WWE Excessive Guidelines outcomes: Brock Lesnar wins Common title after cash-in
Excessive Guidelines is the final main cease for the WWE earlier than its annual August showcase, SummerSlam. The present emanates from Philadelphia, the birthplace of ECW, and Excessive Guidelines channels not less than a little bit little bit of that vitality with quite a lot of match varieties that can convey weapons into the equation.
Whereas Uncooked and SmackDown have been considerably inconsistent in current months, current pay-per-view performances provide hope of ramping up the vitality and pleasure heading into SummerSlam. The Undertaker will open the pay-per-view in a tag-team match, whereas the Uncooked and Common championships can be on the road in an Excessive Guidelines combined tag-team match that can virtually definitely shut the present.
Then, there’s the lingering presence of Cash within the Financial institution winner Brock Lesnar and a possible cash-in, in addition to a Kickoff Present which may effectively provide two of the very best matches of the evening with the Intercontinental championship and cruiserweight title defended within the hour earlier than the PPV begins.
Matt Wilansky and Sean Coyle will cowl the motion reside all through the evening, with ongoing outcomes, reactions and match grades.
Instantly after Seth Rollins pinned Baron Corbin, Brock Lesnar, flanked by Paul Heyman as he walked down the ramp, entered the ring and engaged with Rollins. After he hit two German Suplexes, Heyman handed the briefcase over to the referee, and the match was made official.
Lesnar instantly hit an F-5 and pinned Rollins to win the Common championship, the title he has held for 659 days already.
“Winners take all” Excessive Guidelines tag-team match for the WWE Common championship and Uncooked ladies’s championship: Seth Rollins (c) and Becky Lynch (c) def. Baron Corbin and Lacey Evans
One match, two titles and excessive guidelines. As if there wasn’t sufficient already happening within the winner-take-all important occasion of the evening, a looming and hungry Beast was on the market. Earlier within the evening, Paul Heyman teased of a Brock Lesnar cash-in on one of many two prime championship matches. He was nowhere to be seen after Kofi Kingston beat Samoa Joe. Would Lesnar set his sights on the Common title?
There was loads to love about this match. The spots have been inventive and effectively executed. It was a bit lengthy, however total, this was important occasion.
Storytelling: zero.50
In-ring execution: zero.50
Match psychology: zero.75
Timing: zero.50
Innovation: 1.00
— Sean Coyle
Weapons have been launched into the match rapidly, and Lynch and Rollins clubbed their opponents with Kendo sticks, sending every out of the ring. Again within the ring, Corbin pummeled Rollins with a metal chair again and again earlier than DDTing the champ onto one.
Ultimately, Lynch and Evans would have their flip within the ring — and with the chairs. Lynch had the higher hand, first touchdown a splash on Evans after which drop-kicking Corbin after Rollins surprisingly tossed him a chair.
The match was not flashy, however it was ruthless. Completed with the chairs, the champs fished out the tables from underneath the ring. However their endeavor was minimize brief, as Evans and Corbin punished the champions with Kendo sticks.
Rollins and Lynch regained momentum once more, concurrently suplexed their opponents onto the ramp after which instantly put the heels via tables — Lynch with a leg drop off the second rope and Rollins with a frog splash off the highest.
Rollins rolled Corbin again into the ring, making ready for a stomp, however Corbin turned the tables and hit a Deep Six on Rollins. As Lynch reentered the ring, Corbin shockingly hit Lynch with an Finish of Days. His nefarious ways unleashed a vicious, arguably psychotic assault by Rollins, who stomped Corbin 3 times for the win.
Regardless of the primary occasion being over, there was no time to have a good time. As Rollins stood within the heart of the ring, Lesnar’s music hit.
Kofi Kingston hit his Hassle in Paradise to defeat Samoa Joe and retain the WWE championship. @WWE
Kofi Kingston’s WWE championship reign has been a profitable one with victories over Kevin Owens and Dolph Ziggler following his WrestleMania win over Daniel Bryan. At Excessive Guidelines, nevertheless, Kingston discovered himself matched up along with his most menacing risk but because the ultra-intense Samoa Joe regarded to observe up his two United States championship reigns along with his first WWE championship victory.
The match had its moments, however it by no means shifted into that subsequent gear. Simply on the bout was getting going, it abruptly ended with a Hassle in Paradise. WWE championship matches want extra time to develop.
