In lieu of a fancy entrance for Sami Zayn, we see him get a visit from his wife and child backstage, though he tells his son he doesn’t want him to see what’s about to happen. He also gets a visit from Chad Gable, who suggests that he’s got this but also adds “don’t forget, you owe me a favor.” Last, Kevin Owens is waiting to give him last second encouragement before he steps through the curtain.
As usual, Gunther is accompanied by Imperium, but only as far as the stage. The announcers layer on the “Rocky IV” symbolism, with Gunther obviously playing the Drago role.
A German suplex and a hard chop get Sami’s attention, as does a boot to the face. Another chop drops Zayn as soon as he reaches his feet, then the cycle repeats. Zayn’s wife is out in the crowd and is starting to look concerned.
She feels a bit better after Zayn’s running clothesline slows the champ’s attack. A half and half suplex leads to another, but Gunther bears down for a hard clothesline and a near fall.
Zayn ends up in a sleeper, struggling to inch forward and grab the ropes. A German suplex yanks him forcefully back to the middle of the ring, but he’s able to hit an exploder to put Gunther in the corner. Alas, the champ’s dropkick answers a Helluva Kick attempt, though even after a powerbomb and a stack, Zayn kicks out at two.
Gunther treats Sami to his own version of a Helluva Kick, but Zayn responds with the real deal. He covers but sees Gunther kick out at two.
Sami goes rushing in again but eats a lariat and two powerbombs. Somehow he gets his shoulder up again. The champ is undeterred, smacking Sami with kicks and stomps. Zayn ends up laying flat across the Prime logo as the ref checks on him.
Gunther exchanges some taunts with Sami’s wife while Zayn tries to will himself to his feet. Sami catches Gunther with a Helluva Kick on the top rope, then hits a brainbuster. There’s a Helluva Kick in the opposite corner and another after Gunther turns around. Sami covers and hears the count hit three.
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[lawrence-related id=47779]