Clash in Paris Review

September 5, 2025 0 By Right Hook Ray

WWE’s Clash in Paris was a good show due to the incredible French audience and several strong individual performances. While not every match was a hit, the crowd’s energy elevated the entire show, so here is my review and ratings for last Sunday’s international show.

Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed

The crowd was absolutely electric from the opening bell! The overwhelming support for Roman Reigns created an incredible atmosphere to kick off the show. Bronson Reed continues to establish himself as a legitimate monster heel in the vein of Bam Bam Bigelow, delivering another impressive performance. This served as an effective opening match that got the crowd invested early.

The post-match angle delivered exactly what was needed. Paul Heyman tapping out to Reed’s guillotine choke and losing his prized Air Jordans was a nice touch, but Bron Breakker’s spear sending Reigns crashing through the announce table just as he was about to toss the sneakers to the crowd was the perfect exclamation point.

Reed and Breakker looked absolutely dominant in their destruction of both Reigns and Jey Uso afterward. Adam Pearce’s backstage confrontation that resulted in banning the Creeds from the arena for the remainder of the night was well-executed storytelling that potentially opens the door for a new member to join Seth Rollins’ faction later in the evening.

RHR Rating: 3.75/5

WWE Tag Team Championship – The Wyatt Sicks vs. Street Profits

The Street Profits’ Borderlands 4 promotional gear felt somewhat out of place, though the Paris crowd was firmly behind them. The Wyatt Sicks’ entrance served as a reminder of how deeply missed Bray Wyatt truly is, with the crowd’s reaction reinforcing his lasting impact on the WWE Universe.

Early tension between Ford and Dawkins felt like Sunday was going to be the end of the team, though Ford showcased his amazing athleticism that continues to prove he may be ready for a singles run. The match quality was solid but unremarkable, the numbers game ultimately favored the champions, with the Wyatt Sicks retaining their titles in unsurprising fashion.

RHR Rating: 2.75/5

Women’s Intercontinental Championship – Becky Lynch vs. Nikki Bella

This first-time singles encounter between Nikki Bella and Becky Lynch gave off an interesting dynamic from the start. The crowd’s overwhelming support for Lynch created an initially awkward atmosphere, however, the match found its rhythm as it progressed. Nikki Bella delivered a solid performance that exceeded expectations, proving she could hang with one of WWE’s premier talents even in defeat. Lynch’s veteran presence elevated the match, making this a more compelling contest than anticipated for the women’s midcard championship.

RHR Rating: 2.5/5

Sheamus vs. Rusev

The good ol’ fashion Donnybrook match was next where the excessive use of themed weapons like the barrels, Slim Jim tables, and weapons felt unnecessarily gimmicky for what could have been a straightforward hard-hitting match. However, both men embraced the brutality and delivered an ugly, physical contest that satisfied as a traditional hoss fight. Sheamus’ signature Ten Beats of the Bodhran is over in any of his matches, while Rusev’s bar-top slam displayed creative use of the ringside environment.

The crowd sensed the finish when Rusev attempted the Accolade atop the barrels, leading to Sheamus countering with the White Noise through the tables for a big pop. The match ran slightly long, but the engaged audience carried it through. Rusev’s clever finish, breaking the shillelagh across Sheamus’ back before applying the Accolade for the submission victory.

RHR Rating: 3.25/5

John Cena vs. Logan Paul

Every time John Cena’s music hits, the realization of his retirement tour coming to an end is undeniable. The Paris crowd transformed his entrance into something magical, making that sudden heel turn earlier this year look a little pointless. Also, I have to give credit where it is due, Logan Paul and his brother Jake have shown remarkable commitment to their WWE and Boxing ventures. Paul has developed into a genuine, Logan performer who can work a crowd effortlessly, and his inclusion in one of Cena’s final matches speaks volumes about his growth and WWE’s confidence in him.

The Cesaro references throughout Paul’s offensive arsenal were a nice touch. The match ran longer than expected but justified every minute. Cena’s tribute sequence hitting finishers from End of Days to the Styles Clash was impressive in letting Cena get into his bag during these final matches. After an extended back-and-forth, Super Cena ultimately prevailed in what served as both a tremendous individual performance and an effective showcase that elevated Logan Paul’s standing. Just fitting for Cena’s final match in Paris.

RHR Rating: 3.75/5

Side note: The current streaming situation across multiple platforms continues to create unnecessary confusion for fans trying to follow WWE programming. At least NXT Premium Live Events remaining on Peacock provide some consistency. *

Seth Rollins’ pre-match promo was typically solid, though some of his comments may prove prophetic or just wishful thinking on my part.

Fatal 4-Way for the World Heavyweight Championship – Seth Rollins vs. Jey Uso vs. LA Knight vs. CM Punk

The main event highlighted exactly why international crowds create unmatched atmospheres. Jey Uso’s entrance was absolutely electric, with the French audience creating an infectious energy that set the tone perfectly. LA Knight’s reception maintained the momentum, but when CM Punk’s static hit and “Cult of Personality” began, the arena reached another level entirely. The big-match feel was palpable even before the champion made his entrance.

Rollins’ entrance sustained the energy beautifully, this French crowd’s natural inclination to sing and harmonize with entrance themes created an unforgettable soundscape that enhanced every moment. The early alliance between Uso, Knight, and Punk to put Rollins through the announce table was smart storytelling, immediately followed by Jey’s opportunistic superkicks to both allies that established the every-man-for-himself dynamic. Each competitor looked exceptional throughout. The Knight-Uso striking exchange with the crowd alternating “YEAH!” and “YEET!” chants created a genuine moment where Knight’s coronation felt possible.

The finish delivered genuine shock value. Just as Punk had Rollins positioned for the GTS, a masked figure delivered a crucial low blow to the challenger. The reveal of Becky Lynch as the mystery attacker was perfectly executed, helping her husband retain the championship while establishing herself as the newest member of The Vision faction. This development adds compelling layers to Rollins’ title reign and creates intriguing possibilities with the group going forward.