Tag: wrestlemania results

WWE WrestleMania 41 night two live results: Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: April 20, 2025
Location: Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV 

**********

Show Recap — 

COUNTDOWN SHOW 

The 3-hour pre-show began with a lengthy video recap of night one. Cody Rhodes and his glasses, Iyo Sky, Bianca Belair, and Rhea Ripley arrived.

The panel began once again with Michael Cole, Pat McAfee, Big E, and Wade Barrett. They spoke about Jey Uso’s win and Paul Heyman aligning with Seth Rollins. Cole and McAfee admitted they should have seen the latter coming. 

John Cena will be on McAfee’s show tomorrow. That sort of feels like a spoiler. 

The Women’s World title triple threat match will open tonight’s show.

There was a feature on the Razor Ramon/Shawn Michaels ladder match from WrestleMania 10, and they showed the final few minutes of Tiffany Stratton vs. Charlotte Flair from last night. 

There was a video package for Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena. Six different talking heads spoke about tonight’s main event. Cole promised us that he would call it down the middle. That seems unlikely. 

There was a Randy Orton video package. 

Belair did a sit-down interview with Byron Saxton. They’re putting a bit more emphasis on Belair being undefeated (minus a battle royal) at Mania.

Jackie Redmond ran down tonight’s card, and there was a Hall of Fame video. 

Two hours to go.

They aired more of Triple H’s interview with Peter Rosenberg. 

The panel is now Redmond, Big E, and Rosenberg. More wrestlers arrived, and Penta was shown taking a ride on the Goodyear blimp. 

Travis Scott, Jey Uso, and Tyler Breeze were nearby opening cards and signing them for fans. Jey had his newly won World title belt with updated side plates. The announcers wondered if he’d slept yet.

Video packages played for Rhodes and for Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest. 

Cathy Kelley interviewed Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. Morgan went on a rant because she was upset that Kelly would think they took out Bayley. Kelley wasn’t accusing them of that — she just wanted to know their thoughts on Lyra Valkyria and her mystery partner. Morgan and Rodriguez weren’t too worried about it. Morgan called Kelley a dummy, and Rodriguez tussled her hair. The panellists talked about the match, and Big E not-so-subtly hinted at Becky Lynch.

We’re at the point in the pre-show where delirious fans in the heat chanted for Byron Saxton. 87 minutes to go. 

They aired the final few moments of last night’s main event. They focused next on AJ Styles and Logan Paul. 

One hour to go. 

There was a video for the IC title four-way. 

Tony Hinchcliffe spoke to Tessitore and Roberts. He was booed.

Kelley had a sit-down interview with Rhea Ripley. She tried to tell a sob story about how she can no longer trust anyone. That makes sense as it pertains to Judgment Day, but she also felt betrayed by Belair and Sky, and I have no idea why. They didn’t really do anything to her. Sky beat her clean for the title, and Belair won the Chamber. 

They aired the final moments of Jacob Fatu vs. LA Knight. 

Thirty-four minutes before WrestleMania, we watched Big E and Rosenberg play the Fatal Fury video game.

Cole sat down with Rhodes. Among the things he said, Rhodes said Cena is struggling with the fact that WWE has moved on without him while he’s kissing James Gunn’s ass. 

There was a video of Rosenberg playing poker with Big E, Jey Uso, and Killer Mike.

They aired Jey beating Gunther for the title. 

The panellists gave their final thoughts on tonight’s card, and they aired the Las Vegas video from last night, narrated by Dana White.

Ava Max sang the American national anthem. They made sure to let us know that she has over “50 billion streams worldwide.” 

WRESTLEMANIA 41 – NIGHT TWO

Cody Rhodes and his glasses, Judgment Day, Penta, Bron Breakker, and Randy Orton, accompanied by his wife, were shown arriving. This portion of the show was brought to us by a sponsor. Rhodes seemed to get a mixed reaction. 

Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, and Bianca Belair were shown getting ready. Belair was definitely booed. 

After the intro, Stephanie McMahon was in the ring. She said she was 16 years old the last time WrestleMania was in Las Vegas, and now her middle daughter was 16. WWE was a family, and she welcomed us home and to WrestleMania. Fireworks went off. 

Michael Cole, Wade Barrett, and Pat McAfee are tonight’s announcers again. 

******** 

Iyo Sky, the champion, entered first. (Yesterday, Tiffany Stratton was the only champion to enter first.) She received a good ovation during in-ring introductions. 

Belair entered second, and her entrance included a few young girls skipping with long braids. Among them was her step-daughter. Belair was booed when her music hit, and Cole tried to get ahead of it by saying it was due to her involvement as referee in the title match between Ripley and Sky. 

Ripley entered last to a big reaction.

Triple Threat Match: IYO SKY defeated Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley to retain the Women’s World Championship (14:28)

Sky took the fight to her opponents but was dropkicked out of the ring by Ripley. That led to an exchange between Ripley and Belair, which Belair got the better of. Sky got back in and knocked down both opponents with some sort of move off the top and a double dropkick. 

Belair gave Sky three consecutive vertical suplexes, including a delayed suplex at the end. The fans couldn’t help but applaud that. Ripley gave Sky a Razor’s Edge right into Belair, which looked awesome, for a two count. 

As Ripley put Sky in a Prism lock, Belair tried to catch Ripley in a KOD, but they wound up planting each other down with facebusters. All three women brought each other down with a triple suplex off the ropes moments later. 

Ripley booted Belair, and Sky hit Ripley with a springboard dropkick. As Sky posed for the fans, Belair pounced her (which drew more boos). Belair gave Sky a 450 splash before Ripley hit Belair with a Rip-tide for a nearfall. 

Sky went for a Meteora, but Ripley kicked her in the head. Sky countered an avalanche Rip-tide and went for a moonsault, but Ripley got her feet up. Sky stumbled into a Belair KOD, but Ripley broke up the cover. The crowd was going nuts. 

Belair started shoving Ripley’s face while taunting her. Ripley shoved her off the top rope moments later. Sky tried an avalanche poison-rana, but Ripely yanked her around and posted her. 

Belair and Ripley had an exchange until Belair slipped out of a Rip-tide and smacked Ripley with her braid. Belair had Ripley pinned, but Sky hit a moonsault to break up the pin and covered Belair for the win. 

The crowd was super into this, and they popped big for Sky’s win. This was a fun, fast-paced, chaotic match that was probably better than anything on yesterday’s show. 

Match result: IYO SKY defeated Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley 

******** 

Flava Flav, Merab Dvalishvili, and Rich the Kid were in the crowd.  

McIntyre had a Doom-inspired entrance. Kerry King of Slayer played Priest to the ring. 

Sin City Street Fight: Drew McIntyre defeated Damian Priest (13:56) 

They fought around ringside, and McItnyre got the better of it after repeatedly hitting Priest with the steel steps. Someone (McIntyre’s brother, apparently) handed McIntyre a cellphone, and he took a selfie over Priest’s prone body. 

McIntyre cut off Priest’s comeback attempt and hit a flip dive. McIntyre went for a Claymore, but Priest chucked a chair at his face. It didn’t hit him with much force, so McIntyre came back anyway with a standing Claymore (instead of a running one) for two. 

McIntyre wrapped a chair around Priest’s head and went for a Claymore, but Priest managed to grab him with one arm, and he hit a chokeslam (with the chair still around his head). Priest hit McIntyre with a chair until McIntyre hit a spinebuster. 

Priest avoided an avalanche White Noise, and hit McIntyre with a Razor’s Edge through a table for a nearfall. McIntyre followed with a Future Shock DDT on the steel steps for two. Priest got the better of a strike exchange after dropping McIntyre with a clothesline. 

Priest tried the Undertaker’s rope walk spot, but McIntyre shoved him off the ropes and to the outside, through tables that were set up earlier. 

McIntyre placed Priest’s head against a chair that was wedged between the ropes. McIntyre Claymore’d Priest’s face into the chair for the pinfall win. 

This was pretty good. Priest got plenty of offence, but in the end, it felt like a decisive win for McIntyre. 

Match result: Drew McIntyre defeated Damian Priest

******** 

Jahmyr Gibbs, Daniel Cormier, and Tony Hinchcliffe were in the crowd.  

Like the previous matches, this one also had a sponsor. (On my Netflix feed in Canada, they mute the announcers when they read the ad. This happens on Raw, as well.) 

In years past, on packed shows, they would sometimes cut entrances short to make sure they got everything else in. They’re doing the opposite on this two-night Mania show. The entrances feel longer than usual, and not just because the ramp is longer.

Fatal 4-Way Match: Dominik Mysterio defeated Finn Bálor, Penta and Bron Breakker to win the Intercontinental Championship (10:31) 

Dom and Bálor chucked Bron out of the ring early on, before Penta wiped them out with a dive. Bron knocked over Penta with a leaping tackle. Bron slammed Penta, gave Bálor a military press slam, and speared Dom, but Bálor broke up the cover. 

Bálor gave Bron a slingblade before Penta gave Bálor a slingblade. Penta used a drop toe hold to drop Bálor face-first into Dom’s crotch. Penta snapped Bálor’s arm and set up for his finisher, but Bron hit them with a double German suplex. 

Penta avoided a spear and went shoulder-first into the ring post. Dom hit Penta with a slingshot senton before kicking Bron out of the ring. Dom hit Penta with consecutive suplexes. Penta avoided a third, but Bálor joined in to help Dom hit another. 

They tried to give Bron a double suplex, but he gave them a double suplex instead. (Carlito has appeared at ringside.) Bron handed out overhead suplexes and gave Bálor a Frankensteiner for two. 

Everyone traded moves until Dom noticed Bálor was near the ropes. Dom dropkicked Bálor into the middle rope and went for the 619 as the crowd popped. However, Bálor blocked Dom’s 619 attempt and stomped away at him as the crowd booed. 

Penta hit Bálor with a Penta driver, but Bron broke up the cover. Bron and Penta had an exchange that seemed to be leading to a super spear, but Carlito dropped the rope, and Bron fell out of the ring. Dom tried a schoolboy on Penta for two. Penta came back with a Canadian Destroyer and seemed to have it won, but Carlito yanked him out of the ring. 

Carlito set up Penta on the announce table, but Bron ran off the other table and speared Carlito through the table. Bron speared Penta, but Dom hit Bron with a 619. Dom went for a frog splash, but Bálor crotched him, and the crowd booed again. 

Bálor hit Bron with a slingblade, a dropkick, and a Coup de Grâce, but Dom broke up the cover with a frog splash on Bálor. Dom then pinned Bálor for the pinfall win. The crowd popped huge for Dom. 

Dom celebrated on the ramp with the IC title belt, but after they showed replays, he ran back down and posed in the ring as the crowd cheered. 

This was another good match, and the finish was clever—except that it was identical to the finish in the opening match. 

Match result: Dominik Mysterio defeated Finn Bálor, Penta and Bron Breakker

******** 

Colby Covington (who was booed), Metro Boomin, and Dean Norris were in the crowd. 

Randy Orton wore blue and yellow trunks, a nod to his original attire from 2002. 

Orton said this was his 20th WrestleMania. Whoever his opponent was, they would get their WrestleMania courtesy an RKO. 

Randy Orton defeated TNA World Champion Joe Hendry in a non-title match (3:09)  

Hendy entered wearing his TNA World Title to a pretty big pop. Fans waved their arms in the air as his music played. The announcers acknowledged him as the TNA champion. (McAfee thought the title would be in the line until Cole wised him up.) 

Orton went for an RKO right away, but Hendry fought him off and hit a neckbreaker. Hendry stomped the mat and grabbed Orton by the neck, but Orton just looked confused before poking him in the eye. Orton hit a draping DDT and set up for an RKO, but Hendry blocked it again and hit a fallaway slam. 

Hendry turned and did his pose, but Orton flew in with an RKO for the quick pinfall win. 

— Orton helped Hendry to his feet and raised his arm to the crowd before dropping him with another RKO. Orton mockingly turned to do Hendry’s pose, but did his own pose instead.

This felt like a total waste of time, but also funny if you only care about WWE. I think it took Orton longer to walk to the ring than it did to beat Hendry. 

Match result: Randy Orton defeated Joe Hendry 

******** 

Every time they talk about Penta, they call him the man who has taken WWE by storm. That line is so ingrained in Cole’s brain that he said the same thing about Paul here. 

Logan Paul defeated AJ Styles (17:44) 

Paul tried a slingshot dive with Styles at ringside, but Styles caught him in the ring skirt and hammered away at him. Styles also drove him into the barricade, right by Nick Khan. 

Paul gained the advantage by shoving Styles into the ring post and hitting a slingshot dive. Paul sent a drone into the air to film him as he choked Styles with the ring skirt. They kept the drone shot on Paul as he hit Styles with a frog splash for two. Paul hit an overbomb, but Styles got a rope break. Paul hit a moonsault onto a standing Styles for two. 

Styles was pissed and he hit Paul with a clothesline, strikes, a fireman’s carry neckbreaker, a sliding forearm, and a brainbuster for two. Styles set up for the Phenomenal forearm, but Paul grabbed him off the ropes, hit a rolling fireman’s carry and Lionsault for two. 

Paul avoided a Styles Clash and hit a Buckshot lariat for two. (McAfee called it a Buckshot lariat, too.) Styles ducked a right hand and hit a rack bomb for two. Styles went for a springboard 450, but Paul got his knees up and hit a Styles Clash. Styles rolled through and hit a Styles Clash. 

Paul’s crony, “Jeff,” tried getting brass knuckles for Paul, but Karrion Kross appeared and took them away. Styles chucked the guy aside. Kross pleaded with Styles to use the knux, but Styles threw them aside and punched Kross. 

Paul ducked the Phenomenal forearm and hit a big punch. Paul followed with Paulverizer for the pinfall win. 

This was a very normal match that was somehow longer than every match so far on both nights, aside from the night one main event. 

Match result: Logan Paul defeated AJ Styles

******** 

Vanessa Hudgens, Rana Daggubati, Terrence Crawford, and Quavo were in the crowd. 

Becky Lynch entered last as the big surprise partner for Valkyria. Morgan and Rodriguez played this up like she was the last person they wanted to see. 

Becky Lynch & Women’s Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria  defeated Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez to win the Women’s Tag Team Championships (8:43) 

The heels quickly took control when Morgan shoved Valkyria off the top into a big boot by Rodriguez. Valkyria almost made a hot tag, but Morgan yanked Lynch off the apron. Lynch ran after Morgan, but ran right into a boot by Rodriguez. 

Lynch did make a hot tag moments later, and she hit Morgan with clotheslines before hitting both opponents with running forearms. Lynch gave Rodriguez a Molly-go-round before hitting Morgan with a fallaway slam. Lynch put Morgan in a Disarmer, but Rodriguez broke it up. Morgan hit Lynch with Oblivion, but Valkyria broke up the cover.  

After Valkyria took out Rodrigeuz outside the ring with a tornado DDT, Lynch hit Morgan with a Man-handle Slam for the pinfall win. 

Valkyria and Lynch celebrated together, and now Valkyria is a double champion. 

The match itself was just ok, but it was good to see Becky Lynch again. The crowd was less enthused for all of this than you’d expect, but perhaps they’re just ready for the main event. 

Match result: Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch defeated Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez 

********

Stone Cold Steve Austin entered. 

He drove out around ringside in his ATV. He crashed into the barricade by mistake, and he laughed it off — but a woman in the front row was not happy at all. (She fell back into her seat when he collided with the barricade.) He checked on her, but she still did not look happy. 

Austin announced a sold-out crowd of 63,226. He wasn’t sure that number was right, so he started counting out individual fans but gave up around 18. He also announced a two-night attendance of 124,693. 

As Austin drank some beers, Nick Khan could be seen checking on the fan in the front row. Austin left the ring, checked on the fan again, and left. 

********

The main event is up next. The crowd popped big for the graphic. 

John Cena entered to his usual music wearing jorts. However, the screen and ramp were all black with his name in a simple, white font. His t-shirt, shoes, and accessories were all black as well, although his actual logo is colourful. 

Some people on dirt bikes rode onto the stage as part of Rhodes’ entrance. I’m not really sure what the connection is. Rhodes also wore his skull mask, which had some sort of mechanism that lifted automatically to reveal his face. 

They cut to another sponsor’s mascot before showing Rhodes embracing his family at ringside. 

(Compared to previous years, the entrances were nothing special this year.)

John Cena defeated Cody Rhodes to win the Undisputed WWE Championship (25:05) 

They stalled a lot for the first few minutes, with Rhodes getting the upper hand each time they did go at it. Rhodes hit a suicide dive, but when they hit the ring, Cena just punched him. 

Cena stomped away at Rhodes as some people cheered. (There’s a portion of the audience definitely here to boo Rhodes, but it’s not the majority.) Heel Cena stomping a downed opponent looked super weird. 

Cena hit a clothesline and made the match’s first cover for just a one count. Cena followed with a side slam for one, and consecutive axe handles. Cena went for another one, but Rhodes kicked him. Rhodes fired up until Cena poked him in the eye. Cena hit a tornado DDT for two. 

Cena hit consecutive shoulder tackles, but did it at a much slower and deliberate pace than when he usually does it. Cena slammed Rhodes and went to do the five knuckle shuffle, but Rhodes punched him, hit a powerslam and a Disaster kick. (The boos are louder now for Rhodes’ offence.) Rhodes hit a Cody cutter for two. 

They traded counters until Cena hit an AA for a nearfall. Cena chuckled. Cena hit the five knuckle shuffle, but Rhodes applied a cradle for two. 

Cena hit a super AA off the middle rope for another nearfall. Cena tried a diving leg drop, but Rhodes countered into a powerbomb for two. Rhodes came off the top with a super Cody cutter for two. 

