Category: Wrestling

The Main Event Podcast hits the airwaves with another IMPACT Wrestling event as they present No Surrender on IMPACT Plus. Join Jez and Dan as they take you though a solidly good event that was heavy on stables and shock turns.

Pre-Show: John Skyler vs. Trey Miguel

The No Surrender countdown show got underway with our commentators Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt welcoming us to the show and running down the night of action that was to come. The first contest was a non-title contest with X-Division Champion Trey Miguel taking on John Skyler. Miguel had been missing from action since Hard to Kill due to the death of his mother, for whom he wore pink tights during this contest. As expected, this was a clash of styles with Miguel using his speed and quickness with Skyler relying on size and physicality. Despite being grounded by a Tope Con Gilo by Miguel, Skyler felt confident in victory after a big Rolling Senton but the X-Champ was able to kick out at two. Skyler’s surprise at not getting the pin cost him and Miguel struck with quick kicks before taking to the top rope and hitting Meteora, allowing him to pick up the 1-2-3.

Jez’s Pick: N/A
Dan’s Pick: N/A
Winner: Trey Miguel

Pre-Show: Tenille Dashwood vs. Havok

The second and final match on the Countdown to No Surrender saw Tenille Dashwood of The Influence take on Decay’s Havok in one-on-one competition. Dashwood centered herself with a deep breath before the match before she was quickly accosted by her much larger, stronger opponent. Distractions from Madison Rayne and Kaleb with K allowed Dashwood to get some offense in and almost took a win with a crossbody from the top rope. The distraction from Kaleb and Madison continued but, this time, Dashwood was the one distracted as Kaleb appeared to receive a call from one of The IInspiration. Havok capitalised and picked up the win following a Tombstone Piledriver.

Jez’s Pick: N/A
Dan’s Pick: N/A
Winner: Havok

The No Surrender pay-per-view kicked off with Chapel Hart performing the American national anthem and a video package introducing the show and competition upcoming.

X-Division Championship #1 Contendership Fatal Four Way – Chris Bey vs. Ace Austin vs. Jake Something vs. Speedball Mike Bailey

The opening contest was a Fatal Four Way match to determine the number one contender for the IMPACT X-Division Championship with Chris Bey, Ace Austin, Jake Something and Mike Bailey all vying for the honour. In the early going, Jake Something dominated his opponents using his superior strength and size but, showing that he belongs in the X-Division, he followed this up with a quick dive over the top rope, crushing the other three men in the match at ringside. As the match continued, Ace Austin was fairly effective at grounding Something and then the other opponents worked to get him on the mat. The high paced techniques of Bailey, Austin and Bey added a more frenetic pace to the match but Something once again stepped in and brought momentum to a screeching halt when Jake Something caught Ace Austin in Into The Void, a powerful Sidewalk Slam, allowing him to make the cover and walk out as the number one contender.

Jez’s Pick: Chris Bey
Dan’s Pick: Mike Bailey
Winner: Jake Something
Jez 0 – Dan 0

Jonah vs. Black Taurus

The next match was less about titles and more a clash of meat as Jonah went up against Decay’s Black Taurus. The pair locked up in the middle of the ring, pausing occasionally to pepper each other with intense right hands. Realising he wasn’t going to win the size battle, Taurus used his speed advantage to avoid Jonah for a time but, when the big Australian got hold of him, Taurus was bodypressed and launched across the ring, not once but twice. Despite fighting off the big man in bursts, Taurus once again found himself bodypress tossed across the ring but the third time was from high up on the ropes. Jonah followed this up with a Lou Thesz Press from the middle rope and a Powerbomb but it wasn’t enough to put the bull away. Jonah took to the top rope again and delivered Tsunami to pick up the victory.

Jez’s Pick: Jonah
Dan’s Pick: Jonah
Winner: Jonah
Jez 1 – Dan 1

Eric Young vs. Jay White

The next contest saw the leaders of two influential wrestling stables go head-to-head for the first time when Violent By Design’s Eric Young took on Bullet Club’s ‘Switchblade’ Jay White. As the match began, the two men felt each other out, fighting out of the corners with chops and strikes. After whipping White hard into the turnbuckle, Young took control for a moment but that momentum quickly swung back the Switchblade’s way after a surprise DDT but not for long as the upper hand passed backwards and forwards between the two men. With the live crowd fully behind King Switch, he hit a Urinagi and tried to end the match but only received a nearfall. After being dragged face first into the ring apron, Eric Young retaliated with a Piledriver to the same apron but he also only achieved a two count. The pair continued to exchange counters with each other but after White hit the Half and Half Suplex on Young, he followed up with the Blade Runner and picked up a hard fought win.

Jez’s Pick: Jay White
Dan’s Pick: Eric Young
Winner: Jay White
Jez 2 – Dan 1

The Virtuosa’s Champ Champ Open Challenge

Next at No Surrender, the AAA Reina de Reinas and ROH Women’s Champion Deonna Purrazzo held her Champ Champ open challenge. The challenge was accepted by Miranda Alize (Al-ee-zay) who elected to fight for the ROH Women’s Championship. The pair locked up as the bell rang and looked to be kicking off a technical, submission based match but when the champion escaped an early attempt at the Miranda Rights, Alize dived out of the ring at Purrazzo who was taking a pause at ringside. Back in the ring, The Virtuosa did go for the submission win, locking Alize in a Surfboard but the challenger escaped and tried to surprise the double champ with some quick pinfall attempts. Alize forced Purrazzo into the corner and delivered a string of attacks to the champion but still she could not put her away. She locked in the Miranda Rights but Purrazzo rolled over into a pin to break it up. The experienced double champion then put a stop to all messing and swiftly locked Alize in the Scissored Armbar forcing her to tap out. Deonna Purrazzo remains the Champ Champ.

Jez’s Pick: Deonna Purrazzo
Dan’s Pick: Deonna Purrazzo
Winner: Deonna Purrazzo
Jez 3 – Dan 2

IMPACT Digital Media Championship – Matt Cardona (c) vs. Jordynne Grace

In the next bout, “Alwayz Ready” Matt Cardona defended his newly won IMPACT Digital Media Championship against the former champion, Jordynne Grace. As the bell rang, Cardona disingenuously held out his hand to offer Grace a prematch handshake but Jordynne swiped it away and went on the offensive. She dominated the early portion of the contest until Cardona used the referee to form a barrier between the two of them and cheapshotted Grace in the corner. The trepidation that Cardona showed to fight a woman in their first contest was not present in this fight and Cardona seemed happy to slap and shove Grace and didn’t hesitate to deliver two Reboots. As Jordynne Grace got back into the match, Cardona escaped the ring and got a chair. Expecting a Suicide Dive from his challenger, Cardona held the chair up for Grace to go face first into but she called an audible and instead dropkicked the chair into the Digital Media Champion’s face. The chair followed the pair into the ring and Cardona was about to use it on Grace when she took down the champion with a swift kick below the belt, causing a disqualification.

