Championship after championship after championship!

One way or another, there WILL be a NEW WWE World Heavyweight Champion crowned in Salt Lake City as CM Punk faces Jey Uso one-on-one!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Undisputed WWE Championship, No Champion’s Advantage: Cody Rhodes VS Drew McIntyre; Cody wins and retains the title.
• WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Jade Cargill; Jade wins and becomes the new WWE Women’s Champion.
• WWE Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat: Dominik Mysterio VS Rusev VS PENTA; Dom wins and retains the title.
• Vacated WWE World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk VS Jey Uso; Punk wins and is the new WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

PLAY BY PLAY

Undisputed WWE Championship, No Champion’s Advantage: Cody Rhodes VS Drew McIntyre!

The American Nightmare wants to settle things with the Scottish Terminator once and for all, but he may have just been lured into a trap! If Cody ends up stranded on the outside, or if Cody loses his cool and gets disqualified, he loses the title he fought so hard to have! Will Cody be able to continue the story? Or will Salt Lake City be the end of the road for Rhodes?

The introductions are made, in which Drew insists he is the “Real American Dream,” the belt is raised, and we see who is truly undisputed!

The bell rings and Cody runs up. Drew dodges, taunts him, then dodges again. Drew waistlocks, Cody switches, but Drew ELBOWS free. Drew has Cody on the ropes, whips, but Cody reverses to kitchen sink KNEE! Drew sputters, Cody puts him in the corner and fires hands. Cody stomps away, lets off at 4, but then Drew throat chops! Drew CHOPS Cody, but Cody fires a forearm! Drew CHOPS, Cody CHOPS, Drew kicks low! Drew reels Cody in, but Cody suplexes first! The fans fire up as Cody GOURD BUSTERS! Drew bails out, the fans boo, but Drew dares Cody to fight him on the outside. Cody hesitates, knowing what he risks.

Cody goes to the apron, Drew eggs him on, but Cody backs off. The count restarts so Drew has more time. The count is 5 of 10 as Drew goes up the steel steps. Drew steps in at 8, he and Cody reset, and they circle. The fans rally behind Cody as the two tie up. Cody headlocks, Drew powers up and out, and Cody avoids hitting the ref. Drew says that was Cody violating rules! The ref understands now, that wasn’t Cody’s own volition. The two tie up, Drew pulls hair, but he stops to then grind his forearm into Cody’s face! Drew mocks Cody and his temper, but Cody keeps it cool here. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock.

Drew kicks low, ROCKS Cody, and stalks Cody to ropes. Drew CHOPS Cody, ROCKS him, and Cody goes to another corner. The fans actually duel, “Let’s Go, Cody!” “Let’s Go, Drew!” Drew BITES Cody’s forehead! The ref reprimands but Drew spits out the taste. Drew CHOPS Cody, whips, but Cody slides under and kicks low! RHODES UPPERCUT! Cody ROCKS Drew, ROCKS him again, then fires off stomps in the corner! The ref has to back Cody off! Cody shoves the ref, and now Cody’s on thin ice! Drew CLOBBERS Cody! The ref reprimands Drew but Drew has Cody on the apron. Drew POSTS Cody!

Cody stumbles to the floor but Drew is after him! Drew throws Cody over barriers! Drew hurries back to the ring and wants the count out! The ref starts the count, it’s already past 6 of 10 as Cody rises, but Cody slides in the ring at 8! Drew is annoyed, but he rains down fists! Drew HAMMERS Cody, STOMPS him, then backs off to the corner. Cody goes to another corner, Drew storms up and clinches! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Cody flounders, Drew covers, TWO! Cody toughs it out but Drew snarls. The fans rally, and many taunt Drew with, “Drew, You Suck!” Drew chinbars Cody but Cody fights with body shots.

Cody runs, but Drew ELBOWS Cody down! Cover, TWO! Drew grows frustrated, and he stomps Cody’s foot! Cody goes to a corner, the fans duel, but Drew puts Cody on the corner. Cody fires haymakers and body shots! Cody ROCKS Drew again and again, then whips corner to corner. Drew reverses, Cody bounces off buckles, and Drew BACKDROPS! Cover, TWO! Drew snarls, but he soaks up heat from the fans as he goes to the corner. Drew goes up, out, and climbs up, only for Cody to ROCK him first! Cody fires hands, then climbs up to fire more shots. Drew fires back, they brawl up top, and Cody goes to the very top!

