WWE WrestleMania XL Night Two
Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
CM Punk came out to a huge reaction right at the end of the WrestleMania Kickoff show. Punk joined commentary for the WWE World Heavyweight Title match between Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre.
We saw WWE Women’s Champion Iyo Sky, Asuka, Kairi Sane and Dakota Kai arriving earlier in the day. We also saw Bayley arriving earlier in the day. Michael Cole welcomed us to WrestleMania. Meek Mills hyped the opening WWE WrestleMania XL Night Two video package. We saw Drew McIntyre warming up backstage. We also saw Seth Rollins staring at the WWE World Heavyweight Title.
Ring announcer Samantha Irvin introduced The War and Treaty, who performed “God Bless America” on stage. The performance was very nicely done.
Stephanie McMahon Welcomes Us To The Paul Levesque Era
Stephanie McMahon came out to a huge reaction. Stephanie looked awesome. Stephanie said it’s a good thing it’s warmer out here tonight. Stephanie spoke about attending the first WrestleMania when she was eight years old. Stephanie spoke about being part of every WrestleMania since. Stephanie said every WrestleMania has been special. Stephanie said she’s most proud of WrestleMania because it’s the first of the Paul Levesque Era! Stephanie said no one knows that better how to bring people together than Triple H. Stephanie asked the fans “Are You Ready?” Stephanie asked Philadelphia and fans from around the world “Are You Ready?” This got a big reaction. Stephanie welcomed everyone to WrestleMania XL Night Two.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was great to see Stephanie McMahon make an appearance at WrestleMania. Stephanie looked really happy to be there as she really put over this being the Paul Levesque Era of WWE.
They had about a dozen bagpipe players who performed on stage. Drew McIntyre walked down the entrance ramp under swords lifted by a long row of Highlanders. McIntyre got a very strong heel reaction. McIntyre got a big firework display as he did his signature pose on the turnbuckle. Micheal Cole was on commentary as he introduced Corey Graves, Pat McAfee and CM Punk. Punk said Drew might have a pipe band but he has a Pipe Bomb. Cole said the weather won’t be a factor tonight.
The Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association played Seth Rollins theme. Seth Rollins came out and his out was something to see. Punk on commentary “Look at this goof.” Rollins made his way to the ring along with the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association. The fans loudly sang along to Rollins song.
Seth Rollins (c) vs. Drew McIntyre for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship: The bell rang as McIntyre rocked Rollins with a Claymore Kick for a really close two count for a great reaction. McIntyre called for a second Claymore Kick but Rollins rolled to the floor. McIntyre sent Rollins flying with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. McIntyre’s grabbed his wife’s phone and tweeted something. McIntyre stared at Punk on commentary. Huge chants of CM Punk. McIntyre teased a Future Shock DDT but Rollins countered into a Pedigree on the floor. Rollins caught McIntyre entering the ring with a Curb Stomp for a close two. McIntyre and Rollins exchanged huge strikes. McIntyre rocked Rollins with a huge Glasgow Kiss. McIntyre called for a Claymore Kick but Rollins countered into a Powerbomb. Rollins followed hitting a Pedigree. Rollins delivered a Stomp but McIntyre kicked out for two. Rollins went for a Super Stomp but McIntyre moved out of the way. McIntyre called for a Claymore Kick but Rollins ducked. There was a nice counter exchange leading to McIntyre hitting a Future Shock DDT for a close two. McIntyre looked in CM Punk’s direction. McIntyre teased the GTS but Rollins countered into a rollup for two. McIntyre hit another Claymore Kick but Rollins kicked out for another great two count. McIntyre rolled to the floor and cleared the announcer’s table. Punk said doubt in creeping in McIntyre’s mind because he can’t get it done in the ring. McIntyre teased a Powerbomb but Rollins broke free. Rollins caught McIntyre with a Stomp onto the announcers table. Punk noted Rollins was clutching at his knees. Rollins rolled McIntyre into the ring. McIntyre hit another Claymore Kick but Rollins kicked out again at two. McIntyre’s facial expression was incredible as he had a look of doubt on his face. Rollins went to get to his feet. McIntyre delivered one more Claymore Kick to win the WWE World Heavyweight Title in 10:35.