WWE Clash of Champions 2016: Kevin Owens retains Universal Title
Prizefighter edges Rollins thanks to Chris Jericho and stricken ref
By David Ruse
Last Updated: 26/09/16 1:15pm
Kevin Owens remains WWE Universal Champion - due to Chris Jericho and a knocked-out referee.
The Canadian went one-on-one with Seth Rollins at the Clash of Champions pay-per-view on Sunday and looked beaten twice before he smashed the Architect with a Pop-Up Powerbomb to retain Raw's top belt.
Owens had Jericho to thank for his first lifeline, with his friend, who had rushed to ringside mid-match, placing his foot on the ropes to negate the pinfall after he had been blasted with a Pedigree.
Rollins then accidentally floored the referee as he leapt clear of Owens' attempted Powerbomb and the official was still down when the fan favourite nailed a second Pedigree on the champion.
Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon dispatched another referee to the ring but amid the chaos Owens blasted Rollins with his finishing move to earn the victory and keep hold of the gold he won on Raw on August 29.
Rollins looked poised to claim the Universal Title on that date before he was sucker-punched by Triple H - The Game clocking his former protégé with a shock Pedigree to help Owens triumph.
Rollins' subsequent defeat on Sunday leaves him still waiting for a third reign as a world champion in WWE but he put in a mightily impressive display inside Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
The former Shield star struck Owens and Jericho with suicide dives, while he also cracked the champion with a Sling Blade and caused him to drop through the Spanish announce desk after rolling clear of a running senton.
However, Owens' alliance with Jericho and the referee's tumble ensured the Prizefighter - who also struck Rollins with a Cannonball and a Frog Splash - prevailed in his maiden WWE pay-per-view main event.
Missed WWE Clash of Champions? Then catch a repeat on Sky Sports Box Office (channel 491) between 10am on Monday, September 26 and 10pm on Thursday, September 29 - the show is priced £14.95 for UK customers and €21.95 for viewers in the Republic of Ireland.
PHONE: UK viewers can call 03442 410 888 to book WWE Clash of Champions, while customers in the Republic of Ireland should call 0818 220 225. (There is a £2 / €2 booking fee for all orders placed over the phone).
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