Loading summary
Transcript101 lines
- [00:00]
E
You didn't start a business just to keep the lights on. You're here to sell more today than yesterday.
- [00:06]
Sam Roberts
You're here to win.
- [00:08]
E
Lucky for you, Shopify built the best converting checkout on the planet. Like the just one tapping ridiculously fast
- [00:15]
Sam Roberts
acting sky high sales stacking champion at checkouts.
- [00:19]
E
That's the good stuff right there. So if your business is in it
- [00:22]
Sam Roberts
to win it, win with Shopify.
- [00:25]
E
Start your free trial today@shopify.com winner.
- [00:30]
Megan Morant
When it's time to scale your business,
- [00:32]
Grainger Announcer
it's time for Shopify.
- [00:33]
Megan Morant
Get everything you need to grow the way you want. Like all the way. Stack more sales with the best converting checkout on the planet. Track your cha chings from every channel right in one spot. And turn real time reporting into big time opportunities. Take your business to a whole new level. Switch to Shopify. Start your free trial today.
- [00:58]
Biggie
If you work in university maintenance, Grainger considers you an MVP because your playbook ensures your arena is always ready for tip off. And Grainger is your trusted partner, offering the products you need all in one place. From H Vac and plumbing supplies to lighting and more. And all delivered with plenty of time left on the clock. So your team always gets the win. Call 1-800-GRAINGER visit grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.
- [01:28]
Grainger Announcer
When you manage procurement for multiple facilities, every order matters. But when it's for a hospital system, they matter even more. Grainger gets it and knows there's no time for managing multiple suppliers and no room for shipping delays. That's why Grainger offers millions of products in fast, dependable delivery. So you can keep your facility stocked, safe and running smoothly. Call 1-800-GRAINGER Click grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.
- [02:06]
Sam Roberts
Oh, welcome in, everybody. Welcome in to wwe. Now welcome to the Clash in Italy preview show. I cannot wait to break down this card that has very quickly become an absolutely loaded five match card. I am Sam Roberts, of course, with me, the one and only Megan Morant. And Megan, we are not breaking these five matches down alone.
- [02:38]
Megan Morant
No, we couldn't.
- [02:39]
Sam Roberts
No, we couldn't. We don't have the ability.
- [02:41]
Megan Morant
These are big matches.
- [02:42]
Sam Roberts
Huge, huge matches. So we needed somebody big, the biggest analyst that we could possibly find. Ladies and gentlemen joining us, of course, Biggie. There he is in all of his glory. Welcome to WWE now, Biggie. And I mean, as you look at this card, as you look at what we've got in front of us for Clash in Italy, do you remember a five match show that from top to bottom was more loaded than this one?
- [03:14]
E
Ooh, that. That's a. That's a tough one. Look, we got a lot of future hall of Famers. We have former World champions, future World Champions. Ah, this might be the most stacked just with star power alone.
- [03:27]
Sam Roberts
I would agree. I would agree. Let's start it. Let's start running through these matches. Let's start talking about what we've got in front of us because I think we've got a lot to talk about with all of them. And you talk about future former World champions. What about the fact that both the WWE Championship and the World Heavyweight Championship will be on the line at Clash in Italy? And what about the fact that Roman Reigns is walking into Italy the World Heavyweight Champion and he is defending against Jacob Fatu and this is not just a rematch. This, my friend, is tribal combat. Megan, when you find out that it is tribal combat that Jacob and Roman are squaring off in with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line, who do you start leaning more towards in thinking this is the guy that's walking out
- [04:19]
Megan Morant
with the title right now based on everything that we've seen? Jacob Fatu.
- [04:24]
E
Wow.
- [04:24]
Megan Morant
Jacob Fatu has gotten the better of Roman Reigns ever since backlash. Really? And yes, I know that Roman won that match at backlash, but who are we talking about after Tampa and backlash? We were talking about the Samoan werewolf, Jacob Fatu and how he decimated Roman Reigns and Jacob wasn't done. He took his entire family out on Monday Night Raw a couple weeks ago going through the barricade and he hasn't backed down since.
- [04:50]
Sam Roberts
Yeah, but, but, but, but this is tribal combat. It changes everything. I mean, this is not like when. When this all started. Jacob shows up and he says, I don't want to be the tribal chief, but I want everything that you have. And this has evolved to a place where the only way that both parties can get to the spot that they want to get to is that tribal chief title has to be on the line. The only way that Roman can get acknowledged by Jacob Fatu is beating him in tribal combat. I mean, e. I know Roman picturing Roman losing the World Heavyweight Championship this quickly, that seems far fetched. But the idea that he would drop that title of tribal chief to Jacob Fatu, to me, that feels even more insane.
- [05:44]
E
And can you imagine if Jacob Fatu is able to make WWE in his image, if he is the one who is now the tone setter, who is the one who calls the shots who is the one who is at the very top of the pyramid. I think the landscape of WWE completely changes if Jacob can beat Roman Reigns. And to your point. Look, I understand. I think Jacob is. Is easily the most dangerous threat that Roman has had probably in years. But man, we're talking about Roman Reigns here. It's very difficult for me to imagine him losing the title in Italy. But if anyone can do it, it is this version of Jacob Fatu who has proven that rules don't matter. Referees aren't going to stop him. He is going to go to any and every length to get that position that he craves.