Jez’s Pick: Matt Cardona
Dan’s Pick: Matt Cardona
Winner: Matt Cardona by DQ
Jez 4 – Dan 3

IMPACT World Tag Team Championship – The Good Brothers (c) vs. Guerrillas of Destiny

The next match was a battle of former vs. current members of the Bullet Club as The Good Brothers, Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson, defended their IMPACT World Tag Team Championships against Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa, the Guerrillas of Destiny. At the bell, Karl Anderson went straight after Tama behind his back but he was ready for it and took the fight to the Machine Gun. Tama Tonga made Anderson regret attempting the cheapshot as he dominated his opponent for the opening few minutes before tagging in Tanga Loa to continue the beating. This came to an abrupt halt when the “Big LG” Doc Gallows entered the match for the first time. Gallows switched momentum back to the side of the Tag Team Champions despite effective tags between the members of G.O.D.. As Anderson vowed to kill Bullet Club, the Good Brothers went for the Magic Killer but Tama Tonga found a way out of it and all four men fought in the ring, each trying to hit their finishers and put the match away. When things calmed, Tama Tonga hit a Big Splash from the top rope but only got a two count. At this moment, Chris Bey came running down the ramp and distracted the referee. Tanga Loa took exception to Bey being out there and got in his face only to be surprised by a huge chokeslam outside the ring from Gallows. Back inside the ring, Switchblade Jay White crept up on Tama Tonga and delivered a Blade Runner to his Bullet Club teammate. The Good Brothers followed it up with the Magic Killer and picked up the win. White, Bey, Gallows and Anderson shared a Too Sweet salute over Tonga’s body showing the world that G.O.D. were out and the Good Brothers were back in.

Jez’s Pick: Guerrillas of Destiny
Dan’s Pick: Good Brothers
Winner: Good Brothers
Jez 4 – Dan 4

IMPACT Knockouts World Championship – Mickie James (c) vs. Tasha Steelz

After winning the Ultimate X Match at Hard to Kill, Tasha Steelz took on Mickie James next for the IMPACT Knockouts World Championship. Mickie James came into the match cocky and confident but Steelz displayed her usual swagger, refusing to back down from the champion. The pair locked up, first in a collar and elbow tie up that moved outside of the ring, then in a test of strength that Steelz got the better of. Outside the ring, Steelz looked into the camera and spoke to James’ husband, asking him why he didn’t make her stay home but she received a Swinging Neckbreaker on the floor for her insolence. As the match moved back into the ring, James was jumped by Savannah Evans behind the referee’s back and was forced into the ringpost before being deposited back into the ring. Steelz beat down the champion and achieved some near falls but this just ticked off the champion. Mickie James first bit Steelz before kicking her between the legs, shifting the momentum back her way. James flew off the top rope with a Lou Thesz Press but only got a two count on her young challenger. Evans tried to get involved once again but James was wise to it. This distraction was enough for Steelz to hit a TKO on James but she wasn’t able to capitalise. Chelsea Green came to the ring to remove the Savannah Evans threat but Green would be the final difference in the match. Mickie James shoved Tasha Steelz into Green, their heads collided and James rolled up Steelz for the 1-2-3 to retain her IMPACT Knockouts World Championship.

Jez’s Pick: Mickie James
Dan’s Pick: Mickie James
Winner: Mickie James
Jez 5 – Dan 5

IMPACT World Championship – Moose (c) vs. W Morrisey

The first in a double main event saw Moose defend the IMPACT World Championship against W Morrisey. The start of the match was a hard hitting collision of meat as the two bludgeoned each other with strikes and clotheslines. The pair fell back into opposite corners but Moose came out like a house of fire, Spearing Morrisey so hard he had to escape from the ring. When he recovered, Morrisey retaliated with a Big Boot and B.Q.E. Powerbomb but Moose also escaped the ring to save the match. As Morrisey tried to get Moose back in the ring, Moose was able to put him through the timekeeper’s table and bounce him skull first off the ringpost. Back in the ring, Moose and Morrisey tried to outdo each other with vicious chops in the corner but after a massive collision in the middle of the ring, Moose took control with another huge Spear and went for the win but Morrisey’s hand was under the ropes. Morrisey hit another B.Q.E. but, likewise, Moose’s foot under the rope prevented a pinfall. Moose set up for a third Spear and despite Morrisey avoiding the first attempt, he hit the ropes and hit it on the rebound. Moose made sure Morrisey was in the centre of the ring before making the pin and picking up a 1-2-3 to retain his IMPACT World Championship.

Jez’s Pick: Moose
Dan’s Pick: Moose
Winner: Moose
Jez 6 – Dan 6

Team IMPACT vs. Honor No More

The final match of the night was the war for brand supremacy as Team IMPACT faced Honor No More. Earlier in the night, Eddie Edwards was found unconscious backstage. He was replaced in the match by Willie Mack. Before the bell rang, chaos ensued and an open brawl took place. When Mike Bennett and Steve Maclin rolled into the ring, the referee took the opportunity to start the match officially. Maclin and Bennett exchanged chops before tagging out to Chris Sabin and Matt Taven, who turned the match into a move technical, fast paced affair. As the frequent tags continued from both teams, momentum switched back and forth with neither team able to maintain an advantage for too long. Things started to turn when Honor No More were able to trap Rich Swann on their side of the ring and deliver a quintuple team manoeuvre to him. Swann was isolated from Team IMPACT for a time but was able to escape when P.C.O. crashed and burned from the inside of the ring to the floor outside of it. Swann tagged Mack who brought high speed devastation to Honor No More. It wasn’t long before the match broke down again and, this time, referee Brian Hebner caught the wrong end of a clothesline and was taken out of the match. With devastation laying at ringside, Rhino set up for a Gore on Mike Bennett in the ring but Maria got in the way. From the back came Eddie Edwards with a Kendo Stick who took care of Bennett and encouraged Rhino to Gore Maria. As Rhino charged, Eddie turned and hit the Manbeast across the head with the stick. The other members of Team IMPACT also ate Kendo Stick at his hands and Kenny King pinned Rhino to take victory for Honor No More. Eddie Edwards tore the IMPACT patch from his jacket and celebrated with his new team as No Surrender rolled off the air.

Jez’s Pick: Honor No More
Dan’s Pick: Honor No More
Winner: Honor No More
Jez 7 – Dan 7

Final Rating

Dan awards 3.5 out of 5 IMPACT Jacket Patches
Jez also awards 3.5 out of 5 IMPACT Jacket Patches

Search for The Main Event Podcast on Anchor, Spotify, Google Podcasts or anywhere you get your podcasts from. Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with all of the new content coming from The Main Event Podcast!

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This podcast is not affiliated with WWE, AEW, Impact Wrestling or any other promotion. All clips, soundbites and trademarks are used in accordance with UK fair use copyright law and remain property of their respective owners.

As is often par for the course in WWE, their February premium live event, Elimination Chamber, split the opinion of fans around the world. There were some highly anticipated matches as well as the return of some WWE Hall of Fame Superstars to the ring. Who came out on top? Was the event an enjoyable one? Join Jez and Dan to take you through all the action.

Kickoff Show – The Miz vs. Rey Mysterio

The evening’s action got underway on the Elimination Chamber Kickoff Show when The Miz went one-on-one with Rey Mysterio. Miz started the match quickly, going on the offensive against Mysterio and stopping to celebrate along the way. This would cost Miz and he would almost fall victim to a 619 but in escaping from the ring he was distracted by Dominick and Rey was able to knock down Miz and deliver a splash, sliding from the ring and onto the prone Miz at ringside. Later in the match, Miz tried to escape again but Dominick sent him back into the ring behind the referee’s back. Dominick would get involved again, slapping Miz with the official’s back turned. As the match appeared to be reaching a conclusion, Miz was hit with the 619 and Rey headed to the top rope to finish him off with a splash. Miz, however, escaped from the ring and went to get a steel chair. Dominick cut Miz off and, after Miz channelled his best Eddie Guererro, he convinced the official that Dom had hit him with the chair. Dominick was ejected and Miz returned to the ring to be surprised by a rollup and pinned for the 1-2-3. After the match, the Mysterios channelled Eddie Guererro themselves and double teamed Miz with a pair of Frogsplashes. Later in the night, Miz claimed he would find a tag team partner to take on the Mysterios at WrestleMania.

