WWE Wrestlemania 38 Night Two

By Steve Ward

WWE returned this evening to AT&T Stadium in Dallas, TX with night number two of Wrestlemania. Last night’s edition was entertaining for the second half of the show and was excessively littered with ads hyping tonight (so many that the tag team match featuring Sheamus and Ridge Holland taking on The New Day was cut). I will admit that last night’s show would not have been nearly as entertaining if not for Stone Cold Steve Austin’s first match in 19 years to close out the evening. Even the “surprise” return of Cody Rhodes seemed to fall flat initially as the WWE Universe was either disinterested, in shock, or felt the same way they did about him in the final months of his AEW run. This evening’s show was promoted with the ability to surpass last night. The card featured eight matches (originally, however, it ended up as nine) with three titles contested and of course the main event would feature WWE Champion, Brock Lesnar, versus Universal Champion, Roman Reigns - winner takes all.

The show kicked off in electric fashion as Triple H made his way to the ring to a deafening ovation. Triple H simply welcomed everyone to Wrestlemania and left his wrestling boots in the ring as a final gesture of his previously announced retirement from in-ring competition.

RAW Tag Team Championship

RK-Bro (Randy Orton & Riddle) (c) vs. The Street Profits vs. The Alpha Academy (Chad Gable & Otis)

Winners: RK-Bro via pinfall

The unlikely duo of Orton and Riddle kicked off Wrestlemania Sunday with a defense of their RAW Tag Team Championship against stiff competition in the form of The Alpha Academy and The Street Profits. The conclusion of the bout saw Riddle deliver an RKO to Montez Ford off the top rope and moments later Orton hit the RKO Out Of Nowhere on Gable as he attempted a dive off the top turnbuckle in The Viper’s direction. Orton then easily covered Gable to retain the titles for RK-Bro.

Bobby Lashley vs. Omos

Winner: Bobby Lashley via pinfall

Following months of domination over every man in his path, Omos’ challenge was answered this past Monday night by Bobby Lashley who made his return from injury for the first time since Elimination Chamber. As the their verbal exchange erupted into an all out brawl Monday, Lashley also became the first individual to take the seven footer off his feet. After being thrown around like a rag doll for much of the bout tonight by the 7-foot, 400 lb Omos, Lashley rallied late and executed a suplex on his much larger opponent and finished him off with a devastating spear for the win.

Johnny Knoxville vs. Sami Zayn

Winner: Johnny Knoxville via pinall

After months of one upsmanship games with each other, including Zayn crashing the premier of Jackass Forever and Knoxville costing Zayn the Intercontinental Championship, their rivalry culminated with a meeting tonight in Dallas. The encounter quickly evolved into a hardcore match involving much of the Jackass crew coming to the aid of Knoxville. The closing moments saw Zayn laid out on a giant mouse trap which Knoxville triggered to close on Sami allowing him to secure the pinfall.

Women’s Tag Team Championship

Naomi & Sasha Banks vs. Liv Morgan & Rhea Ripley vs. Shayna Baszler & Natalya vs. Queen Zelina & Carmella (c)

Winners: Naomi & Sasha Banks via pinfall

In the WWE’s way of packing the majority of the women’s division who did not compete yesterday into one segment, a fatal four way for the Women’s Tag Team Championship was booked for the reigning champs, Queen Zelina and Carmella, to attemp to retain their titles. The conclusion of this match arrived as Carmella fell victim to a tandem version of X-Pac’s finisher, the X-Factor, at the hands of Banks and Naomi which allowed Sasha to cover for the victory.