Storytelling: zero.50
In-ring execution: zero.50
Match psychology: zero.75
Timing: zero.25
Innovation: zero.50
— Sean Coyle
Kingston started the match with a fast dropkick, however that solely angered the bigger Joe, who responded with a stiff clothesline, some vicious strikes and saved Kingston on the bottom.
Kingston tried a number of comeback makes an attempt, however was persistently thwarted off by Joe, who restricted his opponent’s offense by stomping on his Kingston’s hand which was caught in between the metal steps on the surface of the ring. He adopted that up with a snap powerslam after which a powerbomb with a good looking transition into an STF submission.
Out of nowhere, Kingston caught Joe with an S.O.S., however that solely saved him down for a two-count. After a failed Hassle in Paradise kick, Joe caught Kingston with the Coquina Clutch. Kingston broke free, however was met with a senton splash instantly upon launch.
The champ rebounded minutes later and eventually related with the Hassle in Paradise to ship Joe to the canvas for the three depend. Kingston’s championship reign continues with a clear victory. Precisely what he wanted.
Not a lot to fee right here. Regardless of the potential for an incredible match, it lasted mere seconds and was extra of a software to escalate the upcoming Kevin Owens/Shane McMahon rivalry.
Storytelling: zero.25
In-ring execution: zero.25
Match psychology: zero.00
Timing: zero.00
Innovation: zero.00
— Sean Coyle
Kevin Owens hit a Stunner instantly after the bell rang to earn the victory over Dolph Ziggler in a match that was added to the cardboard Sunday afternoon.
Owens grabbed a mic after the match and continued his verbal assault on Shane McMahon. Their paths appear more likely to cross within the coming weeks on SmackDown.
After exterior interference from Luke Gallows, left, and Karl Anderson, proper, AJ Types related on a Types Conflict from the second rope to beat Ricochet and win the U.S. championship. @WWE
United States championship: AJ Types def. Ricochet (c)
The realignment with The Membership has given AJ Types not solely a reminder of his previous success, however a contemporary outlook transferring ahead. As profitable as Types, a perennial champ, has been since transferring over to the WWE, he wanted the character overhaul.
Regardless of the group inexplicably falling asleep for almost all of the match, Types and Ricochet displayed some unbelievable chemistry and delivered an incredible match with a memorable second rope Types Conflict because the cherry on prime.
Storytelling: zero.75
In-ring execution: 1.00
Match psychology: zero.75
Timing: zero.75
Innovation: zero.75
— Sean Coyle
However along with his new route comes new expectations. Within the instant case, america championship was on the road in opposition to one of many few earmarked next-generation stars in Ricochet.
Types & Co. began off rapidly because of Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows’ assault on the champ earlier than the bell rang, however it was Ricochet’s high-octane offense that will preserve him aggressive.
Neither performer was capable of generate sustained momentum early. Ricochet related along with his typical array of aerial assaults, however Types had a ruthlessness to his demeanor and execution. As dynamic and fast as Ricochet was, Types managed to sluggish the tempo with forearm punches and Pele kicks.
Ricochet practically ended the match with a high-flying taking pictures star, however with Anderson and Gallows interfering, predictably, and with the babyface now mendacity immobile on the ropes, Types landed a Types Conflict from the center rope to safe him the win and his third United States title.
It was the carry Types wanted to get him again on observe, even when it involves the detriment of one of many brightest stars. It has been sort of a hot-potato existence for the U.S. title currently, and let’s hope Ricochet’s flip once more is not distant.
The New Day grew to become six-time tag-team champions within the WWE, as Massive E, left, and Xavier Woods hit the midnight hour and pinned Daniel Bryan. @WWE
Triple-threat tag-team match for the WWE SmackDown tag-team championships: The New Day (Massive E & Xavier Woods) def. Daniel Bryan & Rowan (c) and Heavy Equipment
The three groups concerned in tonight’s SmackDown tag-team championship match have introduced life to the tag-team division on Tuesday nights. Daniel Bryan and Rowan, the champs, ship week after week each from a promo and work fee perspective, Heavy Equipment has change into as energetic a duo as we have seen in a while and the New Day have maintained their standing because the premier workforce within the firm because it pertains to pure leisure. Who would stroll out of Philadelphia atop the SmackDown tag-team division?
