It was a good night for the good guys (and The Man) at WrestleMania 35. In front of a capacity crowd of 82,265 at MetLife Stadium, Becky Lynch triumphed in a Winner Take All Match to capture both the Raw and SmackDown Women's Titles, Kofi Kingston finally won his very first WWE Championship by defeating Daniel Bryan, and Seth Rollins conquered "The Beast" Brock Lesnar to claim the Universal Title in shocking fashion.
WWE Cruiserweight Championship: Tony Nese defeated WWE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION, Buddy Murphy.
Buddy Murphy may not care for fairytales, but that didn’t stop hometown boy Tony Nese from living one of his own on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
The two former friends collided on the WrestleMania Kickoff in a match that saw Murphy shoot out of the gates in his trademark style. Nese, however, showed no intimidation of competing at The Show of Shows, staying in step with Murphy from the onset. The Juggernaut would not be deterred, however, as he ruthlessly pummeled Nese’s ribcage over the top turnbuckle and smothered the challenger. The Premier Athlete refused to stay down for long, combating Murphy’s relentless attack with a dynamic array of strikes, kicks and risky offensive acrobatics.
In the clutch, Nese survived a ring-rattling Murphy’s Law by getting his foot on the bottom rope at the last second. It appeared that Nese was all but done for at that point, but, amazingly, The Premier Athlete rocketed up and connected with an unbelievable German Suplex that planted Murphy into the turnbuckles. The challenger then hit the Running Nese for a three-count that gave him the Cruiserweight Championship and his WrestleMania moment.
The Premier Era has officially begun on WWE 205 Live. (Via WWE.com)
The two former friends collided on the WrestleMania Kickoff in a match that saw Murphy shoot out of the gates in his trademark style. Nese, however, showed no intimidation of competing at The Show of Shows, staying in step with Murphy from the onset. The Juggernaut would not be deterred, however, as he ruthlessly pummeled Nese’s ribcage over the top turnbuckle and smothered the challenger. The Premier Athlete refused to stay down for long, combating Murphy’s relentless attack with a dynamic array of strikes, kicks and risky offensive acrobatics.
In the clutch, Nese survived a ring-rattling Murphy’s Law by getting his foot on the bottom rope at the last second. It appeared that Nese was all but done for at that point, but, amazingly, The Premier Athlete rocketed up and connected with an unbelievable German Suplex that planted Murphy into the turnbuckles. The challenger then hit the Running Nese for a three-count that gave him the Cruiserweight Championship and his WrestleMania moment.
The Premier Era has officially begun on WWE 205 Live. (Via WWE.com)
Carmella won the Second Annual WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal.
The WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal trophy has a new fabulous owner.
Carmella outlasted a Superstar-studded field of competitors from SmackDown LIVE, Raw and NXT to win the second installment of The Show of Show’s all-women’s, over-the-top-rope free-for-all, tossing The Riott Squad’s Sarah Logan to claim victory on the WrestleMania Kickoff.
The eliminations came fast and furious almost from the opening bell. The returning Ember Moon, who’s been sidelined with an injury since Royal Rumble, was responsible for the first ouster, dispatching of Maria Kanellis, while Asuka dumped NXT’s Candice LeRae and Nikki Cross with back-to-back hip checks in the early going.
Moon managed another major elimination, clearing the ring of last year’s Battle Royal winner, Naomi, before suffering an elimination at the hands of Lana, who was decked out in Wonder Woman-inspired gear. Former NXT Women’s Champion Kairi Sane threatened to hit The Ravishing Russian with her Insane Elbow moments later, only to be stopped by Logan. When Lana tried thanking Logan for the assist, however, she wound up being beat down by the full Riott Squad and dumped by the faction’s warpaint-wearing powerhouse.
Indeed, The Riott Squad had strength in numbers, and they used it to great advantage, targeting the likes of Zelina Vega, Asuka and Dana Brooke at various points in the melee. Brooke put an end to their gang tactics, throwing Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan out of the ring in succession. Despite the impressive showing, Brooke eventually succumbed to a numerical disadvantage of another kind, when Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville joined forces to eject her from the squared circle.
The field continued to thin as bodies flew over the top rope until Logan, Deville and Asuka appeared to be the three final competitors. The Empress of Tomorrow bounced Deville from the ring, but was soon eliminated by Logan. Yet, as The Riott Squad member celebrated what she thought was her first victory on The Grandest Stage of Them All, Carmella slid back into the ring, revealing that Logan had one more Superstar to contend with.
After a struggle, Mella pushed Logan over the top rope and then knocked her to the floor with an impeccably timed superkick, earning Carmella a milestone WrestleMania Moment, no dance break required. (Via WWE.com)
Carmella outlasted a Superstar-studded field of competitors from SmackDown LIVE, Raw and NXT to win the second installment of The Show of Show’s all-women’s, over-the-top-rope free-for-all, tossing The Riott Squad’s Sarah Logan to claim victory on the WrestleMania Kickoff.
The eliminations came fast and furious almost from the opening bell. The returning Ember Moon, who’s been sidelined with an injury since Royal Rumble, was responsible for the first ouster, dispatching of Maria Kanellis, while Asuka dumped NXT’s Candice LeRae and Nikki Cross with back-to-back hip checks in the early going.
Moon managed another major elimination, clearing the ring of last year’s Battle Royal winner, Naomi, before suffering an elimination at the hands of Lana, who was decked out in Wonder Woman-inspired gear. Former NXT Women’s Champion Kairi Sane threatened to hit The Ravishing Russian with her Insane Elbow moments later, only to be stopped by Logan. When Lana tried thanking Logan for the assist, however, she wound up being beat down by the full Riott Squad and dumped by the faction’s warpaint-wearing powerhouse.
Indeed, The Riott Squad had strength in numbers, and they used it to great advantage, targeting the likes of Zelina Vega, Asuka and Dana Brooke at various points in the melee. Brooke put an end to their gang tactics, throwing Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan out of the ring in succession. Despite the impressive showing, Brooke eventually succumbed to a numerical disadvantage of another kind, when Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville joined forces to eject her from the squared circle.
The field continued to thin as bodies flew over the top rope until Logan, Deville and Asuka appeared to be the three final competitors. The Empress of Tomorrow bounced Deville from the ring, but was soon eliminated by Logan. Yet, as The Riott Squad member celebrated what she thought was her first victory on The Grandest Stage of Them All, Carmella slid back into the ring, revealing that Logan had one more Superstar to contend with.
After a struggle, Mella pushed Logan over the top rope and then knocked her to the floor with an impeccably timed superkick, earning Carmella a milestone WrestleMania Moment, no dance break required. (Via WWE.com)
RAW Tag Team Championship: Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins defeated RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONs, The Revival.
Another WrestleMania, another iconic streak snapped.
Yet, unlike The Undertaker and Asuka in years’ past, the ending of Curt Hawkins’ 269-match losing streak elicited nothing but tears of joy — and the Raw Tag Team Titles for the duo of Ryder & Hawkins.