Edge vs. A.J. Styles

Winner: Edge via pinfall

Edge made his way to the ring on RAW several weeks ago soliciting for an opponent at Wrestlemania with his challenge being answered by “The Phenomenal” A.J. Styles. Edge proceeded to go into full-on heel mode as he kicked Styles between the uprights and delivered a one-man con-chair-to sparking a bitter rivalry heading into this weekend. Edge withstood all of Styles’ offense just long enough for his window of opportunity to open in the form of Damian Priest. In the closing moments, Priest emerged at ringside and distracted A.J.’s delivery of the Phenomenal Forearm long enough for Edge to return to his feet and deliver a body breaking spear to Styles in mid flight which allowed him to secure the pinfall.

Sheamus & Ridge Holland w/ Butch vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods)

Winners: Sheamus & Ridge Holland via pinfall

This match was supposed to take place last night, however, WWE aired too many promos for tonight’s show and ran out of time. This match didn’t last long as Butch created enough of a distraction at ringside to allow Holland to hit the Northern Grit on Xavier Woods sealing the victory for his team.

Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory

Winner: Pat McAfee via pinfall

During his recent appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Mr. McMahon granted the former NFL punter and current Smackdown commentator a match at the Showcase of the Immortals against his protégé, Austin Theory. McAfee who trained as a professional wrestler following his NFL retirement showed proficient wrestling acumen during the match and in the end found his way off of Theory’s shoulders for a rollup pinfall. 

Mr. McMahon vs. Pat McAfee

Winner: Mr. McMahon

After Theory’s loss, Mr. McMahon took exception to McAfee’s celebration, removed his tie and dress shirt, entered the ring, and challenged McAfee to an impromptu match. The capacity crowd went insane as a jacked and tanned 76 year old Mr. McMahon began strutting around the ring and threw a few clotheslines at McAfee. With a few distractions and cheap shots from Austin Theory at ringside, Mr. McMahon finally took a football and punted it into McAfee’s ribs before he covered him for a pinfall victory.

As McMahon and Theory celebrated, the sound of glass shattering echoed throughout AT&T Field as Stone Cold Steve Austin made his way to the ring! First, Austin delivered a Stunner to Theory. Next, Austin lulled Mr. McMahon into a beer celebration that ended in a Stunner for Mr. McMahon. Finally, Pat McAfee was invited into the ring for another beer celebration and received a Stunner himself.

Champion vs. Champion - Winner Takes All

Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns w/ Paul Heyman

Winner: Roman Reigns via pinfall

The main event of Wrestlemania’s stakes could not be any higher as Universal Champion, Roman Reigns, and WWE Champion, Brock Lesnar, put their respective titles on the line in a winner takes all affair. This hard hitting encounter was shockingly stopped dead in it’s tracks as Brock Lesnar seemed to be in total control. Lesnar cinched in the kimura, however, Paul Heyman pushed the bottom rope within The Tribal Chief’s grasp to break the hold. Lesnar then hoisted Roman up for the F5, however, Reigns was able to escape and propel Brock towards the ropes setting him up for a spear and subsequent pinfall to become undisputed champion.

Survivor Series 2021

By Steve Ward

WWE returned to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY this evening for the longstanding Thanksgiving Day/Week tradition - Survivor Series. The theme of brand supremacy that has established itself in recent years returned tonight as RAW was pit against Smackdown (may as well have been Team FOX vs. Team USA Network). This not only meant no clashes like the classic showdown of The Hulkamaniacs vs. The Warriors at the 1990 installment of the show, but also, no titles would be contested as we would only witness some champion versus champion encounters. Following another round of performers receiving their walking papers this week including John Morrison, Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, and Jaxson Ryker, not to mention the incredible AEW Full Gear event last weekend, WWE really needed a big show tonight. The card tonight featured a modest six matches which included two “classic” Survivor Series matchups - both Team RAW vs. Team Smackdown.

Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair

Winner: Becky Lynch via pinfall

The opening bout pit RAW Women’s Champion Becky Lynch against Smackdown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair in our first match for brand supremacy. With rumors swirling that Charlotte has been unhappy with her recent booking, one has to wonder how she felt about opening the show. Mr. McMahon seems to be playing a dangerous game with arguably his biggest draw in the Women’s Division - especially when her fiancée, Andrade El Idolo, left for AEW in the past year. In the definition of a back and forth encounter, this contest ended in a series of roll up pin attempts that finally saw Becky come out victorious with an assist from holding the middle rope.

Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match

Team RAW (Bobby Lashley w/ MVP, Austin Theory, Finn Balor, Kevin Owens, & Seth Rollins) vs. Team Smackdown (King Woods, Jeff Hardy, Sheamus, Happy Corbin w/ Madcap Moss, & Drew McIntyre)

Sole Survivor: Seth Rollins

The first of the “classic” Survivor Series match-ups began in underwhelming fashion as Kevin Owens who started the match for Team RAW immediately left the ring after the opening bell, walked up the ramp, was counted out, and left the arena to stick it to his team. This apparently was a recurring theme in the bout as Lashley and McIntyre got carried away while embroiled in combat outside the ring and were both counted out. Late in the match, Sheamus was rolled up for the pin and eliminated by Austin Theory. Jeff Hardy was then left in seemingly dire straits as he was leveled by his own partner Sheamus as he departed the ring. Hardy quickly turned the tables and finished off Theory with the Swanton Bomb leaving Rollins and himself as the final two combatants. Hardy attempted another Swanton Bomb moments later only to be unmercifully met with Seth Rollins’ knees in the small of his back. Rollins capitalized with the Curb Stomp to solidify the win for Team RAW.

The Rock’s 25th Anniversary 25-Man Battle Royal

Winner: Omos

With all of the recent releases, I was impressed that a battle royale could be assembled but in all seriousness, some of the notable participants included AJ Styles, Cesaro, Omos, Bobby Roode, and Jinder Mahal. At one point, the crowd was so disinterested in this card-filler, that they began chanting, “We want pizza” as the match was sponsored by Pizza Hut. The final four participants in this match were The Street Profits, Omos, and Ricochet. This was no contest as Omos disposed of all three men with little to no effort.

The Usos vs. RK-Bro (Randy Orton & Matt Riddle)

Winners: RK-Bro via pinfall

The Smackdown Tag Team Champions, The Usos, squared off with the RAW Tag Team Champions, RK-Bro, in the next clash of champions this evening. In the closing moments of the match, Jimmy Uso had not realized that Orton had blind tagged himself into the match before he was super kicked off of the ring apron. Jimmy, believing the legal man was still in the ring, proceeded to maintain his focus on Riddle which would prove to be his downfall. Jimmy ascended to the top rope to finish Riddle off with a splash, however, he was greeted with an RKO Out of Nowhere which allowed Orton to secure the pinfall for his team.

Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match

Team RAW (Bianca Belair, Carmella, Queen Zelina, Liv Morgan, & Rhea Ripley) vs. Team Smackdown (Natalya, Shayna Baszler, Toni Storm, Shotzi, & Sasha Banks)

Sole Survivor: Bianca Belair

The penultimate bout of the evening pit the women’s teams from RAW and Smackdown against each other as the battle for network…or rather brand…supremacy rattled on. Late in this contest, it appeared that the numbers would be insurmountable for Bianca Belair as she was the lone participant remaining for Team RAW against Shotzi, Banks, Baszler, and Natalya for Smackdown. Following some dissent in the Smackdown ranks, Sasha Banks was counted out and thus eliminated. Belair then proceeded to make quick work of Natalya and Baszler leaving her alone with Shotzi. Shotzi posed some resistance but found herself succumbing to the Kiss of Death shortly thereafter.

Roman Reigns w/ Paul Heyman vs. Big E

Winner: Roman Reigns via pinfall

The main event of the evening presented a showdown between the Universal Champion, Roman Reigns, and the WWE Champion, Big E, in the final encounter for brand supremacy. What began as a rather pedestrian match certainly built momentum as it progressed towards the closing moments. First, Big E withstood three consecutive Superman Punches and answered with the Big Ending, however, he was unable to secure the pinfall as Roman grasped the bottom rope. The two then erupted into a brawl outside the ring which finally culminated when the men returned to the ring and Roman delivered a brutal spear to put Big E away.

