Following his victory over Drew McIntyre, Roman Reigns attended the post-fight press conference and delivered a short but effective message.
On September 3, ‘The Tribal Chief’ successfully defended his world title in the most significant event in UK history. After almost two decades of waiting, 62,296 ravenous UK fans packed into the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, with only one thing on their minds. They wanted their beloved Drew McIntyre to relieve the long-reigning champion of his Universal title.
Granted, watching Edge and Rey Mysterio successfully defeat The Judgment Day filled everyone with pleasure – despite Dominik Mysterio’s subsequent heel turn. But to top off a magical night, they needed the Scotsman to pull off a miracle.
And early on, it looked possible. The home crowd favourite started brightly, landing a plethora of powerful shots on the reigning champ. However, a bottle, thrown by Karrion Kross, provided the distraction needed for Reigns to turn the contest around.
The face of the company began to dominate the match, and it was only through McIntyre’s sheer powers of determination that he managed to kick out of the several Spears his opponent landed on him.
However, when Reigns got a shade too comfortable, he tried to wind up the crowd on the mic, and paid the price. The Scottish icon landed a brutal headbutt to send his adversary hurtling towards the canvas.
Shortly after, both men found themselves in a state of complete exhaustion, and Austin Theory attempted to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase. But what he hadn’t anticipated was a brutal right hand from boxing world champion, Tyson Fury. ‘The Gypsy King’ left the heel out cold and gave the crowd a real surge of belief.
McIntyre landed his finishing manoeuvre to leave Reigns a beaten man. The referee began to count. But before he could strike the mat for a third time, Solo Sikoa emerged and pulled the official out of the ring. This gave his cousin an opportunity to recover, and land yet another Spear.
This time, the Brit couldn’t kick out. The champ, therefore, retained his belt.
Roman Reigns makes statement after beating Drew McIntyre
Following the match, Fury joined his fallen rival in the ring and cheered him up with a rendition of American Pie. However, no amount of singing will heal the pain inside his heart. Especially considering the circumstance in which the match ended.
In the press conference, a journalist asked Reigns what performing in front of the UK crowd was like.
And after a minute of silence, he replied: “I think I’d rather you do what they wouldn’t do. Acknowledge me.”
With that, ‘The Tribal Chief’ walked straight out of the press conference, his championship reign still intact.
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