Jez’s Pick: The Miz
Dan’s Pick: The Miz
Winner: Rey Mysterio
Jez 0 – Dan 0

Universal Championship – Roman Reigns (c) vs. Goldberg

The opening contest at Elimination Chamber was the match two years in the making. Originally scheduled for WrestleMania in 2020 and cancelled due to the pandemic, Roman Reigns defended his Universal Championship against Goldberg. After making his way to the ring, the Tribal Chief took a microphone and demanded that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia acknowledge him. This only grew the chants for the challenger amongst the live crowd and the WWE Hall of Famer, Goldberg made his way to the ring. When the bell rang, the pair locked up and Goldberg drove Reigns backwards. Unhappy with this, the champion opened up with right hands and headbutts before sending Goldberg out of the ring. The pair fought evenly against the announce table but when the fight returned to the ring, Goldberg surprised the Head of the Table with a spear. Goldberg looked to put it away with the Jackhammer but Reigns countered with a Urinagi and got a nearfall. Attempting to retain his momentum, Reigns delivered a Superman Punch but once again was taken off guard with another massive Spear from Goldberg. Another attempt at the Jackhammer was thwarted by Reigns who instead locked in the Guillotine on the Hall of Famer. Goldberg fought hard to escape the manoeuvre but after Reigns took him down to the mat, he faded and Roman Reigns was declared the winner by submission.

Jez’s Pick: Roman Reigns
Dan’s Pick: Roman Reigns
Winner: Roman Reigns
Jez 1 – Dan 1

RAW Women’s Championship #1 Contendership Elimination Chamber Match – Liv Morgan vs. Bianca Belair vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Nikki A.S.H. vs. Alexa Bliss

The next match was the first of the night’s Elimination Chamber matches with Liv Morgan, Bianca Belair, Rhea Ripley, Nikki A.S.H. and Alexa Bliss vying for an opportunity at the RAW Women’s Championship at WrestleMania. The match began with Liv Morgan and Nikki A.S.H. one-on-one in the ring. The brawl between the two soon spilled to the outside of the ring and Morgan found herself bounced off the chains and pinballed off the ringpost before Doudrop joined the match. Nikki tried to form a partnership with Doudrop but Doudrop headbutted her and reminded the almost superhero that there were no partners inside Elimination Chamber. Doudrop took care of all three of her opponents with dominance before running with a full head of steam into the ringpost. As Nikki celebrated getting out of the way, Rhea Ripley was released from her pod and so Nikki tried to scale the cage and escape. Ripley caught her, dragged her down and, inside the ring, hit Riptipe and eliminated her former friend and tag team partner. Alexa Bliss joined the match next and came up against Ripley and Morgan in quick succession. As the fight between Bliss and Ripley peeled away, Morgan faced Doudrop in the ring and was able to eliminate her much larger opponent after a huge Sunset Flip Powerbomb from the middle rope. With Morgan favouring her knee, the match’s final entrant, Bianca Belair, entered the fray. After bodypressing Liv Morgan with one arm, she came face to face with the woman whom she defeated in the gauntlet match on Monday Night before teaming up to take down Liv and Alexa with simultaneous vertical suplexes. The rivalry turned nasty as Ripley slapped Belair and a free-for-all ensued. Alexa Bliss caught Morgan off guard and eliminated her after Twisted Bliss. Bliss looked to stack another elimination by DDTing Ripley but was interrupted by Belair who delivered the K.O.D. and eliminated her herself. The final two women in the match, Bliss and Belair fought in and out of the ring. Belair looked to finish things with a 450 Splash from the top rope but Alexa avoided it and tried to get the win with a DDT. The pair countered each other back and forth and achieved some nearfalls but the end of the match came when Belair was able to hit another K.O.D. and pin Bliss to earn her way to a second WrestleMania main event in a row.

Jez’s Pick: Rhea Ripley
Dan’s Pick: Alexa Bliss
Winner: Bianca Belair
Jez 1 – Dan 1

Charlotte Flair and Sonya Deville vs. Naomi and Ronda Rousey

Our next battle was the tag team battle between the team of SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair and Sonya Deville and their opponents Naomi and Royal Rumble winner Ronda Rousey. Per the stipulation imposed by Sonya Deville, Rousey would have to fight this match with one arm behind her back. Before Deville started the match against Rousey, she revealed that her arm was fine and took off the sling that she wore to the ring. Deville was kicked in the head a few times before Rousey asked for Charlotte to be tagged in. Flair teased Rousey with entry but decided against it and so Naomi was tagged in to face her nemesis, Deville. The pair fought well and Naomi soon tagged back out but the momentum changed in the match when Charlotte jumped Rousey from behind. The SmackDown Women’s Champion really started to exploit the one-armed Rousey. Charlotte used many dirty tactics to grind down her opponent including hair pulling, arm twisting and preventing tags by dragging her by the rope tied around her arm and waist. A brief break following a hot tag to Naomi allowed the Baddest Woman on the Planet to regroup and she locked Sonya Deville in a one armed Armbar and ‘Cruella’ tapped out as Charlotte looked on.

Jez’s Pick: Rousey/Naomi
Dan’s Pick: Rousey/Naomi
Winner: Rousey/Naomi
Jez 2 – Dan 2

Falls Count Anywhere – Drew McIntyre vs. Madcap Moss

In the next bout, falls would count anywhere as Madcap Moss, accompanied by Happy Corbin, faced off against Drew McIntyre. Taking advantage of the lack of rules, both Madcap and Corbin jumped the Scottish Warrior as the bell rang but Drew soon fought them off and the fight spilled up the ramp. Every time it looked like McIntyre would get some offense in, Corbin got involved and swung momentum back to his jester, Madcap Moss. Back in the ring, McIntyre was able to take control and, after dumping Moss on his head with a reverse Alabama Slam, he tossed him over the announce table at ringside. The presence of Corbin continued to be a thorn in Drew’s side, though, as he hit him with a steel chair and drove him through the barricade at ringside. However, as McIntyre has done in the past, he put an end to the interference by wielding Angela, his sword, and after chasing Happy Corbin away he delivered a Claymore with sword in hand and pinned Moss to win the match.

Jez’s Pick: Drew McIntyre
Dan’s Pick: Drew McIntyre
Winner: Drew McIntyre
Jez 3 – Dan 3

RAW Women’s Championship – Becky Lynch (c) vs. Lita

The next contest was for the RAW Women’s Championship with the reigning champ, Big Time Becks, Becky Lynch defending against WWE Hall of Famer, Lita. As the match began, Lita took Becky off her game with an early shoulder barge and so Lynch retaliated with a slap. Despite this, Lita kept on the momentum and went for the Twist of Fate but Becky escaped it and began to take over the match, grounding Lita with aggressive strikes and boots. This continued for a while with the commentary team questioning whether Lita was outmatched by her opponent but just as that doubt began to settle in, Lita countered a Bexploder Suplex into a DDT and finally showed signs of life in the match. Later in the match, after paying homage to her frenemy Trish Stratus, Lita went for the moonsault but Becky once again avoided it and locked her in the Dis-arm-her. When this didn’t work, she hit the Manhandle Slam but Lita put her foot on the bottom rope. Once again, Lita climbed to the top rope for the Moonsault and this time she was successful but Lynch kicked out of the cover. As both women rose to their feet, Becky surprised Lita with another Manhandle Slam and was this time able to pick up the 1-2-3 and retain the RAW Women’s Championship.

Jez’s Pick: Becky Lynch
Dan’s Pick: Becky Lynch
Winner: Becky Lynch
Jez 4 – Dan 4

SmackDown Tag Team Championships – The Usos (c) vs. The Viking Raiders

In our next match, the War Viking Machine Raider Experience sought to win tag team gold when they faced The Usos for their SmackDown Tag Team Championships. As the Vikings made their way to the ring, they were jumped at the bottom of the ramp by Jimmy and Jey. The Usos took apart their challengers and as a result, the match never took place.

