- 3 months ago
3/4/2022
Commentors : Jimmy Smith, Corey Graves & Byron Saxton
Commentors : Jimmy Smith, Corey Graves & Byron Saxton
Category
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SportsTranscript
00:00The
00:27The following contest is scheduled for World Fall.
00:31Introducing first, from Gainesville Georgia,
00:34weighing in at 218 pounds,
00:38the phenomenal AJ Styles!
00:45Match hasn't even begun, and AJ Styles rusted open.
00:50Trying to get some more information as to what that was all about,
00:54but if that's any indication of the mentality of AJ Styles tonight.
00:59Styles said, Ed, you wanted the pit bull?
01:02You're getting something much, much worse.
01:05And the bell has not sounded yet,
01:07but I believe every word AJ Styles said.
01:11Your point, Corey. AJ Styles was a guest on WWE's The Bump earlier on today.
01:15He actually apologized.
01:18Apologized to the WWE Universe ahead of time
01:21over what he plans to do to Edge.
01:26His solo run this year.
01:28Austin Theory, Seth Rollins, Damian Priest, Ray Mysterio.
01:32Legends on his hit list.
01:34The biggest challenges, it's one of the biggest obstacles.
01:38The biggest challenges, it's one of the biggest obstacles
02:03in the career of AJ Styles.
02:08He normally is focused when we see him compete.
02:11He is laser focused tonight.
02:13Styles right now, facing around like a caged animal,
02:16anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Rated-R Superstar.
02:20They don't want none, no, they don't want none.
02:23They don't be scared, honey, no, they don't want none.
02:30You think you know me?
02:33You never did.
02:34You never did.
03:04And his opponent, WWE Hall of Famer, Edge.
03:14What an ominous atmosphere inside AT&T Stadium
03:35as his infernal majesty makes the long walk to the ring.
03:40Normally, you talk about accolades, you talk about titles,
03:46you talk about history, you talk about previous WrestleManias.
03:51Is that a different guy than the person we're seeing right now?
03:55There's no doubt Edge has a laundry list of accomplishments.
03:59Everything there is to do, Edge has done.
04:02But no one, not even Edge's own wife, Beth Phoenix,
04:07has seen this side of Edge.
04:11How about the symbolism behind the entrance?
04:13It's almost as if he was literally Edge,
04:15stepping down on his mountain of omnipotence.
04:19We said Edge for weeks, I said he's connected with a version of himself
04:24that he's grown to love, a version of himself
04:28that he never knew existed.
04:30You talk about a man who has been completely transformed.
04:37That man is Edge.
04:40And we get to see this transformation in the ring yet.
04:44Rarely this deep into a Hall of Fame career
04:50does a superstar find themselves.
04:54That's exactly what we're experiencing before our very eyes
04:58with Edge, who stands toe-to-toe, eye-to-eye
05:02with the phenomenal AJ Styles.
05:05Two of the best to ever do it.
05:08Let's go.
05:09Going right at Edge.
05:14And you could say early on, the emotions
05:17getting the best of AJ Styles.
05:21You're also sending a message,
05:22I'm not afraid of anything you've said or done
05:26since this change.
05:30Styles has admitted that Edge is in his head.
05:33AJ Styles has become obsessed
05:35with what he's going to do to Edge here tonight.
05:39AJ Styles has never met a challenge.
05:41He didn't become obsessed with overcoming.
05:43Tonight, that target is Edge.
05:46As AJ Styles backs Edge into the corner.
05:52Edge out of the way of AJ's wild swing.
05:56Look at the psychological games from Edge.
06:00Just a smug look on the face
06:01of the Rated-R Superstar.
06:03He's done everything up to this point
06:05to enrage AJ Styles.
06:10In his strategy, we talk so often in this game
06:13about mind games.
06:15The purpose of the mind games
06:16is to throw your opponent off of their strategy.
06:20Obviously, Edge has already gotten
06:21under the skin of AJ Styles.
06:24Can AJ Styles channel and focus his aggression
06:26on Edge?
06:27Or will AJ's aggression be his own undoing?
06:30Edge is ready for an aggressive AJ Styles.
06:34But AJ Styles to go with that aggression
06:35has a technique just like that.
06:39That's what he needs to rely on.
06:40You wonder what you do.
06:41Beautiful arm drag.