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a really fun action packed match. This reminded of those Brock Lesnar championship matches where we got nothing but high spots and everyone just spamming finishers till we got a definitive winner. That made this match more fun especially with the near falls because the match could end at anytime. CM Punk was tremendous on commentary putting over Rollins gutsy performance and mentioning how McIntyre was getting distracted by him. Rollins was a tremendous World Champion having some great matches. This was a really nice moment seeing McIntyre win his first World Title at WrestleMania in front of fans. A really fun match to start WrestleMania XL Night Two. (****)
McIntyre had an emotional look after his win. The fans cheered as the referee handed McIntyre the WWE World Heavyweight Title. Punk noted McIntyre beat a man who had the second longest WrestleMania main event in history the night before. Punk mentioned McIntyre beat someone with a bad knee and compromised back. Rollins had an emotional look as he looked in McIntyre’s direction. Rollins told McIntyre “You F’N Deserve It Man!” McIntyre handed the World Heavyweight Title to his wife at ringside. McIntyre celebrated at ringside with family and friends. McIntyre then looked in Punk’s direction. McIntyre told Cole, Graves and McAfee to move out of the way. McIntyre sat on the commentary table. Punk noted he had cans on and couldn’t hear what McIntyre was saying. That was funny. McIntyre told Punk he would end his career if he gets back in the ring. McIntyre said this is his moment. Punk rightfully said why is McIntyre making it about him. McIntyre stood on the commentary table and told the camera man to zoom in for a shot. McIntyre gave Punk the DX cross chop. Punk yanked McIntyre onto the announcers table. The fans went wild as Punk removed his arm brace and jacket. Punk nailed McIntyre with his arm brace. Punk blew a kiss in McIntyre’s family direction. The fans went wild as Mr. Money in the Bank Damian Priest’s music played. The camera focused back on Punk who smiled. Priest whacked McIntyre with the Money in the Bank briefcase.
Drew McIntyre (c) vs. Damian Priest for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship: The fans went wild as Priest cashed in the Money in the Bank contract. Priest delivered the South of Heaven Chokeslam and won the WWE World Heavyweight Title in 10 seconds to an incredible reaction from the fans.
- CM Punk smiled while standing on the commentary table. McIntyre looked at Punk’s direction who smiled and applauded on commentary. Damian Priest celebrated with Finn Balor, Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh on the entrance ramp. This was a great moment seeing Priest celebrate with Judgment Day.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was fantastic. Damian Priest is one of my favourite WWE Superstar and it was awesome to see him win the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania. Priest celebrating with Balor, Ripley, Dominik and McDonagh was a really nice moment. The angle leading to the cash-in between McIntyre and Punk was awesome. McIntyre came off a such a likeable babyface when he won the World Title. McIntyre’s emotions got to him when he saw Punk. WWE announced that Clash at the Castle is taking place in June from Scotland. It would be a great moment if McIntyre won back the World Heavyweight Title at Clash at the Castle. Punk could make his return at Clash at the Castle after he recovers from his injury. We get the McIntyre and Punk program leading to a huge WWE show for maybe SummerSlam or save the match for WrestleMania next year. This was an incredible way to start WrestleMania XL Night Two.
