Charlotte Flair is still SmackDown Women’s Champion following her title defense at WrestleMania 38.
Charlotte defeated Ronda Rousey to retain the SmackDown Women’s title at WrestleMania 38 night one on Saturday. A ref bump played into the finish of the match, and Charlotte pinned Rousey after hitting a big boot.
The ref bump happened when Charlotte was going for the Figure Eight. Rousey kicked Charlotte off and accidentally sent her into the referee. Rousey then put Charlotte in an armbar. Charlotte quickly tapped out, but the referee was knocked out and couldn’t see it.
When Rousey went to wake the referee up, Charlotte hit a big boot on Rousey. She pinned Rousey to retain the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
There was also a moment near the end of the match where Rousey thought she had Charlotte beat after hitting Piper’s Pit. The referee counted to three, but Charlotte got her foot on the bottom rope. The referee saw that and waved off the pin.
Rousey got the title shot against Charlotte by winning this year’s women’s Royal Rumble match. The Royal Rumble was Rousey’s first appearance for WWE since WrestleMania 35 in 2019.
Charlotte has been SmackDown Women’s Champion since exchanging title belts with Becky Lynch after they swapped brands in last October’s WWE Draft.
Cody Rhodes made his return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 as Seth Rollins’s mystery opponent.
Rhodes came out after Rollins made his entrance. He was introduced as “The American Nightmare” and used the same music he used on the independent scene and AEW. The two had a competitive back and forth match, with Rhodes scoring the win after hitting the crossroads.
Along with his wife Brandi, Rhodes left AEW back in February after negotiations between them and Tony Khan fell through. His final match with the company was losing the TNT Championship to Sammy Guevara on the Beach Break episode of Dynamite that took place on January 26.
Rhodes had signed with WWE back in 2006 and spent the next ten years with the promotion, winning the Intercontinental title two times and multiple tag team titles with Hardcore Holly, Drew McIntyre, Ted DiBiase, and his brother Goldust (Dustin Rhodes). He left the WWE in 2016 after asking for his release, and was later an executive vice president for All Elite Wrestling when the promotion launched in 2019.
Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA Heavyweight Champion Gable Steveson appeared at night one of WWE WrestleMania 38.
WWE’s chief brand officer Stephanie McMahon introduced Steveson to the crowd, trumpeting his amateur wrestling accolades, then raising his arm.
Wrestling for the University of Minnesota, Steveson captured his second consecutive NCAA title on March 19, defeating Cohlton Schultz in the finals. Steveson symbolically left his wrestling shoes on the mat after winning, effectively announcing his retirement from the amateur ranks.
Steveson won his third Big Ten title with a 13-0 record during the 2021-2022 season, and also won Olympic gold in the 125 kg weight class in freestyle wrestling at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, held in 2021.
Steveson signed an NIL (name, image, likeness) deal with WWE in September 2021, and was drafted to the Raw brand in the 2021 WWE Draft. He has yet to make his in-ring professional wrestling debut, but is expected to be a featured regular on Raw imminently.
Bianca Belair is the new WWE Raw Women’s Champion.
She defeated Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 38 in Dallas to win the title on Saturday. Belair is now a two-time Women’s Champion in WWE, having won the Smackdown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 37 and now the Raw title at WrestleMania 38.
Lynch’s reign with a championship ends at 223 days. She won the Smackdown title from Belair at SummerSlam 2021 in an impromptu match after returning to WWE following a 15-month absence. Lynch would then exchange the Smackdown title for the Raw belt during a segment on the December 17, 2021 edition of Smackdown. She then held the Raw championship for 162 days before losing it to Belair at Mania.
Belair has now won a championship at two straight WrestleManias. She defeated Sasha Banks to win the Smackdown title at WrestleMania 37 last year. During her 133-day reign, she defended the belt twice against Bayley and twice against Carmella before losing it to Lynch.
The partnership between Logan Paul and The Miz was short-lived.
The two defeated Rey and Dominik Mysterio tonight during the first night of WrestleMania 38. After the match, the two celebrated briefly before The Miz laid out Paul with the Skull Crushing Finale. Paul was stunned as Miz exited the ring and continued to celebrate.
The finish of the match had The Mysterios going for the finish on Paul. However, the Miz tagged himself in and and slammed Domink into Rey. Miz then hit Rey with the Skull Crushing finale to pick up the win.
The Miz originally introduced Paul as his tag team partner, challenging The Mysterios to a match at WrestleMania due to the Miz feeling that Rey Mysterio didn’t respect him. Miz went as far as stealing Rey’s mask and presenting it to Paul in the weeks leading to tonight’s match.
Jake Paul, Logan’s brother, appeared in the pre-show panel prior to tonight’s WrestleMania event and hyped the tag team match.
WWE’s Rick Boogs suffered an apparent serious leg injury during the opening match of WrestleMania Saturday.
Boogs and Shinsuke Nakamura challenged the Usos for the SmackDown Tag Team titles in the opener. During a spot where he lifted both Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso in a fireman’s carry, Boogs’ right leg appeared to buckle, and he stayed on the floor for the remainder of the match after tagging out.
