WWE has the international PLE formula down.
The first-ever Bash in Berlin event not only broke the company revenue record for arena shows, but it delivered across the board from an in-ring match perspective. The Berlin audience gave the matches a special jolt of energy, which covered up the fact that nothing all that newsworthy took place throughout the on-the-dot three hour show.
Here are my Brass Ring Ratings for the event and here’s how they work … I call it like I see it and grade accordingly. Period.
Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens - Undisputed WWE Championship
A very strong opener. Rhodes and Owens had a tough hill to climb given that they were both babyfaces going into the match. The climbed it successfully. By showing respect to start the match, the audience was able to play along and get behind both guys simultaneously. The action was fun and showcased a desperation on the part of Kevin Owens as he fought to undo a terrible title match record in the last six years. Cody’s knee injury was introduced into the story perfectly on commentary and in a way a similar story would be for a UFC fight. When it came time to sell that injury, Cody did it well and was believable. As far as Owens not taking advantage of the knee injury, well, in the wrong hands that could have gone badly. It had to be sold near perfect for the intricate story to make sense and it was. Owens didn’t look silly for not trying to win the match, but sympathetic and likable instead. Rhodes winning was no surprise and the fact that Owens didn’t turn heel made the match click.
Heydorn’s Brass Ring Rating - OOO 3/4
Isla Dawn & Alba Fyre vs. Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill - WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship
A match that delivered on the high end of expectations. Dawn and Fyre came across as credible opponents and the eventual hot tag from Belair to Cargill was expertly crafted. Some of the spots were a little sloppy, but overall, all four women got the exact reactions they were looking for. Can Belair and Cargill make the women’s tag titles relevant? That’s the question. They are certainly the team that has the best shot to do so.
Heydorn’s Brass Ring Rating - OO 3/4
CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre - Strap Match
A good match and much better than their Summerslam encounter. This one sported enough violence to appease the feud that called for it without going overboard. Punk looked significantly more comfortable out there for this one and the result was better timing and more cohesive match. The lights turning on and off for each corner touch was too produced for me, but it made it sense. Punk got the definitive win he needed to get. Look for Drew vs. Punk 3 to take place at Bad Blood and for Drew to take the feud to an even higher, more personal level to get there.
Heydorn’s Brass Ring Rating - OOO 1/2
Rhea Ripley & Damian Priest vs. Liv Morgan & Dominik Mysterio
This one was so much fun. A lot of brawling, sure, but they gave the audience what they wanted to see — the babyfaces smash the heels. Morgan and Dominik sold their butts off and it helped get the match over. The match was constructed around Ripley getting her hands on Dominik and the crowd was there with a big pop for that moment. It was time to give Ripley and Priest the win and they got it. Not a five star match classic, but a match that did what it needed to do in the moment.
Heydorn’s Brass Ring Rating - OOO 3/4
Gunther vs. Randy Orton - WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Randy Orton’s best match in over ten years? I think so. The match was slowly paced, which won’t be for everyone, but that speed allowed time for the selling each guy was doing to be impactful. Gunther was always going to win this match, but the RKO out of nowhere spot delivered the near-fall for Orton that the match needed. Interesting to see Gunther offer up a handshake to Orton after he secured the W. Certainly a cool moment for the show, but don’t look too much into it as far as Gunther’s week to week character goes. He’s solidified himself as a top heel in the company and will continue to operate in that way.
Heydorn’s Brass Ring Rating - OOO
What did you think of WWE Bash in Berlin? Let us know in the comments!
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