BodySlam

Tag: Roman Reigns

  • Jacob Fatu On WWE Backlash Match: “I’ve Prayed, And Cried For Days Like This.”

    Jacob Fatu On WWE Backlash Match: “I’ve Prayed, And Cried For Days Like This.”

    Jacob Fatu is set to headline WWE Backlash this Saturday, May 9 against Roman Reigns for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in what could end up being Jacob’s first major world title in WWE.

    Today, Jacob Fatu joined the ‘Get Up’ show on ESPN, where he spoke on what it means to him to have this headlining match this weekend.

    ”Man, this is more than everything. I prayed, and I cried for days like this. I’m not only at Backlash, fresh out of WrestleMania, no, I’m going toe-to-toe, head-to-head banging with the best and we’re not talking about professional wrestling, we’re talking about the greatest of all time in sports entertainment and it’s Roman Reigns. And I wouldn’t have it no other way, besides this Saturday at Backlash.”

    Jacob Fatu seems ready and willing to get that championship. For two weeks in a row on RAW, Fatu has left Roman Reigns laying. He’s ready for Saturday!

    https://x.com/GetUpESPN/status/2051651935380369859/video/1?s=46

  • WWE Raw Results – May 4, 2026

    WWE Raw Results – May 4, 2026

    On May 4th, 2026 WWE aired the 1,719th episode of Raw live in Omaha Nebraska inside CHI Health Center Omaha & can watch it on Netflix.

    -Kicking off this week’s Raw with we head backstage and see Adam Pearce approach World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns in an effort to calm him down.

    -Reigns then looks to make his way to the ring but Pearce stops him and tells him that Jacob Fatu has not arrived at the CHI Health Center Omaha just yet.

    -Seth Rollins stares down Reigns and tells him that he’s in his way then makes his way to the ring.

    -Bron Breakker attacks Rollins at the bottom of the entrance ramp and lifts him above his head.

    -He sends Rollins crashing into the barricade with a Gorilla press but security and Adam Pearce hold back Breakker.

    -Breakker fights through them and sends Rollins crashing into the ring steps then dumps him into the ring.

    -Officials check on Rollins and escort Breakker to the back.

    -We then head over to Judgment Day’s club house where Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan questions what Finn Balor was doing in there last Monday.

    -She asks Roxanne Perez why Balor was talking to her and why she had to find out on the Netflix stream and Perez says she made it clear that she wanted nothing to do with Balor.

    -She promises that she’s loyal to Morgan & Morgan responds by telling Perez that she believes in her.

    -She makes Perez promise she won’t keep any more secrets from the rest of Judgment Day.

    JD McDonagh defeated Finn Balor via Headbutt (11:44)

    -We then head backstage where Jackie Redmond catches up with Seth Rollins to ask him if he’s still good to compete against Bron Breakker at Backlash. Rollins responds by telling her that he isn’t dead yet.

    Tag Team Match
    Ethan Page & Rusev defeated Intercontinental Champion Penta & Je Von Evans via Fisherman’s Buster on Penta (10:43)

    -Adam Pearce says his favorite days are when sure fire, can’t miss talent see their dreams come true by joining Raw or Smackdown.

    -He says today is one of those days and throws it to a video highlighting some in ring moments from Sol Ruca’s career thus far before he introduces Ruca and she makes her way to the ring.

    -Pearce congratulates Ruca and hands her the contract.

    -Ruca looks at it and says it’s going to feel good when she signs the contract to officially become a member of the Raw roster.

    -Before she can put pen to paper, Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch’s music hits and she makes her way out.

    -Lynch claims that she was told this was supposed to be her time and says Pearce illegally sanctioned a Women’s Intercontinental Title against Iyo Sky that she claims went against the parameters she set in her Open Challenge.

    -Ruca cuts off Lynch by asking if she’s done but Lynch says she isn’t done.

    -Ruca says not everything is about Lynch & Lynch says Ruca has to learn that everything is about her.

    -Ruca says this isn’t about her and says she knows everything about Lynch’s career but she didn’t expect to find out that Lynch is exactly what everyone says she is when she met her: a rude, big headed bitch.

    -She says it’s not just her saying it, but the New York Times & Sports Illustrated.

    Lynch asks Pearce and the live crowd if they’re going to let Ruca talk to her like this then mockingly asks Ruca who she is.

    -Ruca says if Lynch ever interrupts her, she’ll take her out and snatch her soul.

    -She hands Pearce the contract she has signed and an angry Lynch clocks Pearce.

    -Lynch swears it was an accident when Pearce yells at her and Ruca hits Lynch with a Sol Snatcher.

    -Joe Hendry then makes his way to the ring and sings a song about Logan Paul.

    -World Tag Team Champions The Vision interrupts Hendry with Logan Paul saying he can’t be fired because he’s the heart and soul of WWE.

    -Hendry then continues on with his song and asks if Paul can be fired, prompting Austin Theory slides into the ring.

