[Cena] Then…
-[Ric] Whoo! -[The Rock] If you smell…
-[bell tolls] -[Cena] Now…
[Triple H] The King of Kings!
[Cena] You can't see me.
[Cena] …forever…
[WWE theme music plays]
…together.
[narrator] In this kingdom of castles,
here in Wales,
where history prevails
and beauty transcends,
something unimaginable has come alive.
[footsteps approaching]
Sons and daughters,
the time has come
to ignite
the fires within,
to fight.
Who here will be valiant?
[creature growling]
Who now will be strong?
For the clash of a lifetime has begun.
[growling]
[laughing]
Heed the call.
♪ The moment of truth We gon' see what you're really 'bout ♪
[Riddle] Bro.
♪ Put my back against the wall I'm fighting my way out ♪
♪ If it's on, then it's on No place for a time-out ♪
[Shayna] I am going to tear you apart, limb by limb.
[narrator] Prepare to storm.
[woman] You think you know me.
♪ Hey I'm on the edge And I'm fighting for my life ♪
[Priest] Face your judgment day!
♪ Pay the price ♪
♪ We all in the hood, eatin' right ♪
[Corey] This is all about dominance in the women's division.
You take it by force.
[narrator] And on for battle.
[Roman] This is my WWE.
One man carries his company on his back.
The Tribal Chief, The Head of the Table.
[Drew] Somebody has to take that title off the part-time champion.
There is not a man alive
that Drew McIntyre cannot tear apart.
You are just a man.
[Roman] Drew McIntyre, acknowledge me!
♪ Whoo! ♪
♪ You know the crowd is ready ♪
♪ Get loud already ♪
For three decades, the WWE Universe in the UK
and all of Europe have been begging for an event of this magnitude.
[Corey] Ask, and you shall receive.
♪ Whoo, whoo ♪
♪ You know the crowd is ready ♪
[narrator] For the first time in Cardiff, Wales,
this is Clash at the Castle.
[presenter] And now, live from Cardiff, Wales.
WWE presents Clash at the Castle.
-[song playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] It's been 30 long years, but, UK, we are back with a vengeance.
You are looking live at the beautiful Principality Stadium
in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom.
Over 60,000 WWE fans are packed inside
for Clash at the Castle.
[Bianca Belair's theme song playing]
[bell ringing]
[announcer] The following is a Six-Woman Tag Team Match
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, the Knoxville, Tennessee.
She is the RAW Women's Champion,
Bianca Belair!
Ladies and gentlemen, from Sandy Orford to El Bandido,
Orig Williams. To the British Bulldog. Big Daddy.
How about Giant Haystacks?
UK wrestling is alive and well here tonight at Clash at the Castle.
Michael Cole from SmackDown, Corey Graves, Byron Saxton from Monday Night RAW.
How jacked are you guys for tonight?
[Corey] The atmosphere in Cardiff has been indescribable since we touched down.
Cardiff is ready. The UK is ready. Are you ready?
[Alexa Bliss' theme music playing]
[crowd cheering]
[announcer] Next, from Columbus, Ohio,
Alexa Bliss!
[Saxton] And what a hot way to kick things off
here at Clash at the Castle.
Six-Woman Tag Team Match.
And it's all about control in the RAW Women's Division.
[Cole] Issues that have been brewing since SummerSlam
will come to a head here in a matter of moments.
Alexa Bliss teaming with the RAW Women's Champion tonight,
Bianca Belair, part of the Six-Woman Tag Team Match.
Byron, one of the things that Bayley has said
is she's here to fix all the damage
that has been causing the Women's Division when Bayley was out for over a year.
[Saxton] Well, Bayley thinks the Women's Division
has been running in place in her absence.
But superstars like Bianca Belair, like Alexa Bliss say,
"Hey, we were holding it down just fine without you."
[Asuka's theme song playing]
[announcer] And their tag team partner
from Osaka, Japan,
Asuka!
[Cole] Corey, you know the history of these three women very well.
Did you ever think that Bianca, Alexa, and Asuka
would be this effective of a tag team?
[Corey] Well, ultimately, it's been a union of necessity.
All three have thrived in their solo careers.
All three women holding singles championships.
Can they coexist as a unit?
We caught a glimpse this past week on RAW,
and yes, they were impressive.
But Bayley, Dakota Kai, and IYO SKY live, breathe, travel together.
[Saxton] There's a very personal aspect to this match,
especially for Asuka, Bianca Belair, and Alexa Bliss.
All their accomplishments, everything they've done in this division,
and all that is trying to be discarded by Bayley and company.
[Corey] I think it all boils down to trust
because if you're Bianca Belair, you are well aware.
You are a walking target for every woman in the division,
even the two women on your team tonight.
[Cole] It is six o'clock here in Cardiff, Wales,
hence the sun still being up.
The sunset's very late here as well,
as we take a look at the first match
to kick us off here tonight at Clash at the Castle.
[Corey] Saxton, you should go outside. Keep us updated on the sun.
-[Cole] Great idea. -[Saxton] You guys need me here.
[Cole] Looks like a weatherman.
[Corey] Looks like the drapes at my grandmother's house.
[Saxton] You must have a wonderful grandmother.
[Damage CTRL's theme song playing]
[announcer] And their opponents,
the team of Dakota Kai, IYO SKY and Bayley!
[Cole] A very confident group led by Bayley.
I want to take you guys back to late July, Nashville, Tennessee, SummerSlam.
Bianca Belair celebrating a hard-fought win
where she retained the RAW Women's Championship,
when for the first time in over a year,
Bayley would return.
[Corey] But Bayley would not return alone.
We would witness the shocking return,
arrival of Dakota Kai, and moments later, IYO SKY.
[Saxton] This was a loud, in-your-face message
to the RAW Women's Champion
that Bayley, Dakota and IYO
want to run things from now on.
[Corey] Control is the name of the game, but notice how Bayley, Dakota and IYO
made their entrances together as a team, as a unit.
-That's got to give them the upper hand. -[Cole] And remember the story here, guys.
IYO and Dakota beat Alexa and Asuka
in the first round of the Women's Tag Team Championship Tournament,
and then this past Monday on RAW, Alexa, Asuka and Bianca
probably cost Dakota and IYO the tag titles.
[Saxton] And personally, I think there's added pressure
on Bayley, IYO and Dakota
because Bayley assumed they'd be entering this match
with the tag team titles in their possession.
Now you've already had one hiccup. If you have another one here tonight,
what does that do to your momentum going forward on Monday Night RAW?
[Cole] Great point, Byron. As back…
Bayley looks to rally the troops.
Dakota and IYO look very confident tonight.
The RAW Women's Champion, Bianca Belair,
who has been so dominant since beating Becky Lynch at WrestleMania,
will start things off against Bayley in this match tonight.
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
[Corey] Strong contingent of Bayley fans here in Cardiff,
and Bayley making no uncertain terms.
"I don't need you."
[Saxton] I think it should be very flattering.
[chanting continues]
Shut up!
[Cole] And Bayley went right after Asuka with a right hand
and extremely upset here.
And now Bianca with a cheap shot of her own to IYO.
[Saxton] Yeah, let's go.
[Cole] And now Dakota and IYO in, as well as Alexa and Asuka.
[indistinct conversation]
-[Corey] Oh, my! -[Saxton] Oof, oof!
[Corey] That's the aggression we need to see from this.
Good luck, referee Shawn Bennett,
because this is going to be an all-out war here tonight.
[Saxton] And losing complete control at the start of the matchup.
[Cole] And we're back to Bianca and Bayley,
the two legal women and a shoulder tackle by Bianca to start things off.
The woman who's won the Royal Rumble, the RAW
and SmackDown Women's Championships, Bianca Belair, in control.
[Corey] This is a smart strategy by Belair's team.
You want to cut the head off the snake, so to speak.
You want to go to the leader, take out Bayley.
[crowd cheering]
[Saxton] Going back to your days on Friday Night SmackDown,
a heated rivalry last year
between Belair and Bayley.
[Cole] Dakota and IYO get involved
and turn the tables for their mentor, Bayley.
-[woman] Hey! -Yeah!
[Cole] And now Alexa Bliss back into the frame with her right hand.
[Corey] Dakota just got rocked.
[Cole] Dakota Kyle looked a little weak in the knees after Bliss connected.
[Corey] Double-team incoming.
[Cole] And now Asuka back in the ring.
There has been no control at all in this match since the beginning.
[Saxton] In a match that's all about control, ironically enough.
[Corey] Uh-oh!
[Cole] What the hell is going to happen here?
-[Corey] A triple suplex! -[Cole] Oh, my goodness!
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Bianca, Asuka and Alexa.
[screams]
[Corey] Bianca with some more tricks.
[Cole] And Bianca with a moonsault!
And here's the cover, and Bayley kicks out.
She actually pinned all three members of Bayley's team.
[Corey] IYO SKY had to get to work in that exchange,
taking both of Bianca's knees on the impact.
[Saxton] Bayley, Dakota Kai, IYO SKY getting a little overwhelmed here.
[Cole] Now Bayley needs to regroup is what--
You need to shut the hell up right now!
Guys, I think she said to cheer louder.
I think Bayley said, "Cheer louder."
[Corey] You are the dirt worst, Cole.
This woman's out here trying to compete
in one of the biggest matches of her career,
and you're looking to derail her,
by proxy, nonetheless.
[Cole] Remember, Bayley's only had, what, one match
since she returned from injury?
[Saxton] One match, and this is the first time
Bayley's actually teamed up with Dakota Kai and IYO SKY.
[Cole] And tag made, and here comes IYO SKY.
You know, interesting note.
Did you guys realize that IYO SKY once had a faction
which included her sister Mio and Asuka
in Japan, known as Triple Tails, a decade ago?
[Corey] I was not aware of that.
[Cole] IYO and Asuka crossing paths again here tonight, a decade later.
Oh, and a slap by Alexa.
IYO, taking a little bit too much time.
[Corey] IYO said to Alexa, Alexa did not appreciate.
[Cole] This place is electric tonight.
Bliss puts on the brakes.
[IYO screams]
And making IYO SKY suffer,
Bliss now pounding SKY face-first into the mat.
Alexa Bliss, two-time Tag Team Champion.
She's the first SmackDown Women's Champion.
Oh, and knees to the midsection.
That right there's classic Bliss.
And here's the cover now on IYO. Hook of the leg, and a kick-out.
Alexa Bliss also won the RAW Women's Championship,
Money in the Bank, Elimination Chamber, stellar career for Bliss.
[Saxton] Let's look at that tag to Asuka, IYO SKY with other plans.
[Cole] And off the waistlock, Bliss.
This is wildly-- Tag made, here comes Bayley.
Now Bayley and Bliss.
And again, the WWE fans…
[Saxton] Bayley's got to get control of her emotions here.
[Cole] All over Bayley.
But she's not taking it kindly.
Tag. Here comes Dakota Kai.
Dakota, two-time NXT Tag Team Champion.
Wrestled all over the world, including Japan and Australia.
Another tag made to Bayley.
[Corey] We often talk about superstars with educated hands and feet.
When it comes to Dakota Kai, her feet have a PhD.
-She is absolutely lethal. -[Cole] And a team kick.
And here comes Asuka, the Empress of Tomorrow.
Double-teamed now with Bliss.
And Asuka, face-first goes Bayley.
[Saxton] Continued strong tag-team continuity
between Alexa Bliss, Asuka and Belair.
[Cole] Number-one trend in the United States.
#WWECastle.
Hope you're enjoying your Saturday afternoon with us
if you're watching stateside or morning in the West Coast.
Now Bayley back in control, but a waistlock by Asuka.
IYO SKY makes the tag.
And here comes IYO and Asuka.
[Corey] Bayley from behind.
[Cole] Asuka with a missile dropkick.
[Saxton] Now here comes IYO!
[Cole] Oh, the genius of the sky!
Flying and takes the Empress down.
[Saxton] Oh, I'm not sure this is a wise decision, IYO.
Bayley disrespecting Asuka. And Asuka responds with force.
[Cole] Oh, and look at IYO. And a roll-up by Asuka.
Sweet move there! And a kick-out.
IYO SKY.
[Corey] Back kick takes down Asuka.
[Cole] Started wrestling as a 16-year-old in Japan.
Competed in Mexico as well.
Tag made. Here comes Dakota.
What are you making of the team so far, Corey?
[Corey] Bayley, IYO, and Dakota have done a reasonably decent job
of cutting the ring in half,
which is ultimately the goal in any tag scenario.
-Cover. -[Cole] Tag again by Dakota.
The cover and a kick-out.
[Corey] Not allowing Asuka anywhere near Bianca Belair
or Alexa Bliss in her own corner.
Got to isolate one opponent
and dismantle them systematically.
No! No!
[Corey] Bliss and Belair were talking strategy moments ago.
They realized that Asuka's in trouble and needs to make a tag.
[Cole] And Dakota doing a great job isolating Asuka
from her partner's tag again.
And here comes the self-proclaimed role model, Bayley.
[Corey] And who wants no part of being legal.
[Cole] Bayley simply refusing to perform for the sheep.
[Corey] Yep, exactly.
[Cole] At this stage of her career--
[all exclaim]
[Saxton] Why is Bayley so concerned about what the fans are saying,
-what the fans are-- -[Cole] Here's the cover.
Hook of the leg, and a kick-out.
[Corey] Some questions aren't meant to be answered, Saxton.
How come you're, like, 50 and still single?
[Cole] Here we go now. Again, IYO SKY!
[Corey] Double knees to the collarbones of Asuka.
[Cole] Now Bayley trying to prevent Asuka from making a tag.
Tag, jump down or out, okay?
[Corey] Both women reaching.
[Saxton] Bayley with the slight edge there.
[Cole] Tag again. And Asuka trying to fight out of it.
Bayley sent through the ropes. Tag made. Here comes Alexa Bliss.
Dakota, I believe, is legal, right?
[Saxton] I think you're right. Alexa focusing on Bayley on the outside.
[Cole] And now the legal woman Dakota Kai
sends Bliss into the barricade!
-[referee] Four! -Nice, nice.
[Cole] That was smart strategy by Dakota Kai.
[Saxton] And you do have to credit the knowledge
that Bayley has imparted upon Dakota Kai and IYO SKY
over years of championship experience.
[Corey] Well, you're right, Byron,
but you also got to respect the background of Dakota Kai, of IYO SKY,
as we take another look at the athleticism of Alexa Bliss.
[Cole] And that wasn't all, Corey.
Dakota Kai, who, again, is legal, would drive Bliss into the barricade.
[Corey] As far as time spent, Dakota Kai has paid her dues all over the globe.
Kai may be relatively new to Monday Night RAW,
but she is far from a rookie.
[Cole] Beautiful suplex to Bliss, floats into the cover,
hook to the leg, and a kick-out by Alexa.
[Corey] The same with IYO SKY.
I mentioned before, she started at a young age,
performed all over the world.
Extremely dominant NXT Women's Champion in her own right.
Held the title for over 300 days.
As Bliss is sent into the corner.
And Dakota and IYO and Bayley having their way
with Bliss and company right now.
This is exactly what the game plan had to look like.
Cut the ring in half, isolate somebody, and destroy them.
-[Cole] And don't let Bianca in. -[Corey] Agreed.
You want to avoid the game-changing power of the RAW Women's Champion.
[Cole] Slowing the pace.
Bliss able to put the brakes on for the moment.
Defiantly Alexa Bliss trying to fight off the plans that IYO SKY has.
Now Alexa Bliss with the upper hand, delivering the forearms to IYO SKY.
[Corey] Maybe it's the atmosphere, but IYO SKY--
-[Cole] Oh! -Oh, my goodness.
Looked a little uncertain for a moment, usually sure-footed inside the ring.
The litany of factors coming into play, but right now, IYO in control once again.
[Cole] There's a ton of pressure here tonight, Corey.
[Corey] Face-first goes Bliss. It's overwhelming.
You walk out of that entranceway,
and you see 60,000-plus rabid members of the WWE Universe.
-It's hard not to be overwhelmed. -[Cole] Here's the cover.
Shoulders down, and a kick-out.
I mean, this has been the talk of the town for weeks,
and the last couple of days, it was a fever pitch here in downtown Cardiff.
You could not go anywhere without people talking about Clash at the Castle,
wanting to see their favorite superstars standing outside the hotel,
looking to just get a photograph.
And now you're the first match of the night. Think about that.
First time in over 30 years we've had a stadium show
here in the United Kingdom.
To the credit of IYO SKY, Dakota Kai and Bayley,
on this stage, this high-pressure stage, they're delivering right now.
We saw the dominance over Asuka earlier,
and now we're seeing the same with Alexa Bliss.
Hey, hey, hey!
[Cole] Bliss trying desperately to try to fight back in this.
[Corey] Ooh! Jawbreaker.
[Cole] Tag, Dakota Kai's legal.
Oh, and Bliss.
Caught IYO with an elbow.
[Corey] Whoa, look at this.
Again, Bliss had no--
[Cole] Yeah, IYO's not the legal woman, and this woman is Dakota Kai!
-[Corey] Good night, Ms. Bliss. -[Cole] Cover by Dakota.
Is it enough to put Bliss away?
Bliss kicks it, too, and here's the situation, Corey.
Bayley and company have outsmarted…
Bianca and her team since the beginning of this match.
[Corey] It all comes down to chemistry.
We mentioned it during the entrances.
Bayley, SKY, and Kai as we look again
at Bliss delivering a sunset flip powerbomb
and then nearly having the features kicked off her face by Dakota Kai.
Bayley and crew are a team in every sense of the word.
Bayley made sure that Dakota and IYO arrived at SummerSlam with her.
Bayley is taking responsibility for their successes and their failures.
