How far can hate take a superstar?

CM Punk and Roman Reigns confessed their hate for each other, but whose grudge brings them the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 42?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• ESPN Hour – Brock Lesnar w/ Paul Heyman VS Oba Femi; Femi wins.
• ESPN Hour – WWE Intercontinental Championship Six Pack Ladder Match: PENTA VS JD McDonagh VS Je’Von Evans VS Dragon Lee VS Rusev VS Rey Mysterio; wins and
• Dominik Mysterio VS “Demon” Finn Balor; wins.
• WWE United States Championship: Sami Zayn VS Trick Williams w/ Lil Yachty; wins and
• WWE Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill w/ Mia Yim & B-Fab VS Rhea Ripley; wins and
• WWE World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk VS Roman Reigns; wins and

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the WrestleMania 42 Countdown Show, Part Two!

Again, join Joe Tessitore, Wade Barrett, Corey Graves & Big E on discussing, analyzing, and predicting the last night of this WrestleMania Weekend!

Joe Jonas sings the Star-Spangled Banner.

WrestleMania: The Ultimate Stage, Part Two.

Lin-Manuel Miranda says, “You felt it last night, didn’t you? We all did. That’s WrestleMania. We experience the excitement live and larger than life, and it lasts forever. But WrestleMania doesn’t take a bow after one act. Tonight isn’t a repeat, it’s an encore. Bigger, louder, even more unforgettable. So if you thought you’d seen it all, just wait.”

JOHN CENA is here, again!

The fans cheer as The GOAT is in a different suit but still struts to the ring as the host of WrestleMania 42! Cena grabs the mic ot say, “We kicked off WrestleMania with an incredible night one! And I’m looking around, and I feel the energy here in Las Vegas. The stage is set for a historic night two. As a matter of fact, we’ve already made history. For the first time in history, WrestleMania is LIVE on E S P N!” The fans are torn about that, but Cena says that means they gotta start with something BIG! “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to WrestleMania!” The pyro goes off, and the tron goes from Mad Max meets Borderlands, right into a super cyberspace!

ESPN Hour – Brock Lesnar w/ Paul Heyman VS Oba Femi!

The Advocate put out the WrestleMania Open Challenge on behalf of The Beast, and while Seth Rollins got Lesnar’s attention, it was The Ruler who answered the call! These two have fought in and out of the ring, but now they fight in a match! Will Lesnar prove he is The Conqueror? Or will Oba prove he is The One?

Speaking of The Wise Man, he interrupts Alicia Taylor’s introductions so he can give his usual introduction, “Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman. Tonight, the Beast, The Conqueror, the REAL Ruler of WrestleMania, BRRROCK, LESNARRR~!” Alicia finishes by giving Oba his introductions, and while no official title is on the line, it is time to see who is the true alpha male of our species!

The bell rings and the fans are thunderous already! Oba and Lesnar tie up, are in a deadlock, but Oba’s height is just enough to give him leverage! Oba powers Lesnar back, but Lesnar pushes him back. The two tie up again, Lesnar powers Oba back now, but Oba shoves Lesnar back! But then Lesnar RAMS Oba into the corner again and again! But Oba just shakes it off! And he SHOVES Lesnar down! The fans are going nuts again! Lesnar LAIAST, but Oba stays up! Another LARIAT, but Oba stays up! Oba LARIATS Lesnar down!! Vegas is erupting while Lesnar bails out! Even Heyman is shocked! Lesnar might be intimidated for the first time in his life!

Lesnar pulls the steps apart, but the ref reprimands. Lesnar snarls as he drops the step, and he’s pissed! Lesnar paces, Heyman questions what he’s seeing, it’s superhuman! Oba grabs at Lesnar through the ropes! Oba drags Lesnar up, but Lesnar HOTSHOTS Oba, then drags him out! Lesnar RAMS Oba into the post! Oba hobbles and staggers but Lesnar POSTS him again! The fans boo but Lesnar whips Oba into the steps! Lesnar puts Oba in the ring now that he’s turned the proverbial tables. GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans are torn, Sin City is about to become Suplex City! Lesnar grins, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES Oba again!

Oba tumbles but Lesnar soaks up the cheers and jeers. Oba rises but Lesnar KNEES him in the chest! Then GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans are counting along, that’s three. Oba sputters and coughs but Lesnar hauls him up again. Oba fires elbows to fight free! The fans cheer as Oba runs up and UPPERCUTS in the corner! Oba keeps going, UPPERCUT! Oba tries again, but Lesnar gets under with a fireman’s carry! F5!! Lesnar roars, but OBA RISES?! Guzel and CHOKE SLAM!! The fans are going nuts for Oba as Heyman is shocked again! Oba waits on Lesnar, for the POP-UP, and the FALL FROM GRACE!!! Cover, OBA WINS!!!

Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall

Here is your winner, and the NEW~ alpha male of WWE, Oba Femi! Vegas cheers “O~BA!” as he struts away, but Lesnar is still down! Perhaps he’s still coming to terms with reality. Oba tips his proverbial cap to Lesnar, but what is next for THE Next Big Thing? As for Lesnar, he finally sits up, and fans shift to a chant of, “Thank You, Lesnar!” But then even the fans are shocked as Lesnar starts taking off the gloves, and untying the laces on his boots! Lesnar is emotional as a moment perhaps even he never thought was coming might finally be here. Off comes one boot, then the other, and fans again chant, “Thank You, Brock!”

Lesnar leaves his gloves and boots in the center, waves to the fans, and the fans all cheer. Heyman steps into the ring, still stunned. But in the end, he hugs his client and friend. Heyman raises Lesnar’s hand and the fans cheer again. Lesnar waves again, even standing on the corner to take a bow. Then he goes to center to take an even deeper bow, before stepping out of the ring and up the ramp. If this is truly the last time Lesnar is in a WWE ring or on a WWE screen, then indeed, #ThankYouBrockLesnar.

ESPN Hour – WWE Intercontinental Championship Six Pack Ladder Match: PENTA VS JD McDonagh VS Je’Von Evans VS Dragon Lee VS Rusev VS Rey Mysterio!

The Man With No Fear has proven himself a fighting champion, but only someone with no fear would be willing to risk his reign on something like this! The dealer (Adam Pearce) has dealt an Irish Ace, a Young OG, a Boy Wonder, a Bulgarian Lion, and even the King of Lucha Libre! But will Penta still walk away with the jackpot? Or will someone else have the hot hand?

The introductions are made, the belt awaits high above, and we see who wins the literally highest of stakes!

Time to roll the dice!

WrestleMania returns to Las Vegas for another two night extravaganza! But will Cody Rhodes still be Undisputed WWE Champion after tonight?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• ESPN Hour – Six Man Tag: LA Knight & The Usos VS Austin Theory, Logan Paul & IShowSpeed; Knight & The Usos win.
• ESPN Hour – Unsanctioned Match: Jacob Fatu VS Drew McIntyre; Fatu wins.
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships Fatal 4 Way: The Irresistible Forces VS #Charlexa VS #BayLyra VS The Bella Twins Brie Bella & Paige; Brie & Paige win and become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
• WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: AJ Lee VS Becky Lynch; Becky wins and becomes the new WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion.
• Seth Rollins VS GUNTHER; Gunther wins.
• WWE Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer VS Liv Morgan; Liv wins and becomes the new WWE Women’s World Champion.
• Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes VS Randy Orton w/ Pat McAfee; Cody wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the WrestleMania Countdown Show!

