WWE WrestleMania XL Review
WWE WrestleMania XL
Saturday 6th April & Sunday 7th April
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
WrestleMania returns to the city of brotherly love for its landmark 40th edition. A lot of hype surrounds this show with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson making his return to the ring, for the first time in 11 years, teaming up with Roman Reigns to take on the team of Seth Rollins and “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes in the main event of night one. The main event of night two sees a rematch of last years main event as Cody Rhodes tries to finish the story as he faces Reigns for the WWE Championship.
With Vince McMahon resigning from the Endeavour board of directors in January due to sexual harassment allegations, this makes WMXL the first ‘Mania in history to have zero creative input from a McMahon.
Night One
There was an opening video package voiced by Meek Mill hyping up the big matches on WrestleMania Saturday.
The show began with a Grammy Award singer Coco Jones singing the Star Spangled Banner aka US National Anthem.
Triple H made his entrance in a suit with the fans popping big for WWE’s Chief Content Officer, who is the man running the company from a creative standpoint. The commentary team of Michael Cole, Corey Graves & Pat McAfee welcomed us to the show. The Spanish commentary team was there too. Cole said that he was honored to call his 23rd WrestleMania.
Triple H said he lives for this. Hunter welcomed us to a new time, a new era and he welcomed us to WrestleMania. That was it.
Women’s World Championship
Becky Lynch vs. Rhea Ripley ©
Ripley was the champion for over one year while Lynch earned this title shot by winning the Women’s Elimination Chamber match. The announcers spoke about Lynch being sick all week going into this match.
Ripley shoved Lynch down. They battled by the ropes where Ripley sent Lynch into the ring post. Lynch sent Ripley’s left wrist into the ring post. Lynch kicked Ripley out of the ring. Lynch jumped onto Ripley on the floor. Ripley picked up Lynch for a spinning slam that sent Lynch hard into the match. Ripley hit a Northern Lights Suplex for two. Ripley hit a delayed vertical suplex for two. Ripley hit a dropkick. Ripley stomped on Lynch a few times followed by Ripley going up top, but Lynch was back up with a deep arm drag. Ripley rammed Lynch’s face into her knee and Lynch came back with a springboard DDT for two. Ripley sent Lynch into the turnbuckle and charged for an attack, but Lynch sent Ripley to the apron. Lynch hit a leg drop to the back to knock Ripley down to the floor. Lynch hit a Bexploder Suplex into the barricade. Lynch hit a leg drop into the back of the neck for two. Lynch caught Becky in her arms leading to a slam followed by Ripley hitting a knee strike to the face for two. Lynch avoided a Riptide slam leading to Lynch doing a double knee attack to the left arm. Ripley got out of the armbar followed by Ripley hitting three straight Powerbombs for a two count. Lynch kicked at the left arm again, but Ripley came back with a boot to the face for two. They exchanged strikes, then Ripley avoided a charging Ripley and Ripley hit the ring post with her shoulder. Lynch applied an armbar against the ropes for nearly five seconds. Lynch hit a top rope leg drop, but Ripley got back up leading to the Prism Trap submission move. Ripley grounded Lynch in the Prism Trap move on the mat, but Lynch managed to roll herself on top of Ripley for two to break the hold. Lynch countered a Riptide and hit a Manhandle Slam for a two count. Good nearfall there. Ripley avoided a kick by Lynch and Ripley hit a Riptide slam for a two count. That was an even better nearfall.
Ripley went up top to continue her attack, but Lynch stopped that with a punch. Lynch delivered a superplex from the middle rope followed by the Disarm-her armbar on the left arm of Ripley. That was the arm that Lynch worked on earlier in the match. Ripley got back to her feet and the two women went tumbling over the top to the floor where Ripley dropped backward to send Lynch crashing to the floor with an Electric Chair drop. Ouch. Back in the ring, Ripley went up top and hit a Frog Splash for a two count. The crowd bought into that as a believable nearfall too. They battled by the turnbuckle again where Lynch went for a Manhandle Slam, but Ripley slipped out of it. Ripley punched Lynch followed by a Riptide into the turnbuckle. Ripley hit a Riptide slam for the pinfall win.
Winner and STILL Women’s World Champion: Rhea Ripley via pinfall
Rating: **** It was an excellent choice for an opener since they are arguably the two most popular women in WWE even though Ripley is a heel in theory. The fans love Mami with good reason. It was like a main event level match where both women kicked out finishing moves during the match. Also, their submission moves weren’t enough to get the win. Lynch working on the left arm throughout the match was a smart strategy since Lynch uses the lefty armbar finisher sometimes. The finish was very good with Ripley hitting a Riptide onto the turnbuckle before hitting another Riptide for the win. Lynch brought it against Ripley and was certainly a threat to win, but I didn’t think there was going to be a title change here. I’m not sure what is next for Lynch although I would assume she will be featured heavily moving forward even if she’s out of the title picture. I think this match was great like the Ripley-Charlotte Flair match from last year’s WrestleMania, but I’d probably rate Ripley-Flair ahead of this one.
Six Pack Ladder Match
The Judgement Day (Finn Balor & Damion Priest) vs. A-Town Downunder (Austin Theory & Greyson Waller) vs. The Awesome Truth (The Miz & R-Truth) vs. #DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tomaso Ciampa) vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) vs. New Catch Republic (Pete Dunn & Tyler Bate)
The red Raw Tag Team Titles were set up above the ring while the blue Smackdown Tag Team Titles were also up for grabs. If one team grabs a set of titles then the match will continue until both sets of titles are retrieved. It is WWE’s way of separating the Tag Team Titles again.
There were ladders surrounding the ringside area. Priest was attacked by a bunch of guys since Priest is the tallest guy in the match. Theory and Waller each set up ladders going for the titles, but they were stopped. The Miz reached up for the Raw Tag Team Titles, but Dunne stopped them. The New Day’s guys went up to knock everybody else down. Balor and Priest stopped New Day from getting the titles. Priest threw a ladder at Waller on the floor. Balor tossed Dunne into a ladder in the ring and Priest slammed a ladder onto Ciampa. Balor nailed Bate with a boot to the head. Priest missed a charging attack when Bate moved and Priest hit the ladder that was against the turnbuckle. Bate gave Balor a unique airplane spin while using the ladder. Bate launched Balor onto a ladder. Bate and Dunne climbed a ladder on the floor leading to both guys hitting moonsaults onto a pile of guys on the floor. Bate tried to climb, so Priest tossed Dunne into a climbing Bate and Bate collapsed onto Dunne. Ouch. Miz went up the ladder to stop Priest from climbing up a ladder. Truth was on the apron looking like he needed a tag to get into the match. The fans were into it. Miz actually tagged Truth, who did the splits to avoid Priest. Truth did the John Cena tribute with the shoulder tackles and a spinning suplex followed by a Five Knuckle Shuffle. Truth gave Balor an Attitude Adjustment onto a ladder. Truth covered Balor as the fans chanted three, but Miz reminded Truth it was a Ladder Match. Truth & Miz hit a double team move on Priest. Gargano superkicked Priest since Truth thinks Gargano is Shawn Michaels. Ciampa hit a lifting Pedigree style move on Priest. The #DIY and Miz/Truth teams each went after separate titles. Grayson Waller stopped Miz/Truth from climbing and Austin Theory stopped #DIY from climbing. Waller climbed up the ladder to retrieve the Smackdown Tag Team Titles while Theory watched for other teams trying to stop. Nobody stopped the climb, so Waller & Theory became WWE Smackdown Tag Team Champions.
