Browsing: Reed

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Bronson Reed is currently at the forefront of WWE alongside Bron Breakker in The Vision stable, as the promotion seems to be positioning Breakker to become one of the biggest names in WWE. However, Bronson is still a force to be reckoned with, but even he had to overcome difficulties in the Performance Center on his way into the promotion.

“I was lucky enough, at the time, there was a wrestler by the name of Shane Haste who wrestles in New Japan at the moment, he was actually signed to WWE,” Reed recalled during an interview on “The Rich Eisen Show,” noting that Shane Haste (Thorn in WWE) helped him at the time. “And, funnily enough, the man that coached me in pro wrestling when I started when I was 18 years old, his name is Hartley Jackson. He was actually coaching at the PC at the same time, so I was able to lean on those two.”Â

Reed further expressed that it was only for a period of six months, but thereafter, he found his own groove in WWE. When asked about important moments in his WWE career so far, Reed pointed to his WWE North American Championship win, expressing that it felt like a culmination of all of his work on the independents until that point. He noted he’d had a 12-year career before WWE, and how winning gold on “NXT” ‘Black & Gold’ was Triple H’s way of recognizing your efforts.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit “The Rich Eisen Show” and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

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Four years ago, Bronson Reed captured his first WWE title when he ended Johnny Gargano’s 163-day North American Championship reign in a Steel Cage match on “WWE NXT,” an achievement that the 37-year-old considers one of the proudest moments of his professional wrestling career.

Speaking on “The Rich Eisen Show,” Reed claimed that his North American Championship win represented his decade-long efforts to earn a WWE contract.

“Yeah, it was a big deal for me. It almost felt like a culmination of all my work on the independents to get to that point. I was wrestling for 12 years before I got signed with WWE, and it was always a goal of mine to not only get signed with WWE, but become a champion … I remember this is when Triple H was still in charge of ‘NXT,’ black and gold era. It was a lot of what you did was based on what you could do in the ring.”Â

Reed continued to explain that he couldn’t help but cry during the closing moments of the show after winning the title, and responded to fans who question how wrestlers can be emotional about a major victory if they’re aware of the outcome beforehand.

“You still got to remember that winning a championship means that the people behind the scenes have faith in you to be that champion, and when you’re someone like me who’s followed this their whole life and you’ve dreamt of these moments, it’s surreal to have these moments come true.”

Although he’s proud of his WWE resume thus far, Reed admitted that he needs to acquire some gold on the main roster, and expects to be emotional when the moment occurs, but will attempt to remain composed now that he’s a heel.

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “The Rich Eisen Show” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

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SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)…

Fresh off of defeating Jey Uso to win the World Heavyweight Championship at Saturday Nightâ€s Main Event, C.M. Punk opened this weekâ€s show. Before he could finish his celebration promo, he was interrupted by Logan Paul. As Paul attempted to stake his claim as Punkâ€s first challenger, they were interrupted by Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, & Paul Heyman. After a few moments of back-and-forth bickering, Breakker & Reed laid out Punk & Paul to end the segment. Looking for revenge, Punk recruited Jey to team up with him to face Breakker & Reed in the showâ€s main event.

Before the night was over, Paul would make another appearance to declare where his allegiance lies. In addition to that, we had Stephanie Vaquer team up with Nikki Bella to face Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez, Dominik Mysterio being confronted by his father Rey, as well as AJ Styles & Dragon Lee defending their newly won World Tag Team Titles against Finn Balor & Dragon Lee.

Stephanie Vaquer & Nikki Bella vs. Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez

Latest developments:

Two weeks ago, Womenâ€s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer defeated Roxanne Perez in a non-title match. Perez along with Raquel Rodriguez attacked Vaquer after the match until Nikki Bella came out to her rescue. Last week, Nikki went one on one with Perez in a match where Perez picked up the win with the Pop Rocks. As Perez & Raquel attacked Nikki after the match, Vaquer came to Nikkiâ€s rescue to return the favor from the week before. Later in the night, it was announced that Vaquer & Nikki would face Raquel & Perez this week.

As the match took place, Vaquer hit Perez with a Back Suplex from the second rope and followed that with the Devilâ€s Kiss. Nikki then tagged in and hit the Rack Attack 2.0 onto Perez before Raquel interrupted the pin attempt. After both falling over the top rope, Vaquer attempted a Devilâ€s Kiss to Raquel on the apron before she blocked it and slammed Vaquer face first onto the apron. Raquel then hit Nikki with a hard right hand through the bottom rope after Perez kicked out of Nikkiâ€s pin attempt and that allowed Perez to hit her with the Pop Rocks for the win. Later in the night, it was announced that Vaquer will defend her title against Raquel next week.

Analysis:

While it wasnâ€t anything that stood out too much, this match was a big improvement from the match between Nikki and Perez from last week. Interestingly enough, this match ended the same way as the one last week with Perez pinning Nikki with the Pop Rocks. While there was nothing wrong with that finish, Raquel shouldâ€ve been the one to get the win here since sheâ€s gonna be challenging Vaquer for the title next week. Raquel has improved tremendously throughout this year and that title match next week is going to be a huge showcase in showing how far sheâ€s come. As good as that match will likely be, thereâ€s no way that it ends with a title change.

Will all the momentum that Vaquer has now and considering that this is going to be her first title defense, her losing the title now doesnâ€t seem realistic. In addition to all that, this all feels like itâ€s leading to an eventual feud between Vaquer and Nikki. Theyâ€ve done a good job in telling the story of Nikkiâ€s recent losing streak starting to make her doubt herself. With her going through that and the fact that sheâ€s been almost too friendly with Vaquer lately, Nikki turning on her so that she can challenge for the title feels inevitable. As sheâ€s always made a better heel than a babyface, that would be the best route for Nikki going forward.

Grade: B

Dominik Mysterio vs. Rey Mysterio

Latest developments:

On the April 18 Smackdown, Rey Mysterio was injured during a match and has been out of action ever since. The following Sunday at WrestleMania 41, Dominik won the Intercontinental Championship in a Fatal Four Way match. At Triple Mania, Dominik won the AAA Mega Championship. Immediately after the match, his father Rey kept his word that he gave to him before the match and put the title around his waist. Last Saturday at Saturday Nightâ€s Main Event, Dominik successfully defended his Intercontinental Title against Penta and Rusev.

This week as Dominik was in the bring bragging about being the greatest lucha dore of all time, he was interrupted by his dad Rey. Dominik accused his dad of only being there to cash in because heâ€s the one who made the Mysterio name relevant and surpassed everything heâ€s ever done. Rey agreed to leave the ring after Dominik ordered him to, but made it clear to his son heâ€ll never be the greatest Mysterio as long as heâ€s around. Dominik tried to cheap shot Rey before he stopped him and Rey then pulled Dominik into the ropes as he hit him with the 619. Rey was then about to hit him with a Frog Splash, but Dominik slipped out of the ring and escaped before he could.

Analysis:

With Rey being gone for over six months, this was a very strong way to bring him back. This segment between Rey and Dominik brought back a lot of great memories from their 2022-2023 feud that really helped elevate Dominik to where he is now. Perhaps the best line from this whole segment was when Rey told Dominik he wasnâ€t better than Eddie Guerrero, Dominik told him to keep his dadâ€s name out of his mouth. In addition to that, the closing line when Rey told him that heâ€ll never be the greatest Mysterio as long as heâ€s around also hit hard. As great as Dominik has been over the last three years, none of his feuds have ever hit the same as the one with his dad.

As long as their feud went on, itâ€s crazy to think that they only had one singles match at a PLE. With Survivor Series only a few weeks away and with it being in their hometown of San Diego, it looks like weâ€re about to get the second one. Now that itâ€s looking like this match is going to happen at Survivor Series, that puts the rumors of a match between Dominik and John Cena happening there to bed. While that wouldâ€ve been a fun match, doing another Rey vs. Dominik match in that setting is also very appealing. If this segment is a sign of whatâ€s to come, this feud is arguably going to be the best part of the show between now and November 29.

