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WrestleMania 40 Night Two: Cody Rhodes ‘Finishes the Story’ and Defeats Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship with Run-Ins by The Rock, John Cena & The Undertaker

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: WWE

If ever there was the best use of the current trendy term “cinema”, night two of WrestleMania 40 was just that, and certainly none more so than the highly anticipated main event between Cody Rhodes and WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns in a “Bloodline” rules match where everything goes and anyone can interfere… and it’s all legal!

Whether you streamed it on Peacock, or were there live at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, these questioned remained as the night began. Would Cody Rhodes finally “finish the story,” a story he began back at WrestleMania 39 when he lost in the main event to Reigns in 2023? Could Cody do what his iconic and beloved father, Dusty Rhodes, never got the chance to do, and become a WWE World Champion? There were so many questions on the line to be answered.

The match was epic drama at its absolute best from the larger than life spectacle with awe-dropping entrances for Rhodes, who was accompanied by his wife, Brandi Rhodes, and “The Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns who came out to a choir singing his theme. If ever there was a good vs evil set-up with so much history and so much build-up, this was it.

Photo: WWE

The in-ring chemistry of Rhodes and Reigns was palpable. Roman will go down as one of the greatest champions of all-time, who’s reactions and facial expressions help heighten the drama and against Rhodes who is the perfect babyface of this era. The match delivered near-falls, specific and crucial story beats, and an abundance of interference that made perfect sense when you map out the storytelling of this battle.

Photo: WWE

As the match wore on, things started to unravel as to who would get the upper hand when an series of run-ins featuring legendary WWE Superstars and “Bloodline” members made their way into, and around, the ring to help Reigns or Rhodes. First, Jimmy Uso superkicked Rhodes in the ring, but then his brother, Jey Uso (who he had wrestled earlier in the night) came after him and took him out with a huge bump on the ring ramp. Next, Solo Sikoa jumped in the ring and Samoan Spiked Cody multiple times; while being frustrated that Reigns couldn’t get himself together to pin “The American Nightmare” for his help.

Photo: WWE

All of a sudden, John Cena’s music hit and down the ramp came the 16-time WWE champion. Cena getting revenge on Sikoa, who sent him packing from WWE last year, threw him through the announce table. All of a sudden The Rock’s theme music hit, and the crowd went wild. Now the two movie stars and two of the all-time biggest WWE superstars were face to face. However, Rock delivered a Rock Bottom and Cena went down.

Photo: WWE

Next, in a stunning moment, “The Shield’s” old theme music hit and Seth Rollins attempted to slide in the ring with a chair but Reigns delivered a superman punch temporarily stopping his momentum. Before The Rock could beat down Cody Rhodes, once again with his belt strap, The Undertaker’s gong sounded and the lights went out. When they came back up, The Rock was turned the wrong way with The Undertaker in the ring behind him. Next, ‘Taker’ delivered a choke slam to The Rock and then was gone before you knew it when the lights went out and the back on.

Now came the poetic justice … the culmination of years of story. With the chair in the ring and Rhodes struggling to get up on one side of the ring, and Rollins struggling to get up on the other side of the ring, The Tribal Chief had a decision to make … who would he hit in the back with the chair? Reigns chose Rollins, allowing Cody to recover delivering three Cross Rhodes to get a three count and become the new WWE Universal Champion by pinning Reigns.

Photo: WWE

In the end, it was Rollins’ message to Rhodes weeks earlier that proved to be the deciding factor. “The Visionary” promised Cody that he would be his ‘shield’, referencing the former clique he had with Reigns and Dean Ambrose. In WWE history, back in 2014, it was Rollins who stabbed Reigns and the group  in the back with a chair shot to the back of Reigns. Knowing that revenge is Reigns’ achilles heel, Rollins set himself up as the ultimate distraction for Cody to become the champ.

As Reigns’ run as world champion at 1,317 days came to an end, he will remain fourth among all-time champions who held the belt the longest following Bruno Sammartino, Pedro Morales and Hulk Hogan.  Social media was abuzz when video was captured of an emotional Reigns and his special counsel new WWE Hall-of-Famer, Paul Heyman near the beginning of the entrance ramp hugging it out after the loss.

Photo: WWE

WrestleMania 40 night two also featured several other outstanding matches including the opening bout between Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntrye for Rollins’ WWE Heavyweight Championship.  In what was probably one of the best entrances of WrestleMania 40 weekend, Rollins showed up with Philadelphia’s Mummers Band playing his theme music. As the Mummers paraded down the ramp with Rollins, he was wearing Mummers-inspired gear and costume. 