From jump street, Dash Wilder & Scott Dawson — who initially thought Ryder & Hawkins were joking when they challenged them to this match on The Show of Shows — looked to psych out the longtime friends. The Revival were relentless, cutting off the ring with smothering offense that wore down both Superstars, leaving Ryder unable to make a tag.
Zack & Curt struck back when Long Island Iced-Z took Dawson down with a back body drop, which allowed him the space to tag in an en fuego Curt Hawkins, who absolutely unloaded on the “Top Guys.” When a revitalized Ryder returned to the contest, he struck The Revival down during an onslaught that including a terrifying tumble to the outside for him and Wilder.
A melee ensued from there, which ended with Hawkins taking a nasty brainbuster on the floor from Dawson. It looked like Hawkins was done for, until WrestleMania became WrestleMiracle, and Hawkins caught Dawson with a roll-up out of nowhere that secured the victory. With that, Hawkins’ losing streak was snapped, and the best friends had won the Raw Tag Team Titles on The Grandest Stage of Them All, mere miles from their Long Island hometown. (Via WWE.com)
Yet, unlike The Undertaker and Asuka in years’ past, the ending of Curt Hawkins’ 269-match losing streak elicited nothing but tears of joy — and the Raw Tag Team Titles for the duo of Ryder & Hawkins.
From jump street, Dash Wilder & Scott Dawson — who initially thought Ryder & Hawkins were joking when they challenged them to this match on The Show of Shows — looked to psych out the longtime friends. The Revival were relentless, cutting off the ring with smothering offense that wore down both Superstars, leaving Ryder unable to make a tag.
Zack & Curt struck back when Long Island Iced-Z took Dawson down with a back body drop, which allowed him the space to tag in an en fuego Curt Hawkins, who absolutely unloaded on the “Top Guys.” When a revitalized Ryder returned to the contest, he struck The Revival down during an onslaught that including a terrifying tumble to the outside for him and Wilder.
A melee ensued from there, which ended with Hawkins taking a nasty brainbuster on the floor from Dawson. It looked like Hawkins was done for, until WrestleMania became WrestleMiracle, and Hawkins caught Dawson with a roll-up out of nowhere that secured the victory. With that, Hawkins’ losing streak was snapped, and the best friends had won the Raw Tag Team Titles on The Grandest Stage of Them All, mere miles from their Long Island hometown. (Via WWE.com)
Braun Strowman won the sixth annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
The road from “Saturday Night Live” fame to WrestleMania infamy is a short one — about 6 feet or so as it turns out. Colin Jost and Michael Che traveled each and every one of them in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, courtesy of a can’t-be-stopped, man-on-a-mission Braun Strowman, who almost singlehandedly ran through the entire field to become the sixth winner of WrestleMania’s signature melee.
The Monster Among Men was all-business from the bell, and clearly had no patience for a feel-good story of any kind. Strowman put an end to not just one, but several sentimental favorites. SmackDown LIVE mainstay Ali? Gone. A returning Harper? Adios. Last year’s winner Matt Hardy? Him too, as well as his brother Jeff.
Jost and Che, for their part, saw the writing on the wall early on and hid underneath the ring at the opening bell — though Jost, perhaps, wanted to avoid drawing undue attention to his Odell Beckham Jr. Browns jersey — and while they attempted to steal the win by ganging up on Strowman as he tended to the Hardys, their big play failed and they found themselves with nowhere to run.
They tried to get out of it. Jost brought in his therapist to try and talk Strowman down. You can guess what happened to him. Che, wearing wrestling headgear and a WrestleMania hoodie, tried to eliminate himself, only to be stopped on the apron by Strowman and decked to the outside. Jost, inexplicably, found himself with a fighting chance when Braun accidentally got himself tangled in the ropes, but The Monster Among Men overpowered the comedian, hoisted him onto his shoulders, and sent him flying over the ring into a crowd of onlookers to claim the win.
From WrestleMania 35, he’s Braun Strowman. Thank you, goodnight. (Via WWE.com)
The Monster Among Men was all-business from the bell, and clearly had no patience for a feel-good story of any kind. Strowman put an end to not just one, but several sentimental favorites. SmackDown LIVE mainstay Ali? Gone. A returning Harper? Adios. Last year’s winner Matt Hardy? Him too, as well as his brother Jeff.
Jost and Che, for their part, saw the writing on the wall early on and hid underneath the ring at the opening bell — though Jost, perhaps, wanted to avoid drawing undue attention to his Odell Beckham Jr. Browns jersey — and while they attempted to steal the win by ganging up on Strowman as he tended to the Hardys, their big play failed and they found themselves with nowhere to run.
They tried to get out of it. Jost brought in his therapist to try and talk Strowman down. You can guess what happened to him. Che, wearing wrestling headgear and a WrestleMania hoodie, tried to eliminate himself, only to be stopped on the apron by Strowman and decked to the outside. Jost, inexplicably, found himself with a fighting chance when Braun accidentally got himself tangled in the ropes, but The Monster Among Men overpowered the comedian, hoisted him onto his shoulders, and sent him flying over the ring into a crowd of onlookers to claim the win.
From WrestleMania 35, he’s Braun Strowman. Thank you, goodnight. (Via WWE.com)
Alexa Bliss kicks off WrestleMania with WWE Hall of Famer, Hulk Hogan.
Alexa Bliss wants to prove she’s the best host in WrestleMania history, and she got off to a great start, beginning the show by welcoming back WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan.
The Hulkster proceeded to welcome the MetLife Stadium crowd to the Silverdome, a tongue-in-cheek nod to his blunder as the host of WrestleMania 30, and he promised the night would be Blissful. (Via WWE.com)
The Hulkster proceeded to welcome the MetLife Stadium crowd to the Silverdome, a tongue-in-cheek nod to his blunder as the host of WrestleMania 30, and he promised the night would be Blissful. (Via WWE.com)
WWE Universal Championship: 2019 Men's Royal Rumble winner, Seth Rollins defeated, WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPION, Brock Lesnar (with Paul Heyman).
The Beast has been slayed. With the WWE Universe firmly in his corner, Seth Rollins defeated Brock Lesnar to claim the Universal Championship, completing his quest to bring the coveted title home to Monday Night Raw.
Following Alexa Bliss’ WrestleMania surprise in the form of WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, Paul Heyman had a Show of Shows shocker of his own: Since Lesnar wasn’t in the main event, he arranged to have the Universal Championship Match kick off the night. This rescheduling would not only hasten Lesnar’s departure from MetLife Stadium but throw The Architect off his game.
Intent on mauling Rollins as quickly as possible, The Beast lunged at The Architect outside the ring before the match began, delivering an F-5 onto the floor and throwing Rollins around like a rag doll, turning the challenger’s back several shades of purple.
