- 4 months ago
WWE Wrestlepalooza 9/20/25 – September 20, 2025
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FunTranscript
00:00Skullduggery and no one specializes in that better than Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.
00:06Both champions, Rollins the world champ, Becky the Intercontinental Champion.
00:11And now Seth counters Punk there.
00:16Rollins with Punk up, Punk lands on his feet.
00:20Something has to give.
00:22And Punk with a suplex.
00:30And now he has an opportunity way to make a tag.
00:33Both men clearly feeling exhaustion.
00:35They've taken 90% of this match up to themselves.
00:38It's supposed to obviously be a tag match, but imminently the tag part might come into play.
00:44Can Punk get to AJ Lee?
00:47Dying to get into this match up.
00:49Punk needs to get to AJ Lee.
00:51And if I was Seth Rollins, I would not wanna tag Becky Lynch, and he does not.
00:55Yeah, Rollins wisely cuts Punk off, doesn't allow him to get to his partner.
01:01Do not want a fresh, fired-off, energy-infused AJ Lee with all the momentum,
01:07this audience pulling her along, getting tagged into this one.
01:11You see the look of concern on AJ's face?
01:14Well, AJ realizes this might be over without her being legally brought into the match.
01:18What a return that would be.
01:20Great strategy by Rollins and Becky.
01:23Drawn up to perfection, masterful.
01:26Again, stalemate center of the ring.
01:31Rollins trying to hold up Punk, who's now trying to move Rollins back toward the corner.
01:35So you're gonna make a tag to AJ Lee.
01:37Can Punk get there?
01:38He's close.
01:39Inching close and needs this in the worst way.
01:42Punk, finger tips away.
01:44Becky Lynch into the ring.
01:45Tag man!
01:46Reg didn't see it!
01:47Reg didn't see it!
01:48Great move by Becky.
01:49And now the double team by Rollins and Lynch.
01:52AJ Lee should be legal here.
01:55They don't like it.
02:01Look at Rollins using his wife as a weapon.
02:05Military press to Becky Lynch.
02:08And tossing around to Punk, who moves out of harm's way!
02:13Rollins made a critical error!
02:15Well, that completely backfired.
02:17It's the first thing that has gone wrong for Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.
02:21Becky in deep trouble.
02:26Rollins can't believe that he just dropped his wife as Punk moved out of harm's way.
02:32Yeah, comedy to AJ Lee and recovery time importantly for CM Punk.
02:36And Rollins letting his rage get the best of him.
02:39Punk now able to slip away and now he's got a chance.
02:43Can he make it to AJ Lee?
02:44It really is now or never CM Punk make that tag.
02:49And this thing is blown away!
02:53Oh no!
02:54Becky Lynch again preventing AJ Lee from tagging into this matchup.
02:59And this has been a master class, Wade, by Lynch and Rollins.
03:03Everything you need to do behind a referee's back is an absolute specialty for Rollins and Lynch.
03:12And the Falcon Arrow by Seth Rollins.
03:13Cover now for the win and a kick out!
03:16God, can you imagine being CM Punk?
03:19If you get pinned here, you lose the match and you never tag your wife in on her big return.
03:26Well, he's trying, it's not like he's-
03:27Hey, I'm not-
03:28I'm not disputing that, but imagine that conversation in the car home.
03:32Yeah, that wouldn't go over well, huh?
03:34There's gonna be a lot of silence.
03:35A long drive back to Chicago.
03:37Some flowers bought in the morning pass.
03:39And now Rollins mocking AJ Lee here.
03:42I mean, that's pretty funny.
03:45I didn't think so.
03:46I didn't get the joke.
03:47I get you.
03:48I get you.
03:49Humor's an individual thing.
03:53Welcome back, AJ.
03:58A lot of words running through my mind right now to call Seth Rollins.
04:09I mean, this has been so bitter, that's the point.
04:16This is ridiculous, it's embarrassing.
04:23What is it?
04:24And he's gonna pay for it!
04:25Punk scooping Rollins up!
04:26Looking for the GPS!
04:28Boom!
04:29Punk can't capitalize, physically spent.
04:35Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!
04:38Hey, hey!
04:39Please, please, hey, hey, hey, hey!
04:42The goading, the mockery went on just a bit too long and running on fumes.
04:47CM Punk hits his nuclear missile right to the jaw.
04:52Now Becky, trying to wake her husband up as CM Punk tries to drag himself across the ring.
04:57Becky Lynch does not want the tag to happen, AJ Lee.
05:00Becky hanging on for dear life.
05:07Tag!
05:19Uh-oh!
05:21Here comes AJ!
05:27There's press!
05:33AJ Lee power away Lynch!
05:38For the first time in a decade, AJ Lee in the ring!
05:42Ten years plus of pent-up offense exploding in the face of Becky Lynch!
05:48There's no escape!
05:50And you gotta admit, Becky Lynch deserves all of this!
05:53The one thing Becky Lynch desperately was trying to avoid!
05:58One, two, three!
05:59And there's no way out now!
06:01AJ Lee, a former three-time Divas Champion,
06:04held the title over 400 days during those three reigns.
06:09An absolute trailblazer who made everyone believe that more was possible!
06:15Three!
06:16Four!
06:17Five!
06:18Six!
06:19Seven!
06:20Eight!
06:21Nine!
06:22Eight!
06:23Uh-oh!
06:24AJ in trouble!
06:26And takes down Becky!
06:29What a big spin kick!
06:34Just seamlessly getting back to the level she was at in the past!
06:39How impressive is AJ Lee?
06:41AJ sliding under the bottom rope, now gonna climb up top.