The Usos retained the titles by pinning Nakamura after hitting a 1-D. Boogs then was carried to the back by WWE personnel.
Michael Cole announced later in the broadcast that Boogs suffered a patella injury and a quadriceps injury and will be undergoing surgery to repair the damage within the next few days.
Dave Meltzer reports that a preliminary diagnosis indicated a torn quadriceps and a patella injury.
Early diagnosis on Boogs is torn quad. Hopefully it's not that bad.
The injury to Boogs appeared to cut the match short, as there was an additional video package shown between the end of the bout and the start of the next. The match’s finish may have also been changed as a result of the injury.
Boogs suffered a serious knee injury early in his WWE NXT career, tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus in 2017 and missing more than a year of in-ring action
Boogs debuted in NXT in 2017 and wrestled there until 2020 under a variety of variations of his name.
After appearing as Joe Average in a series of WWE-themed Old Spice commercials, Boogs was called up to the SmackDown brand in May 2021 and paired with Nakamura.
Boogs made his SmackDown in-ring debut in August 2021.
The first night of WrestleMania 38 from AT&T Stadium in Dallas is headlined by the return of WWE icon “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
Austin will confront Kevin Owens on the KO Show, which is expected to lead to some sort of physical confrontation. The extent of that physicality is one of the intriguing storylines going into the show.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair will defend against Ronda Rousey, who returns to WWE’s biggest show of the year for the first time since 2019.
In another high-profile match, Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defends against Bianca Belair.
Seth Rollins’ road to WrestleMania will end up against a mystery opponent that is widely assumed to be the returning Cody Rhodes.
The Mysterios vs. The Miz & Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin, The Usos vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs for the SmackDown Tag Team titles, and New Day vs. Sheamus & Ridge Holland are also set for tonight.
Tonight’s main card begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time. There will also be a two-hour pre-show leading into the event.
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Pre-Show
Kayla Braxton introduced the panel members Booker T, Pete Rosenberg, Kevin Patrick, and JBL. They’re outside of AT&T Stadium with a crowd of fans behind them waiting to get in.
They recapped the Becky Lynch and Bianca Belair feud. Rosenberg, JBL, and Booker all picked Belair to win, which got a pop. Patrick picked Lynch, which also got a good reaction from the fans nearby.
The panel turned their attention to the KO Show tonight. They showed a Steve Austin video package. They recapped The Usos vs. Rick Boogs & Shinsuke Nakamura.
They recapped the Seth Rollins path to WrestleMania storyline. In the back, Maria Menounos interviewed Rollins. He noted that everyone wants to know his opponent’s identity.
Rollins said it could be a legend like Stone Cold, The Rock, or Hulk Hogan. He speculated it could be someone from NXT like Carmelo Hayes. Rolins even thinks it could be Vince McMahon. He said it doesn’t matter because tonight’s about him.
The panel discussed Rollins’ match tonight. The fans in the background broke into a loud “Cody” chant. They recapped last night’s Hall of Fame ceremony.
A TikTok celebrity Josh Richards joined the panel, and the fans erupted in boos. They broke into a loud “Who are you?” chant. Booker asked if he’d get in the ring because he’s a natural heel. JBL agreed. They previewed the KO Show with Steve Austin tonight.
They showed footage of Kevin Owens at Axxess yesterday. He knocked over Austin merchandise, hit an Austin cut out, and spray painted Owens 3:16 Get Stunned on an Austin poster.
Jerry “The King” Lawler joined the panel, and the fans broke into a loud “Jerry” chant. They previewed Rey & Dominik Mysterio vs. The Miz & Logan Paul. Logan’s brother, Jake Paul, joined the panel, and the fans booed him. He was a total heel and played to the crowd.
They previewed Sheamus & Ridge Holland vs. New Day. They also showed footage of Big E’s injury. In the back, Maria Menounos interviewed Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. They promised to win tonight despite Butch being in Sheamus & Holland’s corner. They showed Big E’s message on social media from last month. Braxton started a “Big E” chant. This match didn’t end up taking place.
They recapped the Happy Corbin and Drew McIntyre feud. The panel discussed Madcap Moss winning the Andre the Giant Battle Royal last night. Braxton wondered if Moss would be better off without Corbin. Moss interrupted the panel and praised Corbin. He’s confident that Corbin’s winning tonight and continuing his undefeated streak.
Moss told a bad joke, but Booker thought he was hilarious. He made Moss tell more jokes, and Booker couldn’t stop laughing. He even got the fans chanting, “One more.” Moss felt the fans didn’t deserve one more joke.
Inside the AT&T Stadium, Titus O’Neil welcomed the fans to the most stupendous WrestleMania. The fans popped. O’Neil introduced five local organizations they worked with and donated $20,000 to each.
They previewed Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey. American Ninja Warrior’s Akbar Gbjabiamila joined the panel to discuss the SmackDown Women’s title match. They turned their attention to Austin’s return and tomorrow night’s main event.
