Rhodes, unsurprisingly, acquired the most important pop of all throughout his entrance. Through the pre-match festivities commentator Michael Cole continued to allude to Paul’s use of brass knuckles and the truth that Maverick forfeited them to Cole earlier within the week.
The match started with Rhodes shortly pandering to the group earlier than a collar-and-elbow. After the maintain was damaged, Paul tried to trash discuss and frustrate Rhodes. This sequence repeated once more earlier than the 2 males exchanged arm holds. Paul went for a fast, early cowl, however Rhodes kicked out at 1.
A fast sequence ended with Rhodes going for his patented drop slap, however Paul blocked it. Rhodes, annoyed, went on the offensive, exchanging blows with Paul and hitting the USA Champion with a standing, modified suplex. The fast pin from Rhodes was unsuccessful and Paul gained the higher hand, sending the champion exterior the ring and touchdown a splash to the ground.
The primary true near-fall got here when Paul landed what commentator Corey Graves known as an “overbomb.” Paul remained on the offensive and went for an additional pin after a standing moonsault. Rhodes shortly recovered and landed a top-rope arm drag on Paul, however started to promote a rib damage. Rhodes despatched Paul exterior of the ring with a Catastrophe Kick and went for a dive. Rhodes pulled again as Paul was about to maneuver out of the best way, displaying consciousness on each events.
Because the motion continued exterior, two of Paul’s entourage acquired concerned, with one slipping Paul a set of brass knuckles. Paul hit Rhodes within the midsection with the weapon, and as a substitute of pinning Rhodes again within the ring, Paul turned his consideration to Cole. Distracted, Rhodes hit Paul with a suicide dive and went on an prolonged offensive.
Rhodes, after lacking a Catastrophe Kick, landed a near-fall after the Bionic Elbow. The champion then stayed in management, locking within the Determine 4 earlier than Paul pressured a rope break. Paul went for a slingshot clothesline, which Rhodes countered right into a Cody Cutter for a two-count.
Paul regained management by reversing a doubtlessly devastating transfer from Rhodes right into a CrossRhodes finisher. After a fast scare from Rhodes, Paul pressured the motion exterior the ring and commenced to make the most of the announce desk. Paul went for a Pedigree on Rhodes, however he reversed it right into a Cody Cutter on the desk. Rhodes went again into the ring because the referee counted out Paul, however the champion waved off the depend at eight.
Rhodes went exterior to ship extra punishment to Paul, however Maverick shoved Rhodes into the metal steps and set the champion up for a top-rope frog splash by means of the Arabic announce desk. Paul pushed Rhodes again into the ring and hit one other splash, however Rhodes kicked out at two once more, leaving the challenger shocked.
Rhodes would keep away from a Paul turnbuckle splash, which related with the referee as a substitute. Rhodes hit Paul with a Vertebreaker and pinned Paul, however the incapacitated referee could not make the depend. Paul capitalized, hitting Rhodes with a low blow earlier than making an attempt to land the knockout blow with the brass knuckles. The particular ring announcer Ibrahim al Hajjaj stopped Paul, permitting Rhodes to recuperate and land three CrossRhodes for the win.
Cody Rhodes def. Logan Paul in 24:17 to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship.