'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Germany was treated to a wonderful show as Bash in Berlin delivered the goods. From top-to-bottom, the historic premium live event thoroughly entertained the WWE Universe with solid in-ring action and fine storytelling.
Under Triple H's quality-over-quantity approach, five good matches were contested in front of a raucous German crowd. The PLE lived up to the hype, and fans are still buzzing with excitement.
Here, we list and explain 4 things WWE got right at Bash in Berlin.
Former WWE writer buries Judgment Day HERE
#4. Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens opened the show with a masterpiece in storytelling
Trending
WWE made the right call by having Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens open the show. Most hype surrounded the World Heavyweight Championship clash, which deserved more of the spotlight, and putting Rhodes vs. Owens in the middle of the card could have created a mess, leading to time constraints.
The main narrative heading into the Undisputed WWE Title match was the friendship between Rhodes and Owens. Some were predicting a heel turn for KO, who has a long history of betraying his friends. Furthermore, hostility was brewing in the weeks leading up to Bash in Berlin.
Rhodes vs. Owens focused primarily on this friendship dynamic as the two veterans put together a storytelling masterpiece. The American Nightmare had apparently injured his left knee, but The Prizefighter, despite his desperation to win, refused to take advantage of his friend's injury.
Rhodes, being the fighting and resilient champion, kept coming back for more, kicking out of Stunners. He finally hit the Cross Rhodes to retain the championship.
After the match, The American Nightmare offered to help the fallen challenger to his feet. But, Owens stood up on his own accord. However, The Prizefighter hugged Rhodes and shook the champion's hand, showing respect to his friend.
while WWE skillfully teased a future betrayal, Owens standing up on his own, it still maintained the babyface-babyface dynamics displayed on the night.
#3. CM Punk defeated Drew McIntyre at Bash in Berlin
The strap match between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre was one of the most highly-anticipated clashes heading into Bash in Berlin. The WWE Universe wanted Punk to whip McIntyre, reclaim his beloved bracelet, and earn his first win in over a decade.
That is exactly what happened in Berlin. Punk, riding on a wave of emotion, took the fight to McIntyre. The Scottish Warrior used his force and strength to dominate The Straight-Edge Superstar, even putting his opponent through a table.
However, it was Punk's night. The Voice of The Voiceless got his revenge as McIntyre received his comeuppance. Not only did the former AEW star execute three GTS while slapping the turnbuckles and ripping out the bracelet before winning the match, he also made McIntyre tap out to the Sharpshooter.
Punk got his closure, and now believes he can move on to bigger and better things. This was the veteran's first singles WWE win in nearly 11 years. Thus, it was a touching moment for him and his fans.
#2. The Terror Twins terrorized Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan
Following The Judgment Day implosion, fans backed The Terror Twins, Damian Priest, and Rhea Ripley, as they wanted the two allies to seek revenge on their treacherous stable mates.
For weeks, Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan had fled from the clutches of The Terror Twins. They also had the numbers advantage as Finn Balor, Carlito, and JD McDonagh sided with Dom and Morgan. However, they finally met their fate at Bash in Berlin.
Germany thoroughly enjoyed Priest dominating Mysterio. The former World Heavyweight Champion running through Balor and company in the closing moments also received a loud approval.
The icing on the cake was Mami locking in the Headscissors on Dom-Dom in the corner. The Eradicator hit the Riptide on Morgan to win the match for her team.
#1. Gunther displayed personality at Bash in Berlin during his fight with Randy Orton
Gunther is known for his professional, hard-hitting, no-nonsense, and stoic demeanor inside and outside the ring. While these attributes are central to The Ring General's character, fans expect superstars to connect with them at a deeper level in 2024.
Fortunately, the World Heavyweight Champion showed a tremendous degree of personality and character at Bash in Berlin, where he was the hometown hero. The champion received a wonderful welcome with Ludwig Kaiser's introduction, highlighting the bond between the two friends.
During his match with Randy Orton, Gunther suffered a hand injury, which affected the offense he dished out on The Viper. Despite the setback, he was able to lock in the Sleeper hold long enough to force Orton to lose consciousness.
As someone known for his dominance, it was a surprise to see Gunther show so much resilience and vulnerability. In a rare display of respect, the champion offered a handshake to the fallen challenger, who had fought bravely, highlighting the professionalistic touch of his character.
In the press conference that followed, The Ring General explained his connection to the European crowd. Gunther took a break from his stoic character, and it was a refreshing sight for his fans.
