United States Championship: United States Champion, Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Rusev.
In a Kickoff Match befitting the global scale of WWE Crown Jewel, Shinsuke Nakamura retained the United States Championship against a very game and aggressive Rusev.
In a rare title defense for Nakamura since claiming the U.S. Championship at WWE Extreme Rules, The King of Strong Style nearly saw his star-spangled prize slip away when he fell victim to the excruciating Accolade. However, as Rusev momentarily released the hold to drag The Artist to the middle of the ring and seal a submission victory, Nakamura literally used his head to deliver a low blow to the challenger, leaving him vulnerable to the Kinshasa and the pinfall.
Although it remains to be seen whether this was incidental contact or an intentional underhanded tactic, history has proven that Nakamura tends to aim low to score victories. Regardless, Nak-America remains strong, and The Artist will carry his title to SmackDown LIVE. Whether he chooses to defend it anytime soon is another question entirely. (Via WWE.com)
In a rare title defense for Nakamura since claiming the U.S. Championship at WWE Extreme Rules, The King of Strong Style nearly saw his star-spangled prize slip away when he fell victim to the excruciating Accolade. However, as Rusev momentarily released the hold to drag The Artist to the middle of the ring and seal a submission victory, Nakamura literally used his head to deliver a low blow to the challenger, leaving him vulnerable to the Kinshasa and the pinfall.
Although it remains to be seen whether this was incidental contact or an intentional underhanded tactic, history has proven that Nakamura tends to aim low to score victories. Regardless, Nak-America remains strong, and The Artist will carry his title to SmackDown LIVE. Whether he chooses to defend it anytime soon is another question entirely. (Via WWE.com)
Hulk Hogan unleashes the power of Hulkamania at WWE Crown Jewel.
Whatcha gonna do when the power of Hulkamania runs wild on you?!
WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan made his grand return as host of WWE Crown Jewel, running wild thanks to the sheer electricity provided by his beloved Hulkamaniacs.
The immortal Legend hit the ring to rally his drove of Hulkamanics, officially open WWE Crown Jewel and pose a familiar question to the WWE Universe: “Whatcha gonna do when the power of Hulkamania and the power of Crown Jewel runs wild on you?!” (Via WWE.com)
WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan made his grand return as host of WWE Crown Jewel, running wild thanks to the sheer electricity provided by his beloved Hulkamaniacs.
The immortal Legend hit the ring to rally his drove of Hulkamanics, officially open WWE Crown Jewel and pose a familiar question to the WWE Universe: “Whatcha gonna do when the power of Hulkamania and the power of Crown Jewel runs wild on you?!” (Via WWE.com)
Rey Mysterio defeated Randy Orton. (WWE World Cup first Round)
If you’re looking for an answer to which WWE Superstar is “best in the world,” you could certainly do worse than Rey Mysterio. In addition to being a Royal Rumble Match winner, two-time World Heavyweight Champion and former WWE Champion, The Ultimate Underdog shocked Randy Orton at WWE Crown Jewel with a signature come-from-behind victory to advance in the WWE World Cup, much to the chagrin of the Grand Slam Champion who had assumed his victory was all but guaranteed.
Orton, who came into the tournament expecting a waltz to the finals, the trophy and the title of “best in the world,” was in emphatic control of the entire match from the moment he executed a pitch-perfect standing dropkick to knock Mysterio out of the sky. Mysterio tried to fight back, but The Apex Predator took the wind out of his sails at every turn and didn’t skimp on the mockery, laying hands on Mysterio’s prized mask in an act of disrespect to his opponent’s lucha libre culture. After Orton countered Mysterio’s attempted 619 into a hanging DDT, the RKO seemed all but assured.
On this night, however, Orton ultimately suffered defeat the same way he typically earns a victory: Out of nowhere.
Mysterio reversed Orton’s attempt at his fearsome finishing maneuver into a roll-up pin that earned him the three, though the victory came with an immediate, emphatic cost. An incensed Orton struck with a bitter RKO and battered Mysterio on the outside, concluding his assault with a slam on top of the announce table before stalking back up the ramp.