06:44AJ Lee gonna fly, cross-bound, body to Lynch, lateral press, hooks both legs, kick out!
06:51AJ Lee is looking razor sharp!
06:56Take a look at this offense from AJ Lee, fully committed to that lateral press!
07:03You should die!
07:04You should die!
07:09You should die!
07:10You should die!
07:11You should die!
07:12Cut the words right out of my mouth, Indy!
07:16Interesting.
07:17Here in Indianapolis, Becky Lynch has never won a match in this city.
07:22Wild swing to the face of AJ Lee, that ball room.
07:25And Lee now having fun paint brushing Lynch here.
07:30Payback for what Lynch did to CM Punk.
07:33And look at AJ go, that unorthodox offensive style.
07:36Just windmilling.
07:37Uh-oh.
07:39That was about the only thing that would stop AJ.
07:48Oh!
07:49And now AJ Lee, taking the fight to Rollins!
07:54The ultimate payback!
07:56And Becky...
08:00Uh-oh!
08:01The manhandle slam, AJ Lee lands on her feet, kick right to the midsection of Lynch.
08:06And now look at...
08:08Oh, AJ taking up on Becky and Seth!
08:18Going for that wheelbarrow bulldog, but...
08:22Oh!
08:23Sliced breath!
08:24Cover!
08:25The boy's a walk!
08:26That was one of the most unique sight I've ever seen.
08:29It worked to perfection, but didn't quite get the job done.
08:33What else have you got, AJ Lee?
08:35One, two, three!
08:37AJ simply rolling, taking out anything that moves.
08:41This Tornado DDT with little assist from Seth Freak and Rollins,
08:47and then this sliced bread taking out two.
08:50Not quite cutting away the Intercontinental champ, Becky Lynch.
08:54And now Punk and AJ talking strategy.
08:57Rollins and Lynch in the corner in trouble.
08:59And AJ with the patented Punk running knee.
09:02Six to nine.
09:03And now the Bulldogs!
09:04Six to nine.
09:05And the Shining Wizard!
09:06That's AJ's move!
09:07That is one tight power couple, ride or dies!
09:08And this is the pro level skip!
09:09Exactly, Seth, this is how it's done.
09:10Looked like she was going for that Black Widow submission move, and Becky Lynch though,
09:17looking for her disarmor.
09:19AJ rolls her up and a kick out!
09:21Go for a ground-based version, Cole!
09:22Yes, indeed, and Becky Lynch in trouble.
09:23You wonder if Becky's gonna tap out to this.
09:24But great counter by Becky, turning into a pinning combination.
09:28Now AJ Lee!
09:29Black Widow, timeout Becky!
09:30Can she completely lock it in?
09:31Center of the ring?
09:32Perhaps!
09:33What's going on?
09:34What's going on?
09:35Looked like she was going for that Black Widow submission move, and Becky Lynch though,
09:37looking for her disarmor.
09:38AJ rolls her up and a kick out!
09:39Go for a ground-based version, Cole!
09:40Yes, indeed, and Becky Lynch in trouble.
09:41You wonder if Becky's gonna tap out to this.
09:43But great counter by Becky, turning into a pinning combination.
09:47Now AJ Lee!
09:52Black Widow, timeout Becky!
09:54Can she completely lock it in?
09:56Center of the ring?
09:57Perhaps!
09:58What's Becky gonna do?
09:59Is she gonna tap out?
10:00Pump gonna run interference on Rollins!
10:02Takes down Rollins!
10:04Step through!
10:06Trying to slap on a sharpshooter!
10:08And he does!
10:09Sharpshooter!
10:10Sharpshooter!
10:11Black Widow!
10:12Sharpshooter!
10:13Black Widow!
10:14Am I gonna double tap out here?
10:16Ugh!
10:17Rollins trying to make it into the wrong crowd back from the center of the ring!
10:20Punk and AJ!
10:24Wow, look.
10:25Rollins able to escape.
10:27So inventive is Rollins.
10:28Not quite sure how he managed it.
10:30I think he raked the eyes.
10:32And now Rollins gonna break up the Black Widow.
10:35Oh, this is uncalled for.
10:38And a Black Widow now on Seth!
10:40A Black Widow on Seth!
10:42Rollins into the Black Widow by AJ!
10:44Well, Seth Rollins in agony, but luckily for him, wifey's here to save the day!
10:52And the Bexploder delivered to AJ Lee.
10:55Pendulum swinging back and forth, but it might be about to swing one way for good.
11:02And now it's a-
11:04The couple's turned to deliver a double pedigree!
11:07And the dream for AJ Lee may be over.
11:10Double cover!
11:11Kick out by Lady Clark!
11:13Well, somehow this one is still alive, and the game plan for Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch may be coming apart before our eyes.
11:24That was supposed to be the end.
11:26Well, in sync, you see Seth Rollins getting out of that sharpshoot, and then connecting with a beautiful super kick to the jaw.
11:34And then this Bexplodes way, AJ Lee, before we hit the in synchro pedigrees.
11:41Somehow we're still going.
11:43The over 15,000 tonight, Indianapolis.
11:46They are here because of us.
11:49We're the main event, we're the champs.
11:53And now Rollins and Lynch, are they gonna use Puck's own move against him?
12:05No greater insult to beat a man with his own finishing move.
12:10Lynch and Rollins looking for the GTS.
12:15What a statement this would be.
12:17To go to sleep, punch those slips underneath.
12:19Drives Rollins up over the top of both men in the floor.
12:22Puck it hard.
12:23And now, AJ with Lynch.
