Shane van Gisbergen fell short of a record-setting win in Sunday’s Duramax Texas Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. The road course ace admitted that he didn’t ‘quite have enough’ to overcome the day’s most dominant driver, Tyler Reddick.
Van Gisbergen entered the 95-lap event having won the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race a day prior. The result snapped his winless streak at the track, and SVG was vying to replicate the same on Sunday.
Thanks for the submission!
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However, van Gisbergen began on the backfoot with a 13th-place start, while Reddick began on pole for the second consecutive race. SVG parsed through the field to finish second in Stage 1, one spot behind his Trackhouse Racing teammate, Ross Chastain.
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After a 10th-place finish in Stage 2, SVG reached second once again by lap 80. Despite his best efforts, van Gisbergen couldn’t pass a faster Reddick. With five laps to go, the Kiwi driver radioed that he lacked the speed and grip in comparison to Reddick up ahead.
When the No.45 driver reached the finish line, he’d pulled a 3.944-second gap to van Gisbergen. Reflecting upon the same, the Trackhouse driver said(via X/NASCAR on FOX),
“Disappointed with second. But the series is just at a high level. I felt okay, we got our Safety Culture Chevy a lot better than yesterday, but just following Tyler, his driving was immaculate and his car was very good too so, I tried but didn’t quite have enough, but still a great points day for the 97.”
Shane van Gisbergen had a good points day nonetheless, as he jumped 11 spots on the table to finish fifth.
Shane van Gisbergen shares struggles with ‘average’ car in COTA
Shane van Gisbergen showed blistering pace in his O’Reilly Auto Parts Series win at COTA, but his Cup Series qualifying paled in comparison. After Saturday’s race, SVG outlined his struggles with the No.97 Chevy.
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“Not very good. My car was pretty average, really. The race run was okay, but in qualifying, start of the race run, I just couldn’t switch it on, and you need that round here to just light it up, and I couldn’t do it, so I did a rolling lap and then it still wasn’t good, and then I did my time on my third lap, and, yeah, really struggled. But there were some things that I wasn’t doing very well,” he said.
A COTA win would’ve placed Shane van Gisbergen alongside Jeff Burton for most consecutive road course wins. His streak now ends with five wins, all of which came from last year alone.
Till now, the New Zealander has racked up 11 road course wins across the top-2 divisions. Tyle Reddick, meanwhile, made history by becoming the first driver in NASCAR history to win the opening three races.
Godswill Akpabio United FC secured a hardfought 4-3 victory over Palm Syrup FC to book a place in the final of the Akwa Ibom State FA Cup.
The semi-final clash, played at the Uyo Township Stadium on Sunday, lived up to expectations as both sides delivered an exciting and high-scoring contest.
Palm Syrup FC made a flying start, taking the lead inside the first minute through Nkebeteno Udosen. They doubled their advantage in the 16th minute when Jeremiah Akpan finished well to put his side firmly in control.
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Godswill Akpabio United FC responded quickly. Emmanuel Joseph pulled one back in the 19th minute with a fine left-footed strike. However, Palm Syrup held on to their 2-1 lead going into the break.
After the restart, Godswill Akpabio United showed great determination and experience to turn the game around. Utipime Sunday levelled the score in the 52nd minute after racing through to beat the goalkeeper.
The comeback continued as former Palm Syrup player Solomon Akpan put Godswill Akpabio United ahead for the first time in the match. His goal sparked a response from Palm Syrup, who won a penalty in the 73rd minute. Nsisong Ekpo calmly converted to make it 3-3.
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With the game heading towards a tense finish, Solomon Akpan struck again in the 80th minute. His looping effort beat the onrushing goalkeeper to seal a dramatic 4-3 win for Godswill Akpabio United FC.
The victory sends Godswill Akpabio United FC into the final of the competition for the first time in their history. They have also secured one of the two tickets to represent Akwa Ibom State at the national finals.
Godswill Akpabio United FC will now face the winner of the second semi-final between Akwa United FC and Heaven’s Race Academy.
The final of the 2026 Akwa Ibom State FA Cup is scheduled to take place on April 25, 2026.
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez suffered the third defeat of his career in 2025 – his first at super-middleweight – when Terence Crawford outpointed him over twelve rounds.
Despite his pound-for-pound credentials, many in the sport felt the move up in weight would be a step too far for Crawford, who had just one fight at 154lbs before signing to face Canelo at 168lbs.
Though Alvarez will fight on and has his ring return booked for September this year, his comments on the defeat point to a fighter who, at 35 years old and with 532 rounds under his belt, is now feeling the effects of a long career.
Speaking on the Mr Versace podcast, the Mexican icon praised Crawford but said that his body was not responding in the way he wanted.
