Miz and Snoop Dogg were out in the ring to announce the night’s attendance when Miz said he was disappointed no one accepted his open challenge. As he was about to deliver his catchphrase, McAfee’s music hit and out he came.
McAfee accepted the challenge and Miz attempted to get out of it, saying no one could make the match. Snoop Dogg said as the co-host of the evening, he had the authority to do so and did just that.
McAfee was aided by San Francisco 49ers’ tight end George Kittle who Miz shoved as he was attempting to walk out of the match. Kittle jumped over the barricade and clotheslined Miz as the referee was distracted, leading to McAfee hitting a swanton off the ringpost to the outside.
Shortly after, McAfee hit a punt kick on Miz to get the pin and win.
The now-former SmackDown announcer wrestled at last year’s WrestleMania, defeating Austin Theory before losing a bizarre match against Vince McMahon right afterward. He picked up a win over Happy Corbin at last year’s SummerSlam.
Due to time commitments with ESPN, his daily show and other entities, McAfee had to step away from his SmackDown announcing duties and was replaced by Wade Barrett last fall.
Rhea Ripley is the new WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion.
Ripley defeated Charlotte Flair on night one of WrestleMania 39 on Saturday at SoFi Stadium to win the title and become the fifth Women’s Grand Slam Champion in WWE history.
Ripley won the title with a Riptide off the second rope to pin Flair and win the SmackDown Women’s title for the first time and to complete her career Grand Slam.
Earlier in the contest, Flair connected with a moonsault off the post to the floor, then used a spear for a near fall. Flair also used a figure-four leglock, but Ripley forced a rope break, which led to the closing sequence of the match where Ripley blocked a fallaway slam off the ropes and connected with the second-rope Riptide.
Previously, Ripley held the the NXT Women’s Championship, the Raw Women’s Championship, and the Women’s Tag Team Championship, each on one occasion. Ripley is also a former NXT UK Women’s Champion, but WWE does not currently recognize that title for Grand Slam purposes.
Flair, Sasha Banks, Asuka, and Bayley are the other women who have completed the career Grand Slam in WWE.
Flair’s seventh SmackDown Women’s title reign ends at 92 days.
Ripley earned the SmackDown Women’s title match at WrestleMania by winning the 2023 Royal Rumble match on January 28 of this year. Ripley declared that she would challenge Flair for the title on the January 30 episode of Raw.
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 weekend’s WWE WrestleMania 39 will cap off what has arguably been the most unique period in company history.
This year’s event is taking place under a cloud of uncertainty the likes of which WWE has never dealt with before. It’s not fully clear who is booking the show and it’s even less clear who will own the company in the coming months.
Simply put, we don’t know who has the pencil for this year’s WrestleMania. There are only two people who know for sure how much influence Vince McMahon still has on WWE creative, and they are Paul “Triple H” Levesque and McMahon himself. It’s doubtful we’ll ever get the real story out of either.
An even deeper mystery concerns if WWE will be sold in the near future and what that means for its management structure. While a sale is not a certainty, It feels very likely that this weekend will be the final WrestleMania under the current ownership.
All of this is to say, enjoy this year’s WrestleMania because it just might be the last of its kind.
However, their uncertain future doesn’t change that the build to this Mania has actually been one of the best in recent memory. With hot storylines and a new top babyface about to be crowned, WWE WrestleMania 39 has the potential to be one of the most memorable events of the modern era.
Let’s get into some predictions and previews.
WWE United States Champion Austin Theory defends against John Cena
Theory should win as there is little benefit to having Cena beat him.
The idea is for Cena to put Theory over as a blue chip prospect on his path to something bigger. How Theory wins might be a bigger question. Does he win clean or does he cheat? If you’re trying to build him up, one idea would be to have him win clean and then do something unsportsmanlike or morally wrong after the match to keep his heat.
Prediction: Austin Theory
Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. Logan Paul
As much as everyone loves singing Rollins’ theme song, it feels like Paul should win.
