Will Der Ring General still be Der World Champion?

Randy Orton battles Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship, Kevin Owens battles Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship, all in Berlin!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes VS Kevin Owens; Cody wins and retains the title.
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn VS Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill; Bianca & Jade win and become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
• Four Corners Strap Match: CM Punk VS Drew McIntyre; Punk wins.
• Mixed Tag Match: Dominik Mysterio & Liv Morgan VS Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley; Priest & Rhea win.
• WWE World Heavyweight Championship: GUNTHER VS Randy Orton; Gunther wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the Bash In Berlin Countdown Show!

Join Michael Cole, The Miz & Big E in discussing, analyzing, and predicting all the action happening for this historic PLE return to Germany!

Michael Cole sits down for an interview with Randy Orton.

Cole says he’s been looking forward to this, because there’s a lot to talk about. They’ll start at Survivor Series, November 2023. Orton returned after a year and a half with a serious back injury. Did he think he was ever coming back? Orton says there was about six months that went by where he thought no, that was it, he was done. It hit him like a semi-truck. This is who he is. Being a pro-wrestler, a WWE Superstar, is everything. He went through a lot of agony with the procedure they used, but then three months later, he could start training again. He started the process slowly, and found himself stronger in  the gym, recovering very quickly.

And before he knew it, he called Hunter and started at the Performance Center. Cole says it was clearly all worth it, because when he returned, it was a monster pop. What’d that feel like? Orton was so nervous. It happens to a lot of wrestlers. He talked with HBK, Hunter, Austin, Taker, and when you come back, everyone deals with that moment of things getting in your head. Will the fans remember? Or even care? So his confidence was a 3 out of 10, but then by WrestleMania, he was good.

Cole says Survivor Series was also a weird moment because not only did Orton return, but after the WarGames match… Orton figured this is where Cole would go. CM Punk returned that night, what did Orton feel? Orton says Hunter told him they needed to talk. This and that, glad to have Orton back, and one more thing: Punk’s coming back tonight. Orton asked if he was messing with him. But hey, he was fine to be back, so he let it happen. As he waited on Punk, he realized he had his moment, Punk gets his moment, it was all okay after. But going into it, it was a “mind eff.” But in the end, Orton’s glad Punk is back, they talked, and they can look back and laugh now.

Cole says a lot has changed in WWE. Is it for the better? 100%. Once Orton was back on the road, he saw things operate so much more smoothly. The morale in the locker room has changed, too. They get to go home now! A family matter, daughter being born, sure, you can have time off. Been working hard for three years? Take a few weeks off. And if the roster is happy and healthy, it’ll show, and the fans will respond to that. Cole says the WWE isn’t the only thing that’s change. Orton himself has changed, right? Orton says yeah, of course.

Then if the Orton of 2024 could talk to a 23-year-old Orton, what would he say? Orton would tell himself, “Don’t do what those other guys are doing.” There were examples of “too much too soon.” At the same time, if those things hadn’t happened to him, he might not be here today. Thinking from the fan side, they’ve seen Orton grow up and mature. That was fun for him, hopefully it was good for the fans, too. Cole also followed that ride. Fans are on his side now, does that affect his approach? It does. Orton remembers John Cena’s prime. That was a teachable moment. That is how a good Face interacts with fans both on and off camera.

So a younger Orton would look for the most vulnerable child in the first few rows, lock eyes, and then make it his job to make that kid to cry. That might be a part of him that still wants to do that, but he’s suppressed those thoughts. So he hates to say that he hates to say it, but he likes being a good guy. He enjoys the respect from the fans. It was a long, hard earned respect. It was faster for guys like Cena, but it took Orton longer because it took him longer to find himself. More with The Viper coming, later in the show.

Backstage interview with Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill.

Peter Rosenberg greets The StrongEST Duo as they walk in, and says it’s been since Fanatics Fest that they talked. How was the trip over? Oh, it was a long trip, a long tour, but they are ready to go for those titles. About that, this is an interesting situation. This team is such a force, but now they’re the challengers. Does that add pressure? It does. But losing the titles is the best thing that could’ve happened to them, because it makes them mentally stronger. At the end of the day, did they lose the titles? Yes. But it was a Triple Threat, so did Alba & Isla pin them? No. In the history books, there is no asterisk over that, they’re the champs, and that’s what matters here.

Bianca & Jade know it is going to be a hard match tonight, but they will take those titles back. This is more than just a match. They have so much to prove. Jade says Alba & Isa are keeping the belts warm. Bianca is doing her best to put those two over because she cares for them, but Jade does not. Jade & Bianca are taking back what is respectfully theirs. So tonight is their night. Time to take over and take back the Women’s Tag Team Titles! Bianca & Jade are ready, will Alba & Isla be unable to stop them?

Backstage interview with Dominik Mysterio & Liv Morgan.

Jackie Redmond is with “Dirty Dom” and the Women’s World Champion. Tonight is one of the more personal and polarizing matches tonight. Many fans sympathize with Damian & Rhea, but why are Dom & Liv the ones that feel betrayed? Liv says wow, what a dumb question. Not only did Rhea turn on Liv when they were tag team partners, but she made sure Liv & Raquel Rodriguez lost the tag titles. And then, days later, Rhea injured Liv’s shoulder. Liv can keep going if Jackie wants. As for Dom, Rhea & Priest are just the worst, Liv is way better, and he gets tendies whenever he wants.

But what is funny, is Liv feels when she and Dom were with Rhea, they wanted to share success and love with her, but she wouldn’t have it. Now that they’re against her, they’re sharing love and success with each other. How poetic. Yes… Jackie wishes them luck, but will this “power couple” feel powerless against The Terror Twins?

Backstage interview with Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley.

Cathy Kelley is with said Terror Twins, and says Liv Morgan has been flaunting both the world title and Dom around this week. They all used to be friends, family even, is there any hesitation or regret going into this? Rhea says she and Damian are very different people from when they first joined Judgment Day. They made regrettable decisions, yes, but Liv’s little revenge tour has gone beyond revenge, so now she and the rest of Judgment Day will regret their decisions. Priest adds that everyone has a past, and sometimes that past isn’t the best version of yourself. Some learn from that past, they grow and they change. Some.

Dom is still the same immature scumbag little kid that Priest met. And tonight, the Judgment Day receives their punishment! Rhea smiles, will she and Priest get to eradicate Dom & Liv tonight?

Backstage interview with Triple H.

Byron Saxton sits down with The Game as he has the pleasure of talking with the Chief Content Officer. They shake hands and HHH says it’s always good to see Byron. Byron says Bash In Berlin is a major event for WWE and Germany, but this also means a lot to HHH. HHH was here in 1997, during the Monday Night Wars, Raw from Germany. How does it feel to be back? Amazing, but too long. 27 years ago, HHH wrestled here against Bret Hart in front of six thousand at the time. But Germany was always one of HHH’s favorite destinations, especially over the years with Motorhead.

But now, 2024, it is massive tonight. Over 13 thousand, sold out, hottest ticket in town, and in incredible event. History will be made here. Tonight, the highest grossing arena event in WWE history, a record set at Clash at the Castle, broken by Backlash in France. All sell outs, seventh international PLE for the year, which speaks to the dedication to the international fanbase. Those fans are second to none. HHH is looking forward to bringing this to wherever they’re going.

Then for HHH personally, how special is it to see on an almost monthly basis? Humbling. He sees how hard everyone works, but it pays off when they come to another side of the world and just have people losing their minds. France, Germany, Japan, seeing this reaction, seeing the popularity of the superstars, Fanatics Fest in the US was a big one. The most popular thing, it is an incredible time, not lost on the WWE, and they are doing everything they can to show we’ve seen nothing yet. Byron thanks HHH for his time, and hopes everyone enjoys the show.

