WWE NXT Battleground Match Results, Highlights and Key Moments for July 23, 2017

Welcome to WWE Battleground 2017! The Punjabi Prison makes a (hopefully) triumphant return after a decade in a match that sees Randy Orton get one more shot at regaining the WWE Championship from Jinder Mahal. It’s no secret that the Punjabi Prison hasn’t had a good track record in WWE, particularly because it’s a weird match with silly rules, but tonight’s definitely has the chance to be the best ever! We’re hoping a decade will allow Randy and Jinder to learn from the mistakes of those before and build a pretty decent match. If nothing else the Prison is always a spectacle.

Also on tonight’s show, John Cena makes his triumphant return to the ring to face Rusev in a Flag Match. This match doesn’t feel all that important because we’ve seen this feud before and because flag matches are generally silly. Regardless, John Cena wrestling is always worth checking out because he’s become an attraction in WWE and here’s hoping his current run will last a while. Rusev’s return has been a very long time coming and fans were hoping that he would be given a strong run upon return and maybe that will be the case if he can eek a win tonight!

There’s a small truth in the women’s division that few people want to acknowledge: Naomi hasn’t had a real contender since winning the title at WrestleMania. Other than fighting Lana on a weekly basis, Naomi’s title run has been marred by a lack of competition. This has happened because the SmackDown ladies have been embroiled in a multi-woman feud for months and months. Tonight the company aims to end this long-running battle royal with a five-way match with the winner becoming the number one contender to Naomi. I don’t think there is a clear winner for this match because the two strongest challengers, Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair, are both babyfaces. The idea of Lana winning is painfully possible.

Also on tonight’s card, Shinsuke Nakamura takes on Baron Corbin, Sami Zayn looks for revenge against Mike Kanellis, The New Day get another shot at The Uso’s Tag Team Championships, and Kevin Owens will look to regain his US Championship from AJ Styles! Tonight’s Battleground is a pretty stacked card with some crazy match stipulations and it all starts with Tye Dillinger Vs. Aiden English on the Kick-Off Show at 7pm EST. And don’t forget, you can watch Talking Smack after Battleground! Download the free Ringside News app for all your wrasslin’ news, and the Ringside Talk app to join your fellow marks in conversing about the show. Enjoy!

Kick-Off Show

The Battleground Kick-Off Show begins with Renee Young reminding us that this is the final stop before SummerSlam, and then introduces us to Sam Roberts, David Otunga, and Jerry Lawler. The panel talk about being in Philadelphia and Lawler says it’s the only crowd he’s ever seen boo Santa Claus. We see Kayla Braxton in the Social Media Lounge and she will be joined later by Maria and Mike Kanellis.

We see highlights of both John Cena and Rusev’s returns, which led to their upcoming Flag Match tonight! Charly Caruso is backstage with John Cena and she asks if he is ready. Cena reminds us of the rules of the match and says it’s an unpredictable match. He says everyone comes to WWE and be the best, and he’s no different. He says he asked what we will remember about tonight and he says it will be either the American flag flying high, or him lying in defeat. And he couldn’t stand in the ring with pride if he lost, so you’re damn right he’s ready. We return to the panel and they discuss Cena’s patriotism. The fans in Philly are arguing whether Cena sucks or not. Sam Roberts says Cena isn’t a full-time Superstar and so everytime he steps in the ring he has to prove himself and defend his legacy. Lawler and Roberts says Cena will win but Otunga says Rusev is too hungry.

Is @JohnCena ready for #WWEBattleground tonight? You’re damn right, he is. pic.twitter.com/CxW80txzIf

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 23, 2017

We get a video package for the Women’s Five-Way Elimination Match before rejoining the panel, and Carmella has joined the preceding. Renee says that Carmella holds the briefcase but she currently doesn’t have a match for SummerSlam, to which Carmella says she very well could have a match because she could be Champion. They ask if she were Champion come SummerSlam, who would she wanna face from tonight’s match. Carmella says that all the women tonight are very talented but she’s beat them all twice. The fans are very loud and the panel are getting crowded out but Carmella holds up her briefcase and tears them a new one. Sam asks how Carmella feels about the threat of the “greatest female Superstar of all-time”, Charlotte, to which Carmella says Charlotte is a Queen but Queens are old and she’s the hot princess.