In his most recent promos on WWE programming, Paul has been leaning into being the bad guy, something that hadn’t been happening in his first few appearances. This is the Logan Paul WWE wants. He should beat Rollins, but he should cheat or do something somewhat underhanded to do so.
I imagine this feud is probably continuing with a match in Saudi Arabia later this year, so I’m not expecting the finish to be clean but Paul should win.
While there have been reports that Paul’s WWE deal is up after Mania, I’m expecting him to remain in the company for many years to come.
Prediction: Logan Paul
Trish Stratus, Lita & Becky Lynch vs. Damage CTRL
I have no idea who is going to win, but I’m pretty confident that Damage CTRL will come out of the feud looking strong.
The most likely conclusion to the rivalry as a whole is that Damage CTRL debuts at least one new member who then helps them pick up the victory in the feud’s blowoff. The question is whether that happens at Mania, the Raw after Mania, or further down the road.
However, there’s already a bunch of heels that I expect to go over at Mania, so I’m going to predict the babyfaces get the win here. Damage CTRL will then get their heat back and a fresh new member or two in the days that follow.
Prediction: Lita, Becky Lynch & Trish Stratus
Brock Lesnar vs. Omos
Lesnar should walk away as the winner from this super heavyweight clash.
You could argue that if they want to build Omos up to be a monster, you could do it in one night with a win over Lesnar. I just don’t think they have that kind of faith in him. This match wasn’t even supposed to happen, so I’m not expecting them to go with any surprise booking. Lesnar will win in a quick, super heavyweight style match and MVP will get his comeuppance as well.
In terms of match quality, I am not expecting Dave to give out five stars here but if you like big guys tossing each other around and an aura of “somebody might get really hurt here,” this will be for you.
Prediction: Brock Lesnar
WWE Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defends against Asuka
Asuka is going to win the Raw Women’s title the day after The Great Muta goes into the Hall of Fame, and we are going to see an even more Muta-inspired version of Asuka when she does so.
Asuka has been going heel on house shows as of late, turning on Michin at an event last weekend. She’ll pick up the win via underhanded tactics, something like the poison mist — only more dastardly.
It was a great Mania to Mania title run for Bianca, but her story for the next year is going to be chasing a heel Asuka, perhaps leading to a rematch at WrestleMania 40.
Prediction: Asuka
WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends against Rhea Ripley
It should be interesting to hear the fans’ reaction to this match.
Flair as a babyface seems to be teetering. Crowds were behind her shortly after her return but as things have continued, she just comes off as such a natural heel that I don’t know how much longer they can run with her in this role. Flair’s reaction to the “What?” chants last week was evidence of this.
On top of that, Ripley is more over now than she ever has been as part of the Judgment Day. The fans are going to cheer for Ripley over Flair here. We could then get a “because of the fans” heel turn promo from Flair in the weeks that follow. Jim Valley will not be pleased.
I just can’t see WWE having Flair go over Ripley at WrestleMania again. They probably shouldn’t have done it the first time either.
Prediction: Rhea Ripley
WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther defends against Sheamus and Drew McIntyre in a three-way
This will be WWE’s tribute to the “banger” matches all three have been involved in of late.
Levesque and Gunther have re-established the Intercontinental title as the worker’s belt and that’s what will be on display here. The three men involved will be trying to steal the show Steamboat vs. Savage style and will probably succeed.
To put into perspective what Gunther has meant to WWE in terms of workrate, consider that he has had four WWE matches awarded five stars by Dave Meltzer since signing with the company in 2019. There have only been 16 matches in WWE history to get five stars or better and he has already been in 25% of those.
You could potentially have Sheamus pin McIntyre or vice versa to get the belt off Gunther without him being pinned, but it feels more likely that he’ll just continue his title reign.
Prediction: Gunther
Edge vs. Finn Balor in a Hell in a Cell match
Much like with Cena and Theory, this is about a part-time legend putting over a full-time member of the roster.