Jackie Redmond tags in for Michael Cole.

The Miz welcomes her with donuts from right here in Berlin, Germany. They all get a donut, and take a bite! Jackie says these are legit. The Miz loves these donuts, but he can’t have more because of his diet. But there’s no love lost in the story of Drew McIntyre and CM Punk. They cue up a video package to share the brutal history of the Strap Match and all its related wrist-bound match types. Who will use those thirteen feet of leather to leave the other bloody and broken?

Corey Graves has a sit-down interview with Cody Rhodes, and Kevin Owens.

He thanks them both for their time, and wants to start with this friendship. How long have they known one another? What were initial impressions? Kevin met Cody around 2015, when he was first called up to the main roster. Kevin being in NXT, becoming NXT Champion, he of course knew Cody’s dad, Dusty, and so he already liked Cody before meeting him. Kevin liked Cody right away. Cody says yeah, they were friends from the start. There’s a photo of when the Rhodes family revealed the Dusty statue, and so it is all family, and then Kevin on the end. It still fit somehow.

Cody’s journey away from the WWE, a large part of that is thanks to Kevin. Kevin gave Cody the names of some friends, as well as their numbers, and also he called those people to vouch for Cody. Kevin says he was still watching Cody wherever he went. Kevin saw the Cody that Cody wanted to be, and told him, “That’s it.” Then how did it feel for Kevin to watch Cody #FinishTheStory? It was incredible. Cody had a vision of how he should be treated and what he could accomplish, and he was right. Seeing him win was the last missing piece.

Corey says they’ve both been on a roller coaster journey. Kevin has had Cody’s back against The Bloodline, so why was he hesitant to take this title match? Kevin feels he doesn’t deserve it. His win-loss record should matter. Triple H was once literally handed a title. Kevin hated that! Sorry, Hunter. But Kevin doesn’t want that for the fans. Then why was it bringing up Roman Reigns that made Kevin accept. Because of what Roman did to both Kevin and the rest of the roster was despicable. Roman can’t just walk back in. If it was a choice between Roman and Kevin, Kevin sure wasn’t letting Roman get it.

Cody says he does wish there was another way to have gotten here, but he feels Kevin still would’ve earned this opportunity. Kevin says he’d feel better if he had earned it, but it is all moot now. Kevin isn’t thrilled, is all. Then to play Devil’s Advocate, Corey brings up those who say Cody chose Kevin because Kevin is someone Cody feels he can beat. Is that the case? Not at all. Let’s run the numbers: AJ Styles; Solo Sikoa; Logan Paul. Kevin can beat all those guys. Kevin feels that way, too. He hasn’t beaten them in awhile. Corey says that having these doubts doesn’t sound like Kevin. Cody agrees, and that this is becoming a rather awkward interview.

Kevin says this isn’t doubt. He isn’t confident or arrogant anymore, either. He is just realistic. Cody says it just seems odd, no one in the history of pro-wrestling has ever been told they are getting such a title opportunity, and they come back like Kevin has with, “No, I don’t want it.” That’s not what Kevin said. He of course wants it, just not like this. He wanted to earn it, so he can look at himself and know he worked his way there. Then is there any chance this match temporarily or permanently affects their friendship? Kevin doesn’t. He is excited to be in the first PLE in Germany in history, he’ll give everything he can. If not, his kids will kill him.

Cody says he is more focused than he ever has been. He is in the quarterback spot, he is not giving the ball over, even to a good friend. Corey hopes this friendship remains in tact, and he wishes the best of luck to both men. They shake hands, but will the friendship survive the gold? We won’t have to wait too long, because the Undisputed WWE Championship will open the show!

Backstage interview with Gunther.

Sebastian Hackl of WWE German commentary has the honor of speaking with Der Ring General, and asks how he is feeling. Very good, thank you. Gunther said the other day on the kickoff show, it’ll be a slap left, a slap right, then he goes home. Does he really think it’ll be that easy against Randy Orton? Gunther says no, not that easy, obviously. Orton is a 14-time World Champion, but that means he lost 14 times. Gunther has won it once, he plans on never losing it. Then as the fans said, “What a wonderful day!” Is this the best day in his career so far? He isn’t sure. Every match is very special, but especially here in Berlin.

Being the representative of the German speaking wrestling community is a big responsibility. He is here to be in those big pressure situations, and he can’t wait to go out there and be the World Heavyweight Champion against one of the greatest. Hackl says this is the calm before the story, will Gunther strike like lightning? Or will The Viper strike outta nowhere?

WWE now presents part two of the Randy Orton interview.

Michael Cole says one of the things that’s cool about Bash In Berlin is something that wouldn’t have been done in the past. King of the Ring, Gunther and Orton have an incredible match. Gunther wins, but with some controversy. Things would’ve moved on. HHH did say there was a mistake, this is making up for that. Orton loves the fact we can call back even just that far. Orton said it himself, Gunther only had his shot at SummerSlam because he “beat” Orton. Great story, very real. Cole says that match as fabulous. Orton thanks him for that. That was their first match against each other. Like him or hate him, Gunther is one of a kind.

When Orton came back, Gunther was on the short list of guys Orton wanted to watch out for. Orton knew he could handle a bomb or a clothesline, but now he’s even more confident. He is flying his wife to Berlin so she can watch in person. The energy in the venue is going to be so cool, he wants her to feel that. Orton can’t wait for this match. He can’t wait for the fans to react. Cole is excited to call this thing. He also wants to see how the fans react to Orton. They might sing his song, cheer for him, but then there’s Gunther, born in Austria but made his name in Germany, a hero to the people. Yes, he’s a living legend in Europe. It will be interesting, but Orton is still the Legend killer, so…

Now, with all of Gunther’s talent, why does Orton feel Gunther had to dig into the dirt? Bringing up the Orton family, Randy’s own past, all that. The match was set for the title, that prize makes this match what it is. But if Orton is Gunther, the only reason to make it personal is because the other guy has a leg up on him. So did all that bother Orton? Of course, no one likes hearing negative things about their family or themselves. But did it get under Orton’s skin? Not really.

Then some final questions. First: Orton is creeping up to history. He and HHH are 14-time world champions, that is a tie for second. But if Orton wins and becomes a 15-time, he stands alone as second place, just behind the record of 16, held by John Cena and Ric Flair. Does Orton think about it? Being tied with Hunter, and only behind Cena and Flair, that’s a great spot already. But if Orton could break another record, and holding such a prize more times than anyone else, that’s every little kid’s dream. Orton has broken records, set some others, but one record he’s always been after is the world title reigns, but that might also be the most difficult one at this point.

Cole reminds us that when Orton won his first, he was the youngest to ever hold a world title. 20 years later, Orton is a surefire Hall of Famer. Cole is honored to have watched Orton’s growth, it has been sensational. Cole wishes Orton luck on getting that 15th. Tonight is already historic, will this main event make it an amazing night?

Backstage interview with CM Punk.

Cathy Kelley is with The Second City Saint, and says he has been vocal about the pain he wants to inflict on Drew McIntyre. But could he elaborate on the emotional damage he plans to deal. Punk chuckles and says, the closer we get to bell time, the more weight I feel on my shoulders. This is a fight, and it’s personal. So yeah, I’m gonna hurt him. I’m gonna try and inflict every single piece of damage he did to me over the past six months, and that’s physically as well as mentally. I’ll be fighting for my pride and my family, I’m gonna make sure he’s fighting for his life.” Will the Best in the World give McIntyre the worst whipping of his life?

In the world of professional wrestling, one word drives everything: Momentum.

Triple H says, “We are in the What’s Next business, and what’s next… Is pretty damn special.” WWE continues its overseas expedition, and are enjoyed every minute of it. For Der Ring General, his momentum began forming long ago. The World Heavyweight Championship is his greatest achievement so far, but this is just the beginning. And Gunther didn’t do it alone, as Ludwig Kaiser has been by his side since the beginning. Nothing catches him off guard. But The Viper says that’s fine, he wants Gunther to see what’s coming.

