★ ★ ★ ★ ★
WWE Clash At The Castle 2022
09/03/2022
Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales
GUNTHER vs. Sheamus
 |
A stoic staredown before the war. WWE |
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
In the modern landscape of wrestling, there's a lot of talk about wrestlers "getting what they deserve." The barrier between kayfabe and reality has been all but broken completely, with more and more wrestlers opening themselves up to the fans to better connect with them more as people and less like paying customers. Tell-all podacsts and relaxed shoot interviews have become the norm the past few years, with more wrestlers opening up about insecurities and career aspirations that bring their superstardom to a more grounded level, reminding us that they, too, are human. That, just like us, they have dreams and aspirations they want to achieve.
For those that get lost in the shuffle, it can be hard for them to feel like they belong. Like they are cared for or their career ultimately means anything. When you are a ship without a rudder with no end in sight, it can be hard to put in the same amount of work you may have years ago when you felt like you actually mattered.
But sometimes, these shooting stars break the mould. Through sheer grit, determination, and an outright refusal to be overlooked, they shine brighter than they ever have and remind people that they are deserving. Deserving of more than online ridicule and discussions of "remember when this guy was good?" Deserving of praise and recognition, of being seen as someone that the company would be worse off for losing. Someone that deserves to have a complete career, one where they check off every goal they've been hoping to achieve since they first laced up a pair of boots.
To me, this match is the epitome of "getting what you deserve." It may not be the fairy tale result the storybooks look for, but despite that, this match stands in a class of its own when it comes to a career goal being almost realized;
GUNTHER vs. Sheamus - WWE Clash At The Castle 2022
There was a time, not too many years before this, where Sheamus was almost considered "washed" or an "afterthought" on the roster. Someone who maybe could have been considered good years ago, but was since totally lost in the shuffle of a bloated roster, with oftentimes directionless writing. In late 2016, prior to a series of matches with a soon-to-be tag partner, Sheamus was all but completely forgotten on the roster. His previous group, the League of Nations, fizzled out after two of the four members left the company, with Rusev going back to the singles ranks leaving Sheamus all alone once again.
His tag team with Cesaro could be considered one of the luckiest pairings WWE has made in recent memory. What started out as a best of 7 series between two mid card workhorses turned into a "can these two get along" tag team when their series ended in a draw. From bickering during their entrances, Sheamus and Cesaro, soon known as "The Bar," would go on to become 5 time tag champions as well as winning tag team of the year for 2018. It was a pairing that revitalized two careers, with both men deciding from match one of their series to beat the ever-loving shit out of each other every time they crossed paths. Later, their team became one of the most powerful, dominant teams in WWE, bowling over their competition in brutal, exciting fashion.
But, like all things in life, nothing lasts forever. The Bar broke up when Sheamus took time off to recover from and injury and Cesaro started back up in the singles ranks. But this time, disbanding the team didn't leave Sheamus adrift. He had direction again, he found that spark again. More important than that, he had the people behind him again. They saw again with fresh eyes that Sheamus wasn't "washed," that the discussions of "he was good 4 years ago, but he's crap now" were from people who had no idea what they were talking about. Sheamus reminded an entire audience "I've always been this good! You just forgot!"
At this point in his career and with WWE more or less being in the "reality era," Sheamus became more candid in interviews and in his presentation. He came across less like a stereotypical Irish fella and more like a guy, who just happens to be from Ireland, who has an insane work ethic and an endearing personality. He created the "Celtic Warrior Workouts" channel on YouTube, following him to gyms across the world with his fellow WWE roster mates and doing their workouts to challenge himself and allow the viewers to see how their favourites stay in shape.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
But there was one thing that Sheamus had yet to achieve in his career, one thing that has eluded him since he first signed with the company. The Intercontinental Championship. Often referred to as "the workhorse championship," this title became synonymous with wrestlers that were capable of putting on exceptional "wrestling" matches (and I mean that in the literal sense of the word, not the "sports entertainment" way) and were on the cusp of breaking through the mid card into the main event, World Title picture.