- [06:33]
Sam Roberts
What about the. What about the cheers and the booze of it all? The good guys and the bad guys? Traditionally you just described Jacob Fat too, as a guy who doesn't care about the rules, as a guy who referees aren't going to stop him. Right. This should be in any scenario where the world Heavyweight title is on the line. Jacob Fatou should be the quote unquote bad guy here and Roman Reigns should be the good guy here. But I watched on Monday Night Raw, Roman Reigns could not take out Jacob Fatu by himself. He needed the USO's to help him. And you know, for me to be pointing it out, it has to be true because I do so reluctantly. But not only did it turn into a three on one scenario, but after Roman was done before Jacob was the one that actually challenged him to tribal combat, Roman Reigns looked at Adam Pierce and said, go ahead and fire him. He was ready for Adam Pierce to fire his cousin. Do you think that Roman Reigns walks into this match more of a villain in the story than Jacob is.
- [07:34]
Megan Morant
A couple weeks ago, I wouldn't have said that Roman Reigns could be a villain, but especially after we saw him tell Adam Pierce to fire Jacob Fatu. To me.
- [07:42]
Sam Roberts
Yeah, but you were saying Jacob Fatu should be fired after backlash.
- [07:45]
Megan Morant
Well, I was.
- [07:46]
Sam Roberts
That would make you a villain too.
- [07:47]
Megan Morant
And I was never saying he should be fired. There were words in my mouth. I was just pointing after his actions at backlash that maybe a suspension could be something that was on the table. And you, Sam Roberts called me a narc for even suggesting that Jacob Plateau should be suspended.
- [08:05]
Sam Roberts
That was some real front of the bus behavior on your part. Megan Moran E. What do you think?
- [08:09]
E
Look, I don't believe that Jacob should be suspended, but the question of who the villain is going in. Look, I think we have. We've seen some crowds who are bloodthirsty and if you're looking for blood, Jacob is going to bring that. If you want some mayh, he is the one to deliver that. You know, I think that, that Roman is always going to be adored. He is always going to be. We're going to see a lot of ones up in the air, but when it comes time for that match, I think a lot of the crowd is going to be behind Jacob Fatu because he is going to bring something chaotic. You don't, you don't know like this. I. With this match and just understanding that really the stipulation kind of allows things to be wild wide open.
- [08:53]
Grainger Announcer
You.
- [08:53]
E
You don't know where in the arena this goes. You don't know what kind of weapons and instruments this thing can really get out of hand very, very quickly.
- [09:01]
Sam Roberts
Yeah, but also the fact that there are no rules and that it's tribal combat. You know, generally speaking, look, there have been two tribal combat matches previously. Roman Reigns beat Solo Sokoa one on one on, on the first Monday Night Raw on Netflix. But before that he beat Jay uso. And in that match, I believe, if I remember correctly, at that Summer Slam, Jimmy actually showed up and helped Roman beat Jay. That's all to say that the USO's are clearly on the side of Roman Reigns. And based on the build of this match, any hang up that Roman had about the USO's helping him is no longer a hang up that he has because we've watched it happen. I think you could talk about the mayhem and the weaponry, the violence that Jacob Fatu is all too familiar with. But at the same time, when the rules are off, I think Roman is pretty good at using all of his family members to help him. And I feel like that's back on the table more so than it has been all year.
- [10:04]
E
What I think really opens things up is we've seen people come to Roman's aid. I'm still wondering if anyone comes to Jacob's aid as well. We know this is a very large family, whether it's the, the mfts, whether it's someone we haven't seen in wwe. You know, there, there are a lot of other potentials in play, but we've also seen a Jacob Fatu who's been able to Dispatch of the USO's fairly quickly. And look, we're talking about arguably the greatest tag team of all time on the Mount Rushmore, at least of tag teams. But I'm not sure if, and this is a bold statement, but I'm not sure if the USO's being involved even matters. That Much to Jacob. That's. I think that just speaks to his level of intensity, level of reckless abandon. Right now we're seeing a Jacob Fatu who is not willing to relent. I don't. I don't know what it's going to take to put this man down, but bring the USO's, bring every. Bring the cousins, bring the aunts, bring the uncles, bring everybody, because you're going to need it.
- [11:04]
Megan Morant
Yeah, I just want Solo to be involved because after Roman said Solo couldn't get a cup of coffee delivered to the arena, I. I was upset by that.
- [11:12]
Grainger Announcer
I was offended.
- [11:13]
Megan Morant
I thought that was. He went too far.
- [11:15]
Sam Roberts
Yeah, it was.
- [11:15]
Megan Morant
You.
- [11:15]
Sam Roberts
You were watching that on an iPad like Michael Jordan. You took that personally. Yeah, yeah, I get that.
- [11:20]
Megan Morant
Why my solo kitchen strays right now. Come on.
- [11:22]
E
I get that.
- [11:23]
Sam Roberts
I get that. I understand that. I mean, listen, I think if there was ever. You're always looking for those shock moments in wwe, and if there was ever a shock moment, I think Jacob Fatu walking out with the ULA Fala and the World Heavyweight Championship would be a shock moment. I think at the same time, we've also, if we've been watching the product, have been made aware that it is a direct, real and very potential possibility that we could see this. For me, I can't. I can't see it, and maybe that's because I just can't. The ramifications of this whole thing, this is what I'm stuck on. Right. The ramifications of it. I can't see Jacob Fatu leading this bloodline and actually being called the tribal chief at the same time, I can't see him acknowledging Roman reigns. I mean, I think this whole thing might. Might implode upon itself by the time it actually hits the ring.
