Opening a major WWE premium live event like SummerSlam is a crucial task, demanding competitors set a high bar for the rest of the show. Liv Morgan and Iyo Sky certainly met that challenge, igniting the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis with an intense Women’s World Championship match. Morgan, entering the bout as champion, faced a formidable opponent in Sky, who had recently bested her in the Queen of the Ring finals. Despite a recent lull in title defenses, Morgan appeared undeterred as the match commenced.
Morgan’s Early Momentum and Sky’s Response
As Sky attempted to take the action outside the ring, Morgan skillfully reversed her opponent’s intentions. She sent Sky crashing into the barricade, followed by a targeted strike to the ribs. Morgan then executed the ‘Three Amigos,’ a classic maneuver, signaling her intent to dominate. However, ‘Genius of the Sky’ Sky proved her resilience, quickly turning the tide. A swift kick to the head and a missile dropkick shifted the momentum back in Sky’s favor.
Sky capitalized on her regained advantage, delivering a ‘Bullet Train Attack’ that left Morgan vulnerable. With Morgan perched precariously on the middle rope, Sky executed a breathtaking sunset-flip powerbomb, sending the champion crashing to the mat outside the ring. The crowd buzzed with anticipation as Sky prepared for her signature moonsault.
Interference and Near Falls
Just as Sky was ascending the turnbuckle, the match took a dramatic turn with the involvement of members associated with Morgan’s faction, The Judgment Day. Roxanne Perez, positioned ringside, managed to distract the referee, creating an opening. Seizing the opportunity, Raquel Rodriguez intervened, forcefully tossing Sky down from the top rope. Despite the external assistance, Morgan was unable to secure the pinfall, highlighting Sky’s tenacity.
Following the interference, Sky demonstrated remarkable agility by taking out both Perez and Rodriguez with a spectacular moonsault to the floor. This allowed Morgan a brief moment to regroup. However, the reprieve was short-lived. Morgan found herself caught on the top rope, and Sky capitalized with an astonishing Spanish Fly, showcasing her incredible aerial prowess.
Sky’s Offensive Barrage and Morgan’s Resilience
Sky continued her relentless assault, pulling out all the stops. She executed a double underhook faceplant followed by a backbreaker, and even landed Morgan’s own finisher, ‘Oblivion.’ The champion, however, refused to stay down, demonstrating incredible resilience against Sky’s powerful offense.
The back-and-forth action intensified as Sky delivered a German suplex to Morgan on the apron, followed by another punishing ‘Bullet Train Attack.’ Setting up for her ‘Over the Moonsault,’ Sky aimed for the decisive blow. But in a crucial moment, Morgan managed to move, causing Sky to miss her target.
Morgan’s Championship Finish
With Sky momentarily stunned, Morgan seized the opportunity to launch her own decisive offensive sequence. She hit ‘Oblivion,’ followed by a ‘Codebreaker,’ and then landed another ‘Oblivion’ to finally put Iyo Sky down for the three-count.
Morgan’s victory at SummerSlam solidified her position as a top star in WWE’s women’s division. She successfully defended her Women’s World Championship against one of the most formidable challengers on the Raw roster, proving that even when facing immense pressure and a highly skilled opponent like Iyo Sky, she has the grit and determination to retain her title.