Join Joe Tessitore, Wade Barrett, Corey Graves & Big E on discussing, analyzing, and predicting the action we’re about to see Sin City!

What WrestleMania Moment is your favorite?

42 years of history and spectacle, it’s hard to choose just one. Hulk Hogan VS Andre the Giant, Hulk Hogan VS The Rock, Eddie Guerrero winning the WWE Championship, the entire Undertaker’s undefeated streak. But it doesn’t really matter which moment is your favorite or if they’re all your favorite, because the Grandest Stage of Them All means so much to all of us. The magic, the memories, the legacy, it’s WrestleMania!

The Las Vegas Mass Choir sings God Bless America.

WrestleMania: The Ultimate Stage.

Lin-Manuel Miranda says, “It’s something you can’t really explain, that feeling when the lights come on. The crowd roars, and you realize there’s no bigger stage than this. No brighter lights, no higher stakes, no louder crowd, and no second takes. It happens once, and it’s forever. Cuz memories are made in this ring, and we, you and me, the fans, we get to be there for moments we’ll never forget. We were there when the Irresistible Force met the Immovable Object. We were there when it seemed impossible, until it happened. When legends took their final bows. When Seth shocked the world. When Cody finished his story and made his dad proud.

“And years from now, decades from now, our kids will tell their kids that we were alive and we were there when Punk fought Roman for the title. When La Primera confronted La Guerita. When the Voices tried to squash the Nightmare. When Jade and Rhea stood face to face. When Oba stepped onto this stage, the biggest stage of them all, for the very first time. There’s no way to know exactly what drama lies ahead, but we know we’re here for the pops and the surprises, the memories that will last a lifetime. We are here, we are alive, no second takes. Lights up, the curtain’s about to rise. Welcome to WrestleMania!”

JOHN CENA is here!

Las Vegas fires up for The GOAT as he walks out on stage in his nicest suit. Cena says he knows, don’t worry, they’re not gonna run. Cena walks down the ramp, waves to the fans, and goes to the ring. The fans chant his name while he gets the mic, and Cena is already a bit emotional. “Wow, I didn’t expect that. Thank you so much. Sorry, uh, long time fan, long time performer, first time host, how am I doing so far? It’s undeniable that this year’s Road to WrestleMania has been chaos. It has been unpredictable. And from every side, from both in here, hell, back there, and out here, it has been very, very vocal.

“One could say it’s… Michael Cole, is it polarizing? Yes, polarizing. Now I see why I got the hosting gig. This is the moment I love the most. Especially on the Road to WrestleMania. We’re all in here for the same reason: Because we know the time to talk is up. The time to deliver is NOW! And we are all here with one thing on our minds: Who tonight will step up and deliver?” The fans cheer for that! Cena says it is such a great honor, ladies and gentlemen, and everyone watching around the world, WELCOME TO WRESTLEMANIA! The pyro goes off as the fans cheer, and it’s about to begin!

ESPN Hour – Six Man Tag: LA Knight & The Usos VS Austin Theory, Logan Paul & IShowSpeed!

A curse from Danhausen turned into a debacle in the WWE World Tag Team Championship match, and now The Mega Star, #BigJim, AND Main Event Jey want to destroy The Vision and one of the most premier streamers in the world! But will it be Viva YEET Vegas tonight? Or will The Pressure & The Maverick help Speed survive?

The trios sort out and The Usos DOUBLE SUPERKICK Theory & Logan! Speed is stuck starting against Knight! The fans fire up as Knight stares Speed down. They circle, Speed dodges a haymaker and headlocks. Knight stands up and lifts Speed without hands! Then he back suplexes, but Speed lands out! Speed ducks ‘n’ dodges, goes up and up, but Knight avoids the Quebrada to DECK Speed! The fans cheer, and Knight drags Speed over. Knight stomps Speed, then DECKS Logan! Speed stands up in a huff and he scoops Knight! Speed SLAMS, he’s now IShowStrength! But Knight’s right up, it wasn’t that much strength…

Speed tags out to Logan then bails out! The fans cheer as Knight THROWS Logan around! Then Knight bumps Logan off buckles, stomps away, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Then more stomps! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Tag to Jey, he climbs up, and fans YEET along as Jey drops down nine, then tags Jimmy. Jey wrenches Logan, whips him to ropes, and DOUBLE ELBOW for the tenth! Then DOUBLE ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Jimmy stays between Logan and his team, then CHOPS him! Jimmy whips, Logan grabs ropes, and Logan BOOTS back! Theory tags in, Jimmy TOSSES Logan, but Theory somersaults to SHOTGUN!

The fans boo but Theory BLASTS Jey! Theory rains down fists on Jimmy, but Logan tags in. The Vision reel Jimmy in and DOUBLE SUPLEX! The fans boo but The Vision stand tall with a new flex pose. Then Logan says it’s time, Speed! Logan tags in and tells Speed to prove himself! Speed reels Jimmy in, but Jimmy snap suplexes first! The fans cheer while both men are down. Jimmy and Speed crawl, Logan tags in and BLASTS Knight & Jey! The fans boo but Logan KNEES Jimmy, ROCKS him with a forearm, then soaks up the heat. Logan ROCKS Jimmy again, then fires body shots from all sides! The ref counts but Logan backs off at 4.

Logan winds up, but Jimmy UPPERCUTS! Jimmy goes up, up, USO IN THE WIND! The fans fire up while Logan and Jimmy are down, and the fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” as they crawl. Hot tags to Theory and Jey! Jey ROCKS Theory, “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Pop, lock, “SUCK IT!” But Theory fireman’s carries! Jey slips free, ducks ‘n’ dodges, SPEAR on Theory! Cover, Logan breaks it! GUT WRENCH PLEX from Logan to Jey! Jimmy SUPERKICKS Logan! Theory DECKS Jimmy! Jey returns but Theory is on him first. Theory POSTS Jey, mocks the YEET, but Jimmy SUPERKICKS Theory down! Speed sneaks in, but Jimmy spots him!

The fans cheer as Jimmy whips Speed, but Speed tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Speed is all fired up, but Knight gives him a B F- NO, Speed powers out, but that sends Knight into Logan! Theory is upset with Speed, but he ROCKS Knight. Theory says Speed needs to get back on Knight for the computer smash. Speed runs, but Knight SHOVES Theory into Speed! B F T on Theory! Cover, Knight & Usos win!

Winners: LA Knight & The Usos, by pinfall

Logan is freaking out, but The Vision should’ve realized, Speed is CURSED! Logan storms up on Speed and says he cost Logan his win! ONE LUCKY RIGHT!! The fans boo as Logan tells Speed he had one job! Speed ruined their WrestleMania moment! Logan TOSSES Speed out, then he clears off the announce desk! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Logan says welcome to WWE, Speed! YOU MORON! Logan ROCKS Speed, puts him on the desk, then climbs up the corner! But Jey drags Logan down! Jey whips Logan to the ropes, ONE AND DONE!! The fans cheer as Knight kicks Logan out of the ring, then checks on Speed.