Cody brings Drew up, the fans fire up, SUPER DUPER PLEX! Both men are down and the fans fire up even more! Cody crawls to the ropes, Peacock has technical difficulties where the image freezes, and when it comes back, Cody is firing hands on Drew! Drew kicks Cody, runs, but Cody blows past and ROCK Drew! Cody goes up and over in the corner then SNAP POWERSLAMS! The fans fire up as Cody stands over Drew, and Cody himself fires up. Cody springboards, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER KICK! Drew falls but Cody doesn’t cover, he fires up again. The fans rally as Cody watches Drew slowly rise.

Cody springboards again, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Drew survives but Cody waits for him to rise up. Drew staggers, Cody JABS! JABS! JABS! Then flip, flop, fly, and BIONIC ELBOW! The fans fire up with Cody again and he runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Drew hurries to deadlift and POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Cody survives again and Drew is beside himself. Drew goes outside while the fans duel, and Drew looks around. Drew snatches the title off the pedestal! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Cody snatches the belt from Drew! Drew dares Cody to do something, but Cody just hands the belt to the ref.

CLAYMORE OUTTA NOWHERE!! Cover, TWO!! Cody survives and Drew is furious! Drew almost had Cody there, but what more must he do? “This is Awesome!” as Cody goes to the outside. Drew storms out after Cody, and he has his shot against the desk again! Drew lines up the shot, but Cody BODY BLOWS! The ring count is 5 but Cody puts Drew in at 6. Cody runs, but Drew DUMPS him to the apron! Drew runs to BLAST Cody onto the desk! The desk busts apart and Cody is down! The count is climbing! The fans are going nuts and Drew wants time to go faster! We hit 5 of 10! Then 6! Cody scrambles up at 8, and springs in at 9!!

Drew is freaking out but the ref says that was a fair count, there’s nothing they could do! Drew snarls, he aims from a corner, and the fans are going nuts again! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- NO, Cody ducks it! And then Drew hobbles up, goes for the underhooks, but Cody wrenches out! Cody dodges a lariat, goes up the corner, but his leg gives out!? Drew CLUBS Cody, the ref wants Drew to hold on to check, but Drew kicks Cody again. The ref has Drew back off, then he checks Cody. The leg is hurting but Cody won’t let it end the match. Cody crawls, Drew is anxious, but then Cody avoids a lariat! Cody goes up and this time, SUPER CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as both men are down, and now Cody is frustrated it didn’t work. The fans rally and duel as both men stir. Cody rises up, fires up, and the fans are with him. Cody hobbles back to Drew, dragon sleepers, but Drew KNEES free! Cody still catches Drew, but Drew RAMS him into the ref! The ref is down this time and Cody isn’t sure what to do! Cody kicks Drew, runs, springboard, but into a GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT! Drew snarls, and then he sees the ref is out! Drew grabs the belt again! Drew aims at Cody but Cody isn’t even on his feet! Cody stands, Drew swings, but Cody dodges! And dodges again! They both run, and they DOUBLE CROSSBODY!

The fans fire up as both Drew and Cody are down again! The ref is also still out of it, so Drew and Cody each go for the belt! Drew has the belt, but Cody DDTS Drew onto the belt!! Cody hides the evidence, then waits on Drew to get up. The ref is finally on his feet again, and Cody hits CROSS RHODES!! Cover, CODY WINS!

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

Another title match, and another night that Drew comes out on the losing end! But did Drew screw Drew? Or did Cody bend the rules to survive the Scottish Terminator?

Nick Aldis talks with Tiffany Stratton backstage.

The SmackDown General Manager just wants to make sure the WWE Women’s Champion is ready both physically and mentally for Jade Cargill. Tiff says enough. She knows he’s doing his job, but she’s ready for this. She’s the champion, she wants to defend her title, and she is ready for this fight. Tiff storms off towards gorilla, will Salt Lake City be on #TiffyTime? Or will the sand in that hourglass run out?

WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Jade Cargill!

SNME returns and The Storm arrives in Salt Lake City. She feels Tiffany has only survived match after match with her, and a lot of it because of sheer dumb luck. Will luck be on Tiff’s side one more time? Jade put Tiff in the deep freeze? Or will

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if luck’s got nothing to do with it!

The bell rings and Tiff runs up to fire hands on Jade! Jade shoves Tiff, Tiff comes back, but Jade throws her back again. Tiff hobbles on the bad leg, then Jade kicks her down! And BOOTS her down! Tiff hobbles up, Jade KICKS the leg out! Jade then guzels, SLAM DUNK CHOKE SLAM! Tiff sputters on the mat, Jade circles her like a shark with blood in the water, and then she pump handles Tiff for a SLAM! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives, but Jade stalks her to the ropes. Jade TOSSES Tiff across the ring! Jade then runs up, but Tiff dodges! Jade hits buckles shoulder first! Tiff goes up, but the leg won’t let her!

Jade has to climb the old fashioned way, but Jade CLUBS the leg! And then she puts Tiff in the Tree of Woe! Jade stomps away, the ref counts, but Jade argues with him. Jade then pulls Tiff against the ropes! Jade lets go as the ref counts again, then she drags Tiff to the apron. Torture rack and SLAM on the apron! Tiff flops to the floor, the ring count climbs, but Jade gets in the ref’s face. Jade goes back out and we get a fresh count. Jade then drags Tiff up and puts her on the steel steps. Jade lines up a shot, grins and runs up, but Tiff trips Jade and SMACKS her off the steps! Tiff puts Jade in the ring, hurries up the corner, but Jade ROCKS her first!

Jade climbs up, brings Tiff to the top rope, but Tiff SUPER GOURD BUSTERS first! And then SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO! Jade survives and Tiff can’t believe it! Tiff hobbles up, fires up, but Jade LARIATS! Jade drags Tiff up, torture racks again, and swings for the EYE OF THE STORM BOMB! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives, but Jade just hauls her back up! FALL AWAY SLAM! Jade hurries to haul Tiff back up, for another FALL AWAY SLAM! And then another scoop, for another FALL AWAY SLAM! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives that vicious hattrick of throws, but Jade just drags her right back up.

Jade lifts Tiff to SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO?!?! Tiff survives and now Jade is mad! Jade will not stop, she POWERBOMBS! And then POWERBOMBS again! Jade’s rage and sadistic glee mix, and then she chicken wings! JADED!! Cover, Jade wins!

Winner: Jade Cargill, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Champion)

There was no room for chance, nor mercy! The Storm finally reigns in WWE, and she gets her pyro to celebrate! Will Jade make sure no one can ever question her dominance again?

WWE Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat: Dominik Mysterio VS Rusev VS PENTA!

The Dirty Double Champion has doubled down on ways to lie, cheat and steal a win from both the Bulgarian Brute and Man with Zero Fear, and it’s only come back to bite him! He thought outsourcing to Los Americanos would throw off the scent, but no, we all knew Dom put in the fix. Will Dom finally lose his prized possession here tonight? Or can he find another way to survive both the Son of Thunder and #CeroMiedo?

Introductions are made, the WWE belt is raised, and we see if Dom can defy the odds!

The bell rings and Rusev goes fight after Dom! Penta pushes Dom aside to throw hands, but Rusev pushes Penta aide to throw hands! Penta pushes Rusev to stomp Dom, Rusev pushes Penta to throw hands with Penta! They brawl, Penta dodges and CHOSP! And CHOPS! CHOPS! CHOPS! Penta runs, but Rusev DROPKICKS him down! Cover, Dom breaks it! Dom CLUBS Rusev, whips, but Rusev blocks! Rusev whips Dom but Dom ducks ‘n’ dodges. Dom RAN- NO! Rusev holds Dom up with one arm! POWERBOMB! Dom sputters, Rusev snarls, and Rusev GUT WRENCH PELXES! And then deadlift suplexes!

