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Wwe Main Event - Season 15 Episode 5 - Main Event 696
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00:00Then, now, forever,
00:23together.
00:53In just two days, the action heats up in Riyadh for the Royal Rumble as we kickstart
01:15the road to WrestleMania.
01:17Welcome to Main Event.
01:30The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
01:33Introducing Burton, from Stone Mountain, Georgia,
01:37weighing in at 240 pounds,
01:40Apollo Crew!
01:44And, Blake, I don't know if I've ever seen this sort of look in this man's eyes.
01:49You saw him come through the curtain.
01:50You saw him walk down the aisle, and there was just a different,
01:54just something different coming out of his eyes.
01:57It wasn't that smile.
01:58It wasn't that excitement.
01:59It was someone who seems to be more determined than ever
02:03as we're approaching the road to WrestleMania.
02:06We are getting the action started here on YouTube with a former Intercontinental United States Champion.
02:11He's officially back healthy, and he is ready for that road to WrestleMania.
02:15Hey, Kit, are you there?
02:18Kit Wilson!
02:28Kit Wilson!
02:30Kit Wilson!
02:31And his opponent, from Buckinghamshire, England,
02:35laying in at 210 pounds,
02:39Kit Wilson!
02:41As I am Blake Howard, joined by the voice of NXT Vic Joseph.
02:46And you are toxic!
02:48The dancing fool Vic Joseph over here.
02:51I wish you could all see what Vic's doing right now.
02:53Of course, Kit Wilson is in.
02:55You can feel it in the air tonight here on YouTube.
02:57Oh, you certainly can.
02:59Look at this man.
03:00He is looking to make the world a better place.
03:04You know who's trying to do that?
03:06One man, you're looking at him, and his name is Kit Wilson.
03:10Well, he's certainly on a quest to end toxic masculinity.
03:13The antidote in motion returns the main event here this evening.
03:17The master of the thrust.
03:18Look at those hips swivel.
03:20Listen, even Apollo likes what he sees.
03:27Certainly one of the hottest songs in the WWE right now.
03:32As the WWE Universe very excited for what they see here tonight.
03:36Getting the action started this week here on main event.
03:39And Vic, we are just hours away.
03:40He's trying to take his pearls off.
03:47Wilson clutching his pearls right here.
03:49But nonetheless, getting the action started indeed as Apollo Crews, Kit Wilson, Vic.
03:53Listen, it's that time of the year.
03:55We're just 48 hours from the Royal Rumble.
03:57We certainly are.
03:58And look, everyone's trying to make a statement.
03:59Everyone's trying to build up momentum.
04:01We sit here and we go, is Apollo in it?
04:04Is Kit in it?
04:05We don't know.
04:06Some names have been mentioned.
04:07Some people have declared.
04:09There was a huge name that was announced this past Monday on Raw.
04:12But Apollo Crews would love to get an opportunity in the same.
04:16Can't be said for his opponent.
04:17That being Kit Wilson.
04:18And of course, we saw Apollo return to main event just a couple of weeks back.
04:22In a big showing.
04:24Oh!
04:25As Apollo looking very intense right here.
04:27I've known Apollo Crews for a very long time.
04:29I've called his matches here on main event, on Monday Night Raw, on NXT.
04:33Apollo Crews would have looked for a drop kick.
04:35He would have looked to do something fancy instead.
04:37He just tried to run through the opposition.
04:40And I don't think Apollo fits the bill for what Wilson is really opposing.
04:44I'm not Kit, but I don't see someone who's toxic in Apollo Crews.
04:48Well, Vic, you were talking about at the top.
04:49Apollo with a bit of a different look in his eye here.
04:52As Kit skins the cat right back in.
04:54And looks to stay on the attack.
04:56Picture-perfect drop kick right there by Kit Wilson.
04:59Listen to the WWE Universe for Kit Wilson.
05:04And you know, we've never asked Kit how he's feeling.
05:07You know, how is he?
05:09In a recent interview he said he felt like he was five years old going to school for the first time.
05:13When he had his first singles match.
05:15You laughed at him.
05:16The Universe laughed at him.
05:17I apologized to him because I thought the same thing you did.
05:21As right now the blood rushing to his head.
05:23Look at the power right here.
05:24Apollo Crews.
05:25Apollo looked very crisp in his return a couple of weeks back.
05:29He's been sharp in his action down in AAA, Vic.
05:31Hey!
05:32How about this hip swivel?
05:33Apollo looking pretty good in his own right.
05:37Well that's okay.
05:39Apollo Crews acknowledging it.
05:41And there's that drop kick from Apollo.
