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Michael Cole's stat about the champion not losing a match since December is a storyline that needs to be introduced on 205 Live, setting up a situation where Superstars vie not only to dethrone him but also to end his impressive win streak. It was not nearly as hot as the opener, but in terms of in-ring production, it was probably a better match.Īlexander continues his roll, solidifying himself as one of the more underappreciated talents in all of WWE. Still, the chemistry was there, and with a little more time, these two could have a hell of a match. There was a lot of effort from Alexander and Kalisto here, but as is the case in the U.S., it was difficult to win the crowd over on the heels of a marquee match starring two of the most recognizable wrestlers on the planet. The action headed to the top rope, where it culminated with Kalisto delivering a springboard Spanish Fly for a strong near-fall.Ĭounters and reversals reigned supreme late in the match until Alexander escaped the Salida del Sol and delivered the Lumbar Check to successfully retain his title.
WWE ROYAL RUMBLE BLEACHER REPORT DRIVER
A Michinoku Driver from the champion slowed the challenger's momentum and earned him a near-fall in the process. Kalisto mounted a comeback, using a flurry of sudden and quick offense to frazzle his opponent. It would prove problematic for the luchador.Īfter an exchange of raw athleticism that popped the crowd early, Alexander grounded his smaller opponent, working his midsection in an attempt to drive the air from the one Superstar on the cruiserweight roster who can match his own speed. On the heels of a victory in a gauntlet match to earn the Cruiserweight Championship opportunity, Kalisto challenged Cedric Alexander Friday afternoon, looking to become the first Superstar to defeat Alexander since December.
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They kept it simple, and the result was a fun, if unspectacular, match to kick off the afternoon's festivities. A frustrated Cena attempted another Attitude Adjustment, but Triple H slithered out and delivered a Pedigree. His finisher only netted a two-count as frustration set in on his end.Ĭena escaped a submission attempt, delivered another Attitude Adjustment, a slingshot and one more of his finishing maneuvers for the hard-fought victory.Ī delightfully random match on a delightfully random spectacular, this did exactly what it was intended to in that it fired up the crowd and delivered legitimate star power right out of the gate.īoth Cena and Triple H looked their ages but at the same time showed incredible command of the audience. However, he could only keep the COO of WWE down for a count of two. Cena fought his way back into the match, scaled the ropes and tried for a top-rope leg drop, but Triple H backed out just enough to catch Cena with a powerbomb for a near-fall.Ĭena again fended off an extended onslaught by Triple H and delivered a Five Knuckle Shuffle and Attitude Adjustment.
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WWE ROYAL RUMBLE BLEACHER REPORT SERIES
The popular babyface fought out of a brief Triple H heat sequence with a series of shoulder tackles, but The Game escaped the sidewalk slam and flattened his opponent with a big clothesline. Cena defeated The Game at WrestleMania 22, while The King of Kings returned the favor two years later at Night of Champions.įriday afternoon, they would look to break the tie in a blockbuster opening match, kicking off the Greatest Royal Rumble in star-studded fashion.Ĭena and Triple H engaged in a test of strength and then traded shoulder blocks to a thunderous ovation, proving how valuable the old-school staples of WWE live events will be in front of this wrestling-starved crowd. They have battled on several occasions but have only competed in two high-profile singles matches, each getting a win. John Cena and Triple H are two of the most storied Superstars in WWE history.