12:27And that's a Bexploder delivered to Becky Lynch.
12:32Now AJ has all the time in the world to concoct whatever she wants.
12:43And Seth Rollins down, grabbing AJ Lee.
12:47Face first, Lee into the mat.
12:49And rightfully so, the groans and glues.
12:52And stomp!
12:53Stomp by Punk!
12:54Cover on Rollins.
12:55No!
12:56He's gonna, well not Rollins.
12:57And Punk'd away.
12:58Punk'd taken out all his anger.
12:59And now Becky Lynch would have slapped me.
13:00Uh-oh.
13:01Punk'd saw exactly what Seth did to AJ and King unglue.
13:14Understandably so.
13:16Is he looking for the sharpshooter there?
13:34Right hand by Rollins, Becky Lynch from behind.
13:48Pitch down, nice take down.
13:49And Becky, gonna stomp the midsection of Punk.
13:53Looking to step through, maybe into a sharpshooter of her own.
13:56Rolls Punk over, center of the ring.
13:59And this is an image nobody was expecting.
14:03Becky Lynch with a sharpshooter, locked into CM Punk and
14:08trying to fight his way out of this.
14:10Gonna power out.
14:12A look of determination on that face.
14:16And Lynch taken down by Punk and now begging off.
14:21And now it's CM Punk's turn, Wade.
14:27Might snap the back of Becky Lynch.
14:32And Rollins not gonna allow that to happen.
14:35And Seth Rollins set it up Punk for Category.
14:38Here we go, you know what he's going for here, Michael Cohen.
14:45Finish the job for good.
14:48Stomp to CM Punk.
14:51KO out cold.
14:53Rollins into the cover.
14:57AJ Lee with a stomp of her own.
15:00Becky Lynch with a manhandle slam.
15:05Cover for the win.
15:08AJ barely stays in it.
15:10Such a late kick out.
15:12We know the damage the manhandle slam did to AJ Lee a week ago.
15:17CM Punk not sure where he's at.
15:22Well, this is completely up for grabs now.
15:25All four competitors completely wiped out.
15:28This should have been the end.
15:30A stomp to CM Punk.
15:33And if not for his ride or die, AJ Lee with a stomp on her own.
15:38It really was game over.
15:40Until Becky Lynch hit a manhandle slam that AJ Lee was able to kick out of.
15:46Critical moment in this match, everyone down.
15:58Becky making it back to her feet first.
16:01Just can't predict anything from here.
16:03All four competitors completely, completely dumb.
16:07Becky Lynch the only one who's got any fumes left in her body.
16:12AJ blocks it, delivers the right of her own.
16:17AJ Lee's done a fire back now in the Intercontinental Champion.
16:20Driven purely by bitterness.
16:22And anger and frustration.
16:26This is so personal.
16:28Now Punk gonna separate Becky from AJ.
16:33Seth Rollins now takes the fight to CM Punk and they're falling in the middle.
16:36of the ring.
16:37This fight's been all over the place.
16:39So much hatred between these competitors.
16:42Should have been over a long time ago.
16:44I got this.
16:49Animosity is a powerful driving force.
16:55AJ Lee's, and I got this.
16:56She wants Becky Lynch, and now they're gonna brawl in the middle of the ring.
16:59AJ Lee, Becky Lynch, Rollins, and Punk now.
17:02We got ourselves dual hockey fights.
17:07And Rollins sent outside the ring.
17:09Becky Lynch sent outside the ring.
17:11Getting the upper hand and now needing to make it count.
17:19And Punk now sending Rollins right over our announce table.
17:25Rollins is completely wiped.
17:30There's nothing left at all in the tank.
17:32Now AJ Lee, trying to determine what she's gonna do next.
17:37Who knows what's in her mind as she tears apart the Spanish announce table.
17:46I think we all gave up second guessing AJ Lee many years ago.
17:50Wait, what are what Punk doing?
17:52Well, how are we gonna do our job?
17:54You heard Punk, she's the boss.
17:56CM Punk just following orders now from the wife.
18:02Well, you'll learn quick.
18:04And now Rollins put on the announce table by Punk.
18:10AJ Lee with Becky Lynch on the Spanish announce table.
18:13This is gonna be bad way.
18:14This is gonna be real bad.
18:16Keep as far back as I can.
18:18I don't like it at all.
18:19And I assure you Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch really won't like what's about to happen.
18:24And they're gonna use Rollins and Becky's moves.
18:28Looking for a pedigree and a man in a slam, but Rollins and Becky fighting back.
18:33Seth once again going right to the eyes of CM Punk.
18:37And Punk fighting back again.
18:43No, Punk's got Rollins on his shoulders.
18:46AJ Lee taking everybody down.
18:49AJ Lee was thrown into Punk and Rollins by Punk.
18:53Becky Lynch.
18:58And now Becky Lynch trying to drag AJ Lee out of the fray here.
19:04Get her back in the ring to try to put this match away.
19:07What a carnage, carcasses everywhere.
19:10AJ Lee is not moving.
19:13Did you blame her?
19:14She bounced off the announce table as it collapsed.
19:17And now Becky Lynch went for the manhandle slam.
19:20AJ turns it around into a black widow.
19:22The black widow submission.
19:24Punk and Rollins are out.
19:25It's down to AJ Lee and Becky Lynch.
19:27This is how AJ won all her championships in her career.
19:31Tap out.
19:32Tap out.
19:33Punk and AJ win.
19:35Here are your winners by submission.
19:42The team of CM Punk and AJ Lee.
19:51Ladies and gentlemen, AJ Lee is back.
