Old North Banter: WWE Clash of Champions Captivates Charlotte
With every WWE championship on the line, Clash of Champions gave the Spectrum Center an entertaining pay-per-view stacked with fascinating matchups.
Old North Banter previewed WWE Clash of Champions prior to the pay-per-view’s start, and the show itself did not disappoint the thousands of fans packed inside the Spectrum Center in Charlotte. Here is a review of all matches on the card, paired up with the predictions offered.
Drew Gulak vs. Humberto Carrillo vs. Lince Dorado — Cruiserweight Championship
PREDICTION: Drew Gulak; WINNER: Drew Gulak (ONB: 1-0)
Despite Drew Gulak retaining the title, this match proved to be a skills showcase for Humberto Carrillo. With the fans still filing into the arena during the pre-show, Carrillo still managed to match up well with his fellow competitors with various aerial maneuvers, managing to keep the defending champ on his toes. Lince Dorado also established himself as a strong presence, but as expected, Dorado ended up eating the pin.
The finish of the match came when Carrillo hit the Aztec Press onto Carrillo, but before he can make the pin, Carrillo got thrown into the ring post by Gulak who made the cover to retain his belt.
REVIEW: This was a solid match to get the fans invested in the show from the get-go. Carrillo looked strong despite the losing effort, and it is likely he’ll return as Gulak’s next challenger. (6/10)
A.J. Styles vs. Cedric Alexander — United States Championship
PREDICTION: A.J. Styles; WINNER: A.J. Styles (ONB: 2-0)
One of several home-state Superstars to compete in the home of the Hornets, Cedric Alexander had the Spectrum Center crowd entirely behind him. After picking up a pinfall victory over the defending champ, Alexander started his match against A.J. Styles strong with an immediate Michinoku Driver for a two-count followed by a suicide dive to the outside and a Handspring Enziguiri for another near-fall.
Styles managed to turn the match’s momentum shortly thereafter by hitting a Styles Clash outside of the ring. The Gainesville, Ga. native then pinned Alexander but lifted his shoulders off the mat after two to continue punishing the Queen City native. Styles managed to lock the Calf Crusher on Alexander before finally pinning him after a Phenomenal Forearm and Styles Clash in the middle of the ring.
Following the pin, Styles continued his beatdown on Alexander before his O.C. stablemates Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson came to the ring from the back to add to the onslaught. The Club then leaves the ring with Alexander left lying stunned in the middle of the ring.
REVIEW: Who did Alexander irritate backstage? Though Alexander had his chance to shine at points, this appeared to bury Alexander moving forward. Obviously, Styles is an amazing wrestler, and he’s had his opportunities to cement his legacy. This could have been a match that propelled Alexander to new heights, but there’s a chance that this could damage his trajectory. (5/10)