This match was filled with chaos and all three groups shined in consequence. Stuffed with well-timed spots, this was a extremely entertaining championship bout.
Storytelling: zero.50
In-ring execution: zero.75
Match psychology: zero.50
Timing: zero.75
Innovation: 1.00
— Sean Coyle
Bryan and Xavier Woods, arguably the 2 greatest in-ring performers within the match, kicked issues off with some fast-paced athleticism earlier than Bryan tagged Tucker in and from thereon out, frequent tags between all three groups befell.
Bryan and Rowan dominated Woods all through the vast majority of the opening sequences, however Woods ultimately accomplished the new tag to Otis, who took it to Bryan in entertaining vogue, highlighted by his patented caterpillar elbow drop.
Shortly after that, the match started to interrupt down. Massive E landed a spear onto Bryan via the ropes to the surface, Otis dove off the ring apron onto each members of the New Day and Rowan and Tucker adopted that up with a splash off of the highest rope onto Massive E and Rowan. Maybe much more spectacular, Massive E related with a superplex to the large Rowan as soon as the duo made it again into the ring.
The closing sequence noticed Bryan land plenty of Sure Kicks, then slap Massive E within the face a pair occasions. The offense solely fired the massive man up and as Bryan tried a moonsault off of the highest rope, Massive E caught him midair, tagged in Woods, hit the midnight hour and joined the Usos and the New Age Outlaws on the all-time checklist with their sixth tag-team championship reign (4 of the SmackDown selection).
The SmackDown tag-team division is definitely heating up. Tonight was certainly an instance of that.
Braun Strowman powerslammed Bobby Lashley off a balcony to win their Final Man Standing match. @WWE
what you are going to get between Bobby Lashley and Braun Strowman: energy, athleticism and the occasional wow second like two weeks in the past when Strowman speared Lashley via the LED boards. Nonetheless, the difficulty with each is that neither has a transparent trajectory to leap to the following stage and compete with Seth Rollins, Brock Lesnar and even Drew McIntyre for that matter.
As anticipated, this was a brawl and a enjoyable one at that. Final Man Standing matches permit for a gradual construct in the direction of a giant spot and that is what we obtained right here. Nice effort out of each Strowman and Lashley.
Storytelling: zero.75
In-ring execution: zero.50
Match psychology: zero.75
Timing: zero.50
Innovation: 1.00
— Sean Coyle
Each Lashley and Strowman are worthy of a push, however in opposition to one another, the mano a mano showdown does not create the thrill it most likely ought to. Would a Final Man Standing match Sunday evening change that outlook?
As Michael Cole stated on the printed, this was not a match for the weak. Neither wasted any time going full throttle, particularly Lashley early on, who used metal steps and chairs to clobber Strowman over the barricade, into the group and into the concourse. With guards guaranteeing the followers gave the performers ample room, they continued to pummel one another. It was hardly revolutionary stuff, however the spots have been relentless and the ache was visceral.
Halfway via the match, Lashley picked up steam, tossing Strowman over the announcer’s desk after which buried him beneath it. Shortly after, Strowman would slingshot Lashley over the worldwide announce row effectively previous the ring barricade.
Forwards and backwards they went. Strowman slugged Lashley again and again, and maybe delirious or utterly out of his thoughts, Lashley requested for extra. Want granted.
In a dare-devil transfer, Strowman picked Lashley up over his shoulder and powerslammed him from a balcony onto the ground. It appeared like neither competitor would stroll away because the referee’s depend continued, however Strowman made it to his ft whereas Lashley lay incapacitated.
This was a much better match than anybody may have anticipated. Each Strowman and Lashley put their well-being in danger. Now let’s examine what’s subsequent.
Bayley used her creativity to defeat Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross in a handicap match and retain the SmackDown ladies’s championship. @WWE
Handicap match for the SmackDown ladies’s championship: Bayley (c) def. Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross
The important thing element to the Bayley/Alexa Bliss rivalry has been Nikki Cross. Cross, who has been by Bliss’ facet for weeks has been doing a lot of the five-time ladies’s champ’s soiled work and earned Bliss a spot on this match by defeating Bayley. She additionally earned the suitable to call a stipulation for the match by profitable a beat the clock problem on Uncooked this previous week.
