WWE inaugurates Italian market with premium live event in Turin
The World Wrestling Entertainment promotion has staged its first premium live event in Italy, marking a strategic expansion into the European market with a card focused on unresolved grudges from recent major shows.
The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has hosted its inaugural premium live event in Italy, bringing its major production to the Inalpi Arena in Turin on Sunday, May 31, 2026. Titled Clash in Italy, the event represents a significant expansion for the professional wrestling promotion into the Italian market, marking the first time the organisation has staged a premium live event in the country.
The card was structured around four major rematches stemming from WrestleMania 42, Backlash, and Saturday Night's Main Event, alongside one new championship encounter. The world heavyweight title scene featured Jacob Fatu challenging Roman Reigns. Reigns had barely retained his title at Backlash, while Fatu, known as "The Samoan Werewolf," is viewed by many as a legitimate future champion following his previous meeting with Reigns.
In another high-profile rematch, Oba Femi faced Brock Lesnar. Their initial clash at WrestleMania 42 saw Femi secure a victory that appeared to signal Lesnar's retirement. However, Lesnar reneged on that retirement announcement on May 18, attacking Femi and setting up this immediate rematch.
The women's division also saw significant title action. Rhea Ripley made her first defence of the WWE women's title against Jade Cargill, the opponent she defeated at WrestleMania 42. Additionally, Sol Ruca challenged Becky Lynch for the women's intercontinental title. Lynch had won via disqualification on Saturday Night's Main Event, a result that technically granted Ruca a win and triggered a rematch clause.
The sole new match on the card saw Cody Rhodes defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Gunther. Gunther had left Raw for SmackDown to pursue the title, defeating Royce Keys in a title eliminator to earn his shot. This marked only the second meeting between Rhodes and Gunther, with Rhodes having defeated his challenger at the 2024 Crown Jewel event.
The event was broadcast via ESPN Unlimited, which was accessible to viewers through Fubo subscriptions. Subscribers could watch the first hour of the event on Saturday, with full access available through the ESPN app using Fubo credentials.