Bobby Lashley & The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford) (w/B-Fab) vs. The Final Testament (Karrion Kross & AOP) (w/Scarlett & Paul Ellering) in a Philadelphia Street Fight: Snoop Dogg joined commentary for the match. Bubba Ray Dudley got a big reaction as he was introduced as the special guest referee. Lashley, Dawkins and Ford got a great reaction. The match began with a brawl between both teams. The fans cheered as Dawkins and Ford grabbed a table. Kross and Akam and Rezar took control whacked Lashley with kendo sticks. Kross connected with a neck breaker onto a chair but Dawkins made the save. Akam and Rezar whacked Dawkins with a chair. Kross caught Ford flying off the ropes with a kendo stick. Scarlett whacked B-Fab with a trash can. Akam and Rezar went for the Super Colliders but Lashley made the save. Lashley sent Kross flying with an overhead suplex. Ford connected with an awesome Tope Con Hilo to Akam and Rezar on the floor. Lashley placed Kross in the Hurt Lock. Scarlett whacked Lashley with a kendo stick. B-Fab rocked Scarlett with a pump kick. B-Fab delivered a leg sweep sending Scarlet crashing through a table on the floor. Kross planted Lashley with a Doomsday Saito Suplex. Kross planted Lashley with a DDT onto a chair for two. Kross argued with Bubba Ray Dudley. This led to Bubba Ray Dudley putting on his Dudley Boyz glasses. Lashley rocked Kross with a huge spear. The crowd went wild as Dawkins delivered the Wazzz Up! Lashley, Dawkins, Ford and Bubba Ray Dudley led the fans in a “Get The Tables” chant. They went to place Kross on the table but it broke. The fans broke. The fans cheered as they grabbed a second table. Lashley and Dawkins held Kross onto a table. Ford delivered From The Heaven Frog Splash sending Kross crashing through the table. Lashley covered Kross for the win in 8:35.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a just a fun party ECW style hardcore match for the fans to enjoy. I gotta say Snoop Dogg was highly entertaining on commentary. Bubba Ray Dudley as the referee worked for a former ECW wrestler. It was nice to see Kross and Lashley both get a chance to perform at WrestleMania. A good win for Lashley, Dawkins and Ford. Overall, just a fun party match. (***)
We saw highlights of Roman Reigns & The Rock beating Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins on WrestleMania XL Night One. Kayla Braxton was backstage with 2024 Hall of Fame inductee Paul Heyman. Braxton congratulated Heyman on getting induced into the WWE Hall of Fame. Heyman asked Braxton how they were going to celebrate? Braxton said by answering this question. This was awesome. Heyman couldn’t believe it. Braxton asked Heyman what is Bloodline Rules? Heyman said Bloodline Rules is no disqualification and no count-outs. Heyman said one man will be winning and the other man will be going home to his wife Brandi. The fans reacted big to that line.
We saw LA Knight arriving to the arena in a SlimJim car to a huge reaction earlier in the day.
AJ Styles vs. LA Knight: LA Knight came out to a huge reaction. AJ Styles came out to a new entrance song. Styles got a big firework display. Styles charged to the ring as the match got underway. Knight shined early nailing Styles with a slingshot dropkick. The fans chanted YEAH as Knight slammed Styles onto the announcers table. Styles responded kicking the ropes against Knight’s legs. Styles took control hitting a chop block. Styles connected with a knee breaker. Knight made a comeback rocking Styles with a pair of clotheslines. The fans chanted YEAH as Knight rocked Styles with a running knee strike. Knight planted Styles with an impressive springboard DDT for two. Styles avoided a Superplex as he dropped Knight onto the turnbuckle. Styles battled back planting Knight with a German Suplex. Styles followed hitting a wheelbarrow face buster for two. Styles went to climb the ropes as he looked into the crowd. This gave Knight the opening to crotch Styles on the ropes. Knight delivered an impressive springboard avalanche German Suplex but Styles kicked out for a great two count. Styles responded catching Knight in a Calf Crusher. Knight grabbed the ropes to force a break. Styles dropkicked Knight’s leg into the ring post. Knight responded sending Styles crashing into the ring post. Knight exposed the floor mat. Styles backdropped Knight onto the exposed floor. Knight made it back into the ring. Styles went for a Springboard 450 Splash but Knight got his knees up. The fans chanted YEAH and Boo as Knight and Styles began exchanging strikes. Styles nailed Knight with a Pele Kick. Styles went for a Phenomenal Forearm but Knight escaped. Knight called for Blunt Force Trauma but Styles blocked. The fans popped as Styles went for the Styles Clash but Knight blocked. Knight charged into Styles boots. Styles went for the Phenomenal Forearm. Knight responded draping Styles onto the ropes. Knight connected with the Blunt Force Trauma for the win in 12:25.