I'm unable to find an exact date, but from everything I can find, the summer of 2019 seems to be when the rumble started. It was no secret that Sheamus had a pretty storied career with WWE, winning just about everything that there is to win. In interviews, however, Sheamus was quick to point out that one title has eluded him so far.
"There is one thing missing, and that's the Intercontinental Championship, I've won a lot of titles in the very first half of my career. The two things that were missing were the IC Title and Tag Titles. With Cesaro, we basically blitzed five titles -- four Raw, one SmackDown -- in about two and a half years. The IC Title is next on the list. The irony of that whole thing is, that was the one title that brought me into WWE. When I was a kid, I was a massive Macho Man Randy Savage fan. That was the one title I loved, and it's the one title I haven't won. That's the coveted prize for me."
-Fightful, quoting "Edge & Christian Pod of Awesomeness"
Not long after this, there was momentum building behind fans wanting Sheamus to cap off his career by winning the one piece of gold that he's never won. There was a lot of fan support for Sheamus at this time, and for good reason. He just finished a career defining tag team run and was able to reinvigorate his career when it seemed like all hope was lost. But that's not the only reason.
Right before 2017 rolled over to 2018, a report from Dave Meltzer stated that Sheamus was dealing with a condition known as "spinal stenosis," a condition that causes an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal that results in pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. There was concern following these reports that Sheamus' career would be coming to a close sooner than later, with this diagnosis acting like a ticking clock for the Celtic Warrior's career.
Fortunately, Sheamus has been able to work and live with this condition, wrestling as if he's healthier than ever at times. But that didn't stop the fans from rallying behind him further. Hoping, praying, and lobbying for Sheamus to win the IC title before his time with the company came to a close. He'd been in contention for the title in the past, and by past I do mean past. Here's some quick facts for you. His last IC title match? May 31, 2015, an Elimination Chamber match for the vacant title with Ryback walking away with the gold. His last 1 on 1 match for the title? September 27, 2011, winning by DQ against Cody Rhodes. (Not counting non-televised matches) So it's not like he'd never came close to winning it before, but nobody cared as much as they cared now. He became a beloved babyface through sheer tyranny of will and now people were clamouring for him to have the career sendoff he'd always dreamed of.
Enter, the Ring General, GUNTHER.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Following a career defining run in NXT UK as the longest reigning champion WWE had seen in decades, GUNTHER, then known as WALTER, seemed to be destined for greatness. His run in NXT's rainbow tinted 2.0 era was short lived and he was quickly called up to SmackDown, competing for and ultimately winning the Intercontinental Championship from Ricochet, 292 days removed from when he lost the NXT UK Championship. What followed was another career defining run with the Intercontinental Championship, breaking the Honky Tonk Man's previous record of 453 days with the title by holding it for 666 days. At this point, GUNTHER had spend in the neighbourhood of 80% of his WWE career with gold, a staggering statistic. His reign with the NXT UK title was well documented and established him as being a level above most others on the roster, with his IC title reign further improving his legacy.
In the midst of this reign, the sentiment surrounding Sheamus' campaign for the IC title was stirring up again, with people wanting to see GUNTHER's reign broken by someone, anyone! It wasn't that GUNTHER was necessarily disliked by fans, even if he was portrayed as a heel, but any undefeated champion will come against his match eventually. Fans knew there was almost no hope of Roman's reign being shattered anytime soon, so GUNTHER was next in line, and Sheamus was building up a head of steam en route to challenge the Ring General.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
August 19, 2022
 |
| Securing his spot. WWE |
In a five way match for the #1 contendership slot, Sheamus ran through Happy Corbin, Madcap Moss, Ricochet and Sami Zayn to earn his spot. From the moment his name was announced as the winner, Michael Cole proclaimed "ladies and gentlemen, this is gonna be a war!" Sheamus had really carved out a niche for himself in the roster as the workhorse who would hit you just as hard, and often times harder, than you'd hit him. He was unafraid of any challenge, leaving every ounce of himself in the ring night after night to prove he truly belonged. GUNTHER was already firmly established as one of the most hard hitting and violent men on the roster. He didn't need to rely on a hardcore match settings with weapons galore, his chops alone could cave in the chest of most mortal men.
