward, but Mojo Rawley made his debut to save his partner.
Analysis: This match was fairly standard, but Zack Ryder put in a strong effort in one of the rare competitive matches he gets to compete in. Ryder showed fire and created a few big moments in the match before his inevitable loss. Rusev let him look strong though the two didn't have the most noticeably strong chemistry.
Mojo Rawley got a solid moment out of this as well with his debut to protect his partner. This likely will lead to SmackDown getting the Hype Bros in their tag team division which is important for the brand's small tag division. The tease of Rusev vs. Mojo was interesting, but Mojo is a SmackDown member now and can't compete against Rusev for a while.
Ryder reversed a suplex into a neckbreaker then hit a running boot for two. Rusev rolled outside then tackled Ryder into the steel barricade. Rusev seemed content for a count out but then decided to keep assaulting Zack who dodged a Rusev charge. He then hit a missile dropkick off the steel barricade.
Back to the ring, Ryder hit the Rough Ryder, but a diving elbow went straight into Rusev's knees. Rusev then hit a side kick and locked in The Accolade. Ryder seemed ready to break The Accolade, but Rusev leaned back into it and got the submission victory. Rusev tried to keep attacking Ryder afterward, but Mojo Rawley made his debut to save his partner.
Analysis: This match was fairly standard, but Zack Ryder put in a strong effort in one of the rare competitive matches he gets to compete in. Ryder showed fire and created a few big moments in the match before his inevitable loss. Rusev let him look strong though the two didn't have the most noticeably strong chemistry.
Mojo Rawley got a solid moment out of this as well with his debut to protect his partner. This likely will lead to SmackDown getting the Hype Bros in their tag team division which is important for the brand's small tag division. The tease of Rusev vs. Mojo was interesting, but Mojo is a SmackDown member now and can't compete against Rusev for a while.
Rating: 7.25/10
Kevin Owens knew that he had to evolve his style to win this match. He has now become the Crossface Master.
Sami Zayn def. Kevin Owens
Overview: Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn immediately battled to the outside with Owens taking the early advantage only to get whipped into the steel barricade repeatedly by Zayn. Zayn hit a big kick for two. Zayn went for a rope walk but got tripped and crotched on the ropes. He then took a cannonball for two.
KO began his beatdown of Zayn then blocked a Zayn suplex reversal and smacked him chest first onto the ropes. He then hit a running senton for two. Owens then ground down Zayn with a headlock. Zayn finally hit a big clothesline to regain control then hit a Michinoku driver.
Owens rolled outside for a breather, but Zayn followed and hit a moonsault off the second rope. The move hurt Zayn's right arm as well which allowed KO to recover, but Owens walked right into a Blue Thunder Bomb for two. Sami was met on the top rope with Zayn hitting a series of headbutts. Zayn missed a dive off the rope then ran into a superkick for a nearfall.
Owens immediately transitioned into a crossface with extra emphasis on the torque on the bad arm. Zayn made it to the ropes for a break. Sami caught KO with an exploder suplex and set up the Helluva Kick. Owens ducked outside, and the two fought to the apron. Sami ended up hitting a brainbuster onto the apron.
Both men barely made it back to the ring before ten. Sami threw a right and felt the reverb on his bad arm, allowing Owens to throw his own right. The two then began throwing repeated rights with Sami winning the exchange and sending KO reeling. Zayn then went for the tornado DDT over the turnbuckle but ran into a superkick.
Owens hit a frog splash for a nearfall. KO went for a pump up powerbomb, but Sami turned it into a rope walk tornado DDT. Zayn walked right into a superkick with Zayn barely ducking a pump up powerbomb and hitting a slam for a nearfall. KO hit the pump up powerbomb, but Sami got his foot on the bottom rope.
Zayn hit an exploder suplex then hit the Helluva Kick then forced Owens to stay up for one more hateful Helluva Kick for the victory.
Analysis: We have always known how good Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens are together. Their match back at Payback was top quality, but this was at another level. Zayn and Owens were excellent throughout, wrestling like this match meant everything to them. It truly was sold by both men as the end of the rivalry.
From the crazy risks by Zayn to the beautiful selling by both men to a series of moments that we really had never seen these two do together, it was one of the greatest matches this year with an excellent finish where Zayn definitively took his victory.
