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The Bellas fawned over Laurinaitis backstage. Except Nikki, who didn’t seem impressed. Sheamus walked in and as he did, Laurinaitis told Nikki to get ready for her match with Beth Phoenix – Brie has the night off. Nikki wasn’t happy with that. Sheamus asked Laurinaitis what “people power” even means, but Laurinaitis side-stepped it and said he wasn’t happy with Sheamus kicking Bryan’s head off at Mania when he wasn’t ready, and doing the same thing to ADR on Raw. Laurinaitis said he has instructed the referee to bring Sheamus and ADR face-to-face before the match. Sheamus said he’ll only kick the head off of people who deserve it. He told a parable of his cousin and it was comparable to Laurinaitis’ situation; and it did not end well for the cousin of Sheamus.

ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. SHEAMUS

Some quick exchanges early and Sheamus went to the top. His shoulder tackle didn’t connect but he rolled through and hit Del Rio with a forward roll with Del Rio on his shoulders. Del Rio was able to create separation and brought the arm of Sheamus down across the top rope. Back in the ring, Del Rio continued working over the arm of Sheamus. Sheamus missed a Brogue Kick and Del Rio rolled to ringside to regroup with Rodriguez at 2:48.

Back to action at 6:42. Sheamus nailed Del Rio with a shoulder tackle, propelling himself over the top rope to do so. Sheamus brought his forearms down hard across the chest of Del Rio. Del Rio held onto the ropes when Sheamus tried to bring him toward the middle of the ring, then low-bridged Sehamus on a charge. When Sheamus got onto the apron, Del Rio gave him an enziguiri to send Sheamus back to ringside. Del Rio tossed Sheamus into the ring steps. Back in the ring, a lateral press by Del Rio got only one. Del Rio continued to punish the arm of his opponent. Del Rio got caught charging at Sheamus, and he paid with a back-breaker. Both men were down at 10:11 of the match. Sheamus made his comeback and powerslammed Del Rio. Rodriguez distracted Sheamus by standing on the bottom rope, so Sheamus kicked the rope and Rodriguez flew into the ring. A chair was brought in by Del Rio and Sheamus picked it up. The ref turned around from getting Rodriguez out of the ring in time to see Sheamus with the chair. Del Rio sold that Sheamus hit him with it and the ref DQ’d Sheamus.

WINNER: Del Rio, via DQ, at 11:31.

After the match, Rodriguez happily proclaimed Del Rio the winner. Sheamus Brogue Kicked the referee in anger. Sheamus seethed as he started at Del Rio and Rodriguez, who were in the aisle, as the show went off the air.

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Sheamus out to the ring. Before he can talk Alberto Del Rio comes out in a Mercedes MacLaren SLS with Ricardo announcing him from the stage. ADR to the ring and he gets heat. He says Sheamus won the World Heavyweight Championship and did it in record time, 18 seconds. Huge “Daniel Bryan” chants from the fans. No one will remember that in a month. He’ll lose the Title as fast as he won it. He won’t hide behind the chicka.

Sheamus says it’s great to see him again. He’s delighted to see him, the fans don’t want to hear him go on and on, they want to see him brogue kick him in the face. This will give him a chance to show them something they will never forget.

ADR isn’t looking for a fight, he already has one. Laurinaitis gave him a match on Smackdown. When he wins that, he will get a Title shot. “Daniel Bryan” chants. ADR is talking and his mic goes off. ADR gets pissy about it and turns to get another mic from Ricardo. He grabs the mic and turns into a brogue kick. Sheamus celebrates on the ramp as Ricardo tends to ADR.

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Sheamus comes out first followed by Daniel Bryan who is accompanied by AJ Lee. Daniel does his “Yes, Yes, Yes” gimmick down the ramp and into the ring.

AJ is on the apron and Bryan asks for a good luck kiss. When he turns around Sheamus hits the Brogue kick and pins him for the three count.