Cena hit a third AA and applied an STF. Rhodes got close to the ropes, but Cena pulled him back to the middle. Rhodes did fight out of it and kicked Cena away, but Cena knocked down the referee. Rhodes hit Cross Rhodes, but the ref was dead. 

Cena exposed the turnbuckle and sent Rhodes into it repeatedly. Cena hit a fourth AA for a nearfall. (Cole exclaimed, “What a match!”) 

Travis Scott entered (to his music), and Cena laughed. Scott took his time getting to the ring, and he embraced Cena. They tried to double-team Rhodes, but Rhodes chased Scott off the apron, and he hit Cena with a Cross Rhodes. Scott yanked the referee out of the ring before he could count the fall. 

Rhodes called Scott into the ring, so he obliged. Scott leaped over the top rope and faced off with Rhodes. Scott tried to slap Rhodes, but Rhodes ducked and gave him a Cross Rhodes. 

Cena tried using the title belt as a weapon, but Rhodes yanked it away from him. Rhodes threatened to use it as Cena begged off. Rhodes fell for it because Cena kicked him in the balls. 

Cena clocked Rhodes with the title belt. The ref rolled back in the ring and Cena pinned Rhodes for the win. That was it. Cena is a 17-time world champion. 

Cole tried to tell us that Cena was the greatest of all time and there was no debate. Barrett, normally the heel, called Cena a piece of garbage. 

— Fireworks went off as Cena posed, and they posted a big number 17 on the screen. Rhodes stumbled on the ramp and watched. Cena posed with Scott as the show ended.

This was a massive letdown. A match laid out for children. 

Match result: John Cena defeated Cody Rhodes 

WWE WrestleMania 41 night one live results: CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: April 19, 2025
Location: Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV

**********

Show Recap — 

COUNTDOWN SHOW 

The 3-hour pre-show began with a black screen for about a minute as Michael Cole ran things down. The panel was stationed outside Allegiant Stadium with Cole, Pat McAfee, Big E, and Wade Barrett. 

Cole said Rey Mysterio would be a game-time decision for his match tonight. He also confirmed that Gunther vs. Jey Uso will open tonight’s show.

Joe Tessitore and Sam Roberts discussed LA Knight vs. Jacob Fatu, Cathy Kelley and Byron Saxton discussed Jey vs. Gunther, and Jackie Redmond gave us some stats. There was a video package for the main event, and there was a very long discussion about it.

(If you’re not familiar with these pre-shows, they kill a lot of time by showing random videos that always have much to do with tonight’s show. I’m not going to mention them all over the next two nights, but as an example, they had clips of Undertaker and Kane re-watching a match they had at Mania, and there was a video of wrestlers backstabbing each other through history.)

There was another long discussion, this time about Jade Cargill vs. Naomi. 

Two hours to go. 

There was a video package for El Grande Americano (Chad Gable) where they had a voice dubbed over El Grande Americano’s actual voice.

They aired parts of Triple H’s interview with Peter Rosenberg. 

Redmond replaced McAfee and Barrett on the panel. 

Cole, Big E, and Redmond spoke glowingly about their boss, Triple H. Cole said, “I just want to remind everyone: We’re all here today because of what he’s built over the past couple of years.” 

They aired parts of a Charlotte Flair interview with Barrett. 

Cole announced that WWE acquired AAA. There will be a joint show called Worlds Collide on June 7th. Dorian Roldán Peña, Alberto Fasja Cohen, and Triple H joined the panel. Vikingo, Rey Mysterio, Stephanie Vaquer, Penta, Rey Fénix, Dragon Lee, Andrade, Santos Escobar and others stood behind them as they spoke about the joint venture.

Rey Mysterio announced that he was not medically cleared to compete tonight against El Grande Americano. His replacement will be Rey Fénix.

There was a full 15-minute block where they focused on Jey Uso vs. Gunther. There were separate video packages for each guy, a sit-down interview with Jey, and a panel discussion about the match. 

One hour to go.

There was another Jey video. 

Saxton interviewed New Day. They were appalled by Saxton’s negative question and called themselves the greatest tag team of all time. They planned on winning the belts and celebrating on the strip.

Tessitore and Roberts had a long and arduous discussion about Knight vs. Fatu. 

It looks like Bayley is out of action. She was attacked backstage earlier today, and they quickly discovered it was a shoulder injury. Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez happened to be nearby, and Adam Pearce was pissed at them. They were amused, but denied any involvement. They also figured there would be no title match tomorrow. Pearce told Lyra Valkyria that she has 24 hours to find a new partner.

Stephanie McMahon joined the panel, and she spoke about her new show. Redmond asked what match she looked forward to most this weekend, but she didn’t want to answer because she didn’t want to have to pick a winner. Her answer made it sound like she doesn’t really follow it. She only mentioned Jey Uso after the crowd started Yeeting. 

There was a video about Las Vegas narrated by Dana White. 

Jelly Roll sang “God Bless America” as we approached 7:00 pm ET. 

WRESTLEMANIA 41 – NIGHT ONE

Roman Reigns (on his own), Seth Rollins, CM Punk and Paul Heyman, Charlotte Flair, and Tiffany Stratton were shown arriving. Charlotte was heavily booed. Reigns and Rollins were dressed up, while Punk wore a Chicago Blackhawks hoodie. Gunther and Jey Uso were shown warming up.

The WrestleMania intro video focused on the company’s popularity, narrated by Triple H. He was in the ring to start the show, and welcomed us to WrestleMania as fireworks went off. 

Michael Cole, Pat McAfee, and Wade Barrett are tonight’s announcers. 

Cole and McAfee Yeeted along with Jey Uso’s entrance. Barrett, thankfully, did not. 

Jey’s entrance looked great. They had people waving “Yeet” banners along the ramp, and the Las Vegas Raiders cheerleaders posed in stairways as Jey entered through the crowd. 

(As big as this entrance felt, it was hampered by two separate cutaways for sponsors. They also cut to Turki Al-Sheikh sitting in the crowd.) 

There are nine different sponsors on the ring mat. 

The bell rang for the opening match at 7:19 pm ET. 

Jey Uso defeated Gunther to win the World Heavyweight Championship (16:23) 

Gunther was in control until Jey hit a body slam, which they played up like a big spot, but Gunther chopped him out of the ring. Gunther was back in control until Jey suddenly hit a spear for a nearfall. 

Gunther hit a superplex off the middle rope, followed by a dropkick and powerbomb for a nearfall. Jey countered a powerbomb by hitting a hurricanrana. He followed with a spear and an Uso splash for a nearfall. 

Gunther grabbed his title back and acted like he would leave. Jey went for a suicide dive, and the referee had to dive out of the way. With the ref momentarily distracted, Gunther nailed Jey with the belt. Gunther followed with a splash for a nearfall. 

Gunther applied a sleeper as the crowd Yeeted. Jey went for a rope break, but Guther pulled him to the middle of the ring. Jey did get a rope break moments later. 

Gunther attacked Jey with strikes, and Jey invited him to keep going, so Gunther chopped him down. Gunther chopped him repeatedly, but Jey fought back with strikes. They traded blows until Jey dropped Gunther with a clothesline. Jey countered a sleeper into a German suplex, but Gunther came back with a dropkick. 

Jey countered a powerbomb into a powerbomb of his own. Jey hit consecutive superkicks, a spear and an Uso splash. Jey hit another splash, and the fans rose to their feet as he hit a third one. 

Instead of going for a cover, Jey put Gunther in a sleeper, and Gunther tapped out. Jey Uso is the new world champion. 

(When they showed the replays, the graphic was of the Survivor Series logo, not the WrestleMania logo.) 

— Jey almost seemed in disbelief when he was handed the title. Jey posed on the announce table and hugged Jimmy Uso in the ring. They posed together and celebrated in the crowd. The fans were into all of this. 

As Barrett recapped the closing moments over the replays, Cole randomly started talking over him and excitedly announced that Jey had tapped out Gunther as Barrett was leading up to the moment. 

(I wouldn’t call this a great match, but it was laid out well and I liked the definitive finish. Jey pinning Gunther might’ve felt a bit weak after all this time.)

Match result: Jey Uso defeated Gunther 

******** 

Rick Rubin, Criss Angel, and George Kittle were shown in the crowd. Kittle wore a Jey Uso shirt, and he chugged his beer. 

Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods got in Kittle’s face at ringside. 

The War Raiders’ entrance was sponsored by Clash of Clans, and they were each dressed like characters from the game.

The New Day defeated The War Raiders to win the World Tag Team Championships (9:12) 

Early in the match, Erik body slammed Ivar off the apron and onto New Day. Kingston hit a senton over Erik’s previously injured back/neck, and New Day took over. New Day tried doing a Hardy Boyz spot, but Erik wound up slamming Kingston onto Woods. 

Ivar made a tag and knocked down Kingston and Woods with a double handspring elbow. Woods came back with an Honor Roll clothesline. New Day set up for a double-team, but Erik made the save. Kingston gave him a Trouble in Paradise before Ivar hit Kingston with a spinning kick. 

Ivar hit Kingston with a moonsault (right onto his legs), but Woods broke up the cover with a flying elbow drop. Erik hit Woods with knee strikes, but Kingston saved him from their finisher. 

Woods distracted the referee while Kingston tripped Ivar off the ropes. New Day got rid of Erik and hit Ivar with UpUpDownDown. Woods pinned Ivar, while Kingston held Ivar’s feet down (out of sight of the referee) for the win. 

New Day knew they got away with one, so they grabbed the title belts and sprinted up the ramp to pose on the stage. 

(This was an ordinary match in front of a quiet crowd. This match was also shorter than the amount of time that passed between the end of the last segment and this one.)

Match result: The New Day defeated The War Raiders 

******** 

O’Shea Jackson Jr., Michael Che, and Jelly Roll were in the crowd. 

Naomi wore black and yellow to go with her caution tape theme. Cargill wore gold and white. Cargill’s entrance included a special “weather report” by Jim Cantore to let us know a storm was coming. Naomi has a new rock song as her entrance music. 

Jade Cargill defeated Naomi (9:21) 

Cargill was in control until Naomi hit an X-factor as Cargill was draped off the apron. Naomi worked her over for a bit until Cargill hit a backbreaker. 

There was a very cool spot where Naomi went for a blockbuster off the top, but Cargill caught her effortlessly out of the air and hit a jackhammer for two. Cargill caught her off the ropes again moments later and hit a fallaway slam. 

Cargill went to the top, but Naomi brought her down with an avalanche bulldog. Naomi followed with a split-legged moonsault for a nearfall. Naomi applied a Rings of Saturn, but Cargill powered up to her feet with Naomi on her shoulders. 

Cargill adjusted and put Naomi in an electric chair drop position and transitioned into a powerbomb. Cargill followed with Jaded for the pinfall win.

(This was a fine match with some cool spots. A few of Cargill’s moves require a bit too much of a setup, but they look impressive.) 

Match result: Jade Cargill defeated Naomi

******** 

Lilly Singh and Lil Yachty were in the crowd. 

Solo Sikoa initially entered the stage with Fatu, but returned to the back for the match. Knight was driven on the stage in a white Maserati.

Jacob Fatu defeated LA Knight to win the United States Championship (10:38) 

Knight had the edge early on until Fatu hit a big Samoan drop. Knight tried mounting a comeback, but Fatu caught him off the top with a powerslam for two. Fatu tried another Samoan drop, but Knight countered into what was meant to be a crucifix bomb. 

Fatu missed a Stinger splash, so Knight booted him repeatedly and hit a running knee. Knight drove him twice into the ring post and hit a step-up elbow drop onto a standing Fatu for two. 

Fatu set up for a moonsault, but Knight ran up the ropes and hit an avalanche release German suplex for two. Fatu came back with a superkick, three running hip attacks, and a senton bomb for two. 

There were duelling chants as they set up for the next spot. Fatu went for a moonsault, but Knight caught him as he fell with a BFT. Knight presumably had it won, but Fatu got a rope break at two. 

Fatu hit a senton with Knight draped over the top rope. He followed with a senton bomb and consecutive moonsaults for the pinfall win. 

The crowd liked Knight, but they popped big for the closing sequence and Fatu’s win.

(This started out as another ordinary match, but it wound up being pretty good by the end. Fatu getting a big win and moving up the ladder put it over the top. Even though the fans liked Knight, you could tell they wanted to see Fatu get crowned.)

Match result: Jacob Fatu defeated LA Knight 

********

They adjusted the video package for the next match to include Rey Fénix in Rey Mysterio’s place. This was the same video that had a voiceover dubbed for El Grande Americano/Chad Gable. 

They used a hefty yellow tint filter for El Grande Americano’s entrance. Alicia Taylor announced him as being from the Gulf of America, but the announcers said he hailed from the Gulf of Mexico. 

Vikingo and Dana White were shown in the crowd. White got a mixed reaction.

El Grande Americano defeated Rey Fénix (7:56) 

They didn’t know this match was happening before yesterday, so in an unfortunate coincidence, Gable and Fénix both wore the same shade of red and gold gear. 

Before the match, Gable shoved Vikingo, so Vikingo kicked him in the face. Gable stumbled into the ring, and the match began. 

They went back and forth until Gable launched Fénix into the corner with an overhead suplex. Gable then did a move he’s probably never done before, something similar to a 630 splash, which looked amazing. 

Fénix tried running the ropes, but Gable tripped him. With the ref distracted, Gable loaded his mask. Fénix hit a running kick to the face, but of course, Fénix sold his foot because he kicked the loaded mask. 

Gable caught his injured foot in an ankle lock, but Fénix reversed into a cradle for two. Fénix came off the top, but Gable headbutted him out of mid-air. Gable hit a diving headbutt for the pinfall win.

— Vikingo helped Fénix to his feet after the match. 

(This was good but short. Since the opener, every match has been under 11 minutes.) 

Match result: El Grande Americano defeated Rey Fénix 

******** 

Shawn Michaels entered the stage, and he announced an attendance of 61,467. They called this a sell-out. (The number was written for him on a card in the biggest lettering possible.)

Stephen Amell and Israel Adesanya were in the crowd. Dana White was shown a second time for some reason, and he was booed. 

Tiffany Stratton entered first. Every other champion tonight has entered last. She had a Barbie-themed entrance, and entered out of a custom Barbie doll box they said was made by Mattel. 

Charlotte was driven to the ring in a Rolls-Royce. She was heavily booed again.

They both wore sparkly pink outfits, although Flair had pink and blue, while Stratton was all pink. 

Tiffany Stratton defeated Charlotte Flair to retain the WWE Women’s Championship (19:10) 

Charlotte did Stephanie Vaquer’s signature Devil’s Kiss move early in the match, and the crowd booed. The announcers even referenced Vaquer when she did it. Stratton came back later with a spinebuster, rolling senton, and basement dropkick, but Charlotte cut her off with a big boot. 

Charlotte called her a bitch and hit a few chops. Stratton responded with some aggressive strikes, but Charlotte booted her again. Stratton avoided Natural Selection, but Charlotte hit a sit-out powerbomb for two. Stratton avoided another boot and hit a spinebuster for two. 

Stratton countered a flying crossbody into a cradle for two. Charlotte set up for a moonsault to the outside, but Stratton shoved her off the top rope. Charlotte sold it like she hurt her knee (which has a heavy brace), so Stratton immediately attacked the leg. Charlotte managed to boot her again anyway with the other boot. 

Charlotte began attacking Stratton’s knee before applying the Figure Four. Stratton got out of it by punching Charlotte’s injured knee. Stratton chop-blocked her and hit a Finlay roll. Stratton went for a PME, but Charlotte got her knees up and applied a small package for two. 

Charlotte dropped Stratton off the top rope and followed with a Natural Selection (sort of) for a nearfall. Charlotte trash-talked, so Stratton smacked her. Charlotte went for a figure four again, but Stratton got out of it and hit an Alabama Slam into the turnbuckle (not really). 

Stratton followed with a Finlay roll and BME for the pinfall win. 

The crowd wasn’t super into this (a recurring theme), but they did pop big for Stratton’s win. 

(This match was a slog. Not only that, but Stratton came out of this with a bruised forehead and chipped tooth or teeth. It happened the hard way, but at the very last, Stratton probably gained more steam with the crowd, even if this wasn’t good.)

Match result: Tiffany Stratton defeated Charlotte Flair 

********

They aired clips from the 2025 Hall of Fame. The Triple H clip was as long as everything else combined. 

Steve Austin, Bret Hart, Michelle McCool, and Tugboat and family were on the stage and introduced to the live crowd. (Lex Luger was not there.) Triple H got his own entrance, and he shook hands with everyone. 

They showed Iyo Sky taking a trip on the Goodyear blimp. (They’re a sponsor.)

******** 

Seth Rollins entered first. He had a flamethrower and pretended to light the stage on fire. It looked pretty cheesy, because it was just the video boards lighting on fire. The flamethrower by itself would’ve been fine. 

The lights turned off, and his music stopped. For a brief moment, I very dumbly thought he was getting new music. But they just turned the lights on, and his usual music played again. The lights going out was to reveal that he changed his outfit. He was wearing all black but switched to white. 

Roman Reigns did his usual entrance, wearing the Ula Fala. 

CM Punk entered last, and he got a special video before his big entrance. He redid one of his old promos as they spliced in clips of young Punk, and they showed footage of his accession in the company. It was basically the type of video they would do for his eventual HOF induction. 

Living Colour played “Cult of Personality” live as Punk entered with Paul Heyman.

After they all entered, Reigns and Rollins looked as they always do, but Punk was taking it all in and took a deep breath before they got started. 

Triple Threat Match: Seth Rollins defeated Roman Reigns and CM Punk (w/Paul Heyman) (32:40)

Punk immediately left the ring to consult with Heyman. Rollins tried to get Reigns on his side to go after Punk, but Reigns punched him instead. Punk got back in the ring, but Reigns took the early advantage over both guys. 

