WWE CLASH AT THE CASTLE 2022 (Principality Stadium)
Gunther (c) vs Sheamus (Intercontinental Champioship Match)
The Brawling Brutes and Imperium members stare each other down in the middle of the ring with Sheamus and Gunther in the centre at a standoff. Before the bell rings Butch, Holland, Vinci & Kaiser break out in a brawl. Meanwhile, Sheamus & Gunther stay locked in their stare down and unmoved.
Vinci, Kaiser and Holland remain on the outside as Butch climbs the ropes to the top turnbuckle with a back flip to take all men out from the top rope. Sheamus and Gunther still yet to move in the centre of the ring, until the bell sounds and the action finally begins for the Intercontinental Championship.
Heavy left and right exchanges to start the match from both men. Michael Cole emphasising the strong start to the match by saying “both men slugging it out”. Then followed closely with “the workmans championship, to be defended all over the Globe like Gunther is doing tonight”. Showcasing the history of the championship but also crediting the reign of Gunther.
High stakes for both men as this is the closest pay per view match both will have had in their WWE careers. With the event taking place in Cardiff, Sheamus from Ireland and Gunther from Austria.
Gunther is driven into the steel steps as Sheamus gestures looking into the crowd with the UK fans responding with loud “SHEAMUS! SHEAMUS! SHEAMUS!” chants. The championship then turns the tide by having Sheamus in the corner, delivering his signature chops to Sheamus, which echo through the Principality Stadium.
Sheamus then knocked off the top rope by a thunderous chop from the Ring General and tumbled to the outside. Gunther follows up with a body slam to the steel steps to try to get a count out victory early, which is stopped at 9 by Sheamus.
Endless chops from Gunther turning Sheamus chest beet red to the point of Gunther shaking his hand as it starts to impact him also. Hard hitting as Gunther unloads on Sheamus off the ropes with chops and side elbows to the head as he stands helpless. GUNTHER DOMINATING.
“LETS GO SHEAMUS!” chants ring around the stadium in Cardiff as Sheamus looks to find a way back into the match. With the crowd doing their best to will on the Irishman.
Big rights exchanged as Sheamus looks to gain momentum, quickly swatted by a huge chop to a chorus of boos from the crowd. Body slam on the outside from Gunther, then he launches Sheamus over the commentary table.
Sheamus responds by crashing the Ring General’s head into the announce table over and over again to try and get back into this match. Then pulling Gunther’s arms back to start his signature beats to the chest of his opponent. However, Gunther breaks free before maximum damage can be done.
The Irishman gains the momentum he has been looking for and takes a second to look at part of the crowd and gather his thoughts before delivering his 10 beats to the chest, this time inside the ring, with Gunther’s arms helplessly tangled in the ropes.
The momentum continues as Sheamus delivers 15 beats to the chest over the barricade on the outside. Michael Cole with another timely quote of “how boxers look in the 12th round”. Describing what can be seen from both men in this hard hitting match.
A supplex from the champion as they go back in the ring, as both men look to throw their best shots at each other. With Sheamus responding with a running knee off the ropes to a near fall to keep the match alive.
“THIS IS AWESOME!” chants ring around as both men catch their breath in this “hard hitting affair”. Corey Graves giving both men praise in calling them “two of the toughest b***ards, in this business”.
A power bomb countered into a White Noise by Sheamus, resulting in another near fall with both men exhausted. Sheamus looks around to standing, cheering fans around the stadium in Wales, beating his chest to signal a Brogue Kick which doesn’t connect. Resulting in a drop kick into the turnbuckle.
Then followed up with a Power Bomb by Gunther, giving him his own near fall. Exchanges whilst Gunther is on the top rope with Sheamus transitions into the Celtic Cross from the top, kick out at 2 ½.
Sheamus again looks for the Brogue Kick to end the match, as his back gives out at the most crucial time. Gunther seizes the opportunity with another Power Bomb. Quickly followed by a vicious Lariat to clinch the victory. The region of the Ring General as Intercontinental Champion continues.
A well deserved standing ovation for Sheamus after a battle for the ages at the first UK PPV for 30 years, which is acknowledged and welcomed by the Irishman. A true battle between both men, who left it all in the ring.