Edge has been hinting that he’s just about done. He very likely doesn’t have many WrestleMania matches left after this, if any. WWE isn’t about to have him beat “The Demon” version of Balor.
What this match could do, and definitely should do, is elevate Balor back to main event status. Edge has said his goal with the Judgment Day and this feud has been to elevate performers he believes deserve it. So far so good, but WrestleMania is an opportunity to push Balor all the way back up to top guy status.
Prediction: “The Demon” Finn Balor
Shotzi & Natalya vs. Chelsea Green & Sonya Deville vs. Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez vs. Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler
I don’t think the result here is really in question.
This match will be all about showcasing the team of Rousey and Baszler. Rousey pushed to be included in this division and her star power does have the potential to give the Women’s Tag Team titles a little more prestige. A Ronda & Baszler vs. Lita & Becky Lynch feud coming out of Mania could be the end result here.
Prediction: Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler
Braun Strowman & Ricochet vs. The Street Profits vs. Alpha Academy vs. The Viking Raiders (w/ Valhalla)
I think the Raiders should win here because they are the only team I feel WWE is motivated to give a push to right now.
I don’t know what the future holds for the Street Profits as a tag team. The long-term plan must be to move Montez Ford into singles action but hopefully, they find a way to do this that doesn’t break up his team with Angelo Dawkins, or at least keeps the two as allies/friends. It doesn’t feel like there is any appetite at all from fans to see them feud. Dawkins is a good wrestler, and very likable, but Ford is what world champions are made out of, and at some point, he’s moving into singles action.
Alpha Academy has its own little storyline going on with Otis and the Maximum Male Models, so they likely aren’t winning. Ricochet & Braun Strowman don’t feel like a long-term team so I’m not sure what the motivation would be to have them win. So by process of elimination, The Viking Raiders win!
Prediction: Viking Raiders
Dominik Mysterio vs. Rey Mysterio
On paper, a father-and-son rivalry seems extremely difficult to pull off but they’ve done exactly that.
I’m really shocked at how good this program has been. The success of it rests primarily in Dominik’s performances, I believe, although everyone involved has played their roles perfectly. Eddie Guerrero’s presence looms over this story in a very positive way as well.
As much as we all want Dominik to get his comeuppance here, he won’t. Dominik is going to defeat his father and it will give him something to brag about in interviews for years to come. It will be a good night for him and Mami.
Prediction: Dominik Mysterio
WWE undisputed Tag Team Champions The Usos defend against Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
In storyline, this is the most important WWE Tag Team Championship match of all-time.
It’s not the most important tag team match in company history, however. Vince McMahon had gambled all of his resources on the first WrestleMania being a success and if it wasn’t, who knows if the company would even exist today? No match will ever top what Roddy Piper & Paul Orndorff vs. Hulk Hogan & Mr. T did in terms of importance to WWE’s business. In terms of tag title matches, however, The Usos vs. Owens & Sami is absolutely the biggest one ever.
The Usos are in the middle of the longest tag team title reign in company history and are about to defend them at the biggest event of the year. I have seen some arguments that the TLC matches in the Attitude Era were bigger than this, but I disagree. This is the 1B storyline in WWE right now heading into WrestleMania and no other tag title feud or match has accomplished that ever. The tag titles have never meant more to the company than they do right now.
Owens and Sami will win the titles, celebrate in the ring together, and create a feel-good WrestleMania moment that is relived through documentaries and highlight packages for decades. The moment could even live on for centuries or longer depending on wrestling’s longevity and the possibility of total societal collapse.
Prediction: Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Cody Rhodes
Rhodes is going to finish the story at WrestleMania 39.
He actually won the title months ago. Rhodes won the title when he returned to WWE and his segments drew big numbers. He won the title when his merchandise sold in large quantities. Without a doubt, Rhodes won the title when he wrestled a five star match against Seth Rollins at Hell in a Cell with a torn pec. He has checked all the boxes to prove that he’s the guy that can beat Reigns.