Reigns distracted himself by looking on in dismay at Heyman, so Punk posted him before Rollins wiped him out with a dive. This led to a brawl between Punk and Rollins. They fought through the crowd, and Punk was mostly getting the better of it until Reigns wiped them out with a dive over the barricade. 

The crowd chanted for tables, so Reigns cleared one of the fancy new announce tables. The fight went back into the ring before he could use it. Punk mocked Reigns’ pose, but Reigns hit a Samoan drop. Rollins tried a springboard move, but Reigns caught him with an uppercut. 

Punk gave Reigns a neckbreaker and handed out running knees to both opponents. He hit both guys with a simultaneous DDT and reverse DDT combo. Reigns put Rollins on his shoulders, and Punk brought him down with a clothesline (a Doomsday device by happenstance). Reigns followed with a Superman punch on Punk for two. 

Punk got the better of a strike exchange with Reigns and followed with a Rock Bottom for two. (None of the announcers called the move.) Punk put Reigns in an Anaconda Vice, but Rollins broke it up by hitting Reigns with a frog splash for two. 

Rollins hit each man with buckle bombs. Punk avoided a Pedigree but ate a spear by Reigns instead. Reigns tried to spear Rollins, but Rollins countered into a Pedigree. Rollins followed with a stomp, shoved Punk out of the ring, and covered Reigns for a nearfall. 

Reigns went to spear Punk, but Punk moved, and Reigns speared Rollins. Punk hit Reigns with a GTS for a close nearfall. Rollins hit Punk with a Pedigree for two. 

Rollins explained to Reigns that they needed to take out Punk for the greater good. Rollins booted Punk and cleared the other announce table. Reigns went to the outside, but did not immediately get involved. 

Reigns sized up the situation and called for the Shield powerbomb. Rollins set up Punk for the move, but Reigns punched Rollins instead. Reigns powerbombed Punk through the table on his own instead. Reigns then powerbombed Rollins through the other table. Reigns speared Rollins in the ring for a close nearfall. 

Reigns put Punk in a guillotine while he looked over at Heyman. Punk reversed into a jackknife cover for two, followed by an Anaconda Vice. Rollins broke that up by putting Punk in a Sharpshooter. (Rollins flipped off Punk, and they actually blacked out the full screen for a second while he did.) 

Reigns put Rollins in the guillotine, but Rollins countered into a Northern Lights suplex. Reigns reapplied the hold, but Punk curb-stomped Reigns. Punk hit Rollins with a GTS for another nearfall. 

Punk gave Rollins a GTS, Reigns speared Punk, and Rollins stomped Reigns. Everyone was down, which led to Paul Heyman. 

Heyman grabbed a chair and walked toward the ring. Punk and Reigns both looked up at him. Heyman slid the chair to Punk, and the crowd gasped. You knew that wasn’t all, because Heyman entered the ring. 

Punk held up the chair to use it on Reigns, but Heyman gave him a low blow from behind. Heyman handed the chair to Reigns, and he hit Punk with it repeatedly. Heyman showed Reigns that Rollins had his back turned (the same way Reigns’ back was turned when Rollins turned on the Shield). 

Reigns set up for a chair shot to finally get revenge on Rollins, but Heyman gave Reigns a low blow. 

Rollins didn’t even turn around to look at what happened, because he already knew. 

Heyman gave Rollins the chair (as the fans sang his damn song). With Reigns’ back turned, Rollins nailed him with the chair. Rollins followed with a curb stomp for the pinfall win. 

Heyman held up Rollins’ hand in victory. 

Cole overreacted big time, acting like this betrayal was the worst thing he’s ever seen. 

This was easily the best match on tonight’s show, and they were given more than enough time to do it.

Match result: Seth Rollins defeated Roman Reigns and CM Punk

********

The opening and closing matches produced memorable moments, but this was still a pretty forgettable show. The closing angle was cool, but it was no bigger than angles we often see throughout the year, including the one we just saw at Elimination Chamber. The aura of WrestleMania often adds to the magnitude of the show’s matches, but that didn’t really happen tonight, and I certainly don’t blame the fans in attendance.

WWE WrestleMania 40 night two live results: Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: April 7, 2024
Location: Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA 

**********

Show Recap —

KICK-OFF SHOW —

Michael Cole welcomed us to the pre-show. Bayley, Damage CTRL, Drew McIntyre and Seth Rollins were shown arriving at the arena. They aired highlights from last night. Randy Orton, Kevin Owens and Logan Paul were also shown arriving. Orton is participating in his 19th WrestleMania.

Cole, Pat McAfee, Big E and CM Punk are the panellists once again. Punk held both of his newly won Slammy Awards — shades of Owen Hart. Punk thanked the fans.

(South Carolina just wrapped up their NCAA National Championship win over Iowa.)

They showed clips from Roman Reigns’ cringy press conference last night. He had “reporters” acknowledge him and kicked out one person who booed him for some reason. 

******** 

Interview with Triple H

They aired part two of Megan Morant’s interview with Paul Levesque. She asked about CM Punk. He said they had zero conversations a few weeks before he actually returned. Punk spoke to Nick Khan and Khan asked if Hunter would speak to Punk. Triple H had no issue with it but he just wanted to know how Punk would fit. It still felt like a long shot when Leveque checked with the music department on the availability of ‘Cult of Personality.’

Levesque made it sound like they were still working on finalizing everything when Survivor Series started. They snuck Punk into the building once it was final. Levesque and Punk briefly said hello before Punk went out to the stage. Since that day, Hunter has had private conversations with people who wanted to air out their differences regarding Punk and it was all amicable. It’s been refreshing working with Punk.

Triple H spoke about how excited he was about the company and the future. He wanted to continue to re-invent the business. It wasn’t broken but he wanted it to be so much more.

******** 

Byron Saxton interviewed Iyo Sky. He wondered if Bayley would know exactly how to beat her. Sky called that a stupid question and said they kicked her out of Damage CTRL for a reason.

They aired the final few minutes of Rey Mysterio & Andrade defeating Dominik Mysterio & Santos Escobar last night.

There was a WrestleMania numbers video. 

Saxton said he spoke to Cody Rhodes who said he was good to go tonight.

They aired the closing moments of Sami Zayn’s win over Gunther.

Jackie Redmond and Wade Barrett replaced Cole and McAfee on the panel. Kayla Braxton flat-out told us there would be plenty of interference and run-ins by the Bloodline tonight.

(As they did last night, fans outside are consistently chanting for Punk at the desk.) 

Peter Rosenberg found Drew McIntyre in the back. He said Chelsea Green stole his Slammy and wanted her arrested. McIntyre wanted people to really remember what the world was like four years ago (during Covid) and everything he did. He looked forward to lifting the title belt in front of Punk’s stupid face. (Punk had already left the desk so he couldn’t comment.)

They aired the final few minutes of Rhea Ripley’s win over Becky Lynch. 

Saxton interviewed Bobby Lashley, Montez Ford, Angelo Dawkins and B-Fab. They were all business and they were ready for tonight. Ford said they’ve chosen violence.

Cathy Kelley interviewed the Final Testament. Karrison Kross mocked their promo and said they were ready to take it to the extreme (he wore an ECW t-shirt).

Rosenberg interviewed Gabriel Iglesias. AJ Styles was shown arriving. 

They aired the final moments of last night’s main event. (I’m a little surprised they’re showing so much from last night.)

There was a video of fans in Philly rallying behind Cody Rhodes.

CM Punk was shown entering for commentary.

********

WRESTLEMANIA XL NIGHT TWO —

Cole said nobody had seen Cody Rhodes all day because he’s been locked away in his bus. (On the pre-show, Saxton said he spoke to Rhodes and Rhodes was visited by medical staff.) 

There was an intro video once again with Meek Mill. It seems a bit warmer and sunnier than yesterday.

Drew McIntyre and Seth Rollins were shown getting ready in the back.

The War and Treaty performed God Bless America. 

Stephanie McMahon entered (to a remixed theme). She was at WrestleMania 1 when she was 8 years old and felt privileged to be at every Mania since. She said this one was special because it was the first one in the Paul Levesque era. She asked the crowd if they were ready and they cheered.

********

CM Punk is on commentary for the upcoming match. McIntyre entered to his music but was first brought out by the Ulster Scottish Pipe Band. Punk was unimpressed.

Seth Rollins was brought out to the stage by the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association. Punk called him a goof. The very colourful band marched down to the ring with Rollins as the crowd sang along. Rollins did look like a goof but this was a fun visual. 

Drew McIntyre defeated Seth Rollins to win the World Heavyweight Championship (10:33)

McIntyre immediately hit a Claymore Kick and got a nearfall 10 seconds into the match. McIntyre chop-blocked him and launched on the outside with an overhead suplex. He grabbed his wife’s cell phone and took a selfie (she sat in the front row).

McIntyre taunted Punk and set up Rollins for the same DDT that injured Punk but Rollins countered with a Pedigree. Rollins hit a curb stomp in the ring for two.

They traded blows until McIntyre hit a neckbreaker. McIntyre went for Claymore but Rollins caught him and hit a powerbomb and Pedigree. Rollins hit another stomp for a nearfall. Rollins went for a stomp off the top but McIntyre dodged it. They traded counters until McIntyre hit a Future Shock DDT for two. Punk admitted to wincing at that.

McIntyre did the “go to sleep” taunt and Punk said he was putting the crowd to sleep. McIntyre went for GTS but Rollins rolled him up for two. McIntyre hit another Claymore Kick for a nearfall.

McIntyre cleared the announce table but Rollins fought him off. Rollins cleared the other table and hit a running stomp, bouncing McIntyre’s head off the table. Rollins kept selling his knee every time he landed. Rollins tried to follow up in the ring but McIntyre once again hit a Claymore for a nearfall.

McIntyre hit one more Claymore Kick for the pinfall win.

This was really good. It was paced pretty much exactly like a Brock Lesnar main event.

McIntyre acted emotional upon winning. (His reaction felt a bit subdued for reasons we’re about to find out.) McIntyre and Rollins gave each other a knowing look. Rollins was crying as he mouthed something encouraging to McIntyre.

McIntyre let his wife (in the front row) hold the belt and he kissed her.

McIntyre taunted Punk on commentary. McIntyre was being a huge dick and did the crotch chop in Punk’s face. Punk swept out McIntyre’s leg and dropped him on the announce table. Punk ripped off his brace and attacked McIntyre with it.

— Damian Priest sprinted out to his music and the crowd exploded. Priest decked McIntyre with the briefcase and announced he was cashing in.

Damian Priest defeated Drew McIntyre to win the World Heavyweight Championship (0:09) 

Priest immediately hit a South of Heaven chokeslam for the pinfall win. The crowd popped big and Priest was pumped. Priest celebrated with his Judgment Day teammates on the stage. Punk was very pleased with himself.

(I said earlier that McIntyre took a selfie during the match. Apparently, he actually posted on Twitter/X that he was bored at work.) 

******** 

Snoop Dogg joined commentary for the next match. Bubba Ray Dudley was the special referee.

Six-man Philadelphia Street Fight: Bobby Lashley & The Street Profits (w/B-Fab) defeated The Final Testament (w/Scarlett & Paul Ellering) (8:33)

Karrion Kross and AOP attacked Lashley with kendo sticks which got a Sandman reference on commentary. Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins tried to help but they were overwhelmed by kendo sticks too.

Kross tried a cover but B-Fab hit him with a kendo stick. Scarlett hit B-Fab with a trash can. Lashley gave Kross a flatliner while the Street Profits took AOP out of the ring. Ford hit a big-ass flip dive to take out AOP.

Lashley gave Kross a spinebuster on a chair. Lashley applied the Hurt Lock but Scarlett hit him with a kendo stick. B-Fab knocked her down with a pump kick and put her through a table with a Russian leg sweep.

Kross hit Lashley with a Saito Suplex for two. Kross wasn’t happy with referee Bubba Ray and shoved him. Bubba put on his thick-rimmed glasses and Kross turned around into a Lashley spear.

Lashley and Ford held down Kross so Dawkins could hit a D-Von Dudley headbutt to the nuts. Bubba called for them to get the tables. They did but it broke too early so they grabbed another.

Ford put Kross through the table with a frog splash and Lashley made the cover for the pinfall win.

This felt like an Attitude Era hardcore match meant to kill time between the important matches. Of course, they kill enough time on these shows now with packages and commercials. Speaking of which…

********

There was a Bloodline/Rhodes video package.

Kayla Braxton interviewed Paul Heyman. She asked what Bloodline rules entailed. He mocked her and said it meant whatever they wanted it to mean. The match would only end when one man walked out the winner and the other man went home to his wife Brandi.

There were commercials for WWE 2K24 and Slim Jam. LA Knight arrived in the Slim Jim car. There was an LA Knight/AJ Styles video package. 

********

AJ Styles has new music. 

LA Knight defeated AJ Styles (12:28)

We didn’t get to hear much of Styles’ music because he raced to the ring to go after Knight but Knight easily got the better of him. Styles went after Knight’s leg but Knight came back with a Russian leg sweep, stomps, running knee in the corner and tornado DDT for two. Styles dropped him face-first onto the turnbuckle. He followed with a German suplex and facebuster for two. Styles went to the top but took too long and Knight tripped him.

Knight bit Styles’ face so Styles returned the favour by raking Knight’s eyes. Knight leaped back up and hit a super release German suplex, which looked awesome. (McAfee asked them to confirm the name of the move and Cole admitted he learned a lot of move names by calling the video game.) Styles applied a calf crusher but Knight got a rope break.

Styles dropped Knight’s knee pad and kicked his leg into the ring post. He seemed to set up for a figure four in the ring post but Knight pulled him into the post.

Knight removed the black floor mats but it wasn’t concrete underneath. Instead, it was the boards they put over ice or grass when they convert a venue to basketball or a concert. Anyway, Knight tried a powerbomb but Styles countered with a backbody drop onto the boards.

Knight beat a ten count and Styles went for a springboard 450 but Knight got his knees up. Styles hit a Pelé Kick but Knight blocked a Styles Clash. Knight knocked Styles off the top and hit a BFT for the pinfall win.

This match was fine, maybe even good, but the crowd seemed bored other than being able to yell “Yeah.”

******** 

They aired clips from the Hall of Fame and introduced this year’s class onto the stage. Paul Heyman got a separate entrance and he entered to the ECW theme.

A bunch of videos aired including a video package for the next match. It’s been about 15 minutes since the LA Knight segment ended.

********

Logan Paul entered first, in part because he entered on a pickup truck with a Prime bottle “cannon” attached. He entered with someone in a Prime bottle suit. The announcers speculated that it could be KSI.

As Owens entered Gorilla position, he was met by Sami Zayn. Zayn told him it was his turn tonight. Owens drove down in a golf cart.

Orton’s music hit before Owens hit the ring, so Owens backed up the cart and invited Orton to join. Orton stood on the back of the cart as Owens drove down. Orton motioned to Owens to slow down but he didn’t. They both made it safely to the ring.

(I forgot to mention it earlier but Punk blew a kiss to McIntyre’s wife earlier. I thought of it here after Owens waved at someone in the crowd.) 

Triple Threat Match: Logan Paul defeated Kevin Owens and Randy Orton to retain the United States Championship (17:39)

Paul tried pitting Owens and Orton against each other but it didn’t work. They teamed up on Paul and beat him up for a good three minutes until they both went for a cover simultaneously. Owens seemingly reasoned with Orton but Orton went for an RKO. Owens blocked it and was annoyed. Orton tried reasoning with Owens. They agreed to start fighting so they traded fists until Paul knocked them down with a double Buckshot lariat.

The crowd chanted “Gatorade” at Paul, which was funny. Owens tried a diving senton but Paul got his knees up. Paul hit a diving senton and transitioned perfectly into a splash on Orton for two. That was cool. Paul and Orton traded uppercuts and the announcers put over Paul who got the better of it. The crowd booed. Orton poked him in the eyes. Orton clotheslined Owens and hit a powerslam. Paul tried a springboard move but Orton grabbed him and hit a powerslam.

Orton hit Paul and Owens with a double draping DDT. Owens superkicked both guys. Owens hit Orton with a Codebreaker while falling on Paul with a senton. (Cole mentioned that Owens beat Chris Jericho at WrestleMania 33.) Owens gave Paul a package powerslam and moonsault for two. (Paul slipped as Owens set up his first move but Owens managed to adjust in time.)

Orton blocked a pop-up powerbomb and hit an RKO for a nearfall. Paul punched Orton with the brass knux but Orton kicked out. Paul knocked out Owens with the knux too. Paul tried another punch with the knux but Orton countered into an RKO.

Orton grabbed the knux but gave them to the referee. Orton went for a punt but the Prime bottle mascot saved Paul. The Prime bottle revealed himself to be IShowSpeed. (He’s a Youtuber. I had to frantically Google this.) He barked at Orton so Orton booted him. Orton barked at him (which was hilarious) and gave him an RKO onto the announce desk.

Owens gave Paul a pop-up powerbomb and stunned Orton for a nearfall. Owens tried a pop-up powerbomb but Orton countered into an RKO. Paul chucked Orton from the ring and gave Owens a frog splash for the pinfall win. Paul retains.

This was really fun.

******** 

Bayley had an Egyptian-themed entrance and was carried out by four dudes. Graves noted there was Rosicrucian Park (an Egyptian museum) in the Bay Area where Bayley grew up. 

Bayley defeated Iyo Sky to win the WWE Women’s Championship (14:23)

Bayley hit a suicide dive early in the match but sold her leg upon landing. Sky targetted the leg and smashed it against the ring post. Sky applied a leg lock on the apron as Cole spoke about Bayley’s past leg injury. Sky worked her over but Bayley chucked Sky into the timekeeper’s area. Sky tried a dive off the barricade but Bayley countered into a spinebuster. (They noted George Kittle was on his feet watching, presumably cheering on Bayley.)

