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WWE SummerSlam 2023: Roman Reigns Retains, Jimmy Uso Betrays His Brother, Iyo Sky Cashes In, Cody Rhodes Earns Respect from Brock Lesnar

By Michael Fairman

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Photos: WWE

WWE SummerSlam, the second-biggest premium live event show of the year, was held Saturday night at Ford Field in Detroit. The 36th edition featured four main events and an absolutely stacked card. With almost 60,000 in attendance, the crowd was red hot, and so was this staple summer pro wrestling event.

Let’s run down the highlights and the results of the, “this is awesome”card!

Logan Paul vs. Ricochet

This match kicked off the show, and was destined to be one high-flying spot after the other.  The athleticism shown by these guys was off the charts, where clearly Paul, the You Tube influencer and frankly, one of the best natural wrestlers ever to enter the WWE, was the heel.

For a nice ‘heel’ touch, Paul would taunt Ricochet’s real-life fiancé, WWE ring announcer Samantha Irvin, who was seen filled with emotion throughout the bout. After several spots and exchanges back and forth, Paul hit a springboard frog splash for a near-pin, However, Ricochet built up some momentum and went for a 630. However, Paul had his number, and moved out of the way and landed near the corner of the ring face down. That is when one of Paul’s cronies handed Logan some brass knuckles. Next, with the referee distracted, Paul would hit Ricochet with the ‘knucks’ and score the pin. This was a great opening match, but we absolutely hated the ending, that now has Paul resorting to those tactics. We wish he would have had a clean pin. GRADE B

Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar

This was the rubber match, the third and final one in this epic feud that has built for months, that never was explained as to why Brock turned on Cody in the first place! That said, here we are. The Lesnar formula was on full display early on in the match dominating Rhodes and taking him to Suplex City.

Eventually, Lesnar forced Rhodes outside the ring, over and over again, hoping that Cody would stay down and lose the bout to a 10 count. Lesnar eventually put Cody through the announce table with a second F5, but he beat the 10 count, and was back in the ring again.  Rhodes would hit a pair of Cody Cutters, but Lesnar kicked out.  Later, Cody used an exposed turnbuckle by shoving Brock right into it to gain back an advantage in the match. The American Nightmare was able to grab Lesnar and hit three Cross Rhodes in a row for the pin and the win.

Following the match, Lesnar shook Cody’s hand and they shared a hug, before Brock raised Cody’s hand in a show of respect.  GRADE B+

RESPECT.@BrockLesnar and @CodyRhodes shake hands following an incredible third encounter at #SummerSlam! pic.twitter.com/7stf0mjyEC

Slim Jim SummerSlam Battle Royal

Most of the entrances for this Battle Royal apparently took place during the commercial break on Peacock.  Actually, we heard most of the participants all walked to the ring together. However, LA Knight’s was saved until everyone could see it.  He is so over with the crowd, it’s seismic.

As one by one wrestlers were eliminated after being thrown over the top rope, Karrion Kross (who was already eliminated) cost A.J. Styles his shot at winning the Battle Royal.  And then there were two … LA Knight and Sheamus.  Knight eliminated Sheamus. The crowd went nuts …YEAH! GRADE B

Shayna Baszler and Ronda Rousey

For some reason, this match just never caught on with the crowd or the viewers at home. It was tinged with MMA moves and punches, and submission holds. Baszler eventually locked in the Kirifuda Clutch and Rousey passed out, resulting in a TKO win for Shayna. Grade: C-

Gunther vs. Drew McIntyre

These two giants of the ring have never faced each other one-on-one for the Intercontinental belt. Would Gunther continue his almost historic reign as the Intercontinental Champion, or would McIntrye win back some gold?  This was an aggressive fight from start to finish.  In the end, Gunther kicked out of the Claymore and once he recovered, he hit McIntyre with a few moves and followed it up with powerbomb to get the three count and retain the title.  One of the best moves of all of SummerSlam was within this match when Gunther executed a rare top-rope splash onto McIntrye. GRADE B+

Finn Bálor vs. Seth Rollins

The match for the WWE World Heavyweight championship featured callbacks to seven years ago when Bálor was injured in his championship match against Rollins. The story in the ring, this time out, was told more like a marathon than a sprint, with using drama from the past to enhance the intensity of the battle in the ring.