Jez’s Pick: Viking Raiders
Dan’s Pick: The Usos
Winner: No Contest
Jez 4 – Dan 4

WWE Championship Elimination Chamber Match – Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Riddle vs. Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. Austin Theory vs. AJ Styles vs. Brock Lesnar

The main event was the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber Match with Bobby Lashley defending against Riddle, Seth “Freakin” Rollins, Austin Theory, AJ Styles and, the former champion, Brock Lesnar. The two men to start the match were Rollins and Theory. Rollins took easy control of the young upstart, Theory, in the early going. As the time grew near for the next superstar to enter, Rollins powerbombed Theory through Bobby Lashley’s pod, taking down the champion and trapping him under the plexiglass. Riddle was next to enter and went to battle with Rollins. As medical officials removed Lashley from the Chamber, Rollins delivered a reverse suplex to Riddle. AJ Styles entered next and quickly got a nearfall on Rollins. With no eliminations, and Lashley eliminated with concussion, the four men in the match counted down to the release of the Beast Incarnate, Brock Lesnar. Brock was less patient and broke his way out of the pod before the time and eliminated Rollins and Riddle with quick F5s. He turned his attention to Styles and soon eliminated him, leaving him alone with Austin Theory. Lesnar chased down the rookie and was in the process of systematically tearing him apart when Theory, out of desperation, nailed Lesnar with a low blow. Theory got Lesnar in the ring for a nearfall but he quickly realised the error he had made and tried to escape through the top of the Chamber. Caught on top of a pod, Theory was soon atop the shoulders of Lesnar and sent crashing down to ringside with an F5. With victory now inevitable, Brock took his time getting Austin Theory back into the ring and pinning him to become the NEW WWE Champion.

Jez’s Pick: Brock Lesnar
Dan’s Pick: Brock Lesnar
Winner: Brock Lesnar
Jez 5 – Dan 5

Final Rating

Dan awards 3.5 out of 5 Broken Chamber Pods
Jez also awards 3.5 out of 5 Broken Chamber Pods

Search for The Main Event Podcast on Anchor, Spotify, Google Podcasts or anywhere you get your podcasts from. Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with all of the new content coming from The Main Event Podcast!

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This podcast is not affiliated with WWE, AEW, Impact Wrestling or any other promotion. All clips, soundbites and trademarks are used in accordance with UK fair use copyright law and remain property of their respective owners.

The ultra-colourful developmental arm of WWE, NXT 2.0, bring you another special event from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. NXT Vengeance Day is highlighted by the Men’s Dusty Rhodes Classic Finals and Bron Breakker vs. Santos Escobar for the NXT Championship. Was it any good? Join Jez and Dan for the full rundown and review on The Main Event Podcast.

The show kicked off with an opening montage of the members of Toxic Attraction messaging each other about their matches as well as the other matches on the card.

Weaponized Steel Cage Match – Pete Dunne vs. Tony D’Angelo

We head into the arena where Pete Dunne is already inside the steel cage and Tony D’Angelo arrived in a flash limo. Dunne was unimpressed with this and started the match by railing on D’Angelo with vicious steel chair shots. When D’Angelo came back a little and tried to get a weapon from a toolbox, Dunne shut it on his fingers, jumped on it and then continued the punishment by placing a spanner over a finger and yanking the hand back behind his head. When Tony D was able to return to the toolbox, he got out some cable tie handcuffs and locked the arms of Dunne behind his back. After being DDT’d and almost defeated, Dunne countered a slam through a table into a sleeper and was able to work free of the cuffs using some pliers. With his hands free, Dunne was able to powerbomb Tony D through a table and get a nearfall of his own. Each man went for their signature weapon – a crowbar for D’Angelo and a cricket bat for Dunne – but The Bruiserweight got the better of the exchange, breaking his bat over the back of D’Angelo. Now without a weapon, Dunne secured a crowbar of his own and, after nailing D’Angelo with it, hit the Bitter End and picked up a hard fought win over his rival.

Jez’s Pick: Tony D’Angelo
Dan’s Pick: Pete Dunne
Winner: Pete Dunne
Jez 0 – Dan 1

NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship – Toxic Attraction (Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne) (c) vs. Indi Hartwell and Persia Pirotta

The next contest was the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship match with Toxic Attraction – Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne defending the titles against Indi Hartwell and Persia Pirotta. Before the bell, the challengers were attacked during their entrance but when the action took to the ring, Pirotta and Hartwell took control of the match. The third member of Toxic Attraction, Mandy Rose, tried to shift momentum back towards her girls but she was caught by the referee and ejected from ringside. After the commercials, the challengers continued their path to the gold with Persia Pirotta getting a nearfall after a Samoan Drop. Indi Hartwell almost picked up the win herself but the pin was broken up by Jacy Jayne. Jayne followed this up by launching Pirotta into the ringsteps and finally the champions took control of the match, double teaming Hartwell and putting her away after a high/low big boot. With a 1-2-3, Toxic Attraction remain the NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions.

Jez’s Pick: Toxic Attraction
Dan’s Pick: Toxic Attraction
Winner: Toxic Attraction
Jez 1 – Dan 2

LA Knight vs Grayson Waller and Sanga – If Knight wins, the restraining order will be lifted.

In the parking lot, Grayson Waller met with some police officers and claimed that the emotional distress of LA Knight was too much for him. In the ring, LA Knight was moments away from speaking when Waller’s music hit and out he came with the 5-0. Waller made his case using video on the big screen but Knight had evidence of his own, an unprovoked assault from Waller and the fact that, as per the restraining order, Waller cannot touch Knight either. The police officers left the ring and Knight finally got some revenge on Grayson Waller.

Jez’s Pick: LA Knight
Dan’s Pick: LA Knight
Winner: Advertised match did not take place
Jez 1 – Dan 2

NXT North American Championship – Carmelo Hayes (c) vs. Cameron Grimes

Up next was the defence of the NXT North American Championship with the A-Champion, Carmelo Hayes facing Cameron Grimes. The match started off as a technically sound affair with the pair exchanging holds both on their feet and on the mat. A distraction from Trick Williams outside the ring allowed Hayes to take control of the match as the show went into commercial. On the other side, Grimes fought back into the match, getting a nearfall, but Melo quickly reclaimed his momentum with fast, springboard manoeuvres. Trick Williams got involved again but this time it cost his man and Grimes was able to get another nearfall with a high crossbody from the top rope. Grimes went for Hayes outside the ring but Trick put himself in the way, taking a Cave In for his troubles. Carmelo used yet another diversion to launch his challenger face first into the ringside barricade. After a submission failed to put Grimes away, Hayes took to the top rope and hit a massive scissors kick and picked up the win.

Jez’s Pick: Cameron Grimes
Dan’s Pick: Carmelo Hayes
Winner: Carmelo Hayes
Jez 1 – Dan 3

Men’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Finals – MSK (Nash Carter and Wes Lee) vs. The Creed Brothers (Brutus Creed and Julius Creed)

As the night rolled on, the next battle was in the Men’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Finals. First to enter, to a bizarre mashup of their entrance theme and a funky version of Dusty Rhodes music, were the defending Dusty Cup winners, MSK. Accompanying the Creed Brothers, Malcolm Bivens had his own theatrics. Holding a John Cena style “Never Give Up” towel, he flipped it around to say “Nah, you should.” As the match began, Nash Carter tried to match the amateur wrestling style of the Creeds but this didn’t work and so he tagged in Wes Lee and MSK reverted to their tried and tested hit and run style. In control of the match, MSK employed frequent tags as they tried to keep their opponents grounded, picking up several nearfalls along the way. Nash Carter made a fatal error, though, diving out of the ring to try and take down Julius Creed but the taller Creed Brother caught him and buried him in the ground at ringside. Creed rolled Carter back into the ring and put a hurt on him with a gigantic clothesline. The Creeds picked up the win and etched their way into the history books as 2022 Men’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic winners.