    Joe Hendry defeated World Tag Team Champion Austin Theory via DQ (3:19)

    -After the match The Vision fire off stomps on Hendry until Street Profits run out to the ring to fire off right hands on them and come to Hendry’s aid.

    -Bron Breakker runs out to send Montez Ford crashing over the top rope and hits a spear and a German suplex to Angelo Dawkins.

    -Seth Rollins pulls Breakker out of the ring and sends him crashing into the ring steps then fires off stomps on him and dumps him into the ring. He rains down right hands on Breakker and hits him with a Spear.

    -We then head backstage where Raquel Rodriguez calls Women’s Tag Team Champions Brie Bella & Paige to Raw to face herself & Roxanne Perez while Judgment Day catches up with Jackie Redmond.

    -Lyra Valkyria & Bayley interrupt & they are argue.

    Oba Femi defeated Otis via Fall From Grace (1:49)

    -We then head over to Iyo Sky & Asuka meeting ahead of their Backlash match in a tense verbal confrontation that ends with Asuka telling Sky she’s going to cut her out of her life this coming Saturday.

    -Sky responds by telling Asuka she’s ready for her but Asuka spits blue mist in SKY’s eyes.

    -This prompts Adam Pearce to run in and call for medical officials to check on Sky.

    6 Man Tag Team Match
    Los Americanos Hermanos (Original El Grande, Julio & Bruto) defeated Los Americanos (El Grande, Bravo & Rayo) via Flying Headbutt on Bravo (8:36)

    -World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns & Jacob Fatu signs the contract for their World Heavyweight Title match at Backlash.

  • Are Long Title Reigns Hurting Modern Wrestling?

    Are Long Title Reigns Hurting Modern Wrestling?

    In modern professional wrestling, dominance has become the standard. For the most part, champions are no longer meant to feel vulnerable. Instead, they are often presented as unstoppable forces who hold titles for months or even years. On paper, that sounds like a return to prestige. In practice, it has created a different kind of problem. Fans seem to think a title reign is a failure if not held for a lengthy amount of time.

    Long title reigns used to mean something special. They were rare and signaled that a wrestler had reached a level above everyone else. Today, they are far more common, especially at the top of the card. The question is no longer whether long reigns add value. It is whether they are starting to take something away. In WWE, it seems as if long title reigns are used as a way to re-write history. “A New Era!”

    The Case for Dominance

    There is a reason promotions lean into long reigns. A dominant champion can elevate a title simply by holding it. When Roman Reigns carried the top championship in WWE for an extended period, it created a sense of importance around every defense. The title felt like the center of the show.

    A long reign also helps define an era. Fans can look back and associate a stretch of time with one central figure. That kind of consistency is valuable in a business that often shifts quickly. It gives viewers a clear top star and a clear goal for everyone chasing them.

    There is also the argument that modern wrestling needs fewer title changes. Weekly television and constant content can make championships feel less important if they switch hands too often. A long reign can counter that by restoring the idea that winning a title is difficult.

    The Predictability Problem

    The downside is just as clear. When a champion holds a title for too long, outcomes start to feel obvious. Fans go into matches expecting the champion to win, not wondering if they might lose. It immediately kills curiosity. That predictability can drain tension from even the biggest matches on the card.

    It also highlights how different today’s booking philosophy is compared to past eras. Some of the biggest stars in wrestling history did not need lengthy title reigns to feel important. The Rock, arguably one of the greatest to ever do it, had multiple world title runs, but many of them were relatively short. Titles changed hands more frequently, yet the championship still felt meaningful because the outcome was never guaranteed. Call me a boomer, but today’s fans would not survive the wrestling world 20 years ago.

    That sense of unpredictability made every defense feel urgent. A challenger was not just filling a spot. They had a real chance. Today, a challenger might be built up for weeks only to fall short in a result that feels inevitable. Over time, that pattern can make it harder for fans to stay invested.

    Collateral Damage on the Roster

    Another issue is what happens to everyone else. When one wrestler sits firmly at the top for an extended period, it limits opportunities for others to break through. Challengers come and go, but few are allowed to truly rise.

    In earlier eras, even short title reigns could create new stars. A wrestler might win the championship briefly and gain credibility that lasted long after the loss. Now, with fewer title changes, those moments are harder to create.

    This can leave the upper midcard crowded with talent that feels stuck. They are presented as contenders, but rarely as equals. Over time, that gap becomes harder to close. One thing I would like to mention is the recent Darby Allin title reign. At the time of this editorial, Allin has had the AEW World Title for two weeks. He has already faced two “mid card” wrestlers in Tommaso Ciampa and Brody King, and given them the spot light in the main event scene, making them both feel like legit contender’s.

    Finding the Balance

    The solution is not to abandon long title reigns altogether. They still have a place in modern wrestling. The key is balance.

    Promotions need to be willing to surprise their audience. That does not mean constant title changes, but it does mean recognizing when a moment calls for one. A well-timed switch can create excitement that carries forward.