With all of his accolades, Randy Orton, like Rey Mysterio, is certainly in the conversation for being “best in the world.” Few would argue otherwise. But after the events of WWE Crown Jewel, The Apex Predator has to settle for a qualifier for his current status: “Uncrowned.” (Via WWE.com)
Orton, who came into the tournament expecting a waltz to the finals, the trophy and the title of “best in the world,” was in emphatic control of the entire match from the moment he executed a pitch-perfect standing dropkick to knock Mysterio out of the sky. Mysterio tried to fight back, but The Apex Predator took the wind out of his sails at every turn and didn’t skimp on the mockery, laying hands on Mysterio’s prized mask in an act of disrespect to his opponent’s lucha libre culture. After Orton countered Mysterio’s attempted 619 into a hanging DDT, the RKO seemed all but assured.
On this night, however, Orton ultimately suffered defeat the same way he typically earns a victory: Out of nowhere.
Mysterio reversed Orton’s attempt at his fearsome finishing maneuver into a roll-up pin that earned him the three, though the victory came with an immediate, emphatic cost. An incensed Orton struck with a bitter RKO and battered Mysterio on the outside, concluding his assault with a slam on top of the announce table before stalking back up the ramp.
With all of his accolades, Randy Orton, like Rey Mysterio, is certainly in the conversation for being “best in the world.” Few would argue otherwise. But after the events of WWE Crown Jewel, The Apex Predator has to settle for a qualifier for his current status: “Uncrowned.” (Via WWE.com)
The Miz defeated Jeff Hardy. (WWE World Cup First Round)
Being an A-Lister has its perks, but The Miz wants to know what comes with being known as best in the world. Apparently, he’s willing to do anything to find out, as he showed in his win over Jeff Hardy in the first round of the WWE World Cup Tournament.
The Charismatic Enigma continued to show the ruthless side that has awakened inside him after his brutal Hell in a Cell Match against Randy Orton, ramming Miz’s face repeatedly into the turnbuckles. However, Hardy’s high-risk offense gave The Awesome One an opening to take control of the bout and ground the high-flyer.
Hardy once again took to the skies, however, as he stunned Miz with Whisper in the Wind, then used the ringside barricade to propel himself onto a dazed A-Lister at ringside. Back in the ring, The Miz showed just how low he would go to advance, rolling Hardy up and attempting to put his feet on the ropes for leverage during the pin, but the official caught Miz in the act and stopped the count.
Hardy attempted to take advantage of the situation and put The Awesome One away, but The Miz swiftly countered and planted The Charismatic Enigma into the mat with the Skull-Crushing Finale to secure his place in the WWE World Cup Semifinal. The A-Lister will meet Rey Mysterio, who will certainly still be reeling after a brutal post-match attack by Randy Orton following their opening-round battle. Did The Viper’s brutality open the door for The Miz to move one step closer to becoming the best in the world? (Via WWE.com)
The Charismatic Enigma continued to show the ruthless side that has awakened inside him after his brutal Hell in a Cell Match against Randy Orton, ramming Miz’s face repeatedly into the turnbuckles. However, Hardy’s high-risk offense gave The Awesome One an opening to take control of the bout and ground the high-flyer.
Hardy once again took to the skies, however, as he stunned Miz with Whisper in the Wind, then used the ringside barricade to propel himself onto a dazed A-Lister at ringside. Back in the ring, The Miz showed just how low he would go to advance, rolling Hardy up and attempting to put his feet on the ropes for leverage during the pin, but the official caught Miz in the act and stopped the count.
Hardy attempted to take advantage of the situation and put The Awesome One away, but The Miz swiftly countered and planted The Charismatic Enigma into the mat with the Skull-Crushing Finale to secure his place in the WWE World Cup Semifinal. The A-Lister will meet Rey Mysterio, who will certainly still be reeling after a brutal post-match attack by Randy Orton following their opening-round battle. Did The Viper’s brutality open the door for The Miz to move one step closer to becoming the best in the world? (Via WWE.com)
Seth Rollins defeated Bobby Lashley (with Lio Rush). (WWE World Cup First Round)
Looking to clear his head and begin anew following the collapse of The Shield and the betrayal of Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins took one step closer to being named the best in the world by toppling Bobby Lashley in a WWE World Cup First-Round Match.