Winner & new World Heavyweight Champion: Sheamus

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Tag Team Match – Orton & Sheamus vs D-Bry w/ AJ & Kane

Orton’s music and he heads to the ring. The announcers – King, Cole and Booker – talk through Orton facing Kane at WrestleMania. Sheamus out, so they talk about him facing D-Bry at WrestleMania. D-Bry out to the ring with AJ. The fire erupts, the organ music plays and out of the smoke comes Kane. Kane into the ring, only Sheamus and Orton stayed, then Kane calls fire from the corners.

AJ up on the apron and gives D-Bry a kiss. D-Bry and Orton shock up. Shoulder block to D-Bry. D-Bry up and on Orton with kicks. D-Bry runs into a body drop. Orton stomps his way around D-Bry, then tries to drop a knee, but D-Bry moves. D-Bry on Orton with blows, an upper cut, but Orton back with a clothesline for two. Orton pulls D-Bry over and Sheamus tags in, but D-Bry flees and tags out.

Kane and Sheamus lock up. Sheamus backed into a corner, but then reverses Kane into the corner. A knee, then an upper cut on Sheamus, but he reverses and a chop block. Blows on Kane, but into a back elbow. Drop kick to a sitting Sheamus for two. Sheamus whipped, but eats a boot. Sheamus up top and takes Kane down with a shoulder. Sheamus gets hold of Kane, but D-Bry on the apron and Sheamus rushes him. An upper cut and Sheamus out through the ropes. D-Bry off the apron with a knee to Sheamus’ face.

D-Bry on Sheamus in a corner with blows and knees, but D-Bry rushes him and Sheamus moves. Both on the mat as Orton spazzes to get in. Orton gets the tag and on D-Bry, then that sick scoop slam. D-Bry through the ropes, then the DDT in what Cole calls ‘vintage’ Orton. Orton is ready, but Kane pulls D-Bry from the apron. Orton out and on Kane. Kane into the post, but D-Bry with a baseball slide drops Orton. D-Bry stomps Orton outside, then rolls him in. Kane tags in.

Kane stomps on Orton, then blows in a corner. Orton whipped and clotheslined in a corner. Kane gets two. Chinlock on Orton on the mat. Orton struggles to his feet, then free with blows. A knee to Orton’s gut. Orton whipped, but gets a knee up. Orton out into Kane’s side slam for two. Kane climbs and off the top with a clothesline! Kane readies for his chokeslam, but eats a drop kick! Both others reach for the tag and both get them.

Sheamus on D-Bry with clotheslines, then blows in a corner. Irish curse back breaker. Kane and or in. Sheamus and Orton beat on Kane and double clothesline Kane from the ring. Orton tries for the RKO, but Kane pushes him off and into the post. Sheamus heading for D-Bry, but AJ in between them. The ref gets AJ out of there, but D-Bry ducks the brogue kick. Kane chokeslams Sheamus from the apron. D-Bry pins Sheamus for three.

Winners – D-Bry & Kane

D-Bry celebrates in the ring as AJ looks up longingly at her man.

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Daniel Bryan was introduced by Lilian Garcia. AJ appeared to be in her wrestling gear. Bryan did his over-the-top celebration, then AJ handed him a mic. He gave a few shouts of “yes!” on the mic before beginning his promo. He said he could talk about himself all night, but he’s going to put AJ on the spot. He asked her to tell everyone what it’s like to be in love with the World Champion. AJ first wanted to talk about her match and how Bryan is going to be in her corner…so Bryan pulled the mic away and told her to just answer the question. She answered it by saying “heaven.” She said Bryan caresses her and has the softest lips. And at night, they spoon. She called him “Danny,” so Bryan pulled the mic away and told her off-mic never to call him “Danny” in public. She apologized and went on complimenting her boyfriend. AJ said he makes her feel safe, which is why she really enjoys cuddling. He whispered something in her ear and she was taken aback. She shook her head and told him it was a little personal. Then she said “Daniel Bryan is a great lover.” She put her head down as Bryan had a look of self-satisfaction on his face. “And at Wrestlemania?” Bryan asked. AJ talked up Bryan as if she were reciting lines, but purposely, not accidentally like how most Divas (and some Superstars) give interviews. Bryan took the mic and addressed the crowd while AJ appeared to try to go in for an embrace. Sheamus interrupted and he walked to the ring.