- [12:21]
E
Yeah. I can't see Jacob ever being someone to actually take the time to acknowledge Roman. But look, And Roman still has a lot of gas in the tank, but his age starts with a 4. At some point, that torch is going to need to be passed. And if there's anyone in the family who can take it by force, even if Roman is not ready to pass it, I think Jacob is the one. If I look at anyone else along, I look at that bloodline, I look at that family, if anyone is set to take what Roman has built and put themselves at the very top of that, I think it's Jacob Vaatu, and I think it's this version of Jacob as well, bringing back the tongue and death grip. We thought he was done after Tampa, he said, nope, this doesn't end here. Look, I. If anyone can do it, that's. We keep saying, I can't see Roman lose, I can't see Roman losing. And I'm with you. But if there's anyone in the world that can do it, it's Jacob Fatu.
- [13:19]
Sam Roberts
I would agree with that a hundred percent. Actually. When we talk about these matches that have a lot of personal ramifications, I know one that Megan Morant is very invested in, one that we only found out was happening last Saturday, seven days before or I guess eight days Clash Natalies on Sunday. But we found out at Saturday night's main event after Becky Lynch, I mean, real quickly into the match, decided to get referee Jessica Carr in between herself and Soul Ruka and kind of sabotage the match so that she could leave with the title. I would imagine the match is made official after Sol Ruka wins that match by disqualification. We're getting the intercontinental championship on the line at Clash in Italy. Sol Ruka versus Becky Lynch. Megan, you've got to admit this is a big spot for Sol Ruka.
- [14:13]
Megan Morant
Massive spot for Sol Ruka. I still question whether Sol Ruka is actually ready for an intercontinental title match against the greatest female wrestler of all time. And also crooked Jessica Carr lived up to her name to a T at Saturday night's main event. Just explain this to me. Sol Ruka hits the Soul Snatcher on Jessica Carr. Jessica Carr got her soul snatched by Sol Ruka. Yet somehow, some way, Becky lynch is one who's disqualified. You know, we've seen it all the time in sports, right? Like Brady, refs love to see him come and Brady would get a call here or there, but you earn it, right? When you're the greatest at anything, you earn those calls that you get. I would just like to see Becky lynch get a call here or there. She is the greatest female wrestler of all time. And when all is said and done, I will remember that she had to
- [15:06]
Sam Roberts
do it the hard way that Becky Lynch.
- [15:08]
E
Megan, I think you forgot a detail though. There's a little detail in how those events transpired. You missed the part where Becky takes Jessica, pulls her in front of Soul to make sure that the Soul Snatcher doesn't hit Becky. It hits Jessica Carr, that that detail was, was left out and thus the DQ happened.
- [15:28]
Sam Roberts
That was the reason, I think for once there was like a referee who wasn't like a fool in there that actually understood what had happened. I mean, for once, for once, Becky lynch put her hands on Jessica Carr
- [15:40]
Megan Morant
just Second I saw Jessica Carr during the entrances, I said, oh, we're in trouble.
- [15:45]
Sam Roberts
Yeah, I bet you did. Because Becky lynch probably needs special officials. If you're a champion, it doesn't matter who the referee is, you're going to win that match. Listen, I think the fact that Becky lynch tried to get a referee involved like five minutes into that match.
- [15:58]
Megan Morant
What are you trying to insinuate? That Becky's scared?
- [16:01]
Sam Roberts
I mean, I even have to say that's weird that you got so defensive before I even said it.
- [16:06]
Megan Morant
That is why you're scam Roberts. You think she's scared of Sol Ruka? Really?
- [16:10]
Sam Roberts
I think she was scared of losing the, the match at Saturday night's main event and she did lose the match at Saturday night's main event and officially made Saul Ruka's main roster record 2 and 1 or 1 and 2.
- [16:21]
Megan Morant
I suppose they're just handing out wins over there.
- [16:23]
Sam Roberts
No, well, yeah, one and two and I, I. Here's what I think. I think you're, I think you're looking at a new Intercontinental Champion at Clash in Italy. I think that, and I think that, that this is going to be, I mean, Sol Ruka, when you look at the history of the Intercontinental Championship, it was built for athletes like Saul Ruka who are going to show up and deliver the match. The bell to bell is going to get the audience talking. I remember going back to 1991, being a little kid sitting there watching SummerSlam and Bret Hart versus Mr. Perfect. Blew my little kid mind. To me, it defined what the Intercontinental Championship was in the men's division forever. And you can go to Brett, you can go to Sean, you can go to so many different athletes that made that Intercontinental Championship what it still is today. And I think Sol Ruka is the type of athlete that's going to be able to do that to this title in the women's division.
- [17:21]
Megan Morant
Listen, I agree with everything you're saying about Sol Ruka and her athleticism and what she has been able to do in the ring. She's only been wrestling for four years. There's no question about it, she's it. I just don't know if she can beat the greatest female wrestler of all time in the Intercontinental Championship at Clash in Italy. She got a cheap one over Becky, but when it counts, the man always delivers.
- [17:44]
Sam Roberts
E, do you think that win was cheap?
