World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus def. Dolph Ziggler

 

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Facing an upstart challenger who became the No. 1 contender only six days earlier on Raw SuperShow, World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus instead turned his title match at No Way Out into a teachable moment for Dolph Ziggler.

The lesson? When a Superstar has pure power like The Celtic Warrior, there’s no need to show off.

Sheamus successfully retained his championship gold in a hard-fought battle against Ziggler at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, N.J.,  Sunday evening. The Irish brawler broke through his foe’s many upper body holds to connect the Irish Curse backbreaker and Brogue Kick in succession, which cinched the victory for the World Title holder. ( PHOTOS)

Though The Showoff only became the No. 1 contender at the last minute due to a concussion suffered by Alberto Del Rio, the change in challenger caused The Great White to adapt his customary crush-and-conquer strategy. Both match combatants were certainly familiar with one another after clashing in non-title bouts on SmackDown and Raw earlier in the month.

The raucous crowd in attendance created an atmosphere worthy of The Grandest Stage of Them All, which was fitting considering how the bout commenced. Following a pre-match pep talk on the ring apron, Ziggler solicited a kiss from his manager, Vickie Guerrero, which appeared eerily similar to the one that Daniel Bryan received from AJ at WrestleMania XXVIII. Fortunately for Ziggler, he saw how that championship clash ended in 18 seconds and in Sheamus’ favor. As a result, The Showoff promptly dodged Sheamus’ early attempt for a knockout blow with a forceful Brogue Kick.

 

Both combatants then fought to establish an edge in the early moments, with the champion relying on brute force and Ziggler calling upon an arsenal of upper body holds. It was Ziggler’s focus on The Celtic Warrior’s head and neck that appeared to swing the momentum behind The Showoff.

Feeling the course of events may be in his favor, the cocky challenger added flourishes to his maneuvers that were designed to show up The Great White. He paired an effective chinlock with a seemingly unnecessary headstand, and later pumped his fist upon connecting a timely Zig Zag – instead of rushing to pin the reigning titleholder.

Unfortunately, it was Ziggler’s strategy of focusing on Sheamus’ upper body that ultimately proved his undoing. Attempting his signature sleeper hold for the third time in the match, The Showoff underestimated the champion’s resiliency, as Sheamus broke the hold with sheer force. He proceeded to plant his opponent with a painful Irish Curse backbreaker before lying in wait to connect a Brogue Kick that would ultimately put the bout’s outcome in the World Heavyweight Champion’s favor.

With the win, Sheamus also prolonged his current undefeated streak in all pay-per-view competition to seven consecutive events and counting. The Celtic Warrior’s run of success dates back to last December, when he defeated Jack Swagger in singles competition at WWE: Tables, Ladders & Chairs.