Main Show
Country music rocker Brantley Gilbert performed the National anthem. The opening video featured actor Mark Wahlberg.
The Dallas Cowboys’ Cheerleaders came out and performed to AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” and got a big pop.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee kicked off WrestleMania. McAfee’s excited for his first WrestleMania.
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos defeated Shinkuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs to retain (6:52)
This was a good opening match, but it was the same basic match they’d have on SmackDown. It might have been cut short due to Boogs’ injury.
Rick Boogs came out and introduced Shinsuke Nakamura. They both got a big pop from the fans. McAfee danced on the announce table.
They recapped Rick Boogs defeating Jey Uso. They did the special ring introductions for the match.
Nakamura kicked Jimmy in the face at the bell. He followed up with a running knee in the corner. The Usos took over and isolated Nakamura on their side of the ring. Nakamura tried fighting back, but Jimmy hit an enziguri to maintain control. He slowed the pace down with a chin lock.
Boogs tagged in and ran wild. He caught Jey with a bear hug and transitioned into a delayed vertical suplex for a near fall. Boogs picked up both Usos on his shoulders, but his knee gave out. Nakamura tagged back in and hit a dive to the floor. Nakamura fought The Usos alone for the rest of the match because Boogs’ legit knee injury.
Nakamura hit a sliding German suplex on Jey and set up for the Kinshasa, but Jey hit a superkick. Jimmy followed up with the splash for a near fall, which got a big reaction. Nakamura fought back, but Jey grabbed his hair, which allowed Jimmy to hit a superkick. The Usos hit the 1-D for the win.
After the match, the doctors checked on Boogs at ringside. Later in the night, Cole noted that Boogs would require surgery for his injury.
They showed a lengthy video package looking at Sami Zayn vs. Johnny Knoxville.
McIntyre and Corbin had a good match. It started out slow but picked up when McIntyre was in control. The fans were into it by the end.
They recapped the McIntyre-Corbin feud. Cole and McAfee made a big deal out of Corbin’s joke about McIntyre’s mother last night. They then recapped Madcap Moss winning the Andre the Giant Battle Royal.
McIntyre jumped Corbin at the bell. He rocked Corbin with hard chops in the corner. Corbin tried fighting back, but McIntrye sent him to the floor with a clothesline. McIntyre drove Corbin’s back into the barricade.
Corbin recovered and sent McIntyre into the ring post. He targeted McIntyre’s knee and talked trash. He followed up with a back suplex for a near fall. Corbin was firmly in control, so Moss jumped on the apron to celebrate.
Corbin yelled at Moss to jump off the apron. McIntyre took advantage and hit a spinebuster for a near fall. He regained control and hit the neck breaker for another near fall. Corbin blocked the Futureshock DDT and hit the Deep Six for a close near fall.
McIntyre fought back and hit a clothesline off the top rope. He set up for the Claymore, and the fans popped. They counted along with him, but Moss pulled Corbin out of the ring. McIntyre then hit a huge flip dive over the top rope. The fans popped big.
Corbin avoided McIntrye and went for the End of Days, but McIntyre slipped out. Corbin avoided the Claymore and hit End of Days for a very close near fall. The fans thought that was the finish and popped big when McIntyre kicked out. Cole noted that’s the first time anyone kicked out of Corbin’s finisher.
McIntyre jumped to his feet and hit the Claymore kick for the win. The fans popped big for McIntyre’s win.
After the match, McIntyre celebrated with his sword, Angela. Moss tried to get in the ring, but Mcintyre backed him off. He then cut the top ring rope with the sword, and all the ropes fell.
The Miz & Logan Paul defeated Rey & Dominik Mysterio (11:14)
This was a good tag team match. Paul was good in the match and a great heel. The fans hated him with a passion. They hated him so much they cheered Miz when he turned on Paul after the match.
They recapped the Mysterios vs. The Miz & Logan Paul feud.
Paul came to the ring wearing a rare Pokemon card around his neck. The heels gained the early advantage when Paul caused a distraction from the apron.
Paul tagged in, and the fans erupted in boos. He backed Rey into the corner with rights and lefts. Paul avoided Rey with two leapfrogs and did the splits. Rey took advantage and kicked Paul in the head.
The Mysterios took over with Dominik running wild. He hit a moonsault off the middle rope on Miz for a near fall. He followed up with an arm drag on Paul, and a head scissors on The Miz. Dominik then hit a twisting crossbody to the floor. The fans popped for Dominik and gave him a big reaction.
Paul jumped Dominik from behind to take over. He hit a running power slam on Dominik for a two-count. Paul and Miz hit the It kicks on Dominik to loud boos.
Paul hit a blockbuster on Dominik for another near fall. The fans rallied behind Dominik. The heels isolated Dominik on their side of the ring and cut him off from Rey.
Dominik fought back with a tornado DDT on Miz and kicked Paul in the face. Rey got the hot tag and caught Miz with a flying hurricanrana. He followed up with a seated senton and a kick to the face for two-count. Rey hit a moonsault on Miz for a near fall, but Paul broke up the pin attempt.