The American Nightmare’s key to success is moving swiftly from what was to what’s next. Everything he went through to become WWE Champion, imagine the lengths he will go to stay champion. He promises Kevin Owens will be surprised by how much of his game Cody knows. And tonight, on one of Europe’s biggest stages, the hope is that this momentum will lead to success. No one can run forever, and much of this has been a long time coming. This is WWE Bash In Berlin!

Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes VS Kevin Owens!

The American Nightmare offered this shot to a man he felt was deserving, but that man didn’t feel the same way. But that man wasn’t about to let the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, or anyone else from The Bloodline get this shot, so he had no choice but to accept. Will Kevin bring out “The Prizefighter” that was once the top champion in WWE? Or will Cody’s story not end here?

The fans of course sing along with Cody’s sing, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we again hit triple decibels like last night. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly deserving of it when they hold it up high overhead!

The fans already sing for “Cody, Cody Rhodes~! Cody, Cody Rhodes~!” The bell rings, Kevin stares Cody down, and the fans now sing a Berlin fight song. Kevin hops off the corner, the fans cheer more, and both Kevin and Cody take a moment just to hear it all. Berlin is already thunderous with a chant of “In Your Face!” in German, and then Cody and Kevin shake hands. The two circle, tie up, and Cody wrenches. Cody has the wristlock, the fans duel, and Kevin puts Cody on ropes. Kevin lets off cleanly, and the two reset. They circle, Kevin stays back from Cody’s leg pick, and then Kevin facelocks. Cody wrenches out to hammerlock, then headlock back.

The fans cheer, and Kevin slips out the back to headlock in return. Cody powers up and out, but Kevin runs him over! The fans cheer again, and Cody gets up. Cody and Kevin go around again, Kevin headlocks, and he grinds Cody down. Cody grabs at a leg, the fans rally up, and Cody fights up. Cody powers up and out, but Kevin runs him over again! Things speed up, Cody hurdles, and springboards, but Kevin catches the cutter! Kevin shoves Cody away, then wags his finger. The fans cheer and the two reset again. Cody and Kevin circle, tie up, and Cody waistlocks. Kevin switches, Cody grabs for a leg but Kevin steps back.

Cody works on the hold, breaks free, springboards, but Kevin dodges the Beautiful Disaster Kick to SENTON! The fans cheer, Kevin kicks Cody around, and Kevin fires body shots. Kevin brings Cody around to CLUB him, then shove him, to CLUB him again! The fans duel, Kevin bring Cody up and back suplexes, but Cody lands out! Cody dragon sleepers! Kevin snapmares free, kicks, but no stunner as Cody pushes free! The fans cheer as these two get face to face! Kevin and Cody reset, feel things out, Kevin waistlocks. Cody pries the hold, switches, but Kevin elbows free. Kevin runs up but Cody tosess him out!

Cody builds speed to DIVE! But Kevin catches Cody and RAMS him into the apron! Kevin goes up to then CANNONBALL! The fans fire up for Kevin, and he brings Cody around. Kevin throws Cody back in, goes up, but Cody hits the DISASTER KICK! Kevin falls back, Cody builds speed, and he DIVES! Direct hit this time, and Kevin hits the barrier! Cody stands up on the barrier and fans fire up even more! Cody goes back to Kevin, drags him up and puts him in. The fans sing for Cody again as Cody covers, ONE! Cody stays cool, then brings Kevin up. Cody hits a hip toss, then clamps on a short arm scissor!

Kevin endures, the fans rally, and Kevin fights around. Kevin rolls to roll Cody, and they end up in the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Cody lets off cleanly, and the fans duel again. Cody storms up but Kevin fires a body shot! Cody CHOPS, whips, then kitchen sink knees! Cover, TWO! Or as the fans let us know, “ZWEI~!” Cody stomps Kevin’s leg, stomps it some more, and Kevin goes to ropes. Kevin CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Cody DROPKICKS! Cody has the leg, steps through, and the fans “WOO~” for the FIGURE FOUR! Kevin grabs at Cody and the fans rally! Kevin’s shoulders are down, ONE as he sits up!

Kevin pries at the legs but Cody puts on the pressure! Kevin still fights, still reaches out, and he pushes on the legs to get the ROPEBREAK! Cody lets off, Kevin stands, and then Kevin CHOPS! Cody ROCKS Kevin! Cody runs, but Kevin dumps him to the apron! Kevin kicks the supposed bad leg, then he BLASTS Cody off the apron! Cody hits barriers, and Kevin hits a FROG SPLASH from the apron! The fans fire up, and Kevin puts Cody in the ring. Cover, TWO! Kevin clamps onto Cody with a cording hold, and he digs his elbows into ribs. Cody fights back so Kevin stomps Cody. The fans rally up and Kevin has Cody on ropes.

“This is Awesome!” as Kevin keeps on Cody, then stomps him in a corner. Kevin brings Cody around to whip, and BODY SHOT! Then a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! Kevin clamps onto Cody with a waistlock, the fans rally up, and Cody endures this rear bearhug. Cody fights to his feet, throws elbows, then BELL CLAPS! And BELL CLAP again! Kevin lets go but then headlocks. Cody powers up and out, but Kevin RAMS Cody! Cody stays up, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men fall and the fans fire up! Cody and Kevin rise, and Kevin atomic drops! Cody dodges the lariat to run and CLOBBER Kevin!

Cody goes to a corner, baits Kevin in to go up and over, then SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up and Cody grits his teeth. Cody rises, the fans fire up more, and Cody springboards, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER KICK! Cover, TWO! Kevin is still in this but Cody just catches his breath. Cody pounds the mat, the fans clap along, and Kevin rises. Cody springboards, CODY- NO, Kevin again catches the cutter, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES! The fans cheer, and then Kevin SUPERKICKS Cody! Kevin keeps Cody up to whip, but Cody CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Kevin survives as Cody brings that one outta nowhere!

The fans rally up again as both men rise. Kevin goes to ropes, Cody storms over, and Cody fires a forearm! Kevin steadies himself, Cody eggs him on, so Kevin CHOPS! Cody fires another forearm, Kevin fires one back! The forearms go back and forth, faster and faster! Cody fires haymakers, kicks then whips, but Kevin reverses, wrenches, pump handle, GHOSTBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Cody survives Kevin busting out something new, but Kevin stomps him for it. Kevin goes to a corner, climbs up, but Cody runs up to ROCK him first! Cody fires more hands, adjusts Kevin’s position, then CHOPS! Cody climbs, but Kevin fights back!

The fans rally and duel as the shots keep going! Cody goes to the very top, but Kevin makes it a fireman’s carry! SUPER ROLLING SENTON!! Cover, TWO!! Cody survives again and “This is Awesome!” Kevin drags Cody up, whips him, but Cody BOOTS back! Cody runs, springboards again, but into a kick! Still no Stunner as Cody CROSS RHODES!! Cover, TWO?!? Kevin survives and the fans are thunderous! Cody is stunned, but the energy builds higher as he puts Kevin in a corner. Cody hoists Kevin back up top, climbs up to join him, and yet Kevin makes it a SUPER FISHERMAN BUSTER!! Kevin still cannot be superplex’d!

The fans lose their minds, and Kevin crawls to a cover! TWO!! Cody survives again but Kevin is too tired to be upset. Kevin goes to ropes, the fans rally up even harder, and both men rise. Kevin storms over to Cody, brings him around and fires a forearm! Cody comes back with a forearm! Kevin hits right back! Cody body shots! Kevin HEADBUTTS! Cody HEADBUTTS! Kevin SLAPS Cody, Cody SLAPS Kevin, it goes from SLAP fight to haymakers! Cody SUPERKICKS, but Kevin SUPERKICKS! Cody SUPERKICKS again! Kevin stagers, Cody blocks the superkick to kick and RHODES UPPERCUT! Cody tries again, goes up and up, and the leg buckles!