I do hope this means Owens and Zayn are on their way up on the Raw roster. KO and Zayn should be among the top of the main event scene on the brand, and Zayn's repeatedly excellent matches have proven he deserves that spot as much as the always excellent Owens.
KO began his beatdown of Zayn then blocked a Zayn suplex reversal and smacked him chest first onto the ropes. He then hit a running senton for two. Owens then ground down Zayn with a headlock. Zayn finally hit a big clothesline to regain control then hit a Michinoku driver.
Owens rolled outside for a breather, but Zayn followed and hit a moonsault off the second rope. The move hurt Zayn's right arm as well which allowed KO to recover, but Owens walked right into a Blue Thunder Bomb for two. Sami was met on the top rope with Zayn hitting a series of headbutts. Zayn missed a dive off the rope then ran into a superkick for a nearfall.
Owens immediately transitioned into a crossface with extra emphasis on the torque on the bad arm. Zayn made it to the ropes for a break. Sami caught KO with an exploder suplex and set up the Helluva Kick. Owens ducked outside, and the two fought to the apron. Sami ended up hitting a brainbuster onto the apron.
Both men barely made it back to the ring before ten. Sami threw a right and felt the reverb on his bad arm, allowing Owens to throw his own right. The two then began throwing repeated rights with Sami winning the exchange and sending KO reeling. Zayn then went for the tornado DDT over the turnbuckle but ran into a superkick.
Owens hit a frog splash for a nearfall. KO went for a pump up powerbomb, but Sami turned it into a rope walk tornado DDT. Zayn walked right into a superkick with Zayn barely ducking a pump up powerbomb and hitting a slam for a nearfall. KO hit the pump up powerbomb, but Sami got his foot on the bottom rope.
Zayn hit an exploder suplex then hit the Helluva Kick then forced Owens to stay up for one more hateful Helluva Kick for the victory.
Analysis: We have always known how good Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens are together. Their match back at Payback was top quality, but this was at another level. Zayn and Owens were excellent throughout, wrestling like this match meant everything to them. It truly was sold by both men as the end of the rivalry.
From the crazy risks by Zayn to the beautiful selling by both men to a series of moments that we really had never seen these two do together, it was one of the greatest matches this year with an excellent finish where Zayn definitively took his victory.
I do hope this means Owens and Zayn are on their way up on the Raw roster. KO and Zayn should be among the top of the main event scene on the brand, and Zayn's repeatedly excellent matches have proven he deserves that spot as much as the always excellent Owens.
Rating: 10/10
Who knew you could actually have a match where a wrestler actually wears down one body part until it becomes too much? The women apparently were the only ones logical enough to figure that out.
Natalya def. Becky Lynch
Overview: Becky Lynch had to be backed off Natalya early, but she immediately went back at Natalya, hitting a series of German suplexes that sent Natalya reeling for a breather. More forced separation by the referee allowed Natalya to knock down Lynch for a moment only to be sent reeling again.
Becky was caught in the ropes when she tried to follow Natalya outside with Natalya beginning to beat down on her with a smile. Lynch managed to trip Natalya into a Dis-arm-her which Natalya barely fought out of. Natalya stomped on Lynch then ripped her away from the ropes.
Natalya targeted Lynch's leg as she showboated and taunted Lynch. Becky began fighting back with wild rights then almost locked in the Dis-arm-her. When Natalya slipped out, she ran into a Lynch enzuigiri. Becky had to use the ropes to get to her feet then hit a series of clothesline.
She rolled over Natalya and hit the Bexploder for two. Natalya had to block another Dis-arm-her with a roll up for two. Natalya then locked in the Sharpshooter with Becky making it to the ropes. Lynch made it to the top rope and hit a missile dropkick for two.
Natalya used every moment to strike at the leg then locked in the Sharpshooter again. Lynch spent almost a minute stuck in the move before eventually taping out from the pain.
Analysis: The tired crowd hurt this match quite a bit as Becky Lynch's flurries didn't get the crowd excitement they needed. Natalya couldn't get the crowd to fully hate her in a match that was mostly a slow technical showing. Natalya targeted the leg, and it paid off despite Lynch's toughness.