Eventually, “Señor Money in the Bank” showed up! (That’s right! Judgment Day member Damian Priest with his MITB briefcase) and of course, Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio also tried to interfere. The question on everyone’s mind was, is Priest going to cash in for his chance at the belt? No! He used it as a cheap shot on Rollins to help Finn while the referee’s back was turned. Later, Priest placed the briefcase in the ring and got the referee’s attention, but as Bálor went to grab for it, Rollins used the timing mishap to execute his patented stomp to win the match and retain the World Heavyweight Championship.  More trouble ahead between Judgment Day’s Finn and Damian is all but guaranteed. GRADE A

Asuka vs. Bianca Belair vs. Charlotte Flair

This match had the twist that sets up a future heel turn for Belair and now gives way to a first time time Women’s champion.

In the three-way bout, Flair put Belair in the Figure Eight, but Asuka spat mist in her face. That forced the Queen to break the hold. Then Bianca, rolled up Asuka up for the pin. However, it was short-lived and the EST found herself short-changed again when Iyo Sky and Bayley ran down to the ring and attacked everyone. Problem was for Belair, she severely injured her knee in the match and Sky took full advantage of it. Iyo cashed in her Money in the Bank contract and hit a moonsault to get the pin on the EST.

Dakota Kai, who had been out with an injury, ran into the ring to celebrate with Damage CTRL, for it was one year ago at SummerSlam that the group had its debut and also messed with Belair.  At this point, this title change serves two purposes.  Giving Iyo a huge push, and serving as the final impetus for Belair to be so fed up with all the underhanded victories against her, that she will play dirty.  GRADE B+

Roman Reigns vs. Jey Uso

The ‘Tribal Combat Rules’ match brought out the tables, kendo sticks, steel chairs and assorted weapons as Universal Champion Roman Reigns went up against his cousin, Jey Uso for who would be not only the WWE champ, but the “Tribal Chief.”  Currently, Reigns holds these distinctions. The bout featured masterful storytelling at its best, from Reigns and Uso’s reactions to the in-ring build of the story, which started off slow and methodical till its riveting cliffhanger.

Eventually, Solo Sikoa showed up as Jey had the upper hand on Roman as they fought through the crowd.  Sikoa took out Jey. An intense exchange went down between Reigns and Sikoa over a botched move. This allowed Uso to spear Reigns through the barricade.  As Uso and Sikoa went at it, Uso landed a splash and sent Solo through a table.  When the action got back into the ring, Uso landing a spear and splash on Reigns.  As Jey was setting him for a pin, a masked figure came out and broke up the pin. It was revealed to be Jimmy Uso, Jey’s twin brother!  Jimmy superkicked Jey and rolled him back in the ring for Reigns to finish him off!  Grade: A

So, what were your favorite matches of SummerSlam 2023?  How would you grade the premium live event on Peacock? Let us know in the comment section and make sure to check out tonight’s “What’s Up? Wrestling” SummerSlam Recap show live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel beginning at 8:30PM ET/5:30 PM PT Sunday night, August 9th.

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Great write up, Michael! I agree with many of your comments. I thought it was a good show from top to bottom. WWE hasn’t had a bad PPV (I can’t bring myself to say PLE, lol) in quite a while. Ronda and Shayna was the only match that unfortunately didn’t really click, everything else was good to great, in my opinion.

I definitely didn’t see Jimmy Uso turning on his brother Jey. That was a very soap opera-ish twist. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next. I’m glad Cody got a clean win over Lesnar. He needed it. And Brock shaking his hand and endorsing him after the match, who saw that coming? Brock never does that. Rollins and Balor had a great match. I’m happy for Iyo Sky, hope she has a long title reign. Glad they’re finally starting to listen to the fans when it comes to LA Knight, and gave him a win on a big stage. When a guy gets over like he has, you have to strike while the iron is hot.