-[Cole] Ooh! -[Corey] This truly is a team.
The other is a collection of very talented individuals.
[Cole] And Dakota sent flying by Bliss,
and now Alexa understands this is her opportunity
to tag in the RAW Women's Champion.
[Saxton] Going to fire it up. RAW Women's Champion dying to tag!
[Cole] Oh, and Bayley doesn't allow the tag to happen.
[Corey] Well, they're at a decision to make, decided to focus on tagging--
[all exclaim]
[Cole] And now Bayley.
You see, moments ago, Bayley seemed to be feigning injury.
And then she took advantage once Belair was taken down!
[Saxton] Once again, an opening for Bliss.
[Cole] And here's Asuka!
[Saxton] Asuka going up top.
[Corey] Here comes IYO.
[Cole] Oh, and the missile dropkick from the top rope!
IYO SKY's taken down. And now blasting Dakota off the apron.
Bayley now gonna suffer the fate-- Shoulder tackle.
[Corey] Asuka right now like a force of nature.
Asuka understanding the desperate need to shift the momentum in this matchup!
[Saxton] Oh!
[Cole] Knee caught IYO SKY in the back. Couple of backhands.
Kick to the midsection. Asuka coming from all directions.
German suplex!
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Sliding kick rocks IYO.
[Cole] And a cover by Asuka for the win in this match,
and both Bayley and Dakota breaking things up.
[Saxton] Alexa Bliss back in the mix. Turning her attention to Dakota Kai. Oof!
[referee] What are you doing? Get out of here, Dakota! Come on.
[Cole] And now, oh, Bayley-to-Belly!
Delivered to Bliss.
[referee] Get out. Come on. This one needs to be outside.
These two in the ring here.
[IYO] Yeah!
[Corey] IYO looking for a kick. Asuka sensed it coming.
[Cole] Oh, wow! What a kick to the side of the face.
[Corey] Stopped the second one. Here comes the tag and the role model.
[Cole] And Bayley is legal.
[Saxton] This could be a prime opportunity for Bayley to put this thing away.
[referee] Where are you going, IYO? Come on.
[Cole] A double team now.
IYO up over the top.
And Bayley with a running clothesline.
Stacks up Asuka for the victory, and a kick-out.
[Corey] We've seen multiple tag-team maneuvers
from SKY, Kai and Bayley,
not so much from the opposition.
Just goes to show you that they're functioning
on a different level as a team, as a unit.
The other issue right now is that both Bianca Belair
and Alexa Bliss have been taken out of the mix.
-Asuka's all alone. -[Cole] Oh!
And Bayley doesn't quite know where she's at.
Asuka trying to drag herself to the corner
and tag in Bianca Belair, and she does.
And here comes the RAW Women's Champion.
And Bianca Belair into the ring, and the pace is gonna pick up.
[Saxton] Belair able to recover just in time now
and give her team a chance.
[Cole] Hip-up by Belair
is burying her shoulders into Bayley's midsection.
And this is the pace Belair wanted.
Up over the top. What an athlete.
[Bayley screams]
[Cole] Oh, a spinebuster just planting Bayley.
Standing moonsault, cover for the win.
Hooks the leg. Is it enough? And a kick-out by Bayley at two.
Bianca thought that was it.
[Corey] If you're Bianca Belair, you need to keep your foot on the gas pedal.
This is the most momentum her team has had,
arguably, since the outset of this match.
[Saxton] The momentum just got stunted as Bayley tags in Dakota Kai.
[Cole] And now Dakota will try her fair over the RAW Women's Champion.
[groans]
Dakota's legal. I gotta count her. Come on.
Belair placing Bayley on the top rope.
[Cole] And you hear the official, Shawn Bennett,
is gonna count the legal woman,
which is Dakota, who's back into the ring now.
[Corey] Great wherewithal by Belair.
[Cole] And now Kai sending to IYO SKY.
-Train wreck there at ringside. -[Corey] Crash landing.
-Bianca is-- -[Saxton] Oh, oh, oh.
[Cole] Oh, and Bayley now…
tying Belair up with her own braid.
[Saxton] Now Alexa Bliss, Asuka back in the mix.
[Corey] They're basing on Bianca's back.
[Saxton] What the--
-Hardly unique, but-- -[Cole] Superplex!
[crowd cheering]
Thanks to Bianca.
Over 60,000 WWE fans
in Principality Stadium
in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom, for Clash at the Castle.
For the first time in over 30 years,
the WWE is at a premium live event in a stadium here in Europe.
IYO SKY now…
-Oh! On the second rope. -[Saxton] Taking it to the air.
[Corey] Look out from behind, the EST.
[Cole] Bianca rolling up.
Dakota Kai now powering her up!
[Saxton] The calling card of the EST.
[Cole] Dakota, though, looking to get out of it.
Oh, and Bianca…
with a forearm.
[Saxton] You can feel the determination in Bianca Belair.
[Cole] Yeah, you can feel the power, as well.
Bianca Belair is pressing Dakota's Kai high above the ring.
[Corey] Show up, show out.
[Saxton] IYO SKY in the mix. There goes IYO SKY.
[Cole] Yeah, used Dakota as a weapon, and now Bianca,
oh, with a fallaway slam.
[Corey] Bianca scrambling, perhaps looking for a…
win, but Dakota hanging on for dear life to the bottom rope.
Kai wanted a scorpion kick.
[Saxton] Belair says, "Uh-uh. "I got something else for you, Dakota."
-[Dakota screams] -[Cole] And Belair, oh, powerbomb!
[Saxton] Almost broke Dakota in half.
Now Belair.
Belair raising the stakes, headed to the top floor.
[Cole] Bianca, top rope,
the RAW Women's Champion, looking to fly.
Has to roll through as Kai rolls out of harm's way.
[Corey] There it is! Scorpion kick rocks the champ.
[Cole] And Belair's in trouble. You saw the eyes roll back in her head as she's…
Come on, Bianca!
…suffered that kick.
But Bianca rolls out of harm's way. Dakota hung up now on the top rope.
[Saxton] Oh, Belair trying to hoist up Dakota Kai!
[Cole] IYO trying to hang on.
[Corey] IYO able to shift Dakota's momentum for the moment.
[Cole] And now Bailey again using Bianca's braid against her.
And Dakota this time connects with a kick.
[indistinct conversation]
-[referee] Tag! -[Corey] Dakota makes the tag.
Here comes IYO SKY making the climb.
[Cole] And Bailey with a Rose Plant to the champion!
And now IYO SKY with a moonsault!
Bailey's legal.
Bailey into the cover, stacks up, and pins the RAW Women's Champion!
[Damage CTRL's theme song playing]
[announcer] Here are your winners,
the team of Dakota Kai, IYO SKY
and Bailey!
[Cole] Bailey just pinned the RAW Women's Champion, Bianca Belair,
after a triple team!
[Corey] If the goal was control of the RAW Women's Division,
Bailey, Dakota and IYO
just ripped it out of the hands of the RAW Women's Champion.
[Saxton] A massive statement made by these three ladies,
but it took all three of them to do it.
Bianca Belair was looking for the K.O.D. on Dakota Kai,
but check out the team of Bailey holding the braid.
Dakota Kai striking.
And then after the Rose Plant,
it would be IYO SKY
living up to her name with the moonsault,
and Bailey pinning the RAW Women's Champion, Bianca Belair,
to secure the victory for her team.
[Cole] That was a massive win for Bailey, Dakota Kai and IYO SKY.
[Corey] It all came down to strategy and chemistry as a team.
[song continues]
[upbeat music playing]
[narrator] WWE Shop,
now A Fanatics Experience.
[Corey] The sands of time are running thin.
The undisputed WWE Universal Championship on the line.
Still to come, The Island of Relevancy's
got to be a very lonely place after The Scottish Warrior decimated
the rest of The Bloodline last night on SmackDown.
Reigns, McIntyre still to come.
[Cole] Yeah, there is the number-one contender
for the Undisputed Championship, Scotland's Drew McIntyre
drawing some inspiration earlier today from the Gypsy King,
two-time World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Tyson Fury,
millennial heavyweight champ from Manchester, England.
And Tyson Fury is here tonight, front row, ringside, right behind us.
Byron, duck your head. He may just knock you out.
[Saxton] I'm hoping to get a selfie, actually.
[Cole] We are at Municipalities…
We are at Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, here tonight.
And, guys, the last time we were in the United Kingdom
for a stadium show was over 30 years ago.
It was August 31st, 1992,
Wembley Stadium for SummerSlam.
Hometown favorite, the British Bulldog,
would challenge the excellence of execution,
Bret "The Hitman" Hart, in the main event of SummerSlam
for the Intercontinental Championship.
And it truly was a family affair.
[Saxton] Bret "The Hitman" Hart taking on his, at the time, brother-in-law,
the British Bulldog, Davey Boy Smith,
one of the rare times that the Intercontinental title
was defended in the main event of an event like SummerSlam.
But this was just magical.
The British Bulldog blocking the sunset flip attempt
of Bret "The Hitman" Hart
and capturing the Intercontinental title in his hometown.
[Cole] It was a match that has been labeled the greatest match
in the history of SummerSlam.
[announcer] Thirty years ago,
two superstars competed in one of the greatest matches of all time,
right here, in the United Kingdom.
Please welcome the family of WWE Hall of Famer,
the British Bulldog, Davey Boy Smith!
[crowd cheering]
And WWE Hall of Famer, the best there is,
the best there was, and the best there ever will be,
Bret "The Hitman" Hart!
[Cole] It's always great to see Bret "The Hitman" Hart.
[Corey] The sign behind "The Hitman" says, "30 years, what took you so long?
I couldn't agree anymore. I'm glad we're here.
[Cole] You know he's gonna like this match because, guys, it's fight night!
[Saxton] I was waiting for you to say that, Michael.
[crowd cheering]
[Sheamus' theme music playing]
[Cole] You know, for Sheamus, he has an opportunity tonight
to win the ultimate Grand Slam.
There's one title he has not held at WWE,
that's the Intercontinental Championship.
Sheamus has been WWE World Champion,
United States Champion, Tag Team Champion,
Money in the Bank, King of the Ring, Royal Rumble winner,
but he has yet to win the prestigious Intercontinental title.
He could do it tonight.
[Saxton] If you're looking at a career of Sheamus,
you're looking at a future Hall of Famer, without question.
Sheamus has nothing left to prove in his career,
but his competitive spirit is so high, so massive,
that he wants that accomplishment to add to his incredible resume.
He wants to finally be able to call himself Intercontinental Champion.
[Corey] Tonight, with Ridge Holland and Butch on his sides,
it very well may become a reality for the Celtic Warrior.
[Cole] Sheamus, a far cry from Irish Whip Wrestling
or Wales Celtic wrestling,
where he cut his teeth here in the United Kingdom.
Tonight, Sheamus sets his sight on the Intercontinental Championship.
[Corey] I saw Ridge dragging Butch out of a pub in the city center last night.
That's how I knew I was in the right place.
Ladies and gentlemen…
I demand all your gratitude
for Giovanni Vinci!
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Imperium!
And now, the leader
of Imperium…
[crowd cheering]
…your Intercontinental Champion…
"The Ring General…"
Gunther!
[Gunther's theme song playing]
[Corey] I cannot believe my eyes!
The Ring General has reassembled Imperium,
no doubt to combat the threat posed by The Brawling Brutes.
[Saxton] Now, one last curveball thrown by the Intercontinental Champion.
I'd love to think what's going through the mind
right now of Sheamus and The Brawling Brutes.
[Corey] The puzzle is complete.
Giovanni Vinci flanking the Intercontinental Champion
alongside Ludwig Kaiser
as Gunther prepares for battle.
[Cole] You saw the look on the face of Sheamus moments ago.
Imperium, one of the most dominant,
one of the most intimidating and fearless groups
that we've seen.
[Corey] Cole, as soon as this match was made official,
I sent you a text message
about how excited I am to be ringside
for what will no doubt be one of the hardest-hitting matchups
in WWE history.
[Cole] For the Intercontinental Championship,
Gunther and Sheamus face-to-face,
two of the most physical men to ever grace a WWE ring.
[Corey] There may be 60,000-plus here in this stadium,
but Gunther is only concerned by the 20-by-20.
[Cole] And here we go, and Ludwig Kaiser,
who lost a match to Butch last night on SmackDown.
[Corey] With the stoic champion and challenger in the center of the ring,
unbothered, focused on the task at hand!
Butch is launched to the outside.
[Cole] And now Vinci goes after Holland,
and Gunther and Sheamus have yet to move.
Staring at each other,
much like what happened a couple of weeks ago on SmackDown.
Both men locked and ready to go
as the brawl continues outside the ring.
[Corey] But, Gunther, the mat is sacred,
-And tonight, the champion is ready for-- -[Cole] Oh, watch Butch. Watch Butch!
And Butch taking out Kaiser and Vinci.
[Saxton] And Sheamus and Gunther still have not moved.
[Corey] The mat is sacred to Gunther.
Tonight, he is prepared for a holy war
for his Intercontinental Championship.
-Here we go! -[Cole] And now the match is underway!
And Gunther and Sheamus for the Intercontinental title,
slugging it out as the mat, the bell rings,
and this is gonna be a war.
[Corey] I can't help but think of Robbie Brookside, Cole.
You better grit your teeth, mate.
[Cole] Oh!
[Corey] And Sheamus trying to get the upper hand
on the Intercontinental Champion.
[Saxton] This one won't be about technique.
This is about brute force.
[Cole] About beating the hell out of each other.
[Saxton] We have the ice bath, the bio-freeze,
the physical therapist on standby.
-[Cole] Oh! -[Corey] And a chop by Gunther.
Ringing throughout Principality Stadium here in Cardiff tonight.
But in a match where the stakes are this high,
the mental wounds may never heal.
[Cole] And Sheamus' chest already beat red after the chops by Gunther,
who floors Sheamus with a big boot,
and the 6'4", 250-pound Austrian is in control.
Look at Sheamus already beaten up by the Intercontinental Champion.
[Saxton] Sheamus isn't used to this.
Usually, it's Sheamus who's the physical aggressor
in the matchup.
[Corey] Oh, make no mistake, Byron. Sheamus enjoys this as much as anybody.
[Cole] Suplex by Sheamus.
[Saxton] Both these men, similar trajectories.
Gunther becoming Intercontinental Champion two months into his debut on SmackDown.
Sheamus winning the WWE title his rookie year here in WWE.
[Cole] Gunther talking about wanting to bring prestige back
to the championship.
Sheamus across the ring. Gunther telegraphed it.
Sheamus with a kick to the shoulder, now a kick right to the midsection.
Remember, 1979, Pat Patterson, the late, great Hall of Famer,
the first-ever Intercontinental Champion,
and dozens of Hall of Famers have held the title over the years.
It's been known as the Workman's Championship,
defended every day across the globe like Gunther's doing here tonight.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] But Sheamus went for Ten Beats of the Bodhrán,
and Gunther able to drop down to the floor and out of harm's way.
-[Cole] Oh, my God. -[Corey] Maybe not.
[Saxton] I was gonna say, "Gunther's safe now," but nope.
[Cole] And now Sheamus sending Gunther into the step shoulder first,
and Sheamus has taken control of the champion.
Sheamus promised that he was going to bring Gunther
into the belly of the red dragon.
Four!
[Saxton] Not often we see Gunther in a vulnerable position,
but that's exactly where he is right now, courtesy of Sheamus.
Sheamus is gonna try this one more time.
[Corey] Gunther's fighting like hell to avoid it.
[Cole] Trying to wrap Gunther's arms to set him up
for Ten Beats of the Bodhrán.
[Saxton] Gunther's too powerful at this juncture of the match.
[Cole] Sheamus with the right of his own.
[Corey] Heavy forearms from the Celtic warrior.
[Cole] Now, Gunther so quick as well for his size.
Did you hear that?
[crowd exclaims]
[Saxton] I believe it was Gunther who said
that he was going to chop Sheamus' chest into bloody bits.
[Corey] Two boots from the challenger takes down the champion.
Tremendous upper-body strength.
[Saxton] And Gunther right there to meet Sheamus again.
[Cole] A chop that knocks Sheamus off the ropes to the floor!
-Listen! Oh, my God! -[crowd exclaims]
[Corey] This has been…
[Cole] You talk to people who've been in the ring with Gunther, Corey,
they call him the most physical man they've ever been inside the ring with.
[Corey] We are getting a first-hand look. It doesn't get any closer than this.
[referee] One!
[Saxton] Ooh!
[Corey] WWE fans remembering Gunther's past.
And Gunther now scooping Sheamus up and slamming him out of the steps!
[Saxton] Spine first.
[Cole] And the champion unafraid to bend the rules,
knowing the champion's advantage dictates
Sheamus has to pin Gunther or make him submit
to become Intercontinental Champion.
[Corey] Sheamus trying to drag him back, his way back into the ring.
The official, at a count of seven,
has over 60,000 here at Principality Stadium.
Look on in Cardiff.
And at a count of nine, Sheamus barely beats the count back in the ring.
[Cole] Sheamus is battered. Sheamus is weakened.
This stadium, the home of the Wales National Rugby Union team.
Sheamus, who played rugby in college,
should feel at home here and still fighting back.
[Corey] Right on the ear of Gunther.
[crowd exclaims]
[Saxton] Sheamus just crumbles to the ground
after that chop from Gunther.
[Corey] And the Celtic Warrior's chest is starting to look like hamburger.
[Cole] And a kick for good measure in the spine.
Gunther right now in total control.
[crowd chanting] Let's go, Sheamus!
[Saxton] Imagine a feather in the cap of Gunther's career
to defeat Sheamus here at Clash at the Castle.
[Cole] How can Sheamus even breathe, let alone fight back?