Rusev RIPS Dom’s shirt sash away, then scoops Dom up again, FALL AWAY SLAM! Dom tumbles out, the fans are torn, but Rusev just storms out after Dom. Rusev scoops Dom again, but Dom slips free to POST Rusev! Penta builds speed to FLY! Down goes Rusev and the fans fire up! But Dom SUPERKICKS Penta! Then Dom DIVES and down goes Penta at the ramp! The fans are torn but Dom is all smiles as he stands tall. Penta goes to a corner, Dom storms up on Penta, but Penta turns things around to CHOP! Dom CHOSP! Penta CHOPS! Penta ROCKS Dom, GAMANGIRIS, and Dom sits down. Penta headstands for the SWINGING DROPKICK!

Penta drags Dom to a cover, but Rusev drags Penta out of the ring! LARIAT! Rusev snarls, drags Penta up, and THROWS him into barriers! Penta slumps down, Rusev talks trash on the kids in the front row, then drags Penta up. Rusev whips Penta into the steel steps! But Dom DIVES, into Rusev’s hands! And SNAKE EYES off the desk! The fans are torn but Rusev is fired up again. Rusev drags Dom up, UPPERCUTS him down, and then he marvels at the belt. Rusev tells it, “I’m coming for you.” Rusev puts Dom in the ring, BOOTS him down, and the fans rally. Rusev CHOKES Dom on the ropes, and he THRASHES around!

The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Rusev stops when he wants so he can KICK Dom! Dom falls, Rusev vows that belt will be his. Rusev drags Dom up, then runs, but Dom drop toeholds Rusev! Dom dials it up, 619, but Rusev blocks the call! Rusev drags Dom by his boot, turns him over, and STMOPS him! ACCOLADE!! Dom endures, but Penta SUPERKICKS Rusev! Penta saves Dom for his own title chances, and he drags Rusev up. Penta whips, Rusev reveres, but Penta goes up and over to BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Rusev survives but Penta stays focused. The fans rally behind Penta as he watches Rusev.

Penta KICKS, SUPERKICKS, then runs to springboards, but into the DOUBLE AX HANDLE! ROUNDHOUSE! SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Penta stays in this and Rusev seethes again. Rusev stalks Penta to a corner, brings him up, and tells Penta, “Not today!” Rusev puts Penta up top, ROCKS him, and then ROCKS him again! Rusev climbs, but Penta fires body shots! Penta CLUBS away on Rusev, pushes him down, and then adjusts, but Rusev trips Penta up! Penta falls bad, but Dom has a chair! Dom gives the chair to Rusev and then frames him! The ref says it doesn’t matter, no disqualifications!

Dom realizes how dumb he is, and Rusev JAMS him up with the chair! Then SMACKS him with it! Then he runs at Penta, but Penta SUPERKICKS the chair into Rusev! Then he uses Rusev to hit Dom with a DESTROYER!! The fans are thunderous, but now Rusev back suplexes Penta! Penta lands out, mule kicks, then springboards! FLYING DDT!! Cover, TWO!! Rusev survives and “This is Awesome!” Penta waits on Rusev, calls his shot, then runs up, but Rusev stops the Destroyer! ALABAMA SLAM, and then a MACHKA- NO, Penta dodges! Penta half nelsons, pump handles, and PENTA DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Rusev survives and shocks Penta!

Both Rusev and Penta are down, the fans tell the ref, “Ref, You Suck!” Penta goes to the apron, drags himself up, and the fans rally up. Penta climbs, leaps, but into a MACHKA KICK!! Then stomp and ACCOLADE!! Dom rings the bell! Dom tricks Rusev into letting Penta go! Has Dom been watching NJPW? Rusev realizes what happened, rushes out there, and he blocks the hammer to TOSS Dom! And POST Dom! And then TOSS Dom into the ring! Dom flounders out of the ring, Rusev pursues again, and DECKS him! And DECKS him again! And then whips, but Dom reverses to send Rusev into the steel steps! Dom then spots the bell hammer and hurries back into the ring.