    It is also important to build multiple credible challengers at once. When more than one opponent feels like a real threat, matches become less predictable. Even a long reign can feel fresh if the outcome is not obvious.

    The Bigger Picture

    Professional wrestling has always been fluid. Trends rise, peak, and eventually shift. Long title reigns are currently in a dominant phase, driven by the desire to create prestige and stability.

    But prestige without unpredictability can feel hollow. Dominance without risk can feel repetitive.

    The challenge for promotions is not choosing between long reigns and short ones. It is making sure that no matter how long a champion holds a title, fans still believe it could end at any time.

  • WWE Raw Results – April 27, 2026

    WWE Raw Results – April 27, 2026

    On April 27th, 2026 WWE aired the 1,718th episode of Raw live in Laredo Texas inside Sames Auto Arena & can watch it on Netflix.

    -Kicking off this week’s Raw with a video recapping Jacob Fatu’s challenge to World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns at Backlash.

    -Roman Reigns appears in another video and says The Usos are the only ones he can trust.

    -He says he doesn’t understand where Fatu is coming from and Jimmy Uso admits that he gets where Fatu is coming from but says that he shouldn’t have done what he did last Monday.

    -Jey Uso adds that if Fatu beats Reigns, he takes everything from him including the Ula Fala.

    -He says that there has to be consequences and puts his hands in the middle with Reigns & Jimmy as Reigns says that they’re the First Family.

    -Seth Rollins welcomes fans to Monday Night Rollins and introduces himself then says there’s a reason that he lost to Gunther at Night 1 of WrestleMania 42.

    -He says it wasn’t because Gunther was the better man then says Roman Reigns is walking around with his World Heavyweight Title and it’s not because Reigns pinned him.

    -He says Bron Breakker was the cause for both of those things and demands that he come to the ring.

    -Breakker’s music hits and he makes his way out.

    -Rollins tells Breakker that he gave him everything and says he handed him the world on a silver platter but Breakker repaid him by taking away everything from him.

    -He says Breakker was the reason that he had to relinquish the World Heavyweight Title and didn’t win at WrestleMania 42 then asks Breakker what he got out of coming for him and how it benefitted him in any way.

    -Paul Heyman joins Breakker in the ring as Breakker tells Rollins that The Vision fought all of his battles for him.

    -He recalls having to stand in the back with Bronson Reed and listen to Rollins say the same thing over and over again then says he never needed Rollins or his vision.

    -Rollins says he wanted to fight the best in the world as World Heavyweight Champion a couple of years ago then recalls talking to Shawn Michaels to determine who the best in NXT was.

    -He says Michaels told him that it was Breakker then says he believed that Breakker is a main eventer and the next big money maker in the professional wrestling business.

    -He says other athletes are big, strong, and fast but Breakker is unique and the most versatile performer he has ever seen during his entire WWE career.

    -He says Breakker has everything except for the mental fortitude then says he know what it’s like to be 28 and think that the professional wrestling business owes one something.

    -He says he knows what it like to make the hard decisions then says while Breakker tries, he succeeds.

    -He says Breakker betting on himself got him Logan Paul, Austin Theory, private jets and steak dinners but tells Breakker that he isn’t ready.

    -Breakker says he was on his way to being a main eventer with or without Rollins then says Rollins’ mind and body are brittle and his should can’t handle the weight of a championship anymore.

    -He says he came up short trying to win the World Heavyweight Title but can go to bed having known it was against someone who is the Best In The World.

    -He says Rollins is a future WWE Hall of Famer and says Rollins is the best professional wrestler in the entire world but he’s the second best.

    -Rollins says if Breakker thinks that he’s ready, Backlash is 2 weeks away and he’s willing to give Breakker the opportunity to prove he’s ready then says Breakker isn’t even the 2nd best in his family.

    -We then head backstage and see Raquel Rodriguez blindside Stephanie Vaquer as Vaquer walks around.

    -Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan & Roxanne Perez join Rodriguez & Perez hits Vaquer with a nearby road case.

    Non Title Match
    Intercontinental Champion Penta defeated Rusev via Roll Up (7:31)

    -Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch says The Man and the new Women’s Intercontinental Champion has come around to Laredo.

    -She says a new era of her career has begun now that she’s won back the Women’s Intercontinental Title then gloats about putting an end to AJ Lee’s reign at WrestleMania 42 and says she became both the 1st WWE Superstar to win 4 separate titles at WrestleMania and the 1st ever 3x Women’s Intercontinental Champion.

    -She notes that she’s also had the most WrestleMania matches of any woman in WWE then says while she indulges in private jets and tour buses, it’s all about showing up in towns like Laredo to show up and show out for common folk.

    -She says the fans want her to defend the title against the best of the best instead of nostalgia acts then issues an Open Challenge for the Women’s Intercontinental Title to anyone who wishes to answer.