Kevin was right, Cody’s leg is in a bad way! Kevin wants to strike but something is keeping him from doing it! Is this the tainted victory Kevin didn’t want? Cody bails out, Kevin follows, and the ref checks. Cody pushes Kevin, then fires a forearm! And another, and another! Kevin kicks the bad leg! The fans cheer, that is The Prizefighter! Kevin huffs ‘n’ puffs to reel Cody in, and now… No, he reconsiders going that far into his past. Kevin shoves Cody down, but fans boo. Kevin drags Cody up and puts him in the ring. Kevin tells Barrett to shut up about killer instinct. But then Cody snatches Kevin to a cradle, TWO! STUNNER!! Cover, TWO!!

Kevin is frustrated but the fans are loving this! Kevin rises, paces, shakes his head, and he goes back for Cody. He tells Cody like he did last night, Cody asked for this! Kevin whips, but Cody reverses! Cody catches Kevin to a CROSS RHODES! Cody holds on, to CROSS RHODES again!! Cody drags Kevin up one more time, but Kevin pops free! STUNNER!! Cover, TWO!! Cody survives again and Kevin is beside himself while the fans are losing their minds! The fans again declare “This is Awesome!” as Kevin rises up. Kevin goes to a corner, climbs up, and he SWANTON BOMBS onto knees!! A little double-edged for Cody but he drags Kevin up.

Cody dragon sleepers, for a CROSS RHODES!! Cover, Cody wins!!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Champion)

While Cody hit four Cross Rhodes, Kevin’s hesitation and internal conflict is what lost it for him. The singles title drought of seven years, the world title drought of eight, all because Kevin didn’t go all out against Cody. Cody wants to show Kevin respect, but Kevin is too upset with himself. The fans cheer for Kevin, and Kevin hugs it out with Cody! Kevin raises Cody’s hand in victory, and he won’t let Cody return the favor. It is clear The American Nightmare will be the target of Solo Sikoa, will Kevin stay by Cody’s side to fight The Bloodline all over again?

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn VS Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill!

Clash at the Castle was a chaotic Triple Threat that saw Scotland’s hometown lasses standing tall. However, they still must settle things with The StrongEST Duo, the odd team out in that match. Will Bianca & Jade take these belts back now that it’s 2v2? Or will the Unholy Union have some new tricks up their proverbial sleeves?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see which team is truly the B E S T!

The teams sort out and Bianca starts with Isla, but then Alba slips in. Bianca isn’t sure who is really legal now, but Jade steps in to back her up. The fans rally up, and the brawl is on! Jade fires hands on Isla, Bianca has Alba! The ref reprimands, Jade scoops Isla to BACKBRAEKER! Alba ROCKS Bianca, Bianca scoops back, and hits a GUTBUSTER! The fans cheer and Bianca puts Alba in the corner. Bianca stomps away, tags Jade, then Jade stomps away. Jade tags back to Bianca, she brings Alba out, but Alba fires a knee! Alba CLUBS Bianca, but Bianca blocks the superkick! Bianca drop steps, waistlocks, then suplexes high and hard!

Bianca fires up and the fans are with her! Bianca RAMS into Alba, then climbs up to rain down fists! Fans count all the way to eight, but Isla gets in Bianca’s face! Alba grabs the braid! Bianca backflips! Isla runs up but Bianca DECKS her! Alba KNEES low! Alba POSTS Bianca and Bianca falls right to the floor! Alba distracts the ref and Isla gets a shot in! Jade storms over, but Alba DIVES onto her! The fans fire up as Alba & Isla stand tall! Alba tags Isla, but they both get Bianca up to RAM her into barriers! Jade is up and storms up, but the ref has her stand down! Isla & Alba taunt Jade, the fans boo, but Alba & Isla mug Bianca.

Isla puts Bianca in, pushes her down and covers, ONE! Isla drags Bianca up, tags Alba, and they mug Bianca more. Alba sends Bianca into the TARANTULA! SUPERKICK! Bianca falls, Alba covers, TWO! Alba drags Bianca up, wrenches and whips to drop toehold! Bianca hits ropes, Isla tags in and KNEES Bianca from the apron! Cover, TWO! Isla keeps Bianca down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Bianca rises, fires body shots, but Isla knees low. Isla whips Bianca, RAMS her, and soaks up the heat. Isla KNEES Bianca in the side, fires more shots, then wrenches. The fans rally for Bianca and she sunset flips over!

Isla stays up, tags Alba, and Alba KICKS Bianca! METEORA from Isla! Alba covers, TWO! Alba stomps Bianca around, then brings her up. Alba CLUBS Bianca, but Bianca fires body shots. Alba whips Bianca to the corner, stomps her, then CHOPS her! The fans “WOO~!” and Jade reaches out, but Alba KNEES Bianca. Alba taunts Jade, and tilt-o-whirls into an IRON OCTOPUS! Bianca stay sup, the fans fire up, and she reaches for Jade! Alba lets go to grab the braid! Isla tags in, and they both YANK Bianca into the corner! Isla wraps the braid around ropes then stomps away! The fans boo, the ref stops Isla, and Isla just taunts Jade.

Isla runs in but Bianca BOOTS her! Bianca DECKS Alba, dodges Isla, and hurries! But Alba stops her from reaching Jade! Bianca fires more forearms, reaches out, but then Alba waistlocks. Bianca elbows free, runs up, but Alba wrenches, and kicks Jade to TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Jade storms in, the ref keeps her back, and Alba drags Bianca over. The champs mug Bianca! The fans boo, Alba lets off to bring Bianca around, and GOURD BUSTER! Isla is in, she runs but Bianca dodges! Isla’s knees hit buckles! The fans fire up while both women crawl! Alba runs up but Bianca TOSSES her out! But then Isla grabs Bianca!

Isla back suplexes, Bianca lands out, and she hits a BIG back suplex on Isla! The fans fire up, Bianca crawls, hot tag to Jade! The fans fi reup as Jade jumps in to rally on Isla! And on Alba! Jade roars, then DOUBLE LARIATS! Jade SPINEBUSTERS Isla, then fireman’s carries Alba! Pop-up into the FALL AWAY SLAM! And a kip up! The fans fire up with Jade, and she runs in to SPLASH Alba! And SPLASH Isla! And another for Alba! SUPERKICK for Isla! Isla staggers into Jade’s suplex, for the JACKHAMMER!! Cover, TWO!! Isla survives and Jade is surprised, but she fires back up. The fans rally, and Jade hoists Isla up.

Isla slips free of the fireman’s carry but Jade RAMS her into a corner! Alba sneaks the tag, Jade snapmares Isla, but Alba grabs Jade’s hair. Jade ELBOWS Alba away, BOOTS Isla, then tags Bianca, But Alba shoves Jade to catch Bianca! Bianca fights free, but Alba brings her back in! Gory Especial, Isla joins in for SOMETHING WICKED!! Cover, Jade breaks it!! The fans fire up as this continues! Isla drags Jade up, but Jade TOSSES her! Isla is on the apron, Jade BOOTS her down again! Alba CLUBS Jade, Bianca BOOTS Alba! Alba SUPERKICKS Jade! Alba reels Jade in, kicks at Bianca, but Bianca catches her!

