WWE’s impressive streak of European Premium Live Events (PLEs) continued as Berlin, Germany, hosted its first-ever WWE PLE, the WWE Bash in Berlin. The event featured three championship matches and two highly anticipated grudge matches. The crowd, known for its fervor, lived up to the reputation of European audiences. Let’s dive into how the matches at WWE Bash in Berlin unfolded:
WWE Championship
After multiple tag team outings, Cody Rhodes finally granted Kevin Owens a title shot at WWE Bash in Berlin. The rivalry had been relatively subdued, apart from the final SmackDown, where the focus was on Cody’s injured leg. Many fans, including myself, hoped for a match on par with Cody’s Backlash 2024 encounter with AJ Styles. The main question was whether Owens would turn heel at WWE Bash in Berlin.
The crowd was electric from the start as the match opened with a handshake. This bout at WWE Bash in Berlin showcased how well they knew each other, with each man anticipating the other’s moves flawlessly.
The pivotal moment came when Cody attempted a top rope maneuver, only for his knee to buckle. Owens then faced a moral dilemma: should he exploit Cody’s injury? Ultimately, he chose not to. Owens even set Cody up for an Apron Powerbomb but hesitated, a decision that cost him the match at WWE Bash in Berlin. Cody recovered and secured the victory with a CrossRhodes. Owens didn’t turn heel this night, but this feud seems far from over. It’s likely that Owens will realize his reluctance cost him the title and revert to his Prizefighter persona.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match
The Unholy Union of Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn defended their titles against Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill at WWE Bash in Berlin. Despite an underwhelming build, the match at WWE Bash in Berlin exceeded expectations, further amplified by the energetic crowd. Belair dominated early, but the Unholy Union’s teamwork kept her at bay. Eventually, Cargill got the hot tag, clearing the ring with an array of moves on both Fyre and Dawn. The match evolved into a chaotic tornado tag encounter, with action spilling everywhere. In the end, Belair and Cargill executed a double-team finisher to win the championship for the second time at WWE Bash in Berlin.
CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre (Strap Match)
CM Punk and Drew McIntyre faced off in the second match of their heated feud at WWE Bash in Berlin. While the strap match stipulation felt a bit off, the intensity of their rivalry was undeniable. The match was a brutal display of their mutual hatred, with both men using the strap to inflict maximum pain. The table spot was particularly well-executed at WWE Bash in Berlin.
The best moment came in the final sequence. After slowing the pace, Punk hit a GTS and touched two turnbuckles. He then hit another GTS and touched the third. Finally, after removing McIntyre’s strap, Punk delivered one last GTS and touched the fourth turnbuckle to win the match at WWE Bash in Berlin. With the series now tied at 1-1, a rubber match is inevitable to settle the score.
Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley vs. “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio & Liv Morgan
Following the shocking twist at SummerSlam, The Judgment Day storyline continued to gain momentum at WWE Bash in Berlin. The Terror Twins—Damian and Rhea—have been relentlessly pursuing the remnants of The Judgment Day, particularly Dom and Liv. While the culmination of this feud will likely be Damian’s personal rivalry with Finn Balor, this match at WWE Bash in Berlin was an essential step in the process. Dom and Liv leaned into their heel tactics throughout the match, with Dom even apologizing to Rhea and attempting to hug her to save himself, only for Liv to capitalize and attack her.
After double Razor’s Edge, The Judgment Day interfered. Dom seized the moment to hit a frog splash, but Damian kicked out. Despite The Judgment Day’s attempts to distract the referee and attack Damian, he prevailed, hitting Dom with a clothesline. Rhea then delivered a Riptide on Liv, securing the victory for the Terror Twins at WWE Bash in Berlin. The feud is far from over as the storyline remains red-hot.
World Heavyweight Championship Match
Gunther’s first title defense was a rematch of the King of the Ring final against Randy Orton at WWE Bash in Berlin. Gunther challenged himself to defeat Randy cleanly in front of a familiar European audience. The build had a compelling story, and the match delivered with a slow, methodical pace. This match at WWE Bash in Berlin differed significantly from their KOTR encounter, with the preference for which was better left to individual taste. Gunther’s exceptional psychological selling was on full display as he faced one of the best psychological wrestlers in the industry.
Randy targeted Gunther’s arm to neutralize his powerful chops. The backdrop on the steel steps and the powerbomb all built towards a climactic finish. The end came when Gunther applied a sleeper hold. Randy almost countered with an RKO but was caught back in the hold. Randy rose with Gunther on his back, breaking the hold momentarily, but Gunther re-applied the sleeper mixed with elbow strikes. Randy passed out, and Gunther retained the championship at WWE Bash in Berlin. After the match, the two men showed mutual respect with a handshake.
Conclusion
Overall, WWE Bash in Berlin was a solid B-level PLE. The in-ring action compensated for the shorter-than-usual build. With the next PLE, Bad Blood, slated for October 5, we have over a month to build up the matches. Fans can expect a mix of fresh rivalries and the continuation of some ongoing storylines.