WWE Bash in Berlin only had five matches, and three of them were instant classics worked by some of the best in the business. Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens opened the show in Berlin, and the two icons put on an excellent display of wrestling and in-ring storytelling.
You could argue that their match was the best of the event. In the end, Rhodes retained his WWE Championship, and there were moments when it appeared Owens might turn. That didn’t happen, but as it is, there could be some serious questions about Owens’ future with the promotion.
Both men received a strong pop before the match, with the Berlin crowd singing every word of Rhodes’ entrance music. The masterful Samantha Irvin gave the match the big-fight feel, and WWE production did a great job with the camera angles to bring it together.
The match had so many impressive sequences that it’s tough to call them all out. I don’t think I’m a prisoner of the moment when I say this felt a lot like a five-star match.
Owens refrained from taking advantage of an in-story knee injury hampering Rhodes, which provided an outstanding ending and set up for the ending that saw the champion retain after hitting his third Cross Rhodes of the match.
Over the last week, WWE did an excellent job creating some doubt as to whether Rhodes would retain–even though it seemed like an inevitable finish. Owens appeared distraught and perhaps slightly irritated with himself for not taking advantage of Rhodes’ injury while the champion attempted to console his friend. Owens’ contract with WWE is reportedly coming to a close soon.
We don’t know if Owens has re-upped because new WWE deals aren’t always public knowledge. If he hasn’t and he is moving to a close with WWE, this match and feud could be the last one he has with the promotion.
You’d have to believe WWE will make an offer to Owens, considering he is still one of the biggest stars in the promotion. Perhaps we will hear about Owens signing a new deal, but that announcement could be followed up by a heel turn that extends the feud with Rhodes.
Owens is 40 years old, which isn’t ancient in professional wrestling, but a decision on his future could be complicated because of where KO sits with the WWE Universe.
Does WWE plan to feature Owens in something the veteran considers significant? What other offers could Owens possibly receive from other promotions? Rhodes is perhaps the most prominent example of a Superstar going elsewhere to raise their profile only to return as an even bigger deal than they were when they left.
Stay tuned.
Here is a look at the results from Berlin.
- (c) Cody Rhodes retains the WWE Championship and defeats Kevin Owens (pin)
- Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill regain the WWE Women’s Tag-Team Championship, defeating The Unholy Union (Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn)
- Strap Match: CM Punk defeats Drew McIntyre
- Mixed Tag Match: Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley defeats “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio & Liv Morgan.
- World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther vs. Randy Orton
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