Once the match was officially underway, Lesnar continued the barrage, cornering Rollins with knee and shoulder strikes in the corner, then folding him up with a punishing trio of German suplexes. However, when the referee was knocked out of the ring and momentarily incapacitated, the savvy Architect capitalized with a savage low blow that stopped The Beast in his tracks. Repaying Lesnar for each of his German suplexes, Rollins landed three Stomps that slayed The Beast and brought the Universal Championship home to Monday Night Raw.
Since winning the 2019 Men’s Royal Rumble Match, The Architect made clear his intention to burn Suplex City to the ground on The Grandest Stage of Them All. At WrestleMania, the newly anointed Kingslayer reduced The Beast Incarnate’s lair to cinders, and the elated WrestleMania crowd danced on the ashes. (Via WWE.com)
Following Alexa Bliss’ WrestleMania surprise in the form of WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, Paul Heyman had a Show of Shows shocker of his own: Since Lesnar wasn’t in the main event, he arranged to have the Universal Championship Match kick off the night. This rescheduling would not only hasten Lesnar’s departure from MetLife Stadium but throw The Architect off his game.
Intent on mauling Rollins as quickly as possible, The Beast lunged at The Architect outside the ring before the match began, delivering an F-5 onto the floor and throwing Rollins around like a rag doll, turning the challenger’s back several shades of purple.
Once the match was officially underway, Lesnar continued the barrage, cornering Rollins with knee and shoulder strikes in the corner, then folding him up with a punishing trio of German suplexes. However, when the referee was knocked out of the ring and momentarily incapacitated, the savvy Architect capitalized with a savage low blow that stopped The Beast in his tracks. Repaying Lesnar for each of his German suplexes, Rollins landed three Stomps that slayed The Beast and brought the Universal Championship home to Monday Night Raw.
Since winning the 2019 Men’s Royal Rumble Match, The Architect made clear his intention to burn Suplex City to the ground on The Grandest Stage of Them All. At WrestleMania, the newly anointed Kingslayer reduced The Beast Incarnate’s lair to cinders, and the elated WrestleMania crowd danced on the ashes. (Via WWE.com)
AJ Styles defeated Randy Orton.
SmackDown LIVE has become known as “The House that AJ Styles Built.” And at WrestleMania 35, he defended it.
With 80,000-plus cheering him on, The Phenomenal One conquered Randy Orton who, for several weeks, has claimed to be the rightful standard-bearer of Team Blue as a 17-year WWE veteran.
WWE’s Apex Predator certainly lived up to his moniker as expected, using his size advantage to ground The Phenomenal One in the early goings. Once Styles focused his attacks on Orton’s knee, however, The Viper was vulnerable to the excruciating Calf Crusher. Hobbled yet no less malicious, Orton attempted to counter the Phenomenal Forearm with an RKO, but clever scouting by Styles created an opening for a 450 Splash onto the stunned Orton.
After Orton’s signature backbreaker failed to deter the resilient Styles, The Viper entered desperation mode — something rarely seen from the 13-time World Champion. Not known for his aerial offense, the third-generation Superstar nevertheless took his dazed foe to the top rope with a Superplex, the move made famous by his WWE Hall of Famer father, “Cowboy” Bob Orton. Pressing his advantage, Orton punished Styles with a rope-assisted DDT and hit the RKO, which seemingly sealed the fate of The Phenomenal One.
Except it didn’t. Styles kicked out.
When Orton tried to take Styles aerial once again — this time for an RKO from the top rope — the two-time WWE Champion countered with a Pelé Kick. The constant chain of reversals continued as Orton nearly trapped a soaring Styles with a mid-air RKO, which AJ answered by dropping The Viper throat-first onto the top rope. Styles then finally connected with the Phenomenal Forearm to pick up a massive win on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
With The Viper defeated, Styles now looks ahead to a bright future for SmackDown LIVE — the house that, after WrestleMania 35, is indisputably his. (Via WWE.com)
With 80,000-plus cheering him on, The Phenomenal One conquered Randy Orton who, for several weeks, has claimed to be the rightful standard-bearer of Team Blue as a 17-year WWE veteran.
WWE’s Apex Predator certainly lived up to his moniker as expected, using his size advantage to ground The Phenomenal One in the early goings. Once Styles focused his attacks on Orton’s knee, however, The Viper was vulnerable to the excruciating Calf Crusher. Hobbled yet no less malicious, Orton attempted to counter the Phenomenal Forearm with an RKO, but clever scouting by Styles created an opening for a 450 Splash onto the stunned Orton.
After Orton’s signature backbreaker failed to deter the resilient Styles, The Viper entered desperation mode — something rarely seen from the 13-time World Champion. Not known for his aerial offense, the third-generation Superstar nevertheless took his dazed foe to the top rope with a Superplex, the move made famous by his WWE Hall of Famer father, “Cowboy” Bob Orton. Pressing his advantage, Orton punished Styles with a rope-assisted DDT and hit the RKO, which seemingly sealed the fate of The Phenomenal One.
Except it didn’t. Styles kicked out.
When Orton tried to take Styles aerial once again — this time for an RKO from the top rope — the two-time WWE Champion countered with a Pelé Kick. The constant chain of reversals continued as Orton nearly trapped a soaring Styles with a mid-air RKO, which AJ answered by dropping The Viper throat-first onto the top rope. Styles then finally connected with the Phenomenal Forearm to pick up a massive win on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
With The Viper defeated, Styles now looks ahead to a bright future for SmackDown LIVE — the house that, after WrestleMania 35, is indisputably his. (Via WWE.com)
SmackDown Tag Team Championship: SMACKDOWN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONs, The Usos defeated The Bar, Aleister Black & Ricochet and Rusev (with Lana) & Shinsuke Nakamura.
For a brief moment at WrestleMania 35, the MetLife Stadium became The Uso Penitentiary as Jimmy & Jey stood tall on The Grandest Stage of Them All, defeating The Bar, Ricochet & Aleister Blackand Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev to retain the SmackDown Tag Team Championship.
The action was fast and furious right from the get-go as Aleister Black and Jey Uso traded holds, but the frantic nature of the Fatal 4-Way Match soon came into play, as members from all four teams tagged into the fray in rapid-fire succession.
The NXT upstarts looked like they had the upper hand, as Ricochet dizzied Cesaro with a dazzling headscissors takeover, but an uppercut from The Swiss Superstar stopped The One and Only right in his tracks. The Bar went on a rampage from there, as Cesaro spun Ricochet in the Cesaro Swing for minutes, while Sheamus grabbed anyone within reach and pummeled them with the Beats of the Bodhrán.
Ricochet recovered from Cesaro’s stomach-churning ride, but he was soon caught in the clutches of Rusev, who overpowered the speedy Superstar. Soon, the bout devolved into utter chaos, as a stacked superplex-powerbomb combo from the top rope brought all eight men crashing to the mat in a heap.
