On Friday, September 8, WWE hosted the WWE Superstar Spectacle at the G.M.C. Balayogi Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad, India. In his successful debut in India, John Cena joined forces with Seth Rollins to face off against Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci.
WWE fans from across the world in India continued to chant CM Punk‘s name despite the recent controversy surrounding him. In a showdown between Rhea Ripley and Natalya, Rhea maintained her dominant streak by securing a victory. The match concluded as The Eradicator executed her signature move, the Riptide, on her opponent, followed by going for the pin.
CM Punk chants at the #WWE Superstar Spectacle event in India. pic.twitter.com/WW1U80m1Sc
— NoDQ.com: WWE and AEW news (@nodqdotcom) September 8, 2023
The show’s opening match saw Drew McIntyre, Kevin Owens, and Sami Zayn emerge victorious against Jinder Mahal and Indus Sher. Originally, the match had been slated to pit Indus Sher against the team of Kevin and Sami.
Jinder interrupted the match, prompting Drew McIntyre to enter, which turned it into a triple-threat match. Drew executed a Claymore Kick on Jinder before attempting the pin. Notably, he managed to kick out of Jinder’s finisher. Moreover, Drew and Jinder used to be teammates.
Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal dancing to Naatu-Naatu step.@SamiZayn @JinderMahal @DMcIntyreWWE @FightOwensFight #WWEHyderabad#WWESuperstarSpectacle#RRR pic.twitter.com/SqbyhVrOKT
— Sharat Mudunuri (@mudunuri_sharat) September 8, 2023
In a match for the Intercontinental Championship, Shanky issued a challenge to Gunther. The crowd rallied behind Shanky, but the Indian superstar ultimately came up short in his bid for the title.
In a one-on-one showdown, former NXT Champion Bron Breaker emerged victorious over Odessey Jones. It’s worth noting that Breaker is still part of NXT, while Jinder was drafted to RAW.
Who did John Cena fight at WWE Superstar Spectacle?
As John Cena made his entrance, the WWE fans erupted in a tremendous cheer. Following the match, the WWE legend delivered a promo, expressing his gratitude to the WWE Universe. This marked Cena’s return to India after a hiatus of 17 years.
“I’ve been imagining this moment right here for twenty years… far greater than I could’ve ever imagined.” John Cena addresses the fans in attendance after his match at #WWESuperstarSpectacle pic.twitter.com/yEaXT9IMVB
— JohnCenaCrews™ (@JohnCenaCrews) September 8, 2023
In the main event, John Cena and World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins joined forces to face the Imperium duo of Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci, securing a victory as the two fan favorites.
Moreover, WWE Hall of Famer The Great Khali made a return, and the towering giant hinted at the potential for an in-ring comeback, implying that Khali believes he has ‘one more match’ left in him.
THE GREAT KHALI IS BACK
says he has one more match in him #WWESuperstarSpectacle pic.twitter.com/4zH4x4sc0K
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) September 8, 2023
On Friday, Gunther officially achieved the status of the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion in history, surpassing Honky Tonk Man’s record. To mark this milestone, he celebrated with a victory over the Indian star Shanky.