Grade: A

Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. Asuka & Kairi Sane

Latest developments:

Last week before Bayley & Lyra Valkyria were about to challenge for the Womenâ€s Tag Team Titles, Asuka & Kairi Sane confronted Lyra backstage about how they were the ones who really deserved a title shot. Later in the night, Bayley & Lyra challenged Charlotte & Alexa Bliss for the titles in the showâ€s main event. After a competitive match that couldâ€ve gone either way, the champions eventually retained. After the match, Asuka & Kairi attacked Charlotte & Alexa. As they were about to attack Lyra after, Bayley chased them off.

Lyra & Bayley faced Asuka & Kairi this week in a match where Lyra hit Kairi with a Backbreaker as Bayley hit an Elbow Drop from the second rope, but Asuka interrupted the count. As Asuka later held up Lyra for Kairi to hit the Insane Elbow, Bayley pulled Kairi down. Asuka then threw Lyra into Bayley off the apron, but Lyra was able to kick out of Asukaâ€s roll up attempt. Lyra then jumped backwards from the second rope, but Asuka trapped her into the Asuka Lock as she landed and forced her to tap out. Asuka & Kairi were about to attack Lyra after the match before Charlotte & Alexa came out to chase them off. Later in the night, it was announced that Charlotte & Alexa will defend their titles against Asuka & Kairi next week.

Analysis:

To no surprise considering the talent involved, this was a fun tag match. Of all the great spots throughout it, the highlight was the finish when Asuka caught Lyra when she jumped from the second rope and trapped her in the Asuka Lock. After the way the show ended last week, it was obvious that Asuka & Kairi were going to be challenging for the titles and this win just helped establish that. With Asuka & Kairi set to challenge Charlotte & Alexa next week, it feels like somethingâ€s going to happen there to set up for the Womenâ€s WarGames match. While itâ€s hard to say what the teams are going to be, itâ€s likely going to involve a combination of the women we saw here.

Another noticeable thing about all this was how Asuka & Kairi have been more hesitant to attack Bayley than they have been about attacking Lyra. As the weeks have gone on, theyâ€ve done a good job in establishing how unpredictable Bayleyâ€s behavior is. While it looks like theyâ€ve gone away from her having a split personality, it now looks like sheâ€s doing things behind Lyraâ€s back. Although Bayley turning on Lyra is the eventual destination, the way it happens is now looking more interesting. With all these different stories involved and the possibility of seeing Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky return to get involved in all this, the Womenâ€s WarGames match this year has the potential to be even better than the menâ€s.

Grade: B

ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW…

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A.J. Styles & Dragon Lee vs. Finn Balor & J.D. McDonagh

Latest developments:

Two weeks ago, Finn Balor & JD McDonagh lost the World Tag Team Titles to AJ Styles & Dragon Lee. Last week, Finn & JD confronted Adam Pearce about giving them their rematch. Pearce said heâ€d consider it if JD went one on one with Sheamus later in the night. After Finn hit Sheamus with a shillelagh while the refereeâ€s back was turned, JD picked up the win with a Spanish Fly from the top rope. After the match, Pearce granted Finn & JD their rematch for the titles for this week.

The match took place as Dominik Mysterio got on the apron to distract the referee as Styles had JD pinned, and that led to JD escaping the pin to hold onto Styles for Finn to hit the Coup De Grace, but Finn hit JD with it by mistake. Styles then hit JD with a Phenomenal Forearm, but Finn interrupted the count just in time. Dominik was about to hit Styles with his IC Title after Finn told him to, but Sheamus came out to attack Dominik. Finn hit Styles with the shillelagh as the referee was distracted, but Lee interrupted the count just in time. Lee then leaped over the top rope onto Finn and as JD went for a Hurricanrana from the top rope, Styles turned it into a Styles Clash to get the win and retain the titles.

Analysis:

While not as strong as the match two weeks ago where the titles changed hands, this was another fun outing involving these four. There were a lot of close calls here, especially where it looked as if Finn & JD were going to win the titles back after Finn hit Styles with the shillelagh. After Sheamus was screwed by Finn last week, it made sense for him to get involved here as a measure of payback. With his involvement and the fact that Finn & JD lost again, itâ€s looking like Judgment Dayâ€s going to be feuding with Sheamus for a while. Especially considering that Sheamus mainly attacked Dominik, thatâ€s also an Intercontinental Title feud we could see playing out as the weeks go on.

Something else to take out of this is the never-ending tension between Finn and Dominik. As it was Dominik who accidentally put Finn & JD in the match where they lost the titles in the first place, Finn wasnâ€t shy about bringing that up to him backstage before this match. Even though Dominik wasnâ€t the main reason they lost here, the fact that they lost again with him at ringside is likely going to play into their growing tension. As their issues have been going on for the better part of a year now, theyâ€ve backed away from pulling the trigger multiple times. With the way itâ€s been playing out lately and Liv Morganâ€s return not being too far off, they need to pay this off by the time we head into WrestleMania season.

Grade: B

C.M. Punk & Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed

Latest developments:

At Saturday Nightâ€s Main Event, C.M. Punk defeated Jey Uso to win the vacated World Heayweight Championship. This week as Punk was in the ring stating heâ€d take on all challengers, he was interrupted by Logan Paul. Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, & Paul Heyman then came out several moments later and as they were about to square off with Punk and Paul, Paul walked away to leave Punk to fend for himself. Breakker shoved down Paul as he attempted to leave and then he along with Reed attacked Punk, but Paul came back into the ring to go after them before he was overpowered and hit with a Tsunami from Reed. Later backstage, Jey asked Punk to let him be his partner to face Breakker & Reed later in the night, which Punk agreed to.

In the showâ€s main event, Jey got the hot tag and took the fight to Reed that included a running hip attack and a Spear that Breakker interrupted the count for. All four men later brawled outside the ring as the referee counted to 10 and the match ended on a double count out. After the match ended, Breakker & Reed took out Jey with two Spears and a Tsunami as Punk came into the ring with a chair to chase them off, but they then pulled two chairs from under the ring to confront Punk with. Paul then came out to stand by Punkâ€s side while he put brass knuckles on his hand and as they were about to fight side by side, Paul knocked Punk out with the brass knuckles on his hand. Paul then faced off with Heyman and then handed the brass knuckles to him as the show ended.

Analysis:

As the match itself was nothing to write home about, it didnâ€t really matter as it was an afterthought to the angle that followed. After Breakker & Reed attacked Paul earlier in the show, it really made it seem like he was going to turn babyface. When he came out at the end of the show and acted as if he was standing side by side with Punk, it was clear as day that he was going to turn on him. Thank God that he did because while Paul turning on Punk was predictable, itâ€s a far better route to go than turning Paul into a babyface. Considering that he handed the brass knuckles to Heyman right after, it now looks like Paulâ€s aligning himself with The Vision for WarGames.

With the injury to Rollins messing up a lot of their plans, Paul seems like the one whoâ€s going to replace him on The Visionâ€s team. As heâ€s never been in a WarGames match before and considering the great performances heâ€s had throughout the year, heâ€ll make a great addition to that match. Another person who could potentially join their team as heâ€s someone who goes way back with Heyman is Brock Lesnar. With Paul, Breakker, Reed & possibly Lesnar making up the heel side, the babyface side will probably consist of Punk, Jey, Jimmy Uso, Roman Reigns, or LA Knight factoring in somehow. As much as the Rollins injury threw a monkey wrench into everything, the potential lineup for both teams with all the stories and possible swerves that could happen are enough reasons to be no less hyped for the Menâ€s WarGames match.

Grade: B

Penta vs. El Grande Americano

Latest developments:

After coming up short in his quest to win the Intercontinental Championship at Saturday Nightâ€s Main Event, Penta looked to bounce back this week as he went one on one with El Grande Americano. Penta maintained the advantage with a Tornado DDT followed by a leap over the top rope onto Americano. After Bravo Americano tripped Penta as he tried to get back into the ring, the referee kicked him out of ringside. Americano was then given a piece of metal to put into his mask by Rayo Americano before Rayo was kicked out of ringside for pulling Pentaâ€s leg. Penta then jumped onto Rayo from the top rope, kicked Americano in the head as he went for a running head butt, and followed that with a Mexican Destroyer from the second rope for the win.