[Corey] Oh, my God.
[Corey] Gunther just kicked Sheamus so hard, I lost a tooth.
My God, the brutality!
[Cole] Oh!
[Saxton] This has just been physicality on overload.
[Cole] And uncomfortable is what it's been.
-[referee] Two! -[Sheamus groans]
[Saxton] Gunther is striking at will.
[Cole] For every punch by Sheamus, there's another dozen from Gunther.
Watch this.
Boom! Collapsing the side of the face of Sheamus.
[Corey] Sheamus looks all out of sorts.
[Cole] I don't even know how he can breathe,
pull himself back to his feet.
[Saxton] And then again, Sheamus, you can actually--
-[Cole] Oh! -[Saxton] Determination!
[Corey] Well, there was determination on his face.
[Cole] Or defiance.
[Corey] The Ring General demands you fall in line.
You do not defy the Intercontinental Champion.
[Cole] And now…
Gunther trying to push Sheamus on his belly,
perhaps for a Boston crab.
[groans]
Gunther hasn't been able to do that, now locks in.
And Sheamus in the middle of the ring with nowhere to go,
and you have to ask if Sheamus is gonna tap out,
or will he make it to the bottom rope?
[Saxton] I think Sheamus is too proud to tap out.
[Corey] I'm not sure how Sheamus can make it to that bottom rope.
[Saxton] It doesn't matter how proud you are.
Sometimes the human body can only stand so much punishment.
[Cole] Now turns things…
to a crossface.
Or attempting to, anyway, and Sheamus looking to block.
-Sheamus trying to power out of this. -[Gunther screams]
[Corey] Sheamus with the knuckle lock.
Oh, Gunther!
At the time, writhing in pain, but able to turn things around again,
and now a chop to the back of the neck.
[Corey] Right between the shoulder blades.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Absolute punishment.
[Corey] I think reality just kicked in for the Celtic Warrior.
You can see the look on the face of Sheamus.
The Celtic Warrior knows he's in a fight.
[crowd chanting] Let's go, Sheamus!
Let's go, Sheamus!
[Saxton] This match is a real gut-check between Sheamus and Gunther.
[Cole] How does Sheamus have anything left?
And how is he able to fight back and try to change the momentum?
But maybe not. Now right to the kidneys.
[Corey] Guts, will, instinct, pride.
That's what's fueling Sheamus right now.
[Cole] And to try to win the championship,
the one championship that he hasn't been able to gain
in his career here in WWE.
-[Cole] Oh! -[Corey laughing] Oh, my God!
[Saxton] How many of these chops can Sheamus absorb?
[Corey] I can't believe Sheamus' flesh is still intact.
[Cole] And this is the pace that Gunther loves.
Look at this. Oh, goodness!
[Corey] From shoulder to shoulder impact.
That's not your typical knife-edge chop.
That is the bottom half of the Intercontinental Champion's arm
being swung like a Louisville Slugger across your chest.
[Cole] When is the last time you guys have seen Sheamus
dominated in this fashion?
[Corey] I honestly can't recall off the top of my head.
It has been that long.
[Saxton] Sheamus tearing daggers…
into the Intercontinental Champion still with fight left in his heart.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] And here comes Sheamus fighting back now,
trying to change momentum of the match.
[Corey] I was going to say, did Sheamus have anything left?
And Gunther able to bury him in the corner.
[Saxton] Was that a last gasp from Sheamus?
[Cole] And now Sheamus dumped out right in front of us here at the announce table.
And Gunther out for the fight, as well.
And this does not look good, gentlemen.
Gunther is lifting Sheamus up and plants him on the floor!
[Corey] Colossal body slam on the outside of the ring.
And I have a feeling Gunther's not finished yet.
[Cole] And now sending Sheamus right over the table into the chair!
Again, guys, I've got to ask the question.
Do you ever remember Sheamus being dominated in this manner?
[Corey] I don't. I don't.
But I can tell you that as long as there is breath
in the lungs of Sheamus, he will continue to fight.
[Cole] This has been a-- Oh, and now Sheamus!
Trying to turn the tables.
Bouncing Gunther off the announce table a couple of times.
And now Sheamus has Gunther where he wants him!
The wild eyes of the Celtic Warrior!
[Saxton] And a hole into the chest!
[Cole] And Gunther now trying to escape, trying to retreat.
And a clothesline, and Sheamus is somehow back in the game.
[Saxton] This is remarkable from Sheamus.
After all the punishment this man has taken.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] This goes to show you the type of X-Factor the live crowd can play.
Fellow Europeans standing behind Sheamus, driving the challenger forward.
[crowd counting]
[Saxton] With every hit, Sheamus…
[crowd counting]
…can taste the Intercontinental title.
[Cole] And Gunther trying to escape the Ten Beats of the Bodhrán.
[Corey] Unfamiliar sight, the ring general in retreat.
[Cole] Sheamus sent over the barricade into the WWE fans.
And now Sheamus said, "I'm gonna punish you some more."
-[Saxton] Yeah, why not? -[crowd counting]
[Cole] And 11, 12, and more!
[Saxton] Who's gonna stop him?
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Now it's Gunther trying to escape!
[referee] Six!
[Corey] Sheamus forcing the champion back inside the ring.
Now Sheamus willing himself to the top rope.
[Cole] Oh, and the knee to Gunther!
-And Sheamus is feeling it! -[Sheamus yells]
Could be closing in on the Intercontinental Championship!
[Saxton] Sheamus gotta be feeling confident
'cause he knows he absorbed the hardest-hitting shots from Gunther.
And he's still got more gas in the tank
as we take another look at Sheamus with the knee!
[Cole] And Sheamus now with Gunther up on his shoulders.
Gunther drops behind and blasts Sheamus in the kidneys.
[Corey] Sheamus answers with a right of his own.
[crowd exclaims]
Who can hit who harder?
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
[Cole] Corey, these are the looks you see on boxers in the 12th round,
trying to dig down deep
and put their opponent away or somehow survive.
German suplex by Gunther!
[Corey] Sheamus tried to mitigate the impact.
Maybe managed to do so.
[Cole] Oh, and a big running knee by Sheamus.
-[Saxton] The champ is down! -[Cole] Falls into the cover for the win!
Oh, Gunther at two, a near-fall for the challenger!
[Corey] That is the best opportunity Sheamus has had in this match
to actually walk away with the Intercontinental title.
[Cole] Much to the delight of the over 60,000 here tonight.
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
In Cardiff, Wales, it has been a hard-hitting affair
as advertised between Gunther and Sheamus.
[Corey] Brutality at its finest
between two of the hardest hitters in all of WWE.
These are two of the toughest bastards in the business, barred none.
[Cole] And they're proving it here tonight, Corey, beyond a doubt.
It's how much the Intercontinental Championship means
to Gunther to retain.
-How much it means for Sheamus-- -[Corey] Oh, the sleeper.
[Cole] For the very first time, sleeper by the champion.
Sheamus down to a knee in the middle of the ring.
[Saxton] Sheamus, still instinctively trying to swing,
but Sheamus, Sheamus starting to fade here, guys.
[Corey] Gunther battling against the perspiration on his own body,
maybe unable to lock in the sleeper quite as tight as he would like,
allowing a little wiggle room for the Celtic Warrior.
[Cole] And now trying to lift Sheamus up for the powerbomb.
Sheamus able to counter, get Gunther up!
Can he deliver?
-White Noise! -[Saxton] Is that enough?
-[Cole] For the win! -For the title for the first time!
And a kick-out at two and a half.
The exhaustion…
from Sheamus.
[Corey] We see the challenger driving the champion down,
White Noise, two and nine-tenth, but Gunther escapes.
[crowd chanting] This is awesome!
This is awesome!
[Cole] Indeed, it is awesome,
as has been this entire week here in Cardiff, Wales.
Clash at the Castle, over 60,000 at Principality Stadium,
looking on as Sheamus and Gunther
are beating the living hell out of one another
with the Intercontinental title on the line!
[crowd cheering]
[Saxton] Sheamus feeding off the energy of all the fans here in Cardiff.
[Cole] And Sheamus could be setting up Gunther
for a Brogue Kick to put the champion away.
Gunther back to his feet!
Sidesteps Sheamus.
Sheamus with an elbow catches him.
Oh, and there's the dropkick, driving Sheamus into the corner.
And now Gunther went for the powerbomb.
Didn't get all of it.
Cover on Sheamus, hook of the leg,
and Sheamus out on a kick-out.
Gunther didn't get all of that powerbomb!
[Corey] Sheamus did his best to sit upright.
Most of the impact was gonna land on Sheamus' tailbone.
Definitely agonizing,
but not enough to keep The Celtic Warrior down for three.
[Cole] Saw Sheamus immediately reach back to his lower back.
-[Cole] Suffering the consequences-- -[Corey] Yeah, and moments to come.
Not any type of way you want to land in any scenario,
but again, just speaks to the toughness of both of these competitors.
[Saxton] We saw even a little shock a moment ago on the face of Gunther
that Sheamus was still able to escape.
Oh, it's smart.
How smart is the Ring General?
Now target the tailbone, the lower back of Sheamus,
which suffered the brunt of the powerbomb moments ago.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] Not even sure if Sheamus can stand.
[Corey] This is a frightening sight right here.
[Cole] Yeah, that's 6'4" Gunther.
Sheamus met him there, though.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Oh, my God.
[Sheamus groans]
[Saxton] Strike exchanged.
Gunther once again all by himself,
looking to attack from the air.
[Cole] And again, Sheamus does not allow Gunther to get to the top rope.
Sheamus is now the one who's been a step ahead.
[crowd cheering]
And Sheamus setting up Gunther
for perhaps the Celtic Cross from way up high.
-Gunther with nowhere to go, but down! -[Corey] Oh!
Sheamus with an opportunity!
Can he get to the cover? Can he make the cover?
Sheamus trying to drag himself to the champion!
Hooks the leg. Is this it?
Sheamus is at the top!
And a kick-out by Gunther at two and a half!
[Saxton] You got to be kidding me.
[Cole] Look at Sheamus' body.
Black and blue and red, peeled apart.
[Corey] Sheamus' eyes tell the tale of heartbreak
after the Celtic Cross connects,
driving the champion neck and shoulders first.
Sheamus with a deep hook of the legs,
but the Ring General with a little too much left in the tank
for this one to be over just yet.
[Saxton] Sheamus' mind has got to be racing.
"What more do I have to do?
"What play do I have to call upon to finally put Gunther away?"
[Cole] Sheamus, again, has the champion in his sights,
drags himself through his feet.
Went, went for the Brogue, but the back gave out.
The back gave out as he went for the Brogue.
Powerbomb!
[Corey] Even that one was low.
The majority of the impact on the low back of the challenger.
We saw it already play a factor.
Sheamus unable to deliver a Brogue Kick.
-[indistinct chatter] -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Gunther with a wicked lariat and a cover on Sheamus!
-And it's over! Gunther retains! -[bell dings]
[announcer] Here is your winner
and still the Intercontinental Champion,
Gunther!
[Cole] That was a hell of a fight.
-This-- -[Corey] Delivered as advertised.
My goodness.
[Cole] It can't get much old-school than that.
Sheamus and Gunther annihilating each other.
And then the lariat after two powerbombs
would finally end Sheamus' dream on this night in Cardiff, Wales.
[Saxton] A physically maiming affair between Gunther and Sheamus.
But you got to give credit where credit's due.
Gunther survived this war here tonight.
[Corey] We see Giovanni Vinci reunited with Imperium.
Ludwig Kaiser to celebrate the Ring General,
the Intercontinental Champion.
[Corey] Sheamus is hurting.
[Cole] Sheamus is hurting, he's disappointed, he's upset.
He gave everything he had in this match tonight, but it was this impact!
One of the most hellacious lariats you'll ever see.
[bell dings]
The Ring General flanked by Imperium
still reigns as your Intercontinental Champion.
[song continues]
Yeah!
[crowd cheering]
[cheering continues]
[Cole] A tremendous show of respect…
for one of the hardest hitters,
one of the most physical men that you'll ever meet.
Sheamus left everything on the line here tonight.
He came up just short in his quest
for his first-ever Intercontinental Championship.
[man] The champion!
[upbeat music playing]
[narrator] WWE Shop, now A Fanatics experience.
[Cole] At Clash at the Castle tonight,
hosted by the wonderful city of Cardiff in the glorious country of Wales.
Lush greenery everywhere on the Cardiff Bay.
And in the town center, the famous Cardiff Castle,
a former Roman fort where, during World War II,
its tunnels were used as air-raid shelters, but now, today,
a majestic centerpiece for this vibrant capital of Wales.
Well, coming up next, the top prize on Friday Night SmackDown,
the Women's Championship, The Submission Magician,
The Queen of Spades, dangerous Shayna Baszler,
versus the longtime scrappy underdog, but now the champion,
Liv Morgan.
[upbeat music playing]
[Liv] This is a culmination of a lifetime of hard work, sweat and tears.
[man 1] The underdog, the miracle kid, Liv Morgan!
[man 2] Miss Money in the Bank!
[crowd cheering]
Liv did it! Liv's a champion! Liv's a champion!
[man 1] Shayna Baszler, the number-one contender for the title!
[Shayna] I'm here to show everyone…
what a real fight is.
[man 1] One of the most brutal competitors in WWE.
[screaming]
[man 2] Shayna Baszler continues to strike fear
into the hearts of every woman with very good reason.
[man 1] Baszler is here tonight to sign the contract
for a golden opportunity at Clash of the Castle.
Why don't you prance your way out here and let's make this official?
[Liv Morgan's theme song plays]
[man 1] The SmackDown Women's Champion with a big brace on her left arm.
It does not bode well for the champion.
[Liv] Shayna, you won't beat me.
You're actually kind of like a bootleg Ronda Rousey.
[cheering]
And at Cardiff, I'm gonna rip your arm off.
[man 1] Baszler no going after the injured arm of Morgan!
[man 2] Oh, my gosh!
[screams]
[Shayna] I'd like to see you try.
[screams]
[Liv] Watch me.
[man 1] Morgan surviving tonight!
[Liv] I've dreamed about this my entire life,
and I'm willing to work ten times as hard to stay here.
[groaning]
I'm gonna break your arm so bad right now.
-Aah! -You will not make it to Cardiff.
[Shayna] I'm going to tear her apart, limb by limb.
[Shayna Baszler's theme music playing]
[Cole] Oh, for the first time in almost 900 days,
Shayna Baszler has a match for a Women's Championship.
She won a gauntlet match on SmackDown to get here
and earn this opportunity, The Queen of Spades.
[Saxton] Baszler has made her intentions crystal clear.
Shayna Baszler wants to make Liv Morgan suffer
and then win the SmackDown Women's Championship.
[Corey] I'm curious to see which Shayna Baszler we're gonna get here
tonight in Cardiff.
The dominant NXT Women's Champion, Shayna Baszler?
[Cole] The one that Ronda Rousey once said used to be a killer?
[Corey] That one.
One of the most sanguinest superstars
we've ever known, quite literally at times.
Shayna Baszler is capable of hurting anyone
who steps in her way, including Liv Morgan.
But where is Shayna mentally?
That's what I want to find out.
[Cole] And many stars here tonight in Cardiff for Clash at the Castle,
including the UFC welterweight champion,
Leon Edwards, is here tonight.
[cheering]
[Corey] Edwards, of course, will enjoy Shayna Baszler's MMA style.
Baszler, a product of British Catch Wrestling pioneer Billy Robinson.
Curious to see how she puts that to use tonight.
[Liv Morgan's theme song playing]
[Cole] Liv Morgan is the only superstar in WWE history
to have pinned Ronda Rousey on two different occasions.
Speaking about Rousey, last night she had her suspension lifted on SmackDown,
then she went on to attack WWE official Adam Pearce.
So who knows what's gonna happen to Ronda.
It's up to a much higher level than Mr. Pearce.
[Corey] No punishment's been handed out just yet,
but I would not want to be Ronda Rousey's accountant.
[Cole] So, gentlemen, do you realize that Wales was the only country
in all of Britain that was allowed to showcase
women's wrestling through the 1980s?
So they've been getting a great couple of matches so far
here tonight at Clash of the Castle.
[Saxton] Well, a continuation to that lineage of history
here tonight with the SmackDown Women's title on the line.
[Saxton] My question is, Cole…
what version of Shayna Baszler are we gonna see?
What kind of version of Liv Morgan are we gonna see?
Are we gonna see an ultra-aggressive Liv Morgan?
'Cause that's what it's gonna take if she wants to walk away still champ.
[Corey] I agree with you, Saxton,
and I think Liv Morgan still has a lot of proving to do
about herself as SmackDown Women's Champion.
[bell dings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall,
and it is for the SmackDown Women's Championship!
[crowd cheering]
Introducing the challenger
from Sioux Falls, South Dakota,
Shayna Baszler!
[crowd booing]
And her opponent from Elmwood Park, New Jersey,
she is the SmackDown Women's Champion,
Liv Morgan!
[cheering]
[Cole] So, in order to prepare for this match tonight
against Shayna Baszler,
Liv Morgan spent time, guys,
sparring with Riddle, who also has an MMA background,
much like Shayna does,
to prepare for what Shayna's going to throw at Liv here tonight.
[Corey] Very, very smart decision by Liv to spend her time
trying to prepare for the submission expertise
of the challenger, Shayna Baszler.
Will it be enough? We are about to find out.
[Cole] It is the first one-on-one match ever
between Liv Morgan and Shayna Baszler,
and it's for the SmackDown Women's Championship
here tonight at Clash at the Castle.
A very confident Baszler,
who once held the NXT Women's Championship
for over 540 days over two different reigns.