Michael Cole was right, this was going to be a war.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
An element that I've neglected to talk about up to this point is the fact that GUNTHER and Sheamus rarely come to the ring alone. A member of GUNTHER's group "Impreium," Ludwig Kaiser often flanks the Ring General for his entrance, at the minimum. Imperium is a group with a revolving door of members, with GUNTHER always the "leader" with the firm belief that "die matte is heilig," which translates to, "the mat is sacred." A no BS group of wrestlers who were determined to bring wrestling back to its roots of actual, bonafide wrestling.
Sheamus, on the flipside, is heading a trio known as "The Brawling Brutes," comprised of himself, Butch and Ridge Holland. The group is fairly self explanatory, three hard nosed dudes who love to fight. Holland has a rugby background and is nicknamed "the fridge," and it's not for his eating habits. While Butch was the short lived rename of Pete Dunne, a smug line walker that seemed to get off on causing as much pain as he could in the most cruel ways possible.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
August 26, 2022
 |
| The General has heard enough. WWE |
Furthermore, Sheamus says that he sees a lot of himself in GUNTHER, that it's been years since he's seen anyone else "possess the same physical, brutal qualities." All the while, GUNTHER stands stoic. The remaining portion of the Brawling Brutes can barely contain themselves, like two chained dogs waiting to be told "kill." Kaiser is similarly statuesque next to his leader, but GUNTHER may as well be made of stone. His face never changes, his eyes don't move. In the physical game of chess, he's a King that refuses to be put in check. Even when Sheamus points directly at the gold around his waist, making the bold proclamation that "at Clash at the Castle, I will drag that title off your lifeless body and into the belly of the Red Dragon." GUNTHER remains unfazed.
He does, however, reach for Kaiser's microphone. He slowly raises the stick to his lips as Kaiser steps back, giving the General the floor.
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| A threat and a promise. WWE |
"Sheamus, you're a man to be respected, I give you that. But you're nothing like me! I am the Intercontinental Champion! And to protect this title, I am going to teach you what violence really means. In Cardiff, not only am I going to retain this title, but I'm going to chop your chest into bloody bits! I'm going to break your body! I'm going to break your spirit! I am going to break the man that everybody thinks can not be broken! Sheamus! Der Ring General will break you!"
GUNTHER and Sheamus lock eyes in the centre when suddenly, Butch pounces on Kaiser, clubbing him as Ridge stands back, folding his arms and smiling with delight. Around them, their subordinates fight, but GUNTHER and Sheamus never break their focus on each other. It's not until Kaiser and Butch's brawl draws nearer to champion and challenger that the leaders hold their men back; again, eye contact never wavering for a second. What was already said in so many words is now being communicated through eyes alone.
"I am going to hurt you."
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
September 2, 2022
 |
| Already ready to go. WWE |
The night before Clash at the Castle, Butch picks up the win against Ludwig Kaiser in the main event of SmackDown, with GUNTHER at ringside for Kaiser, and Holland and Sheamus in the corner of Butch. Following the victory, the rest of the Brutes celebrate with Butch as GUNTHER enters the ring, ripping off his jacket and barking at Sheamus, clearly ready for a fight. Butch is still rearing to go, his heart rate no doubt redlining from the bucket of coffee he probably drank to have that much energy, with Sheamus holding his boys back once again. Sheamus urges the brutes to leave the ring, taking off his jacket as he prepares to take the fight to GUNTHER a night earlier than planned.