    -Iyo Sky’s music hits and she makes her way out & she accept Lynch’s Open Challenge but Lynch asks what Sky accepts because she said that she wanted the best of the best.

    -She says she wanted to fight Rhea Ripley over Sky but Sky clocks Lynch and fires off stomps on her.

    -Lynch then looks to retreat through the crowd but Adam Pearce appears to tell Lynch that she will be defending the Women’s Intercontinental Title tonight.

    Women’s Intercontinental Title Match
    Becky Lynch (c) defeated Iyo Sky via Manhandle Slam (13:11) (STILL CHAMPION!!!!)

    -Joe Hendry has his concert before World Tag Team Champions The Vision interrupted him & they beat him down unit Street Profits makes the save & takes out The Vision.

    Rey Mysterio defeated El Grande Americano via 619 (8:35)

    Oba Femi defeated Grayson Waller via Fall From Grace (1:05)

    -After the match Femi grabs a microphone and says that he took it upon himself to find a solution to his problem of not having anyone worthy on the roster to face him.

    -He announces that he’s issuing an Open Challenge to anyone who wishes to prove themself against him but warns them that he will be merciless and relentless and says they will be stepping into the ring with The Ruler.

    -We then head over to Judgment Day’s club house where Liv Morgan tells Roxanne Perez that Finn Balor always put himself above Judgment Day and informs her that she plans on being in her &  Raquel Rodriguez’s corner tonight.

    -After Morgan leaves Finn Balor sneaks into the club house and tells Perez that she can’t trust Morgan.

    -Perez responds by telling Balor that she’s in with Judgment Day and chooses not to listen to his advice.

    Tag Team Match
    Judgement Day (Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez) defeated Lyra Valkyria & Bayley via Pop Rox on Bayley (9:19)

    -World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns accepts Jacob Fatu’s challenge for Backlash after Fatu locks in the Tongan Death Grip on Reigns.

  • WWE vs AEW: Ultimate Forbidden Door Dream Matches

    WWE vs AEW: Ultimate Forbidden Door Dream Matches

    It’s almost that time of the year. The “Forbidden Door” continues to drive conversation across professional wrestling. While collaboration between promotions has increased, many of the most compelling matchups remain hypothetical. The chances of a WWE x AEW collaboration are slim to none. That gap leaves room for fans to imagine what a truly open landscape could deliver.

    Here is a look at 10 modern dream matches, with each offering a unique reason to believe it could define a cross-promotional super show.

    Seth Rollins vs. Will Ospreay

    Seth Rollins vs. Will Ospreay would likely steal the show on any card. Both are known for constantly evolving their in-ring style, pushing limits in ways few others attempt. It would be fast, unpredictable and filled with moments designed to go viral. Their online beef years ago showed true animosity, and each would love to prove that they are the best in the world.

    ⸻

    Gunther vs. Kazuchika Okada

    Gunther vs. Kazuchika Okada is built for fans who appreciate precision and storytelling. Gunther’s punishing offense would clash with Okada’s calm control and timing. This is the type of match where every strike and counter actually matters. This is the definition of a wrestling match should feel like.

    ⸻

    Rhea Ripley vs. Jamie Hayter

    Rhea Ripley vs. Jamie Hayter would be defined by its physicality. A brutal bar fight that just happens to take place in a squared circle. Both competitors bring a level of intensity that feels different from most of their peers. It would likely be a hard-hitting, no-nonsense fight from start to finish.

    ⸻

    Chad Gable vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

    Chad Gable vs. Zack Sabre Jr is a technical wrestling showcase. ZSJ is not a AEW talent, but we are letting it slide. This is too awesome to ignore. Gable’s Olympic background meets Sabre’s unpredictable submission game, creating endless possibilities. This is the kind of match that rewards fans who pay attention to the smallest details. Put Bryan Danielson on commentary and this would be a wrestling technicians dream.

    ⸻

    Bianca Belair vs. Mercedes Moné

    Bianca Belair vs. Mercedes Moné has the feel of a true main event. Because it already did happen, well, kind of. Bianca vs. Sasha main evented WrestleMania 37. This time it would be even better. Mercedes’ skill set seems to be even better and more evolved since leaving WWE. Both bring elite athleticism and the ability to perform under the brightest lights. It is the type of matchup that could headline a stadium and feel right at home.

    ⸻

    CM Punk vs. ‘Hangman’ Adam Page 

    Yup, you read that correctly. CM Punk vs. Hangman Adam Page carries real-life tension that adds depth. This match with the stakes at hand now would sell out any arena. Their previous encounter only scratched the surface of what the story could be. A rematch would feel more personal, and blur the lines of kayfabe. Fans would genuinely ask themselves “is this real or not?”

    ⸻

    Swerve Strickland vs. Je’Von Evans

    Swerve Strickland vs. Je’Von Evans is a blend of present star power and future potential. Swerve’s confidence and control contrast with Evans’ speed and explosiveness. Swerve acknowledgjng Je’Vons greatness this early on feels like it adds to the mystique. Seeing photos of them together at events feels like seeing Tupac and Biggie without the beef. Swerve adding power and strength to his resume has only made this match even more desirable. This feels like the kind of match that could elevate Evans instantly into the main event scene.

