Syracuse wrestling fans brought the energy, the WWE superstars brought the fight
WWE superstars brought 6 title fights to Syracuse
When the locals packed the Oncenter for World Wrestling Entertainment’s biggest and best, everyone brought their top performances. Six titles were on the line and the crowd came alive for every single match.
The opener was a fast-paced, banger for the intercontinental championship. Sami Zayn went up against champion Ricochet. The crowd popped big for the champ, he came out to screams and cheers while Zayn came out to boos and jeers. Ricochet hit his signature moonsault dive to pick up the win and retain his belt.
Other stars showcased their talent and received all the love. One of the biggest reactions of the night went to the “Phenomenal” AJ Styles, who showed the fans why he was given that name with his signature forearm strike. Charlotte Flair quickly defeated Aliyah after she declared an open challenge. The win was accompanied by a chorus of “woos”, as is expected when a Flair is around.
In the match before intermission, “Salt City” Seth Rollins took over Syracuse when he took on Cody Rhodes. The Oncenter became unglued for the returning Rhodes. Rhodes re-debuted in WWE at WrestleMania 38 after six years away.
After intermission, Finn Bálor joined the party when he took on Austin Theory for the United States title. The match was physical but ended when Bálor hit his signature Coup de Gras jumping attack.
The triple threat for the Raw Women’s Championship was a banger. “Big-Time” Becky Lynch and Rhea Ripley went to war against Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair. The frantic match saw the two powerhouses (Belair and Ripley) dominate Lynch, but she battled back, isolating each of the two bigger women. In the end, Belair, the EST of WWE — short for the strongest, fastest, roughest, toughest and quickest in the promotion — took home the win. Belair received a standing ovation post-match with the crowd yelling “E-S-T.”
The final match of the night saw Drew McIntyre take on WWE Universal Champion and “tribal chief” Roman Reigns. The crowd loved McIntyre as he entered the ring, but the Syracuse fans gave their best reaction of the night to Reigns’ walk-out. Syracuse acknowledged their tribal chief and in return, he gave them everything they wanted, plus an amazing match where he retained his title.
Fans went home happy as Reigns addressed the crowd after the bout. The WWE made it a great night to be a wrestling fan in Syracuse.
is a contributor for The NewsHouse.
is a magazine, news and digital journalism graduate student. In addition to The NewsHouse, she also contributes and freelances for PopSugar, NYUp.com and Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard.