The StrongEST Duo DOUBLE PRESS SLAM! And now, the handspring into the DOMINATOR SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Alba survives, Isla storms in, but Jade is after Isla! Jade CHOKE- NO, Isla slips free to RUONHDHOUSE! Bianca torture racks Isla! But Alba makes the save, and HEADBUTTS Bianca down! Isla hurries to the corner, tags in, and then Alba goes up. Isla hits a BACKSTABBER, then Alba adds the SWANTON BOMB!! But Jade uses Bianca’s braid to pull her out of harm’s way! Alba lands on Isla instead!! The fans are thunderous, and Bianca TOSSES Alba out to Jade! Jade SLINGS Alba into barriers! Isla rolls up Bianca! TWO!!

Jade sneaks a tag, Bianca pops Isla up to SPINEBUSTER! Jade wheelbarrows Isla, STORM PLEX!! Cover, Jade & Bianca win!!

Winners: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

The spell has been broken with the power of Black Girl Magic! Will they make this the biggEST, the strongEST, the longEST and the B E S T reign yet?

Four Corners Strap Match: CM Punk VS Drew McIntyre!

From the Second City Saint’s return to the WWE in November 2023, to the Scottish Terminator’s Future Shock that tore Punk’s arm up in the Royal Rumble, to the long Road to WrestleMania and that long road to recovery, things have only gotten more and more heated, and more and more personal between these two men. McIntyre has been borderline blasphemous talking about how he prayed for Punk’s suffering, then became the man who made it happen, all the while taunting Punk with the bracelet he stole. Will McIntyre pile on from SummerSlam with another humiliating defeat? Or is this where Punk finally gives “DM Hunk” his comeuppance?

The fans sing along with Cult of Personality, and join with Punk in saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” The introductions are made, but McIntyre CLOBBERS Punk! McIntyre goes after Punk from behind, fires hands, then SMACKS him off steel steps! It’s hypocritical but also merciless as McIntyre TOSSES Punk onto the German announce desk! The fans boo, but McIntyre CHOPS Punk! Punk hits back but McIntyre DECKS him! McIntyre puts Punk in, rains down fists, and the ref reprimands! The ref stops McIntyre, but McIntyre grabs the strap! McIntyre winds up, and he LASHES Punk!

Punk writhes, the ref reprimands, but McIntyre straps in. The fans chant for Punk so McIntyre LASHES Punk! McIntyre tells the ref to get Punk strapped in! McIntyre does it himself, and then he DECKS Punk! The ref rings the bell, and McIntyre BOOTS Punk! McIntyre CHOPS Punk in a corner, then LASHES him! Punk sputters, McIntyre brings him around, and he uses the strap in a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! The fans are torn, but McIntyre is distracted by all the “CM PUNK” chants! Punk slides out of the ring, but McIntyre YANKS him into the apron! And then again! And then he drags Punk in to LASH him!

McIntyre LASHES Punk more, then stands him up to CHOP him down! McIntyre soaks up the cheers and jeers, and then tags his first corner. Red light for McIntyre, but he dares Punk to get up. McIntyre CHOPS Punk down, the fans tell McIntyre off, but McIntyre just smiles. McIntyre swings, but Punk ducks and fireman’s carries! GO TO SLEEP!! Both men are down, and the lights reset! At least, they should turn off. Punk says his turn, but then says hold on. Punk LASHES McIntyre again and again, all in return for McIntyre’s cheap shot! Punk stands McIntyre up to NECKBREAKER! The fans cheer and Punk lets McIntyre slide out.

Punk YANKS McIntyre into the apron, stomps McIntyre’s hand, then goes out after him. Punk looks under the ring, but McIntyre CLOBBERS Punk! McIntyre drags Punk up to SMACK him off the English commentary desk! McIntyre tells Cole off, then goes up onto the desk. The fans rally up, McIntyre reels Punk in, and he takes his time with the underhooks. But Punk fights it! Punk back drops free and McIntyre hits the desk hard! The fans fire up and Punk LASHES McIntyre again! And again! And again! Then Punk goes looking under the ring, and fans fire up as Punk brings out a TABLE! But McIntyre LASHES Punk!

McIntyre BOOTS Punk down, then he puts the table back! The fans boo, but McIntyre LASHES Punk again! McIntyre then grabs a chair from the timekeeper’s area! McIntyre JAMS Punk! Punk coughs as he falls to his knees, and McIntyre stands him up to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Punk fights back with forearms! McIntyre CLAWS Punk’s eyes! McIntyre puts Punk in the ring, and uses the strap to stand him up, to scoop and SLAM onto the chair! Punk writhes, but McIntyre looks him in the eyes. Punk’s head is busted open, and McIntyre smears the blood. McIntyre fires hands, but so does Punk!

McIntyre rains down HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! Punk writhes, the fans rally up, and McIntyre puts the chair in a corner. McIntyre wedges that nice and tight in the bars, but Punk SHINING WIZARDS first! And BULLDOGS! McIntyre flops out of the ring and the fans fire up! Punk goes out the opposite end, and he YANKS McIntyre into a POST! McIntyre falls, the fans rally up, and Punk slips around the corner. Punk brings that table back out! The fans cheer as Punk starts setting it up at ringside! McIntyre rises, and he goes into the ring. Punk storms in after him, but then a CLAYMORE OUTTA NOWHERE!! The fans fire up while both men are down!

McIntyre rises, he tags a corner. He staggers, but he goes to the second counterclockwise. Punk stirs, McIntyre has three corners! Punk hurries out of the ring to YANK McIntyre into his own chair trap!! The lights reset, Punk tags that closest corner. The fans rally for Punk as he works counterclockwise. That’s two corners, but he drags McIntyre along so he can go to the third. Just one left, but McIntyre fires hands! McIntyre CHOPS Punk, whips him corner to corner, then runs in. Punk dodges, to SHINING WIZARD again! But no bulldog as McIntyre lifts and THROWS Punk down through the table!! The fans are losing their minds while the ref checks Punk.

The fans sing as McIntyre uses the strap to reel Punk in like a fish! McIntyre fireman’s carries Punk, and he uses his free hand to tag the bottom left corner. But Punk also tags! This is the JBL Batista maneuver! They’re all getting the corners, and Punk fights free! They struggle to go for the fourth corner! McIntyre and Punk push each other with one hand, reach out with the other, and the fans are thunderous! McIntyre ROCKS Punk, but Punk ROCKS McIntyre! The lights reset, and the fans cheer Punk’s every punch! They boo McIntyre’s every shot, too. Punk ROCKS McIntyre, but McIntyre ROCKS Punk! It goes fast and furious and the fans fire up!

Both men stagger, and both men BOOT! Both men fall and the fans are thunderous! Punk sits up first, and he ankle locks McIntyre to turn him over into a SHARPSHOOTER! Punk puts on the pressure! McIntyre TAPS! Not that it matters, but Punk loves this moral victory! McIntyre even grabs the ropes! But nothing can save him, Punk holds until McIntyre passes out! Punk tags the top left corner! Then he staggers his way along, the fans cheer, and he… No, McIntyre revives to anchor Punk! Punk still touches the corner, he’s halfway done! But then McIntyre YANKS Punk in for a NECKBREAKER! The lights must reset!

The fans rally while both men are down again! McIntyre kips up! The fans are torn, and McIntyre decides to bring out the bracelet! It was down his trunks, but now McIntyre puts it on his other wrist. McIntyre aims from a corner, gives the bracelet a kiss, and gives the countdown! “DREI! ZWEI! EIN!” CLAYMORE!! Direct hit, but McIntyre must now touch buckles! Tag to one corner, then he staggers to tag the second. McIntyre reaches the third, but Punk wakes up! He keeps McIntyre back! Fireman’s carry, ANOTHER GO TO SLEEP!! McIntyre falls, the lights reset again! Berlin is thunderous as both men stir!