Analysis:

This was the standard good Penta match that weâ€ve seen regularly ever since he debuted in January. With him not having much of direction right now after not winning the Intercontinental Title, at least he was able to pick up the win here to stay strong. Although Ludwig Kaiser has done a good job playing Americano and heâ€s even got his own stable of Americanos out of it, itâ€s just not the same as when Chad Gable was playing the character. It just feels like if Gable and also Rey Mysterio hadnâ€t gotten injured when they did, this storyline wouldâ€ve been wrapped up by now. Considering that Penta got the win here decisively despite all the outside interference, thereâ€s no reason to run this back again.

Becky Lynch Promo

Latest developments:

As Joe Tessitore & Wade Barrett were talking at the announce table, Womenâ€s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch showed up out of nowhere and stood on top of the announce table to cut a promo. Despite Adam Pearce sending her home to cool off after the rough few weeks sheâ€s had, Becky called herself the definition of cool and told the crowd that the only cool thing to ever come out of New Mexico was a show about how much meth they do. She then turned her attention to Maxxine Dupri as she said Maxxine was lucky to be in the ring with her but now wonâ€t shut up about it. She then looked into the camera and told Maxxine that you donâ€t survive in this business by being lucky, you survive by being good and that sheâ€s not just good, sheâ€s the greatest of all time. She ended the promo by telling Maxxine it wonâ€t just be the biggest opportunity of her career the next time she steps in the ring with her, itâ€ll be her last and shouted welcome to the big time before dropping the mic.

Analysis:

From Becky appearing out of nowhere to interrupt the announcers, standing on top of the announce table, all the way to the Breaking Bad reference, this promo was another example of why Becky is honestly the best heel in the company. Although they couldâ€ve just had her do this promo backstage, it was far more effective having her do it the way she did here in front of the crowd. For a feud was felt like it was going to be short, her feud with Maxxine has extended much longer than most people expected. Just because it wasnâ€t expected to go so long doesnâ€t mean itâ€s been bad as the feud has not only been entertaining, but itâ€s also done wonders for Maxxineâ€s career. While the outcome of their third match isnâ€t in doubt, what theyâ€ve done with this storyline is going to make their third match really feel like a much bigger deal by the time it happens.

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Patrick Reed says his children are being harassed due to allegations that he has cheated at golf.

In an interview with AFP’s Daniel Hicks, the 2018 Masters winner said that while the accusations are false, his daughter and son have heard them.

“My kids have been bullied at school so that’s where it’s uncalled for,” Reed said.

“They say a lot of stuff. It’s all false,” he continued.

“When they all of a sudden look at your children and say stuff about them, it’s like you don’t even know my children and why would you even bring kids into it?

“It’s not fun having to deal with some of the stuff that we deal with. The great thing is I have an amazing support team at home and an amazing family.”

Reed’s comments came after Friday’s play at the Asian Tour’s International Series Philippines event, and you can read Hicks’ entire story here. Reed went on to finish in a tie for 20th at the tournament.

For most of his career, drama has followed Reed. A GOLF.com story (which you can read here) details some of his incidents, including moments in college, the 2014 WGC-HSBC Champions event, the 2018 Arnold Palmer Invitational, the 2018 Porsche European Open, the 2018 Dell Technologies Championship, the 2018 Ryder Cup, the 2019 Hero World Challenge and the 2019 Presidents Cup — and another GOLF.com story (which you can read here) tells Reed’s side of his career.

In talking about his image to API’s Hicks, Reed said this:

“The kind of person I am on and off the golf course hasn’t been portrayed very well in the media throughout my career, but it’s almost impossible to control others.

“All you can do is control yourself, so I feel like I’m doing everything the right way, living the right way.

“Everyone I play pro-ams with and everybody I meet, they’re all like: ‘Man, you’re nothing like what the media portrays you as.’

“So as long as that just continues happening, at some point it will turn around.”

This week, Reed is defending his title at the Asian Tour’s Link Hong Kong event.

Editor’s note: To read the complete AFP story about Reed — which also includes his thoughts on the Ryder Cup — please clickhere.

Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe.

Cena Winning IC Title Reportedly Being Considered

John Cena broke the all-time record by becoming a 17-time world champion during his retirement tour, but that reportedly may not be the final title reign of his career.

According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t WrestleTalk), WWE has had discussions about Cena beating Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship at Survivor Series next month.

Survivor Series is being held in Mysterio’s hometown of San Diego, which would add to the enormity of the match. Also the Intercontinental Championship is essentially the one major title Cena has never held.

There is no heel who fans love to hate more than Dirty Dom, which would undoubtedly make for a fun atmosphere.

Also, Cena has never faced Mysterio in a televised one-on-one match, and since Dominik has the makings of a potential future world champion, he makes plenty of sense as one of Cena’s final opponents.

Cena announced last year that he would retire from in-ring competition at the end of 2025, and his last match is scheduled for the Dec. 13 Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C.

Meltzer (h/t Felix Upton of Ringside News) recently reported that WWE is planning to hold a tournament to determine Cena’s final opponent with Gunther being the likely winner.

Gunther is arguably the greatest IC champ in WWE history, as he holds the record for the longest continuous reign.

Meltzer noted that Cena could potentially put the Intercontinental Championship on the line in a retirement match against Gunther, providing an already-huge bout with even higher stakes.

WWE Reportedly Anticipating Jericho Retirement Tour

There is reportedly a belief within WWE that Chris Jericho will eventually be back with the company.

According to Meltzer (h/t WrestlePurists), the expectation is that Jericho will return to WWE in order to have a retirement tour and get inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Jericho is currently still with AEW, but he hasn’t been seen on AEW programming since April after he dropped the ROH World Championship to Bandido at Dynasty.

In 2022, Joe Otterson of Variety reported that Jericho signed a contract extension with AEW that would run through December 2025. Assuming the deal didn’t have any time added or get extended, that suggests Jericho could be in WWE as soon as January.

The Royal Rumble is scheduled for Jan. 31, 2026, in Saudi Arabia, making the Rumble an obvious return target for Jericho should he sign with WWE.

Jericho, 54, originally signed with WWE in 1999 and remained with the company on and off until 2018.

He shocked the wrestling world in 2019 when he announced he had signed with AEW, and he went on to become the inaugural AEW world champion and one of the most successful stars in company history.

However, Jericho will likely always be best remembered as a WWE guy, having held six world titles, nine intercontinental titles and seven tag team titles in the company.

WWE has given Cena a memorable retirement tour this year, and something similar could be on the horizon for AJ Styles, who announced that he intends to retire next year.

Jericho is undoubtedly deserving of similar treatment, and WWE would likely be the ideal place for him to ride off into the sunset.

Reported Breakker, Reed Plans Before Rollins Injury

Before Seth Rollins reportedly got injured at Crown Jewel last weekend, WWE reportedly had plans in place for Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed.

According to Meltzer (h/t WrestleTalk), plans called for Breakker and Reed to win the World Tag Team Championships.

It is unclear if a run as tag champs could still be in their future, but Breakker and Reed shocked the wrestling world on this week’s episode of Raw by attacking Rollins and breaking up The Vision.

Breakker hit Rollins with a spear out of nowhere before urging Reed to make a choice. Without much hesitation, Reed hit Rollins with a Tsunami, and Paul Heyman raised the arms of Breakker and Reed, while Breakker held up Rollins’ World Heavyweight Championship belt.

At Crown Jewel, Rollins faced and defeated WWE champion Cody Rhodes to win the Crown Jewel Championship, but he appeared to injure his arm on a coast-to-coast headbutt during the match.

On Tuesday, Meltzer (h/t WrestleTalk) reported that Rollins was set to undergo shoulder surgery “as soon as possible” and would be out of action for “several months.”