19:54What a gutsy performance.
19:56And Wade, she just tapped out the Women's Intercontinental Champion.
20:01AJ Lee immediately back to her best competing with the best of this era who have got to where they are today because they are standing on the shoulders of a diminutive giant named AJ Lee.
20:19CM Punk and AJ Lee.
20:21CM Punk doing the choke sign made famous by Reggie Miller and of course Tyrese Halliburk who's here tonight at ringside as he celebrates with his wife AJ Lee.
20:34What a return wave for AJ Lee here in WWE.
20:39What a crowning moment to the power couple of professional wrestling CM Punk and AJ Lee.
20:49Watch this, you mentioned it, Becky Lynch just throwing AJ Lee into Rollins at Punk, the table collapsing.
21:06Such a heavy landing for all three and it was Becky Lynch, she should have had it won, but this incredible reversal into the Black Widow by AJ Lee.
21:15And AJ Lee pulls out the dub on her triumphant return.
21:27And Punk and AJ Lee celebrate the victory tonight at Wrestle Palooza.
21:34Who would have pictured this scene two years ago?
21:50Two years ago, how about three months ago?
21:53AJ and Punk soak it in guys, soak it in.
21:58Ladies and gentlemen, the next time our premium live event airs live here on the ESPN app.
22:15It is three weeks from tonight.
22:17Tonight we're going to be in Perth, Australia for Crown Jewel and the special start time of 8 p.m. local in Perth, 8 a.m. Eastern, 5 a.m. Pacific in the States.
22:31Well, Wheatley American Vodka invites you to celebrate this inaugural Wrestle Palooza.
22:35Wheatley has 10 times distilled and never backs down from a fight because cutting corners is an American.
22:40So tonight, grab an American Mule with Wheatley, the official vodka of WWE.
22:45Please enjoy responsibly.
22:47A big special thank you to Drake for the official theme song of Wrestle Palooza.
22:54Nokia and the album.
22:56Some sexy songs for you available now on Apple Music and Spotify.
23:01And the Wrestle Palooza post show immediately following the main event tonight.
23:06Joe Tess is going to be hosting things.
23:08We're going to hear from Triple H, CM Punk, AJ Lee among others immediately following the main event presented by Mike's Harder.
23:15He's taking you to stay but you leave me, leave me, leave me.
23:18You got a six in a club illegally.
23:20You got that whole city side, they believe in me.
23:22You got members of me so-
23:23No!
23:24No!
23:25No!
23:26No!
23:27No!
23:28No!
23:29No!
23:30No!
23:31No!
23:32No!
23:33No!
23:34No!
23:35No!
23:36No!
23:37No!
23:38No!
23:39No!
23:40No!
23:41No!
23:42No!
23:43No!
23:44No!
23:45No!
23:46No!
23:47No!
23:48No!
23:49No!
23:50No!
23:51No!
23:52No!
23:53No!
23:54No!
23:55No!
23:56No!
23:57No!
23:58No!
23:59No!
24:00No!
24:01No!
24:02No!
24:03No!
24:04No!
24:05No!
24:06No!
24:07No!
24:08No!
24:09No!
24:10No!
24:11My mind's a robot, smell me a robot, check my hands,
24:15I know a sense of hands, let's go.
24:41Hey, hey, hey, hey.
24:47Hey, hey, hey, hey.
24:48I funk side to side from top to back say,
24:54Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
24:56I put Detroit city back on the Gamble city,
24:59Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
25:01If IEd to my house, then that was my ass!
25:11Steph, is that seat open?
25:17No, is that seat open?
25:18Hang on, hang on.
25:22Excuse me, Steph, have a seat.
25:27I've never sat on this side before.
25:32It's really fun, I recommend it.
25:34Okay, hey, last week I was in Vegas for the fight.
25:39Yeah.
25:40I turn around, and there you are.
25:42Mm-hm.
25:44Now here I am at Wrestlepalooza in Indianapolis.
25:47.
25:53I'm just trying to steedle check, and I come out, and here you are.
25:59Again.
26:02Are you following me?
26:03I have followed you for a very long time, Undertaker.
26:08We have known each other for quite a long time.
26:15Many, many, many, many, many years.
26:18We wanna leave it there, don't we?
26:19Yeah, yeah.
26:19I've always wanted to do this part, too.
26:26Are you ready?
26:30I said, are you ready?
26:40Because it is my esteemed honor to be able to induct you as the first member in the class
27:01of 2026 WWE Hall of Fame.
27:11and here you are.
27:12Can you do that?
27:17Can you do that?
27:19We got you.
27:19What an incredible moment Stephanie McMahon and everything that she has done for all of
27:43us here in WWE over the years, the leadership she's provided, getting in the ring, putting
27:50her body on the line, always there for everybody, Stephanie McMahon deservedly will be inducted
27:58into the Hall of Fame. Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Stephanie McMahon!
28:04Culmination of an incredible career, congratulations Stephanie McMahon!
28:10Stephanie will join her husband, Paul Triple H Levesque, in immortality, enshrined in the
28:20WWE Hall of Fame. On a personal note, I cannot tell you Wade, what that woman there has been
28:32for my career. Without Stephanie, I'm probably not out here today. Congratulations Stephanie.
28:39You deserve it.
28:51Well ladies and gentlemen, coming up next, it is our main event.
28:56Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, battle the undisputed WWE Championship.
29:05The American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes, who has vowed to carry this company as its quarterback,
29:17is once again WWE Champion. I am not the bad guy. But if you provoke me, I'm the real nightmare.
29:32We have a major incident here, Cody isn't in bad way.
