SACRAMENTO, Calif. - It was a match with everything at risk - honor, dignity, heritage, and championship gold -fused together into an intense battle of epic proportions. And when the smoke cleared, Rey Mysterio's mask proved to be Chris Jericho's downfall, as the Master of the 619 reigned supreme, securing his heritage and once more capturing the illustrious Intercontinental Championship. Match Photos
The collective eyes of the WWE Universe stood transfixed on the squared-circle from the opening bell, as the relentless Jericho forced Mysterio to endure an unrelenting physical and verbal attack while viciously trying to rip his mask from his face. Every time the high-octane Master of the 619 flew back into action, the first-ever Undisputed Champion was there to unleash further anguish. But when Jericho finally succeeded in his quest and held the mask high, he was stunned to discover that Mysterio was still wearing a second mask underneath. The proud luchador took full advantage of the distraction, hitting the 619 to snatch the gold from Jericho’s clutches.
Both men entered the ring with a personal stake in the prestigious realm of the Intercontinental Title. Mysterio has publicly associated its greatness with the iconic champions who have worn it in the past, voicing his sincere hope to one day be among the greatest Intercontinental Champions of all time. Chris Jericho leads all WWE Superstars in history, holding the championship a record nine times. Mysterio went into The Bash admitting that the only thing he is ashamed of is that the title is around Jericho’s waist.
The Bash marks the third time that the two premier Superstars have feverously locked horns for the coveted gold in the last two months. After Mysterio successfully defended his title at Judgment Day, Jericho roared back to rip Mysterio’s mask off at Extreme Rules as he was going for the 619. And before anyone could catch their breath, he quickly followed up to pin the stunned Superstar, taking his gold and his dignity in a flash.
Throughout their intense conflict, Jericho has charged his masked adversary with being the “ultimate hypocrite” and “hiding” behind a mask. The outspoken Superstar has insisted over and over again that Mysterio “panders” to the WWE Universe and claimed that he is a coward.
Mysterio has insisted that his iconic mask, as is tradition with luchadors, is his whole identity and immense source of pride to him, both personally and professionally. Week after week, Jericho has continued to exploit the important fact to win matches against Mysterio, threatening to expose Rey's face to the world permanently.
With ultimate risk comes ultimate reward. And after putting everything he cared about on the line at The Bash, Rey Mysterio stared adversity in the face and walked out a true champion.
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