05:43Now that, Kit might think is toxic.
05:45That certainly is.
05:46But look, I really like both these guys.
05:48I give a lot for Kit having overcome the adversity of transitioning into a single star.
05:53Apollo Crews, someone who has overcome many hurdles throughout his career.
05:57Has had a WrestleMania moment, as you mentioned.
05:59Has won championships here in the WWE.
06:02Secured the Intercontinental Championship back at WrestleMania 37.
06:06That was a big career highlight.
06:07Could certainly use that as motivation as we head back on the road to WrestleMania.
06:11Kit's using some motivation right now.
06:12And I for one see a lot of members of the WWE Universe starting to want to be in Kit's corner.
06:19As Kit Wilson in control right now.
06:21But Vic, you want to talk about motivating.
06:23Kit's had quite the issues with SmackDown newcomer, Matt Cardona.
06:26He certainly has.
06:27And look, I've seen what Matt has posted on social media.
06:30He caught him a peg warmer.
06:31I understand what everything's been said.
06:34But look, everyone's trying to gain any sort of advantage as we move towards the Royal Rumble.
06:38It's right here.
06:39Look at this.
06:40Look at this offense.
06:41That's a rude awakening for Apollo Crews.
06:43Drops Apollo right there in the center of the ring.
06:45Hooks the outside leg.
06:46Only gets one.
06:47I finally believe, though, that Kit Wilson is starting to find his footing.
06:50Finding out who he is.
06:52Finding his voice, so to speak.
06:53Look at NXT.
06:54Ask his opponents such as Apollo.
06:57Apollo didn't know who he was when he first signed to the WWE.
07:00Maybe even five, six years in.
07:02Maybe it was when he won his first championship.
07:04I think if you asked Apollo Crews, he's a different man than he was when he arrived.
07:07But he's still trying to find himself as a nice press.
07:11And look at Kit Wilson unloading right here.
07:15A new intensity here for Kit Wilson.
07:17And you almost wonder, Vic, does that toxic masculinity mission have an endgame?
07:22I think the endgame is probably getting rid of it.
07:25Will that ever happen?
07:26I don't necessarily know.
07:27But he's not going to stop Kit Wilson from trying.
07:30Well, one thing he's certainly looking to try is to have his hand in the first ever appearance for Kit in the Royal Rumble this weekend.
07:37Can you imagine?
07:38The entrance.
07:39Can you imagine the views that would get on social media?
07:45As Kit in control right here.
07:46Talk about Royal Rumbles.
07:47Apollo Crews in three straight Royal Rumbles.
07:49But I think it's been quite some time since Apollo's had that kind of opportunity.
07:52I think Apollo Crews is searching for that, right?
07:54We talk about those pickups, so to speak.
07:57He knows how important this match is.
07:59And for Kit Wilson, he's in there with someone who's a former champion.
08:02Someone who is decorated in the WWE.
08:04This would be a big singles victory for Kit in its own right.
08:08This is a huge way to kick off Main Event 48 hours before the Royal Rumble.
08:13And of course, if both of these superstars win the Royal Rumble, they'd both be able to defy those odds.
08:18But talking about defying the odds, how about Sami Zayn?
08:21One more time against Drew McIntyre for the N Disputed Title this week.
08:24Well, he beat the odds on SmackDown, right?
08:27This past Friday.
08:28You know, outlasting Randy Orton, Damian Priest, Tripp Williams become the number one contender.
08:33Big time players.
08:34Big time players.
08:35Could he have that moment?
08:37We all know how important that World Championship title is to put in his, what would you call, trophy case.
08:44He's done the WrestleMania Main Events.
08:46This is something he's worked his whole life for.
08:48And wow, what a moment that would be to officially become the WWE Champion.
08:53But he's taken on someone who is also very well documented, how passionate he is about being champion.
08:59What a counter there by Apollo Crews as Apollo certainly wants to get back in a winning position.
09:04Talk about a former United States Champion.
09:06Carmelo Hayes certainly holding down those open challenges right now.
09:09And Apollo would love to get back in that type of position.
09:12Look at Apollo pick up the intensity.
09:14And I mentioned it during Apollo's entrance.
09:18Not flashy.
09:20Switching it up a little bit.
09:22And I think maybe he's starting to realize he has to do something different.
09:25Because he is taking his opponent to the woodshank.
09:28Power slam hooks the leg right in the center of the ring.
09:31And you can see that frustration coming out here.
09:34Apollo wanting more right now.
09:36As he's certainly looking to seize the moment right here.
09:39And Kit.
09:40Nice counter.
09:41Able to flip back out.
09:42Look at Wilson using that momentum.
