So good to see Xavier Woods getting his first ever Intercontinental Championship opportunity, even if he’s likely to lose. He tries to get off to a quick start by sticking and moving, and he’s not afraid to put Gunther in a headlock either.
Wade Barrett notes that the champ sent the rest of Imperium to the back, effectively saying he can handle this on his own. After a commercial break, it’s pretty much all Gunther.
Woods tries to rally but gets thrown backward with a double underhook suplex and needs to kick out from another cover. Xavier is at least hanging in, with Michael Cole giving him credit for still having a shot.
Gunther verbally berating him lights a fire under Woods, who trades shots surprisingly well with the champ. A jumping forearm shot puts Gunther on the mat, but he manages to slide to the floor. Woods hits him with a swinging kick through the ropes, then launches himself into a tope con hilo.
Woods wants to go up top but runs into a huge chop. He shakes it off and puts Gunther on the mat, climbing up top and dropping a huge legdrop. Woods covers but the crowd is bummed when he only gets two.
Trying to halt his challenger’s momentum, Gunther puts on a sleeper, but Woods hits him with a facebuster and a crucifix bomb for another near fall. Xavier tries stacking up the champ and gets another two, then falls right back into the sleeperhold. Woods is out, so the ref calls for the bell and Gunther retains.
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