For the first time, WWE held a live pay-per-view level (now called PLE) event from Germany aptly titled Bash in Berlin. In what was a straightforward PLE without much distraction from matches or programs outside of those on tonight’s card, the WWE universe helped this event deliver. The Uber Arena would see if Gunther indeed ruled Germany along with two other title matches. Rowdy-crowdy for them all!
Berlin…Bashed In
Bash in Berlin opened to a rowdy crowd that didn’t disappoint! The fans’ chants and songs are among the best for a live PLE event since WWE has been focusing on these international shows. Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens kicked the show off for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
The action was hard-hitting and intense with these two throughout. Still, the storyline focused on Owens not capitalizing on Rhodes’s injured knee and not delivering a powerbomb to Cody on the ring apron during a critical juncture of the match. Owens attacked Cody’s injured knee, but it was too late, and the American Nightmare recovered quickly. In the final flurry, Owens connected with Cody’s knees instead of hitting the Swanton on the champion, leaving him reeling. The two were evenly matched, but final crossroads from Cody for the win.
CM Punk Straps Drew McIntyre in Decisive Win
A strap was the least of Drew McIntyre’s worries for this fun but rare stipulation that WWE likes to pull out occasionally. Each competitor annihilated the other with their finishing moves throughout the contest, seeing multiple Claymore Kicks and GTSs used on their opponent during the match and not saved for just the ending.
Michael Cole did a great job explaining how the corner lights would reset and which superstar was ahead in the count, as the winner could only be declared by touching all four corners consecutively before your opponent could gain any offense. It seems that CM Punk won dominantly after hitting the GTS on McIntyre after every corner in the final sequence. Strong outing from “the best in the world.”
Gunther Weathers the Emotion to Retain
The main event was for the World Heavyweight Championship! Randy Orton and Gunther battled in a slow, methodical match that was well-paced and more about grappling and brute strength than big spots. The crowd was electric, with several chants and waves, as they were a dynamic part of this match. The fans were going just as crazy for headlocks and reversals as they were for thunderous chops by each man, providing a ton of emotion.
A change in the slow pace led to some stairs and table bashing of Gunther outside the ring. Gunther kicked out at the two-and-a-half count after an RKO for a close fall. Eventually, Gunther wore down Orton with multiple sleeper holds on the mat until the Viper’s hand would not raise. Gunther retains…Gunther Rules. He is not only the champion but also the King of the Ring.
Additional Highlights
New Women’s Tag Team Champions: Jade Cargill and Biana Belair defeated The Unholy Union to recapture the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. You know that Cargill and Belair always bring it, and they did….and in doing so, also brought the titles home. This will set the new champions up for storylines going into the end of the year and possibly until WrestleMania.
“Dirty” Dom Mysterio and Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan vs The Terror Twins: We saw the Terror Twins, Priest and Ripley, triumph in this mixed tag match. They weathered a Judgement Day storm, with all members getting involved, but also got revenge on Dom and Morgan. The match featured a fantastic spot for Double Razor’s Edge, in addition to flying assaults by Finn Balor and the rest of Judgement Day. Even though Judgement Day often gives us the same thing, it still feels fresh. That takes great booking. Decisive win from Ripley.
Bash in Berlin Review
Cody Rhodes vs Kevin Owens: B+
Both of these men were great in this outing. The story was told involving Cody’s injured leg vs Owen’s true motivations, but the greater fact is that these two can go and they did tonight. Evenly matched, which made it solid for the top belt in the game.
Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair vs The Unholy Union: C+
This championship match, while nothing wrong with it, was not the greatest tag team match that you will ever see. The combatants, though, all performed at a high level and saw that great tandem finishing move from Cargill and Belair. Entertaining, and new champions crowned.
Strap Match – CM Punk vs Drew McIntyre: A-
The initial slower pace and feeling out stage of this match quickly became a match much more about these two hitting big moves and finishers on one another throughout. Punk even had McIntyre tapping out repeatedly at one point, which doesn’t cause Drew to lose or Punk to win. The stipulation of touching all four corners was done decisively for the end run, and Punk has taken this feud to the next level.
“Dirty” Dom and Liv Morgan vs The Terror Twins: A-
A highly entertaining outing that was booked for the perfect time of the show. This match kept the energy in the building as loud and raucous as any of the night. Even though we know what type of match The Judgment Day will give us, it was still a hit in terms of action and storyline.
Randy Orton vs Gunther: B+
Gunther ruled in this match, but Randy represented why he is one of the greatest of all time. We knew that we would get another great contest between these two competitors, but maybe not the slower-paced T-Rex action and mat wrestling that built the pace in this match.
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