This week’s show begins in typical fashion, with the usual pyro and ballyhoo. After the formalities subside, we head down to ringside.
Titus O’Neil vs. Justin Gabriel
Tom Phillips reminds us that Justin Gabriel is a three-time tag champ, which is a stat that’s pretty easy to forget because they really don’t play it up that much. The bell sounds and Gabriel sounds out Titus before O’Neil hauls off and chucks him into the corner. Gabriel comes back and tries to counterO’neil’s power with some high flying and fast-paced moves, O’Neil succeeds in slowing Gabriel down, hitting a big backbreaker, clubbing on him a bit and then bringing him to the middle of the ring for a bear hug.
Gabriel eventually fires things back up, wearing down Titus with some kicks and hi-octane material but O’Neil signals the beginning of the end with a big boot, ultimately landing “Clash of the Titus” for the win.
Result: Titus O’Neil defeats Justin Gabriel via pinfall
We get a look at Eva Marie on the cover of Muscle and Fitness and then WWE re-racks Hulk Hogan’s appearance on Monday Night Raw. From there, we check out the IC title rematch between Dolph Ziggler and Luke Harper and then we go back to the squared circle for more action.
Erick Rowan vs. Cesaro
The big guys lock up and grapple but it isn’t long before Rowan gets on top of things. Cesaro gets planted into a turnbuckle and stages a brief comeback until Rowan puts him on the mat. Big Red takes it to the Swiss Superman in the corner and Cesaro turns the tables with a thumb to the eye.
Rowan gets things in hand again, landing a fall-away slam on Cesaro, followed by a bodyslam. Cesaro knocks Rowan outside the ring, regaining control for a lengthy stretch. The “Cesaro Swing” is the highlight of this portion of the match and although Cesaro is largely dominant, he can’t seal the deal with a submission or pinfall. Rowan gets another shot at a win and the two battle back and forth but Rowan ultimately carries the day, putting Cesaro away with a big full-nelson slam and the pinfall.
Result: Erick Rowan defeats Cesaro via pinfall.
To round out the show, we get a replay of the Dean Ambrose/Bray Wyatt “Miracle on 34th Street Fight” and then this one’s in the can.