That seemingly pushed Breakker and Reed into even more prominent roles, and it is possible one or both of them could vie for the world title with Rollins out.

A tag team title reign for Breakker and Reed could still be meaningful and entertaining, though, as it would allow them to further assert their dominance over the Raw roster.

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Plans for a major WWE power move involving Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed have been scrapped—and now we know just how far the original idea was set to go.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE had mapped out a vision where Rollins, Breakker, and Reed—collectively known as The Vision—would dominate RAW with championship gold. Rollins would retain the World Heavyweight Championship, while Breakker and Reed were in line to become WWE World Tag Team Champions.

That entire direction changed after Rollins suffered a shoulder injury at Crown Jewel, an injury that now reportedly requires surgery and could keep him out beyond WrestleMania. As a result, Breakker and Reed officially turned on Rollins during the October 13 episode of RAW, ending their alliance in brutal fashion.

The group was clearly being set up to lead WWEâ€s flagship show, but with Rollins on the shelf, those plans unraveled fast. Breakker has now shifted his focus entirely to singles gold, making a direct statement by holding up the World Heavyweight Title after attacking Rollins.

With one injury shaking up an entire storyline, WWE is now forced to pivot—and fans are left wondering what could have been if The Vision had followed through on their path to dominance.

Do you think WWE missed a big opportunity with The Vision? Should Breakker go solo or chase tag gold again with Reed? Sound off in the comments—we want your take.

October 17, 2025 10:27 am

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We are now one week away from the start of the NBA season, which means many of our pre-season pipe dreams and fantasy scenarios will be doused in cold water from the reality of real NBA games. However, some of our pre-season darlings will emerge through the first few weeks and announce their arrival as players to keep an eye on in this new season.

Below is a breakdown of some of my favorite breakout candidates for the 2025-26 NBA season. Some of them have already flashed star upside, some of them showed it in college, and others are going to demonstrate it to the NBA fanbase for the first time. But let’s dig in and find out why I think these players are get to soar to new heights this year. Eric

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Breakout Players for 2025 Fantasy Basketball Season

Trey Murphy III (SF/PF, NO) – ADP: 52

I know it’s weird to call a player with an ADP nearly inside the top 50 a breakout, but I just believe there’s another level for Murphy. Last season, he averaged career highs in points (21.2), rebounds (5.1), and assists (3.5), but he played just 53 games due to injury, so his performance kind of went under the radar. People were also harping on his turnover rate increasing and his three-point shooting efficiency decreasing, but I think that’s the nature of a young player stepping into a bigger role; there are some growing pains along the way.

Murphy is a talented player who can do a bit of everything and will start for a Pelicans team that will be without Dejounte Murray (Achilles) for a while. Zion Williamson is not the picture of health himself, so there could be stretches where it’s just Murphy and Jordan Poole asked to shoulder the load for the Pelicans. I think Murphy’s efficiency will continue to improve, and I’m going to bet on a player with his natural talents to continue to succeed.

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Stephon Castle (PG/SG, SAS) – ADP: 109

You could argue that Castle started to breakout at the end of last season, when he averaged 19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.6 assists over 26 games without De’Aaron Fox in the lineup. However, I don’t think enough people are accounting for continued growth here. Castle was the fourth overall pick in last year’s draft and won NBA Rookie of the Year, but he doesn’t really come up in many conversations about ascending young talents.

Yes, Fox should be back a some point early in the season when his hamstring injury heals, and the Spurs drafted Dylan Harper with the second pick, but Castle doesn’t really need the ball in his hands to be successful. He’s an excellent slasher and understands the spacing of the floor well enough to cut into open lanes. We’ve also seen him look more comfortable shooting from behind the arc this preseason, which would be a major box ticked in the evolution of his game.
I don’t expect him to become an elite shooter by any means, but it’s just another tool in a pretty loaded toolbox.

Matas Buzelis (SF/PF, CHI) – ADP: 101

Buzelis is everybodyâ€s breakout pick, and his ADP on Yahoo sites alone is now inside the top 80 picks. A lot of that is because of what he has done this preseason, but also because he showed what he can do in a high-usage role last season when he averaged 13.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 27 minutes per game over his final 33 games. There will be some inconsistencies because he’s still a young player who just turned 21 years old this week (CHEERS!). Still, Buzelis will assuredly find himself in a high-usage role for a rebuilding Bulls team that lacks many playmakers apart from Josh Giddey and, sometimes, Coby White. Buzelis can do a little bit of everything, and I think he should be able to improve on those numbers we saw in the final 33 games, but do it for an entire season.

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Toumani Camara (SF/PF, POR) – ADP: 110

Can I call somebody a breakout just because I like their vibe? I enjoy the way Camara plays basketball, and his nickname is “The Shadow,†which is almost enough of a case for him to appear in this article, but there are legitimate on-court reasons as well. Camara is an excellent defender, which will help you with STOCKS, but also will keep him on the court for major minutes. Last season, he also took a big step forward offensively, improving his usage rate and becoming more efficient as a scorer. However, he scored only 11.3 points per game, so I think another step is coming. With Anfernee Simons and Deandre Ayton out of town, there is more opportunity to go around, so I think Camara will see his usage rate increase again this year. He’s not likely to be an elite scorer off the dribble, but he continues to improve as a shooter, so if we think of him as a 3-and-D wing with the tools to add a little value as a slasher and finisher in transition, there’s a chance he pushes for top-50 value.

Reed Sheppard (PG/SG, HOU) – ADP: 111

Yes, Sheppard didnâ€t do much last year and played only 12.6 minutes per game, and is on a team that just traded for Kevin Durant, so he’s clearly not going to emerge as a major offensive force in his second season. Still, Sheppard was the 3rd pick in last yearâ€s draft and was a “high floor” prospect who could shoot, play defense, and see the floor well. Even as a rookie, he posted elite deflection rates that backed up his strong block and steal numbers from college. He’s a strong shooter and should push for the starting PG job with Fred VanVleet out. Even if he settles in somewhere around 10-14 points per game, he’s going to make some threes every game and initiate offense for a Durant-led team that should give him solid assist numbers to go along with STOCK upside. I think he can help across all nine categories.

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Mitchell Robinson (C, NYK) – ADP: 182

Robinson has already “broken out†if youâ€re a New Yorker who has been waiting for him to start and be healthy forever. When he’s on the court, his rebound numbers are insane, and he’s an efficient scorer around the rim. However, things could be much better for Robinson this season. With Mike Brown now coaching the team, Robinson looks likely to start in New York with Karl Anthony Towns at power forward. That alone will allow Robinson to post tremendous rebound numbers with solid points/blocks. Yet, another level of breakout could happen because Mike Brown wants the Knicks to play fast and get out and run. Even though Robinson isn’t the athlete he was as a rookie before all of his lower-body injuries, he’s a great athlete for his size and could thrive in a transition-based offense. This could be a big year for Mitch.

Isaiah Jackson (C, IND) – ADP: 185

The breakout case for Jackson is simple since he will likely start at center with Myles Turner gone on a Pacers team that also needs to replace the scoring and usage of Tyrese Haliburton. Fantasy baseball drafters are aware of this, and Jackson is zooming up boards; however, there is plenty of breakout potential here. He has been great per minute as a reserve, and should have plenty of value for a team that is desperate for people to step up. Even if his offensive game doesn’t take a huge step forward, he will have plenty of value in rebounds, blocks, and steals. We also need to note that he is coming off a torn Achilles, so the only question will be how quickly he actually does get back to 100%.

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Adem Bona (C, PHI) – ADP: 226

Bona was basically a defense-first, high-efficiency big man off the bench for the vast majority of last season. However, he started 11 games at the end of the season with Joel Embiid hurt and posted 14.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, and 1.2 steals in those games. That’s the kind of upside you’re dreaming on here, and we know his breakout potential is fully tied to Embiid’s health. However, Embiid is never healthy and is coming off yet another knee injury. Bona was solid for Turkey in EuroBasket, and I think he’s ready for a bigger role this season. He won’t be a huge scorer, but is a good athlete, with plenty of block/rebound value.