06:42You quicken the pace of the matchup
06:43as we're seeing right now.
06:44You've got to believe that favors AJ Styles.
06:47Edge able to step out of Styles' path.
06:49For a moment, AJ returns the favor
06:52and a kick to the hamstring
06:53of the Rated-R Superstar.
06:58Talked about how much Edge has gotten
06:59under the skin of AJ Styles.
07:00What we have seen as we take another look here
07:02at the up-tempo style.
07:05We've seen AJ channel those emotions,
07:08channel anger in the past
07:09to use it to his advantage.
07:12Let me see.
07:12Let's go!
07:14Let's go!
07:16Let's go!
07:17Let's go!
07:17Let's go!
07:19We are near moments into this encounter
07:25and the WWE Universe already realizing
07:28we are witnessing something special.
07:31AJ Styles has spent his entire career
07:34being underestimated, overlooked.
07:37I think Edge has awakened that once again
07:39in AJ Styles.
07:40You're looking past me.
07:41You don't think I'm good enough to beat you
07:43that you're invincible.
07:45Not tonight.
07:46Styles looking for the backslide.
07:48All right, oh, roll through by Edge.
07:49Oh, AJ wants a Styles clash, perhaps.
07:51Edge trying to block it.
07:52Edge escapes.
07:53Oh, big right hand.
07:55Oh, come for the...
07:56Oh, Edge going for the spear early.
07:58Edge able to put on the brakes just in time.
08:03Best believe AJ Styles has done his homework
08:06on the Rated-R Superstar.
08:08Notice how both of these superstars have been
08:10almost cautious in the opening moments of this matchup.
08:13Neither man wants to get too far ahead of themselves
08:16and make that first mistake.
08:18Remember, this is the first time AJ Styles and Edge
08:20are rocking horns, so that can speak to some of that
08:23early trepidation for it.
08:25It's about chess.
08:25They're thinking moves ahead right now.
08:28They're both masters at it with moves like that.
08:30Now to the outside, Edge giving chase, and it...
08:32AJ answers with a thunderous right.
08:35Great timing catch, and Edge coming in.
08:37Now to the apron, almost gets caught by Edge.
08:39Respond!
08:40Knee to the jaw of Edge by Styles.
08:43Missed the kick, came back with the knee.
08:45You can't dodge two.
08:46Dodge one, but not two.
08:47AJ Styles knows it.
08:49Edge down on the outside, a glazed look in his eyes
08:52as we take a look at the impact of this sliding knee.
08:57Boom!
08:57Right on the chin of Edge.
09:01Now Edge ramming home.
09:03The skull of Edge being rammed into those steel steps
09:05by AJ Styles.
09:07Edge may be regretting right now,
09:09calling out the pit bull that is AJ Styles.
09:11Remember, AJ Styles said earlier on today,
09:14I apologize for what I'm going to do to Edge here tonight.
09:18Right now, momentum on the side of the phenomenal one.
09:27That is contempt in his eyes.
09:29Is he thinking phenomenal form?
09:30No!
09:33We talked about the importance of not making the first mistake.
09:37AJ Styles might have just done that.
09:40But Payne also on the face of Edge at left knee.
09:43Take another look here.
09:45You'll see it.
09:45AJ Styles launching himself into a beautiful springboard 450,
09:50but Edge able to get both knees up just in time.
09:53Styles crashing down,
09:55and it's totally changed the complexion of this matchup.
09:59Certainly a situation if AJ Styles is operating with bad ribs,
10:02that could completely hamper his usual offensive style.
10:05As he never stops moving, has great cardio,
10:08he can't take a full breath.
10:10Those ribs get attacked.
10:12Of course, Edge going right after him again.
10:15Center of the ring.
10:17There's a reason why Edge is a veteran.
10:19There's a reason why Edge is a Hall of Famer.
10:21He understands how to seize upon a weakened opponent.
10:25But Edge has said,
10:26the Edge that was me previously wasn't strong enough.
10:30I had purged that person.
10:33When you see the old Edge as weak,
10:36that's saying something.
10:37It's obvious that Edge feels as though he's transcended somehow.
10:41Edge has achieved some sort of higher level of consciousness.
10:46Certainly no absence of confidence from the Hall of Famer tonight.
10:49This is the first time we're able to see that in the ring, however.