But Kaiser proves to be the voice of reason. He gets in the way of GUNTHER, holding him back and urging him to wait. "Nein! nein!" he shouts at GUNTHER, sweating and wounded from his fight with Butch, he struggles to hold him back, but GUNTHER is still able to listen to reason. He leaves the ring and makes Sheamus wait just a bit longer before he gets his chest caved in.
With that, the table is set, the fighters are ready. All that's left to find out now is, is Cardiff ready?
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This match may not have been billed as the main event match, that slot being filled by Drew McIntyre trying to rip the Universal Championship from the iron grip of Roman Reigns, but it was a match that many fans were looking forward to and the company knew was worthy of being given extra time. They make a point of mentioning that in 1992, The British Bulldog beat Bret Hart for the Intercontinental Championship in Wembley Stadium in a fantastic SummerSlam match. It's been just over 30 years since that Intercontinental classic took place, and many hope that tonight will be a repeat of history.
They even take a moment to give screen time to the family of Bulldog and Bret Hart, who is in attendance for the show! A nice moment.
The mood in the arena quickly shifts as the opening chords to Sheamus' theme rip through the speakers. With his brutish brawlers by his side, Sheamus is making his way to the ring and looks to be ready for a fight. He climbs inside the ring and takes a moment to soak in the crowd, 62,296 fans shouting their support for the Celtic Warrior.
The arena darkens as a low hum crackles through the speakers. At the top of the ramp stands Ludwig Kaiser, his icy stare looking out across the crowd as he holds the mic in his hand, preparing his signature ring introduction. "Ladies and gentlemen... I demand all your gratitude for Giovanni Vinci!" What a surprise! The third member of Imperium, who had been absent as of late, has arrived to flank the Ring General for his title defence. With Vinci, this evens the score, a balance of leaders and lackeys alike.
"And now, the leader of Imperium! Your Intercontinental Champion! Der Ring General! GUNTHER!"
GUNTHER steps between his soldiers, stands at attention, and marches to the ring. Vinci and Kaiser in tow. A stark contrast to Sheamus' reception, Principality Stadium isn't shy about their feelings towards the Austrian. Sure, he doesn't get showered with boos, there are plenty of sickos out there (me) who love GUNTHER regardless, but there's a clear difference in reception here. He climbs in the ring and removes his jacket and title, handing the former to Kaiser and the latter to the referee. A perfect mirror of one another, GUNTHER and Sheamus stand eye to eye, as focused as statues. Flanking them is their stable mates, Kaiser and Butch lock eyes, while Vinci and Holland square up and ready themselves for a fight.
 |
| In the eye of the storm. WWE |
With the four men at ringside occupied with their individual skirmishes, the referee slides back in the ring to try and get things started, with GUNTHER immediately firing off a chop that is met with a forearm the second the bell rings. We're deep into third gear already, with two of the heaviest hitters in the entire company holding nothing back. It's a mad scramble of strikes, looking more like a heavyweight hockey fight than a catch-as-catch-can clinic. Corey Graves makes a rather eloquent point on commentary, stating "the mat is sacred to GUNTHER, and tonight he is prepared for a holy war!"
GUNTHER starts to get the ball rolling early, crushing Sheamus with chops in the corner as the fighting Irishman comes out of the corner swinging. GUNTHER snags a side headlock but gets backed to the ropes, rebounding and shoulder blocking Sheamus so hard he hits the opposite set of ropes, charging to GUNTHER with a head of steam, only for it to get cracked off his shoulders with a huge boot to the skull. In a lot of ways, Sheamus is the perfect opponent for GUNTHER. Even this early in the match, Sheamus' pale white chest is turning red from the vicious strikes of GUNTHER, and we've barely made it a minute into this war.
Sheamus gets a flurry of kicks off to GUNTHER as he bent over for a back body drop, the third kick sending GUNTHER through the ropes to the apron for air. Sheamus finds GUNTHER in the perfect position for his signature, chest crushing Beats of the Bodhran. GUNTHER nearly fights out but a forearm to the back stuns him long enough for Sheamus to hook both arms. The challenger takes too long, however, soaking in the cheers of the stadium around him as GUNTHER slips free to the floor, pulling Sheamus down by his boots and out to the floor with him.