Sky fought back and hit a moonsault outside the ring. Bayley came back with a sunset flip powerbomb into the bottom turnbuckle for two. (Parts of the crowd sang the Bayley song throughout much of the match.)

Sky hit a German suplex, rolled through and hit another German for two. Bayley got her knees up on a moonsault attempt but that just hurt Bayley’s knee. Bayley fought through it and went for a flying elbow drop but Sky dodged it and applied a crossface.

Bayley escaped and hit a back elbow but Sky caught her in the crossface again. Bayley tried to get a rope break so Sky caught her in an STF. Bayley fought out and hit Bayley-to-belly for a nearfall.

They traded strikes until Sky hit a backbreaker and moonsault for a nearfall. Sky hit consecutive moonsaults but Bayley dodged a third one. Bayley tried a Roseplant but Sky countered. Bayley came back and hit a clothesline, flying elbow drop and Roseplant for the pinfall win.

I thought this was very good.

******** 

Michael Che, War and Treaty, T-Pain, George Kittle (who was booed again), Vanessa Hudgens and Lilly Singh were shown at ringside.

The Eagles cheerleaders were in the ring with Snoop Dogg who announced an attendance of 72,755.

The main event is up next.

******* 

Rhodes entered first, wearing a weird-looking mask. He handed it off to Brandi who entered on the stage. She stayed back as Rhodes entered. Rhodes seemed pretty emotional upon entering.

An orchestra of young people sang Roman Reigns to the ring. 

Bloodline Rules Match: Cody Rhodes defeated Roman Reigns (w/Paul Heyman) to win the Universal Championship (33:26)

The crowd was on its feet as the match began. There were some boos for Rhodes during his entrance but there were loud chants for him as it started. They stood face-to-face with Reigns looking very confident.

Rhodes hit the Goldust uppercut early on. Rhodes dodged a charge and Reigns went shoulder-first into the ring post. Rhodes grabbed a table but Reigns cut him off with a drive-by dropkick. Reigns neatly placed the table back under the ring. Rhodes chucked him into the steel steps.

Reigns was the first to use a weapon, attacking Rhodes with a kendo stick. Reigns tried a David Ortiz swing with the kendo stick but Rhodes ducked and hit a bulldog. Rhodes applied a figure four but Reigns raked his eyes. Reigns worked over Rhodes and said, “I’m gonna miss whoopin’ your ass.”

They fought into the crowd and fought on top of a table. Reigns tried to suplex Rhodes off the table but Rhodes suplexed him on the table. Back in the ring, Rhodes went for Disaster Kick but Reigns countered with a powerbomb. Reigns hit a vertical suplex but Rhodes kicked out at one. Reigns told Rhodes, “This is my company, you little bitch.”

Reigns hit a fisherman’s suplex for two. Reigns hit repeated clotheslines in the corner but Rhodes came back with superkicks. They knocked each other down with clotheslines. They traded right hands and Rhodes got the better of it. Rhodes hit a powerslam and Disaster Kick for two.

Rhodes went for a Cody Cutter but Reigns caught him and hit a Cody Cutter for two. Reigns laughed and said, “That move sucks.” Rhodes dodged a Superman punch, hit jabs and a Bionic elbow.

Rhodes cleared the announce desk but Reigns hit a low blow and powerbombed Rhodes through the table. Reigns followed with a Superman punch in the ring for a nearfall. Rhodes blocked a spear and hit a Cody Cutter for two.

Reigns tried a Rock Bottom but Rhodes blocked it and hit a spear for two. (It’s been 21 minutes with no outside interference.)

— Rhodes hit a Cross Rhodes but Jimmy Uso entered and superkicked Rhodes. Reigns hit a Superman punch.

Jey Uso entered to his music and attacked Jimmy. He speared him off the stage through some tables. Rhodes used the distraction and applied a schoolboy for two and Reigns hit a spear for a nearfall. Rhodes speared Reigns through the barricade.

Rhodes hit Reigns with consecutive Cross Rhodes but Solo Sikoa caught him with a Samoan Spike. Sikoa placed Reigns into a cover but Rhodes kicked out. Sikoa hammered away at Rhodes and demanded that Reigns finish it. He held up Rhodes and Reigns hit a spear for two.

John Cena entered. Cena took out Sikoa and gave Reigns an AA. The crowd went crazy. Cena put Sikoa through the announce table with an AA.

The Rock entered to his music and Cena knew what was coming. Cena entered the ring as Rock walked down. Rock and Cena faced off as the crowd chanted “holy sh*t.” Cena took a swing but Rock ducked and dropped him with a Rock Bottom.

The Shield’s music hit. Rollins tried to enter in his Shield gear but Reigns saw him and easily laid him out with a Superman punch.

The Undertaker’s dong went off and he appeared in the ring behind the Rock. Undertaker chokeslammed Rock. The lights went out and Taker disappeared.

When the lights came back, only Rhodes and Reigns (and Rollins) were visible. Reigns hit Rollins with a chair (the way Rollins hit him with a chair when he turned on the Shield). That distraction allowed Rhodes to hit Reigns with consecutive Cross Rhodes.

Rhodes hit one more Cross Rhodes for the pinfall win. Rhodes is the champion.

Brandi Rhodes entered to celebrate with her husband.

After some replays, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, Jey Uso, John Cena, LA Knight, Randy Orton and Brandi Rhodes celebrated with Cody. Jey and Sami hoisted Rhodes on their shoulders. CM Punk and Michelle entered too and celebrated. Rhodes hugged his mom. More members of the Rhodes family entered as Rhodes gave the title belt to his mom.

Rhodes grabbed a microphone. The crowd chanted for him. Rhodes said he was surrounded by greatest in the ring and greatness in the stadium. Rhodes called out Bruce Prichard and Triple H because this couldn’t happen without them. Prichard and Triple H entered.

Triple H, the booker of the show, embraced Rhodes. They had a moment before Zayn and Orton held Rhodes up on their shoulders.

Rhodes hugged Cole and embraced the other announcers.

Rhodes shook hands with Rollins. Triple H embraced him one more time.

Everyone left allowing Rhodes to celebrate alone in the ring as fireworks went off.

Cole spoke emotionally about how much this business can get you.

Rhodes embraced Nick Khan in the front row. 

*******

[Rhodes won as he should have and they made this feel like a big deal. However, this WrestleMania was really presented as the Triple H show. We should be grateful he’s in charge. They outright told you that you should be thankful he’s in charge. Rhodes attributed his win, in part, to Triple H. Even though we’re supposed to think Rhodes overcame the storyline odds, it was really thanks to Paul Levesque. Levesque’s was all over both nights. It’s his show now and he wants you to know it.] 

WWE WrestleMania 39 night two live results: Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: April 2, 2023
Location: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA 

**********

Show Recap —

KICK-OFF SHOW

The pre-show panel was Kayla Braxton, Wade Barrett, Booker T and Kevin Patrick. 

Peter Rosenberg accosted Liv Morgan backstage and she said there was a 100,000% chance that her team would win tonight. He continued backstage, bumping into Stacy Keibler coming out of the elevator by pure coincidence, Bronson Reed, and the Street Profits (who were pumped for Bianca Belair). 

Paul Heyman interview

Cathy Kelley asked Paul Heyman if the downfall of the Usos last night would mean the downfall of Roman Reigns tonight.

Heyman told a story about his younger self being at Starrcade and meeting Dusty Rhodes. Heyman called Dusty a father figure to him. He recalled Dusty complimenting his promo but Dusty asked him, “but where’s the money?”

Heyman asked himself that question for years and now he knew the answer: Roman Reigns. Heyman called this the highest-grossing WrestleMania and it was because of Reigns — not Cody Rhodes. Reigns didn’t crack under the pressure he was put under and he was ready. Cody should be ready to lose to the money, Roman Reigns. 

********

George Kittle joined the panel to discuss his involvement last night and what he’s looking forward to tonight. 

Brock Lesnar against Omos will open the show.  

The panel finished up discussing the main event.

********

In the signature video that starts every WWE show, they’ve added Roman Reigns saying, “Acknowledge me.”

WRESTLEMANIA 39 NIGHT TWO — MAIN SHOW

Jimmie Allen performed America the Beautiful. 

Kevin Hart did the intro video again.

The Miz and Snoop Dogg kicked things off again. Miz mentioned the new champions, Rhea Ripley, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn and the crowd cheered them. Snoop told the crowd to fire it up.

Brock Lesnar defeated Omos (w/MVP) (4:55)

Lesnar got a big fireworks display and Michael Cole mentioned that this is his 12th Mania match.

Lesnar tried a tackle but Omos grabbed him and flung him aside and Lesnar took a great bump. Omos blocked Lesnar’s offence and easily scoop-slammed him twice. Omos targetted his lower back and applied a bearhug, taking Lesnar off his feet. Omos slammed him again and again applied a bearhug as the crowd cheered on Lesnar.

Lesnar tried to fight back but Omos hit a chokeslam for two. Lesnar avoided a charge and hit two German suplexes. Lesnar really sold his back but he managed to hit another German as the crowd cheered. Lesnar went for an F5 but fell under the weight.

Lesnar countered a chokeslam and hit an F5 for the pinfall win.

The crowd enjoyed this and it was as good as it was going to be. Lesnar’s big moves were damn impressive.

******** 

Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match: Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler defeated Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez, Natalya & Shotzi and Chelsea Green & Sonya Deville (8:21)

There was a spot early where Green went for a missile dropkick but Rodriguez no-sold it. Rodriguez, Morgan and Natalya gave Baszler a triple powerbomb. Shotzi wiped out Green and Deville with a flying crossbody. Shotzi took out a couple of opponents with a suicide dive and Green followed with a dive off the top. Rodriguez then powerbombed her partner Morgan onto the group outside.

Deville and Green worked together with strikes to take out Rodriguez. Natalya and Shotzi gave Deville a Hart Attack before Natalya slammed Green onto Deville. Natalya stacked Green and Deville on top of each other and put them both in the Sharpshooter at the same time, which popped the crowd. Morgan broke it up by giving Natalya a Codebreaker.

Morgan gave Shotzi an Oblivion but Baszler and Rousey broke up the cover. They beat up Morgan and Shotzi before Rousey tapped out Shotzi with the armbar.

(Rousey’s left arm was in a soft brace again as it was on Smackdown a couple of weeks ago. The armbar was basically all she did.)

The match was ok. The crowd was pretty quiet for it.

******** 

They introduced Bobby Lashley as the winner of the Andre the Giant battle royal. He entered in street clothes and posed with the big trophy. He was all smiles as he soaked in the crowd reaction. (I kinda felt bad for Lashley as this seems like it for him for the night.)

Xavier Woods was backstage with Nikki Cross, Tegan Nox, Madcap Moss, Hit Row, and Angelo Dawkins. They ran a simulation on WWE 2K23 that determined Drew McIntyre was the most likely to win the triple threat.

********

Titus O’Neil joined commentary for the next match. 

(Last night, Cinnamon Toast Crunch was the sponsor for Rey vs. Dominik Mysterio and it was somewhat distracting. Mike’s Hard Lemonade was the sponsor for this match and they even had an ad with Sheamus and McIntyre.) 

Triple Threat Match: Gunther defeated Drew McIntyre and Sheamus to retain the Intercontinental Championship (16:36)

McIntyre immediately knocked Gunther out of the ring with a dropkick which allowed him and Sheamus to go at it. Gunther came back in and returned the favour to McIntyre before teeing off on Sheamus’ chest. The crowd gave him an applause for his lethal chops, which turned Sheamus’ chest red. Gunther put him in a Boston Crab but McIntyre smacked him twice in the face.

Gunther and McIntyre exchange chops and McIntyre actually won the exchange which got a pop from the crowd. Sheamus came back in and they all took turns clobbering each other.

Sheamus did ten beats of the Bodhrán but in between each shot, McIntyre also chopped Gunther. Sheamus did almost 30 beats of the Bodhrán as the crowd counted along. The crowd loved all of this and Cole was freaking out.

Gunther gave Sheamus a big boot, German suplex, and lariat for two. Gunther hit another big lariat but Sheamus kicked out. McIntyre gave Gunther a neckbreaker before suplexing Sheamus into Gunther in the corner. Gunther ducked a Claymore kick and followed with a dropkick and powerbomb for a nearfall.

Sheamus gave Gunther a White Noise off the middle rope and a Celtic Cross (Razor’s Edge) for a nearfall. Sheamus put Gunther in a cloverleaf but McIntyre broke it up. Sheamus handed out knee strikes to both men.

Sheamus hit Gunther with the Brogue Kick and the crowd was going nuts but McIntyre broke up the cover. The crowd chanted “this is awesome.” McIntyre hit Sheamus with an Undertaker dive and the crowd chanted “holy shit.”

McIntyre went for the Claymore Kick but Sheamus hit him with a perfectly timed Brogue Kick for a close nearfall. The crowd gave them a standing ovation.

They exchanged strikes until McIntyre hit Sheamus with Claymore Kick for a nearfall.

They traded right hands until Sheamus hit another Brogue Kick but he was too beat up and took too long to make a cover. As he did make the cover, Gunther broke it up with a splash.

Gunther powerbombed Sheamus onto McIntyre’s arched back and gave McIntyre powerbomb for the pinfall win.

This was amazing. The crowd loved it and the announcers gave it a standing ovation.

******** 

Bianca Belair defeated Asuka to retain the Raw Women’s Championship (15:57)

Asuka’s entrance included four different women dressed as Asuka in masks prancing on the stage as she made her entrance. Bianca Belair’s entrance was very cool. She had more than a dozen young Black girls do a dance number to introduce her and the crowd applauded it.

Belair wore black and gold, Asuka wore red and gold (with blue and red hair).

Belair was briefly in control but Asuka used a cool strike combo to take over. Asuka tried a super German suplex but Belair landed on her feet and hit a spinebuster for two. Belair tried a standing moonsault but Asuka caught her in a submission. Asuka transitioned into a version of the Asuka Lock but Belair got out of the ring.

They fought outside and Belair hit a brutal-looking powerbomb before rolling Asuka in the ring for a two count. They traded counters before Asuka hit a missile dropkick for two.

They exchanged moves on the apron until Belair hit an impressive deadlift vertical suplex, bringing Asuka into the ring from the outside for a two count. The crowd was getting quiet but they applauded that spot. They traded cradles and counters until Asuka hit a kick to the head for two.

There were dueling chants as Belair hit a blockbuster and standing moonsault for two. Asuka hit a knee strike but Belair came right back with a tackle. They battled on the top but Asuka pulled Belair down by the braid and hit a Codebreaker for two. Belair got Asuka up in Glam Slam position and drove her into the turnbuckle.

Belair tried a KOD but Asuka got out of it. Belair almost hit the referee and Asuka wanted to use the distraction to mist Belair but she ducked it.

Belair went for the KOD but Asuka reversed into an armbar. The crowd went nuts because they thought this might a title change but Belair fought out and hit KOD for the pinfall win. Belair retains.

This was a really strong match. The crowd was relatively quiet for the first half but they got really into it after that. 

******** 

George Kittle and Al Michaels were shown in the crowd.

They replayed Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn beating the Usos to win the tag titles. They focused on the finish of Zayn hitting Jey with multiple Helluva Kicks.

********

Snoop and Miz were in the ring dancing to Nuthin’ But A “G” Thang. Miz announced an attendance of 81,395 bringing the two-night total to 161,892.

Miz complained to Snoop about putting him in an impromptu match last night. Snoop said, “my bad” but Miz didn’t like that response. Miz said this was his city but Snoop told him this was “our city.” Snoop had an opponent.

Shane McMahon entered. Shane grabbed a mic and told the crowd how much their response meant to him. Snoop made a match official.

Shane McMahon Snoop Dogg defeated The Miz

This was something.

Shane was doing whatever his offence is before he suddenly fell, apparently injuring his leg. Referee Jessika Carr and a trainer checked on Shane.

Snoop stepped in and dropped Miz with a right hand. He asked Shane if he was ok before they rolled him out of the ring.

Snoop dropped Miz again and hit a People’s Elbow for the pinfall win. Snoop danced and the crowd cheered. 

******** 

There was a movie ad tie-in with Russell Crowe who introduced the match by video.

Edge entered as “Brood Edge” but fortunately, they didn’t do the regular Brood entrance. I know everyone loves that entrance but Edge doing that bit at this point in his career is weird. Instead, Edge had a new outfit and he came up through the stage to “South of Heaven” by Slayer. Edge’s regular Alter Bridge music hit and he made his entrance.

Finn Bálor entered as the demon to his old music. (There’s still a bit of daylight out which didn’t help the entrance but it still looked pretty cool.) 

Hell in a Cell match: Edge defeated Finn Bálor (18:08)

They went for weapons under the ring right away as Edge grabbed a red steel chair while Bálor grabbed a purple kendo stick (Judgment Day’s colours are purple). Edge hit Bálor with the chair but he no-sold it and hit Edge repeatedly with the stick. There were also red kendo sticks and Edge pulled out a bunch of them before hitting Bálor with a purple one.

Three minutes in, the crowd chanted “we want tables.” Edge trapped Bálor in the corner of the Cell by pinning him into it with two kendo sticks. Edge followed with a missile dropkick off the apron. Bálor sold that he got hit but also sold like it didn’t hurt.

Edge set up a purple table to the delight of the crowd but Bálor busted free of the kendo sticks and went to town on Edge who fought back soon later with an impaler DDT. Bálor basically popped right up and hit a slingblade. (They’re really pushing that Bálor is a different animal as the demon.)