10:54How will that translate into the strategy?
10:56Chopping down AJ Styles.
10:58Right now, Edge utilizing a slower, more methodical pace.
11:03Carefully picking his shots before taking them.
11:06Inflicting as much damage as possible with each and every movement.
11:10He's always had a very high fight IQ that has not changed.
11:14Cover.
11:16Too close to the ropes.
11:18Great.
11:19Move trapped in the right arm.
11:20Better in AJ Styles.
11:21Great ring awareness.
11:23As we take another look at the impact.
11:25Sternum first.
11:26Maybe a little lower.
11:29Styles in a bad way.
11:30And no wasted motion from Edge.
11:35Every movement has been so deliberate with such purpose.
11:40AJ now swinging wildly.
11:42Hoping for a lucky shot to get back in this fight.
11:45Swinging accurately with those shots.
11:48Great offense.
11:48Great combinations.
11:49Right into the abdominal stretch.
11:53Talk about the ribs.
11:54Talk about not being able to breathe.
11:56And talk about the positioning as well in the center of the ring.
11:59Edge dropping an elbow.
12:01You noticed moments ago driving his knuckles into the damaged ribs of Styles.
12:06This is an agonizing position to be in for AJ Styles.
12:09Terrible on the ribs.
12:10Terrible on the back.
12:13AJ's got to get out of this.
12:14He's got to get out quickly.
12:15Also incredibly difficult to breathe in an abdominal stretch submission.
12:20Styles fighting his way out.
12:22Everybody creates some separation thanks to that hip toss.
12:24But again, Styles still reeling from the damage to the ribs.
12:28Dragon screw from Styles.
12:29Edge is down.
12:30Going after that compromised knee.
12:32That left knee of Edge still hurting.
12:34This is where Styles has to ask himself.
12:35Because of the condition I'm in, what can I personally do that's not going to hurt me further?
12:40What kind of physical capabilities do I still have?
12:45Scooped up by Edge.
12:46Shoulder breaker to Styles.
12:49Looks like it cost Edge.
12:51Now that's the same shoulder he separated at Rumble.
12:55Edge did it.
12:56He remembers it well.
12:58You can see it.
12:59Edge grasping at his knee as 77,000 plus.
13:03Look on here on WrestleMania Sunday.
13:07Two of the greatest era-defining superstars ever competing on the showcase of the Immortals.
13:15It's quite possible AJ Styles competing once again with a separated shoulder.
13:19He landed very badly on the knee of Edge.
13:22And what also key is to watch that left knee of Edge.
13:24How does that affect the Rated-R Superstar as this match goes on?
13:27I believe the genesis of all of it was the springboard 450 attempt by Styles.
13:32Yes.
13:32Yes, Edge got the knees up, but at a detriment to himself as well.
13:39Right now, the slow methodical pace continues to favor Edge, picking his spots on AJ Styles.
13:46Doing a great job slowing the match down, not letting AJ Styles get the pace he wants,
13:51which is high-octane offense combinations getting off the ropes.
13:55Hasn't been able to do any of that.
14:00Oh.
14:00Oh, just a wild swing, and that was enough to take Edge.
14:03It connected.
14:04Yeah.
14:04Edge is down.
14:05Edge trying to gather himself.
14:09AJ Styles doing the same.
14:11Styles has suffered.
14:13I think he just popped his shoulder back in.
14:15I think AJ Styles just popped his own shoulder back into place.
14:19There's the right hand that rocked Edge.
14:21Wasn't pretty, but it was effective, and it has now bought AJ Styles some valuable time in this match.
14:27Time is exactly what AJ Styles needs, but may not have.
14:32AJ Styles two-time WWE champion, intercontinental champion, three-time U.S. champion.
14:37Oh, no!
14:39And he just ate a turnbuckle.
14:40And I'm telling you this right now.
14:44As this match progresses, it becomes more and more obvious that Edge and his mind games are affecting Styles deeply.
14:51Edge waited.
14:52Edge goaded Styles into that position.
14:56AJ charged and ate a face full of turnbuckle for his troubles.
14:59It's not a mistake AJ Styles would normally make in that situation.
15:03He ran full bore.
15:04And AJ Styles in this match has been forced to mentally regroup a little bit because of the damage that's been done to his ribs.