Moussa Diabate (C, CHA) – ADP: 228

The breakout case for Diabate is a little bit less for him to emerge as a star and more for him to emerge as a solid NBA starter. I think he can take over the starting center role in Charlotte, but he will have to beat out Ryan Kalkbrenner. When he was given the chance to start last year, he showed elite rebounding value and also solid STOCK value as well. He has always been a great rebounder and high-motor player, but he’s also evolving as a scorer, and we’ve seen some nice post moves from him in the pre-season. I think he can get more involved in the offense this season, and his defense will keep him on the floor, which means he could be a legitimate double-double threat every night this season.

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Seth Rollins’ tenure as leader of The Vision came to an abrupt end on this week’s WWE Raw when the faction turned on him following a controversial promo.

The dramatic turn occurred during the opening segment, where Rollins gathered The Vision members Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed to celebrate his Crown Jewel victory. However, Rollins’ speech quickly soured the moment. He declared he didn’t “need” anyone, emphasized his solo success, and made it clear he chose his allies rather than depending on them.

The assertion proved to be a critical mistake. Bron Breakker visibly bristled at Rollins’ words, and the tension erupted into action. The Vision turned on their former leader, forcibly removing him from the group he had built.

The ousting marks a significant shift for everyone involved. For Rollins, the ejection signals a new chapter as a solo competitor, though given his track record, a rivalry with his former allies seems inevitable.

But this is equally a pivotal moment for Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed. Both Breakker and Reed have developed considerably under Rollins’ leadership, maturing into formidable forces in their own right. Now that they’ve thrown their veteran leader overboard, the real test begins. Without Rollins’ experienced presence to filter Paul Heyman’s notorious influence, the question looms: what are Breakker and Reed truly capable of?

The dynamic within The Vision has fundamentally changed. Heyman’s ability to manipulate and strategize is well-documented, and with Rollins no longer there to provide balance, Breakker and Reed may find themselves on a very different—and potentially darker—path forward.

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SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)…

WWE CROWN JEWEL PERTH
OCTOBER 11, 2025
PERTH, AUSTRALIA
STREAMED LIVE ON ESPN (U.S.) & NETFLIX (Internationally)
REPORT BY WADE KELLER, PWTORCH EDITOR

Commentators: Michael Cole, Wade Barrett

Ring Announcer: Alicia Taylor

-They opened with the video of the transport of the Crown Jewel Title belts from Saudi Arabia to Australia.

-Michael Cole introduced the show as they aired footage of wrestlers arriving including Bronson Reed & Paul Heyman, Cody Rhodes, Stephanie Vaquer, A.J. Styles, Asuka, Kairi Sane, and Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky.

-Rhea Ripley narrated an introductory video for the event touting the international popularity of WWE with footage of the various countries WWE has visited.

-Pyro blasted in the arena. Cole touted the attendance of 13,683.

(1) ROMAN REIGNS vs. BRONSON REED (w/Paul Heyman) – Australian Street Fight

Reed and Heyman made their entrance. Cole said for Reed, this is a dream come true to compete in his home country. Fans sang “Roman… Roman Reigns!” as soon as Reed’s music stopped. Cole said Reigns told Pat McAfee that they were going to go head-to-head into the wall “Goldberg-style.” Cole talked about Reigns’s long title reign and said he headlined ten WrestleManias, more than anyone.

The bell rang and they had a staredown to start. Fans chanted, “OTC!” Reigns got the better of the opening slugfest He clotheslined Reed over the top rope to the floor. Heyman walked swiftly away from Reigns after Reigns dropped to ringside. Reigns then hit the Driveby. They went into a walk-n-brawl in the crowd. Reigns used a cricket bat against Reed, which the fans loved. Back in the ring, Reigns bashed Reed across his ribs with the cricket bat.

Reigns played to the crowd at ringside with Reed at ringside. Reed recovered and went on the attack. Cole said Reigns celebrated too long. Barrett agreed. Cole talked about Reed’s history on the Australia indy circuit before he went to the U.K. and Japan and made a name for himself. Reigns soon fired back with a kendo stick attack. Reed strutted and twirled the stick before bashing Reed across his chest with the stick. Cole noted Reigns was enjoying himself while it appeared Heyman was on the verge of a heart attack.

Reigns grabbed the house mic, he said, “Perth, if you want tables, acknowledge me!” Fans chnated “OTC!” Reigns stomped on Reed and then pulled a table out from under the ring. He threw a cricket ball toward Heyman through the ropes, but the ball hit the ropes. Reed recovered during that time and threw Reigns into the ringside steps. Fans booed. Reed then slide the table back under the ring. (I love when a heel is looking for actual heel heat and refuse to use the ladder, since the ladder is such a babyface spot.) Reed picked up the top of the ringside steps and charged at Reigns and bashed him in the head with it twice.

Reed continued the attack at ringside and back in the ring, including bashing Reigns with a chair. He wedged a chair in the corner. Reigns made a comeback a minute later by countering Reed and driving him through a chair behind him with a Samoan drop. Both were down and slow to get up.

Reigns bashed Reed with a barrage of forearms against the ropes. Cole said it’s the most intense and active he’s seen Reigns in months. Reigns landed a flying clothesline. When he went for a second clothesline, Reed caught him and then landed a sudden Jagged Edge for a two count. Reed bashed Reigns with a stop sign next. Reigns resisted, but Reed pulled off a uranage onto the sign.

Reed went for a senton, but Reigns moved and avoided it. Both were down and slow to get up. Reigns hit a Superman Punch for a two count. When Reigns signaled for a spear, Reed rolled to ringside. Reigns ran around the ring, but Bron Breakker showed up from the crowd and speared Reigns. Barrett said it’s legal in this match. Cole said he was wondering when Breakker was going to show up. Barrett said, “The dogs are loose and running wild.” Breakker and Reed powerbombed Reigns through the table at ringside.

Reed set up a table in the ring and leaned it in the corner. Breakker began to drag Reigns back to the ring when the Usos’ music played. They came out to more than even the odds. They superkicked Breakker in the aisle as he charged at them. They went after Reed in the ring next including stereo superkicks and then stereo hip attacks. Fans stood and cheered. They gave a 1D to Breakker.

Breakker recovered and pressed Jey over his head and then dropped him over his knees. Barrett was amazed that Breakker was fine after taking a 1D a minute ago. He said he had amazing powers of regeneration and now was “fresh as a daisy.” Breakker then ran around ringside and speared Jimmy into the ringside barricade. Fans barked and then chanted “Holy shit!”

Reed recovered and then climbed to the top rope and set up a Tsunami on Jey. Reigns intervened and gave Reed a Superman Punch. He played to the crowd. He fended off Breakker on the ring apron. Reed then recovered and lifted Reigns. Jey Uso went for a spear on Reed, but Reigns escaped first and Jey ended up spearing Reigns inadvertently through a table. Cole called it “a miscommunication,” which wasn’t quite the right word for it. Jey looked panicked as he realized what he did. Breakker then speared Jey. Barrett said that’s why Reigns said he didn’t want the Usos out there. Breakker dragged Reigns into position and then Reed landed his Tsunami for the win. Cole called it the biggest win in Reed’s career.

As they replayed the closing sequence, Cole noted again that Reigns had said he didn’t want the Usos involved in his business.

WINNER: Reed in 21:00.

-As Reigns and the Usos sat up, Reigns looked at the Usos. “What did I tell you?” Reigns angrily said. “The whole world thinks I can’t do shit on my own. I told you I’d do this on nmy own.” Jimmy said, “We just wanted to be there for you.” Reigns said, “This ain’t the old times, man. This only works one way.” He told them he loves them, but he doesn’t want to see them until Christmas. Jey lectured Jimmy afterward and stomped away frustrated and dismayed as Jimmy watched from the ring.

