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LECLAIR’S WWE WRESTLEMANIA 41 NIGHT 1 REPORT
APRIL 19, 2025
LAS VEGAS, NV AT ALLEGIANT STADIUM
AIRED LIVE ON PEACOCK (U.S.), NETFLIX (Int.)
Announcers: Michael Cole & Pat McAfee & Wade Barrett
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-Jelly Roll performed “God Bless America.”
-A drone captured footage from just outside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Michael Cole introduced the city, and the show over wrestler arrivals, including Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, CM Punk (with Paul Heyman), Charlotte Flair, and Tiffany Stratton.
Michael Cole talked over a balcony shot of the interior of the stadium. Gunther and Jey Uso were then shown warming up backstage. Cole said they’d kick off Wrestlemania Saturday as the broadcast faded into the opening video package.
-Alicia Taylor introduced Paul “Triple H” Levesque, already standing center-ring. His “King of Kings” theme played and the crowd sang along. He welcomed the crowd to the show.
-Jey Uso’s music first. Flag-wavers rushed down the ramp with massive “YEET” banners. The Las Vegas Raiders’ cheerleaders were shown positioned in the lower bowl of the stadium. Jey made his usual entrance through the crowd, slapping hands with fans. Pat McAfee climbed onto the announce desk to “yeet” with the crowd. Uso slapped hands with the announcers then headed to the ring.
Cole used the camera time to introduce his broadcast partners, Pat McAfee and Wade Barrett. He tossed the Spanish announce crew for brief introductions.
“Let’s get down to business, Jey Uso is 0-6 in World Title matches in his career,” Cole said as Jey’s music faded out. The crowd’s excitement for Uso only seemed to grow. Gunther’s music cut them off.The World Heavyweight Champion marched to the ring, all business. Cole said that, since debuting on the main roster, Gunther has only been pinned by two men – Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn. McAfee wondered if Jey could be the third, “this is a man who doesn’t understand losing,” he said of the World Champion.
Alicia Taylor delivered Championship match introductions.
(1) GUNTHER (c) vs. JEY USO – World Heavyweight Championship match
Vegas let out an anticipatory roar as the bell sounded. Jey Uso and Gunther circled each other, in no hurry to engage. Jey twirled his wrist, rubbed his elbows and took a deep breath. He stepped to center and initiated a lock-up with Gunther. The World Champion easily overpowered his challenger, working him into the southwest corner. He gave Jey a quick chop. Uso shrugged it off and delivered one of his own. Gunther rolled to the outside to regroup.
Another lock up in the center. Gunther took Jey over and applied a grounded headlock. Uso worked back to his feet and got shot off the ropes. He dropped the champion with a shoulder tackle. Gunther popped up. Jey gave the champion a step-up Enziguri. Gunther rolled to the outside again. Jey continued to rub his wrists and elbows. A “yeet” chant grew within Allegiant Stadium. Cole said Gunther has to ensure the crowd can’t fully engage. Gunther whipped Jey into the Northwest corner. Jey came flying out with a cross body, but Gunther caught him and dropped him. He quickly covered for a two count.
Gunther draped Jey against the east ropes and chopped him hard. Jey shrugged it off and managed to give Gunther a classic body slam. Gunther stumbled into the corner. Jey followed and gave him a step-up kick. He tried to take a seat on the turnbuckle, but Gunther chopped him clear out of the ring to the floor. Jey used the corner of the ring to steady himself and roll back into the ring as the match crossed 5:00. “This is back to the drawing board for Jey Uso,” Barrett said. Gunther chopped his challenger across the ring. Jey tried to cover up his chest, but the Ring General just ripped his hands away. While Jey struggled in the ropes, Gunther threw an arm up, eliciting boos from the crowd. Gunther tried whipping Jey to the opposing corner again, but Uso exploded back and caught the champion with a Spear. He hooked the leg for just a two count.
Jey tried to stifle the champion in the northeast corner, but Gunther shoved him away. He still managed to connect with a Samoan Drop. Jey began climbing the northwest corner. Gunther rose to meet him, delivering a huge Superplex. He followed up with his signature missile dropkick, then a stack Powerbomb for a cover and near fall just before 8:00. Gunther settled in, slapping Jey across the face. He began talking trash. He went for another Powerbomb, but Jey turned this one into a Hurricanrana. He hit the ropes and caught the champion with another Spear. Instead of covering, Jey leapt to the top rope and delivered an Uso Splash for a cover and near fall of his own.
The World Champion rolled to the outside, desperate for separation. He grabbed his title belt and held it close to his chest. “You’re not going to ruin this for me, Jey!” The referee hollered at Gunther, trying to get him back in the ring. Meanwhile, Jey got a running start, looking to dive onto Gunther. The Referee leapt out of his way at the last moment, but the temporary distraction allowed Gunther to react. He clocked Jey in the head with the title. Gunther climbed the northeast corner and flattened Jey with a splash for a cover and very close near fall. Undeterred, Gunther immediately locked in a Sleeper. Jey writhed, reaching desperately for the ropes. He managed to reach one just before passing out.
