The first night of The Only WrestleMania Too Big for Just One Night proved truly historic with The Undertaker reigning supreme over AJ Styles in a brutal Boneyard Match, Braun Strowman winning the Universal Championship from Goldberg, Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross defeating The Kabuki Warriors to become two-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and so much more. Don't miss WrestleMania 36 Part 2, tomorrow at 7 ET/4 PT on WWE Network.
Cesaro defeated Drew Gulak. (Kickoff Match)
Cesaro set the tone for The Only WrestleMania Too Big for One Night as he out-grappled Drew Gulak in a technical showcase on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
Cesaro and his Artist Collective of Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn and Shinsuke Nakamura have been at odds with Gulak and Daniel Bryan for weeks, so little time was wasted for Cesaro and Gulak to lock up as soon as the opening bell sounded. With both Superstars focusing on their technical abilities, The Swiss Superman’s raw power proved to be an equalizer despite Gulak’s relentless efforts to neutralize it.
With damage done to Cesaro’s right arm, Gulak remained aggressive and pressed forward, targeting his opponent’s limb. Continuing to counter Cesaro’s advances with technical wizardy, Gulak maintained dominance throughout much of the contest but was unable to find an answer for Cesaro’s strength. That ultimately cost Gulak the match as he was caught in an Airplane Spin and dropped for the three-count. (Via WWE.com)
Cesaro and his Artist Collective of Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn and Shinsuke Nakamura have been at odds with Gulak and Daniel Bryan for weeks, so little time was wasted for Cesaro and Gulak to lock up as soon as the opening bell sounded. With both Superstars focusing on their technical abilities, The Swiss Superman’s raw power proved to be an equalizer despite Gulak’s relentless efforts to neutralize it.
With damage done to Cesaro’s right arm, Gulak remained aggressive and pressed forward, targeting his opponent’s limb. Continuing to counter Cesaro’s advances with technical wizardy, Gulak maintained dominance throughout much of the contest but was unable to find an answer for Cesaro’s strength. That ultimately cost Gulak the match as he was caught in an Airplane Spin and dropped for the three-count. (Via WWE.com)
WWE Women's Tag Team Championship: Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross defeated WWE WOMEN'S TAG TEAM CHAMPION, The Kabuki Warriors.
Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross opened WrestleMania 36 in historic fashion, dethroning The Kabuki Warriors to become the first-ever two-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
Asuka & Kairi Sane dominated much of the action, wearing down their opponents by isolating each — first Cross, then Bliss — at separate junctures.
The bid to knock off the reigning champions appeared dire with Cross caught in the Asuka Lock in the middle of the ring. Bailing out her teammate, Bliss struck Asuka with a perfectly timed Twisted Bliss to break the hold. (Via WWE.com)
Asuka & Kairi Sane dominated much of the action, wearing down their opponents by isolating each — first Cross, then Bliss — at separate junctures.
The bid to knock off the reigning champions appeared dire with Cross caught in the Asuka Lock in the middle of the ring. Bailing out her teammate, Bliss struck Asuka with a perfectly timed Twisted Bliss to break the hold. (Via WWE.com)
Elias defeated King Corbin.
King Corbin did everything in his power to embarrass Elias in the singer's first WrestleMania match. However, after making it back to the ring following a wild fall two weeks ago on SmackDown, Elias was ready to give Corbin a taste of his own medicine.
The proceedings began with King Corbin arriving and forcing the WWE Universe to rewatch his brutal attack on Elias from two weeks ago, in which the songster crashed to the arena floor from a perch high above the WWE Performance Center. With Elias’ status still unknown as WrestleMania began, The King of The Ring then demanded the referee name him the winner by forfeit.
But, the troubadour made it to the WWE Performance Center, strumming his guitar to signal his arrival. While on the entrance ramp, Corbin charged at Elias, who turned the tables on the King and smashed his guitar into splinters across Corbin’s back. The songster took control of the bout as it began back in the ring, until Corbin unceremoniously dumped him to the arena floor.