A-Town Down Under – Austin Theory and Grayson Waller – are the new Smackdown Tag Team Champions
The match continued as the teams competed for the Raw Tag Team Titles as well. Bate and Dunne grabbed Waller on a ladder gave Waller a double Powerbomb from inside the ring and over the top onto a ladder that was bridged from the apron to the commentary table. Gargano took out Dunne and Balor with a cannonball dive on the floor. Ciampa tossed Bate into the Prime hydration station. #DIY took out two tables from under the ring and set them up on the floor. R-Truth also set up a table. Kofi hit a Trouble in Paradise kick on Gargano on the apron. Woods went up top and walked the ropes leading to Woods hitting an elbow drop on Ciampa, who was on top of a ladder. New Day tried to fight off other teams and go for the Raw Tag Team Titles. When Kofi got near the top, he hit a Trust Fall dive onto a pile of guys on the floor. Theory stopped Woods’ climb leading to Theory sending Woods over the top to the floor. Theory climbed, but Dunne & Bate stopped that. Dunne & Bate hit a double Burning Hammer on Theory. Gargano sent Dunne to the apron followed by the kick and Gargano jumped over the top with a DDT that put Dunne through the table. Ciampa got a hold of Bate on top of the ladder leading to Ciampa hitting the Air Raid Crash (or White Noise) on Bate. R-Truth got into the ring while the fans popped huge for him. The fans cheered as Truth climbed the ladder, but big head JD McDonagh attacked Truth and hit a Devil Inside suplex. JD helped his buddy Balor climb the ladder to grab the Raw Tag Team Titles, but Woods stopped that. Kofi attacked JD & Balor with a steel chair. The New Day tilted the ladder over so that JD bumped over the top through the table on the floor. Priest was back in with a superkick on Woods and a Razor’s Edge on Kofi on a steel chair. Priest tried to climb the ladder while referee Jessika Carr hit his leg to tell him something. Priest took a long time at the top of the ladder, so Miz climbed up to stop Priest with punches. Priest went for a slam on Miz, but the ladder was busted and Miz went down. Priest set up another ladder. R-Truth was back up and knocked the ladder over. Truth gave Priest an Attitude Adjustment that sent Priest over the top to the floor. Truth set up the ladder and did the climb while the fans were cheering loudly. Truth climbed up to the top and Truth reached up for the titles. Truth pulled down the Raw Tag Team Titles to win those titles and end the match.
Awesome Truth – The Miz & R-Truth – are the new Raw Tag Team Champions
Rating: *** ½ I thought it was a fun match that the crowd was into especially towards the finish. I don’t mind the teams that actually won and I do like the idea of splitting up the Tag Team Titles again. I think the tag team division can be deep enough on both brands, so having exclusive titles for Raw & Smackdown is the way to go. There were some good bumps throughout the match although there weren’t any that seemed that crazy or unsafe. I know a few guys went through ladders and tables, which certainly pops the crowd every time. Theory & Waller as Smackdown Tag Team Champions was met with boos, but I think they’ll be entertaining cheap heel champions. After that, the fans were totally behind R-Truth (and Miz as his partner), who was so funny doing his John Cena offense and then going for a pinfall in a Ladder Match. Truth knows how to put on an entertaining show as well as anybody. When Truth retrieved the Raw Tag Team Titles the pop was huge. R-Truth finished his story! Sort of. Anyway, it was an entertaining match.
Rey Mysterio & Andrade vs. Santos Escobar & Dominik Mysterio
It is Rey’s 12th WrestleMania match. Rey gave Escobar a headscissors into the turnbuckle, which led to Dominik tagging in against his father Rey. After Rey was sent into the turnbuckle, Andrade tagged in and worked over Dominik with some chops. Andrade hit the impressive boot miss leading to an elbow smash on Dominik. Rey sent Escobar out of the ring. Andrade had Rey on his shoulders leading to a double team splash onto both opponents on the floor. Graves correctly called it a double stack cross body block. Rey sent Dominik into the turnbuckle and wanted to whip his son with a belt, but Dominik stopped that. Dominik nailed Rey with a forearm to knock Rey down. The heels were in control as Escobar hit a leg drop to Rey’s head. Escobar caught a running Rey leading to a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Dominik tagged in with a senton splash onto his father for a two count. Rey tried a comeback, but Dominik stopped Rey with a running back elbow. Escobar tagged in leading to a double team dropkick on Rey on the mat. Escobar set up Rey on the top rope leading to some mask ripping, but Rey stopped that. Escobar hit a running kick to the ribs while Rey was upside down against the ropes. Escobar grounded Rey while pulling back on the arms, Rey fought back and Rey got a boot up with a kick to the face. Rey countered an Escobar move with a Code Red but there was no cover.
Andrade got the tag with a clothesline on Escobar and leg whip takedowns on both opponents. Andrade hit a jumping forearm smash on Dominik. Andrade hit a running double knee attack on Dominik while against the turnbuckle. Andrade went up top and did his double moonsault spot on Dominik for a two count. Dominik came back with a neckbreaker. Rey tagged in with a seated senton and hurricanrana on Escobar. Rey sent Dominik out of the ring. Rey hit a 619 kick on Escobar. Andrade hit a moonsault off the top onto Dominik on the floor. Rey tried a move off the top, but Berto held Rey while Angel distracted the referee. Escobar hit a top rope hurricanrana on Rey for a two count. Lopez was on the apron, so Vega pulled her off the apron and Vega hit a moonsault on Lopez on the floor. Cruz dove onto Angel on the floor and Berto dove on Cruz. Carlito punched Berto. Wilde went to the middle rope and Carlito/Cruz launched Wilde off the middle rope leading to a cross body block on the floor. That was so cool just like when he did it in NXT. Escobar sent Rey shoulder-first into the ring post. Two big guys appeared in Eagles masks and threw Dominik into the ring post. Rey sent Escobar into the ropes with Dominik, so Rey hit a double 619. Andrade hit a spinning slam on Dominik and Rey hit a top rope splash for the pinfall. After the match, the two big masked guys were Philadelphia Eagles legends Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson. The fans popped big for them.
Winners: Rey Mysterio & Andrade via pinfall
Rating: *** A solid tag team match. I like how the allies of both stables were at ringside for the match because it puts over the LWO and Legado Del Fantasma as cohesive units that stick together. Plus, they did spots involving all the guys on the floor, which is cool for them to be a part of a WrestleMania match. I thought the highlight of the whole match was Wilde’s leaping attack from the middle rope onto the guys on the floor. We saw him do that in NXT before, but seeing it at WrestleMania in front of a big crowd is pretty special. The finish with Philadelphia Eagles legends Jason Kelce (now retired) and Lane Johnson showing up in lucha masks to attack Dominik at ringside while the referee was distracted was a clever way to end it. I thought the heels might win here, but I don’t mind the result of the match.
Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso
Jey attacked Jimmy outside the ring before the match. Jimmy was born about nine minutes earlier, so he’s the “big brother” among the twins. Jey sent Jimmy into the ring post and they went into the ring to start the match. Jey clotheslined Jimmy out of the ring. Jey hit a suicide dive onto Jimmy on the floor. Back in the ring, Jey jumped off the top with a cross body block for two. Jey charged into Jimmy, who hit a popup Samoan Drop for two. Jimmy hit a running hip attack against the turnbuckle. Jey tried a leaping attack, but Jimmy stopped his brother with an uppercut punch. Jimmy nailed two superkicks to put his brother down. A third and fourth superkick by Jimmy knocked his brother down again. Jimmy hit a fifth straight superkick. Jimmy took way too long going to the top turnbuckle, so Jey avoided a splash attempt. Jey hit a superkick on a running Jimmy. Jey and Jimmy exchanged punches with the fans chanting “Yeet” for Jey’s punches and “No” for Jimmy’s punches. Each brother hit kicks to the body followed by Jimmy hitting a spin kick to the head and Jey hit a jumping enziguri kick to the mouth. Jey did a lift, Jimmy broke free, Jimmy hit a superkick and Jey came back with his own superkick. Jimmy and Jey each hit superkicks again. Jimmy hit another superkick, so Jey came back with a superkick. Jey superkicked Jimmy a few times against the turnbuckle. Jey shouted at Jimmy that he was his twin brother as Jey hit a jumping superkick to the jaw.
Jey wanted another superkick, but Jimmy put his left hand up to plead with his brother, so Jey showed compassion to his brother. Jimmy spoke to Jey saying he was sorry for everything. The fans weren’t buying into it. Jey tried to hug his brother, but Jimmy broke free and hit a superkick. Jimmy went up top and hit an Uso Splash for a two count. The crowd popped for that kickout. Jey was back up, he charged at Jimmy and hit a Spear. Jey went up top and hit an Uso Splash for the pinfall win.
Winner: Jey Uso via pinfall
Rating: ** It was an underwhelming match that certainly could be called disappointing considering how much they built this up. A lot of superkicks. There were too many of them. They had that spot where Jimmy pleaded with his brother to reunite, Jey wanted to do it and then Jimmy did a cheap attack for a nearfall. That was the only part of the match where it looked like Jey might not win. To me, the match was hurt by the fact that nobody thought that Jimmy could win since Jimmy rarely has singles matches while Jey is pushed a lot more. I think they should have had Solo Sikoa with Jimmy to cause a believable nearfall or two because they just didn’t do much to make us think Jimmy had a shot to win.
Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Asuka & Kairi Sane) vs. Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair & Naomi
It was mentioned by Cole that this was Asuka’s sixth WrestleMania match and she’s never won at WrestleMania before. Naomi worked over Sane in the corner with a split-legged leg drop on Sane for two. Naomi kicked Sane while Asuka charged at Naomi, which led to the referee being distracted and Kai hit a pump kick on Naomi to knock her down. Sane jumped onto Naomi with an elbow drop off the top rope onto Naomi on the floor. There was some combo moves by DC as Sane hit a dropkick leading to Asuka getting a two count. Naomi tried to fight out of the heel corner with double neckbreakers on Sane & Kai. Naomi also kicked Asuka in the head to knock her down. Naomi broke free leading to Belair getting the tag with a lot of offense including a backbreaker and a delayed vertical suplex. Belair hit a running shoulder tackle on Asuka & Sane leading to punches for both women. Belair did a backflip over Kai leading to a gutbuster, then Belair hit a spinebuster on Asuka and Belair did a press slam on Sane onto Sane’s two partners. Belair hit a standing moonsault on all three opponents for a two count. Kai pulled Belair’s hair to prevent a tag to Cargill. Kai stomped on Belair’s back leading to a two count. Asuka hit a Codebreaker on Belair, Sane with a neckbreaker on Belair and Asuka hit a running knee on Belair for two. The fans were chanting “We Want Jade” as Asuka hit a corner elbow smash on Belair. Belair broke free leading to Jade getting the tag to a huge pop. Jade punched Asuka, kicked Kai and Jade gave Asuka a Chokeslam. Sane jumped off the top, Jade caught her and Jade hit a backbreaker. Kai charged, Jade hit a back body drop and Jade hit a big splash. Jade hit a sitout Michinoku Driver for two because Asuka & Sane made the save. Asuka spit the mist into Sane’s face by accident. Naomi with a Full Nelson Slam on Sane. Belair with a hair whip to Asuka and Belair did a KOD slam on Asuka. Cargill hit Jaded on Kai for the pinfall win.
Winners: Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair & Naomi via pinfall
Rating: ** ½ The most obvious result of the show. It wasn’t bad or anything like that. It was what most of us expected it to be. Cargill was treated like a big deal by the fans, which is a good way to present her. I figured Cargill would be kept out of the ring until the hot tag leading to the finish and that’s what happened. She did about five or six moves to pick up the clean win for her team. The Damage CTRL ladies are so talented, but they had no shot here. Belair and Naomi were fine in their roles, but this was all about putting Cargill over. The fans have certainly bought into Jade being a big deal.
Up next is the Intercontinental title match between Sami Zayn & GUNTHER. Sami Zayn was shown walking backstage where he was greeted by his wife and young son. Sami’s wife told him that tonight was the night. Chad Gable told Zayn it was time and asked if he was ready. Gable told Zayn he wanted him out there by himself. Gable told Zayn he’s got this on his own and he always did. Gable told Zayn that he owes Chad a favor. As Zayn continued to walk, he saw his best friend Kevin Owens standing there to greet him. Owens shoved Zayn, hugged him, and told him to go do it. Zayn got a big ovation for his entrance.
WWE Intercontinental Championship
Sami Zayn vs. GUNTHER ©
It started out as a battle of strikes with Zayn putting up a fight with strikes while avoiding Gunther’s big chops. Zayn went for a springboard attack off the middle ropes, but Gunther caught Zayn leading to a German Suplex. Gunther worked over Zayn with some hard chops to the chest. Zayn tried to fight back, but Gunther came back with a hard chop to the chest. Gunther put his boot to the throat of Zayn while up against the ropes. Gunther delivered a forearm to the back followed by an uppercut shot to the chest. Gunther taunted Zayn’s wife Khadija at ringside leading to Gunther hitting more chops to the chest. Zayn fought back with a running clothesline. Gunther delivered three hard chops in a row followed by Zayn coming back with punches. Zayn kicked the right arm followed by a half-n-half suplex by Zayn two times a row. Gunther came back with a clothesline for two. Gunther hit another hard chop to the face. Zayn came back with chops along with a Tornado DDT from the top rope. Zayn charged, but Gunther caught him with a sleeper. Gunther blocked a slam attempt and Gunther trapped Zayn in a sleeper hold. Zayn was near the ropes, so Gunther hit a German Suplex to stop Zayn from getting to the ropes. Gunther charged, Zayn caught him and Zayn hit an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. Gunther hit a dropkick on a running Zayn. Gunther hit a Powerbomb for the two count. Gunther has won with that move many times before, so it’s a big moment for Zayn to kick out of that.
Gunther hit his own version of a running Helluva Kick to the face and then he held Zayn in his arms. Zayn came back with a Helluva Kick of his own for one…two…and no! That was a great sequence right there. Zayn charged at Gunther, who nailed another clothesline. Gunther hit a Powerbomb and then another Powerbomb right after that for one…two…and no because Zayn got his right shoulder up. Gunther was shocked by that. Gunther chopped Zayn followed by a hard slap to the face. Gunther stomped on Zayn repeatedly. When Zayn got back up, Gunther nailed him with another clothesline. Gunther invited Zayn’s wife to come into the ring to help Zayn up. Gunther hit another Powerbomb along with more staring at Zayn’s wife. Gunther also did an evil laugh while the announcers were shouting about how maybe the referee Eddie Orengo should stop the match. Gunther went up top and hit a Superfly Splash on Zayn. It wasn’t the best looking splash, but effective enough. Gunther went up top again for another Superfly Splash without a cover. Gunther laughed at Zayn’s wife at ringside while she rooted on Zayn to keep going. Zayn was rolling around the ring and trying to fight back up while the crowd was going wild for him. Gunther went up top and Zayn hit him with a Helluva Kick. Zayn hit a brainbuster onto the turnbuckle! That was crazy. Zayn hit a running Helluva Kick that knocked down Gunther against the turnbuckle. Zayn hit a running Helluva Kick and Zayn fell on top with the left arm over the body for the one…two…and three! Sami Zayn wins!
That win by Sami Zayn put an end to the record-long 666-day reign for Gunther as the Intercontinental Champion. Cole called it one of the biggest upsets of the last decade.
Winner and NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion: Sami Zayn via pinfall
Rating: **** ½ Excellent match. This was the match of the night. Gunther did an amazing job as the heel champion who was cocky throughout the match while also taunting Sami Zayn’s wife during the match. I think the key story is that Gunther lost his focus because he kept wanting to taunt Sami’s wife and that took his mind off the match, which led to Zayn making the comeback to win. I always mention when it comes to Zayn matches that what makes him really great is his ability to sell and make those believable babyface comebacks. I loved the brainbuster that Zayn did to send Gunther’s head into the top rope before finishing him with a Helluva Kick for the win. The win marks the end of Gunther’s record-long IC Title reign at 666 days, which is certainly a memorable number. I’m not going five stars for it, but maybe if I watch it again I might feel that it should be higher. Having a four-and-a-half star match at a WrestleMania is still pretty damn great.
Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns & The Rock
If Rock & Reigns win then it’s Bloodline Rules for the Roman Reigns-Cody Rhodes match at WrestleMania 40 Sunday. If Rollins & Rhodes win then the Reigns-Rhodes match will be free of The Bloodline.
Reigns knocked over Rollins with a shoulder tackle to start the match. Rollins kicked Reigns in the ribs and tried to tag out, but Reigns pulled back. Cody tagged in leading to Reigns hitting a clothesline while Cody was against the turnbuckle. Cody came back with a knee to the ribs. Reigns missed a clothesline on Cody while Rollins made the tag. Rock tagged in for the first time, which drew a big reaction. Rock was in great shape at 51 years old (52 in May). Rock locked up with Rollins leading to Rock shoving Rollins down across the ring. They locked up again as Rollins slipped behind Rock and shoved him. Rock worked over Rollins with punches. Rollins came back with punches, but Rock bounced off the turnbuckle with punches. Rock told Cody to “just bring it” so Cody tagged in against The Final Boss. Cody with punches, Rock came back with a kick and Cody connected with a punch. Cody kicked Rock repeatedly against the turnbuckle followed by more punches. Rollins tagged in leading to Rollins stomping away on Rock as well. Reigns went into the ring, so Rollins hit him with a Slingblade. The four guys were all in the ring fighting as Cody fought with Reigns on the floor. Rollins battled Rock by the commentary table, which included Rollins spitting some Prime drink into Rock’s face right in front of Rock’s mom. Rock told referee Chad Patton that if he counts then he is fired. Rock also swore at him.
