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WWE introduced a new entrance set for its non-televised events, basically a scaled-down model of what we see on TV. They had a small camera crew to film the wrestlers’ entrances, as well as the victors as they left the ring, and broadcast them on the Jumbotron.
Greg Hamilton came out about a half hour before the show started to warm up the crowd. He talked about how excited WWE was to be back after 500 days, and ran down the card. They showed fan tweets on the big screen.
The WWE “Welcome Back” video played.
1. Women’s tag team champions Natalya & Tamina beat Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler.
Greg Hamilton introduced Sheamus. Sheamus said that he would not be putting his title on the line, but dared someone to challenge him. Drew McIntyre’s music played.
2. Drew McIntyre beat United States champion Sheamus in a non-title match. Jinder Mahal attacked McIntyre before the bell rang. Mahal got involved again after Drew scored the win with a Claymore; Drew gave him a Claymore as well.
3. Smackdown women’s champion Bianca Belair pinned Carmella.
4. WWE champion Bobby Lashley beat Kofi Kingston by submission. This was originally announced as a handicap match: Lashley vs. New Day. Before the match, Lashley reminded us that the card is subject to change, and that as champion he can make changes. New Day’s music played, but no one came out. They then showed footage of Xavier Woods laid out backstage. Kofi demanded that Adam Pearce put him in the match, and Pearce granted his request.
An Usos promo aired.
Hamilton shilled merchandise, including a special Pittsburgh Live Event t-shirt and limited copies of posters signed by John Cena.
*INTERMISSION*
5. Riddle pinned AJ Styles. Omos interfered early in the match, until Charles Robinson sent him back to the delight of the crowd. Riddle did Randy Orton’s signature pose before and after the match.
6. Raw women’s champion Nikki A.S.H. beat Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley in a triple-threat match. Rhea was clearly the favorite here, as I heard several “Let’s Go Rhea!” and “Rhea! Rhea!” chants during the match. Nikki got a smattering of boos during her introduction.
7. John Cena and Rey & Dominik Mysterio beat Roman Reigns and The Usos. Before the match, Reigns took the mic and asked Pittsburgh to acknowledge him. This was a match largely dominated by the established tag teams; Reigns and Cena spent most of the match on the apron. The crowd chanted “We Want Cena!” throughout the match, and popped when Dominik finally tagged him in. Towards the end, Cena had Jey up for the Attitude Adjustment, only for Jimmy to push them into the referee and knock him to the floor. Reigns came in and gave all three opponents a Superman Punch, celebrating alone in the ring. Cena made a quick comeback, pinning Jey with the Attitude Adjustment.
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