    ⸻

    Kris Statlander vs. Bayley

    Kris Statlander vs. Bayley offers a strong stylistic contrast. Statlander’s strength and physicality would be tested against Bayley’s ring IQ, experience and adaptability. Out of all the matches listed, I think this one has the best chance of happening.It is a matchup that fans see on the card and go “ oh, I have to see this!”

    ⸻

    Becky Lynch vs. Timeless Toni Storm

    Becky Lynch vs. Timeless Toni Storm is as much about character as it is about wrestling. Lynch’s presence and delivery would play well off Storm’s evolving persona. Lynch would be immensely frustrated with the mental gymnastics that Toni would put her through. Characters aside, these two are arguably the best female wrestlers in the world. This is a match that could stand out both inside and outside the ring.

    Kenny Omega vs. Roman Reigns

    Kenny Omega vs. Roman Reigns feels like a collision of two wrestling ideologies, not just two stars. Omega thrives on pace and innovation, and risk, while Reigns slows everything down and makes every moment feel massive. This is like Godzilla vs. King Kong. Jordan vs. LeBron. Stone Cold vs. The Rock. The contrast alone makes this the kind of match fans would analyze for years.

    BONUS MATCH

    Okay, I lied. I couldn’t keep it down to just 10 matches. This is a match that would bring out the worst in tribalism, unfortunately.

    The USO’s vs. The Young Bucks

    The Uso’s vs. The Young Bucks is the tag team dream match fans have debated for years. Blood vs. blood. It is WWE’s most decorated modern team against one of the most influential duos in independent and AEW history. Without The Young Bucks, there is probably no Forbidden Door. The clash of styles, pacing and legacy would make this feel like a true tag team main event. Sure you’ll hear some one complain about the amount of super kicks given, but the amount of money and attention this match would get out weighs all of the petty complaints.

    Final Thoughts


    A truly open Forbidden Door still faces real world complications. Contracts, egos, creative control and brand identity are not small hurdles, and every promotion has something to protect. That reality is why these matches still live more in discussion than in execution.

    From a fan perspective, though, that is part of the appeal. The internet chatter, the fantasy booking and the constant “what if” keep the concept alive in a way that no single event fully could. And if the industry continues to trend toward collaboration, even in small steps, it only takes one breakthrough moment to turn one of these dream matches into something real.

  • Cam’ron: Roman Reigns Does What Triple H Says, The Rock Wouldn’t

    Cam’ron: Roman Reigns Does What Triple H Says, The Rock Wouldn’t

    Cam’ron had something to say after his name was mentioned on the Raw after WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Following the events that unfolded during the week of WrestleMania 42, rapper Cam’ron started some beef with Jey Uso, and it ended with him being pulled over his table and given a couple light scratches from the whole ordeal. However, it didn’t end there and is still continuing.

    After winning the World Heavyweight Championship, Roman Reigns was the final segment this past Monday on WWE Raw where he brought out the Usos and joined in on clowning Cam’ron after the incident with Jey.

    This would spark a response from Cam’ron where he name dropped Paul Levesque (Known in the ring as Triple H) and told the Tribal Chief to keep doing what the boss says before issuing a big challenge for SummerSlam against the Usos on his Instagram.

    “All I can do is laugh at you @romanreigns staying for Monday Night Raw after WrestleMania is like eating thanksgiving leftovers on Monday after thxgvn 🤦🏾‍♂️😂The Rock would Never

    “But you’re @tripleh lil lil employee. You better do what he says

    “@uceyjucey bring ya whole family and let’s settle this in August at #SummerSlam 🤷🏾‍♂️”

    It will be very interesting to see what the next response is from the Bloodline, or if the conversation and subject officially drops here before it escalates to something beyond both sides expectations.

    You can see the Instagram post from Cam’ron talking about Roman Reigns below.

     

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by @mr_camron

  • WWE Raw Results – April 20, 2026

    WWE Raw Results – April 20, 2026

    On April 20th, 2026 WWE aired the 1,717th episode of Raw live in Las Vegas Nevada inside T Mobile Arena & can watch it on Netflix.