15:11Maybe do some things that are out of character.
15:15With that look in the eye of AJ, I'm sorry, of Edge, absolutely terrifying.
15:23Edge can barely stand, but enough to hook AJ Styles here.
15:27We're out of the suplex.
15:28Oh!
15:30AJ Styles with a suplex of his own right into the turnbuckles.
15:35With a desperation maneuver, but it paid off.
15:39This match continues.
15:40Look at the impact of Edge's spine into the turnbuckles.
15:45Everything from his hamstrings to the back of his neck colliding with the turnbuckles in the corner.
15:51And now AJ Styles showing signs of life.
15:54Trying to will himself back to his feet.
15:57Showing signs of life, but showing signs of a lot of damage.
16:00Busted ribs, potentially a separated shoulder for AJ Styles.
16:08Trying to drag the body of Edge.
16:11Carefully measured right.
16:13AJ Styles has dynamite in his hands.
16:16As Edge is finding out firsthand.
16:19Any one of these strikes can turn a man's lights out.
16:22And this is payback, ground and pound from AJ Styles.
16:25And now AJ Styles picking up the intensity.
16:27And you wanted the pit bull, you got to try to get me to be afraid, get me to be intimidated.
16:31This is how the Phenomenal One responds to that.
16:35You know, that one shot, that one shot by his left arm stopped the progressions of AJ Styles.
16:41And that left arm basically useless.
16:52Well, AJ may be lacking his arm at the moment.
16:55The WWE Universe here in Dallas rallying.
16:58Trying to rally the Phenomenal One, but once again, the Hall of Famer Edge a step ahead.
17:06And going right after the weakness, the left arm of AJ Styles.
17:09Take another look here.
17:10So crafty, so resourceful is Edge.
17:13And think about what kind of thoughts are going through the mind of AJ Styles right now.
17:16You got bad ribs.
17:17You got a bad arm.
17:18Your mind's got to be racing.
17:20How do I get out of this predicament?
17:21And Styles' shoulder is indeed already separated.
17:27This has got to be some of the most intense pain AJ has ever felt.
17:31Absolutely agonizing.
17:33You can see it on his face.
17:37Simplistic offense, but extremely effective from Edge.
17:41But Styles looking for the Pele.
17:43Edge out of the way.
17:44Edge wants a cross face.
17:46Trying to lock Styles up.
17:47Styles able to slip out.
17:49Styles thinking about the Styles clash again.
17:51Can he get him up?
17:52No, Edge coming out the back door.
17:55Edge, look at him.
17:56STF.
17:57The STF is in.
17:59He's got it and it's tight.
18:01Good Styles.
18:02Tap out right here.
18:03Can he make it to the ropes?
18:04Inches away.
18:05Transition to the cross face.
18:07Got his foot on it.
18:08AJ had the wherewithal to reach out with his foot.
18:12Touch the bottom rope and force the official to break the submission.
18:17Motivated by desperation in that instance.
18:19Very close call.
18:20Very fortunate set of circumstances for AJ Styles.
18:24Edge called it a collision of generational talents.
18:27So far it's lived up to the billing.
18:29That one current WWE Hall of Famer in Edge and a future Hall of Famer in AJ Styles.
18:34Well over 70,000 members of the WWE Universe live in person.
18:39Witnessing this instant classic unfold before our very eyes.
18:44Styles.
18:45Oh.
18:47Edge is down and in a bad way.
18:50But AJ Styles in no condition to capitalize.
18:53He can just turn him over and get his shoulders down.
18:55This might be over.
18:56Easier said than done.
18:57Watch this.
18:59Near collision against Styles.
19:01Leaping over the top rope DDT.
19:03Edge is trying to block it by hanging on to the middle rope.
19:06High flying offense of AJ Styles.
19:12One armed or not is still going to be there.
19:16This speaks to the heart of the fighting spirit that AJ Styles has come to be known for.
19:22Well, does he have a strength?
19:27That's got to be agonizing right here on one arm essentially.
19:29Styles trying to ascend to the top.
19:31A little too slow.
19:33Styles clearly cannot operate at his normal speed.
19:36It should come as no surprise.
19:37AJ Styles likely having a very difficult time breathing.
19:41Feeling a great deal of pain.
19:46As Edge now joining the phenomenal one in the corner on the ropes.
