7 Match Star Ratings For WWE Clash At The Castle

6. Bianca Belair, Asuka & Alexa Bliss Vs. Bayley, Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky

Gunther Sheamus
WWE.com

The UK fans aren't ironic or contrarian.

The reaction to the opener proper was nothing personal against Bianca Belair. They are simply besotted with Bayley and hold treasured memories of the NXT live event tour of 2015: the best house show series the UK has ever seen. She was incredible at doing everything she could think of to dispel the reaction, but an older, rabid fanbase recognised how clever the improvisation was and fell for her even harder. This opening six-woman tag was very good and super loud.

A story of a collective versus three individuals, the teamwork informed Damage Control's win following a stunning last three minutes. The idea to hold Bianca in place by the ropes by her braid, allowing Kai to kick her flush in the face, was a super creative means of telling that story.

Throughout, the action was exciting without ever hitting true, mind-blowing exhilaration, but the reception was so warm that it was a glorious spectacle nonetheless.

Asuka and Iyo Sky continued to tease an exceptional singles match, Alexa levelled up to more skilled opponents and rivals in what was her best performance in years, and in a bold finish, Bayley pinned Bianca Belair to emerge as a badly needed main event heel player.

Star Rating: ★★★½

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Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!