The closing moments of the event were certainly awkward as the entire show celebrated the 25th anniversary of The Rock’s debut at Survivor Series 1996, was sponsored by The Rock’s new Netflix movie Red Notice, and Paul Heyman was informed that Brock Lesnar’s indefinite suspension would be coming to an end soon yet neither man made an appearance at the end as the commentators sounded distracted by someone speaking to them in their earpieces…makes you wonder.

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WWE Summerslam 2021

By Steve Ward

WWE Summerslam emanated this evening (yes, on a Saturday)  from a sold out Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Not only was the event moved to a Saturday, but also to the same night where Sin City would play host to the huge Manny Pacquiao and Yordenis Ugas showdown. Prior to the event, reports circulated that WWE was actually told to keep their event within three hours so that it would not coincide with the huge title fight, however, that didn’t even come close to happening as the show eclipsed four hours. The card this evening featured ten matches while it boasted seven title bouts in the mix and featured Roman Reigns defending his Universal Championship against a returning John Cena who was in search of his record 17th world title.

WWE RAW Tag Team Championship

AJ Styles & Omos (c) vs. Rated RK-Bro (Randy Orton & Matt Riddle)

Winners: RK-Bro via pinfall

Following weeks of failing to see eye to eye between Riddle and Orton, The Original Bro came to his rescue recently on RAW as his singles match with Omos quickly escalated into a handicap encounter hence earning The Viper‘s respect in the process. The reformation of this team proved to pay dividends for them this evening as this rather abrupt match ended with an RKO delivered to Styles to secure the pinfall victory and crown new champions.

Alexa Bliss vs. Eva Marie w/ Dou Drop

Winner: Alexa Bliss via pinfall

Since her uninspiring return to WWE, Eva Marie has found herself in the crosshairs of Alexa Bliss who has continued her Fiend-like role despite the recent departure of Bray Wyatt. Sadly, Alexa Bliss’ talents were not able to be utilized to their full extent in this bout with her given opposition. This was yet another match that arrived at a rapid conclusion as Bliss executed a strike to the jaw of Eva Marie to set up the pinfall.

United States Championship

Damian Priest vs. Sheamus (c)

Winner: Damian Priest via pinfall

Sheamus recently returned to action following a broken nose with a face mask in tow and immediately entered into a program with Damian Priest. This created a huge opportunity for the man once know as Punishment Martinez in his ROH days as he competed for his first title since becoming a member of RAW. What had the promise to be a sleeper match on the card quickly lost it’s momentum as Priest vaulted himself to the ring floor and landed badly on his hip. The bout finally picked up some momentum late as Priest withstood a Brogue Kick and the figure four leglock to deliver The Reckoning allowing him to solidify the victory and crown himself the new United States Champion.

Smackdown Tag Team Championship

The Usos (c) vs. Rey & Dominik Mysterio

Winners: The Usos via pinfall

After dropping the title to The Usos at Money In The Bank, The Mysterios earned another opportunity to regain them this evening. The Mysterios came up a little short this evening in their bid for a second tag team title reign as The Usos did their part to keep the bloodline intact prior to their cousin, Roman Reigns, title defense later in the evening.

Smackdown Women’s Championship

Bianca Belair (c) vs. Becky Lynch

Winner: Becky Lynch via pinfall

Bianca Belair was poised to defend her title in a Wrestlemania rematch with Sasha Banks, however, ring announcer Greg Hamilton stated that Banks was unable to compete and would be replaced by Carmella. After Carmella made her way to the ring, Belair proceeded to take the mic and belittled Carmella only to be interrupted by the return of “The Man” Becky Lynch! Becky Lynch quickly disposed of Carmella and challenged Belair for the title. Belair accepted the challenge and will be wondering what hit her until Friday Night Smackdown. Following the opening bell, Lynch extended her hand to Belair. Belair reciprocated only to be blindsided with a forearm to the face followed by The Manhandle Slam. The Man quickly pinned Belair to become the new Smackdown Women’s Champion after a year and a half off for maternity leave.