The Rock fought with Rollins into the crowd where they fought by some platform area. Rock threw a trash can into Rollins’ head. Meanwhile, Cody suplexed Reigns as they battled by the entrance area. Rock sent Rollins into a barricade and Rock spit some water in Seth’s face. Rollins threw Rock over the barricade right in front of Rock’s mom. Rollins hit a double axhandle to knock Rock down at ringside. Rollins tossed Rock back into the ring. Rock distracted the referee while Reigns hit a chop block on the left knee of Rollins while Seth was on the apron. I don’t know why they needed a referee distraction to set that up, but that’s what they did. Rock kicked Seth’s left knee. Back in the ring, Rock rammed Seth’s left knee into the mat. Rock rammed Rollins’ left knee into the ring post multiple times. Reigns tagged in as he wrenched Seth’s left knee across the middle rope. Reigns applied a half crab submission on Rollins. After nearly a minute of that, Rollins fought back until Reigns kicked Rollins in the ribs. Rollins clotheslined Reigns out of the ring. The Rock sent Rollins into the steel steps multiple times. Reigns whipped Rollins hard into the turnbuckle. Rock tagged in and he sent Rollins hard into the turnbuckle as well. Reigns was back in for another hard whip into the turnbuckle. Reigns nailed Rollins with a boot to the head. Reigns went for a Superman Punch, Rollins avoided it and Rollins hit a neckbreaker. Rock tagged in with a deliberate low blow punch to the groin, which the referee Chad Patton saw, but the referee told Cody he can’t do anything about it. Rock exchanged strikes with Rollins until Rollins hit a jumping enziguri kick to the head. Reigns pulled Cody off the apron to prevent a tag. The Rock applied the Sharpshooter submission on Rollins, so Cody went into the ring and slapped Rock in the face. Cody did a necksnap to Rock across the top rope. Rollins hit a superkick on Rock and Rolins hit The Stomp on Rock as well.
Cody got the tag against Reigns leading to Cody delivering some punches and Cody hit a powerslam on Reigns. Cody hit the springboard Disaster Kick to the face. That was followed by a Cody Cutter for a two count. Cody went for Cross Rhodes, Reigns slipped out of it and Reigns hit a Superman Punch for a two count. Reigns was bleeding from the nose, which angered the Tribal Chief. Reigns charged, Cody avoided it and Cody hit a sunset flip pin attempt for two. Cody went up top and hit a Cody Cutter-style move followed by Rollins making the tag (while Cody was on the top) and Rollins hit a Frog Splash for two. Reigns came back with a Powerbomb on Rollins. Reigns charged, but Rollins got a boot up. Cody tagged in leading to multiple superkicks on Reigns including a double superkick from Cody and Seth. Rollins hit The Stomp on Reigns followed by Cody hitting Cross Rhodes on Reigns for two because Rock pulled referee Chad Patton out of the ring. Cole: “This is getting ridiculous!” Reigns hit a lefty low blow on Cody followed by Reigns hitting a Spear. Rock sent the referee Patton back into the ring leading to Chad counting two because Cody got his shoulder up. Reigns went for the Guillotine Choke on Cody, who managed to keep fighting. Rock tripped up while Reigns held onto the Guillotine Choke while Cole complained about how the referee couldn’t do anything to stop it. Rollins hit The Stomp on Reigns to break the submission while Rock sent Rollins out of the ring.
The Rock tagged back in while staring at Mama Rhodes at ringside. Rock pulled out the Mama Rhodes leather belt. Rock told Mama Rhodes that her tears are going to be on the belt. Rock went into the ring and Cody kicked him in the ribs. Rock punched Cody to knock him down while the referee took the belt out of the ring. Cody hit the combo punches leading to the bionic elbow. Rock came back with a spinebuster. Rock threw off his elbow pad leading to the People’s Elbow attempt, but Cody was back up and Cody hit a Cody Cutter. The Rock jumped into it perfectly too. Well done. Cody went for Cross Rhodes, but Reigns went into the ring with a Superman Punch on Cody. Reigns got back up to his feet, Rollins moved Cody out of the way and Reigns hit a Spear on The Rock by accident. That drew a huge response from the crowd. Rollins hit a Pedigree to Reigns and Cody hit a Pedigree to Rock for two counts. That drew a huge reaction too. Rollins went up top and jumped onto Reigns with a cross body block. Cody cleared off the English commentary table, so Rock threw Cody into the steel steps and Rock cleared off the Spanish commentary table. Rock picked up Cody and set him up on the Spanish commentary table. Rock teased a move on the table, but Rollins held onto Rock’s left foot. Cody gave Rock a Rock Bottom through the commentary table. That was followed by Reigns giving Rollins a Spear through the barricade. All four guys were down. When Cody brought Rock back into the ring, Reigns was back up with a Drive By kick on Cody on the apron.
Reigns was the legal man against Cody as The Tribal Chief worked him over with punches to the head. Cody and Reigns exchanged punches as the crowd reacted to it with cheers for Cody along with boos for Reigns. Cody hit Cross Rhodes on Reigns two times in a row. Cody went for another, but Rock hit Cody in the back with the leather strap. Ouch. It was mentioned that Rollins was down after getting Speared through the barricade. That was loud. Reigns was back up with a Spear on Cody. Reigns could have got the win there, but Reigns tagged Rock in. Rock gave Cody a Rock Bottom. Rock followed up with a People’s Elbow for the one…two…and three. Cole: “Cody is screwed.”
Winners: Roman Reigns & The Rock via pinfall
Rating: *** ½ I liked the match. It was a very long match that ended with a decisive ending since Rock beat Rhodes clean. If this was maybe 15-20 minutes shorter I’d have rated it higher, but it’s still a very good match. They did a lot of basic pro wrestling in that first half before the finish that featured a lot of brawling outside the ring since The Rock threatened to fire the referee if he tried to count them out. There were a few moments where it looked like Cody & Seth might win, so that was good. I liked that spot where they hit The Stomp & Cross Rhodes back to back followed by Rock pulling the referee out of the ring to stop the count. I like seeing main event level matches like this where both sides look like they could win. The ending was a case of Rock & Reigns overcoming their opponents to find a way to win. I expected the heel team of Rock & Reigns to get the win just because of the stipulation involved. Since Rock pinned Cody clean, that’s obviously going to set them up for a singles match down the road.
The Rock and Roman Reigns left with their championships while Cody sat up in the ring looking frustrated just like he did at the end of last year’s WrestleMania. Cole spoke about how Rollins couldn’t even walk. Pat said that Cody & Seth got what they deserved according to The Bloodline. The Rock and Reigns celebrated their win on the ramp while Cody continued to look frustrated in the ring. There was an impressive pyro display to end it.
*** END OF NIGHT ONE***
Night Two
A video package aired that was narrated by rapper Meek Mill. It was very well done as usual.
The husband-and-wife duo known as The War & Treaty sang God Bless America to start the show.
Stephanie McMahon made her way down to the ring for a promo. This was a nice surprise since Stephanie left the company one year ago.
Stephanie said it was nice that it was warmer tonight. Stephanie said that she has been honored to be at or a part of WrestleMania since the first one. Stephanie said that she is most proud of this one because it’s the first WrestleMania of the Paul Levesque era. Stephanie said that we all have come together to share this thing that we love and nobody understands that better than her husband Triple H. Stephanie asked Philly: “Are you ready?” The fans popped and she did it again just like Triple H does it. Stephanie said it was time to kick off night two of WrestleMania.
It was great to see Stephanie again. I hope she works for WWE again, but obviously, she doesn’t need to work if she chooses. I think she’s an asset for WWE in an executive role, so it will be interesting to see if she does return.