This is a long term feud, and it is refreshing to see a heel win clean against her rival face. This was a match where Natalya played up Lynch's faults then struck at the leg. The psychology was strong, and there is a lot of room here to hit a second gear. Still, this match was in the wrong place on the card for its style.
The big positive here that must be said is that WWE made this feel like any other match on the card. It got solid midcard time and played out as any technical submission showdown would.
Becky was caught in the ropes when she tried to follow Natalya outside with Natalya beginning to beat down on her with a smile. Lynch managed to trip Natalya into a Dis-arm-her which Natalya barely fought out of. Natalya stomped on Lynch then ripped her away from the ropes.
Natalya targeted Lynch's leg as she showboated and taunted Lynch. Becky began fighting back with wild rights then almost locked in the Dis-arm-her. When Natalya slipped out, she ran into a Lynch enzuigiri. Becky had to use the ropes to get to her feet then hit a series of clothesline.
She rolled over Natalya and hit the Bexploder for two. Natalya had to block another Dis-arm-her with a roll up for two. Natalya then locked in the Sharpshooter with Becky making it to the ropes. Lynch made it to the top rope and hit a missile dropkick for two.
Natalya used every moment to strike at the leg then locked in the Sharpshooter again. Lynch spent almost a minute stuck in the move before eventually taping out from the pain.
Analysis: The tired crowd hurt this match quite a bit as Becky Lynch's flurries didn't get the crowd excitement they needed. Natalya couldn't get the crowd to fully hate her in a match that was mostly a slow technical showing. Natalya targeted the leg, and it paid off despite Lynch's toughness.
This is a long term feud, and it is refreshing to see a heel win clean against her rival face. This was a match where Natalya played up Lynch's faults then struck at the leg. The psychology was strong, and there is a lot of room here to hit a second gear. Still, this match was in the wrong place on the card for its style.
The big positive here that must be said is that WWE made this feel like any other match on the card. It got solid midcard time and played out as any technical submission showdown would.
Rating: 7.25/10
Maybe Backlund has motivated Darren Young too much because he looks way too ripped to play the underdog against The Miz.
The Miz vs. Darren Young Goes to a Double Disqualification; The Miz Retains the Intercontinental Championship
Overview: Darren Young came out aggressively swinging and had to be pulled back at first. He locked in a headlock then rolled up Miz twice for two to start. The Miz won one quick exchange and showboated with Young responding by locking in a front facelock. Miz hit a shoulder tackle but ran into a dropkick.
Darren hit a swinging neckbreaker for two. Maryse distracted Young long enough for Miz to shove him to the outside off the top rope. Miz tackled Young into the apron then went back to the ground game in the ring with a headlock. Miz shifted the move to taunt Bob Backlund and almost got rolled up by Young.
Darren blocked a neckbreaker then blocked a backslide in a showcase of strength that led to a Young backslide for two. Miz quickly hit a running boot then began stomping on Darren in frustration. Miz ran right into a clothesline which left both men down.
Young knocked down Miz repeatedly then threw him outside. Young then knocked Miz off the apron for a nearfall. Young set up the crossface chickenwing which Miz countered. Bob Backlund stopped Miz from running out on the match. Maryse slapped Backlund and got thrown down by Backlund.
An angry Miz attacked Backlund, and Young lost it. He ran outside the ring and locked Miz in the crossface chickenwing. Unable to gain back control in the confusion, the referee called for a double DQ.
Analysis: This was fairly low energy just like the women's match before, but this match also had a confusing finish to boot. Darren Young and The Miz wrestled a fairly standard contest as Young got close against Miz. Young didn't quite show here he had the arsenal to make for a long term competitive performer.
The Miz also seemed to be struggling to pull out Young's best here. This was just too standard and low on storytelling until the final confusion which brought down the match to make it the weakest of the night so far.
Darren hit a swinging neckbreaker for two. Maryse distracted Young long enough for Miz to shove him to the outside off the top rope. Miz tackled Young into the apron then went back to the ground game in the ring with a headlock. Miz shifted the move to taunt Bob Backlund and almost got rolled up by Young.