“A lot of things [went wrong]. My body [didn’t] respond the way I really wanted, because I wanted to be faster, and this and that, and then I didn’t recuperate my weight like I needed to. My legs felt a little bit tired, too. But he deserved all the credit. He made a better strategy than me, but I think I did well … It is what it is, you need to take the losses and learn from that and keep going.
“[Trainer Eddy Reynoso] told me everything, and I tried, but my body didn’t respond. I had cramps in my legs. It didn’t respond the way I really wanted. We learn from that and we move forward. I know what mistakes I made in the fight and in the camp too. That’s what boxing is about. A winner doesn’t mean you win every time. You need to learn from everything.”
Whether or not camp goes better this time remains to be seen, though Canelo should at least be refreshed in one department, having undergone successful elbow surgery on a long-standing injury.
Apr 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Curtis Mead (45) rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run against the San Francisco Giants during the fifth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Curtis Mead hit a two-run homer, Keibert Ruiz had two hits and the Nationals beat the San Francisco Giants 3-0 in Washington on Sunday to avoid a series sweep.
Andrew Alvarez (1-0), called up earlier in the day from Triple-A Rochester, pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings for the win, allowing three hits and striking out five without a walk.
PJ Poulin opened for Washington and was replaced by Miles Mikolas with two outs and two on in the first. Mikolas, who began the day with an 11.49 ERA, pitched four scoreless innings while allowing four hits in his best outing of the young season.
Rafael Devers and Drew Gilbert had two hits each for the Giants, who had won three straight, but went 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position.
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San Francisco’s Robbie Ray (2-3) gave up three runs on seven hits over six innings. He struck out seven and walked one.
The Giants put runner on first and second with two outs in each of the first two innings but did not score.
The Nationals got an infield single and a walk to open the third inning but couldn’t cash in. Curtis Mead hit a blooper to shallow left field that dropped, but Keibert Ruiz briefly broke back towards second and was thrown out at third. Brady House flied to the warning track in center and CJ Abrams flied out.
Washington took a 3-0 lead in the fifth. Nasim Nunez reached on a bunt single and stole second. Ruiz hit shot to left center and Heliot Ramas made a diving effort but couldn’t come up with it. Nunez scored and Mead lined the first pitch he saw from Ray out to left for a two-run homer.
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The first two Giants reached base in the eighth inning on an error and a single, but Casey Schmitt grounded into a double play and pinch hitter Jerar Encarnacion struck out.
Strikers are a streaky bunch. When they’re scoring regularly, swelling with confidence and demanding the ball, it does not seem to matter who is marking them or whether they’ve been invisible most of the match. A goal surely is coming.
The U.S.’ undeniable No. 1 striker failed to score in the run of play Sunday but converted the tying penalty kick early in the second half of Monaco’s 2-2 draw with Auxerre.
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The scoring haul is staggering: Eight consecutive Ligue 1 matches and 10 goals in the past 10 Monaco games across all competitions.
His Ligue 1 streak is tied for the second longest this century, trailing only Sonny Anderson’s 11 for Lyon in 2001. His 12 goals are tied for fourth on the league scoring chart.
The 24-year-old also scored five times in the Champions League and once in the Coupe de France for 18 overall — his most productive campaign since posting 22 for Reims in 2022-23.
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As every striker knows, though, form can be fleeting. Before beginning his scoring tear, Balogun went eight matches across all competitions without a goal.
With 10 goals in his last 10 Monaco games and a historic eight-match Ligue 1 scoring streak, Folarin Balogun is peaking at the perfect time.
(VALERY HACHE via Getty Images)
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino is counting on Balogun remaining hot though the end of Monaco’s season and hitting the ground running when World Cup training camp opens May 27 in the Atlanta area.
It’s a far cry from the 2022 tournament in Qatar, where an unsettled situation led to Gregg Berhalter starting Josh Sargent twice and Haji Wright and Jesus Ferreira once apiece.
Balogun did not score for the U.S last month as a starter against Belgium and a sub against Portugal. He did strike in each of his three starts in the fall (vs. Japan, Ecuador and Paraguay), and he has eight international goals in 25 appearances since committing to the U.S. three years ago. (He previously played for the English under-21s.)
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Balogun’s surge comes as Wright has gone without a goal in five straight for Coventry City after scoring six in his previous five matches. (He still leads the club with 17 overall.) Derby County’s Patrick Agyemang (10 goals) is sidelined after rupturing an Achilles tendon on April 6, while PSV Eindhoven’s Ricardo Pepi (14) was off this weekend.
France
Defensive midfielder Tanner Tessmann came on in the 79th minute, helping Lyon secure a 2-1 upset at first-place Paris Saint-Germain and move into a tie with Lille for Ligue 1’s third and final automatic Champions League slot.