Punk hurries to his feet, but McIntyre grabs Punk’s foot! Punk sees the bracelet!  Punk reels McIntyre back in, a third G T S!! One corner! Two corners! Punk has to drag a half-conscious McIntyre along, and he then drags McIntyre up for a FOURTH G T S!! Three corners! McIntyre is in a daze, and Punk feels the energy! Punk uses that energy to hobble forward, but he says hold on. Punk drags McIntyre up, fireman’s carries again, a FIFTH G T S!!! Punk then snatches the bracelet back! The fans cheer as Punk has that, and the fourth corner! Punk wins!

Winner: CM Punk

The moral AND physical victories, a truly definitive win for CM Punk! Will this be the punctuation on the story between these bitter enemies? Can Punk finally move past this and again focus on being The Best in the World?

Sebastian Hackl is in the ring!

Germany’s own addresses the fans to review the international series WWE has been building. Here in the Uber Arena, Bash In Berlin, the HIGHEST GROSSING arena show in WWE history! The fans cheer this historic feat achieved here in Berlin! Will WWE’s global touring only get bigger and bigger from here?

Mixed Tag Match: Dominik Mysterio & Liv Morgan VS Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley!

What a twisted love story. Boy meets girl, calls her “Mami,” Mami turns Boy against his father and join a “new family.” But then another girl comes along, calls him “Daddy,” and she gets the boy even more turned around. But now, after drama and betrayals that tore the family apart, it’s time to fight it out! Will Dirty Daddy Dom & Lil’ Liv give their wretched romcom a happy ending? Or will the real heroes of this story prevail?

The teams sort out and Dom starts against Priest. Then Priest runs up and Dom goes to hide in an open corner! The fans boo but Priest backs off. Dom and Priest reset, but then Dom goes to the other corner to hide! Priest drags him out, Dom dodges a haymaker, and then dodges again. Dom kicks low, kicks and CHOPS, but Priest just scowls. Priest BOOTS Dom right in the mustache! Priest puts Dom in a corner to windmill those haymakers! The fans fire up, Priest lets off, to wind up and UPPERCUT! Dom staggers along the ropes while the fans fire up. Priest whips but Dom ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Priest JUMPING ELBOWS!

The fans fire up and Rhea smiles. Priest knuckle locks and twists the wrist! Dom endures, Priest straight arm levers, to then drop Dom down! The fans chant, “We Want Mami!” but Priest whips Dom to a corner. Dom staggers forward, into a BOOT! Priest points to Rhea and the fans fire up! Rhea is all excited, but Dom scrambles away! Liv tags in, talks smack on Priest, but uh, Rhea still gets to come in… Priest says talk to the hand, then Rhea DROPKICKS Liv! Rhea grins as she scoops Liv, to FALL AWAY SLAM! Rhea drags Liv back up, to TOSS her across the way! Liv staggers up, Rhea RAMS into her!

The fans are thunderous as Rhea rains down fists on Liv! The fans count, Rhea goes to five before she HEADBUTTS! Liv flounders, Rhea taunts Dom that he chose this over Mami. Rhea gives some Latina Heat, then suplexes to hold Liv up, before the SLAM! Liv scrambles away, Dom checks on her, and she tags him in. Rhea dares Liv to come back but Priest is now legal. Priest storms up to grab Dom and drag him in! The fans fire up and Priest whips Dom to ropes. Dom holds ropes, but Priest LARIATS Dom up and out! Priest stalks Dom, ROCKS him, and then scoops him to SNAKE EYES off the apron!

Dom flops back, the fans chant, “Who’s Your Daddy?” Priest puts Dom in, but Liv anchors Priest on the apron! The fans boo, but Dom BLASTS Priest! Priest hits desk, Dom runs out to CLOBBER him into steel steps! The fans boo but Dom blows Liv a kiss for the assist. Rhea storms over but Dom puts Priest in the ring. Dom soaks up the heat, tells the fans to shove it, then he slingshot SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Priest is tougher than that, but Liv gets a cheap shot in! Rhea is furious, the ref has her back down. Dom taunts Rhea, but the fans tell Dom off. Dom fires hands on Priest, but Priest ROCKS Dom back!

Priest stands to ROCK Dom again! Dom staggers to a corner, Priest runs up, but into BOOTS! Dom goes up and TORNADO DDTS! Cover, ONE?! Dom is shocked, he argues with the ref, but that lets Liv SLAP Priest! Liv laughs and Dom clamps onto Priest to throw crossface forearms! Dom clamps onto a chinlock, but Priest is pissed! The fans rally up, Priest fights up, and Priest pries the hold open! Dom is shocked, but he kicks low! Dom gives some Latino Heat, but Priest hits a BROKEN ARROW! Dom flounders away while the fans fire up! Priest hot tags Rhea! Rhea rallies on Liv with LARIAT after LARIAT!

Rhea stomps a foot, SMASHES Liv’s face, then DISCUS LARIATS! The fans fire up as Rhea sits Liv up, to then basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up, Rhea waistlocks, and she GERMAN SUPLEXES Liv, then KNEES her down! Dom staggers to his feet, and Rhea locks eyes with her former Dom Dom. Dom panics, then offers a hug in apology? Rhea laughs. Rhea ELBOWS Liv as she tries to cheap shot her! Rhea then short arm LARIATS Dom! And again! And then an atomic FACEBUSTER! Rhea puts Dom in a HANGING HEADSCISSOR! The fans reach triple digits again! Liv runs up, Rhea BOOTS her down! And then SHOTGUNS her!

Liv tumbles away, Rhea storms up on Dom, and brings him around to pump handle! But Liv saves her Dom Dom! Liv kicks, BOOTS, and ENZIGIRIS! Rhea wobbles, into a BACKSTABBER! How fitting of these two! Liv runs up to SHINING WIZARD in the corner, then she pushes Rhea down! The fans rally but Liv laughs. Liv steps over to trap an arm, ROLLING COBRA!! Cover, TWO!! Rhea survives Liv busting out something new and the fans fire up! Liv kicks at Rhea, but the fans continue to rally. Rhea BOOTS from below! Rhea and Liv both crawl, reach out, hot tag to Priest! Dom runs in but Priest FLAPJACKS him!

Priest KICKS, KICKS and KICKS, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Then Priest DECKS Dom with a forearm! Dom stands, Priest BACK ELBOWS in the corner! Clinch and FLATLINER! The fans fire up again and Priest takes aim. Dom stands, Priest runs, LARIAT! Cover, Liv breaks it! So Rhea CLOBBERS Liv! The Terror Twins stand tall over the traitors, and the fans fire up! Rhea nods, and they DOUBLE BELL CLAP! Then they reel Dom and Liv in, double crucifix lifts! DOUBLE RAZOR’S EDGE!! The fans are thunderous, and Rhea TOSSES Liv out! Rhea says they finish this! Priest brings the straps down, and he stalks Dom.

But wait, the rest of Judgment Day is here! Priest DECKS JD McDonagh, Rhea SMACKS Carlito off the apron! But Liv leaps to SUNSET BOMB Rhea into barriers!! Priest is stunned, Dom is up top! Dom leaps, but into Priest’s hands! JD distracts the rf, Finn Balor SLINGBLADES Priest!! Dom dropkicks Priest onto ropes! Dom dials it up, 619!! The fans boo as Dom climbs, and Dom FROG SPLASHES! Cover, TWO!?! Priest survives Dom’s best shots and Finn is pissed! But then Finn tells Dom to tag Liv, Rhea’s in a bad way! Dom tags Liv, Finn sets Rhea up, and Liv DIVES! A huge shot, and Liv puts Rhea back in!

Liv watches Rhea flounder to ropes, and then OB-NO! Rhea hits a BACKBREAKER! Rhea roars, but JD is there! Rhea swings on JD, JD gets away! Liv jumps to FLYING CODE BREAKER! Liv crawls, but she’s in bad shape, too! Priest POUNCES JD over the desk! Priest BOOTS Carlito, SUPERKICKS Finn, and Priest clears the English desk! Priest drags Finn up, but Dom DIVES onto Priest! Priest ends up on the desk! Dom HAMMERS Priest while fans boo! Dom goes up onto the German desk, and he runs up , into a LARIAT! Dom goes flipping and flopping off the desk! Liv is furious, but she has bigger problems!