09:44Takes down Apollo with a clothesline.
09:48And now the WWE Universe starting to rally a bit here, Vic.
09:52Oh!
09:53Well, Kit was getting crafty.
09:55Apollo trying to use that strength one more time.
09:58We're gonna shut that right down as Apollo Crews.
10:00Look at the power and strength here.
10:01The raw power!
10:02Up and over goes Kit Wilson.
10:04You can say that again.
10:05As Apollo Crews!
10:07Oh no!
10:08Sent right into that middle turnbuckle now, Kit.
10:10And I think he hit more of the rope, which might have done more damage than the turnbuckle.
10:14Crews is hurt.
10:15Kit trying to capitalize.
10:17Here we go.
10:18Oh!
10:19Just dropping Crews face first.
10:22And now Kit Wilson going up top, Vic.
10:24We've seen him fly before.
10:25This could be his moment.
10:26What a statement victory this would be.
10:30As Wilson building the momentum.
10:34He's up.
10:35Kit Wilson!
10:38Drives down the elbow.
10:40And Wilson makes a toxic statement.
10:43Wow!
10:44Here is your winner.
10:46Kit Wilson!
10:49Kit's corner continues to grow.
10:52Getting the rumble party started two days early.
10:55Don't jump on the bandwagon now.
10:56I remember what you said the first time you saw him.
10:59An impressive victory here for Kit Wilson on main event.
11:03Knocking off Apollo Crews.
11:05Let's take another look at the action here.
11:06Bam!
11:07Face first goes Apollo Crews.
11:08That innovative offense coming out.
11:10And Vic flying right through the air.
11:12Dropping the point of that elbow.
11:13Right to the heart of Apollo Crews.
11:16And right at an opportune time.
11:17Kit Wilson starting to build some momentum.
11:19Right here on main event.
11:20Regardless of what we say,
11:222026 is looking bright for Kit Wilson.
11:26Where's his pearl necklace?
11:28Kit's fits are shining as he's looking for some single success.
11:32And it all starts right here with this huge win on main event.
11:38And the action keeps rolling as the pit bull Ivy Nile looks to bounce back after a tough loss last week when she squares off against the former Women's Intercontinental Champion Maxine Dupree.
11:49Next!
11:55I know that it's the 2K deluxe edition.
11:57But if you make a division version with Braun Breaker on the cover?
12:02You know, if you put Logan Paul on the cover, you could have a Hall of Famer on one hand and a boxing glove on the other.
12:07Crossover, I like it.
12:08How about Boston Theory, youngest ever on the cover of the deluxe edition?
12:12It's a demographic.
12:13I mean, you could put Bronson Reed on the cover and he's doing a tsunami and the water comes off the box.
12:18And then down below, you could always have a special appearance by Barack Lesnar.
12:24Yeah.
12:25So, are you ready?
12:27I'm sure 2K has something great.
12:37How'd you pull this off?
12:39Time to play the game.
12:42Time to play the game.
12:56Everyone's gotta tell.
13:04WrestleMania Vegas.
13:07It's anyone's game.
13:12WWE World is back in Las Vegas at WrestleMania 42.
13:30The five-day interactive fan experience will take place from Thursday April 16th through Monday April 20th at the Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall.
13:38You don't want to miss the return of fan favorites such as live podcast recordings, roundtable discussions with WWE superstars, and the largest WWE superstar in WrestleMania history.
13:50Tickets are on sale now at WWE World dot com.
13:56Welcome back to main event.
13:57I still got Kit Wilson's theme in my head.
13:59The following contest is scheduled for one star.
14:04Kit Wilson's theme first.
14:05The following contest is scheduled for one star.
14:06Kit Wilson's theme first.
14:07Here's the first, representing, attacking, from Sacramento number 49, Maxine Dupre.
14:20Well, you're still grooving to Kit Wilson over here.
14:24Certainly been a roller coaster start in a 2026 for the Alpha Babe.
14:28And she has felt difficult championship defeat, as well as some serious betrayal.
14:32And I do think it's going to be hard.
14:34And I don't say this in a joking manner.
14:37Maxine needs to hold her head high.
14:40If you go back to where she was in January of 25, to where she is now in January of 26, it's a totally different woman.
14:47It's a totally different superstar.
14:49It's someone who has now been a champion at a high level.
14:52So while she wants to maybe be upset, she needs to realize how great she actually is.
15:13And she's going to be a champion, representing, American-made, from Knoxville, Tennessee, Ivy Nia!
15:22Well, the pitbull back for more after a tough loss last Thursday to Lyra Valkyria.
15:27I think Ivy looks to turn things around right on the cusp of the Royal Rumble.