Right wing Tim Weah entered at the start of the second half for Olympique Marseille, which dropped a 2-0 decision at Lorient for its third loss in four matches. The club is two points out of the Champions League berth with four games left.
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Ahead of Tuesday’s rematch in the Coupe de France semifinal, center back Mark McKenzie served a red-card suspension during Toulouse’s 3-2 loss at second-place Lens.
Although Christian Pulisic is not a pure striker — he’s best as a secondary forward or wing — his scoring drought is concerning. After an unremarkable performance in AC Milan’s 1-0 win at Hellas Verona, the U.S. star has now gone 17 games without a goal for club and country in 2026.
In 2022, Pulisic was scoreless in 22-of-23 matches leading to the World Cup and didn’t hit the mark in the first two group matches before pocketing the winner against Iran.
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Returning from a yellow-card suspension, the multidimensional Weston McKenniestarted in central midfield and offered a wonderful assist early in the second half as Juventus defeated Bologna, 2-0. He has five goals and five assists in Serie A and four goals and one assist in the Champions League.
Wright entered in the 62nd minute of Coventry’s 1-1 draw at Blackburn, which secured promotion to the Premier League after 25 years in the second, third and fourth divisions.
Defensive midfielder Aidan Morris went 90 as fifth-place Middlesbrough earned a 2-2 draw at second-place Ipswich Town, keeping his club in the hunt for the second promotion berth and in excellent position to qualify for the four-team promotion playoff.
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In the Premier League, defensive midfielder Tyler Adams entered in the 65th minute of Bournemouth’s 2-1 win at Newcastle, extending the eighth-place Cherries’ unbeaten streak to 13 and tying them with Chelsea and Brentford on points for the last two berths in European competition next season.
Midfielder Brenden Aaronson (78 minutes) served a lovely assist on Leeds’ second goal during a 3-0 win over Wolverhampton. Next weekend, Leeds will face Chelsea in an FA Cup semifinal at Wembley.
Left back Antonee Robinson entered in the 81st minute of Fulham’s 0-0 draw at Brentford.
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Center back Chris Richards and Crystal Palace — who on Thursday advanced to the UEFA Conference League semifinals — will host West Ham on Monday.
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Right wing back Joe Scally (90 minutes) scored in the seventh minute — his second of the Bundesliga season – but Mönchengladbach conceded a late equalizer and settled for a 1-1 draw with Mainz. U.S. teammate Gio Reynaentered in the 72nd.
Augsburg center back Noahkai Banks, who withdrew from U.S. consideration last month to weigh German options, remained on the bench for the fourth time in five matches.
In the Copa del Rey final — won by Real Sociedad in a shootout 4-3 following a 2-2 draw through 120 minutes — Atlético Madrid sub Johnny Cardoso missed a golden opportunity to score the winner in stoppage time of regulation by sending an angled shot wide of the open far corner.
In a Scottish Cup semifinal, center back Auston Trusty played 120 minutes as Celtic pulled away from St. Mirren in extra time, 6-2, setting up the May 23 final against Dunfermline.
Eager to make a late impression after being left out of U.S. camp in March, Club América winger Alex Zendejas went the distance and was credited with an assist in a 2-1 victory over Toluca.
Major League Soccer
Defensive midfielder Cristian Roldan scored twice off corner kicks 15 minutes apart in the first half — on a header and a volley — as Seattle rolled past visiting St. Louis, 4-1.
On the eve of his 25th birthday, left wing Max Arfsten scored in the 25th minute of Columbus’ 2-1 loss at New England.
Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter went 74 minutes in league-leading Vancouver’s 3-0 win over Kansas City.
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Among the center backs, Tim Ream left at halftime of Charlotte’s 2-1 win at New York City with a groin issue that he first felt in the 30th minute; Cincinnati’s Miles Robinson returned from a groin injury that sidelined him during U.S. camp to play 64 minutes in a 3-3 draw with Chicago; and Vancouver’s Tristan Blackmon went 90 for Vancouver.
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The top goalkeeping candidates started as usual, with NYC’s Matt Freese losing to Charlotte, New England’s Matt Turner winning against Columbus and Chicago’s Chris Brady drawing at Cincinnati.
LAS VEGAS – CM Punk and Roman Reigns met at WrestleMania 42 in a clash between two titans of the pro wrestling industry who helped shaped WWE over the last 15 years.
Punk entered as the world heavyweight champion, while Reigns was the challenger. Reigns earned the shot at Punk’s title after winning the Royal Rumble in January.
The two went back-and-forth for weeks trading barbs. Punk vowing to “bury” Reigns next to his father, while the “OTC” telling Punk he’s too old. Each competitor put each other through the “Monday Night Raw” announce table on various episodes. Reigns then vowed he would walk out of WWE if he lost to Punk.