Knight puts Speed in the ring, and Speed fears for his life. But wait, they’re telling Speed to do Logan like Logan was gonna do him?! Logan is put on the desk! The fans cheer Speed on, and Speed agrees! He goes up the corner, then the corner post! Speed aims for a SUPER DUPER SPLASH!! Vegas is losing its mind because he really did that! Speed is just as stunned, but The Usos & Knight help Speed back into the ring! The fans cheer, and let’s run it back! IShowYEET! All is forgiven, but will Knight & The Usos make sure The Vision keep on losing?

ESPN Hour – Unsanctioned Match: Jacob Fatu VS Drew McIntyre!

At first, The Samoan Werewolf was after the Scottish Terminator because Drew was the #1 suspect in the whodunnit. But as Drew kept finding ways to screw Fatu out of golden opportunities, this got more and more personal, and more and more violent! WWE washes its hands of this grudge match, but will Fatu truly stop at nothing to destroy McIntyre? Or will Drew find a way to survive these deadly stakes?

Once in range, Fatu DIVES on Drew at the ramp! The bell rings as Fatu throws Drew into barriers, smacks him off apron, and repeat! Then Fatu POSTS Drew! Fatu keeps Drew on his feet to then THROW over barriers and into the timekeeper’s area! The fans fire up as Fatu goes looking under the ring. Fatu brings out a TABLE! And then another TABLE! The fans cheer as Fatu is going double or nothing already, as he also adds a couple chairs! Then a couple more! And a couple more! Drew crawls his way over but Fatu KNEES him down! Fatu then brings out the toolbox! Fatu grins as he dumps out the tools, then threatens Drew with the box!

Drew panics, remembering battling with Punk! But then Drew KICKS Fatu’s legs out! Drew chucks the box itself away, then THRWOS Fatu into the frame of the ring! Then Drew lines up the shot, CATAPULT GUILLOTINE with the ring frame! The fans boo but then Drew sets up the table nearby. Drew storms over to Fatu, reels him in, but Fatu RAMS Drew into the POST! Drew staggers away, but Fatu runs up on him, only for Drew to LARIAT Fatu down! Drew then borrows his brother’s phone to take a selfie! Drew HAMMERS Fatu with the phone, hands it back to Brother McIntyre, then Drew puts Fatu in the ring.

Drew has a WRENCH, or perhaps SPANNER if you will! But Fatu LARIATS Drew down! Fatu whips, Drew KICKS him away, but Fatu just fires up! Fatu LARIATS again, then SENTONS! A chair might’ve been involved in there by accident, but Fatu keeps moving to SPLASH in a corner! Fatu climbs up to HEADBUTT again and again, and the fans count all the way to TEN! Fatu keeps moving, HIP ATTACK in the corner! Fatu shakes them dreads, then he dodges to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew survives and Fatu snarls while the fans rally up. Fatu has a chair, takes aim, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS first!

Drew grabs a chair, he wedges it in a corner, then he stalks Fatu. Drew aims, but Fatu reverses, only for Drew to stop short! Drew ELBOWS Fatu away, Fatu comes back, but Drew dodges! Fatu SMACKS off the post! Then Drew GERMAN SUPLEXES Fatu! Fatu flounders away while Drew seethes. Drew sees Fatu outside the ring, and the fans sing for “OH~ DREW MCINTYRE~!” as he FLIES! Down goes Fatu at the ramp! The fans fire up as Drew puts Fatu back in the ring, takes aim, “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAYMORE MISSES as Fatu ducks! Fatu then whips Drew into the chair! Down goes Drew, up goes Fatu, MIGHTY MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!!

The fans are fired up as Drew survives Fatu’s best shot! “This is Awesome!” but the fans also say, “We Want Tables!” Drew grits his teeth as he crawls over, and he fines another spanner! SPANNER SHOT to Fatu’s leg! Then Drew HAMMERS away with the wrench on Fatu’s head! Then he uses the wrench claw to dig at Fatu’s face! The fans are torn but Drew grins a sinister grin. Drew grabs a chair, sets that up, then sets another chair up right beside it. The fans fire up as Drew drags Fatu up, reels him in, and FALCON ARROW through the chairs! Cover, TWO! Fatu survives and Drew questions Dan Angler, the ref who “screwed” him last time.

Drew intimidates Dan into taking off his leather belt! Drew holds the belt up, swings it around, and even struts his way over to Fatu. Fatu rises up, and Drew runs up! SUPERKICK From Fatu! The fans fire up as Drew is down, and Fatu has another chair! Fatu SMACKS Drew with that chair! Then he SMACKS Drew with the other chair! Then Fatu has Dan’s belt! Fatu winds up, and he LASHES Drew! And LASHES! And LASHES, LASHES, LASHES! The fans fire up with Fatu, then Fatu goes back to the toolbox. The fans cheer Fatu on as he takes aim, but Drew CLAYMORES outta nowhere!! Cover, TWO?!? Now Fatu survives Drew’s best shot!

Drew SHOVES Dan, but then he throws hands with Fatu! The fans rally as the shots go back and forth, then Fatu rebounds to UPPERCUT! Drew wobbles, but he CHOPS back! Fatu kicks low, Drew CHOPS, but Fatu UPPERCUTS! Drew SLAPS, Fatu SLAPS, they go back and forth! Drew fires haymakers, but Fatu fires HEADBUTTS! The fans fire up as Fatu HEADBUTTS Drew down to the mat! Fatu looks around at the furniture, and he goes for the table! The fans cheer as Fatu stands the table up, SMACKS Drew off it, then makes sure he’s positioned just right on it. Fatu HEADBUTTS Drew for good measure, then SMACKS him with a chair!

Fatu goes to the corner, climbs up, but Drew slips off the table! Drew CHUCKS the chair into Fatu’s face! And then SMACKS Fatu on the back! Fatu sputters, but Drew SHOVES him off the corner! Fatu falls down through the table!! The fans go nuts again as Drew staggers around. Drew drags Fatu from the wreckage, puts him in the ring, “This is Awesome!” as Drew storms up. Fatu SUPERKICKS! And SUPERKICKS! Drew falls, but Fatu grabs the toolbox! TOOLBOX SHOT!! Drew is on the table, MIGHTY MOONSAULT!! Cover, Fatu wins!

Winner: Jacob Fatu, by pinfall

These two really raised the stakes in Sin City, and it is the Samoan Werewolf standing tall! Will he do just as he said and leave Drew in the rearview? What will be ahead on the road after WrestleMania for both men?

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships Fatal 4 Way: The Irresistible Forces VS #Charlexa VS #BayLyra VS The Bella Twins!

Nia Jax & Lash Legend have been doing what they want when they want and to who they want, but that’s only made the walls close in on their title reign. Will they survive as Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Bayley, Lyra Valkyria, Brie and Nikki all fight for their gold? Or will the odds be on NEW champions crowned tonight?

Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss are a butterfly and a moth, #BayLyra have matching gear, and the champs pay tribute to Demolition with their attire. But oh no, Nikki Bella’s on crutches! Nikki promises she tried really hard to overcome the injury, but she could not be cleared tonight. But she wasn’t going to ruin this WrestleMania moment, taking Nikki’s place is an old friend. IT’S PAIGE! Vegas erupts as yes, she’s baaaack~! One of the most elite Women’s Champions has returned, and what a night to do it! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and so are the stakes as four teams fight for the number one spot!

In this form of Fatal 4 Way, each team has one woman legal at any one time, so we start with Lash going right after Brie! Lash THROWS Brie down but Bayley fires off! Lash DECKS Brie, but Bliss jumps on! Lash THROWS Alexa off, then LARIATS her down! The fans still chant “Welcome Back!” for Paige, but Lash SPLASHES Brie! Tag to Nia, the champs mug Bayley, then fireman’s carry for the BOOT O’ DOOM! Bayley flounder while Nia scoops Bliss. Bliss slips free, tags Charlotte, and Charlotte goes up to CROSBSODY! The Queen flies like a butterfly, and Bayley helps DUMP Nia out! Charltote CHOPS away on Brie, but Bayley ROCIKS Charlotte!

Tag to Lyra and she goe sup, MISSILE- NO, Charlotte catches the leg! But Brie reels Charlotte into a cradle! TWO, and Lyra SOBATS, KICKS, RAMS< and- NO, Charlotte blocks to hand that foot to Brie! Brie sends it back, down goes Charlotte! Lyra runs hup but Brie ducks the enzigiri! Brie fires up, and she fires off “YES KICKS!” The fans cheer each shot as Brie goes back and forth! Then Brie points to Paige, but Lyra trips Brie up! Brie ENZIGIRIS Lyra, but Charlotte rolls her up! ONE, Brie BOOTS back, but Nia drags Brie out to THROW her into barriers! The fans boo but Nia tags Lash. Lash storms up on Brie to APRON CHOKE SLAM!

Charlotte BOOTS Nia, but Lash BOOTS Charlotte! Charlotte goes to ropes, Lash runs up, but into a BOOT! Then a BACKBFREAKEAR and HOTSHOT! Tag to Bliss, FLYING DDT! Lyra DECKS Bliss, brings her around, and whips her to the corner. Lyra LARIATS, then tags Bayley! Bayley runs up to ELBOW Bliss! Wacky Waving tag to Lyra, then she ROCKS Bliss! Tag back to Bliss, BACKBREAKER and ELBOW DROP! Cover, but Lash YANKS Bayley away! Lash talks trash, but Brie jumps on! Lash keeps Brie from Paige, RAMS her into the corner, then puts Brie up top. Lyra tags in, she ROCKS Lash, then Lyra climbs up after Brie.

Brie fires forearms with Lyra, Bliss joins in, and Bliss helps Lyra with Brie! But Lash gets under them, and it’s a DOUBLE POWERBOMB! Brie escapes that Tower of Doom to MISSILE DROPKICK Lash! The fans fire up as all four active women are down! Lash, Bliss, Brie and Lyra all crawl, hot tags to Nia, Charlotte, and Bayley! Nia intercepts Bayley, sends her to Charlotte’s BOOT, then Nia HEADBUTTS Charlotte! HOT TAG TO PAIGE! The fans erupt as Paige fires off! Paige then doles out LARIAT after LARIAT! Then FISHERMAN BUSTER on Bayley! The fans are thunderous for Paige, “This is MY house!”

But Lash is up to TOSS Page through the ropes! The fans cheer, but Paige gets Lash with KNEE after KNEE in the ropes! The fans cheer as Lash tumbles, then Paige goes up to CROSSBODY onto Lyra! Lyra rolls through and fireman’s carries! But Paige fights free, slips around, PAIGE TURNER! Cover, Bayley breaks it! Nia runs up, fireman’s carries, and SAMOAN DROPS her! Brie runs up but into a kick! Nia lifts Brie up, but Brie turns things around, and Lyra DUMPS them both out! But Lash gets Lyra with the LASH EXTENSION! Cover, Paige and Charlotte break it up! Paige and Charlotte mug Lash, then DOUBLE SUPERKICK!

The fans cheer as the old friends DOUBLE LARIAT Lash up and out! Paige and Charlotte stare down now and the fans are going nuts! Paige and Charlotte circle, then they start throwing hands! Forearm for forearm, back and forth, and Paige gets the edge! Charlotte shoves to CHOP! Then she trips Paige to step through, but Paige cradle counters, TWO! Charlotte hits NATURAL SELECTION! Then tag to Bliss! Bliss climbs, but Nikki YANKS Charlotte out! And she CRACKS Charlotte with the crutch! Just because she can’t wrestle doesn’t mean she can’t get involved! TWISTED BLISS but onto knees! Then the RAMPAIGE!! Cover, PAIGE & BRIE WIN!!

Winners: Paige & Brie Bella, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

Brie hugs Paige, and Paige is already emotional! Her first match in WWE in eight YEARS, and it’s not just at WrestleMania, but it’s a win for tag team gold! Paige helps Brie check one off the bucket list, and the fans couldn’t be happier! Will this throwback be more than just a nostalgia trip for us all?

WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: AJ Lee VS Becky Lynch!

Speaking of comebacks, the Black Widow came back to not just help out CM Punk, but to show she was ready to do what she loves again. But ever since then, things have gone back and forth, up and down, and around between these two. Will Becky show AJ she’s no longer ready for The Big Time? Or will The Man fail to keep AJ down?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who punctuates this storied feud!

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. They tie up, but Becky kicks low! Becky ROCKS AJ, talks trash, then whips, but AJ reverses. AJ drops down, then arm-drags Becky for the armlock! Becky scrambles around, the fans rally and even duel, and Becky stands up. Becky stomps AJ’s foot, whips her away, but AJ avoids the dropkick! AJ sits in the ropes to smile at Becky. Becky runs up but AJ DUMPS her out! The fans rally as Becky storms around, but AJ CROSSBODIES! Becky catches AJ and FALL AWAY SLAMS AJ into barriers! Becky talks trash on AJ again, drags her up, and CLUBS her down. “I’m the greatest!”

Becky puts AJ in the ring, then goes up a corner. Becky aims, and drops THE MAN’S LEG! Cover, TWO! AJ survives, but Becky SMACKS her off the mat! The fans rally while AJ crawls, and Becky runs up again, for a LARIAT! Becky clinches, EXPLODERS, then covers, TWO! Becky furiously dribbles AJ off the mat, then goes to a corner. The ref spots Becky untying the buckle pad! Becky argues with Jessica Karr as Jessica puts the buckle back on the corner! Becky storms over to AJ but AJ cradles! TWO! Becky runs up, AJ ROCKS her! And ROCKS her again! AJ fires shots, whips, but Becky reverses. AJ BOOTS Becky back!