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| Tit for tat. Shot for shot. WWE |
After getting sent into the steps, Sheamus rolls GUNTHER back inside and tries for the Beats of the Bodhran again, giving it everything he's got to hook both of GUNTHER's arms, but the champion fights out. Sheamus is undeterred and keeps taking it to his adversary, only for GUNTHER to rattle the eardrums of everyone in attendance by chopping the bejeezus out of Sheamus in the corner. GUNTHER backs out before charging back in, only to get sent to the canvas by a pair of boots from Sheamus.
Both men are down now, with Sheamus seated in the corner and holding the top rope. With strength and skill that betrays his huge frame, Sheamus pulls himself to the top rope, waiting for GUNTHER to roll into the perfect spot. He takes too long, however, with GUNTHER springing to his feet and chopping Sheamus off the top rope to the floor. GUNTHER follows Sheamus to the floor and disassembles the ring steps, tossing the top half aside to expose the flat top of the bottom half. A chop staggers an ensuing Sheamus, allowing GUNTHER to pick him up and body slam him on the steel steps. This is where GUNTHER is most comfortable, in a position where his opponent is struggling to mount even the most basic offence, he can toss, batter, and crush them in whatever way he sees fit at a pace he can dictate.
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| Still fighting. No matter the odds. WWE |
GUNTHER slides back inside, leaving Sheamus for dead. Champions advantage means he can retain on a count out, so there's no reason for GUNTHER to not just... abandon Sheamus at ringside. It nearly works too, with Sheamus crawling back to the apron and sliding in just before the 10 count, all the while clutching at his lower back. Pushing Sheamus to the corner, GUNTHER starts to get into a familiar rhythm, chopping Sheamus over and over. What GUNTHER is less used to, is someone chopping him back. Refusing to give in, Sheamus fires back with overhand chops that force GUNTHER back a step. He keeps the pressure on Sheamus who drops to his knees from the brutal impact of the chops. Even on his knees, GUNTHER still chops Sheamus, even getting a kick between the shoulder blades when he tries to sit up, focusing on the weakness created by the steel steps.
Sheamus is on his knees once again, sucking back air and trying to stay alive. GUNTHER keeps the chops coming, but so does Sheamus. Each chop from GUNTHER met with a chop from Sheamus. They're even keel until GUNTHER straight up boots Sheamus square in the face, sending him back down to the canvas. He pulls Sheamus off the ground and pushes him against the ropes, treating his chest like a heavy bag. Sheamus is basically out on his feet as forearms shift his jaw and chops send his heart out of rhythm. He falls into the bottom rope, glassy eyed but still able to pull himself to his feet. Long enough to get booted in the face.
Changing gears, GUNTHER grabs the legs of Sheamus and goes to work trying to twist him around to his stomach, finally getting him turned around before he sits out on his lower back for a Boston crab. Sheamus holds on, shouting "NO! NO!" in the face of the referee as he checks to see if Sheamus wants to give in. He pulls and digs for the bottom rope, anything in the world to relieve the pressure. Noticing this, GUNTHER shifts his weight and transitions to a crossface, squeezing the head of Sheamus between his bicep and forearm.
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| Gaining an advantage, no matter how small. WWE |
Sheamus is able to grab GUNTHER's hand and relieve some of the pressure, making this hold slightly less punishing. He's able to bend and manipulate GUNTHER's fingers, forcing the Ring General to break the hold as he tries to squirm away from the discomfort. I don't care how tough you are, just about anyone will yelp when you bend their fingers backwards. GUNTHER cracks Sheamus in the back with his free hand with enough impact to send the sweat on Sheamus' back leaping off his skin.
