WWE Bash in Berlin 2024 Review

The WWE Bash in Berlin premium live event in Germany promised high-stakes matchups and the intensification of personal rivalries. Fans eagerly anticipated answers to burning questions: Could Gunther defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Randy Orton? Would Rhea Ripley and Damian Priest settle their feud with Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan? What would unfold when friends Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens faced off for the Undisputed WWE Championship?

The High-Stakes Showdown in Berlin

The event’s lineup at the Uber Arena in Berlin included:

• World Heavyweight Championship: Randy Orton vs. Gunther (c)
• Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens
• Mixed Tag Team Match: Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley vs. Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan
• Strap Match: CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair vs. Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn (c)

Cody Rhodes Retains in a Thrilling Contest

Cody Rhodes retained the Undisputed WWE Championship after a thrilling and emotional match against Kevin Owens. Despite Rhodes nursing a knee injury, the match was a back-and-forth battle where both competitors displayed incredible sportsmanship. Owens, known as “The Prizefighter,” had the opportunity to capitalize on Rhodes’ injury with a devastating apron powerbomb but chose not to, raising questions about his killer instinct.

The match saw numerous dramatic near-falls, with the Berlin crowd passionately supporting both wrestlers. Rhodes eventually secured the victory with his signature move, the Cross Rhodes, ending Owens’ quest for the championship. The outcome leaves open the possibility of further tension between the two friends, with many wondering if Owens will let this close defeat slide or seek another opportunity to claim the title.

Result: Cody Rhodes defeated Kevin Owens to retain the title.

Match Highlights:

• The Berlin crowd’s electric atmosphere during the pre-match staredown set the tone for the evening.
• Michael Cole’s commentary highlighted Rhodes’ efforts to keep Owens off balance, showcasing his strategic in-ring abilities.
• Both wrestlers avoided taking on the role of a heel, maintaining a balanced and fair contest that resonated well with the audience.

Belair and Cargill Regain WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles

Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill reclaimed the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship in a hard-fought match against Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn. The contest highlighted the depth and talent of the women’s tag team division, with Fyre and Dawn isolating Belair for much of the match to prevent her from tagging in Cargill.

When Belair finally tagged in Cargill, the match’s intensity soared. Cargill’s explosive entrance into the match turned the tide, culminating in a late save where she pulled Belair out of harm’s way, leading to Fyre’s inadvertent collision with her own partner. The babyface team of Belair and Cargill emerged victorious, reclaiming the titles and positioning themselves as dominant forces in the division.

Result: Belair and Cargill defeated Fyre and Dawn to regain the titles.

Match Highlights:

• Michael Cole’s acknowledgment of Fyre’s history in Germany added depth to the match’s narrative.
• The tactical commentary by Wade Barrett emphasized the strategic nuances of the match, particularly regarding Dawn and Fyre’s plan to keep Cargill out of the ring.
• Belair’s impressive growth as a performer was evident, further establishing her as a top star in WWE’s women’s division.

CM Punk Triumphs in Brutal Strap Match

CM Punk secured a victory over Drew McIntyre in a brutal Strap Match, avenging months of torment from The Scottish Warrior. The match was physically intense, with both competitors delivering and absorbing significant punishment. Punk ultimately emerged victorious by executing his Go To Sleep finisher multiple times and touching all four corners to claim the win.

The strap match, often challenging due to its unique stipulation, was effectively executed by Punk and McIntyre, delivering a satisfying conclusion to their heated rivalry. Punk’s win not only avenged his previous losses but also provided a platform for his continued resurgence in WWE.

Result: Punk defeated McIntyre.

Match Highlights:

• Michael Cole’s commentary recalled Punk’s history in strap matches, adding historical context to the bout.
• Punk’s determination to punish McIntyre instead of simply winning highlighted the personal nature of their feud.
• The use of the strap to pull McIntyre into a steel chair was a clever and impactful spot that demonstrated Punk’s ring intelligence.

Ripley and Priest Overcome Mysterio and Morgan

Rhea Ripley and Damian Priest emerged victorious in their mixed tag team match against Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan. The match, fueled by the betrayals that marred their previous encounters, saw Ripley and Priest seeking redemption. The crowd’s enthusiasm peaked when Ripley entered the match, and the duo capitalized on their momentum to secure the win despite interference from The Judgment Day’s Finn Bálor, JD McDonagh, and Carlito.

This victory solidified Ripley and Priest as one of WWE’s top acts, with their chemistry and in-ring prowess resonating strongly with fans. The loss left Mysterio and Morgan to regroup, but it remains to be seen how this defeat will impact their ongoing storyline.

Result: Ripley and Priest defeated Mysterio and Morgan.

Match Highlights:

• Ripley’s entrance into the match off a hot tag from Priest drew a massive reaction from the crowd.
• Despite the numbers advantage, Bálor and McDonagh were unable to overcome Ripley and Priest, highlighting the babyfaces’ resilience.
• The headscissors applied by Ripley to Mysterio was a standout moment, generating one of the loudest reactions of the night.

Gunther Retains World Heavyweight Championship

Gunther successfully defended his World Heavyweight Championship against Randy Orton in the main event, proving his dominance in a grueling, physical match. The Ring General endured a brutal assault from The Viper, including a side suplex off the steel steps through the announce table, which placed his title reign in jeopardy. However, Gunther managed to secure a sleeper hold on Orton, ultimately winning when The Viper passed out.

The match concluded with a show of respect between the two competitors, as they shook hands in the ring, earning applause from the Berlin crowd. This victory solidified Gunther’s status as a top champion and confirmed his place in WWE’s main event scene.

Result: Gunther defeated Orton to retain the title.

Match Highlights:

• The introduction of Gunther by Ludwig Kaiser received a thunderous reaction, underscoring the champion’s popularity in Berlin.
• Orton’s reaction to Gunther’s brutal chops emphasized the physicality of the match.
• The dramatic near-falls, particularly Orton’s RKO, kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

Final Thoughts

The WWE Bash in Berlin exceeded expectations, delivering one of the year’s best premium live events. With standout performances from Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, Rhea Ripley, and Gunther, the event showcased WWE’s ability to craft compelling narratives and high-stakes matchups. As the company moves forward, the storylines emerging from this event promise to keep fans engaged and excited for what’s to come.