It was Michael Cole, Pat McAfee & Corey Graves on commentary for the second night in a row. For the first match, they were joined by former WWE Champion CM Punk, who had a big brace on his surgically repaired right triceps. They did Punk’s entrance at the end of the Kickoff Show. The Spanish commentary team was there as well.
World Heavyweight Championship
Drew McIntyre vs. Seth Rollins ©
The bell rang leading to Drew hitting a Claymore Kick right away for a two count. Punk said that was a smart move by Drew while Rollins rolled out of the ring. Drew did a chop block to the back of the left knee. Drew gave Rollins an overhead belly-to-belly suplex on the floor. Drew drove Rollins back first into the ring post. Drew took a selfie with his wife at ringside. Drew hit an overhead belly-to-belly suplex on the floor again. Drew was looking at Punk on commentary, but Rollins came back with a Pedigree on the floor. When Drew rolled into the ring, Rollins hit The Stomp for a two count. Drew hit a back body drop to counter a move. Drew nailed Rollins with forearms to the face. Drew kicked Rollins back, but Rollins came back with a superkick. Drew hit a Glasgow Kiss headbutt along with a neckbreaker. Drew did a kip-up back to his feet. Drew charged with a Claymore Kick, but Rollins caught him with a Powerbomb followed by Rollins hitting another Pedigree. Rollins hit The Stomp again for a two count because Drew shot his left shoulder up. Rollins went up top for The Stomp, but Drew avoided it. They each went for moves and Drew caught Rollins leading to a Future Shock DDT for two. That’s the move that hurt Punk in the Royal Rumble because Punk tore his right triceps when his arm hit the mat. Drew taunted Punk with a “Go To Sleep” gesture while Punk said it was Drew putting the crowd to sleep. Drew went for the GTS, but Rollins countered with an inside cradle for two. Drew ran the ropes leading to a Claymore Kick and a pin with leverage for one…two…no! Rollins kicked out.
Drew left the ring and cleared off the commentary table. Drew punched Rollins in the face and pulled him out of the ring. Drew teased a Powerbomb through the table, but Rollins got out of it. Rolins superkicked Drew. Rollins ran across the Spanish announce table and gave Drew a Stomp on the table, but it wasn’t enough to break the table. They were probably out of the ring long enough for a countout, but the referee was doing a slow count. Back in the ring, Drew popped right up for a Claymore Kick for one…two…and no because Rollins got his left shoulder up. Rollins slowly got back up, so Drew hit another Claymore Kick for the one…two…and three! New World Champion!
Winner and NEW World Heavyweight Champion: Drew McIntyre via pinfall
Rating: *** ½ It wasn’t a long match, but it was still very good right from the moment the bell rang. They booked this in a way where it was about the big moves early on with both guys getting nearfalls that were believable. Drew getting the win was the right call while Rollins did a tremendous job of selling the injuries he was dealing with. I like how the finish was booked with Drew slowly wearing out Rollins before Drew found a way to put him away. I was very happy for Drew at this moment because I thought he would win and I’m a big fan of Drew as a performer.
Drew McIntyre celebrated with the World Heavyweight Champion while the fans cheered for the moment. Drew presented the title to his wife and hugged his family at ringside. Drew celebrated with the title some more. Drew looked over to CM Punk on commentary. Drew went on the commentary table right in front of Punk and Punk told him to have fun taking selfies on the internet with it. Drew told Punk that he was going to end his career if Punk ever stepped into the ring again. Drew said that this was his moment. Punk wondered why Drew was there making it about Punk. Drew stood on the table and did a crotch chop to Punk’s face. When Drew turned, Punk tripped him and Drew bumped on the table. Punk took his jacket off and hit Drew with the brace to the head. Punk stomped on Drew to keep him down.
Great angle to set up what was coming next. Drew McIntyre’s obsession with CM Punk led to Punk’s justified attack that would cost Drew big time.
Damian Priest ran out to the ringside area with the Money in the Bank briefcase along with a referee. When Drew got up, Priest hit Drew with the Money in the Bank briefcase. Priest cashed in and the referee called for the bell.
World Heavyweight Championship
Drew McIntyre © vs. Damian Priest
They were in the ring where Priest picked up Drew and hit him with a South of Heaven Chokeslam for the pinfall win!
Winner and NEW World Heavyweight Champion: Damian Priest via pinfall
It was a memorable Money in the Bank cash-in since it happened at WrestleMania. It was well booked. While I wanted Drew McIntyre to have a significant title reign, I get that it was big moment for Priest and doing it at WrestleMania will make it stand out among Money in the Bank cash-in wins.
Damian Priest celebrated on the ramp with The Judgment Day. They were hugging and all happy about the title win. Meanwhile, CM Punk was applauding on the commentary table while Drew McIntyre looked devastated in the ring.
Analysis: A big moment for The Judgment Day just one night after Priest & Finn Balor lost the Tag Team Titles. Congratulations to Priest on becoming the World Heavyweight Champion for the first time.
Philadelphia Street Fight
The Final Testament (Karrion Kross and Authors of Pain) vs. Bobby Lashley & The Street Profits
They had WWE Hall of Famer Snoop Dogg on commentary. Also, WWE Hall of Famer Bubba Ray Dudley was the special guest referee. As an ECW legend, it was great to have Bubba out there as the referee in front of the Philly crowd.
The Profits duo of Ford & Dawkins went for a table right away, but AOP sent them into the steel steps. Kross and AOP went after Lashley with kendo stick attacks. Kross gave Lashley a neckbreaker onto a steel chair that was opened in the ring, but Dawkins made the save. Ford jumped off the top leading to Kross hitting Ford in the ribs with a kendo stick. AOP hit their Super Collider double Powerbomb move on the Profits for a two count, but B-Fab made the save with a kendo stick. Scarlett hit B-Fab with a trash can and sent B-Fab out of the ring. Lashley started the comeback with a flatliner while Profits sent AOP out of the ring. Lashley hit Kross with an overhead belly to belly suplex. Dawkins attacked AOP on the floor while Ford jumped over the ring post with a somersault dive onto both AOP guys. Lashley beat Kross with multiple chair shots to the back. Lashley gave Kross a spinebuster onto a chair that was on the mat. Scarlett went into the ring to hit Lashley in the back with a kendo stick two times. B-Fab took care of Scarlett with a pump kick. B-Fab gave Scarlett a legsweep off the apron through the floor. Kross hit a Saito Suplex on Lashley. Kross hit a DDT on a steel chair that was opened up and it got a two count. Kross got in Bubba Ray’s face thinking that it was a slow count, so Kross shoved Bubba and Bubba put the Dudley glasses on. Lashley was back up with a Spear on Kross. Ford and Lashley held the legs of Kross, so Dawkins went up top leading to the Whassup headbutt on Kross’ groin. Dawkins and Lashley set up a table in the ring and they put Kross on it, but the table broke. Lashley worked over Kross with punches while Ford & Dawkins got another table into the ring. Ford beat up Kross with kendo stick shots to the body. Kross was put on the table on the table again. Ford went up top and hit a Frog Splash to put Kross through the table. Lashley pinned Kross for the pinfall win
Winners: Bobby Lashley & The Street Profits via pinfall
Rating: ** ½ It was just an average tag team match. The heels dominated it early on until the faces made the comeback. Bubba Ray had some good moments as the babyface referee and ending it with a table spot is an easy way to pop the crowd. I thought that they could have done more to take out the AOP guys because they were a non-factor for the last half of the match. Anyway, Ford’s top rope splash to win the match was very impressive.
LA Knight vs. AJ Styles
Styles had a new theme song rather than the song that he used since he started in WWE in 2016. Styles ran down to the ring to start the match while Knight made his entrance first.