Rhea stalks up behind Liv with a big grin, and Liv feels it. Liv slowly turns around, into a HEADBUTT! Rhea reels Liv in, for RIPTIDE!! Cover, The Terror Twins win!

Winners: Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley, by pinfall

Justice has been served! Judgment Day betrayed the two most powerful members in the team and have paid for it! But bigger than that, Rhea just pinned the Women’s World Champion! Will this bad blood continue until Rhea takes back what matters?

WWE World Heavyweight Championship: GUNTHER VS Randy Orton!

Der Ring General became The King of the Ring to then become the champion at SummerSlam. In fact, Gunther has been for about 1500 of the 2000 days he’s been under WWE contract! Will his incredible career only become more and more legendary in the country where it all began? Or will The Viper bring out that Legend Killer to have his fifteenth world championship reign?

The fans sing along with Voices as Orton makes his entrance, but they still fire up for Gunther. The introductions are made, Ludwig Kaiser giving Gunther’s. “Ladies and gentlemen… I demand all your gratitude for YOUR World Heavyweight Champion…! Derrrrrrr RING GENERAL…! GUUUUNTHERRR!” The fans cheer that! The belt is raised, and we see what kind of history is made to wrap this historic night!

The bell rings and the fans sing for Berlin and for Germany. Gunther and Orton take a moment to listen, and the fans are bordering on triple digit decibels again. Oh, there it goes! This is the loudest they’ve been all night! Orton applauds as the song wraps, and he circles with Gunther. They feel things out, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Orton drops to a knee, but he fights back up. They end up on ropes, go around, and end up in a corner. Orton RAMS into Gunther, but he lets off. Gunther facelocks to smother Orton but the ref counts. Gunther lets go, Orton backs up, and the fans cheer. The two reset and circle again.

Orton and Gunther tie up, Gunther headlocks for a takeover. Orton headscissors, Gunther pops free. Orton headlocks for the takeover, Gunther headscissors, and Orton pops free. The fans cheer this exchange and the two reset. They circle, the fans sing a bit more, and Orton smiles. Orton and Gunther tie up, Orton waistlocks, but Gunther drops while prying the hold. Gunther wrenches to double wristlock, but Orton has the ROPEBREAK. “This is Awesome!” as Gunther lets off slowly. The two go again, circle and tie up. They are in another deadlock, but Orton goes for an arm now. Gunther works to have a modified SLEEPER!

Orton endures, but he’s already a bit red. Not quite red as his new trunks but still red. The fans do a wave? As long as they’re not bored… Orton fights up, powers Gunther to a corner, and the ref counts. Gunther lets go, Orton steps away, and they reset. The fans keep the wave going, and Orton notices it. The fans cheer as Orton and Gunther circle again. Orton and Gunther can’t help but smirk seeing all this energy, and then Orton joins in! The fans are thunderous again as Orton and Gunther circle. They feel things out, then Gunther CHOPS! And CHOPS! Orton falls, scrambles to a corner, but Gunther is on him.

Gunther RAMS into Orton again and again, then UPPERCUTS! Gunther snapmares Orton while the fans sing again. NECK TWIST! Orton writhes, then goes to ropes, but Gunther storms over. Gunther drags Orton up and around, grinds the arm and CLUBS it! And CLUBS it again! Then he CHOPS Orton back down! Orton gets right up and goes to a corner. Orton kicks Gunther, kicks again, then fires forearms. Gunther fires back! Gunther ROCKS Orton, Orton ROCKS Gunther, repeat! Gunther CHOPS Orton down again! Orton sputters, goes to an apron, but Gunther goes out the side. Gunther storms up to SMOTHER Orton against the post!

The ref counts, Gunther lets off quickly, but then he whips Orton. Orton reverses and Gunther hits steel steps! The fans fire up as Orton looms over Gunther, then refreshes the count. Orton CLUBs the bad arm, YANKS it again and again, then he whips Gunther back into steel steps! The steps go tumbling away while Gunther writhes! The fans fire up as Orton drags Gunther by a leg and brings him to the desks. Orton thinks which desk to use, and he YANKS Gunther’s arm again and again! Then he DESK BACK SUPLEXES on the English commentary! The fans rally up more as Orton DESK BACK SUPLEXES Gunther again!

Gunther falls to the floor, Orton drags him up and twists his wrist! Orton drags Gunther around, CLUBS the arm again and again, then hits another DESK BACK SUPLEX! Orton refreshes the count in time, the fans rally for “GUNTHER~! GUNTHER~!” but Orton hits a third DESK BACK SUPLEX! Gunther flops to the floor, clutching his arm. Orton puts Gunther in, storms up, but Gunther CHOPS! A double-edged move now because the arm hurts! Orton RK- NO! Gunther catches Orton to a SLEEPER! But Orton has the bad arm! ELBOW BREAKER after ELBOW BREAKER, and then he WRINGS Gunther out!

Gunther writhes, but Orton SLAMS the bad arm! And SLAMS it again! Cover, ONE!! Gunther stays in this but Orton stays on the arm! Orton kneels on Gunther, and grins as the fans boo. The fans rally, Orton SLAMS the bad arm again, then he stalks Gunther. Gunther kicks back, CHOPS, but again that’s the bad arm! So Gunther CHOPS with his left! Almost as good, but Orton kicks low. AMBAR DDT! Cover, TWO! Orton looms over Gunther, clamps on a chinlock, and the fans rally up. Orton has a top wristlock but Gunther still endures. Gunther fights up, knees low, but Orton scoops! Orton hits a FALL AWAY SLAM!

Orton crawls over to the cover, ONE!! The delay may have helped there, but both men rise. Orton is after the bad arm, and he KICKS Gunther, CLUBS him, then pushes him onto ropes. The fans sing even as Orton CHOKES Gunther! The ref counts, Orton lets off at 4, and then he drags Gunther up. Orton whips Gunther, Gunther KICKS back! Gunther runs up, to LARIAT! But still double-edged from using the bad arm! Gunther LARIATS again, and still not enough! So Gunther BOOTS! Orton staggers, Gunther winds up and runs, but Orton SWATS the lariat! Orton LARIATS in return! The fans are torn but Orton stalks Gunther.

Gunther swings, Orton dodges, and SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! The fans rally again, and Gunther goes to ropes. Orton stalks Gunther and brings him up through the ropes. Orton KICKS Gunther, brings him up, but Gunther fights free! Gunther CHOPS with the left! Then he HOTSHOTS Orton away! Orton falls to his knees, clutching his neck. The fans rally up and Gunther rises! Gunther goes up the corner! But Orton ROCKS him first! Orton fires hands, then CHOPS! Orton HEADBUTTS Gunther, steadies himself, and then climbs up! The fans rally up more as Orton brings Gunther up for the SUPERPLEX!

Both men writhe and the fans fire up! Orton crawls his way over again and covers, ONE!! Gunther is still in this, and he gets his bad arm moving. The fans rally up again, and Orton rises first. Orton stalks Gunther, throws hands, but Gunther shakes his head. Gunther stands, and he CHOPS Orton! Still hurts to use the bad hand, but Gunther comes back. Orton kicks low, UPPERCUTS, but Gunther CHOPS with the left! Orton CHOPS with the left! Gunther CHOSP again, so Orton CHOPS again! The CHOPS go back and forth, then they fire forearms! Gunther still hurts his arm so Orton fires off haymakers!

