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WWE Cruiserweight champion Cedric Alexander vs. Kalisto
They spotlighted the Arabic announcing team before the bout.
It was noted this is their first-ever singles meeting.
They had some nice back and forth counter-wrestling, working over each other's arms. They went back and forth and faced off. Kalisto used a rana into a head scissors. Alexander tossed him over the top but he caught himself. He ducked as Alexander charged, sending Cedric to the floor. Kalisto hit a springboard seated senton to the floor.
Kalisto tossed him in and went back to the top but this time, Alexander moved. He sent Kalisto to the floor and nailed a big tope con hilo to the floor. Alexander followed up with a big dropkick for a two count. Alexander used a waistlock to try and ground down Kalisto on the mat. I wonder if George South taught him that. Kalisto nailed a kick to the head and hit a springboard bodypress for a two count. Kalisto followed up with several other big moves for two counts, including a great looking swinging DDT.
Alexander caught Kalisto coming out of the corner and scooped him into a Michinoku Driver. Kalisto caught him with a kick to the jaw as Cedric went to ascend to the top. They battled on the ropes. Kalisto went for a top rope rana but was caught. Kalisto battled his way out and used the ropes as a springboard for a Spanish Fly variation for a close two count. That was a cool move!
Kalisto worked over Alexander, who fired back. Cedric nailed a back elbow. He went for the Lumbar Check but it was blocked. Kalisto went for the Salina del Sol but that was maneuvered into the Lumbar Check and Alexander scored the pin.
Your winner and still WWE Cruiserweight Champion, Cedric Alexander!
Very good match with some great flurries of action and reversals. They really took it to each other and it was a fun, competitive match. Really enjoyable.
Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt vs. The Bar for Vacant Raw Tag Team Championship.
Hardy and Wyatt had control early on Sheamus. Cesaro hit the ring but was run out of the ring. Hardy nailed a clothesline and a neckbreaker on Sheamus for a two count. The crowd was LOUD with "Delete" chants. Cesaro distracted the referee, allowed Sheamus to drill Hardy with a big clothesline. Matt rolled to the outside, where Sheamus drilled him across the back of the neck and tossed him back in. Sheamus locked in a front facelock. He and Cesaro drilled Matt with stereo kicks in the corner, allowing Cesaro to garner a two count.
The Bar followed up with a double clothesline. Sheamus drilled Hardy with a knee across the chest for a two count. Cesaro tagged in, whipped Hardy into the corner and nailed a big uppercut for another near fall. Wyatt was trying to rally Matt from their corner. Bray finally got the hot tag and looked good dishing out offense.
All four battled. Cesaro and Hardy crashed to the outside. Sheamus set up for the Brogue Kick but was shocked by Bray doing the Spider-walk. He missed the kick and was caught with Sister Abigail. Bray elevated Sheamus into the air for a Twist of Fate from Matt, who then scored the pin on Sheamus.
Your winners and new Raw Tag Team champions, Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt!
Good, solid match with good work from all involved.
So far, three good matches.
They reviewed the Jeff Hardy United States title win over Jinder Mahal.
WWE United States Champion Jeff Hardy vs. Jinder Mahal with Sunil Singh.
Mahal went right after Hardy, drilling him with right hands. The story is that Hardy came into the match with an injured knee. He used the ropes to kick Jinder on the floor and sailed off the guard rail with a clothesline. The Champion tossed Jinder back into the ring but when he followed, Sunil Singh grabbed his back leg. Hardy kicked him off but Jinder attacked him. Mahal nailed a series of knees and stomped Hardy before sending him into the buckles.
Jinder rebounded off the ropes and came down with a big kneedrop for a two count, then locked in an armbar. He worked over Jeff for some time. Hardy nailed several kicks and used a mule kick off the ropes in the corner. Hardy ripped off his shirt to prepare for the swanton, but caught Sunil getting on the apron. Jeff nailed him but was attacked by Jinder. Jeff nailed the Twist of Fate and ascended to the top for the swanton, scoring the pin.
Your winner and still WWE United States champion, Jeff Hardy!
Nothing much to see here.
They aired a video about changes coming to Saudi Arabia culturally, credited to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.
Mike Rome interviewed Chris Jericho about competing in the Greatest Royal Rumble. Jericho said it is great to be back in WWE especially in Saudi Arabia. Jericho put over all the competitors who are in the Rumble bout. Jericho said he can feel it could be his night. He kept called Rome Tom Phillips and they went back and forth with that bit, ending with Rome making the list. Jericho then said the camera man, the sound guy and even creative team member Ed Koskey all made the list for laughing at Rome. Good promo. Jericho seemed like he was happy to be back.
The Kickoff panel reviewed the remainder of the event.
WWE Smackdown Tag Team Champions The Bludgeon Brothers vs. The Usos
Harper and Rowan were in charge early on. Jey was worked over for a long time. Harper went up and over the top in scary fashion after missing a big boot. Jimmy Uso made the hot tag and his a dive to the outside on Harper. He nailed a bodypress on Rowan. Uso nailed a hip attack on Harper but was still wiped out. Harper went for a powerbomb but Jimmy slipped out. Jey tagged in and they nailed stereo boots in the corner. They double teamed him. Jey nailed a top rope splash but Harper kicked out.
The Bludgeon Brothers took control and nailed the double powerbomb for the win.
Your winners and still WWE Smackdown Tag Team Champions, The Bludgeon Brothers!
Coverage will continue on Page 3!
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