WWE Clash at the Castle Recap: The Good, The Bad, and The Downright Ugly

**Show Recap**

**I Quit Match for the WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles**

The event kicked off with an intense I Quit match for the WWE Championship.

AJ Styles gained the upper hand early by handcuffing Cody Rhodes,

but trash-talking Cody’s mom earned him some hard slaps. Cody managed to escape the cuffs, hit multiple Crossroads on AJ, and threatened him with steel steps until AJ quit. Cody retained the title but attacked AJ post-match, prompting a confrontation with Solo Sikoa and the Bloodline. Kevin Owens and Cody ran in for the save.

**Triple Threat for the Women’s Tag Team Championship**

WWE Women’s Tag Team Title Triple Threat Elimination Match: SmackDown ...

Champions Jay Kill and Bianca Belair faced Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn, along with Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark. The challengers teamed up to take out the champs, turning it into a traditional tag match. Despite a strong fight from the champions, Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn emerged victorious to become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.

**Intercontinental Championship Match: Sami Zayn vs. Chad Gable**

Sami Zayn defends the Intercontinental Title against Chad Gable in ...

Chad Gable, accompanied by Otis and Maxine Dupri, targeted Sami Zayn’s knee. Despite his allies’ reluctance to help and a brief distraction, Gable fell to a Helluva Kick from Sami, who retained the Intercontinental Championship.

**WWE Women’s Championship Match: Bayley vs. Piper Niven**

Despite Chelsea Green’s failed interference and the appearance of a masked woman, Bayley retained the Women’s Championship against Piper Niven. Piper put on an exceptional performance, showcasing her potential as a singles superstar.

**Main Event: World Heavyweight Championship Match: Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre**

In a hard-hitting match, Drew seemed poised to win until CM Punk, posing as a second referee, interfered with a low blow. Damian Priest hit South of Heaven, and the original referee counted the three, allowing Priest to retain the World Heavyweight Championship. Drew was left defeated once again, much to the dismay of the Scottish crowd.

**The Good**

1. **Starting with a Banger**: The show opened with a thrilling I Quit match between Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles. While some fans might question why the Undisputed WWE Champion opened the show, it set a high standard for the night.

WWE 2K23 Cody Rhodes Vs AJ Styles - YouTube

2. **Foreshadowing**: Randy Orton’s hint at targeting Cody Rhodes for the title was subtle but effective. Michael Cole’s remarks about Kevin Owens and Randy Orton evening the odds for Cody hinted at a new Bloodline member, showcasing WWE’s attention to detail.

3. **Heart of a Champion**: Major props to Alba Fyre, who performed admirably despite recently losing her mother. Her dedication to wrestling was evident, and she put on a fantastic match.

4. **Fiery Crowd**: The crowd’s enthusiasm added to the show without overshadowing it. Their energy and the surprise Women’s Tag Team Championship win by Dawn and Fyre enhanced the viewing experience.

5. **Piper’s Rise**: Piper Niven shone in her match against Bayley, proving she could hold her own as a singles superstar. This performance was a significant step up from her earlier gimmicks and showcased her potential.

**The Bad**

1. **Weak Ending**: Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles had a weak finish. AJ, known for his resilience, quit too quickly, making the ending feel rushed and out of character.

[WWE 2K22] Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles - YouTube

2. **Chad Gable’s Loss**: Gable’s loss to Sami Zayn was disappointing. Despite being in compelling storylines, Gable’s consistent failures make it hard to see him as anything more than a mid-carder.

3. **Otis Won’t Crack**: Otis’s loyalty to Gable is becoming tiresome. Fans like underdogs, but not chronic losers, and Otis’s refusal to turn on Gable is stretching his character’s credibility.

**The Downright Ugly**

1. **CM Punk’s Interference**: The decision to have CM Punk cost Drew McIntyre the match was indefensible. While it builds heat for Punk vs. McIntyre, it was a slap in the face to the Scottish fans who paid to see Drew win. Such decisions can alienate a market, and fans might reconsider attending future events.

**Conclusion**

WWE Clash at the Castle had its highs and lows, but Drew McIntyre’s loss due to CM Punk’s interference stands out as a controversial decision. What did you think of Drew getting screwed again? Let us know in the comments below, and stay tuned for more wrestling content.

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