Will the WWE have to charter a new Road to WrestleMania?
The reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World, BROCK, LESNAR! Defends his title against The One and Only Ricochet! Can Ricochet pull off a miracle and change the course of history?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff Show – The OC VS The Viking Raiders; The OC wins.
- Tuwaiq Mountain Gauntlet Match: The Undertaker wins the Tuwaiq Mountain Trophy.
- SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The New Day VS John Morrison & The Miz; Morrison & The Miz win and become new SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
- Angel Garza VS Humberto Carrillo; Garza wins.
- Raw Tag Team Championships: Seth Rollins & Murphy VS The Street Profits; Rollins & Murphy win and retain the Raw Tag Team Championships.
- Mansoor VS Dolph Ziggler; Mansoor wins.
- WWE World Championship: Brock Lesnar VS Ricochet; Lesnar wins and retains the WWE World Championship.
- Steel Cage Match: Baron Corbin VS Roman Reigns; Reigns wins.
- SmackDown Women’s Championship: Bayley VS Naomi; Bayley wins and retains the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
- WWE Universal Championship: The Fiend VS Goldberg; Goldberg wins and becomes the new WWE Universal Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the Super Showdown Kickoff Show!
Join Charly Caruso, David Otunga and Scott Standford in the WWE Command Center as they recap, discuss and predict all the action for today’s return to Saudi Arabia!
The Street Profits speak.
“Here we go! Here we go!” Yeeeeeah, fam! Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins are excited because it is TIME! The Raw Tag Team Championships are gonna be how the Profits get their come up, and how the “Monday Night Pariah” and “Murph the Smurf” get their comeuppance. #WeWantTheSmoke. But can they keep Rollins and Murphy from burning it down instead?
Kickoff Show – The OC VS The Viking Raiders!
A fitting start to the action in Riyadh. The last time the Good Brothers took on Erik & Ivar, it was part of the Tag Team Turmoil to prove who is the Best Tag Team in the World! Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson took that glory, and glorious trophy, home with them, but they haven’t quite stayed at the top of their game. Can they reignite that fire? Or will the raid rage on?
The teams sort out and Anderson starts against Erik. The two tie up, go around, and Erik puts Anderson in a corner. Erik lets up as the ref counts, but he keeps Anderson cornered. Anderson kicks back and headlocks. Erik powers out and things speed up, Erik gets a takedown to a dead lift waistlock SLAM! Fans rally for the Raiders as Erik brings Anderson to the Raider corner. Tag to Ivar, and Anderson is fed to knees! Fans cheer as Ivar drags Anderson up to put back in the corner. Ivar RAMS Anderson with a shoulder then tags to Erik. Erik RAMS his shoulder in, then tags back to Ivar. Ivar RAMS Anderson then snapmares him down. Ivar prepares the beard and uses it to smear Anderson’s face! Fans rally with “WAR! WAR!” as Ivar rams shoulders into Anderson.
Anderson throws forearms but can’t whip Ivar. Ivar reels Anderson in to scoop, and Erik tags. Slam for Anderson, and then SLAM SENTON for Ivar onto Anderson! Cover, Gallows distracts just a moment, TWO! Anderson survives and then clobbers Erik from behind! Tag to Gallows, and Big LG Fall Away Slams Erik! Gallows runs in to back elbow in a corner then throws big hands. He rocks Erik with an uppercut then throws up the Too Sweet. Fans cheer as Gallows headbutts and YAKUZA KICKS! Cover, ONE! Erik is tough but Gallows drives elbow after elbow into Erik’s shoulder. Gallows wraps on a chinlock but fans rally up. Erik pushes against Gallows and throws body shot. Gallows shoves him away and hits a back elbow in the corner! Erik is dazed and Anderson tags in.
Anderson kicks low and has Erik in a corner. Anderson grinds forearms and fingers in but fans rally up. Erik fights back but Anderson knees low. Anderson puts Erik in the OC corner and tags in Gallows. Gallows clubs Erik down then drags him back up. Gallows snap suplexes Erik then drops a big elbow! And then a leg drop! Cover, TWO! Gallows sits Erik up for a chinlock, bending Erik back. Fans rally up again and Erik fights to his feet. Gallows shoves Erik back and rocks him with another uppercut. Tag to Anderson but Erik fights back! Erik knees and elbows but Anderson rakes the eyes! Anderson snapmares Erik and puts on another chinlock. Fans still rally, and Erik fights his way up. Erik throws haymakers but Anderson knees low. Anderson whips Erik, Erik goes up and over and hot tags to Ivar!
The War Beard rallies and fans are fired up as he hits a sidewalk slam to SPLASH! Gallows gets in, Ivar throws haymakers and back hands! Gallows reverses the whip but Ivar tumbles out to the apron! Ivar hits Gallows back, goes up top, and leaps over Anderson to then give him the SEATED SENTON! Cartwheel clothesline for Gallows! Fans fire up with Ivar as he runs corner to corner at Anderson, Gallows gets Anderson clear of the bronco buster! Both men are down but crawling to their corners. Tags to Gallows and Erik and they start brawling! Erik rocks Gallows then catches him for an EXPLODER! Erik tags Ivar back in and Ivar runs to corner clothesline Gallows. Ivar becomes a human weapon for the hip attack! Cover but Anderson breaks it in time!
Ivar knees Anderson low and sends him out. Tag to Erik but Gallows throws uppercuts and boots! GALLOW’S POLE BOMB! Gallows crawls and tags Anderson back in. Anderson runs at Erik, but gets Ace Ten Mao! Tag to Ivar, and Ivar breaks through Gallows’ clothesline! Handspring back elbows! Ivar takes out both Good Brothers, then focuses on Anderson. Riyadh says “This is Awesome!” as Ivar goes up top. Gallows goes after him but Ivar swats him away. Ivar aims at Anderson for a top rope VIKING MOONSAULT! IT FLOPS!! Tag to Gallows and Anderson hits Erik down. The OC hit MAGIC KILLER! Cover, The OC win!!
Winners: The OC, by pinfall
The Best Tag Team in the World stays the best in Riyadh! Will the OC all have trophies to show off with AJ Styles in tonight’s Tuwaiq Mountani Gauntlet Match?
For WWE superstars “to make a mark on the world stage, to leave a legacy.”
In order to truly change the game, you only have to do one thing: win. This Super Showdown will see if a miracle can conquer a Beast, if a king can finally conquer a big dog, if history will glow in the dark, and if an icon can stop a living nightmare! Who walks out of the cage? Who walks out with gold? And who will win the Super Showdown?
Tuwaiq Mountain Gauntlet Match!