With hype man Lio Rush cheering him on, Lashley showed awe-inspiring aggression, rocking The Architect with a brutal slam in the early going. Rollins struggled to regain his bearings for minutes afterward, allowing Lashley to continue his powerful onslaught. Even when The Kingslayer scored some offense, landing back-to-back suicide dives against The Rocky Mountain-Made Machine, he still showed the effects.
Lashley tried repeatedly to put Rollins away, but the reigning Intercontinental and Raw Tag Team Champion had resiliency on his side, as well as a distinct speed advantage. The latter attribute came into play when Rollins leapfrogged over a charging Lashley and suddenly walloped him with the Stomp to claim the pinfall victory and advance to the Semifinals. (Via WWE.com)
With hype man Lio Rush cheering him on, Lashley showed awe-inspiring aggression, rocking The Architect with a brutal slam in the early going. Rollins struggled to regain his bearings for minutes afterward, allowing Lashley to continue his powerful onslaught. Even when The Kingslayer scored some offense, landing back-to-back suicide dives against The Rocky Mountain-Made Machine, he still showed the effects.
Lashley tried repeatedly to put Rollins away, but the reigning Intercontinental and Raw Tag Team Champion had resiliency on his side, as well as a distinct speed advantage. The latter attribute came into play when Rollins leapfrogged over a charging Lashley and suddenly walloped him with the Stomp to claim the pinfall victory and advance to the Semifinals. (Via WWE.com)
Dolph Ziggler (with Drew McIntyre) defeated WWE Hall of Famer, Kurt Angle. (WWE World Cup First Round)
Two of the greatest amateur wrestlers in WWE history collided at WWE Crown Jewel in a technical wrestling dream match. And although Kurt Angle took Dolph Ziggler to the limit, The Showoff advanced to the Semifinals of the WWE World Cup Tournament to determine the best in the world.
An Olympic Gold Medalist, Grand Slam Champion and WWE Hall of Famer, Angle went into the Tournament determined to show his critics that he hasn’t lost any luster with age, and to his credit, The Olympic Hero proved that he could still hang with one of the most athletic Superstars in recent history.
After hitting Ziggler with multiple German Suplexes and an Angle Slam, the red-white-and-blue veteran soon applied the Ankle Lock, nearly making the six-time Intercontinental Champion submit. Hobbled by the iconic submission hold, Ziggler nevertheless dodged a charge from Angle, sending the veteran into the ring post. Dazed, Angle was then susceptible to a picture-perfect Zig Zag and a pinfall.
With the hulking Drew McIntyre in his corner, the limping-but-determined Ziggler will compete in a Semifinal clash with The Kingslayer himself, Seth Rollins. (Via WWE.com)
An Olympic Gold Medalist, Grand Slam Champion and WWE Hall of Famer, Angle went into the Tournament determined to show his critics that he hasn’t lost any luster with age, and to his credit, The Olympic Hero proved that he could still hang with one of the most athletic Superstars in recent history.
After hitting Ziggler with multiple German Suplexes and an Angle Slam, the red-white-and-blue veteran soon applied the Ankle Lock, nearly making the six-time Intercontinental Champion submit. Hobbled by the iconic submission hold, Ziggler nevertheless dodged a charge from Angle, sending the veteran into the ring post. Dazed, Angle was then susceptible to a picture-perfect Zig Zag and a pinfall.
With the hulking Drew McIntyre in his corner, the limping-but-determined Ziggler will compete in a Semifinal clash with The Kingslayer himself, Seth Rollins. (Via WWE.com)
SmackDown Tag Team Championship: SMACKDOWN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONs, The Bar (with Big Show) defeated The New Day (with Xavier Woods).
The New Day nearly reclaimed the SmackDown Tag Team Championship at WWE Crown Jewel, but Big Show proved to be a huge difference maker, directly leading to The Bar retaining their titles.
Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods & Big E floated to the ring on a magic carpet ride, spreading the Power of Positivity (and pancakes) to the WWE Universe ahead of the massive showdown, while The Bar flaunted that they had The World’s Largest Athlete in their corner.