Jinder Mahal vs. Drew McIntyre

Winner: Drew McIntyre

The rivalry between the former Three Man Band cohorts (yes, I went there) that erupted at Money In The Bank last month when Mahal, along with Shanky and Veer, cost McIntyre an opportunity at retrieving the briefcase. In a relative squash match, McIntyre made quick work of Mahal with a series of belly-to-belly suplexes followed by the Claymore Kick.

RAW Women’s Championship

Nikki A.S.H. (c) vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair

Winner: Charlotte Flair via submission

After Charlotte defeated Ripley to regain her title at Money In The Bank last month, she promptly dropped it the following night on RAW to Nikki A.S.H. who cashed in her Money In The Bank briefcase. With Flair and Ripley both laying claims to the title, we arrived at our triple threat encounter tonight. Charlotte again put her wrestling acumen on display as she overcame the odds to earn her 12th championship. With Ripley disposed of on the ring floor, Nikki and Flair found themselves alone in the ring. Nikki attempted a splash from the top rope only to have Flair side step her and quickly cinch in the Figure Eight to regain her title.

Edge vs. Seth Rollins

Winner: Edge via submission

Edge was out for revenge this evening following Rollins’ actions at Money In The Bank which cost him his match for the Universal Championship with Roman Reigns. Rollins awakened a beast within Edge after he referred to him as Edge-light which lead the Rated R Superstar to dive back into a dark place. Edge jumped into the time machine for his entrance this evening as he delved into the archive for the old Brood entrance theme and was raised through a flaming platform - all that was missing was Gangrel spitting “blood” into the air from a chalice. Rollins controlled much of the action in the early going until Edge began to turn the tables late. Edge executed a brutal spear after the prior one was thwarted with a reversal in the form of a Pedigree. Edge then blocked a curb stomp attempt and proceeded to smash Rollins head into the canvas several times before cinching in a move resembling the combination of a sleeper and a crossface to earn the submission victory.

WWE Championship

Goldberg vs. Bobby Lashley (c) w/ MVP

Winner: Bobby Lashley via no contest

Goldberg made his triumphant return to RAW the night after Money In The Bank to pose a challenge to WWE Champion, Bobby Lashley. Following Lashley’s acceptance the following week, things then became personal as MVP began to target Goldberg’s family - specifically his son at ringside. That brings us to our showdown tonight as the 54-year old Goldberg attempted to reclaim championship gold once again. Just minutes into the match MVP struck Goldberg in the knee with his cane as the referee was distracted which proved to be the deciding factor. Lashley proceeded to target the knee until the referee was forced to put an end to the match with Goldberg’s inability to put weight on his leg. After the bell was called for, Lashley attacked Goldberg with a steel chair until his son jumped the champion only to be the recipient of The Hurt Lock. 

WWE Universal Championship

Roman Reigns (c) w/ Paul Heyman vs. John Cena

Winner: Roman Reigns via pinfall

This match came to fruition after John Cena confronted Roman Reigns in the ring following his victory at Money In The Bank and called out the Tribal Chief in search of his 17th world championship. Roman Reigns withstood multiple Attitude Adjustments, including one through the announce table, to finally put away Cena with a devastating spear to retain his title. As Reigns celebrated in the ring, he was interrupted by the unmistakable entrance music of Brock Lesnar! The capacity crowd unleashed a deafening roar as Brock made his way to the ring and stood toe to toe with The Tribal Chief. Paul Heyman appeared to soil himself as he implored Reigns to leave without conflict to which he obliged as the show came to a close.

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