Darren blocked a neckbreaker then blocked a backslide in a showcase of strength that led to a Young backslide for two. Miz quickly hit a running boot then began stomping on Darren in frustration. Miz ran right into a clothesline which left both men down.
Young knocked down Miz repeatedly then threw him outside. Young then knocked Miz off the apron for a nearfall. Young set up the crossface chickenwing which Miz countered. Bob Backlund stopped Miz from running out on the match. Maryse slapped Backlund and got thrown down by Backlund.
An angry Miz attacked Backlund, and Young lost it. He ran outside the ring and locked Miz in the crossface chickenwing. Unable to gain back control in the confusion, the referee called for a double DQ.
Analysis: This was fairly low energy just like the women's match before, but this match also had a confusing finish to boot. Darren Young and The Miz wrestled a fairly standard contest as Young got close against Miz. Young didn't quite show here he had the arsenal to make for a long term competitive performer.
The Miz also seemed to be struggling to pull out Young's best here. This was just too standard and low on storytelling until the final confusion which brought down the match to make it the weakest of the night so far.
Rating: 6.75/10
John Cena be ready and willing for this new era of athletic flippy flying. He's the master of graceful flying.
John Cena, Enzo, and Cass def. The Club
Overview: Enzo and Cass made sure to give The Club some advice before their match particularly about getting in the ring with John Cena and the Certified Gs. Enzo Amore began against AJ Styles who hit an arm drag on Enzo then hit a dropkick. Cass got the tag, and Karl Anderson took the tag to fight the big man.
Cass hit a shoulder tackle then isolated Anderson in the corner. Enzo took out Gallows trying to interfere then took out Anderson in the corner. Cass then launched Enzo into Gallows and Anderson. Cass sent Styles over the top onto his partners. Big Cass then hit a body slam and let Enzo take the pin for two.
Anderson stomped on Enzo then Gallows continued the domination. AJ Styles sent the beatdown outside the ring but was too nonchalant and nearly allowed Enzo to get the tag with Gallows saving it. Enzo got separation again with Cena getting the hot tag.
Cena hit Styles with the full five knuckle shuffle sequence then went for an Attitude Adjustment right into a pele kick. Chaos began with the four nonlegal men getting into the conflict that ended with Cena catching Enzo then Styles accidentally hitting a Phenomenal Forearm on Gallows.
Luckily for The Club, Anderson broke up a post-AA cover on Styles. Anderson then took out Cena outside the ring with John barely making it back at nine. Styles hit a Styles Clash on Cena, but Cass saved the match up. Anderson took out Cass then hit him with the Magic Killer.
Anderson and Gallows then isolated Enzo who threw Anderson into the steel post. Enzo took a big boot from Gallows. Cena got back into the match and dodged a Gallows splash. Styles got back into the match only to take an AA off the second rope for the victory.
Analysis: This was not the storytelling showcase of The New Day and The Wyatt Family, but it was a much more exciting contest with all six men going big throughout. Enzo particularly made a big impact this time around with some fun storytelling and crazy spots along the way.
In the end, this was ultimately about Cena getting his win against Styles to even the set, so that's how it ended. AJ lost but only to a second rope AA. The two have a feud that will move far beyond this, but it was nice to see Cena work together with Enzo and Cass a bit while we also got to see The Club in full force.
The crowd awoke again for this for obvious reasons though it should be noted that it was Enzo and Cass and not John Cena that really got them fired up.
Cass hit a shoulder tackle then isolated Anderson in the corner. Enzo took out Gallows trying to interfere then took out Anderson in the corner. Cass then launched Enzo into Gallows and Anderson. Cass sent Styles over the top onto his partners. Big Cass then hit a body slam and let Enzo take the pin for two.
Anderson stomped on Enzo then Gallows continued the domination. AJ Styles sent the beatdown outside the ring but was too nonchalant and nearly allowed Enzo to get the tag with Gallows saving it. Enzo got separation again with Cena getting the hot tag.
Cena hit Styles with the full five knuckle shuffle sequence then went for an Attitude Adjustment right into a pele kick. Chaos began with the four nonlegal men getting into the conflict that ended with Cena catching Enzo then Styles accidentally hitting a Phenomenal Forearm on Gallows.