Joining the #WWEBattleground Kickoff panel LIVE on @WWENetwork is none other than “2-time, undisputed” Ms. #MITB @CarmellaWWE! pic.twitter.com/JWWLdfO88N

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) July 23, 2017

We see a quick video of AJ Styles throwing the first pitch at the Phillies game today! We get the video package for the match between Styles and Owens, and AJ winning the US title at Madison Square Garden! AJ is backstage with Charly Caruso and she reminds him that Owens says he will humiliate him tonight. AJ says Owens likes to run his mouth and he’s been very quiet since he lost his title. AJ says that the US Championship represents America and the workhorse of WWE and until someone displaces him, he will remain the Champion. We then see Kevin Owens backstage watching AJ’s interview on a monitor, and Tom Phillips asks for a reaction. Owens says he is the best and everybody knows he is the best, which is why he doesn’t feel the need to say it all the time. Owens says tonight he will take his title back and AJ can keep saying he’s not man enough if he wants but he’s Canadian and that proves he’s more manly.

Back with the panel and Renee asks about what Owens says. Lawler says a lot of guys say they are the best but Owens believes it and could be. Otunga says AJ is in the exact same position and both guys can do anything in the ring. Sam says he interviewed AJ the day he won the US title and you can tell he lives and breathes WWE. He says AJ said that only WWE Superstar’s get to wrestle at MSG and he’s proud to be a part of it. Sam reckons AJ will win tonight because it means so much to him and the panel agrees.

We’re in the Social Media Lounge with Maria and Mike Kanellis. Kayla Braxton asks when we will see Maria in the ring again, to which she says she already is in the ring. Maria says she does everything she can to help her man and that makes her a harder worker than every other woman in WWE. Mike is asked what his strategy is and he says he will say this; his strategy is to punch Sami Zayn in the face. Someone on Twitter asks how they can find similar love, to which Maria says you just know when you see those eyes. Unfortunately though, there’s only one Mike Kanellis and so that won’t happen for any woman. And there’s only one of her, so no man will ever find such love. Kayla wishes Mike luck but he says he doesn’t need it because he has love.

Love is in the air RIGHT NOW on @WWENetwork as @MariaLKanellis & @RealMikeBennett join the #WWEBattleground Social Media Lounge! pic.twitter.com/tw6CaMS3mH

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) July 23, 2017

The panel runs down the entire card tonight and it’s time for some in-ring action. Aiden English is in the ring and starts to sing his introduction.

Aiden English Vs. Tye Dillinger

English and Dillinger lock up before English takes Dillinger down with a shoulder charge and bows to the fans who replies with a chorus of boos.

Dillinger hits multiple arm-drags before taunting English with his 10 chant. Dillinger follows it up by bouncing off the turnbuckle and taking English down with a clothesline before stomping a mudhole into him. English replies with a nasty boot to the side of the head. He has Dillinger where he wants him and hits him with a running splash into the corner as we head to a commercial break.

We’re back from the break and English is driving his knee into Dillinger’s back. He then locks in a standing headlock as Dillinger drops to his knees. As Dillinger looks like he’s starting to fade, the fans get behind him and will him on to his feet. Dillinger backs English into the corner to break the hold. English climbs onto the top rope to regain his upper hand but Dillinger catches him with a dropkick followed by a clothesline.

What do the judges give this dropkick? #WWEBattleground @WWEDillinger pic.twitter.com/H9joHRVxW9

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 23, 2017

Tye exposes his knee to set up the Tye Breaker but English leaves the ring. Dillinger follows him out but English catches him with a cheapshot and rolls him into the ring. Dillinger hits English with a spinebuster when English gets back into the ring and earns a near-fall! Dillinger looks to hit the Tye Breaker again but English hangs on to the ropes. He hits Dillinger with a Faceplant DDT and Dillinger kicks out at the last second.

English now looks to hit the Tye Breaker but Dillinger gets out of it and the two trade quick pinning attempts. English hits Dillinger with a modified Full Nelson Slam for the win!