Liv Morgan, roll up now on Baszler,
and a kick-out in her first defense of any championship here at WWE.
[Corey] Oh, Kirifuda Clutch right out of the gate.
[Saxton] Good escape by Morgan.
-[Cole] Roll through now. -Shoulders down, and a kick-out.
And again, looking for the Kirifuda Clutch,
which is Shayna Baszler's hold.
[Corey] And Baszler not even sweating.
Shayna's such a pro, so comfortable on the ground, on the mat.
[Cole] And now, looking for the arm bar on Morgan,
and Liv Morgan looking to roll through
and put Shayna away early, shoulder down, and a kick-out.
Remember, Liv Morgan has the bad arm,
and I misspoke a moment ago.
This is her second title defense, because back at SummerSlam,
Liv defended against Ronda Rousey.
Ronda severely injured the arm of Liv Morgan
in that controversial win for Morgan at SummerSlam.
[Saxton] I love, even in the early going here,
Liv Morgan talking a little trash of her own,
letting Shayna know, "I nearly had you beat."
[Cole] And Liv Morgan now, and if she can do stuff like that
and keep Baszler off her feet, it'll bode well for the champion tonight.
[crowd cheering]
And Morgan, dropkick to the back of Baszler.
Shayna's gotta slow this match down.
She's gotta be able to tear apart Liv,
punish her, put her in those excruciating holds.
[Corey] Liv needs to be careful not to burn herself out in the early moments,
trying to throw everything she has at Baszler.
It's a smart strategy, but it can backfire.
-Morgan looking for-- -[Cole] Oh, and Baszler!
And again, the bad arm of Liv Morgan.
[Corey] And that was not the time to get fancy.
That was not the time to be cute.
Shayna Baszler is still as close to 100% as she's gonna get.
Morgan took a high risk, and it's backfired.
[Cole] And the longer this match goes, the better off it is for Baszler.
She has to pin or submit the champion for the title.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention
the major women's championship match tomorrow, 4:00 p.m. Eastern,
NXT Worlds Collide,
where you have Blair Davenport,
Meiko Satomura,
and Mandy Rose
trying to unify the NXT and the NXT UK Women's Championship!
And a kick-out at two by Morgan.
[Corey] We said from the outset
that Shayna Baszler was gonna have to be ruthless tonight,
and here is our first shining example.
That sort of impact can separate your shoulder.
[Saxton] And you saw the style from Morgan earlier,
trying to have an up-tempo pace to avoid situations like this
where Shayna can settle down and focus on the left arm.
[Cole] And this is what Shayna enjoys doing.
-[screams] -She enjoys this.
She said that she wants to rip the limbs off Liv Morgan's body
like you would rip the bones off a turkey leg on Thanksgiving dinner.
Those were Shayna's words.
[Saxton] A-and remember a couple weeks ago,
Shayna had the opportunity to break Liv's arm.
She purposely said, "I'm holding off until Clash at the Castle."
[Corey] Let's be honest, Shayna Baszler thrives
when she's torturing her opponent.
-[Cole] And Liv. -[Corey] Oh!
[Cole] Runs into a clothesline by Baszler.
Shayna into the cover again for the championship.
And Liv kicks out at two.
Shayna with a smile on her face, knew she didn't have Liv there.
She just wanted her to rub some salt in the wounds
and say, "Hey, it was that close."
It's actually a veteran maneuver by Shayna Baszler.
Every time you cover your opponent and force them to kick-out,
you're forcing them to exert a little bit more energy.
That adds up throughout the course of a matchup.
[Cole] There's a great interview that Shayna Baszler did
with the New York Post this week,
where she talked about being more comfortable in her skin,
more comfortable performing in front of crowds this size.
And she said, "Tonight, we're going to learn
"if Liv Morgan has what it takes to hang."
-[Corey] Oh! -[Cole] What a suplex by Baszler.
[Saxton] Morgan said all the right things coming into this match.
She told Shayna, "You're gonna have to kill me to win this title."
-But this is where Morgan gets-- -[Cole] Cover again by Baszler.
Hook to the leg, and Morgan's got to power it, too.
And every one of these covers forces Morgan to kick-out with a bad arm.
[Corey] And continue to exacerbate any pain she's currently feeling
as we look once again at the German suplex from the challenger.
Baszler now stalking a downed champion.
-Liv needs to do her best to protect-- -[Cole] Oh!
[Corey] Protect her left arm. She hasn't been able to do that.
Baszler, a former two-time tag team champion,
who says, "I'm better as a singles competitor."
But that all plays right into the hand of someone as dangerous as Baszler.
If you start protecting your left arm,
you're likely to expose your right,
and Baszler is okay with that.
[Cole] Everyone around the world is talking about Clash at the Castle,
number one not only in the United States, but also in the United Kingdom.
Baszler continues to manipulate… Morgan's joints
and kind of wear Liv Morgan down, the bad arm.
Ronda Rousey punished at SummerSlam.
-[referee] Liv, you do give up? -No!
[Saxton] The screams of Liv Morgan, in absolute agony.
The screams of Liv Morgan are feeding the ego of the challenger.
[Cole] Trying to fight back with some knees to the back of the head
and trying to create some space.
Able to do that momentarily. Baszler went for the kick to the bad arm.
Liv momentarily rolled out of harm's way.
[Saxton] Jawbreaker.
Just enough to create separation between herself and Shayna Baszler.
[Cole] Liv loves being champion so much,
but will that be enough to will her through this match?
Both women down, center of the ring
with a SmackDown Women's Championship up for grabs.
[Corey] Take a look at this.
Morgan able to perch on the second rope, nail a dropkick on Shayna Baszler.
Baszler came down rough on the back of her neck.
[Cole] Over 60,000 here tonight in Cardiff, Wales.
The hottest ticket in all the United Kingdom.
Opportunity to be here tonight at the Clash at the Castle.
Count of eight now, and Baszler and a kick-up by Morgan
showing Baszler, "I'm not done yet! I got some fire left!"
[Saxton] A champ displaying new life, despite the bad arm.
[Cole] Oh! And that step-up enzuigiri drops Baszler.
Now Baszler's in trouble for the first time in the match.
Liv Morgan sent across the ring.
Baszler misses wildly.
-And Liv-- -[man] Oh!
[Cole] Face-first goes Baszler.
Morgan trying to retain the cover on Shayna at two and a half.
[Saxton] Every offensive maneuver that Morgan has in her playbook,
she's gotta reconsider potentially because of the damage to her left arm.
[Cole] Liv needs to figure out a way to keep applying the pressure.
We see the double knees to the face take down Baszler,
but Liv hasn't had enough in her gas tank to sustain an offensive attack.
[crowd applauding]
[Saxton] When you're dealing with somebody as lethal as Baszler is,
you need every weapon in your arsenal firing at 100%.
[Cole] Liv Morgan learning quickly what Shayna Baszler learned as a champion.
It is hard to be on top.
When you're the hunted, everyone wants a piece of you.
-Baszler! -[Corey] Oh!
[Cole] Baszler made Morgan pay for the title!
Stacks up Morgan, hooks the leg, and Liv kicks at two again!
[Saxton] I think the first few rows might have got a piece of Liv Morgan's teeth.
Quit!
[Cole] Baszler screaming at Morgan.
Quit like you always do!
Liv, do you want to give up?
[Corey] It almost seems as though Morgan's frustrating the challenger
just by staying in this fight.
[Cole] Well, that's what Liv has done her whole career, right?
But again, the exposed bad arm of Liv Morgan, and Baszler…
[Corey] This is where it all ends for Liv Morgan.
Baszler showing her…
[indistinct conversation]
[Cole] Liv trying to fight back.
And now, looking for a triangle!
Looking for a triangle on Baszler here!
Baszler trying to lift her up, and Morgan fighting her back to the mat!
A triangle locked in, submission hold on Baszler!
[Corey] Now, we've got an armbar.
[Cole] And remember, Morgan last night promised to break the arm,
to break the arm of Shayna Baszler!
And Morgan's gonna try to do just that with the armbar!
And now the shoulder's down, and Liv's still got it locked in!
[Saxton] Morgan holding on for dear life!
[Corey] But notice how calm Baszler is in this extremely painful situation.
Shayna's locked her hands once again.
That's gonna minimize any pressure on the elbow joint
that Liv Morgan's trying to apply.
[Cole] And there's a reason the Submission Magician,
she knows her way out of every submission,
and now right back to work on the injured arm of Morgan.
Liv Morgan had a chance, but it may be over.
Cinderella may strike midnight!
A knee to the jaw of Liv Morgan!
Liv kicks out, but I don't think Liv has any clue where she is!
[Corey] I think in this particular moment,
Cinderella would rather be back at the castle scrubbing floors.
[Cole] Thunderous knee!
[Corey] A knee right to the jaw of the champion, and somehow,
basically on instinct alone, Liv Morgan kicks out.
[Cole] And Shayna can't believe it.
Now the smile from earlier in the match has turned to disappointment.
It's turned to frustration.
Shayna trying to figure out what she needs to do to knock Liv off.
[Corey] And that's a big key.
If Shayna Baszler's frustration takes hold,
that could create a critical opening for Liv Morgan.
[Cole] For Baszler, Corey, this match has gone as well as she could have designed.
[Corey] You're absolutely right.
The only thing stopping Shayna Baszler from becoming Women's Champion
is the sheer will of Liv Morgan.
The fact that Liv is living her dream every single day
and refusing to relinquish it even while perched on the top rope.
[Cole] She sends out a tweet every day that says, "I love this!"
And Liv does love it!
And she's trying to punish Baszler now,
and trying to retain a championship with one arm!
[Corey] Baszler in a precarious position on the top.
-[Saxton] Whoa, whoa, whoa! -[Cole] Liv!
Oh, powerbomb for the win
for Baszler to retain!
-And Shayna kept-- -[Corey] Kirifuda Clutch!
-[Cole] The Kirifuda! -[Corey] That is it!
[Cole] The Kirifuda's in!
The clutch is in!
And Liv somehow countered.
[Corey] But Baszler looking like she's having trouble
applying it completely with her left arm.
Now with a single-arm armbar applied.
[Cole] Yeah, because remember the damage that was done
by the armbar by Morgan earlier on?
Shayna couldn't keep the Kirifuda Clutch in!
Morgan makes it to the rope and survives!
[Saxton] Extremely close call for Liv Morgan there,
who was panic-understanding, "I gotta do something quick."
[Corey] Is this an opportunity for the SmackDown Women's Champion
to turn the tides, or is Liv simply prolonging the inevitable?
[Cole] Shayna with a killer instinct.
The look in her eyes.
And out she goes to the Kirifuda with a good arm!
[Corey] Rolls through!
[Cole] Liv now's got the shoulders down! Shayna's got a kick!
Went for the knee. Morgan, Codebreaker!
And now Liv Morgan has Shayna set up for Oblivion!
Morgan into the cover! Can she do it? Will she do it?
She does!
[bell dings]
[Liv Morgan's theme music playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
and still the SmackDown Women's Champion,
Liv Morgan!
[Cole] What a gutsy win for Liv Morgan.
[Corey] Yeah, this is one of those cases, I'm looking at Liv Morgan,
I'm looking at everything that was done to Liv Morgan,
and I'm going, "I have no idea how Liv Morgan pulled this one out!"
[Cole] I'm not sure Liv does either.
But nonetheless, she's still the SmackDown Women's Champion.
This was a physical matchup.
But first Liv would hit the Codebreaker,
and that sets up Shayna Baszler, perfect position for the Oblivion, Corey.
Liv Morgan lives to fight another day.
[Corey] It was the one-two punch, it was the Codebreaker paired with Oblivion,
back-to-back, no time for Baszler to recover.
Two strong shots by the champion, and Liv Morgan retains.
A gutsy, yet gratifying performance
by the still SmackDown Women's Champion, Liv Morgan.
[Cole] Liv Morgan celebrating the retention
of the SmackDown Women's title here tonight,
on a massive stage.
And when you think about it, Corey, Morgan's retained at SummerSlam
in front of over 50,000,
and tonight at Clash at the Castle, in front of over 60,000 fans.
[upbeat music playing]
[narrator] WWE Shop, now A Fanatics Experience.
It is quite the weekend for sports entertainment tonight,
or this afternoon, here in Cardiff.
Tomorrow, special start time, 4:00 p.m. Eastern,
1:00 p.m. on the west coast of the United States,
it's NXT Worlds Collide.
Idol unification, NXT UK Champion Tyler Bate
one-on-one with NXT Champion Bron Breakker.
There can only be one.
And that goes for the women's division as well. You're not gonna wanna miss it.
[announcer] Please welcome our special guests tonight.
From Bryn Mawr, Wales,
UK wrestling legend, Miss Linda,
and "Exotic" Adrian Street!
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] One of the most flamboyant personalities
in all of professional wrestling, Adrian Street,
and of course, his longtime manager, Miss Linda.
[Saxton] Flamboyant, but tough as nails.
[Corey] And from Wales.
[upbeat music playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Coming up next, ladies and gentlemen,
the reuniting of two legends.
Former tag team champions, The Rated-R Superstar Edge
and high-flying Rey Mysterio versus this obnoxious,
this eerie group set on changing the landscape of WWE.
[Rhea] The Judgment Day.
We run Monday Night RAW.
And that's been the harsh reality to the Mysterios
week in and week out.
I even proved to Dominik Mysterio
that I really am his pappy as I destroyed his soul.
[man 1] What the hell?
[man 2] It's Dominik.
[Bálor] And as for Rey, he is six-one-mine.
-[man 3] Oh, no. -[man 4] Oh!
Coup de Grâce delivered with the steel chair
draped over the body of Rey Mysterio.
[man 5] Last week, Dominik,
this week, Rey.
[Damian] That only leaves one lonely legend to deal with, Edge.
You may have started The Judgment Day,
but The Judgment Day will end you.
[Bálor] I am so sick and tired of these so-called legends.
Edge thinks we should fear him.
The Judgment Day isn't afraid of anyone because fear isn't real.
Fear is a product of your imagination.
Edge, we finish you tonight!
Tonight you face your Judgment Day!
[Edge] I didn't come back to steal your glory.
As a matter of fact, I came back
to teach you what it is to reach my glory because I've already had it.
But your ego was too big and gotten in the way.
Here's what you didn't learn
all those months sitting under my learning tree.
You didn't pay attention because I didn't come here alone.
[man 1] Oh! Rey and Dominik Mysterio!
[man 2] Edge vowed to kill what he created!
He vowed to kill The Judgment Day!
[man 1] Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!
See the conflict in the eyes of Dominik.
Dominik's torn.
What are you doing, Dominik?
Bring it!
[man 1] Rhea looks ready to fight everyone!
I'm gonna hit you! Come on!
[man 1] This war is far from over with The Judgment Day.
[man 2] Judgment Day is on notice!
[Rey Mysterio's theme song playing]
[crowd cheering]
[bell dings]
[announcer] The following contest is a tag team match
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Dominik Mysterio,
from San Diego, California,
weighing in at 175n pounds,
Rey Mysterio!
[Cole] You know, this is an interesting story here
between Rey and Dominik which we'll get into as this match unfolds.
You know, Rey's been called the Little League Coach by many,
perhaps, putting a little too much pressure on his son,
but Dominik has shown some jealous tendencies,
uh, as of late, including telling his dad, "I can't believe you chose Edge again
"to participate in this match tonight
"instead of your own son, Dominik."
[Corey] Well, Dominik needs to stop being a petulant cry baby
and realize that his father needs a Hall of Famer by his side
to deal with the threat posed by The Judgment Day
who have made life hell for both Mysterios.
Dominik needs to swallow his pride,
realize his day will come,
and let business be handled by Edge and Rey Mysterio.
[Saxton] Well, Dominik is very proud of his family name,
he should understand why Dominik would stand side-by-side
with his father Rey Mysterio
in this continued conflict with The Judgment Day.
[Edge's theme song playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] I think Edge is fired up.
[Saxton] That's a pretty safe bet.
[announcer] And his tag team partner, WWE Hall of Famer
The Rated-R Superstar,
Edge!
[Corey] Don't worry, Saxton, that is Edge. That is The Rated-R Superstar.
Obviously, dawning a mask for solidarity with Rey Mysterio.
[Saxton] Thank you for confirming.
[Cole] You know, remember, Edge and Rey Mysterio
once won the tag team titles together
back in November of 2002.
And for the first time in over ten years, they tagged together
in a traditional tag team match tonight.
[Corey] That's one of the reasons why Edge is so fired up,
in addition to this 60,000 plus here in Cardiff.
[Cole] Remember, Edge has returned back at SummerSlam,
helped the Mysterios knock off The Judgment Day.
Edge is actually a founder of that group, but then got kicked out.
By Finn Bálor and company.
[Saxton] This has become very personal
not just for Edge, but Rey Mysterio looking to prove
they will not be the doormats for The Judgment Day.
[Cole] Judgment Day have stated their mission
is to destroy all of the WWE Universe's favorite idols one-by-one.
Tonight, they may double up.
[crowd chanting] Edge! Edge! Edge! Edge!
[crowd cheering]
[cheering continues]
[The Judgment Day's theme music playing]
[announcer] And their opponents,
accompanied to the ring by Rhea Ripley
Finn Bálor and Damian Priest,
The Judgment Day!
[Cole] The mesmerizing, magnetic Rhea Ripley
lead by Finn Bálor and Damian Priest
But, Corey, tell me what The Judgment Day wants here in WWE?
[Corey] The Judgment Day looks to change the business by force.
Rebuild the roster in their own image.
Tear down the idols of yesteryear and become the stars of tomorrow.
Tonight is a night of great significance,
but Finn Bálor in particular, who told me he wrestled here in Cardiff
nearly 20 years ago for a company called Hammerlock Wrestling
in front of about 60 people.