- [17:47]
E
I would not qualify it as cheap. Becky is the reason that the DQ happened. But as far as what's going to happen at Clash, look, I think Soul clearly so physically Gifted. I love that the crowd is already behind her. They get the phenomenon that is Sol Ruka. But the difference is really, Becky has been doing this at a high level. I don't know if you guys got to check out the. The A and E rivals between. It was my super bowl and Charlotte, but of course, but. But I think it gives you a lot of insight into at this level, at the very top, this is what the business is. It is manipulation. It is mind games. It is. It is finding a way not only to be physically superior to your opponent, but to have that mental edge. And I think Becky has been through it. When you, when you go to battle with your best friend and you're able to deal with the ups and downs and not just your best friend, but someone who is as accomplished as Charlotte is one of the greatest women to ever do it. When you have been through that storm and you. And you've done it time and time again, you've taken on newcomers, you've taken on legends, you've taken on. She has. Whether Trish, she has every. Essentially every woman of note who has stepped foot in a WWE ring that was available since the turn of the century. Becky has essentially been in the ring with and. And has. Has vanquished. That's the level she's at. And now just knowing that she's willing to pull out any tactic possible, she is willing to use any trick, any ref distraction. That is what separates this version of Becky lynch from the rest of the field is as far as her iq, she's as sharp as they come. Maybe the greatest. Just from it, from a wrestling IQ standpoint, her wrestling mind and her ability to be crafty, I think is what. I'm not saying Soul can't get it done in Italy, but that's what Soul is going to have to figure out is how am I one step ahead of the most cunning woman in this industry?
- [19:50]
Sam Roberts
Let me ask you about that, E. And based on not only your experience, but watching the experiences, the people that you've shared locker rooms with, everything you just said about Becky is 100% right. And I watched the Rivals A and E special and so much of it had to do with Becky from the beginning, not necessarily being a chosen one and having to find those opportunities and fight at all costs for those opportunities and then fight at all costs to maintain and keep those opportunities. But at a point, does a performer develop a risk of having those edges soften? At a point do you get comfortable in that position where you are acknowledged as the greatest to Ever do it. You are on these lists of greatest of all time. At a point do you lose sight when a new generation comes up and realizes, oh, that's the person that now they're the new Becky. That's the person that I have to take off of that throne if I want to make my mark on this, on this sport.
- [20:56]
E
Absolutely. It is very easy. Was that Marvin Hagler quote about how difficult it is when you're sleeping in satin sheets to get up and train and to do the work? So for so many talents, she has been on the top, at the top of this industry for almost a decade. Like with, with, you know, she took a break. Not really a break. She was raising a child. But beyond that, for the most part, this woman has. We've seen her at the very top of this industry almost with no breaks. But the difference is though, Becky's different. So a lot of other people in her position would, would be coasting. You would see they don't quite have the same spark. You would see them slow down. I don't see that in Becky Lynch. Every time I turn my TV on and I watch Monday Night Raw, I don't see that from Becky Lynch. I don't see someone who is ready to pass the torch down to the next generation. I don't see someone who is softened. I don't see someone who is just there to collect her paycheck. I see a very fired up Becky. So I think in many other examples, you would see a more diminished version of a superstar who's been on top for a very long time. I'm sorry, I just don't see that with Becky Lynch.
- [22:02]
Megan Morant
Becky lynch is the furthest thing from complacent right now. And I mean, with all that Becky's done, and I know I joke around a lot, but I do believe that we're seeing some of Becky's best matches and Becky's best work right now.
- [22:14]
Sam Roberts
I don't realize you were joking. Most of the time people laugh at jokes. The number one sports fan festival, Fanatics Fest, returns to the Javits center in New York City from July 16th through the 19th, 2026. It is a must attend for WWE fans. You'll be able to meet your favorite superstars and enjoy surprise appearances all weekend long. New superstars just added for Fanatics Fest include Oba Femi, AJ Styles and Trick Williams. Photo and autographs for these superstars will be available for Purchase on Friday, May 29th. Keep May 29th circled on your calendars because additional auto and photo opportunities will be added for all superstars, including superstars that are currently sold out. Fanatics Fest general admission and photo opportunity tickets are on sale now@fanaticsfest.com when you
- [23:10]
Grainger Announcer
manage procurement for multiple facilities, every order matters. But when it's for a hospital system, they matter even more. Grainger gets it and knows there's no time for managing multiple suppliers and no room for shipping delays. That's why Grainger offers millions of products in fast, dependable delivery. So you can keep your facility stocked, safe, and running smoothly. Call 1-800-GRAINGER Click grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.
- [23:39]
Biggie
If you work in university maintenance, Grainger considers you an MVP because your playbook ensures your arena is always ready for tip off. And Grainger is your trusted partner, offering the products you need all in one place, from H VAC and plumbing supplies to lighting and more. And all delivered with plenty of time left on the clock. So your team always gets the win. Call 1-800-granger. Visit granger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.
- [24:09]
Sam Roberts
And you talk about championships being up for grabs and you talk about huge rematches. How about this one? Jade Cargill gets a shot at getting her championship back at Clash in Italy. Rhea Ripley defends against Jade Cargill. And Megan, you talked about Becky being different, Becky being non complacent. I agree with all of that. When you talk about athletes who are different, who are special, who are just above that, that line, that break through those ceilings, Rhea Ripley is that person. This is Rhea Ripley's first kind of big match since becoming WWE Women's Champion once again. Is this a different Rhea Ripley than we're used to seeing?