Essentially the most spectacular side of this match was the stable workforce work displayed by Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross. Their psychology sport labored effectively. The general product left a bit to be desired, although.
Storytelling: zero.50
In-ring execution: zero.50
Match psychology: zero.75
Timing: zero.25
Innovation: zero.50
— Sean Coyle
Cross’ stipulation was to insert herself into the match, making it a 2-on-1 handicap match for the title. If Bliss and Cross gained, they’d be thought of the primary co-SmackDown ladies’s champions in historical past.
Cross and Bliss made frequent tags to start the match, using the numbers sport successfully, however Bayley held her personal and remained on the offense, that was till Bliss shoved her off of the ring apron onto the metal steps. From there, the duo of Cross and Bliss dominated.
Bayley caught hearth late within the match, which noticed her efficiently nail Cross with a suicide dive in between the center and backside rope and impressively lock in duel submissions on each Cross and Bliss on the identical time.
The end noticed Bayley get her knees up as Bliss tried Twisted Bliss from the highest rope. Bayley adopted that up by countering a Cross prime rope assault, and set her up for an elbow drop. Bayley related and pinned Cross to retain her title.
The story popping out of this match can be how the Cross/Bliss relationship can be impacted by the loss. Will Bliss blame Cross for costing her a possible win? Will Cross take a darker flip and look to avenge the loss? We’ll discover out extra within the upcoming weeks.
Aleister Black made a profitable return to singles motion, outlasting Cesaro on Sunday evening. @WWE
Again on tv for the primary time since mid-April, Aleister Black has been rebranded a little bit extra sadistic, maybe a little bit extra psychotic, than in the course of the time he spent teaming up with Ricochet. Maybe the wait was value it, as Black hasn’t actually had an opportunity to shine as a singles competitor since being referred to as as much as the primary roster.
There was loads to love on this match — power, steadiness, mat wrestling, however the putting sequences stood out greater than something. This is hoping that there is extra matches between these two to return.
Storytelling: zero.50
In-ring execution: zero.75
Match psychology: zero.75
Timing: zero.75
Innovation: zero.75
— Sean Coyle
Sadly, his opponent Sunday evening, Cesaro, whereas an all-around expertise, is not precisely the extent of star energy to raise Black to the following stage, however the pairing did create stable chemistry and an thrilling dynamic of their in-ring work and psychology.
Black struck Cesaro early with a pair devastating strikes, first a moonsault, then a double knee takedown. However Cesaro is a veteran, a succesful one, who countered Black’s offense with a vicious diving uppercut after which later tossed Black up like a baseball earlier than slugging him with an uppercut for a two-count.
Whereas Cesaro leveraged his fists, Black utilized his deadly kicks, together with a roundhouse to the top of the Swiss Cyborg that will lay him out for good.
Not surprisingly, Black walked away from this bout with a win, one which alerts not solely his return, however the addition of a big-time participant who ought to compete for titles on each manufacturers and be one of many prime names within the enterprise for the foreseeable future.
Scott Dawson, left, and Sprint Wilder survived a bodily match with The Usos to retain their Uncooked tag-team titles. @WWE
WWE followers have lengthy thought of the Usos and the Revival the 2 greatest tag groups within the firm — and for good motive. The Usos are as dynamic an offensive workforce as there’s and the Revival successfully make the most of old skool heel tag-team mentality. Whereas the construct to this match has been missing a bit, there isn’t any denying the match’s potential contained in the ropes.
This was a basic tag-team wrestling match between two stylistically totally different groups. The kinds meshed effectively collectively, although, and the ultimate product was gratifying.
Storytelling: zero.75
In-ring execution: zero.75
Match psychology: zero.75
Timing: zero.75
Innovation: zero.50
— Sean Coyle
After some spectacular mat wrestling by Jey Uso and Scott Dawson to start the match, each groups traded benefits by means of efficient double-team assaults, highlighted by a double planchas by the Usos excessive rope onto each members of the Revival.
The Revival recovered and slowed the tempo, executing some pristine heel work, together with a spot we do not see too usually anymore after they pulled the referee from witnessing a accomplished tag by the Usos.
The recent tag was ultimately made and the tempo quickened, however it wasn’t sufficient for the Usos. The closing sequence noticed Sprint Wilder pull Jey Uso out of the ring, join with a blind tag to Dawson and hit Jimmy Uso with a shatter machine for the win.
