GUNTHER is closing in on a historic record as WWE Intercontinental Champion. The record of the longest reign in the belts history has been held by Honky Tonk Man for decades now – but he’s quickly approaching the 454 day record.
One man who is keen on ensuring that this record stays intact is Matt Riddle, who has a chance to claim the belt for the first time tonight. Both men are known for their hard strikes – and this one could lean towards Strong Style as a result.
The Ring General Isn’t Keen On Humouring The Original Bro
Since making his return to WWE, Riddle hasn’t done much of note – making this a key match for his future in the company.
Quickly, he’d get a front headlock on GUNTHER – being driven into the corner. He was unable to control the champion, but avoided a chop. The body slam would send Riddle crashing into the mat, but he’d come back with a series of kicks and a forearm smash.
GUNTHER would catch Riddle with a stiff chop, and suddenly Riddle was having issues feeling his hands. A boot to the face would follow, before more chops in the corner would punish Riddle.
Riddle managed a slick Pele Kick, but the Exploder Suplex was countered. GUNTHER tried for another chop, but Riddle would avoid and try for a kneebar before being stomped into the mat.
Riddle would try for some more kicks, but was blocked and thrown to the mat. During the build to this match, the ankle of Riddle was hurt – and GUNTHER would target it now, ripping at the tape and stomping directly on it. GUNTHER would toss Riddle across the ring with a German Suplex before applying the Heel Hook himself – but Riddle was able to fight free.
GUNTHER Defeats Matt Riddle, Drew McIntyre Returns To Attack Champion
The Running Broton would be caught into a Rear Naked Choke, but Riddle slipped free. Another German Suplex would see Riddle land on his feet – but he stumbled due to the ankle injury and GUNTHER quickly closed in with a lariat.
Riddle was able to find his footing and hit the Final Flash Knee and a PK, before looking for the Floating Bro. This flurry of ssoffence was good for a two count.
Looking to lift GUNTHER for the Bro Derek – Riddle would again have issues with his ankle and be chopped down. GUNTHER tried for the diving splash, but Riddle twisted and caught him into a Triangle Choke – but the powerbomb escape would work and allow GUNTHER to move into a Single Leg Boston Crab.
GUNTHER would twist into a Heel Hook – and Riddle had no choice but to tap out, or risk losing more months of his career.
As GUNTHER would celebrate – the music of Drew McIntyre would hit, and for the first time since WrestleMania – The Scottish Warrior is here. He’d come face to face with GUNTHER, and hit the Glasgow Kiss before The Claymore – his intentions crystal clear.
London Accepts Cody Rhodes As A Hero
Cody Rhodes is quickly proving himself as a worthy main event star in WWE. His battles against Brock Lesnar showed his ability to hang with one of the heaviest hitters in the industry, and has fans wondering when his next title match will come. Tonight however, he won’t be staring down a champion – instead having to deal with Dominik Mysterio.
The son of Rey Mysterio has been looking for a big match to prove his skills in WWE, and defeating Rhodes who has one good arm would do that.
The crowd would accept Rhodes like a hero – while completely rejecting Mysterio. Only Rhea Ripley were here to support Mysterio – which has generally been enough in the past.
Mysterio would continue to draw the ire of the crowd before getting a punch to the jaw of Rhodes. Notably, Rhodes was sported a splint on his left hand after his matches with Lesnar.
Rhodes would have to chase Mysterio around ringside, before taking another slap to the face. Ripping the splint off, Rhodes would shock Mysterio who lost any sense of advantage. Mysterio tried to flee, only for Rhodes to take chase and drug Mysterio back to the ring and stomped him into the corner.
Dominik Mysterio Can’t Run Forever
Mysterio tried another escape heading off into the crowd, but was caught once again. Ripley would cause a distraction, before yanking Rhodes off the apron and allowing Mysterio to hit a Suicide Dive.
Rhodes would be driven into the announce table and ring post shortly after, and Mysterio was now in complete control.
Back into the ring, Rhodes would try to regain control with a back suplex, but Mysterio landed on his feet and hit a jumping elbow smash. Mysterio would apply a sleeper hold – with Rhodes able to break free.
A powerslam would land, and Rhodes was back in control. Disaster Kick would land, but Mysterio was able to kick out before two.
Ripley would help Mysterio regain control, but Rhodes countered the 619. A spinning Alabama Slam and CodyCutter would follow – before Cross Rhodes ended this match just like that. Once Rhodes got a string of offence in and Mysterio was unable to flee – it was a done deal.
What is next for Cody Rhodes? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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