Jez’s Pick: MSK
Dan’s Pick: Creed Brothers
Winner: Creed Brothers
Jez 1 – Dan 4

Imperium Speak

Before the main event, Imperium took to the ring to congratulate the Creed Brothers for winning the Dusty Cup but suggest that all it gives them is an opportunity at the titles – an opportunity they’re not ready for. GUNTHER also said that he would be watching the main event with the highest of interest. Before they could finish, Solo Sikoa made his way to the ramp. Sikoa said that where he was from ‘the mat’ didn’t matter because they’d just find the biggest and baddest dude and slap him. Sikoa said he would do just that and make GUNTHER his bitch.

NXT Championship – Bron Breakker (c) vs. Santos Escobar

Our commercial free main event was the NXT Championship match between Bron Breakker and Santos Escobar. On his way to the ramp, Bron Breaker set fire to an old Vengeance V from the classic pay-per-view sets, furthering the ongoing theme of leaving the old ways of professional wrestling behind. Breakker began the match displaying his strength shoulder barging Escobar down and locking him in headlocks he struggled to escape. Escobar left the ring to try and use his speed to outsmart the champion but Breakker’s speed was put on display as he kept up with the challenger. More effective at stopping the momentum of Breakker, though, was a visit to the steel steps which allowed Escobar to take the NXT Champion back into the ring and wear him down. Despite several nearfalls, Breakker stayed in the match and so the rest of Legado del Fantasma tried to get involved. Breaker dealt with them but was Superkicked by Dolph Ziggler behind the referee’s back. Escobar was unable to make the pin, though, and an incensed Bron Breakker went on a tear culminating in a Spear and a Bodypress Slam for the 1-2-3.

Jez’s Pick: Bron Breakker
Dan’s Pick: Bron Breakker
Winner:
Jez 2 – Dan 5

Final Rating

Dan awards 4 out of 5 Crowbars
Jez awards 3.5 out of 5 Crowbars

Watch the whole episode on YouTube:

This episode of The Main Event Podcast was broadcast live on Twitch, YouTube and Facebook. Watch the replay, subscribe and hit the bell on YouTube or listen to the show in podcast form – search for The Main Event Podcast on Anchor, Spotify, Google Podcasts or anywhere you get your podcasts from. Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with all of the new content coming from The Main Event Podcast!

Wrestling Theme Covers by JaydeGarrow
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This podcast is not affiliated with WWE, AEW, Impact Wrestling or any other promotion. All clips, soundbites and trademarks are used in accordance with UK fair use copyright law and remain property of their respective owners.

The Main Event Podcast turns its sights to All Elite Wrestling today, taking a look back at the Beach Break two night event. We’ll discuss everything that happened on Dynamite and Rampage as well as what is to come in AEW. Tune in and join the conversation!

TNT Championship Unification Ladder Match – Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Sammy Guevara (c)

The two-night Beach Break event got started with a bang when TNT Champion, Cody Rhodes, faced Interim TNT Champion, Sammy Guevara, in a Unification Ladder Match. The match began traditionally with chain wrestling in the middle of the ring but soon Cody left the ring and secured the first ladder of the contest. Rhodes set the ladder up balanced between the ring and a barricade but Guevara struck with a distraction and the pair fought through the crowd instead. Sammy grabbed a taller ladder than the first and, with the fight back in the ring, used it as a battering ram to the head of Rhodes. Guevara climbed the ladder to retrieve the belts but Cody caught him and soon delivered a huge suplex from the top of the ladder to the ring below. During commercial, the taller ladder was turned upside down and, when we returned to action, Sammy was dropped on the struts and figure four leg locked between the rungs of the ladder. Satisfied that he had worn Guevara down, Cody set up the taller ladder and climbed for the belts but Sammy was not out and, leapfrogging from the top turnbuckle to the shorter ladder, he dived at Cody and dropped him from the top of the ladder with a huge Cutter. Sammy climbed the ladder himself but it was pushed over by Cody. As both men climbed the ladders again, Rhodes delivered Crossrhodes to Guevara and again went for the win but Sammy popped up and the match continued. Back at ringside, the first ladder came back into play. With Rhodes placed on top of the ladder, Sammy climbed to the top of another and delivered a Jeff Hardy at WrestleMania 17 like Swanton Bomb on to Cody. Guevara climbed the ladder in the ring and Rhodes had enough left to chase after him but, after Sammy hit Cody in the head with the championship belts, he sent him crashing to the ring and was able to secure the belts to become the Undisputed TNT Champion.

Jez’s Pick: Sammy Guevara
Dan’s Pick: Cody Rhodes
Winner: Sammy Guevara
Jez 1 – Dan 0

Wardlow vs. Elijah Dean and Jake Alexander

In the next contest, hometown boy Wardlow took on two jobbers in a 2-on-1 handicap match. With very little to write about in this match, Wardlow made light work of the pair with multiple powerbombs and walked out with the victory.

Jez’s Pick: N/A
Dan’s Pick: N/A
Winner: Wardlow
Jez 1 – Dan 0

The Inner Circle vs. Daniel Garcia & 2Point0

With some cracks beginning to form in The Inner Circle, Chris Jericho, Santana and Ortiz took on Daniel Garcia and 2Point0 in the next contest at Beach Break. Jericho was set to start the match but Santana blind tagged himself in and got the fight started himself. While the opposition teamed well, tagging in and out all three members of their trio, Santana and Ortiz kept the match between each other, refusing to tag in Jericho. Chris Jericho would be the difference in the match, though, as he hit the Judas Effect to Matt Lee from outside the ring, allowing Santana to pick up the win.

Jez’s Pick: Inner Circle
Dan’s Pick: Inner Circle
Winner: Inner Circle
Jez 2 – Dan 1

CM Punk Speaks

In a break from the in-ring action, CM Punk made his way to the ring to address the crowd in Cleveland. Punk asked the audience if they were sick of hearing him talk yet because he said that he was done talking and that’s why he was dressed to fight. He said that he wanted to fight MJF and wanted to call out Friedman out for a fight on that very night. He didn’t expect him to answer the call and would instead send one of his Pinnacle teammates but MJF did indeed make his way out… to the ramp at least. Max asked Cleveland if they wanted to see him wrestle Punk tonight but MJF said no because he wouldn’t waste a quality fight on Cleveland, Ohio. He did, however, agree to fight him next week in Chicago. MJF continued his verbal attack on Punk, saying that Punk would abandon the fans again after he beats him just like he did in 2014. MJF then brought in some backup and The Pinnacle jumped Punk from behind. The group assaulted him with a steel chair, choked him with a scarf and powerbombed him. MJF then sat on him cross-legged and closed with the statement that next week Punk’s journey would end where it began… Chicago, Illinois.

Red Velvet vs. “Legit” Leyla Hirsch

The next contest was the battle of former friends with “Legit” Leyla Hirsch facing Red Velvet. After being blindsided the week before by Hirsch, Velvet charged the ring during her entrance and got the match started quickly. Inside the ring, Red Velvet controlled the match with holds and submissions but outside the ring the brawling style of Hirsch was more dominant. As the match progressed, the more aggressive style of Hirsch overwhelmed her opponent as the Russian also added strikes and submissions to her assault. Red Velvet survived well but Hirsch resorted to cheap tactics to win, rolling up Velvet and pulling the tights to keep her down for a 1-2-3. After the match, Hirsch locked Velvet an armbar and had to be saved by Kris Statlander.

