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Becky Lynch vs. Doudrop was next and what was the biggest singles bout for Doudrop ended up, sadly, losing a lot of the crowd heat to a burning Wrestlemania sign in the building. That reminds me of the time I went to Halloween Havoc in 1992 in Philly because I wanted to see Rick Rude vs. Masa Chono as they had a great match in Japan and this was the rematch annnnnd they spent 25 minutes in a chinlock because there was an insane fight in the upper deck of the Philadelphia Civic Center that destroyed all interest in their bout. Lynch and Doudrop worked hard here but it was a losing battle live and I hope no one internally blames Doudrop for that. They had some nice near falls but there was no drama or moment where it felt like Lynch's title run was in jeopardy. But, this was solid all the way through. They just had the worst timing ever because of what was happening beyond their sphere of influence.
Bobby Lashley vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE title was next. This had a big fight feel for sure. WWE did right in their build. This needs to be Kong vs. Godzilla. The crowd giving Paul Heyman's lines alongside him was ridiculously loud. I liked that Lashley was able to absorb the early German suplex and then was the one putting the beating on Lesnar after escaping the F5. Lashley hit some nice, physical moves before wiping out the barricade going for a spear. That never gets old watching it. Brock began whipping out suplex after suplex, with some looking pretty rough. It tooked like Lashley came down bad on his shoulder during one of them.
Lashley came back with the Hurt Lock which has been the killer finisher for Bobby for a long time. Lesnar fought to escape and they crashed into the referee, because of course they did. Lesnar nailed a F5 but no zebras available. Roman Reigns hit the ring and speared Brock, so as if there was ANY doubt, we are getting that at Wrestlemania in Dallas. He held his hand out and Paul Heyman handed Roman the WWE title. Roman smashed him with it. Lashley covered him and won the title.
Heyman walked out with Roman.
Well, I think it looks like Booker T did indeed spoil the Rumble during the pre-shoiw and that Lesnar will enter win and challenge Roman at Mania.
This match was a lot of fun until they went into angle mode and that was weak, because Brock is a BEAST and one title shot to the dome takes him out? Seemed a little odd. Hopefully, we get another helping of this match down the line, though.
Mixed tag time with Beth Phoenix & Edge vs. Maryse & Miz. Maryse ran from Beth early like she was Jimmy Hart trying to evade Jerry Lawler in the Mid-South Coliseum. Miz challenge Edge to fight. It was Edge all the way until Maryse interfered, allowing Miz to take over and work him over. This wasn't smooth at times but the crowd was entertained and you had to live the Stereo Glamslams at the end. Miz always played a great foil for babyfaces and this was no exception.
Men's Rumble Thoughts on Page 3!
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