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WWE Clash in Italy: Reigns Wins but Storyline Questions Linger

ESPN General •
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WWE made history with its first premium live event in Italy, delivering Clash at Turin's Pala Alpitour. Roman Reigns defeated Jacob Fatu in Tribal Combat to retain the World Heavyweight Championship, but the finish raised concerns about creative direction. The Bloodline angle with Fatu now serving Reigns feels like a rehash of 2024's original storyline.

Jacob Fatu's loss folds him back into The Bloodline fold alongside The Usos, setting up a potential faction war with Solo Sikoa's MFTs. While there are new dynamics, the storyline lacks the freshness it could have had if Fatu had won. WWE has time to develop this angle before SummerSlam, where the King of the Ring winner will challenge Reigns.

Cody Rhodes retained his Undisputed WWE Championship against Gunther, but the controversial finish overshadowed a strong match. Gunther's leg was under the ropes during the pinfall, ending their encounter after just 11 minutes in disappointing fashion. This extends their feud, though it benefits neither competitor.

Brock Lesnar evened the score with Oba Femi, hitting seven F-5s to win their bout. The Beast's methodical attack targeting Femi's arm proved effective. All signs point toward Lesnar's potential retirement match at SummerSlam in Minneapolis, where he could face Femi in a rubber match that would pass the torch to WWE's emerging giant.