19:52Edge could be thinking about a superplex.
19:55The jabs there to the back of the neck by AJ Styles looking to change the plans of Edge.
19:59Styles able to pivot over but Edge hanging on for dear life.
20:04Great transition going off that compromised left knee.
20:08That's one way to break the grip of Edge.
20:10With one good arm.
20:12Torture rack.
20:14Shoulders down.
20:17Kick out just in time for Edge.
20:20What a gutsy performance this has been from AJ Styles.
20:25We would expect nothing less.
20:27But this is downright insanity.
20:29With one arm.
20:30Delivering a rack bomb.
20:32And nearly defeating Edge.
20:34You have to ask the question if AJ had full use of both arms.
20:38Would this one be over?
20:39Absolutely.
20:40I think it very well could have been over.
20:42The bad arm.
20:43The bad shoulder.
20:44Lessened the impact of that maneuver.
20:45On to Edge.
20:46Every strength move he uses, just like the torture rack, just like this, makes that arm a little bit worse.
20:53Styles attempting it again.
20:56Styles is planted.
20:58Edge now with an opportunity to end it.
20:59To the cover.
21:00One.
21:01Two.
21:02Oh.
21:02Got that right shoulder up just in time.
21:06A near fall for Edge.
21:08Take a look again.
21:09Styles just not strong enough to hoist up Edge a second time.
21:13And you gotta wonder in this case, had Edge perhaps covered the left side, the right side, the shoulder of AJ Styles.
21:21Would AJ be able to kick out because of the bad arm?
21:24AT&T Stadium all looking on, watching every movement with such precision, so carefully, not wanting to miss a beat of Edge and AJ Styles doing what they do best.
21:41Both Texas.
21:41Oh!
21:43They're both masters of their craft.
21:46They're both strategists.
21:47But this comes down to will, guts, and heart.
21:50You can see the pain etched on the face of Edge.
21:53The same said for Styles as both men physically helpless in this moment, surveying the scene, surveying the damage, trying to figure out what's next.
22:03As we look at what put both men down.
22:06Snap German suplex from Styles.
22:09The back of Edge's head.
22:11It's rebounded off the canvas.
22:13Now Edge seemingly received an adrenaline dump.
22:18So has Styles.
22:19Both Warriors swinging for the fences.
22:23It's not pretty.
22:25It's all about who has more grit, more determination, more desire.
22:30And who can throw the hardest shot with the right hand.
22:37Styles now in a series of headbutts.
22:40Whatever works.
22:41Everything is on the table.
22:42Every option.
22:43AJ Styles showing a willingness to sacrifice everything to win this match.
22:48Paley kick over the top.
22:52Edge still standing but barely.
22:55AJ wants the calf crusher.
22:57Rolls through.
22:58It's in.
22:58Got it.
22:59Calf crusher submission.
23:01Locked on Edge.
23:03Edge counters.
23:04Looking for the armbar.
23:05Straight into the armbar counter.
23:08Shoulders down but no.
23:09Counter.
23:11Getting under the chin.
23:13Once again.
23:14Styles locked in.
23:15Styles not too far away from the rope.
23:17If he can just reach.
23:18Edge has the LaBelle lock cinched in.
23:21Crank it on the neck and the shoulder.
23:26Will we see a submission at Wrestlemania for AJ Styles.
23:29He's almost out.
23:30Styles hiding the fingers of Edge.
23:33Unbelievable effort by AJ Styles.
23:35To the cover.
23:44Styles able to kick his way out quite literally.
23:47The Edge-O-Matic not enough to put AJ Styles away.
23:51Like every move AJ Styles has just enough to counter.
23:55The same can be said for Edge.
23:56Look at these two men.
23:57Look at AJ Styles.
23:58Look at Edge.
23:59These two men are absolutely spent.
24:01They are both still in it.
24:08But it's about who has the grit.
24:10To finish strong on the biggest stage.
24:13Wrestlemania.
24:17Group by Styles.
24:19Stops Edge in his tracks.
24:20Styles now from the middle rope.
24:22Edge right there to meet him.
24:24In powerbomb position.
24:26Has him elevated.
24:28Oh.
24:29That's got to be it.
24:30It is not enough.
24:33How?
24:34How on earth is Styles still in this fight?
24:39I'm asking myself the same question.