The relentless pace continued from there, as superkicks, Kinshasas and Black Masses were delivered with extreme precision. After Sheamus clobbered Ricochet with a Brogue Kick, though, The Celtic Warrior was all alone with Jimmy & Jey. The Usos took Sheamus down with a pair of superkicks, then crushed him with a double splash from the top rope to retain their titles.
The Usos may have left The Show of Shows with their SmackDown Tag Team Titles, but it was clear to the WWE Universe that there will be plenty of tough challenges ahead for the champions. (Via WWE.com)
The action was fast and furious right from the get-go as Aleister Black and Jey Uso traded holds, but the frantic nature of the Fatal 4-Way Match soon came into play, as members from all four teams tagged into the fray in rapid-fire succession.
The NXT upstarts looked like they had the upper hand, as Ricochet dizzied Cesaro with a dazzling headscissors takeover, but an uppercut from The Swiss Superstar stopped The One and Only right in his tracks. The Bar went on a rampage from there, as Cesaro spun Ricochet in the Cesaro Swing for minutes, while Sheamus grabbed anyone within reach and pummeled them with the Beats of the Bodhrán.
Ricochet recovered from Cesaro’s stomach-churning ride, but he was soon caught in the clutches of Rusev, who overpowered the speedy Superstar. Soon, the bout devolved into utter chaos, as a stacked superplex-powerbomb combo from the top rope brought all eight men crashing to the mat in a heap.
The relentless pace continued from there, as superkicks, Kinshasas and Black Masses were delivered with extreme precision. After Sheamus clobbered Ricochet with a Brogue Kick, though, The Celtic Warrior was all alone with Jimmy & Jey. The Usos took Sheamus down with a pair of superkicks, then crushed him with a double splash from the top rope to retain their titles.
The Usos may have left The Show of Shows with their SmackDown Tag Team Titles, but it was clear to the WWE Universe that there will be plenty of tough challenges ahead for the champions. (Via WWE.com)
Shane McMahon defeated The Miz. (Falls Count Anywhere match)
It’s a timeless story. A hero makes an unlikely friend who turns into a key ally. A heinous betrayal follows, and our hero rises to defend his honor. In the shadow of a metropolis, with millions watching his every move, our hero meets his foe on the grandest stage and … loses?
No. Wait. That can’t be right, can it?
Yes. As much of a Hollywood fairytale as The Miz’s career has been, the end of his Falls Count Anywhere Match with partner-turned-tormentor Shane McMahon was the exact opposite, as The A-Lister’s big attempt to put his foe down for good backfired in tragic fashion.
Shane-O-Mac’s early cockiness in the match certainly paid dividends. Not only did he restart his entrance not once but twice before he found Greg Hamilton’s timbre satisfactory, but he took out Miz’s father George Mizanin when he bravely attempted to square up with The Prodigal Son in the ring. That move, however, had the unintended effect of bringing out Miz’s inner punisher. The typically genial former WWE Champion beat Shane from one end of MetLife Stadium to the other, and the chase finally came to its conclusion at the precipice of a 15-foot camera scaffold in the middle of the stadium floor.
Cornered, Shane dropped to a knee and begged for mercy. Miz would give him none, trapping his foe in a suplex and plummeting the two of them off the edge of the plank and through a platform below. Neither man was in the position to fight any longer, but Shane, by sheer happenstance, had landed on top of The A-Lister, giving referee Charles Robinson more than enough leeway to count the deciding pinfall.
Neither McMahon or Miz were mobile enough to enjoy the moment, let alone comprehend it, but the sound the WWE Universe made — somewhere between a groan and a wail — was a cruel reminder that not all stories have happy endings. (Via WWE.com)
No. Wait. That can’t be right, can it?
Yes. As much of a Hollywood fairytale as The Miz’s career has been, the end of his Falls Count Anywhere Match with partner-turned-tormentor Shane McMahon was the exact opposite, as The A-Lister’s big attempt to put his foe down for good backfired in tragic fashion.
Shane-O-Mac’s early cockiness in the match certainly paid dividends. Not only did he restart his entrance not once but twice before he found Greg Hamilton’s timbre satisfactory, but he took out Miz’s father George Mizanin when he bravely attempted to square up with The Prodigal Son in the ring. That move, however, had the unintended effect of bringing out Miz’s inner punisher. The typically genial former WWE Champion beat Shane from one end of MetLife Stadium to the other, and the chase finally came to its conclusion at the precipice of a 15-foot camera scaffold in the middle of the stadium floor.
Cornered, Shane dropped to a knee and begged for mercy. Miz would give him none, trapping his foe in a suplex and plummeting the two of them off the edge of the plank and through a platform below. Neither man was in the position to fight any longer, but Shane, by sheer happenstance, had landed on top of The A-Lister, giving referee Charles Robinson more than enough leeway to count the deciding pinfall.
Neither McMahon or Miz were mobile enough to enjoy the moment, let alone comprehend it, but the sound the WWE Universe made — somewhere between a groan and a wail — was a cruel reminder that not all stories have happy endings. (Via WWE.com)
WWE Women's Tag Team Championship: The IIconics defeated WWE WOMEN'S TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS, Bayley & Sasha Banks, Nia Jax & Tamina and Natalya & WWE Hall of Famer, Beth Phoenix.
Name a more iconic moment than Peyton Royce & Billie Kay winning the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania 35. We’ll wait.
Looking to make their mark on The Grandest Stage of Them All, The IIconics shocked the world by beating reigning champions The Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection, Nia Jax & Tamina, and Natalya & Beth Phoenix in a frenetic Fatal 4-Way Match to claim the tandem titles.
If there was a sentimental favorite going into the bout, it was the returning Phoenix, who joined Natalya in donning the colors of the 2019 WWE Hall of Fame inductees The Hart Foundation. The two were even joined on the ramp by Bret “Hit Man” Hart during their entrance.
If there was an odds-on favorite, it was the defending champions The Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection, who took control of the contest with the well-oiled offense they'd honed in recent months as champions.
As for Tamina & Nia Jax, they were determined to become the favorites through sheer force. The Samoan Slaughterhouse laid out all three opposing pairs at one point and ascended the ropes ready to deliver a crushing blow, but The Glamazon knocked Nia off her perch.
After a melee on the outside, The Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection slugged it out with Natalya and Beth in a scrap that culminated with The Glamazon executing a jaw-dropping Glam Slam from the top rope at Bayley’s expense. With victory within her grasp, Beth saw her pinfall broken up when Royce pulled her away from Bayley and hurled her out of the ring, allowing Billie Kay to capitalize, score the three-count, and capture the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship for The IIconics.
How’s that for iconic? (Via WWE.com)
Looking to make their mark on The Grandest Stage of Them All, The IIconics shocked the world by beating reigning champions The Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection, Nia Jax & Tamina, and Natalya & Beth Phoenix in a frenetic Fatal 4-Way Match to claim the tandem titles.