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a strong well worked match. There were lots of good action as both Knight and Styles worked well together. Styles looked great showing he can still give you quality matches on big shows. Knight himself delivered just as good of a performance showing he can work a strong match with Styles on WWE biggest show. This was a great moment for LA Knight seeing him winning his first WrestleMania match. (***½)
WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Ceremony
We saw a WWE Hall of Fame ceremony highlight package. Samantha Irvin introduced Barry Windham & Mike Rotunda who wore U.S. Express jackets. They opened their jackets showing Bray Wyatt t-shirts. Bull Nakano was standing on the stage, Thunderbolt Patterson was accompanied on stage by Gerald Briscoe. Ata Johnson stood on stage representing Lia Miavia. They showed a graphic for Muhammad Ali. Paul Heyman came out to a huge reaction from the fans. Heyman came out to the classic ECW theme holding the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
WWE United States Champion Logan Paul drove the Prime hydration truck in the arena. Paul shot the Prime hydration cannon to fireworks. Paul received huge boos from the fans. Paul was accompanied by a Prime hydration bottle mascot.
We saw Kevin Owens walking backstage. The fans cheered as they saw the new WWE Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn. Sami told Owens “It’s your turn now.” Owens came out to a big reaction. Owens returned to the back. Owens retuned driving a KO golf cart. Owens drove the golf cart down the ramp. Randy Orton’s music played to a huge reaction. Owens drove the golf cart in reverse back up the entrance ramp. Owens invited Orton to join him on the golf cart.
Logan Paul (c) vs. Kevin Owens vs. Randy Orton in a Triple Threat Match for the WWE United States Championship: The fans booed as Paul rolled to the floor as the match began. Owens and Orton rocked Paul with strikes on the floor. Orton and Owens took turns dumping Paul onto the commentary table. Orton rocked Owens with a back elbow. Owens followed with a back senton. Owens and Orton both went for a win. Orton went for an RKO but Owens blocked. The fans chanted “You F—D Up!” Owens and Orton exchanged strikes. Paul appeared rocking Owens and Orton with a double Buckshot Lariat. The fans began chanting Gatorade. That was funny. Owens delivered a running cannonball to Orton and Paul in the corner. Owens went for a Swanton Bomb but Paul got his knees up. Paul connected with a Swanton Bomb to Owens, into a standing Frog Splash to Orton for a pair of near falls. Orton caught Owens with a snap powerslam. Paul went for a Buckshot Lariat but Orton caught him with a snap powerslam. Orton delivered a double Draping DDT to Owens and Paul to a big reaction. Owens delivered a Codebreaker/senton combo to Orton onto Paul for two. Orton rocked Owens and Paul with corner strikes. Paul yanked Orton off the ropes. Paul went for a Superplex but Owens countered into an avalanche powerslam. Owens followed with a flying Moonsault onto Paul for two. Owens went for a Stunner but Orton countered into an RKO for a great two count. Paul stood behind Orton wearing the Brass Knuckles. Orton tried to grab the Brass Knuckles but Paul raked his eyes. Paul nailed Orton with the Brass Knuckles but Orton kicked out for a great two count. Paul attacked Owens with the Brass Knuckles as he tried to grab them. Paul went to use the Brass Knuckles but Orton caught him with the RKO to a big reaction. Orton grabbed the Brass Knuckles from Paul’s hands and gave them to the referee. The fans cheered as Orton teased hitting the Punt Kick. The fans booed loudly as the Prime mascot pulled Paul to the floor. It was revealed as YouTube streamer IShowSpeed who was wearing