29:42You gotta get yours while you can. I want that WWE title, I've been screwed up more times than I can count.
29:50Wrestle Palooza. Cody Rhodes, the undisputed WWE Champion, will put the gold on the line against Drew McIntyre.
30:00Drew McIntyre! I understand who you are. You've been WWE Champion. At Wrestle Palooza, your legacy becomes the man who lost to me for the WWE Championship.
30:17And McIntyre with a cheap shot. I'm taking that bloody title. I deserve it. I have earned it.
30:25McIntyre's gonna do what he did to Rhodes five weeks ago.
30:29I'm not gonna kick your head through the announce table again. This match is happening and I'm taking the one thing that means the most to you.
30:37I am not the bad guy. But if you provoke me, I'm the real nightmare.
30:58We'll be patient again.
30:59We'll be patient again.
31:00We'll be patient again.
31:04You won't wait.
31:08The hunting treasure have to be dressed and sweet in love.
31:15Look, the Joker has to watch The Odyssey.
31:23.
31:45An extremely bitter, Drew McIntyre claims that Cody Rhodes has
31:52become obsessed with being WWE Champion, that a paranoia has started to creep into
31:59Cody Rhodes' life as he tries to please everyone from company officials to WWE fans.
32:06This incessant need to be champion.
32:09And Drew McIntyre says he's out here tonight, Wade, to save Cody Rhodes.
32:14To take the championship from him, to save Cody from himself.
32:18Well, I take umbrage of your use of the word bitter to describe Drew McIntyre.
32:23There is not a man in this industry who could have been put through what Drew has been put
32:28through over the past three years, who would not inevitably become bitter.
32:34Time and time again, Drew McIntyre has had his fingertips on the World Championships,
32:40only to be screwed over by the likes of CM Punk, The Bloodline, Damian Priest, and we could go on.
32:48Tonight is what Drew McIntyre has always wanted, a clear one-on-one shot against the champ.
32:55No interference, Drew wins, the Dark Clouds lead this evening.
33:01Listen, some of that Drew McIntyre brought upon himself.
33:07In what way?
33:10And this match is presented by Minute Maid.
33:33Bring the juice.
33:35And that's what McIntyre is expected to do here tonight against the undisputed WWE Champion.
33:42The title.
33:56McIntyre getting booed out of the building when he carried this company on his shoulders
34:02during the darkest era in COVID.
34:05Where's the gratitude?
34:07Where's the respect?
34:08You gotta give respect to show it, Wade.
34:10McIntyre gave respect when he put the company on his back in 2020.
34:15Bled for this company.
34:17How long is he gonna do that song and dance?
34:40What?
36:49The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is for the undisputed WWE Championship.
37:07Introducing first, the challenger from Air Scotland, weighing in 275 pounds, Drew McIntyre.
37:33And his opponent, from Atlanta, Georgia.
37:51Wing in at 222 pounds, he is the undisputed WWE Champion, the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes.
38:13The tremendous Alicia Taylor with the ring announcement for our main event tonight to the end of the speed of WWE Championship.
38:24It has been quite the ride for Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre.
38:28The first time they shared a ring together was back in 2010.
38:31Later on that year, they would become tag team partners.
38:40They go on to win tag team championship gold together.
38:44In fact, they defended the tag title successfully in this town of Indianapolis.
39:03Cody run the back titles with Jey Uso here in Indianapolis.
39:14He beat Kevin Owens in a ladder match at the Royal Rumble earlier this year here.
39:19And tonight, his first title defense since winning back the world title from John Cena at SummerSlam.
39:25Rhodes and McIntyre, one-on-one for the title.
39:30Rhodes and McIntyre, one-on-one for the title.
39:30Rhodes and McIntyre, one-on-one for the title.
39:35Rhodes and McIntyre, one-on-one for the title.
39:39Oh-ho-ho-ho.
39:40Let's go.
39:42What do you do?
39:43Now that's waist lock by Cody Rhodes.
39:50Remember what McIntyre said coming into this matchup, Wade?
39:53He wanted to do this the right way.
39:56He certainly started out that way, and that is a clean break.
39:59A clean break.
39:59The official Ryan Tran asking Cody to come out of the corner.
40:03Now McIntyre with that high elbow.
40:06Cody who came out the aggressor in this one, which really isn't in his nature.
40:10He's a technician.
40:12He's a mover.
40:12You don't want to go blow for blow with someone bigger and stronger than you like McIntyre.
40:17But let's not forget what McIntyre did in the Claymore through the announce table.
40:21Cody Rhodes, five weeks of his career.
40:23Nice drop down, and there's the right hand by Cody Rhodes.
40:26Aggressive out of the gate, and a nice takedown, headlock takedown by McIntyre.
40:31Well, that's Cody's mistake, and Drew has completely suckered into that.
40:36It's one thing being angry, it's one thing trying to get vengeance, but
40:39it's another thing to step out of what you are good at and
40:42into the world that your opponent specializes in.
40:45Wade, you were brought up with these two, training, of course, down at FCW.
40:51What went wrong between Cody and Drew?
40:54The truth is, what went wrong is far more recent than any of that.
40:57They are both former punchlines in this industry.
41:01Jokes ten years ago, who both had to go away into obscurity and
41:06climb the mountain from the very bottom.
41:08They've both done that, but in McIntyre's eyes, he had the more arduous climb,
41:14whereas Cody has been propped up, thanks to his last name and
41:18the WWE machine being behind him.
41:21That's one way to look at it, but the bionic elbow delivered by the American
41:25Nightmare, homage to his dad, the American dream.
