I am playing catch-up as the show aired here in Australia in the early hours of today. I know what took place pretty much. There were a few things that caught my attention, but other things I was not too surprised by, and how things played out. The finals of the King and Queen of the Ring also took place.
Michael Cole and Wade Barrett are at the announcers’ desk with Mark Nash taking care of ring announcing duties.
**The opening match of the evening featured a thrilling showdown between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes for the prestigious King of the Ring title. The atmosphere was electric, with fans buzzing in anticipation as I predicted that Cody would emerge victorious, setting up a highly anticipated rematch with John Cena for the championship at Summer Slam. The question loomed: would Randy turn heel after this encounter? Randy holds a notable record with 7 singles victories over Cody, while Cody has managed to vanquish Randy just 3 times. The excitement was palpable, but the roar of the crowd made it challenging to catch the commentary from Wade and Cole. For the first time in 12 years, these two competitors squared off in singles action, and the stakes couldn’t have been higher. As the match unfolded, Randy tried to execute a devastating stomp but hesitated for a split second. That moment of indecision allowed Cody to deftly evade the blow, showcasing his agility and ring awareness. Both wrestlers poured their hearts and souls into the match, giving the audience a captivating display of athleticism and strategy. Randy, ever the cunning competitor, managed to remove a turnbuckle pad, attempting to exploit it as an advantage. However, in a dramatic twist, it was Randy who inadvertently set Cody up for victory with a well-timed strike under his arm, leading to an unexpected win for Cody. The crowd erupted, their excitement echoing throughout the arena as the match concluded in a stunning finish.
**MATCH 2–Rhea Ripley faced off against Raquel Rodriguez in a Street Fight, and it was as brutal as expected. The only way to win this match was by pinfall or submission. As of now, there hasn’t been a decision made regarding the Women’s Tag Team title, which remains with Raquel. However, rumours suggest that Roxanne Perez may team up with Raquel. This was Rhea’s first street fight, and it was clear that she was determined to make an impact. Rhea aggressively attacked Raquel with a studded belt. Although Rhea endured significant punishment during the match, she continually found ways to come back even stronger. In a dramatic moment, with a table perched on the top turnbuckle, Rhea managed to lift Raquel and executed a Riptide from the top for the victory.
Evolution (the 2nd ever all-women’s PLE) is coming on July 13 from Atlanta, Georgia.
**MATCH 3 – Sami Zayn facing Karron Kross. I was surprised to see that Sami won this. Karron makes a better bully in my book; they need to get him in a fued of some kind. (Not sure if this story will continue after this match or not.) It has been mostly Karron in control with Sami getting little bits in, but he was holding his own. Sami really needed this win. The universe is behind Sami. When are they going to learn to never count out Sami? Karron kept screaming at Sami that he needed to admit that Karron was right. Sami with a hulva kick out of nowhere for the win.
**MATCH 4 – Jacob Fatu defending the Men’s United States title against Solo Sokia. I knew this would be a title change. It was not a one-on-one match, but turned into a 3 3-on-1 match, with the return of Tonga Loa and Hikuelo. JC Mato is racing to the ring to help Solo with the win. Are we heading for Bloodline 2.0? I still can’t get over Jacob Fatu with his mobility, being able to fly and doing layouts off the top turnbuckle.
**MATCH 5 – Jade Cargill facing Asuka for the Queen of the Ring title. I was surprised by the outcome of this match. I really wanted to see Asuka face Iyo Sky at Summer Slam, which could still happen. Jade has the strength, Auska has the speed, plus experience. (Jade working a Storm look from the Marvel Universe) It was an OK match, room for improvement. That was a rough pin by Jade, but the job got done. I kind of get why they put the crown on Jade, it keeps the fued with Naomi going. Jade beats Tiffany, with Naomi cashing in on Jade winning the title.
**MATCH 6 – CM Punk takes on John Cena. Well, we all knew how this would end. Who is going to interfere? How big of a heel would John be as usual? (I can’t wait for this storyline to end, with Cena as the heel.) You also knew that Seth would show up with his merry band of idiots. The title is on the line, but, knew it would not change hands, waiting for Summer Slam. John and CM each had their little moments to take the lead in the match. Let’s see if the ref also gets taken out in this one. Well, John went cheap as always, going for the belt as per usual. I have to admit it has been a good match-up to this point. We all know it will go south. Well, the Ref just got hit, Punk with the win and no ref as per usual. CM is screaming for a ref, and here comes Seth with his flying Monkeys. No ref, for the cash in but Seth doesn’t care, he just wanted to screw Punk at all cost. Nick Charles was flying down to the ring, John took him out, so Seth could not cash in. Penta is on his way to the ring, but he is heading for Braun Brekker. Sami is out to help Penta. With a leap off the ramp, Penta took out Braun and Sami. Thanks to a stomp from Seth, John will live to fight another day as champion.
Fox Den Sports 