Sixty.
He is in front of 60,000 plus members of the WWE Universe tonight
in the spotlight where he belongs, where he wants to be
with The Eradicator and the punishment by his side.
[Cole] There is the game-changer, the X-Factor.
Hypnotic in many ways, that's Dominik Mysterio.
[Corey] Hypnotic, wicked, predictable.
She's really become a game-changer for The Judgment Day.
[Saxton] These three have fed off ruffling the feathers
of those who have been established in our industry,
and their two top targets are Edge and Rey Mysterio.
[Cole] The Judgment Day has refused to be deterred
even while being defeated several weeks back in Toronto
by The Rated-R Superstar,
Damian Priest got the last laugh.
[Corey] The Judgment Day perpetuate are the last ones laughing.
[Cole] So, this is a very personal battle
with Edge and Mysterio.
Dominik rallying the WWE fans,
made the promise to be in the corner here tonight
as Mysterio and Edge reunite.
A classic tag team from SmackDown.
Some 20 years ago.
And Finn Bálor who has sort of become the leader of The Judgment Day
ever since Edge was sent out of the group.
[Corey] I think, Edge, sorry, I think Finn Bálor would resent that comment.
I don't believe that Judgment Day look at each other
as any sort of hierarchy.
They are all on a level playing field with one similar goal.
Finn Bálor and Rey Mysterio start off this tag team matchup!
Rey Mysterio ledging his own right.
Surefire Hall of Famer, no doubt about that.
Oh, and Bálor though…
[Saxton] It's interesting, a couple weeks ago, after Bálor defeated Rey Mysterio,
he said that he solidified his own legendary status
at the-- Oh!
[Cole] Very aggressive Bálor to start here.
Listen, Finn Bálor,
the first ever Universal Champion in WWE,
and an Intercontinental and United States Champion as well,
and also a two-time NXT Champion.
[Corey] Mysterio up and over, looking to push the pace.
And Mysterio
uses his legs and feet just as well as his fists and arms.
And Bálor up over the top.
Rey rolls through and catches Finn with a kick.
[Corey] Good strike ability of Rey Mysterio on display.
Although, Bálor one of the few superstars who can match Rey Mysterio
in the speed department.
And when it comes to Rey Mysterio and Edge,
there truely isn't much. if anything,
that the two of them have not experienced in this business.
So, look for The Judgment Day
to maybe show us something we haven't seen before.
Because you can't rely on old tricks
when you're dealing with veterans and Hall of Famers.
[Cole] Damian Priest, of course, who had a run in with Edge,
in Edge's hometown of Toronto, a couple of weeks ago on Monday Night RAW.
[Corey] Priest wants Edge.
[crowd cheering]
Cardiff wants Edge as well.
And Edge happily will oblige.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] And here comes the 11-time World Champion.
Edge has been the King of the Ring, Mr. Money in the Bank,
he's won the Royal Rumble twice.
And Damian Priest with a right hand drops the veteran.
And Edge walked right into that.
And Priest showing you what he's all about.
Power, finesse.
[Corey] Believe you me, Damian Priest learned a lot
from his encounter with Edge a couple weeks ago--
Oh! In Toronto.
[Cole] Watch the right here. Bam!
You know, Tyson Fury's here tonight, looking on.
He would've been proud of that right by Priest.
Edge, trying to corner back from in the ring.
Rey Mysterio helped his partner out
protected Edge from going completely into the corner!
And now Edge unloading on Priest!
[Corey] We talked about it earlier tonight in the six-women tag,
tag team chemistry counts for so much.
Edge and Mysterio obviously still have it.
Bálor tried to do the same thing, but not quite effective.
Edge reversed it and then took power out with a kick to the midsection!
[Cole] And now Priest sent over the top rope, tag made.
Rey Mysterio's legal.
[Saxton] They're about to take flight!
[Cole] And Edge now launching Mysterio into The Judgment Day!
[Saxton] A little assist from Edge.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Now, Mysterio into the ring.
Kicks to the hamstrings of the larger Damian Priest.
Uh-oh, oh, and Priest catches Mysterio
in mid-air
and now a vertical slam!
[Saxton] A modified Broken Arrow by Priest
just stopped the momentum of Rey Mysterio.
[Cole] Cover-- Thought Priest going for the cover,
but he wants to inflict more punishment on Rey Mysterio.
[Saxton] This is about proving a point for all of Judgment Day
that the expiration date
of Edge and Rey Mysterio's career is near.
[Cole] And Priest has a major problem with Edge.
And Finn Bálor made sure Mysterio did not come out of the corner.
Makes the tag.
Pow!
[Corey] Blade-like precision from the prince.
Stomping Mysterio right in the heart.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] And now Finn and Damian Priest have successfully slowed Mysterio down.
And will keep Rey isolated in their corner.
-Backbreaker. -[Mysterio grunts in pain]
Two!
-[Cole] Priest with a big legdrop! -[Corey] Yeah, human beings--
Cover on Rey. Is it enough to put him away?
And a kick-out at two.
[Corey] Rey instinctively reaching, but a long ways away from tagging in Edge.
Full extension and…
the leg of Priest right across the neck and collar bones of Mysterio.
Things beginning to look bleak for Rey.
[Cole] Massive crowd here tonight
Principality Stadium in Cardiff, looking on.
It's been electric.
Mysterio, kick to Priest,
looking to rally and Priest drops Rey again,
and gets between Edge and Rey.
-[referee] Hey, hey! -[Cole] Oh, wow.
[Cole] Unbelievable disrespect.
[Saxton] You see how consumed Damian Priest continues to be
with getting into the head of Edge.
[Corey] Is that the case, Byron? Or is Priest in the head of Edge?
And Priest is just watching The Rated-R Superstar
Come apart at the seams.
[Cole] And a great double-team by The Judgment Day.
And-- Oh!
Axe kick right to the back of the neck,
cover now on Mysterio by Finn who powers out at two.
[Corey] I would just caution Damian Priest
of inciting the Rated-R Superstar.
Lest he feel the full wrath.
[Cole] Suplex by Bálor.
And now Finn…
Uh…
[Saxton] Talk about inciting, talk about disrespecting more.
[Cole] I thought he was gonna try Three Amigos
which of course was made famous by Rey's best friend,
the late great Eddie Guerrero.
[Rhea] What are you looking at, kid?
[Saxton] This is a new viciousness, new aggressiveness out of Finn Bálor.
Very little wasted motion these days from Bálor.
Very concise in his movements.
Every attempt at anything needs a great deal.
No. No.
-[Cole] She's talking to you, Byron. -[Rhea] You shut up!
[Saxton] I don't have a problem with you.
[Cole] Rey trying to fight out.
[Corey] Unless she's got bigger delts than you.
[men laugh]
[Cole] That's what Corey says.
Oh! Knee wrecked to the midsection by Bálor.
Again, Mysterio not able to make a tag as he set--
-[Saxton] Oh! -[Cole] Rey goes low!
Took out the knee of Finn Bálor, face first off the turnbuckle.
-Rey's got a chance. -[Saxton] This is key right now.
Rey Mysterio has got to make the tag now.
[Cole] Rey trying to drag himself to the corner and Edge…
Finn Bálor trying to hang on.
And The Biggest Little Man in the history of WWE with an enzuigiri.
But Bálor was able to make the tag to Priest
who delivers a boot to Edge and knocks him off the apron.
[Saxton] The Judgment Day is just low.
[Cole] On the same page all night long.
[Corey] The Judgment Day have done a fantastic job
of sticking to their gameplan.
[Cole] And now as referee Jessika Carr was busy with Damian Priest,
Bálor tried to attack and Mysterio sent him into the WWE Universe.
[Saxton] And Mysterio on top of the barricade!
[Corey] Look out, Priest from behind.
-Oh, my God! -[Saxton] I don't like this.
I don't like this at all.
-Nope. -[Cole] Mysterio trying to fight back.
-On top-- -[all exclaim]
[Cole] Damian Priest is gonna have a long flight back to the States.
[breathing heavily]
[Saxton] … story right there for Damian Priest,
in the meantime, can Rey Mysterio finally make it back into the ring?
And more importantly, to tag in Edge!
[Cole] Edge is on the apron, ready to go.
Mysterio trying to drag himself across the ring.
[Saxton] Mysterio with a clear path.
[Cole] Rhea shouting at Priest and Bálor to get back in.
She understands what's gonna happen if Edge comes into the ring.
The roof's gonna blow off this place.
[Saxton] Rey's gotta hurry!
[Cole] Damian Priest though
able to use his long body
to grab the leg of Mysterio, prevent him from making the tag,
drag him back toward the corner.
But maybe not.
Rey, tag, here's Edge!
[Saxton] And ready to unleash the rage!
Here comes the Rated-R Superstar.
[Cole] And Edge with a clothesline and a boot, taking out The Judgment Day!
Right there, the Edgecution…
[crowd cheering]
…by Edge!
[Saxton] And Edge understands the magnitude of a moment,
the importance of a victory here tonight
over The Judgment Day.
[Cole] Damian Priest jump on the apron,
took Edge's attention momentarily.
Mysterio now sends Priest flying!
And now Edge!
Is he thinking about it?
[Saxton] He better not be.
-We're in Cardiff-- -[Cole] He is! He is!
619!
[Corey] I thought that was a more of a 519.
[Saxton] It's good enough.
[Cole] And Mysterio with the splash!
Cover by Edge!
[crowd] One, two--
[Cole] And Damian Priest breaking things off.
[Corey] Long ranging legs from outside the ring.
Priest keeping this one going
and now has Mysterio in his clutches.
[Cole] Rey climb up the second rope, trying to take Priest out.
Rey could be in trouble.
-[Saxton] Oh, my God! -[Cole] Oh! And spear by Edge!
[Saxton] Holy moly!
[Cole] Dominik's expression tells the story.
Edge spearing Priest
off the apron to the floor!
[Saxton] We got about 60,000 plus with the same expression.
[Cole] And Mysterio
dumped out by Bálor,
a very angry Finn Bálor.
[Saxton] Let's see if Bálor can channel that anger.
[Cole] Maybe not.
Edge back into the ring.
Bálor! Sling Blade!
Yeah!
[Cole] Rhea Ripley loves it, and now Finn Bálor
looking to put Edge away!
Oh, and Edge in the drop zone for Bálor!
[Saxton] Is this how The Judgment Day secures a victory--
[Corey] What the-- Get out of the ring, Dominik!
[Cole] Yeah, but Dominik has the referee distracted
and allowed his dad Rey Mysterio…
to prevent Finn Bálor from delivering Coup de Grâce!
-Oh! -Mysterio sends Bálor to the mat!
[Cole] Rhea Ripley taking out Dominik.
Driving Dominik into the barricade.
[Corey] Dominik only has himself to blame.
He stick his nose on their business first.
[Saxton] It was an emotional response from Dominik trying to--
[Cole] Dominik may have saved Edge!
And Mysterio taking out Dominik and Rhea!
[Saxton] This has completely broken down.
[Cole] But again, you get back to Dominik, guys.
Edge was done.
Bálor was going for the Coup de Grâce.
Dominik distracting the official
allowed Rey to take Bálor off the top rope.
And now it's time for the-- Oh!
Bálor with a clothesline!
[Corey] Bálor boots Rey to the outside.
Now Bálor--
[Cole] Oh, and Dominik grabbed the boot of Bálor!
[Saxton] Dominik do whatever it takes to ensure this victory
for Rey and Edge!
[Cole] And now Mysterio with a 619!
And a spear by Edge!
-Cover! -[crowd] One, two, three!
[Cole] Thanks to Dominik, Edge and Rey has picked up the win!
[announcer] Here are your winners,
the team of Rey Mysterio and Edge!
[Saxton] I'm not gonna condone the interference of Dominik,
but Dominik again, realizing
this is the kind of battle you're in.
You gotta do whatever it takes.
And in this case, thanks to Dominik,
Rey Mysterio and Edge are victorious over The Judgment Day.
[Corey] Dominik had to take a back seat,
but it was for the better of the team, for the family.
[Cole] Mysterio and Edge with an impressive win
over The Judgment Day tonight.
First, as Rhea Ripley, took out Dominik,
Rey Mysterio would make Rhea pay.
And then here Dominik prevents Bálor from flying.
Rey would hit a 619,
and then, boom,
Edge!
[crowd] One, two, three!
[bell dings]
[Saxton] A huge ovation from the fans here in Cardiff,
the joy felt by Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio.
Victory party on tap!
[Cole] What a triumphant victory
for The Rated-R Superstar Edge and Rey Mysterio here tonight.
[Corey] All three of these men finally able to pluck the thorn
that is The Judgment Day from their collective--
[Cole] Oh, my God!
[indistinct chatter]
[Rey speaking Spanish]
Listen to me.
Please! Please.
[Cole] What the hell?
Damn it, kid, what are you doing?
[crowd booing]
It's your father for God sakes.
[booing continues]
I-I mean, I don't even know what to say.
I mean, Rey and Dominik have been through it.
I mean, first, the assault on Edge and he thought the cooler half would take over.
And then, Dominik lashing out. Obviously a confused kid.
Strikes his father, much of the delight of The Judgment Day.
[Corey] I can only hope that's what it is, Michael.
That it's just temporary confusion
and that, that Dominik will come to his senses.
[crowd cheering]
[upbeat music playing]
[narrator] WWE Shop, now A Fanatics Experience.
[Corey] We wanna send a special thanks to Our Lady Peace for Run.
The official theme of WWE Clash at the Castle.
It's from the album Spiritual Machines II,
and it's available now on Apple Music and Spotify.
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, we are proud to announce
tonight's attendance here at Principality Stadium
for Clash at the Castle!
Sixty-two thousand, two hundred and ninety-six!
["Run" playing]
[Cole] Sixty-two thousand, two hundred and ninety-six WWE fans here
in attendance tonight for the first stadium show
premium live event in the United Kingdom
in over 30 years.
Well, it has been quite the night already tonight.
You saw moments ago, the Mysterio family falling apart,
quicker than the New York Yankees.
And you have to wonder if the Mysterios,
well, if we're going to address this in what happens
right after Clash at the Castle.
Five minutes after we go off the air,
exclusively on Facebook and YouTube,
will be the Clash at the Castle press conference.
Superstars will be there to talk about what happened tonight
in this historic event in Cardiff, Wales.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, coming up next,
one of the most personal matchups in recent memory.
The normally laid back bro Riddle
is a ticking timebomb,
versus Seth "Freakin'" Rollins.
[Seth] Who in the hell
does Riddle think he is?
[Riddle] So who is Matthew Riddle?
[crowd chanting] Riddle! Riddle! Riddle!
[Riddle] I feel the crowd. They're all broing it up with me.
Bro! Bro! Bro!
[man] The Original Bro has arrived.
[Riddle] And you guys have no idea…
what I'm capable of.
And like I said before, you're gonna have to kill me to stop me!
[Seth laughing]
Aw! Well, I'm sorry.
I don't share air space
with losers.
And, Riddle, you are the ultimate loser.
[laughs]
I am a visionary.
I am a revolutionary.
And if you get in my way,
I'm going to put you down.
[echoing] Put you down…
[Seth laughing]
[laughs]
Tonight, my friends,
is a night of celebration!
Because we don't have to see
and we don't have to hear
that idiot Riddle.
[laughing]
[Riddle's theme song plays]
[crowd cheering]
[man 1] Here comes Riddle!
[man 2] The Visionary couldn't see this future.
-Look at the stomp! -Not this time.
[Riddle] I might be down,
but I'm definitely not out.
-Oh! -Oh, God!
And like I said before, you're gonna have to kill me to stop me, bro.
[man 1] The Original Bro chasing off Seth "Freakin'" Rollins.
A shocking return to Monday Night RAW for Riddle!
[Seth] I have been targeting Riddle. He's been a thorn in my side.
I'm at the very tip-top of the food chain
and Riddle's on the come-up.
So this match was bound to happen, but there's only one problem.
I'm Seth "Freakin'" Rollins, baby.
I'm gonna steal the show
and show him who the man around here really is.
Ooh.
Well, Seth, I'm gonna prove to you
that there's only one man in your marriage.
And that's Becky, bro.
[man] And clear.
-We good? -Yeah.
Okay, good.
Yo, Riddle, you still there?
Yeah, I'm still here.
You talk about my family, I'm gonna talk about your family.
But wait, you ain't got one, 'cause your wife divorced you and took your kids,
and they don't wanna see your bitch-ass anymore, huh?
-What did you just say? -Yeah, you heard me.
-Where are you? -You heard me, bitch.
-Where are you? -I'm here. Come find me.
Dude, you don't get-- I'm not gonna beat you up,
I'm gonna [bleep] you up, bro. Where the [bleep] are you?
-Where are you? -All right, come on.
-Where is he? -Come find me, bitch.
Where are you? Dude, you don't get-- I'm gonna smash your face!
-Okay, cool. -Yeah. Yeah.
Keep playing games, bro! Keep playing games!
I'm gonna [bleep] you up.
[breathing heavily]
Get this off of me.
[Riddle's theme song playing]
[bell dings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Las Vegas, Nevada,
weighing in at 216 pounds, Matt Riddle!
[Corey] Apparently when Riddle heard we were coming to Wales,
he thought we were going to Bikini Bottom.
[Cole] Nonetheless, for Riddle, this started out with,
you know, defending the likes of his long-time buddy,
the man who changed his career, Randy Orton.
Cody Rhodes, who came back and went through…
[fire crackers explode]
…went through everything with Seth Rollins.
But now, after the interview that you conducted
this past Monday night, Corey,
things have got more personal than anything I've ever seen here in WWE.
[Corey] I completely agree with you.