A prestigious honor opens this year’s Super Showdown! Six men are in this gauntlet, but only one will last until the end to raise the Tuwaiq Mountain Trophy high! First out is… R-Truth! Fans cheer for Truth as he says, “Riyadh, Saudia Arabia, make some noise! What’s up!?” But his opponent is the man he just faced on Monday, BOBBY LASHLEY! Will things go like they did on Raw? Or can Truth change things with the trophy on the line?
R-Truth VS Bobby Lashley!
The bell rings and Truth circles with Lashley. Fans are on Truth’s side as he ties up with Lashley. Lashley wristlocks and wrenches to a hammerlock then headlock. Truth endures and throws body shots to get free, but Lashley runs him over. Fans boo as Lashley flexes and runs. Truth hurdles over then comes back to tilt-o-whirl headscissor! Truth corner splashes then climbs up to rain down right hands. Lashley stops him at 6 then rocks him with a right, to BLAST him off the apron! Fans boo and jeer as Lashley lets the ring count begin. The count reaches 5 before Truth gets up, so Lashley goes out to RAM him into barriers! Fans chant “We Want Lana!” as Lashley paces.
Lashley puts Truth in and stalks him to a corner. Lashley bumps Truth off the buckles and throws big haymakers. The ref counts, Lashley lets up to run and RAM his shoulder into Truth! Truth falls and Lashley applauds himself but fans boo. Lashley drags Truth up to club him down, then reels him in for a suplex. Lashley holds Truth up for a count of 10 before slamming him down! Cover, TWO! Truth still lives but Lashley wraps on a chinlock. Fans troll Lashley with “Lashley Sucks!” as Truth endures. Fans rally up for Truth and he fights his way to his feet. Truth slips around, powers out and puts a sleeper on Lashley! Lashley flails and fights out but Truth counter punches! Truth ducks and uses the Cena shoulders! But then Lashley TANKS Truth! Truth isn’t as strong as John Cena, after all.
Lashley gut wrenches Truth but Truth slips out to waistlock, and get the Spin-Out Bomb! Fans fire up as Truth says “You Can’t See Me!” A little bit of Tarzan before the Five Knuckle Shuffle! Lashley staggers up but Truth can’t fireman’s carry. Truth fights off Lashley’s urenage to calf kick! Lashley ends up in a corner but he elbows Truth away. Lashley gets Truth for the Complete Shot! Fans boo as Lashley aims from the corner. Truth stirs and stands, and Lashley runs in, but Truth ducks! Lashley spears buckles and gets table topped! Truth stacks Lashley, TRUTH ELIMINATES LASHLEY!
But then Lashley attacks from behind! The Rocky Mountain Sore Loser throws Truth out of the ring then into a post! The ref tells Lashley to leave but he throws Truth into the apron, then the steel steps! Fans boo as Lashley puts Truth back in the ring. Lashley aims again, to SPEAR Truth down! Lashley finally leaves, having made things much easier for Truth’s next opponent, ANDRADE! El Idolo makes his WWE in-ring return and now he might be adding a trophy to his collection. Will the WWE United States Champion’s return be historic?
R-Truth VS Andrade Almas!
The ref checks on Truth, and cleans up a scrape on his face. Truth’s real concern is his arm and ribs after what Lashley did to him with that spear. Almas rushes in to go right at Truth with stomps! The ref backs him off, this part hasn’t officially begun. Truth wants to continue so we begin! Almas knees Truth, hits a shoulder breaker, then rings Truth to the ropes for a hanging armbar! The ref counts but Almas lets up at 4. Almas stomps Truth down and all around, but fans boo and jeer. Almas drags Truth around by his arm but Truth resists. El Idolo kicks Truth and cranks on the arm. Fans rally for Truth as he endures, but Almas digs a knee into Truth’s head. Truth fights up but Almas throws him down by his hair! Fans boo more as Almas paces about.
Almas drags Truth around to put in a corner to stomp and throw in knees. The ref backs Almas off but Almas sweeps Truth’s legs to stomp away! Fans boo as Almas fires himself up. Almas goes corner to corner to hit CIEN SHADOWS! Cover, TWO!! Truth still lives! Almas is frustrated already that he didn’t just put Truth away. Fans rally up but Almas says the trophy will be his. Truth throws big haymakers on Almas! Almas knees back and brings Truth around for the hammerlock. Truth resists and powers Almas to a corner! Almas elbows back but the ref breaks it up. Almas goes after the bad arm for a shoulder breaker! He CHOPS Truth against the buckles, then backs off to hush the crowd. Fans boo instead.
Almas brings his knee pad down, to run in, but only get buckle! Almas tumbles out to the floor and Truth has time to recover! The ref counts and Almas checks his leg. Almas is up at 5 and in the ring at 7, but Truth throws more haymakers! Truth rocks Almas and kicks low, to suplex. Almas resists, wrenches the arm for another shoulder breaker, then whips. Truth hits the Lie Detector elbow! Truth rallies with lariats! He kicks low then runs, but into the boot feint, but they hit head to head! Cover, Truth ELIMINATES Almas?! What incredible luck! But again, there’s no time to rest, and up next for Truth is… ERICK ROWAN! If the Rocky Mountain Machine and El Idolo weren’t enough, surely the Big Red Behemoth will end Truth’s run.
R-Truth VS Erick Rowan!
Truth gives the okay, and Rowan corner splashes! Rowan scoops and slams Truth down then takes off his vest. Rowan drops elbows on Truth’s ribs, but Truth pushes him away. Truth tries to get out but Rowan clubs away on Truth at the ropes! Rowan looms over Truth then runs at the corner, but Truth boots back! And again! Truth hobbles, and dumps Rowan out! Fans fire up as Truth manages to PESCADO! Both men wipe out on the floor and a ring count begins. Truth is up and in at 3 but goes back out! He staggers over to Rowan but Rowan headbutts the arm! Truth staggers into the steel steps, and topples over the cage! Rowan’s pet!
Rowan checks on his pet and then puts it on the apron. He takes his anger out on Truth and the steel steps! Rowan refreshes the count to bring Truth up again for big headbutts! The ref reprimands Rowan as he grabs part of the steps! Rowan shouts for Truth to stand, and RAMS him with the steel steps! Rowan ELIMINATES himself!! The disqualification means Truth continues on! Rowan drags Truth up and into the ring, not satisfied! He stalks Truth and clamps on the claw! IRON CLAW SLAM!! “Don’t touch my stuff!” Rowan takes his cage and leaves, but again Truth is in bad shape. And now he must face… AJ STYLES! Will the Phenomenal One finish what is left of Truth?
R-Truth VS AJ Styles!
