Skip to main content

WWE Clash in Italy 2026 Review: "I'm intrigued for what's to come this summer"


A lot of pro wrestling seems stuck in the mud right now. Nothing is terrible, but nothing outright moves me. As some of the summer's biggest shows hit the forefront of our minds, Clash in Italy felt like the kind of show that could jump-start some intrigue as the summer begins to take shape. 

At the very least, WWE overseas has become intriguing for the amazing atmosphere typically seen at these shows. Italy didn't disappoint. And seeing that the WWE stacked this card quite a bit, it was a show that stood out as a can't-miss on a Sunday afternoon. 

Simply put, Clash at Italy was great. And, it did its job - I enjoyed some pro wrestling on a Sunday afternoon, and I'm intrigued for what's to come this summer. 

Some other thoughts from Clash in Italy (2026): 

Random Tidbits
  • The reduced stage setup is still cool in my opinion. I don't think elaborate stages are necessary for larger events, especially at the expense of additional seats being filled. I know this has become a small discussion among some as of late...
  • However, I am over what has become a boring, generic presentation for weekly television shows by all pro wrestling companies. Just getting that out there....
  • These shows abroad are always a reminder of the large reach pro wrestling really has...
  • I am over the in-ring sponsors. But I'm sure that's not going anywhere. So, I'm done complaining. 
Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Gunther - WWE Championship
  • I was all in after watching their showdown on Smackdown...that was awesome stuff. No lies told from either side! 
  • The silver helmet by Cody on his entrance was badass. 
  • Legit question - Is Cody (still) the biggest babyface in pro wrestling?
  • I'm not sure I've ever not liked a Gunther match - this one was a banger. 
  • Not a fan of the ending. I understand trying to protect Guther while still having Rhodes go over; however, the wonky finish felt flat. I appreciate the "referees sometimes miss a call", but we saw some "legs on the ropes" shenanigans later in this show that ultimately made me groan more looking back on this. 
  • We're probably not done with these two, yet. 
Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Jade Cargill - Women's WWE Championship
  • Two top titles to open felt like a prize! 
  • Jade Cargill continues to look like a million bucks. I found myself thinking about the casual or the new fan stumbling upon this on ESPN - this is very much a visual you want presented. 
  • As mentioned, leg on the ropes stuff came into play again. 
  • I honestly could have done without the outside interference.
  • I think all pro wrestling companies - maybe collectively? - Have some work to do to restore the credibility of the pro wrestling referee. 
  • Shocked to see Rhea retain here - I fully expected it to be Jade's time once again. 
  • The Charlotte Flair babyface run has been shocking - she's been great in the role. 
Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar
  • For me, this is the best thing being told in pro wrestling right now. I am so into everything unfolding in this feud - this match included. 
  • Oba Femi's entrance has to be in the top three in pro wrestling. Kudos to the lighting designer/engineer on coming up with it - it really makes the entire thing. 
  • It was so weird to see Lesnar in the role of the frantic (and at times, shocked) heel. It was also fresh and somewhat fun. 
  • Lesnar is one of one - It'll be sad when he really decides to walk away. Summerslam 2026?
  • Femi's get-up from the F5 through the table was badass. 
  • Lesnar has genuinely made his next beast. 
  • I'm so in for one more at Summerslam. Last Man Standing? It has to be, right? 
Becky Lynch (c) vs. Sol Ruca - WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship
  • I was pleasantly surprised by this match - in a good way, of course.
  • Becky Lynch is vastly underrated - if that is possible. 
  • Sol is going to be special. Such an incredible athlete. 
  • I absolutely love the "Sol Snatcher" as a finisher; there are just times, like this match, where the finisher feels very telegraphed. Maybe that's just me...


Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu - World Heavyweight Championship
  • I had little doubt this would end any other way than Fatu in Reign's camp. I think we all did...
  • With that said, maybe I'm a stan or fan boy, but sign me up for Bloodline Drama circa 2022. We need more major overarching storylines that are highly intriguing, and this could be it. 
  • Solo and his crew's emergence was a nice touch, rather than waiting for this to happen on Raw (which is predictable).
  • Solo's group has never felt like a threat...it's always felt very nWo white and black. No disrespect, of course. Just has. 
  • I'm hooked to see where this goes.
  • Maybe I'm jumping too far ahead, as Crown Jewel is in October, but do we get Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns? 
Solid and enjoyable show. 
Labels:

Recently Read

Would You Rather: Questions 121-130

This edition of "Would You Rather" is credited to the NBA Would You Rather NBA Account on Instagram ( See Here ). Adding to the fun, this edition (and possibly future ones) are all NBA basketball questions.  121. Who would you rather have on your favorite NBA team - Giannis Antetokounpo or James Harden?  Seeing how I'm a lifelong suffering Knicks fan, the thought of any of these guys in blue and orange is hard to believe. With that said, I'm taking the Greek Freak for this reason - I enjoy watching him play a bit more. Nothing against Harden who is amazing as well, but at times, the ball sticks and that isn't always fun. Plus, I feel like we haven't yet seen a finished Giannis. 122. Would you rather have Giannis Antetokounpo with no driving ability or James Harden with no Three-Point shooting ability?  This is definitely a weird and unique one, but I'll take Harden. Giannis without his strength doesn't offer much. However, if Harden's d...
Read more

The Pondering 10 - Yankees All-Decade Team for 2010s

I thought I would stay away from the "all-decade" shenanigans, but I got suckered in after all. Around here, end of year rankings, reviews, and reflections rule, so why not compose a list that embodies it all? And why not put together a list around my beloved Yankees? Especially in a decade in which they DID NOT win the World Series. Gasp! With all of that said, please see below not only my list of the Yankees All-Decade Team (because everyone can filter by position), but also by importance and contribution throughout the decade.
Read more

TNA Lockdown 2026 Review: "Sign me up for more Order 4 drama"

Lockdown turned into a really fun show for me. And that always was the case when the event was a normal thing. It's had its historic clunkiness (electric cage match anyone?), but that's pro wrestling, baby! But seriously, Lockdown didn't feel like much until the last few weeks. Maybe it was the creative change, but the show came about with a strong undercard over several weeks carried (in my opinion) by Mustafa Ali vs. Jason Hotch and Cedric Alexander vs. Leon Slater. The main event felt more so on name value than storyline, but that didn't carry too much through the night.  For me, the main event of this was always Mustafa Ali vs. Jason Hotch, and that did not disappoint.   --- Random Tidbits Lots of "cage" talk going into this one, and quite honestly, it was warranted. TNA went years - YEARS! - without a cage match, likely for budgeting and logistical reasons. We saw a really rough-looking cage before TNA gave us an updated version that also served as a nod ...
Read more