15:31Two women who knew each other in the Performance Center.
15:34Two women who...
15:36Looking on Monday Night Raw.
15:37...against each other.
15:38Yeah, going through a long time, so they know each other very, very well.
15:42Niall has to be getting frustrated.
15:45Competition victories have come easy to her, her entire life.
15:49Look at the Titan Games.
15:51Think of everything she's done throughout her life.
15:53But she is still trying to find the complete opposite of Kit Wilson.
15:58She, I believe, is still trying to find her footing in the WWE.
16:02She's been a part of Monday Night Raw roster for just over two years.
16:05We've seen those flashes, those championship opportunities.
16:08Maybe, just maybe, she needs to focus on herself only.
16:11Well, that could be a big story right there.
16:14Just throwing it out there.
16:15We'll see what happens here.
16:16Bell sounds are underway right now, Vic.
16:18These two have traded off victories their last four encounters.
16:20So, something will have to give in this one.
16:22But we've seen that from main event, even a Monday Night Raw for the Women's Intercontinental Championship.
16:26Yeah, Maxine needs a win to keep herself in championship contention.
16:29Ivy Nile needs a victory just to be able to say she's beaten a former Women's Intercontinental Champion.
16:34And Vic, we're talking about Maxine.
16:36Where can Dupree be mentally after being betrayed by Natalia?
16:39I think she has to see Nati in everyone she sees, right?
16:43She's got to be seeing red.
16:44That's not a pun to the outfit she's wearing right now in terms of its color.
16:47But when she sees Ivy Nile, she has to be thinking Nati, Natalia.
16:52I mean, her heart has to be broken.
16:54A woman who helped train her, a woman who was there with her in the gyms, the late hours, listened to the tears, the sad stories, was on the road with her, was like a sister.
17:03To do that has to be absolutely heartbreaking.
17:07But that's why I said at the start, she has to hold her head up high and realize all the great things she has done in her career, especially over the last three or four months.
17:17Well, we heard from Natalia this past Monday on Raw, where she said she made Maxine, she didn't fail her, she failed Natalia.
17:24Some strong words there from the Pope.
17:26I think it is, but I also think it's Natalia, maybe her own sort of frustration.
17:30Oh, Dupree, many combination, Ivy's shoulders are down, only gets one.
17:33And I can't imagine that Maxine didn't, near fall, didn't thank her more than once.
17:40And that's where I don't understand Natalia's ideology behind it and what she did.
17:47I think it's jealousy.
17:48If I just want to call it out for what it is, I think it's jealousy.
17:51We almost wonder, was that in the heat of the moment, was maybe a premeditated attack by the Pope?
17:55Fair point.
17:56Fair point, Blake, but I don't think so.
17:58I think it was a premeditated attack that she knew what was happening.
18:01I think she thought about it, much like Ivy Niles thought about this ground and pound offense.
18:06And Becky, talk about some of those ups and downs with Ivy Nile, but how does Ivy ultimately stay locked in and always right?
18:12I don't necessarily know what the game plan is for Ivy because right now, as she goes into the cover off that knee.
18:19Hooks the outside leg, shoulders are down, only gets two.
18:21I think when it comes to Ivy Nile, she is so quick as we go back to some of the action in this matchup.
18:26Bam! That's really the turning point with the clothesline from Ivy Nile followed up with that devastating shot to the ribs
18:31and is now focused on the body part of Maxine.
18:34And for Ivy Nile, I think she's still thinking too fast.
18:38And that's what I mean by finding footing, stringing together some victories, focusing on herself.
18:43Well, Vic, we've seen it in the past, but how does Ivy's power and strength potentially give her an edge in a Royal Rumble environment, potentially this Saturday in Rio?
18:50I think it gives her the edge because she's got that low center of gravity, right?
18:53She can hold on to maybe that bottom rope, hold on to maybe that middle rope, keep herself low, fight everybody off, but also is going to have the strength through virtually.
19:02German suplex, holds the bridge, only gets two.
19:04Toss every woman in that Women's Royal Rumble match up, over, and out.
19:11And we're talking about the Women's Royal Rumble this Saturday.
19:14You have to wonder who has the inside track in just 48 hours in Rio?
19:18I'm not predicting anything because the Royal Rumble is so unpredictable.
19:23There's so much on the line, a championship match guaranteed, championship match on the grandest stage of them all, WrestleMania.
19:31As Niall goes for a suplex right there, nice counter by Maxine.
19:34As Dupree trying to stay grounded right here, the third time won't be a charm, inside cradle.
19:39Here we go to a cover, only gets two.