The ref keeps Styles back while Truth gets to his feet. Fans cheer for Styles and he soaks it up. Styles laughs at Truth, but Truth tries to throw hands. Styles dodges it, mocks Truth’s dance moves, then stomps Truth down! Fans boo as Style flosses, then stomps Truth down. Styles shows off his own dance moves and then kicks Truth down again. Truth crawls and Styles mocks him to get up. Styles dares Truth to dance now, and does the running man. Truth gets up but Styles just STOMPS him back down! Styles goes after Truth’s legs then circles Truth like a vulture. “This is MINE!”
Fans rally and duel as Styles shows off the cabbage patch and a spin. Styles is having fun mocking and kicking Truth. Styles drags Truth up and rolls him for the Calf Crusher! He’s just adding insult to injury at this point! Truth taps, Styles ELIMINATES Truth! Truth did all he could against four impressive superstars, but now it is Styles taking on the final entrant… REY MYSTERIO! The King of Lucha Libre or the Phenomenal One, who comes away with the Tuwaiq Mountain Trophy? Wait, why is Styles smiling? Where is Mysterio? The music plays again, but Mysterio still doesn’t come out. Styles’ grin is even bigger than a moment ago, because the OC are mugging Mysterio!
The Good Brothers beat down and BOOT Mysteerio just behind gorilla! Fans boo as Styles wants a mic. Styles says “Well, it doesn’t look like little Rey is going to be getting up from that.” Which must mean, by forfeit, Styles is the gauntlet champion! Raise his hand, ref! Mysterio isn’t making it. The ref refuses and Styles says he’s the worst. Styles goes to the timekeeper and tells him to ring the bell and then fetch the trophy. But the ring announcer talks with the ref because we must first have a 10 count. If no opponent appears, Styles wins the trophy. Styles counts along, and we reach 5, when someone has taken out the OC?! Gallows and Anderson just met… the DEAD MAN!?
Styles says the ref needs to finish the count now!! Fans lose their minds as the bell tolls! And it tolls, for AJ Styles! Because returning to Riyadh is… THE UNDERTAKER!! Will he make the Phenomenal Rest In Peace?!
AJ Styles VS The Undertaker!
Styles says Taker wasn’t supposed to be here! He jabs his finger at Taker, then tries to punch him! Taker grabs Styles for the CHOKE SLAM! Fans are in awe as Taker covers, and WINS!!
Winner: The Undertaker, by pinfall (WINNER of the Tuwaiq Mountain Trophy)
That is the power of the PHENOM. But will the Phenomenal want some WrestleMania revenge?
The New Day react!
“Dead Man in the house!” But it’s almost time for ya bois to do what they do. Kofi Kingston thinks on The Miz’s theme song. “I came to play?” But this ain’t no bounce house! This ain’t no mahjong, double dutch, hop scotch, patty cake! No, this is the time where the New Day shows who the better tag team is. This is when the New Day show Miz & Morrison why they’re the SEVEN time WWE tag team champions! Becaaause, NEW! DAY ROCKS!
SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The New Day VS John Morrison & The Miz!
The Guru of Greatness returned to the WWE with the start of the new decade, and now he and the A-Lister look to remind everyone why they were and are THE best tag team of the 21st century! But will they do that against the longest reigning W, W, E, World, Tag, Team CHAMPIONS in history?!
The introductions are made, Big E licks his title belt before handing it over, and the belts are raised. Teams sort out and we start with Big E and Miz.
Miz and Big E circle as fans rally with “New! Day Rocks!” Big E and Miz tie up and Big E puts Miz in a corner. The ref counts and Big E lets up. Big E waits on Miz and they tie up again. Big E wrenches and elbows Miz, and again, and again. Miz ducks the elbow to waistlock but Big E powers him right off! Big E swivels at Miz but Morrison coaches Miz up. Miz baits Big E into a corner and then hits a sucker punch! Miz clubs away on Big E then runs, into Big E’s cobra twist! Big E puts some stank on the spanks! Fans chant along as Big E shoves and elbows Miz down. Tag to Kofi and Morrison, Morrison runs into Big E’s belly2belly! Kofi leap frogs to senton onto Morrison! Cover, TWO!
Tag to Big E and Big E runs in to RAM Morrison. Kofi uses Big E for a step stool, flying ax handle! Big E clotheslines Morrison down, but Miz slides in. Big E makes Miz slide out, and Morrison baits Big E into buckles! Miz BOOTS Big E down on the outside! Morrison runs to FLY! The tornillo takes Big E out! Morrison drags Big E up and into the ring as fans actually use the “Miz ‘n’ Morrison! Hey hey! Ho ho!” chant! Morrison grounds ‘n’ pounds Big E then brings him up for big forearms. Miz tags and the two double gutbuster Big E! Miz runs to BOOT Big E down again! Cover, TWO! Miz keeps on Big E with a chinlock but fans rally. Fans cheer “Miz is Awesome!” as he cranks on Big E’s neck.
Big E fights his way up but Miz hops on. Miz is a backpack as Big E heads for Kofi, but Miz brings him away. Big E throws Miz off but Miz dropkicks the leg out! Miz mocks the New Day claps as he drags Big E up and over to the corner. Tag to Morrison but Big E fights back! Big E misses Morrison, Miz picks him up, FLYING CHUCK SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Morrison drags Big E around to stomp the leg and throw forearms. Cover, ONE, but Morrison drags Big E up. Morrison clubs and knees Big E then tags in Miz. Miz and Morrison double whip Big E corner to corner, but Big E sends Morrison out! Miz runs into the Urenag-E! Both men are down and Kofi is ready as fans rally. Big E crawls but so does Miz, hot tags to Morrison and Kofi!
Kofi springboards to ax handle and rally on Morrison! Dropkick! Kofi runs but Morrison dodges to mule kick. Morrison whips but Kofi goes up and around to flying huricanrana! Kofi runs in to DOUBLE STOMP Morrison down! Cover, TWO! Kofi Penalty Kicks then fires up, for the NEW~ DAY~ Boom Drop! Fans fire up with Kofi as he aims from a corner. Miz runs in but Kofi kicks him first and throws him out! Morrison swings, ducks Trouble in Paradise, to Alabama Slam and roll through to the SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO!! Morrison’s creativity wasn’t enough to stop Kofi, but he gets fans to join in on the chant again. “Hey hey! Ho ho! Miz ‘n’ Morrison!” Kofi stands, Morrison kicks low, but no Moonlight as Kofi turns it into SOS! Cover, TWO!!