- [25:05]
Megan Morant
I. I think so, right? Because leading into Wrestlemania, I think there was just this urge and this desire from all of the fans to see Rhea Ripley back to as a singles competitor. We loved the teaming up with Iyo Sky. We loved what Rhea was able to do in the tag division. But Rhea with a championship, Rhea with the WWE Women's Championship is something that we've been waiting for, for, for a while. Um, and I talked about this heading into Wrestlemania, I wanted to see Rhea develop that edge. And I think Jade has brought her to that point where we're going to see that in Italy.
- [25:40]
Sam Roberts
I wonder when you talk about developing that edge, I think that that Clash in Italy becomes a good showcase to find out if she has developed that edge. Because I think Jade Cargill has developed that edge. I think. I think Jade Cargill getting met with some real adversity seems to have. Have brought out this other side. I think, I think Jade Cargill losing the championship, hearing, people doubting her, whether she's the star that she thinks she is or not, it feels like not only in interviews, but when you see her in the ring, there's this, there's this aggressive streak that has developed in Jade Cargill where she's kind of unapologetic about this spot that she's in in professional wrestling and knowing that she too is one of those special few performers. E. Do you think that losing the championship may have actually sharpened that edge of Jade Cargill?
- [26:36]
E
I do, I think. And not saying that Jade was complacent, but I think when you're. You almost have this, this aura of invincibility and it's like I don't even know if Jade understood she could lose for the longest time. It's like not something that even crossed her mind. But then having Rhea beat her for her world championship, I think now she has that hunger. I see that hunger again. You know, for me, I think there's so many interesting factors here is look, if we're just seeing these two women, I think as far as physicality is concerned, it's pretty much a wash. We're two absolute specimens. But the real difference is Rhea has been doing this for a very long time. She has faced so many of the best women in the world at the. She's been at the very top for a long time. So the experience edge definitely goes to Rhea. But what I think is the interesting factor is I would be shocked if we don't see B Fab if we don't see Meechan. But what we saw at Saturday night's main event was we saw a well oiled machine. Those three are clicking and, and they can go. I was really impressed with what Meechan did. Be fab, looked great. They are really clicking. And now if we're looking at the other side of things, do we see Charlotte, do we see Alexa? Because it doesn't seem like they're. Sometimes it seems like they're on the same page, other times not. So I think if that if it comes down to the outside players and their involvement, I think Ria's championship is in real jeopardy. Because when I look on, on one side on Team Jade, they are, they're ready and I think they know what the mission is, they know what the goal is. I think on the other side of things, you have Charlotte who still, I'm sure wants to get back to that world Championship. You have Alexa, who is also in the middle of things. You don't see three women who are on the same page. So if it comes to outside interference and involvement, if you're a Ria fan, I'm concerned.
- [28:28]
Sam Roberts
Yeah, I think, too, when you talk about those. Those teams, when you talk about those outside people, number one, I would imagine, and E, you would know this. It's difficult to maintain friendships when you're the champion because you've got a thing that by definition, everybody in that locker room at some level wants. On the other side of that coin, you've got people like B. Fab and Meechen, who specifically said, when asked, why are you all of a sudden teaming with Jade Cargill is going back to Before WrestleMania. They said, We've been looking for our opportunity. And they've been pretty clear and in the open about the fact that they've been looking for their opportunity on a very crowded women's roster. And they realize that associating with Jade Cargill elevates their stock. But I think that that statement is really only true when Jade Cargill is champion. So while Charlotte and Alexa, I don't know, may have problems with Jade, I don't think Charlotte and Alexa are better off if Ria is champion. But I do think that B. Fab and me Chin are better off if Jade Cargill is the WWE women's champion.
- [29:40]
E
Could not agree more. And not because it's a. This isn't a shot at their ability, but how often did you see B. Fab or Meechen on these ples before they decided to team with Jade? That wasn't really a thing. So you see the opportunities. You see them at Saturday night's main event, you see that they have elevated because of it. And I think they understand right now there's value in being a role player, you know, but on the other side of things, if we're looking at the, like the old school bulls, it's. You see Ria, you see Charlotte, and I see two people trying to be Michael Jordan. Whereas on the other side, we have. We have someone who is. Who is good being Steve Kerr. We have Tony Ku coach and. And they make their Michael Jordan. They elevate Jade's game. So I think right now they're just all. They're all really humming. They're, they're. They're. They know their roles and they're satisfied in those roles, and they've all benefited because of it. But. But I think when you're Looking at Charlotte, even Alexa, another multi time former world champion, you have a lot of alphas who I think are gunning for the same thing. And teamwork is really about trust. Can Rhea go into Clash in Italy trusting that her partners will have her back, that they're there for the right reasons? I think Jay can go in with that same trust. I don't know if Rhea can.
- [30:55]
Megan Morant
Look, you have three of the best singles competitors in women's wrestling history. Nothing about Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair or Alexa Bliss says role player. That's a difference.
- [31:07]
Sam Roberts
The only role they're gonna play is top, top, tippity tippity top.
- [31:10]
Megan Morant
Exactly.