Bálor then hit a running dropkick, sending Edge through the table he set up. Bálor whipped a few chairs at Edge’s face but Edge booted him and hit an Unprettier in the ring. Edge hit an Edge-o-matic but Bálor kicked out at one.

Edge shoved a ladder into Bálor’s face and Bálor came up bleeding. It looked like this was hard-way blood and the ref stopped Edge so they could clean up Bálor. The crowd booed because they didn’t want the match to pause. They showed a replay and while Bálor did get his hands up, the ladder did appear to hit him right on the forehead.

As the medical staff checked on Bálor, Edge took more weapons out from under the ring to distract the crowd.

Bálor popped back up and stomped Edge. Edge avoided a Coup de Grace which led to a double down as they clotheslined each other. Bálor is still bleeding.

Bálor responded with a slingblade, dropkick and Coup de Grace for two.

Bálor climbed a ladder but Edge hit him with a kendo stick. Edge used the ladder to bring Bálor down from the top rope with an Edgecution for a nearfall.

Edge pulled out a table but Bálor attacked him with a kendo stick and hit him repeatedly in the midsection with a chair. With Edge on a table, Bálor climbed the inside of the Cell onto a little platform (that isn’t normally there) about halfway up the Cell. Bálor tried a Coup de Grace but Edge moved and Bálor crashed through the table.

Edge followed with a spear for a nearfall. Edge hammered away on Bálor’s back with the stick and red chair.

Edge grabbed another chair and hit a con-chair-to without hesitating for the pinfall win.

******** 

They’re killing a lot of time before the main event.

There was a commercial and a video package of all the movie parodies.

Kayla Braxton interviewed Belair who said she was living the dream. Belair’s dancer friends joined her and they celebrated together.

They recapped the Hall of Fame and brought out the 2023 Hall of Famers/Hall of Famer families. Rey Mysterio got his own entrance of course. Rey embraced Stacy Keibler, the Great Muta, and the families of Andy Kaufman and Tim White.

There was a video for next year’s WrestleMania in Philadelphia. They also showed Seth Rollins’ entrance from last night. This might’ve been a spot for a commercial break depending on how you’re watching. There was also a TurboTax commercial regardless of how you’re watching. 

There was a video package for the main event. 

******** 

Cody Rhodes entered and the crowd loudly sang the high points of his song. Rhodes embraced his wife, daughter, sister and mother at ringside. His young daughter was wearing headphones to block the loud noises but she took them off after her dad hugged her. Cody gave his weight belt to Brodie Lee’s oldest son (Negative 1), who was acknowledged by Michael Cole. 

Reigns’ entrance included six or so piano players performing ahead of his regular entrance.  

Roman Reigns (w/Paul Heyman & Solo Sikoa) defeated Cody Rhodes to retain the WWE Universal Championship (35:27)

Samantha Irvin did the ring intros and the crowd is very much into this. Both men got big reactions but Cody is very obviously the favourite. Reigns grabbed the mic and said, “WrestleMania — acknowledge me.”

They had an exchange that led to Rhodes doing the Goldust uppercut spot. Reigns regrouped outside the ring as Heyman told him to smash Cody. Reigns gained some offence but Rhodes cut him off with a dropkick for one. Rhodes tried a Disaster Kick but Reigns caught him and hit a powerbomb for two.

Reigns was in control for a bit but after he tried to toss Rhodes from the ring, Rhodes bounced back in and went after him. However, Reigns blocked a PK and dropped Rhodes on the apron. Reigns slammed Rhodes on the ramp but Rhodes responded by doing the same.

Rhodes had the advantage but as the referee checked on Reigns, Sikoa hit Rhodes in the ribs with a chair. Reigns followed with a drive-by dropkick for two. Rhodes tried to fire back but Sikoa tripped him, as the ref dumbly looked at Reigns, and Reigns followed with a clothesline for two.

Reigns cleared both announce tables and tried a powerbomb but Rhodes blocked and backdropped him through a table. In the ring, Rhodes hit strikes, a powerslam and Cody Cutter for two. (Cole went a little too crazy, somehow thinking Rhodes would win with a springboard cutter.)

Rhodes hit a suicide dive and they appeared to clonk heads (Rhodes checked on Reigns before chucking him back in the ring). Sikoa whipped Rhodes with his weight belt and the ref finally stopped playing dumb and he chucked Sikoa from ringside. The crowd cheered.

Reigns wanted to use the belt but the ref stopped him and the distraction allowed Rhodes to hit a superkick and Cross Rhodes for a nearfall. The crowd was really buzzing. (Cole said, “this was Cody’s chance!” which is exactly what he said earlier after the Cody Cutter.)

Reigns fought back with a jawbreaker and Uranage/Rock Bottom for two. Rhodes ducked a superman punch and hit a Pedigree for a nearfall.

Rhodes went for Disaster Kick but Reigns caught him in mid-air with a superman punch for two. Reigns seemed to be filled with self-doubt but Heyman assured him that Rhodes was ready to be defeated. Reigns went for a spear but Rhodes flipped over into a cradle for two before applying a figure four but Reigns countered it.

They traded right hands before Reigns dodged Rhodes’ move off the top and hit a spear for a nearfall. Reigns applied a guillotine as the crowd chanted for Rhodes. Rhodes tried to fire up but Reigns wrapped his legs around Rhodes. 

Rhodes fought out of it and attacked Reigns but Reigns ducked a kick and Rhodes booted the referee. Both men went down after Reigns hit a superman punch and Rhodes hit a clothesline.

Rhodes set up for the Cross Rhodes but Jimmy and Jey Uso came in and superkicked him before hitting 1D. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn ran in through the crowd and dumped the Usos from the ring.

Owens gave Reigns a stunner. Zayn gave Reigns a Helluva kick.

Owens and Zayn brawled with the Usos out through the crowd.

Rhodes covered Reigns for a nearfall. The crowd is on its feet.

They exchanged strikes until Rhodes hit the Dusty jabs, Bionic elbow, and Goldust uppercut.

Rhodes hit two consecutive Cross Rhodes but Heyman distracted the referee.

Sikoa in a hood reemerged and gave Rhodes the Samoan Spike. Reigns speared Rhodes. 

Reigns pinned Rhodes.

Reigns retained. 

WWE WrestleMania 39 night one live results: The Usos vs. Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: April 1, 2023
Location: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA 

Show Recap —

KICK-OFF SHOW

(I do not plan on recapping the entire 2-hour pre-show, but I’ll add anything notable.)

The pre-show panel took place outside the stadium with Kayla Braxton, Booker T, Wade Barrett, and Peter Rosenberg. 

There were video packages for Charlotte Flair/Rhea Ripley, Austin Theory/John Cena and for WrestleMania itself. Gabriel Iglesias joined the panel. He spoke about a few of the matches before speaking about how proud he was to see Rey Mysterio go into the Hall of Fame. 

Maria Menounos joined the panel, spoke about what a big fan she was and did her Dusty Rhodes impression which she said Ric Flair has asked her to do. 

Actor Rafael Amaya joined after a Rey Mysterio/Dominik Mysterio video package. Amaya spoke passionately about Dom disrespecting his family, but his back was turned to the camera as he spoke to the live crowd, so the announcers had to reel him in and Rosenberg pulled him back to the table.

Stephen A. Smith joined the panel and he was excited to be at his first WrestleMania. He claimed to be watching wrestling since the first WrestleMania. Booker asked if he would ever step in the ring. Smith said no but did say what a big fan he was of managers like Bobby Heenan and Paul Heyman and mentioned next year’s WrestleMania. 

Johnny Knoxville, wearing a Sami Zayn t-shirt, spoke to Cathy Kelley. Knoxville still can’t stand looking at Zayn and wasn’t convinced that he was a “good guy” now. He thought Kevin Owens would be pulled down by Zayn and the Usos would win. 

Nothing happened for like 30 minutes until Boxer Ryan Garcia joined the panel to discuss Logan Paul but he also wanted to talk about Rey Mysterio.  

There was a Roman Reigns/Cody Rhodes package earlier and the pre-show ended with a package and discussion of The Usos against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.

Time for WrestleMania. Enjoy the shows, everyone.

WRESTLEMANIA 39 — MAIN SHOW

Becky G sang America the Beautiful.  

The WrestleMania intro included Kevin Hart.

It’s still daylight as the show is kicking off in L.A. The stage is very impressive looking.

The Miz and Snoop Dogg stood in the ring. Miz said he and Snoop had a lot in common. For example, Snoop had been in over 80 movies while Miz was in Marine 4, 5 and 6. Snoop was okay with this comparison and put over the fans. Miz plugged the two main events — Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley and the Usos vs. Owens and Zayn — before introducing Austin Theory. 

Corey Graves congratulated Michael Cole on announcing his 22nd WrestleMania, the most of any announcer.  

********

Cole mentioned the number of wishes granted by John Cena for Make-A-Wish and there was a video highlighting WWE’s history with Make-A-Wish. They cut to a bunch of kids on stage whose wish was to go to WrestleMania.

John Cena’s music hit and he embraced the kids as part of his entrance. Cena got a huge reaction. This is Cena’s 16th WrestleMania and Cole noted he was trying to win the same title he won in his first Mania against Big Show.

Austin Theory defeated John Cena to retain the United States Championship (11:19)

Cena was in charge early until Theory bit his ear. This frustrated Cena who complained to the referee and Theory decked him from behind. Theory used vertical suplexes, a blockbuster and a rolling dropkick for two.

Cena dodged another dropkick attempt and applied an STF, which really got the crowd going, but Theory again bit Cena to get out of it. Cena went for an AA but Theory slipped out and hit a DDT for two.

Theory held a headlock but Cena got to his feet and hit his usual comeback which delighted the crowd. Cena hit the five-knuckle shuffle with his bald spot in full view but they accidentally knocked over the referee as Cena had Theory in the AA position.

Theory tapped to the STF but the ref was still down. Cena let go so Theory followed with a low blow and A-Town Down for the pinfall win.

The crowd really wanted Cena to win so you can imagine how this finish went over, especially without any big nearfalls or anything. The match was ok at best.

******** 

Titus O’Neil joined commentary for the upcoming match.

Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match: The Street Profits defeated Braun Strowman & Ricochet, Alpha Academy and The Viking Raiders (w/Valhalla) (8:29)

The Raiders got to show off before posing for the camera. This is normally where they’d go to commercial but instead, they were waiting for the replay to end so Strowman could take them out.

Chad Gable gave Strowman a crazy impressive Chaos Theory suplex and the crowd gave him an ovation. He yelled, “Thank you!”

Ivar tried a moonsault but Angelo Dawkins moved. Strowman followed with a splash on Ivar but everyone broke up the cover. Otis gave Strowman a World’s Strongest Slam. There was a massive tower of doom spot where four people held up Montez Ford long enough for Ricochet to fly off the top and knock the group over.

Strowman ran around the ring, knocking everyone over but Dawkins actually cut him off by hitting his own shoulder tackle. Ricochet then wiped out Dawkins and Erik with a shooting star press to the outside.

Ricochet tried an SSP in the ring but Dawkins got his knees up. Dawkins held RIcochet on his knees while Ford hit a frog splash, which looked great, and Dawkins pinned Ricochet. The Profits celebrated and the big crowd celebrated with them.

This was a very fun spot fest match and the crowd was really into it.

******** 

(I won’t mention it every time, but as usual, they are airing commercials after the matches.)

Xavier Woods was in the back with Liv Morgan, Butch, Ridge Holland and Tyler Breeze. Woods ran a simulation on WWE 2K23 which determined that Seth Rollins would beat Logan Paul.

Seth Rollins defeated Logan Paul (16:16)

Paul entered on a (slow) zip line and he was mic’d up to brag about it as he entered. There was a mascot dressed as a Prime energy drink who they focused on to take attention away from Paul who was removing his harness.

Musical composer Jasper Randall was on the stage to lead the crowd in singing Rollins’ theme. The audio was phony but the real crowd started singing once Rollins entered to his song.

Paul wore blue and yellow, Rollins wore all pink. The Prime mascot remained at ringside.

Rollins was in control for a bit until Paul chucked him from the ring and followed later with a Buckshot lariat (which they’re calling a Maverick lariat). Paul also punched Rollins in the stomach and the announcers noted the screw that was embedded in his hand.

Paul was in control but he missed a step-up moonsault and Rollins made a comeback which included three consecutive suicide dives. Rollins stomped Paul’s right hand into the steel steps (the same hand that’s knocked out Rollins previously).

Paul countered a Pedigree and they traded cradles until Paul punched Rollins with the right hand. It took Paul too long to make a cover and Rollins kicked out. Paul might’ve been going for a stomp but Rollins caught him and hit a sit-out powerbomb for two.

Paul was in danger so the Prime mascot pulled him out of the ring. The mascot ripped off his face covering to reveal that it was Paul’s buddy KSI. Paul shoved Rollins into the ring post and placed Rollins on the announce table.

Paul dove off the top rope but Rollins popped up and yanked KSI onto the table and Paul crashed through KSI. (This was clever because Paul was busy posing which is why he didn’t notice Rollins moved.)

Rollins pulled Paul into the ring and hit a Pedigree for a close nearfall. The crowd was on its feet.

Paul hit a Go To Sleep (which Cole called by name) and a frog splash for two.

Paul tried to do the coast-to-coast dropkick but Rollins superkicked him out of mid-air and followed with a curb stomp for the pinfall win.

This was a pretty fun match and the crowd loved it. They were very happy that Rollins won. (Paul checked on his dead mascot friend after the match.) 

********

Lynch, Lita and Stratus had a Sin City-inspired entrance.  

Six-woman tag team match: Trish Stratus & Tag Team Champions Becky Lynch & Lita defeated Bayley, Dakota Kai & IYO SKY (14:35)

The teams faced off before the match which led to the babyfaces removing the heels from the ring and the match started once Lynch and Kai were in alone.

Damage CTRL worked over Lynch until she made a hot tag to Lita who hit SKY with a headlock driver for two. SKY distracted the ref so Kai knocked Lita from the top rope and the heels took over again. Damage CTRL hit Lita with superkicks in stereo but Lita kicked out.

Lita dropped Kai and SKY with a double DDT before making a hot tag to Stratus. Stratus looked good taking out Kai and Bayley before hitting Kai with a neckbreaker for two.

Lynch and Lita assisted Trish in bringing Kai down from the top with a leg scissors onto her teammates. Stratus followed with a spinebuster for two. Trish and Lita did poetry in motion before Lynch hit Kai with a diving leg drop for two. Lynch applied a Disarmer but it was broken up.

Everyone traded spots including Trish hitting Stratusfaction and Bayley giving Stratus a Bayley-to-belly. This led to SKY knocking everyone out with a moonsault off the top to the outside.

Everyone brawled in the ring until Lita gave SKY a Twist of Fate and Stratus gave Kai a Chick Kick. Lita hit a moonsault on both Kai and SKY.

Lynch gave Bayley a Man-handle slam off the middle rope for the pinfall win. This was fine.

******** 

Bad Bunny joined the Spanish announce table for the next match and he got a nice crown response.

Dom’s entrance featured a video of him being escorted out of prison which cut to a live shot of him back driven into the arena in a prison inmate van. Dom had new entrance gear including a Rey Mysterio mask. He was escorted to the ring by four officers as he removed the mask.

Cole screamed about how this was the most ridiculous thing he’s seen and that Dom hasn’t earned the right to wear a Lucha mask. Graves told him to calm down.

Rey was driven to the stage in a low rider by Snoop Dogg to Eddie Guerrero’s theme. Rey’s theme hit as he exited the vehicle.

Rey was introduced as a WWE Hall of Famer. Rey wore red and yellow, Dom wore black and purple. Angie and Aalyah were shown at ringside. 

Rey Mysterio defeated Dominik Mysterio (14:30)

Dom tried to use his size at the start but Rey has obviously seen that before and he chucked Dom from the ring. Rey avoided a charge and sent Dom into the middle turnbuckle. As Dom was bent over, Rey removed his belt and whipped Dom in the ass with it. The crowd loved that.

Dom went outside and complained to his mom and sister. Dom grabbed Aalyah’s drink and chucked it in her face. Aalyah was about to jump the barricade but Rey stopped her and that allowed Dom to deck Rey and take over. Dom worked over Rey and caught his dad with a nice Michinoku Driver for two.

(Cole yelled that Dom wouldn’t be here without Rey and Graves responded, “I wouldn’t be here without my dad.”)

Dom got in his mom’s face so she slapped him and Rey drove him into the ring post. Rey kissed Angie. Rey gave Dom a springboard crossbody for two.

Damian Priest and Finn Bálor suddenly appeared at ringside.

It looked like Rey went for a seated senton but Dom flipped him onto the bottom turnbuckle which looked impressive and brutal. The ref quickly checked on Rey and they showed Bad Bunny reacting on commentary.

Dom went for three amigos but Rey slipped out after the first suplex and knocked him onto the middle turnbuckle. Rey hit a 619.

Rey went to the top but Bálor distracted the ref while Priest knocked Rey off the top.

Legado Del Fantasma ran out to even the odds and Santos Escobar wiped out Priest with a suicide dive.

Dom hit Rey with a 619 as the crowd booed. Dom hit a frog splash but Rey kicked out.

Dom exposed the top turnbuckle but as the ref put it back together, Dom grabbed a steel chain.

Bad Bunny took the chain away and Rey dropkicked Dom onto the middle rope.

Rey hit a 619 and frog splash for the pinfall win. The crowd popped big for the win.

Rey helped Angie and Aalyah into the ring and they celebrated together. (Dom, Bálor and Priest looked on disapprovingly at the Mysterio family as Cole said, “this is what Dom gave up for those bozos.”)

This was exactly what it should’ve been.

********

George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers was shown at ringside. 

Cole said this was the first time in WrestleMania history that the match competitors, referee (Jessika Carr), and ring announcer (Samantha Irvin) were all women. 