Dom grabs the hammer, but Penta steps on it! Penta wags his finger, and now he has the hammer! Dom wants mercy, but Penta winds up! Dom dodges, Rusev is in, HAMMER HITS RUSEV! Dom POSTS Penta! Dom hurries up a corner while Rusev sputters, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, Dom wins!!

Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)

Indeed, Dirty Dom did find a new way to lie, cheat and steal! Well, technically not cheat when there’s no disqualifications, but he two outta three ain’t bad. Will Dom always survive by the seat of his pants? Or will justice one day be served on the “King of the Luchadores?”

WWE shares a snippet of John Cena’s interview with Tom Rinaldi.

“I made a promise t the WWE that I would not stick around when my skills can’t match the product. And they can’t. And that’s okay. Because what I do isn’t who I am. The realization of that has helped me come to like, ‘No, let these guys have it now.’ Physical activity? 100%. And I very rarely speak in absolutes because you never know. I do know in this case. Never again, because I don’t wanna let the people I made a promise to down ever again.”

Cena speaks on his final poponent.

The one question he has been asked sincd announcing his retirement tour is of course, “Who do you want to face in your last match?” Cena’s answer has always been the same: On his last day, he wants to face whoever is willing to step up and seize the same opportunity he was on his first day. Therefore, starting a week from this Monday, the Raw in Boston, it will be a 16 Man Tournament. The field will be chosen at random, with superstars from Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and maybe even some faces who don’t even work here. There are those with a storied history, and even more from a generation that Cena’s never faced.

Cena says by the time we get to Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13th, in Washington DC, his final opponent won’t be handpicked, but hard-earned. Toe everyone seizing this opportunity, Cena wishes them luck. And to that tournament’s winner, “You want some, come get some!” Who will be the sweet sixteen that fight to be the one to face The Last Real Champion at his last stand?

Vacated WWE World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk VS Jey Uso!

Seth Rollins was betrayed and broken by Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed, but those two were kept away from this belt as their punishment. With that, we now have the Second City Saint and Main Event Jey Uso battling in the main event of Saturday Night’s Main Event, with no doubt that there will be a new champion! But will CM Punk once again be the Best in the World? Or will we soon be in Salt YEET City?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who truly runs it back!

The bell rings and the fans are thunderous already as Punk and Jey stare down. Punk and Jey slowly circle as the fans duel, “C M PUNK!” “YEET!” The two tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, then Jey powers Punk to a corner. Punk turns things around, the ref counts, and Punk backs off. Punk still stares Jey down, and they circle again. They tie up, Jey powers Punk back to the corner again, but he keeps Punk trapped this time. Jey gives Punk a shove as he backs off, then “YEET!” Jey and Punk circle again, tie up, and Punk fireman’s carries! Jey fights free, waistlocks, rolls Punk, ONE! The two stand off and the fans cheer.

Punk and Jey reset, tie up, and Punk wrenches Jey to a wristlock. Punk YANKS the arm, headlocks, but Jey powers up and out. Punk RUNS Jey over, covers, ONE! Punk headlocks but Jey fights right up. Punk grinds the hold, wrenches, and he YANKS the arm again! Then he headlocks, but Jey powers up and out. Punk RUNS Jey over, keeps moving, but Jey drops down to then CLOBBER Punk! The fans are torn but Jey waits in the corner. Punk sits up, Jey stomps him down. Jey eggs Punk on, ROCKS him, then headlocks. Jey hits the takeover, Punk’s shoulders are down, ONE as Punk sits up! Jey pushes him down, ONE as Punk sits back up.

Jey tries again, ONE as Punk is back up. The fans rally, Punk powers up and out, but Jey RUNS Punk over! Jey huffs ‘n’ puffs, runs, but Punk stays low. Punk fireman’s carries! Jey fights free again, then bails out. The fans are torn but Jey cools off while the ring count starts. Punk waits on Jey, Jey steps in at 7, and the two reset again. They tie up again, Jey powers Punk to a corner a third time, but the ref counts. Jey won’t back off, so Punk ROCKS Jey! And ROCKS him again! And again! Punk snapmares, then ELBOW DROPS! Punk pushes Jey down for another ELBOW DROP! And another ELBOW DROP! And another ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!

