Review: WWE Clash in Italy Broke the Streak of Disappointing WWE PLEs

Written by Isabella Baute Arboleda

WWE Clash in Italy took place on May 31, 2026, and was one of WWE’s most entertaining events in recent months. The show featured several exciting matches, intense rivalries, and memorable moments to keep fans engaged through the evening. With both championship battles and personal rivalries, Clash in Italy delivered a strong night. 

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther

I did not have a clear prediction for this match because both wrestlers are very strong competitors. Even though Gunther is not one of my favorite WWE superstars, he is a powerful and skilled wrestler. The same can be said for Cody Rhodes, who has determination and the ability to fight through pain.

The match started with a lot of energy, and both men had their moments. Gunther took control of much of the match, especially when he locked Cody in his Sleeper Hold. But at this moment, Cody showed resilience and managed to reach the ropes to break the hold.

Both wrestlers hit several of their signature moves, creating an interesting and exciting match. In the end, Cody fought back and secured the victory, and retained the Undisputed WWE Champion. But there was some confusion about whether Gunther’s foot was under the bottom rope during the final count, but in the end Cody remained champion. 

WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill

This match featured two of WWE’s strongest female superstars, so an intense battle was expected. Jade Cargill entered the arena full of confidence despite receiving boos from the crowd, while Rhea Ripley came out with strong support from the fans.

The match started aggressively, with both women fighting for control. Jade dominated much of the early action and attempted several pinfalls. However, Rhea fought back and showed why she is the champion, regaining control with good moves.

Then the match becomes more interesting when Michin and B-Fab come to the ringside and distract Ripley, helping Jade gain an advantage. Later, Charlotte Flair appeared and prevented Jade from securing a victory.

In the end, both women showed incredible strength, but Rhea Ripley retained the WWE Women’s Championship. It was a great match that highlighted the talent of both competitors. 

Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar

When two powerful wrestlers like Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar face each other, we can expect a brutal match, and this was for sure. Lesnar started the match in control, using his strength to fight Femi and hitting multiple F-5s.

The action eventually moved outside the ring, where Lesnar drove Femi through the announce table, but even after all this damage, Femi didn’t give up and continued battling with Lesnar. 

Both wrestlers had moments of control and pushed each other to their limits. With his experience, Lesnar secured the victory with an F-5. 

Overall, this was an entertaining match. It could be longer, but it was one of the strongest matches of the night. I hope to watch a match between these two wrestlers again in the future. 

Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch vs. Sol Ruca

Before this match, I expected that Sol Ruca would leave as the new champion. Becky Lynch’s matches lately haven’t impressed me, so I felt Ruca had a good chance of winning the title.

The match started with Sol Ruca taking control, using her mover to put pressure on Lynch.Becky fought back and showed her experience, making a competitive match with both women, who had control, and coming close to victory multiple times.

After several falls, Sol Ruca used a Sol Snatcher to get the win, taking the Women’s Intercontinental championship. 

World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu (Tribal Combat)

I did not have very high expectations going into the match, but Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu completely changed my mind. The match was intense from the start, with both men using their strength to try to defeat each other. 

The fight went outside the ring, as they fought around the arena and used various objects to gain an advantage. Both wrestlers had moments of control. Fatu showed himself to be dangerous, while Roman demonstrated his experience, which has made him one of the company’s top champions. 

In the end, after an intense Tribal Combat match, Roman Reigns did multiple Spears to defeat Fatu and retain the World Heavyweight Championship. This was one of the most exciting matches of the night, showing why Reigns is the Tribal Chief. 

WWE Clash in Italy is current available on the ESPN app.