Rhea Ripley defeated Charlotte Flair to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship (23:34)

Charlotte had the early edge which the announcers chalked up to her experience but Ripley took over and targetted the back. Charlotte tried fighting back but Ripley hit a German suplex for two. Charlotte came back with a backbreaker, clotheslines and chops.

Charlotte went for a flying crossbody but Ripley rolled through and tried a Rip-tide but Charlotte spiked her with an impressive-looking DDT for two. Charlotte tried a figure four but Ripley countered into a cradle for two before both women knocked each other down with big boots. Ripley responded with strikes but Charlotte cut her off with a fallaway slam.

Charlotte went up for a moonsault but Ripley ran up and brought her down with a super release German suplex for two. Charlotte came back with Natural Selection for two. Charlotte tried a spear outside the ring but Ripley moved and she went shoulder-first into the ring steps.

Ripley set up for Rip-tide but Charlotte hit a German suplex of her own. Ripley hit back elbows and a release German suplex where Charlotte landed right on her face. (They showed multiple replays of this.) Charlotte came back with a big boot anyway for two.

Ripley spilled to the outside the ring so Charlotte hit a moonsault to the outside. Ripley avoided a spear in the ring and hit a Rip-tide for a close nearfall. (The ref also avoided getting speared.) Charlotte tried a small package for two.

Ripley applied the Prism Trap (standing inverted cloverleaf) but Charlotte slipped out of it and drove Ripley into the turnbuckle, where they narrowly avoided colliding with the referee again. Charlotte hit a spear for a nearfall.

They traded forearms but Charlotte booted Ripley and applied a figure four but Ripley quickly got a rope break. Charlotte tried a fallaway slam off the middle rope but Ripley blocked it and drove her face-first onto the post.

Ripley hit a Rip-tide off the top for the pinfall win. The crowd popped huge for the win.

(Charlotte did the thing where she smirked despite losing while watching Ripley celebrate.)

This was paced like a big-time main event and they delivered with a really good match. 

********

A rare backstage segment tonight. Byron Saxton interviewed Austin Theory. Theory said he made John Cena believe and asked us “do you believe in Austin Theory now?”

Miz and Snoop Dogg were in the ring and Miz announced an attendance of 80,497.

Snoop said the only thing better than those numbers would be if Miz had a match tonight. Miz agreed and mentioned that he put out an open challenge all over social media. He wasn’t surprised that no one answered because everyone was afraid of him.

Pat McAfee entered. Cole freaked out while Graves was annoyed.

McAfee shook hands with Snoop. He said he lived on social media and he didn’t see Miz issue an open challenge. He wore his WrestleMania tank top and challenged Miz to a match. Miz said he would love to but he was the host and didn’t have the power to make matches. McAfee said his tiny balls were showing.

Snoop made the match official.

Pat McAfee defeated The Miz (3:37)

Miz yelled at Snoop as the bell rang to start the match. Snoop brushed him off and asked the ref to open the ropes for him to leave. McAfee went after Miz and hit a spinebuster.

McAfee knocked Miz from the ring and Miz wanted to leave. He shoved George Kittle on his way out so Kittle jumped the barricade and clotheslined Miz (which should’ve been a DQ). McAfee hit Miz with a dive off the top and followed with a punt for the pinfall win. McAfee and Kittle celebrated together.

******** 

It’s 11:15 pm ET.

The announcers ran down the card for night two of WrestleMania 39.

There were some commercials, a video package for the tag title main event and another commercial.

********

Lil Uzi Vert entered to perform a song ahead of the Usos’ entrance.

Owens entered first for his team, followed by Zayn. Zayn got a particularly big reaction and the crowd sang his song. 

Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn defeated The Usos to win the Undisputed Tag Team Championships (24:17)

Zayn and Jimmy Uso were going to start but Jey Uso tagged in to start instead. Jey, with an assist from Jimmy, got the advantage over Zayn. Owens complained to the ref but went back to his corner.

After about five minutes, Zayn fought off both Usos and tagged in Owens who wiped out both Usos with a senton to the outside. Owens gave Jimmy a frog splash off the apron and a frog splash to Jey in the ring for two. Jey blocked a stunner and hit a lifting neckbreaker for two.

Owens tried a senton bomb but Jey got his knees up and Jimmy (who made a blind tag) followed with a splash for two. Owens dodged a Jimmy running hip attack, hit two superkicks and a cannonball. Jey tried to attack Owens so Zayn gave him a brainbuster on the apron. Owens hit Jimmy with a senton bomb for a nearfall.

Zayn raised his finger in the air and gave Jimmy an Uso splash for a nearfall. The crowd sang “Olé.” (Cole actually mentioned that El Generico would be proud.)

Zayn hit Jimmy with a Blue Thunder Bomb but Jey had made a blind tag and hit a jumping superkick for two.

Jimmy hit Zayn with a superkick, Jey hit a superkick, and they both hit superkicks but Owens broke up the cover. Jimmy sent Owens out of the ring with another superkick.

The Usos hit Zayn with a double superkick but Zayn just barely kicked out by rolling his shoulder up.

Jimmy tagged in and they hit double superkicks again for two.

Jey tagged in and they went for 1D but Owens tripped Jimmy. Zayn cradled Jey for two.

Owens wanted to powerbomb Jimmy on the announce table but Jey saved him. Jimmy and Jey gave Owens a double chokeslam through the announce table (as Zayn was down in the ring).

The Usos gave Zayn a 1D which seemed like it might be the finish but Zayn kicked out. Cole freaked because no one had kicked out of the 1D. The crowd buzzed.

Jey hammered away at Zayn who was not fighting back. Jey hit a Helluva Kick (or at least his version of one). Jey yelled at Zayn but Zayn grabbed him and hit an exploder into the turnbuckles.

Owens reemerged on the apron and Zayn made the tag. Owens gave pop-up powerbombs to both Usos. Zayn gave Jimmy a Helluva Kick while Owens gave Jey a stunner for a nearfall. The crowd is on its feet.

All four men got to their feet and the two teams hammered away at each other. Owens handed out superkicks but Owens ate superkicks and the Usos superkicked Zayn off the apron.

The Usos gave Owens a double splash but Owens kicked out.

The Usos superkicked Owens against the turnbuckle. They set up a big spot but Zayn yanked Jimmy out of the ring and tossed him over the announce table. Owens dropped Jey with an avalanche fisherman’s buster. Owens tagged Zayn.

Zayn and Jey were the legal men.

Zayn hit Jey with a Helluva kick and another. Owens dropped Jimmy with a stunner.

Zayn gave Jey another Helluva kick for the pinfall win.

Zayn and Owens are the tag team champions. The crowd erupted. Zayn’s wife was in tears. Owens was in tears. Owens and Zayn hugged.

Zayn and Owens posed with the titles as fireworks went off (I believe the first fireworks display of the night, now that it’s no longer daylight).

The crowd sang along with Zayn’s song as Owens and Sami posed with their titles.

This was excellent. 

WWE WrestleMania 37 night two live results: Reigns vs. Edge vs. Bryan

Posted on by Dave Bath

WrestleMania 37 concludes tonight with a triple threat Universal Championship match headlining the night two card at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

Universal Champion Roman Reigns will put his title on the line against men’s Royal Rumble winner Edge and Daniel Bryan. Bryan was added to the match following the events of last month’s Fastlane pay-per-view. Bryan made Reigns tap out during their title match, but there was no referee to call for the bell. Edge, who was the special guest enforcer and had been unhappy about Bryan getting a title shot on the road to WrestleMania, then cost Bryan the match.

The Raw Women’s Championship will also be on the line as Asuka defends against Rhea Ripley. Ripley will be looking for WrestleMania redemption after losing the NXT Women’s Championship to Charlotte Flair last year.

Plus, Randy Orton will face “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt, Kevin Owens will take on Sami Zayn (with YouTube star Logan Paul appearing as Zayn’s guest), Big E will defend his Intercontinental title against Apollo Crews in a Nigerian Drum Fight, Sheamus will challenge Riddle for the United States Championship, and WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler will defend their titles against Natalya & Tamina.

The show begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time and will air live on Peacock in the United States and the WWE Network everywhere else. The pre-show will begin at 7 p.m. Eastern. No matches are set for the pre-show.

**********

Show Recap–

KICKOFF 

The kickoff panel consists of Kayla Braxton, JBL, Pete Rosenberg, Bookert T, and Jerry “The King” Lawler. The weather is better, so the backdrop is the Raymond James Stadium. The panel ran down tonight’s lineup. 

They took a closer look at Randy Orton vs. The Fiend. Braxton noted Orton vs. Fiend opens tonight’s show.  

They recapped Tamina & Natalya’s victory in the tag team turmoil last night to earn a title shot against Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler tonight. The panel turned their attention to Riddle vs. Sheamus. 

They recapped Sheamus defeating Riddle two weeks ago. Lawler wondered why Riddle doesn’t wear boots. Booker T agreed and claimed he’d stomp on his feet.

Rosenberg defended Riddle not wearing boots because he’s from MMA. JBL agreed and pointed out that Kevin Von Erich didn’t wear shoes either. Booker claimed nobody without boots ever won the world championship. JBL countered with Antonino Rocca. Booker didn’t care. 

They recapped WrestleMania Night One. The panel talked about Bianca Belair’s victory and Montez Ford celebrating with her. The panel discussed the rest of the results. 

They recapped Raw Women’s Champion Asuka vs. Rhea Ripely. They recapped the 2021 Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

The panel discussed Big E vs. Apollo Crews. Sonya Deville joined the panel to discuss the feud and tonight’s Nigerian Drum Fight. They recapped Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn with Logan Paul’s involvement. 

They recapped Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Edge vs. Daniel Bryan.

WRESTLEMANIA – NIGHT TWO

Country singer Ashland Craft performed America The Beautiful. They showed shots of the roster standing on the stage from last night. 

WrestleMania’s co-hosts, Titus O’Neil and Hulk Hogan walked out on the stage dressed like pirates. The fans cheered Titus, but Hogan got a mixed reaction with lots of boos. 

Randy Orton defeated The Fiend (w/Alexa Bliss) (5:52)

Orton and Fiend had a fine match. They kept it short, but the fans were into it most of the way. The finish came out of nowhere and featured magic. 

The Fiend’s entrance was awesome. 

As The Fiend walked down a hallway, he transformed from being burnt and deformed to the normal-looking Fiend. 

Then Bliss walked to the ringside, where there was a huge jack in the box. She turned the handle, and The Fiend popped out. 

The lights remained red throughout the match. The Fiend jumped off the box and caught Orton with a clothesline. The fans popped for The Fiend when he posed. The Fiend charged at Orton, but he slipped out to ringside. 

Orton gave The Fiend a back suplex on the announce table, but it did not affect him. The Fiend locked on the mandible claw, but Orton escaped. Orton hit the draping DDT, but The Fiend jumped back up. 

Orton sent The Fiend head-first into the box to take over. The Fiend fought back and rocked Orton with a clothesline. He followed up with a flying cross-body block. Orton recovered and beat down down The Fiend.

Orton attempted the RKO, but The Fiend countered with the mandible claw. The Fiend set up for Sister Abigail, but flames emerged from the ring post. Suddenly, Bliss was sitting on top of the box dressed in black. She had the black ooze pouring down her face. The fans popped big for Bliss’s transformation. Orton took advantage and hit the RKO for the win. 

After the match, Bliss and The Fiend had a brief staredown. The lights went out, and they were both gone. The fans erupted in boos when the lights came back on, and the ring was empty.

Eric Bischoff approached Titus and Hulk Hogan backstage. Bayley interrupted and invited Bischoff on her show Ding Dong Hello.

Bischoff praised Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair. 

WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler defeated Tamina & Natalya to retain the titles (14:00)

This was a fine match. Both teams worked hard, although it dragged at times.

The fans cooled off midway but were mainly into the match.

Baszler used a side headlock on Natalya for the early advantage. Natalya attempted the sharpshooter, but Baszler made it to the ropes. Jax tagged in and overpowered Natalya. 

Jax demanded that Tamina get in the ring. The fans popped big for Tamina and broke into a “Tamina” chant. Tamina overpowered Jax to gain control. Tamina and Natalya gave Jax a double flapjack. Baszler made a blind tag, but the faces took over.

Natalya gave Baszler a catapult into a superkick from Tamina. Baszler rocked Natalya with a knee to gain control. Jax attacked Tamina at ringside and slammed her down hard. 

Baszler slowed the pace down and worked over Natalya’s knee. The fans erupted in boos as Jax worked over Natalya’s leg. The heels isolated Natalya in their corner. 

Jax missed a charge in the corner, and Natalya hit the discus clothesline for a near fall. Jax recovered and hit a powerbomb, but Tamina broke up the pin attempt. 

Tamina got the got hot tag and ran wild on Baszler. Baszler attempted the Kirifuda Clutch, but Tamina broke free. 

Tamina climbed to the top, but Baszler cut her off. Jax recovered and hit a crossbody onto Tamina and Natalya. Jax trashed talked Tamina.

Tamina heard enough and hit Jax in the face. She then slammed Jax for a near fall.

The fans broke into another “Tamina” chant.

Tamina attempted the Superfly splash, but Jax moved out of the way. Natalya tagged in and knocked Baszler off the apron, but Baszler made a blind tag.

The finish came when Natalya locked on the sharpshooter on Jax, but Baszler was legal in the match. Baszler jumped in and locked on the Kirifuda Clutch for the win.

Kevin Owens defeated Sami Zayn (9:15)

Owens and Zayn had a really good hard-hitting and fast-paced match. 

JBL joined Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary. 

Zayn came out first and introduced his guest Logan Paul. The fans booed Logan Paul as Zayn did the introduction. Zayn danced to Paul’s music, which was hilarious. The fans booed Paul when he got in the ring. The fans broke into a “KO” chant when Owens entered. Paul sat at ringside with the commentators. 

The bell rang, and Zayn charged at Owens. Owens caught Zayn with a pop-up powerbomb for a near fall. Owens was firmly in control and hit a cannonball in the corner. 

Owens avoided a suplex on the apron. Zayn recovered and hit a brainbuster on the apron to take over. There was a slight “Logan sucks” chant.

Zayn hit the Michinoku Driver for a near fall. Cole called it a blue thunder bomb, but Graves corrected him to save Cole from the Internet. 

Owens and Zayn fought on the top rope. Owens knocked Zayn down with a head butt. He followed up with a frog splash for a close near fall. Owens then hit a modified backbreaker for another near fall. 

Zayn recovered and hit the exploder suplex in the corner. Zayn missed the Helluva Kick but hit the blue thunder bomb for a near fall. Zayn hit a series of suplexes and a brainbuster for a close two-count. The fans broke into a “This is awesome” chant. 

Zayn attempted a superplex, but Owens reversed into a suplex. Owens hit a running clothesline in the corner. He attempted a second running clothesline, but Zayn hit the Helluva kick. 

Zayn went for the Helluva kick again, but Owens hit a superkick. Owens hit a second superkick and the stunner for the win. 

After the match, Paul jumped in to check on Zayn. Paul congratulated Owens and tried to shake his hand. Zayn became furious and got in Paul’s face. Paul knocked Zayn down, and the fans booed. 

Paul raised Owens’s hand, and the fans booed. Owens didn’t seem happy and then gave Paul the stunner to a huge pop. 

United States Champion Riddle approached The Great Khali in the back. Riddle congratulated Khali on getting in the Hall of Fame. Riddle asked for a translator. Rob Van Dam showed up to a huge pop.

He gave Riddle and Khali RVD rolling papers. They wished Riddle good luck with his match against Sheamus.

Sheamus defeated Riddle to win the United States Championship (10:50)

Riddle and Sheamus had a good hard-hitting match with an awesome-looking finish. 

Riddle got a big reaction from the fans. The fans broke into a “Bro” chant as he made his entrance. 

Sheamus rocked Riddle with a shoulder block for the early advantage. Riddle fought back with a sleeper hold, but Sheamus backed into the corner. Sheamus then hit the Irish Curse backbreaker for a near fall.

Riddle briefly fought back, but Sheamus hit a suplex for a near fall. Sheamus climbed to the top rope, but Riddle jumped to the top rope. He then hit a belly-to-belly superplex. Riddle fired up and hit a forearm in the corner. He followed up with a suplex and the broton. Riddle then hit the jackhammer for a close near fall. 

Riddle went for the buckshot lariat, but Sheamus hit a knee for a very close near fall. Sheamus followed up with the Alabama Slam. 

Riddle and Sheamus fought on the apron. Riddle pushed Sheamus into the ring post and hit a German suplex on the apron. He followed up with an Asai moonsault. 

Riddle hit the floating bro for another near fall. Sheamus countered the armbar into a powerbomb for a near fall.

Sheamus and Riddle fought on the top rope. Sheamus went for White Noise off the top, but they slipped off. Sheamus managed to land on his feet while still holding Riddle. Sheamus then hit White Noise. He followed up with a knee of the top rope for a close near fall. 

The finish was awesome. Riddle hit a moonsault off the second rope, but Sheamus hit the Brogue Kick mid moonsault for the win. 

Nigerian Drum Fight: Apollo Crews defeated Big E to win Intercontinental Championship (6:49)

Big E and Crews had a good match until the finish. 

They announced the match is no disqualification and no count-out. Tables, kendo sticks, drums, and a gong surround the ring.

Wale performed Big E’s entrance. The fans gave Big E a big reaction when he made his entrance. 

The bell rang, and they both jumped out of the ring to get kendo sticks. They traded kendo stick shots in the ring. Crews briefly gained control with the kendo stick.

Big E fought back and hit a massive spear through the ropes to the floor. The fans broke into a loud “Let’s Go Big E” chant. Big E set up the ringside steps, but Crews countered with a death valley driver on the apron for a near fall. 

