WWE WrestleMania XL Night One
Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
There’s a brand new “WWE Then, Now Forever, Together” opening graphic which is voiced by Paul “Triple H” Levesque. We saw Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns and The Rock arriving to the arena. Meek Mils did the opening for the WrestleMania video package.
Coco Jones sang the American National Anthem.
Paul “Triple H” Levesque came out to huge reaction to start the show. Michael Cole, Corey Graves and Pat McAfee were on commentary. Levesque said he lives for his. Levesque welcomed us to a new time and new ere. Levesque welcomed us to WrestleMania. This got a big reaction.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — A fun way to start the show with Triple H welcoming everyone to WrestleMania.
Becky Lynch got a special entrance. Becky entrance included excerpts from her book “Not Your Average, Average Girl, The Man.” Becky got a huge reaction from fans. The band Motionless in White played WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley to the ring. Ripley got a nice firework display. Ripley came off looking like a total superstar. Awesome entrances for both Becky and Ripley.
Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Becky Lynch for the WWE Women’s World Championship: Michael Cole on commentary noted Becky was suffering from strep throat heading into her match. The fans reacted big as the match began. Becky and Ripley began slapping each other across the face. The fans were split chanting for Becky and Ripley. Becky took control early rocking Ripley with a missile dropkick. Ripley responded planting Becky with a face buster. Ripley took the lead hitting a bridging Northern Lights Suplex for two. Ripley went for a suplex but Becky countered into an inside cradle for a near fall. Ripley maintained control planting Becky with a suplex for two. Becky yanked Ripley off the ropes with a flying arm drag. The action picked up as Becky and Ripley exchanged big strikes. Becky caught Ripley with a tornado DDT for two. Becky caught Ripley with a draping flying leg drop. Becky connected with an Exploder Suplex sending Ripley crashing into the barricade. Becky connected with a flying leg drop for two. Ripley caught Becky flying off the ropes with a face buster. Ripley rocked Becky with a knee strike for two. Ripley called for the RipTide but Becky broke free. Becky went for an arm bar. Ripley broke free planting Becky with a triple Powerbomb for two. Ripley rocked Becky with a big boot for two. Becky and Ripley exchanged big slaps. Becky moved as Ripley charged into the ring post. Becky placed Ripley in a Dis-Arm-Her against the ropes. Becky went for a flying leg drop but Ripley caught her on the landing. Ripley placed Becky in the Prism Lock. Ripley transitioned placing Becky in the Prism Trap. Becky countered into a rollup for two. Ripley went for a RipTide but Becky blocked. Becky connected with a Manhandle Slam but Ripley kicked out for a great two. Ripley caught Becky in a backslide. Ripley transitioned hitting a RipTide but Becky kicked out for a great two count. Becky stopped Ripley from climbing the ropes. Becky planted Ripley with a Superplex. Becky transitioned placing Ripley in the Dis-Arm-Her. Ripley broke free placing Becky on her shoulders in an impressive spot. Becky countered catching Ripley with a head scissors to the floor. This was impressive as Ripley maintained control planting Ripley with an electric chair on the floor. Ripley connected with a Frog Splash for two. Ripley went for an apron Superplex but Becky blocked. The crowd popped as becky teased a Super Manhandle Slam but Becky broke free. Ripley rocked Becky right palm strike. Ripley planted Becky with a RipTide onto the turnbuckle. Ripley connected with a second RipTide for the win to retain the title in 17:10.
- Rhea Ripley stood on the turnbuckle and posed with the WWE Women’s World Title. Becky looked on having some doubt.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was just a fantastic match to open WrestleMania XL Night One. A tremendous action packed match. There were some great near falls which added some great excitement leading to finish. A fantastic showing from Becky Lynch as she looked awesome in the match. Becky should be getting even more praise as she had this level of match after dealing with illness. This was another tremendous showing from Ripley as she looked awesome working with Becky. A great win for Ripley as she looked like a superstar. Just a fantastic match. (****¼)
We saw a funny video package of Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson) previewing the Six-Pack Ladder Match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles. This was a clever way to showcase Prince and Wilson on the show.
DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) came out to DX theme entrance. Ciampa as Triple H and Gargano as Shawn Michaels. New Day got a great reaction. Xavier Woods wore his Consequences Creed gear which was cool. Miz and R-Truth did a remix for their Awesome Truth theme song. Finn Balor and Damian Priest got a strong heel reaction. Balor and Priest came out wearing masks.
The Judgment Day (Finn Balor & Damian Priest) (c) vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) vs. DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) vs. Awesome Truth (The Miz & R-Truth) vs. New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate) vs. A-Town Down Under (Austin Theory & Grayson Waller) in a Six-Pack Ladder Match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles: The announcers noted you had to grab both sets of titles. There was lots of good action early with Bate delivering an Airplane Spin to Balor who was holding onto a ladder. Bate and Dunne delivered Flying Moonsaults onto everyone on the floor. The fans went wild as R-Truth stood on the ring apron for the hot tag. R-Truth ran wild delivering John Cena’s signature spots to Balor. R-Truth delivered an Attitude Adjustment sending Balor crashing onto a ladder. Miz and R-Truth delivered a Skull Crushing Finale/Flatliner combo to Priest. Gargano nailed Priest with Sweet Chin Music. Ciampa delivered the Fairytale Ending to Priest. The fans cheered as DIY and Awesome Truth climbed the ladder to grab one separate sets of WWE Tag Team Titles. Theory and Waller shoved them off the ladder. Waller and Theory grabbed the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Titles around 7:40. Bate and Dunne delivered a double Powerbomb sending Waller crashing through a ladder on the floor. The fans chanted ECW as Gargano and Ciampa grabbed a ladder. Kofi nailed Gargano with Trouble in Paradise. Woods connected with a flying Limit Break Elbow to Ciampa onto a ladder. The fans chanted New Day Rocks. Kofi connected with a Nestea Plunge to everyone on the floor in cool visual. Bate and Dunne delivered a double Burning Hammer to Theory. There was a crazy spot as Gargano delivered a One Final Beat DDT from the ring sending Dunne crashing through a ladder on the floor. This looked crazy. There was another crazy spot as Ciampa delivered a Super Air Raid Crash to Bate from top of the ladder. This looked insane. The fans cheered as R-Truth tried to climb the ladder. The crowd booed as JD McDonagh appeared delivering Deviln’s Slide to R-Truth. Balor and McDonagh went to climb the ladder. Kofi and Woods tipped the ladder as McDonagh went crashing a table on the floor. Priest delivered the Razor’s Edge to Kofi onto a chair. Priest went to climb a ladder. Referee Jessika Carr was telling Priest to not climb the ladder. The reason being the bottom rung of the ladder was broken. Miz went to climb the ladder. Graves on commentary noted the ladder was buckling. Priest went to deliver a South of Heaven Chokeslam as Miz flew himself off the ladder. They got rid of the broken ladder. R-Truth placed another ladder in the ring. Priest went to climb the ladder. R-Truth stopped Priest from climbing the ladder. R-Truth delivered an Attitude Adjustment sending Priest to the floor. The fans cheered as R-Truth climbed the ladder and grabbed the Raw Tag Team Titles at 17:40.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was just a wild and chaotic ladder match. Lots of great action with all the teams getting a chance to shine. Ciampa hitting an Air Raid Crash off a ladder looked crazy. I’m fine with WWE splitting the tag team titles because they have a strong division right now. I’ve been actually liking seeing Theory and Waller as a team so I was fine with them winning the SmackDown Tag Team Titles. They have been building for the months the storyline between R-Truth and Judgment Day. It was an awesome moment seeing R-Truth get his WrestleMania by winning the Raw Tag Team Titles. Overall, a really fun ladder match with a great moment for R-Truth. (****)
Rey Mysterio and Andrade (w/LWO) vs. Santos Escobar and Dominik Mysterio (w/Legado Del Fantasma): Santos Escobar got a strong heel reaction. Dominik got a huge heel reaction. Rey Mysterio and Andrade got strong babyface reactions. Andrade shined early rocking Dominik with a spinning back elbow. Andrade and Mysterio connected with a double flying crossbody to Dominik and Escobar on the floor. Mysterio teased whipping Dominik with the belt but was stopped. Dominik responded catching Mysterio with a forearm smash. Escobar took control planting Mysterio with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for two. Dominik connected with a slingshot senton to Mysterio for two. Mysterio responded catching Escobar with a Code Red. Andrade ran wild rocking Dominik with a running double knees. Andrade connected with a flying Double Moonsault for two. Mysterio nailed Escobar with a 619. Andrade connected with a Flying Moonsault to Dominik on the floor. The referee was distracted as Berto grabbed Mysterio’s leg. Escobar took advantage hitting a Super Hurricanrana to Mysterio for two. Zelina Vega yanked Electra Lopez to the floor. Vega connected with a springboard Moonsault to Lopez on the floor. A brawl broke out between both LWO and Legado Del Fantasma. Joaquin Wilde delivered a Rocket Launcher to everyone on the floor. Dominik went to grab a chair. Suddenly, two large Luchador appeared running Dominik into the ring post. Mysterio delivered a double 619 to Dominik and Escobar. Andrade delivered a Hammerlock Twisting Suplex to Dominik. Rey connected with a Super Splash to Escobar for the win at 11:02.
- Andrade carried Rey Mysterio on his shoulders after the match. Rey called the two masked Luchador into the ring. They removed their masks. It was revealed as Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson of the Philadelphia Eagles which got a huge reaction from the fans. There was a huge celebration after the match.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a solid action packed tag team match. It was great seeing Andrade returning back to WWE and getting his WrestleMania. Seeing both Dominik and Rey share the ring together was a nice moment. The fans first weren’t sure what to make of the two large masked Luchador’s getting involved. The reaction and reveal of Kelce and Johnson was awesome to see. It really looked like both Johnson and especially Kelce had a blast being involved at WrestleMania. Overall, a good match with a fun celebrity appearance. (***)
Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso: Rapper Lil Wayne came for special musical appearance. Jey Uso received a huge reaction from the fans. Jey started quickly catching Jimmy with a plancha on the floor. Jey ran Jimmy into the ring post. The match got underway as Jey caught Jimmy with a tope on the floor. Jey connected with a flying crossbody to Jimmy for two. Jimmy responded catching Jey charging with a Popup Samoan Drop. Jimmy took the lead rocking Jey with a pair of hip attacks. Jimmy nailed Jey with a series of superkicks. The fans chanted Jimmy Sucks. Jey avoided a dive rocking Jimmy with a superkick. The crowd cheered as Jey and Jimmy were evenly matched. Jey was smiling. The fans chanted Let’s Go Jey. Jey and Jimmy had a hockey fight. Jey and Jimmy exchanged superkicks. Jey rocked Jimmy with a running superkick. Jimmy asked Jey for forgiveness. Jimmy over Jey his hand. Jey accepted. The fans didn’t like this. Jimmy took advantage nailing Jey with a superkick. Jimmy followed with an Uso Splash for two. Jey caught Jimmy charging with a spear. Jey connected with an Uso Splash for the win in 11:07.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — I was glad Jey and Jimmy got to have a single’s match at WrestleMania. I was expecting to an emotional story driven match between Jey and Jimmy. This ended being just a standard wrestling match. Jimmy has mostly been presented in the goofy role as part of The Bloodline. I’m interested to see where Jimmy goes from here. This was a nice moment seeing Jey get his first single’s win at WrestleMania. The next step now for Jey is winning his first single’s title in WWE. I would like to see Jey and Jimmy revisit this program and have another single’s match. Jey and Jimmy have been great to watch on WWE TV and I’m sure they could have a much better match. This match was the biggest disappointment on WrestleMania Night One. (**½)
Damage CTRL (Asuka, Kairi Sane and Dakota Kai) vs. Bianca Belair, Jade Cargil and Naomi: Asuka, Kairi Sane and Dakota Kai had geishas for their entrance. Asuka, Sane and Kai looked like stars. Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill and Naomi had a special platform for their entrance. Belair, Cargill and Naomi came off looking like superstars. Cole gave weather updates throughout the show. For this match it was 50 F with wind conditions of N-14mph. Cole was wearing a hat. Graves was wearing gloves. Naomi shined early connecting with a splits-legged splash for two. The referee was distracted as Kai rocked Naomi with a running boot. Sane connected with an InSane Elbow Drop to Naomi on the floor. Naomi battled back catching both Kai and Sane with a double stunner. Belair ran wild rocking Asuka and Sane with corner strikes. Belair press slammed Sane onto Asuka and Kai. Belair connected with a handspring moonsault onto Asuka, Sane and Kai for a two count. The fans went wild as they teased Cargill tagging into the match. Kai responded catching Belair with a springboard kick for two. Asuka and Sane connected with a Blockbuster/Codebreaker combo to Belair. Asuka nailed Belair with a Shining Wizard for two. The fans chanted We Want Jade. The fans went wild as Belair tagged Cargill into the match. Cargill ran wild planting Asuka with a Chokeslam. Cargill caught Sane flying off the ropes with a backbreaker. Cargill connected a Fisherman’s Driver to Kai but Asuka and Sane made the save. Belair went for the KOD on Sane but Asuka made the save. Belair ducked as Asuka accidentally blew mist into Sane’s face. Naomi planted Sane with a Full Nelson Slam. Belair whipped Asuka with her ponytail which sounded nasty. Belair delivered the KOD to Asuka. Cargill delivered the Jaded to Kai for the win in 8:03.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — I had a fun time watching this match. A good showing with everyone getting a chance to shine. A dominant showcase for Jade Cargill as she looked like a superstar getting the win for her team. (***)
We saw Sami Zayn warming up backstage. Sami’s wife and son appeared. She told Sami he can do this. Sami told his son his song is gonna play soon. Sami told his wife to keep his son backstage. Sami blew his wife and son a kiss. Chad Gable appeared. Gable told Sami to do this. Gable told Sami to go out alone. Sami wondered why Gable won’t come out. Gable told Sami he got this own his own. They shook hands. Gable told Sami he owed him a favour. Sami kept walking to Gorilla Position as the fans cheered. Sami saw Kevin Owens waiting backstage. The fans cheered as Owens and Sami shared a hug. Owens told Sami to go do this. Sami Zayn came out to a huge reaction.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was tremendous stuff telling the underdog story of Sami’s seeing his family and friends wanting to see him get his achieve his WrestleMania moment.
Gunther (c) vs. Sami Zayn for the WWE Intercontinental Championship: Gunther came out to a strong heel reaction. Sami started quickly rocking Gunther with chops. Sami went for a springboard but Gunther caught him with a German Suplex. Gunther took control rocking Sami with huge chops. The fans were split chanting for Gunther and Sami. Gunther climbed the ropes placing his boot across Sami’s face. Gunther taunted Sami’s wife at ringside. Gunther and Sami exchanged huge chops. Sami battled back rocking Gunther with a running lariat. Gunther rocked Sami with huge palm strikes. Sami no-sold it rocking Gunther with straight strikes. Sami planted Gunther with a pair of Half/Half Suplex. Gunther quickly responded rocking Sami with a lariat for two. Sami responded catching Gunther with a tornado DDT. Gunther caught Sami charging with a sleeper hold. Sami broke free of the hold. Sami went for a Blue Thunder Bomb but Gunther countered into a sleeper hold. Sami tried to grab the hold. Gunther transitioned planting Sami with a German Suplex. Sami responded catching Gunther with an Exploder Suplex. Gunther caught Sami charging with a Woo Dropkick. Gunther planted Sami with a Stack Powerbomb for two. Gunther rocked Sami with a Helluva Kick. Sami responded hitting a Helluva Kick but Gunther kicked out for a great two count. Gunther caught Sami charging with a lariat. Gunther delivered a pair of Powerbomb but Sami kicked out for another great two count. Gunther taunted Sami’s wife at ringside. Sami’s wife told Gunther his reign is over. The fans sang the Ole Song. Gunther planted Sami with another Powerbomb. Gunther climbed the ropes connecting with a Super Splash. Graves brought up Gunther didn’t try to cover. Gunther delivered a second Super Splash. Gunther taunted Sami’s wife at ringside. The fans wild as Sami tried to fire up. Gunther’s reaction to Sami pounding the mat trying to make a comeback was awesome. Sami rocked Gunther with a Helluva Kick as he went to climb the ropes. Sami pulled out a move from his El Generico playbook. Sami planted Gunther with BRAINBUSTAA onto the turnbuckle. Michael Cole’s commentary to Sami hitting the turnbuckle BRAINBUSTAA was outstanding. Sami rocked Gunther with a Helluva Kick. The fans went wild as Sami hit a second Helluva Kick to end Gunther’s legendary 666th day retain to win the WWE Intercontinental Title in 15:26.
- The fans cheered as Sami celebrated with the WWE Intercontinental Title. Sami left the ring and celebrated with his wife at ringside.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was an awesome match. Gunther has been an awesome Intercontinental Champion and was tremendous playing the dominant champion. This loss doesn’t hurt Gunther at all as he can now move onto the WWE World Title picture. The emotions from Sami’s wife showing reacting to Gunther and wanting to see Sami keep fighting added great drama to the match. Sami was perfect playing the underdog refusing to give up and kept fighting till the end. The closing moments with Sami bringing back the turnbuckle Brainbuster was awesome. A fantastic match and awesome momentum with Sami winning the title. (****½)
Raw GM Adam Pearce and SmackDown GM Nick Aldis were standing in the middle of the ring. They announced the WrestleMania XL Night One attendance as 72,543. There was a firework display.
Cody Rhodes got a special Codyvator entrance. Cody got a huge firework display. Cody received a huge reaction. Cody hugged his mom at ringside. Cody gave his weight belt to his father-in-law who was fighting cancer. There were some boos for Cody during the introduction.
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins also got a big reaction. The fans sang along to Rollins song.
The Rock’s entrance was incredible. There was lightning and electricity sound effects. Rock was holding the People Championship’s belt. They showed Rock standing on his Brama Bull logo which was on fire. Rock got a huge mixed reaction from the fans. There were boos as well for Rock.
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns came out with Paul Heyman. Reigns got a huge mixed reaction. Reigns got a huge firework display. It was good Reigns got the final entrance as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns (w/Paul Heyman) and The Rock vs. Cody Rhodes and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins: The stipulations for the match. If Cody & Rollins win then WrestleMania XL Night Two will be a one on one match between Cody and Reigns. If Reigns & Rock win then WrestleMania XL Night Two will be contested under Bloodline Rules between Cody and Reigns. This felt like a huge WrestleMania main event as the bell rang. Reigns and Rollins started with a basic exchange. We got a WrestleMania preview between Cody and Reigns. Rock tagged into the match to a big reaction. Rock and Rollins had a basic exchange. Rollins sent Rock who bounced off the ropes with a clothesline. Rock stared at Cody doing his signature “Just Bring It!” There was a huge reaction as Cody tagged into the match. Cody rocked Rock with corner strikes. The action started to pick up as a brawl broke out between both teams. Rock told the referee to stop counting or he will fire him. Rock and Rollins brawled into the crowd. Cody brawled with Reigns on the entrance stage. Reigns yanked Rollins leg onto the ring apron. Rock took control wrapping Rollins leg around the ring steps. Reigns rocked Rollins with a running boot. Reigns called for the Superman Punch but Rollins countered into a neck breaker. Rock nailed Rollins with a low blow. Rollins responded nailing Rock with a jumping enzuigiri. Reigns yanked Cody off the ring apron so Rollins couldn’t make a tag. Rock placed Rollins in a Sharpshooter. Cody entered the ring attacking Rock freeing Rollins off the Sharpshooter. Cody draped Rock onto the ropes. Rollins nailed Rock with a superkick. Rollins delivered a Stomp onto The Rock for a big reaction. Cody ran wild nailing Reigns with a Disaster Kick. Cody connected with a Cody Cutter for two. Cody called for Cross Rhodes but Reigns broke free. Cody went for a springboard but Reigns intercepted with a Superman Punch for two. Reigns was bleeding from the nose. Reigns went for a Spear but Cody countered into a Sunset Flip for two. There was a great spot as Rollins tagged Cody as he was connecting with a Super Cody Cutter to Reigns. Rollins