If there was a sentimental favorite going into the bout, it was the returning Phoenix, who joined Natalya in donning the colors of the 2019 WWE Hall of Fame inductees The Hart Foundation. The two were even joined on the ramp by Bret “Hit Man” Hart during their entrance.
If there was an odds-on favorite, it was the defending champions The Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection, who took control of the contest with the well-oiled offense they'd honed in recent months as champions.
As for Tamina & Nia Jax, they were determined to become the favorites through sheer force. The Samoan Slaughterhouse laid out all three opposing pairs at one point and ascended the ropes ready to deliver a crushing blow, but The Glamazon knocked Nia off her perch.
After a melee on the outside, The Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection slugged it out with Natalya and Beth in a scrap that culminated with The Glamazon executing a jaw-dropping Glam Slam from the top rope at Bayley’s expense. With victory within her grasp, Beth saw her pinfall broken up when Royce pulled her away from Bayley and hurled her out of the ring, allowing Billie Kay to capitalize, score the three-count, and capture the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship for The IIconics.
How’s that for iconic? (Via WWE.com)
WWE Championship: Kofi Kingston (with Big E & Xavier Woods) defeated WWE CHAMPION, Daniel Bryan (with Rowan).
“There’s a new champ, yes there is!”
After 11 years of hard work, after clearing every hurdle thrown in his way, after earning every single opportunity, Kofi Kingston seized his moment and defeated Daniel Bryan to become the WWE Champion in one of the most emotional moments in WrestleMania history.
MetLife Stadium was rocking from the moment Big E finished his thunderous introduction for The New Day, as Kofi strode down the massive ramp for the biggest opportunity of his career. Judging by the look on his face, Kingston knew that his life would never be the same after tonight, regardless of the outcome of this match. Big E even pulled out a present for Kingston, promising him that he’d find out what was inside after the battle.
And it was a battle. With the capacity crowd of 82,265 fans, as well as the SmackDown locker room cheering him on, Kingston managed to persevere through every cruel and unusual maneuver the sadistic Bryan managed to apply.
Bryan wrenched Kingston into endless painful positions, but Kofi would not stay down. After Kingston landed an aerial dive successfully, he attempted to take flight once again, but Bryan was able to sidestep him this time. Kingston went crashing sternum-first into the announce desk, the sickening thud reverberating throughout New Jersey’s Meadowlands. The WWE Champion pounced on his challenger, finally finding a body part to target.
Bryan trapped Kingston in a waistlock, squeezing the breath from Kingston’s body. Kofi somehow escaped, but it looked like the damage had been done, as Bryan clobbered him with a series of dropkicks, then went back to punishing his opponent with a Boston Crab.
Kingston fought off an attack on the ropes from Bryan, and then the battle devolved into a hockey fight, with the two Superstars trading punches and kicks. Kingston escaped one LeBell Lock and connected with the SOS, but was ensnared in a second LeBell Lock by the WWE Champion, who elbowed him in the injured ribs for good measure.
Kingston reached the ropes but found himself on the receiving end of Bryan’s punishing kicks. Despite all the punishment he had been through to this moment, Kingston fought through the pain and dared the WWE Champion to hit him again. Bryan obliged, and Kingston answered with one of his own. When Bryan’s monstrous intellectual peer Rowan tried to get involved, Big E & Xavier Woods came to Kofi’s aid, taking the titan out with UpUpDownDown on the arena floor.
Back in the ring, Bryan caught Kingston and stomped him relentlessly into the canvas as Big E & Woods watched helplessly from ringside. But on this night, there was no keeping Kofi down. Kingston fought through everything, eventually giving Bryan a taste of his own medicine, stomping him into the canvas. With his New Day brethren and the entire WWE Universe behind him, Kingston clobbered Bryan with Trouble in Paradise and then pinned him to finally etch his name into the history books.
Woods and Big E leapt into the ring to celebrate with Kingston, but something had to change first. Kofi’s New Day teammates headed to ringside, grabbed Daniel Bryan’s eco-friendly WWE Championship, and tossed it aside. They then unveiled the WWE Championship Bryan had disposed of, custom-made with side plates bearing Kingston’s name.
The celebration continued with Kofi's two sons embracing their father in the ring and holding his newly-won title up for the WWE Universe to see.
Then, Big E grabbed the present he put aside at the start of the match, and unveiled his gift to the new WWE Champion — a T-shirt symbolizing the 11 years of work Kofi Kingston put into his WWE career, and The New Day's bond of brotherhood that helped propel Kofi to the top, along with one simple phrase.
“There’s a new champ, yes there is!” (Via WWE.com)
After 11 years of hard work, after clearing every hurdle thrown in his way, after earning every single opportunity, Kofi Kingston seized his moment and defeated Daniel Bryan to become the WWE Champion in one of the most emotional moments in WrestleMania history.
MetLife Stadium was rocking from the moment Big E finished his thunderous introduction for The New Day, as Kofi strode down the massive ramp for the biggest opportunity of his career. Judging by the look on his face, Kingston knew that his life would never be the same after tonight, regardless of the outcome of this match. Big E even pulled out a present for Kingston, promising him that he’d find out what was inside after the battle.
And it was a battle. With the capacity crowd of 82,265 fans, as well as the SmackDown locker room cheering him on, Kingston managed to persevere through every cruel and unusual maneuver the sadistic Bryan managed to apply.
Bryan wrenched Kingston into endless painful positions, but Kofi would not stay down. After Kingston landed an aerial dive successfully, he attempted to take flight once again, but Bryan was able to sidestep him this time. Kingston went crashing sternum-first into the announce desk, the sickening thud reverberating throughout New Jersey’s Meadowlands. The WWE Champion pounced on his challenger, finally finding a body part to target.
Bryan trapped Kingston in a waistlock, squeezing the breath from Kingston’s body. Kofi somehow escaped, but it looked like the damage had been done, as Bryan clobbered him with a series of dropkicks, then went back to punishing his opponent with a Boston Crab.
Kingston fought off an attack on the ropes from Bryan, and then the battle devolved into a hockey fight, with the two Superstars trading punches and kicks. Kingston escaped one LeBell Lock and connected with the SOS, but was ensnared in a second LeBell Lock by the WWE Champion, who elbowed him in the injured ribs for good measure.
Kingston reached the ropes but found himself on the receiving end of Bryan’s punishing kicks. Despite all the punishment he had been through to this moment, Kingston fought through the pain and dared the WWE Champion to hit him again. Bryan obliged, and Kingston answered with one of his own. When Bryan’s monstrous intellectual peer Rowan tried to get involved, Big E & Xavier Woods came to Kofi’s aid, taking the titan out with UpUpDownDown on the arena floor.
Back in the ring, Bryan caught Kingston and stomped him relentlessly into the canvas as Big E & Woods watched helplessly from ringside. But on this night, there was no keeping Kofi down. Kingston fought through everything, eventually giving Bryan a taste of his own medicine, stomping him into the canvas. With his New Day brethren and the entire WWE Universe behind him, Kingston clobbered Bryan with Trouble in Paradise and then pinned him to finally etch his name into the history books.