The real fireworks didn't happen until after I left the room.
It's an understatement to say
that Matt Riddle and Seth Rollins detest one another.
[Saxton] We have seen for weeks officials struggling to stabilize the contempt
that Riddle and Seth Rollins have for each other.
Yeah, tonight, the handcuffs are off.
[Cole] This is a massive opportunity for Riddle
to strike it out solo, make a name for himself,
but it will not be easy.
[crowd cheering]
[Seth Rollins' theme song playing]
[announcer] And his opponent, from Davenport, Iowa,
weighing in at 217 pounds,
Seth "Frickin'" Rollins!
[Cole] You know, our ring announcer, Samantha Irvin,
used to perform at Cirque du Soleil.
I think Seth Rollins stole an outfit from her closet.
Straight out of the Rocket Man collection.
Nonetheless, Seth Rollins, guys,
this match was supposed to happen at SummerSlam, right?
But Riddle was not medically cleared after an attack by Rollins.
Corey, you've known Seth Rollins probably longer than anyone in WWE.
Why this?
Why this attack on Riddle week after week after week?
What's his issue?
[Corey] Once upon a time, we referred to Seth Rollins as "The Architect,"
because Rollins is a master manipulator.
And when I spoke to Seth earlier in the day,
asked him for some insight into tonight's match,
he said, "Graves, the work is already done.
"I've already cut the string.
"Tonight, we watch Riddle unravel."
It is all by design.
Mind games on another level.
[Saxton] You know, it's really interesting how this thing has developed,
because Seth actually provided some more insight earlier this week,
basically talking about from day one that Riddle entered WWE,
how turned off he was by how Riddle carried himself,
that the words he would say,
so it seemed like only a matter of time that this right here,
this issue between Rollins and Riddle would explode.
[Corey] Absolutely right. That issue wasn't created out of thin air, Byron.
That issue was created from truth.
[Cole] But I also want to ask you about Rollins,
and not just the Riddle situation,
but this complete change in him, the character change, the way he looks,
the way he approaches his match in the ring, this flamboyant style.
What has got into Seth Rollins?
[Corey] Rollins finally realized that he truly has become
who he's always claimed to be,
the best sports entertainer in the world today.
Riddle… he is wound tight.
That's exactly how Seth Rollins wants it.
[crowd vocalizing]
-[referee] Ring the bell! -[bell dings]
And here we go, and Riddle and Rollins going right after one another.
matchup is underway at Clash at the Castle.
Seth Rollins, who to this day, will not stop talking about the fact
that he wants an opportunity at the Undisputed Championship.
Riddle will try to prevent him from ever getting there.
[Saxton] This is what happens when you ignite the fury of Matt Riddle.
He is bringing it to Rollins.
[Cole] Well, Rollins bringing it to Riddle as well.
[Corey] Rollins has got to be careful. Rollins has to be cognizant.
Even he is not going to outstrike Matt Riddle.
[Cole] Riddle's got to be careful too. He doesn't get disqualified.
He's been waiting for this match for a long, long time.
-[Corey] Absolutely right. -[Cole] Uh-oh, and wait a minute.
He got right in the face of the official Rod Zapata.
He touched him, and Zapata obviously going to let, give some leeway in this match,
but that distraction has allowed Rollins to attack outside,
but Riddle turns things around.
[Corey] And this is what Seth wants. Seth wants to let Riddle implode.
Seth knows he's in Matt Riddle's mind.
He's under Matt Riddle's skin.
-Now Seth wants to finish the job! -[Cole] Oh!
But Riddle not going to go down without the fight of Rollins' life.
[Cole] And Riddle with a couple of gutwrenches now to Seth Rollins,
bringing Rollins around the ring.
Riddle is a very dangerous man.
You attack a man's family, you're going to get what you've got coming to you,
but Rollins is wily as they come, as you saw there.
[Saxton] Rollins not just attacking Riddle's family,
attacking the career of Riddle, putting that career in jeopardy.
[Corey] Listen, Rollins is betting on the fact
that Riddle's coming into this match with tunnel vision,
that Riddle is blind with anger,
and Seth will use that against Matt Riddle.
-[Cole] Oh, and a knee by Riddle. -[Corey] Given the opportunity.
[Cole] Oh, and Riddle connecting with a set timeout of Rollins, and again.
Meanwhile, into the cover by Riddle, hook of the leg, shoulders down,
and a kick-out.
Sixty-two thousand, two hundred ninety-six WWE fans
were still serenading us with Seth Rollins' entrance theme.
A massive crowd here tonight in Cardiff.
It has been an incredible event, and still to come,
we've got the Undisputed Championship between Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre.
[Corey] A match that both of these competitors will be watching very closely.
We know Rollins has been extremely vocal
about wanting an opportunity at that championship.
Riddle could potentially earn one tonight.
[Cole] Rollins had a match with Roman earlier this year, Riddle as well.
And here's Riddle now, perhaps trying to get Seth in a triangle
or some sort of submission hold to make Rollins tap.
[Corey] Riddle needs to pass Rollins' shoulder underneath Seth's chin
to really complete the triangle submission,
and great power by the visionary.
[Cole] And dumping low, and oh, wait a minute,
Riddle hung on, Rollins hit the floor first!
[Saxton] Riddle keeping his eyes locked on Seth Rollins,
looking to attack from the apron.
[Cole] And Riddle caught by Rollins,
and now Seth with Riddle up top,
driving him into the barricade.
[Corey] That was nasty! I don't think Riddle's getting up.
[Cole] A barricade bomb, a version of Seth's bucklebomb.
[Corey] Look at this.
Watch the way Riddle's body contorts around the barricade.
[all exclaim]
It's like a whiplash effect.
And this is what Rollins needed, a moment to re-strategize.
[Cole] Exactly, and weather the early emotional storm of Riddle.
Riddle came firing out of the blocks,
but Seth Rollins has successfully settled things down.
[Corey] It's an old cliche,
but this is truly the case of Riddle playing checkers
while Rollins is playing chess.
That's how Rollins competes.
[Cole] Meanwhile, Seth Rollins gonna launch himself into Riddle,
who bounces up over our announce table.
[Saxton] Riddle in a bad, bad way,
and Rollins all too happy to continue pouring on the punishment.
Rollins believes he is the gatekeeper of our industry,
believes Riddle is nowhere in his league.
[Corey] Well, and Riddle, I think, has a healthy professional respect
for what Rollins has accomplished.
Riddle wants the spot that Seth occupies right now.
Beyond that, Riddle can't stand the breath that Seth Rollins breathes.
[Cole] There's no doubt, Corey.
Seth Rollins has dominated this industry for a decade, right?
Riddle's still trying to make a name for himself here in WWE.
Yeah, sure, he's won a United States Championship and Tag Team title,
but the sky's still the limit for Matt Riddle.
Rollins just trying to establish dominance to make it continue,
so maybe one day he does get that shot at the Undisputed Championship.
[Corey] Rollins is a guy who would rather not wake up
in the morning than allow someone else to make their name at his expense.
-[Saxton] Oh! -[Cole] Rollins takes down Riddle.
Seth into the cover. Forearm right in the face.
Forces Riddle to kick out.
Rollins immediately dropping bombs on Riddle.
Allowing no reprieve.
[indistinct chatter]
Official Rod Zapata already in a testy mood.
We saw Riddle get to his face earlier.
Now he's dealing with Seth Rollins.
[Cole] Oh, he said he doesn't want to disqualify one of them, but he will.
He has to understand how high the tensions are between these two superstars.
Oh, goodness! Riddle firing back.
Seth took a little too much time,
and Riddle able to come out of this wildly.
Rollins now roll up. Shoulders are down. Does Seth have him?
No, kick at two.
-Rollins kick him in the face! -[Saxton] Oh, baby!
[Cole] Riddle down and out. Cover again by Rollins.
And a great cover by Rollins. It forced him to kick out.
The way he wrapped the inside arm and leg didn't allow Riddle to go to the ropes.
Falcon Arrow now by Rollins.
Cover, hook to the leg again.
Riddle at two and a half.
[Corey] There's no doubt about it.
Seth Rollins did his homework before this matchup, as he always does,
and Seth Rollins is well aware of the gas tank possessed by Matt Riddle.
Riddle can go all night.
He will continue to fight until he simply can't fight anymore.
Rollins needs to figure out a way to exhaust Riddle.
[Cole] A changing landscape in WWE.
You can feel it here tonight
in Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales.
Sixty-two thousand plus continue to serenade us with Rollins' music.
And Riddle with a boot to the face and an elbow
as he tries to fight back into this match.
Riddle now top rope, and Rollins makes him pay.
Riddle gingerly tried to ascend to the top,
but Rollins was just a little bit quicker,
and now Rollins with some plans of his own.
[Riddle groans]
[Corey] Rollins could be thinking about an inverted superplex.
If this lands, it could be game over.
Oh. Riddle able to fight out of harm's way for the moment.
[Cole] Yeah, and it causes Rollins to lose his balance.
And Riddle now back to the top rope.
Stepping up to the apron. Oh, and a kick to the face!
[Corey] Riddle right between the eyes.
[Cole] I mentioned the game of chess.
Rollins playing it magnificently here.
[Corey] Riddle trying to struggle!
-[Cole] Goodness, right to the midsection! -[Corey] Checkmate!
[Cole] Cover Rollins, hooks the leg on Riddle, forces Riddle to kick,
but driving the breath out of the lungs of Riddle,
but just stopped by Rollins.
[Corey] Look at the height achieved by Seth "Freakin'" Rollins
before both boots stomping right into the sternum
of The Original Bro, nearly ending Riddle's night.
[Saxton] Yeah, Riddle can feel the impact of that maneuver
the longer this match goes on.
[Cole] Riddle continuing to be punished by Seth Rollins here.
Did you see a bit of frustration on the face of Rollins moments ago?
[Saxton] I don't think we did, but Riddle--
Rollins done a great job of using that frustration
to become even more aggressive with Riddle.
[Corey] Rollins may be growing mildly frustrated,
but Seth knows what he's dealing with tonight.
Seth Rollins knows this was not gonna be an easy night.
He's gonna be in for a hell of a fight,
and Riddle looking to make something happen,
perched on the middle turnbuckle.
-[Saxton] [indistinct] -[Corey] Oh, no.
[Corey] On the top, superplex!
[Cole] Way up top, superplex!
Seth rolls through!
[Saxton] And Riddle releases Rollins!
Fisherman Buster from Riddle!
[Cole] Incredible! How did Riddle do that to Rollins?
Usually, Rollins comes off that superplex and turns it into a Falcon's Arrow,
but tonight, Riddle able to counter into a Fisherman's Buster.
[Corey] Seems to me that Riddle's not the only one
who's studied up before this matchup.
Take a look at this, Rollins with the superplex.
Looking to roll through the Falcon Arrow,
but Riddle puts Seth's leg before driving him down
with a Fisherman Buster in the center of the ring.
And Rollins slow to his feet, but still the first one up.
[Cole] Riddle, though, unloading on Rollins.
[Corey] This is the billboard example of the incredible gas take
we always talk about when it comes to Riddle.
[Cole] That flash knee by Riddle caught Rollins in the face.
[Saxton] You think he's done, you think he's on empty,
and then Riddle does this. Oh!
[Cole] Seth blocks.
Rollercoaster ride for both these superstars!
Great throw by Riddle!
And the veteran Rollins rolls under the bottom rope
to try to get out of harm's way, but maybe not.
-Riddle with the kick! -[Corey] Did you hear that?
[Saxton] No rest for the weary on the outside, Riddle.
[Cole] Oh, my goodness! A Floating Bro up the second rope?
[Saxton] Whatever it takes right now if you are Matt Riddle.
[Cole] And now Rollins is the one trying to play defense, but maybe not.
He's got Riddle hooked.
Rollins looking for a pedigree, but Riddle able to counter!
Oh! Into the Bro To Sleep!
And Rollins!
Oh, and a knee!
Cover by Riddle for the win!
Rollins kicks at two.
[Corey] Wow.
Wow, wow, wow.
Here's the action earlier on.
Rollins was thinking about a rolling elbow.
Riddle a step ahead with a T-bone,
and then a Floating Bro to the outside takes down the visionary.
The playing field is level once again.
[Cole] He's suffering a tremendous amount of punishment here.
And Bro To Sleep almost cost Rollins as well.
[Saxton] Incredible string of offensive maneuvers delivered by Riddle,
but we're seeing the resiliency of Seth Rollins on display
as much as we've seen it from Riddle.
[Cole] And Riddle up top now. Rollins in the drop zone.
Matt Riddle may have Rollins where he wants him.
Floating bro, but the knees are up to the spine!
[Corey] Riddle took a hair too long making the climb, and here he comes!
[Cole] Went for the stop. Riddle sidestepped.
Standing switch by Rollins.
[Corey] Riddle lands on his feet.
[Cole] Riddle! Caught it!
-[Corey] Triangle! -[Cole] Triangle in!
Will Rollins tap to the triangle?
Is Rollins gonna tap?
Will Riddle put Rollins away?
[Corey] The positioning is perfect in the middle of the rings.
Rollins desperately needs to escape.
[Cole] Riddle's shoulders are down. He was able to get off--
[Corey] And Riddle hooking Rollins' ankle,
preventing Seth from lifting Matt off the mat.
[Cole] There's nowhere to go. Rollins may be fading.
Riddle's got it in. Seth Rollins is fading.
Riddle may win this match!
Rollins may be out!
Rollins with one last gasp effort, kicking Riddle in the face.
[Corey] Desperate stops create separation.
[Cole] Matt looking-- Oh, goodness!
-Bro Derek! -[Saxton] That's the Bro Derek!
[Cole] That is Riddle's finishing move!
Rollins cover!
Riddle! Did he get the shoulder up? He did!
Riddle got the shoulder up in two!
[Saxton] What a story that would have been.
Seth Rollins defeating Riddle with his very own maneuver.
[Cole] Riddle uses this to take out his opponents.
It's called the Bro Derek.
But again, the master manipulator, Seth Rollins,
trying to beat Riddle in his own game.
[Corey] There you see the frustration wash over the face of Seth "Freakin'" Rollins.
[crowd shouting]
[Cole] What a night.
What a match.
What a moment in history
here tonight in Clash at the Castle.
[Saxton] Both of these men are spent.
What kind of thoughts are flowing through the mind of Seth Rollins at this moment?
[Corey] Rollins could be thinking Phoenix Splash.
We've seen him utilize it in the past.
If it lands, it is over.
Good night, Riddle.
[Cole] Now, wait a minute. Rollins able to roll through.
Riddle back to his feet. Catches Rollins as he came back up.
Rollins with a kick to the face.
Riddle still standing-- Oh!
[Corey] As is Rollins after that blow.
[Cole] Riddle ducked underneath.
Caught Rollins with a kick.
-[shouting] -[Cole] Riddle finding a second life.
He ran into a right by Rollins.
Blow to the back of the neck.
Seth Rollins looking for the stomp.
Riddle met him with a knee!
[Corey] He caught right, Rollins,
I believe, right in the center of his chest.
[Cole] And a step-up enzuigiri by Rollins.
-[shouting] -[Saxton] Riddle!
[Cole] Riddle! How the hell, how is he still going?
[Saxton] I don't know. No clue.
[Cole] Rollins just kicked him in the face.
And now Riddle setting up Rollins.
Rollins lands on his feet!
Hooks Riddle for the pedigree!
Pedigree!
Rollins with the cover!
-Is it enough to win? -[crowd] One, two…
[Cole] Riddle kicks out!
[cheering]
[Corey] Watch this right hand from Rollins.
Right on the jaw of Riddle.
Followed up by a second to the base of Riddle's skull.
Rollins delivers the pedigree,
and shockingly, Riddle survives.
[Cole] And if you're Rollins, what do you do?
Rollins has thrown everything in his arsenal at Riddle.
[crowd chanting] This is awesome!
Look what you get, Riddle.
You're a loser!
You understand me?
You understand me? You're a loser.
Your wife knew it. That's why she left you.
These people know it, and your kids are gonna know it.
You're a goddamn loser, you hear me?
Oh, my goodness! Rollins just pissed off Riddle!
And here comes Riddle, an emotional powder keg.
[Saxton] This could have been a fatal mistake by Seth Rollins.
[Corey] Or it could have been an expertly laid trap
by The Architect, using Riddle's own anger against him.
[Cole] The emotions of Riddle may have cost him there.
[Corey] Rollins knows exactly what he's doing.
[Cole] Yeah, Riddle's mentor, Randy Orton, who's out with injury.
[Corey] Hey, guys, Rollins is going to that place.
[Cole] Rollins with the Orton-draping DDT,
rubbing salt in the wounds of Riddle.
[Corey] Vintage Seth "Freakin'" Rollins.
[crowd chanting]
[Cole] I think the vault limits in this match for Seth Rollins.
-[Saxton] Oh, you-- -[Corey] Really?
[Cole] Speaking of Randy Orton, the Apex Predator.
Rollins went for an RKO!
[Corey] Riddle able to grab Rollins out of the air.
[Saxton] The rear-naked choke submission is sunk in deep!
[Cole] And Riddle just beating the hell out of Seth Rollins,
pounding him in the back of the head!
[Corey] Riddle is relentless.
[Cole] Rollins is gonna rue everything he said about Riddle and his family.
Now making Rollins pay.
Pounding him off the announce table.
[Saxton] I feel like Riddle is just seeing red right now.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
[Cole] Riddle's gotta be careful, of course. Disqualification--
[Corey] He doesn't care about the damn move.
[Cole] Rollins, though, retreats.
Runs back into the ring, and a stomp!
A stomp by Rollins!
[Saxton] Wow!
[Cole] Rollins used Riddle's own emotion against him.
