Roman Reigns retained the WWE Universal Championship against Finn Balor on Friday night, but he had plenty of help in doing so.
Before the main event of this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown, the Usos attacked Balor and beat him down, weakening him before the match even started. Though the Street Profits made the save, the damage was already done.
.@WWEUsos' surprise attack could jeopardize @FinnBalor’s match against @WWERomanReigns on #SmackDown! pic.twitter.com/TpUOss9dRh
— WWE (@WWE) September 4, 2021
Medical officials checked on Balor, who made it clear that he’d still be competing as scheduled. When the bell rang, Reigns capitalized on the situation, as he gained the upper hand by focusing on his challenger’s wounded ribs. Still, “The Prince” persevered and took the fight to the champion.
Balor dodged a Superman Punch, took an uppercut and still dropped Reigns with a kick to the head. The challenger gained more momentum with a standing stomp to Reigns’ chest. He repeatedly stomped Reigns’ back while he was trapped in the apron, and the challenger maintained the attack by diving onto the champion.
Who will walk into @TheGarden as @WWE Universal Champion? #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/gXSnk7NiN8
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) September 4, 2021
“The Tribal Chief” fired back with a Superman Punch for a two count. Balor blocked a Spear and nearly stole the win with a roll-up. With another flurry of offense, Balor was seemingly on the cusp of victory. He even hit the Coup de Grace for a near fall, and Reigns hit Balor with a low blow when he kicked out.
The champion floored Balor with a series of forearms and locked in the Guillotine choke. Balor passed out, so Reigns won the match and retained the title. A brief tease of Demon Balor while Reigns walked to the back hinted at a potential rematch down the road.
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