Jey shows that toughness but Punk stays cool. Punk drags Jey up, turns him, and NECKBREAKER! Not the cleanest as Jey did his best to block, but Punk stomps him! Punk stands Jey up and hits another NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Punk is annoyed, and he CHOPS! Punk rips the shirt away to CHOP again! Punk runs, but Jey fireman’s carries! SAMOAN DROP! The fans fire up while Punk clutches his back. Jey goes to a corner, the fans rally with “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey runs up, but Punk smothers the spear! Turn and NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally while Punk keeps his cool.

Punk clamps onto Jey with a chinlock and stretches Jey back. Jey endures as it is almost a crossface, and the fans rally up as Jey moves around. Jey rises, pries free, and he ROCKS Punk! “YEET!” And ROCKS Punk! “YEET! YEET!” Jey whips, Punk reverses, but Jey avoids the dropkick! Roll into the jackknife, TWO! Punk and Jey teeter back tot he jackknife, TWO! Jey pushes Punk back down, TWO as Punk bridges up! Punk spins Jey, but then fireman’s carries! GO TO SLEEP!! But Jey flops against ropes, then out of the ring!! Punk is stunned but he miscalculated! Punk hurries outside, gets water, and he splashes it all over Jey to wake him up!

Punk puts Jey back in the ring, then looms over Jey. Jey sputters, Punk drags him up, and Punk reels Jey in. Punk suplexes, covers, TWO! Jey stays in this and Punk is frustrated now. The fans rally up as Punk puts Jey on the top rope. Punk CHOPS Jey, then climbs up after him. Punk brings Jey to the top, but Jey fights the lift! The fans rally and duel, and Jey throws forearms on Punk! Jey CLUBS Punk, HEADBUTTS him, then HEADBUTTS again! Punk falls down! Jey adjusts, but Punk stands, and Punk avoids Jey’s attack! Jey comes back, he counter punches! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey pops, locks, and puts some stank on the HAYMAKER!

Punks taggers back up, so Jey just tosses him to the corner! “UCE! OH!” HIP ATTACK! Punk sputters, Jey says “YEET!” and goes again! HIP- NO, another fireman’s carry! Jey slips free, SUPERKICKS, and then runs! SPEAR!!  But Jey won’t stop there, he goes right up top! USO SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Punk survives the onslaught from Jey and Jey cannot believe it! But Salt Lake declares “This is Awesome!” while both men are down. Jey goes to the apron, climbs up a corner, and the fans rally up again. But Punk ROCKS Jey! Punk climbs back up after Jey, throws down ELBOW after ELBOW, then he brings Jey to the very top!

The fans fire up for the SUPER DUPER PLEX! Both men writhe and Punk can’t make the cover! The fans rally up and duel, “C M PUNK!” “YEET!” Punk goes to ropes, Jey rises, and then Punk returns. ELBOW to the head! Punk snarls and ROCKS Jey with a haymaker now! Then JAB! JAB! JAB! But Jey ROCKS Punk! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Punk hits back, they go back and forth, then fast ‘n’ furious! The fans love it as Punk then whips Jey to ropes. LARIAT! Punk ELBOWS Jey back down, then whips again. CALF KICK! The fans fire up and Punk waits on Jey. Jey is in the corner, Punk runs to SHINING WIZARD! And BULLDOG!

The fans fire up again and Punk says night-night for sure this time! Punk stalks Jey, brings him up, fireman’s carry! But Jey slips free! SUPERKICK again! Punk tumbles out of the ring, the fans rally, and Jey DIVES! Down goes Punk but Jey is slow to rising up. The fans rally harder while the ring count climbs. Jey stands at 6 of 10, rolls into the ring, and Punk rises at 8. Punk rolls in at 9, but then rolls right back out for another reprieve. Jey has his eyes locked onto Punk, and he aims from the apron. Jey hops down, runs up, and SPEARS Punk through the barriers! The fans go nuts as Jey brings out his inner Tribal Chief!