Winner: Aiden English

Surprising win for English. We head back to the panel and it’s time to discuss our main event tonight! We get a video from Facebook earlier today:

EXCLUSIVE: #WWEChampion @JinderMahal exudes confidence as he arrives at #WWEBattleground! pic.twitter.com/U6XF3RiinK

— WWE (@WWE) July 23, 2017

Renee and the gang discuss the match and whether or not Randy can come out with the title considering how emotional this is for him and because this is Jinder’s stipulation! They argue back and forth whether Randy can come out on top and say the result of tonight’s match will have huge ramifications.

That’s it for the Battleground 2017 Kick-Off Show! Its time for the main show, enjoy!

Welcome to WWE Battleground 2017 and we kick things off with a very patriotic New Day!

#TheNewDay is DECKED OUT in the ?????? to kick off #WWEBattleground! @WWEBigE @TrueKofi @XavierWoodsPhD ??? pic.twitter.com/SIlSQrEHxF

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 24, 2017

WWE Tag Team Championship’s Match

(C) The Uso’s Vs. The New Day

Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods are the ones in the ring tonight – I genuinely can’t recall many times when Big E didn’t wrestle! We start with Kofi Kingston and Jey Uso. The bell rings and Kofi immediately hits a dropkick before tagging Woods and landing aa drop-down clothesline, Kofi with a splash and Woods with a elbow drop for a two count. Jimmy holds Woods in the rope and Jey tags out as he kicks Woods.

Jimmy throws an uppercut and tags Jey back in. Jey catches Kofi with a kick to the face. Jimmy with the tag and headbutts Woods to the corner. Jimmy with a splash in the corner to Woods. Jey with a cheap shot kick from the ring apron and gets the tag. Jey is up top with fists to the chest off jumping off to Woods. Jey props Woods up top and throws chops.

Woods knocks Jey off and catches him with a missile dropkick from the top rope. Hot tags to Kofi and Jimmy. Kofi with leaping shots to Jimmy including a dropkick. Kofi with a jumping stomp to Jey when he charges in. Kofi with a Boom Drop over Jimmy. Kofi kicks Jey in the face and then dumps Jimmy over the top rope. Tag to Woods as Kofi goes up top, jumps and takes out both Usos with a trust fall. The Usos catch Kofi and powerbomb him to the floor!

“IT’S OVER! IT’S OVER!” @TrueKofi just learned why you can’t TRUST the @WWEUsos… #WWEBattleground pic.twitter.com/mret7PGm6U

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 24, 2017

Woods jumps off and eats an uppercut from The Usos. The referee is starting the count. Jimmy tosses Woods back inside the ring. Woods with a reverse sunset flip for a two count on Jimmy. Jimmy drives Woods back first into the corner and tags in Jey. The Usos with a double samoan drop on Woods for a two count. Woods catches Jey with an elbow. Jey with a right hand and tags in Jimmy. Woods takes out Jimmy and Jey with kicks and a trip. Jimmy catches Woods with a superkick when Jey moves out of the way!

Jimmy with a single leg Boston Crab on Woods. Xavier looks for the ropes but Jimmy pulls Woods out to the middle of the ring and applies more pressure. Big E is firing up Woods on the outside – this is amazing selling and applying of a hold. Woods is reaching and gets to the bottom rope to break it up. Kofi with a stomp on Jimmy off the top rope with Woods holding him over his knee after a tag for a very close two count. Jimmy with a superkick to Kofi.

Tag to Jey who comes off the top rope. Kofi kicks out. Tag to Jimmy as both Jimmy and Jey go up top on opposite corners. Woods knocks Jey off. Jimmy misses a splash off the top, allowing Koif to make the tag! Kofi waits for Jimmy, then hits Trouble in Paradise as Woods takes to the top rope. Woods connects with his flying elbow off the top to Jimmy at the other side of the ring! New Day gets the win!

Winners and New Tag Team Champions: The New Day

CHAMPIONS ONCE AGAIN! It’s a NEW DAY for the #SDLive #TagTeamTitles at #WWEBattleground! @WWEBigE @TrueKofi @XavierWoodsPhD pic.twitter.com/vLJzV3sZCd

— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2017

What a fantastic match, these two teams have amazing chemistry and I’m excited to see it continue! The New Day become the first team to win both Raw and SmackDown Live Tag Championships.

We see AJ Styles warming-up backstage for his US Championship match. Shinsuke Nakamura is out for his match to a great reception from the Philly crowd.

