WWE Main Event: June 26, 2013

Chris Jericho takes on the always crafty Cody Rhodes.

Chris Jericho def. Cody Rhodes

Just weeks away from battling Ryback at Money in the Bank, Chris Jericho faced Cody Rhodes on WWE Main Event. Rhodes was looking to reassert his footing following a tag team loss to Christian & Sheamus on Raw. A victory against WWE’s first-ever Undisputed Champion would surely give Rhodes the confidence and momentum he was looking to build.

WWE MAIN EVENT PHOTOS | WATCH JERICHO AND RHODES COLLIDE

Wisely, Rhodes countered Jericho’s aggressive offense by seizing opportunities to execute questionable tactics – such as an eye poke – when the official wasn’t looking. While the son of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes focused on Y2J’s eye, the WWE Universe remained in support of “The Ayatollah of Rock n’ Rolla.”

Rhodes managed to maintain control against the crafty veteran, thanks to targeting Jericho’s eye. Displaying the resilience that has bred much of his success for nearly two decades, Y2J refused to give in – even if he was visually impaired. Jericho withstood Rhodes’ relentless offense, kicking out of pinfalls following his opponent’s trademark maneuvers, including the Disaster Kick, Alabama Slam and Cross Rhodes.

Although Rhodes reciprocated and escaped a pinfall following Jericho’s Codebreaker, his undoing would be the continued assault on Y2J’s eye. Catching Rhodes’ foot as the former Intercontinental Champion targeted his eye again, Jericho managed to lock in the Walls of Jericho for a hard-fought victory.

Zeb Colter along with Antonio Cesaro rail on the state of the United States.

Zeb Colter and Antonio Cesaro addressed the WWE Universe

“Real Americans” Zeb Colter and Antonio Cesaro used WWE Main Event as a platform to voice their discontent with the international events taking place on SmackDown. Feeling that the Dublin Street Fight and Fiesta Del Rio are un-American, Colter seized the opportunity to rant about the common occurrences in his daily life that he feels go against his ideals. Cesaro also explained that through hard work and dedication, he is the embodiment of the American way, earning his status rather than having it handed to him.

WWE MAIN EVENT PHOTOS | WATCH COLTER'S LATEST OPINION

The recent returnee, Christian takes on one-third of The Shield.

Christian def. United States Champion Dean Ambrose via Disqualification

After suffering an attack by the collective known as The Shield during his return to SmackDown, Christian sought retribution against U.S. Champion Dean Ambrose on WWE Main Event. As soon as the bout got underway, the U.S. Champ introduced Captain Charisma to his aggressive and unorthodox style. Although Christian’s agility and experience allowed him to temporarily halt his opponent’s offense, the frenetic and unpredictable nature of Ambrose was new for the former World Heavyweight Champion.

WWE MAIN EVENT PHOTOS | WATCH CHRISTIAN SEEKS RETRIBUTION

Unfortunately for Christian, as soon as he built a shred of momentum, the WWE Tag Team Champions – Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins – pounced and The Shield struck once again. Leveling the playing field, the No. 1 contenders to the WWE Tag Team Titles, The Usos, came to Captain Charisma’s aid and chased off the treacherous trio.

The Prime Time Players get ready for their match against CM Punk and Curtis Axel, by taking on Tons of Funk.

The Prime Time Players def. Tons of Funk

The Funkadactyls and Jo Jo from “Total Divas,” which premieres July 28 at 10/9 CT on E!, introduced Tons of Funk in grand fashion on WWE Main Event. Feeding off of the energy inside the Colonial Life Arena, Brodus Clay & Tensai utilized their size and power to maintain control early in the contest.

WWE MAIN EVENT PHOTOS |  WATCH JO JO INTRODUCE TONS OF FUNK | WATCH TONS OF FUNK VS. THE PRIME TIME PLAYERS

With their unique brand of teamwork, The Prime Time Players took control of the battle as Titus O’Neal used his partner, Darren Young, as a virtual battering ram against Tensai. Making the tag to The Funkasaurus, it appeared as though Tons of Funk would leave victorious. However, with the WWE official distracted, Darren Young used his comb as a weapon, jabbing Clay in the shoulder and allowing Titus O’Neil to secure the pinfall.