Big E and Sheamus started off the contest, and the two powerhouses pummeled each other in the bout’s early moments. The Bar soon took control by overpowering Kofi Kingston and isolating him in their half of the ring, while Big Show taunted him from ringside, encouraging The Dreadlocked Dynamo to give up. Despite Sheamus &Cesaro’s devastating offense, Kingston would not give in, fighting back to his feet and battling back to his corner to tag in Big E.
After hurling Cesaro around the ring with ease, Big E charged at Sheamus for a spear through the ropes. Though he ran right into The Celtic Warrior’s knee, he and Kingston persevered and soon looked to have the champions on the ropes. However, Big Show proved to be the difference maker, as he took advantage of poor positioning by the official to wallop Big E with a Knockout Punch, leading him right into a Brogue Kick that ensured The Bar remained SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
Though The New Day have often had the numbers in their favor, they’ve finally met a team willing to even the odds, and do so in massive fashion. With Big Show in their corner, is there anyone who will be able to knock The Bar off their pedestal? (Via WWE.com)
Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods & Big E floated to the ring on a magic carpet ride, spreading the Power of Positivity (and pancakes) to the WWE Universe ahead of the massive showdown, while The Bar flaunted that they had The World’s Largest Athlete in their corner.
Big E and Sheamus started off the contest, and the two powerhouses pummeled each other in the bout’s early moments. The Bar soon took control by overpowering Kofi Kingston and isolating him in their half of the ring, while Big Show taunted him from ringside, encouraging The Dreadlocked Dynamo to give up. Despite Sheamus &Cesaro’s devastating offense, Kingston would not give in, fighting back to his feet and battling back to his corner to tag in Big E.
After hurling Cesaro around the ring with ease, Big E charged at Sheamus for a spear through the ropes. Though he ran right into The Celtic Warrior’s knee, he and Kingston persevered and soon looked to have the champions on the ropes. However, Big Show proved to be the difference maker, as he took advantage of poor positioning by the official to wallop Big E with a Knockout Punch, leading him right into a Brogue Kick that ensured The Bar remained SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
Though The New Day have often had the numbers in their favor, they’ve finally met a team willing to even the odds, and do so in massive fashion. With Big Show in their corner, is there anyone who will be able to knock The Bar off their pedestal? (Via WWE.com)
The Miz defeated Rey Mystero. (WWE World Cup Semi-Final Match)
Notching one of the biggest wins in his storied career, The Miz bested Rey Mysterio in the WWE World Cup Semifinals, though The Awesome One’s victory was owed in no small part to Randy Orton’s venomous actions earlier in the night.
Mysterio entered the Semifinals battered and bruised following The Viper’s attack after their First-Round showdown. The legendary luchador fought valiantly despite the headwinds, but his weakened condition was obvious to everyone, including Miz, who ruthlessly targeted Mysterio’s ribcage in the hope of exacerbating his injuries.
Showing the fighting spirit that made him The Ultimate Underdog in the first place, Mysterio mounted a thrilling comeback, even coming back from a Skull-Crushing Finale to nail The Miz with the 619. When Mysterio took flight with a top-rope Frog Splash seconds later, however, The Awesome One got his knees up, causing a painful landing for the masked Superstar. Miz then immediately cradled the reeling Mysterio for the three-count, dealing The King of Mystery his first loss since returning to WWE.
The Miz now moves on to the World Cup Finals. And as if the stakes of winning the World Cup weren’t high enough already, The Awesome One’s job will also be on the line, given SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon’s revelation earlier this week that if a SmackDown Superstar loses in the Finals, he’ll be fired from the blue brand. (Via WWE.com)
Mysterio entered the Semifinals battered and bruised following The Viper’s attack after their First-Round showdown. The legendary luchador fought valiantly despite the headwinds, but his weakened condition was obvious to everyone, including Miz, who ruthlessly targeted Mysterio’s ribcage in the hope of exacerbating his injuries.
