Sheamus defeats Shorty G

WWE Royal Rumble January 26

This match marks Sheamus’ return to action. Shorty G went for a single leg takedown and Sheamus tossed him away. After two minutes of feeling each other out, Shorty G hit a cross body to take Sheamus over the top rope. Back in the ring, Sheamus drove Shorty G into the post and used a shoulder breaker to solidify his advantage. Earlier in the match, Sheamus stomped on Shorty G’s fingers and now Sheamus continues to bend and work the hands. After calling Gable a rat and telling him he doesn’t belong in the ring, Shorty G came back with some open hand palm strikes, elbows, and a drop kick.

Now having the advantage, Shorty G stomped on Sheamus’ ankle, attempted a moonsault but got caught and then countered into a DDT. Shorty G then connected with a moonsault and a German Suplex for two near falls. Sheamus escaped the ankle lock submission twice and hit the brogue kick for the pinfall victory.

Match Ratings

Six dimensions combine to make up the overall rating. Matches score ratings of 1-10 only if the match lasts for a minimum of 5 minutes.

1. Match Quality– Was the match well wrestled or sloppy?
2. Audience Engagement– Did the live audience care about the match?
3. Competitiveness– Was the match competitive or one-sided?
4. Stakes – Did the match matter?
5. Finish– Did the match end in a satisfying manner?
6. Performance: (1) Poor (2) Below Average (3) Average (4) Above Average (5) Excellent