WrestleMania 39 results: Gunther breaks Sheamus’ heart, retains IC title

© Provided by SMG The story so far: Triple threat matches at WrestleMania are something of a tradition, and the amount of thought that goes into them varies. This is an example from the higher end of the scale, as Sheamus and Drew McIntyre have a long history as both friends and rivals. They’re back on the latter track since Sheamus believes Drew stabbed him in the back by going after the one WWE title he really wants — because it’s the only one he’s never held. Gunther, meanwhile, has been a dominant IC champ and it rightfully upset he could lose without being pinned or submitted. Makes you think that’s exactly what will happen. What should happen: Yes, it’s very by the numbers, but Sheamus pinning McIntyre makes a lot of sense. It settles things between them for now, and gives Gunther justification to demand a rematch from Adam Pearce. You may remember that Sheamus-Gunther matches are pretty awesome, so that wouldn’t be a bad thing at all. What will (probably) happen: There’s a very strong chance of hijinks in this bout since everyone but McIntyre has a stable to back them up. Still, it feels like Sheamus will win and Gunther will stay in the picture, unless he’s moving up to be the heel that challenges the new undisputed champ. Just saying …

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Drew McIntyre is dressed in white tonight, while Sheamus is accompanied to the stage by his Brawling Brutes teammates before they end up retreating to the back. Gunther has a bit of a retro look for him with a long navy blue coat.

When the bell rings, Gunther seems to motion his challengers to fight each other, but McIntyre sends him to the floor with a dropkick so he and Sheamus can duke it out.

Sheamus lands the first big move, an Irish Curse, but Gunther returns and attacks him from behind. Titus O’Neil is loving this one as the guest commentator.

A clubbing chop from Gunther sends Sheamus to the mat, and he hurls McIntyre into the ringpost as well. A series of chops and boots batters Sheamus as the fans applaud.

Gunther drops Sheamus’ back on his knee before switching to a Bostom Crab. Alas, McIntyre has joined them now, and he’s willing to trade strikes with the champ. The fans come alive again as Drew backs Gunther into a corner with rapid fire chops, and now all three men are doing battle.

Eventually, Gunther ends up taking the 10 Beats of the Bodhran while also receiving chops from McIntyre, who sends Sheamus to the floor as well. Sheamus gives his old (former?) friend the same treatment, going well beyond 10 beats, and past 20 until Drew finally slumps to the outside.

Sheamus hoists McIntyre but eats a boot to the face and a release German suplex from Gunther. The champ crashes home a clothesline and gets a two count.

Gunther lines up Sheamus for another big clothesline that gets another near fall. McIntyre hits a neckbreaker on Gunther, then hurls Sheamus into him in the corner. A Future Shock and a kip up have Drew feeling good, but Gunther evades a Claymore and hits a powerbomb that forces McIntyre to kick out at two.

The Ring General climbs up top only to be greeted by Sheamus’ fists and hands. Sheamus delivers an Avalanche White Noise and the Celtic Cross, but his cover is only good enough for a two count.

Sheamus locks the champ in a Cloverleaf, adjusting the hold as needed until McIntyre tries a sleeper on him. A series of reversals finds Sheamus hitting both opponents with knees to the face, and the fans cheer as they can feel the finish.

A Brogue Kick finds the mark, but McIntyre hauls Sheamus out of the ring when he makes the cover. As they battle, McIntyre sets up for a breathtaking tope con hilo. He calls for the Claymore but runs into a Brogue Kick, and once again it’s only good for a two count.

“Fight all damn night” says Michael Cole. McIntyre connects on a Claymore, and this time it’s Sheamus’ turn to barely kick out before the ref counts to three. The Irish and Celtic Warriors battle on their knees, then their feet, continuing to just throw with all they’ve got left.

Sheamus manages to come out of it with another Brogue Kick, but he’s slow to cover and Gunther has finally recovered to splash them both. He powerbombs Sheamus onto McIntyre, then powerbombs Drew to retain his Intercontinental Championship.

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