    • -Kicking off this week’s Raw with a recap of WrestleMania 42.
    • -Oba Femi comes to the ring & said the ruler as arrived then leaves.
    • -A backstage segment featuring The Kabuki Warriors plays.
    • -Asuka says she aims to remind Iyo Sky how her relationship with Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley is working out for her.
    • -She says Sky not only made her own choice to turn her back on Asuka but tried to corrupt Kairi Sane against her too.
    • -Now she & Sane will teach her to rue that choice.
    • Tag Team Match
      Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky defeated The Kabuki Warriors (Kairi Sane & Asuka) via Over The Moonsault on Sane (11:37)
    • -Adam Pearce congratulated Intercontinental Champion Penta on his win and calls the Ladder match incredible.
    • -He wasn’t sure how Penta could possibly follow that performance.
    • -Je Von Evans congratulated Penta but said he planned to become the Intercontinental Champion soon.
    • -Penta said the title wasn’t leaving him any time soon then Penta left.
    • Pearce introduced Ethan Page to Evans as the newest member of Raw.
    • -Page mocks Evans for thinking he deserved another title shot.
    • -Page said he always gets what he wants and he wants the Intercontinental Title.
    • -Unlike Evans he wouldn’t need a 2nd shot at it.
    • Evans got in his face so Pearce put them in a singles match tonight.
    • -Evans told Page nobody was taking his spot especially not you.
    • -CM Punk said he’s dealing with a lot of loss over the past few months, name-checking Duke Roufus & Larry among several other colleagues and dear friends to have passed away.
    • -He uses that as a segue to his loss at WrestleMania on Sunday, although he admits the losses out of the ring stung him far more.
    • -He says that the support the fans provide him day in and day out is why he doesn’t just break down from all his losses and he knows with their support he’ll find a way to deal with this one too.
    • -He says he could have just stayed at home after losing the World Heavyweight Title the 1st time around but because he stayed ready he landed himself another opportunity and become the champion again.
    • -He says that if he had just broken down and given up then the crowd would be listening to Jey Uso in his position right now.
    • -The crowd boos and he says he doesn’t understand why, he likes to Yeet too.
    • He says he will not be taking vacation after this, because he never knows when an opportunity is going to fall out of the sky.
    • -Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes’ music hits & he comes to the ring.
    • -Rhodes gets in the ring and Punk can’t help but have a look at the eye.
    • -Punk offers to leave as to not step on his toes but Rhodes says this is Monday night Raw and this is his time.
    • Rhodes says he’s the one that feels and looks like a loser, Punk jokes around as to whether that was intended to be a dig at him.
    • -He continues to talk Rhodes and his victory up making the case that it was easier for him to beat Reigns than Rhodes beat Orton due to the nature of their relationships.
    • -Punk admits he was a loser and Rhodes wasn’t but he will stay ready.
    • -He turns his attention to the Undisputed WWE Title because you never know when an opportunity is going to fall out the sky.
    • -Hey Punk Rhodes calls after him as he leaves & said You say when.
    • -A vignette plays for Finn Balor after his victory over Dominik Mysterio on Night 1 of WrestleMania 42 .
    • -He says that he expected the betrayal from Mysterio but it was JD McDonagh that surprised him.
    • -He talks about their history together and how McDonagh had a choice and he chose Mysterio.
    • -He says that tonight, he will take him out.
    • Ethan Page defeated Je Von Evans via Twisting Grin (9:45)
    • -After the match Rusev enters the ring and puts a beat down on Evans.
    • -He cinches in The Accolade until Intercontinental Champion Penta’s music hits and he makes the save.
    • -He almost fights Rusev off before Page returns to help Rusev take him out as well.
    • -Page leaves Rusev to it as he cinches in The Accolade to Penta in the middle of the ring.
    • -Rusev picks up the Intercontinental Title and poses with it.
    • -New Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan says that is the smartest thing the Las Vegas crowd has said all day.
    • -She thanks the entirety of the Judgment Day for helping her get here and then she thanks Stephanie Vaquer for their match.
    • Sol Ruca’s music plays to cut Morgan off.
    • -Ruca says she has been watching Morgan and she is an inspiration to her congratulating her on the title win.
    • -Morgan says she has some nerve interrupting her championship celebration and says because she appreciates the comments she will give her some free advice: she is not Liv Morgan and she should get out of her ring.
    • Pearce comes out before things can boil over bringing Jessika Carr out to book a match between them right away.
    • Non Title Match
      Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan defeated Sol Ruca via ObLIVion (11:54)
    • -A package plays celebrating Brock Lesnar’s career after his seeming retirement at WrestleMania 42.
    • -It features old footage of his collegiate wrestling days, his UFC run complete with an old interview from Dana White and his return to WWE.
    • -Paul Heyman says his name is Paul Heyman.
    • -He says his favorite part about WrestleMania is that he should expect the unexpected and he did not expect what happened to Lesnar at WrestleMania and it will live in his heart forever.
    • -Heyman takes umbrage with the production team for having Lesnar in the Now section of the opening intro demanding that they change it and put him in the Forever section.
    • -Heyman says he wants to talk about the now, the resurgence in the tag team division thanks to Austin Theory & Logan Paul.
    • -Heyman hands the mic over to Paul for a personal message.
    • -Paul goes to speak but he stops as the boos louder when he starts again.
    • -He talks about IShowSpeed being a backstabber is the sole reason they lost at WrestleMania.
    • Heyman saids that he hates these outsiders.
    • -He says nothing that happened matters because IShowSpeed left with a piece of Paul’s fist in his face and he & Theory still left the World Tag Team Champions.
    • -Heyman then resumes and thanks Gunther for what he did at WrestleMania saying that his repayment is ready whenever and wherever he chooses to accept it. But the man he mostly credits is then introduced Bron Breakker making his entrance.
    • -Breakker says it is one year since he became the leader of The Vision, saying Seth Rollins was too weak and adds that his favorite part of WrestleMania was ripping away victory from beneath him.
    • -Rollins’ music hits and The Vision turn their attention to the ramp but he appears in the ring behind them and drops Breakker with a chair to the back.
    • -He falls prey to the numbers game of Theory & Paul before the Street Profits’ theme plays.
    • -They come down to the ring and make the save by taking out Theory & Paul taking them for a brawl into the crowd.
    • -Back in the ring and Breakker has Rollins lined up for a spear.
    • -Rollins catches him mid run with a superkick then sets up for the Curb Stomp but Breakker avoids it and cuts him in half with a spear at last.
    • -Breakker dials up with multiple rope rebounds and drops Rollins with another spear.
    • Finn Balor defeated JD McDonagh via Coup De Grace (6:15)
    • -After the match Dominik Mysterio emerges and attacks Balor from behind but Balor gets the better of Mysterio before McDonagh rescues him.
    • -A backstage segment airs with Gunther being interviewed by Jackie Redmond.
    • -He refuses to answer as to what the favor is he wants from Paul Heyman.
    • -He says people should get used to idea of the World Heavyweight Title around his waist.
    • LA Knight comes into frame and said he would also be pursuing the World Heavyweight Title too.
    • -We cut to Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky crying.
    • -Ripley makes it clear she is leaving for Smackdown but before she does, Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan is there to say I guess I’ll be seeing you around before Ripley turns to her and says I’m looking forward to it.
    • -New World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns says he was going to talk about the future but then he ran into his cousins and it just made sense that he would discuss some family business first.
    • -He says he misses this. He misses being The Usos.
    • -He says that separated and scattered they’re weak and they have people disrespecting them.
    • He says when they were together, they ran the business for 4 years straight.
    • -And he’s not asking them to serve him, he’s asking them to be his blood and stand with him.
    • -Jimmy says he speaks for his brother when he says it, Reigns is the OTC. The Usos stand by Reigns and put their ones up.
    • Then Jacob Fatu’s music hits & Reigns says it’s been a while since the last time he saw him.
    • -There can only be a couple of reasons he would come out here, and he assumes it is to acknowledge him.
    • -Nah, that ain’t it Fatu says.
    • -Reigns says he guesses it’s because he wants the title.
    • -Fatu says he doesn’t want it, he needs it And to be clear, I’m not here to be the Tribal Chief but I need everything the Tribal Chief has.
    • -He needs it, even if he has to go through him before he makes the challenge for Backlash.
    • -Reigns says he wants all those things for him too and maybe he can beat him.
    • -But can he handle the burden of the title. And if he loses, can he handle the burden of having to acknowledge him.
    • -He says he isn’t yes and he’s not saying no. He is giving Fatu until next week to come to a final decision, and he will see him then, little cousin.
    • -As the show goes off air, Reigns can be heard telling Jimmy to talk some sense into Fatu.
  • WWE RAW: Jacob Fatu Challenges Roman Reigns For Backlash

