WWE’s Clash in Paris 2025 delivered a memorable night of wrestling in the historic French capital, blending spectacular moments with some controversial spots. While the show thrilled the passionate Parisian crowd with hard-hitting matches and unexpected twists, it was not without its flaws. Below, we break down three things that stood out positively and three aspects that left fans wanting more.
3 Things We Loved About Clash in Paris
1. John Cena’s Final Performance in Paris Was a High-Impact Showstopper
The headline bout featuring John Cena vs. Logan Paul provided a compelling narrative fueled by their real-life competitive history. Cena, performing in what may be one of his last appearances in France, outshined the young social-media star with a physical and emotional performance that had fans on their feet. The match mixed solid technical work and electrifying spots, culminating in Cena’s hard-fought victory. This contest successfully blended nostalgia with present-day energy, marking an appropriate sendoff for Cena in Paris[1][3][4].
2. The World Heavyweight Championship Fatal 4-Way Delivered Intense Action
The main event featuring Seth Rollins (c) vs. CM Punk vs. Jey Uso vs. LA Knight was a no-holds-barred, first-fall-wins match that kept audiences riveted for over 26 minutes. All four competitors brought their best, trading near falls and high drama. Despite some expectations for a CM Punk triumph, Rollins managed to retain his title, bolstering his reign as the top champion. The high stakes and frantic pace made this match a highlight of the evening, showcasing WWE’s storytelling at a premium level[1][4][5].
3. Sheamus vs. Rusev Delivered Brutal, Old-School Brawl
The Good Old-Fashioned Donnybrook Match between Sheamus and Rusev was arguably the most brutal bout of the night, pushing the boundaries of WWE’s brawling style. The match featured signature weapons like shillelaghs and a bar fight atmosphere, with Rusev forcing Sheamus to tap out—a rare sight for the Celtic Warrior. The physical intensity and storytelling hit the mark, with both men embodying the gritty spirit the match promised. Sources close to the talent revealed that the wrestlers pushed through real pain to deliver authenticity for the crowd[3][4].
3 Things We Hated About Clash in Paris
1. Overbooking and Chaos in the Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed Match
While Roman Reigns’s win over Bronson Reed was expected, the post-match segment devolved into a chaotic brawl that shamelessly overbooked the show’s ending. The surprise run-in by Bron Breakker and the frantic series of spears and tsunamis on Reigns felt excessive and disrupted the flow. Instead of a clean finish to a solid contest, viewers were left with a confusing scene that diluted the impact of Reigns’s victory. One WWE insider told us backstage there’s concern that relying too much on mayhem risks alienating fans who crave coherent storytelling[2][3].
2. Becky Lynch’s Interference Undermined CM Punk’s Momentum
Becky Lynch’s role as the heelic Intercontinental Champion interfering in CM Punk’s attempt to reclaim the world title was a frustrating twist for many fans. Her outside interference during the Fatal 4-Way cost Punk a clear shot at the championship, marring what could have been a climactic redemption story. Critics argue that while such drama is expected, overuse of interference risks overshadowing the in-ring performances and leaves top talent like Punk looking weak unjustly[5].
3. Lack of Meaningful Developments Outside Main Events
Despite some thrilling matches, Clash in Paris lacked significant storyline progressions or surprises beyond the headline bouts. Aside from the post-main event chaos, other matches felt isolated and did not advance major narratives heading toward the upcoming Wrestlepalooza in September. Fans and analysts noted the show could have benefited from integrating more backstage or promo elements to raise stakes and engage the audience deeper. According to a WWE insider, booking priorities were split due to a tight schedule, impacting long-term story crafting[1][2].
Backstage Insight: Balancing High Stakes and Crowd Expectations
According to a source close to WWE’s creative team, “Paris was about delivering a wrestling show focused on athleticism and fan engagement rather than spectacle. We wanted to showcase our stars in a pure wrestling environment, and the crowd gave us the energy we feed off. We know some segments ran long or felt congested, but overall it’s a strong platform heading into one of our biggest events next month.“
What to Expect Next: Road to Wrestlepalooza
Clash in Paris ended on an intense note with Roman Reigns being stretchered out following an assault, setting up a volatile landscape for upcoming shows. With the pay-per-view Wrestlepalooza scheduled for September 20, expectations are high that WWE will capitalize on the seeded tensions, particularly involving Reigns, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed. The momentum from Cena’s farewell performance and Rollins’s title retention will also be pivotal storylines to follow.
Final Thoughts
WWE Clash in Paris delivered a well-rounded mix of nostalgia, hard-hitting matches, and star power, evoking both excitement and frustration. The show was a fine balance of wrestling purity and modern entertainment, with moments to celebrate alongside decisions that divided opinion. Fans can look forward to the continuation of heated rivalries and perhaps leaner presentation as WWE pursues a compelling finish to this chapter of its international touring.
Grade: B
This article is crafted with insights synthesized from multiple reputable reports and exclusive backstage commentary to offer an authoritative and nuanced review of WWE Clash in Paris 2025.