Showing the fighting spirit that made him The Ultimate Underdog in the first place, Mysterio mounted a thrilling comeback, even coming back from a Skull-Crushing Finale to nail The Miz with the 619. When Mysterio took flight with a top-rope Frog Splash seconds later, however, The Awesome One got his knees up, causing a painful landing for the masked Superstar. Miz then immediately cradled the reeling Mysterio for the three-count, dealing The King of Mystery his first loss since returning to WWE.
The Miz now moves on to the World Cup Finals. And as if the stakes of winning the World Cup weren’t high enough already, The Awesome One’s job will also be on the line, given SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon’s revelation earlier this week that if a SmackDown Superstar loses in the Finals, he’ll be fired from the blue brand. (Via WWE.com)
Dolph Ziggler (with Drew McIntyre) defeated Seth Rollins. (WWE World Cup Semi-Final match)
Seth Rollins took the Intercontinental Championship from Dolph Ziggler. He took the Raw Tag Team Championship from Dolph Ziggler. And, in many ways, he even took the workhorse-appreciation adulation of the WWE Universe from Dolph Ziggler. But he won’t get to call himself best in the world because Seth Rollins’ biggest “problem” followed him to WWE Crown Jewel and cut his evening short, allowing The Showoff to advance to the WWE World Cup's final round.
Yes, even though Ziggler is the one who technically punched — or kicked, rather — his ticket to the finals of the bracket, Drew McIntyre once again proved to be the deciding factor despite spending most of the match simply providing cover for his associate. Ziggler, who was still nursing a mangled ankle courtesy of first-round opponent Kurt Angle, relied heavily on his amateur wrestling background to keep Rollins from tapping into his arsenal. Each time the Intercontinental Champion started to close the gap, McIntyre would rear his head, getting in Rollins’ face and giving Ziggler time to rally.
As Rollins began to gain more consistent momentum down the stretch, however, he made a point to target the Scotsman where he could, even taking him out with a suicide dive through the ropes. It was an effective strategy that, perhaps motivated McIntyre to get involved in a more concrete sense: After trading big moves and near-falls with The Showoff, Rollins had Ziggler right where he wanted him when he pushed The Showoff off the top rope and seemingly aggravated his ankle. But when the ref went to check on Ziggler, McIntyre shoved Rollins from behind, sending the Intercontinental Champion tumbling straight into a superkick that ended the match and sent Ziggler to the final round.
For his part, The Showoff showed no remorse in a post-match interview with Byron Saxton, who raised the question of whether Ziggler's win was tainted by dirty pool. Ziggler countered he wasn't after approval, because he has always been his own biggest advocate even when no one else believed in him. And regardless of how he gets it, the title of “best in the world” is an accolade that’s always belonged to him. Ziggler’s not as wrong as the disapproving audience seemed to feel: He has always believed in himself. And at the end of the day, that might be enough. But having the 6'5" Drew McIntyre in your corner? That doesn’t hurt either. (Via WWE.com)
Yes, even though Ziggler is the one who technically punched — or kicked, rather — his ticket to the finals of the bracket, Drew McIntyre once again proved to be the deciding factor despite spending most of the match simply providing cover for his associate. Ziggler, who was still nursing a mangled ankle courtesy of first-round opponent Kurt Angle, relied heavily on his amateur wrestling background to keep Rollins from tapping into his arsenal. Each time the Intercontinental Champion started to close the gap, McIntyre would rear his head, getting in Rollins’ face and giving Ziggler time to rally.
As Rollins began to gain more consistent momentum down the stretch, however, he made a point to target the Scotsman where he could, even taking him out with a suicide dive through the ropes. It was an effective strategy that, perhaps motivated McIntyre to get involved in a more concrete sense: After trading big moves and near-falls with The Showoff, Rollins had Ziggler right where he wanted him when he pushed The Showoff off the top rope and seemingly aggravated his ankle. But when the ref went to check on Ziggler, McIntyre shoved Rollins from behind, sending the Intercontinental Champion tumbling straight into a superkick that ended the match and sent Ziggler to the final round.