Jez’s Pick: “Legit” Leyla Hirsch
Dan’s Pick: Red Velvet
Winner: “Legit” Leyla Hirsch
Jez 3 – Dan 1

Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. Speaks

Before her man took part in the main event, AEW Women’s World Champion, Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. made her way to the ring for a long overdue update on her and the year that she had in 2021, winning multiple awards from Pro Wrestling Illustrated and, of course, the Women’s World Championship. Ever the heel, she got a dig in on Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns before adding that she wasn’t done with the accolades yet and that she would turn her Woman of the Year award into the Woman of the Decade award.

Lights Out Match – Adam Cole vs. Orange Cassidy

In the Dynamite main event, a personal score would be settled in a Lights Out Match with Adam Cole facing off against Orange Cassidy. After Cassidy symbolically crushed his sunglasses, the two went to war, starting the contest with stuff right hands. The match spilled outside of the ring and each man found themselves bounced around ringside. As Cole went for a steel chair underneath the ring, he pulled out not only the chair but Danhausen as well, who stuck his thumb up at Cole before leaving the arena. After Cole weakened the hand of Cassidy, crushing it in the ring steps, he went for more weaponry under the ring. Cole really started to enjoy himself here, putting Cassidy inside a trash can and dropkicking it as well as restricting his movement with a chain while delivering a backstabber. Cassidy fought back but the now lacerated and bloody hand of Orange took away part of his arsenal in the match. Distractions from multiple run-ins allowed Cassidy to hit the Orange Punch but this hurt his injured hand and he could not capitalise with the cover. Adam Cole ran away from the ring and the pair took their battle to the Gorilla Position, then back to the stage. Cole climbed up a truss, followed closely by Cassidy who delivered a low blow to Adam Cole before Cassidy threw both men off the truss and crashing through the stage. Amongst the wreckage, Orange Cassidy pinned Adam Cole to pick up the win and bring to an end a very personal rivalry.

Jez’s Pick: Adam Cole
Dan’s Pick: Adam Cole
Winner: Orange Cassidy
Jez 3 – Dan 1

Jon Moxley vs. Anthony Bowens

The opening contest on Rampage saw Jon Moxley take on Anthony Bowens. After being riled up by the entrance rap of Bowens’ Acclaimed partner, Max Castor, Mox took the fight to Bowens with heavy strikes. The fight quickly left the ring and Bowens found himself bounced around the ring barricades while Mox enjoyed himself. Back in the ring, things became more even as Bowens was able to finally get in some offense thanks to the distractions of Max Castor. However, Mox soon evened the score, throwing Bowens out of the ring and on to his partner, taking him down. Castor soon revived and once again interjected himself in the match but Mox was wise to it, took care of Castor and hit the Paradigm Shift on Anthony Bowens to pick up the win. After the match, Bryan Danielson was pictured watching the match on a monitor, suggesting future competition is coming between the two men.

Jez’s Pick: Jon Moxley
Dan’s Pick: Jon Moxley
Winner: Jon Moxley
Jez 4 – Dan 2

“Shotty” Lee Johnson and Brock Anderson vs. FTR

The next contest saw “Shotty” Lee Johnson and Brock Anderson vs. FTR and started quickly, without ring entrances or introductions. In the early going, Johnson and Anderson held their own well against the more experienced FTR, including a prolonged technical battle between Brock Anderson and Dax Harwood. Anderson would return to the ring later, off the hot tag of Johnson and clean house before getting a nearfall on Cash Wheeler. Johnson tagged back in and picked up a nearfall of his own before the battle turned to ringside where we saw a battle of former Four Horsemen, Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard. This distraction was enough to allow FTR to deliver a Spike Piledriver to “Shotty” and collect the 1-2-3.

Jez’s Pick: “Shotty” Lee Johnson and Brock Anderson
Dan’s Pick: FTR
Winner: FTR
Jez 4 – Dan 3

TBS Championship – Jade Cargill (c) vs. Julia Hart

The next match was for the TBS Championship as the undefeated champion, Jade Cargill, took on young challenger, Julia Hart. The champion, Cargill, used her size and strength to dominate her challenger and show off with press-ups and sit-ups. Hart got some offense in during the match but this just pissed Cargill off and the champion retained her title with Jaded – her version of the Glam Slam.

Jez’s Pick: Jade Cargill
Dan’s Pick: Jade Cargill
Winner: Jade Cargill
Jez 5 – Dan 4

AEW World Tag Team Championship – Jurassic Express (c) vs. Private Party

The final match of Beach Break and the main event of Rampage was for the AEW World Tag Team Championship with Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus, accompanied by Christian Cage, defending the gold against Private Party, accompanied by Matt Hardy and The Blade. As Jurassic Express made their way to the ring, they were distracted by future challengers Austin and Colton Gunn in the crowd which allowed Private Party to jump the tag champs and start the match. The got Jungle Boy in the ring and immediately hit Gin and Juice but Jungle Boy was able to kick out of the cover. Private Party continued to double team Jungle Boy but he was still able to make the tag to Luchasaurus, which sent the challengers scurrying from the ring. With the referee occupied by Private Party, Matt Hardy and The Blade attacked the knee of Luchasaurus with a steel chair. With his dinosaur weakened, Jungle Boy evened the score with a series of dives from inside the ring to out, keeping the attack on Private Party. The action remained chaotic as the match progressed with the referee doing little prevent illegal men from taking part in the match but the champions were eventually able to retain, defeating Private Party with the Thoracic Express. After the match, the Gunn Club stormed the ring and left the champions laying as Beach Break came to a close.

Jez’s Pick: Jurassic Express
Dan’s Pick: Jurassic Express
Winner: Jurassic Express
Jez 6 – Dan 5

Final Rating

Dan awards 2.5 out of 5 MJF Burberry Scarves
Jez also awards 3.5 out of 5 MJF Burberry Scarves

Watch the whole episode on YouTube:

This episode of The Main Event Podcast was broadcast live on Twitch, YouTube and Facebook. Watch the replay, subscribe and hit the bell on YouTube or listen to the show in podcast form – search for The Main Event Podcast on Anchor, Spotify, Google Podcasts or anywhere you get your podcasts from. Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with all of the new content coming from The Main Roster!

Wrestling Theme Covers by JaydeGarrow
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCit4zHRRYaU5Og8ZHqvA7jQ

This podcast is not affiliated with WWE, AEW, Impact Wrestling or any other promotion. All clips, soundbites and trademarks are used in accordance with UK fair use copyright law and remain property of their respective owners.

On today’s episode of The Main Event Podcast, we’re chatting the WWE Royal Rumble, which is turning out to be a marmite event, and Jez will also be discussing his appearance at BCW Super Scuffle on Saturday night.

WWE Universal Championship – Roman Reigns (c) vs. Seth “Freakin” Rollins

The opening contest at the Royal Rumble saw The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, defend his Universal Championship against Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins. Roman Reigns entered first, suggesting that some shenanigans were to come, and they did in the form of Seth Rollins entering through the crowd to the old Shield entrance music. Would the 516 day Reign of the Universal Champion come to an end here? Reigns went on the offensive quickly sending Rollins reeling with powerful strikes. Rollins, however, used his quickness to take control, first trapping Reigns in the corner then sending him out of the ring. Rollins followed this up by delivering a powerbomb through the announce table. After returning him to the ring and hitting the frogsplash, Rollins picked up a two count. Reigns tried to get back in the match with a spear but Seth escaped, hit a buckle bomb and a stomp and got another very close nearfall. Reigns finally got into the match here, delivering his own powerbomb and getting a two count of his own, but Rollins was still in the head of Reigns and was put off his game by Rollins’ laughing. Reigns persisted and hit the Superman Punch but once again Rollins kicked out. Another spear attempt was countered into a modified Pedigree by Seth for another two count. Rollins tried to rattle Reigns once again with the offer of a Shield fistbump but Reigns stayed focused and locked the Architect into the Guillotine. Rollins, fading, reached the ropes but Roman refused to release the hold and after the count of 5, he was disqualified. With the match over, the mind games of Seth Rollins came back to haunt him when Reigns launched into a relentless attack on his former Shield buddy with steel chairs. Reigns looked satisfied with what he’d done as he took his Universal Championship and walked out of The Dome at America’s Center.