AJ goes up, TORNADO- NO, Becky stops that, but AJ ROCKS her! And ELBOWS her! Becky goes to ropes. AJ runs up and LARIATS! AJ runs but Becky ROCKS her back! Becky runs, but AJ slides and trips Becky up! The fans cheer as AJ hurries back up a corner. AJ leaps, MISSILE DROPKICK! Down goes Becky and AJ hurries to cover, TWO! Becky toughs it out but the fans continue to rally. AJ runs, tilt-o-whirls, but Becky stops the Black Widow stretch. AJ fires body shots to SLICED BREAD! AJ runs up, but Becky powers her up for the POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as AJ survives that sudden turnaround.

Becky drags AJ up, but AJ SLAPS her! Becky clinches, but AJ wheelbarrows to arm-drag! AJ ROUNDHOUSES Becky to the corner, then runs up, but Becky turns tilt-o-whirl into a THROW into the corner! Becky then clinches, MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!! AJ survives and Becky is shocked! Becky whips AJ into a corner, stomps a mudhole in, but stops as the ref counts. Becky argues with Jessica, the fans cheer Jessica on, and Jessica tells Becky to watch her ass! Jess even SHOVES Becky! Becky says okay then! Becky runs up, but AJ clinches Becky first! AJ MANHANDLE SLAMS Becky!! Cover, TWO!!

The fans are stunned and so is AJ as Becky survives her own move! Becky and AJ slowly rise up, and AJ fires a shot first! Becky fires back! The fans cheer shots go back and forth, fast ‘n’ furious! MANHANDLE- NO, AJ slips around, BLACK WIDOW STRETCH!! Becky flails, reaches out, and marches her way over, but then pulls AJ’s hair! Becky lets AJ go so she can go tot he corner, and she yanks that buckle pad away again! AJ runs up, but Becky YANKS Jessica in as a shield! Then AJ is sent into the steel!! MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, BECKY WINS!!

Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion)

Becky just big time STOLE this win! She’s a THREE-TIME Women’s IC Champion, but only because of a bare buckle! Will we ever hear the end of it now that Becky can brag all the way to the bank?

Seth Rollins VS GUNTHER!

The Visionary, The Revolutionary, The Architect vowed vengeance on The Vision he helped create, but ironically, there was no one to go after. But then Der Ring General saw an opportunity for himself and attacked on Heyman’s behalf! Gunther claims Rollins was avoiding him during their respective World Heavyweight Championship reigns, but will there be no avoiding defeat tonight? Or can Rollins still #BurnItDown?

Gunther DROPKICKS Rollins before the bell! Then SAIDOS! The fans boo and the ref reprimands but Gunther hauls Rollins up, GENERAL BOMB! Rollins flounders out of the ring while Gunther soaks up the heat. Gunther goes out after Rollins, but Rollins CLAWS Gunther’s eyes! The fans fire up as Rollins fires off fists and KNEES against the barriers, then he whips Gunther into and over Spanish commentary! Rollins keeps after Gunther while the fans cheer him on! Rollins THROWS Gunther over English commentary! The ref reprimands but this isn’t even a match yet! Rollins fires more knees against the barriers, then he SMACKS Gunther with a fan chair!

Rollins stomps away on Gunther, then hears the fans cheering him on! Gunther hobbles, Rollins flips him off, and they both get in the ring! The bell finally rings and the forearms fly! The fans cheer as they go back and forth, but then Gunther CHOPS! Rollins BOOTS, Gunther BOOTS, and repeat! The fans cheer Rollins, boo Gunther, but Gunther BOOTS Rollins down! Gunther clamps on with a SLEEPER! Rollins moves around, reaches out, but Gunther GERMAN SUPLEXES! Rollins lands out and BOOTS Gunther down! The fans fire up while Rollins scuffs Gunther. Rollins has the arms and fires DRAGON STOMPS a la Bryan Danielson!

Rollins then aims from a corner, runs up, but into a LARIAT! Gunther huffs ‘n’ puffs as he has Rollins down. The fans rally for Rollins but Gunther scuffs him now. Gunther kicks Rollins to the ropes, talks trash, then CHOPS! And CHOPS! Rollins falls over, but Gunther KICKS him in the back! The fans boo but Gunther clamps onto Rollins, and ELBOWS him in the head! Rollins stands up to CHOP, but Gunther CHOPS! Gunther KNEES Rollins again and again, then CHOPS! Rollins stumbles and falls, but he gets up to go after Gunther again! Rollins SLAPS, Gunther SLAPS, and Rollins stumbles around.

Gunther stands on Rollins’ head! The ref counts, the fans boo, but Gunther stops at 4. Gunther drags Rollins up, ROCKS him, but Rollins hits back! Gunther CHOPS Rollins on the back, SMACKS him off buckles, then he climbs up the corner. The fans are torn as Gunther drags Rollins up! Rollins resists the suplex, but Gunther powers up to SUPER- NO, Rollins slips free and slips under! Gunther panics as Rollins runs corner to corner, BUCKLE BOMB!! And CURB- NO, Gunther dodges to GERMAN SUPLEX! Rollins is up, he dodges the lariat, and he SNAP GERMANS in return! Gunther LARIATS, but Rollins is right up to LARIAT back!

The fans fire up while both men are down! The fans sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins grits his teeth as he sits up, and he eggs Gunther on. Gunther kicks at Rollins while he’s still on the mat, but Rollins hits back! Gunther fires a forearm, then a HEADBUTT! Rollins SMACKS Gunther in return, but Gunther kicks at Rollins again. Rollins CHOPS and ROCKS Gunther, but Gunther CHOPS back! Rollins CHOPS, Gunther CHOPS, and Gunther CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Gunther eggs Rollins on, CHOPS him, but Rollins CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans fire up as Rollins backs Gunther down to the other corner, then MACHINE GUN CHOPS!

The fans cheer but Gunther reels Rollins in, GENERAL BOMB! High stack, TWO!! The fans fire up as Rollins survives, but both men are down from putting so much into the fight. The fans rally up and even sing again, but Gunther sits up first. Gunther drags Rollins up, then short arm LARIATS! Gunther soaks up the heat while Rollins sputters. Gunther runs, LARIATS again, and the fans boo while Rollins tumbles. Gunther drags Rollins up, runs the ropes again, but Rollins slips through! Rollins underhooks, but Gunther BACKDROPS free! Rollins rebounds SUPERKICK! Then a KNEE! Then the underhooks!

But Gunther BACKDROPS into a bridging cover, TWO!! Rollins manages to get up and underhook again, PEDIGREE!! Then the CURB STOMP!! Cover, TWO?!? Gunther survives and the fans can’t believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Rollins goes to the ropes. Rollins snarls, he goes to the apron, and he climbs up a corner. FLYING- NO, Gunther dodges the stomp to waistlock! Rollins switches, O’Conner Rolls, TWO! REAR NAKED CHOKE!! Gunther has the body scissors on but Rollins fights around! The fans rally as hard as they can as Rollins reaches out! Rollins is free of the body scissors, then fights to his feet!