For his part, The Showoff showed no remorse in a post-match interview with Byron Saxton, who raised the question of whether Ziggler's win was tainted by dirty pool. Ziggler countered he wasn't after approval, because he has always been his own biggest advocate even when no one else believed in him. And regardless of how he gets it, the title of “best in the world” is an accolade that’s always belonged to him. Ziggler’s not as wrong as the disapproving audience seemed to feel: He has always believed in himself. And at the end of the day, that might be enough. But having the 6'5" Drew McIntyre in your corner? That doesn’t hurt either. (Via WWE.com)
WWE Championship: WWE CHAMPION, AJ Styles defeated Samoa Joe.
This past Tuesday, AJ Styles defended the WWE Championship against Daniel Bryan in a respectful, competitive bout predicated entirely on skill and desire. His match against Samoa Joe, who ambushed The Phenomenal One and finagled himself a title bout as a result, had a markedly different tone, but the final note remained the same.
In short, Styles retained the WWE Title to bring his reign to the cusp of the elusive 365-day mark. To so so, he survived a match that couldn’t have been more different in tone and pace from Styles’ gritty, respectful grapple with Bryan. Joe was out to hurt the champion, and hurt him fast, so The Phenomenal One found himself quickly transformed into a human punching bag by the Superstar who tormented him and his family throughout the summer. Ironically, however, for all that was different between Joe and Bryan's strategies, Styles disposed of them in almost the exact same way.
While Joe attempted to brutalize AJ past the point of no return, The Phenomenal One focused solely on The Samoan Submission Machine’s leg (much as he did against Bryan) in the hopes of creating an opening that could be exploited later. His opportunity came when Joe locked in the Coquina Clutch, which Styles broke by cranking on Joe’s tenderized leg. The champion followed up with a quick offensive burst, executed a Phenomenal Forearm and that was that. Or, as Samoa Joe might put it himself: Night-night. (Via WWE.com)
In short, Styles retained the WWE Title to bring his reign to the cusp of the elusive 365-day mark. To so so, he survived a match that couldn’t have been more different in tone and pace from Styles’ gritty, respectful grapple with Bryan. Joe was out to hurt the champion, and hurt him fast, so The Phenomenal One found himself quickly transformed into a human punching bag by the Superstar who tormented him and his family throughout the summer. Ironically, however, for all that was different between Joe and Bryan's strategies, Styles disposed of them in almost the exact same way.
While Joe attempted to brutalize AJ past the point of no return, The Phenomenal One focused solely on The Samoan Submission Machine’s leg (much as he did against Bryan) in the hopes of creating an opening that could be exploited later. His opportunity came when Joe locked in the Coquina Clutch, which Styles broke by cranking on Joe’s tenderized leg. The champion followed up with a quick offensive burst, executed a Phenomenal Forearm and that was that. Or, as Samoa Joe might put it himself: Night-night. (Via WWE.com)
WWE Universal Championship: Brock Lesnar defeated Braun Strowman.
Paul Heyman warned the WWE Universe that he was spoiling the Universal Championship Match at WWE Crown Jewel when he declared Brock Lesnar would once again be the champion.
Heyman was right. In a shocking turn of events, The Beast put Braun Strowman down with five F-5s to begin his second Universal Championship reign.
However, the match was not without controversy. Before the bell, Acting Raw General Manager Baron Corbin smashed The Monster Among Men with the title that had been made vacant weeks earlier after Roman Reigns needed to relinquish it due to illness. This allowed Lesnar to hit his first F-5. Strowman kicked out of that one, sending The Beast into a rage.
Lesnar would deliver three more F-5s to his titanic opponent, one of which sent Strowman crashing to the arena floor. Strowman kicked out of all of those, as well. It was a fifth F-5, however, that proved to be Strowman’s undoing, as The Beast put him down for the three count to once again claim the Universal Championship as his own.
With Brock Lesnar once again sitting atop Monday Night Raw, who will be daring enough to try and slay The Beast? (Via WWE.com)
Heyman was right. In a shocking turn of events, The Beast put Braun Strowman down with five F-5s to begin his second Universal Championship reign.
However, the match was not without controversy. Before the bell, Acting Raw General Manager Baron Corbin smashed The Monster Among Men with the title that had been made vacant weeks earlier after Roman Reigns needed to relinquish it due to illness. This allowed Lesnar to hit his first F-5. Strowman kicked out of that one, sending The Beast into a rage.