followed hitting a Frog Splash to Reigns for two. Reigns caught Rollins charging with a Powerbomb. Reigns called for a Spear but Rollins countered with a superkick. Cody and Rollins rocked Reigns with a double superkick. Rollins nailed Reigns with a Stomp. Cody followed with a Cross Rhodes. Rock pulled the referee to the floor. Reigns nailed Cody with a low blow. Reigns delivered a Spear but Cody kicked out at two. Reigns went for a Guillotine but Cody tried to break free. Rock grabbed Cody to the floor. Reigns maintained hold placing Cody in a Guillotine. Rollins made the save hitting the Stomp on Reigns. Rock tagged into the match. Rock grabbed his Mama Rhodes belt. Cody’s mom yelled at Rock. Cody stopped Rock from using the belt. Cody nailed Rock with a Bionic Elbow. Rock responded catching Cody with a Spinebuster. The fans went nuts as Rock went for the People’s Elbow. Cody counted catching Rock with a Cody Cutter to a huge mixed reaction. Reigns nailed Cody with a Superman Punch. Reigns called for the Spear. Rollins shoved Cody out of the way. The fans went wild as Reigns rocked Rock with an awesome Spear. Cody and Rollins delivered double Pedigree to Reigns and Rock for a great two count. The action moved to the floor. Rock teased a Rock Bottom on the announcers table. Rollins grabbed hold onto Rock’s leg. Cody delivered a Rock Bottom sending Rock crashing through the announcers table. Reigns delivered a Spear sending Rollins crashing through the barricade. Cody and Reigns exchanged strikes. Cody caught Reigns with a pair of Cross Rhodes. Cody went for a triple Cross Rhodes. Rock whipped Cody with the Mama Rhodes weight belt that sounded nasty. Rock told Reigns he wanted a tag. Rock gave Cody a Rock Bottom. Rock followed hitting the People Elbow’s for the win at 42:20.
- Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins sat inside the ring looking upset. Cody had the same look he had last year after losing at WrestleMania. Reigns and Rock stood on the entrance stage with Paul Heyman. Reigns held up the Undisputed WWE Universal Title. Rock held up the People’s Championship. There was a big firework display. WrestleMania XL Night One came to a close.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This match went way too long. With that being said, I enjoyed every minute of the match. It was just so fun seeing The Rock once again wrestle a full length match. The match was slow very early but they did a great job building drama. The match was perfectly booked and accomplished what it needed. Rollins wanted to help Cody against the Bloodline but now has a knee injury heading into his World Title defence against Drew McIntyre. I really liked how Rock pinned Cody which now sets up so many storylines going forward. They stacked the decks against Cody Rhodes with WrestleMania XL Night Two now being a Bloodline Rules match. I’m expected WWE legends to appear and help Cody even the odds against The Bloodline. Cody will finish his story and beat Roman Reigns on WrestleMania XL Night Two. That now builds the story of Rock being upset with Reigns after he beat Cody. They have now set up two big matches with Cody and Rock. That leads to babyface Roman Reigns vs. Rock. A very fun match which set the stage for WrestleMania XL Night Two. (****)
OVERALL THOUGHTS
WWE WrestleMania XL Night One was a very fun show. The biggest disappointment was the Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso match. There was lots of great stuff on the show. Jade Cargill looked like a superstar in her first WrestleMania match. Sami Zayn winning the Intercontinental Title was an awesome moment. The ladder match was very fun to watch and R-Truth getting his WrestleMania moment was another great moment on the show. Becky Lynch and Rhea Ripley had a great Women’s World Title match. The tag team match felt like a special WrestleMania main event. Overall, WWE WrestleMania XL Night One was a very enjoyable show. A strong show to set the stage for WrestleMania XL Night Two.