Crews placed Big E on the steps. He tried dropping the other half of the steps, but Big E moved out of the way. They fought on the apron, and Crews charged at Big E. Big E countered and hit a uranage off the apron onto the steps. 

Big E set up a table in the ring. Crews fought back and destroyed Big E with the kendo stick.

Crews placed Big E on the table but missed a frog splash.

Big E then hit the Big Ending and had the match won. Suddenly, Dabba-Kato jumped in and broke up the pin. He gave Big E a chokeslam and dragged Crews onto Big E for the win. 

They recapped the 2021 Hall of Fame ceremony. They honored Eric Bishoff, Molly Holly, The Great Khali, Rob Van Dam, Kane, Ozzy Osbourne, and Warrior Award recipient Rich Hering, 

Rhea Ripley defeated Asuka to win the Raw Women’s Championship (13:30)

Asuka and Ripley worked hard and had a good match.

Ash Costello performed Rhea Ripley’s entrance. 

The fans popped for Ripley and broke into a “Rhea” chant. They did the special ring introduction for this match. The fans cheered for both Ripley and Asuka. 

Asuka hit a dropkick, but Ripley didn’t go down. Asuka made several pin attempts, but Ripley kicked out. Ripley rolled to the floor, but Asuka rocked her with a knee to the face. 

Asuka missed the hip attack, and Ripley took over. The fans broke into dueling “Let’s Go Asuka” and “Let’s Go Rhea” chants. Rhea slowed the pace down with the body scissors. The fans booed as Ripley taunted Asuka. 

Ripley continued to trash talk Asuka. Ripley tried to kick Asuka, but she got caught in a kneebar. Ripley powered out and hit a German suplex. 

Ripley slowed the pace down and backed Asuka into the corner. Ripley placed Asuka on the top rope, but Asuka knocked her off. Asuka followed up with a missile dropkick. 

Asuka then hit a German Suplex and a hip attack. Asuka hit a series of strikes and a hard kick to the head. She followed up with a hip attack for a near fall.

Asuka climbed to the top, but Ripley cut her off with a dropkick. Ripley then dropped Asuka face-first on the apron. Asuka recovered and hit another hip attack. 

Asuka hit a DDT off the apron to the floor. Ripley avoided a sliding knee and stomped on Asuka. Ripley applied a submission, but Asuka reversed into an armbar. Ripley broke free. 

Ripley attempted a waist lock, but Asuka reversed into an armbar. She then applied the Asuka Lock, but Ripley reversed into a near fall. 

The finish came when Asuka rocked Ripley with a series of kicks. Ripley challenged Asuka to hit her again. Asuka went for another kick, but Ripley ducked and hit the Riptide for the win. 

The fans popped big for Ripley’s victory. 

They recapped Randy Orton vs. The Fiend from earlier tonight. 

Titus O’Neil and Hulk Hogan came back out to thank the fans in the audience and at home. Bayley’s music hit, and she walked out. The fans broke into a slight “Bayley” chant. 

Bayley demanded they set off her pyro. She complained about all the legends and Michael Cole.

Suddenly, The Bella Twins interrupted Bayley. Bayley was furious and noted that John Cena’s not there tonight.

Nikki knocked the microphone out of her hands. The Bellas between down Bayley and threw her down the ramp. The fans booed The Bellas beating up Bayley. 

Triple Threat: Universal Champion Roman Reigns (w/Paul Heyman & Jey Uso) defeated Edge and Daniel Bryan to retain the title (21:40)

Reigns, Bryan, and Edge, had a great WrestleMania main event. They all worked very hard and told a good story. 

The fans cheered Bryan as he entered and broke into a loud “Yes” chant. The fans cheered Edge as well and gave him a big reaction for his entrance. 

The fans started booing Reigns before his music started. They did the special ring introductions.

The fans cheered for Edge and Bryan during the introductions. They loudly booed Reigns.

Reigns threw Bryan to the floor, and Uso rocked him with a superkick. He threw Bryan into the ring steps.

Reigns threw Edge to the floor, and Uso knocked him down with a superkick as well. Reigns and Uso cleared the announce table, but Bryan hit a suicide dive. Uso then rocked Bryan with a superkick.

Edge recovered and sent Uso into the steps. Edge beat down Reigns and sent him into the ring post.

Edge then gave Uso an implant DDT on the steps. A medical team ran down to check on Uso and helped him to the back. 

Edge and Bryan traded shots in the middle of the ring. Bryan hit a hurricanrana on Edge, but Edge rolled through for a near fall. Edge tried to suplex Reigns into the ring. Bryan slid through Reigns’ legs and took him out of the match. 

Bryan avoided Edge and attempted a suicide dive but Reigns caught him. Reigns then gave Bryan a belly-to-belly suplex. 

Reigns rocked Edge with a clothesline. The fans erupted in boos. Reigns attempted the superman punch, but Edge avoided it and hit a DDT. 

Reigns hit the superman punch and attempted the spear. Edge countered into a sunset flip for a near fall. Edge and Reigns both went for the spear and collided in the middle of the ring.

The fans broke into a “This is awesome” chant. Bryan hit a diving head butt on Edge and then on Reigns for a near fall. Bryan rocked both Edge and Reigns with Yes Kicks. 

Bryan hit Edge with the running knee. He avoided Reigns’ superman punch and hit a kick for a near fall.

Bryan stomped on Reigns and then applied the Yes Lock. Edge made the save and broke up the submission.

Bryan then got the Yes Lock on Edge, but Reigns broke it up. Reigns then gave Bryan a powerbomb onto Edge. The fans broke into a “Roman sucks” chant. 

Reigns then gave Bryan a powerbomb off the steps through the announce table. The fans booed Reigns as he posed on the steps.

Suddenly, Edge caught Reigns with a spear off the steps. The fans broke into another “This is awesome” chant. Edge tried to bring in a chair, but Reigns grabbed it, and a piece of the chair came off.

Edge then locked on the cross face on Reigns with a piece of the chair. Reigns almost tapped, but Bryan stopped him. Bryan then applied the Yes Lock on Reigns while Edge still had the cross face applied. 

Bryan and Edge traded head butts. The fans broke into another “This is awesome” chant. Bryan went for the running knee, but Edge countered with the spear.

Reigns went for the superman punch, but Edge avoided it. He responded with the spear. Edge had the match won, but Bryan pulled out the referee. 

Edge attacked both with a chair. Edge then gave Bryan a concerto. He went to give a concerto to Reigns, but Uso ran out for the save. Edge destroyed Uso with the chair. Reigns recovered and caught Edge with a spear. He then hit the concerto on Edge. 

Reigns dragged Edge onto Bryan and pinned both of them for the win in a great match. 

Reigns, Uso, and Heyman, posed in the ring as pyro went off. The fans booed Reigns as he celebrated his victory. 

WWE WrestleMania 37 night one live results: Banks vs. Belair

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: April 10, 2021
Location: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL

Show Recap — 

KICKOFF SHOW 

There’s a new signature video to start the show, not too dissimilar to the previous one. 

Kayla Braxton, Booker T, Jerry Lawler, JBL, and Peter Rosenberg are on the kickoff panel.

It appears to be overcast and Braxton acknowledged the rain. There are fans near the panel and JBL couldn’t wait to get them to chant his name. Braxton acknowledged that Sasha Banks vs. Bianca Belair match would be tonight’s main event. 

(If you’re not watching, the pre-show panel is sitting in front of a big backdrop, so you can’t really see anything and there’s not much to look at. Basically, it looks and feels like the pre-show for every other PPV.) 

They ran down Cesaro vs. Seth Rollins and The Miz & John Morrison vs. Damian Priest & Bad Bunny. Rosenberg let us nerds know how popular Bad Bunny was and said he’s been training every day at the Performance Center. 

There was a Hall of Fame recap. The announcers and a cluster of fans (some of whom were not wearing masks) applauded JBL. 

The fans near the panel chanted for Sonya Deville who joined the desk to talk about the tag team turmoil match and the Smackdown women’s title match. 

They ran down Bobby Lashley vs. Drew McIntyre which opens tonight’s show. As the panel spoke about the match, Braxton started to get excited because she could hear the live crowd cheering in their seats. 

Enjoy the show, everyone. 

WRESTLEMANIA 37 – NIGHT ONE 

The first shot was of the stadium as the ring announcer introduced Vince McMahon. 

McMahon stood on the stage in front of the entire roster. He said the wrestlers performed tirelessly the past year but something was missing — the WWE universe. He thanked the fans and welcomed everyone to WrestleMania. The wrestlers applauded the fans. 

Bebe Rexha sang America the Beautiful. The wrestlers remained on the stage for the performance. The fans cheered as jets flew over the stadium. 

Michael Cole, Byron Saxton and Samoa Joe are the announcers. 

Cole said they were informed that there is, unfortunately, a weather delay. 

Sarah Schreiber interviewed Shane McMahon backstage. Shane said he had goosebumps standing in front of the crowd. He was ready to go and to take out Braun Strowman. He didn’t have a problem with Strowman, he just liked poking fun at him. 

Bobby Lashley and MVP interrupted Shane’s interview so they could talk themselves. MVP said McIntyre was not winning the title back tonight. McIntyre barged in and argued with MVP as MVP held back Lashley. McIntyre said mother nature would not help him and he was ready to fight in the back. Jessika Carr and Jamie Noble separated them. 

Lashley and MVP left. McIntyre talked to Schreiber about having to wrestle at the PC last year and now the weather was interrupting his match. He was ready to go right now even if he had to fight in the back. 

Kevin Patrick interviewed the New Day. Kofi Kingston said they accepted the challenge by AJ Styles and Omos because they were fighting champions. Patrick wondered if they were intimidated by Omos’ size. Xavier Woods said no, because they’ve been this size since they started wrestling (which was funny). Big E showed up as Woods spoke. Big E said we’d find out why they were the best tag team on god’s green earth. Big E massaged Patrick’s shoulder. 

Schreiber interviewed Braun Strowman. He was also ready to go. 

Kevin Owens spoke about Sami Zayn. He said they met in 2002 and they connected because of their passion for pro wrestling. He spoke about all of the different places they wrestled around the world. In the 20 years they’ve known each other, no two people were talked down upon more than them but they’d get their chance tomorrow. He was going to stun Zayn and if Logan Paul wanted to try something, he’d be ready. 

Bianca Belair spoke to Schreiber. She was ready for tonight and was happy for the fans. Schreiber said she was making Herstory tonight. 

Seth Rollins talked to Patrick. Rollins didn’t know Patrick’s name. He also kept mispronouncing Cesaro’s name. Rollins was going to prove that he was Mr. WrestleMania. 

Schreiber interviewed Miz and Morrison. They said what they always say. 

Titus O’Neil and Hulk Hogan entered the stage. O’Neil and Hogan hyped up the crowd. O’Neil came across great here. 

Bobby Lashley (w/MVP) defeated Drew McIntyre to retain the WWE Championship (18:21) 

McIntyre entered at about 8:40pm ET and the match started at 8:45pm. McIntyre got a big babyface reaction. 

They fought back-and-forth until McIntyre hit consecutive overhead suplexes and a neckbreaker. Lashley tried fighting back but McIntyre hit a Northern Lights suplex for two. 

Lashley responded with a clothesline and Dominator for a two count. McIntyre hit a headbutt but Lashley came right back with a spinebuster for two. McIntyre hit a reverse Alabama Slam for two. McIntyre seemed to attempt the Claymore but Lashley connected with another spinebuster. The crowd chanted for McIntyre who told Lashley, “bring it, bitch.” 

McIntyre hit an overhead suplex and three consecutive Future Shock DDTs for a nearfall. The crowd chanted “this is awesome.” 

McIntyre did the Claymore countdown and the crowd loudly chanted along but MVP pulled Lashley out of the ring. McIntyre wiped them both out with a flip dive. 

McIntyre blocked a Hurt Lock but Lashley responded with a nice suplex and Flatliner. McIntyre blocked the Hurt Lock again and slammed Lashley into the turnbuckle before applying a kimura but Lashley got a rope break. 

McIntyre hit a headbutt but became distracted by MVP. That caused him to miss a Claymore kick and Lashley applied the Hurt Lock. McIntyre tried the Bret Hart counter, pushing off the ropes, but Lashley held on. McIntyre passed out and the referee called for the bell. Lashley retained. 

The crowd seemed ready for McIntyre to win but that’s not what happened. The match itself was pretty good. 

O’Neil spoke with Hogan, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman but they were interrupted by Bayley. She spoke about how huge her show was and wanted props from everyone but they all ignored her, except for Waltman. 

There were about five commercials between segments. 

Natalya & Tamina won Tag Team Turmoil (14:07) 

–Billie Kay & Carmella defeated Naomi & Lana 

Billie Kay pinned Naomi in about two minutes. 

–The Riott Squad defeated Billie Kay & Carmella 

Carmella tried to help Kay cheat but the referee caught her. Riott gave Kay a senton off the top for the elimination. Carmella attacked them after getting eliminated. 

–The Riott Squad defeated Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke 

Rose and Brooke wore matching gear to help make themselves indistinguishable. Rose slipped during her entrance thanks to the wet stage. Brooke tried a senton off the top but Morgan transitioned into a rollup for the pinfall. 

–Tamina & Natalya defeated The Riott Squad 

Tamina gave Ruby a diving splash for the pinfall win. Tamina and Natalya earn a tag title shot. This was bad. 

Cesaro defeated Seth Rollins (11:27) 

Cesaro wore black and yellow. Rollins wore black and red. 

Cesaro immediately hit an uppercut and went for a swing but Rollins got the ropes. Rollins followed soon after with a superplex into a falcon arrow for two (less than three minutes into the match). Cesaro came back with a variety of uppercuts and a clothesline for two. 

Rollins dodged a few swing attempts until Cesaro finally swung him about eight or nine times until his arm gave out. He tried a sharpshooter but Rollins quickly got to the ropes. The crowd wanted another swing. Rollins dodged an uppercut and hit a flying knee and slingblade. Rollins followed with a very nice corkscrew splash for a two count. 

Cesaro abruptly hit the Neutralizer for a nearfall. Rollins followed that with a Pedigree for a nearfall. Rollins hit a few strikes and went for a curb stomp but Cesaro lifted up into an uppercut (reminiscent of the Randy Orton RKO years ago). Cesaro then did an airplane spin/UFO (airplane spin with no arms). 

Cesaro did a big swing. Cole claimed it was 23 swings. (I went back on my WWE Network, which I can do because I’m in Canada, and it was more like 19 or 20 swings.) 

Cesaro followed with a Neutralizer for the pinfall win. Cesaro celebrated like this was a big win and the crowd was happy. Very good match. 

Braxton interviewed Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode. They put over AJ Styles and Omos. Ziggler would welcome Omos with them. Roode knew Styles for a long time and wouldn’t bet against him. 

Big E came out on the stage to do New Day’s entrance. 

AJ Styles & Omos defeated Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods to win the Raw Tag Team Championships (9:30) 

Omos wore normal clothes. Cole tried to claim that he was 400lbs. 

New Day beat up Styles and cut him off from tagging Omos. Woods even let us know that they were successfully cutting the ring in half. Styles finally got enough separation to tag Omos and the crowd popped. 

Woods tried a few strikes to no effect. Kingston tagged in and tried an axe handle but Omos grabbed him by the arm and yanked him down. Omos handed out backbreakers to Woods and Kingston. Styles leapt off Omos’ shoulders and took out Woods with a Phenomenal forearm. 

Omos gave Kingston a tree slam and covered him with his foot for the pinfall win. This was a good showcase for Omos. 

Jerry Lawler joined commentary for the next match. 

Steel Cage Match: Braun Strowman defeated Shane McMahon (11:25) 

Elias and Jaxson Ryker attacked Strowman with chairs before he could enter the ring, specifically attacking his leg. The ref started the match and Shane hit unconvincing kicks to the leg. Shane grabbed a piece of metal off the top of the cage and hit Strowman with it. Shane tried escaping but Strowman yanked him away and drove him into the cage. 

Strowman went for a running powerslam but his leg unconvincingly gave out which allowed Shane to slip out and take control. Shane followed with a “coast-to-coast” dropkick for two. Elias and Ryker tried climbing the outside of the cage but Strowman ran into the cage to knock them off (while also knocking Shane down). 

Shane climbed to the top and there was a toolbox on top of the cage for some reason. He smashed Strowman in the face with it. Shane climbed out of the cage to the outside but he stuck his hand through to mock Strowman. Strowman grabbed him by the hand and smashed through the cage, which was admittedly pretty cool, and hammered away at Shane. 

Strowman pulled Shane to the top of the cage. As they both stood there, Strowman asked him who was stupid now. Strowman chucked Shane from the top of the cage to the ring, which didn’t look fun. 

It seemed like the crowd was ready to accept this as the finish, but instead of leaving the cage, Strowman climbed back into the ring and gave him a powerslam for the pinfall win. 

There was a big fireworks display which I assume they wanted to do earlier but couldn’t. 

Michael Cole said it was time to honour the hall of famers when he was abruptly interrupted by Bayley, who jumped into his spot. She said she was taking over for O’Neil and Hogan and cut to the hall of fame video. 

JBL, William Shatner, Brie & Nikki Bella, Jushin Liger, Titus O’Neil (Warrior Award winner), British Bulldog, and the nWo were honoured for the 2020 hall of fame. 

Steve Austin let us know that WrestleMania 38 in 2022 will be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. 

Booker T joined commentary for the next match. 

Damian Priest & Bad Bunny defeated The Miz & John Morrison (15:02) 

Bad Bunny had a cool entrance that defied the laws of time.