CM Punk faces off against Roman Reigns before the World Heavyweight Championship match during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026.(Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
It all led to the raucous brawl that occurred in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium to end the weekend.
Reigns’ entrance music shook the stadium as he walked purposely down the ramp – for the second straight year with no “Wiseman” to back him up or guide him through what vowed to be an incredible match.
Punk came out to the top of the stage and looked over the crowd. He touched the ground, and yelled with the crowd, “It’s clobbering time.” The crowd sang “Cult of Personality” as it blared through the stadium.
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The match brought an electricity in the air that was missing from Night 1. It had a big fight feel and both Punk and Reigns brought it.
CM Punk fights Roman Reigns during the World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026.(Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The two started grappling for control after meeting face-to-face in the middle of the ring for one final round of trash talking. They traded knockdowns and slapped each other around as Reigns gained the advantage to start the match.
A Samoan drop set the stage for Reigns to go on the offensive first. The crowd acknowledged their “Tribal Chief” as he clotheslined Punk outside of the ring.
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Punk reversed Reigns’ attempt to bash him into the announce table. But Reigns whipped Punk into the barricade and continued his assault in the crowd. Punk sat on a chair and waited for Reigns to get him. Punk jumped on the barricade and hit a flying clothesline.
CM Punk reacts to Roman Reigns before the World Heavyweight Championship match during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026.(Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Punk’s taunts didn’t last long. Reigns tossed Punk from the announce table onto the ground as the referee begged for both competitors to get back into the ring. Reigns obliged as that was the only way he was going to win the match.
The match wore on as they traded punches and kicks and pin attempts.
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Reigns was the first to attempt his finisher. He tried for a Superman punch but Punk countered. Punk went to the top rope and hit a crossbody and assaulted Reigns with a flurry of punches.
Punk seemingly had the advantage. He hit Reigns with a running knee and a bulldog. He called for the GTS as Reigns laid face down on the mat. Punk went for it, but Reigns battled out of it.
Once again, the match moved to the outside. Punk hit a suicide dive that pushed Reigns onto the announce table. He used it to his advantage.
Then, Punk got a little dangerous. Reigns was laid out on the announce table. He went to the top rope but Reigns quickly got up and avoided the move.
Reigns mocked Punk as he hung upside down on the turnbuckle. Reigns hit Punk with a Superman punch. Reigns then nailed Punk with the stairs and continued to talk trash to the camera.
Roman Reigns shoves CM Punk into the ropes during the World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026.(Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Punk appeared helpless as Reigns picked him up. He set up Punk for a powerbomb and blasted him through the announce table. Punk was cut open and Reigns basked in the fans’ applause. He threw Punk into the ring and set him up for a spear.
However, Punk countered and picked him up over his shoulders. Punk hit the GTS and nearly pinned Reigns right there. Punk tried for another GTS, but Reigns nailed him with a spear. Again, for only a two count.
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Reigns, frustrated, signaled he was going to steal Punk’s finisher. Punk tried to battle back but Reigns was adamant. He put Punk on his shoulders but Punk countered. Punk kicked Reigns, knocking him down but couldn’t get the three count.
Punk then resorted to mocking Reigns. He took the Ula Fala from a fan and tried to hit a spear. Reigns countered with a guillotine only for Punk to kick out of it and put Reigns into a chokehold. Reigns punched his way out of the submission hold and put Punk back in the guillotine.
As the two broke out of their respective submission holds, they got back up and hit each other with a double clothesline. The fans were ecstatic, yelling “this is awesome,” as the match winded down. The crowd was split in who they were rooting for. Chants for both men rang out throughout the stadium as they traded punches.
Punk was taking off the tape from his hands and threw it onto the ring, distracting the referee enough to hit Reigns with a low blow. Punk tried to pin Reigns, but Reigns kicked out again.
What was it going to take to put either wrestler down?
Roman Reigns is introduced before the World Heavyweight Championship match against CM Punk during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026.(Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Punk got Reigns outside of the ring and back onto the announce table. He wanted one final blow. He stepped up to the top rope and nailed Reigns with a flying elbow drop.
The crowd waited with bated breath for the two to get back in the ring. Punk lifted Reigns on his shoulders and hit the GTS. Reigns then fell back onto his shoulders, but Punk couldn’t muster the strength to get off one more move.
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Reigns got up and hit Punk with a spear. Punk looked at Reigns and crawled back to him. Reigns hit Punk with one more spear.
Sandra Jeanneret, wife of legendary Sabres play-by-play man Rick Jeanneret, banged the Sabres drum on Sunday before the team’s long-awaited playoff return in Buffalo.
