Clash at the Castle Review: Match Ratings, Crowd Reactions, and Big Moments

Damien Priest puts on a classic with Drew McIntyre at #WWEClashPhoto byWWE.COM

Quick Match Ratings

1. Cody Rhodes def. AJ Styles (“I Quit” Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship) - 9/10
2. Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn def. Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill vs. Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark (Triple Threat Match for the Women’s Tag Team Titles) - 6/10
3. Bayley def. Piper Niven (w/Chelsea Green) (WWE Women’s Championship) - 5/10
4. Sami Zayn def. Chad Gable (with Otis, Akira Tozawa, and Maxxine Dupri) (Intercontinental Championship) - 8/10
5. Damian Priest def. Drew McIntyre (World Heavyweight Championship) - 10/10

WWE Clash at the Castle Review: A Night to Remember

WWE Clash at the Castle is now behind us, and I went 4-1 with my predictions. The only match I got wrong was the women’s tag team triple threat match, where the hometown heroes captured the tag team championship. This, in my opinion, was the certified shocker of the night.

The Scotland crowd was red hot from start to finish. The more I watch how international crowds enjoy WWE, the more I realize that American WWE fans don't seem to appreciate pro wrestling as much. Just an observation.

I waited a few days to digest the matches and the controversial finish that left the Scotland crowd furious. Here are my official match ratings. Also, keep an eye out for my upcoming streaming show on X. But for now, let's dive into my match ratings.

Two wrestling titans collide in a brutal 'I Quit' match that showcased respect and sportsmanship.Photo byWWE.COM

1) Cody Rhodes def. AJ Styles (“I Quit” Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship)

These two guys just have so much damn chemistry. I wondered if this match would top their Backlash encounter, and I believe it would have if not for the “I Quit” stipulation. The match was both in-ring and environmental, with Cody's mom at ringside adding a nice diabolical touch to Styles' heel character. Oddly enough, I liked the ending—it felt real and more sports-like rather than over the top and vicious. At the end of the day, Rhodes and Styles respect each other, so there was no reason for them to be ultra-brutal. This isn't a HHH vs. Randy Orton-type feud; it's not that deep-seated in hate. Overall, I give this match a 9/10. Cody retains as predicted.

Hometown heroes Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn capture the Women’s Tag Team Titles in a shocking and emotional victory!Photo byWWE.COM

2) Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn def. Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill vs. Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark (Triple Threat Match for the Women’s Tag Team Titles)

This match was built up nicely and even had a great in-show sell, with a video highlighting Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn being from Scotland. The women in the match played their roles well: Jade and Bianca were the powerhouses, Zoey and Shayna were the ring technicians, and Alba and Isla were the conniving duo that walked away with the championships. When the referee hit the three count, the Scotland crowd was overwhelmed with excitement—you could hear and feel it through the screen. WWE did a great job bringing joy to Scotland with this match. I give this match a 6/10, with an extra point for the crowd reaction. This was the only match prediction I got wrong.

Bayley proves her dominance by retaining the WWE Women’s Championship against a formidable Piper NivenPhoto byWWE.COM

3) Bayley def. Piper Niven (w/Chelsea Green) (WWE Women’s Championship)

While watching, I kind of predicted that since Alba and Isla won their match, Piper was not going to win hers. The championship isn't coming off Bayley anytime soon. This was the best I’ve seen Piper in a long time. She put on a good effort in this match, and I hope she will be considered a women’s champion in the future. I give this match a 5/10.

Sami Zayn and Chad Gable deliver a technical masterpiece, with Zayn emerging victorious to retain the Intercontinental ChampionshipPhoto byWWE.COM

4) Sami Zayn def. Chad Gable (with Otis, Akira Tozawa, and Maxxine Dupri) (Intercontinental Championship)

This match had me hooked. It was probably the most unpredictable match on the card. Both Sami and Chad gave it their all, reminiscent of their indie days. The chemistry between these two was great, which is rare nowadays. I would have preferred this match without the drawn-out dramatics of Alpha Academy. Either Otis is going to retaliate on Chad or not. This match was good, and the way Chad sold the ending made it stronger. I give this match an 8/10, only because I don’t like drawn-out dramatics.

Damian Priest retains the World Heavyweight Championship in an epic battle, with CM Punk’s interference leaving the crowd in a frenzyPhoto byWWE.COM

5) Damian Priest def. Drew McIntyre (World Heavyweight Championship)

I’m happy because not only did I predict the winner correctly, but I also predicted how it would happen, and like clockwork, I was right. CM Punk being the deciding factor in this match sent the Scotland crowd into a furious frenzy. The match itself was AMAZING. Drew McIntyre made Priest look like a strong champion. This was the best match Priest has had as champion. The false finishes after signature moves left me on the edge of my seat. Priest had more chemistry with McIntyre than I expected. This match was good and felt like a main event. I give this match a 10/10.

Next up is Money in the Bank, and I'll soon make a case as to why Jey Uso won’t win it.

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