19:44There's that strength.
19:45As of course, both these superstars, veterans of two Royal Rumbles in the past, but 2026, a different year, a different opportunity for both of them.
19:51Fall away slam there by Ivy, going for the cover, looking to seize the moment, hooks that outside leg.
19:56I think Blake, something you said that is so spot on.
19:59Another one. Nice job by the official.
20:02Something you said that was so spot on is these two women are not the same women who were in last year's Royal Rumble.
20:09Or the year before.
20:10They both have grown so much as competitors.
20:12They have learned so much through the highs and the lows.
20:15Maxine has been a champion.
20:17Ivy now is more determined than ever to put gold around her waist.
20:21You're talking about both these superstars not being the same as last year, but how about Charlotte Flair?
20:26Can she repeat as Women's Royal Rumble winner?
20:28That's someone I wouldn't bet against when you're talking about the Queen.
20:31She has defied the odds time and time again.
20:34Think about all the world titles she's won, all the WrestleMania moments she has had.
20:38Definitely not one you can count out.
20:40Has to be one of the favorites heading into the Royal Rumble.
20:4548 hours, big DDT for Maxine.
20:47Nice job by Dupree to cut off the offense of Ivy Nile.
20:50Of course, it is every woman for themselves.
20:52There's a lot of tag teams in the mix these days.
20:54Charlotte may have to keep an eye on Alexa Bliss as well.
20:57Would you think that Alexa Bliss would turn her back on her best friend?
21:01I think it'd be the other way around.
21:03But look, I can't count that out because it's every woman for themselves, every man for themselves at the end of the day in the Royal Rumble.
21:10Championship opportunity hanging the balance right here and Maxine Dupree would love to get back in a championship position.
21:15It's only been a few weeks since she dropped that Women's Intercontinental Championship.
21:18Back to Becky Lynch.
21:19Now what about Bayley?
21:20What about Rhea Ripley?
21:21What about Asuka?
21:22You talk about Charlotte Flair.
21:23Asher's runner-up, Roxanne Perez.
21:25Roxanne Perez as well.
21:27Could she have that moment?
21:28Could it be Lynn Morgan's time to finally shine?
21:30When you talk about tag teams, there's two of the three women from Judgment Day.
21:34Can't forget about Raquel Rodriguez as well.
21:36Judgment Day certainly stacked a lot to give this Saturday in Riyadh.
21:39Wide open field for the Women's Rumble as Maxine Dupree looking to seize the moment right here.
21:44Talk about power.
21:45Is Maxine right now on top of Ivy now?
21:47What about someone like Jordan Grace when it comes to strength entering yet another Royal Rumble?
21:51I mean, there are so many participants.
21:53The field wide open.
21:55Exploding fisherman suplex right there by Maxine.
21:58Now back up on her feet and you can see that confidence that's really starting to grow inside Maxine.
22:03And you can see that rage boiling out of the former Women's Intercontinental Champion.
22:08Big leg drop to the back of the neck into the cover.
22:10Hooks the outside leg.
22:12Right on the cusp and Niall able to kick out as Maxine continues to push right now.
22:16We talk about what Maxine can learn from her Women's Intercontinental Championship reign.
22:20She can certainly learn a lot from Natalya turning her back on her as well.
22:23Yeah, and I know we've talked about it before.
22:25I think that's the next evolution for Maxine Dupree is to understand.
22:28And it's something that Booker T's been telling me for a number of years.
22:31There are no friends.
22:32There are no pals.
22:33There are no buddies in this business.
22:35It's about checks and championships.
22:37But Ivy might be looking for a sit down powerbomb.
22:40A big counter out of the corner.
22:42Just dumps Dupree with the powerbomb.
22:44That could be it.
22:45Shoulders are down.
22:46And somehow Maxine able to kick out.
22:48But Ivy stays on the attack.
22:49Right in the ankle lock.
22:50Smart strategy.
22:51Center of the ring.
22:53Dupree looking to fight.
22:54But this is just what she learned in the dungeon Vic.
22:56And Maxine.
22:57Oh wait a minute.
22:58A counter roll.
22:59Center of the ring.
23:00Shoulders are down.
23:01Counter again though.
23:02And Ivy.
23:03Dragon sleeper.
23:04Trying to go right back to it.
23:05Maxine continues to roll.
23:06Nice counter offense.
23:07So close, so close, so close.
23:08As Maxine.
23:09You see Maxine looking out.
23:11She's about a foot away.
23:12I wonder if she can get her leg out to get to the rope though.
23:14She's able to get back to a vertical base.
23:16Create a counter.
23:17And right now she's into the ankle lock.
