WrestleMania 40 Results – Night One
April 6, 2024
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Lincoln Financial Field)
Commentary: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and Pat McAfee
Results by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
“Then. Now. Forever. Together.” A brand new WWE video leads us into the show.
We see a shot of Lincoln Financial Field, ready to go for WrestleMania XL. We see “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, as well as World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins, walking into the stadium earlier today. Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and The Rock also arrived earlier today.
Video: Meek Mill narrates the WrestleMania XL introductory hype video.
We return to Lincoln Financial Field, where Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and Pat McAfee welcome us to the show.
Backstage, Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley is stretching. It is 52 degrees in Philadelphia. She will defend her title in the first match.
In the Gorilla Position, “The Man” Becky Lynch is pacing ahead of her big match.
Coco Jones is in the ring. At the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, she was nominated as one of the Best New Artists. She performs a rousing rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Triple H welcomes us to WrestleMania 40
“IT’S TIME TO PLAY THE GAME!”
The ominous sound of Motörhead’s “The Game” plays throughout Lincoln Financial Field. WWE’s Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque makes his way to the ring to a massive pop. Michael Cole says this is the Era of Paul Levesque. A loud “Triple H” chant fires up. Triple H says, “Man, I live for this. Welcome to a new time. Welcome to a new era. WELCOME TO WRESTLEMANIA!” Triple H’s music plays, and he leaves the ring.
Becky Lynch’s voice is heard as she narrates excerpts from her New York Times bestselling book, The Man: Not Your Average Girl. She makes her entrance and walks through an augmented-reality version of her book. Lynch is wearing an outfit with excerpts from her book on it.
Motionless in White sings Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley’s theme song as she approaches the ring. Ripley is absolutely fired up.
Women’s World Championship
“The Man” Becky Lynch vs. “The Eradicator” Rhea Ripley (c)
Samantha Irvin does the in-ring introductions. There are “Challenger” and “Champion” graphics for Lynch and Ripley, respectively.
Michael Cole mentions that Becky Lynch has been sick all week with strep throat. They talk about the fever she had all week, which got as high as 102 degrees. The bell rings, and they circle the ring. They lock up, and Ripley shoves her down before talking trash. Lynch gets to her feet and slaps her in the face. Ripley slaps her back. They brawl to the corner, and Ripley knocks her to the apron. Lynch quickly snaps Ripley’s left arm off the ropes before slinging it into the ring post. Lynch connects with a missile dropkick that sends her out of the ring. Lynch goes for a baseball slide, but Ripley counters by putting her in the electric chair position. Lynch pulls herself to the apron to get out of it and kicks Ripley in the injured shoulder. Back in the ring, Lynch takes it to Ripley before Ripley slams her down on her face. Ripley connects with a northern lights suplex for a two-count.
Ripley gets Lynch in the corner and shoulders her in the midsection a few times. The referee warns her to get out of the corner. Lynch kicks back, but Ripley quickly clubs her down. Ripley grabs her by the hair and talks trash. Ripley goes for a delayed vertical suplex, but Lynch counters into an inside cradle. Ripley kicks out at one, maintains her hold on Lynch, and hits a vertical suplex for a two-count. Ripley smiles. Ripley clubs away at her before sending her into the ropes for a stiff dropkick. Ripley signals that Lynch is no challenge for her. Ripley stomps away at her before smiling at the crowd. Ripley casually goes to the apron and climbs to the top rope before doing a gyration a la Eddie Guerrero. Lynch pops up and hits an arm drag off the top rope. Ripley grabs her left arm in pain.
They get to their feet and go back and forth with strikes. Lynch kicks her in the midsection, but Ripley cuts her off. Lynch soon hooks the head and connects with a tornado DDT for a two-count. Lynch gets the crowd fired up and goes for a Manhandle Slam, but Ripley elbows out. Lynch manages to get her into the corner and jumps off the ropes to kick her in the chest. Ripley is leaning against the ropes, so Lynch hits a flying leg drop to the apron to knock her to the floor. Lynch attacks her at ringside and connects with a Bexploder into the barricade. Lynch quickly gets her in the ring and heads to the top rope for a flying leg drop. 1… 2… Ripley kicks out. Lynch attacks the arm and sets up for the Dis-Arm-Her, but Ripley fights out. Lynch elbows her back and jumps off the second rope, but Ripley catches her. Ripley slams her down and follows up with a gnarly knee to the face for a near fall!
Ripley bounces Lynch’s face off the mat on top of the prominent Pride Energy Drink logo. Ripley goes for a Riptide, but Lynch counters and takes her down for a cross-arm breaker attempt. Lynch locks it in, but Ripley quickly gets to her feet and powers her up for a powerbomb. Lynch won’t let go, so Ripley slams her a second time. Lynch is still hanging onto the arm for dear life, so Ripley hits a sit-out powerbomb! Ripley covers: 1… 2… Lynch kicks out! The commentators talk about the cold temperature in Philadelphia and wonder how it impacts the competitors. Lynch punches Ripley, so Ripley head-butts her. Lynch attacks the arm, but Ripley fights back with a boot to the face for a two-count. Ripley is growing more and more frustrated. Ripley wildly clubs away at the scrappy challenger. They get to their feet and exchange blows. Ripley head-butts her back and charges, but Lynch sidesteps her, sending the champion shoulder-first into the ring post. Lynch applies a Dis-Arm-Her over the ropes. The referee counts, but Lynch releases before the count of five. Lynch goes for a diving leg drop, but Ripley counters and applies the Prism Trap! Lynch tries to get to the ropes, but Ripley pulls her to the center of the ring. Lynch crawls to the ropes, but Ripley pulls her back to the center of the ring and applies a body scissor to keep Lynch from moving. Lynch rolls over and pins Ripley’s shoulders to the mat for a two-count.
