WWE Clash of Champions 2016 review: Grading every match

This particular match had a tough sell no matter where it may have been placed on the card. The main issue is the fact that it stars Roman Reigns, a superstar who doesn’t quite have the popularity WWE wants him to. His suspension over a month ago resulted in him being dropped down the card quite a bit to being a United States Championship contender, rather than fighting over the Universal title.

Tonight’s match featured a great story, though. It was basically a brutal battle to the finish between two ring warriors. The competition involved the inside and outside of the ring as well as the ring steps, announce tables, and Rusev’s ringside valet, Lana. At one point, she even yanked the referee out of the ring in what nearly looked like it could have been a disqualification.

However, Lana was ejected from the ringside area. Rusev became irate and wanted to put Reigns away. His attempts were futile as Reigns ultimately delivered a huge spear to take down the champion. It now gives the former Shield member this title as a consolation prize. Not a lot of fans are going to support him in this current role and this was probably one of the more predictable victories on the card outside of Owens.

Still, one can’t take too much away from the storytelling effort that these two delivered in their action inside and outside of the ring. Rusev will likely have a rematch coming, but right now it’s the reign of Reigns as U.S. champ. That’s great news for fans who want him no where near the bigger title picture.

Grade: C+