We are in the presence of an ARTIST as @ShinsukeN makes his way to the ring at #WWEBattleground RIGHT NOW only on @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/W1EpkGS9ch

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) July 24, 2017

Shinsuke Nakamura Vs. Baron Corbin

Nakamura with shots early to Corbin. Corbin with knees to Nakamura in the corner. Nakamura with quick leg kicks and elbows. Corbin with stops to Nakamura when he returns to the ring. Corbin with more knees, but Nakamura counters a scoop slam attempt into a triangle choke. Corbin breaks free and levels Nakamura with a big boot.

On the outside, Corbin drives Nakamura back first into the ring barricade. Back inside, Corbin with a bear hug on Nakamura, then drives Nakamura into the corner while keeping it locked in. Nakamura catches Corbin with a spinning kick to the head. Nakamura with kicks to the chest of Corbin. Nakamura with a right kick and dropkick off the ropes. Nakamura has Corbin propped up in the corner and lands two big high knees.

THIS is more like it…@ShinsukeN‘s educated feet are doing some DAMAGE! #WWEBattleground pic.twitter.com/gnaZ1mejzD

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 24, 2017

Corbin with his slide out/slide back in clothesline on Nakamura. Nakamura is throwing huge knees at Corbin. Nakamura plants Corbin face first on the mat and backs up in the corner. Corbin with Deep Six on Nakamura for a two count. Nakamura and Corbin exchange shots. Nakamura catches Corbin with a spin kick off the ropes.

Nakamura drops a leg over the back of Corbin’s neck and tries to fire up the crowd in Philly. Corbin stays down as Nakamura fires up in the corner. Nakamura goes to pick up Corbin. Corbin with a behind low blow kick. The referee calls for the bell.

Winner Via Disqualification: Shinsuke Nakamura

After the match we see replays of the finish and Corbin is laughing as he lays on the mat. Corbin rolls out of the ring and grabs his briefcase before leaving smug. Corbin returns to the ring as Nakamura gets to his feet and hits him with the briefcase before hitting The End of Days.

We get a video package that showcases Naomi and how she is a fighting Champion before highlighting all five competitors in tonight’s match. Naomi comes out glowing to join the commentary team – worth noting that she is in her gear. Becky Lynch is the first competitor out for the match!

#IrishLassKicker @BeckyLynchWWE is hoping to punch her ticket to @SummerSlam RIGHT NOW at #WWEBattleground only on @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/hC5GA7u2IC

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) July 24, 2017

Number One Contender

Five-Way Elimination Match

Charlotte Flair Vs. Becky Lynch Vs. Tamina Vs. Lana Vs. Natalya

The bell rings and Lana starts things off with a kick to the back of Charlotte’s leg. Charlotte responds with chops to Lana in the corner before Natalya attacks her from behind. Becky inadvertently spears Charlotte thanks to Tamina and Flair rolls out. Tamina whips Becky to the ropes and Lana pulls her ankles. Lana pulls Becky out and throws her into the announce table.

Lana then drags Natalya out before climbing into the ring and in comes Charlotte. Tamina enters before Charlotte can get to Lana and they start double-teaming the Queen. Tamina looks for a body slam but Charlotte climbs down her back and slams her by her hair. Charlotte looks to fight Lana but again Tamina grabs her and Lana hits two head kicks. Tamina with a suplex to Charlotte and Lana picks the bones by kicking her in the back.

Lana attacks Charlotte in the corner, then Tamina chops her before both stomp on Flair. Becky finally returns and attacks Lana and Charlotte goes to work on Tamina. We get a Bexploder on Lana and one from Charlotte on Tamina! Becky and Charlotte are alone and they exchange some quick holds, pin attempts and arm-drags from Lynch. Charlotte catches Becky with a great swinging neckbreaker and then Natalya runs in and hits a dropkick to a seated Charlotte for a two-count.

The #QueenOfHarts @NatbyNature is stepping all over @MsCharlotteWWE‘s throne right about now… #WWEBattleground #EliminationMatch pic.twitter.com/F8HTZnvFTk

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 24, 2017

Becky starts on Natalya, hitting back elbows and a kick to the mid-section before a Bexploder. Lana runs in and finds herself n the receiving end of a Bexploder as well. Tamina runs in and Becky grabs her for a Bexploder too but Tamina shoves her away and hits a superkick. Tamina hits Natalya with a Samoan drop and in comes Charlotte. Natalya comes back and applies a Sharpshooter to Flair but Lana appears and bulldog’s Natalya off. Becky Lynch comes back and grabs Lana with the Dis-Arm-Her but Tamina kicks her off. Tamina hits Becky with a Samoan drop, then Spears Charlotte through the ropes!