Ripley quickly kicks her and goes for a Riptide, but Lynch fights out. Lynch connects with a Manhandle Slam and covers! Is the yearlong reign of Ripley over? 1… 2… no, not yet! Lynch goes for a Dis-Arm-Her, but Ripley fights out. Ripley grabs the arm and ducks a kick from Lynch before connecting with the Riptide! 1… 2… The Man kicks out! Ripley is irate and argues the count with the referee. Ripley heads to the top rope, but Lynch cuts her off. Lynch attacks and connects with a superplex. Lynch grabs a cross-arm breaker before turning her over for a Dis-Arm-Her! Ripley screams in pain, but she fights up with Lynch in the electric chair position. Lynch grabs the ropes and pulls Ripley over in a modified hurricanrana, but Ripley lands on her feet and still has Lynch on her shoulders! Ripley connects with an electric chair drop on the floor! Ripley gets her in the ring and goes to the top rope. Ripley connects with a Frog Splash! 1… 2… Lynch barely kicks out!
Lynch slowly crawls to the corner on the apron to take a moment to recover. Ripley talks trash to her and hooks the head from the second rope. Lynch fights out of a deadlift superplex attempt and forearms her in the face. Lynch climbs to the second rope for a Manhandle Slam, but Ripley gets out and lands on her feet. Ripley connects with a Riptide into the turnbuckles before hitting a second Riptide on the mat! 1… 2… 3! Ripley’s yearlong reign continues!
Winner by Pinfall and still Women’s World Champion: “The Eradicator” Rhea Ripley
The commentators do a plug for Prime Energy Drinks.
The 6-Pack Tag Team Ladder Match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship is next.
Video: Pretty Deadly’s Elton Prince and Kit Wilson narrate the video for the 6-Pack Tag Team Ladder Match and insult all the competitors. They are not in tonight’s match.
The Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Championships are hanging separately above the ring. Samantha Irvin states that the match will continue until both titles are retrieved, insinuating that the Undisputed Tag Team Championship could be no more if two separate teams retrieve the titles.
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship
6-Pack Tag Team Ladder Match
#DIY (Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano) vs. Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) vs. New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate) vs. A-Town Down Under (Austin Theory and Grayson Waller) vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) vs. The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor and “Señor Money in the Bank” Damian Priest) (c’s)
The New Day is dressed as a scene out of the Rocky movies. Kofi Kingston is dressed as Rocky, and Xavier Woods is dressed as Apollo Creed.
The bell rings, and a wild brawl breaks out between all 12 men. The action quickly spills to ringside. Waller and Theory get a pair of ladders in the ring and set them up under the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Championship. They climb, but the other competitors cut them off. Everyone starts climbing the ladders. The Miz grabs for the Raw Tag Team Championship, but Pete Dunne cuts him off. A third ladder is set up between the other two. The New Day climb and tip both ladders over with competitors on it. Bálor and Priest pulls Woods and Kingston down before climbing. Kingston and Woods fight back, but they’re sent out of the ring. Priest takes a ladder and throws it out of the ring onto Waller. They then hit Ciampa in the head with the ladder. Bálor and Priest lean two ladders into opposite corners. Bálor lays Bate on the ladder, and Priest charges, but Bate moves. Bate lifts Bálor up as he holds a ladder. Bate does an airplane spin. Kingston gets in the ring, and Bálor’s ladder hits him in the face as he’s spun around. Bálor drops the ladder, and Bate spins him more in the airplane spin before slamming him onto the other ladder leaning in the corner.
Bate and Dunne go to ringside and climb a big ladder at ringside. The other competitors are brawling on both sides, so New Catch Republic takes them out with stereo moonsaults from the ladder! The New Catch Republic enters the ring and sets up a ladder under the SmackDown Tag Team Championship. Bate climbs. Priest gets in the ring and gives Dunne a Razor’s Edge into the ladder Bate was climbing! The New Catch Republic is down in a heap. Priest climbs the ladder, but Miz gets in the ring and pulls him down. Miz goes for a Skull Crushing Finale, but Bálor gets in the ring to save Priest. They back Miz into the supports of the ladder. R-Truth gets on the apron and thinks it’s a regular tag match. Miz makes a hot tag to R-Truth! R-Truth runs wild on Priest and Bálor. R-Truth gets Priest out of the ring and makes a John Cena comeback on Bálor. R-Truth hits Bálor with a 5 Knuckle Shuffle before giving him an Attitude Adjustment onto the ladder! R-Truth covers and counts! 1… 2… 3! R-Truth wins… in his own mind. This is a ladder match. Priest gets in the ring, but Miz hits him with a Skull Crushing Finale. Awesome Truth holds Priest up for Johnny Gargano, who R-Truth thinks is Shawn Michaels, to hit Sweet Chin Music. Ciampa, who R-Truth thinks is Triple H, hits Priest with a Pedigree. Awesome Truth and #DIY embrace in the ring.
Awesome Truth and #DIY set up ladders under the two titles and start to climb. A-Town Down Under knocks them off! Waller climbs the ladder and grabs the SmackDown Tag Team Championship! A-Town Down Under are champions. The match will continue until the Raw Tag Team Championships are retrieved. Bate and Dunne stop Theory from going after the Raw Tag Team Championship. New Catch Republic knocks Waller loopy and gives him a double powerbomb out of the ring and through a ladder bridge at ringside!
New Catch Republic shoves a ladder into Ciampa’s face. Gargano fights back at them and hits Dunne with a cannonball before hitting Bálor with a clothesline. They send Bate through the Prime Energy Hydration Station. #DIY grabs a pair of tables from under the ring, eliciting loud ECW chants. R-Truth grabs a table and sets it up near the commentary table. #DIY set up two tables side by side. There is a ladder bridged from the ropes to another ladder in the ring. #DIY tries to suplex Woods out of the ring through the two tables, but Kingston saves him. Kingston hits Gargano with Trouble in Paradise. The New Day attacks Ciampa and lays him on the ladder bridge in the ring. Woods goes to the top rope and walks the ropes for a springboard elbow drop onto Ciampa and the ladder.
