Author: Joseph Staszewski / Source: New York Post
The dream matches delivered the most memorable moments at a WrestleMania that used surprising outcomes to work around its missteps and matches that felt too short to reach their full potential.
AJ Styles left the Superdome in New Orleans on Sunday still WWE champion, but opponent Shinsuke Nakamura may not be safe on Bourbon Street with all the heat he gained from his stunning heel turn.
The King of Strong Style reacted to his loss via a Styles Clash countering a Kinshasa by getting on one knee to hand Styles the belt in a “show of respect.” Instead, a low blow and a beatdown followed.The crowd gasped as Nakamura’s arm landed and boos reigned down. The decision breathes new life into Nakamura’s character and the rivalry, but likely eliminated the euphoria that would have ensued if he would have won the title as a baby face.
The match itself lived up to the hype. It was technically sound, as stiff as WWE will allow and saw each counter the other because of the familiarity you would expect from these rivals. The one small blemish was it didn’t end with a Phenomenal Forearm since the build was that versus the Kinshasa.
In even more shocking fashion, SmackDown’s other opportunity to crown a Japanese champion didn’t go well for the challenger.
Charlotte Flair went from being a random woman on the side of Triple H’s throne at WrestleMania 30 at the Superdome to entering on a golden thrown of her own with her dad’s, Ric Flair’s, music blaring. It gave chills before the biggest “Oh My God!” of the show.
Streaks continue to be sent to pasture in New Orleans.
Despite Asuka countering nearly every one of Flair’s signature moves, and the Queen having a hurt arm while bridging to her first Figure Eight, Asuka tapped — and rather quickly. What?
That’s how her transcendent undefeated streak of 914 days ends? Really? One Figure Eight and at less-than full strength? Asuka’s character deserved to put up a better fight.
Give WWE credit for having the guts to break Asuka’s streak here, but it is still questionable booking. The match itself didn’t quite meet expectations, and Charlotte only needs the streak-ending rub if she is facing Ronda Rousey, winner of her first WrestleMania match, at MetLife Stadium next year.
The company’s other former MMA fighter appears to be sticking around a little bit longer, even with UFC president Dana White in attendance to watch Rousey. In a terrible but physical match, Brock Lesnar used six F5s (including one through the announcers table) to put a bloodied Roman Reigns down. The events final scene was Reigns walking off in disbelief at what happened.
While Lesnar has flirted with leaving for the UFC, there is reportedly…
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