24:43Watch it, Edge.
24:43Utilizing the top rope is a bit of a springboard slingshot into a sit-out powerbomb.
24:50AJ Styles out at two and three quarters.
24:57If Edge really is omnipotent.
24:59If he really sees all, he's got to figure out a way to see it end to put away AJ Styles.
25:05So far, it hasn't been able to find that.
25:08AJ Styles trying to create a little bit of distance between himself and Edge, but Edge right there on Styles' track.
25:15Very dangerous situation for both athletes to find themselves in.
25:23Teetering on the ring apron.
25:29Looking for something.
25:30Maybe a spot to drop AJ Styles.
25:34I don't know.
25:36AJ first on the top.
25:38Edge right there.
25:39Something in mind.
25:40Styles thankfully out of harm's way.
25:43He knocks Edge to the other side of the ring post.
25:48Very dangerous position for both AJ Styles and Edge right now.
25:56Now it's Styles trying to hook Edge as he ascends up the ropes.
26:01Climbing up to the second rope is Edge.
26:04I don't know what these men are thinking about, but it could result in contest.
26:08Oh, my God!
26:13Suplex on the ring apron.
26:15For all the damage that did to Edge, think about the condition of AJ Styles with one good arm.
26:27AJ able to hoist Edge over and deliver this superplex to the ring apron.
26:35The look of concern on the face of WWE official Jessica Carr watching these two warriors give it their all.
26:55Styles on the apron.
26:56Styles might be thinking.
26:57There it is!
26:59He got it!
27:01Styles hit it.
27:02This has got to be it!
27:03Can he turn over Edge?
27:05He does.
27:05Half-Nelson's shoulders down!
27:08Just enough for Edge.
27:10The left shoulder.
27:10The left shoulder of Edge has preserved his life in this match.
27:15I don't want to say a kick out.
27:17He barely raised that left shoulder, and here's why.
27:20AJ gets the springboard 450 on the second attempt to the lower back of Edge.
27:25It took Styles a half a second longer to roll Edge into position, and that may have been what kept Edge alive in this match.
27:41Gotta say it again.
27:42A collision of generational talents.
27:46That's what Edge called it.
27:48It might take a phenomenal forearm to put this one away.
27:51Might be on the verge of seeing that right now, Jimmy.
27:55Styles in position.
27:58Underneath goes Edge just in time.
28:01Oh, Edge went for the spear.
28:03And now for a third time.
28:05For a third time.
28:06AJ Styles.
28:08Styles close this time.
28:09Face down goes Edge.
28:11Styles got it.
28:12He's got him over.
28:13One, two, three.
28:15Oh, no.
28:16Hold on.
28:16Hold on.
28:16The official signaling only a two count.
28:24All three of us, plus 70,000, all thought that was the very end.
28:29The fingertips just came down.
28:32AJ Styles hoisting Edge, driving him down with the Styles clash maneuver that has put away oh so many opponents.
28:41And it seemed as though the mountain of omnipotence was crumbling before our very eyes.
28:48But Edge hangs on.
28:50Think about the headspace of AJ Styles.
28:52You tried on three different occasions to execute the Styles clash.
28:57You finally get it on the third try.
28:58And it's not enough to defeat Edge.
29:02Intensity in the eyes of AJ Styles.
29:04One would imagine thinking about a phenomenal forearm.
29:07Here it comes.
29:09Styles in position.
29:13Former United States champion Damian Priest.
29:18Here goes Styles.
29:20I was looking for him.
29:21Oh, spear in midair.
29:23Damian Priest delayed AJ Styles just long enough for Edge to counter.
29:29Edge hook in the leg.
29:31One, two, three, and it's over.
29:37Here is your winner.
29:39Edge.
29:43Guys, we talked about the importance of focus all night in this matchup.
29:49And in the instance with the arrival of Damian Priest, AJ Styles took his eye off the ball for a half a second and paid for it.
30:00Oh, like all of us, boy, we couldn't believe why Damian Priest was out here in the first place.
30:06So, understandably, AJ Styles was distracted.
30:09And that cleared the way for this.
30:11Midair spear delivered by Edge to pin the shoulders of AJ Styles.
30:17Okay.
30:18And that was close.
30:50What sort of unholy union is this?
30:59Those smiles are terrifying.
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