Luckily for The Club, Anderson broke up a post-AA cover on Styles. Anderson then took out Cena outside the ring with John barely making it back at nine. Styles hit a Styles Clash on Cena, but Cass saved the match up. Anderson took out Cass then hit him with the Magic Killer.
Anderson and Gallows then isolated Enzo who threw Anderson into the steel post. Enzo took a big boot from Gallows. Cena got back into the match and dodged a Gallows splash. Styles got back into the match only to take an AA off the second rope for the victory.
Analysis: This was not the storytelling showcase of The New Day and The Wyatt Family, but it was a much more exciting contest with all six men going big throughout. Enzo particularly made a big impact this time around with some fun storytelling and crazy spots along the way.
In the end, this was ultimately about Cena getting his win against Styles to even the set, so that's how it ended. AJ lost but only to a second rope AA. The two have a feud that will move far beyond this, but it was nice to see Cena work together with Enzo and Cass a bit while we also got to see The Club in full force.
The crowd awoke again for this for obvious reasons though it should be noted that it was Enzo and Cass and not John Cena that really got them fired up.
Rating: 8.75/10
When the RKO is this telegraphed, do we call it the #RKOOutOfSomewhereVeryClearlyPointedOut?
Randy Orton Makes a Statement to Brock Lesnar on the Highlight Reel
Overview: Chris Jericho introduced Randy Orton who immediately talked to the crowd about how much he missed the ring while also insulting Jericho. Orton threatened Jericho with Chris going off on a tangent about his recent suffering at Dean Ambrose's hands and the brand split.
Jericho then gave Orton the Gift of Jericho with Orton making fun of Jericho's style. Chris turned to Brock Lesnar with a video package that showed Brock's dominance since his return. Orton said he was glad to be making his return against a Beast like Lesnar.
Orton even slipped in a comment on Lesnar's "enhancement" problems in the UFC. Jericho gave Orton a message from Lesnar about how Randy would be destroyed by Brock come Summerslam. Jericho took a cheap shot at Orton and got an RKO for his trouble.
Analysis: Besides this excellent "enhancement" dig, this was a fairly unnecessary segment for a major event. Orton was forced to keep throwing out jokes to keep up with Jericho, and it doesn't truly fit his character. He has always been better as the strong silent type.
It would have helped make this segment matter if something happened here, but this went exactly as expected. Orton came back, talked himself up, and RKOed Jericho to end the segment. At least Randy clearly was enjoying being back which means he'll be at his best for a little while.
Jericho then gave Orton the Gift of Jericho with Orton making fun of Jericho's style. Chris turned to Brock Lesnar with a video package that showed Brock's dominance since his return. Orton said he was glad to be making his return against a Beast like Lesnar.
Orton even slipped in a comment on Lesnar's "enhancement" problems in the UFC. Jericho gave Orton a message from Lesnar about how Randy would be destroyed by Brock come Summerslam. Jericho took a cheap shot at Orton and got an RKO for his trouble.
Analysis: Besides this excellent "enhancement" dig, this was a fairly unnecessary segment for a major event. Orton was forced to keep throwing out jokes to keep up with Jericho, and it doesn't truly fit his character. He has always been better as the strong silent type.
It would have helped make this segment matter if something happened here, but this went exactly as expected. Orton came back, talked himself up, and RKOed Jericho to end the segment. At least Randy clearly was enjoying being back which means he'll be at his best for a little while.
Just like old times, before Dean forgot how to grapple, Seth forgot how to cut a promo shorter than 20 minutes, and Reigns didn't get a prescription for his Adderal.
Dean Ambrose def. Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns to Retain the WWE Championship
Overview: Mick Foley, Stephanie McMahon, Shane McMahon, and Daniel Bryan came out to watch this match from ringside. The three stared each other down with Rollins getting shoulder tackled by Reigns out of the ring. Ambrose let Rollins and Reigns fight then tried to roll up Reigns but only got two. Reigns and Ambrose each knocked each other down.
Rollins was sent reeling to the outside again with the two faces trading shots. Ambrose teased the Dirty Deeds early on then Dean ran into Reigns with a crossbody and fell back. Rollins began trying to fight Reigns alone, but Ambrose took out both men and got a cover on Reigns for two.