Sheamus fights his way to his feet, chopping and clubbing GUNTHER with forearms. The champion focuses in on the lower back of Sheamus when an opening presents itself, knowing that one well placed shot there will do more damage than 10 of Sheamus' best shots; that's the hope, at least. Wringing out the arm of Sheamus, GUNTHER chops the chest of Sheamus so hard he collapses to the canvas from the impact of one. GUNTHER retains control of Sheamus' wrist, pulling him back up before going for another chop that sends him back down. He writhes around on the canvas but can't escape GUNTHER's grasp as he gets pulled up for a third.
This time, Sheamus absorbs the shot and drops to a knee, his pale white face now a bright shade of red, rage and determination overcoming him. He rises to his feet as GUNTHER wrings out his arm again before firing off a four- no! Sheamus catches GUNTHER's arm! He cracks GUNTHER with forearms that staggers him, but the champion is as resourceful as ever when he's backed into a corner, literally backing Sheamus into the corner, zeroing in on the wounded back once again.
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| Feel the beats, fella! WWE |
Dismissively, GUNTHER tosses Sheamus out of the ring and bodyslams him on the floor, hurling his limp carcass over the announce table. GUNTHER tries to pull Sheamus back across the table but Sheamus dribbles his head off the cover, pulling GUNTHER onto the table back first, clubbing him with the Beats of the Bodhran! GUNTHER slips free and slides back inside, with Sheamus following close behind as he keeps the pressure on with a lariat. Again GUNTHER goes to the apron for air and this time, Sheamus is successful. He hooks the arms of the champion and starts his beats. The crowd counts along with him, reaching 5, then 10, and almost 11 before GUNTHER escapes to the floor.
He staggers around the ring as Sheamus climbs out to meet him, only to get tossed over the barricade into the crowd. GUNTHER mistakenly turns around and gets caught again, with Sheamus holding him on the barricade for another round of Bodhran beats! The crowd counts along again, 5, then 10, then 15! 15 times the Irish sledgehammer crushed the chest of the Austrian. With GUNTHER rolled back inside, Sheamus climbs to the top rope and flies! Crashing down into the face of GUNTHER with a Bruiser Brody-esque King Kong knee drop!
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| Bombs are flying in Cardiff. WWE |
Sheamus finally seems to have his feet under him again, holding his arms out wide and bellowing to the crowd as a signal of the end. He pulls GUNTHER off the mat and onto his shoulders, trying for White Noise but the back starts to betray him, with GUNTHER slipping free and cracking his weak spot with a big forearm shot. Both men seem to be on equal footing now as they square up in the middle, trading shot for shot, blow for blow, neither one of them willing to give an inch. Sheamus starts to get the upper hand, but GUNTHER ducks a shot and shoots in for the waistlock, taking Sheamus up and over with a big German suplex.
But Sheamus isn't down for long, his face is painted with rage again as he fires up to his feet, eating a chop from GUNTHER and coming back off the ropes with a disgusting running knee strike, catching GUNTHER right under the jaw. He falls into the cover but GUNTHER kicks out, the first pinfall attempt of the match and we're miles deep. Back on their feet, Sheamus tries to get GUNTHER up for a backbreaker but GUNTHER fights free from his grip, snatching Sheamus with a rear naked choke out of nowhere. Sheamus twists and turns to escape, reaching for the ropes as he falls to a knee. Sheamus creates distance between he and GUNTHER as to break the hold, but GUNTHER notices his grip slipping, twisting Sheamus around for a powerbomb attempt.