Lesnar would deliver three more F-5s to his titanic opponent, one of which sent Strowman crashing to the arena floor. Strowman kicked out of all of those, as well. It was a fifth F-5, however, that proved to be Strowman’s undoing, as The Beast put him down for the three count to once again claim the Universal Championship as his own.
With Brock Lesnar once again sitting atop Monday Night Raw, who will be daring enough to try and slay The Beast? (Via WWE.com)
Shane McMahon defeated Dolph Ziggler. (WWE World Cup Finals)
SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon was willing to do whatever it took to make sure the WWE World Cup came home to the blue brand — even if it meant taking matters into his own hands.
In a bizarre and controversial turn of events, McMahon took the place of an injured Miz and pinned Raw’s Dolph Ziggler to win the WWE World Cup Finals and earn the distinction of being the best in the world.
The fireworks began before the opening bell. First, SmackDown referee Ryan Tran ejected Drew McIntyre from ringside to prevent the Scottish Superstar from interfering on Ziggler’s behalf. As The Showoff protested the decision, The Miz attacked him from behind. The tactic backfired, though, as The A-Lister injured his leg when the fight went to the floor.
Despite Miz’s pleas, the referee informed McMahon and Raw Acting General Manager Baron Corbin that The Awesome Superstar could not compete and that he was awarding the match to Ziggler by forfeit. Hell-bent on making sure that Raw didn’t claim a win in the battle for brand supremacy, McMahon stepped in to take Miz’s place, and the bell finally rang, making the new matchup official.
As Shane-O-Mac overwhelmed the battle-wearied Showoff, an outraged Corbin interfered almost immediately, earning himself an ejection from ringside (which prompted Michael Cole to suggest Tran was acting biased). Ziggler stunned McMahon with a Zig Zag from behind, but the SmackDown Commissioner not only kicked out, but returned fire, nailing Ziggler with a DDT before leaping across the ring with a beautiful coast-to-coast dropkick to claim the shocking victory.
As the WWE Universe erupted in excitement and surprise, McMahon took a victory lap around the ring. Whether the “best in the world” accolades are truly deserved considering the circumstances matters not. The rivalry between Raw and SmackDown LIVE is more intense than ever, and following the WWE World Cup Finals, the blue brand enters Survivor Series with serious bragging rights. (Via WWE.com)
In a bizarre and controversial turn of events, McMahon took the place of an injured Miz and pinned Raw’s Dolph Ziggler to win the WWE World Cup Finals and earn the distinction of being the best in the world.
The fireworks began before the opening bell. First, SmackDown referee Ryan Tran ejected Drew McIntyre from ringside to prevent the Scottish Superstar from interfering on Ziggler’s behalf. As The Showoff protested the decision, The Miz attacked him from behind. The tactic backfired, though, as The A-Lister injured his leg when the fight went to the floor.
Despite Miz’s pleas, the referee informed McMahon and Raw Acting General Manager Baron Corbin that The Awesome Superstar could not compete and that he was awarding the match to Ziggler by forfeit. Hell-bent on making sure that Raw didn’t claim a win in the battle for brand supremacy, McMahon stepped in to take Miz’s place, and the bell finally rang, making the new matchup official.
As Shane-O-Mac overwhelmed the battle-wearied Showoff, an outraged Corbin interfered almost immediately, earning himself an ejection from ringside (which prompted Michael Cole to suggest Tran was acting biased). Ziggler stunned McMahon with a Zig Zag from behind, but the SmackDown Commissioner not only kicked out, but returned fire, nailing Ziggler with a DDT before leaping across the ring with a beautiful coast-to-coast dropkick to claim the shocking victory.
As the WWE Universe erupted in excitement and surprise, McMahon took a victory lap around the ring. Whether the “best in the world” accolades are truly deserved considering the circumstances matters not. The rivalry between Raw and SmackDown LIVE is more intense than ever, and following the WWE World Cup Finals, the blue brand enters Survivor Series with serious bragging rights. (Via WWE.com)
D-Generation X defeated The Brothers of Destruction.