The heels went for a double suplex, but Dominik caught Paul with a superkick, and Rey rolled up Miz for a near fall. Rey went for the 619, but Miz fought back. Rey followed up with a tornado DDT for another near fall. Rey went for the Three Amigos on Miz to a huge pop. The fans broke into a brief “Eddie” chant.
Miz escaped ad sent Rey into the ring post. Paul posed in the ring, and the fans erupted in boos. Paul then gave Rey the Three Amigos to a chorus of boos. They absolutely hated him. They hated him even more when he climbed to the top rope and did Eddie Guerrero’s pose. He hit the frog splash to even louder boos.
Dominik made the save, and the faces ran wild. They hit a double 619 on Paul, but Miz made the blind tag. Dominik hit the frog splash on Paul, and Rey hit a second frog splash. Miz jumped in and slammed Dominik onto Rey. He then hit the skull crushing finale on Rey for the win.
The fans erupted in boos at the finish. The Miz and Paul celebrated after the match when Miz turned on Paul and gave him the skull crushing finale. The fans popped for the turn and cheered Miz.
Stephanie McMahon came out to a good reaction. She thanked the fans and introduced Gable Stevenson to a big pop.
They recapped the Edge and AJ Styles feud.
Bianca Belair defeated Becky Lynch to win the Raw Women’s Championship (19:07)
Belair and Lynch had a great match. The fans were into it from start to the finish.
They recapped the Lynch-Belair feud. Lynch had a grand entrance with a special video and a chauffeur driving her onto the stage. Belair had a grand entrance as well with the Southern Texas marching band playing Belair’s music. This was pretty awesome.
They did the special ring introductions for the match. Belair got a big pop during the intro, while Lynch got a mixed reaction. The fans gave the match a big reaction when the bell rang.
Lynch went for the Manhandle slam at the bell, but Belair countered with the KOD. Lynch slipped out and hit the Manhandle slam a close near fall. The fans reacted big for the near fall since it was the SummerSlam finish.
Lynch went for several near falls but couldn’t put Belair away. Belair fought back with a suplex and rolled through. She went for a second suplex, but Lynch reversed to take over. Lynch missed a moonsault, and Belair locked on Lynch’s dis-arm-her.
Lynch fought back and got to the ropes. Belair tried to lift up Lynch on her shoulders but struggled to get her up. They changed course and traded near falls.
Lynch took over after sending Belair into the ring steps. She was firmly in control and hit a series of suplexes. Lynch then drove Belair throat first into the middle rope. Belair fought back, but Lynch hit a superkick. Lynch followed up with leg drop off the corner onto Belair draped over the top rope.
Lynch slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Belair tried fighting back, but Lynch regained control with an armbar. Belair fought back and picked up Lynch. Lynch grabbed the top rope, and they both fell over to ringside.
Belair tried to get back in the ring, but Lynch pulled her out. At ringside, Belair ran at Lynch. She attempted to give her a backdrop, but Belair bounced off the ropes into a suplex.
Belair took over and ran wild on Lynch. She avoided Lynch with a headspring backflip. Belair caught Lynch in a powerbomb, but Lynch rolled her up for a near fall. Belair recovered and hit a handspring standing moonsault for a close near fall.
Belair climbed to the top rope, but Lynch cut her off. Belair lifted Lynch on her shoulders while standing on the middle turnbuckle. She then dropped Lynch on the corner. The fans all stood up and popped for the spot.
Belair hit the 450 splash for a very close two-count. Lynch fought back and hung Belair on the top rope.
Lynch went for a flip senton but instead did a flip dropkick and hit Belair right in the face. Belair then hit a spinebuster and went for the handspring moonsault again, but Lynch got her feet up.
Belair tried to roll up Lynch, but she reversed and sent her into the ring post. Belair recovered and went for the KOD. Lynch held onto the top rope, so Belair gave her the KOD to the floor instead. Lynch recovered and sent Belair into the ring post by her hair. Lynch then gave her the Manhandle slam on the ring steps.
Lynch almost won by count out, but Belair beat the count. The fans popped big for Belair getting back in the ring. The fans broke into a loud “This is awesome” chant.
Belair could barely get to her feet. Lynch went for the manhandle slam off the middle rope, but Belair avoided it with a backflip. Belair then hit the KOD for the win to a massive pop.
Rollins and Rhodes had an awesome match. The fans went crazy for everything they did. Rhodes debut was an awesome WrestleMania moment. He came across like a major star.
They recapped the Seth Rollins path to WrestleMania storyline. Rollins waited in the ring as fans broke into a “Cody” chant. Rollins threw his jacket out of the ring, and pyro went off. The lights then went off in the stadium as well.
Cody Rhodes’s music hit to a huge pop. He came out as the “American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes. He had a similar entrance to his AEW days.
The fans broke into a loud “Cody” chant before the bell. They squared off, and the fans broke into another “Cody” chant. Rhodes had the early advantage with a side headlock and an arm drag. He did the old Stardust pose to a big pop.