23:18Picks the ankle.
23:19Does Dupree.
23:20Center of the ring.
23:21Here we go.
23:22Ivy's got nowhere to go.
23:23Is Ivy going to tap?
23:24Wrenching that ankle.
23:25Maxine looking to hook it tight.
23:27Oh, what a win this would be for Maxine.
23:29Nice counter for a moment.
23:30Ivy into a roll up.
23:31Shoulders are down for Maxine.
23:33And I think if Ivy were able to hook those legs on the roll,
23:37this match would be over.
23:38Maxine was able to get back into it ever so slightly.
23:41Maxine!
23:42Maxine!
23:43The WWE Universe here in support of Maxine.
23:45Big kick.
23:46Creates that separation Dupree.
23:47I don't know about this though.
23:48Maxine going high risk.
23:50This is definitely risky here, Vic.
23:52Maxine all the way up top.
23:53No fear.
23:54And Maxine Dupree.
23:56She flies.
23:58Cross body.
23:59And Maxine perseveres to a hard fought victory.
24:02Here is your winner, Maxine Dupree.
24:07What a momentum building victory for the former Women's Intercontinental Champion.
24:15You can feel that desperation going back and forth.
24:18Both superstars wanting that victory just 48 hours before the Royal Rumble.
24:22And Maxine Dupree has had a lot on her plate over the last couple of weeks.
24:26Puts it all to the side.
24:27Flies through the air.
24:28Picks up a big win.
24:29We want to talk about momentum.
24:31Maxine Dupree has it.
24:32Heading right into the Royal Rumble.
24:34This Saturday in Riyadh.
24:38Coming up on Main Event.
24:39It's a clash of styles.
24:40Speed versus power.
24:42As the lightning fast Joaquin Wilde.
24:44Steps into the squared circle to go one on one.
24:46With the Bulgarian brute Russe.
24:48We'll leave the Great White North with a victory.
24:51Find out next.
24:52On Main Event.
24:58Saturday.
25:01The moments await.
25:02The eyes of the world are on this tonight.
25:05In Riyadh.
25:10The city.
25:13The excitement.
25:16The energy.
25:17Listen to this place.
25:19Experience Royal Rumble.
25:21Dreams will come true.
25:23Getting pumped up for Riyadh season with Royal Rumble.
25:27Experience Riyadh.
25:36At least there will be a great game for Riyadh season.
25:50On Mai.
25:53At least there will be some erstmal for Riyadh season.
25:55She иг tahu.
25:58And her thoughts withademien play � Zipc.
26:00The direction which is I'm 2021.
26:32The road to WrestleMania begins at the Royal Rumble, and now it's official.
26:42The OTC Roman Reigns has declared for this year's Royal Rumble match.
26:4730 of WWE's top superstars will collide in a battle for a guaranteed championship opportunity
26:52when WrestleMania rolls into Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 18th, and Sunday, April 19th.
26:58The Women's Royal Rumble match brings that same chaos and that same opportunity.
27:0630 women, one ring, one moment that can change a career forever.
27:11Will outlast the field and punch their ticket to WrestleMania with a guaranteed championship match on the line.
27:17And speaking of championship opportunities, Sami Zayn earned his shot the hard way.
27:24Zayn survived a gluing final four-way match at Saturday night's main event to earn the right to challenge Drew McIntyre
27:30for the undisputed WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble.
27:33Guter has built a chilling reputation as a career killer.
27:40Retiring legends like Goldberg and the GOAT, John Cena.
27:44Now, the Ring General looks to add another name to that list when he faces AJ Styles at the Royal Rumble.
27:51Styles will put his phenomenal Hall of Fame-worthy career on the line against Guter in Riyadh.
27:56Win, or it's the end of the road.
28:02Vic, it's the final action before Riyadh.
28:15This next contest is scheduled for one ball.
28:19Introducing first, representing LWO, from Chicago, Illinois, weighing in at 180 pounds, Joaquin Wilde.
28:31The slick moves of the Smooth Criminal look to fly high here tonight on YouTube after some highlights in 2025.
28:39Joaquin Wilde looks to make his 2026 debut right here tonight.
28:43This man always adds a new sense of style to his wardrobe, whether it's the hat, the jacket, the ice around the neck.
28:56Joaquin, indeed, looking to get wild tonight here on Main Event.
29:01As the Royal Rumble is presented by Cricket.
29:11Join Cricket Nation and get reliable nationwide 5G.
29:14Smile, you're on Cricket.
29:20And by Ram Trucks.
29:23Nothing stops Ram.
29:25And by Intuit TurboTax.
29:27Now this is Texas.