The Undertaker & Kane went into WWE Crown Jewel making a familiar promise, with one key difference: That D-Generation X, who were reuniting to face The Brothers of Destruction, would suffer a loss so demoralizing that they would never rest in peace.
As ever with DX, though, the joke was on their opponents.
Triple H & Shawn Michaels ultimately defeated The Brothers of Destruction in the WWE Crown Jewel main event, completing a comeback scenario for HBK that had been the stuff of fantasy and “what-if” ever since The Deadman retired him in 2010. At the risk of veering into cliché, he’s still got it. The kip-up, the elbow drop and especially the Sweet Chin Music, which paid dividends down the stretch after the bout had long since ceased to be a “match” and sharply veered into the realm of a brawl.
In that regard, The Brothers of Destruction were far more at home. While DX’s speed allowed them to control the action within the squared circle, Kane & Undertaker didn’t hesitate to exploit their surroundings outside the ring to devastating effect. At one point, Triple H was driven through the announce table with a Chokeslam, which kept him out of action for an extended period and even required the ringside physician to ensure he was still fit to compete. (It would later be revealed after the match that The Game had suffered a possible torn pectoral muscle as a result of the contest.)
Michaels, luckily, more than held his own in isolation. On occasion, he got a little too pleased with how well his skills had kept — in fairness, anybody would — and allowed his opponents to get back in the fight. And, occasionally, he got a little too high-risk for his own good, like a moonsault to the outside that took out Undertaker and Kane but also opened a gash above the WWE Hall of Famer’s eye. Yet he was clutch in every sense of the word, no more so than when The Brothers of Destruction reared up from the mat for a last gasp and set up their battle-weary opponents for stereo Tombstone Piledrivers. HBK foiled that plan when he raked the eyes of Kane — the legal man — to free Triple H.
Facing one last obstacle, Michaels blasted Undertaker with Sweet Chin Music to cut him off from his brother. The Showstopper administered a second superkick to Kane, Triple H followed up with the Pedigree, and that was all she wrote, as fireworks and Too Sweets went up into the night sky at the same time.
DX said they weren’t coming to WWE Crown Jewel to joke around. They certainly didn’t. True to form, however, they got the last laugh anyway. (Via WWE.com)
As ever with DX, though, the joke was on their opponents.
Triple H & Shawn Michaels ultimately defeated The Brothers of Destruction in the WWE Crown Jewel main event, completing a comeback scenario for HBK that had been the stuff of fantasy and “what-if” ever since The Deadman retired him in 2010. At the risk of veering into cliché, he’s still got it. The kip-up, the elbow drop and especially the Sweet Chin Music, which paid dividends down the stretch after the bout had long since ceased to be a “match” and sharply veered into the realm of a brawl.
In that regard, The Brothers of Destruction were far more at home. While DX’s speed allowed them to control the action within the squared circle, Kane & Undertaker didn’t hesitate to exploit their surroundings outside the ring to devastating effect. At one point, Triple H was driven through the announce table with a Chokeslam, which kept him out of action for an extended period and even required the ringside physician to ensure he was still fit to compete. (It would later be revealed after the match that The Game had suffered a possible torn pectoral muscle as a result of the contest.)
Michaels, luckily, more than held his own in isolation. On occasion, he got a little too pleased with how well his skills had kept — in fairness, anybody would — and allowed his opponents to get back in the fight. And, occasionally, he got a little too high-risk for his own good, like a moonsault to the outside that took out Undertaker and Kane but also opened a gash above the WWE Hall of Famer’s eye. Yet he was clutch in every sense of the word, no more so than when The Brothers of Destruction reared up from the mat for a last gasp and set up their battle-weary opponents for stereo Tombstone Piledrivers. HBK foiled that plan when he raked the eyes of Kane — the legal man — to free Triple H.
Facing one last obstacle, Michaels blasted Undertaker with Sweet Chin Music to cut him off from his brother. The Showstopper administered a second superkick to Kane, Triple H followed up with the Pedigree, and that was all she wrote, as fireworks and Too Sweets went up into the night sky at the same time.
DX said they weren’t coming to WWE Crown Jewel to joke around. They certainly didn’t. True to form, however, they got the last laugh anyway. (Via WWE.com)