It’s a tradition at Sabres games with the drum going to the beat of ‘Let’s Go Buffalo,’ which the crowd yells out afterward. Sandra was seen as the ideal choice to do the honours for the team’s first playoff game in 15 years.
Little did she know she was about to witness a feat not seen since her late husband delivered one of the most famous calls of his career.
The Sabres rallied from a 2-0 deficit after two periods to beat the Boston Bruins 4-3 before a roaring crowd at KeyBank Center in Buffalo’s first playoff game in 15 years.
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The multi-goal comeback in the third period marked the first time the Sabres have done that in a playoff win since April 24, 1993, when Brad May scored in overtime to complete a sweep of the same Bruins in the first round at Buffalo’s old Memorial Auditorium.
Rick Jeanneret, never short on enthusiasm, bellowed “May Day, May Day” after that goal.
That win gave the Sabres their first series victory in 10 years, setting up a series against the Canadiens, which Montreal would win 4-0.
Could some of history repeat itself? It’s possible, after the Sabres and Canadiens both won their series openers on Sunday. If they were to both win, they’d square off in the second round.
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For now, though, Buffalo fans will celebrate an epic win, keyed by two goals from Tage Thompson and then the go-ahead goal by Mattias Samuelsson.
We saw Trick Williams (With Lil’ Yachty), Rhea Ripley, Jade Cargill, and CM Punk preparing for the show. John Cena was out to kick things off, and he was surprised they didn’t fire him after last night? You were fine, big guy!!
Thanks for the submission!
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Here are the full results for Night 2 of WWE WrestleMania 42:
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Oba Femi defeated Brock Lesnar via pinfall.
Penta defeated Dragon Lee, JD McDonagh, Je’Von Evans, Rey Mysterio, and Rusev to retain the Intercontinental Championship.
Trick Williams defeated Sami Zayn to win the United States Championship.
“The Demon” Finn Balor defeated “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio via pinfall.
Rhea Ripley defeated Jade Cargill via pinfall to win the WWE Women’s Championship.
Roman Reigns defeated CM Punk via pinfall to win the WWE Men’s World Heavyweight Championship.
Cena said it’s a historic night, because this was the first time WWE WrestleMania aired live from ESPN (the channel, specifically, for those confused), so we gotta start with something big! Well, big was an understatement!! Because a battle of the titans started things off!!!
Oba Femi got a MASSIVE pop from the crowd! We see various celebrities, including San Francisco 49ers’ TE George Kittle, doing the Oba strut.
WWE WrestleMania opener: Oba Femi vs Brock Lesnar
After a stalemate, Brock takes Oba to the corner for the shoulder thrusts. Oba Femi shrugs them off!! The Ruler lays out Brock with a huge clothesline!! I don’t think I’ve seen Paul Heyman’s eyes get that wide since The Invasion!
Brock goes to the floor, catching Oba in between the ropes. The two-time NXT Champion is bounced around the posts and steps. Suplex City time!
1, 2, 3 German suplexes. Oba stops the 4th and flattens Lesnar in the corner with some running uppercuts. Another hits an–BROCK CATCHES HIM!!! F-5!!
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Oba stood up from the F-5 like it was nothing! Chokeslam! Fall From Grace!!! OBA FEMI CRUSHED BROCK LESNAR!!!
Oba Femi defeated Brock Lesnar via pinfall.
Grade: C+ It was a shocking moment, but it was under five minutes. So, as a match, not much to sink your teeth into. But Oba’s win was so triumphant that it still served as a great opener.
After the match, Brock took his boots and gloves off and began to weep… The Beast Incarnate retired?? Lesnar gets a huge “Thank You, Brock” chant as he hugged his Advocate and best friend.
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Six-Pack Ladder Match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dragon Lee vs JD McDonagh vs Je’Von Evans vs Rey Mysterio vs Rusev vs Penta
Rusev, JD McDonagh, and Dragon Lee didn’t get entrances, so their odds were slim. Penta is last and comes out with a Shao Kahn helmet (Mortal Kombat 2 is out next month, don’t ya know).
Dragon Lee sent Je’Von to the floor with a leaping hurricanrana, where the Young OG crashed into JD! Back inside, Rey avoided a Styles Clash from Lee, but a superkick sends the Lucha Legend to the floor. Rusev rocks Lee with a ladder, and this match is living up to the car crash description in a good way.
NASTY moment for JD as he is launched high by Rusev onto a prone ladder. Je’Von fell from the top of the ladder to the floor, landing on the floor! He rushed back inside, hitting a springboard clothesline to JD off the ladder! Rey rocked Dragon Lee with a 619 in a ladder! No friends when gold is on the line.