- [31:11]
Sam Roberts
And I think Rhea Ripley has to develop that thing which you know that she has, which is being able to short. I can coexist with people, but ultimately whatever the job is, I can do it completely by myself. I think that's what ends up separate. I mean, you look at like a Cody Rhodes, for example. Cody Rhodes has lost a lot of friends during the time that he's been champion. But what makes him Cody is the fact that even when nobody else is around, he can get the job done. Same with Roman Reigns. Charlotte Flair has been in that position. Becky lynch has been in that position. And I think that that is the position that Rhea Ripley needs to be and she needs to get the conversation away from what's going on around this scene and realize that that or make people realize that no matter who your friends are, that's Rhea Ripley and it doesn't matter. And I think that Ria's been in that spot before. I'm just interested to find out if she can get back into that spot. And I guess that's one of the things that we'll find out on Sunday, you know. Clash in Italy is bringing WWE Spectacle to the heart of Torino with one of the boldest and most visually ambitious Slam releases ever created. Inspire by the grandeur, fashion, art, architecture and energy of Italy, this box features an unforgettable lineup of cards such as Renaissance Base, Marble, Signature Postcards from Italy, Grapplers of Wrath and much more. Clash in Italy blends WWE intensity with timeless European style. For a truly one of a kind collecting experience. Start collecting these cards and more with WWE Slam by Topps now. And I've got to ask you. Okay, I want to. I want to pull up this tweet that I saw from Triple H who posted the match graphic and said possibly the most anticipated rematch ever. Oba vs Lesnar 2 clash in Italy E. Megan and I were able to be here On Raw recap, right after Brock Lesnar returned to the WWE 30 days after he had left his boots in the ring. And all of us thought he was gone for good. What? Before we even get into the rematch, what did you make? A week ago, when Lesnar showed up out of nowhere and attacked Obafemi before the open challenge match, I. I was shocked.
- [33:56]
E
Look, we were all there at WrestleMania and we. We thought, brock is done. This is. We're all. We were shocked. Then he put his boots down. We all saw it. We thought this was it. I. When you're around this business, it's hard to be thoroughly surprised. I was thoroughly surprised to see Brock return to lay waste to Oba. And it seemed after WrestleMania that Oba was just truly on a rocket ship and he was kind of biding his time until he was going to hold that world championship. It felt very inevitable. But I did not think that he was still going to have to deal with the Brock Lesnar problem. And Brock Lesnar is indeed that he is a problem. It is hard for me, as much as I thought I'm not expecting Oba to take an L the rest of the year. It's difficult for me to think that this version of Brock, after coming back, after having fooled us all, I think that Brock Lesnar is going to come in his most focused version. He has something to prove to be manhandled the way he was at the show of shows by this. This newcomer Oba. Who does that to Brock? Nobody does that to Brock. Brock, it has something to prove. If he loses again in Italy, don't even come back. Just buy a house over there. We're good. Thank you for your services. You're a legend. Thank you so much. I'm sure there's a lovely ranch out there you can purchase, but I think Brock is going to enter that match with that mindset of this match needs to be mine. I have to win this.
- [35:34]
Sam Roberts
Yeah, you're gonna have to get an airline credit for the flight home because you're not going to need it. You might as well just book to one way. I mean, to that point, Megan, I think he's right. I don't think Brock Lesnar had what I described and what a lot of fans described as a perfect wrestling retirement at WrestleMania. I don't think that Brock Lesnar immediately came back so he could get on an international flight to Italy and lose again to Oba Femi. We also saw when Brock returned for the first time, it was Brock's full onslaught against Obafemi. Obafemi took four f fives in a row. It was the first time from the road to WrestleMania and even including the match at WrestleMania that Obafemi was completely left laying and Brock Lesnar had completely physically bested Oba. Do you think that the. The roles have reversed here in the sense that going into WrestleMania, Oba was that unknown, that maybe Brock underestimated Oba was the one responding to a Brock Lesnar open challenge? Now that Brock Lesnar is very familiar with Obafemi, now that Brock Lesnar is the one responding to Oba's open challenge, do you think those roles reverse that much?
- [36:55]
Megan Morant
They absolutely reverse because this is the first time now that we're seeing Brock Lesnar's back against the wall, first time in a very long time that Brock Lesnar's back is completely against the wall. Oba had something to prove going into WrestleMania. Yes, we saw Saturday night's main event. Yes, we saw him in the ring with Cody Rhodes and we saw Drew McIntyre get involved. And yes, we saw all of the incredible things he did at nxt. But when you're at the show of shows, when you're in the ring with someone like Brock Lesnar and all of the things that he has accomplished in wwe, you absolutely have to step up to the plate. You absolutely have something to prove. And Oba beat him so bad that Brock Lesnar retired. I don't know if we've ever seen a Brock Lesnar with a chip on his shoulder this size of something to prove in Obafemi.
- [37:46]
Sam Roberts
Well, to be fair, Brock has some of the biggest shoulders that you've ever seen. Massive the chip just to even be noticed. But I'm really would have to be huge.
- [37:53]
Megan Morant
Listen, Brock Lesnar told us all the other week he doesn't give an F.