Rollins fought back, but Rhodes recovered, dropped down, and caught Rollins with a right hand. The fans broke into a loud “Cody” chant. Rollins went for the Pedigree, but Rhodes escaped and attempted the Cross Rhodes.
They fought over a suplex in the ring and fell over the ropes to the floor. The commentators pushed that Rhodes has a high in-ring IQ.
Rhodes slowed the pace down and worked over Rollins’ arm. Rhodes went for a flying crossbody, but Rollins hit a dropkick. Rhodes told the referee his ribs were injured.
Rollins took advantage and worked over Rhodes’ ribs. Rollins shouted at Rhodes, “Welcome to the big leagues.” Rollins slowed the pace down with a bear hug targeting the ribs.
Rhodes fought back with a power slam and a clothesline to the floor. He followed up with a suicide dive sending Rollins over the announce table. Rhodes then hit a moonsault off the top for a close near fall.
Rhodes jumped off the apron, but Rollins caught him and gave him a powerbomb into the barricade. He followed up with a superkick and falcon arrow for a near fall.
Rhodes avoided the stomp twice and went for the Cross Rhodes. Rollins escaped, but Rhodes hit the Cross Rhodes for a very close near fall. The fans broke into a “Cody” chant.
A desperate Rhodes climbed to the top rope, but Rollins cut him off. Rollins gave Rhodes a reverse superplex into a slam for another near fall. The fans broke into a “This is awesome” chant and a faint “Cody” chant. Rhodes avoided the Phoneix Splash, but Rollins rolled through.
Rollins went for the Pedigree, but Rhodes escaped. Rhodes set up for the pedigree, and the fans popped. Instead, Rhodes hit a powerbomb and Cody cutter for another very close two-count. Rhodes didn’t know what to do next. Rollins took advantage and hit the Pedigree for another close near fall.
They traded rights in the middle of the ring. The fans cheered Rhodes and booed Rollins. Rollins yelled that this his company. He hit a forearm to the back of the head.
Rhodes recovered and hit two Cross Rhodes. He went for a third but let Rollins go. Rhodes paid tribute to his father, Dusty Rhodes. He did the flip, flop, and fly. He then hit the bionic elbow and a third Cross Rhodes for the win. The fans popped big for the finish.
They recapped the Hall of Fame ceremony and introduced the 2022 class to the fans. Undertaker got a separate introduction. He got a huge reaction from the fans.
They announced the attendance for tonight as 77,899.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defeated Ronda Rousey to retain the title (18:20)
Flair and Rousey had a good match, but the finish felt a bit weak. They had a tough time following the last two matches, but it picked up towards the end.
They recapped the Flair-Rousey feud.
They did the special ring introductions for the title match. Rousey got a mixed reaction with mostly cheers, while Flair got loud boos.
Rousey had the early advantage with rights and lefts in the corner. Referee Charles Robinson got in between them. Flair took advantage and hit a forearm. Rousey fought back with an armbar, but Flair broke free. Flair took over and sent Rousey into the ring post.
Flair was firmly in control and slowed the pace down with a face lock. Rousey fought back, but Flair responded with a hard clothesline. She slowed the pace down again with a dragon sleeper. Rousey broke free and rocked Flair with a knee for a two-count.
Flair tried to jump on Rousey’s knee, but she moved and hit a version of a tornado DDT. Rousey rocked Flair with a kick to the head and threw her around. Flair recovered and hit a spear for a near fall. The crowd was pretty dead up to this point. The fans finally came alive.
Flair went for a moonsault, but Rousey moved. Flair landed on her feet and hit a standing moonsault, but it was mistimed. Rousey fought back, but Flair regained control. Flair hung up Rousey in the corner and locked on a Boston Crab on the top rope. Rousey broke free and punched Flair in the face. She then threw Flair off the top rope.
Rousey hit Piper’s Pit and set up for the armbar. Rousey took her time, which allowed Flair to recover. Flair rocked Rousey with a boot to the face. She went for the figure four, but Rousey escaped and hit a power slam for a two-count.
Rousey went for Piper’s Pit again, but Flair escaped. Rousey applied the ankle lock, but Flair reversed the move. Rousey sent Flair into the turnbuckle, but Flair fought back with a powerbomb. Rousey went for the armbar, but Flair countered into the figure four. Rousey reversed into the ankle lock, but Flair broke free.
They traded submission moves. Rousey went for the armbar, but Flair countered into the figure eight. Rousey reversed and rolled out of the ring. Cole noted nobody ever broke free of the figure eight before.
They fought at ringside, with Rousey pulling Flair off the apron. Flair recovered and caught Rousey with a suplex into the barricade. They beat the ten count. Flair went for a boot, but Rousey grabbed her leg.
Rousey hit Piper’s Pit, and Robinson counted three, but Flair got her foot on the bottom rope. Robinson waved it off, but Rousey thought she won. Flair took advantage and hit natural selection for a near fall.