Kofi gets back up and runs corner to corner. Morrison puts him out, Big E tags in but Morrison DECK him! Kofi grabs Morrison and Big E gets back in, enziguri to powerbomb DOUBLE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Morrison survives and Miz throws Kofi into barriers! Big E glares at Miz but gets a calf kick from Morrison! Miz tags in, he hits the basement DDT on E! Cover, TWO! Big E survives but Miz feeds off the power of the fans chanting. Miz gives Big E the It Kicks! He powers up but Big E gets up and under! Miz slips out, boots Big E and Morrison tags in! Miz hits the A-List Combination with Morrison’s STOMPS added on! Morrison goes up, for STARSHIP PAIN to FLOP! Morrison and Big E crawl, and Kofi tags in!
Kofi uses Morrison as a step stool to leap and hit Miz down! Morrison hits Kofi and back suplexes, but Kofi lands on his feet. Big E tags in as Kofi boots Morrison. Kofi inverted suplexes Morrison onto Big E’s shoulder then goes to the corner, MIDNIGHT HOUR!! Cover but Miz breaks it up!! Kofi runs in to clothesline Miz out! Kofi builds speed to FLY, but the Trust Fall FLOPS as Miz moves! Miz tags in, dodges Big E and tilt-o-whirls, into the FINALE!! Cover, TWO!?! Big E still lives!! “This is Awesome!” and far from over as Miz tries to understand how Big E survived.
Miz glares at Big E as Big E crawls to a corner. Miz throws It Kicks in the corner, then runs corner to corner for a big knee! And again for another knee! One more time, for the A-List Lariat to MISS! Big E and Miz are down but so are their tag partners! Kofi somehow returns to his corner and tags in! Kofi goes up top, Miz stands, Kofi leaps, into the full nelson! Victory roll, TWO!! Kofi O’Conner rolls, TWO, Morrison with a chair shot! The ref missed that, Miz rolls Kofi up with tights, Miz and Morrison WIN!
Winners: The Miz & John Morrison, by pinfall (NEW SmackDown Tag Team Champions)
The best tag team in the 21st century are back on top! Will the entire WWE Tag Division #BeJealous?
Backstage interview with the Raw Tag Team Champions, Seth Rollins & Murphy.
The Monday Night Messiah and his disciple face the Street Profits. What is their plan to stay champions? Why the negativity? Everyone knows how Rollins knows about that. Rollins has a lot of respect for the Profits as athletes. The problem is their moral compass is “off kilter.” Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins stand against Rollins’ vision for Raw, they stand in the way of progress, and for that they must be dealt with! But to answer the question, they don’t need a plan. It is a matter of destiny that Rollins and Murphy walk out still the Raw Tag Team Champions. And it is a matter of destiny that the threat of the Profits will be “eradicated along the way.”
Angel Garza VS Humberto Carrillo!
El Latino es en Riyadh, baby! But so is his cousin, Ultimo Ninja! Their first match in the WWE this past Monday was not enough to settle this family feud. Will a Super Showdown do the trick?
The bell rings and Carrillo circles with Garza. They tie up, break, and fans chant for “NXT! NXT!” Garza and Carrillo tie up again and Carrillo puts Garza in a corner. Garza pulls on Carrillo’s ear to back him up! Carrillo ducks Garza’s punches but Garza ducks Carrillo’s punches. Carrillo and Garza each dodge kicks, and fans cheer. Garza swings Carrillo around to whip him to the corner. Carrillo goes up and over and handsprings back to show off, and fans love it! Garza runs into a kick! And another kick! Carrillo springboards and hits a flying headbutt! Fans fire up with Carrillo as he brings Garza back up. Carrillo wristlocks and kicks Garza to then springboard flying arm-drag!
Garza bails out and Carrillo builds speed, but Garza gets under the baseball slide. Garza throws Carrillo up at the ropes but Carrillo comes back with headscissors! Carrillo goes back into the ring to then build speed and DIVE! Direct hit almost sends Garza into the front row! Carrillo climbs up onto the barriers as fans cheer, and he drops an elbow onto Garza. Carrillo puts Garza in the ring for a cover, ONE! Garza gets up but Carrillo whips him to a corner. Carrillo hits a corner clothesline, then snapmares for a basement dropkick! Cover, ONE again, but Carrillo keeps his cool. Carrillo drags Garza up and runs in, but Garza dodges to send Carrillo into buckles.
Garza runs back in as Carrillo hops up and trips him up! Garza dropkicks the legs out! Off come the pants! Garza throws them at Carrillo to PENALTY KICK him down! Garza snapmares Carrillo and brings him around to clamp on a Camel Clutch! Carrillo endures and fans rally but Garza shouts at them to “Shut up!” Garza cranks back but Carrillo powers up! Carrillo carries Garza but Garza throws him down by his hair! Garza gets Carrillo back in the clutch and cranks harder. Carrillo still endures and fans rally up again. Carrillo rolls and throws Garza out. Garza gets in to clobber Carrillo back down! Garza brings Carrillo up, back suplex but Carrillo lands on his feet to jawbreaker back! Carrillo ducks, kicks and enziguris Garza down!
Both men are down but Carrillo crawls to a corner. Garza runs in but Carrillo puts him up top. Carrillo SLAPS Garza, then runs to triangle ENZIGURI Garza down! Fans fire up with Carrillo as he somersault moonsaults! Cover, but they’re too close to the ropes. Carrillo adjusts, TWO! Garza survives thanks to the miscalculation, but Carrillo heads up top. Garza crawls after him so Carrillo stops him down. Carrillo reaches the top but Garza trips him up! Garza enziguris Carrillo in return then climbs up top. Carrillo fights back, shoves Garza but Garza rolls through. Carrillo leaps into a DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! “This is Awesome!” and far from over as both cousins are down again.
Garza gets up first and drags Carrillo around. “He’s done!” Garza underhooks but Carrillo resists, so Garza clubs him over and over. Carrillo slips out of the lift to SUPERKICK Garza in the back! Garza is on the ropes, Carrillo flounders over, but Garza SUPERKICKS back! Carrillo wobbles and Garza hobbles, but Carrillo DECKS Garza! Fans rally as Garza kangaroo kicks Carrillo! Carrillo staggers into hitting a SUNSET BOMB! Both men are down and fans rally up! Garza wipes his bloody nose as he heads for ropes. Carrillo follows after and drags Garza from the ropes. Garza holds onto the ropes so Carrillo KICKS him down! Carrillo gets caught in a cradle, TWO! SUPERKICK! Both men are down again and fans build to a rally.