the Prime mascot bottle. IShowSpeed began barking and yelling in Orton’s direction. Orton kicked the Prime bottle as IShowSpeed went flying. Orton planted IShowSpeed with an RKO onto the commentary table to a big reaction. Paul appeared running Orton into the ring post. Paul went for a Frog Splash but Orton moved. Owens planted Paul with a Popup Powerbomb. Owens delivered a Stunner but Orton kicked out for a great two count. Owens went for a Popup Powerbomb. Orton countered catching Owens with a Popup RKO which looked awesome. Paul appeared running Orton into the ring post. Paul delivered an awesome looking Frog Splash to Owens to retain the WWE United States Title in 17:40.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was just a really fun action packed match with everyone getting the chance to shine. I thought the build was pretty refreshing seeing Orton and Owens not go at with each other leading into the match. It was a clever way with Orton going for a sneaky RKO on Owens which then led into the actual Triple Threat Match. The closing moments with Orton hitting the RKO outta the Popup Powerbomb was an awesome visual. I didn’t mind the Prime bottle mascot getting involved because it’s part of Paul’s act. They gave the fans a cool spot with IshowSpeed getting RKO’d onto the commentary table. I liked the Prime bottle wasn’t directly involved with the match finish. Another tremendous showing from Paul who continues to impress in his match. I expected Paul to retain the title once it was made into a Triple Threat Match. This still gives them to the chance to possibly do Orton vs. Paul for the WWE Backlash PLE since he wasn’t pinned in the match. Overall, a really fun match. (****)
Bayley’s entrance was awesome as she was carried to the ring by four masked men in Egyptian garb. Bayley posed on the entrance ramp as they removed her decorative wings. Bayley’s theme song played. Bayley received an incredible reaction from the fans.
WWE Women’s Champion Iyo Sky came out with Asuka, Kairi Sane and Dakota Kai. Sky had cool graphics for her entrance. Asuka, Sane and Kai all went to the back. Sky got a great heel reaction. Samantha Irvin did the ring introductions. Bayley got an incredible reaction from the fans. Iyo Sky got a strong heel reaction.
Iyo Sky (c) vs. Bayley for the WWE Women’s Championship: The fans sang for Bayley as the match began. Bayley and Sky tackled each rolling to the floor. Sky shined early nailing Bayley with a standing dropkick. Sky went for a dive but Bayley caught her with a right hand. Bayley battled back catching Sky with a Stunner against the ropes. Bayley took control hitting a tope on the floor for two. Bayley went for a sliding dropkick but Sky moved out of the way. Sky took control placing Bayley in a corner Figure-4-Leg Lock. Sky rocked Bayley with a double stomp for two. Sky went for a springboard but Bayley countered yanking her onto the ring apron. The action moved to the floor as Bayley caught Sky flying off the barricade with a powerslam on the floor. Bayley started making her comeback rocking Sky with corner strikes. Bayley planted Sky with a spinning slam for two. Sky stopped Bayley from climbing the ropes. Sky connected with a springboard dropkick sending Bayley to the floor. Sky connected with a beautiful Flying Moonsault to Bayley on the floor. Sky rocked Bayley with a springboard Woo Dropkick. They had a nice counter exchange leading to Bayley delivering a Sunset Bomb sending Sky crashing into the turnbuckle. Sky responded catching Bayley with a pair of bridging German Suplex for two. Sky called for the Over The Moonsault but Bayley got her knees up. Bayley went for a Macho Man Elbow but Sky caught her with a Crossface flying off the ropes. Sky rolled Bayley back to the middle of the ring. Sky applied an STF but Bayley broke free. Bayley caught Sky with a Bayley-to-Belly Suplex for a great two count. Sky called for Rose Plant but Sky broke free. Bayley and Sky exchanged huge strikes. Sky caught Bayley with a Butterfly Backbreaker. Sky delivered her signature Over The Moonsault but Bayley kicked out for an awesome near fall. Sky’s facial reaction was awesome. The fans were going crazy chanting for Bayley. Sky connected with a standing Moonsault. Sky followed hitting a Flying Moonsault. Sky went for her signature Over The Moonsault but Bayley moved out of the way. Bayley went for the Rose Plant but Sky countered landing on her feet in an awesome spot. Bayley caught Sky charging with a lariat. The fans were going wild as Bayley planted Sky with a backdrop suplex. Bayley climbed the ropes delivering a Macho Man Elbow. Bayley followed delivering the Rose Plant to win the WWE Women’s Title to a huge reaction in 14:20
- Bayley had an emotional look as the referee handed her the WWE Women’s Title. The fans cheered as Bayley celebrated with the WWE Women’s Title.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a really fun action packed match. A fantastic showing from both Bayley and Sky as they worked a great match. Sky looked awesome and her facial reaction when Bayley kicked out of the Over The Moonsault was incredible. The reaction for Bayley was just incredible as they just wanted to see her win the title. The closing moment seeing Bayley make her comeback to winning the WWE Women’s Title was tremendous stuff. It’s going to really fun seeing Bayley as babyface champion. A fantastic match. (****½)
We saw Snoop Dogg standing inside the ring with the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders and mascot. Snoop Dogg announced the attendance record of 72.755. WWE announced the two-night WrestleMania XL attendance announcement of 145,298. There was a big firework display.
The lights in the arena went out. They aired some dramatic music as we saw American Nightmare flags raised. Cody Rhodes came up from his Codyvator. Cody was wearing a skull mask. Cody was accompanied by his wife Brandi Rhodes who got a huge reaction from the fans. The fans cheered as Cody’s theme song “Kingdom” played. Cody got an awesome firework display. Cody handed his weight belt to a fan. Cody hugged his mom, Brandi’s father-in-law, his sister and Brodie Lee Jr. who were all seated ringside.
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns got a special orchestra for his entrance. Reigns came out with Paul Heyman to an incredible heel reaction. Reigns also got an awesome firework display.
Roman Reigns (c) (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Cody Rhodes in a Bloodline Rules Match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Samatha Irvin did an awesome job with the ring introductions. Cody got an incredible reaction from the fans. Reigns got incredible heel heat for his introduction. The fans in the building were standing as the match began. Huge Cody chants from the fans. Cody nailed Reigns with an early sliding jab. The fans went wild as Cody grabbed a table. Reigns stopped Cody with a Drive By. The fans booed loudly as Reigns placed the table underneath the ring. Reigns took the lead whacking Cody with a kendo stick. Cody responded catching Reigns with a Figure-4-Leg Lock. Reigns broke free yanking Cody in the eyes. Reigns whacked Cody with the Prime hydration bottle. They brawled into the crowd. Cody planted Reigns with a suplex onto a platform. They made their way back ringside. Cody went for a Disaster Kick but Reigns caught him with a Powerbomb. Reigns grabbed Cody’s arm against the ropes. Reigns said he’s going to send Cody back to Hollywood with the rest of them. Reigns said this was his company. Reigns planted Cody with a Perfect Plex for two. Cody caught Reigns charging with a Superkick. Reigns responded with a big boot. Cody responded with another superkick. Cody and Reigns connected with a double clothesline to reset the match after a great exchange. Cody battled back catching Reigns with a snap powerslam. The fans were going wild for everything Cody did. Cody connected with a Disaster Kick for two. Cody went for a springboard but Reigns countered hitting a Cross Rhodes for a great two count. Reigns said “That moves sucks!” Cody avoided a Superman Punch rocking Reigns with a Bionic Elbow. Cody cleared the announcers table. The fans booed as Reigns nailed Cody with a low blow. Reigns delivered a Powerbomb sending Cody crashing through the announcers table. Reigns connected with a Superman Punch for two. Cody avoided a Spear catching Reigns with a Cody Cutter for two. Cody called for Cross Rhodes but Reigns broke free. Reigns called for a Rock Bottom but Cody broke free. Cody caught Reigns coming off the ropes with a Spear for a great two count. Cody planted Reigns with a Cross Rhodes. Here comes Jimmy Uso nailing Cody with a Superkick. Reigns nailed Cody with a Superman Punch. Jey Uso came out to a big reaction. Jey