That gave Corbin the opening he needed to go on the offensive, targeting the shoulder injured in his shocking attack. However, as the King jawjacked with Michael Cole & JBL at ringside, Elias regained his composure and turned the tables on Corbin, sending his royal rival crashing shoulder-first into the unforgiving ringpost.
King Corbin grew frustrated as the bout wore on, and tried to use underhanded tactics to gain the upper hand on Elias. However, WWE’s resident songster was ready to turn the tides on the King, rolling him up with a handful of tights to claim his first victory on The Grandest Stage of Them All. (Via WWE.com)
The proceedings began with King Corbin arriving and forcing the WWE Universe to rewatch his brutal attack on Elias from two weeks ago, in which the songster crashed to the arena floor from a perch high above the WWE Performance Center. With Elias’ status still unknown as WrestleMania began, The King of The Ring then demanded the referee name him the winner by forfeit.
But, the troubadour made it to the WWE Performance Center, strumming his guitar to signal his arrival. While on the entrance ramp, Corbin charged at Elias, who turned the tables on the King and smashed his guitar into splinters across Corbin’s back. The songster took control of the bout as it began back in the ring, until Corbin unceremoniously dumped him to the arena floor.
That gave Corbin the opening he needed to go on the offensive, targeting the shoulder injured in his shocking attack. However, as the King jawjacked with Michael Cole & JBL at ringside, Elias regained his composure and turned the tables on Corbin, sending his royal rival crashing shoulder-first into the unforgiving ringpost.
King Corbin grew frustrated as the bout wore on, and tried to use underhanded tactics to gain the upper hand on Elias. However, WWE’s resident songster was ready to turn the tides on the King, rolling him up with a handful of tights to claim his first victory on The Grandest Stage of Them All. (Via WWE.com)
RAW Women's Championship: RAW WOMEN'S CHAMPION, Becky Lynch defeated Shayna Baszler.
Becky Lynch proved once more that there is no challenge she isn’t willing to take on and that she is one of the most dominant competitors of all time by retaining the Raw Women’s Championship against Shayna Baszler at WrestleMania.
Former NXT Women’s Champion Baszler was out to prove that The Man was nothing but pure hype and made it her mission to take the Raw Women’s Championship from Becky Lynch. The animosity between Lynch and Baszler was palpable as the battle began with an exchange of strikes that The Queen of Spades won with a kick to the thigh. Viciously attacking, Baszler stalked The Man on the outside of the ring, but Lynch was able to regain her bearings and turn the tide, using the ringside environment to her advantage.
Well aware of Baszler’s ability, the Raw Women’s Champion continued to mount an aggressive offense and worked to keep her challenger defensive in the corner. Despite the onslaught, the resilient Baszler delivered a perfectly timed kick to the face to level the playing field before unleashing a series of high-impact maneuvers that left The Man reeling.
Brawling on the ring apron, the rivals once again traded blows, but Lynch wisely slammed Baszler into the ring apron. Unable to secure a pinfall, The Man grew visibly frustrated, wondering what it would take to retain her title. Ascending the ropes, Lynch found herself taken down before The Queen of Spades applied an armbar and the Dis-Arm-Her but was unsuccessful scoring a pinfall following a knee to Lynch’s face.
The action once again spilled to the outside following a Kirafuda Clutch applied by Baszler before she took pleasure in slamming Lynch into the announce table. The champion was reeling and failed to apply the Dis-Arm-Her back inside the ring but found herself once again locked in the Kirafuda Clutch. Struggling to break free, The Man managed to take advantage of Baszler taking the hold to the canvas and roll over, pinning The Queen of Spades’ shoulder to the mat and retaining the title. (Via WWE.com)
Former NXT Women’s Champion Baszler was out to prove that The Man was nothing but pure hype and made it her mission to take the Raw Women’s Championship from Becky Lynch. The animosity between Lynch and Baszler was palpable as the battle began with an exchange of strikes that The Queen of Spades won with a kick to the thigh. Viciously attacking, Baszler stalked The Man on the outside of the ring, but Lynch was able to regain her bearings and turn the tide, using the ringside environment to her advantage.