29:31Joaquin blazing like a phoenix tonight.
30:01His opponent, from Bulgaria, weighing in at 270 pounds, Rusev!
30:10I tell you what, all the fun we were having just went right out of the arena when Rusev makes his way out here.
30:19Certainly a different entrance to Kit Wilson.
30:21You ain't lying.
30:22We're talking 2026 debuts.
30:24The Bulgarian Brute set for action.
30:26Rusev returned to WWE about eight months ago and is still in the hunt for a championship goal.
30:32Well, Rusev was a runner-up of a Royal Rumble in the past.
30:36If you go back to 2015, he was so close to winning his first Royal Rumble match.
30:41He knows how to survive it.
30:42He didn't come back not to win a world title, to your point.
30:46Same can be said for someone else like Matt Cardona.
30:49But you look in the eyes of Rusev, and I've said this before, he's more dangerous than ever.
30:56And of course, you talk about that 2015 Royal Rumble.
30:58Par laid that into a championship opportunity against John Cena at WrestleMania 31.
31:03And now Rusev in here against Joaquin Wilde.
31:06Vic, you've spoken about it, but how dominant, ultimately, has Rusev been since returning to WWE?
31:10Well, look, Rusev right now does not want to hear from the WWE Universe.
31:16This is someone who in the past would play it up, play into it, right?
31:19He's focused on one thing.
31:21He's focused on hurting people.
31:23He did not come back to the WWE to be forgotten.
31:27He came back to the WWE to crush.
31:29He came back to the WWE to win.
31:31He came back to the WWE to solidify himself as one of the greatest WWE superstars of all time.
31:37And he is a former United States champion, but he wants to add a world title to his repertoire.
31:42He wants to add a Royal Rumble victory.
31:44He wants to add so many different things that he's more dangerous than ever.
31:48And I'll stand by that statement.
31:49And look at the strength.
31:50The United States champion on three different occasions.
31:53Now Rusev asserting his power right here.
31:55But Joaquin Wilde loves that stick and move strategy.
31:57And he's never one to back down from an opponent.
31:59No, he's not.
32:00Look, he's a smooth criminal as we've called in the past.
32:02But he's going to have to have a lot of tricks to combat this tonight against Rusev.
32:07Oh, my.
32:08Wilde certainly looking to find his own way to stand out in 2026.
32:11But Rusev dominating right here.
32:14And Vic, we talk about the field for the Royal Rumble.
32:16Who's already declared?
32:17We heard a big one on Monday.
32:18And of course, Javon Evans.
32:19Nice counter.
32:21There by Joaquin Wilde.
32:22And Javon Evans, someone that obviously down in NXT making his presence known.
32:26Could you imagine what a year it would be for Javon Evans?
32:34One year going to the main event of Stand and Deliver to the main event of WrestleMania.
32:37We know it's going to be bouncy in Riyadh.
32:39But nonetheless, Rusev putting on the brakes.
32:42Preventing Joaquin Wilde from flying through the air.
32:44But taking a look at the field, ultimately, how does Rusev stack up against everyone else already declaring for the Royal Rumble?
32:49As I've already mentioned, this is someone who's been a runner-up.
32:51So he already stacks up against the field.
32:54He's somebody who knows what it's going to take to survive.
32:57Doesn't matter if he enters one.
32:59Doesn't matter if he enters 15.
33:00Or he enters in at number 30.
33:03This is what he's trying to do to all 29 other men in Riyadh at the Royal Rumble.
33:08Destroy.
33:09To conquer.
33:10To win.
33:11He's certainly destroying Joaquin Wilde right here.
33:14And he has been dominant on the main event as well.
33:163-0 since his return to the WWE.
33:18Including a victory last summer over fellow LWO member Cruz del Toro.
33:22And for Joaquin Wilde right now, I don't think he's worried about the past.
33:28I think maybe he wishes it was last summer because he wouldn't be in this matchup right now.
33:31There you go.
33:31There's a cover.
33:32Swords are down.
33:33Only two there for the Bulgarian Brute.
33:35But one thing, Vic, that very well could motivate Joaquin Wilde in this.
33:37After that matchup, Rusev said that victory was easy work against Cruz del Toro.
33:42Certainly not showing a lot of respect to the LWO.
33:44Look, Wilde, I'm sure, has been reminded of that.
33:46I'm sure he went back and studied some film.
33:48But Wilde is in a dangerous spot right now.
33:51He's on the mat.
33:51He's on the ground.
33:52He's not moving.
33:53If you're not moving, it makes it a lot easier for Rusev to get his paws on you.
33:57And start breaking you down physically.
