On the August 20, 2018, episode of Monday Night Raw, the WWE Universe witnessed an electrifying showdown as Roman Reigns defended his newly won Universal Championship against Finn Bálor. This match carried immense historical significance, as Bálor had been the first-ever Universal Champion but was forced to relinquish the title due to injury in 2016. Now, he had a chance to reclaim what was once his, while Reigns sought to establish his dominance as the new champion after dethroning Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam.
As the match commenced, the tension in the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, was palpable. The crowd erupted as both competitors made their entrances, with Reigns receiving his usual mixed reaction and Bálor garnering overwhelming cheers from the WWE faithful. With the championship on the line, the stakes could not have been higher.
The opening moments saw both men engaging in a cautious feeling-out process. Bálor, known for his agility and technical prowess, attempted to use his speed to outmaneuver Reigns, who relied on his power advantage. Bálor executed quick strikes and dropkicks, targeting Reigns’ legs to weaken his base. However, the Big Dog quickly responded with his signature power moves, including a thunderous Samoan Drop that shifted the momentum in his favor.
Reigns continued to dominate through the middle portion of the match, punishing Bálor with clubbing blows and a series of suplexes. Every time Bálor tried to mount a comeback, Reigns used his strength to shut him down. The champion attempted to wear down Bálor with a bear hug, but the challenger fought out with a flurry of elbows and a jaw-dropping enzuigiri.
With the crowd rallying behind him, Bálor unleashed a second wind, stringing together a sequence of devastating maneuvers, including a Sling Blade, a running dropkick into the corner, and a Coup de Grâce attempt. Just as he soared through the air, Reigns rolled out of the way, avoiding what could have been a match-ending move. As Bálor crashed to the mat, Reigns capitalized with a brutal Superman Punch, earning a near fall.
Sensing victory, Reigns set up for the Spear, but Bálor countered at the last second with a perfectly timed double stomp to the chest. The challenger then attempted another Coup de Grâce, this time landing it flush. However, before he could secure the pinfall, Braun Strowman’s music hit, signaling his arrival with the Money in the Bank contract in hand.
The distraction allowed Reigns to recover, and as Bálor turned his attention back to the champion, he walked right into a Spear. Reigns covered Bálor for the three-count, successfully retaining the Universal Championship in an incredible contest. After the match, Strowman attempted to cash in his contract, but The Shield reunited to fend him off, closing the show in chaotic fashion.
This match showcased the resilience of Bálor, the power of Reigns, and the unpredictability of WWE’s main event scene, leaving fans in awe of an unforgettable night on Raw.