(Keller’s Analysis: It’s good to see Reed wasn’t booked to lose, as that was the easy way out to have the bigger star overcome the odds and win over the lesser member of The Vision. That said, there are some absurd and mitigating aspects to this, although they won’t matter much because of how WWE is good at framing things exactly how they want fans to perceive things. But the rules of the match themselves where anyone can interfere makes everything that happened before it feel relatively meaningless. If winning is important, and if winning “counts” if you have help, why wait 16 minutes before interfering? Also, Reigns feels more stubborn than sympathetic when he gets mad at the Usos for trying to offset a two-on-one attack, especially when clearly the reason it backfired was due to an obviously inadvertent spear. That said, the storytelling here matters more than the logic because the backstory and execution of the latest developments is done so well. I’m still not entirely sure where this all is going and where it lands, but I hope they don’t damage or destroy the fans positive feels for three babyfaces in the process through the in-fighting.)

-Cole thanked Green Day for the song “One-Eyed Bastard.” (Grammar Nerd Moment: “One Eyed Bastard” without the hyphen, as Green Day actually spells it, indicates there’s “one bastard who is ‘eyed,’ indicating one bastard in particular has at least one eye” But with the properly-included hyphen for the compound adjective, it indicates there’s “a bastard with one eye,” which is clearly what they meant. Don’t get me started on Oasis’s album, “Standing on the Shoulder of Giants.” They tried to say the singular of “giant” was intentional, but I never bought it.)

(2) STEPHANIE VAQUER vs. TIFFANY STRATTON – Crown Jewel Championship match

Cole said this match was for the Crown Jewel Championship “and bragging rights for the next year.” Barrett noted that Tiffany has proven herself over the last year against a variety of opponents, and Vaquer has to do that now if she wants to build similar stature. Barrett said Tiffany has more experience in WWE at this level and she might be the best athlete of anyone in WWE. “Quite simply, nobody can match her,” he said. Cole said Vaquer “has it all and can fight with the best of them.” He said she’s crafty and can grapple and fly when she wants to. Barrett said the unknown about Vaquer is a big advantage. “Does she still have tricks up her sleeve she can surprise Stratton with?” Barrett asked. Cole said his answer is yes because she has been successful all over the world. Cole noted that Tiffany stepped into a wrestling ring for the first time just four years ago.

Tiffany avoided a charging Vaquer a few minutes in. Vaquer stayed in control, though. She applied an abdominal stretch. Tiffany punched out of it. Tiffany then landed a back suplex. Both were down and slow to get up. Tiffany landed an Alabama Slam out of a cartwheel. Vaquer took over and took Tiffany down with a Dragon Screw. She climbed to the top rope seconds later, but Tiffany shoved her down. Vaquer followed with a springboard into the ring, but her knee gave out. Tiffany then delivered a suplex into a backbreaker for a two count. Fans applauded, a sign of appreciation from the fans for the action thus far.

Vaquer made a comeback with a suplex and yanked her up by her hair. Fans cheered, anticipating a Devil’s Kiss. Tiffany rolled up Vaquer to avoid a Devil’s Kiss. Cole said Tiffany seemed really crisp. He said she told her she felt she had something massive to prove. Tiffany leaped off the top rope with a flip senton, but Vaquer lifted her knees. She then delivered Devil’s Kiss. Barrett said he kept his eyes closed for that one and has no comment. Cole said he got in trouble last time. Tiffany went for the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, but Vaquer moved. She then landed her corkscrew splash for the clean win.

WINNER: Vaquer in 10:00 to become the Crown Jewel Champion.

-Paul Levesque put the belt on her and raised her arm and hugged her. Fans chanted, “You deserve it!” She teared up and said they made history together tonight. Fans cheered. She said the belt is beautiful and represents the motivation and love fans have given her. She said she followed her dream. “You believed in me, so now I believe in me,” she said.

(Keller’s Analysis: Good match. Short, so therefore not epic. But if that’s a teaser for future battles, that’s a good sign. It was nice at this stage having the fans cheering both, if if they turn Tiffany heel at some point, the match will take on something extra next time.)

-Backstage, Heyman congratulated Reed. “Tribal Thief over Tribal Chief,” he said. He said when people talk about the vision of the future of the industry, they’ll talk about both of them. Heyman was about to walk away, but then stopped and said if at some point in the main event, if Seth flails his arms toward the locker room and begs for them to help him, don’t do it. He said it ‘s a meritocracy and they need to find out who is better between Seth and Cody. He said he’ll start making preparations for a victory party. Heyman left. Breakker asked Reed what happens if Cody wins. Heyman heard that and said, “I think you both know the answer to that.”

(Keller’s Analysis: They’re doing a good job playing up the idea of Seth losing and there being a big fallout as a result, which adds uncertainty to the outcome.) [c]

(3) JOHN CENA vs. A.J. STYLES

Styles got a nice reception. Cena got a huge pop. Cole noted this is one of just five dates left for Cena. Taylor introduced Cena as “the greatest of all-time” and “the last real champion.” (This is just so selfish of Cena and counterproductive of WWE; that was a line designed to get heel heat for a villain who wanted to break the lineage of the WWE Title and claim all future champions are invalid, and Cena turned babyface and they’re still going with that line? I’m just baffled by this decision.) Cena handed Taylor a piece of paper with a note on it. Fans chanted, “Thank you, Cena!” It looked like a Nashville Predators’ crowd with all the yellow Cena t-shirts in the crowd. Taylor then read a gracious introduction for Styles that Cena presumably wrote that included calling him “the definition of total non-stop action” and “the ace and undisputed boss of The Bullet Club” and “the ace that runs the place.” Styles smiled and nodded. Cole said every athlete wants to end their career on their terms and that’s what Cena is doing. Fans chanted, “Holy shit!” Barrett said Cena wanted to test himself against the very best rather than be a nostalgia act.

Styles opened with a side headlock. Cole talked about their history against each other in WWE. Fans chanted, “This is awesome!” Styles got the better of an early exchanged and played to the crowd. Fans chanted, “TNA! TNA!” Styles broke clean in the corner. Fans chanted, “Fight forever!” Barrett said Cena doesn’t want to close out his Hall of Fame career on a losing streak. Cena went for a sudden Attitude Adjustment, but Styles slipped free and took over. Cena rolled to the corner of the ring after kickout at two. Styles hit a flying clothesline in the corner and then a flying forearm for another two count. Barrett said Styles has dominated early “just like the Brock Lesnar match.” He said maybe Cena has hit a wall in his career. (This early framing kind of gave away that Cena was going to win.)

Cena made a comeback and signaled for the You Can’t See Me routine, but Styles upkicked him. Cena one-armed slammed Styles seconds later, though, and did his You Can’t See Me and Five Knuckle Shuffle and Attitude Adjustment for a two count. (As much as fans were cheering Cena, they didn’t want to see the match end that early.) Fans chanted, “This is awesome!” Styles dropped Cena out of a fisherman’s buster onto his knee. Cena countered Styles’ next move into a Skull Crushing Finale for a near fall. Barrett and Cole noted Miz was upset on social media about not having a match against Cena.

Styles put Cena in a torture rack and then slammed him down for a two count. Styles landed a Scorpion Death Drop for a two count. Cena wiggled his fingers and winced. Styles set up a Styles Clash, but Cena slipped out and applied an STFU. Styles slipped out seconds later and applied a crossface. (Man, did Styles’s application look better than Cena’s.) Cena escaped and applied an Accolade. Fans chanted, “Rusev Day!” He shifted into a Coquina Clutch. Styles then applied a Walls of Jericho. A “Y2J! Y2J!” chant rang out. Styles escaped and rolled Cena into a Calf Crusher. Fans chanted, “This is awesome!” Barrett said, “This is the greatest hits of professional wrestling.” Cena shifted into an STF. Styles kicked out and delivered a Styles Clash and then shifted to a pin attempt for a two count. Both were down and slow to get up as fans chanted, “Fight forever!” Barrett said they’re both in agony and want to win, not fight forever.