Rollins pries at the hold, breaks free, and ROLLING ELBOWS! Then ROLLING ELBOW again! And ROLLING- NO, Gunther LARIATS first! Gunther goes up a corner, but Rollins jumps up the corner! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Roll through, and FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives, but now Rollins has the SLEEPER!! Gunther flails, reaches out, but Rollins holds on tight! The fans freak out as Gunther flails, but he manages the ROPEBREAK with a foot! The fans boo but Gunther survives! “This is Awesome!” as Rollins rises again. Rollins fires himself up, then builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Gunther but Rollins keeps going!

Rollins DIVES again, and Gunther hits the desk! Rollins DIVES again, but Gunther catches him! GENERAL BOMB on the apron! And then GENERAL BOMB on the desk!! Gunther drags Rollins up onto the desk now, and he lifts, but Rollins slips free! Underhooks, PEDIGREE!! Gunther sputters but Rollins flops around. Rollins goes to the Spanish desk, then runs up, CURB STOMP on the English desk!! The fans are thunderous for Rollins, but wait, BRON BREAKKER IS HERE?!? SPEAR!!! The fans are freaking out as Bron puts Rollins in the ring! The ref missed it all, because he was checking on Gunther!

Gunther rolls into the ring, Rollins glaring at Bron, but SLEEPER!! Gunther squeezes tight, traps an arm even, but Rollins still grabs at the hold! But Rollins is fading! ROLLINS IS OUT!! GUNTHER WINS!!

Winner: Gunther, by submission

Rollins wanted to end The Vision, but he didn’t see this one coming! Bron made quite the impact, but he’s not done! He runs down the entire ramp, to SPEAR Rollins down!! Bron tells Rollins that HE will be the one to end this! Paul Heyman laughs as HIS Badass is back! Will Rollins’ mission fail before it can truly begin?

The Hall of Fame Class of 2026 is on stage.

Nick Hogan and Jimmy Hart are here on behalf of The Hulkster, Bad News Brown’s family is here on his behalf, and we have Dennis Rodman, Demolition, and the family of Sid Vicious. And of course, the Phenomenal A J STYLES, and Stephanie McMahon!

WWE Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer VS Liv Morgan!

The heat between La Primera and “the greatest Royal Rumble winner of all time” has reached a fever pitch, and it all comes to a head on the Grandest Stage of Them All! Will Vaquer put Liv through Hell here in Sin City? Or will Liv be nothing but trouble?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s truly worthy of this WrestleMania moment!

The bell rings and the two run up! Vaquer SPINEBUSTERS, rains down HEADBUTTS, but Liv turns things around to throw hands! They scrap, Vaquer fires more HEADBUTTS, then they go outside. Vaquer ROCKS Liv, then THROWS her into barriers! Vaquer throws Liv back into the ring, runs up and LARIATS in the corner! Vaquer sits Liv down, runs corner to corner, METEORA! Vaquer pushes Liv to the drop zone, then goes up, up, but Liv CLUBS her! The fans rally, Liv runs, and she springboards to FLYING SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Vaquer survives but Liv stomps her around for it.

Liv HAMMERS away on Vaquer, then brings Vaquer up to reel her in. Liv snap suplexes, then rolls through, Una Amiga! Then another suplex, Dos Amigas! Then THREE AMIGAS! Liv gives some Latina Heat, then runs up to ENZIGIRI! Liv has a sinister smile as she goes up the corner, aims, and FROG SPLASH but onto KNEES! Vaquer hoists Liv up, BIG back suplex! Vaquer wraps Liv up, and the fans like where this is going! DEVIL’S KISSES! AH, AH, AH, AH, AH, AH, AH, AH, AH, AH, AH! YEEEEEAH~! Liv flounders, but Vaquer drags her up and underhooks. ANGEL’S WINGS! Cover, TWO! Liv survives but Vaquer just hooks her up again!

The fans rally as Vaquer lifts, but Liv slips free! Liv then dodges to BACKSTABBER! Liv SLAPS Vaquer around, then talks trash. Liv decides to do this her way, but Vaquer victory rolls, TWO! Liv runs up, Vaquer ducks, and then she tucks Liv in! S V B!! Cover, TWO!! Liv survives and Vaquer is frustrated. The fans rally as Liv goes to ropes, but Vaquer runs up. Liv hits a CODE BREAKER! Liv runs up, but Vaquer dodges Oblivion! Then she steals OBLIVION! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as Liv survives her own move! Vaquer drags Liv to a drop zone, goes up the corner, but ROXANNE PEREZ is here! The fans boo as the ref is distracted!

But then Raquel Rodriguez is here! She HOTSHOTS Vaquer, into OBLIVION!! Cover, TWO?!? Vaquer survives and shocks everyone! Liv runs up, but into a SUPERKICK! Roxie gets up, but gets a SUPERKICK for it! Raquel tries, Vaquer SUPERKICKS! Vaquer ducks as Liv DIVES, and down goes Raquel! Vaquer aims, goes up, and SUPER CROSSBODIES! But Liv lets Raquel & Roxie take the hit! The fans fire up but Liv THROWS Vaquer into the steps! Liv puts Vaquer in, CODE BREAKER! Then OBLIVION!! Cover, LIV WINS!

Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s World Champion)

Dominik Mysterio shows up to celebrate with his mamacita! The fans are torn, but will Liv and Judgment Day get back on top of Monday Night Raw?

John Cena is back!

“Night one WrestleMania, what an amazing evening it’s been so far!” The fans cheer that, and Cena says, “As your host, I have the luxury of announcing tonight’s attendance. There has been a lot of speculation on what it might be. Vegas is the perfect city, and I would’ve bet the over. I look around and there are people everywhere. I am proud to announce tonight’s official attendance: 50,816 people! Las Vegas and those around the world, thank you so much!” Pyro goes off to commemorate the number, but wait, make it 50,817! BIANCA BELAIR is back! The fans cheer The EST and her robe of blue roses as she struts to the ring!

Bianca gets the mic to remind us we can’t spell WrestleMania without E S T! Now, she knows it’s been a long time since she’s been out here, but from the bottom of her heart, thank you for all the love and support. She missed us, too. Now, you know you can’t have Mania without some surprises, right? So John Cena, Bianca has one more to add to attendance. She’s PREGNANT! The fans cheer that Bianca is gonna be the StrongEST, the FastEST, the ToughEST mom of all time! Cena says thank you, Bianca, for allowing the WWE family to share this moment with hers. So then, the youngEST WWE Superstar in history makes it 50,818!

And you can feel the energy here in Las Vegas! All the noise, all the focus on the ring right here, because next up is your MAAAAAAAAIN EVENT! The fans cheer that! Congratulations to Bianca Belair & Montez Ford, we can’t wait to see the StrongEST, the FastEST, the ToughEST, and the CuteEST baby ever!

Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes VS Randy Orton w/ Pat McAfee!

The American Nightmare didn’t realize what he was doing telling The Viper he could be “the best” version of himself for this match. The Apex Predator unleashed that 2009 Randy Orton, and maybe even a little more, and apparently all with Pat coaching him up. But will this form of Randy Orton earn that 15th world championship? Or will Cody make sure Randy (and Pat) can’t “save” the WWE?

