The WWE World Heavyweight Championship scene saw an unexpected twist at Money in the Bank as Damian Priest defended his title against Seth Rollins, only to have Drew McIntyre cash in his Money in the Bank contract mid-match. McIntyre’s championship bid, however, was thwarted by an ambush from CM Punk, leading to Priest retaining his title. Former WWE personality Jonathan Coachman recently shared his thoughts on the controversial finish during an episode of “Busted Open Radio.”
Coachman’s Analysis on the Match Finish
Reflecting on the pivotal moment where Priest failed to kick out of Rollins’ pinfall attempt, Coachman delved into the referee’s decision-making process, emphasizing traditional wrestling etiquette.
“Back when we were learning … we were taught that, and this is what Vince [McMahon] wanted to do, that for something like that, to protect the referee, he counts three, and then you deal with the repercussions after that,” Coachman recalled. “What ended up happening is all of the [questions] with Drew, ‘Oh, now was it the lights? Was it the music? Was it his fault?’ Then he comes down and CM Punk [attacks Drew]. You have all of that, but yet all anybody’s talking about is the fact that Damian Priest could have been knocked out for a moment and didn’t kick out.”
Coachman suggested that adhering to this protocol could have shifted the narrative to focus on McIntyre’s cash-in attempt and subsequent storyline developments rather than the perceived controversy surrounding Priest’s resilience.
The Crucial Moment in Question
During the match, Rollins executed a devastating Falcon Arrow on Priest, followed by a pinfall attempt where Priest’s shoulders remained on the mat. The referee, instead of completing the three-count, halted at two, signaling that Priest had kicked out. This decision sparked discussions about the match’s handling and potential implications for all involved parties.
WWE’s Response and Moving Forward
In response to the fallout, WWE Chief Creative Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque acknowledged the situation as a “mistake” but urged fans and critics not to dwell on it extensively. The incident has underscored the challenges and intricacies involved in executing high-stakes matches while maintaining narrative coherence and viewer engagement.
Stephen’s Insight
Jonathan Coachman’s critique offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes considerations and traditions that shape WWE match outcomes. While the controversy surrounding the finish may linger, the ongoing storyline developments involving McIntyre, CM Punk, and the reigning champion Priest continue to captivate audiences, setting the stage for future showdowns and dramatic twists.