Flair went for the figure four, but Rousey kicked off, and Flair speared Robinson. Rousey caught Flair with the armbar, and she tapped, but Robinson was still down. Rousey tried to revive the referee, but Flair took advantage and kicked Rousey in the face for the win.
It appears New Day vs. Sheamus and Holland was bumped from the show.
The KO Show with Stone Cold Steve Austin
They recapped Kevin Owens challenging Austin. The fans were elelctirc for the segment and reacted big to everything.
Kevin Owens made his entrance to a chorus of boos. The fans broke into a loud “Austin” chant. Owens welcomed everyone to the main event version of the KO Show. The fans erupted in boos. He pointed out that he said some bad things about Austin and Texas.
The fans broke into a loud “What” chant. He pretended to apologize but insulted the fans more. He called Austin the worst influence and couldn’t wait to tell him that he sucks.
Owens promised to give Austin a stunner and pour beer on him. Suddenly, glass shattered, and Austin’s music hit to a massive pop. Austin came out dressed to fight. He started walking to the ring but stopped and walked to the back. Owens laughed and assumed Austin had left.
Austin returned on his ATV and drove down to the ring. He jumped in the ring and kicked over the KO Show signs to pose on the corners. Owens demanded they stop the music and noted this is his show. The fans broke into a loud “Austin” chant.
Owens demanded that Austin sit down so they could talk. Owens doesn’t want to fight. Austin mocked Owens haircut as the fans broke into the “What” chant, which works with Austin. Owens mocked Texas and said it’s not as good as Canada.
Owens claims he’d rather live in Mexico than Texas. Owens admitted that he tricked Austin onto the show. He’s not looking to talk. He’s looking for a fight.
Owens noted he brought Austin on the show to challenge him to a match. The fans popped. Owens then challenged Austin to a No Holds Barred match right now.
Owens claims that Austin knows he can’t beat him. He told Austin to leave, and the fans broke into a “One more match” chant.
Austin noted he had his first match in Dallas, Texas. He added that he could have his last match in Dallas, Texas, tonight. He asked the fans if they want him to have a match tonight to give him a hell yeah.
The fans responded with a loud “Hell Yeah.” Austin agreed to a match and called out a referee to have an official match. The fans popped.
No Holds Barred: Stone Cold Steve Austin defeated Kevin Owens (13:55)
Austin and Owens had an awesome brawl with amazing heat. It wasn’t the best technical match of the night but it was still great. Austin and Owens were great in their roles. It was another awesome WrestleMania moment to end a good first night of WrestleMania 38. It was fun and cool way to end the night.
They traded right hands, with Austin getting the upper hand. He backed Owens into the corner and stomped a mud hole.
Austin threw Owens into the other corner and continued to stomp on Owens. He grabbed a beer mid-match to a huge pop. The fans broke into a brief “you still got it” chant. Owens recovered and took over. He beat down Austin around ringside and pulled out a table.
Owens set up the table against the barricade, but Austin reversed and sent Owens into the table instead. They fought through the crowd. Austin went for a suplex, but Owens reversed. Austin tried fighting back, but Owens got the upper hand again.
Austin recovered and slammed Owens onto the announce desk. He pulled out more beer to a huge pop. Austin continued to beat down Owens with ten right hands. He had another beer and threw Owens back in the ring. Owens hung Austin on the top rope and tried to leave on Austin’s ATV.
Austin stopped Owens and jumped on the ATV. He drove them both up the ramp to the stage. Austin then gave Owens a suplex on the stage and sent him headfirst into the ATV. He then gave Owens a second suplex on the stage.
Austin threw Owens down the ramp, and he rolled back to ringside. Austin grabbed more beers and got back in the ring. Owens took advantage and hit the stunner for a close near fall. The fans broke into an “Austin” chant.
Owens grabbed a chair and went to hit Austin, but he moved. The chair hit the ropes and bounced back into Owens’ face. Austin then hit the stunner for the win to a massive pop.
After the match, Austin gave Owens another stunner and celebrated his win. He called Byron Saxton into the ring. He gave Saxton a beer and then a stunner. It was the greatest moment in Corey Graves’ career.
Austin celebrated his win with more beers to end a good first night of WrestleMania 38.
Dave Meltzer and I are back on Wrestling Observer Radio talking all the latest news in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter as well as all the things going on in Dallas for WrestleMania weekend.
We talk about the news coming out of the ROH restart show, Supercard of Honor. We go over the entire show as well. We talk about some of the other shows we’ve watched so far.
We go over the news coming out of the WrestleMania go-home SmackDown, and discuss the stories out this week on the Vince McMahon docuseries, the fictional series Pinned, and their deal with Fanatics.
We then preview night one of WrestleMania and NXT: Stand and Deliver.
WWE has revealed the set for this weekend’s WrestleMania 38 at AT&T Stadium.
The home of the Dallas Cowboys will play host to WrestleMania 38 this Saturday and Sunday. Michael Cole, Pat McAfee, and the stars of the sports/comedy YouTube channel Dude Perfect participated in WWE’s set reveal video.