Carrillo is up first and gritting his teeth. Carrillo brings Garza to a drop zone and heads up top. Fans cheer as he MOONSAULTS, and blocks the boots! Carrillo covers but Garza reverses, TWO! Carrillo has it, TWO! Garza wheelbarrows but Carrillo sits, TWO! Carrillo sunset flips but Garza sits, Garza wins!!
Winner: Angel Garza, by pinfall
That’s 2-0 for El Latino over his cousin already! Carrillo is furious, but will he ever be able to outdo Garza?
Backstage interview with SmackDown Women’s Champion, Bayley!
History is being made tonight as Bayley and Naomi are the first women to fight for a championship in Saudi Arabia. Bayley says she’s always been making history! Or has everyone just caught up? But tonight isn’t just about history. It is about beating Naomi and proving to the WWE Universe again that Bayley is SmackDown’s most dominant women’s champion ever!
Raw Tag Team Championships: Seth Rollins & Murphy VS The Street Profits!
The Monday Night Messiah and his disciple want to #BurnItDown, but Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins #WantTheSmoke. But who leaves with the gold here at Super Showdown?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we begin with Dawkins and Murphy. Murphy throws his shirt at Dawkins, but Dawkins throws it back! Dawkins SPEARS Murphy and throws fast hands! Dawkins keeps on Murphy, Ford tags in, and Dawkins whips Murphy for Ford’s dropkick! Rollins shouts at Dawkins so Dawkins drags him into the ring! The Profits both dropkick Murphy and Rollins down! Dawkins clotheslines Rollins out and Ford has Murphy with a wrench and whip. Murphy reverses but Ford goes up and over and shows off his agility. Ford dropkicks Murphy hard! Cover, ONE!
Ford keeps on Murphy but Murphy shoves him away. Murphy puts Ford on the apron but Ford ROCKS him with a right! Ford jumps Rollins’ sweep to Penalty KICK! But Murphy BLASTS Ford off the apron and Ford hits the announce desk! Rollins gets back to the corner and tags in. Rollins goes right at Ford for an apron snake eyes and then shoves him into the ring. He rains down angry rights and stomps as fans chant, “Burn It Down!” Rollins drags Ford up and bumps him off buckles. Tag to Murphy and they mug Ford. Rollins snapmares and kicks Ford, Murphy adds a kick of his own! Murphy covers, TWO, but Murphy clamps on with a chinlock. Fans chant, “We Want the Smoke!” as Ford endures.
Ford works his way up and throws elbows to get free. Murphy clubs Ford and shoves him back, but Ford boots back! Ford elbows Rollins but runs into Murphy’s arms! Ford sunset flips but Murphy slips out to meteora! Cover, TWO! Murphy drags Ford up and throws him out of the ring. Murphy taunts Dawkins and Rollins gets cheap shots in. The ref backs Murphy off and Murphy tags to Rollins. Rollins fetches Ford again to throw into barriers! Rollins puts Ford in the ring and stomps him down before he reaches Dawkins. He cranks Ford’s neck and grinds his forearm in as fans rally up. Ford fights his way up, throws body shots, but Rollins knees and throws Ford out.
Rollins distracts the ref so Murphy can whip Ford, but Ford whips Murphy into barriers instead! Rollins leaps out but misses! Ford gets away as Rollins hits barriers! Fans rally up again as Ford heads for Dawkins, only for Murphy to trip Dawkins up! Murphy throws Dawkins into barriers, and Rollins ROCKS Ford from behind! Falcon Arrow! Cover, TWO! Ford still lives and Rollins is furious. Rollins drags Ford up and over and tags in Murphy. Rollins brings Ford up, BUCKLE BOMB ENZIGURI! Cover, Dawkins breaks it in time! Murphy glares at Dawkins as he drags Ford up. Rollins tags in, but Ford escapes the double back suplex! Ford goes up and over and even lands on his feet out of the back drop! Hot tag to Dawkins!
The Curse of Greatness rallies on Rollins and Murphy! Back elbow for Rollins, dropkick for Murphy, dropkick for Rollins! Cyclone splash for Murphy! Cyclone splash for Rollins! Dawkins hits Rollins with a bulldog, and then an EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Dawkins drags Rollins over and tags Ford. Fans rally as Dawkins whips Rollins in and Ford hits a cyclone forearm. Dawkins helps Ford hit Sliced Bread! Cover, but Murphy breaks it! Dawkins gets Murphy but Murphy throws him out first. Ford kicks but Murphy blocks it to flip him. Ford lands on his feet to enziguri! Murphy goes out but Rollins rolls Ford, TWO! Ford spins Rollins around and around to enziguri!
Ford hurries up top with Rollins in the drop zone. Fans fire up for Ford’s WORLD STAR SPLASH! Cover, but Murphy drags Ford off it! Ford chases Murphy into Dawkins’ POUNCE! Murphy flies over the announce desk!! The Profits hurry to regroup and tag to Dawkins. Dawkins brings Rollins up in an Electric Chair, but Rollins slips out! Ford leaps over and Dawkins gets posted! Rollins mule kicks and throws Ford out. Murphy hurries back over to tag in. Rollins and Murphy have Dawkins but Ford LEAPS in! Rollins kicks Ford low! Both Rollins and Murphy underhook Ford and Dawkins, but no double Pedigree as the Profits slip out to DDT in stereo!
Murphy and Rollins roll out but the fans rally up. Ford builds speed to FLY! But he’s caught, and BARRIER BOMBED! Dawkins is on the apron, he LEAPS to topple them both over! Dawkins throws Murphy into barriers then SLAMS Rollins down! “This is Awesome!” as Dawkins puts Murphy back in. Rollins grabs Dawkins’ feet but Dawkins kicks him away. KNEE TRIGGER from Murphy rocks Dawkins! The ref backs Murphy off as Dawkins is in the rope, APRON STOMP from Rollins! Cover, Murphy and Rollins win!
Winners: Seth Rollins & Murphy, by pinfall (still Raw Tag Team Champions)
The Architect said they didn’t need a plan, but Rollins sure had the one in his back pocket! Is it truly inevitable that Raw and all of the WWE will follow the Monday Night Messiah’s vision?
Mansoor VS Dolph Ziggler w/ Robert Roode!
The Show-Off returns to Riyadh, having had partial success before. Ziggler didn’t win the WWE World Cup when Shane McMahon subbed in for The Miz, and he didn’t win the Greatest Royal Rumble or the biggest battle royal, either. But will he squash the streak Saudi Arabia’s hero has been on?
As they hit the ring, Roode gets in Mansoor’s face. “Show some respect!” Roode shoves Mansoor, so Mansoor shoves back! Ziggler gets upset, but Mansoor dodges the sucker punch and dropkicks Roode out! The ref tells Roode to stay out, and when Roode refuses, the ref EJECTS him! Fans say “Hey hey hey! Good-bye~!” to Roode as the bell rings.