Becky is down and Lana runs over to make the pin but Becky kicks out and applies the Dis-Arm-Her again but again Tamina breaks things up. She looks for another Samoan drop but Becky slides down and applies the Dis-Arm-Her and Tamina taps!

Tamina Eliminated

Lana tries to attack Becky from behind but finds herself on the receiving end of the Dis-Arm-Her again and quickly Lana taps out! We’re down to three: Becky, Charlotte and Natalya!

Lana Eliminated

Amazingly, Becky doesn’t get a second to celebrate because Natalya runs in and catches her from behind with a roll-up and we’re down to two!

Becky Lynch Eliminated

After @NatbyNature rolls up @BeckyLynchWWE, we are down to TWO…and THIS. IS. AWESOME! #WWEBattleground #EliminationMatch @MsCharlotteWWE pic.twitter.com/Xt29zKAf7N

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 24, 2017

Charlotte runs in and hits Nattie with a big boot for a near-fall. Charlotte looks for the Figure Four but Natalya reverses into an armbar but Charlotte holds her hands together before standing up with Nattie still clinging to her and hits a huge powerbomb for a near-fall!

Charlotte looks for a moonsault but nobody is home! Natalya then grabs Charlotte from behind and flings her into the turnbuckles and pins Flair for the win!

Winner: Natalya

Naomi comes onto the ring after the match and offers her hand to Natalya who refuses and walks off.

We get a video package of the rivalry between AJ Styles and Kevin Owens. The New Face of America is out first to a good reception but his opponent is beloved!

It’s time for a #USTitle match, and it’s going to be PHENOMENAL! #WWEBattleground @AJStylesOrg pic.twitter.com/6GqGHLP52K

— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2017

US Championship Match
(C) AJ Styles Vs. Kevin Owens

Owens with a kick and knees early to Styles. Styles with an arm drag on Owens spinning and hanging onto the arm of Owens. Owens pulls out the leg of Styles and trips him up. Styles pulls Owens down on the mat using his legs real quick. Owens catches Styles with a big elbow and Styles follows up with a big dropkick! On the outside, Styles sends Owens into the ring barricade with an irish whip. Styles misses a dive to Owens. Owens sends Styles crotch first into the steel ring post.

Back inside, Owens with a senton splash for a two count. Owens with a headlock applied on Styles to keep him grounded. Owens plants Styles with a quick DDT, gets a two count and goes right back to the grounded headlock. Styles catches Owens with a flying forearm off the ropes. Styles with his front face suplex and rolls over into a two count on Owens. Styles with his fireman’s carry neckbreaker for another two count on Owens.

Watch out for those forearms, @FightOwensFight…
One of them just might be a PHENOMENAL one! #WWEBattleground @AJStylesOrg pic.twitter.com/Ip2hQtEDjb

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 24, 2017

Owens gets his knees up when Styles connects with his springboard 450 splash. Owens connects with his cannonball in the corner on Styles and gets a two count off a pinfall attempt. Styles with a torture rack and drops Owens down. Owens crotches Styles up on the top turnbuckle hitting the ropes. Styles with an elbow, springboards up, Owens slides out, Styles jumps back down and Owens takes out the legs of Styles immediately and he falls on his shoulder hard.

Well, THIS is one way to counter the #StylesClash! #WWEBattleground @FightOwensFight pic.twitter.com/HBzqFVXB4l

— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2017

Styles is favoring his left shoulder as Owens drops his knees over it. Referee bump when Owens tosses Styles to the corner and Styles catches the referee. Styles avoids a Pop Up Powerbomb and gets Owens down in the Calf Crusher. Owens rolls through and gets the Crossface applied. Styles counters into a Crossface of his own. Owens turns Styles over to his shoulders. The referee counts the pinfall for a very confusing finish.

Winner and New United States Champion: Kevin Owens

The fans look as stunned as Styles does. On paper these two should have instant classic matches but it’s as though they cannot find fifth gear. The first match has a weird finish but at least it was clear, this was just anti-climatic and confusing.