The New Day takes out Bálor, The Miz, and Bate. The New Day tries to climb the ladder. Kingston kicks Miz off the apron and hits a trust fall off the ladder onto all the other competitors at ringside! Theory pulls Woods off the ladder and climbs, but the New Catch Republic stops him. They hit him with a double-team burning hammer! New Catch Republic starts to climb the ladder, but Gargano and Ciampa get in. Gargano hits Dunne with a tornado DDT off the apron and through the table at ringside! Wow! Ciampa and Bate fight on top of the ladder, and Ciampa hits him with a WILD Air Raid Crash off the top of the ladder to the mat! The crowd shouts, “Holy s—t!”
R-Truth gets in the ring to a HUGE ovation. R-Truth sets the ladder up and starts to climb for the Raw Tag Team Championship. JD McDonagh runs in and pulls R-Truth off the ladder and into a Saito Suplex! McDonagh grabs Bálor, his Judgment Day stablemate who trained McDonagh to wrestle, and pulls him into the ring. Bálor climbs the ladder, but Woods pulls him down. Kingston hits McDonagh with a steel chair and unloads on Bálor’s spine with the chair. McDonagh is still on the ladder and is begging the New Day off. They tip over the ladder and send McDonagh flipping off the ladder out of the ring and through the two tables!
Priest quickly runs in and kicks a chair into Woods’ face. Priest then hits Kingston with a Razor’s Edge on the steel chair! Priest slowly climbs the ladder and grabs for the Raw Tag Team Championship. The Miz quickly scales the ladder and cuts Priest off. The ladder is buckling. Priest goes for South of Heaven, but they mistime it as the ladder gives out under them. Priest throws the broken ladder out of the ring and sets up a new ladder. Priest climbs the ladder, but R-Truth tips the ladder over! R-Truth gives Priest an AA over the top rope! The crowd loudly chants, “Truth!” R-Truth sets up the ladder under the Raw Tag Team Championship and climbs. R-Truth grabs the titles and wins his first WrestleMania match!
Winners and new SmackDown Tag Team Champions: A-Town Down Under
Winners and new Raw Tag Team Champions: Awesome Truth
Awesome Truth celebrates on the ladder after becoming Raw Tag Team Champions.
A commercial for Bray Wyatt’s documentary is shown. The fireflies then light up Lincoln Financial Field in honor of the late “Bray Wyatt” Windham Rotunda.
Olympic Gold Medalist Jordan Burroughs is shown at ringside.
Video: Rey Mysterio and Andrade vs. Santos Escobar and “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio
Tag Team Match
Santos Escobar and “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio w/ Legado Del Fantasma (Angel, Berto, and Elektra Lopez) vs. Rey Mysterio and Andrade w/ Latino World Order (Joaquin Wilde, Cruz Del Toro, Carlito, and Zelina Vega)
Santos Escobar will start against WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio. Escobar knees Mysterio back and sends him into the ropes. Mysterio ducks a pair of clotheslines and hits a head-scissor takeover. Escobar stumbles to the corner and tags in Rey’s son, “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio. Dominik attacks his father and goes for a suplex, but Rey gets out. Andrade tags in and chops away at “Dirty” Dom. Andrade knocks Escobar off the apron and fakes a boot before elbowing Dominik in the face. Mysterio tags in and sends Escobar out of the ring with a hurricanrana. Andrade stands on the second rope with Rey on his shoulders. They hit a double stack cross-body block off the second rope to the floor on Dominik and Escobar!
Rey punches Dominik back and gets him in the ring. Rey hits his son with a head-scissor takeover into the ring post. Rey takes off his belt and signals whipping his son, but Dominik kicks his father in the midsection. Dominik puts Rey on the apron, but Rey knocks him back. Dominik quickly knocks Rey off the apron and kicks Andrade down to ringside. Escobar tags in and goes to ringside to kick Rey in the chest. Escobar gets Rey in the ring and hits a slingshot leg drop. Escobar punches Rey in the face a few times. Andrade sends Rey into the ropes for a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for a two-count. Dominik tags in. Escobar lays Rey on his knee, and Dominik hits a slingshot senton splash for a near fall on his father. Dominik applies a front facelock to his father. Rey fights up, so Dominik sends Rey into the ropes and connects with a back elbow for a two-count. Escobar tags in and elbows Rey down. Escobar and Dominik sandwich Rey’s head with stereo dropkicks. Escobar picks up a two-count. Escobar puts Rey on the top rope and rips at the mask! Rey holds on to his mask, so Escobar puts him in the tree of woe. Escobar backs up and charges with a running kick to Rey’s ribs. Escobar hits a snapmare and applies a modified abdominal stretch. Rey fights up and boots Escobar back. Rey goes for the ten punches, but Escobar gets him in the electric chair. Rey counters and connects with Code Red.
Andrade and Dominik tag in. Andrade kicks Escobar and hits Dominik with a dragon screw. Andrade hits Escobar with a dragon screw and takes Dominik down. Andrade is fired up and sees Dominik in the corner. Andrade CRUSHES him with running double knees in the corner. Andrade goes to the top rope for a moonsault but lands on his feet when Dominik moves. Andrade quickly catches him with a standing moonsault for a two-count. Dominik reverses a whip, ducks a right hand, and hits a reverse neckbreaker.
Rey and Escobar tag in. Rey connects with a flying seated senton before hitting a head-scissor takeover into the ropes. Dominik runs in, but Rey sends him over the top rope. Rey hits Escobar with a 619! Andrade then takes out Dominik with a moonsault block off the top rope to the floor! Berto quickly grabs Rey, and Escobar kicks Rey in the head. Escobar and Rey stand on the top rope before Escobar hits a huge hurricanrana off the top rope for a near fall. Elektra Lopez gets on the apron and argues the call with the referee. Vega pulls Elektra off the apron and hits a diving moonsault to the floor! Cruz Del Toro dives as well. Carlito sends Berto into Angel. Wilde gets on the apron, and they springboard him off the middle rope onto Berto and Angel, who are on the ramp! Wow!