Action slowed down when Rusev took over, setting up a few ladders. Je’Von is uranaged onto an elevated ladder. Penta and Rey worked together, with Penta launching Rey overhead for a seated senton to a waiting Rusev, driving both through the ladder.
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Lee caught Rey with the Styles Clash, but JD blocked his ascent to the Intercontinental Title. Spanish Fly off the near top!! McDonagh and Penta met at the top, where Penta drove JD into the other ladder with the Destroyer!! “McDonagh’s dead,” exclaimed Cole!
Je’Von made it to the title, but Rusev took out the ladder. The Young OG got yanked down and launched to the floor with a ROUGH landing. But Je’Von got back to the ropes before Rusev could make it to the top. OG CUTTER!!
Penta played spoiler ultimately, using a ladder to leap off for another Mexican Destroyer to Je’Von. Penta survived!
Penta defeated Dragon Lee, JD McDonagh, Je’Von Evans, Rey Mysterio, and Rusev to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
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Grade: B. Lotta great stuff here. Je’Von, Dragon Lee, and JD McDonagh all had their moments. Penta got a big reaction.
WWE United States Championship: Trick Williams w/Lil’ Yachty vs Sami Zayn (c)
Sami Zayn got an initial pop, but then the crowd nearly booed him out of the building. Trick Williams? Huge pop, huge reaction, GIANT train on his coat that nearly took up the entire ramp.
Sami’s aggression pretty much confirmed what I knew, what we all knew. This was gonna be a double turn. Steve Austin/Bret Hart. Zayn got pulled off Trick repeatedly, then took out Yachty with another Helluva Kick. A brainbuster dropped Trick on the apron. This crowd HATED Sami Zayn. Trick barely beat the 10-count.
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While the ref checked on Trick, Yachty hung Sami up on the rope. Discus boot by Trick! Sami kicked out. Trick Shot missed, and Sami launched his challenger into the corner with the exploder! Hellu–TRICK SHOT!!! 1-2-3!!
Trick Williams defeated Sami Zayn via pinfall to win the WWE United States Championship.
Grade: C. Great moment for Trick. Sami fed into the boos. But this didn’t really get going at all. Trick more or less got beaten up for 7 minutes just to hit the Trick Shot.
Time for the celebrity shots. George Kittle chugged another beer. Somehow, Rob Gronkowski was more relaxed and subdued. Oh, never mind, they had a chugging contest. Tony Hinchcliffe was also there.
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Street Fight: “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio vs “The Demon” Finn Balor
“You’re a jack*ss!!” Michael Cole shouted at Dominik Mysterio, who threw his sweaty mask at the veteran play-by-play man. Well, I say sweat. They called it “juice,” which…is so much worse. The Demon returned tonight, covered in paint and flowing wraps, plus a mohawk made of spikes!
From the start, Dirty Dom got mauled. Whether Dominik was scared of the Demon or just unprepared for Finn, he took a beating for five minutes, including some thwacks from a kendo stick. Dom finally got some offense in, catching Balor looking for a table with a dive.
The AAA Mega Champ littered the ring with chairs, going for a suplex. Balor blocked, hitting a gourdbuster through the steel instead, and dropping him with the Slingblade! But a superkick and a 619 brought Dom back into it. Frog Splash!
Balor kicked out at one! John Woo Dropkick! Dom avoided the Coup de Grace, bouncing a chair off of Balor’s dome as he got to his feet. Dom set up a table and actually sent Balor through it! With a chair around the Demon’s neck, the 619 connected again. Frog Splash #2
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Balor AGAIN kicked out! The Greatest Mysterio (I said it) grabbed another table, but Balor grabbed a chair and beat the Tom and Nick out of Dom! Chair wrapped around his head, Dom was launched into the corner with another John Woo dropkick! Coup de Grace through the table!
“The Demon” Finn Balor defeated “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio via pinfall.
Grade: C+. This was more about the entrance and the Demon’s return, which was cool. But the match? It was fine. But I wanted more than “fine” from the return of Finn Balor’s ace up his sleeve.
WWE Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley vs Jade Cargill (c)
WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill entered first, which didn’t bode well for her. She was gilded, wrapped in a strange gold robe that almost engulfed her. Rhea Ripley came out simple, but with some great white on black gear and bright red lipstick and makeup around the eyes.
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It was a powerhouse affair, as expected. Two of the most dominant women in WWE, if not all pro-wrestling, for the Women’s WWE Title. And Jade Cargill won the strength advantage early on, bouncing Ripley around ringside with ease. Back in the ring, Rhea went for a wild swing, and Jade caught it, catching her with a crossface!