Woods and Big E leapt into the ring to celebrate with Kingston, but something had to change first. Kofi’s New Day teammates headed to ringside, grabbed Daniel Bryan’s eco-friendly WWE Championship, and tossed it aside. They then unveiled the WWE Championship Bryan had disposed of, custom-made with side plates bearing Kingston’s name.
The celebration continued with Kofi's two sons embracing their father in the ring and holding his newly-won title up for the WWE Universe to see.
Then, Big E grabbed the present he put aside at the start of the match, and unveiled his gift to the new WWE Champion — a T-shirt symbolizing the 11 years of work Kofi Kingston put into his WWE career, and The New Day's bond of brotherhood that helped propel Kofi to the top, along with one simple phrase.
“There’s a new champ, yes there is!” (Via WWE.com)
United States Championship: UNITED STATES CHAMPION, Samoa Joe defeated Rey Mysterio by submission.
Rey Mysterio never met a fight he didn’t think he could win. He might have done better to rethink that policy at WrestleMania 35.
The Ultimate Underdog’s attempt to take the United States Title from Samoa Joe in The Samoan Submission Machine’s WrestleMania debut ended almost instantaneously, as Rey’s effort to follow up a very early 619 — perhaps a plan to end the match quickly and put less stress on his recently injured ankle — landed him directly in the (Coquina) clutches of the titleholder, who put him to sleep in a matter of seconds.
A quick defeat won’t necessarily dim Rey’s heart, of course, but there’s a lesson to be found in the match: Some fights aren’t worth having. And some are over before they start. (Via WWE.com)
The Ultimate Underdog’s attempt to take the United States Title from Samoa Joe in The Samoan Submission Machine’s WrestleMania debut ended almost instantaneously, as Rey’s effort to follow up a very early 619 — perhaps a plan to end the match quickly and put less stress on his recently injured ankle — landed him directly in the (Coquina) clutches of the titleholder, who put him to sleep in a matter of seconds.
A quick defeat won’t necessarily dim Rey’s heart, of course, but there’s a lesson to be found in the match: Some fights aren’t worth having. And some are over before they start. (Via WWE.com)
Roman Reigns defeated Drew McIntyre.
Competing in a singles match for the first time since returning from his battle with leukemia, Roman Reigns scored a decisive emotional victory over Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania, getting payback on The Scottish Psychopath after weeks of physical and psychological attacks.
Intent on obliterating each member of The Shield one-by-one to cement his dominance in WWE, McIntyre defeated Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins in back-to-back weeks on Raw, yet sought to finish the extermination of The Hounds of Justice on The Grandest Stage of Them All. Reigns accepted the challenge, but many in the WWE Universe wondered if Reigns — who had just announced his cancer was in remission back in February — was making a rash decision. Based on the punishment Reigns endured for the duration of this intensely physical bout, that criticism seemed valid.
However, as McIntyre took pleasure in making The Big Dog suffer, he grew overconfident, disrespectfully slapping Reigns across the face. This brazen act woke something within Reigns, who unleashed on the sadistic Scotsman with an offensive flurry that culminated in a Spear. Following weeks of callous comments about Reigns’ family, Shield brotherhood and personal health, McIntyre was finally silenced.
The indomitable Reigns has captured the WWE Championship and defeated The Undertaker at The Showcase of the Immortals, but this victory against McIntyre at WrestleMania 35 just might be his most personal triumph. (Via WWE.com)
Intent on obliterating each member of The Shield one-by-one to cement his dominance in WWE, McIntyre defeated Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins in back-to-back weeks on Raw, yet sought to finish the extermination of The Hounds of Justice on The Grandest Stage of Them All. Reigns accepted the challenge, but many in the WWE Universe wondered if Reigns — who had just announced his cancer was in remission back in February — was making a rash decision. Based on the punishment Reigns endured for the duration of this intensely physical bout, that criticism seemed valid.
However, as McIntyre took pleasure in making The Big Dog suffer, he grew overconfident, disrespectfully slapping Reigns across the face. This brazen act woke something within Reigns, who unleashed on the sadistic Scotsman with an offensive flurry that culminated in a Spear. Following weeks of callous comments about Reigns’ family, Shield brotherhood and personal health, McIntyre was finally silenced.
The indomitable Reigns has captured the WWE Championship and defeated The Undertaker at The Showcase of the Immortals, but this victory against McIntyre at WrestleMania 35 just might be his most personal triumph. (Via WWE.com)
The Dr. of Thuganomics returns as John Cena interrupts Elias’ performance.
Elias was supposed to have the most epic music performance on The Grandest Stage of Them All, but John Cena once again rained on the singer’s WrestleMania parade.
In front of a capacity crowd of 82,265 at MetLife Stadium, Elias started his performance a little differently. Before The Living Truth showcased his musical talents in the ring, a video showing Elias played on the Titantron, highlighting the songsmith’s rhythmic ability on the drums and piano. Meanwhile, in the center of the ring, Elias strummed alongside himself on the Tron.
However, Elias’ concert was cut short before it really got going. Just as he prepared to deliver his true first number, Elias was interrupted by footage of legendary New York Yankees slugger Babe Ruth calling his shot.
Suddenly, MetLife Stadium erupted as John Cena made his way to the ring — but it wasn’t the John Cena everyone expected. Instead, the familiar strings of “Basic Thuganomics” heralded the arrival of The Doctor of Thuganomics himself. Decked out in a throwback Yankees jersey with his classic chain and sideways cap, Cena delivered a vintage rhyming rant complete with altered images of Elias to match the insults hurled at him.
Fed up with Cena’s throwback, Elias removed his jacket ready for a fight. Unfortunately, he was met with The Doctor of Thuganomics’ brass knuckles before getting the Five-Knuckle Shuffle and the ultimate retro rewind from Cena – The F-U. Word life. (Via WWE.com)
In front of a capacity crowd of 82,265 at MetLife Stadium, Elias started his performance a little differently. Before The Living Truth showcased his musical talents in the ring, a video showing Elias played on the Titantron, highlighting the songsmith’s rhythmic ability on the drums and piano. Meanwhile, in the center of the ring, Elias strummed alongside himself on the Tron.
However, Elias’ concert was cut short before it really got going. Just as he prepared to deliver his true first number, Elias was interrupted by footage of legendary New York Yankees slugger Babe Ruth calling his shot.
Suddenly, MetLife Stadium erupted as John Cena made his way to the ring — but it wasn’t the John Cena everyone expected. Instead, the familiar strings of “Basic Thuganomics” heralded the arrival of The Doctor of Thuganomics himself. Decked out in a throwback Yankees jersey with his classic chain and sideways cap, Cena delivered a vintage rhyming rant complete with altered images of Elias to match the insults hurled at him.