Sheamus said he threw up in his mouth before he came out because of what AJ said. He questioned Bryan’s bravery and courageousness, then called him a coward. Sheamus turned his attention to Wrestlemania and called Bryan “Danny.” Bryan angrily corrected him, saying his name is “Daniel.” That allowed a “Danny” chant to catch on. Sheamus called him “Danny boy,” and the crowd began to chant that too. Sheamus said if he doesn’t like that, he sure won’t like being called “former world heavyweight champion.” That did not turn into a chant. He ended the segment by promising to kick Bryan’s teeth down his throat.

CM PUNK & SHEAMUS vs. THE MIZ & DANIEL BRYAN

Sheamus clotheslined Miz down and made a quick cover for only one. Tag to Punk, who came off the top with an elbow to the arm. After beating on Miz some more, Sheamus brought Bryan in the hard way. It didn’t work, as eventually, a distraction by the ref allowed Bryan to take out Sheamus outside the ring. They went to break at 2:05.

Back at 5:37 with Miz in control of Sheamus. Back-drop by Sheamus created some separation for him. He made the tag to Punk at 6:07. He was a house afire and when he kneed Miz in the corner, he told AJ to give him a call sometime. He went to the top, but Bryan began to walk over toward him. Punk jumped off the top to confront Bryan allowing Miz to go on offense. Running knee-lift by Bryan to keep Punk grounded. Miz tried the back-breaker/neck-breaker combo, but Punk caught him with a boot to the back of the head. Both men were down at 9:00 and Bryan made the tag first. Bryan couldn’t keep Punk from tagging his opponent for Wrestlemania, Sheamus. Powerslam by Sheamus. As he was going to go for the Brogue Kick, Bryan tagged an unsuspecting Miz. Sheamus chased Bryan around ringside and eventually went back into the ring, shoved Miz off and landed the Brogue Kick for the win.

WINNERS: Sheamus and Punk, at 10:11.

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Miz vs Sheamus

Miz says 1987 King Kong Bundy was in the main event of WrestleMania 2, then had a match with Hillbilly Jim and two little people at WrestleMania 3. This is known as the biggest WrestleMania drop off in WrestleMania’s history. That is until now. At least Bundy had a match, right? He won’t go from main eventing WrestleMania 27, to not being on WrestleMania 28. He put out an open challenge to prove to Laurinaitis that he’s should be on his team. Because he’s the Miz, and he’s… Sheamus’ music cuts Miz off.

Miz all over Sheamus with blows, Sheamus then telegraphs and is kicked for it. Big clothesline to Miz, but then Sheamus eats a back elbow. Miz tries for the SCF, but after struggling, Sheamus reverses, gets Miz on his shoulders and slams Miz for two. Sheamus rips on Miz in a corner, Miz back with a neck breaker for one. Miz chokes Sheamus in the ropes. Miz stomps Sheamus and gets two.

Chinlock on Sheamus on the mat. Chanting for Sheamus starts. Sheamus to his feet and free. Miz whipped and clotheslined in the corner. Sheamus beats Miz down hard in a corner. Miz is slammed to the mat for two. Miz ducks the brogue kick, but Sheamus comes back and hits it for three.

Winner – Sheamus

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CHRIS JERICHO vs. SHEAMUS

Cole recalled these two men being the final two men in the Royal Rumble match in January. Sheamus, still showing the bruise on his back from Monday night, gave Jericho a few knees to the mid-section. When he was on the apron, Jericho ran at him, but Sheamus propelled himself over the top and shoulder tackled Jericho. Jericho missed a corner dive and ended up outside the ring. Hard forearms to the chest by Sheamus. He suplexed Jericho back into the ring, but kept Jericho in the air for a spell during the vertical suplex. Jericho dodged a Sheamus attack, leading to the Rumble winner being sent to ringside. He kicked Sheamus to keep him outside the ring. Daniel Bryan and AJ walked to the ring as the show went to break, 3:26 into the match.

Back at 6:52 of the match. Jericho propelled Sheamus throat-first into the bottom rope as Bryan was shown sitting at ringside with AJ standing behind him. That’s a nice subtle visual there, Bryan taking the chair and making AJ stand. Sheamus attempted to get some momentum going, but Jericho stopped it with a knee-lift. Back suplex for only one at 8:34. Jericho slowed the match down with a rest-hold, but Sheamus stood up with Jericho on his back and backed him into the corner. Jericho went for a running bulldog, but Sheamus shoved him into the buckle. Sheamus went on the offensive and landed his Irish Curse back-breaker for two at 10:49. Mathews noted that Sheamus hasn’t seemed to notice Bryan’s presence at ringside. Forward roll by Sheamus for two. Jericho thumbed the eye of Sheamus without the ref seeing. Brogue Kick missed, catching Sheamus on the top rope. Springboard dropkick, then Lionsault for two at 11:56. Sheamus went to the top, but Jericho crotched him. “Y2J” chant from some of the males in the crowd. Sheamus fought off Jericho’s attempts at offense on the top rope and Sheamus took Jericho out with a diving shoulder tackle. Celtic Cross countered into the Walls of Jericho. Sheamus made the ropes at 13:54. Sheamus got back to his feet and went for the Cross, but Jericho got out and was clotheslined over the top and to the floor, in front of the announce table (and Bryan and AJ). Jericho was thrown in Bryan’s direction by Sheamus, but Bryan and AJ moved. Sheamus got on the apron and stared down Bryan, allowing Jericho to dropkick him back outside. Behind the ref’s back, Bryan dropkicked Sheamus as well. He couldn’t quite make it back before the 10-count.

WINNER: Jericho, via count-out, at 15:19.

Sheamus chased Bryan and AJ around ringside, but stopped when the heels reached the top of the stage. Sheamus stared at them from ringside as they replayed the finish of the match. Sheamus snuck back into the ring and gave an unsuspecting Jericho the Brogue Kick. Sheamus intensely stared at Bryan from the ring as the show finished.

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Dolph w/ Vickie vs Sheamus

Sheamus out to face Dolph.

Vickie screeching ringside as Dolph shows off. Forearms to Sheamus’ back, then flicks sweat at him. Side headlock rides Dolph down. Sheamus gets two twice, then to his feet. Shoulder block knocks Dolph hard to the floor. Side headlock takeover. Sheamus keeps the hold on the mat. Dolph up and comes back with blows, then comes back to eat a back elbow. Sheamus gets Dolph on the apron, but before he can hit his forearms, Dolph drops to the floor.

Short clothesline to Dolph. Sheamus with an arm hold on Dolph on the mat. Dolph up and pulls Sheamus’ hair a bit, then free. Another shoulder block drops Dolph hard. Dolph tries to fight back with a hip toss, but Sheamus hits a hip toss up and out! Sheamus goes outside to get Dolph, but Vickie is screeching at him. Dolph has crawled under one side of the ring, then out the next. Vickie screeches at Sheamus, then Dolph nails him in the upper back with a drop kick! Vickie is thrilled about how that went down. Dolph slammed Sheamus into the front of announce, back first, but Sheamus hit the top edge of the table more than anything. Dolph plays injured, the ref starts counting them out. Dolph back in. The camera in close on Sheamus’ back to show a huge welt on his back, where he hit the top edge of the table. I will say that Sheamus’ coloring lends itself to welts showing up quicker and clearer than someone with a golden tan.

Dolph on Sheamus with blows and gets a one count on him. Neck breaker on Sheamus for two. Josh is up in a box with D-Bry and AJ. Josh says many people are upset about D-Bry telling AJ to shut up last week. D-Bry says he would never say anything to upset her. Who is Josh to judge their relationship? D-Bry tells AJ to tell him. AJ says she’s not upset. D-Bry says the interview is over. He doesn’t care what anyone thinks. AJ loves him and the feeling is mutual.