Ambrose isolated Reigns in the corner but got reversed into the corner by Roman. Seth sent Roman reeling and took out Ambrose for two. Reigns hit the Drive By on Ambrose then fights Rollins on the outside only to take a diving elbow from Dean. Rollins hit a flying knee strike then threw Ambrose into the steel steps.
Reigns sent Rollins into the timekeeper's area with Ambrose diving off the announce table onto both men. Ambrose sent Reigns back into the ring then hit a missile dropkick. He then hit Reigns with a bulldog followed by a diving elbow for two.
Rollins hit a frog splash on Ambrose as Dean rolled out of the cover. Rollins went for the Pedigree and then nearly rolled up Reigns. Roman fought off Seth but Ambrose ran in to take a tilt-a-whirl slam. Reigns hit a Superman Punch on both men.
Reigns then went for a Spear but got caught with a clothesline that led to all three men going down. The three men all traded shots in the middle of the ring with Ambrose and Rollins beating down on Reigns with strikes. The two teased a powerbomb, but the action spilled to the outside with Reigns and Ambrose taking a suicide dive from Rollins.
Ambrose and Rollins then went for the powerbomb through the announce table and connected on it on Reigns. Rollins grabbed a steel chair and blasted Ambrose with it from behind. Ambrose countered the turnbuckle powerbomb with both men going down.
Rollins caught Ambrose for a superplex into the Falcon Arrow for a nearfall. The two quickly fought back to the top rope with Reigns rolling in to hit a powerbomb on Ambrose then catch Rollins midair for a powerbomb and a nearfall. Reigns called for the Superman Punch, nearly fell into the Dirty Deeds, nearly hit the Razor's Edge, then fell right into a backslide.
Reigns hit a big right hand and the Superman Punch on Ambrose but fell into the Pedigree for a crazy nearfall. Rollins went for another Pedigree that Reigns powered out of but then took a turnbuckle powerbomb which he shifted into a Spear. As Reigns went for the cover, Ambrose slipped in, hit the Dirty Deeds, and pinned Reigns for the three count.
The SmackDown roster then came out to the ring to celebrate with Ambrose as he held the brand's World Championship high.
Analysis: The Shield absolutely brought their all back in the ring together with tons of small and large storytelling moments, a plethora of nearfalls, and many memorable spots. It was the match on the card with the highest stakes, and it delivered on those stakes and the hype.
Roman Reigns came back swinging, showing he hadn't missed a step in his time off. Seth Rollins was running around on fire. Dean Ambrose was taking most of the bumps and guiding the chaos. Add to this all the SmackDown vs. Raw conflict as hype, and this was definitely one of the biggest matches of the year.
It was nice to see Dean Ambrose walk away as champion. He has only been champ for one show, and he deserves some more time with the gold as his Shield partners have multiple reigns under their belts now. This also lets SmackDown have a big win and hold two major championships post-draft.
Rollins was sent reeling to the outside again with the two faces trading shots. Ambrose teased the Dirty Deeds early on then Dean ran into Reigns with a crossbody and fell back. Rollins began trying to fight Reigns alone, but Ambrose took out both men and got a cover on Reigns for two.
Ambrose isolated Reigns in the corner but got reversed into the corner by Roman. Seth sent Roman reeling and took out Ambrose for two. Reigns hit the Drive By on Ambrose then fights Rollins on the outside only to take a diving elbow from Dean. Rollins hit a flying knee strike then threw Ambrose into the steel steps.
Reigns sent Rollins into the timekeeper's area with Ambrose diving off the announce table onto both men. Ambrose sent Reigns back into the ring then hit a missile dropkick. He then hit Reigns with a bulldog followed by a diving elbow for two.
Rollins hit a frog splash on Ambrose as Dean rolled out of the cover. Rollins went for the Pedigree and then nearly rolled up Reigns. Roman fought off Seth but Ambrose ran in to take a tilt-a-whirl slam. Reigns hit a Superman Punch on both men.
Reigns then went for a Spear but got caught with a clothesline that led to all three men going down. The three men all traded shots in the middle of the ring with Ambrose and Rollins beating down on Reigns with strikes. The two teased a powerbomb, but the action spilled to the outside with Reigns and Ambrose taking a suicide dive from Rollins.