Fed up with Cena’s throwback, Elias removed his jacket ready for a fight. Unfortunately, he was met with The Doctor of Thuganomics’ brass knuckles before getting the Five-Knuckle Shuffle and the ultimate retro rewind from Cena – The F-U. Word life. (Via WWE.com)
Triple H defeated Batista. (No Holds Barred; Triple H's career was on the line)
There’s an argument to be made that Triple H and Batista are two sides of the same coin. Setting aside their shared time in Evolution, the two are time-proven opportunists who, given the right circumstances, would throw away any shred of decency or respect to achieve their goals.
Triple H’s victory over The Animal at The Show of Shows was vindication for several reasons, but it was also, in its own way, validation of his choice to recruit him as an ally all those years ago, and his identification of Batista as a kindred spirit. They moved the same. They kind of looked the same. And most importantly, they fought the same: As it became abundantly clear during their No Holds Barred Match, there is truly nothing either of them wouldn’t do to get what they want.
What Batista wanted was to end his career on his terms, and Triple H’s as well. That’s how the two ended up in a fight on The Grandest Stage of Them All with The Game’s in-ring career on the line. But it became readily apparent that what Triple H wanted, more than anything, was to hurt, humiliate and maim The Animal. There’s no other way to explain the torturous opening to the match in which Big Dave was smashed in the face with a toolbox, had his fingers bent back by a wrench and his nose ring ripped from his nostril by a pair of needle-nose pliers.
Despite the respective paths they took to achieve their goals — Batista was impactful but conservative, while Triple H was wild and improvisational — their shared similarities came to the forefront at every turn. Batista kicked out of a Pedigree. The Game fought his way out of a Batista Bomb. And they both even ended up with a sledgehammer in their hands, although Triple H had a bit of an assist in getting his. After The Animal stole his opponent’s signature implement, Ric Flair — who Batista ambushed to set this rivalry off in earnest — emerged to hand The Game a backup, and “The Nature Boy’s” presence took The Animal’s attention off his foe long enough to allow The King of Kings to smash him with the hammer. One Pedigree later, and it was over.
And you could be forgiven for thinking that the similarities between The Game and The Animal ended with the pinfall — after all, there’s a pretty clear line between winning and losing — but, in its own way, the conclusion could be read as satisfying to both of them. Now, there really isn’t anything Triple H hasn’t done. And Batista got exactly what he wanted. (Via WWE.com)
Triple H’s victory over The Animal at The Show of Shows was vindication for several reasons, but it was also, in its own way, validation of his choice to recruit him as an ally all those years ago, and his identification of Batista as a kindred spirit. They moved the same. They kind of looked the same. And most importantly, they fought the same: As it became abundantly clear during their No Holds Barred Match, there is truly nothing either of them wouldn’t do to get what they want.
What Batista wanted was to end his career on his terms, and Triple H’s as well. That’s how the two ended up in a fight on The Grandest Stage of Them All with The Game’s in-ring career on the line. But it became readily apparent that what Triple H wanted, more than anything, was to hurt, humiliate and maim The Animal. There’s no other way to explain the torturous opening to the match in which Big Dave was smashed in the face with a toolbox, had his fingers bent back by a wrench and his nose ring ripped from his nostril by a pair of needle-nose pliers.
Despite the respective paths they took to achieve their goals — Batista was impactful but conservative, while Triple H was wild and improvisational — their shared similarities came to the forefront at every turn. Batista kicked out of a Pedigree. The Game fought his way out of a Batista Bomb. And they both even ended up with a sledgehammer in their hands, although Triple H had a bit of an assist in getting his. After The Animal stole his opponent’s signature implement, Ric Flair — who Batista ambushed to set this rivalry off in earnest — emerged to hand The Game a backup, and “The Nature Boy’s” presence took The Animal’s attention off his foe long enough to allow The King of Kings to smash him with the hammer. One Pedigree later, and it was over.
And you could be forgiven for thinking that the similarities between The Game and The Animal ended with the pinfall — after all, there’s a pretty clear line between winning and losing — but, in its own way, the conclusion could be read as satisfying to both of them. Now, there really isn’t anything Triple H hasn’t done. And Batista got exactly what he wanted. (Via WWE.com)
Baron Corbin defeated Kurt Angle. (Angle's Farewell match)
Kurt Angle’s Farewell Match ended on a bittersweet note as Baron Corbin defeated the Olympic Gold Medalist on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
After announcing he would compete in his final WrestleMania bout earlier this year, Angle embarked on a farewell tour, eventually choosing his rival Baron Corbin as his final opponent. Prepared to go out on a high note, The Olympic Hero charged after The Lone Wolf as the match got underway. After some successful early offense from Angle, Corbin turned the tide and methodically dismantled the WWE Hall of Famer.
However, Corbin’s overconfidence backfired, and Angle executed three consecutive German suplexes to earn a temporary reprieve from Corbin’s assault. Angle nearly lost the match following a perfectly-timed Deep Six from Corbin, but he narrowly kicked out at two. The WWE’s only Olympic Gold Medalist returned the favor with an Angle Slam before locking Corbin in the Ankle Lock in the center of the ring.
The Lone Wolf fought through the excruciating pain, driving Angle face-first into the corner before mocking John Cena’s “You Can’t See Me.” A fired-up Angle battled back, driving Corbin into the mat with a series of suplexes before ascending to the top rope for a moonsault. As Angle launched into the air, Corbin moved and immediately dropped his opponent with the End of Days for the 1-2-3, ending Kurt Angle’s in-ring career.
After the match, a stunned WWE Universe gave Angle a standing ovation, and he addressed the capacity crowd at MetLife Stadium. The WWE Hall of Famer had one last request: Play his entrance music and chant “You suck!” to the beat of his iconic theme, and the WWE Universe happily obliged. (Via WWE.com)
After announcing he would compete in his final WrestleMania bout earlier this year, Angle embarked on a farewell tour, eventually choosing his rival Baron Corbin as his final opponent. Prepared to go out on a high note, The Olympic Hero charged after The Lone Wolf as the match got underway. After some successful early offense from Angle, Corbin turned the tide and methodically dismantled the WWE Hall of Famer.
However, Corbin’s overconfidence backfired, and Angle executed three consecutive German suplexes to earn a temporary reprieve from Corbin’s assault. Angle nearly lost the match following a perfectly-timed Deep Six from Corbin, but he narrowly kicked out at two. The WWE’s only Olympic Gold Medalist returned the favor with an Angle Slam before locking Corbin in the Ankle Lock in the center of the ring.
The Lone Wolf fought through the excruciating pain, driving Angle face-first into the corner before mocking John Cena’s “You Can’t See Me.” A fired-up Angle battled back, driving Corbin into the mat with a series of suplexes before ascending to the top rope for a moonsault. As Angle launched into the air, Corbin moved and immediately dropped his opponent with the End of Days for the 1-2-3, ending Kurt Angle’s in-ring career.