    WWE RAW: Jacob Fatu Challenges Roman Reigns For Backlash

    Roman Reigns is the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion after defeating CM Punk in the main event of WrestleMania. Now, he has a target on his back already, and it’s from his own blood.

    Roman Reigns and The Usos capped off tonight’s Monday Night Raw where Roman Reigns confessed that he misses having The Usos by his side and noted that he doesn’t want them to serve him, he just wants them to stand with him.

    https://x.com/bodyslamnet/status/2046417639304515779?s=46

    Right as Roman and The Usos were about to pose together, Jacob Fatu’s music hit and he made his way out. Roman asked if he was there to acknowledge him, which he said no. He’s here because he needs the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

    Fatu said he needs everything Roman has. The shoe deals, the cars, the houses, the jewelry, the good schooling for his kids, and he needs that world title at Backlash. Roman Reigns said he wants all of that for him too, but can Fatu handle the burden?

    (more…)

  • The Wrestlemania Rundown: The Cody Edition

    The Wrestlemania Rundown: The Cody Edition

    Wrestlemania 42 is officially in the books and.. boy did it fly by! It came and it went. What a weekend. Welcome to the Wrestlemania Rundown: The Cody Edition. Where I give my thoughts and opinions and you either agree or disagree. Let’s get into it!

    I want to get this out of the way. In my humble opinion, night 2 saved the weekend. Night 2 had the star power, the matches, and the build for these matches were better than half of the matches on night 1.

    So let’s start from the top. John Cena comes out and welcomes everyone back for night 2 of Wrestlemania after a historic and incredible night 1. Now I don’t know what show Cena watched. But I don’t think we watched the same one. He hyped up Oba VS Lesnar and then walked away.