Dominik grabs a chair, but two giant men in green masks take it away! They send Dominik into the ring post. Rey and Andrade get Dominik and Escobar into the ropes. Rey hits a double 619. Andrade hits the Message on Dominik. Rey hits Escobar with a Frog Splash for the win!
Winners by Pinfall: Rey Mysterio and Andrade
Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson of the Philadelphia Eagles are revealed to be the men in the masks! They celebrate with the LWO to huge cheers.
A Snickers commercial airs starring Montez Ford.
Video: Jimmy Uso vs. “Main Event” Jey Uso
World-famous rapper Lil Wayne comes out and sings. “Main Event” Jey Uso soon joins him, and they dance to the ring.
“Main Event” Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso
As Jimmy Uso makes his entrance, Jey Uso hits him with a suicide dive! There are loud “YEET” chants as Jey punches Jimmy around ringside. Jey sends Jimmy headfirst into the ring post and gets him in the ring.
The bell rings, and Jey punches Jimmy before giving him a clothesline over the top rope. Jey takes his shirt off and connects with another suicide dive on Jimmy. Jey gets Jimmy in the ring and kicks him back. Jey heads to the top rope and connects with a cross-body block for a two-count. Jey sizes his brother up and charges, but Jimmy hits him with a pop-up Samoan Drop. Jimmy removes his ring jacket and hits a running hip attack in the corner. Jimmy backs up and hits a second running hip attack. Jimmy talks trash and points at his brother, who is younger than him by about a minute. Jimmy kicks Jey in the face and taunts the crowd. Jimmy charges, but Jey boots him back. Jey goes to the second rope and jumps, but Jimmy uppercuts him out of midair. Jimmy catches Jey with a kick to the face. Jey gets to his knees, and Jimmy kicks him in the face again. Jey gets to his feet, and Jimmy rocks him with a superkick. Jimmy taunts his brother and superkicks him again. The crowd chants, “Jimmy sucks,” so Jimmy kicks Jey in the face again. Jimmy gets on the turnbuckle and mocks his brother’s dance. Jimmy goes for an Uso Splash, but Jey moves. Jimmy lands on his feet and charges, but Jey superkicks him down.
Jimmy and Jey slowly get to their feet and exchange right hands. Jey soon lifts Jimmy, but Jimmy elbows out. Jimmy kicks him in the midsection and hits an uppercut. Jey kicks back and uppercuts him. Jimmy then catches him with a rebound kick. Jey kicks him down before going down. Both brothers are down.
They get to their feet and stare at each other. They get into a hockey fight. Jey lifts Jimmy, but Jimmy fights out and superkicks him. Jey responds with a superkick of his own. Jey challenges his brother to step up to him. Jimmy responds with a superkick, but Jey quickly answers back with a superkick. Jey dares him to try again. Jimmy superkicks him, but it’s not enough, as Jey superkicks him right back. Jey hits a second superkick in the corner, and Jimmy looks dazed. Jey kicks him in the face again and talks trash. Jey backs up and shouts at his brother. Jey seems conflicted but charges and hits a leaping superkick to the skull. Jimmy is down in a heap on the mat.
Jey continues to size his older brother up. Jimmy slowly starts to crawl. Jey charges for another kick, but Jimmy puts his hands up and begs him off. Jey puts the brakes on and stares at his brother. Jimmy says, “I’m sorry. I was wrong for everything. I’m sorry.” Jimmy extends his hand. Sensing a trap, the crowd implores Jey not to oblige his brother. Jey looks conflicted. Jey grabs his brother’s hand and helps him to his feet. Jimmy shoves Jey back and superkicks him down. Jimmy heads to the top rope and hits an Uso Splash. 1… 2… Jey barely kicks out!
Jimmy cannot believe it and watches as his brother pulls himself up in the corner. Jimmy charges, but Jey cuts him off with a Spear! Jey heads to the top rope and hits a twisting Uso Splash for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: “Main Event” Jey Uso
Jey Uso looks sadly down upon his brother, Jimmy. Jimmy looks disappointed in himself.
“The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes’ bus is shown. Rhodes steps off the bus, holding his gear, and heads into Lincoln Financial Field.
Video: 6-Woman Tag Team Match
Michael Cole and Corey Graves have some winter gear on, as it is 50 degrees outside. With the 14-mile-an-hour gusts, it feels like 46. Pat McAfee, unprepared for the cold weather,
6-Woman Tag Team Match
Damage CTRL (WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) and Dakota Kai) vs. Jade Cargill, Naomi, and Bianca Belair
Naomi and Asuka will start the match. They circle the ring and lock up. Asuka whips her into the ropes, and Kairi Sane tags in. Naomi ducks a double clothesline from the Kabuki Warriors and hits a double dropkick. Naomi attacks Sane in the corner and hits a split-leg drop for a two-count. Sane puts Naomi on the apron, but Naomi kicks her back. Asuka goes for an attack, but Naomi knocks her off the apron. Dakota Kai quickly kicks Naomi in the head. Sane goes to the top rope and hits Naomi with an In-Sane Elbow Drop to the floor!
Sane gets Naomi in the ring and picks up a two-count. Asuka tags in. The Kabuki Warriors send Naomi into the ropes and hit some quick strikes on her. Asuka covers for a two-count. Asuka shoves Naomi’s face a few times. Naomi blocks a kick, but Asuka spins and attacks her. Naomi fights Damage CTRL off in the corner and snaps Kai and Sane off the top rope. Naomi quickly kicks Asuka in the skull and goes for her corner. Kai quickly tags in and stops Naoi. Sane gets on the apron, but Jade Cargill knocks her down.
Bianca Belair runs in and attacks Kai and Asuka. Belair hits Asuka with a backbreaker before hitting Sane with a delayed vertical suplex. Belair kips up and hits the Kabuki Warriors in the corner with a running shoulder. Belair hits them with ten punches before flipping over Kai and hitting a gutbuster. Belair hits Asuka with a spinebuster next to Kai. Belair then presses Sane up and slams her onto Damage CTRL. Belair hits all three women with a handspring moonsault for a near fall. Pat McAfee says he’d have a hard time staying humble if he pinned a whole team. The crowd gets excited for Jade Cargill to be tagged in, but Kai grabs Belair’s ponytail to stop it. Kai picks up a two-count. The Kabuki Warriors get in. Asuka hits a backstabber, and Sane attacks Belair. Asuka kicks Belair for a two-count. The crowd chants, “We want Jade.” Belair tries to fight Damage CTRL off, but Asuka and Sane attempt a double-team suplex. Belair gets out of it, rolls under an attack, and tags Jade Cargill in.
Jade Cargill comes in to a big reception. She runs over Sane and Kai before hitting Asuka with a chokeslam. Sane comes off the top rope, but Cargill catches her and hits a backbreaker. Cargill turns and sees Kai charging. Cargill hits a big back body drop before splashing her in the corner. Cargill connects with a suplex driver on Kai, but the Kabuki Warriors break up the pin. Belair runs in and goes for a KOD on Sane, but Asuka saves her. Asuka accidentally hits Sane with Poison Mist. Naomi slams Sane on her tailbone. Belair hits Asuka with her ponytail and connects with a KOD. Kai goes for a roll-up on Cargill, but Cargill powers her up and walks around the ring with her before hitting a Glam Slam for the win!
Winners by Pinfall: Jade Cargill, Naomi, and Bianca Belair
Video: WWE Intercontinental Championship
Backstage Segment
Sami Zayn is walking backstage when his wife and son approach him. Zayn kisses his wife and asks his son if he’s having fun. His wife says, “You’ve got this. You can do this. Tonight’s the night.” Zayn’s son thinks he can do it. Zayn tells his wife to keep their son in the back because he doesn’t want him to see this. Zayn sees them off. Zayn keeps walking, and Chad Gable walks up to him. Gable says he wants Zayn out there by himself. Zayn is confused, but Gable says, “You’ve got this on your own. You always did. But, hey, don’t forget… you owe me a favor.” They shake hands, and Zayn walks off.
The camera follows Zayn as he walks up the long corridor to Gorilla Position. Zayn punches a road crate and turns to see Kevin Owens standing in his path. Owens shoves him and hugs his former tag team partner, getting him hyped up. Zayn walks into Gorilla Position, and his music plays. Zayn walks out to the stage, and the crowd gives him a great ovation. That was an excellent segment.
WWE Intercontinental Championship
Sami Zayn vs. “The Ring General” Gunther (c)
The bell rings, and Gunther’s 666-day-long title reign is on the line. They lock up, and Gunther easily powers him to the corner. Gunther backs up and teases a chop, which causes Zayn to cover up. Gunther shoves him, so Zayn chops him. Gunther knocks him back and goes for a chop, but Zayn ducks it. Zayn punches him and hits the ten punches. Zayn ducks another chop and punches away at Gunther. Zayn is sent into the ropes. Zayn goes for a springboard, but Gunther catches him and hits a German Suplex. Gunther pulls him up to his feet and viciously chops the chest. Gunther kicks him in the head and connects with a slam. Zayn is in a lot of pain. Gunther pulls him up and chops him. Gunther challenges Zayn to get up and chops him back down. Gunther grabs Zayn’s head and hits an uppercut. There are dueling chants for both men. Zayn chops back at Gunther, but Gunther knocks him back and hits a corner clothesline. Gunther lays Zayn on the top turnbuckle and chops the chest. Gunther climbs the ropes and bends Zayn back with a choke over the turnbuckles. Gunther poses and laughs.
Gunther approaches Zayn and delivers a hard club to the spine before connecting with a nasty uppercut. Gunther sees Zayn’s wife at ringside and taunts her. Gunther kicks away at Zayn and chops him down. Gunther gets him on his feet and delivers some chops, but Zayn doesn’t go down. Zayn fights back, absorbs another chop, and hits the ropes for a stiff lariat. Zayn gets himself pumped up and hooks Gunther’s head. Gunther quickly responds with a chop to the chest. Zayn shakes it off and absorbs two more chops. Zayn wildly punches away at Gunther, boots away a chop, and hits a half-and-half suplex. Zayn connects with a second half-and-half suplex and pops up. Zayn charges, but Gunther turns him inside out with a lariat! Gunther covers: 1… 2… Zayn barely kicks out.
Gunther approaches Zayn, who is on his knees. Zayn hits him, so Gunther chops him. Gunther goes for a Powerbomb, but Zayn fights out with chops. Zayn wrenches the arm and scales the ropes for a tornado DDT. The longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion in history is rocked. Gunther catches Zayn charging with a sleeper hold, but Zayn powers him off. Zayn goes for a Blue Thunder Bomb, but Gunther puts the brakes on. Zayn strikes away at him and tries again, but Gunther counters into a sleeper hold. Gunther drops down in the center of the ring. Zayn is struggling to get to his feet. Zayn gets up and drags Gunther toward the ropes. Zayn reaches and is so close, but Gunther stops his momentum with a German Suplex. Gunther angrily charges, but Zayn catches him with an exploder suplex into the corner. Zayn backs up for a Helluva Kick, but Gunther crushes him with a Tyrannosaurus Dropkick! Gunther follows up with a Powerbomb, a move he has used to much success throughout this reign. 1… 2… Zayn kicks out! Gunther is shocked.
The crowd is buzzing for both men. Zayn, who looks loopy, pulls himself up in the corner. Gunther hits a running boot in the corner, much like Zayn’s Helluva Kick. Gunther charges to the opposite corner, but Zayn follows him in and connects with a Helluva Kick! Zayn covers Gunther: 1… 2… Gunther kicks out!