Jez’s Pick: Seth Rollins
Dan’s Pick: Seth Rollins
Winner: Seth Rollins (via DQ)
Jez 1 – Dan 1

Women’s Royal Rumble Match

The next contest was the Women’s Royal Rumble Match. Starting the match at numbers 1 and 2 were Sasha Banks, dressed as Sailor Moon, and Melina, dressed as herself. Sasha declared her intention for WrestleMania, pointing at the sign before throwing out Melinda with ease. Entry number 3 was Tamina, who unsurprisingly fared better than Melinda and survived at least to the next entrant, Kelly Kelly. Kelly showed off the three moves she learned all those years ago but found herself dumped out of the ring by Banks. Aaliyah entered at 5 and went to work on Banks and Tamina as entry number 6, Liv Morgan arrived. Liv almost eliminated Sasha but with four women still in the ring, Queen Zelina joined the group as entrant 7. Zelina continued her streak of resourcefulness as she was jumped by Sasha, she capitalised on The Boss being dumped over the top rope and on to the apron, eliminating her with a big big boot. At 8, last year’s winner Bianca Belair joined the fray, followed by Dana Brooke at 9 and Michelle McCool at 10. Dana Brooke almost found herself eliminated but Reggie caught her at ringside and put her back in the match. This wouldn’t last long as she was once again thrown over the top rope by Tamina but this time there was nobody there to catch her.

Entrant number 11 was Sonya Deville but we use the term entrant loosely as Sonya went to ringside rather than entering the ring. Joining the match at 12 was Natalya, who was reunited with her old tag team partner, Tamina, and her current foe, Aaliyah. Natalya would try to eliminate both Tamina and Bianca Belair as they brawled but as Tamina went crashing to the floor, Belair held on to the ropes and fought Natalya off before getting back under the bottom rope. At unlucky 13, former Funkadactyl Cameron made her way to the ring. As a potential ally of Naomi, this sprung Sonya Deville into action, launching into the ring to eliminate Cameron immediately. The brawl was on big time when Naomi joined at 14. Too late to save her former partner, she got revenge for her, eliminating ‘Cruella’ very quickly. At 15, Carmella joined the match… slowly… after going to the commentary table to tell everyone how beautiful she is. At 16, Rhea Ripley, perhaps one of the favourites to win the whole thing, entered the match and forced Carmella into the ring. The pack ganged up on Rhea at first but this didn’t stop her eliminating both Queen Zelina and Carmella at the same time. Next, it was SmackDown Women’s Champion, Charlotte Flair, at 17. Flair quickly eliminated Aaliyah and threw Naomi over the top rope. As Naomi was about to put on her best Kofi Kingston impression, Sonya Deville appeared at ringside and pulled the hands out from under Naomi, sending her crashing to the floor and eliminating her. Entrant number 18 was Ivory, in Right to Censor mode, who kept chirping away on the microphone as Rhea Ripley picked her up, put her on the apron and shoved her off and out of the match. Making her return at number 19, Brie Bella entered the match, followed by IMPACT Knockouts World Champion, Mickie James, completing two-thirds of the entries in the Royal Rumble.

The final ten of the Women’s Royal Rumble got underway with entrant 21, Alicia Fox, who arrived just as James renewed an old rivalry with Michelle McCool, eliminating her. For entry 22, the music of Nikki A.S.H. played but she did not immediately enter, instead trying to jump Rhea Ripley from behind. Unfortunately for Nikki, this didn’t work and so instead she joined the rest of the match. Entrant 23 was Summer Rae who, with a face of thunder, made a beeline for Natalya, renewing old tensions between the two of them. But, despite the effort, Summer Rae was quickly eliminated by Natalya, aided by Charlotte. Natalya met another old rival at 24, as Nikki Bella entered the contest. Reunited with her sister, Nikki and Brie had a moment with their former partner Alicia Fox but the twins quickly betrayed her and sent her out of the match. Number 25 was Sarah Logan in full Viking attire, who came face to face with her former Riott Squad partner, Liv Morgan, but the moment was interrupted and Logan was eliminated by the Bella Twins. The Bellas continued their dominance by eliminating my pick to win, Liv Morgan. Entrant 26 was WWE Hall of Famer, Lita who eliminated Mickie James after a big DDT. The 27th woman to enter was Mighty Molly, who was jumped by fellow fake superhero Nikki A.S.H. before she could enter the match. Nikki brought Molly into the ring for the role purpose of eliminating her immediately. Entrant number 28 was a surprise entrant in new mother, Ronda Rowsey. Rowsey eliminated Nikki A.S.H. and threatened to take out Nikki Bella but her sister, Brie, did that instead. Disgusted with the treachery, Rowsey opened up on Brie as the 29th entrant, Shotzi Blackheart, joined the match, and then Rowsey eliminated Brie. The final entrant in the match was Shayna Baszler and after sharing a knowing nod with friend and ally Ronda Rowsey, Baszler went to work on Lita.

As we entered the final phase of the match, Shotzi was eliminated by Ronda Rowsey, followed closely by Natalya. Natalya came back into the ring to try and get Rowsey out but Nattie found herself eliminated again. Thanks for coming, Nattie. Mixed up in the action, Lita found herself on the top rope and was about to deliver the Moonsault to Rhea Ripley but after Ripley got up, Charlotte Flair leaped into action and pushed the Hall of Famer over the top rope, eliminating her. Charlotte also capitalised on a battle between Rowsey and Ripley and was able to eliminate Ripley with a big boot. The final four came down to Bianca Belair, Shayna Baszler, Ronda Rowsey and Charlotte Flair but the former two were taken out of the match simultaneously as they battled on the ropes. Distracted by each other, Flair lifted both Belair and Baszler over the top rope and sent them out of the match. Now down to two, Flair and Rowsey grappled but as Charlotte went for a big boot, Ronda struck and launched the SmackDown Women’s Champion over the top rope and booked her place at WrestleMania.

Jez’s Pick: Charlotte Flair
Dan’s Pick: Liv Morgan
Winner: Ronda Rowsey
Jez 1 – Dan 1

Raw Women’s Championship – Becky Lynch (c) vs. Doudrop

Back to one-on-one competition, the next match was the RAW Women’s Championship match between the champion, Becky Lynch, and her challenger, Doudrop. As expected, Doudrop used her size and strength to dominate the early portion of the contest but Lynch used her quickness to avoid big moves such as a big splash from the middle rope and a cannonball into the steel steps. Becky focused on trying to keep Doudrop off her toes, figuratively and literally, stomping away at the challenger whilst down on the mat and employing mind games to try and annoy Doudrop to the point she lost control and got herself disqualified. Lynch almost picked up the win after a Molly Go Round from the top rope but Doudrop kicked out at two. She secured another nearfall after a leg drop to the back of the head while Doudrop draped off the ropes but still the challenger survived. Doudrop got a nearfall of her own and went for the kill but Becks rallied and delivered a huge Manhandle Slam from the middle rope and pinned her challenger to retain the RAW Women’s Championship.