Cody has mentioned how Dusty Rhodes used to say the only thing real in wrestling is the world title. While that might be a debatable point in many cases, it’s absolutely true here. Cody is winning this title because of very real choices he’s made throughout his career.
Now don’t get me wrong: you could have Reigns win here. In fact, I wouldn’t mind seeing it. A lot of people thought Drew McIntyre was going to beat Reigns at Clash at the Castle. Then again, a lot of people thought Sami Zayn was going to beat Roman at Elimination Chamber. Why not keep the disappointment train rolling and have him beat Cody too? Then the story basically becomes “dreams don’t come true” thanks to Roman Reigns.
But Cody is the right guy and it’s the right time.
What happens after Mania will be the real fun. Rhodes will be in the famous, and sometimes infamous, role of WWE’s top babyface. Some have thrived and others have crashed hard in the same spot. He’s got the fans and WWE management behind him, but the work doesn’t end when he beats Reigns, it’s actually just beginning.
What will be by far the biggest money weekend in the history of WWE and pro wrestling in general is upon is with two days of WrestleMania, an NXT Stand & Deliver special, sellouts for Smackdown & The Hall of Fame as well as Raw at the Crypto.com in Los Angeles, and countless shows from promotions all over the world.
A number of WrestleMania records are guaranteed to be set including most tickets sold (adding up the two nights), most viewers watching (due to it being on Peacock which has grown greatly in subscribers over the past year), most merchandise sold (because from the merchandise standpoint the company is at its hottest period) and by far the most sponsorship revenue.
The two WrestleMania shows at SoFi Stadium will have two-hour pre-shows starting at 6 p.m. Eastern with an 8 p.m. main show. The first night will have seven matches and the second night will have six, unless something is added, due to the Bobby Lashley vs. Bray Wyatt match being canceled. There will no doubt be plenty of surprises. The show is also there to showcase the product and the fan enthusiasm for any prospective buyers.
WWE may have some surprises in store for WrestleMania 39.
Nick Khan told ESPN’s First Take on Thursday that the company has “got to make it big” this year in Los Angeles. When asked what fans can expect from the event, Khan responded:
Expect a bunch of surprises, that’s what we’re known for, this is WrestleMania. We pulled some out at Royal Rumble a couple of months ago in San Antonio. Here at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, two-night event, we got to make it big. So, that’s what we expect to have happen.
Earlier in the conversation, Khan spoke about how celebrity involvement has been a big part of WrestleMania’s history.
Khan said:
It really started with Mr. T, which was Vince McMahon’s vision with WrestleMania I to get the most relevant, or one of the most relevant celebrities at that time along with Cyndi Lauper to come over, the Rock N Wrestling Connection, and to get eyeballs on our product that way.
If you think about it, it then continued with Floyd Mayweather. It used to be, as you knew, boxers came into the sports entertainment, the WWE world, on the downside of their career.
Then you look at Floyd, he came into it when he was on the upswing. Tyson Fury did the same thing and I think Bad Bunny, when he finally came in during WrestleMania Tampa two years ago. Bad Bunny really set the stage that this is where you go if you’re building your brand, not once you’re on the downside. I think that applies to Ronda, it applies to Logan, it applies to Pat McAfee and the other good folks you mentioned.
Earlier this week, Khan noted that Pat McAfee is not expected to be part of WrestleMania this year. McAfee returned to WWE for one night at the Royal Rumble in January but has not returned to his previously held position at the SmackDown commentary position.
WWE has revealed the match lineups for WrestleMania 39 nights one and two.
The cards for each night of WrestleMania were revealed during Thursday’s episode of ESPN’s First Take. The two-night event is taking place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California this Saturday and Sunday.