Well aware of Baszler’s ability, the Raw Women’s Champion continued to mount an aggressive offense and worked to keep her challenger defensive in the corner. Despite the onslaught, the resilient Baszler delivered a perfectly timed kick to the face to level the playing field before unleashing a series of high-impact maneuvers that left The Man reeling.
Brawling on the ring apron, the rivals once again traded blows, but Lynch wisely slammed Baszler into the ring apron. Unable to secure a pinfall, The Man grew visibly frustrated, wondering what it would take to retain her title. Ascending the ropes, Lynch found herself taken down before The Queen of Spades applied an armbar and the Dis-Arm-Her but was unsuccessful scoring a pinfall following a knee to Lynch’s face.
The action once again spilled to the outside following a Kirafuda Clutch applied by Baszler before she took pleasure in slamming Lynch into the announce table. The champion was reeling and failed to apply the Dis-Arm-Her back inside the ring but found herself once again locked in the Kirafuda Clutch. Struggling to break free, The Man managed to take advantage of Baszler taking the hold to the canvas and roll over, pinning The Queen of Spades’ shoulder to the mat and retaining the title. (Via WWE.com)
Intercontinental Championship: INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION, Sami Zayn (with Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura) defeated Daniel Bryan (with Drew Gulak).
Daniel Bryan had Drew Gulak watching his back at WrestleMania, but it was not enough to neutralize Sami Zayn’s cohorts, as Zayn weathered a devastating battle and escaped with the Intercontinental Championship.
With his Artist Collective in his corner, Zayn was more than happy to stall in the early moments of the match, as Bryan dared him to lock up in the center of the ring. The stall tactics continued, until a frustrated Bryan pursued the champion on the arena floor until Zayn hid behind Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura. Fortunately, Bryan came with backup of his own in the form of Drew Gulak. (Via WWE.com)
With his Artist Collective in his corner, Zayn was more than happy to stall in the early moments of the match, as Bryan dared him to lock up in the center of the ring. The stall tactics continued, until a frustrated Bryan pursued the champion on the arena floor until Zayn hid behind Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura. Fortunately, Bryan came with backup of his own in the form of Drew Gulak. (Via WWE.com)
SmackDown Tag Team Championship: SMACKDOWN TAG TEAM CHAMPION, John Morrison defeated Kofi Kingston & Jimmy Uso. (Triple Threat Ladder Match)
John Morrison & The Miz keep using any and all methods to hold onto the SmackDown Tag Team Titles, and things weren’t any different on The Grandest Stage of Them All. Morrison defeated Kofi Kingston and Jimmy Uso with a little bit of luck in a Triple Threat Ladder Match to retain the championship.
Originally a Triple Threat Tag Team Ladder Match, the stipulation was changed following an injury to The Miz. The change didn’t stop the combatants from taking any risk possible in pursuit of the titles — all three willingly weaponized their bodies and the ladders.
The Prince of Parkour delivered a spectacular twisting splash onto Uso, sandwiching him on a ladder balanced on the second rope in brutal fashion. Moments later, Uso appeared primed to unleash a creative attack of his own while walking the barricade, but Kingston hurled a massive ladder at him, stopping him in his tracks.
The three highfliers eagerly took opportunities to soar above the ring. Morrison connected with an unreal avalanche Spanish Fly to Kingston after tight-roping his way across the ring, only to be caught with a massive top-rope splash from Uso seconds later.
All three men eventually found themselves high above the ring together on two ladders, and the bout devolved into a frantic tug of war when they simultaneously pulled both titles down. Kingston and Uso teamed up for a double headbutt on Morrison that sent him flying off the ladder — only for The Guru of Greatness to take the championships down with him, retaining in the most fortuitous of fashions. (Via WWE.com)
Originally a Triple Threat Tag Team Ladder Match, the stipulation was changed following an injury to The Miz. The change didn’t stop the combatants from taking any risk possible in pursuit of the titles — all three willingly weaponized their bodies and the ladders.