Ziggler and Mansoor circle and tie up. They go around, Mansoor puts Ziggler in the corner but Ziggler turns it around. The ref calls for the break, but Ziggler gets a cheap shot in. Ziggler headlocks and grinds Mansoor down. Ziggler shouts “This is wrestling!” but Mansoor powers out, only for Ziggler to run him over! The Show-Off dares Mansoor to do something about it, and they tie upa gain. Ziggler wrenches and then rakes Mansoor’s face! The ref reprimands Ziggler but Mansoor wrenches back! Mansoor wrenches Ziggler around and spins him to a hammerlock then cravat and snapmare. Fans cheer the technical prowess but Ziggler fights his way up out of the chinlock.
Ziggler powers out of the headlock but Mansoor runs Ziggler over! Mansoor dares Ziggler to get up and fans fire up with him. Ziggler gets angry, and swings into Mansoor’s waistlock. Ziggler bucks him off but Mansoor wheelbarrows to moonsault! Cover, TWO! Ziggler barely gets away but gets to ropes. Ziggler elbows Mansoor away then dropkicks him down! Cover, TWO! Ziggler keeps on Mansoor to scrape his boot on Mansoor’s face. Mansoor gets to the corner and Ziggler grinds his face on the ropes! The ref reprimands Ziggler but Ziggler just flexes. Ziggler brings Mansoor out to snapmare and drop an elbow! Cover, TWO! Ziggler clamps on with a sleeper hold and body scissors and he squeezes tight.
Mansoor endures as fans rally up. Mansoor gets up, Ziggler pulls his hair and throws him down. Ziggler stalks Mansoor to the ropes and rakes the eyes! Fans boo as the ref reprimands, and Mansoor blindly swings. Ziggler scrapes his boot on Mansoor’s face again then clamps on another chinlock. Ziggler has an arm and puts Mansoor in a crossface, raking the eyes again! The ref reprimands Ziggler but Ziggler keeps Mansoor down with armlocks. “I’ll break it! Ask him!” Mansoor refuses to give up and fans keep cheering him on. Mansoor fights his way up and throws body shots! Ziggler kicks back then turns Mansoor for a neckbreaker! Cocky cover, ONE!
Ziggler stalks Mansoor to a corner and brings him corner to corner to put him into the post! Then an inverted powerslam! Cover, TWO! Mansoor survives and grits his teeth as fans rally up. Ziggler soaks up the heat as he insults Mansoor, “He’s nothing compared to me!” Ziggler brings Mansoor up and throws him at the corner, but Mansoor stops himself! Mansoor elbows and boots back! Then waistlocks, only for Ziggler to buck him off. Mansoor dodges the Famouser, Ziggler puts him on the apron, but Mansoor kicks back! Slingshot neckbreaker! Fans fire up with Mansoor as he watches Ziggler rise. Mansoor scoops, for a spinning slam! Cover, TWO!! Mansoor’s modified powerslam wasn’t enough yet, but fans are still behind him.
Mansoor goes to a corner and heads up top. Ziggler trips him up! Mansoor ends up in the Tree of Woe for just a moment, before he gets a ZIGZAG! Cover, TWO!! Mansoor still lives! Ziggler is shocked and fans are fired up! Ziggler goes to a corner and tunes up the band, which fans boo. Mansoor rises, Ziggler comes in, but Mansoor ducks the kick to spin Ziggler around! Inverted suplex but Ziggler escapes to cradle, TWO! Mansoor dodges the splash in the corner, then uses the ropes for a Sliced Bread DDT!! Fans are fired up again as Mansoor heads up top. Mansoor MOONSAULTS! Cover, Mansoor wins!
Winner: Mansoor, by pinfall
Saudi Arabia celebrates with their hero! Mansoor stands tall over a WWE Grand Slam Champion! Byron Saxton interviews Mansoor in the ring to congratulate him on the victory. Mansoor takes the mic and fans cheer as he says to Riyadh, “Thank you! Your voices carried me tonight. When I had nothing left, you picked me up and you gave me hope.”
When Mansoor stepped into the ring, Saudi Arabia showed the world they were ready for their first WWE superstar! And tonight, the WWE saw that Saudi Arabia’s superstar is here to stay! Fans tell Mansoor, “You Deserve It!” Mansoor speaks in Arabic to say that together, they’re going to the top! Will Mansoor be able to rise up the ranks in the WWE? Will he inspire many more Saudi Arabia superstars for years to come?
WWE World Championship: Brock Lesnar VS Ricochet!
When doubters ask the One and Only, “Why do you think you’re the one to beat The Beast?” Ricochet counters with, “Why not me?” Who is to say a miracle can’t happen on the Road to WrestleMania? He knows this is the reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World. He knows many laugh at him for thinking he has a chance. But people have underestimated Ricochet his entire life. He was too small, he wouldn’t make it to the WWE, he would never be a champion. Yet he wasn’t, he did, and he has. Will Ricochet be champion again against The Beast, BRRROCK, LESNARRR?
The introductions are made, with Heyman of course giving Lesnar’s, making sure everyone understands the winner goes on to face Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania! Therefore, this isn’t a prediction but a SPOILER, it will be “YOUR reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World, BRRROCK! LESNARRR!” With that, the belt is raised, and this match of miracle or inevitable begins.
Ricochet rushes Lesnar with a dropkick but Lesnar swats it down! Lesnar clubs away on Ricochet and then hauls him up for a suplex SLAM! Ricochet crawls but gets a GERMAN SUPLEX! That’s the first. Lesnar stalks Ricochet to a corner, yanks him right up and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Fans chant for “Suplex City!” as that’s the second. Lesnar stalks Ricochet again as Ricochet wobbles. A THIRD German Suplex! Lesnar kicks at Ricochet as he looms over him. Lesnar drags Ricochet right up, for an F5!! Cover, Lesnar wins!
Winner: Brock Lesnar, by pinfall (still WWE World Champion)
The Beast made sure Ricochet never stood a chance of even standing up in this match. But now, Lesnar moves on to face Drew McIntyre. Will Suplex City still be standing when it arrives in Claymore Country?
Steel Cage Match: Baron Corbin VS Roman Reigns!
The Lone Wolf and the Big Dog had issues with each other long before Corbin was crowned King of the Ring. But it only escalated when Corbin was emboldened by his “regal” authority. The war between the King’s Court and the Samoan Bloodline defined much of this Winter. But all things must come to an end, and one side will stand tall. Will Corbin or Roman leave the other down and out inside the steel cage?