Ambrose and Rollins then went for the powerbomb through the announce table and connected on it on Reigns. Rollins grabbed a steel chair and blasted Ambrose with it from behind. Ambrose countered the turnbuckle powerbomb with both men going down.
Rollins caught Ambrose for a superplex into the Falcon Arrow for a nearfall. The two quickly fought back to the top rope with Reigns rolling in to hit a powerbomb on Ambrose then catch Rollins midair for a powerbomb and a nearfall. Reigns called for the Superman Punch, nearly fell into the Dirty Deeds, nearly hit the Razor's Edge, then fell right into a backslide.
Reigns hit a big right hand and the Superman Punch on Ambrose but fell into the Pedigree for a crazy nearfall. Rollins went for another Pedigree that Reigns powered out of but then took a turnbuckle powerbomb which he shifted into a Spear. As Reigns went for the cover, Ambrose slipped in, hit the Dirty Deeds, and pinned Reigns for the three count.
The SmackDown roster then came out to the ring to celebrate with Ambrose as he held the brand's World Championship high.
Analysis: The Shield absolutely brought their all back in the ring together with tons of small and large storytelling moments, a plethora of nearfalls, and many memorable spots. It was the match on the card with the highest stakes, and it delivered on those stakes and the hype.
Roman Reigns came back swinging, showing he hadn't missed a step in his time off. Seth Rollins was running around on fire. Dean Ambrose was taking most of the bumps and guiding the chaos. Add to this all the SmackDown vs. Raw conflict as hype, and this was definitely one of the biggest matches of the year.
It was nice to see Dean Ambrose walk away as champion. He has only been champ for one show, and he deserves some more time with the gold as his Shield partners have multiple reigns under their belts now. This also lets SmackDown have a big win and hold two major championships post-draft.
Rating: 9.5/10
The real fire behind this match was that Owens and Zayn were relieved to stop working together. Turns out their match was so good they've been booked together for the next five shows.
Final Notes: Seth Rollins talked with Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley about why they should only be talking about him as he would clearly be winning the title on the main event for Raw. Dean Ambrose got a pep talk from Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon who made clear they believed in him.
The crowd in DC was fantastic tonight. They got tired as all crowd do at certain points in the night, but they truly added to the excitement of the show with their fire that never took over the show.
Conclusion: It would be an understatement to call this the best Battleground in history. It would be better to just call it easily the best show of the year so far. Every match was given enough time to be relevant. We got some classic clashes as well as some fun undercard contests along the way.
The brand split clearly fired up the talent and has led to more consistently strong booking for the wrestlers who now all matter more on their brands. For a show with so little history, it really felt like everyone was bringing their A-game this time. It made for a true A show particularly with the electric crowd.
Finally, Battleground has earned its spot on the PPV rotation though this will certainly be the last time it is used as a two brand show for a while. Though I wouldn't mind this continuing to be a sort of brand conflict PPV as that truly added stakes to this show with all the gold up for grabs.
This was a show of great wrestling, fantastic moments, and some game changing developments. It was a great final sendoff to the "old era" as we head into the brand split and the road to Summerslam.
The crowd in DC was fantastic tonight. They got tired as all crowd do at certain points in the night, but they truly added to the excitement of the show with their fire that never took over the show.
Conclusion: It would be an understatement to call this the best Battleground in history. It would be better to just call it easily the best show of the year so far. Every match was given enough time to be relevant. We got some classic clashes as well as some fun undercard contests along the way.
The brand split clearly fired up the talent and has led to more consistently strong booking for the wrestlers who now all matter more on their brands. For a show with so little history, it really felt like everyone was bringing their A-game this time. It made for a true A show particularly with the electric crowd.
Finally, Battleground has earned its spot on the PPV rotation though this will certainly be the last time it is used as a two brand show for a while. Though I wouldn't mind this continuing to be a sort of brand conflict PPV as that truly added stakes to this show with all the gold up for grabs.
This was a show of great wrestling, fantastic moments, and some game changing developments. It was a great final sendoff to the "old era" as we head into the brand split and the road to Summerslam.