Uso was in trouble. Gunther followed him around the ring, repeatedly dropping him with hard chops. Jey just smiled, occasionally even laughed. Gunther chopped him harder. He maintained wrist control and cockily kicked at his head. Jey fought back with a chop and a headbutt. He transitioned to forearms. Gunther matched him blow-for-blow. Jey slapped Gunther in the face. Gunther gave Uso a huge big boot, sending Jey tumbling toward the ropes. He bounced back with a huge leaping clothesline, knocking the champion down. Jey barely had time to recover before Gunther was on him, looking for another Sleeper. Jey slid underneath and delivered a German Suplex.
“He can’t take too long!” McAfee said of Uso’s brief advantage. Gunther came right back, looking for a Powerbomb. Jey blocked it and delivered one of his own. He followed up with a Superkick. “Suddenly, Jey is showing signs of life!” Cole said. Jey caught him with another Superkick, then a third Spear. He delivered a second Uso Splash from the northeast corner, then immediately climbed the southeast corner. He hit the second one. Still not satisfied, Jey hit a third one to the back of Gunther. “Does Jey have a chance for the upset of the year?” Cole yelled. Jey grabbed a Sleeper. He collapsed onto his back, locking his legs around Gunther’s waist. He tapped quickly.
WINNER: Jey Uso in 16:23 to win the World Heavyweight Championship
“Jey Uso rolled the dice on the strip, and it paid off!” Cole exclaimed. Barrett talked over highlights from the match.
Jey celebrated atop the announce desk as fireworks exploded from the stage. He turned back to the ring and found his brother, Jimmy, waiting for him. Jey returned to the ring and gave Jimmy a big hug. They danced to Jey’s music together, then left the way Jey came, through the crowd.
(LeClair’s Analysis: There was only one way for this one to end. I understand some of the criticism levied against Jey Uso, though I do find much of it to be overblown. With that said, booking anything other than a clean title win for Jey Uso here would’ve felt like a throwback to a bygone era of WWE. This company spent too many years actively booking against the wishes of its audiences for seemingly no reason other than spite, and it’s a darn good thing they didn’t resort to that here. This was a good match, a stark improvement over Jey’s match with his brother at Wrestlemania 40, but unlikely to be memorable outside of providing an incredible atmosphere and great moment for perhaps the most over act in the entire company. Overall, I liked the way they chose to tell this story – Jey was overwhelmed by Gunther’s offense for much of the match, but was determined to stay alive by throwing Gunther off guard. He did that by using a lot of the champion’s own offense against him. A simple formula that worked.)
-Several celebrities were shown at ringside, including Rick Rubin and George Kittle. Cole tossed to a video package for the World Tag Team title match.
New Day entered first to a muted reaction. Wade Barrett noted that their new gear was an homage to Giant Gonzalez at Wrestlemania IX. Xavier Woods left the ring to get in George Kittle’s face. McAfee told Kittle that he should’ve punched Woods. The War Raiders entered wearing video game sponsor gear.
(2) WAR RAIDERS (c, Erik & Ivar) vs. NEW DAY (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) – World Tag Team Championship match
Kofi Kingston charged at Ivar as soon as the bell rang, knocking him from the ring. This allowed Kingston and Xavier Woods to briefly double team Erik in the ring. The champion fought both men off and tagged in his partner. Erik bodyslammed Ivar onto both Kingston and Woods on the outside. Ivar followed up with a running splash against the LED board on the west side of the ring. He returned both members of New Day to the mat, then tagged his partner.
War Raiders traded tags, slamming Woods and covering him for a two count. Xavier recovered, dragging Erik to the bottom rope and setting him up for Kofi to deliver double boots to the back of the neck. Cole mentioned Erik’s history of neck issues. Woods tagged in Kofi, who covered Erik for a quick two count. He dropped the champion with a Famous-er and covered for another two. Cole mentioned that these two teams know each other well, having faced each other twelve times. Woods tagged in again and stomped at the back of Erik’s neck. He covered for a two of his own, then did a little Ric Flair strut. Erik returned to his feet and traded punches with Woods. Xavier tagged out. Kofi tried to leap of Woods’ back for Poetry in Motion, but Erik caught Kofi in the air and slammed him onto Woods.
Erik reached his partner, Ivar for a tag. The big man charged at Kofi and dropped him with a cross body. Woods tried to get involved, but Ivar cartwheeled out of the way and dropped Xavier with a clothesline. Ivar went for an underhook slam on Kofi, but he blocked and kicked Ivar in the face. Woods tagged in just before 5:30. New Day tried to double team him, but Ivar hit a springboard double back elbow to drop both challengers. Ivar began ascending the northeast corner, but Xavier ripped him down. He dropped the Champion with the Honor Roll, then tagged in Kingston.
New Day set up for a double leg drop, but Erik blocked it. Kofi caught Erik with Trouble in Paradise. Ivar dropped Kingston with a spinning heel kick. “How did he get his knee up that high?” McAfee wondered. Ivar climbed the northwest corner and delivered his signature Doomsday Moonsault – just barely completing his rotation. He covered, but Woods came flying in with a top rope elbow to break it up. Erik returned, meeting Woods in the center. They traded punches. Xavier went for Honor Roll, but Erik blocked it and caught Xavier with a hard knee right to the jaw. He tried to toss Woods at Ivar for a Powerslam, but Kofi interrupted.