Going into the match, Rollins was already in a weakened state with his knee from his previous injury and wrestling in night one with Cody Rhodes against The Rock and Roman Reigns. McIntrye and Rollins hit finishing maneuvers at an exceptionally high rate before McIntyre finally picked up the win.  A dejected Seth, in tears outside the ring, told Drew that he deserved it as he was the better man that night. Rollins’ emotional reaction proved once again why he is one of the best in sports entertainment.

Photo: WWE

In another “poetic justice” moment, a gloating and emotional McIntrye with belt in hand, goes over to the announce table to confront CM Punk who was helping call the match. After he continued to taunt Punk, “The Voice of the Voiceless” loses his temper and removes his arm brace from his tricep surgery and begins to beat down McIntrye.

Photo: WWE

With Drew in a vulnerable state, Damian Priest (the Money in the Bank winner) comes running down the ring ramp and cashes in the briefcase for his opportunity for a championship, and in quick fashion hits the “South of Heaven” choke slam on The Scottish Warrior and ends his very short title reign becoming the new WWE World Champion. CM Punk sat at ringside and applauded Priest’s efforts and there is no love lost between Punk and McIntrye as their feud continues to build.

Photo: WWE

When it was time for the WWE Women’s Championship between the champion Iyo Sky and former head of Damage CTRL, Bayley, it was clear how much love and respect there is for Bayley. That extended to the press box and through Lincoln Financial Stadium,  Would Bayley get retribution for Damage CTRL stabbing her in the back? First, Bayley came out an all-new entrance theme know coining the phrase “Role Model”.

Photo: WWE

As the match wore on, it was high-flying maneuvers from Sky that dominated, however, Bayley survived all that Iyo managed to throw at her and hit a an elbow drop and then a Rose Plant for the three count to become the new champ.  Beloved in the locker room, and coming back to the WWE after sustaining knee injuries requiring surgeries, Bayley was back on top and the crowd couldn’t have been happier.

Photo: WWE

In other match-ups: Logan Paul defeated Kevin Owens and Randy Orton to retain the United States Championship (Paul’s frog splash through the air and the height he achieved was out of this world_. LA Knight defeated. AJ Styles via pinfall, and Bobby Lashley & The Street Profits defeated The Final Testament.

You can check out some of the highlights from Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns main event match below.

Now, let us know, what did you think of the matches on night two of WrestleMania 40? Where does Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns rank as the main event at a WrestleMania? Is it number one? Pretty hard to beat it. Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair

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Sonny, Dante, Michael, Brook Lynn General Hospital

On the Thursday, October 1 episode of General Hospital, both Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson) had some things to say and what they had to say didn’t go over well with whom they were talking to!

Sonny had a confrontation with his son, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna), while Michael leveled with Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) over Chase (Josh Swickard).

GH is setting up a scenario where everyone is going to make it look like Sonny was responsible for having Sidwell (Carlo Rota) beat up in Pentonville; while viewers already know Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) were behind it.

Sonny and Dante

Courtesy/ABC

A VISIT WITH DAD

Now, Dante comes to Sonny’s house. He wants to know straight up from his dad if he ordered the attack at Pentonville. Sonny flatly denies any culpability or responsibility, but Dante refuses to believe him.

Dante informs Sonny he has video footage of Sully and Vito at the prison. Sonny explains to Dante he doesn’t know why Sully beat up both Curtis and Dante. Things escalated when Sonny was deeply hurt that Dante refused to believe him. Dante says he was disappointed that his father didn’t respect him enough to be truthful with him!

Sonny asks Dante to consider that he was being set up. He says all he did was to tell Vito to instruct Sully to keep a watchful eye on Sidwell, not to harm him. No matter what Sonny said, Dante continued hammering him with how he knew deep down, even though he said he left the mob, he had to finish off Sidwell for himself.

Next, Sonny explains everything he has ever done was to provide for and to protect his family. Dante fired back that he doesn’t want to deal anymore with Sonny’s half-baked truths. As the two men argue, Gio (Giovanni Mazza) shows up at Sonny’s front door and overhears Sonny losing his temper and shouting at Dante, “Get out of my house! I don’t want a son like you!”  The scenes featured an excellent performance by Maurice Benard.

Michael and Brook Lynn

Courtesy/ABC

MICHAEL THE MANIPULATOR

While this is going down, outside the Quartermaine boathouse, Brook Lynn opens up to Michael about living at the Q’s with Chase being there, since he only came back due to legal advice from his lawyer, Monet Mitchell (Blythe Howard).