41:28And Cody Rhodes fired up here tonight.
41:31Cody Rhodes has earned this.
41:32Cody Rhodes, uh-oh, wait a minute.
41:34Cody's stumbling out of the box, hit the Cody Cutter, however.
41:41I saw this a couple of times, I didn't say it, there's something off.
41:44Cover by Rhodes, and a kick out by Drew, what do you mean something's off?
41:48Well, he's just a half step behind where he normally is.
41:50That wasn't the first time that's happened in the match.
41:52There's been a couple of moments here where Cody wasn't as crisp and
41:56speedy when he's at the upper hand.
41:59I think it has something to do with Peter's first match backs being driven through
42:03the announce table by McIntyre.
42:05I mean, it's an element of ring risk.
42:06It is only five weeks though, which for the most part, a competitor at Cody's level.
42:11That isn't a huge deal.
42:12It's something you can normally skip over fairly easily.
42:15But I'm keeping an eye on this now.
42:17McIntyre fighting out of it.
42:20Cody Rhodes still in control though.
42:24McIntyre with authority.
42:26Deep arm drag.
42:27McIntyre sent over the top rope.
42:28So agile for a big man.
42:30Cody now.
42:32Well, McIntyre simply a cheat code.
42:34208 pounds of rippling muscle that moves like a cruiserweight.
42:39Yeah, that disaster kicked by Rhodes.
42:41And now, Cody with a suicide dive to McIntyre.
42:46Driving McIntyre to the floor.
42:48He seems to be shaking off whatever cobwebs were there earlier on and
42:53seems back in rare form.
42:54And Cody again, suicide dive.
42:58McIntyre able to intercept him.
43:01And now driving Cody.
43:02Spine first to the post.
43:04Cody just underestimating the size and power of Drew McIntyre.
43:08But now tasting it firsthand.
43:10McIntyre just swinging Rhodes over the Spanish announce table.
43:16Practically cleared the table.
43:18That was so effortless for McIntyre and look at the dark pits of the eyes.
43:22A slight bounce on the table.
43:25Catching the edge which may have caused some real damage to the lower back of Cody Rhodes.
43:30And remember McIntyre understands Rhodes has the champion's advantage.
43:34He's gotta get him in the ring and pin Cody to win the gold.
43:37Right now McIntyre in control of Rhodes who again just collapses to his knees.
43:43You know what?
43:43We saw what happened on SmackDown last night.
43:45There was a boot to the place.
43:46There was a stomp to the head of Rhodes on the ground.
43:50And I think Cody is really showing some effect.
43:53He got his bell rung yesterday.
43:55And it's affecting him in this and we're admiring the power of McIntyre.
43:59But that is not the full story here.
44:01You think that has something to do with it?
44:02What happened last night?
44:03Well, Cody doesn't seem to be playing with his usual forward deck.
44:07And now McIntyre again with a belly to belly throw sending Rhodes across the ring.
44:11And Drew McIntyre is having his way for the WWE Champion right now.
44:17Drew predicted this.
44:18He said it was gonna be a bad night for Cody.
44:20Well, Drew has stacked the deck by the attack on Cody last night.
44:24That stomp to the head against the ground I think has left some lingering effects
44:29in the brain of Cody Rhodes.
44:31And he's now fighting through the fog to try and get a little clarity.
44:36And it's a fight he's losing.
44:37But wait, and also McIntyre has made a very clear about the fact that he believes Cody
44:44Rhodes has stretched himself very thin.
44:48Between all the media appearances and.
44:50God, look at Cody's schedule just this past week.
44:53And post, shoulder to the post for McIntyre and Cody buys himself some time.
44:59And Cody needs time more than anything right now.
45:01I'm looking at him, the guy's wobbly, looks like he's had ten pints of beer.
45:05And that is not a good thing in the early goings of a championship matchup against McIntyre.
45:10Cody now with a kick to the face of McIntyre.
45:13Rhodes has not lost the match since WrestleMania as he's bounced face first off the apron.
45:18You're right in the hardest part of the ring, head first.
45:21And if there weren't issues before, there certainly are now.
45:23And McIntyre's about to exacerbate the problem.
45:26Cody Rhodes, no, not to the steps.
45:32Not to the steps, Drew.
45:33Alabama slam out of the steel steps.
45:37And this is just a masterclass from McIntyre.
45:40He knows the weakness.
45:41He smells it.
45:43Into the cover.
45:43Smelling the championship and a kick out at two.
45:46McIntyre doing exactly what he needs to do against the best.
45:53Spot the weakness and attack, attack, attack.
45:56Bob Holly would be proud of that as McIntyre now mounts Rhodes and
46:01the big right hands from a Scottish warrior.
46:04And look at Cody trying to cover up now from the attack by McIntyre.
46:08Just trying to protect himself here.
46:12Dangerously now is Cody Rhodes who may, as you said, Cole, have stretched himself far too
46:18thinly and completely underestimated the threat of the Scottish psychopath.
46:24Cody hasn't been able to put together any sustained offense tonight.
46:28He looked good for about two minutes in the early goings and then the cobwebs came to the fore.
46:35And this right here is the pace that McIntyre wants.
46:38And then it goes 6'6", 280 pounds.
46:41Cody Rhodes, though, climbs the ropes, hooks McIntyre.
46:45And again, Cody's showing some flashes here in this match with a superflash.
46:50No!
46:52And look, even if you execute that move, you take a hell of a landing yourself.
46:56And Cody smashed hit the back of his head against the mat on the landing.
47:00Don't watch Drew.