Tyler Toney, Garrett Hilbert, Cody Jones, Coby Cotton, and Cory Cotton are the members of Dude Perfect. Their YouTube channel has 57.3 million subscribers.
The main cards for WrestleMania 38 will air live on Peacock/WWE Network starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time on Saturday and Sunday. There will also be two-hour pre-shows for each night.
Here’s what’s been announced for WrestleMania 38:
Night one (Saturday, April 2) —
The KO Show with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends against Ronda Rousey
Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defends against Bianca Belair
Seth Rollins vs. an opponent of Vince McMahon’s choosing
Rey & Dominik Mysterio vs. The Miz & Logan Paul
Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos defend against Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs
Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods vs. Sheamus & Ridge Holland
Night two (Sunday, April 3) —
Winner-take-all championship unification match: WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Universal Champion Roman Reigns
Edge vs. AJ Styles
Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory
Anything goes match: Sami Zayn vs. Johnny Knoxville
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Queen Zelina & Carmella defend against Sasha Banks & Naomi, Rhea Ripley & Liv Morgan, and Natalya & Shayna Baszler in a fatal four-way match
Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro defend against The Street Profits and Alpha Academy in a triple threat match
While most of the headlines this past week after Paul Levesque’s interview with Stephen A. Smith on ESPN+ centered around him announcing his retirement, that was really a minor part of the story.
A far bigger story is his heart condition, greatly downplayed in September when WWE released information on it, was nearly fatal. The person who had been groomed for probably the last 15 to 20 years to be the guy who would eventually replace his father-in-law, Vince McMahon, in charge of the wrestling side of WWE, is now in a position where it is unlikely, and certainly not the best idea, for him to ever get into that position. The most important thing is he needs to take care of his health first and foremost. A job that is often more than an 18-plus hour a day job with constant stress and non-stop decisions of running the wrestling side of the business doesn’t mix well with that.
It’s a brand new episode of We’re Live, Pal, as Andrew Zarian and I are on that road to WrestleMania 38.
We invited pro wrestling broadcaster Jon Alba to talk about the angle with Seth Rollins, Vince McMahon, and his “secret” opponent for WrestleMania. It was a story that Andrew broke on Wrestling Observer Live. We also talked about Stone Cold Steve Austin as the guest on the KO Show, what it means if it’s closing the show, and what we want to see.
We look at the match and possibly moment that we’re look forward to most, talk about the non-WrestleMania shows we most want to see, and then quickly discuss the MJF/Tony Khan story.
Enjoy the latest We’re Live, Pal in podcast form below or on YouTube above.
Shane McMahon will be in Dallas for WrestleMania weekend, according to a report.
PWInsider reports that WWE is bringing McMahon in for the entire WrestleMania weekend, his first time back with the company since being phased out following this year’s Royal Rumble event.
The report does not state whether or not there are creative plans for McMahon or even if he will appear on either night of WrestleMania, just that he will be in town and is being brought in by WWE.
McMahon was originally penciled in for a WrestleMania bout against Seth Rollins and a spot in the Elimination Chamber match in Saudi Arabia in February, but was sent away after “unprofessional” conduct at Royal Rumble, including talking down to producer Jamie Noble, according to our reporting. In the February 7 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Dave Meltzer wrote:
“Every single story you’ve already heard, multiplied many times over,” was said by one person close to the situation. “He was unprofessional the likes of which left VKM (Vincent Kennedy McMahon) no options but to fire him.”
McMahon was a producer for the men’s Royal Rumble match, and was also an entrant in the bout. He entered 28th, and was the next-to-last elimination in the Rumble.
Meltzer also wrote:
“Others noted that he wanted to build the ending of the match around himself and be a featured player in the match, was visibly very unhappy when his match ideas were shot down by his father, and was not professional with [producer Jamie Noble] and talked down to people.”
McMahon also reportedly clashed with Brock Lesnar and Vince McMahon regarding the layout of the Rumble match. Dave wrote:
“There were also disagreements regarding he and Lesnar regarding the closing stages of the match, and Lesnar pretty much does exactly what he wants. But this led to people being told one thing and then another, between Shane’s ideas, what Lesnar wanted, and what Vince wanted. It was constantly changing all day and Vince was overruling Shane on his ideas and also agreeing with Lesnar. About the only thing left in regarding him looking good was a spot where he would outstrike babyface and former UFC fighter Riddle. It didn’t help matters that he botched his elimination spot with Lesnar as he was supposed to be clotheslined over the top rope, but didn’t get over on the first attempt, so they had to do it again.”
McMahon did not have an official backstage role with WWE, but did serve as a producer on the Royal Rumble match. He did have a talent contract with the company, and it was never explicitly announced by WWE that he had been released from his contract when he was sent away after the Rumble.
Seth Rollins is going to WrestleMania — but his opponent won’t be confirmed until he’s in the ring at the show.
