6 Ups And 7 Downs From WWE Clash Of Champions 2016

For fans of: screwy finishes, authority figures, and solid in-ring action.

seth rollins ref kevin owens
WWE.com

Raw's first brand-specific pay-per-view of the new Brand Split era is finally in the books. Matches like Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins and the Women's Title Triple Threat made for a strong card, and while SmackDown's Backlash was one of the year's better shows, the red brand looked well-equipped to at least match their Tuesday night rivals.

As is often the case with WWE, however, things didn't quite turn-out as well as hoped. Clash of Champions 2016 was marred by a stretch of regrettable and confusing booking decisions that took the steam out of almost every major match. Even the clean finishes left a sense of dissatisfaction, and when Clash went off the air, it was hard to shake the feeling that this show was a huge missed opportunity.

Still, the night produced a number of big talking points. There was no Triple H appearance, nor was there a Goldberg sighting (as far-fetched as it seemed), but 4 of Raw's 5 title holders successfully retained their belts, with only the US Champion breaking rank. Roman Reigns' win over Rusev provided Clash's only title change, though not for want of trying from a game set of challengers.

As has become customary in all post-Draft Raw productions, Clash of Champions was a minefield of ups and downs. Let's get into it...

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.