Necklock on Sheamus on the mat. Sheamus to his feet and slams back to the mat, sandwiching Dolph. Both are down, but up by five. Double hand clotheslines to Dolph, then a clothesline in the corner and Dolph slammed to the mat for two. Sheas sets up for the cross, but Dolph free. Sheamus lifts Dolph high and drops him for two. Sheamus hung up on the top rope. Dolph climbs, but is caught is if for a chokeslam, but Dolph wraps his legs around Sheamus’ other arm and pulls him back for a pin. Dolph gets two that way, but then Sheamus gets up with Dolph still up there. Much wiggling, then Dolph is unceremoniously slams Dolph to the mat for two.

Blows to Dolph, then he’s whipped, but Sheamus shoulder first into the post. Zig/zag on Sheamus, but only two! Both men are down. Both to their feet, then a brogue kick out of nowhere) ala HBK’s sweet chin music) for three.

Winner – Sheamus

Sheamus celebrates, then they show where Sheamus got the welt, then the brogue kick for three. Sheamus still celebrates. Cole talks about the announcement about the 12 Man Tag Match at WrestleMania to decide who will be running RAW and Smackdown.

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Sheamus and Cole were in the ring as Cole introduced Daniel Bryan. He walked out with AJ in tow. Cole’s first question was to ask Bryan how much luck has come into play in still being champion. Bryan basically said luck had nothing to do with it. He discussed all of his major wins, saying luck had nothing to do with any of them. Bryan credited his in-ring work and his vegan lifestyle (and his “undeniable sex appeal”) for contributing to his success.

Cole turned his attention to Sheamus and said the luck of the Irish must be with him. Sheamus said he’s lucky to be in America, in WWE and standing in front of the fans. But he said you also make your own luck. Sheamus said he’s never hid behind a 99-pound little girl who should be in a Catholic school-girl’s outfit. Thank you, Sheamus, for that image. And I mean that. AJ lifted Bryan’s mic to speak but Bryan said, “AJ, shut up.” She just looked down at the mat. Bryan said AJ has nothing to do with his success, and if anything, she’s gotten in the way (don’t worry, he only meant that literally). Sheamus said Bryan should be the one wearing the skirt and that his luck will run out at Wrestlemania. Cody Rhodes’ music hit and he walked out. It’s time for entrances for the main event. Good mic work from both men, and a tease for AJ turning on Bryan down the line. Big Show came out as well, and the six-man match is next.

SHEAMUS & BIG SHOW & RANDY ORTON vs. DANIEL BRYAN & CODY RHODES & THE MIZ

Sheamus and Rhodes began the match. Orton tagged in at 29 seconds of the match. He hammered away with rights in the corner on Rhodes. Clothesline by Orton as Cole bragged about how long Rhodes has held the Intercontinental Championship. Rhodes held Orton, allowing the newly-legal Bryan to kick Orton in the chest. Cole has become such a fan of Bryan that he even suggested he’s going vegan. Dropkick by Orton, then a tag to Show. Show headbutted Bryan to the mat. Miz tagged in and Miz stumbled backward when Show feigned a right hand. After a hard slap to the chest by Show, Miz retreated and tagged Rhodes. Rhodes stepped in and tagged Miz back in. Show brought Miz in the hard way as they cut to break at 3:36.