War Raiders set up for War Machine, but Kingston tripped up Erik on the ropes. New Day dumped Erik to the outside. They hit Ivar with Daylight. Woods covered while Kofi held Ivar’s free leg down, out of view of the official. Xavier scored a three count.
WINNERS: New Day in 9:12 to win the World Tag Team Championships
New Day grabbed the tag team titles from ringside and ran all the way up the ramp, escaping the wrath of their opponents. Kingston and Woods talked trash at the camera. “We told you, just like we said!” Kofi yelled as the broadcast faded to a break.
(LeClair’s Analysis: I don’t have an issue with moving the titles to New Day. In fact, I think it’s the right move. War Raiders haven’t exactly lit the world on fire, and New Day’s act is fresh for the first time in years. I don’t think this heel turn has taken off as well as they would’ve hoped, but I do think being the focal point of the division could help elevate the act. The match was forgettable. I would’ve liked to have seen these two try a little bit more on such a big stage, but with under ten minutes to work, they were already up against the clock trying to tell any story at all. Ultimately, this just didn’t need to be on the card, especially with a TLC match booked for the other tag titles on TV next week.)
-After showing more celebrities at ringside, Cole tossed to a video for Naomi vs. Jade Cargill.
Naomi entered first to a new, generic hard rock theme. Then, the broadcast cut to a video outside Allegiant Stadium, featuring The Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore. He gave a weather report for Vegas, telling folks to take cover as the weather outside turned violent. The video blended back inside the stadium, beckoning the arrival of Jade Cargill. She marched to the ring.
(3) NAOMI vs. JADE CARGILL
Naomi charged at Jade Cargill to begin the match. Cargill dropped her immediately with a Spinebuster. She punched Naomi into the northwest corner, then tossed her across the ring. Naomi stumbled to the opposing corner. Jade wasted no time closing the gap, driving her shoulder into Naomi’s mid-section. The referee broke it up quickly. Naomi used the opportunity to slide to the outside. Cargill followed, tossing Naomi violently against the ringside barrier. Jade rolled back in the ring to break the count. Naomi leapt onto the apron and caught Cargill with a thumb to the eye. She pulled Jade through the ropes and gave her a Facebuster onto the floor.
“This is a top level superstar who is about to smash Jade Cargill,” Wade said of Naomi. She continued to slam Jade off the ring and ring steps. “I do this for fun!’ she told the crowd. Naomi returned her opponent to the ring and slammed her into the mat with her thighs for a cover and two count just before 3:30. The crowd seemed restless. Naomi kneed Jade in the face, then gave her a standing leg drop for a cover and another two count. McAfee noted that Naomi had been able to maintain total control since Cargill’s initial offense. Naomi cut out Jade’s leg at the back of the knee, then hit the ropes. Cargill sprang to life, delivering a tilt-a-whirl Backbreaker. Jade shook out her leg, then challenged Naomi to attack. He dropped her with a couple of quick clotheslines, then a splash in the corner.
After catching Cargill with a boot, Naomi hoisted herself to the middle rope and dove at her opponent. Cargill picked her out of the air, spun her vertically and slammed her. Jade followed up with a bicycle boot. Naomi hooked herself along the bottom rope, ensuring a break when Cargill tried to attack. Naomi went to the middle rope again, looking for another cross body. Jade caught her a second time and transitioned into a Fallaway Slam. Cargill stepped on Naomi en route to the middle rope. She took too long and Naomi recovered to meet her. She executed a wheelbarrow bulldog off the top rope, followed by a big split-legged Moonsault for a leg hook and near fall at 7:40.
Naomi caught Cargill with a Superkick to follow up. She covered for another two count, then immediately transitioned into a Rings of Saturn submission. Cargill struggled initially, but powered to her feet with the hold still locked in. She shook Naomi off. Naomi went for a spin kick, but Jade ducked. She hoisted Naomi into an Electric Chair, then spun her around into a crunching Powerbomb. She immediately followed up with Jaded for a cover and three count.
WINNER: Jade Cargill in 9:22
(LeClair’s Analysis: This was certainly one of Cargill’s best matches to date. Naomi was incredibly motivated and impressive here, busting out some fresh offense and creating tons of movement for Jade. Cargill continues to impress physically, and is finally showing some improvement in the nuts and bolts composition of the match, but there was still some of that usual nervous energy present – you can almost see her working through her spots as they come. I think the ceiling for Jade is decidedly lower than I used to think, but there’s still something there. This, to me, was exactly what it needed to be.)
-After more celebrity greetings, Cole tossed to a video package for the U.S. Championship match.
The drone cam flew over the ring and up the ramp to meet Jacob Fatu as he stepped onto the massive stage. Solo Sikoa sauntered out beside him. Sikoa hyped up his stablemate and returned to the back. Fatu made the long walk down the ramp, soaking in the atmosphere and staring coolly into the camera. LA Knight arrived in the passenger seat of a white Maserati. He posed atop each turnbuckle while the crowd greeted him with a big “yeah!”
(4) LA KNIGHT (c) vs. JACOB FATU – WWE United States Championship match
Jacob Fatu stared blankly across the ring at LA Knight as the bell rang. Fatu threw a quick punch, but Knight ducked it and backed his opponent into the southwest corner. They traded punches until the referee broke them up. Knight whipped Fatu to the opposing corner, charged, and dropped him with a quick neckbreaker. As Fatu tried to stand, Knight went for the B.F.T., but Jacob just shrugged him off. Knight’s eyes grew wide. Fatu just stared at him and snarled. He gave Knight a huge pop-up Samoan Drop, then a flying back elbow.
Cole talked about Fatu’s history in prison and his commitment to bettering his life through combat sport. Fatu gave Knight a headbutt, then a legdrop and covered him for a two count. Barrett said the frenzied energy that LA Knight brought with him has all been subdued by the Samoan Werewolf. Fatu shot Knight off the ropes, but the U.S. Champion fought back with a dropkick to the knee. He sent Jacob careening to the outside, in front of the announce desks. Knight dove through the middle rope, legs first for another kick. Fatu crumbled against the desks, but recovered quickly. Back in the ring, Knight tried to catch his challenger with a dive off the middle rope, but Fatu caught him and gave him a belly-to-belly Suplex.
Fatu tried to follow up with a running Senton splash, but Knight got his knees up. Fatu shook it off and looked for another Pop-up Samoan Drop. Knight countered and delivered a Crucifix Driver. Both men struggled to stand as the match crossed 5:00. Fatu charged, but Knight sidestepped the overzealous challenger and downed him in the corner. He stomped a mud-hole, then hit a running knee. Knight followed up with a leaping clothesline and a leaping elbow off the middle rope for a cover and near fall. Fatu fought to his feet and kicked Knight in the gut. He tried to ascend the southwest corner, but the champion cut him off. Knight tried to hook Jacob on the top rope. He was thwarted initially, but was able to catch him with a release German Suplex off the top on the second attempt.
Knight looked for the B.F.T. again, but Fatu threw him away. He kicked Knight into the corner and delivered three consecutive running hip checks in the corner. He followed up with a Swanton Bomb and cover for a near fall at 8:15. A small “Fatu” broke out. Barrett said Fatu should’ve had Knight, but, “the megastar grows into the brightest of spotlights.” Fatu controlled the pace with short headbutts. He leapt to the top rope, looking for a Moonsault. Knight popped up at the last moment and caught him with a B.F.T. out of nowhere. Knight hooked the leg, but Fatu grabbed the bottom rope at the last moment.
The champion began climbing the northwest turnbuckles, trying to capitalize. Fatu rose to meet him. He kicked Knight in the ribs, then threw his body haphazardly in a Senton-like move, further impacting Knight’s ribs. He threw Knight to the mat, then hit two consecutive Moonsaults off the top rope for a cover and three count.
WINNER: Jacob Fatu in 10:38 to win the WWE United States Championship
(LeClair’s Analysis: Really good match. Fatu is undeniable. He possesses so much charisma and so many star-like qualities, and it stood out tonight on the biggest stage. Knight brought his A-game. These two definitely benefited from working together so frequently in recent months – there was an obvious chemistry and confidence in their demeanor. I would’ve loved to see this one get an extra few minutes, but they made the absolute most of what they had. Fatu’s reign as U.S. Champion has a chance to be a lot of fun.)
-After reiterating that Ray Fenix has replaced Rey Mysterio in his upcoming match with El Grande Americano, Cole tossed to a video package.
A full Mariachi band, all dawning Americano masks, played El Grande Americano onto the stage. The broadcast was heavily vignetted with old-timey film reel effects, drenched in sepia. American posed in the ring to minimal reaction. McAfee and Barrett admonished Cole for continuously referring to American as Chad Gable. Ray Fenix entered to a solid reaction. He slapped hands with fans on his way down the ramp. Barrett recounted Fenix and Americano’s interactions in last night’s Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
Vikingo was shown watching from the front row. Cole talked up WWE’s acquisition of AAA. Americano got in his face, talking some trash. Vikingo kicked him in the face. El Grande Americano stumbled into the ring.
(5) EL GRANDE AMERICANO vs. RAY FENIX
The referee rang the bell while El Grande Americano shook off the cobwebs from Vikingo’s kick. Rey Fenix immediately took him down with a Hurricanrana, followed by some mounted punches. American slipped free and fought to his feet. The two then engaged in a quick test of strength. They backed each other into the southwest corner. Both men leapt to the top rope, hands locked. Fenix connected with an arm drag off the ropes. Americano rolled to the floor. Fenix immediately shot to the top turnbuckle and dove onto El Grande.
After tossing Americano back into the ring, Fenix tried a springboard leap, but El Grande caught him and gave him a release German Suplex. “Very Chad Gable like,” Cole said. Americano tossed Fenix to the apron and then taunted the crowd. Fenix caught him with a shoulder to the gut. He dove back in the ring, but El Grande caught him and delivered an overhead throw. He worked Fenix back to the corner as the match crossed 3:00. Fenix shoved him away, then leapt to the top rope to catch Americano with a leaping arm drag. He followed up with a quick double kick. Americano recovered, tossing Fenix toward the ropes, Fenix flipped through them and came back with a delayed spin kick. He charged Americano, but El Grande shot him into the air and tossed him clear across the ring.
A taunting “Gable” chant broke out in Allegiant Stadium. Americano ascended the northwest corner and delivered a backwards 450 off the top for a cover and near fall just before 5:00. Barrett and McAfee counted the rotations on the slow-motion replay. Grande pawed at Fenix’ mask. Ray fought him off and hit a Black Fire Driver for a near fall. Fenix tried to walk the top rope, but Americano threw his body at the ropes to trip him up. Fenix landed violently. Americano retrieved the metal plate from his tights and placed it under his mask while the referee checked on Ray. Fenix kicked Americano, then leapt to the top. He ran the ropes successfully this time, kicking Grande square in the forehead.
Fenix immediately grabbed at his foot, having kicked the metal plate under the mask. Grande grabbed the Ankle Lock. Fenix struggled toward the ropes. He couldn’t reach them, but managed to turn it into a package for a two count. Americano popped to his feet. Fenix leapt to the top rope and dove, but Americano caught him with a headbutt. He immediately climbed the ropes and delivered a top rope headbutt with the metal plate mask for a cover and three count.
WINNER: El Grande Americano in 7:54
(LeClair’s Analysis: What we got here was really good, but, at under 8 minutes, there just wasn’t enough for this to feel really consequential. It seems evident that WWE is high on the El Grande Americano character, so it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that they’re continuing to play this out, necessitating a win for Gable here. It certainly wouldn’t be my choice. To me, Wrestlemania felt like a good culmination point, be it with Mysterio, or in the form of a big moment for a much-hyped, newly debuted act like Ray Fenix. My preference would’ve been a continuation of the feud with Gable wrestling as himself, and it did feel like there was some level of aversion to the finish from the crowd, too.)
-Cole announced a World’s Collide event for June 7th at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, featuring NXT and the newly acquired AAA.
-Shawn Michaels was introduced to announce the attendance for Wrestlemania Saturday: 61,467. He led the crowd in a “suck it” call and DX’s music played.
-Cole tossed to a video package for the WWE Women’s Championship match
Tiffany Stratton entered first to a strong ovation. She was brought to stage in a “custom Barbie play box”, flanked by two video screen boxes showing Stratton striking various poses in other outfits. Charlotte Flair arrived in style, emerging out of the back of a Rolls Royce. She was met with a chorus of boos. Alicia Taylor delivered Championship introductions. The boos for Flair grew stronger. Cole said that Stratton had her first wrestling match less than four years ago, and now she’s poised to face perhaps the greatest women’s wrestler of all time on the world’s biggest stage.
(6) TIFFANY STRATTON (c) vs. CHARLOTTE FLAIR – WWE Women’s Championship match
Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair wasted no time, immediately coming to blows. Flair initially overwhelmed the champion, but Stratton turned it around on her and the two rolled toward the ropes, trading punches. On the outside, Stratton connected with a hard chop. Flair shrugged it off and tackled the champion, working her back around and then into the ring. She caught Tiffany with some chops in the corner, then tossed her to the opposite side of the ring. Tiffany fought free and hung Flair up in a tree of woe. She used the ropes for leverage, then drove her boot into Flair’s chin. Stratton covered for a quick, early two count.
“This is a big match for Tiffany to prove she belongs,” Cole surmised, talking about her initial title victory coming by way of Money in the Bank cash-in. Flair and Stratton fought to the floor again. Flair directed traffic, asking cameramen to move so she could toss the champion into the ringside barrier. After returning her to the ring, Flair slammed Stratton’s face into the mat repeatedly, then looked at the crowd arrogantly. They pelted her with boos as the match crossed 3:30. Barrett talked about Flair’s early aggression. Charlotte laid Tiffany out against the bottom rope and choked her with her boot. She trapped Stratton’s head between her legs and slammed her against the mat, a la Stephanie Vaquer. “I’m her!” Flair said, slapping her chest. McAfee said no one can argue that.
The champion tried to fight back, but Charlotte tripped her up and applied a Boston Crab. Stratton slid her upper body between Flair’s legs and rolled her up for a one count, successfully breaking the hold. As both women stood, Stratton caught Flair with an elbow into the corner. She executed her signature handspring back elbow. Stratton tossed Flair to the opposite corner and hit the move again. Off the ropes, Tiffany connected with a pop-up Spinebuster for a stack cover and two count just before 6:00.
Rolling to the apron, Flair caught her breath. Stratton approached, dragging Charlotte to her feet and leading her to the turnbuckles. She pulled Flair back in the ring and dropped her. Stratton went for the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, but Flair easily avoided it. Stratton landed on her feet. Flair tossed her to the apron. Tiffany leapt over the ropes, put knees to Flair’s back, and rolled over her and back to her feet. Charlotte spun around and caught Tiffany with a big boot for a cover and two count.
“Show me what you’ve got!” Flair told the champion as she chopped her repeatedly to the mat. That woke Tiffany up. She peppered Flair with a flurry of quick shots and charged. Flair cut her off with another boot. She went for Natural Selection, but Stratton blocked it. Flair rolled her up and into a sit-out Powerbomb instead for a cover and two count just before 10:00. The camera zoomed on Flair’s face as she exhaled with frustration. She charged at her opponent, looking to take out Stratton’s knee. Tiffany telegraphed it and moved, but Flair still dumped her onto the mat. Flair began climbing the northeast corner. Stratton recovered enough to meet her. Flair kept elbowing her away, but Tiffany just wouldn’t stay down. Flair finally flipped over her. Flair went for a backdrop, but Stratton returned the favor with a roll over. She caught Charlotte with another Spinebuster for a cover and two count.
Flair fought Stratton off and climbed the turnbuckles. She leapt at Tiffany, but the champion side-stepped her. Flair tossed Stratton to the floor and began setting up for her signature Moonsault to the outside. Tiffany saw it coming and ripped Flair off the top. Charlotte immediately grabbed at her knee. Tiffany went to work, attacking the leg. Flair managed to cut her off by tripping her into the ring post. With Stratton down, Flair aimed to take a leg from Tiffany, too. She wrapped it around the ring post, then applied the Figure Four. Flair tried to bridge for the Figure Eight, but Stratton wisely began pounding at Charlotte’s injured knee. Flair had to let go. She tried to apply the hold again, but Stratton kicked her away.
Tiffany kicked Flair’s leg out, taking her down. She rushed to the corner and set up for the Prettiest Moonsault Ever. Flair got her knees up. Charlotte rolled Tiffany into a small package for a near fall. Both women struggled to stand, each favoring a leg. Flair climbed the northeast corner. Stratton followed. Flair knocked her off with a release front Suplex. Flair connected with Natural Selection off the top for a cover and near fall at 17:30. Barrett was shocked.
“You’re never going to replace me,” Charlotte told the champion with a handful of her hair. She tried to lift Stratton for a slam, but her knee gave out. She charged for a spear instead. Stratton moved. Flair hit the ring post. Tiffany gave her a Spinebuster into the corner, but Flair landed on her feet awkwardly and fell into the buckles. Tiffany hit a rolling Senton, then leapt to the top. She finally connected with the Prettiest Moonsault Ever for a cover and three count.
WINNER: Tiffany Stratton in 19:10 to retain the WWE Women’s Championship
Stratton stood tall with a shiner on her forehead and a chipped front tooth. Flair gave her a look of respect from the outside. Cole said that Stratton may have just set herself up to have a “Charlotte Flair-like career in WWE.”
(LeClair’s Analysis: These two were ambitious. I thought this was clunky at times, with Stratton’s inexperience obviously coming into play. There were a number of spots that wound up looking a little too choreographed, and it felt like Flair may have been purposefully working a little stiff. This won’t be remembered quite the way some previous women’s title matches at Wrestlemania have been, but this felt like a star-making performance for Stratton, and a good use of Flair at this stage of her career. I was worried she’d take the title here and wondered what that decision would mean for Stratton after taking quite a verbal beating throughout their heated feud. I think this was the right result, and a solid effort.)
-They aired a video package recapping last night’s Hall of Fame ceremony. The class of 2025 was shown on stage, parted down the headliner, Triple H, to enter last.
After some ads, Cole tossed to an extended video package for the main event.
Seth Rollins’ theme rang out first. He exploded onto the stage, washed in the glow of fire from the flamethrower he yielded. He stopped atop the ramp, and the stadium lights cut out. His music cut, too. The crowd sang to him, loud and proud. The song kicked back in and the lights returned, a single, overwhelming spotlight cast over Rollins’ pearly white gear and jacket. The crowd continued to sing as he headed to the ring.
Roman Reigns was second to enter. He sauntered onto the stage, Ula Fala draped around his neck. The large, moving screens placed above the ramp flashed images of the Anoa’i family. They lowered as he passed, creating a domino effect all the way down the ramp. Cole said that Reigns will main event his tenth Wrestlemania, and is in rare company with his number of wins at the event. The announcers talked about this being the first time in many years he enters an event truly alone.
The broadcast cut to a video package for CM Punk, including early career promos and his original ECW/WWE theme, “This Fire Burns.” A huge “CM Punk” chant broke out as the video concluded. Living Colour broke it up with a guitar solo, giving way to the opening riff of “Cult of Personality.” CM Punk walked in from stage left, flanked by Paul Heyman. He posed in front of the drum kit, then threw his arm around each band member. Punk stepped in front of the band and took a knee. Just as he went to look at his phantom watch, Heyman stepped in, offering his own. He gave Punk a kiss on the forehead. “It’s clobberin’ time!’ Punk screamed out. The crowd joined him. Punk marched to the ring with purpose, Heyman bobbing his head in tow.
As the band concluded, the crowd filled in the silence with a massive roar and “CM Punk” chant. Cole said it’s Punk’s first Wrestlemania match in twelve years. The camera honed in on Roman Reigns as he removed his Ula Fala. He looked menacingly at Heyman, then stored the necklace safely in the corner of the ring instead of handing it to the Wise man.