[Saxton] Riddle tried to contain it this entire match.
[Cole] And he made a mistake. Riddle made a mistake.
He let his emotions get the best of him,
and now Seth Rollins is prepared to pounce.
[Saxton] Now is your time.
Join the chorus and witness the revolution.
[Corey] Oh, wait.
Rollins to the second rope.
Riddle back to his feet.
[Cole] Rollins with a stomp from the second rope!
The master manipulator plays on the emotions of Riddle
and picks up the win.
[Seth Rollins' theme music plays]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
Seth "Frickin'" Rollins!
[Saxton] Hate to say it, but Seth Rollins outsmarted Matt Riddle
tonight at Clash of the Castles.
[Corey] Seth Rollins was like a great matador tonight
because all Matt Riddle was was a bull seeing red.
Rollins expertly used Matt Riddle's own anger
against The Original Bro,
and the whole world can sing along.
[Saxton] Think about it, Rollins almost ended Riddle's career
and ridiculed his intelligence, attacked his family.
[Cole] Yeah, but it worked. It worked.
[Saxton] He had the ultimate bragging right for Seth Rollins now
because Rollins is the one who's victorious.
[Cole] I mean, say what you want about Seth Rollins.
You may not have to agree with everything he did,
but right here, he pushed the buttons of Riddle.
Riddle lost control, and because of that,
Seth Rollins was able to capitalize with a stomp
and then another one from the second rope.
Rollins establishing dominance over Riddle here tonight at Clash of the Castles.
[Corey] Riddle fought his heart out.
There is no doubt about it.
Riddle will live to fight another day,
but this one will live in the mind of The Original Bro for a long, long time.
[Saxton] One mistake is all it took
to create the opening for the visionary,
the revolutionary, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins.
Not beginning to conform to the eye of Riddle.
I'll see you never, pal.
I'll see you never.
[laughs]
[upbeat music playing]
[narrator] WWE Shop, now A Fanatics Experience.
[Cole] Well, this took place earlier today.
That is the Undisputed Champion Roman Reigns
talking to the two-time World Heavyweight Champion,
Lineal Boxing Champion, the Gypsy King from Manchester,
Tyson Fury.
We can only imagine what they were talking about
as Roman Reigns prepares to defend here tonight.
[Corey] Well, the Gypsy King is here with one of the best seats in the house,
his entire family and crew with him.
Tyson Fury enjoying the madness that has been Clash at the Castle,
but Tyson Fury not the only superstars
getting an eye on tonight's events.
The Harbinger of Sorrow himself,
Karrion Kross alongside Scarlett,
keeping a very close eye on McIntyre and Roman Reigns.
[Cole] Well, ladies and gentlemen,
what an extraordinary event tonight, and what a wonderful week here.
Clash at the Castle in the vibrant capital city of Wales, Cardiff,
located on beautiful Cardiff Bay.
The city is a multicultural melting pot.
World-class sports, restaurants, and of course, pubs.
The Glassworks, the City Arms, Pen and Wig,
all have had a lot of my money over the past couple of days.
But guys, what an amazing city in Cardiff.
We haven't been here for a long time,
but we've certainly been here for a good time.
I can't wait to get back.
[Saxton] I can't tell you how many fans I met
just walking around Cardiff yesterday
and how much gratitude they had, how much appreciation for the fact
that WWE would not only return to Cardiff,
but return with an event of this magnitude.
[Corey] Well, let's return some of that gratitude
by saying thank you to the city of Cardiff, Wales.
[Cole] Well, I am so honored and privileged
to be sitting here at ringside tonight, a front-row seat for this epic battle.
In this United Kingdom home, the challenger is Drew McIntyre,
looking to end Roman Reigns' historic two-year, 734-day reign
as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
[narrator] There is no arguing the undisputed,
for he who holds the gold
rules the realm.
[growls]
For years, one man has reigned over this kingdom,
ruling with brute force,
laying waste to all challengers.
[man] And as Reigns grows more confident, Reigns grows more dangerous.
[narrator] An inferno of dominance.
[growls]
Incinerating the opposition,
leaving scorched earth behind.
[Heyman] The Tribal Chief fears no man,
but they all fear Roman Reigns.
[narrator] He has fortified his empire,
unlimited power within his grasp.
[man] Roman Reigns rules the Universe!
[narrator] But from the ashes, a new hope arises.
[man] You better summon the British Army.
[narrator] A soldier of valor.
[Drew] Roman Reigns is an absolute monster,
and I'm gonna take him down.
[narrator] A son of the United Kingdom.
[Drew] Roman, you're coming to my island, in front of my people.
This isn't a job. This is my damn dream.
I am gonna drop your ass. I am gonna win those titles.
[Roman] Drew McIntyre, you're lying.
The Tribal Chief and The Bloodline runs WWE.
[man 1] A hellacious assault by The Bloodline!
[man 2] The Usos are always there to have Roman Reigns back.
[Roman] What I say has substance here.
I don't have to say anything face-to-face to Drew
because he's beneath me.
This whole industry, this whole business, runs off of me!
[Drew] You've got The Bloodline working for you physically,
taking bullets for you, and sure, you're in God mode,
but you are just a man.
I can see something different in your eyes when it's just you and I.
I see concern, and you should be scared, because there is not a man alive
that Drew McIntyre cannot tear apart with his bare hands.
[narrator] The battle is upon us.
[Roman] The top of the mountain is mine,
and you will never have it until I'm done with it!
Understand me?
[Drew] When are you gonna understand, Roman?
I will never, ever stop!
[man 1] It has been an emotional, a passionate journey for McIntyre
that climaxes in the United Kingdom.
[Drew] In Cardiff, it comes down to me and you.
I am gonna kick your head right off your body,
and you're gonna look up at the new undisputed champion.
[crowd cheering]
["Broken Dreams" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Drew McIntyre's theme music playing]
[fire crackers explode]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] You're looking at the first Scottish-born WWE Champion,
a man who cut his teeth in British Championship Wrestling,
Irish Whip Wrestling, the Scottish Wrestling Alliance,
and here tonight finds himself
with an opportunity of a lifetime,
a match that Drew McIntyre has called the most important match of his career.
McIntyre is back home in the United Kingdom,
hoping to end the historic reign of Roman Reigns.
[Corey] As much as this has been a dream come true tonight,
Drew McIntyre's is a tale of redemption,
an arduous lifelong journey to this moment,
guided from the heavens by his mother tonight into the mouth of the lion.
[Cole] Drew McIntyre…
[grunts]
[crowd cheering]
Drew McIntyre has never defeated Roman Reigns
in singles competition.
They last met one-on-one a couple of years ago at Survivor Series.
It did not go well for Mr. McIntyre.
Will Drew's luck change tonight?
[Corey] Roman Reigns has never had to face Drew McIntyre
and the entire United Kingdom at once.
[Saxton] McIntyre on his island in front of his people.
There is one more step to accomplish.
Become the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
[cheering]
[crowd chanting] Oh, Drew McIntyre!
Oh, Drew McIntyre!
[Roman Reign's theme music playing]
[crowd booing]
[Cole] For 734 days,
this man has reigned as a champion.
Over the last two years,
Roman Reigns has had twenty-three title retentions.
He was last pinned in December of 2019,
nearly three years ago.
And the men that he's beat over this historic stretch,
Brock Lesnar, Riddle, Goldberg, Sami Zayn, Finn Bálor, John Cena,
Edge, Rey Mysterio, Cesaro, Daniel Bryan, Kevin Owens,
Jey Uso, Braun Strowman,
that's the list of men that have been slayed by Roman Reigns,
but there's a big difference tonight,
because tonight, Roman Reigns heads to the ring without The Bloodline.
[Corey] Tonight, the Island of Relevancy is a very lonely place to be.
Roman is ready for battle because his throne,
at the head of the table, is under threat
by a living, breathing, fire-breathing dragon.
[Cole] There are no Usos.
They're not medically cleared to be here tonight.
The same with Sami Zayn,
after the hellacious attack by Drew McIntyre
on SmackDown last night.
We haven't seen Paul Heyman,
seen Brock Lesnar dump him through the announce table
with an F-5 at SummerSlam.
So Roman Reigns coming out here tonight,
it's like the President coming out without his Secret Service.
He's vulnerable, he's alone, and he's in trouble
against McIntyre.
[Saxton] And on the flip side, you see confidence, focus
booming from Drew McIntyre, who believes in his heart
that it is he who is the biggest threat to The Tribal Chief.
[Cole] Guys, listen to this stat.
Over the two years Roman Reigns has been champion,
there have been 55 championship changes
with all the other titles in WWE.
Fifty-five over the time that Roman Reigns has ruled as champ.
[Corey] Consistency.
That is what Roman Reigns has conveyed
and lived for over two years here at WWE.
[Cole] McIntyre staring at the champion.
Corey, you had Drew as a guest on the After the Bell podcast.
Very emotional moment for Drew McIntyre.
[Corey] Drew McIntyre feels as though his entire life has led up to tonight.
However, Drew has been incredibly busy all week long.
Drew has practically not stopped media appearances, charity opportunities.
Drew McIntyre has not stopped since his plane touchdown
just past Sunday.
Roman Reigns, however, has had one goal, one task,
focus on the challenge.
[Cole] Do you think that could be a problem for Drew?
[Corey] If it's faith, if this is truly meant to be,
then no, it shouldn't be a problem for McIntyre,
but Roman Reigns hopes it will be.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the Undisputed WWE
Universal Championship!
[crowd cheering]
Introducing the challenger from Ayr, Scotland.
Weighing in at 275 pounds,
Drew McIntyre!
[crowd cheering]
And his opponent from Pensacola, Florida.
Weighing in at 265 pounds,
he is the Undisputed WWE
Universal Champion,
Roman Reigns!
[crowd booing]
[Cole] A big fight atmosphere in Principality Stadium
in front of 62,296 WWE fans
in the United Kingdom, the homeland of Drew McIntyre.
Roman Reigns putting his historic 734 day championship reign on the line.
The world is talking about Clash at the Castle,
and here we go for the Unified Championship!
[cheering]
[cheering continues]
[crowd chanting] Oh, Drew McIntyre!
Oh, Drew McIntyre!
[Cole] You heard about the sixth man in basketball, right?
How about the 62,000 man here tonight in Cardiff in the corner of Drew McIntyre?
Lock up, we're underway, McIntyre and Reigns.
Corey, let's break this down.
For McIntyre, how does he win the championship?
[Corey] McIntyre has to present Roman Reigns
with something Roman has never seen before.
These two have done battles so many times,
they're familiar with one another, with their strategies,
with their game plans, with their move sets.
Drew is gonna have to think outside the box to knock off the champion.
[Cole] Byron, for the champ, how do you extend your reign?
[Saxton] Again, it's very similar for Roman Reigns
because the familiarity that Drew McIntyre has for his offensive repertoire.
Roman Reigns has to dig deep, try to surprise McIntyre
with something he hasn't seen.
[Corey] While Roman Reigns may be out here without The Bloodline,
Reigns, I'm sure, is eager to remind the WWE Universe
that he made the climb to the top of the mountain.
[Cole] Let's remind everyone too,
Roman wouldn't even be champion today if it wasn't for The Bloodline
and how they all buried Brock Lesnar
under a heap of rubble back at SummerSlam, right?
So Roman Reigns understands what The Bloodline means to him.
And he also, he doesn't have the home-field advantage.
This is all McIntyre here tonight in Cardiff.
[Corey] I can't believe this, but The Tribal Chief seems shaken
in the early moments.
[Saxton] Roman knew coming in he was gonna be in enemy territory.
But it's one thing to know, it's another to experience it.
And we're seeing the impact that's had on Roman early on.
[Cole] So what Roman needs to do is quell this early wave from McIntyre,
knock him down early, take the crowd out of the game.
[Saxton] Exactly.
[Cole] A side headlock to try to slow things down,
Roman trying to establish dominance early…
against Drew McIntyre,
who of course owns the victory over Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania.
And one of his two WWE championships.
-[Saxton laughs] -[indistinct]
[Cole] It's not often you see Roman Reigns back away.
[Corey] The challenger just walked the champion down in the ring.
What a power move by Drew McIntyre.
[Saxton] This scene, I'm still trying to digest what we're seeing here
is Roman Reigns is out of sorts.
[Corey] There's nothing to digest, Byron.
Roman is used to having Paul Heyman or Jimmy and Jey Uso
on the outside of the ring to confer with, to discuss strategy.
[Cole] And Drew is feeding off the fans.
And Roman Reigns ducks underneath, stand and switch by McIntyre.
Roman went for the elbow, Drew able to neutralize,
but not that time.
[Corey] McIntyre's gotta be careful
not to get caught up in the emotion of the moment.
We know that the passion of the fans is what's driven McIntyre to this point.
But Drew cannot rely on the live crowd, he needs to stay on his game plan.
[Cole] Yeah, but one of the things we just saw with McIntyre,
their violence and speed.
The quickness, the intensity, agility of Drew McIntyre.
And it's got Roman completely off the game.
[Saxton] Drew McIntyre's intensity was off the charts heading into this match.
And to the credit of the crowd here in Cardiff,
he is feeding off their energy to fuel that intensity.
[Cole] And one of the things we're seeing tonight, Corey,
and unlike we saw with Riddle earlier,
who was very emotional in his matchup with Seth Rollins,
Drew is keeping that emotion inside right now.
He's very under control,
and he hasn't let it get the best of him yet against Roman.
[Corey] Drew is laser-focused right now.
And Drew is focusing all of the emotional energy within
on the task at hand,
on The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns.
That is the mark of a veteran hitting his game.
[Cole] And again, to get back to your point earlier,
this is the moment right here where the Wiseman, Paul Heyman,
would be over with Roman Reigns,
calming him down, getting in his head, give him some strategy.
Just making Roman understand who he is as the best in the world.
[crowd booing]
Try telling the fans here in Cardiff
just who he is.
[Saxton] I think that's just going to excite him.
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
[Cole] And again, Roman, this is great strategy.
He hasn't allowed Drew to pick up on that momentum as of yet.
[Corey] And The Bloodline may have helped Roman retain his championship a few times.
But Roman Reigns won the championships on his own,
his own accord of his own skill and his own volition.
[Cole] McIntyre can ill-afford to allow Roman Reigns
to slow the match down, take the crowd out of it.
[Saxton] This is exactly where Roman wants to be,
measured shots on the challenger.
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
[Cole] There's one thing to claim you're the best in the world,
but when you believe it, like Roman Reigns does, hard to stop him.
Oh, but McIntyre, though, ducks underneath.
Changes Reigns' balance, and now it's McIntyre's turn.
[crowd] One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine…
Oh…
Ten!
And Roman now stumbling around.
McIntyre looking to pick up the pace, drives Roman over the top rope.
And right to our announce table,
and it may be regroup time for the champion.
[Corey] There was a dazed look in Roman's eyes just now.
[Cole] I was just gonna point that out.
Roman Reigns,
I mean, I don't remember the last time I've seen that look in Roman's eyes.
And Corey, we've called just about every one of Reigns' championship matches
over the past two years.
And I'm not quite sure I've seen Reigns look like that before.
[Corey] Roman Reigns almost perpetually seems in control of his emotions.
It's what's taken him to the pinnacle of his business.
[Cole] Now Reigns driven into the steel steps by McIntyre.
Now remember, very key point,
Drew's gotta pin or submit the champion, right?
Countouts, disqualifications do not help McIntyre.
So Drew has gotta get the champ back into the ring here.
[Corey] McIntyre firmly understanding that.
Keeping the referee's count in mind as he refocuses on the champ.
[Cole] Well, let's not start that now.
Oh, that was Karrion Kross accompanied by Miss Scarlett,
drawing the attention of McIntyre.
-And remember-- -[Saxton] Now not the time, Drew.
You wanna go? I'll shove that hourglass up your ass, get over here.
We'll do this right now.
[Cole] Roman Reigns takes advantage,
and perhaps that's the opening Roman needed.
[Corey] That might be the only opening Roman needed.
Drew took his eye off the ball,
and might have just blown the biggest chance of his life.
[Saxton] And how ironic, we were just talking about this,
how well Drew was controlling his emotions,
channeling his emotions.
We'll leave it up to Karrion Kross there. Oh!
[Cole] Well, what did you expect him to do, guys?
Kross through a water bottle at him. I mean, come on.
And Karrion Kross has been talking about The Chosen One and McIntyre.
Now a count of five.
[Corey] McIntyre has one job tonight, dethrone Roman Reigns.
[Cole] Roman Reigns, he'll take the countout win.
Count of seven now, McIntyre trying to drag himself back in the ring.
We're at a count of eight already. McIntyre slips at a count of nine.
McIntyre barely beats the count.
[Saxton] How embarrassing would that have been for Drew McIntyre?
[Cole] He slipped and he almost didn't make the count back in.
[Corey] And Roman today disbelieve that McIntyre even beat the count.
Now Reigns with a kick, and now Roman Reigns is in full God mode.
Cover, thought he went for the cover,
but now he's gonna inflict more punishment on Drew.
Now the cover, and a kick-out by McIntyre.
[Corey] Catching glimpses of the savage side of Roman Reigns.
It's almost like without The Wiseman at ringside,
Roman reverts to what he knows best, to his father, the Wild Samoan, Sika.
Straight up savagery from the champ.
[Cole] Talking trash for McIntyre is Reigns.
Roman Reigns took advantage of an opportunity
that he has so many times over the past two years.
And he's completely turned this match into his favor.
[Saxton] McIntyre being battered in the corner.
[Cole] Listen, you're champion for two years, you're doing something right.
You're also taking advantage of situations,
and sometimes you get lucky.
Drew McIntyre driven into the post, shoulder first.
