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With a bold “Acknowledge me” statement from Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, one of the most highly anticipated title fights in WWE history began in an electrically charged atmosphere.
A methodical start by both men soon led to a Disaster Kick attempt by Rhodes, but Reigns caught him and planted him with a powerbomb.
Solo Sikoa, The Bloodline’s enforcer, meddled in the match multiple times, first driving a steel chair into Rhodes’ ribs, then pulling Cody’s leg out as Rhodes was bouncing off the ropes, both behind the back of the official.
Reigns attempted another powerbomb, this time through the announce table, but The American Nightmare countered by sending Reigns tumbling through the broken wood instead.
As Rhodes was gaining steam, Sikoa once again got involved, hitting Rhodes with his own weight belt. The referee saw this, however, and ejected The Bloodline’s enforcer, finally leaving Reigns alone and vulnerable.
Reigns seized the weight belt and looked ready to clobber his opponent with it, but Rhodes caught Reigns with a huge Cross Rhodes for a two-count.
Reigns channeled his cousin, delivering a Rock Bottom for a close two-count of his own. Reigns geared up for a Superman Punch, but Rhodes evaded and channeled the legendary Triple H by executing a Pedigree for another two-count.
Rhodes edged his way out of a Spear attempt, allowing Rhodes to lock in a Figure-Four Leglock. Reigns countered by shifting the weight onto Rhodes’ leg, forcing the challenger to the ropes.
Reigns looked ready to end the match, clutching Rhodes into the Guillotine and making the challenger fade. Miraculously, Rhodes broke the Guillotine and began raining down right hands on the champion, much to the delight of the WWE Universe.
When the official was taken out by an errant kick from Rhodes, The Usos hit the scene, superkicked Rhodes and hit the 1-D. As The Usos were dragging Reigns onto Rhodes, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn attacked The Usos. Owens hit a Stunner on Reigns followed by a Helluva Kick from Zayn. The main event foursome from Saturday fought each other into the stands, allowing Rhodes to cover Reigns.
An agonizingly slow count from the injured official allowed Reigns to kick out, shocking the WWE Universe and Rhodes.
The American Nightmare became The American Dream, hitting the Bionic Elbow. With Rhodes attempting a third Cross Rhodes, Sikoa rejoined the affair, hitting Rhodes with the Samoan Spike.
Seconds later, Reigns crashed through Rhodes with a Spear, and Rhodes’ dream went up in smoke while Reigns retained his title in the main event of WrestleMania for the third consecutive year.