(7) SETH ROLLINS vs. ROMAN REIGNS vs. CM PUNK (w/ Paul Heyman) – Triple Threat match
The crowd popped big as referee Rod Zapata rang the bell. CM Punk gave both opponents a wry smile and rolled to the outside. He rounded the ring and threw an arm around Paul Heyman. “I need some wisdom,” he said with a smile. In the ring, Seth Rollins propositioned a temporary alliance with Roman Reigns to eliminate Punk. Reigns answered with a stiff right hand to the jaw. Punk immediately returned to the ring and took it to Rollins in the corner, giving him a pair of hard chops. Reigns let it happen. Punk turned his attention toward the Tribal Chief, catching him with a low kick to the hamstring. Rollins charged Reigns and ate a clothesline. Roman clotheslined Punk to the floor.
Sliding to the outside, Reigns got a running start and dropped Rollins with a Drive-By. He retrieved the ailing Punk from beneath the announce desk and slammed him against the edge of the ring repeatedly. He tried to toss him into the ring post, but Punk turned it around on him. Reigns stumbled around ringside. Rollins dove through the middle rope onto him. Reigns collided with the barrier hard. Rollins threw him haphazardly into the steel steps, knocking them over. Rollins looked up and found CM Punk staring him down from across the floor. They charged and begin throwing fists. Punk backed Seth against the ringside barrier and clotheslined him into the crowd. He climbed the barricade and gave him a double axe handle. Punk retrieved a fan’s commemorative steel chair and tossed it at Rollins, sending him deeper into the crowd.
At the back of the floor, Rollins took Punk out at the knee with a trash can. Punk struggled back to his feet and gave Rollins a Suplex right onto the can, collapsing it. They walked and brawled at the back of the floor. Punk tossed a stadium trash can at Seth. They struggled all the way back to the barricade, where Reigns was laying in wait. He dove clear over the barricade, taking out both opponents. Reigns tossed Punk onto the ringside beverage cart as the match crossed 7:00. The crowd began asking for tables. Reigns pointed to the Spanish desk. He cleared it off, then bounced Rollins off the steel steps. Roman moved Punk toward the ring, then beat Seth with the giant Prime bottle. He gave Punk a headbutt. Punk kicked Reigns in the shin and tossed him back in the ring. Punk mocked Reigns’ “oh-ah” corner taunt. He charged Reigns, but got caught with a Samoan Drop.
Seth tried leaping into the ring, but Reigns dropped him with an uppercut. Roman threw a “1” to the sky, cocked his fist, and turned toward Punk. Reigns went for the Superman Punch, but Punk turned it into a swinging neckbreaker. Seth leapt over the top into the waiting arms of Punk, who was looking for a GTS. Seth slipped to safety. Punk charged and caught Roman with a running knee in the corner. He did the same to Seth, then again to Roman. He dragged both opponents to center, delivering a neckbreaker to Reigns and a DDT to Rollins. Punk climbed the northeast turnbuckles as the match approached 11:00. He stood tall on the top and gave Rollins the Macho Man elbow. Punk delivered a body slam to Reigns, then ascended the same corner. Rollins leapt up to meet him. They struggled on the top rope. Roman positioned himself under Seth, pulling him away in an Electric Chair. Punk came off the top with a Doomsday Device on Seth. Reigns immediately dropped Punk with a Superman Punch for a cover and near fall.
The camera pulled back as Cole reset the scene and Reigns sized up his pray. He charged at Punk for a Spear, but ran into a kick to the face. Punk went for the GTS. Reigns elbowed free. He and Punk began trading right hands. Punk hit a spinning back-hand combo, then a Uranagi. He immediately grabbed the Anaconda Vice right in the center. Reigns tried desperately to separate Punk’s hands. He clawed at Punk’s nose, trying to force him away. Suddenly, Rollins came flying in with a Frog Splash off the top. He covered Reigns for a two count. The crowd began to sing. Seth was the only man standing. He landed boots to both Punk and Reigns. He gave Punk a Buckle Bomb into the northeast corner, then one to Reigns into the adjacent one. Seth looked around as the crowd continued to sing. He hooked Punk for a Pedigree, but Punk slipped free and hoisted Seth up for the GTS. Reigns flew in with a Spear on Punk. Rollins tried to hook Reigns for a Pedigree, but Roman flipped him over.
Reigns hit the ropes, charging for a Spear. Seth leaped into the air and caught Roman with a Pedigree in the air. He followed up with the Stomp. Seth kicked Punk to the floor and covered Reigns for a close near fall just before 17:00. Rollins dragged Roman into place, then hesitated as he approached the southwest corner. He climbed, looking for the Phoenix Splash. Reigns moved. Rollins landed on his feet. Punk was waiting. He lifted Seth for the GTS. Rollins slid down his back. Reigns charged for a Spear, but Punk moved. Reigns speared Rollins right out of the ring. Punk immediately pulled Reigns up and into the GTS for a cover and near fall.