and Jimmy brawled on the entrance ramp. Jey delivered a Spear off the stage sending Jimmy crashing through a table in an awesome spot. Reigns looked surprised. Cody caught Reigns with a rollup for two. Reigns caught Cody coming off the ropes with a Spear for a great two count. Reigns went for a Guillotine Hold. Cody broke free tackling Reigns thought the ropes. Cody connected with a spear sending Reigns crashing through the barricade. The fans chanted “This Is Awesome!” Cody delivered a pair of Cross Rhodes. Solo Sikoa appeared nailing Cody with a Samoan Spike. Reigns dragged Reigns onto Cody for a great two count. Reigns and Sikoa delivered a Spear/Samoan Spike Combo but Cody kicked out for an awesome two count. This was great playing off last year’s WrestleMania finish. The fans went completely WILD as John Cena’s music played to a thunderous reaction. Cena clotheslined Sikoa out of the ring. Cena gave Reigns an Attitude Adjustment which got a huge reaction. Cena delivered an Attitude Adjustment sending Sikoa crashing the announcers table. The fans went wild as The Rock came out. Cena and Rock had an awesome stare down. This match was awesome. The fans chanted “Holy S*it!” Rock avoided a swing as he gave Cena a Rock Bottom. Rock grabbed his Mama Rhodes belt. The fans went wild as The Shield’s music played. Rock was looking into the crowd to see who’s coming out. Rollins appeared from behind in the ring. Reigns took out Rollins right away as he was wearing his Shield gear. This is key to the whole match. Rollins managed to place a chair in the ring. The fans went completely wild as The Undertaker’s dong sounded. The lights went out. The lights turned on. The Undertaker was standing behind The Rock. Rock looked stunned. Undertaker gave Rock a huge Chokeslam. The lights went out. Undertaker’s music played. The lights turned on Undertaker was gone. Reigns was shown crawling inside the ring. Reigns grabbed the chair which Rollins placed in the ring. Reigns saw both Cody and Rollins on opposite sides of the ring. Reigns whacked Rollins (who was wearing the Shield gear.) The same way Rollins attacked Reigns with a chair in June 2014 when he broke up The Shield. Reigns called for a spear but Cody caught him with a kick. Cody delivered a pair of Cross Rhodes. Cody delivered a third Cross Rhodes to end Reigns legendary run and win the Undisputed WWE Universal Title to an incredible reaction at 32:25.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was absolute cinema. I was really upset with Cody Rhodes lost last year at WrestleMania. To WWE credit they did a great keeping Cody hot building to the rematch with Reigns. The way WWE decided to pivot by turning Rock heel and being part of the Bloodline story added more drama to the match. I really liked how Cody and Reigns first got to have a great wrestling match before the run-ins began. I thought the way they laid out the run-ins was perfect and it didn’t take away from Cody’s win. I would’ve loved to see Stone Cold Steve Austin make a cameo appearance and give The Rock a Stone Cold Stunner. It was still awesome seeing both John Cena and The Undertaker making cameo appearances. The closing moments of the match were perfect. Rollins told Cody he would be his Shield and that led to Reigns getting flashback to 2014 when Rollins broke up the Shied. Roman Reigns had an incredible legendary championship run. Reigns can move onto the next chapter in the Bloodline story which is the start of his babyface turn leading to an eventual match with Rock. Cody Rhodes is the perfect WWE babyface star as he took the fans on long journey as they wanted to see him finish his story. A fantastic match with one the best payoff in wrestling leading to the crowing of WWE’s top babyface star as its champion. This was picture perfect. (*****)
Cody Rhodes Championship Celebration
Samantha Irvin’s was overcome with emotion as she announced Cody Rhodes as the new Undisputed WWE Champion. Charles Robinson handed Cody the Undisputed WWE Universal Title. Brandi Rhodes entered the ring and celebrated with Cody. Cody raised the Undisputed WWE Universal Title to a huge reaction. Reigns left the ring as he was on his knees. Rock looked down at Reigns. (The announcers didn’t bring it up so they don’t take away from Cody’s celebration.) That’s the next chapter in the Bloodline to begin the start of a Roman Reigns babyface turn.
Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Randy Orton, Jey Uso, LA Knight (YEAH!) and John Cena who all had a rivalry with Bloodline celebrated with Cody inside the ring. They raised Cody on their shoulders. This gave vibes of Bret Hart’s WWE Championship celebration at WrestleMania X. CM Punk came out to celebrate with Cody. The fans cheered as Punk raised Cody’s hand. Cody hugged his mom. Michael Cole on commentary said “I love professional wrestling!” The fans cheered as Cody handed his mom the WWE Title. Cody hugged his family, Brodie Lee Jr. and his family and friends inside the ring.
Cody asked for the mic. Cody said he’s surrounded by greatness inside the ring and in the arena. Cody said he wouldn’t have made it back to WWE if it wasn’t for two men. Cody asked for Bruce Pritchard to come out. Cody said the other person is kicking and screaming. Cody said this was the start of a New Era and wanted Triple H to come out as he’s the leader. Triple H’s came out trying to hold back tears. Cody hugged Bruce Prichard. Cody shook hands with Triple H. Cody and Triple H shared a long hug. The fans cheered as Triple H raised Cody’s hand. Randy Orton and Sami Zayn placed Cody on their shoulders.
Cody left the ring and shared a hug with Michael Cole. Cody shook Corey Graves and Pat McAfee’s hand. Cody entered the ring hugged family and friends. Everyone started leaving the ring. Cody saw Rollins who had an emotional look. Cody and Rollins shook hands. Rollins told Cody something. Cody and Triple H shook hands and shared another hug. Everyone stood outside the ring cheering. Cody celebrated inside the ring. There was a huge firework display. Cody left the ring celebrated with fans and camera men. Triple H was shown hugging WWE President Nick Khan. Cody and Nick Khan shared a hug. Cody and Nick Khan shared some words. Corey Graves on commentary said “Pro Wrestling Is Back! Cody celebrated with the Undisputed WWE Universal Title on the WrestleMania XL stage. The show came to a close.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was an awesome championship celebration. This was WWE’s way of letting everyone know they are starting a new era. They wanted to let you know the Paul Levesque Era in WWE is here. That was clear from Cody’s promo and him bringing out Levesque for the championship celebration. From Samantha Irvin’s incredible call for Cody win, the joy in Michael Cole and Corey Graves voice saying pro wrestling on WWE TV. Cody celebrating with his family and WWE’s top babyface stars. From smashing the throne in 2019 to Levesque raising Cody’s hand as WWE Champion. This was just incredible to watch. One of the best WrestleMania closing moments of all-time.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
WWE WrestleMania XL Night Two was an excellent show. Rollins/McIntyre, Bayley/Iyo Sky and Logan Paul/Orton/Owens were all great matches. There were also some great moments on the shows. LA Knight getting his first WrestleMania win against AJ Styles in a fun match. Drew McIntyre winning the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania in front of fans was awesome. We got a Money in the Bank cash-in with Damian Priest winning the World Heavyweight Title. Bayley winning the WWE Women’s Champion as a beloved babyface star was so enjoyable to watch. The main event between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns was just an absolute incredible spectacle of a match. The payoff of Cody Rhodes finishing his story and ending Roman Reigns legendary championship truly felt like one of the biggest WrestleMania moment of all-time. Overall, WWE WrestleMania XL was an incredible show. The closing moments of WrestleMania felt like we are truly in a new era of WWE led by Paul Levesque. An incredible show.