47:01Drew takes an impact, but watch Cody's head.
47:04That's what hit.
47:06And Cody hasn't moved since.
47:07And you're still concerned after the head injury suffered last night at the hands of McIntyre.
47:12It's 100% it.
47:13Look, I've been in there before.
47:15Normally that happens, you need at least a week off.
47:17Cody didn't get that.
47:19He doesn't have that luxury.
47:2024 hours off.
47:21This is for the World, the WWE Championship, undisputed.
47:28Live at Wrestle Palooza in Indianapolis in front of 15,000 plus at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
47:35And now McIntyre and Rhodes exchanging blues in the middle of the ring.
47:38One, two, three, two, three.
47:45Rhodes showing some fight.
47:47Well, Cody's not thinking here, he's just reacting.
47:50He reacted well there.
47:53Stunning McIntyre.
47:54Now up over the top for Rhodes again.
47:56Went right back to his head, but he was able to deliver a power slam.
47:59Yeah, it's like the worst migraine in history buzzing through the brain of Cody Rhodes.
48:05And somehow, he's gotta figure out a path to victory here against one of the absolute best in McIntyre.
48:11And again, slow to his feet.
48:13Cody cutters, second rope caught him with a disaster kick.
48:16Instead, Cody Rhodes is starting to build momentum now against the number one contender.
48:22But it's a slow momentum due to this mental issue that Cody apparently has.
48:28Trying to stack offense is almost impossible in this condition.
48:32Off the second rope, yet again, went for the Cody Cutter and he was slammed down.
48:36And he took out McIntyre.
48:37What a move by Cody Rhodes, who once again couldn't be closing in on the win in this matchup.
48:43Yeah, you can tell McIntyre tried to power Cody in that one, tried to hold him up.
48:47He just didn't have enough strength.
48:49Cody was able to capitalize.
48:51And now Rhodes, look at McIntyre who fights out of it.
48:54Nice knee to the head there again, rocking the brain of Cody.
48:58Kick to the face by Rhodes, second rope now for the champion.
49:01McIntyre with a Glasgow kiss.
49:03Remember, he delivered that last night, the end of the contract signing.
49:07McIntyre knew exactly how to hurt Cody, how to take Cody out of his game.
49:14And it has worked a treat.
49:15High above the ring, McIntyre in Rhodes.
49:24McIntyre pulling out all the stops.
49:26It's not that common that you see McIntyre taking an opponent up top or
49:30maybe a page out of Sheamus' playbook.
49:33It could be white noise time.
49:35Cody high above the ring, white noise by McIntyre.
49:39Cover now to win the WWE Championship and a kick out.
49:44Sheamus just threw his can of Guinness at the TV in anger.
49:48Almost as angry as McIntyre when Cody kicked out of that.
49:54What a massive impact again on the back of the neck and the head of Cody Rhodes.
50:00Over 15,000 here tonight.
50:03This is our main event for the undisputed WWE title to kip up by McIntyre.
50:08Just an incredible athlete.
50:11One man able to shake off the cobwebs, one man not.
50:17And McIntyre could be looking for the Claymore to put Cody Rhodes away.
50:21And win the championship.
50:22Rhodes, though, able to counter, stacking up McIntyre.
50:26Kick out by Drew.
50:27Attempted a powerbomb there, didn't get all of it.
50:29But enough to get out of the way.
50:31And again, a Glasgow kiss by Drew.
50:34And McIntyre, look at the Claymore.
50:36Cody rolled out of harm's way.
50:37Cody Rhodes now looking for the figure four.
50:39And locked in McIntyre a long way from any ropes here.
50:48Cody's got the figure four locked in well.
50:51McIntyre, the only thing he can do is perhaps roll on his belly and-
50:55McIntyre close to tapping out here.
50:58Cody's got it locked in, will McIntyre tap?
51:00And this is so good for Cody, not only is he put through in jeopardy,
51:04he's also buying a chance to mentally recover.
51:06Cody's screaming at McIntyre.
51:09Cody needs to tap out here in the worst way and one jab to the jaw.
51:16And it looks like Cody got knocked out cold.
51:19Yeah, McIntyre caught him flush on the jaw.
51:22I mean, normally I think Cody could shrug that off, but he's so beaten up mentally.
51:27He's really, really struggling tonight.
51:29This is not the usual Cody Rhodes.
51:31The official Ryan Tran checking on the champion.
51:34Cody's eyes are glassy.
51:36Can't even defend himself.
51:38That is why the ref may need to step in.
51:40If the ref does step in, then we've got a new champ.
51:42And McIntyre ripping the protective pad off the turnbuckle, exposing the steel.
51:48I gotta put it back on.
51:49Come on.
51:50The official saying, I gotta put it back on.
51:52McIntyre tosses it out into the entrance left.
51:55No respect for authority.
51:57Why should he?
51:58He's on a mission tonight to win gold, not France.
52:01Rhodes now hooks McIntyre, looking for the crossroads.
52:04Into the corner, the official rolls out of harm's way.
52:06McIntyre's got Rhodes pinned back into the ring.
52:10And a kick out by Rhodes.
52:11That was a count of eight.
52:13That was a count.
52:14What did the referee get out of the ring for?
52:16He's trying to abort disaster.
52:18And now Cody turns it into crossroads.
52:21Cover by Cody Rhodes.
52:24And a two count and a kick out by McIntyre.
52:27Just got the shoulder up.
52:28McIntyre had this match one.
52:30Let me see this again.
52:31What was this referee doing?
52:32The official had to get out of harm's way, saving himself there.
52:36Well, Drew had the match one.