Zayn waits for Gunther to get up. Gunther slowly gets up. Zayn charges for a Helluva Kick, but Gunther turns him inside out with a clothesline. Gunther connects with two VICIOUS Powerbombs and covers. 1… 2… ZAYN KICKS OUT! The crowd is in disbelief, as is Zayn’s wife. Gunther shouts at Zayn’s wife, who gives it right back to him. Zayn is up on his knees, so Gunther chops him and kicks him in the chest. Gunther pounds away at him and backs up. Zayn slowly gets up, and Gunther easily clotheslines him down. Zayn appears to be dead meat. Gunther saunters around the ring and calls for Zayn’s wife to get in the ring. Gunther ANNIHILATES Zayn with a brutal Powerbomb. Gunther turns and looks at Zayn’s wife before smiling. The commentators are begging the referee to call the match off. Zayn doesn’t appear able to defend himself. Gunther goes to the top rope and hits a flying splash. Gunther smiles and goes back to the top rope. Gunther smashes Zayn with another flying splash. Gunther goes back to the apron and taunts Zayn’s wife. Zayn is writhing in pain on the mat and trying to fire himself up. Gunther is in disbelief. Gunther heads to the top rope, but Zayn catches him with a Helluva Kick! Zayn hits Gunther with a Brainbuster off the ropes! Gunther is stunned! Gunther slowly pulls himself up in the corner! Zayn connects with a Helluva Kick, and Gunther collapses down. Zayn goes to the opposite corner, and the crowd is FIRED UP! Zayn hits another Helluva Kick and covers! 1… 2… 3! Zayn has ended the longest Intercontinental Championship reign at 666 days!
Winner by Pinfall and new WWE Intercontinental Champion: Sami Zayn
An emotional Sami Zayn takes the WWE Intercontinental Championship and holds it up. He then goes to ringside and kisses his wife. He gets back in the ring and celebrates.
Video: A video hyping up the feeling the WWE Superstars get from WrestleMania.
Pat McAfee breaks down the appearance of Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson earlier tonight on WrestleMania 40.
Raw General Manager Adam Pearce and SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis are in the center of the ring. Aldis thanks the crowd for being in attendance and the millions watching, making this the biggest WrestleMania ever. They’ve only just begun. Pearce says they’ve given passion and energy all night. As we prepare for the biggest Tag Team Match of all time, they ask for a little more. Pearce thanks the 72,543 people in attendance. A big fireworks display goes off.
George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers is at ringside. Vanessa Hudgens is also there. Wale is shown at ringside. Druski is also shown.
The commentators discuss the return of the WWE Slammy Awards tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. Eastern.
The press conference will follow WrestleMania.
They then run down WrestleMania Night Two.
Video: The Rock and Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes and Seth “Freakin” Rollins
“Wrestling has more than one royal family.”
“The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes makes his entrance to a huge ovation. Rhodes looks pumped up. He embraces his mother, Michelle, at ringside. Rhodes then gives his father-in-law, Otis, his weightlifting belt. Otis has been battling cancer.
The Rock makes an elaborate entrance, with video game graphics showcasing a player at the end, only to face The Final Boss. The Rock comes out holding the People’s Championship, given to him last night at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony by Lonnie Ali, the widow of the great Muhammad Ali. He stands in the middle of a Brahma Bull head outlined in fire.
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns ties Hulk Hogan with his eighth main event in WrestleMania history. Tomorrow night, he will surpass him. WWE Hall of Famer “The Wise Man” Paul Heyman accompanies him to the ring.
Tag Team Match
“The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. The Bloodline (“The Final Boss” The Rock and Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns) w/ Paul Heyman
If Rhodes and Rollins win, all members of The Bloodline will be banned from ringside for Sunday’s Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match. The match will be held under Bloodline Rules if The Rock and Roman Reigns win.
Samantha Irvin does the in-ring introductions.
The bell rings, and all four men approach each other in the center of the ring. The Rock is turning back the clock in his trademark gear. They stare at each other and listen to the buzzing crowd. The Rock talks with Roman Reigns and bumps fists with him before going to the apron. Rhodes heads to the apron as well.
It will be two former Shield members starting: Seth “Freakin” Rollins and Roman Reigns. They are also the two world champions of the company. Seth “Freakin” Rollins holds the World Heavyweight Championship, while Roman Reigns has held the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship for 1,316 days. They lock up, and Reigns hooks a side headlock. Rollins whips him off, but Reigns shoulder tackles him down. Reigns mugs with his cousin on the apron. They circle the ring and lock up. Reigns applies another side headlock. Rollins whips him off, drops down, leapfrogs him, heads sideways, and kicks Reigns in the midsection. Rollins wrenches the arm and goes to tag Rhodes, but Reigns pulls back. Cody Rhodes wants the tag, and Rollins obliges him.
This is a preview of tomorrow night’s WrestleMania Main Event. Cody Rhodes squares off against Roman Reigns. They lock up, and Reigns wrenches the arm. Rhodes punches and clubs the arm. Reigns reverses a whip to the corner and connects with a corner clothesline. Reigns hits a head-butt and hooks a side headlock. Rhodes whips him off and hits a kitchen sink knee to the midsection. Rhodes punches Reigns a few times. Reigns hooks a side headlock. Rhodes whips him off, but Reigns ducks a clothesline. Rhodes goes for a test of strength, which Reigns obliges. Rhodes twists the arm and hooks the head. Rollins tags in. Rhodes and Rollins go for a double-team, but Reigns holds the ropes. The crowd starts to buzz as Reigns looks at his cousin, The Rock. A loud “Rocky” chant fires up.
The Rock tags into his first match in eight years. The Rock squares off against Seth “Freakin” Rollins. They lock up, and Rock shoves Rollins down. The Rock waits for him to get up and goes for another lock-up, but Rollins ducks, twists around The Rock, and shoves him. The crowd sings Rollins’ theme song. Rollins smiles and poses toward The Rock, who is unimpressed. After the crowd stops singing, the crowd chants, “Rocky.” They lock up, and The Rock powers him to the corner. The Rock starts to give a clean break before kicking Rollins in the midsection. The Rock stomps him. Rollins punches back at The Great One and whips him to the corner, but The Rock quickly pops out with a clothesline. The Rock turns to Rhodes and motions, “Just bring it!” Rhodes grabs the tag rope and looks to oblige him.