Punk called for another Go to Sleep. He struggled to lift Reigns into position, exhaustion setting in. Rollins returned to break it up. He gave Punk a Pedigree and covered him for a near fall just before 20:00. Seth knelt in front of an exhausted Reigns, telling him that he’s alone. He said Punk doesn’t belong there, and they need to finish him. Seth rolled to the outside to retrieve Punk. Reigns reluctantly followed. He took a knee, thinking hard on it. Rollins cleared the announce desk, setting up for the Shield Bomb. “Pick him up!” Reigns yelled. Rollins hoisted Punk up. Reigns punched Seth in the face and shoved him away. Roman gave Punk a solo Powerbomb through the announce desk. He immediately retrieved Rollins and Powerbombed him through the Spanish desk.
The Tribal Chief tossed Seth Rollins in the ring. Seth was out on his feet. Reigns ran the ropes, then connected with a massive Spear. He hooked the leg in the center, but Rollins got a shoulder up at the last moment. Reigns was enraged. He booted Seth to the floor and went to retrieve Punk. “Who asks for a favor, huh?” he screamed toward Heyman. Reigns tossed Punk in the ring and applied the Guillotine. He screamed at Heyman as he wrenched. Reigns wrapped the legs and pulled Punk to the mat. Punk was fading, but managed to roll over into a cover, forcing Reigns to break. Rollins returned, grabbing at Punk’s legs. He turned him over into a Sharpshooter. Punk screamed in agony, digging his nails into the mat. Reigns stood and applied the Guillotine on Rollins. He tried to lay out, but Seth hoisted him into the air. He hit a Northern Lights bridging Suplex into a cover. Reigns kicked at two, floated over, and maintained the choke.
Punk flew into frame and gave Reigns a stomp. He picked up Rollins and delivered the GTS for a cover and close near fall just before 26:30. “This men are immortals,” McAfee said. Punk sat in the middle of the ring, gasping for breath. He gave Seth a punch first, then dragged Reigns up by the neck. He tried to hoist Roman for the GTS, but Seth grabbed at his leg. Punk switched, pulling Seth up instead. He hit Rollins with the GTS. Seth didn’t go down, instead collapsing against the ropes. Reigns immediately speared Punk. Rollins gave Reigns a Stomp, then collapsed.
Everyone was laid out. Paul Heyman walked slowly to the timekeeper’s area and retrieved a steel chair. The announcers wondered who was intending to help. Reigns came to and saw the scene. Heyman slid the chair toward Punk. Reigns looked heartbroken. Heyman got in the ring behind Punk, instructing him to use the chair. Punk raised it over his head, and Heyman gave Punk a low blow. He winced in pain. “Look what you’ve made me do! He’s my Tribal Chief!’ he told Punk, nearly in tears. He turned to Reigns and presented him with the chair. Roman cracked the chair over Punk’s back multiple times. Heyman begged him off, asking him to take care of Rollins.
Seth began to stir, positioning in his body the same way Roman did during the Shield turn. Reigns sized up Rollins. Heyman at his side. Paul dropped to his knees and gave Reigns a low blow. Seth didn’t see it, but he heard the crack of the chair. Seth didn’t even turn around, he just put a hand out for the chair. Reigns stood slowly. Rollins cracked him in the back with the chair, dropping him to his knees. Rollins delivered the stomp and covered Reigns for a three count.
WINNER: Seth Rollins in 32:38
Seth knelt over Roman with a hand on his chest. His face said “I told you.” He shoved the referee away and took a cross-legged seat in the middle of the ring. Cole said that Paul Heyman always finds a way to survive. “He’s a cockroach who aligns himself with the best wrestlers in the business.” McAfee wondered how long this has been the plan. Cole said it could be weeks, or months, or, “knowing Paul Heyman, years.” Punk and Reigns began to stir in the ring, confused. Rollins stood on the ramp, arms out, Heyman grinning behind him. The main broadcast faded out.
(LeClair’s Analysis: A show-saving, Wrestlemania main event worthy match with three pros who understood their positioning and made the absolute most of it. If there’s criticism to be levied, I think you could argue that the jockeying in the final five minutes setting up the Seth Rollins turn felt a little overwrought and choreographed, but I didn’t find it overly bothersome. I thought the action here was excellent from bell-to-bell, with well crafted, intricate story-telling and a great number of false finishes and creative sequences. Rollins’ turn and allegiance with Paul Heyman was a compelling swerve with legs that gives all three characters some fresh avenues to explore coming out of the match. A fitting and fantastic conclusion to night one.)
FINAL THOUGHTS: There was undoubtedly something missing here. It’s tough to put my finger on it, but between the pedestrian pace of some of the undercard matches, the abundance of advertising, product placements, and celebrity worship, there was just something that felt…decidedly “less than” Wrestlemania caliber. I think the highlights were good enough to save this from being a total letdown – Jey’s triumphant title win, Stratton’s star-making performance, and the all around excellent main event. Conversely, the low points of the show hold it back from being a true thumbs up. This certainly didn’t rise to the heights of the last few night ones, which I thought all over-delivered. Night 2 is certainly on steady footing to (hopefully) hit the right crescendos and put this, in totality, firmly in the thumbs up column.
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