WWE enthralled and surprised Cleveland with a lineup featuring high-stakes championship matches, a long-awaited grudge match, and a significant return. Over 57,000 fans filled Cleveland Browns Stadium to witness the company’s biggest summer event. Adding to the excitement was music sensation Jelly Roll, who kicked off the show with renditions of “America the Beautiful” and “Liar.”
The villains Austin Theory and Grayson Waller targeted the hitmaker later in the show. Host The Miz and R-Truth couldn’t let it slide. Neither could Jelly Roll, who took matters into his own hands by entering the ring to confront the duo with a chair. He also delivered a powerful chokeslam on Theory after using the chair. To top it off, he performed a John Cena-style “You Can’t See Me.” This was just one of many unforgettable moments from the evening. Let’s dive into all of it.
OTC Roman Reigns Returns
WWE
Prior to his main event walk, Cody Rhodes spent a moment with his dog Pharaoh for a final stroll. Rhodes had mentioned that this would be Pharaoh’s last appearance due to his advancing age. The legendary Arn Anderson, last seen in AEW, gave the Undisputed Champion a pep talk, assuring him that “Friends were on the way.”
With this encouragement, Rhodes entered the ring prepared to face Solo Sikoa in case other members of The Bloodline intervened. And intervene they did. Tanga Loa and Tama Tonga were the first to attack the champion, followed by Kevin Owens and Randy Orton to assist in neutralizing Sikoa’s crew. The battle between Rhodes and his Samoan adversary continued until Jacob Fatu joined in. Despite the onslaught, Rhodes persevered until the unexpected appearance of Roman Reigns, sporting an OTC (Original Tribal Chief) shirt, coming to Rhodes’ aid for the first time since WrestleMania. The stage is now set for The Bloodline Civil War.
Drew Gets Revenge on Punk
The most anticipated match on the card featured CM Punk facing off against Drew McIntyre, with the stylish Seth Rollins serving as the special referee. Punk, who had been absent since the Royal Rumble, and McIntyre engaged in a fierce brawl inside and outside the ring. Rollins, enjoying the rivalry between his two foes, intervened by preventing McIntyre from using a chair and aiding Punk in retrieving his stolen bracelet from McIntyre.
However, a personal dispute arose when Rollins put on the retrieved bracelet, causing Punk to lose focus. This distraction led to Punk landing his finishing move on McIntyre, only for Rollins to be unable to count the pin. Tensions escalated as Rollins berated Punk, prompting Punk to strike him with his finishing move. Seizing the opportunity, McIntyre delivered a devastating blow to Punk, with Rollins counting the three-count victory. McIntyre then reclaimed the stolen bracelet and symbolically kissed it, setting the stage for more drama between these three.
Dom Really Is Dirty
WWE
Rhea Ripley made her return to the ring in the opening match against women’s champion Liv Morgan, who had previously sidelined her. Dirty Dom loomed ringside, torn between aiding “Mami” or aligning with Morgan, who had been pursuing him. The champion continued to play mind games with her formidable challenger as Morgan targeted Ripley’s shoulder. An accidental collision between Morgan and Dirty Dom prompted Ripley to showcase her toughness by popping her shoulder back into place. After executing a Riptide on Morgan, Ripley reached for a chair, only for Dom to intervene and remind her of the consequences of disqualification. With Dom’s distraction, Morgan capitalized and retained her title. A visible smile and an allegiance to Morgan followed, culminating in a tender moment as they embraced while a dejected Ripley looked on.
Balor Betrays Priest
Following the events of Dirty Dom’s betrayal, questions arose regarding the allegiance of Judgement Day as a group. Interactions between Damien Priest and Finn Balor earlier in the evening hinted at the turmoil that unfolded during Priest’s defense of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Gunther. Priest launched a fierce offense against the King of the Ring, but Gunther retaliated with his trademark physicality. Balor’s late arrival at ringside coincided with Gunther’s domination of Priest. Despite Priest’s resurgence, Balor’s interference led to Gunther securing victory through submission. The “Ring General” now stands atop the mountain with Judgement Day in jeopardy.
Paul & MGK Can’t Stop Knight
Accompanied to the ring by fellow hometown star Machine Gun Kelly, United States Champion Logan Paul encountered a formidable challenge in LA Knight, who vandalized Paul’s Prime Truck before the match. Despite the aid of MGK and underhanded tactics, Knight prevailed over his flashy opponent, securing his first championship in WWE.
Queen Nia Becomes Champion
Nia Jax contended for the Women’s Championship against Bayley. The Queen of the Ring dominated Bayley early in the match, showcasing her strength and skills. Bayley fought back valiantly, even surviving Jax’s finisher. However, the match took a turn when Tiffany Stratton entered the ring with her Money in the Bank briefcase, though she did not cash in her contract. Jax emerged victorious after overpowering Bayley and seizing the championship, subsequently departing with Stratton.
Breakker Strikes Gold
WWE
Sami Zayn defended his Intercontinental title in a rematch against the dominant Bron Breakker. The rising star Breakker applied early pressure on the champion, urging him to surrender. While Zayn did not submit, he ultimately lost the championship to Breakker after a decisive spear. The future looks bright for this emerging talent.
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