Rhodes tags in and squares off against The Rock. Both men have insulted the other’s family. A few weeks ago, The Rock beat Rhodes to a bloody pulp. They lock up and tussle around the ring for position before breaking the hold. The crowd is buzzing. Rhodes is fired up. The Rock kicks him, but Rhodes kicks back and drops down for an uppercut. Rhodes gets The Rock in the corner and chops the chest. Rhodes punches and stomps The Rock while shouting, “You wanna make me bleed?” Rollins tags in. Rhodes and Rollins stomp The Rock in the corner before sending him into the ropes for a double-team back elbow. Reigns runs in, but Rhodes drops down and uppercuts him. Rollins connects with a Sling Blade on Reigns.
Rhodes and Rollins stand tall over The Bloodline. The Rock and Reigns get to their feet and approach Rollins and Rhodes in the center of the ring. Rhodes and Rollins go right after them. Rhodes gets Reigns out of the ring and attacks him at ringside. Rollins sends The Rock out of the ring and whips him into the Prime Energy Hydration Station. The Rock fights back and bounces Rollins off the steel steps. The Rock shouts to the referee that if he counts, he’s fired. The Rock sits on the Board of Directors for TKO, the company that owns WWE. The Rock sends Rollins into the crowd and brawls with him. Rollins blocks a strike and bounces The Rock off a platform. Rollins bounces The Rock off a metal guardrail.
On the other side of the stadium, Reigns and Rhodes brawl on the stage. Rhodes blocks a suplex and gives Reigns a vertical suplex on the stage. Back to the crowd, The Rock fights back and hits Rollins with a garbage can. Rollins fights back and punches him among the people The Rock claims to be the champion of. The Rock fights back, grabs a water bottle, and spits water in Rollins’ face. Rollins punches back and sends The Rock over the guardrail back to ringside. Rollins jumps off the barricade and hits The Rock with a double ax handle. On the ramp, Reigns and Rhodes are brawling back down to ringside. Rollins gets The Rock back in the ring and talks trash to him. Rollins goes to get in the ring, but Reigns chop blocks the recently healed knee of Rollins. Rollins collapses to ringside and clutches his knee.
The Rock attacks Rhodes on the ramp before entering the ring with the World Heavyweight Champion Rollins. Rock grabs Rollins’ ankle and slams his knee into the mat. The Rock pulls him over to the ring post and slings the injured knee into it twice. Reigns tags in and bounces Rollins into the corner. Reigns wraps Rollins’ knee around the middle rope and twists. The Rock gets a cheap shot in on the knee, causing Rollins to fall to the mat. Reigns holds the leg, takes Rollins down, and applies a single-leg crab. Rollins is in a lot of pain. Rhodes tries to get the crowd going to motivate Rollins. Rollins manages to turn over and kick Reigns away. Reigns quickly kicks him down and punches Rhodes off the apron. Rollins fights back at Reigns and clotheslines him over the top rope. Rollins looks to his corner and sees Rhodes is not there. Reigns and The Rock then double-team Rollins at ringside. The Rock sends Rollins into the ring steps and gets him back in the ring. Rhodes is on his feet, so Reigns and Rock shout at him.
Reigns holds a single finger in the air and viciously whips Rollins into his corner. The Rock tags in. The Rock whips Rollins hard into the corner and tags his cousin back into the match. The Rock and Reigns team up to whip Rollins hard into the corner. Rollins is in a lot of pain. The knee, which kept him out of action for two months, and his perpetually broken back are giving him a lot of trouble. Reigns gets Rollins in the corner and viciously clubs away at him. Reigns hits the ropes and connects with a big boot. Reigns stares at his title opponent, Rhodes, and smiles at the crowd. Reigns cocks the fist and charges Rollins for a Superman Punch, but Rollins counters and hits a neckbreaker. Reigns quickly tags in The Rock, who stops Rollins from making a tag to Rhodes. The Rock low blows Rollins and yells at the referee. The referee goes over to Rhodes and apologizes. Any action he takes against The Rock could result in his firing due to The Rock’s position on the Board of Directors. Rollins recovers enough to trade punches with The Rock. Rollins then floors the Brahma Bull with a step-up enzuigiri. Reigns cannot believe it. Reigns has seen enough and gets in the ring, but Rollins sidesteps him and sends him out of the ring. Rollins goes for a tag, but Reigns pulls Rhodes off the apron! The Rock then grabs Rollins’ legs and applies a Sharpshooter! A furious Rhodes gets in the ring and slaps The Rock in the face to break up the hold! The Rock is irate. Rhodes snaps him off the top rope. Rollins superkicks The Rock and connects with a Stomp! Rollins collapses and clutches his knee in pain.
Rhodes and Reigns tag in. Rhodes punches Reigns down. Reigns reverses a whip, but Rhodes forearms him down. Rhodes boots the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion back and connects with a snap powerslam. Rhodes connects with a Disaster Kick and looks to the crowd. Rhodes pulls Reigns up to his feet and hits a Cody Cutter for a near fall. Rhodes paces around and sets up for Cross Rhodes, but Reigns pulls him off. Rhodes goes for a Disaster Kick, but Reigns hits him with a Superman Punch out of midair! Reigns covers: 1… 2… Rhodes kicks out!