The cage lowers as Corbin makes his entrance on his royal sedan. Corbin has a ref remove his robe to reveal he has chain mail on! Roman makes his entrance, and he has a chain! The Big Dog stares the Wolf King down as the door opens. Corbin backs off so Roman can enter, and Roman uses that chain and a lock to keep the door shut! That’s one option out the window already! Corbin blindsides Roman just as the lock is put in place! The ref backs Corbin off and the bell rings, and Corbin corner clotheslines Roman! Corbin throws big body shots and then grabs for the key in Roman’s pocket! Roman resists so Corbin clubs and throws Roman into steel! Corbin grinds Roman’s face into the steel, then throws him across the way.
Corbin ditches the door to climb up the wall. It seems Corbin doesn’t want to end Roman as badly as we thought. Roman hurries after Corbin and clubs him back down. Roman then hops up to be on top but Corbin grabs at him. Corbin headbutts Roman but Roman elbows back. Roman keeps clubbing Corbin and Corbin tumbles down. Roman adjusts but Corbin climbs back up after him! Corbin gets Roman in position but Roman fight soff the bomb! Roman punches Corbin until he lets go and flops down. Roman drops down and turns around to leap for a big ax handle! Cover, TWO! Corbin staggers to the corner but Roman is on him as fans rally up.
Roman gives Corbin point-blank clotheslines! Roman gets 5 before Corbin shoves him away, but Roman BOOTS him back! And finishes up by giving him another 10! Roman locks and loads, but Corbin blocks the punch! Corbin lifts but Roman slips out of the choke slam, to run into DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO! Corbin is frustrated but fans are fired up for Roman. Corbin searches Roman’s pants for the key! Roman keeps Corbin from grabbing it and throws forearms on Corbin! Corbin shoves and catches Roman’s boot for the CHOKE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! A close call and both men are down from exhaustion. Corbin goes searching again, and finds the key! Corbin heads for the door, fumbles around with the lock, and gets it unlocked! But Roman RAMS into Corbin!
Corbin elbows Roman over and over and over, then staggers back to the door. Corbin takes the chain off, pulls out the lock pin, but Roman is on him again! Roman drags Corbin from the door, so Corbin throws body shots. Corbin rains down rights and then shouts for the refs to open the door. The ref obliges as Corbin punches Roman more. Fans rally for Roman as Corbin punches him more. Roman anchors Corbin’s foot as he tries to leave! Corbin grabs the ropes and gets free of Roman’s grip! But Roman hurries to SLAM the door shut on Corbin! Roman SUPERMAN- NO! CHOKE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Roman survives and Corbin grows frustrated.
Corbin grabs the chain Roman brought, and wraps it around his fist. Roman stirs as Corbin completes his steel knuckles. Corbin shouts for Roman to “Get up!” as he takes aim. Roman slowly stands, Corbin locks ‘n’ loads, but Roman SUPERMAN PUNCHES! Cover, TWO!! Both men are down and fans cheer, “This is Awesome!” Corbin gasps and sputters while he and Roman slowly sit up. Corbin goes to the steel wall and starts climbing. Roman hurries over and grabs at Corbin. Corbin elbows Roman right down! Corbin climbs up higher but Roman hurries to pursue. Roman catches up and pulls on Corbin. The two are up top and brawling!
Corbin bumps Roman off the steel but Roman throws haymakers back. They punch back and forth while also holding onto the top. Corbin then Roman then back again. Roman gets the edge and he forces Corbin to go back inside. Roman goes outside! Corbin grabs onto Roman’s vest to pull him back up and in! Corbin keeps Roman from escaping but Roman punches back. Now they brawl while on the top rope! Corbin bounces Roman off the steel! Roman flounders down, but trips Corbin up! The royal jewels hit the rope! SUPERMAN PUNCH! And another SUPERMAN PUNCH! Roman has the chain for himself now, and he wraps it around his fist! Fans fire up as Roman reloads to hit a FULL METAL SUPERMAN PUNCH! Cover, Roman wins!
Winner: Roman Reigns, by pinfall
The Big Dog defeats the Wolf King once more, and once and for all! Will Roman move on to bigger and better as the Road to WrestleMania reaches the home stretch?
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Bayley VS Naomi!
History is being made thanks to the WWE! For the first time ever, a women’s championship is being defended in Saudi Arabia! But will it be a historic defense for Bad Bayley? Or will it be a historic title change as we all #FeelTheGlow?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and the Women’s (R)Evolution’s newest chapter begins!
Naomi stares Bayley down and fans rally for Naomi. Bayley says she’s the champion, they should be cheering her! Naomi and Bayley circle and tie up, and they go around until Naomi gets a headlock. Bayley powers out but Naomi runs her over! Naomi stares Bayley down but Bayley trips her up to get the headlock! Bayley mocks the fans cheering for Naomi, but Naomi gets up to power out. Naomi runs Bayley over again! Things speed up, Bayley boots but Naomi ducks to come back with an uppercut! Naomi whips but Bayley reverses, only for Naomi to go up and kick Bayley away! Naomi keeps moving, split leg drop! Cover, TWO!
Bayley gets away to a corner as fans sing. Naomi waits and Bayley comes back to tie up. Bayley kicks low, wrenches and elbows Naomi’s arm, and cranks on the armlock. Fans rally but Bayley jams Naomi’s arm to then wrench it again. Naomi fights up to handspring and spin to trip Bayley and BOOT her down! The a leg drop! Cover, TWO! Naomi looms over Bayley and fans chant “Feel The Glow!” Bayley tries to run but Naomi grabs an arm. Bayley gets in the ropes, then laces Naomi’s arm in the ropes. The ref counts as Bayley pulls. Bayley lets up at 4, Naomi mule kicks and runs to huricanrana! Naomi eggs the champ on as Bayley bails out. So Naomi FLIES! The tornillo takes Bayley out and fans fire up!
Naomi drags Bayley up and fans chant, “This is Awesome!” Bayley blocks the roundhouse and chokes Naomi against the ropes. The ref counts, Bayley lets up and she elbows Naomi down! Bayley goes out to grab Naomi and throw her into barriers! The ref reprimands Bayley then starts a ring count, but Bayley drags Naomi up and in. Cover, TWO! Bayley seethes as she circles Naomi. Bayley bumps Naomi off buckles and stomps a mudhole! The ref counts, Bayley stops at 4 to then grind her boot into Naomi. Bayley drags Naomi around into a chinlock and grinds Naomi down. Fans rally up and Naomi fights her way up. Naomi elbows back and throws body shots to back Bayley down. Bayley pushes Naomi away and denies the flip to LARIAT! Cover, TWO!