Backstage, Jinder Mahal is with The Singh Brothers. Mahal says he will make sure the Punjabi Prison is the final resting place of Randy Orton’s legacy.

We see the video of John Cena’s return which was interrupted by the return of Rusev! The Bulgarian Brute is out first and we see the flag platforms on the stage, in which either man must plan their flag to win.

RUSEV MACHKA. #WWEBattleground #FlagMatch @RusevBUL pic.twitter.com/giVxC0vdJE

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 24, 2017

Flag Match

(USA) John Cena Vs. (Bulgaria) Rusev

The bell rings and the two men stare at each other. Rusev feigns a lock-up and runs to the corner to grab his flag but John pulls him back down and into a headlock. Rusev punches Cena and runs to the corner again but history repeats itself and Cena grabs him for a headlock.

Rusev goes back up the ropes and Cena climbs up with him to unleash a bulldog from the top rope! Cena goes to his corner and starts climbing but Rusev grabs him from behind and lands an electric chair drop. Rusev kicks Cena as he lays on his knees. Rusev beats Cena down in the USA corner.

Rusev remains in control and beats Cena around the ring. Rusev taunts Cena and takes him back to his corner where he bangs his head on the turnbuckle before hitting a splash in the corner. Rusev goes back to his corner where Cena grabs him, but Rusev jumps off of the ropes and punches Cena. Again Rusev takes control and lands a DDT on John as the fans boo.

The dreams of everyone in the United States of America are what @RusevBUL aims to CRUSH tonight! #WWEBattleground #FlagMatch pic.twitter.com/X6ZFh1tI4D

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 24, 2017

Rusev picks Cena up and punches him. Cena then ducks Rusev and hits two running shoulders, a back drop, and finishes with a Five Knuckle Shuffle! Cena looks for an Attitude Adjustment but Rusev climbs down and hits a Spinebuster. Rusev throws Cena from the ring and starts climbing to get his flag. Cena climbs the apron and then the ropes where he fights Rusev until he falls down. Cena looks for the Fameasser on Rusev but gets caught with a botched powerbomb!

Rusev grabs his flag and waves it around before slowly climbing down. Rusev is hit with a dropkick from Cena almost immediately, then John lands an Attitude Adjustment. Cena climbs the ropes to grab the USA flag but Rusev grabs him in a powerbomb position. Before Rusev can land the powerbomb, Cena rolls down with a roll-up and into the STF. There’s no pinfalls or submissions, so Cena holds the move until Rusev passes out. Cena then climbs the ropes and grabs his flag!

Normally, this is good for a victory…but NOT in a #FlagMatch! #WWEBattleground @JohnCena @RusevBUL pic.twitter.com/4dy3L7DdId

— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2017

Cena descends from the ropes and turns around into a superkick and both men are down and so are their flags. Rusev comes to and grabs the Bulgarian flag. Rusev walks around the ring to the ramp side where Cena leaps off the apron and onto him. Cena tosses Rusev into the steel steps before sliding back inside and grabbing Old Glory! Cena leaves the ring and Rusev is still down by the steps.

Cena slowly walks up the ramp with the flag but Rusev attacks him from behind and takes him back ringside, where he hits him against the steps. Cena starts crawling away but Rusev hits him with the steps. Rusev picks-up his flag and starts walking up the ramp. Cena grabs the leg of Rusev as he walks past. Cena jumps up and they brawl and move up the ramp. Cena bounces Rusev off of the LED wall, then runs and jumps off of the pedestal but Rusev catches him and lands a Fallaway Slam!

Rusev looks for his flag but stops and grabs a table from the side of the stage. Rusev sets the table up near the pedestal, then he grabs another and sets it beside the other. Cena is crawling away but Rusev grabs him and bangs his head off of the American podium. Rusev drags Cena up the steps and taunts Cena with a You Can’t See Me chant, then looks to hit an AA on Cena through the tables but Cena climbs down and pushes Rusev off. Cena walks down the ramp and grabs the US flag but Rusev meets him on the ramp and they knock each other down!

Cena crawls up the ramp and up the steps of the US podium but Rusev crawls up the other side and grabs the stand that Cena needs to put the flag into! Rusev hit Cena with the stand before applying The Accolade until Cena fades out. Rusev walks down the ramp and grabs the Bulgarian flag. Rusev slowly walks back up the ramp and up the steps of his podium. Rusev looks to plant the flag but Cena grabs it at the last second. Rusev knocks him down and looks for The Accolade again but Cena stands up and switches to an AA with Rusev on his shoulders. Cena climbs the US podium and throws him off and through the tables below! Cena goes and grabs the flag and plants it in the stand to win!

Winner: John Cena

HE DID IT…FOR AMERICA! @JohnCena wins the #FlagMatch at #WWEBattleground! ?????? pic.twitter.com/9uajqusMRk

— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2017

A decent match considering the stipulation but I think JBL speaks in hyperbole when he called it “the greatest achievement in Cena’s career”. Cena salutes Old Glory before leaving.

We get a new Fashion X Files segment with Breezango. The Ascension walks up and claims it was them who attacked Breezango weeks ago. Fandango points out Ascension wasn’t at Smackdown Live last week. The lights go out and we hear brawling. Fandango turns on a flashlight and Tyler Breeze is knocked out. Fandango is then knocked over and dragged away.

What. Just. HAPPENED?! #FashionXFiles #WWEBattleground pic.twitter.com/XA9yGS3OP7

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 24, 2017

Sami Zayn Vs. Mike Kanellis

Sami Zayn with a tackle and right hands to Mike Kanellis early. Sami with a head scissors takedown on Mike. Sami with rights and chops to Mike. Sami clotheslines Mike over the top rope. Maria is yelling at Sami from the outside causing a distraction. This allows Mike to land a big right hand to Sami when he jumps out. They rub noses together over Sami.

Mike tosses Sami back in and gets in some quick stomps. Mike blows a kiss at Maria and she catches it. Sami with big chops to Mike. Mike with big corner clotheslines to Sami and follows it up with a big boot for a two count. Mike and Maria share a kiss through the ropes. Sami with clotheslines to Mike followed by a high back body drop. Sami tosses Mike over the top rope. Sami with a dive over the top rope taking out Mike.

There’s just so much love in the air. So much. #WWEBattleground @MariaLKanellis @RealMikeBennett ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/TAaeBdgB3r

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 24, 2017

Back inside, Sami connects with a cross body off the top rope for a close two count. Sami with a corner springboard tornado DDT. Maria is in when Sami is going for an exploder to block it. Maria leaves and Sami counters giving Mike an exploder to the corner. Sami with his Helluva Kick for the win.

Winner: Sami Zayn

A solid match and I have to admit that I enjoy watching Mike and Maria do their thing. That sounded less weird in my head.

The Punjabi Prison starts to lower around the ring and we get the video package for the main event!

The time has come…@WWE Champion @JinderMahal defends against @RandyOrton inside the #PunjabiPrison NEXT at #WWEBattleground! ?? pic.twitter.com/MaJh2jyYZ3

— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2017

WWE Championship

Punjabi Prison Match

(C) Jinder Mahal Vs. Randy Orton

We get ring introductions and it’s a big fight feel! There’s even a faint Maharaka chant from the Philly crowd!

The bell rings and Orton goes after Mahal right away throwing right hands. It’s really hard to see through the structure. Mahal drops Orton with an elbow and calls for the door to be opened. Mahal has 60 seconds and Orton cuts him off. Orton is now trying to escape and Mahal cuts him off. Orton sends Mahal face first into the bamboo wall. Mahal is holding the ankle of Orton to prevent him from crawling out. Time expires and it closes. That door is now shut for good with three doors remaining.

The first door shuts, and it shuts for GOOD! #WWEBattleground #WWEChampionship @JinderMahal @RandyOrton pic.twitter.com/LhB33RE7Zw

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 24, 2017

Mahal is working over the left arm of Orton dropping knees. Mahal keeps working the left arm of Orton applying pressure. Mahal calls for the second door to be opened. Orton with a fallaway slam on Mahal as the time expires. Orton is kicking the face and chest of Mahal. Orton is holding the ropes. Mahal lifts up Orton and slams him back down hard. Mahal is going for the door and Orton cuts him off. Time expires and the door is now locked.