The bout was a gleaming instance of how good these two groups are after they get a enough period of time to inform a narrative within the ring. That is what tag-team wrestling is all about.
@WWE
In a single sense, the opening match of Excessive Guidelines felt a little bit like an all-star sport. Two all-time icons in Roman Reigns and The Undertaker, who ostensibly teamed up with one another due to who they’re — not what they’ve carried out collectively — to tackle two of the highest heels at the moment.
Whereas this was an unconventional option to open the present, it was a chaotically entertaining tag-team match. The Undertaker regarded nice and the group was very a lot into it – rightfully so.
Storytelling: zero.75
In-ring execution: zero.75
Match psychology: zero.75
Timing: zero.75
Innovation: zero.75
— Sean Coyle
However in one other sense, there’s loads of current historical past right here, and for Reigns specifically, no rivals have been extra a thorn in his facet than Shane McMahon and Drew McIntyre. Exterior of the plain star energy and producing buzz, how would a tag match advance this storyline in any significant approach exterior of upsetting an already rowdy crowd on the Wells Fargo Heart?
The Undertaker, who was kicking off a match for less than the third time in 171 pay-per-views, acquired a deafening pop has he walked towards the ring and a fair larger one as soon as he lastly set foot within the ring. He wasted little time, unloading on McMahon, who regarded helpless into the ring, as did McIntyre.
Ultimately, as Taker chased McMahon down the aisle with a metal chair, McIntyre obtained the higher hand on Reigns in a sluggish and methodical method.
With eyes on a cleared announce desk, Undertaker would attempt to reap the benefits of the No Holds Barred stipulation, however as he went to place McMahon via it, Elias got here to ring and smacked Undertaker with a guitar. McIntyre then nailed a Claymore Kick on each Reigns and Undertaker.
McMahon took benefit of the momentum change, diving off the highest rope and dropping an elbow onto Undertaker who was mendacity on the announcer’s desk. McMahon, McIntyre and Elias continued their assault, using the no-disqualification to their benefit. They dragged Undertaker again into the ring, positioned a rubbish can on the Deadman and McMahon struck him with a coast-to-coast.
However someway, Undertaker was hardly down and out. In his iconic nature, Undertaker popped again up, cleaned home, and with assist from Reigns, he’d end off McMahon with a Tombstone for the win. It was his 98th profession pay-per-view victory, essentially the most all-time. Collectively, they exulted of their win, as the group cheered the consequence. They stood head to head momentarily, however Reigns in the end ceded the ring and let Taker have a good time alone yet one more time.
Kickoff present:
Drew Gulak retained the cruiserweight title, defeating Tony Nese. @WWE
Cruiserweight championship: Drew Gulak (c) def. Tony Nese
Whereas they did not get sufficient time to supply the basic match they’re able to, this was match that did its job of warming the group up.
Storytelling: zero.50
In-ring execution: zero.75
Match psychology: zero.50
Timing: zero.50
Innovation: zero.75
— Sean Coyle
Ultimately month’s Stomping Grounds occasion, Tony Nese, Drew Gulak and Akira Tozawa arguably stole the present with their kickoff present Cruiserweight championship match. It was a troublesome act to observe for Nese and Gulak tonight, however they delivered a stable match that noticed Gulak retain the championship he gained at Stomping Grounds. The period of Gulak continues.
Shinsuke Nakamura used his Kinshasa finisher to defeat Finn Balor and seize the Intercontinental championship. @WWE
Intercontinental championship: Shinsuke Nakamura def. Finn Balor (c)
Within the opening kickoff present match of the evening, Shinsuke Nakamura picked up proper the place he left off on SmackDown Reside final week along with his second straight dominant victory over Finn Balor. This time, nevertheless, the Intercontinental championship was on the road.
The match was designed as an example the dominance of Shinsuke Nakamura upon his return to WWE TV. Mission completed. Whereas we’ll most likely see extra aggressive matches out of those two sooner or later, this was a stable chapter to their story.
Storytelling: zero.75
In-ring execution: zero.75
Match psychology: zero.50
Timing: zero.50
Innovation: zero.50
— Sean Coyle
Balor’s title reign, which started at WrestleMania 35, ends at 98 days whereas Nakamura’s first reign with the title is simply starting. The reemergence of Nakamura has formally begun