As expected, Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship will main event WrestleMania 39 night two. The United States title match between Austin Theory and John Cena was announced as “headlining” night one, though WWE revealed last week that Theory vs. Cena would be opening the night one card.
Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley for the SmackDown Women’s Championship and The Usos vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles are among the other top matches on the night one card.
Night two will feature Bianca Belair vs. Asuka for the Raw Women’s Championship and Gunther vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus for the Intercontinental title.
The night one card has seven matches and the night two card has six. Both shows will stream live on Peacock/WWE Network starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time on their respective nights.
Night one (Saturday, April 1) —
United States Champion Austin Theory defends against John Cena
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends against Rhea Ripley
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos defend against Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
Becky Lynch, Lita & Trish Stratus vs. Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai & IYO SKY)
Seth Rollins vs. Logan Paul
Rey Mysterio vs. Dominik Mysterio
WrestleMania Showcase match: Braun Strowman & Ricochet vs. The Street Profits vs. Chad Gable & Otis vs. The Viking Raiders
Night two (Sunday, April 2) —
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Cody Rhodes
Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defends against Asuka
Intercontinental Champion Gunther defends against Drew McIntyre and Sheamus in a triple threat match
Hell in a Cell match: Edge vs. “The Demon” Finn Balor
Brock Lesnar vs. Omos
WrestleMania Showcase match: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez vs. Natalya & Shotzi vs. Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler vs. Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green
WWE’s executive chairman will be in Los Angeles for the event this weekend, according to a report from PWInsider and confirmed by our own Dave Meltzer.
“He’s coming to WrestleMania,” Meltzer said. “Not a surprise, but he is.”
McMahon was also backstage during the March 6, 2023, edition of Raw. The show took place in Boston and featured the return of John Cena.
Although McMahon’s only official role is said to be spearheading efforts regarding a potential sale, some believe he has more influence on creative than is being let on.
Meltzer wrote in last week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that evidence of the 77-year-old’s influence includes a segment on the 3/20 Raw having to be reshot after someone used the term “wrestling.”
Meltzer wrote:
If you haven’t seen the fingerprints of Vince McMahon on camera, and there are little things here and there, there was a pre-tape interview on the 3/20 Raw where somebody used the term “wrestling” and they had to redo. Granted since Reigns and Rhodes used the term pro wrestlers in their promo on the same show.
Ahead of WWE WrestleMania 39 this weekend, company leadership has been publicly discussing how strong their sponsorship is going into this weekend, touting both a record in revenue and some new innovations.
In an interview with the Associated Press, WWE senior vice president & head of global sales Craig Stimmel said the company has generated more than $20 million in sponsorship revenue — a WWE record for any event.
There are 12 total sponsors for this year’s show, half of which are new. Returning sponsors include Snickers and WWE 2K23.
One of the rookies is Cinnamon Toast Crunch whose Cinnamojis mascots “will perform live at WrestleMania 39 alongside WWE Superstars.”
He said branding will be a part of their annual mega-event in a variety of ways which includes “a match sponsorship, a “blurring of the fourth wall” between what home viewers see vs. what live audience members observe and an augmented reality experience.”
There were no other details given for any of those items, especially what the “blurring of the fourth wall” will mean.
WWE has been leaning more heavily into product placement for big events like the first-ever Mountain Dew Pitch Black match at this year’s Royal Rumble. In past years, they edged into it with stunts like “zombies” attacking The Miz at 2021’s WWE Backlash to promote a Netflix movie.
WWE CEO Nick Khan told The Marchand & Ourand Sports Media Podcast that the company has “no plans” for McAfee to be at the event this year. McAfee has not returned to the SmackDown commentary desk following his hiatus to join ESPN College Gameday last year. He made a one-night return at the Royal Rumble in January but is currently not expected back full-time.
Khan said of McAfee:
We have no plans to have him there this weekend.