- [37:56]
Sam Roberts
No, he has said that before. He has said. And I believe him. I believe him. I mean, I mean, Paul Heyman seems very confident about this whole thing as well. E. A lot has been made about Obafemi and a lot of. A lot of us have have taken to fantasy booking the. The rest of the year. The rest of the whatever it is. We all, we all have an idea of. Of. Of how Obafemi should be portrayed. You know, there are comparisons made to Hulk Hogan in 85 and Obama running wild. There are comparisons made to Goldberg and Obafemi going on an undefeated streak like you've never seen before. If Obafemi were to lose to Brock Lesnar on Sunday night, does this knock Obafeme way back? Does this stop Obafemi's momentum, I don't
- [38:47]
E
think it puts him at the back of the line. I don't think it completely resets him. Look there, there is no shame. And losing to Brock Lesnar, we, if you've been in the ring with Brock, we've all lost to Brock. It's inevitable. Right? But what I'm really intrigued to see though is, is how if Oba is rattled, you know, it's very easy to be the hammer. Can you be the nail? If you're the guy who was always leading the charge, if you're the guy who is always decimating people and then like I'm sure his confidence after beating Brock the way he did at WrestleMania, it's gotta be sky high thinking he's invincible now. How do you handle things if you're left laying and God forbid if he, if he loses at clash in Italy, I think in many ways I would love to see, hopefully it means we get a rubber match. Hopefully it means that we get to see a third possibly at SummerSlam in Brock's, you know, home state, hometown of Minnesota. I think that's really intriguing. But, but I think if Oba is able to win in Italy, it truly cements him as the guy. Everything you thought about him, everything, all the plans, don't, don't cancel them, they're still on. They're like put him straight in the main event, give world title opportunities, all of that. But if he does lose in Italy, there's going to be a bit of reset because he's, until he gets over this hump with Brock, I don't think he can get to all his other goals. So this is really the first big important step and you know, it's very rare to, to be a newcomer to the main roster and have a first test that is this steep, to have a mountain to climb. You know, it's usually you kind of work your way up the mid card titles and you start it's. It's like one of the greatest of all time right away. And to manage to beat him and to have to do it again, that's one of the toughest asks we've ever asked for someone who is only less than a year on the main roster.
- [40:45]
Sam Roberts
Yeah, I mean, and that's, I think what makes this rematch so incredible is that the same way we're sitting here going, we can't really call it with Jacob and Roman because of what the stipulation is here you're looking at simply a one on one match, no title, no stip. It's just Brock versus Obafemi. But there is so much on the line in this match that we have only been building for a week and a half that on one end if Brock loses, he's got to be sipping cappuccinos and move to Italy. On the other end, if Oba loses, there's a full reset and everything that we knew about Oba kind of shifts like everything is different after this match. The same way everything is different after Jacob and Roman and I would argue everything is different after the match that we'll talk about in a moment. But first, I do want to remind everybody that Tops now captures major milestones and viral moments from the biggest events. We've seen incredible cards already this year from Elimination Chamber, Backlash and of course WrestleMania. As we head into Clash in Italy, make sure you're following at Topps on Social and that you sign up for notifications on tops.com so you don't miss limited edition poster cards as well as all the big moment cards from the weekend. And I think there's no doubt in my mind that there are big moments potentially in every single match on this card. But Cody Rhodes, who won the WWE Championship back from Drew McIntyre, who had a strange winding at points unpaved road that he had to walk down to WrestleMania, he finally got out of that and coming off of WrestleMania, he has to get himself off the injured list only to be looking face to face with Gunther. When you talk about something's gotta give on one end, if you said to me, Sam, you think Cody Rhodes is gonna lose the WWE Championship at Clash in Italy, you know, whatever it is, two ples removed from WrestleMania, I go, of course not. Of course not. We're on that Cody run right now. If you ask me, the same. Sam, do you think Gunther, after retiring John Cena and then retiring AJ Styles and then beating Seth Rollins at WrestleMania, do you think he's going to take his first loss since beating John Cena at Clash in Italy, I'd say of course not. No, that wouldn't happen with Gunther yet. And here we are with the WWE Championship on the line. I think that this is even more of a something's got to give scenario than people are realizing on the surface.
- [43:34]
E
Look, I think for when you're talking about superstars and you're talking about talent as a broadcaster, oftentimes I don't think that stats and numbers are really things that I like to pull from often. Except for Gunther. It's like, give me those Gunther stats. Oh yeah, what 666 consecutive days holding this title. His record is. His win percentage is that high. Yeah, the stats with this guy, they, they tell so much of the story. He just doesn't lose. He, he. It's so rare that he loses that we can kind of count them on one hand. That's, that's the level he's at. That's, that's the, the level of greatness that he has established. So I think Cody to me is going into this match as the underdog. I think Gunther his, his focus, I think his, his dedication right now to getting back to being a world champion. If I'm a Cody fan, I am very, very concerned because this version of Gunther, I think is someone who in many ways has kind of been, has not been highlighted in the same way we saw maybe a year or two ago. I think Gunther is someone who is always looking to be the face of the brand. He's on again, to be the one who closes shows again to get back to that spot that he's worked so hard to cultivate. This is a tough, tough test for, for to, for Cody to get past. If anyone can do it, it's Cody. But also for me, as far as match quality, this is the one I'm circling. This is going to be my match of the night. Bell to bell. I think this one is truly going to deliver. But you know, Cody is going to leave. Win, lose or draw, he's going to leave this match with, with lumps all over his chest, all over his body. He's going to be battered and bruised. Gunther is absolutely going to bring it to him. If Cody's able to win, he's going to survive that. That's how I view it is Cody a win is surviving for him.