Knight worked over Styles with punches. Knight was able to send Styles out of the ring and kicked him into the commentary table. Knight rammed AJ’s head into the hood of the commentary table repeatedly as the fans chanted “YEAH” for it. Back in the ring, Styles kicked the ropes and then chop blocked Knight to work over the left knee. Styles wrenched the left knee. Styles hit a kneebreaker smash onto the knee. There was a “turn the light off” chant because there was this bright white light that would go on sometimes and it was blinding. Knight countered a Styles move leading to a two count. Knight hit a side Russian legsweep. Knight hit a running knee smash against AJ’s face while AJ was against the turnbuckle. Knight hit a springboard DDT for two. They battled by the turnbuckle, Styles slipped out and Styles sent Knight face-first into the turnbuckle. Styles hit a German Suplex followed by a sitout slam that sent Knight face-first into the mat. Styles went up top, Knight tripped him up and Knight worked over Styles with forearms to the chest followed by some head biting. Styles gouged Knight’s eyes while on the top rope, but Knight came back with a German Suplex off the top that led to Styles taking a moonsault bump. Knight got a two count out of that. Styles applied the Calf Crusher submission on the left leg until Knight crawled to the bottom rope to break the hold. Styles kicked Knight’s left knee into the ring post. Knight used his legs to send Styles face-first into the ring post. Knight stomped on Styles in the ribs. Knight pulled off the protective padding at ringside to expose a harder surface. Styles countered a move into a back body drop on the floor. Knight got back in the ring right before the referee’s ten count.
Styles kicked Knight in the ribs. Styles went up top for a springboard 450 Splash, but Knight got his knees up to block it. Knight worked over Styles with punches until Styles came back with a Pele Kick. Styles wanted a Phenomenal Forearm, but Knight avoided that. Knight kicked his way out of a Styles Clash attempt. Styles with a forearm. Styles went up top, but Knight hit the legs to trip him up. Knight hit the Blount Force Trauma (BFT) for the victory.
Winner: LA Knight via pinfall
Rating: *** ½ The match was pretty good. I liked the intensity from the moment the bell rang. The outcome was what I expected since it was a big win for Knight beating a former two-time WWE Champion AJ Styles. It never got to that point where I’d call it a great match, but it was perfectly fine for what it needed to be with Knight getting one of the biggest wins of his career. Knight gets his first WrestleMania win in his first WrestleMania match.
The 2024 WWE Hall of Fame class was on the stage. It was The US Express team of Mike Rotunda & Barry Windham wearing Bray Wyatt shirts since Mike is his father, Thunderbolt Patterson accompanied by Gerald Brisco since Thunderbolt is in a wheelchair, Bull Nakano, Ata Johnson (The Rock’s mother) representing her mother Lia Maivia and Muhammad Ali. Lastly, it was the “Wise Man” Paul Heyman carrying the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship while the fans chanted “ECW” for him.
I wouldn’t say it was a strong Hall of Fame class this year, but I’m not going to be disrespectful to people who dedicated their lives to pro wrestling. I did enjoy Heyman’s speech a lot. So happy to finally see Bull getting inducted.
United States Championship
Logan Paul © vs. Kevin Owens vs. Randy Orton
Paul tried to leave the ring to avoid his opponents, but Owens & Orton worked together to beat up Paul. Orton gave Paul a belly-to-back slam onto the commentary table. Owens did it too. Orton gave Paul another bell-to-back slam onto the commentary table. They went back into the ring as Owens & Orton stomped on Paul together. Orton delivered a back elbow while Owens hit a senton splash, but Orton and Owens disputed what one of them could cover him. Orton went for an RKO on Owens, but Owens shoved him off. That led to Owens getting into a slugfest with Orton while Paul flipped into the ring with a double clothesline almost like a Buckshot Lariat. Paul did his version of the Orton pose, which drew boos from the crowd. Paul hit a running clothesline on Orton. Owens superkicked Paul into Orton against the turnbuckle, so KO hit a cannonball on both opponents. Owens went up and jumped off the top with a Swanton Bomb, but Paul got the knees up. Paul went up top leading to his own Swanton Bomb on Owens followed by a splash on Orton for two. Orton and Paul exchanged uppercuts leading to Paul knocking Orton down to his knees. Orton did an eye gouge to Paul followed by Orton sending Paul out of the ring. Orton hit a powerslam on Owens while the fans were chanting about water to counter Paul’s Prime drink. Paul punched Orton while on the apron and Paul jumped into the ring, but Orton was ready with a powerslam. Orton hit the draping DDT on both opponents at the same time. Orton went for an RKO on Paul, who pushed Orton off and Orton hit superkicks on both opponents. Owens hit a Codebreaker/senton splash combo move leading to a two count on Paul. Orton went after Owens on the top rope, but Paul was there to try to stop that. Owens knocked Orton down and Owens hit an impressive powerslam off the middle turnbuckle. Owens hit a moonsault off the top on Paul for a two count. Owens got a rollup on Orton for two. Orton countered a Stunner attempt and Orton hit an RKO for two because Owens got his right shoulder up. Paul tried hitting Orton while wearing the brass knuckles, but Orton fought it off briefly. Paul managed to break free and do a brass knuckles punch to Orton for one…two…and no! Orton got the shoulder up at two.
https://0d2546a8c2cffddf9060a2fffd81df00.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html Owens was back up to grab Paul from behind and Paul hit Owens with a brass knuckles punch to the body as well as a punch to the head. Paul went for another punch to Orton, but Orton hit an RKO out of nowhere. Orton had the brass knuckles in his hand, but he handed them to the referee instead of using them. Orton teased the Punt on Paul, who was saved by the dude in the blue Prime bottle. The guy in the Prime bottle was I Show Speed (no idea who that is) while Graves said he was one of the most popular streamers on the planet. Orton kicked Speed down. Orton gave Speed an RKO through the English commentary table and it didn’t break the table. Paul sent Orton into the ring post. Paul went up top, he jumped off with a Frog Splash and Orton avoided it. Owens hit a Popup Powerbomb on Paul and Owens hit a Stunner on Orton for a two count. Owens lifted Orton for a Popup Powerbomb, but Orton countered it into an RKO! Orton sent Paul to the apron, but Paul managed to send Orton into the ring post and out of the ring. Paul went up top and hit a Frog Splash on Owens for the successful title defence.
Winner and STILL United States Champion: Logan Paul via pinfall
Rating: *** ½ I liked the match. It was entertaining most of the way. There were some moments where the crowd didn’t seem into it that much. However, I think when you’re there for four hours, there are going to be some quieter moments at times. They were certainly into the start of the match as well as the final few minutes. Orton and Owens each kicked out of finishing moves in the match. Orton was popular with the fans and so was Owens. That RKO by Orton countering the Popup Powerbomb was incredible. I imagined that Paul would retain by stealing a pin right after a finishing move. It was almost like that, but Paul also did an impressive Frog Splash off the top rope for the win. The Prime bottle guy Speed saved Paul earlier in the match, so that ended up helping Paul make the comeback for the win.
WWE Women’s Championship
Bayley vs. IYO SKY ©
The crowd was strongly behind Bayley from the moment the bell rang. The fans were singing the “Hey Bayley” song to start the match. Bayley and Sky had an aggressive lockup leading to the two women tumbling to the floor. Back in the ring, Sky did a cartwheel leading to a dropkick. Sky tried an attack by the ropes, but Bayley punched her and Bayley hit a neckbreaker against the ropes. Bayley hit a suicide dive onto Sky on the floor. Bayley went for a sliding kick, but Sky caught her leg and rammed the right leg into the ring post. Sky wrenched on Bayley’s right leg. Sky did a dragon screw leg whip on Bayley’s leg against the middle rope. Sky countered a Bayley move by rolling through and doing a double stomp to the stomach for two. Bayley pulled Sky off the apron and they battled on the floor where Bayley tossed Sky over the barricade. Sky went for an attack off the barricade, but Bayley caught Sky with a spinebuster on the floor. Back in the ring, Bayley hit a running knee to the face. Bayley had Sky on her shoulders leading to a spinning sidewalk slam for two. Bayley went up top, so Sky punched her and Sky hit a springboard dropkick to knock Bayley off the turnbuckle to the floor. Great move! Sky went up top leading to a moonsault onto a standing Bayley on the floor.
