WWE was back in Manchester with a bang on Wednesday night - and there were famous faces both in and out of the ring. 

More than 20 of the world’s best WWE Superstars from Smackdown descended on Co-op Live for a night of entertainment made famous by the multi-billion dollar franchise. 

Thousands of fans packed into the venue that is firmly cementing itself as a go-to leisure destination. 

Gunther took on 'Main Event' Jey Uso in a World Heavyweight Championship street fight, while Nia Jax faced Bayley in a WWE Women’s Championship Match.

(Image: NQ) Nia Jax and Bayley go head to head

Entertaining matches had the crowd ooh-ing and aah-ing in unison. 

Randy Orton spent at least 10 minutes milking his victory, but no one minded - the crowd was just happy to keep singing 'Voices' on repeat. 

Randy Orton ready for an RKO

The night was headlined with a steel cage match for the Undisputed WWE Championship between “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa - it was a fantastic finale. 

(Image: NQ) A few famous local faces showed up to merge the worlds of WWE with UFC and boxing as champion MMA fighter Tom Aspinall graced the ring to show off his belt while boxers Tommy and Tyson Fury were spotted being ushered in part-way through the evening to sit ringside. 

MMA fighter Tom AspinallMMA fighter Tom Aspinall (Image: NQ)

 

When I was a kid back in the 1990s, WWE - or WWF as it was known before the name change - was my absolute favourite. The likes of Bret the Hitman Hart, Ric Flair, Rowdy Roddy Piper and Macho Man Randy Savage were total legends.

And I admit, I'm not as au fait with this current crop because my eldest son has only just discovered WWE - and he already loves it. Last night I thought I was taking one for the team by having a mad dash to get us there but I ended up loving it just as much as him. 

The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes in Manchester

Cody Rhodes and Tom Aspinall share the ring

We got chatting to a mum and her grown-up daughter on the same row, we legged it to the barriers to get glimpses of the superstars, we got totally caught up in the drama. 

An epic night of entertainment, the tour continues next month in London, Nottingham and Sheffield. See wwe.com for details.