Jez’s Pick: Becky Lynch
Dan’s Pick: Becky Lynch
Winner: Becky Lynch
Jez 2 – Dan 2

WWE Championship – Brock Lesnar (c) (with Paul Heyman) vs. Bobby Lashley (with MVP)

With two championships retained so far at the Royal Rumble, our third and final of the night was on the line as Brock Lesnar defended the WWE Championship against Bobby Lashley in a first time meeting between these two big men. The match started slowly with both men sizing each other up but it was Lesnar who struck first, surprising Lashley with a German Suplex. The All Mighty returned the favour quickly, dropping the champion with a German Suplex of his own. Brock upped the ante with a visit to Suplex City and a succession of Germans but Lashley matched his stake with a series of Spears. The final Spear backfired on the challenger, though, as Lesnar stepped aside and allowed Lashley to crash through the ringside barricade. Further visits to Suplex City weakened the challenger but as the match progressed, Bobby Lashley was able to surprise Lesnar with the Hurt Lock. Lesnar started to fade but Brock forced Bobby into the turnbuckle to break the submission. Lesnar hit the F5 but inadvertently took out the referee with the feet of Lashley in the process. With Lesnar unable to pick up the win, and Lashley down, Roman Reigns appeared out of nowhere and delivered a huge Spear to the WWE Champion. He then demanded that Paul Heyman hand him the title belt and he did! Reigns nailed Lesnar in the face with the WWE Title and after a new referee arrived, Bobby Lashley pinned Brock Lesnar to become the NEW WWE Champion. Roman Reigns walked up the ramp with Paul Heyman in tow. In shades of Brock Lesnar’s first championship reigns, he has been betrayed once again by his own advocate.

Jez’s Pick: Brock Lesnar
Dan’s Pick: Brock Lesnar
Winner: Bobby Lashley
Jez 2 – Dan 2

Edge and Beth Phoenix vs. The Miz and Maryse

The next contest was less about championships and more about personal pride as the team of The Miz and Maryse took on Edge and Beth Phoenix. The women started the match, or at least were supposed to, but Maryse ran away from Phoenix, eventually needing to be pulled out of the ring by her husband, The Miz. Miz tagged in, forcing Edge to join the match as per mixed tag team rules. Thanks to distractions, Miz took control of the match and isolated Edge away from his wife so that Maryse would not have to face Beth Phoenix. However, the tag was made and Maryse had to enter the ring but The Miz intervened and Beth Phoenix went on the offensive on him instead. Maryse jumped Phoenix from behind, hitting her in the back with her purse and Maryse actually wore down her opponent in the middle of the ring but, when Beth got back to her feet, she tagged in the Rated R Superstar, raising the pace of the match. Edge came in like a house of fire and hit the Edge-O-Matic and set up for the Spear. Edge missed, hit the turnbuckle and, while The Miz feigned an injury, Maryse hit a Hurricanrana to Edge and a French Kiss DDT to Beth Phoenix. The Miz hit Skull Crushing Finale and went for the win but Edge kicked out. Maryse tried to help out again and the It Couple tried to deliver a double Skull Crushing Finale to Edge but, thanks to Beth Phoenix, the move was thwarted and the Grit Couple nailed dual Glam Slams to pick up the victory in the match.

Jez’s Pick: The Miz and Maryse
Dan’s Pick: Edge and Beth Phoenix
Winner: Edge and Beth Phoenix
Jez 2 – Dan 3

Men’s Royal Rumble Match

It was now time for the 30 Man Royal Rumble match. Would there be any surprise entries that could take it all the way in this match? Entrants one and two, were AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura. The two fought in a preview of a dream match we might never actually get and were joined by entrant number 3 Austin Theory, and 4, Robert Roode. Styles eliminated Roode as Ridge Holland joined the match at 5, then Styles eliminated Nakamura. The next string of entries arrived uneventfully, number 6 Montez Ford, 7 Damien Priest and 8 Sami Zayn but with the entry of number 9, Johnny Knoxville, business picked up. Knoxville entered the match and took down Zayn with ground and pound strikes before pointing at the WrestleMania sign. AJ Styles, sportingly, gave Knoxville a free punch, but this just set up Styles to nail 6 or 7 quick strikes of his own. The Jackass-bashing continued when Montez Ford hit him with the frogsplash before Ridge Holland carefully placed him on the apron over the top rope and was about to clothesline him down when Sami Zayn sprung to action and hit Knoxville with a Helluva Kick, eliminating him. Styles eliminated Zayn while he celebrated. At 10, Angelo Dawkins joined the match, uniting the Street Profits.

The giant, Omos, entered at 11. The Superstars in the ring attacked Omos one by one but to no avail as Omos eliminated the Street Profits and sent Styles crashing under the bottom rope. Ricochet joined the match at 12 and he went right to work on Omos but fared no better than those who tried before him. Unlucky number 13 belonged to Chad Gable who tried to organise the troops. He sent the biggest man remaining, Damien Priest, in first but Priest was easily eliminated by the much bigger, Omos. From here, the horde struck. Dominick Mysterio joined the effort to oust Omos when he entered at 14 but it was a running start and a forearm from Styles that allowed the group to put Omos over the top rope and eliminate him. Entrant number 15 was Happy Corbin who made quick work eliminating Ricochet with a smile on his face. The next participant, Dolph Ziggler entered his 15th Royal Rumble at 16, making him second all time in entries behind only Kane. After nailing Dominick with a brutal Deep Six, Happy Corbin eliminated him. This was followed shortly by the elimination of Austin Theory by AJ Styles, who was on quite the run of eliminations. Sheamus entered at 17 but didn’t make it to the ring in time to save his protégé, Ridge Holland, who was dumped at his feet by, you guessed it, AJ Styles. Sheamus tried to avenge Holland and eliminate Styles but he was unable to do so as entrant 18, Rick Boogs, joined the match. Boogs bodypressed Gable and tossed him out of the ring, eliminating him. Happy Corbin got company with the entry of number 19, Madcap Moss and between the two Happy Folks, they shocked the world and eliminated AJ Styles, as well as Rick Boogs as the 20th entry, Riddle, joined the match.

The fun ended for the Happy Folks with the introduction of entry number 21, Drew McIntyre, whom the pair had attacked and taken out at the start of the month at WWE Day 1. McIntyre got a quick measure of revenge, eliminating the pair before leaving under the bottom rope and continuing the beatdown on Corbin and Moss. The 22nd entrant, Kevin Owens, met Drew McIntyre at ringside and the pair brawled back into the ring. Rey Mysterio joined his 13th Rumble at 23 and Kofi Kingston returned from injury at 24 to enter his 14th Royal Rumble. Kingston didn’t last long, though, as he was shoved from the top rope and tried to grip the ring barricade and save himself but his feet touched the floor in the process. At 25, Otis joined the match and Dan’s pick, Big E at 26. At 27, Bad Bunny made his return to WWE… for some reason, and hit a Canadian Destroyer on Riddle. Sheamus tried to eliminate Bunny but he survived and was himself eliminated when he tried to Brogue Kick him from the apron. Bunny teamed with Rey Mysterio to eliminate Dolph Ziggler, and Rey was eliminated by Otis as entrant 28 arrived – Shane O’ Mac. McMahon eliminated his old rival Kevin Owens. The penultimate entrant, Randy Orton, joined at 29 and teamed with his partner, Riddle, to eliminate Big E and Otis.

The big surprise entrant of the match was Brock Lesnar who entered in the coveted number 30 spot and angrily suplexed everyone in sight before eliminating Randy Orton and Bad Bunny to leave a final four of Lesnar, Riddle, Shane McMahon and Drew McIntyre. This final four quickly became three as Riddle was dispatched by Lesnar, followed closely by Shane McMahon. The pair brawled and McIntyre went for the Claymore but missed. Lesnar set up for the F5 but rather than downing Drew in the ring, he launched the Scottish Warrior over the top rope and etched his name in history as the winner of the 2022 men’s Royal Rumble match.

Jez’s Pick: Roman Reigns
Dan’s Pick: Big E
Winner: Brock Lesnar
Jez 2 – Dan 3

Final Rating

Dan awards 3 out of 5 Brock Lesnar Top Knots
Jez also awards 3.75 out of 5 Brock Lesnar Top Knots

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