Orton puts Gunther in a corner, but Gunther fires back! Gunther kicks and kicks and kicks! Orton pokes Gunther in the eyes! The fans are torn as Orton grins. Orton puts Gunther through ropes, brings him out along the ropes, and the fans are torn over the DRAPING DDT! Gunther sputters, Orton also needs to catch his breath, and the fans rally up more. Orton rises, the fans fire up again, and Orton makes sure all the fans get to see him. Orton then snarls and hears those voices! Gunther stirs, Orton stalks him, and Gunther stands! RK- NO, Gunther waistlocks, to GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up as Gunther stumbles to a corner.

Gunther watches as Orton slowly rises. Orton sits up, drags himself to his feet with the ropes, and turns around into the SHOTGUN! Gunther then goes up the corner! Orton’s in the drop zone for the GUNTHER SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and the fans are thunderous! “This is Awesome!” Gunther stands, and he fires up now! The fans fire up with Gunther and he reels Orton in! But Orton fights the bomb, and the bad arm gives up! Gunther staggers back, but he winds up to SOUTHPAW LARIAT! The fans fire up again and Gunther drags Orton back to his feet. Gunther tries again, but Orton again fights!

Gunther holds on, he CLUBS away on Orton, and tries one more time! Orton still fights the bomb, and he clamps onto Gunther’s leg! Orton then Alabama Lifts Gunther! But Gunther kicks and flails to fight that, then powers through to POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Gunther is stunned but the fans are loving this! Gunther drags Orton back up, reels him back in, and he powers through again, but he can’t hoist Orton up! Orton RKOS OUTTA NOWHERE!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Gunther survives and that shocks Orton! The fans also lose their minds, very few people survive an RKO! Orton goes outside, and the fans rally up.

Orton leans on the German announce desk, then he clears it off! Orton tips the Hydration Station over in the process, then goes to pull the steel steps apart. Orton drags the base piece around to put it by the desk. Gunter slides out to go after Orton! Gunther ROCKS Orton, SMACKS him off the English desk, but Orton BODY SHOTS! Orton gives Gunther a STEEL STEP BACK SUPLEX! Gunther writhes and flops off the steps, and the ring count is climbing. The fans rally up more as Orton digs into his energy reserves. Orton goes to fetch the smaller half of the steps while Gunther refreshes the count. Gunther is still on the apron, though, and Orton… puts the steps back together?

Orton stalks Gunther again, SMACKS him off the desk, then refreshes the count himself. Orton SMACKS Gunther off the desk again, then brings him to the steps. Orton SMACKS Gunther off the steps again and again and again! The fans fire up and duel as Orton goes up the steps. Orton somehow drags Gunther to the very top to join him! And then SUPER DESK BACK SUPLEX!!! The desk falls apart and the fans go nuts! Orton poses on the steps and the fans cheer! Orton finally drags Gunther from the wreckage and brings him back to ringside. Orton puts Gunther in the ring, then rolls his way in. Orton talks Gunther again as the fans rally back up.

Gunther stirs as the fans get louder and louder, and Orton again hears those voices! Orton pounds the mat, Gunther rises, R K- NO!! Gunther shoves Orton down and Orton lands hard! Orton sits up, into a SLEEPER!! Orton flails, but Gunther drags him down! Orton fights around, rises up, but Gunther holds on tight! Orton still fights and RAMS Gunther into buckles! Gunther still holds on! Orton RAMS Gunther in again! Orton arm-drags, but Gunther holds on! Gunther squeezes on the hold, but Orton still fights! Orton reaches for ropes, claws at the hold, and he goes for the bad arm! Orton slips his arms in, to R- NO, Gunther powers out to CHOP Orton on the back!

Gunther puts the SLEEPER back on!! Gunther then HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS away on Orton! A shoutout to the American Dragon perhaps? Gunther goes back tot he SLEEPER! Orton sputters, but he gets a second wind! Orton rises, with Gunther as a backpack! BACKPACK SENTON!! Orton is free, but Gunther sits up! SLEEPER!!! Body scissors locked on!! Orton flails, moves around, gets free, but Gunther hits more HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! SLEEPER!!! Orton is red again! He’s fading! The ref checks, Orton is OUT!! GUNTHER WINS!!

Winner: Gunther, by submission (still WWE World Heavyweight Champion)

The Viper tried, but he could not bring down Der Ring General! Gunther powers through the pain Orton put him through, and just like that sleeper, Gunther has an iron grip on this title! But in the end, there is respect as the two shake hands! Will Orton ever find his way to a 15th reign? Will anyone ever take this title from Gunther?

My Thoughts:

A great night for the first-ever Bash In Berlin event, but I am starting to question having two hour long pre-shows with not one match. Or just the length of time at all. Granted, they got a lot of great interview promos in on this one, a lot more than I remember even SummerSlam having. But I’m not on the East Coast, I had to get up earlier than I’d like on a Saturday to make sure I didn’t miss anything. But even with that, everything else was so much fun, as have all the events outside of the USA. I really appreciate them bringing in the sound meter, it was fun to see the fans blast into the triple digits for the big moments.

As such, I was rather surprised the Undisputed Championship opened tonight. I thought this meant we were getting a huge moment, namely Kevin Owens snapping and turning and being Heel Prizefighter again. However, the story of the match went just as I expected: Kevin was conflicted on bringing out that merciless side of himself, and he lost because of it. Kevin kept his cool after losing, and showed Cody respect. But c’mon, something has to happen to make Kevin turn on Cody. Chances are, with Solo Sikoa claiming he’s got next and that means Bloodline will go after Cody again, I’m sure there will be plenty of chances for Kevin to turn on Cody, even if it’s just abandoning him over hurting him directly.

Great tag title match, a little janky at first, but it was much more crisp by the end than other matches. I am actually surprised Jade & Bianca won, but I suppose this was to be their comeback story. Alba & Isla had these belts three months but they didn’t really get to do much, and it’s hard to know why. It is hard to balance all these divisions and these different stories, and the Women’s Tag Division was more about the teams coming for the champs than the champs themselves. Maybe with the belts back on Jade & Bianca, they’ll get the titles some spotlight again, going between both brands and getting all the other teams up and running, too.

While I didn’t like them going Four Corners with the Strap Match, and I still really don’t, Punk and McIntyre did a great job with this one. I mentioned it during the match, but I vividly remember Batista carrying JBL in a fireman’s carry, and JBL sneaking tags while Batista went around, so nice to see McIntyre and Punk using the same idea. I still think NJPW did this better with their KOPW Championship, Great-O-Khan and Tonga Loa tagging corners and then those indicators stay on, none of this restarting stuff just to drag it out.

And even then, I thought Punk was going to win this in a way that McIntyre could then say, “Well, it’s not like you pinned me or made me tap out.” Because guess what? McIntyre tapped out! The Sharpshooter made McIntyre tap before he passed out! I would’ve maybe skipped McIntyre tapping, have him try the ropes, and then pass out. But at least Punk also gets his bracelet back. McIntyre might still find some flimsy excuse because of his pride and his anger, and we go to a third match of these two, something even bigger like Last Man Standing or Hell in a Cell to make Bad Blood a big night.

Great Mixed Tag here, and of course we got the overbooking of Judgment Day running out there. And great win for the Terror Twins, this will definitely lead to Rhea VS Liv in a rematch for the title, maybe they escalate from a normal match since it’s a given Judgment Day will try and help Liv. Maybe just a standard No Disqualification for it to get just crazy enough. And then we got an awesome main event out of Gunther and Orton. I didn’t think they were going to go that long, but if any two guys could, it’s Gunther and Orton. Great stuff with the steps and the desks, the false finish off the RKO, and Gunther selling arm to compel him to use his left. Gunther using a sleeper to have Orton pass out is a great finish, Gunther is as dominant as ever, can’t wait to see who’s next.

My Score: 9/10