The ref checks both men and Punk is dazed from that human demolition derby! Jey drags Punk up, puts him back in the ring, and he climbs the corner! USO SPLASH!! BUT ONTO KNEES!! Punk saves himself, then fireman’s carries! GO TO SLEEP!! Cover, TWO!?!? Jey survives and shocks everyone, especially Punk! Punk is headbutting the mat in frustration, what must he do to end this? Punk drags Jey up, reels him in, and lifts for a- NO, Jey fights the driver to fireman’s carry! GO TO SLEEP!?! The fans are thunderous as Jey then runs, but PUNK SPEARS FIRST!! Cover, TWO!!! Jey survives again and the fans cannot believe it!

Punk rises up, and he huffs ‘n’ puffs as he stalks Jey. Jey rises, Punk fireman’s carries, and GO TO SLEEP!! Then Punk lets Jey fall back into the fireman’s carry! Punk staggers up, but he falls! Jey has Punk in the SLEEPER!! The Gunther beating sleeper!! Punk flails, reaches out, but Jey squeezes tight! Punk is fading, Jey turns him away, but Punk slips free! ANACONDA- NO, Jey fights for his life, but then Punk has it! ANACONDA VICE!!! Jey flails, claws at Punk, but he’s fading! Jey gets a second wind to get the ROPEBREAK!! Punk lets go in frustration, but he hurries to drag Jey back to center! But Jey GHOST PINS! TWO!!!

Jey SUPERKICKS! Punk wobbles, Jey SUPERKICKS again! Punk drops to his knees, Jey snarls, and then Jey runs up, but into a KICK! Punk fireman’s carries again, for the GO TO SLEEP!!! Jey staggers, another fireman’s carry, and another GO GO SLEEP!!! Cover, PUNK WINS!

Winner: CM Punk, by pinfall (NEW WWE World Heavyweight Champion)

It took so much more than even Punk thought it would, but in the end, he has the title back in his hands! The Second City Saint is a SEVEN-TIME WWE World Champion, and this time he can actually enjoy it! He gets the pyro as he stands atop the corner, and the Best in the World is back on top of the world! Will he ever come down? And what of Jey? Will Main Event Jey ever be back in the main event?

My Thoughts:

A great Saturday Night’s Main Event, probably among the best since they brought the concept back. Though maybe they did that by design since this was the start of the Peacock Only Era. Great news about John Cena’s final opponent being by tournament, and at 16, that is four from Raw, four from SmackDown, four from NXT, and then four from “other,” which I would think is then two each from AAA and TNA. But there were rumors Gunther was coming back just for this tournament, so I feel like Gunther ends up a favorite to win the whole thing. Even then, it’s a great honor for sixteen stars across the wrestling world to say they competed to be Cena’s last opponent.

As if everything last night on SmackDown wasn’t enough, Cody VS Drew opening the night and Drew even touching the title before the match were all indicators that Cody would retain. I will say, Cody being opportunistic in how he cheated could be the furthering of his Heel turn. Cody was trying to do that Homelander Anti-Face/Tweener thing in AEW, maybe he’s perfected the formula here in WWE. Tiffany VS Jade was really good, but also really quick. I suppose that speaks more towards how Tiff’s “injury” was holding her back and Jade’s anger helped her just dominate Tiff. Great win for Jade, she’ll make a great Heel champion going into the next stretch.

Great Triple Threat, and I’m a touch surprised Dominik won. At the same time, Dom continues to be great as not just a wrestler but as a character. Dom forgetting he couldn’t disqualify someone in a Triple Threat was a hilarious detail, but in the end, it was a classic case of using opponents against each other. Maybe Dom’s more likely to lose the AAA title than the Intercontinental title at this point.

And of course, awesome stuff in the main event to crown a new World Heavyweight Champion. Great win for Punk, though that also surprised me a little bit. The story of Jey figuring himself out felt like the way they were going for the title, but I suppose that can happen even more effectively now that he’s lost. Plus, Punk facing The Vision, the faction Rollins put together, is a fitting story for the next stretch. Punk might be compelled to actually ask for help against The Vision since he’s just one man against two big behemoths. Perhaps LA Knight gets in on that, too? He does need his own way to the title.

My Score: 9/10