    First up, was the match I have been looking forward to since it was announced, Oba VS Lesnar. Now I’ve seen a lot of people say that the match was way too short. Here’s the thing. For me it lived up to the expectations. This match was made to make Oba Femi look strong and it did just that. It gave Oba his mania moment. It was chaos, it was fun, and the people love Femi. The talk of the night was the ending. When the match was over, Lesnar stayed back and took his gloves and boots off and laid them in the ring. Heyman and Lesnar were very emotional to close it as he left the ring. So is he retired? I don’t think so. But we shall see. Rating: 8/10

    Next up, the 6 man ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship. The attires? On point. The match? Incredible, this match was everything I expected it to be and more. It had the athleticism, the crowd was in it, it had the spots, and the moments. It was a true Wrestlemania style ladder match. I truly didn’t expect Penta to win but to my surprise he did and I was very okay with it. Rating: 9.5/10

    Up next, Trick Williams VS Sami Zayn for the United States Championship. This match was good. I wish I had more and Trick got showcased more than he did, this match seemed to of flew by. Trick is over and Vegas HATED Sami. Trick winning the title was the right call. WWE needs to continue pushing him to the moon. Rating: 7/10

    Next was the return of the alter ego. The Demon. Dirty Dom Mysterio VS Finn Balor. Before I go into the match I just wanna say. These entrances were fantastic. The king of the luchadores entrance was great and the return of the demon was excellent. I said out loud during Finn’s entrance “he actually looks happy and looks like he’s having fun”. The match itself lived up to the story. It had everything. The addition of the street fight stipulation was a welcomed one and I feel like added a little more excitement. However I wish I had more. More outside of the ring moments and maybe even some in the crowd moments. But this match was great. I would say this was probably my 3rd favorite match of the night. 8.5/10

    Next was the Woman’s Championship match. First things first. I hated that Rhea came out last with no special entrance. I get that they may of done that for a reason but I just didn’t enjoy it. This match was pretty good. Another match I think we needed more of. The addition of IYO got a huge pop and I was very happy with that. Rhea winning was okay. We knew it would happen. I was hoping for a swerve and they kept building Jade up and getting her better but I guess not. Let’s see what’s next for her. Rating: 7/10

    The Danhausen segment was incredible. I loved everything about it and I love that they are going all in on Danhausen. He is incredible and very good for WWE.

    The main event. The match to end the weekend. Incredible, outstanding. I have so many words I could use but you would be reading this for a while. This match was everything. We knew that Roman would most likely be winning this one and at the end of the night. He ultimately did. I’m interested to see what they do with Punk now. How often is Roman going to show up? Is this ultimately leading to Riyadh for the rumored Rock VS Roman match? I guess we will wait and see. Rating: 9/10

    That’s it! Mania is over and in the books. The build now begins for the next one. Obviously we still have the Raw after Mania which is normally a very big show as well as the Smackdown after Mania. What’s in store? Who knows! It’s post Wrestlemania season.. anything can happen! But for now I give Wrestlemania 42 an overall rating of 7/10.

    Thank you for joining me on the Wrestlemania Rundown: The Cody Edition. Maybe this will become a thing for all PLE’s. Who knows! But until then remember to subscribe to Bodyslam.net and follow us for all things wrestling.

     

  • Night 2 Entrances Longer Than Several Matches Across WrestleMania

    Night 2 Entrances Longer Than Several Matches Across WrestleMania

    WrestleMania has faced growing criticism from fans due to the heavy presence of commercials and the overall match length across both Night 1 and Night 2.

    The conversation intensified during the Night 2 main event, where the entrances for Roman Reigns and CM Punk lasted a combined 12 minutes and 26 seconds. Reigns’ entrance clocked in at 6:29, while Punk’s entrance lasted 5 minutes and 57 seconds.

    Notably, a commercial break lasting nearly 8 minutes aired right before the main event, further adding to fan frustration regarding the show’s pacing.

    When compared to match times across both nights, the entrances alone were longer than several bouts on the card:

    • Women’s Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match: 8 minutes
    • Becky Lynch vs. AJ Lee: 8 minutes
    • Liv Morgan vs. Stephanie Vaquer: 7 minutes
    • The Usos & LA Knight vs. Vision/Speed: 7 minutes
    • United States Title Match: 7 minutes and 6 seconds
    • Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill: 10 minutes and 9 seconds
    • Finn Bálor vs. Dominik Mysterio (Street Fight): 10 minutes and 25 seconds
    • Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar: 4 minutes and 48 seconds

    The issue, however, is not necessarily presentation over substance, but rather the amount of time allocated to advertising. Many fans pointed out that commercials and non-wrestling segments significantly impacted how much in-ring action each match received.

    With WrestleMania being WWE’s biggest annual event, the balance between commercial commitments and match quality has become a major point of discussion coming out of the weekend.