The world is his oyster. He’s 36 years old and look at his relevancy factor when you talk to young children. I have two young children, when I talk to them it’s often, ‘McAfee, McAfee, McAfee.’ That’s what’s in the wheelhouse for them. So, if you look at any of the traditional buyers, what do they want? They want a young diverse audience. What does McAfee bring? He brings a young, diverse audience. You notice he doesn’t get political, extreme, either way. He has Aaron Rodgers on, he treats him respectfully, develops that relationship, he becomes the go-to home of Aaron Rodgers. You see that with more athletes and Pat. He’s not looking to annihilate anybody or crucify them, he’s looking to have good content and his content has been terrific. So, he’ll determine, ultimately, where he wants his home to be and our hope is that he does more with us.
McAfee’s WWE future garnered speculation earlier this month following Wade Barrett telling the Daily Star his role on the SmackDown commentary team is “as permanent as you can ever be in a role in WWE.”
Shortly after Barrett’s statements, McAfee posted to Twitter that he still has “massive plans” regarding his journey to the WWE Hall of Fame. He wrote:
“A lot of wrestling chatter about me right now.. I think about wrestling everyday..that dream isn’t done,” McAfee tweeted. “My business is currently rather active and exigent…+ baby on the way…timing is everything I still have MASSIVE plans for my journey to the WWE HOF someday. Believe that.”
Last month, McAfee reflected on his career and what his future in WWE could hold. He wrote:
“Baby girl on the way… what’s that mean for my future with @WWE? I LOVE it but, they’re allegedly gonna be sold, who’s buying them? Do I want to work/make money for those people?”
McAfee recently announced that he will return to ESPN College Gameday next season.
Logan Paul says his contract with the WWE is ending this weekend.
On his Impaulsive podcast, Paul said his contract is up following his match against Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 39.
“My contract ends this WrestleMania,” Paul said. “My rookie year is about to be up.”
It was announced last June that Paul had signed with the WWE. At the time, it was reported that Paul had signed a multi-year deal to compete in an undisclosed number of premium live events in 2022 and 2023. He made his in-ring debut earlier in the year, teaming with The Miz to take on The Mysterios in a losing effort at WrestleMania 38.
After WrestleMania, Paul defeated The Miz at last year’s SummerSlam. He later challenged Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel on November 5 in a losing effort. He returned to WWE at the Royal Rumble, eliminating Seth Rollins from the Royal Rumble and setting the stage for their eventual match, which will take place on Saturday.
The final team has been added to the four-way women’s tag team Showcase match at WrestleMania 39.
Sonya Deville and Chelsea Green were the final team added after they won a qualifying match, defeating Michin and Candace LeRae. The two joined forces earlier in the show, when Adam Pearce suggested the two team up. The duo will meet Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler, Natalya & Shotzi, and Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan this weekend at WrestleMania.
In recent weeks, Chelsea Green has been looking for a tag team partner. At first she teamed with Carmella, but last week Carmella vanished from television. Green last week instead teamed with Piper Niven, however Pearce told Green this week that Niven wanted nothing to do with her.
Here is the updated lineup for WrestleMania 39
WWE WrestleMania 39, Saturday, April 1 & Sunday, April 2, 8 p.m. Eastern time on Peacock & WWE Network —
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns defends against Cody Rhodes
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair defends against Rhea Ripley
Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair defends against Asuka
United States Championship: Austin Theory defends against John Cena (opens night one)
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship: The Usos defend against Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens
Hell in a Cell match: Edge vs. Finn Balor
Brock Lesnar vs. Omos
Seth Rollins vs. Logan Paul
Rey Mysterio vs. Dominik Mysterio
Trish Stratus, Becky Lynch & Lita vs. Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai & IYO SKY)
Women’s four-way tag team showcase match: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez vs. Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler vs. Natalya & Shotzi vs. Sonya Deville & Chelsea Greene
Men’s four-way tag team showcase match: Braun Strowman & Ricochet vs. The Viking Raiders vs. The Street Profits vs. Alpha Academy