Back to the show at 6:33 of the match. Sheamus and Miz were in the ring, and Sheamus ran over Miz with a few Irish Hammers. Near-fall at 7:28 by Sheamus. Sheamus fought off Rhodes, then put Miz back down. Forearms to the chest of Rhodes, then an elbow to Bryan. Miz dropkicked Sheamus out of the ring, as the three-on-one was just too much. Bryan hit a flying knee to Sheamus off the apron. Bryan wanted the tag and got it. Sheamus fought back to his feet, but wasn’t there for long. Bryan dropped several knees across the chin and throat of Sheamus. Running boot by Miz after he tagged in. Rhodes also got a chance to work over Sheamus. Short DDT by Miz for a two-count. Side Russian leg sweep by Rhodes after he avoided a Celtic Cross. That got him a two-count at 11:33. Irish Curse backbreaker and the match reset at about 12:00. Both men made tags, with Orton showing a lot of energy against Miz. Show took care of Rhodes and chased him up the ramp. Orton gave Miz a rope-assisted DDT. He avoided a kick from Bryan and tried to give him the same DDT. Instead, Bryan brought Orton throat-first across the top rope. Sheamus knocked Bryan over the apron then over the barricade and into the timekeeper’s area. Orton avoided a Skull Crushing Finale and hit the RKO for the win.

WINNERS: Orton, Show, and Sheamus, at 13:33.

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CM Punk & Sheamus vs Daniel Bryan & Jericho

Punk out to the ring in his typical fashion and the fans are wild for him. Video of Jericho attacking Punk on stage last week. Slammed Punk, then locked on the walls. Sheamus out to join him. D-Bry out all excited with AJ in tow. Jericho out in his blinky jacket.

Punk slightly pushes Sheamus back to start with Jericho. They lock up and struggle. Chain wrestling on the mat, back and forth, then Jericho pushes Punk. Shoulder block drops Jericho. Jericho trips jumping over Punk, but lands fine. Monkey flip to Jericho, then more fast mat work and clotheslines. Jericho then flies over and tags out. D-Bry in and D-Bry with a kick, then blows on Punk. Punk on D-Bry and Sheamus tags in. blows on D-Bry, but then telegraphs and is kicked for it. D-Bry over to the apron and Sheamus hits his forearms over the shoulder – all ten. Clothesline to D-Bry for two.

AJ looks on nervously as Punk tags in and flies onto D-Bry’s arm as she holds it out. Inverted atomic drop, then blows on D-Bry, but Jericho knees Punk in the back through the ropes. Cole brings up Punk’s back problems from last week, but Punk didn’t have any back problems at the house show last night!

Jericho on Punk in the ring. Punk to his feet and free, but then into a side slam for two. A kick to Punk’s back. Jericho calls for heat, then kicks Punk in the face. Drop kick to Jericho. Both down, but Punk tags out and Sheamus in with clotheslines. Clothesline in a corner, then slams Jericho. D-Bry in, but Sheamus takes him out. Jericho takes a back breaker for two. D-Bry distracts Sheamus on the apron, then Jericho hits a slingshot drop kick on Sheamus sending him flying. A low drop kick on Sheamus outside. Sheamus holds him arms as Jericho sends Sheamus back in, but stops Sheamus from tagging out. Jericho on Sheamus with blows. Jericho knees Sheamus in the chest, but Jericho made the sound slapping Sheamus’ back. Forearm to Sheamus’ back, then a chinlock on Sheamus on the mat. Sheamus starts getting up, but then back down. Sheamus up and pushes Jericho into a corner, but Jericho comes out with a running bulldog, but Sheamus pushes him off and Jericho hits the second turnbuckle padding badly with his legs and drops like a stone holding his left knee.

Both tag out. Punk off the top, but then eats a swinging neck breaker. Punk sells the back, but hits his high knee in the corner. Slams D-Bry to the mat, then climbs to hit his Savage elbow. Punk holds his back and pins, but only gets two. Punk rolls D-Bry through, Jericho in and eats a fast clothesline from Punk Sheamus in and sets up the Celtic cross, but Jericho kicks Sheamus and sends him out with a drop kick. Jericho then rushes Punk but shoulder first into the corner. D-Bry flies out onto Sheamus. In the ring Jericho tries to lock on the walls, but Punk rolls a small package, but Jericho reverses it for the three.

Winners – Jericho & D-Bry

Jericho had one shoulder up, Punk had both down. Jericho ges over, grabs the belt, poses, then slides it in to Punk.

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