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16

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General Hospital’s 16,000th episode was packed with little reminders through points in today’s script that the ABC daytime drama series has set another milestone and it paved the way for the return of fan favorite and newly nominated Daytime Emmy Lead Actor nominee Steve Burton (Jason Morgan). The 16,000th episode also introduced viewers to the new surgeon in Port Charles Dr. Tristan Roberts played by Dean Geyer. 

Here are the key takeaways and what went down on the July 13 episode: Tristan and Jason are seated next to each other on a plane heading to Port Charles. Throughout the flight, a beaten up Jason has flashbacks to being thrown into, and being held captive in a cell and tortured. It appears Jason is suffering from some form of PTSD from what he was put through after being dragged out of Port Charles by the WSB months ago.

As the plane prepares to land, Tristan tells Jason there would be a car waiting for him once they land and to enjoy the rest of his life. Later, Tristan arrives at the nurses and doctors hub at GH and approaches Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst). He tells her his name and that he is the new surgeon on staff.

Photo: ABC

A REUNION PLUS A HEAD NURSE DEFENDS SONNY

Meanwhile, at the end of the episode, Jason is outside the Quartermaine boathouse looking bewildered when he runs into Danny (Asher Antonyzyn), who is so thrilled to see his father, and the two hugs each other as tears are shed.

Elsewhere, Elizabeth tells Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he thinks its a great idea for him to get the 16th seat on the hospital board, but when it comes times to convince Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) of that, things go awry when Tracy, Laura and Sonny try to work things out. After Tracy launches into Sonny about killing Alan and Monica’s son AJ, Sonny walks away dejected.

Next, Sonny runs into Elizabeth, where he informs her what happened with Tracy. So what’s a head nurse to do? Elizabeth marches into the conference room and reminds Tracy of all the different donations and ways Sonny has contributed to the hospital from the Stone Cates AIDS wing, to the Michael Corinthos Center for Pediatric Head Injuries as well as his constant support each year for the GH Nurses’ Ball.

Courtesy/ABC

WSB WAR SCARS

Then, in one of the best parts for longtime fans of the series, Elizabeth talks about her legendary grandparents, Audrey and Steve Hardy and she tells Tracy they would have wanted Sonny to have a seat on the board for all the good that he has done for the hospital. After Elizabeth states Sonny’s case, things took a turn and Tracy and Sonny wound up shaking hands as Sonny is board member #16.

In the how great was it to see Anna (Finola Hughes) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) together scenes department, the pick-up of last Friday’s cliffhanger is played out as the two former lovers fill each other in on what has gone down in their lives in the last several months including Valentin admitting he had been living in Carly’s attic, and Anna realizing she was kidnapped by Cullum, Sidwell and Cassius Faison. During their conversation, Anna sees the hallucination of Peter August (Wes Ramsey) right while Valentin is standing there.

Courtesy/ABC

Later Anna was on her way to saying goodbye to Valentin, when the two share an emotional hug. After Valentin made his exit, Peter reappeared and warned Anna to not let Valentin distract her because she has important work to do. Anna answers, “I know.”

So, what did you think of General Hospital’s 16,000 episode? What do you think is wrong with Jason? What is the important “work” that Anna has to do? Were you glad to see Sonny get a seat on the hospital board, or not so much. Weigh-in via the comment section. But first, check out the scenes on Jason and Tristan’s long flight to Port Charles.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Jason Returns, Anna and Valentin Reunite

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This week on General Hospital begins with the ABC soap opera’s 16,000th episode which brings Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) back to Port Charles after being released by the WSB; all thanks to the deal made between Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) and Z (John Oliver).