Brook Lynn questioned whether they should get legally separate. Michael insisted that would be a big mistake. When she asks why, Michael tells Brook Lynn to bide her time until Chase and Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) have an affair; then she’d have full custody of Phoebe.

An angered Brook Lynn pushed Michael into the water and accuses him of moving Willow back into the gatehouse with intent on putting Chase and Willow in closer proximity and sacrificing Brook Lynn’s family in the process.  As the two cousins bicker, Chase shows up asking Brook Lynn if she is OK. Michael punctuates their talk with “You know, I’m right.”

CURTIS FIGURES OUT A WAY TO GET OUT OF THE SLAMMER

At GH, Willow visits Curtis (Donnell Turner) in his hospital room. Curtis wants Willow to get him pardoned and keep him out of jail, and in return, he will help her nail Sonny.

Next, Willow tells Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) she wants Curtis held for observation for three more days. He agrees to do so under one condition, that she understands that he may need to call in a favor from a congresswoman.

So, what did you think of how Dante accused his father and refused to believe Sonny’s answers? Is this the end of their father and son relationship for good? Is Michael the most manipulative person of all, except for Willow? Do the two deserve each other? Do you want Chase and Willow to have an affair? And what of Curtis? Does he have many redeeming qualities left? Share your thoughts via the comment section,  but first check out the talk Michael had with Brook Lynn.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown

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Drew and Ava

If you thought that the person responsible for the Pentonville brawl that saw Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and Curtis (Donnell Turner) taken to General Hospital was Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) or even Sidwell himself, you were dead wrong! On the Wednesday, September 30 episode of GH, it turned out that the culprits were actually Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison).

In story, Drew apparently bankrolled the attack on Sidwell and framing Sonny. He told Ava their planned worked (she came up with it!) but was horrified when Drew informed her that Curtis got caught in the crosshairs. Ava is visibly upset because of her longtime friendship with Curtis’ daughter, Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali). Drew tried to make Ava see the bright side. Curtis was witness to it and his presence will cast doubt on Sonny’s claims to that he had gotten out of the mob and gone legit.

Later, Vito shows up at Drew’s. They informed him that his guy on the inside of the slammer made a big mistake by hurting their friend and ordered him to leave town.

Maura West

Courtesy/ABC

BOATHOUSE BRAWL

In other major developments, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) and Rocco (Finn Carr) have a blow out fight as Danny blames his “brother” for the reason Charlotte was sent off to boarding school.

Rocco told off Danny for Charlotte’s (Bluesy Burke) reckless behavior and he explains he had to protect his sister. He went in on Danny saying that his mother Lulu (Alexa Havins) has been right to send Charlotte to boarding school and far away from Danny.

However, Rocco went a bit too far when he shouted, “And if your mom was alive, she would send you away too!” Next, Danny punched out Rocco, leading to a terrible brawl. An angered Danny yells at Rocco to, “Stay away from me and everyone in my family. And don’t you ever mention my mom again!” Danny storms off.

Rocco

Courtesy/ABC

Now alone outside the boathouse, Rocco flashes back to his first kiss with Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarksi), hoping that his fight with Danny will not escalate and ruin their budding romance. Meanwhile, a bloodied-mouth Danny heads over to Sonny’s and Jason (Steve Burton) is there at the same time. He then admits that he has a bad fight with Rocco and they are both beaten up.

WILL SCOUT WISE UP?

At the end of the episode, Scout, who had a fight with Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) over Drew, and who keeps telling everyone how good a man her dad truly is, comes upon a suspicious scene.

Scout hides behind the wall outside Drew’s. She sees her dad, Ava and Vito talking. Next, Scout seems to overhear Vito assuring Drew and Ava that their business dealings are done, and he’ll be leaving Port Charles for good.

So, what did you think of the reveal that Ava and Drew were behind framing Sonny for the prison beatdown of Sidwell (and Curtis)? Do you think Danny and Rocco’s relationship can be repaired, or do you think the teenagers will continue to be at each other’s throats? Finally, do you hope Scout gets a clue and stops thinking her dad walks on air? Weigh-in via the comment section, but first check out how Ava and Drew conspired below.

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AEW

‘AEW Dynamite’ Pays Tribute to PAC Following the Death of Benjamin Satterley in Emotional, Moving, Pitch-Perfect Episode

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AEW Tribute to PAC

AEW delivered what would turn out to be an tear-filled, exceptionally done tribute to one of their own, Benjamin Satterley. better known as PAC. on the Wednesday night September 30 edition of their signature show, AEW Dynamite.