The Prince of Parkour delivered a spectacular twisting splash onto Uso, sandwiching him on a ladder balanced on the second rope in brutal fashion. Moments later, Uso appeared primed to unleash a creative attack of his own while walking the barricade, but Kingston hurled a massive ladder at him, stopping him in his tracks.
The three highfliers eagerly took opportunities to soar above the ring. Morrison connected with an unreal avalanche Spanish Fly to Kingston after tight-roping his way across the ring, only to be caught with a massive top-rope splash from Uso seconds later.
All three men eventually found themselves high above the ring together on two ladders, and the bout devolved into a frantic tug of war when they simultaneously pulled both titles down. Kingston and Uso teamed up for a double headbutt on Morrison that sent him flying off the ladder — only for The Guru of Greatness to take the championships down with him, retaining in the most fortuitous of fashions. (Via WWE.com)
Kevin Owens defeated Seth Rollins. (No Disqualification Match)
Kevin Owens proved once and for all he wouldn’t fall in line behind The Monday Night Messiah, defeating Seth Rollins – twice – on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
Owens believed he had an advantage at The Showcase of the Immortals as a former NXT Champion, saying the WWE Performance Center was his “home turf.” Of course, Rollins is also a former NXT Champion – the first ever – but the two Superstars have evolved since then, and that evolution has brought their personal animosity full circle. They wasted little time unloading on each other as the match began, but Owens maintained the upper hand, verbally taunting Rollins as he continued to attack.
Ruthless, Owens followed his opponent outside the ring and dished out punishment by tossing The Monday Night Messiah into the barricade. However, Rollins battled back, dropping Owens on the ring apron twice – the second time with a brutal Falcon Arrow. As Owens reeled from repeated attacks, Rollins taunted his opponent before delivering dives through the ropes. Inside the ring Rollins’ offensive onslaught continued until Owens avoided a Stomp and spiked The Monday Night Messiah to the mat with a DDT.
Regaining his composure, Rollins tried to continue his offense, but was met with a superkick, cannonball and senton from the top. Although, incredible flurry from KO was not enough to secure the pinfall, Owens didn’t let up and both Superstars brawled back and forth until a clothesline from KO leveled the playing field.
Struggling on the top rope, Rollins struck Owens in the eye to get the advantage needed for a buckle bomb across the ring. Despite the effort and a sequence of superkicks, KO stopped his opponent’s momentum with a pop-up powerbomb. Retreating out of the ring, Rollins grabbed the ring bell and clocked Owens, forcing the official to call the match and give KO the victory.
However, as Rollins made his way up the ramp, Owens criticized The Monday Night Messiah and demanded the match restart as a No Disqualification Match. Rollins accepted and immediately unloaded on Owens outside the ring, taking full advantage of the new stipulation by crushing his opponent with the steel steps.
As Rollins attacked with a steel chair, Owens continued to taunt The Monday Night Messiah, only enraging him more. However, as Rollins prepared to drive Owens through the announce table, KO grabbed the ring bell and nailed his opponent twice, leaving Rollins laid out on the table. Looking to deliver the promise of a WrestleMania moment, Owens ascended the WrestleMania sign and jumped off, driving Rollins into the table.
With Rollins wheezing in pain, Owens threw him back in the ring where he pleaded for mercy. Unfortunately for Rollins, that mercy came in the form of a Stunner and ultimately defeat as Owens silenced The Monday Night Messiah. (Via WWE.com)
Owens believed he had an advantage at The Showcase of the Immortals as a former NXT Champion, saying the WWE Performance Center was his “home turf.” Of course, Rollins is also a former NXT Champion – the first ever – but the two Superstars have evolved since then, and that evolution has brought their personal animosity full circle. They wasted little time unloading on each other as the match began, but Owens maintained the upper hand, verbally taunting Rollins as he continued to attack.
Ruthless, Owens followed his opponent outside the ring and dished out punishment by tossing The Monday Night Messiah into the barricade. However, Rollins battled back, dropping Owens on the ring apron twice – the second time with a brutal Falcon Arrow. As Owens reeled from repeated attacks, Rollins taunted his opponent before delivering dives through the ropes. Inside the ring Rollins’ offensive onslaught continued until Owens avoided a Stomp and spiked The Monday Night Messiah to the mat with a DDT.
Regaining his composure, Rollins tried to continue his offense, but was met with a superkick, cannonball and senton from the top. Although, incredible flurry from KO was not enough to secure the pinfall, Owens didn’t let up and both Superstars brawled back and forth until a clothesline from KO leveled the playing field.
Struggling on the top rope, Rollins struck Owens in the eye to get the advantage needed for a buckle bomb across the ring. Despite the effort and a sequence of superkicks, KO stopped his opponent’s momentum with a pop-up powerbomb. Retreating out of the ring, Rollins grabbed the ring bell and clocked Owens, forcing the official to call the match and give KO the victory.
However, as Rollins made his way up the ramp, Owens criticized The Monday Night Messiah and demanded the match restart as a No Disqualification Match. Rollins accepted and immediately unloaded on Owens outside the ring, taking full advantage of the new stipulation by crushing his opponent with the steel steps.
As Rollins attacked with a steel chair, Owens continued to taunt The Monday Night Messiah, only enraging him more. However, as Rollins prepared to drive Owens through the announce table, KO grabbed the ring bell and nailed his opponent twice, leaving Rollins laid out on the table. Looking to deliver the promise of a WrestleMania moment, Owens ascended the WrestleMania sign and jumped off, driving Rollins into the table.
With Rollins wheezing in pain, Owens threw him back in the ring where he pleaded for mercy. Unfortunately for Rollins, that mercy came in the form of a Stunner and ultimately defeat as Owens silenced The Monday Night Messiah. (Via WWE.com)
WWE Universal Championship: Braun Strowman defeated WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPION, Goldberg.
It was a true clash of titans when Goldberg and Braun Strowman clashed on The Grandest Stage of Them All. But after a collision that lasted the blink of an eye, it was Strowman who captured the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 36 with a dominant victory over the WWE Hall of Famer.
Goldberg showed no fear in the face of The Monster Among Men, striking first by staggering Strowman with a kick to the midsection, then following up with three consecutive Spears that temporarily stunned the titan — but he could not put Strowman down for the three count. A fourth did not do the trick, either.
The Universal Champion, perhaps realizing that he was not facing a normal Superstar, then went for his patented Jackhammer, but was countered by Strowman. The Monster Among Men went on a rampage, planting Goldberg repeatedly into the canvas with four consecutive Running Powerslams to win his first Universal Championship.
Having finally captured the top title he’s been seeking for years, Braun Strowman stood tall at The Show of Shows, roaring “The Monster lives!” at the top of his lungs. With that emphatic statement made, is there anyone on the SmackDown roster daring enough to step up to try and topple The Monster Among Men? (Via WWE.com)
Goldberg showed no fear in the face of The Monster Among Men, striking first by staggering Strowman with a kick to the midsection, then following up with three consecutive Spears that temporarily stunned the titan — but he could not put Strowman down for the three count. A fourth did not do the trick, either.
The Universal Champion, perhaps realizing that he was not facing a normal Superstar, then went for his patented Jackhammer, but was countered by Strowman. The Monster Among Men went on a rampage, planting Goldberg repeatedly into the canvas with four consecutive Running Powerslams to win his first Universal Championship.
Having finally captured the top title he’s been seeking for years, Braun Strowman stood tall at The Show of Shows, roaring “The Monster lives!” at the top of his lungs. With that emphatic statement made, is there anyone on the SmackDown roster daring enough to step up to try and topple The Monster Among Men? (Via WWE.com)
Undertaker defeated AJ Styles. (Boneyard Match)
It turns out that even a Phenomenal One is no match for a Phenom.
The Undertaker put AJ Styles in the dirt at WrestleMania 36, winning the first-ever Boneyard Match.