Styles was first to his feet and signaled for a Phenomenal Forearm. Styles caught him and gave Styles a kiss on the forehead and a Sister Abigail for a two count. Fans pulled out the phone flashlights. Cena sat up and looked around and nodded. Cole said Cena had a great relationship with Bray Wyatt “as he was coming up in the system.” Fans chanted, “Thank you, Wyatt!” Cena set up an AA, but Styles countered into an Angel’s Wings for a near fall. Fans chanted “This is awesome!”

They stood and exchanged punches and chops as the crowd yelled after each. Cena set up a Pedigree, but Styles blocked it and landed a Dead Eye (“vertibreaker”). The announcers did not call the move by name. Barrett called it “a move John Cena just absorbed.” Cena gave Styles a draping DDT. Cole exclaimed, “Vintage… John Cena!” Fans chanted, “RKO!” Cena pounded the mat and then came at Styles once he stood and landed an RKO for a near fall. Barrett said, “I don’t want this match to ever end. Please keep going. What a treat.” Cole siad it’s turning out to be an all-time classic.

Cena then got a sinister look. Fans chanted, “Holy shit!” He charged with a stomp attempt, but Styles moved and landed an AA on Cena for a near fall. Barrett said this is like a video game where you create a character and give them everyone’s finishing move. Cole said, “This is why we do what we do, for moments like this, to celebrate this great sport.” Fans chanted “Fight forever!” Styles signaled for You Can’t See Me, but Cena grabbed his hand and delivered an Undertaker chokeslam for a two count. Barrett said the match “has just blown my mind.”

Cena then avoided a charging Styles and set up a 619, but Styles popped out of the corner and hit Cena with a clothesline. Styles kicked Cena to the mat and then landed a slingshot springboard 450 onto Cena’s chest. Styles stomped the mat and hit Cena with Sweet Chin Music for a near fall. Barrett said there will never be another match like this one ever. Cole asked, “Are there any moves left?” Barrett asked Cole what his move was. Cole said, “The ank-Cole lock.” Barrett said that would ruin the experience. (They are allowed to use a move more than once, right? That’s be an interesting match stip, though, if you could only use a move once in the entire match.)

Styles hit his Phenomenal Forearm on Styles for a two count. Cena set up an AA, but Styles elbowed out of it. Cena hit the AA anyway for a near fall. “Are you kidding me?!” exclaimed Cole. (When Cole is that after a kickout of a signature finisher, they are really close to the finish of the match.) Fans chanted, “This is awesome!” Cena and Styles battled on the ropes in the corner. Styles elbowed Cena and shoved him to the mat. He leaped off the top rope. Cena rolled through and lifted Styles for a Tomebstone  and delivered it. He followed with an AA for the win.

Barrett said he wishes every match was like this one. (No, as good as it was, that would be awful if all matches were just two wrestlers doing everyone else’s finishers. I get the spirit of his point, though.) Cena helped Styles to his feet. They hugged. As Styles left, Cole said next year will be the final year of Styles’s career and said this was one of the final matches of Cena’s retirement tour. Cole said Cena has become a movie star and a philanthropist and humanitarian. Cena greeted his wife at ringside. Cena looked like he had been in epic fight as he made his way to the aisle. He soaked up one more crowd pop as fans sang his song.

WINNER: Cena in 27:00.

(Keller’s Analysis: That was a special match, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they had the idea to do this as the inspiration for this match rather than booking the match and then deciding to do this. Some fans are going to name this as their favorite match of all time years from now. The tributes to so many of their past opponents was really cool. They showed enough within this format that I think they could have pulled off a stellar regular match, too. Fans in attendance have something to brag about being eye-witness to. All that said, I like this being the third of five matches and not saved for the main event.)

-They showed Cody Rhodes in the locker room looking like he was getting prepared for an important high-stakes fight. Cole and Seth commented on a graphic showing their years in WWE, total titles, total world titles, and WrestleMania main events. They went to Cole and Barrett on camera. Cole said he wanted to give a standing ovation for the match.

(4) RHEA RIPLEY & IYO SKY vs. THE KABUKI WARRIORS (Asuka & Kairi Sane)

As Asuka and Kairi made their entrance, Cole said Kairi was actually cowering and hiding behind him yesterday at the Kickoff Show. Cole said the Asuka-Kairi relationship is toxic and borderline abusive. Barrett said Asuka has a domineering personality whereas Kairi is more of a wallflower. Ripley got a big pop, of course, for her entrance. Cole talked about her history in the indy scene in Australia through her February 2024 match against Nia Jax. He said she’s going to try to follow what Reed accomplished earlier in the night.

When the bell rang, Kairi and Asuka charged at Rhea and Sky. Barrett said you have be ready when the bell rings or you can end up in the hospital. Cole said Iyo and Asuka grew up together in the Japanese system in a tag team and become best friends as they came to WWE and NXT in the United States. Cole said he believes Sky is the vest wrestler on the planet today. Barrett said he wouldn’t argue with that. Fans chanted “Iyo! Iyo!” as she rallied against Asuka early.

With Asuka at ringside, Styles dove through the ropes and tackled her. Cole called it “a suicide dive.” Kairi intervening opened up Asuka to kick Sky. Barrett noted Ripley was back on her feet after “her bell was rung” early in the match. The ref stopped Ripley from getting involved at ringside. Asuka entered the ring first and then Iyo just beat the count. Kairi tagged in and scored a two count on Sky. Cole said she appears to have been successfully brainwashed by Asuka. Barrett said she appreciates Asuka bringing her to the top of WWE.

Asuka tagged in and verbally berated Sky. Asuka and Kairi double-teamed Iyo. The ref was occupied by trying to keep Rhea from charging into the ring. Kairi landed a stomp off the top rope onto Iyo who was hanging upside down in the corner. That led to a two count. Asuka kicked Sky hard in the chest a few times. Sky popped up and showed fire. “Iyo switching gears!” exclaimed Cole. They swung wildly at each other. Iyo face-planted Asuka and then crawled over and hot-tagged in Ripley. That got a big pop.

Ripley went after Kairi, who also tagged in. Asuka tried to interfere, but Ripley dropkicked her. She then kicked Kairi on the side of her head and scored a two count. She followed with a Razor’s Edge attempt. Kairi slipped free. Ripley fended off Asuka and kicked Kairi. She then tagged Iyo back in. She landed a Razor’s Edge. Sky then leaped off the top rope with a missile dropkick for a near fall.

A minute later, Asuka interrupted Sky’s set-up for an Over the Moonsault on Kairi. Ripley went after Asuka at ringside, but Kairi slidekicked her from the ring. They threw Ripley into the ringside steps next. Sky springboard moonsaulted onto Asuka and Kairi at ringside as they were gloating.

Back in the ring, fans sang “Iyo… Iyo Sky!” She hit Kairi with two knees in the corner and then set up her Over the Moonsault. Asuka interrupted the count. Ripley returned to the ring and officially tagged in. She lifted Kairi onto her shoulders. Asuka shoved Sky off balance on the top rope. Kairi scored a leverage two count on Ripley in the ring. Ripley came right back with a Rip Tide, but Kairi slipped free.

Asuka held Ripley for an Insane Elbow by Kairi. Sky interrupted the subsequent count. (These break-ups of covers are weak, by the way.) A “This is awesome!” chant broke out. Sky dropkicked Asuka off the top rope. All four were down for a while. Fans clapped.

Ripley rallied and dropped Asuka face-first over the top turnbuckle. Ripley played to the crowd and then headbutted Asuka. she set up a Rip Tide off the second rope, but Kairi tagged herself in. Ripley then kicked Kairi off the ring apron to ringside. The kick was headed for Asuka, but Kairi shoved Asuka out of the way. Ripley then gave Kairi a Rip Tide. She tagged in Iyo who landed an Over the Moonsault for the win.

WINNERS: Ripley & Sky in 20:00.

(Keller’s Analysis: Really good tag team match. It was cool to have Sky score the pin instead of Ripley even though it was Ripley’s home country. Asuka is likely going to be upset at Kairi for taking the pin and unappreciative of Kairi saving her for getting kicked by Ripley.)