Pat McAfee makes his entrance first so he can flip off fans and tell them off, just as they do to him. Then Orton makes his entrance, with fans still singing along to Voices. Pat even joins Orton in doing the iconic pose from the corners. The tron then changes things up from the Mad Max wasteland to a Marvel’s Ironman style vault, or perhaps even Batman’s Bat Cave. The many phases of Cody’s career, from being just a rookie in green, to being the “Dashing” Cody Rhodes, to even Stardust, and now, the American Nightmare. And from below rises IRON CODY! “Wrestling has more than one royal family.”

The fans cheer and sing along with Kingdom as Cody unzips the golden jacket to show off the title, “WHOA~ OH~!” The ramp is so long, we get the second “WHOA~ OH~” and pyro before Cody’s even truly ringside. Cody still high-fives the young fans up front, and of course holds up his daughter, before going to the ring. The introductions are made, with Pat interrupting. “Listen up, you disgusting pigs! Make some noise for the man who stands at 6’5″, 275 pounds! A depiction of perfection in professional wrestling! When he walks outta here tonight, he’s gonna show each and every one of you fat ass bums what greatness looks like as he becomes a FIFTEEN TIME WORLD CHAMPION~!”

The fans are torn as Pat says this is the man who saves the business tonight, RRRRANDY… ORRRRTOOON~! The fans do still cheer, then Alicia Taylor gives Cody his intro. The belt is raised, and if wrestling has more than one royal family, then we’re about to see who reigns supreme!

But Pat SUCKER PUNCHES Cody! The fans boo and the ref reprimands as Orton stomps away on Cody! This isn’t a match yet, either! Orton stands Cody up, but Cody BOOTS Pat away! Then he POSTS Orton! Cody catches Pat for a CROSS RHODES! The fans cheer that, too! Cody kicks Pat out of the ring, goes out after him, and he clears off the desk! They just put everything back in place! Cody puts Pat on the desk, HAMMERS away, and JELLY ROLL is here! Even Jelly approves of this! Jelly goes up onto the desk, and he gives Pat a MACHO ELBOW down through the table!! The fans go nuts as Jelly tells Cody to go do this 1v1!

Cody returns to the ring, but where is Orton? Orton realizes what just happened to Pat, and producers hurry out here, leading the way for the stretcher. The fans cheer and sing, “Hey hey hey, goodbye~!” Pat is put on the stretcher and is wheeled up the ram. Pat gives a thumbs up, then a middle finger. Orton sighs and shakes his head, then storms his way into the ring. The bell finally rings and the fans cheer. Cody and Orton stare down while the fans duel. They run up, tie up, and go around. They go along the ropes, around in corners, and back to center. They break, circle again, and tie up again. Orton headlocks but Cody endures the grind.

Cody powers up, out, but Orton RUNS him over! The fans are torn but Orton waits on Cody. Cody stands, he and Orton reset, and they tie up again. Cody wrenches to a wristlock, but Orton fights the top wristlock. Cody brings Orton down to a knee, but Orton fights up. Cody wrenches, hammerlocks, headlocks, but Orton powers up and out. Orton drops down, then he RUNS Cody over again! Orton stands Cody up to UPPERCUT, then has him on the ropes. Orton wrenches, wristlocks, and he bumps Cody off buckles. Orton UPPERCUTS Cody, Cody sputters and goes to another corner, but Orton whips corner to corner.

Cody goes up and over, but Orton is ready! Cody ducks the lariat, kicks and RHODES UPPERCUTS! Orton comes back, Cody dodges, and Cody SNAP POWERSLAMS! The fans are torn as Cody uses the move taught to him by Orton. Orton slowly rises, Cody springboards, but Orton catches him to the BACK2BACKBREAKER! Orton hobbles from that move, was that double-edged given his past back injury? Orton pokes Cody in the eyes to slow him down, then snapmares for a chinlock. The fans rally as Cody endures, fights up, and powers up to hit a BIG back suplex! Orton writhes and bails out, very angry right about now.

Orton walks off the pain but Cody storms after him. But Orton kicks low! Orton puts Cody in the ring, does his best to walk off the back pain, but Cody KICKS Orton in the ropes! Cody brings Orton around, RAMS him into the corner, and he drop toeholds for a step over and HALF CRAB! Orton endures, even as Cody sits deep on the hold! The fans rally and duel as Orton fights around. Cody lets go to AX HANDLE Orton’s back! Cody drags Orton up, shoves him, and ROCKS him in the back! Orton drops to his knees but Cody KNEES him in the back! Orton goes to the corner, Cody fires hands, then he wrenches and whips hard!

Orton slumps down in the corner, then bails out again. Cody pursues again, ROCKS Orton in the back, and he puts Orton in the ring. Cody pushes Orton to a cover, ONE! Orton is tougher than that, but Cody clamps on a rear bearhug. Orton endures, fires elbows, but Cody KNEES him in the back! Cody goes back to the rear bearhug, but the fans rally and duel as Orton fights up. Orton throws elbows, but Cody whips him again. Orton reverses, Cody goes up and over to roll Orton up, TWO! Cody kicks low, shoves Orton into ropes again, and ROCKS Orton with another shot to the back! Orton drops to his knees again but Cody brings him around.

Cody snap suplexes, covers, TWO! Orton toughs it out but Cody goes out to the apron. Cody climbs a corner while the fans cheer. Orton stands, to trip Cody up! Cody lands on his Stardust, but Orton takes a moment before climbing up. Orton throws hands, Cody fires back, and the fans rally as the shots go back and forth. Orton ROCKS Cody, goes up top, and he brings Cody up to the very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX! The fans fire up while both men are down! Orton grits his teeth, that was certainly a double-edged choice there. Orton manages to rise up, and he LARIATS, LARIATS, dodges, then SNAP POWERSLAMS!

The fans fire up as Orton seems to be feeling a bit better, and he puts Cody through the ropes. DRAPING DDT! Well again, double-edged, but Orton just fights through the pain. Orton hears the voices as he pounds the mat, and he waits on Cody! R K- NO, Cody shoves free, then dodges Orton to send him outside! Cody builds speed to DIVE into a forearm! The fans fire up as Cody flops down. Orton drags Cody from apron to the Spanish desk, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Orton shoves Cody down, surveys the wreckage at ringside, and he finds a water bottle. Orton hydrates real quick before stalking Cody. Orton brings Cody around to look at the belt before going to the ring.

But Cody POSTS Orton! The fans are torn, but Cody hobbles around. Cody apologizes to the Orton family at ringside before going to the ring. Orton is busted open! Cody fires off hands on the bloody forehead, then DECKS Orton! Orton staggers, sputters, flops in a corner, and Cody stomps a mudhole! The fans boo but Cody drags Orton from the corner. Orton grabs for ropes but Cody stomps him down. Cody stomps Orton’s foot, very much what Orton would do! Cody stomps the other foot, ROCKS Orton again, and Orton reaches out. Cody says no mercy! BEAUTIFUL DISASTER KICK! Orton falls, Cody covers, TWO!