We got the yay-boo punching trade, with the crowd FIRMLY behind Mami! A leaping dropkick rocked Cargill, who was driven hard to the mat with an electric chair facebuster. The WWE Champion caught the challenger with a spinebuster, but Rhea escaped a Jaded with a roll-up.
As Rhea went for the Razor’s Edge, Michin’s new baddies interfered, allowing Jade to escape and Michin & B-Fab to batter Rhea in the corner. ONE WINGED ANGEL!! Oh…uhhh…SANDSTORM!!! But it wasn’t enough!!
IYO SKY rushed the ring, taking care of B-Fab and Michin and distracting Jade! Headbutt to Cargill! Jade avoided the Riptide and hoofed Ripley, but Ripley slipped through her feet! RIPTIDE!!! Rhea won the WWE Title!!
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Rhea Ripley defeated Jade Cargill via pinfall to win the WWE Women’s Championship.
Grade: B+. Jade and Rhea felt like a real clash of the titans in the best way. A little awkward here and there, but swinging for the fences at all times. This was great.
We got a recap of the entire night, but not before a large bottle of juice was seen partying with families in the crowd. John Cena returned to give us our attendance total. Tonight’s added up to 55,255 in-house. With the 50,817, that gave WWE a total of 106,072 for the weekend!
Cena was ready to wrap up his duties right then and there. But The Miz and Kit Wilson appeared, demanding their WWE WrestleMania moment. Cena let Miz go, but the A-Lister was interrupted by Danhausen.
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Well, first a group of Danhausen midgets (Michael Cole stated that the group DEMANDED to be called that, saving both him and me some face), followed by Danhausen on a…jeep?
Danhausen was happy to meet Cena, and vice versa. Wilson shoved one of the Minihausens down, and another punched Wilson right in his Toxicity (testicles). Miz got a low blow as well, and Danhausen followed up with a Five-Knuckle Shuffle.
With that, Cena kicked off the main event for WWE WrestleMania Night 2: CM Punk vs Roman Reigns for the WWE Men’s World Title.
WWE Men’s World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns vs CM Punk
WWE’s OTC came out with an incredible entrance, as always. A concert pianist, a classical singer, and a dude on two giant drums played out the multi-time WWE Champion, as images of the Anoa’i’s bloodline appeared on the WrestleMania set.
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Punk’s entrance? The WWE World Heavyweight Champion emerged to “Miseria Cantare” by AFI before switching to “Cult of Personality”. His jacket was covered in the names of late musicians, WWE producers, and more, with the large crown on the back for the late great Harley Race.
Punk one-upped Roman early, taking him down, then throwing up Roman’s “one.” Roman shoved him off, and Punk slapped the taste out of his mouth. A Samoan Drop planted Punk, letting the Voice of the Voiceless know where things stood.
The two quickly made their way to the floor, where Punk got the better of the Tribal Chief with a clothesline off the barricade. The WWE World Champ hit Roman’s pose again, to an equally split reaction from the crowd. Roman punished him for his arrogance, a big slam off the table and onto the floor. “Mock me again, b*tch!! Mock me again!”
Roman avoided the GTS and rocked Punk with the Superman Punch! 1-2- Oh, you know nobody gets pinned by that. Roman’s spear taunt cost him, as Punk rocked him with the running knee in the corner mid-yell. A second knee. Two short-armed clotheslines and a swinging neckbreaker. The challenger was stunned!!
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Punk wanted the Macho Elbow through the announcer’s desk, but Roman recovered while the champ soaked in the crowd. Roman trapped Punk in the tree of woe, leaving him hanging on the apron. Three Superman Punches to a vulnerable CM Punk!
Reigns hammers Punk with the steps and, for some reason, is not disqualified. Cole and Wade mentioned that, since it’s the main event of WrestleMania, they wouldn’t want to end the WWE World Title match like that. Strange rule.
A powerbomb through the table left the champion in bad shape. “That’s how Niner Gang does it, b*tch!” Back in the ring, Punk, somehow, countered a spear and hit a GTS out of nowhere!!
1-2-noooo!! Reigns kicked out!! The second GTS fails, and Roman responds with the spear!! Punk kicked out!! Unlike Roman, Punk continued to eat heavy shots. Big rights from the big challenger, as Roman told Punk it was time to Go…To…Sleep.
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Punk blocked and rocked the challenger with a big roundhouse. Roman kicked out, but the momentum swung. Punk hit Roman with the Superman Punch, then grabbed an Ula Fala from a fan to set up the spear. Roman blocked it, going for the guillotine! Punk countered with a pin, then transitioned to the Anaconda Vice!
Sharpshooter attempt is stopped as Roman rocked the WWE World Heavyweight Champion with a boot to the jaw. Guillotine again, and Punk turns it into a jackknife pinfall. Back on their feet, two big clotheslines, and everyone is down!