They were back in the ring as Sky hit a missile dropkick along with a dropkick to the back for a two count. Bayley got some offense going with a sunset flip that sent Sky’s back/neck into the turnbuckle for a two count. Sky sent Bayley over the top to the apron while Bayley stumbled on the apron to sell the knee injury. Sky hit a bridging German Suplex leading to another bridging German Suplex by Sky for the two count. Sky went up top and jumped off with a moonsault, but Bayley got her knees up to block. Bayley went up top and jumped off with an elbow drop, but Sky avoided it and Sky applied a Crossface submission. Bayley got out of that leading to Bayley getting an elbow to the back of the neck. Sky trapped Bayley in a Crossface submission again. Sky transitioned into an STF. Bayley got out of it leading to the Bayley to Belly suplex for a two count. That is Bayley’s old finisher. Sky was back up with a righty forearm to the jaw. Bayley was back up with a slap to the face, so Sky slapped Bayley in response. Sky countered a suplex into a rollup for two. Sky hit a double underhook backbreaker with no cover. Sky went up top and jumped off with the Over the Moonsault for one…two… and no because Bayley kicked out. That is Sky’s finisher. Sky hit a standing moonsault. Sky hit a second rope moonsault. Sky went up top and jumped off with a moonsault, but Bayley avoided it. Sky countered a Roseplant attempt by Bayley by flipping over to her feet. Sky charged at Bayley, who hit a clothesline. There were loud “Bayley” chants. Bayley hit a belly-to-back suplex. Bayley went up top and hit a top rope elbow smash. Bayley hit the Roseplant for the pinfall win.
Winner and NEW Women’s Champion: Bayley via pinfall
Rating: **** A great match just like the Women’s World Title match on WrestleMania Saturday. This one had an obvious result since Bayley winning was not much of a surprise. They had a lot of chemistry as you would expect. If you didn’t know how good Sky was or if you forgot somehow, she showed just how talented she is. Bayley is awesome too. I just thought Sky was especially great in this match.
WWE Universal Championship
Bloodline Rules
“The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns ©
It’s Bloodline Rules, which means that anything goes in this match. The referee for the match was the great Charles Robinson, who still has terrific hair.
The bell rang and the fans chanted “Cody” right away. They had a staredown before locking up to start the match. Reigns ran over Cody with a running shoulder tackle. Cody delivered a punch to stun Reigns a bit. Reigns charged, Cody avoided it and Reigns went shoulder-first into the ring post. Cody tried to get a table, so Reigns hit him with a Drive By dropkick and Reigns put the table under the ring, which drew boos from the crowd. Cody sent Reigns shoulder-first into the steel steps. Reigns got his hands on a kendo stick that he used to hit Cody in the head. Reigns hit Cody in the back with the kendo stick a few times. Cody was able to come back with a bulldog. Cody applied the Figure Four Leglock that Ric Flair used as a finisher while his dad Dusty Rhodes used that move as well. Reigns got out of the submission move with an eye gouge. Reigns worked over Cody with punches and sent him out of the ring where Reigns hit Cody with a Prime bottle. They went fighting into the crowd where they ended up on a platform/table of some kind. Reigns teased a slam onto the floor, but Cody countered it with a suplex onto the platform they were on. It wasn’t enough to break the platform they were on. Cody sent Reigns back to the ringside area. Back in the ring, Cody went for a Disaster Kick off the ropes, but Reigns caught him and hit a Powerbomb. Great spot. Reigns continued on offense with a suplex. Reigns did some trash talking saying it was his company as he followed with a belly-to-back suplex for two. Reigns hit a Fisherman’s Suplex aka Perfectplex for a two count. Reigns worked over Cody with the ten clotheslines against the turnbuckle. Cody hit two superkicks while Reigns hit two boots to the face and they did a double clothesline to knock each other down. They got back up and exchanged punches with the fans getting loud for Cody as expected. Cody hit a running forearm to the body followed by a powerslam. Cody hit a Disaster Kick for a two count. Cody went for a springboard attack, but Reigns caught him and Reigns hit a Cross Rhodes for a two count. Great spot! Reigns said that move sucks and said that move doesn’t beat anybody. Reigns said that he just wanted to shove it in his face because he loves whipping Cody’s ass. Reigns went for a Superman Punch, Cody avoided it and Cody hit the Dusty combo with the jabs followed by the elbow smash.
They left the ring leading to Cody clearing off the English commentary table. Reigns came back with a low blow uppercut to the groin, which drew boos from the crowd while Reigns laughed about it. Reigns gave Cody a Powerbomb through the table. Back in the ring, Reigns hit a Superman Punch for a two count, which is the usual for that move, but Reigns has to sell it like he is stunned. Reigns charged, Cody kicked him in the face and Cody hit a Cody Cutter off the ropes for two. That’s also a good nearfall spot for Cody. Reigns fought out of a Cross Rhodes attempt. Reigns went for a Rock Bottom, Cody countered it and Cody ran the ropes leading to a Spear for two. That means they each hit the finishing move of their opponent and it only got a two count. Cody hit Cross Rhodes on Reigns and wanted another one, but there’s Jimmy Uso with a superkick to knock Cody down. There’s the first interference of the match. Reigns hit Cody with a Superman Punch. Jey Uso’s music hit as Jey fought his brother Jimmy on the ramp. Jey superkicked Jimmy. Jey gave Jimmy a Spear off the stage through a table on the floor. That was great. Cody got a rollup for two. Reigns ran the ropes and hit a Spear for a two count. Great nearfall! Reigns went for a Guillotine Choke, but Cody drove him into the turnbuckle and then they went tumbling out of the ring to the floor. Cody charged at Reigns leading to Cody delivering a Spear through the barricade at ringside. Cole: “Take that, Roman! Take that!” The fans chanted “this is awesome” for the great action.
Cody sent Reigns back into the ring and Cody hit Cross Rhodes once. Cody hit Cross Rhodes for a second time. Cody went for it again, but Solo Sikoa was there and he attacked Cody with a Samoan Spike to the throat. That was similar to last year’s finish. Solo pulled Reigns on top of Cody for one…two…and no because Cody’s left shoulder popped up at two. Solo beat up Cody with punches to the head. Solo told Reigns to get up, so Reigns got back up saying “I know” to Solo. Reigns hit a Spear on Cody while Solo did a Samoan Spike at the same time and that got a two count because Cody got his right shoulder up at two. Here comes John Cena! The pop was enormous. It was so loud as Cena ran down to the ring. Cena was on fire with punches on Solo along with a clothesline that sent Solo out of the ring. Cena hit an Attitude Adjustment on Reigns as well. Cena cleared off the Spanish announce table. Cena gave Solo an Attitude Adjustment through the table!
Here comes The Rock! The Rock’s music hit as The Final Boss walked out to the ring to confront John Cena, who Rock faced at back-to-back WrestleManias over a decade ago. Rock was swearing again as he walked down to the ring. The Rock got in Cena’s face as they did the “turn your head to stare at the crowd thing” a couple of times. Cena tried a punch, but Rock hit Cena with a Rock Bottom. Cena rolled out of the ring so that was it for him.
The Shield music hit as Seth Rollins appeared in the all-black Shield gear. Rollins walked into the ring with a chair, but Reigns stopped Rollins with a Superman Punch. Rock was swearing a lot and it was getting muted on the broadcast. The Undertaker’s music hit to a huge pop from the crowd! Wow, that was loud. The lights went out. When the lights were back on, The Undertaker was standing behind The Rock. Rock went for a move, but Taker caught him and Taker gave Rock a Chokeslam. The lights went out again right after that.
I know people wanted Steve Austin in that spot with Rock and I did too, but maybe Austin didn’t want to do it. I don’t have a problem with Undertaker in that spot.
Cody and Reigns slowly recovered from all the chaos. Reigns saw a steel chair in the ring. Reigns looked at Cody, but he also saw Rollins in the ring, so Reigns hit Rollins in the back with the steel chair just like Rollins did to Reigns a decade ago. Reigns charged, Cody kicked him in the face and Cody hit Cross Rhodes. Cody hit Cross Rhodes for a second time and Cody hit Cross Rhodes for a third time! Cody covered Reigns for the one…two…and three! Cole shouted “Finish the story” during the count. What a pop for that pinfall win. The fans popped huge for it. Ring announcer Samantha Irvin was emotional announcing it. I was emotional watching it.
Winner and NEW WWE Universal Champion: “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes via pinfall
Rating: **** ½ This was a lot of fun to watch. It’s over four stars to me and if you really think about the emotion of the story, it was on another level above that. These guys have great chemistry together. You knew that the match was going to go long, so everything in the first 20 minutes was just building to the chaos later in the match. Once the chaos started, it was big moment after big moment and we were just going crazy reacting to it all. Jimmy Uso was taken out by Jey Uso, Solo Sikoa was taken out by John Cena and The Rock was even taken out by The Undertaker. That was really well booked. Then there was the other story where Reigns chose to hit Rollins with a steel chair in the back rather than finish off Cody, so that gave Cody time to come back and Cody found a way to win. Some WrestleMania main event matches are better than this as a match, but as a moment, this is one of my favourite WrestleMania matches ever. I loved how it was booked, I loved all the interference that was legal due to the rules and I loved how the finish was done. This was main event WWE pro wrestling at its best.