The fans rally up as Orton survives, but Cody paints himself with Orton’s blood! The fans tell Cody he’s sick but Cody ROCKS Orton again! Orton sits up, the crimson mask growing, but Cody drags Orton up. Cody TOSSES Orton through ropes, and he wants to copy Orton, but Orton is a ragdoll! Cody lets Orton slump down, but then says he’s hearing those same voices! Cody drags Orton through the ropes after all, for a DRAPING DDT! The fans are torn as both men are down! Cody then copies Orton by pounding the mat! Orton rises while the fans are dueling again, but Orton avoids the RKO! Orton snatches Cody for a CROSS RHODES!! Cover, TWO!!

The fans are stunned and Orton is furious that Cody survives his own move! Orton hears the voices, he aims, R K- NO, Cody backslides it, TWO! Cody steals the RKO!! Cover, TWO!! The fans are stunned again as Orton survives his own move! “This is Awesome!” as Cody rises up. Orton bails out of the ring, but Cody sees him crawling. Cody goes out after Orton, brings him around, and SMACKS him off Spanish commentary, the last table standing! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Orton sputters, flounders, and writhes, but Cody brings Orton around again. Cody puts Orton in the ring, calls his shot, but the fans are torn.

Cody waits on Orton, but RKO OUTTA NOWHERE!! Cover, TWO?!? Cody survives and no one can believe it! Orton hobbles to a corner, Cody crawls to ropes, but Orton goes after Cody again. Orton ROCKS Cody, Cody ROCKS Orton, but Orton rebounds to kick low! Cody ROCKS Orton again, but Orton ROCKS Cody again! Cody fires a flurry, ROCKS Orton again, but Orton ROCKS Cody! The fans are starting to favor Orton, but Cody uses an eye poke! Orton RKOS the ref!! Orton and Cody are both stunned! All Orton saw was blonde hair and he struck! But speaking of, Cody senses Orton sneaking up, and he blocks the low blow! Cody LOW BLOWS Orton!!

The fans are going nuts as Cody, busted open in his own right, is doing what he has to! Cody goes up, up, and SUPER CODY- RKO!!! Orton strikes again, but now the ref can’t count! But wait, is that PAT?! In a neck brace and a ref shirt?!? Pat slides into the ring and counts, TWO?!?!? Cody survives and no one knows what to make of this! Well, the fans do know, “Ref, You Suck!” Pat isn’t sure what to do but Orton stands up. Pat says beat that ass, but Orton RKOS Pat!! The fans cheer that, but then Cody snatches Orton! CROSS RHODES!!! Cover, CODY WINS!!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Champion)

The moment Orton lost focus, he lost the title! In Pat’s defense, he was trying to help. But Orton grabs the belt to CLOBBER Cody with it!! The Viper may not have his 15th reign, but he looks at the belt in his hands, then looks down at Cody. Orton tosses the belt aside, just as he has the friendship with Cody! ORTON PUNT!!!! Vegas is erupting as Orton really has gone back to 2009!! Orton holds up the belt again, standing over Cody, a sinister smile on his bloodied face. Night one didn’t end how Orton wanted, but will he make sure this story with Cody meets a violent end?

My Thoughts:

A very good first night for WrestleMania 42, a lot of fun, and a lot better than the build was giving us. Though, given they televised the first hour and have only further commercialized Mania, there were also a lot of ads. And anyone on ESPN Unlimited, chances are you dealt with weird streaming problems where ad breaks made the thing skip back almost entire segments. As far as I could tell from the live crowd, they all enjoyed a large part of the show, except for how we ended on Orton standing tall but not champion. I’m a little surprised by that, given Pat being such a big part of the story. Jelly obliterating Pat and the desk was great, though.

But perhaps there’s more to this given Cody was using Heel tactics to counter Heel Orton, and how Orton turned on Pat already. Will “the powers that be” behind Pat now want to punish Orton? Is Cody going to actually turn Heel?  Cody at least proved to Stephanie McMahon that Cody could do what he has to in order to beat “this Randy Orton.” Orton also ended up with kayfabe back problems outta nowhere, and I can’t be sure if that was supposed to protect Orton in the loss or what. Orton and Cody getting bloody was a nice touch, though. Even if you don’t factor in Pat, a lot of the problem is WWE didn’t factor in how fans would react to Orton doing these “2009 Orton” things to Cody, because the fans loved it from the moment Orton turned on Cody at the contract signing.

The televised hour was really good to get the ball rolling. Not sure The Vision needed a 9-way split screen… I figured Knight & Usos would win the Six Man Tag, but that wasn’t how I expected it. I did appreciate them turning the “misunderstanding causing dysfunction” around on Theory & Logan. Kudos to Speed hitting the SUPER frog splash, Speed might have himself a future in WWE. Fatu VS Drew was a very good Unsanctioned match, but obviously they weren’t going to go as far as anything AEW would do/has done. Maybe they should’ve bled here, too? Either way, great win for Fatu, but I’m not sure what’s next. Will Drew demand a rematch? Or will we finally learn who knocked Fatu’s teeth out last year?

Very good match from Rollins VS Gunther, on its way to great, though ironically that was partially because of the brawling they did before the match. Bron Breakker showing up was only a little surprising, as it was bound to happen, I’m just not sure it needed to happen to affect Rollins VS Gunther. It does protect Rollins in losing to Gunther, but did he need it? Gunther’s Gunther, Rollins can lose to him fair and square, and then Bron spears Rollins inside-out outta nowhere. Rollins VS Bron is now set, and I’m pretty sure Gunther cashes in that favor with Heyman to get his fight with Lesnar.

Very wonderful news from Bianca Belair, it turns out her hand wasn’t why she wasn’t back in the ring yet. John Cena did a good job “hosting” the show, but I don’t think WWE knows what that means anymore. Cena should’ve gotten to join commentary for the main event at least, not just give us the attendance numbers. And even then, just under 51K is not what I expected, but considering they had 60K last year… Well, WWE never acknowledges failings, so guess they’ll just move on like it’s all good.

Honestly, I think the overall best stuff was in the Women’s Division tonight. Well, I’m still not going to be a fan of Heels needing help to win when they can just cheat on their own, but of course Roxie & Raquel helped Liv out, and that gave Judgment Day their WrestleMania moment together. I feel like Vaquer will/should demand her rematch and we get that for Backlash, but in a match that actually stops Judgment Day from interfering. Great Intercontinental Championship match, though it ended up more about Becky’s beef with Jessica Karr than with AJ Lee. But speaking of Heels cheating on their own, Becky does just that, and boom, she’s champ again. I think that makes her and AJ tied in 1v1, so there’s gotta be a tiebreaker at some point.

And how great to see the Women’s Tag title match bring back Paige. A shame for Nikki and her foot but she at least got to be part of the win. Great ring gear for everyone, too, such as Bliss being a moth to pay tribute to Bray and The Irresistible Forces being Demolition. Can’t wait to see what’s next for Paige & The Bella Twins, but I feel like Paige won’t be on the same page as The Bellas for long if Nikki recovers completely and wants to be champion with Brie. But Paige back in the WWE is great in itself, can’t wait to see where she goes from here.

My Score: 8.8/10