Roman Reigns has struggled to earn any big wins since returning from his 30-day suspension for violating the WWE Wellness Policy. Tonight, at WWE Clash of Champions , Reigns had the opportunity to become the WWE United States Champion for the first time in his career. Rusev, however, was defending the honor of his new bride — the “Ravishing Russian” Lana — whom the champ feels was disrespected by his challenger. In the end, however, Roman Reigns walked away as the new WWE U.S. Champion.
Had it not been for Rusev’s interference, Reigns would have been involved in the Clash of Champions main event, when WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens defended his title against Roman’s former Shield-brother Seth Rollins. Triple H hasn’t been seen on WWE programming since he assisted Owens in defeating both Reigns and Rollins several weeks ago on Monday Night Raw . While Hunter did not make an appearance at Clash of Champions , Chris Jericho helped his best friend Kevin Owens keep his belt when all was said and done.
Six more matches were booked for the first-ever Clash of Champions event as well. The Raw Women’s Champion Charlotte defended her belt in a Triple Threat Match that included Sasha Banks and Bayley. The New Day will be defended the Raw Tag Team Championship against Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. Finishing their Best of Seven Series, Cesaro faced Sheamus in singles action. T.J. Perkins made his first official WWE match since winning the Cruiserweight Classic tournament and being crowned the new WWE Cruiserweight Champion. He defended against WWE veteran Brian Kendrick. Chris Jericho defeated Sami Zayn, and Nia Jax beat Alicia Fox on the Clash of Champions Kick-Off .
WWE Clash Of Champions 2016 Results
The following includes the results of all the matches and segments from WWE Clash of Champions 2016 on September 25. The debut of the Raw brand-exclusive Clash of Champions event aired live from the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. As the red brand’s first PPV since the recent WWE Draft and brand extension, the crew from WWE Monday Night Raw tried to prove that they’re the superior brand, hoping to top the show that the WWE SmackDown Live brand put on two weeks ago at Backlash .
Clash of Champions 2016 Kick-Off On The WWE Network
The hour-long pre-show was hosted by Renee Young, who was joined by Lita, Booker T, and Jerry Lawler. Along with the women’s match-up, Sami Zayn joined the show to answer questions from the WWE Universe in the Social Media Lounge.
Sheamus joined the panel to talk about his match against Cesaro. Booker T shared some advice from his own Best of Seven Series against Chris Benoit in 2005. When Sami was interviewed, he said that winning the NXT Championship and defeating Kevin Owens at Battleground were the best moments of his career so far. He also reiterated his desire to face the old Chris Jericho tonight at Clash of Champions .
Nia Jax Defeated Alicia Fox
While Alicia Fox did have the offensive advantage for a respectable amount of time, the powerful Nia Jax was just too much for the Foxy veteran. It can’t be long before Nia makes a serious run for the Raw Women’s Championship.
Not even a SOARING @AliciaFoxy could hold down the dominant force that is @NiaJaxWWE! #WWEClash @WWENetwork pic.twitter.com/EXXJCZUmyV
— WWE (@WWE) September 25, 2016
The New Day Defeated Luke Gallows And Karl Anderson
With a big assist from Xavier Woods and Francesca II, The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E) defeated The Club (Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows) as they successfully defended the Raw Tag Team Championship. Their lengthy reign continues, but with a vaguely tainted win, their feud with Anderson and Gallows may not be finished.
TJ Perkins Defeated Brian Kendrick
In his debut match as a part of the Raw roster, WWE Cruiserweight Champion TJ Perkins made challenger Brian Kendrick tap out. While Perkins was being interviewed in the ring after the match, Kendrick faked a respectful handshake and hug only to lay Perkins out with a headbutt.
Is @WWE #CruiserweightChampion @MegaTJP prepared to defend his title against @mrbriankendrick ?! #WWEClash pic.twitter.com/dDHBeFkuN6
— WWE (@WWE) September 26, 2016
Cesaro Vs. Sheamus Best Of Seven Series Still Not Decided
Cesaro was given the opportunity to mimic the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2016 NBA Finals when he had come back from being 0-3 to tying up the Best of Seven Series. With rumors abounding that Cesaro is unhappy at WWE, the referee ended the match when both wrestlers were deemed unfit to continue to the match. The non-finish leaves the score tied at 3-3-1. The live audience was understandably upset with the way the match ended, but it looks like Cesaro vs. Sheamus will have to go to Round 8 before a winner is declared.
EXCLUSIVE: At what point did Ref. John Cone realize he NEEDED to call @WWESheamus & @WWECesaro ‘s #BestOf7 Series match at #WWEClash ? pic.twitter.com/OoLC8nzk4K
— WWE (@WWE) September 26, 2016
Chris Jericho Defeated Sami Zayn
The WWE veteran Chris Jericho got a clean win over New Era star Sami Zayn. It’s unclear exactly why WWE would want to use an up-and-coming star like Zayn to put over someone like Jericho, who is past his prime.
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Charlotte Defeated Sasha Banks And Bayley
With Dana Brooke in her corner, Raw Women’s Champion Charlotte successfully defended her title in a Triple Threat Match against Sasha Banks and Bayley. With a finish that was clean, Charlotte’s record in PPV title defenses now sits at 12-0.
Roman Reigns Defeated Rusev For The U.S. Title
While Lana tried to save her husband’s title reign by pulling the referee out of the ring for a disqualification, the referee sent the Ravishing Russian to the back and allowed the match to continue. After several near-falls for both opponents, Roman Reigns ultimately won the match with a Spear.
#TheBigDog @WWERomanReigns is NOT backing down in this #USTitle match against the #BulgarianBrute @RusevBUL! @LanaWWE #WWEClash pic.twitter.com/Yfdr5rapG2
— WWE (@WWE) September 26, 2016
Kevin Owens Defeated Seth Rollins
After interference by Chris Jericho and Stephanie McMahon bringing out a second referee, Kevin Owens once again managed to pull out a victory after nearly losing the title on several occasions. It seems likely that Seth Rollins will get a rematch at WWE Hell in a Cell .
The above WWE Clash of Champions 2016 results have been corroborated by WWE’s official Clash of Champions page.
Where To Watch WWE Clash of Champions 2016
WWE Clash of Champions 2016 aired live, exclusively on the WWE Network , beginning at 8/7c. The WWE Backlash 2016 Kick-Off began at 7/6c. Both programs are immediately available to stream on-demand via the WWE Network.
[Featured Image by WWE]