Priest was going to start but Bad Bunny tagged in to the crowd’s delight. Miz put his hands behind his back and taunted Priest so Bad Bunny punched him in the face. Bad Bunny tackled Miz and hammered away but Miz kneed him in the gut and took over. Bad Bunny countered a takedown into a takedown of his own and Miz bailed to the outside. 

Bad Bunny used a nice rollup for two. The crowd cheered as he posed. Miz took him down for a moment but Bad Bunny did a spinning leg scissors takedown. Morrison tagged in and distracted the referee which allowed Miz to hit a cheapshot and the bad guys took over. 

Bad Bunny fought back and caught Miz in a rollup for two, but Miz took him down with a big boot. The heels worked over Bad Bunny and Morrison did a Spinarooni as Booker watched on commentary. 

Miz was too distracted by the crowd so Bad Bunny hit a boot and tornado DDT before tagging in Priest. 

Priest beat up Miz and Morrison. He suplexed Morrison into Miz before chokeslamming Miz but Morrison broke up the cover. Priest and Bad Bunny each hit Miz and Morrison Broken Arrows at the same time but they both kicked out. 

Priest wiped out Miz and Morrison with dives and Bad Bunny followed with a dive of his own. Priest tried his finisher and Miz countered into Skull Crushing Finale but Bad Bunny broke up the cover. 

Bad Bunny gave Morrison a damn Canadian Destroyer on the outside. 

Priest hoisted Miz on his shoulders and Bad Bunny hit a flying crossbody for the pinfall win. 

This was way, way, better than I would’ve thought. Bad Bunny was great, and Miz and Morrison obviously did their part. 

Bianca Belair defeated Sasha Banks to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship (17:15) 

Banks had blue and green hair with green and black gear. Belair wore purple. Belair was emotional before the match and the crowd was very into this as it started. 

Belair went for a Glam Slam early (which the announcers didn’t catch) but Banks knocked her out of the ring. Banks used Belair’s braid to drive her into the post. Banks tried a suicide dive but Belair rolled through and very impressively pressed her back into the ring. Belair tried a moonsault but Banks caught her by the hair and hit a series of kicks. 

(A big negative was the announcers letting us know that this match was presented by the sponsor as the camera panned out to show the logo.) 

Banks went for double knees but Belair intercepted and slammed her. Banks tried grabbing Bianca’s hair for leverage again but Belair used it to yank Banks into the post. Belair followed with a crazy delayed suplex.  

Belair used tackles, a dropkick, a standing shooting star and a version of the Glam Slam. Belair went for a 450 splash but Banks got her knees up. 

They traded counters until Belair hit a powerbomb for two. Banks got frustrated and kicked away at Belair before hitting a tornado DDT for two. Belair followed with a frog splash for two. 

Banks became extra frustrated and wrenched Belair’s arm into the rope before tossing her into the steel steps. Banks put Belair into the crossface (using Bianca’s hair for leverage) but Belair got a rope break. They battled for position off the top. Belair avoided a double knee strike and hit a 450 splash for a nearfall. 

There was a tug of war with Bianca’s hair. Belair whipped Banks with her hair and hit KOD for the pinfall win. Belair is the new champion. 

This was extremely good. 

(Michael Cole completely messed up the finish and said the Banks kicked out, even though that clearly didn’t happen.) 

WWE WrestleMania 36 Sunday live results: Lesnar vs. McIntyre

Posted on by Steve Khan

Brock Lesnar vs. Drew McIntyre, Edge vs. Randy Orton, and more highlight the second half of the card for WrestleMania 36.

Braun Strowman defeated Goldberg for the Universal Championship on Saturday. Tonight, we’ll see if Lesnar and McIntyre’s WWE Championship match brings another title change.

Edge and Orton are facing off in a last man standing match. This will be Edge’s first one-on-one singles match since he was forced to retire due to injury in 2011.

Following The Undertaker and AJ Styles’ boneyard match at WrestleMania night one, tonight’s Firefly Fun House match between John Cena and Bray Wyatt figures to be presented in a similar fashion.

Two Women’s Championship matches will air tonight. Charlotte Flair is challenging Rhea Ripley for the NXT Women’s Championship, and Bayley is defending her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Naomi, Lacey Evans, Tamina, and Sasha Banks in a fatal five-way elimination match.

Also set for tonight are: The Street Profits vs. Angel Garza & Austin Theory for the Raw Tag Team titles, Otis vs. Dolph Ziggler, Aleister Black vs. Bobby Lashley, and Natalya vs. Liv Morgan.

Natalya vs. Morgan is tonight’s pre-show match. The hour-long pre-show begins at 6 p.m. Eastern time.

********** 

KICKOFF SHOW 

Liv Morgan defeated Natalya (6:23) 

Natalya probably controlled most of the match but Morgan picked up the pinfall win with a rollup. They worked well together and Morgan’s selling in the empty arena was somewhat amusing. Tom Phillips did commentary alone. 

The pre-show was mostly recaps and previews. There was a Street Profits promo where Angelo Dawkins wanted Charly Caruso (who wasn’t there) to know he was single. There was also a video of Renee Young, Christian and Booker T (in their homes) talking about Edge and Randy Orton. Corey Graves mentioned that Brock Lesnar vs. Drew McIntyre was the main event. 

WRESTLEMANIA 36 – NIGHT TWO 

Stephanie McMahon welcomed us to the show as she did last night. They aired the same video intro as last night as well. 

Rob Gronkowski let us know that WrestleMania starts right now. 

Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton are the Raw announcers. 

Charlotte Flair defeated Rhea Ripley to win the NXT Women’s Championship (20:23) 

They aired a long video package after Charlotte’s entrance (it was edited in so it’s not like she stood around waiting). It was 7:14pm ET when the bell rang. Ripley wore new blue and white gear. 

Charlotte hit a series of chops then Ripley came right back with the Riptide just two minutes into the match but Charlotte kicked out and rolled out of the ring. Ripley told “princess” to get back in her ring. Ripley was in control for a bit until Charlotte caught her leg in the ropes and worked it over from there. 

Ripley planted Charlotte with a slam but Charlotte still managed to get to her feet first. Ripley tried fighting back but Charlotte kicked her leg out of her leg. Ripley did manage to catch Charlotte with a couple of kicks, a low dropkick and short-arm clotheslines. Charlotte again kicked her in the leg, sending her out of the ring. 

Charlotte went to the top but Ripley caught her in the electric chair position and slammed her face-first for a two count. Ripley followed later with a flying dropkick for two. Charlotte avoided a boot and chop-blocked Ripley. The referee kept asking Ripley if she wanted to continue and she told him to shut up. 

Ripley booted Charlotte in the chest then put her in a standing cloverleaf. Charlotte slipped out and went for the Figure Four but Ripley fought her off, then Charlotte applied a Boston Crab. They exchange rollups for two counts, then Ripley nailed a big boot for a nearfall. 

Charlotte went for a moonsault but Ripley got her knees up, then Charlotte hit a spear for a nearfall. Charlotte applied the Figure Four, then transitioned into the Figure Eight and Ripley tapped out while screaming in pain. Charlotte is the new NXT Women’s Champion. 

This felt like a pretty physical fight. There’s no crowd, but it felt like they cut away from Charlotte celebrating too quickly. 

They aired a commercial for The Big Show Show on Netflix. 

There was a video package recapping night one of WrestleMania. 

Aleister Black defeated Bobby Lashley (w/Lana) (7:16) 

Black wore a special outfit for his entrance. Lashley wore long black and gold tights instead of his usual trunks. Lana wore a red dress. The match started at approximately 7:45pm ET. 

Lashley worked over Black and suplexed him on the outside. Lashley tried a delayed vertical suplex but Black kneed him in the head. Before Black could really follow-up, Lashley used a powerslam for two. Lashley went for a spear but Black kneed him in the face (I think) for two then followed with strikes. Black then hit a moonsault to the outside. 

Lashley recovered quickly and ran over Black back in the ring. Lashley set up for a Dominator but Lana hopped on the apron and demanded Lashley go for a spear instead. Lashley was happy to oblige. He blew Lana a kiss and dropped Black. Lashley went for the spear but Black caught him with Black Mass for the pinfall win. This was a perfectly fine match with a good finish. 

Kayla Braxton interviewed Bayley and Sasha Banks. Bayley called this the most unfair challenge in history. Bayley knew Braxton and everyone else, including Trish Stratus, was trying to drive a wedge between her and Banks. Bayley blew off Braxton and left. Banks decided to stay. Braxton noted that Banks has never been SmackDown Women’s champion. Banks told her to watch and see what she does. 

There was a promo for Money in the Bank on May 10. They also plugged Total Bellas. 

They replayed Mojo Rawley winning the 24/7 title last night. Gronk told Charly Caruso that he’s won the SuperBowl but that was in the past and he wouldn’t mind walking out tonight as 24/7 Champion. 

There was a car commercial and a commercial for the WWE video game everyone hates. 

They aired an Otis/Dolph Ziggler/Mandy Rose video package. 

Michael Cole and JBL are the Smackdown announcers. 

Otis defeated Dolph Ziggler (w/Sonya Deville) (8:12) 

Otis went right after Ziggler but Ziggler managed to side-step him and hit a superkick. Ziggler was in control until Otis caught him and used a slingshot to send him into the middle turnbuckle. Ziggler tried a kick and punch but Otis no-sold it and followed with clotheslines and a scoop slam. 

Otis slammed Ziggler and went for the caterpillar but Deville jumped on the apron so Otis stopped mid-move. Ziggler kicked him low while the referee was distracted. Mandy Rose entered (to her music), slapped Deville and gave Ziggler a low-blow. Otis did the caterpillar elbow drop for the pinfall win. Rose celebrated with Otis. Otis picked up Rose and they kissed. 

There was a beer commercial and commercial for the Network. 

Edge defeated Randy Orton in a Last Man Standing match (36:36) 

(My recap of this match is very long. If you just want to read the finish, scroll to the bolded portion below.) 

Edge entered first. Orton’s music hit but he didn’t show. As Edge waited, Orton (who was disguised as a cameraman) snuck in from behind and nailed an RKO. The referee checked with Edge and wanted a verbal confirmation that he was ready to go. Edge slowly got to his feet and gave the go-ahead to start. 

As soon as the bell rang, Orton dodged a punch and hit another RKO. The referee counted to eight but Edge slipped out of the ring to get to his feet. Orton then hit Edge with the camera which led to a count of seven. Orton took the fight to the fitness center in the building. Orton beat on Edge while telling him he’ll always love him. 

Edge fell down and Orton reminded the referee that he’s supposed to count. Orton grabbed a weight plate but before he could use it, Edge dropkicked him while hanging from one of the weight machines. Edge hammered away on Orton, then swung off a bar to land a splash. 

They traded punches, which Edge got the better of. Orton tried to escape through the production area but Edge slammed him against a garage door. The ref was counting but Edge wasn’t satisfied so he did it again. 

They brawled back toward the main arena and Orton launched Edge into the barricade which led to a nine-count. Orton dragged Edge down a hallway, slamming him into a wall, and they found themselves in some sort of conference room. Edge slammed Orton against the table and wall which led to a nine-count. Edge encouraged Orton to get up. 

Edge placed Orton the table, then hit an elbow drop off a chain-link fence that was positioned over the table on the ceiling. Orton thumbed Edge in the eye and slammed him against the wall, which also took out the cameraman. They fought in a storage area next and Orton was in control. Orton slammed him into steel steps and Edge barely got up at nine. 

After a while, Edge climbed a ladder onto a high platform and nailed a diving elbow drop through a table. Orton actually got up before Edge, but they both got up around an eight count. Orton was bleeding from the back/shoulder. 

They fought on to a pick-up truck and Orton gave him a draping DDT on the truck. The referee checked on Edge before counting. Edge climbed some boxes onto the top of a big production truck. Orton chuckled and followed him up there. 

On top of the truck, Orton went for a punt but Edge caught him with a spear. Edge got up at seven, then Orton got up at nine and gave Edge an RKO. Orton got up at six and Edge barely got up at nine. 

Orton grabbed chairs and brought them up to the top of the truck. Orton hit him in the back with a chair then set up for a con-chair-to. Before he could do it, Edge popped up and put Orton down with a head-and-arm choke. 

Edge seemed to have it won but told the referee to stop “f*cking” counting. Edge became emotional and hit a con-chair-to. Orton didn’t get up. Edge wins. 

Mojo Rawley was chased around by a bunch of unnamed wrestlers. They happened to brawl below the perch that Gronk was standing on, so he dove on to the pile, knocking everyone down. Gronk pinned Rawley to win the 24/7 title. 

They plugged Edge’s documentary on the Network, which was excellent. 

The Street Profits defeated Austin Theory & Angel Garza (w/Zelina Vega) to retain the Raw Tag Team Championships (6:21) 

Theory gave Dawkins his finisher (a cutter variation) but Ford followed immediately with a frog splash and Dawkins pinned Theory for the win. 

Theory, Garza and Vega attacked the Street Profits after the match until Bianca Belair made the save. Belair speared Vega and gave her the K.O.D. Dawkins, Ford and Belair celebrated together. 

Titus O’Neil announced that he’ll be hosting the rest of the show. He had the important job of letting us know that the show was continuing. They aired a merchandise commercial. 

5-Way Elimination match: Bayley defeated Sasha Banks, Lacey Evans, Tamina and Naomi to retain the SmackDown Women’s Championship (19:16) 

Naomi has the best entrance in this environment. 

There was a funny moment where Cole said that Bayley and Banks were almost eliminated at the same time (they both got pinned at once for a two count), Bayley heard Cole and said, “No, we didn’t” while still selling. 

Tamina was eliminated at approximately 6:23 when Banks gave her a 619, Bayley hit a flying elbow, Banks hit a frog splash, Evans hit a moonsault, Naomi hit a split-legged moonsault, and they all pinned her at once. 

Naomi beat the crap out of both Bayley and Banks until Bayley saved Banks from a submission. Banks hit a back cracker then applied the crossface and Naomi tapped for the elimination at about 10:09. 

Bayley and Banks then teamed up on Evans. Bayley went for a running knee but Evans ducked and she nailed Banks by accident. Bayley hammered away on Evans until Banks yanked her off to confront her. As they argued, Evans clocked Banks with a “woman’s right” for the elimination at about 13:23. 

They fought back-and-forth until Evans hit a nice moonsault for a nearfall. Banks jumped in and gave Evans a back cracker. Bayley followed with a headlock driver for the pinfall win. Bayley retained. Banks grabbed the belt and gave it a look before handing it to Bayley. Banks raised Bayley’s arm as she celebrated. 

They aired two commercials. 

Firefly Fun House match: Bray Wyatt defeated (?) John Cena 

As Cena entered for a seemingly normal match, he began welcoming us to WrestleMania when the video cut and they aired quick clips from previous WrestleManias, before cutting to Wyatt in the Firefly Fun House. 

Bray exited through the door then the camera expanded to show Cena standing in the funhouse. The rabbit puppet told Cena that Wyatt went through the door and told him to be careful. 

Cena stood in the dark when he was accosted by the Vince McMahon puppet, who warned Cena that he must show him enough ruthless aggression to stay in WWE. Bray aired a clip of Kurt Angle challenging someone new, which led to Cena’s debut. In present time, Cena appeared in front of Wyatt wearing a version of the gear he debuted with. 

Wyatt called this Cena’s greatest failure as Cena took swipes at Wyatt. Wyatt ducked each one and they played cartoonish music over it. This led to a Saturday Night’s Main Event intro. In the vein of an old wrestling show, Wyatt introduced us to his new tag partner, who was Cena (I think with a different name). 

Suddenly, Cena showed up as the Doctor of Thugamonics. Cena freestyled a few rhymes to crickets and booing from the funhouse puppets. Wyatt gave Cena the opportunity to speak sincerely. Cena instead stayed in Doctor of Thuganomics mode, so Wyatt laid him out. 

We’re now at the Wyatt compound (which previously housed Wyatt, Rowan and Harper, who were briefly shown in a clip). Wyatt aired a clip of himself against Cena at Mania six years ago, with the crowd begging for Wyatt to win, only for Cena to beat him. Back in the ring in present time, Wyatt wore his old Wyatt Family attire. Wyatt offered Cena a chair. Cena took a swing but Wyatt disappeared. 

We’re now on… Nitro. Wyatt wore a red and black nWo t-shirt with leather jacket as they spliced in clips of Eric Bischoff. Wyatt introduced Cena, wearing a black and white nWo shirt. The McMahon puppet called this, “such good shit.” Cena wildly attacked Wyatt as chants of “Cena sucks” played. Wyatt disappeared and Cena was actually hammering away on the pig. 

The Fiend appeared behind Cena and put him in the claw. Audio of Cena talking about how overhyped Wyatt was played as Wyatt put him down in the ring. Wyatt counted to three himself with Cena down, presumably for the win. The Fiend posed as Cena’s body disappeared. 

They cut to a stunned Titus O’Neil who said, “I don’t know what I just saw.” 

They aired two commercials. They plugged MITB again. 

Drew McIntyre defeated Brock Lesnar (w/Paul Heyman) to win the WWE Championship (4:28) 

Paul Heyman did not do the introduction for Lesnar as he normally does. Mike Rome introduced both guys. 

McIntyre hit a Claymore Kick about 20 seconds in but Lesnar kicked out. McIntyre went for another one but Heyman warned Lesnar it was coming, so he dodged and hit consecutive German suplexes. Lesnar hit another German and F5 but McIntyre kicked out at one. 

Lesnar hit another F5 but McIntyre kicked out at two. Lesnar hit another one but McIntyre kicked out again. Heyman told Lesnar to do it again. Lesnar went for it, but McIntyre gave him a Claymore Kick. McIntyre gave him two more Claymore Kicks for the pinfall win. McIntyre is the new champion. 

Tom Phillips thanked us for watching. The show ended at approximately 10:25pm ET.