And Drew hit himself hard in the steps as he fell out of the ring.
[crowd booing]
This again is what McIntyre wanted to avoid,
allowing The Tribal Chief
to wrestle control of the pace of this match away from him.
[Saxton] And like you saw earlier,
I'm sure Roman Reigns would be highly content
to win this match by countout.
-[Cole] Why not? -[referee] Five!
[Cole] Count of five, McIntyre's gotta pin or submit the champ.
McIntyre dragging himself up to the apron.
Count of seven now, again by referee Charles Robinson.
And Roman realized Drew was gonna make it back in,
so he said let me take a quick shot.
And another one.
[Corey] McIntyre barely holding on with that one hand,
and now thriving from the apron.
[Cole] And he hung up Roman in the top rope,
and McIntyre now looks to build momentum.
Roman Reigns, though, with that jumping clothesline, cover to retain.
Kick-out at one by McIntyre.
It is gonna take a lot for Roman Reigns
to put Drew McIntyre away tonight.
Impact.
[Corey] Reigns having a conversation with himself at the top of your screen.
Trying to solve this challenger.
[groaning]
Modified by Reigns,
smart strategy, this allows the champion
to strategize and maintain head control of his opponent.
[Saxton] Also get into the head as he continues
to talk trash to McIntyre in the process.
[Cole] What an atmosphere here tonight at Principality Stadium.
Drew McIntyre from Scotland, United Kingdom,
trying to wrestle away the championship from Roman Reigns.
What a boot!
McIntyre may be out, Roman caught him flush.
Cover, hook to the leg. And McIntyre still able to kick-out.
Roman hasn't been able to get a two-count yet.
[Corey] I think the one counts are simply inciting The Head of the Table.
Roman Reigns growing more and more angry as this match progresses.
As we look once again at a thunderous boot unleashed on the challenger.
[Cole] And can you guys feel it?
I mean, this is an unbelievable atmosphere here tonight in front of 62,296.
Can you imagine what will happen to this place
if Drew McIntyre can pin Roman Reigns to win the undisputed title?
[Corey] I'll tell you this, Cole,
I'm not coming to work on Monday if that goes down.
-It's gonna be a hell of a party. -[Cole] That would be a good show.
McIntyre now with a couple of chops to Roman Reigns.
And here's McIntyre, whipped into the corner!
[Corey] And McIntyre crumbles once again.
[Cole] And Roman Reigns now in firm control.
[Saxton] It's almost as though Roman's insulted
by the welts on his chest from the Drew McIntyre chops.
How dare you? How dare you come at the champ?
Who do you think you are, huh?
You're a big, tough guy…
Oh, I'm gonna fuck him up. [indistinct]
[crowd booing]
[Saxton] I gotta ask you, is that a mistake
for Roman Reigns to spend more time running his mouth
and siding the crowd as opposed to beating McIntyre?
[Cole] I never questioned Roman Reigns.
Maybe you're right, as McIntyre's fighting back now with chops to the champion.
Roman gonna beat Drew down again.
I mean, there is a reason that we say Roman's in God mode.
Because there's never been anyone like him.
[Saxton] Talk about the passion in Roman's voice a couple weeks ago
when he yelled at the camera,
I'm daring somebody, take this industry away from me.
[Cole] "Understand me, the top of the mountain is mine."
That's what he told McIntyre a couple of weeks ago.
Drew McIntyre trying to block the suplex, trying to deliver one of his own.
Roman able to block as well.
-And now McIntyre-- Oh, and-- -[Saxton] Still can't get the advantage.
[Cole] Yeah, Roman survived, and now Roman looking for a vertical suplex.
Drew able to turn things around, and now it's McIntyre's turn.
No!
What a fight.
Give the microphone now. [grunts]
[Cole] Roman just requested a microphone.
[crowd booing]
Cardiff!
[booing continues]
Acknowledge me!
[booing continues]
[Cole] Oh, Glasgow Kiss!
[Saxton] I don't think that's what he meant.
[Cole] Both men down, center of the ring.
And this now has become a critical point of the match!
Watch, listen.
[Corey] Referee Charles Robinson.
He's checking on both athletes,
and I think McIntyre took as much out of himself
as he did Roman with the headbutt.
Take another look at the impact with that Glasgow Kiss.
[Cole] Here's an important thing to remember.
If Robinson starts a count,
and he hasn't yet, because both men are back to their feet.
Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre, again, face to face.
Center of the ring, where this match began.
Now Roman went low.
McIntyre whipped into the corner and explodes out of it with a clothesline.
Reigns back to his feet with another short clothesline by McIntyre.
[Saxton] Now McIntyre building momentum!
[Cole] There's that classic belly-to-belly throw by Drew.
And you're right, Byron, you can feel a change now in this match.
McIntyre, neckbreaker.
And there's the kick-up.
[cheering]
[Saxton] The challenger can feel it.
[Corey] Could this be the beginning of the end for Roman Reigns?
[Cole] Sixty thousand plus believe so. McIntyre in the corner.
[Saxton] McIntyre hoisting up Roman Reigns on that top rope.
[Cole] Now Drew…
Roman looking to block, trying to hang on somehow.
[Saxton] Up in the ante right now is Drew McIntyre,
all the way from the very top rope.
[Cole] And Roman Reigns fighting, he understands,
desperate for Reigns, but it paid off.
[Corey] Reigns able to catch his breath just for a moment.
[Cole] McIntyre is still not down,
both men still teetering on the top rope.
-Reigns actually sitting on the ring post. -[Corey] McIntyre's got a fistful of hair.
[Cole] Better be careful, the official Charles Robinson right there.
[Saxton] McIntyre in a precarious position,
at the mercy of Roman Reigns.
[Cole] McIntyre though, tremendous core strength!
Up and over goes Roman.
[Corey] Nasty landing for the champion high on his shoulder.
[Cole] And McIntyre reemerges in the corner.
[Saxton] Prepare the countdown.
[Cole] And it might be time for Roman Reigns
to take a ride in the country.
[crowd booing]
[Corey] Maybe not a popular decision by Reigns,
but certainly the right decision in this moment.
[Cole] McIntyre took the fight outside the ring, but Roman Reigns was ready.
The wear and tear on both of these men starting to show.
McIntyre's looking for the future shock DDT,
Reigns able to counter.
And Roman now runs into a spine buster by McIntyre!
Jackknife cover for the championship! He got him! He got him!
[Saxton] No, he did not.
[Corey] Oh, my, that was close.
[Saxton] Referee Charles Robinson was right in there
with a bird's eye view.
[Cole] I'd love to see that again.
[Saxton] You'll get your wish.
-First a spine buster-- -[Cole] Watch this.
One, two…
-[Cole] Oh, just before three. -[Saxton] Oh, man.
[Corey] Doesn't get any closer than that without the bell ringing and new.
And for McIntyre, right back up, ready for the attack,
didn't wallow in the fact that he didn't close out the match there.
McIntyre's got too much respect for Roman Reigns and his ability.
[Cole] McIntyre with Roman up.
Roman just went to the eyes, tried to rake the eyes of McIntyre.
And it was wise how he turned the bodies around so the official didn't see it.
Oh! Rock Bottom by Roman Reigns!
Cover, hook of the leg now! McIntyre at two.
[Saxton] I believe that was the first two-count for Roman
in the match, if I'm not mistaken.
[Corey] I believe you are correct.
It's gotta feel good for the champion as we look once again at this
uranage planting the challenger.
Reigns has got to be growing
at least a little more confident as this match progresses,
seeing Drew McIntyre wear down, watching Drew begin to fade.
[Cole] And the longer the match goes, who does it favor, you believe the champ?
[Corey] I think the confidence of Roman Reigns
is what it all boils down to.
[Saxton] Here we see a picture-perfect example of that confidence.
Roman Reigns reminding who the ones are
as he has eyes locked and loaded on McIntyre.
[Cole] McIntyre struggling just to make it to his feet,
Roman Reigns went for the Superman Punch,
Drew ducked underneath, Future Shock DDT!
This may be the moment,
a lifetime of waiting for Drew McIntyre.
It may be about to end!
Roman Reigns with a Superman Punch!
Cover by the champion, hook of the leg, McIntyre kicks out!
[Corey] Roman was going to Claymore Country,
and he intercepted with a Superman Punch.
[Saxton] Think about the pressure, if you're Drew McIntyre,
Sixty thousand plus behind your back,
driving you right into a Superman Punch.
[Corey] McIntyre doesn't only have the fans behind his back,
he has their support but also the weight of the entire United Kingdom
on his broad shoulders.
That is a great deal of pressure that would cause lesser men to crumble.
Maybe that's what's happening to Drew.
[Cole] We talked about the home crowd, 62,296,
firmly in the corner of Drew McIntyre
in the capital city of Wales, Cardiff.
[Saxton] You see the determination on the face of McIntyre,
a continued scene from Roman Reigns.
But once again, perhaps a little bit of doubt in the mind of The Tribal Chief.
[Cole] Yeah, but here's the other side of the coin,
Roman Reigns has been here before.
How many times over the last two years has he been in this position?
Had to dig down deep to retain the title.
This is new for McIntyre for the most part,
for a long time since he's been champion.
[crowd] Ooh!
Roman Reigns, a spear-- And he ran into a kick!
Oh! A spear by Roman, to win, to win, to win!
Drew McIntyre kick-out at two!
-[Saxton] Unreal! -[Cole] Roman in disbelief!
[Corey] Now that is doubt, that is disbelief,
that is confusion on the champion's face.
Roman Reigns doesn't know what the hell just happened.
[Saxton] Drew McIntyre just absorbed perhaps the best shot from Roman Reigns.
[Cole] The spear has put away many men, but not McIntyre.
And again, let's get back to the point, the wise man's not here, Corey.
Heyman's not out here to give Roman confidence
to help him out, to keep his head in the game.
There's something to be said about that.
[Corey] Roman's trying to talk himself back into this game.
There is doubt etched all over the face of The Tribal Chief.
[Saxton] It's like he's second-questioning himself a bit, right?
Seven hundred and thirty-four days of this historical title reign.
Does Roman feel it slipping away?
[Cole] Roman's shaking his head again in disbelief.
What do I gotta do to put you away, McIntyre?
And now the guillotine, the guillotine is in.
The submission move, trying to bring McIntyre to his knees
and put this away, and end the dream of McIntyre
and the 60,000 plus here tonight at Cardiff.
[Saxton] Is this how the story ends for Drew McIntyre?
[Cole] Drew trying to make it back to his feet,
trying to power his way out of the guillotine.
Burying Reigns in the corner, McIntyre does.
Roman goes to the guillotine again in the center of the ring.
And again, looking to wear McIntyre down.
[Corey] Reigns got all of his weight on Drew McIntyre right now.
In addition to the guillotine, this is exhausting.
-This is impossible to breathe in. -[Cole] Drew's still on his feet, Corey.
McIntyre's still on his feet. McIntyre has not faded.
McIntyre is still feeding off the momentum and the adrenaline here tonight.
And now powering Roman into the corner again.
And now posted Reigns, and now the champ is in deep, deep trouble.
[Corey] But McIntyre needs to be aware of the situation
and get Roman back inside the ring.
If Roman gets counted out, Drew's dreams go up in smoke.
[Cole] Count of three now.
McIntyre, I think, just now realized where Roman was and what he has to do.
And Drew now rolling back out of the ring.
He's gotta try to get Roman Reigns back in.
The only way he can win the championship.
[Corey] What does Drew have left in the tank?
Oh, and went through the barricade!
Drew spearing Reigns through the barricade!
[Corey] But Drew has to be in a hurry.
Drew has gotta hustle. You gotta get him in.
[Saxton] That's exactly what McIntyre's doing.
[Cole] He does get him in, McIntyre with an opportunity.
Roman Reigns with the spear through the barricade.
Drew McIntyre has Reigns where he wants him.
Carrying the entire United Kingdom on his shoulders--
Oh! Spear by Reigns.
Reigns to the tag! That's two, three-- No, kick-out!
[Corey] How?
How in the hell is McIntyre still in this?
[Saxton] It's his heart, that's all it is, Corey,
it's the heart of Drew McIntyre.
When it seems like his body is failing him,
Drew McIntyre's heart is keeping him in this championship bout.
[Cole] Again went for the Claymore, again intercepted this time by a spear.
Roman Reigns almost put McIntyre away.
But now the doubt has to be creeping into the mind of the champion.
How do I beat McIntyre?
[crowd chanting] Oh, Drew McIntyre!
Oh, Drew McIntyre!
[Corey] That exchange reinvigorated the live fans here in Cardiff,
all trying to rally the challenger.
[Saxton] The Superman Punch wasn't enough, two spears, guillotine.
All not enough to put Drew McIntyre away.
[Cole] Both men absolutely exhausted.
Roman, Drew, Roman the first.
And again, Roman's asking the referee, Charles Robinson,
"Two? Are you sure it was two?"
His entire time, Roman might have thought this match was over.
That was three!
[indistinct conversation]
[Cole] Something Roman hasn't done much, Corey,
lose his cool.
McIntyre from behind!
A Claymore to the back of Reigns,
and it just knocked the official out of the ring.
[Corey] Charles Robinson down and out in front of our table here.
[Austin Theory's theme song playing]
-[Corey] Oh, my God! -[Cole] Oh, no.
[Corey] Oh, my God!
[Cole] Here, not this, that's Mr. Money in the Bank, Austin Theory
who can cash in a contract.
And it's not unprecedented, Corey.
We have a cash in to make it a Triple Threat match.
Rollins did it in WrestleMania.
-[Corey] He's gonna do it! -[Cole] Can he beat Reigns--
I want to cash this in. Let's go.
-[Cole] Oh, my God! -[crowd cheers]
Tyson Fury just knocked the hell out of Theory!
[Saxton] What the hell did you do that for?
[Cole] And now Roman Reigns with a chair.
Referee Charles Robinson's out.
Claymore! Claymore!
The official back in the ring! Cover by McIntyre!
What a championship! And a kick-out!
A kick-out by Roman.
[Saxton] The Money in the Bank cash in forwarded.
A Claymore delivered by Drew McIntyre, and this match still rages on.
I want to cash this in. Let's go.
[Cole] Tyson Fury knocked the hell out of Theory.
No Money in the Bank cash in.
Roman went to use a chair, McIntyre with a Claymore.
The official that came down with Theory entered into the match,
because Charles Robinson's out, and Roman able to kick-out at two.
What in the hell's gonna happen next?
[Corey] I have no idea. This is an absolute war.
[Saxton] Think about the emotional rollercoaster this has been
for both Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre.
[Cole] Drew trying to fight back, Reigns fighting back, both men spent.
[Corey] Their bodies ache, their lungs are burning.
It's a matter of pure will.
[Cole] It's about being undisputed, the best in the world.
The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
Reigns wants to keep it, McIntyre wants to win it.
[Corey] Either man willing to give an inch to his opponent.
And it's breaking down in carnage!
[Cole] What a slugfest by two of the premier athletes in the world today.
[Corey] Spent and still swinging.
[Cole] And again!
[crowd cheering]
Superman Punch!
McIntyre on his feet.
Glasgow Kiss. Reigns on his feet.
Spear by McIntyre!
And McIntyre feels it!
Sixty-two thousand plus feel it!
The end of the reign! Claymore!
We're gonna crown a brand new champion!
[indistinct conversations]
[Cole] Somebody just yanked the official out of the ring. McIntyre was gonna win.
Oh, my God.
[Corey] That's…
[Cole] Corey, that is Solo Sikoa.
The Uso's younger brother!
[Corey] The Street Champion, the meanest of the bunch!
[Cole] The NXT standout, Roman Reigns' cousin,
another member of the Anoa'i family.
[Corey] McIntyre's had enough,
but Solo hangs through across the top!
[Cole] Spear by Reigns!
The cover by Roman!
Thanks to The Bloodline.
-[bell dings] -Roman Reigns retains the title.
[announcer] Here is your winner,
and still the Undisputed WWE
Universal Champion,
Roman Reigns!
[Cole] You have to know, Roman had something up his sleeve.
[Corey] When it comes to The Bloodline, they are as deep as they are dangerous.
And tonight, Roman Reigns retains.
[Cole] We thought it was over, but Claymore,
McIntyre to climb to the top of the mountain.
And then the official was pulled out of the ring
by a man who would reveal himself to be yet another member of The Bloodline.
The youngest brother of the Tag Team Champions, the Usos.
Roman Reigns' cousin, Solo Sikoa.
And off that, the spear by Roman Reigns
to retain his title.
Seven hundred thirty-four days and counting
for the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
[Corey] Tonight, Roman Reigns defiantly crossed enemy lines
and won the war for the Undisputed WWE
Universal Championship.
United Kingdom, acknowledge him.
[Cole] Sixty-- Uh-oh, wait a minute.
Tyson Fury.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd booing]
[Cole] A total respect.
Tyson Fury, the Lineal Heavyweight Champion in the world.
[Corey] From one great champion to another, period, respect.
[Cole] It has been an incredible week, an incredible night
in Cardiff, Wales.
Roman Reigns survives.
Once again, The Head of the Table had a plan.
And the 734-day reign as champion will continue
For The Head of the Table,
for The Tribal Chief,
for perhaps one of the greatest champions
in the history of WWE, Roman Reigns.
[Corey] There's no perhaps about it, Cole.
[Saxton] The great ones always rise to the occasion.
And when it seemed like his championship status was in doubt,
once again, Reigns answers.
[inaudible]
[Cole] It's been 30 long years, but UK, we are back with a vengeance.
You are looking live at the beautiful Principality Stadium
in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom.
Over 60,000 WWE fans are packed inside
for Clash at the Castle.
["Run" playing]
[dramatic music] Castle.