- [45:27]
Sam Roberts
Easy to find, hard to beat. I think that that that catchphrase applies specifically to this match. And, and to ease point, Megan, we've talked about this before. Gunther winning the WWE Championship at Clash in Italy would irritate a lot of people. There are a lot of people that sit there go, oh, with this Gunther? Nah, he beats this guy. He beats that guy. Why would Gunther be the guy to retire John Cee? Why would Gunther be the one to retire AJ Styles? How is Seth Rollins losing to Gunther? And now you sit here and halfway through the year, Gunther could potentially be the WWE Champion. A lot of people would be irritated by it, and I feel like that's actually points towards Gunther potentially winning.
- [46:15]
Megan Morant
But it's Gunter.
- [46:16]
Sam Roberts
Exactly.
- [46:17]
Megan Morant
We always say whenever Gunter's in a situation like the situation he's in, Right now where he's going after the WWE Championship, I think Gunter has, is operating at this level where we knew after he retired John Cena. When is he next going to set his eyes on a World Championship in wwe? I didn't see it happening with Cody Rhodes, but because Paul Heyman granted this favor and got the match made, this is how we get to this situation. And I do have to say to Cody's credit, really, ever since winning that championship back, we've seen another edgy, another layer to Cody Rhodes. I should say. We've seen him go to places in the ring in order to, to figure out a way to win and make decisions that Cody wasn't making before. Aggressive ones, aggressive decisions. And I think Cody is going to need that when it comes to Gunter in Italy.
- [47:14]
Sam Roberts
I would say that that's right and I think you're right. Cody has looked for those pockets that generally he wouldn't have looked for before. He's learned. I think Cody is a guy who learns from every mistake that he makes. But I also think that when you look at Cody Rhodes, there's one thing that that guy loves doing and that's conquering a monster. I mean Cody is, is, is an old school wrestling guy where the good guy goes in there and he goes against a foe that no man could conquer. And where there's a will, there's a way he figures it out. And Cody is the one guy that can tame the, the, the, the monster. He is the David that is constantly hitting Goliath with those slingshots until he finally catches him in the eyeball. I think that's who Cody is in a nutshell. And I feel like e, if there was ever a time for Cody to have one of those moments, one of those conquering the beast, for lack of a better term because there already is a beast on this card moments, it would be beating Gunther by the way, in Europe. It's a different, it's a different thing when Gunther's in Europe. We've seen Gunther at other clash ples, we've seen Gunther in big matches in Europe and, and I feel like the wealths are even higher after, after, after a match in Europe. But for Cody, like you said, to be able to survive something like that, to be able to be the guy that can beat Gunther, I feel like that's kind of how Cody defines himself as a pro wrestler.
- [48:47]
E
No, I absolutely agree. I think he's always looking for the biggest test and they don't get much bigger than Gunther. But Cody's Going to have to be someone who goes into this match and doesn't hesitate. We've seen him in the past be afraid to do something he perceived as dirty or low. He's going to have that killer instinct. If you're going to beat Gunther, there can be no hesitation. And to your point, Gunther is not in his home country of Austria, but he honed his craft abroad in Europe and. And I think he's going to in many ways have that home field advantage. I. I'm so intrigued also to see how the. The crowd is as well. I would expect a pro Gunther crowd and I wonder if that rattles Cody. I wonder how much that kind of shakes his confidence if. If that makes him, you know, keep his eye kind of off the ball because of that. But I would expect Gunther to really go into this match at Clash in Italy feeling like he has the momentum, feeling like he has the fans behind him and feeling like he is the favorite. And that is a lot for Cody to have to overcome.
- [49:52]
Sam Roberts
I can't wait to see it. E, you said this was the one that you were circling. Megan, if you could only circle one of them to be like, this is the one. I don't even think I have to ask.
- [50:01]
Megan Morant
Come on, Becky Lynch, Sol Ruka.
- [50:03]
Sam Roberts
You want to see it? You want to see it? I've got to tell you, as intrigued as I am with tribal warfare and as much as I want to know, you know, what. What goes on kind of with my. My family in a lot of ways, you know, that's a lot of people kind of.
- [50:18]
Megan Morant
Yeah, they do. They say you're in the bloodline.
- [50:20]
Sam Roberts
Jacob said it. He said I was the real honorary use. I'm just saying that's what Jacob said. I'm not saying that I said. I'm saying that's what Jacob said. I'm not even saying I agree with. I'm just saying for the record, Jacob said it. But, man, do I want to see this Oba Brock match again. Man, do I want to see this Oba Brock match. I can't wait for the whole show. E. It is always a pleasure. Thank you so much. Dude, thank you. You're the. Yeah, of course. You're the best. And we will be right here after Clash in Italy to recap the whole thing. So make your make sure you're subscribed across all audio platforms, comment like on YouTube and we will see you on Sunday after clash in Italy.
- [51:07]
Grainger Announcer
With VRBoCare. Help is always ready before, during and after your stay.
- [51:13]
Sam Roberts
We've planned for the plot twists, so support is always available because a great trip starts with peace of mind.
- [51:22]
Biggie
If you work in university maintenance, Grainger considers you an MVP because your playbook ensures your arena is always ready for tip off. And Grainger is your trusted partner, offering the products you need all in one place, from H Vac and plumbing supplies to light, lighting and more. And all delivered with plenty of time left on the clock so your team always gets the win. Call 1-800-GRAINGER visit grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.