Sheamus holds fast and stands through it, pulling GUNTHER around before falling back, crushing him with White Noise! Sheamus does nothing more but lay in place, his shoulders across the chest of GUNTHER for the pin as the champion kicks out. Sheamus fights to his knees, and then to his feet, standing alone as GUNTHER crawls to the ropes, slower to rise to his feet. Backing himself into a corner, Sheamus begins pounding his chest, calling for the Brogue Kick. Sheamus charges in as GUNTHER slowly rises to a vertical position, shifting out of the way of Sheamus' boot just in time to catch Sheamus for a German attempt. Sheamus fights free but gets drop kicked into the corner for his efforts. Pulling him to centre, GUNTHER plants Sheamus with a powerbomb and falls for the cover, but Sheamus survives!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Something I haven't had a chance to say yet about GUNTHER, is how he doesn't really have a set "finisher" like most guys do. Roman has the spear, Cody has the Cross Rhodes, those moves are usually their match enders, even if they are kicked out of often. But GUNTHER puts people away with powerbombs, splashes, chops, hell, even an Emerald fucking Flowsion. GUNTHER's finisher is whatever the hell he hits you with the hardest. I really, really love that about GUNTHER. He doesn't rely on one, "easy to scout" move. People can figure out how to escape the move you use to finish everyone with, keep that Ace up their sleeve. But if you're known for putting people away with just about anything, it makes you impossible to plan for. The permanent Ace up the sleeve of the Ring General.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
With Sheamus still on the canvas, GUNTHER stomps his lower back, climbing to the top rope as Sheamus struggles, but succeeds, to stand. He meets GUNTHER in the corner, assaulting him with shot after shot. With GUNTHER's back to the ring now, Sheamus grabs him under the armpits and walks him to centre, driving him through the ring with the Celtic Cross! He struggles to crawl for the pin, but makes it. The referee counts one, then two, then thr- no! Still not enough!
Both men are in deep, deep water. Desperate for land and oxygen. Sheamus goes back to the corner for the Brouge. Charging out, his back spasms, causing him to stumble and holler in pain. GUNTHER seizes on this opportunity, pulling Sheamus in for another powerbomb, dropping him square on his lower back. Defiant until his dying breath, Sheamus rolls to his side and faces GUNTHER, shaking his head as GUNTHER screams at his opponent, whatever it is he's saying, it can't be nice. GUNTHER is already on his feet as Sheamus struggles to get to a knee, then on his feet, still doubled over and holding his back. GUNTHER charges, flattening Sheamus with a lariat straight out of Stan Hansen's playbook.
Sheamus crumples in a heap with GUNTHER snatching the leg, laying across the beaten and battered torso of his foe. The referee counts one, two, then three. GUNTHER retains.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Mercifully, the match is over. A brutal and, at times, hard to watch match that started out in the deep end and only got worse and worse as things went on. And I mean that in the best way possible. I adore this match, the violence and malice GUNTHER brings to this match is unlike anything else in his reign. It will arguably be topped in his WrestleMania 39 triple threat defence against Sheamus and Drew McIntyre but part of the violence comes from adding a third bruiser to the mix. He comes at Sheamus from shot one with the intent to hurt first and kill eventually. Sheamus, for his part, is equal to the task. The bodyslam on the steps creates a ticking time bomb for him that ends up costing him the match, but he guts through the pain time and time again, past limits you thought were humanly possible.
GUNTHER's reign chugs along for the rest of 2022, he successfully retains at WrestleMania 39 in the aforementioned triple threat match, McIntyre at SummerSlam, and The Miz at SurvivorSeries, to name only a few of his opponents. His number is picked on the 666th day of his reign when he comes up against Sami Zayn at WrestleMania 40, eating defeat for the first time in what felt like a millennium.
Despite his loss, Sheamus didn't fall miles down the card or tailspin into obscurity. Far from it! The standing ovation he received after the match was as clear a sign as any that Sheamus had not only proven himself worthy of his spot, but was firmly cemented there too. No more half-assed factions, no more stop-start pushes, no more weeks spent in catering because "we just don't have anything for ya, pal!" Despite coming up short for the gold, Sheamus won something else in Wales. Respect.
For this, and so much more, GUNTHER vs. Sheamus at WWE Clash At The Castle 2022 is a 5 star match.
Until next time, be well, and stay safe.
Cliff Morgan
cliffmorganwstl@gmail.com
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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