Punk threw some of his wrist wrap at Roman, and when the ref tossed it away, Punk went low! GTS!! Roman kicked out!!
Punk finally hit the elbow drop through the announcer’s desk, and Roman screamed out in pain. Punk got to his feet, giving a fan at ringside a free video of the Best in the World, while Roman couldn’t even get up on his own.
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Another GTS? No, Punk collapsed before he could finish Reigns. Spear, but Reigns can’t cover. They slowly get to their feet, and the super spear!! 1-2-3!!
Roman Reigns defeats CM Punk via pinfall to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
Grade: A+. Weird “no DQ” logic aside, that was an awesome main event. CM Punk finally got what he wanted, and Roman ended up back on top. An A+ performance for a C average weekend.
After a lackluster Night 1, Night 2 of WrestleMania 42 delivered. That’s especially true of the main event, where Roman Reigns beat CM Punk to win the World Heavyweight Championship.
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The match was Reigns’ best WrestleMania match of his career. It was also a true moment for Punk, who, for years, fought for a main event spot. Both had the crowd, reserved through two nights, in the palm of their hands.
How did we grade the main event? Here is the full grade, reaction, and breakdown of what happened during the main event.
What happened in CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42 Night 2?
Punk and Reigns gave it their all from the jump. Punk tried to get into Reigns’ head, while Reigns attempted to show Punk why he was “the man” while Punk was away from WWE. They both had moments of greatness throughout.
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They talked trash, from the opening bell to the finishing sequence. Reigns was telling Punk how he was the best. Maybe he was trying to convince himself of that?
Regardless, the actual action was what mattered.
Punk landed the GTS, a Spear, locked in the Anaconda Vice, and even connected with a Superman Punch. Reigns hit the Superman Punch, a Shield Bomb through a table, and a Guillotine. He even tried the GTS.
A cool moment saw Reigns land multiple Superman Punches while Punk was draped on the apron, outside the ring.
Punk wore the Ula Fala to mock Reigns. They traded submission attempts and got a standing ovation after collapsing. It wouldn’t be the first time Punk did that, as he did so before he could land a definitive GTS to Reigns.
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Punk hit a low blow after distracting Reigns and the referee, which was unexpected. He then put Reigns through the announce table with an elbow. As he went for the final GTS, Punk collapsed, and Reigns hit multiple Spears for the win.
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Grade: A+
Why CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns earned this WrestleMania 42 main event grade
The match had a great flow to it from start to finish. Roman Reigns surprisingly had a quick entrance. Meanwhile, CM Punk came out to “Miseria Cantare,” setting the tone early.
Unlike Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton, there was no interference or moments to pause in the match. Every move, every emotion shown made sense. Punk and Reigns were there to beat one another up for a title and respect.
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It was a real fight. Nothing felt forced. Reigns let out his hatred of Punk, while the latter did everything to prove that, despite being older and leaving WWE years ago, he can still hang.
If you let the wrestlers wrestle, magic happens. CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns was all you could ask for in a WrestleMania match.
Roger James’ success in Australian Group 1 races targeted at three-year-old fillies began early in the 21st century, and the trainer plans to notch up one more this Saturday.
The New Zealand-based horseman, working with co-trainer Robert Wellwood, has Confesara lined up for the $1 million Australasian Oaks at Morphettville in Adelaide.
For her Australian debut over 2000 metres, the daughter of Toronado—who has a maximum past distance of 1500m—produced a promising second to barnmate Dealt With during a fast 1300m trial at Cambridge last Tuesday, affirming her readiness.
“She ran second to another one of ours, a good open (class) sprinter, and they ran a very quick time, so her trial was good and it will improve her,” James said.
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“She’s another filly that lacked a bit of luck at times during the season, but she’s a highly-talented filly.
“We always thought she was up to an Australian trip but we sat at home and took things quietly and her form dictated that we’re on the right path.”
James brings proven expertise to Australian three-year-old fillies majors, having guided Sixty Seconds, Giovana and Silent Achiever to Group 1 glory alone, and Prowess and Orchestral in collaboration with Wellwood.
Confesara has been absent from the track since her tight yet dominant success in the Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy (1500m) at Ellerslie back on March 7.
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That performance came after a third-place finish in the Group 3 Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m), where she was beaten 1.6 lengths by Belle Cheval, later winner of the Arrowfield Stud Stakes, within her six top-three placings from seven outings.
Confesara was one of 31 horses nominated for the Australasian Oaks when declarations ended late last week, with rivals such as top Victorian Getta Good Feeling, Panova ridden by James McDonald, and VRC Oaks victor Strictly Business leading the field.
Head to betting sites for the latest racing odds on the Australasian Oaks.
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