Refusing to change course from the arrogant antics that sparked this rivalry, Styles arrived at a foreboding cemetery in a hearse, rising from a casket in mocking fashion. Meanwhile, The Undertaker rolled up on his motorcycle, conjuring images of yesteryear.
The Deadman showed Styles why he’s the most feared striker in WWE history, unleashing a torrent of punishing punches to quickly disorient his opponent. Even an errant blow that sent Undertaker’s arm through a window of the hearse failed to slow him down, and he planted Styles on the windshield, shattering it.
An especially powerful haymaker sent Styles into an empty grave, but it turned out he didn’t come alone. The rest of The O.C. appeared, luring Undertaker toward a shed that released a horde of druids. The Phenom dispatched of them, but it gave Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson the opening they needed to batter The Undertaker.
The Phenom eventually gained the upper hand until Styles smashed a gravestone over him. Sending The Undertaker crashing through a fence with a tackle moments later, The Phenomenal One grew cocky again, saying, “You just don’t have it anymore, old man.”
With an exasperated Undertaker struggling to regain his breath, Styles smashed a shovel over him, sending him into the same empty plot. Climbing atop a bulldozer to attempt to bury The Phenom, Styles’ self-satisfaction was again short-lived when The Undertaker eerily appeared behind him and foiled his plans.
Pursuing Styles up a ladder to a roof, The Undertaker again had to fight off Gallows & Anderson. He sent Gallows flying off the roof before spiking Anderson head-first with a Tombstone. With no one left to save Styles, The Dead Man sent him back to the ground with one of his biggest Chokeslams ever.
Dragging Styles back to the grave, The Undertaker took satisfaction in The Phenomenal One’s suffering after weeks of personal insults and humiliation. He also saved one last bit of psychological warfare for Styles, momentarily appearing to grant him mercy — only to topple him into the grave with a massive boot to the face.
After burying Styles in dirt, The Undertaker rode off into the night, having claimed a soul at WrestleMania for the 25th time. (Via WWE.com)
The Undertaker put AJ Styles in the dirt at WrestleMania 36, winning the first-ever Boneyard Match.
Refusing to change course from the arrogant antics that sparked this rivalry, Styles arrived at a foreboding cemetery in a hearse, rising from a casket in mocking fashion. Meanwhile, The Undertaker rolled up on his motorcycle, conjuring images of yesteryear.
The Deadman showed Styles why he’s the most feared striker in WWE history, unleashing a torrent of punishing punches to quickly disorient his opponent. Even an errant blow that sent Undertaker’s arm through a window of the hearse failed to slow him down, and he planted Styles on the windshield, shattering it.
An especially powerful haymaker sent Styles into an empty grave, but it turned out he didn’t come alone. The rest of The O.C. appeared, luring Undertaker toward a shed that released a horde of druids. The Phenom dispatched of them, but it gave Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson the opening they needed to batter The Undertaker.
The Phenom eventually gained the upper hand until Styles smashed a gravestone over him. Sending The Undertaker crashing through a fence with a tackle moments later, The Phenomenal One grew cocky again, saying, “You just don’t have it anymore, old man.”
With an exasperated Undertaker struggling to regain his breath, Styles smashed a shovel over him, sending him into the same empty plot. Climbing atop a bulldozer to attempt to bury The Phenom, Styles’ self-satisfaction was again short-lived when The Undertaker eerily appeared behind him and foiled his plans.
Pursuing Styles up a ladder to a roof, The Undertaker again had to fight off Gallows & Anderson. He sent Gallows flying off the roof before spiking Anderson head-first with a Tombstone. With no one left to save Styles, The Dead Man sent him back to the ground with one of his biggest Chokeslams ever.
Dragging Styles back to the grave, The Undertaker took satisfaction in The Phenomenal One’s suffering after weeks of personal insults and humiliation. He also saved one last bit of psychological warfare for Styles, momentarily appearing to grant him mercy — only to topple him into the grave with a massive boot to the face.
After burying Styles in dirt, The Undertaker rode off into the night, having claimed a soul at WrestleMania for the 25th time. (Via WWE.com)