On the same episode, the upshot of Anna (Finola Hughes) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) coming face to face, and seeing each other for the first time in months plays itself out, and it may not be how you think. Josslyn hopes sending Valentin to the side of Anna, will break up his burgeoning relationship with her mother, Carly Spencer (Laura Wright), but will it?

It appears Valentin has a warning for Anna. In the GH video preview for the episode, Anna is seen saying “How do you know that?” What does Valentin know, and will he be the person that will catch on that she is being haunted by the ghost of Peter August (Wes Ramsey)?

Courtesy/ABC

In addition, look for the debut of Dean Geyer in his role of Dr. Tristan Roberts (named after the beloved late Tristan Rogers (Robert Scorpio), as he and Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) may have a tense exchange or two.

Then, in the aftermath of their argument, Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) asks Chase (Josh Swickard)Did I push you towards Willow (Katelyn MacMullen)?” Is Chase going to admit his fixation with his ex-wife, or reassure his current wife that he is not interested in Willow? Stay tuned.

Finally, Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) is seen talking to someone saying that the idea of this person filling the 16th seat on the hospital board is a great idea. Who is she talking to?

Check out the official GH spoilers for the week of July 13-17 below.

MONDAY, JULY 13
Milestone 16000th episode! Jason returns to Port Charles. Anna receives a warning. Laura’s choice appalls Tracy. Britt makes an accusation. Carly is caught off-guard.

TUESDAY, JULY 14
Jason explains his actions. Kai becomes privy to shocking information. Jordan strikes out. Elizabeth stands her ground. Valentin is suspicious.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15
Anna seeks answers. Josslyn reveals a secret. Nina and Brennan plot their next move. Curtis voices his gratitude. Gio and Trina get big news.

THURSDAY, JULY 16
Emma and Gio discuss their future. Obrecht lashes out. Anna interrogates Britt. Isaiah interrupts Portia and Curtis. Cody delivers difficult news.

FRIDAY, JULY 17
Carly draws a boundary with Sonny. Valentin makes his feelings clear. Trina and Josslyn clear the air. Lulu cautions Ethan. Nina opens up to Brennan.

So, excited for Steve Burton’s return on tomorrow’s GH as Jason comes home? Are you rooting for Anna and Valentin to get back together, or are you hoping that Carly and Valentin continue their relationship, much to the chagrin of Josslyn? And, what should Brook Lynn do about her husband, Chase, who continually fights for Willow? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section, but first check out the preview teaser from GH for the Monday, July 13 episode below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sidwell Offers Jordan a Way to Get Surgery On Her Face; Will She Cave and Comply with His Demands?

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On General Hospital, Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and Jordan (Tanisha Harper) finally had it out at the PCPD. The scenes played out on the Thursday, July 9 episode of the ABC daytime drama series.

In story, Sidwell requested a meeting with Jordan. Angered, he wanted to know why she’d given the police the location of his safe house. After months of being undercover, Jordan finally admitted the truth!

Jordan reveals the entire time she was gaining his trust, she was working on the inside at SRE Worldwide, to find evidence against him and bring him down. Snidely, Jenz admitted he’d been suspicious initially of Jordan. However, she eventually won him over, and he saw the value in her being the pretty, public face of his criminal organization to throw everyone off.

Photo: ABC

Trying to make a deal to save his own skin, Sidwell offers to pay for restorative plastic surgery for Jordan’s face, and at the same renowned German clinic that had treated Michael (Rory Gibson) for his severe burns.

Sidwell tells Jordan if she would go to Zurich and empty some bank accounts for him, he will help her jump ahead of the long waiting list to get into the clinic. Defiant and standing up to him, Jordan turns down his offer.

Next, Sidwell threatens her intently, that he’ll find a way to pay Jordan back by making her life miserable. He tells her she will suffer and regret turning him down.

Once she exits the PCPD interrogation room, Jordan takes a deep breath, but brings her hands to the scars on her face from the car crash that injured her.

Is Jordan actually contemplating Sidwell deal to get her into the German clinic? If so, will she be the person to set him free into the world with loads of cash from his overseas bank accounts? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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