When the world learned of Satterley’s sudden passing on Sunday, September 27, it came just one day after what would be his final match at AEW All Out the night before. Now, for the first time his death, the AEW locker room, the men and the women who knew him best, gathered together to give “Ben” as they knew him, the send-off he deserved.

The special episode which emanated from the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was filled with emotional speeches, video packages, and matches dedicated to the wrestling favorite, who was one of the greatest to ever do it, and whose life was cut short at just 40-years-old.

TEARS IN HEAVEN

What was so impressive about how AEW produced this episode was they literally broke the fourth wall and allowed their performers to eulogize Satterley and tape them at the arena earlier in the day, sitting in front of the camera and speaking from their hearts.

The same carried through to the matches on the card. Each held significance, and instead of it being babyfaces vs heels, everyone came together to perform for PAC, for Ben, for this special night.

This unity illustrated how close for the most part the brotherhood and sisterhood among professional wrestlers truly is, in the field of sport entertainment, that is often misunderstood for it’s deeper meaning and what these athletes and performers do night after night by putting their bodies on the line.

The show began with a formal dedication from the commentary team led by Excalibur and Tony Schiavone. Next, they tossed to an unbelievable poignant video package featuring Jon Moxley with the Death Riders and PAC by his side (for what would be for the last time) speaking to the camera after his loss for the AEW World Title at AEW All Out. Moxley’s speech spoke to what it means to be a professional wrestler, and to “do things with purpose and give a shit,” which was a reference to PAC’s own philosophy.

PAC’S FAMILY SEND SPECIAL MESSAGE

A ten-bell Salute followed for Ben as the entire AEW locker room and company took to the stage alongside an empty chair representing PAC. As the cameras panned, tears were being shed by many of the wrestlers and referee Bryce Remsburg was visibly upset.

Later in the night, Renee Paquette struggled through reading a statement from PAC’s family back in the U.K. Paquette was emotional as she shared the words of thanks from the family to all those who showed Benjamin Satterley the love since his passing and what he meant to them.

MATCHES FILLED WITH HUGS AND MOMENTS HONORING ONE OF THEIR OWN

As the wrestlers made their way to the ring for their matches, many times they had tears in their eyes. Each wore an armband with the name PAC on it, and often came to the ring in PAC t-shirts, which AEW is selling online to help out Satterley’s family.

Jon Moxley faced Orange Cassidy in the opening bout, with Cassidy visibly upset. In the end, Moxley retained his Continental Championship. However, after the match, Bryan Danielson, who Moxley also most choked out with a plastic bag, splintering their relationship for what seemed like for good, was greeted in the ring by his former friend, who was in tears. The two hugged it out an emotional moment.

Hangman Adam Page was shown next in a video package just overcome with grief over the loss of Satterley. Next, he along with the Young Bucks and Kenny Omega reunited as “The Elite” took on members of the Don Callis Family, defeating them in a four on four tag match.

Cash Wheeler and Jay White each remembered PAC in two more video packages with both becoming overwhelmed with sadness and emotion. Swerve Strickland and his stablemates The New Level came out with the Trios Titles, something very connected to the legacy of Ben, and laid a PAC tribute towel over them in the center of the ring.

Next, in one of the more heartbreaking moments, Ricochet recalled how he and Pac shared a small room with bunk beds early in their careers as young wrestlers and how much he loved Satterley.

That was followed by a non-title bout between Ricochet and AEW World Champion, Will Ospreay. Before the match, the two hugged and in its aftermath. In tribute to Pac, Ospreay delivered his signature move off the top rope to secure the pin. This was an incredible match by two of the best wrestlers in the world.

MORE MEMORIES OF BEN

The match was followed by Will Ospreay’s tribute to PAC, including memories and the lasting impact Pac had on Ospreay from a young age. Later, Swerve Strickland and Darby Allin spoke to the cameras, In addition, Marina Shafir as the sole woman “Death Rider” shared her memories, before the women’s four way tag-match in which she appeared.

The main event featured The Death Riders with Bryan Danielson joining them to honor their fallen member, PAC against more members of the Don Callis family which included the return of Wardlow.

The show concluded with a video package honoring PAC, and closed out with empty chair placed under a spotlight in the ring as the wrestlers surrounded it, while the audience chanted “Thank you, PAC!”

What did you think of last night’s AEW Dynamite and how the wrestlers and the company came together to deliver this poignant episode dedicated to Benjamin “PAC” Satterley? Let us know via the comment section, but first check out the final video package in honor of the late pro wrestling favorite below.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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