On July 23, 2018, WWE’s Monday Night Raw featured an intense showdown between two of the most dominant superstars in the company: Roman Reigns and Bobby Lashley. This match was a pivotal moment in their rivalry, serving as a rematch from their battle at Extreme Rules just a few weeks earlier. With both men vying for an opportunity to challenge Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at SummerSlam, the stakes couldn’t have been higher.
As the match began, the atmosphere was electric. The crowd was split, with chants for both Reigns and Lashley echoing throughout the arena. Both superstars entered the ring with fierce determination, knowing that victory would bring them one step closer to the coveted Universal Championship.
The early moments of the match saw both competitors engage in a test of strength. Reigns, known for his powerhouse style, attempted to take control with his signature striking offense. However, Lashley, a former MMA fighter and collegiate wrestler, countered with his own display of raw power. The two titans collided like freight trains, each refusing to back down.
Lashley gained the upper hand with a series of suplexes and a thunderous spinebuster, leaving Reigns momentarily stunned. He followed up with a punishing assault, using his superior grappling skills to wear down “The Big Dog.” Reigns, however, showcased his resilience, fighting back with a Samoan Drop and a series of clotheslines that sent Lashley reeling.
As the match progressed, the action spilled to the outside of the ring. Reigns attempted a drive-by dropkick, but Lashley caught him mid-air and launched him into the barricade. The impact was brutal, and it seemed like Reigns might not be able to recover. Lashley rolled Reigns back into the ring and prepared to hit his devastating spear, but Reigns managed to counter with a Superman Punch out of nowhere.
With the momentum shifting, Reigns began to rally. He delivered multiple Superman Punches, staggering Lashley. The crowd was on their feet as Reigns set up for his own spear. However, Lashley showed his toughness by kicking out at the last second, keeping the match alive.
In a dramatic turn, Lashley attempted to lock in his signature submission, the Dominator, but Reigns fought out of it. The final moments saw both men exchanging their most devastating moves, each trying to put the other away. Lashley once again attempted his spear, but this time, Reigns countered perfectly and delivered a spear of his own. The impact was enough to keep Lashley down for the three-count.
With the victory, Roman Reigns secured his spot as the number one contender for the Universal Championship at SummerSlam. Though Lashley had proven his dominance throughout the match, it was Reigns who emerged victorious, solidifying his position at the top of WWE’s hierarchy.
This match was a thrilling display of athleticism, power, and resilience, further cementing both superstars as two of WWE’s most formidable competitors. Fans still look back on this battle as one of the most intense encounters in their rivalry.
