[2014-05-09-WWE-Smackdown] Dean Ambrose vs Sheamus

[Loss]

Talk about it here.

[Bierschwale]

I just love this match. Everything about it felt like the platonic ideal of a modern G1 match with neither playing it as a squeaky-clean face, and it even had a FIGHTING SPIRIT finish that was the best possible version of the Ibushi-Nakamura 2013 finish that you'll get on a WWE b-show.

[xlynwoodx]

I really like how they do ring introductions for title bouts with both guys in the ring, it adds some prestige to the matches.  Ambrose is selling the beatdown by Evolution on Monday, but he is FIRED UP to get his title back.  Sheamus uses his power to take advantage early as Ambrose has trouble handling blows to his shoulder or midsection.  Ambrose is the definition of scrappy, always fighting back or creating just a tiny bit of separation from Sheamus to plan his next move.  He manages to get Sheamus locked in the Figure Four, but is too close to the ropes.  You can see Ambrose's heart break a little as he realizes he has to break the hold.  Sheamus fights back with a Cloverleaf, Ambrose gets to the ropes but he looks spent.  Sheamus follows up with his repeated forearms to the chest spot, lifting Ambrose's shirt up to reveal his taped up ribs.  Ambrose tries to turn things into a fist fight, but one kick to the ribs slows him down.  Sheamus hits a Brouge Kick and Ambrose flies outside.  I thought for sure things would end here, but Ambrose beats the count and the crowd is losing their shit.  Sheamus is in disbelief as Ambrose struggles to get to his feet.  A second Brouge Kick is too much and gives Sheamus the clean win.  LOVED this match, Sheamus got a huge boost to start his reign while Ambrose fought with every ounce of his being, but wasn't at 100% and couldn't keep up.