Orton sends Mahal face first into the bamboo again inside the ring. Mahal jumps up on the bamboo wall and begins climbing. Orton jumps up to cut him off. Orton pulls away at the leg of Mahal and Mahal crotches himself on the top rope. Orton tosses Mahal back first against the bamboo wall. Mahal avoids Orton’s DDT through the ropes and instead tosses Orton back first into the bamboo wall. Mahal with jumping forearms to Orton.

Orton fires back with a suplex on Mahal into the wall of the bamboo wall. Orton with a second suplex on Mahal into the bamboo wall. Orton is calling for the third door to be opened. Time expires as he throws elbows and right hands to Mahal. Orton is applying a sleeper on Mahal to try and keep Mahal from crawling through the open door. Orton with an uppercut that drops Mahal. Jinder cuts off Orton from crawling out and once again the time expires. The third door is now locked!

Orton and Mahal are staring each other down. Philadelphia crowd is getting a bit hostile. Orton catches Mahal with a powerslam favoring his left shoulder. Orton with his DDT off the ropes on Mahal. Mahal with a jumping knee countering an RKO attempt by Orton. The fourth door is now open and time is expiring. Orton counters Mahal and connects with an RKO out of nowhere. The Singh Brothers crawl out from under the ring and pull Mahal out of the ring! Time expires and the door must be closed and locked.

#Khallas time for @JinderMahal? NOPE… #RKO! #WWEBattleground #WWEChampionship @RandyOrton pic.twitter.com/cX6e3J7oLF

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 24, 2017

Orton is climbing up the first bamboo wall, while Mahal is climbing the second bamboo wall that leads to the floor. Orton climbs over and reaches the outer structure with Mahal. Mahal and Orton are exchanging headbutts. Orton with more headbutts landing and sending Mahal face first into the bamboo wall structure. Mahal falls off the structure. The Singh Brothers are grabbing Orton and pulling him down. They get Orton down and stomp away at Orton. Mahal with a big kick to the face of Orton with help from The Singh Brothers.

Mahal is climbing up the bamboo wall. The Singh Brothers are holding Orton back. Orton is fighting them off including a big suplex to one brother on the floor. Orton hooks the ankle of Mahal on the wall pulling him down. Orton sends Mahal shoulder first into the wall. He grabs another Singh brother and hits a suplex to the floor. Orton then launches the other brother into the bamboo wall. Mahal suddenly has a Kendo stick and starts cracking it against the back of Orton!

Randy creates some distance by ramming Jinder back-first into the wall. Orton grabs the Kendo stick and starts cracking it across the arm and back of Mahal. Orton cracks away at The Singh Brothers at ringside as well when they run up. We can see the marks on Orton’s back from the kendo stick. One of the Singh Brothers crawls up on the other side of the wall and is trying to contain Orton. Orton with right hands. Orton with a third right and the brother falls off the wall crashing through an announce table below!

Dear @SinghBrosWWE,

Bye-bye.

– @RandyOrton #WWEBattleground #WWEChampionship #PunjabiPrison pic.twitter.com/9IoLgN4xeI

— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2017

Orton is kicking away at Mahal who is now up on the bamboo wall. Orton with headbutts to Mahal. They drop back down near the wall. Orton with a DDT to Mahal on the floor. Orton finds a steel chair under the ring. He cracks it over the back of the other Singh brother still at ringside. Orton hits Mahal in the gut and then over the back with the steel chair. Orton is climbing up the bamboo wall facing the entrance ramp when the other Singh brother tries to cut him off. Orton kicks him away.

Orton is climbing up the wall when Jinder Mahal’s music plays. The Great Khali walks out! Khali walks up to the wall and starts shaking it. Orton is hanging on. Khali climbs up the wall and starts choking Orton. Orton struggles and Jinder starts climbing alongside him. Jinder shouts at Randy before climbing up the Prison and down the other side to win the match and retain the WWE Championship!

Winner: Jinder Mahal

The celebration is ON as The #GreatKhali RETURNS to help his countryman @JinderMahal retain the #WWEChampionship! #WWEBattleground pic.twitter.com/xgbLCoe2Ro

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 24, 2017

Jinder and Khali celebrate as they walk up the ramp. Orton is laid out ringside and that’s it for WWE Battleground!

We wanna know what you thought of WWE Battleground, so let us know on the free Ringside News or Ringside Talk apps! Be sure to come back tomorrow night for Monday Night Raw!