by: Frase
Becky Lynch vs Bianca Belair (Women’s Championship Match)
Both ladies walk-outs were a great way to get the night in Nashville started. Becky’s new look with the big glasses and clothes is awesome. Bianca was the hometown fan favorite. The action was solid early as Becky was working on Bianca’s arm/ shoulder. Bianca brought the trademark power all match, notably hitting the KOD outside the ring on the mat. Bianca kicked out of the Man-Handle slam and hit yet another KOD for the win. They shared a handshake after the match. Becky now turned face. A nice way to kick it off in Nashville.
Bianca wins.
Grade: B+
(Bayley made her much anticipated return to confront Bianca as she was celebrating her win, Dakota Kai came out after, followed by IO Shirai. Bianca’s new competition seemed to be staking their claim. Becky then helped Bianca when then new troublemakers came to confront Bianca.)
The Miz vs Logan Paul
The Miz came out with an entourage of Ciampa and his wife Maryse. Logan Paul came out solo in a black and yellow get up. They both dress ridiculously but it works for them. Miz started by mocking Logan and wrestling cocky. Logan, as in his debut, showed some impressive athletic ability. Ciampa got kicked out of the match by the ref, and he refused to leave, he’s so grumpy. AJ Styles came out to even the odds and kick Ciampa’s butt. Paul hit a huge elbow through the table and ended Miz with his own move – the Skull Crushing Finale. This slightly exceeded my expectations, good match.
Paul wins.
Grade: B-
Bobby Lashley vs Theory (US Championship Match)
Theory began the brawl by hitting Lashley with a cheap shot using the money in the bank briefcase. Lashley overpowered throughout and crushed him, ending him quickly with a hurt lock. This match was quick, and seemingly seemed obvious to me that Theory would be back to try to cash in his briefcase. It remains to be seen what will happen with Theory now that Vince is gone.
Lashley wins.
Grade: C-
Judgement Day vs The Mysterios (No DQ)
When the Judgement Day came out the music was eerie and cool, but I think they look like a jacked-up version of the goth kids from South Park. The father and son duo Mysterios were fun and have a noticeably great chemistry. There was some decent action, but I wanted more from a match that had Rey Mysterio and Finn Balor in it. The crowd wanted to get into this one, but never quiet seemed to. Rhea Ripley interfered, to no one’s surprise. BUT THEN… The return of Edge. He handed out some spears to the Judgement Day free of charge and Rey hit the 619 for the win. BOOYAAKAA BOOYAAKAA.
The Mysterios win.
Grade: C+
(This match was rescued by Edge’s return.)
Pat McAfee vs Happy Corbin
The two former Indianapolis Colts went head-to-head in SummerSlam. What a country. The match wasn’t exactly always smooth, but it had some great highlight worthy power moves. The crowd was pretty quiet for long spells, unlike when McAfee performed at WrestleMania, but I wouldn’t say they were uninterested. McAfee electrified the crowd towards the end and beat Corbin with a low blow that the ref didn’t see… Payback for what Corbin did the night before on Smackdown. It wasn’t exciting wire to wire, but great walkouts and finish.
Pat wins.
Grade: B
Drew McIntyre comes out to speak
He won the number 1 contender match for the Heavyweight Championship the night before on SmackDown. My only observation was that he was swinging a huge sword all willy nilly as he was high-fiving fans who had their hands reaching out looking for high fives. I was worried someone was going to lose an arm out there.
No Grade, just concern.
The Usos vs The Street Prophets (Tag Team Championship)
This match started with a nice little dance from Tennessee Titans cheerleaders. It made me wonder if the way to stop the Titans this year is to load the box against Derrick Henry and make anyone else beat you. Anyway, then the Usos came out. This match started slow, very slow, but after their charged Money in the Bank match there was no reason for concern. It didn’t live up to that match, but these two tag teams always put on a great show. Jeff Jarrett did a great job as the guest referee. I think we all thought the Prophets had it after a huge frog splash from Montez Ford… but the late kick out. Usos close it out like they have been all year. Usos win 1-2-3. This has my wheels turning that Ford might make the move to solo wrestling now.
The Usos win.
Grade: B
Rollins and Riddle “Unscheduled” Fight
Riddle wasn’t medically cleared, and Rollins curb stomped him! You gotta be kidding me Rollins you could have killed him!
No Grade, just vibes.
Ronda Rousey vs Liv Morgan (Women’s Championship Match)
A little David vs Goliath action. CONTROVERSY! CONTROVERSY I SAY! Ronda made Liv tap but Ronda’s shoulders were down for a 1-2-3 count. Liv was declared the winner. David strikes down Goliath. Rousey made Liv and the ref pay with some after the bell butt kicking. Oh, she a heel now. I like it. A quick and strange match with a storyline continuing controversy.
Liv wins.
Grade: C+
Roman Reigns vs Brock Lesnar (Last Man Standing – Unified Heavyweight Championship)
Roman Reigns’ walk out/ intro is just flat out too long. You can take a power nap in the middle of it wake up and he’s still walking down the ramp with a smoldering look. Brock wanted to one up him and slow drive a tractor to the ring. These are the two beasts / heads of the table of the WWE currently and it had a big fight feel. Lesnar started the match by bringing the action to Roman, hitting him from the top of the tractor and then unleashing supplex city. Reigns then took over after his special counsel Paul Heyman offered a distraction. Reigns threw Brock through multiple tables, it was dope. As the tables turned, brock picked Roman up in the tractor and dropped him on the mat from high in the air which was wild.
The Grand Finale – Lesnar picked up the entire ring with the tractor… never seen that before. The Uso’s came in to interfere. Theory botched his Money in the Bank cash in, it was funny how hardcore he failed. Lesnar beat count after count after count. It was a bloodbath out there! The Bloodline buried Brock in steel steps and announce tables to finally put him down. Instant Classic.
Roman wins.
Grade: A