WWE makes its historic first premium live event debut in Germany
In short: For decades, the world's biggest wrestling promotion remained a stranger to German soil for its major spectacles. That changed on August 31, 2024. Bash in Berlin wasn't just another show; it was a milestone of expansion and scripted drama that brought two rival brands together under one roof.
Bash in Berlin marked the first time WWE held a premium live event (PLE) in Germany. While the company had previously visited the country—notably during the 1992 European Rampage Tour when it was still known as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF)—this event represented a modern era of expansion. Held at the Uber Arena (formerly Mercedes-Benz Arena), the show featured wrestlers from both the Raw and SmackDown brands, creating an interbrand atmosphere for five contested matches.
The narrative of the night was built on months of scripted storylines. The main event saw European native Gunther defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Randy Orton. This feud originated from a controversial referee decision at King and Queen of the Ring, where Orton's shoulder was not fully on the mat during a pinfall count. Following a subsequent win at SummerSlam, Orton demanded a rematch in Berlin to rectify the mistake, with stakes involving potential brand transfers for both men.
Other key matches included Cody Rhodes defending his Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens—a match approved by SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis as a token of gratitude—and CM Punk's first televised win in over a decade against Drew McIntyre in a strap match. The event concluded with a sold-out atmosphere, drawing an official attendance of 13,149 fans, and was broadcast globally across various platforms including Peacock, SonyLIV, and Disney+.
The production also integrated local elements, such as the official theme song "Ratatata" by Babymetal and Electric Callboy. By blending international superstars with a specific European setting, WWE aimed to solidify its footprint in the global market while maintaining the high-stakes drama of its primary television programs.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Bash in Berlin
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