Bayley grows frustrated as she stalks Naomi to a corner. Bayley drags Naomi up to snap suplex. Cover, TWO! Bayley clamps back on with a chinlock but Naomi endures. Naomi fights her way up but Bayley knees her in the back. Bayley puts the lock back on and keeps Naomi from ropes. Fans keep signing and cheering as Naomi fights her way up. Naomi throws elbows but Bayley puts her in the corner. Bayley rams her shoulder into Naomi and again. Bayley somersaults back, wacky waving, but she runs into Naomi’s elbow! Naomi’s boots are blocked but she enziguris back! Naomi sends Bayley into buckles then rallies with a clothesline and dropkick! Running jawbreaker and a sliding SLAP!
Bayley swings but Naomi dodges, to springboard enziguri! Naomi runs in but is put on the apron. She roundhouses Bayley, and springboard crossbodies! Cover, TWO! Bayley gets up but Naomi rolls and rolls her up, TWO! Butterfly chicken wing! Bayley gets the ropebreak with a foot! Naomi lets go but Naomi kicks the legs. Bayley ducks the enziguri, drags Naomi up, but Naomi scorpion kicks! And kangaroo boots! But Naomi runs into BAYLEY2BELLY! Cover, TWO!! Bayley couldn’t end it with her old finish, but fans again say, “This is Awesome!”
Bayley drags Naomi up and throws forearms. Naomi hits back, then ducks to full nelson. Bayley spins out to chop block! Cover, TWO! Bayley stalks Naomi to kick the leg! Then she stomps away on it! Bayley drags Naomi up, for a SAIDO suplex! Bayley grins as fans boo and jeer. She drags Naomi up again for another Saido, but Naomi lands on her feet! Naomi fights Bayley off but Bayley KNEES her in the corner! Bayley puts Naomi in the drop zone and climbs up top. Naomi gets up to enziguri! Bayley tumbles down, Naomi goes up, SPLIT LEG FLOPS! Bayley drags Naomi into the Queen Angelito, using the shirt to tuck her leg in! Then, ROSE PLANT! Cover, Bayley wins!
Winner: Bayley, by pinfall (still SmackDown Women’s Champion)
Bayley uses the wardrobe code to her advantage and she keeps her title! Who will move up next to challenge the “role model” at WrestleMania?
WWE Universal Championship: The Fiend VS Goldberg!
Bray Wyatt tried getting the icon to succumb to his mind games and intimidation, but none of it worked. If anything, it backfired as he left himself open to a Spear! Will Goldberg get to give The Fiend another one of those to take this title? Or will the nightmare reign continue all the way to WrestleMania?
The introductions are made, the Fiend’s custom belt is raised, and this showdown of generational talents begins!
Fans duel between “YOWIE WOWIE!” and “GOLD~BERG!” as the two stare down. Goldberg doesn’t look away but The Fiend seems to wonder who will make the first move. The Fiend takes his jacket off, and Goldberg SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! The point blank impact wasn’t enough and Goldberg is shocked! The Fiend sits up and clamps on the MANDIBLE CLAW! Goldberg fights against the killer grip of The Fiend and backs him into a corner. The Fiend shoves Goldberg away, but gets another SPEAR! Goldberg watches Fiend flounder up, to SPEAR AGAIN! Three spears but Goldberg isn’t done! Goldberg waits for The Fiend to rise again, and hits A FOURTH! Cover, TWO!?! The Fiend survives FOUR Goldberg Spears!! Goldberg is growing frustrated, not even Brock Lesnar survived one!
The Fiend sits up again! And clamps the Mandible Claw on again! Goldberg fights against the grasp but The Fiend keeps him on his knees! Goldberg is gagging but he refuses to be defeated! He powers up and headbutts The Fiend! And throws knees! Goldberg brings The Fiend in, for the JACKHAMMER! Cover, Goldberg wins!?!
Winner: Goldberg, by pinfall (NEW WWE Universal Champion)
And magically, the blue strap appears! Goldberg is back on top as a two-time Universal Champion! But the Fiend is back up!? The Fiend hasn’t been truly defeated, and Goldberg seems to sense that. The lights go down while The Fiend is furious, and then when the lights come up, The Fiend is gone. Goldberg reigns now, but will the nightmare return to end his dreams?
My Thoughts:
Everyone always dreads these WWE Saudi Arabia events for one reason or another, but this one was actually pretty good. Obviously, the one big surprise of the night closed the night, and that was Goldberg winning the Universal Championship. I did NOT expect that particular trigger to be pulled given how many fans still love The Fiend and the WWE seemed so strongly behind him. At the same time, the shock factor alone gets a lot of buzz, and maybe some heat, but there are plenty of fans that still love Goldberg. With no rematch clauses, it doesn’t seem like Bray is getting back to the title by Mania. Perhaps we are getting a tale of two Spears now. Roman obviously was going to beat Corbin, and that match was alright for another cliche WWE style cage match, but this clearly signals that Roman is back in the title scene.
The only other surprise was the UNDERTAKER becoming a part of the Tuwaiq Trophy Gauntlet match and WINNING it! R-Truth got a lot of great shine in that match, even if one win was a fluke and the other was Rowan disqualifying himself. But everyone loves Truth, except for those without joy in their hearts, so it was great he got to do as much as he did. Taker showing up clearly sets up Taker VS Styles, so I hope we also get to see the trophy at Mania for Styles to claim he’ll be winning it back in their match. He probably won’t but it makes for good story.
But as I said, no real surprises tonight. Really good matches and Riyadh was really into it all, but we all could guess the outcomes easily. The title change was expected, Miz & Morrison are going to have a great championship run after having such a great match with The New Day. Rollins & Murphy retain because, if Samoa Joe could stop being suspended and injured, I feel like Kevin and Joe would take the titles at Mania. At the same time, The OC and the Viking Raiders are still strong in the Raw Tag Division, so maybe there can be one huge tag title match for Mania. Bayley retains to likely set up Lacey Evans as an almost as obvious challenger as Shayna Baszler is to Becky Lynch, with a Women’s Chamber match just to disguise it.
Garza VS Carrillo felt like filler but in a way, so was Lesnar VS Ricochet. I honesty thought Ricochet would last longer than that, but it was inevitable with Lesnar VS McIntyre such a huge match for WrestleMania. Mansoor had a really good match with Ziggler. While he is becoming the de facto poster boy of this WWE Saudi Arabia deal, he is at least showing actual talent in the ring and on the mic. I really do hope they give Mansoor more to do in the ring on things like NXT or 205 Live, or else this will be all he is in the WWE.
My Score: 8.3/10
