On Saturday, the first major WWE stadium event in the UK for 30 years was held at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
62,296 wrestling fans from across the world came together to create a euphoric atmosphere in the stadium. Having been to the Principality many times over the years for events including the Six Nations, Speedway Grand Prix and music concerts, nothing prepared us for the WWE’s own unique setup or atmosphere.
The major event featured prominent WWE Superstars such as Drew McIntyre, Roman Reigns, Bianca Belair, Seth Rollins Ronda Rousey and Rey Mysterio.
WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre, the first-ever British WWE Champion was sadly unable to retake his title from Roman Reigns, despite the overwhelming support from the crowd in Cardiff. It wasn’t the result anyone wanted to see or expected, and it was made clear by the boos and shouts the fans in the stands were making.
However, the surprises didn’t end there. Heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury joins in, knocking out WWE star Austin Theory before stepping into the ring to stare down Reigns, exchanging light congratulatory words and shaking hands. The whole thing ends with a rendition of American Pie if that wasn’t enough.
Earlier in the night, the crowd went wild when Edge and Rey Mysterio turned back the clock to 2002, teaming up to take on The Judgment Day’s Finn Bálor and Damian Priest. The Wales crowd was elated to see the two team up again, singing Edge’s song.
Dominik Mysterio, who was ring side, didn’t see it that way at all and it all came to blows after the duo’s win leaving the crowd in shock.
Upon entering the stadium, Seth “Freakin” Rollins got fans up on their feet with Elton John’s “Rocket Man” as he headed to the ring to face Matt Riddle.
Having made a good start, Riddle reprimand by the referee turned the tables and sadly was the beginning of the star’s downfall. Rollins’ version of the buckle bomb was just enough to tip the scales even further, as Riddle struggled to regain his composure.
Meanwhile, Liv Morgan defeated Shayna Baszler to retain SmackDown Women’s Championship.
Morgan found herself with the short straw, having been caught out by a kirifuda clutch early on. Baszler made a poor attempt of going after Morgan’s left arm, which had been injury at SummerSlam but she didn’t let this hold her back as she retained her title.
Fan favourite Sheamus was left red faced… and red chested as Gunther retained the Intercontinental Championship at the Principality Stadium.
It wasn’t the first time we had seen the two come face to face. It was only a couple of weeks ago at SmackDown, when Gunther and Sheamus stared each other down while members of The Brawling Brutes and Imperium got things started. The two europeans maintained discipline until that fateful bang rang out and then it was all up for grabs (quite literally). They’ll be sore today, that’s for sure!