52:38That's a pain.
52:38The referee should never have got out of the ring.
52:40It's the first rule of refereeing.
52:43You don't get out of the referee if the competitor, you don't get out of the ring unless the competitors do.
52:47And Cody was able to use that exposed turnbuckle.
52:51McIntyre, though, still able to kick out of the crossroads.
52:54Well, if McIntyre does not win this match, he will have a major bone of contention with this official.
53:04Cody off the second row, and McIntyre slamming Cody to the mat as he went for the Cody cutter.
53:10That's exactly what McIntyre tried earlier, didn't work back then, did the second time.
53:14McIntyre up to the top, and he caught Cody hard.
53:18Drew McIntyre was never designed to throw that kind of offense, but it worked.
53:23Rhodes back into the ring quickly.
53:25McIntyre looking to put Cody away.
53:27Putting him in position for a Claymore kick, and it connects.
53:30McIntyre crawls to the cover.
53:32So close to winning the world title.
53:37God, that Claymore practically knocked Cody Rhodes out of his boots.
53:44How the hell did Cody kick out there?
53:47Looking for his fourth world championship.
53:51Almost pinned the undisputed WWE champ there.
53:55And now McIntyre in despair.
53:58From despair to where?
54:01If you're gonna win gold tonight, Drew.
54:03Yeah, but Drew's gotta stay focused now.
54:05He's got this match completely under control.
54:07The dark clouds are all forming in the mind of McIntyre, who is convinced the world is against him.
54:15And again, he calls up Rhodes Paranoid.
54:20Cody trying to regain himself on the Spanish announce table.
54:23Drew McIntyre now with the right hand.
54:24And Cody can hardly stand right.
54:27Do not like the look in the eye of Drew McIntyre, the eyes have narrowed.
54:32Yeah, and he realizes where Cody is.
54:36Remember what happened to Cody Rhodes when he was in this position.
54:39Oh God, oh God.
54:40Last month, an official Ryan Tran who witnessed that that night.
54:43He's gonna make sure that it doesn't happen again.
54:51Ryan Tran knew the damage that McIntyre did to Cody Rhodes the last time he attempted this.
54:56But wait, it's a legal move.
54:57Oh no, Cody rolled out of harm's way.
55:01Drew McIntyre kicked out the announce table and injured his right leg.
55:05Why did the referee get in the way?
55:08It was completely legal for Drew to attack.
55:14Drew in compassion.
55:16Drew may have snapped his shin.
55:17Where's the compassion for Drew?
55:19Drew McIntyre is the one that delivered the offensive move and he can hardly stand now.
55:23And you're right, McIntyre gonna have a broken leg here.
55:26Well, that would have connected with the head of Rhodes if not this damn official once again.
55:30McIntyre can barely stand trying to drag himself into the ring to beat the count.
55:36McIntyre back to his feet.
55:37Cody Rhodes second rope.
55:38Oh, and a glass go.
55:39Catch caught Rhodes.
55:41McIntyre can barely stand, but he's still throwing offense and
55:44he's still dreaming of winning that championship.
55:47Looking for the Claymore, but his bad leg gave out on him.
55:51Cody Rhodes with a super cutter.
55:54Cody Rhodes does not need a second invite.
56:04Cody fired up.
56:07Chris Rhodes, cover.
56:09One, two, three.
56:12Here is your winner and still the undisputed WWE Champion.
56:26The American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes.
56:32I get your point about McIntyre maybe having the match won.
56:36But at the end of the day, you've got to applaud the fight, the guts,
56:40the resilience of the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes,
56:44retaining the championship tonight.
56:45No doubt about it.
56:47Maximum respect for Cody Rhodes as always, QB1 for a reason.
56:53But the post-mortem of this match, there are gonna be major questions about how
56:58Drew McIntyre is not currently holding the goal.
57:01This was brilliant from Cody, kicking out from a Claymore.
57:04We know how tough Cody Rhodes is.
57:07That's what McIntyre needs, something else to complain about.
57:10Well, this is the referee getting involved for no reason,
57:13taking a beat that cost McIntyre, almost broke his leg.
57:16Well, McIntyre would still get Cody Rhodes with a Glasgow kiss.
57:22He was going for the kill shot here, but his legs gave out on him.
57:26Gave out because he smashed it through the table moments earlier.
57:31And that window when it was open, Cody Rhodes' new victory was in sight and
57:36made no mistakes, one crossroads later.
57:40And a successful retention against all odds for Cody Rhodes.
57:45Cody Rhodes wins his first title defense since winning back the championship at SummerSlam.
57:56When I was younger.
57:59Mike and Ty getting some urgent medical care from our doctor.
58:02Yeah, yeah, yeah, you took it all the way.
58:06Cody Rhodes celebrates a new era, the ESPN era, what a night.
58:13Thanks for joining us on ESPN.
58:16It's time for the post show.
58:20And who better to bring us a recap of all the action than the great Joe Testatore.
58:28Take it away.
58:28What a night, Michael Cole.
58:30What a great job you and Wade did.
58:32Wrestle Palooza is in the books.
58:34Everybody's going to be reacting to what we just saw.
58:38The sensational title defense of Cody Rhodes over Drew McIntyre.
58:42On a night that began with an absolute beat down of Brock Lesnar defeating John Cena.
58:48We will have live guests.
58:50All the analysis coming up on the Wrestle Palooza post show.
58:54Including CM Punk and AJ Lee joining us right here.
58:58And the architect of this, Paul Triple H elect.
59:01Don't go anywhere.
59:02Quick break and we're right back to the post show.
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