Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins (Money in the Bank)
Taken from Match Review: Anything involving The Shield when they were an unbreakable unit was always entertaining. And it’s just as exciting to watch all three former stablemates get embroiled in a altercations every time they meet. Tonight was another example of just how fun it is to watch Reigns, Rollins and Ambrose go to war. First off, let’s talk about the main event. This one slowly built up into a incredible match that matched the intensity of the Reigns/Rollins saga. Spears were dished out, Superman Punches were landed and Pedigrees were landed. Reigns and Rollins went tooth and nail for several grueling minutes, which the crowd completely ate up. Rollins hasn’t slowed down a bit and Reigns performed at the high level we always expect from him. When Rollins won, we rejoiced and were content with a great finish to a great match. But Ambrose almost made us faint when his music hit. After cashing in his MITB title shot, he KO’d Rollins with a Dirty Deeds and gave us a shocking ending. This. Was. Unbelievable.
Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens (Battleground)
Taken from Match Review: Sami Zayn has the honor of saying he fought in two matches where the crowd chanted “FIGHT FOREVER!” Zayn and Owens’ blood has resulted in some truly awesome matches. This stood out as their best encounter on the main WWE roster. Zayn actually went on a Suplex City rampage throughout as he dished out Exploders and Half-Nelson Suplexes. Owens was no slouch though as he landed nice Superkicks and more dominating maneuvers. The turning point of this match truly came when Zayn took a high risk by landing awkwardly on the outside with an Arabian Moonsault Press. Zayn’s now injured shoulder took a lot of damage, but he still did the unthinkable by landing a Brainbuster on Owens to the ring apron. This match continued to excel over the the matches before it with some jaw dropping back an forth offense. Finishing moves were doled out, but the end truly came after two Helluva Kicks. Zayn overcame his biggest foe in one of the best matches of 2016.
John Cena, Enzo Amore & Big Cass vs. The Club (Battleground)
Taken from Match Review: Both these talented combinations of Superstars have been great on the mic and in the ring during their beef. And the culmination of such a great feud came to a fine close here with this awesome six-man tag. Enzo’s opening monologue (plus Cass’s soccer mom digs at AJ) started things off on a very high note. The match itself stayed intense at all times. Enzo fought tooth and nail against his much larger opponents, AJ was cockier than ever, Cena went nuts during his comeback and The Club went harder than ever. The most hectic point of this bout occurred when everyone exchanged their signature holds. Cena ended up catching Enzo and throwing him into Gallows’ arms, plus AJ mistakenly laid out Gallows with a Phenomenal Elbow. Things got even more hectic when Cena ate a Spinebuster outside the ring. When the ref lost control, we lost our minds because it improved more and more. AJ got bested by a top rope AA from Cena to end this big multi-man matchup. Make sure you check this marquee matchup out, folks.
Johny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa (Cruiserweight Classic)
Before they solidified themselves as #DIY, Gargano and Ciampa went head to head in a tournament Cruiserweight Classic…well, classic. We’re used to seeing them put on crowd pleasing battles on the indie scene, so we weren’t shocked at seeing them put on another great match when they were given the WWE spotlight. Both men know each other so well, so the chemistry was certainly apparent as they tore into each other. Ciampa turned extra savage during this matchup (his Air Raid Crash to Gargano on the ring made us cringe so hard), but Gargano tapped into another part of himself to keep on fighting. Gargano put on quite the fight and made sure to roll up his best buddy for the pin after countering a uniquely panful submission. Gargano and Ciampa are two amazing athletes who showcased their talents perfectly during the CWC.
Kota Ibushi vs. Cedric Alexander (Cruiserweight Classic)
AKA “The Match That MADE Cedric Alexander in the WWE.” Kota Ibushi was set up to be one of the bigger stars of the CWC when it was announced. Former ROH talent Cedric Alexander was entered into the tourney as well, but the level of hype behind him wasn’t as strong as it was for Kota. After this matchup concluded though, everyone in attendance and those watching at home saw the full potential of Mr. Alexander. He kept up with Ibushi at every turn during the counter heavy beginning portion. Cedric shook off the damage dealt to him and at one point, he even landed a sick Springboard Flying Clothesline on Ibushi. This wasn’t enough to take down the Japanese Jr. Heavyweight, though. Ibushi pulled out devastating strikes, a beautiful Asai Moonsault, a nasty German Suplex and his finishing Elevated Last Ride Powerbomb to finish Cedric. Both men got the resounding applause they deserved. But more importantly, Cedric became the shining star that we knew he’d fought hard to become.