After setting up over the weekend that Rollins would be meeting with Vince McMahon this morning, WWE uploaded video of the meeting to social media. McMahon informed Rollins that he’ll have a match on the WrestleMania card. When Rollins asked who his opponent will be, McMahon said it will be someone of McMahon’s choosing. McMahon said Rollins will learn his opponent when he’s in the ring at WrestleMania and his opponent is introduced.
In recent weeks, Rollins has been involved in a storyline where he’s failed to find a path to WrestleMania. He lost matches against Kevin Owens and AJ Styles in attempts to get on the WrestleMania card. After losing to Styles, Rollins threatened that tonight’s Raw wouldn’t get started unless he gets his WrestleMania moment.
McMahon asked Rollins during their meeting why he tried to jump through all of those hoops when he could have just come to him and asked him about being on WrestleMania.
WrestleMania 38 is being held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas this Saturday and Sunday. Rollins’ match will be part of the card for night one of the show.
Night one (Saturday, April 2) —
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends against Ronda Rousey
Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defends against Bianca Belair
The KO Show with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin
Seth Rollins vs. an opponent of Vince McMahon’s choosing
Rey & Dominik Mysterio vs. The Miz & Logan Paul
Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos defend against Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs
Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods vs. Sheamus & Ridge Holland
Night two (Sunday, April 3) —
Winner-take-all championship unification match: WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Universal Champion Roman Reigns
Edge vs. AJ Styles
Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory
Anything goes match: Sami Zayn vs. Johnny Knoxville
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Queen Zelina & Carmella defend against Sasha Banks & Naomi, Rhea Ripley & Liv Morgan, and Natalya & Shayna Baszler in a fatal four-way match
Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro defend against The Street Profits and Alpha Academy in a triple threat match
A new match has been added to the lineup for WrestleMania 38.
New Day’s Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods will team together as they take on Sheamus & Ridge Holland at WrestleMania 38 night one this Saturday. Butch (Pete Dunne) will be in Sheamus and Holland’s corner.
After suffering a torn plantaris in January, Woods returned to SmackDown last Friday and defeated Holland in a singles match. He used a small package to pin Holland.
Now going by the name Butch, Dunne made his SmackDown debut three weeks ago and aligned with Sheamus and Holland. He helped Sheamus & Holland win a tag team match against Kingston & Big E.
Big E suffered a broken neck during that tag match when a spot went wrong and he landed on his head while taking an overhead belly-to-belly suplex on the floor from Holland. Big E fractured his C1 vertebrae and C6 vertebrae but won’t need surgery for the injury.
AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas is hosting WrestleMania 38 this Saturday and Sunday. Here’s the updated lineup for both nights:
Night one (Saturday, April 2) —
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends against Ronda Rousey
Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defends against Bianca Belair
The KO Show with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin
Rey & Dominik Mysterio vs. The Miz & Logan Paul
Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos defend against Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs
Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods vs. Sheamus & Ridge Holland
Night two (Sunday, April 3) —
Winner-take-all championship unification match: WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Universal Champion Roman Reigns
Anything goes match: Sami Zayn vs. Johnny Knoxville
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Queen Zelina & Carmella defend against Sasha Banks & Naomi, Rhea Ripley & Liv Morgan, and Natalya & Shayna Baszler in a fatal four-way match
Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro defend against The Street Profits and Alpha Academy in a triple threat match
WWE has announced a new way for fans to watch WrestleMania 38 and future pay-per-view events.
It was announced today that WWE has partnered with Joe Hand Promotions to bring WWE PPVs to Dave & Buster’s locations nationwide. The partnership will begin with WrestleMania 38 this Saturday and Sunday.
Dave & Buster’s is a restaurant and entertainment chain with over 140 locations in the United States.
“Dave & Buster’s is a staple of fun and entertainment and that matches the energy of WWE Premium Live Events such as WrestleMania,” said Emilio Revelo, WWE Vice President. “We are excited about this year-round partnership and meeting new and existing fans at a place they truly enjoy.”
“We’re excited to help expand WWE’s audience and bring WWE Premium Live Events into all Dave & Buster’s locations,” said Joe Hand, Jr., President, Joe Hand Promotions. “Through this great partnership, families and friends can gather and watch their favorite WWE Superstars in a great atmosphere with delicious food and drink options at any of the more than 140 Dave & Buster’s locations.”
“With dozens of huge TVs, projectors, and many locations featuring our 40 foot LED Wow Walls for showing premium entertainment, there’s no better experience for watch parties than Dave & Buster’s! With this partnership, we’re incredibly excited to tune those screens to WrestleMania 38, as well as all the other great WWE shows and events,” said Kevin Bachus, Sr. Vice President of Entertainment and Games Strategy, Dave & Busters. “We look forward to welcoming WWE fans into their new clubhouse, where they can gather with other likeminded fans, enjoy great food and drinks, and never miss a minute of the action on screen.”
WrestleMania 38 is a two-night event that’s taking place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas this Saturday and Sunday. The show is airing live on Peacock/WWE Network and will also be available to watch at select movie theaters.