Reigns is bleeding from the nose, which absolutely infuriates him. Reigns sizes Rhodes up and lets out a tribal scream. Reigns charges for a Spear, but Rhodes counters with a roll-up for a two-count. Rhodes ducks a clothesline and climbs to the top rope for a (sort of) Cody Cutter. Rollins blind tags in and comes off the top rope with a frog splash! Rollins covers: 1… 2… Reigns barely kicks out! Rollins taunts Paul Heyman before going for a Stomp on Reigns. Reigns counters with a Powerbomb. Reigns lets out another tribal scream. Rollins kicks Reigns as he attempts a Spear. Rhodes tags in. Rhodes superkicks Reigns before Rollins hits a superkick. They hit stereo superkicks. Rollins connects with a Stomp on Reigns! Rhodes hits Cross Rhodes on Reigns and covers! 1… 2… The Rock pulls referee Chad Patton out of the ring! Rhodes shouts at The Rock. Rollins goes after The Rock at ringside, but The Rock sends him into the barricade. Reigns low blows Rhodes in the ring and hits a Spear! 1… 2… RHODES KICKS OUT! The Final Boss cannot believe it!
A “Cody” chant fires up. Reigns punches away at Rhodes and hooks the head. Reigns has Rhodes trapped in a guillotine. Reigns has not grapevined the body yet, so Rhodes is still on his feet. The referee checks the arm, but Rhodes keeps it up. The Rock sweeps the feet, and Reigns grapevines the body now. Rhodes’ feet are under the ropes, but the referee cannot break the hold. Rollins takes Reigns out with a Stomp! The Rock is not happy and sends Rollins out of the ring. The Rock tags in and looks at the crowd. The crowd loudly boos the so-called People’s Champion. The Rock sees Mama Rhodes and grabs the weightlifting belt with her name on it. Her son’s blood was on it. Next will be her tears. Michelle shouts back. The Rock gets in the ring, but Rhodes kicks him. Rhodes grabs the belt, but The Rock punches him down. Rhodes fights back with some stinging left jabs, followed by his father’s signature Bionic Elbow! Rhodes hits the ropes, but The Rock hits his signature spinebuster! The spine on the pine! The Rock stands at Rhodes’s shoulders and removes his elbow pad. The Rock goes for The People’s Elbow, but Rhodes pops up and springboards off the ropes for the Cody Cutter! Rhodes goes for Cross Rhodes on the Great One, but Reigns puts a stop to this with a Superman Punch!
Reigns, with his nose still bleeding, sets up for a Spear. Reigns lets out a tribal scream and charges. Rollins shoves Rhodes out of the way and REIGNS SPEARS THE ROCK! Rollins attacks Reigns, and Rhodes grabs The Rock. Rollins and Rhodes hit Reigns and The Rock with stereo Pedigrees! 1… 2… Reigns and Rock kick out! Unreal!
Reigns and The Rock roll out of the ring to recover. Rollins and Rhodes strategize in the ring. Rollins comes off the top rope with a cross-body plancha on Reigns. On the other side of the ring, Rhodes attacks The Rock. The Rock quickly cuts Rhodes off and clears the commentary table. The Rock takes a swig of water and spits it on Rhodes. The Rock lifts Rhodes and shouts at Rhodes’ mother. The Rock puts Rhodes on the table and sets up for a Rock Bottom! Rollins grabs The Rock’s ankle to stop him. Rhodes elbows The Rock in the head and hits The Rock with a Rock Bottom through the table! Wow! Reigns then charges Rollins and SPEARS him through the barricade! Outrageous!
Rhodes pulls a lifeless Rock to his feet and rolls him into the ring. As Rhodes gets in the ring, Reigns hits him with a Drive-by Dropkick! Reigns gets to the apron, and The Rock makes the tag to the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. Reigns pulls himself into the ring and is stumbling around. Reigns kicks Rhodes in the head and shouts at the crowd that Rhodes doesn’t belong here. Reigns punches Rhodes in the face. Reigns continues to punch Rhodes in the face. Rhodes eventually blocks one. Less than 24 hours before they do on WrestleMania Sunday, they begin trading heavy right hands. Rhodes all of a sudden hooks him and hits Cross Rhodes! Rhodes pops up and hits a second Cross Rhodes! Rhodes pops up for a third, but The Rock smacks Rhodes in the back with the weightlifting belt! Rhodes collapses in pain. Reigns hits Rhodes with a Spear! The Rock is on the apron. Reigns tags him in. The Rock gets in the ring and sizes Rhodes up. Rhodes is struggling to get up. The Rock stalks his prey and hits Rhodes with a Rock Bottom! The Rock stands at Rhodes’ shoulders and pulls a finger across his throat before holding one finger up in the air. He then looks over to Rhodes’ mother and says, “This one is for you, Mama Rhodes.” The Rock connects with the People’s Elbow on Rhodes and covers. 1… 2… 3! Michael Cole exclaims, “Cody is screwed!”
Winners by Pinfall: The Bloodline
The Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes tomorrow night will be fought under Bloodline Rules.
The Rock and Roman Reigns stand tall in the ring after a hard-fought battle against Cody Rhodes and Seth “Freakin” Rollins. The Rock and Reigns shake hands and leave the ring. A dejected Cody Rhodes sits in disbelief in the center of the ring.
The Bloodline poses on the ramp alongside Paul Heyman as fireworks go off.
Video: WrestleMania 40 Night One highlights
WrestleMania XL Results
— “The Eradicator” Rhea Ripley def. “The Man” Becky Lynch to retain the Women’s World Championship
— A-Town Down Under (Austin Theory and Grayson Waller) and Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) def. #DIY (Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano), New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate), The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods), and The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor and “Señor Money in the Bank” Damian Priest) in a 6-Pack Tag Team Ladder Match to win the SmackDown Tag Team Championship and the Raw Tag Team Championship, respectively
— Rey Mysterio and Andrade def. Santos Escobar and “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio in a Tag Team Match
— “Main Event” Jey Uso def. Jimmy Uso
— Jade Cargill, Naomi, and Bianca Belair def. Damage CTRL (WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) and Dakota Kai) in a 6-Woman Tag Team Match
— Sami Zayn def. Gunther to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship
— The Bloodline (“The Final Boss” The Rock and Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns) def. “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins in a Tag Team Match
Email – mike@wrestleview.com
X – @MikeTedescoWV
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