-Cole plugged the early start time for Raw (8 a.m. ET in the U.S.) which includes Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. Roxanne Perez & Raquel Rodriguez and Dominik Mysterio vs. Penta.

-They cut backstage where two men in suits treated the Crown Jewel Championship belt like the Stanley Cup or something, locking it up in a case and carrying it to the ring. (This is just too over-the-top and seems more farcical than adding any actual prestige to the belt. It feels more “Spinal Tap” than Stanley Cup.)

(5) CODY RHODES vs. SETH ROLLINS – Crown Jewel Championship match

Seth came out first, alone and to his usual theme. Cole noted Seth has never defeated Cody in a one-on-one match-up. Fans pelted Seth with a “C.M. Punk!” chant as Seth slowly took off his entrance outfit. Cole said Seth’s outfit includes patches of cloth from gear he wore in his prior matches against Cody. He made a big production of taking off his watch, too. Barrett said it’s a reminder for Seth of the demons he was trying to exorcise tonight.

Seth showed early frustration after early Cody offense and paced at ringside. Fans chanted “Wanker!” at him. When he returned to the ring, Cody had a counter for everything Seth did. Barrett said everything was going terribly for Seth. Cody landed a Disaster Kick, knocking Seth off the ring apron. Seth fumed at ringside. “Seth Rollins is unraveling before our very eyes,” said Barrett as he criticized Seth going for an early Stomp and early Pedigree.

Seth went after Cole and Barrett at ringside. Barrett backed away and Cole cowered. Cody attacked Seth at ringside. Seth whipped Cody into the ringside stairs, though, and finally got in a stretch of offense. Seth leaped off the ringside barricade and stomped on Cody’s back. Back in the ring, he scored a two count. Cole said Seth was “acting desperately.” Barrett said that desperation was starting to play into his favor.

Seth countered a Disaster Kick attempt into a sitout powerbomb. Cole said Seth is one of the best on the planet, but he has let Cody get in his head. “His entire career has been ego, about nobody but himself,” he said. Seth yelled at Barrett, then turned to trash-talking Cody. Fans chanted, “We Want Barrett!” Barrett said, “Well, you’re not getting him.”

Seth cut off a Cody comeback with a Dragon Screw. Seth did a cartwheel and then stuck his tongue out at Cody. Barrett said that was a little bit of Stardust there. Cole said it’s screwing around and a sign of sudden overconfidence. Seth went for a Bionic Elbow, but Cody blocked it. Seth applied a figure-four seconds later mid-ring. Cody reversed it, so Seth grabbed the bottom rope to force a break. A “C.M. Punk!” chant started again. (I’m sure Cody’s love that.) A “F— him up, Cody, f— him up!” chant then started.

Cody landed a vertibreaker. Barrett called it by name here and gave a shout out to Hurricane Helms. Cody landed a snap powerslam on Seth followed by a Disaster Kick. He threw a series of punches and a Bionic Elbow. He then dove through the ropes and knocked Seth into the ringside barricade. Cody then landed a Cody Cutter mid-ring. Seth kicked out at two.

Seth came back with an enzuigiri and a Pedigree for a near fall. Seth landed a Crossroads for a two count. Seth absorbed the moment as they went to a wide shot of the scene. Barrett said Seth is starting to realize he might not be a leader and might always be in second place. (He is the World Champion.) Cody ducked Seth and went for a top rope Cody Cutter. Seth ducked and hit a Pedigree and a Stomp for a dramatic near fall. Cole said Seth has to be wondering what he has to do in order to put Cody away. Fans chanted, “This is awesome!”

Seth noticed something and marched to ringside. He examined the Crown Jewel Title belt. He then walked over to the watch. He put it on his knuckles. Barrett said Cody gave it to Seth at WrestleMania 40 when Seth assisted Cody “climbing to the pinnacle of the industry.” Seth entered he ring, but Cody recovered in that time and kicked a charging Seth. Cody then landed a Cody Cutter and a Crossroads for a very near fall. Cole wondered if Cody was starting to question himself. Barrett said Cody has to find something else in his playbook.

Cody climbed to the to rope. Seth knocked Cody off balance. Seth hung Cody upside down in the corner and then leaped off a top turnbuckle with a Coast-to-Coast flying headbutt into Cody for a near fall. Fans chanted, “Holy shit!” Barrett said Seth had a hard landing, too, pointing to his left arm and shoulder that absorbed the landing.

Seth placed Cody on the top turnbuckle and then gingerly climbed to the second rope. Cody punched Seth and knocked him to the mat. Seth leaped to the top rope and landed a Spanish Fly followed by a uranage for a near fall. Fans chanted, “This is awesome!” Seth climbed to the second rope. Cody knocked him off balance. Seth kept wincing and holding his left arm.

Cody delivered a top rope Cody Cutter. That was pretty precarious looking during the set-up. Cody scored a dramatic near fall. They stood and exchanged wild swings. Cody threw a series of front kicks and then set up a Crossroads. Seth blocked it. Cody then went for a Pedigree, but Seth slipped free and then picked up the watch in the corner of the ring. Cody kicked Seth who bumped into the ref, knocking the ref down. Seth blocked a Cody Cutter with a shot to the head with the watch on his knuckles. Seth landed a Stomp and then climbed to the second rope. When Codyh stood, Seth landed a leaping stomp for the three count.

Cole said that Seth used the watch to get his first career win over Cody. Barrett said he was in mental ecstasy.

WINNER: Rollins in 30:00.

-Levesque entered the ring and presented Rollins with the belt and the Crown Jewel ring. Cathy Kelley approached Seth for an interview. He said he didn’t need her to ask a question because he knows what she was going to ask. “How does it feel to get that monkey off your back?” He said it feels better than any of them can imagine. “Some of us dream impossible dreams and some of us have the fortitude to achieve those dreams!” he said. “He said there is only one man who reaches higher than the highest.” He said he proved tonight he is not just the greatest of his generation, but the greatest of all time. He said he is a revolutionary and visionary. Cole quipped, “Thank goodness, he is humble.” Cole wondered what Seth, Heyman, Breakker, and Reed have planned as the vision of the future. Pyro blasted as Seth celebrated some more. Vaquer entered the ring and stood next to Seth as they showed off their respective belts.

(Keller’s Analysis: A really good match on a night with all good matches. They had created quite a bit of intrigue over the internal turmoil that would result of Seth coming up short that it felt more possible they’d see that through with another frustrating loss for Seth. It added extra drama. Seth either legit hurt his left arm or was selling very effectively after that Coast to Coast headbutt.)

[Note: ESPN really needs to fix this thing where when the live event ends, and if you started watching late, it just stops the show until 15-30 minutes later they load the replay and then you have to start over again.]

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A surprising loss for Roman Reigns.

The Tribal Chief opened the 2025 Crown Jewel PPV from Perth, battling against Bronson Reed in an Australian street fight.

The bout saw both the stars using their surroundings to their advantage and using weapons such as tables, chairs and even cricket bats to try and get the upper hand on their opponent.

As expected, Bron Breakker made an appearance towards the ending of the bout, taking out Reigns. The Usos, who had been instructed to stay away from the match by Roman, then came out to help their cousin.

The twin brothers were able to take control of the situation for a while but the Vision eventually got back on top. After taking out the Usos, Bronson Reed brought Reigns back into the ring and he looked to send the Tribal Chief through a table set at the turnbuckle.

Roman tried to fight his opponent and he managed to get free of his hold, only for Jey Uso to inadvertently spear him through the table. Reed then delivered a big Tsunami and pinned the Head of The Table.

Reigns was visibly upset with his cousins after the match and expressed the same to them before leaving disappointed. Jey Uso did not seem to take the criticism lightly, and he was the next to make his exit, leaving Jimmy Uso alone.

This is only the second time Roman Reigns has been pinned in a one-on-one match in the last 5 years, after Cody Rhodes beat him at WrestleMania 40. It’ll be interesting to see what direction he takes to recover from this loss.

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