34:00Which is what we're seeing right now in the center of the ring.
34:03As Rusev right now really asserting that dominance here against Joaquin Wilde.
34:07Vic, we talked earlier on here on Main Event about the Women's Royal Rumble.
34:10I know we've touched on here on the men's side.
34:12But ultimately, who has the inside track in Rio?
34:14Again, it's the same thing I mentioned when it comes to the Women's Royal Rumble.
34:19It's an open field.
34:20I mean, you just don't know what's going to happen.
34:23I think when you hear of a guy like Roman Reigns making it known that he is going to be in the Rumble.
34:29But then you look at a guy like Cody Rhodes, you'll be looking to win it for the third time.
34:32You've got a guy like Gunther, Jacob Fatu.
34:37It's a Jey Uso.
34:38I mean, it's unbelievable to think.
34:40And then you start thinking about the vision.
34:42You think about Reed, you think about Theory, you think about Braun Breaker who's no longer suspended.
34:48It's an open field.
34:51It's wild for me to think that we can't sit here and even try to count.
34:54Well, it's going to be one of these two guys.
34:56You know, and people are doing that right now all around the world watching on YouTube.
34:59I'm sure they have their favorites.
35:01But it's like I said, it's wide open.
35:03And Joaquin Wilde finding a big opportunity right here.
35:06One thing we do know for certain this Saturday, Jacob Fatu, Cody Rhodes look to explode inside that Royal Rumble matchup.
35:12And they certainly will at some point.
35:14Then we've talked about Sami Zayn taking on someone like Drew McIntyre.
35:19We talked about Guther for a second.
35:21He's going to be facing AJ Styles.
35:23I mean, we just don't know who all is in this Royal Rumble match, which is what makes it such a unique event and truly kickstarts the road to WrestleMania.
35:33As that raw power here of Rusev.
35:36Yeah, you're not kidding a lot.
35:37I'm saying AJ Styles' career is on the line in Riyadh.
35:40Very well could end prematurely right there.
35:42Guther's on a big roll.
35:43Could be two major Hall of Famers in the span of a month.
35:47Wilde all of a sudden.
35:48A referee.
35:49Looks like he's having a little bit of a back issue right here.
35:51A referee, Jason Ayers, stepping in.
35:54Oh, and Wilde.
35:55Inside cradle.
35:56Here we go.
35:57Looking to shock the world.
35:59And Rusev able to kick out.
36:00Playing a little possum right there is Wilde.
36:02Now stick and move.
36:03Not taking anything away from this matchup.
36:04But, man, I am fired up for the Royal Rumble.
36:07Wilde, certainly a veteran, former multiple-time TNA X Division champion.
36:10Now looking to fly through the air.
36:12Joaquin Wilde looking to pull off a big upset.
36:14Oh, it would be a huge upset.
36:16And there's a front splash.
36:18Rusev's down.
36:19Is it in?
36:19Into the cover.
36:20Near fall.
36:21Two and three quarters there for Joaquin Wilde.
36:25As Rusev has been pushed before, but certainly pushed right there again.
36:29First was that DDT.
36:30Pinpoint accuracy followed up with that frog splash.
36:35Couldn't get the job done, though, as Rusev's power able to continue this matchup is what's Wilde thinking.
36:42As Joaquin Wilde, certainly no one to back down from an opportunity.
36:45We've seen him on Raw, NXT, AAA, of all events.
36:48Oh, no!
36:49But ends up eating a monster kick right there.
36:52And, Vic, that's the beginning of the end.
36:54And remember the back injury for Wilde.
37:00We saw it earlier.
37:02Rusev looking to capitalize into the accolade.
37:04He has no choice but to tap.
37:06And Rusev crushes once again.
37:12Here is your winner by submission, Rusev!
37:17Dominating look on Rusev's face.
37:20He was pushed by Joaquin Wilde.
37:22But in the end, Rusev turns the corner.
37:25One motzka kick and an accolade later.
37:28And the momentum continues for the Bulgarian group.
37:31And we ran through a lot of names earlier of guys who could be, who maybe aren't in the Royal Rumble.
37:36If Rusev gets in, if Rusev draws a number and is on this sort of roll with that look in his eyes,
37:43who can throw out a man who was the runner-up in 2015?
37:47Could this be the year for Rusev?
37:50He's powerful.
37:51He's explosive.
37:53He's intense.
37:54He's locked in.
37:55And right now, Vic, he hasn't won every single match he's been in,
37:59but he's pushed champions to the limit.
38:01Rusev's back.
38:02He's looking to dominate.
38:03And he wants another opportunity this Saturday in the Royal Rumble.
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