Cody Rhodes was presented with the WWE Championship by referee Charles Robinson. Cody’s wife Brandi was the first one there to greet him and he got a kiss from her. Cody had his hand raised as the WWE Champion and the pop was huge for Cody as well. Cole: “Cody Rhodes finished the damn story.” Cody celebrated with the WWE Title on the turnbuckle. There were replays showed of the key moments.
I was buzzin’ with the end result. It wasn’t just because I was happy for Cody winning. It was because it’s such an awesome story and it meant so much to see Roman Reigns lose after 1,316 days as Universal Champion while Cody’s nearly 20-year journey to become WWE Champion was complete.
The ring was filled with babyface wrestler friends of Cody like John Cena, Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, LA Knight, Jey Uso and Kevin Owens. Sami & Jey put Cody on their shoulders. Cole talked about knowing Cody since he was a little boy and Cole said he had star written all over. Cody hugged everybody who was in the ring with him. CM Punk joined the celebration and gave Cody a big hug as well. Cole shouted about how he loved professional wrestling. Cody’s mom Mama Rhodes gave Cody a big hug and Cody gave his mom Michelle the WWE Title. The rest of Cody’s family and close friends were in the ring including his sister, father-in-law, niece, nephew and others were in the ring as well. I know Dustin “Goldust” Rhodes was there, but he wasn’t in the ring since he works for AEW. Zayn brought Rollins into the ring.
Cody Rhodes did a promo saying that there are two people that he wants to come out here. Cody wanted one man to come out here that was a big reason why Cody came back to WWE and Cody called out Bruce Prichard to come out there. Cody also pleaded for WWE’s leader of the new era, Triple H, to walk out there as well. Bruce Prichard walked into the ring and hugged Cody. Bruce told him he loved him. They shared a big embrace.
Triple H shook Cody’s hand and they shared an emotional hug. Triple H really loved Dusty Rhodes and had him working for WWE on the NXT brand right up until his death, so there is a legitimate close bond there. Triple H hugged Cody while talking to him some more. Randy Orton and Sami Zayn picked up Cody on their shoulders for some more celebrating.
Cody Rhodes left the ring with the WWE Title around his waist. Cody hugged WWE announcer Michael Cole saying they had been in this together. Cole told Cody he loved him. Cody shook the hands of Corey and Pat as well.
Cody Rhodes went back into the ring to continue the celebration. Rollins was on the floor, so Cody shook his hand to thank him for the help. Triple H also spoke to Cody again. Cody continued the celebration while the fans were still chanting “WHOA-OH” throughout his song. Cody was hugging everybody, even the camera guys. Cody also greeted WWE President Nick Khan at ringside and they shared a big hug. The announcers talked about how pro wrestling was back and pro wrestling is beautiful. Cody stood with the WWE Title on the ramp. That was the end of WrestleMania Sunday. A video package aired.
Best Match: Sami Zayn vs. Gunther
Worst Match: Jimmy Uso vs. Jey Uso
WrestleMania Moment: Cody finally finishes the story.
Top Five Superstars
1 Cody Rhodes
2 Roman Reigns
3 Sami Zayn
4 Gunther
5 IYO SKY
(Special mentions to Bayley, Drew McIntyre, Becky Lynch, Rhea Ripley, and The Rock. Also want to highlight Samantha Irvine, too. It’s clear that she loves what she does, and it shows. My goal in life is for her to pronounce my name the same way she does for Chelsea Green!)
Updated rankings chart:
Shawn Michaels – 50pts
Undertaker – 40pts
Hulk Hogan– 30pts
Macho Man Randy Savage/ Stone Cold – 29pts
Bret Hart/The Rock – 25pts
Triple H/ Edge – 22pts
Daniel Bryan – 15pts
Kurt Angle/ Jeff Hardy/ Charlotte Flair– 14pts
Brock Lesnar– 13pts
Cody Rhodes – 12pts
Ricky Steamboat/ Roman Reigns – 11pts
Mick Foley/CM Punk– 10pts
Seth Rollins/ Bianca Belair/ Sami Zayn – 9pts
Owen Hart/ Ric Flair/ John Cena/ Rhea Ripley– 8pts
Ultimate Warrior/ Roddy Piper– 7pts
Chris Benoit/ Becky Lynch/ AJ Styles– 6pts
Dynamite Kid/Rick Rude/ Ted DiBiase/Sasha Banks/ Ronda Rousey/ Kofi Kingston/ Drew McIntyre/ Gunther – 5pts
Terry Funk/ Bam Bam Bigelow/ Diesel/ Eddie Guerrero/ Batista/ Bray Wyatt/Matt Hardy/ Kevin Owens- 4pts
Tito Santana/Andre the Giant/ Mr Perfect/ Lawrence Taylor/ X-Pac/ Cesaro- 3pts
Greg Valentine/ Scott Steiner/ Razor Ramon/Shane McMahon/ Christian/Shelton Benjamin/ Chris Jericho/Asuka -2pts
Sgt Slaughter/ Gorilla Monsoon/ Bobby Heenan/ Jim Ross/ Bubba Ray Dudley/ IYO SKY– 1pt
Overall Show Rating (out of 10): 8.5
I think it was one of the best WrestleManias of all time. I don’t think it was at the level of WM17 or WM19 for example, but do I think that it was a top ten WrestleMania event? I think so. I don’t know if I’d put it in the top five.
I thought the Cody Rhodes-Roman Reigns main event on WrestleMania Sunday was outstanding as an entire presentation. It’s not a match of the year, but it’s a moment of the year for sure. Cody Rhodes becoming WWE Champion. It was a nice reminder of how cool pro wrestling can be to those of us that love it and get it while people that don’t really like it probably have a tough time understanding why we care so much. Moments like that will live on forever. It was awesome.
In terms of matches, I enjoyed a lot of them. I think maybe WrestleMania 39 last year had more elite matches because I remember a few of them having higher ratings than the best ones on this WrestleMania. However, top to bottom there was still a lot to like. I thought Sami Zayn and GUNTHER had the best match that had a happy ending with Zayn becoming the Intercontinental Champion. Both Women’s Title matches were awesome with Rhea Ripley and Bayley picking up the wins there. I liked the 6-Pack Tag Team Ladder Match a lot. Some of the other matches were very good too while there were some disappointing matches as well, but really there was not a lot in the way of disappointment.
WrestleMania 40 was a huge success in my opinion. I enjoyed it immensely.
WrestleMania Rankings so far:
WrestleMania 17 – 10
WrestleMania 39 – 9.5
WrestleMania 19 – 9.5
WrestleMania 31 – 9.5
WrestleMania 30 – 9.5
WrestleMania 21 – 9
WrestleMania 40 – 8.5
WrestleMania 14 – 8.5
WrestleMania 20 – 8.5
WrestleMania 38 – 8.5
WrestleMania 24 – 8
WrestleMania 10 – 8
WrestleMania 23 – 8
WrestleMania 22 – 8
WrestleMania 37 – 8
WrestleMania 26 – 7.5
WrestleMania 28 – 7.5
WrestleMania 35 – 7.5
WrestleMania 25 – 7
WrestleMania 8 – 7
WrestleMania 3 – 7
WrestleMania 33 – 7
WrestleMania 18 – 6.5
WrestleMania 7 – 6.5
WrestleMania 34 – 6.5
WrestleMania 32 – 6.5
WrestleMania 36 – 6.5
WrestleMania 29 – 6
WrestleMania 6 – 6
WrestleMania16 – 5.5
WrestleMania 12 – 5.5
WrestleMania 15 – 5
WrestleMania 27 – 5
WrestleMania 1 – 4.5
WrestleMania 13 – 4
WrestleMania 5 – 4
WrestleMania 11 – 4
WrestleMania 4 – 3.5
WrestleMania 9 – 3
WrestleMania 2 – 3
The Rif Files 