After the match, a stunned WWE Universe gave Angle a standing ovation, and he addressed the capacity crowd at MetLife Stadium. The WWE Hall of Famer had one last request: Play his entrance music and chant “You suck!” to the beat of his iconic theme, and the WWE Universe happily obliged. (Via WWE.com)
Intercontinental Championship: "The Demon" Finn Balor defeated INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION, Bobby Lashley (with Lio Rush).
The Demon rose at WrestleMania, and it was a nightmare for Bobby Lashley.
Finn Bálor unleashed his otherworldly alter ego on Bobby Lashley and devastated The All-Mighty to become Intercontinental Champion on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
When the bell tolled, The Demon rushed right at Lashley, clobbering him with a series of kicks that sent the champion to the arena floor. From there, Bálor crushed Lashley at ringside with a breathtaking dive.
Bálor then turned his attention towards Lashley’s hypeman, Lio Rush, who wanted no part of The Demon. However, that temporary distraction gave Lashley the opening to try and end the “myth” of The Demon. The All Mighty slammed Bálor into the canvas, then drove him from the apron into the arena floor with a devastating Spear.
However, there was no stopping The Demon at WrestleMania. Bálor summoned power from deep down, lifting Lashley up and planting the champion into the canvas with a big powerbomb, then scaled the ropes to cave Lashley’s chest in with the Coup de Grace to become Intercontinental Champion.
Lashley learned an important lesson – watch out who’s ire you draw. You never know what demons are lurking beneath. (Via WWE.com)
Finn Bálor unleashed his otherworldly alter ego on Bobby Lashley and devastated The All-Mighty to become Intercontinental Champion on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
When the bell tolled, The Demon rushed right at Lashley, clobbering him with a series of kicks that sent the champion to the arena floor. From there, Bálor crushed Lashley at ringside with a breathtaking dive.
Bálor then turned his attention towards Lashley’s hypeman, Lio Rush, who wanted no part of The Demon. However, that temporary distraction gave Lashley the opening to try and end the “myth” of The Demon. The All Mighty slammed Bálor into the canvas, then drove him from the apron into the arena floor with a devastating Spear.
However, there was no stopping The Demon at WrestleMania. Bálor summoned power from deep down, lifting Lashley up and planting the champion into the canvas with a big powerbomb, then scaled the ropes to cave Lashley’s chest in with the Coup de Grace to become Intercontinental Champion.
Lashley learned an important lesson – watch out who’s ire you draw. You never know what demons are lurking beneath. (Via WWE.com)
RAW & SmackDown Women's Championship: 2019 Women's Royal Rumble winner, Becky lynch defeated RAW Women's Champion, Ronda Rousey & SmackDown Women's Champion, Charlotte Flair. (Triple Threat Winner Takes All Match)
The Man did it. Becky Lynch knocked down every barrier put in her way to become the first woman to win a WrestleMania main event, the first woman to pin Ronda Rousey, and the first woman to hold the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championships at the same time in the historic, Winner Take All main event of WrestleMania 35.
Everything Becky Lynch had up to, during and after the main event was earned. She earned her place in the WrestleMania main event by winning the 2019 Women’s Royal Rumble Match. She earned the opportunity to stand across the ring from Charlotte Flair when she’d spent so long standing in her shadow. And she earned the right to be mentioned in the same sentence as Ronda Rousey when she attacked her on Raw five months ago and made herself a star.
What Becky earned was her first major main event against women with a long, storied experience on this type of stage. And, for a time, Becky struggled to keep up. But both Flair and Rousey found their respective skills put to the test as well. Charlotte was forced to fight dirty, as she chopped Rousey square across the chest and face early in the match. Rousey was forced to adapt her move set, as she contended with a torqued knee after suffering a Figure-Four Leglock against the turnbuckle, and later, a full-fledged Figure-Eight. Both had to change. Becky Lynch, on the other hand, was who she was since before she started calling herself The Man. And everything that took her to the main event at WrestleMania took her over the finish line as well.
She remembered everything. The bad blood with Charlotte Flair that led her to break up that Figure-Eight with a legdrop to The Queen’s sternum — shades of a similar maneuver from WrestleMania 32. She remembered the brutality that took her to the Match of the Year at WWE Evolution, breaking out a table for a fateful sequence that culminated in Charlotte being thrown through the pine by Lynch and Rousey. And she remembered the showdown she always wanted, the one she chose: The Baddest Woman on the Planet.
More importantly, she was ready, and she put Rousey away suddenly. Despite coming out on the short end of a hockey fight and finding herself stranded on The Baddest Woman on the Planet’s shoulders, she countered Piper’s Pit into a crucifix pin, sticking Rousey’s shoulders to the mat, as The Rowdy One was pinned for the first time in her WWE career. Clearly, it was a moment Becky had prepared for.
So now she’s the champ. And the champ again. Does that make her The Man? It doesn’t hurt. But what might make her The Man is the sum of what Becky Lynch did to get to this moment. She wanted it. She worked for it. And she took it all. (Via WWE.com)
Everything Becky Lynch had up to, during and after the main event was earned. She earned her place in the WrestleMania main event by winning the 2019 Women’s Royal Rumble Match. She earned the opportunity to stand across the ring from Charlotte Flair when she’d spent so long standing in her shadow. And she earned the right to be mentioned in the same sentence as Ronda Rousey when she attacked her on Raw five months ago and made herself a star.
What Becky earned was her first major main event against women with a long, storied experience on this type of stage. And, for a time, Becky struggled to keep up. But both Flair and Rousey found their respective skills put to the test as well. Charlotte was forced to fight dirty, as she chopped Rousey square across the chest and face early in the match. Rousey was forced to adapt her move set, as she contended with a torqued knee after suffering a Figure-Four Leglock against the turnbuckle, and later, a full-fledged Figure-Eight. Both had to change. Becky Lynch, on the other hand, was who she was since before she started calling herself The Man. And everything that took her to the main event at WrestleMania took her over the finish line as well.
She remembered everything. The bad blood with Charlotte Flair that led her to break up that Figure-Eight with a legdrop to The Queen’s sternum — shades of a similar maneuver from WrestleMania 32. She remembered the brutality that took her to the Match of the Year at WWE Evolution, breaking out a table for a fateful sequence that culminated in Charlotte being thrown through the pine by Lynch and Rousey. And she remembered the showdown she always wanted, the one she chose: The Baddest Woman on the Planet.
More importantly, she was ready, and she put Rousey away suddenly. Despite coming out on the short end of a hockey fight and finding herself stranded on The Baddest Woman on the Planet’s shoulders, she countered Piper’s Pit into a crucifix pin, sticking Rousey’s shoulders to the mat, as The Rowdy One was pinned for the first time in her WWE career. Clearly, it was a moment Becky had prepared for.
So now she’s the champ. And the champ again. Does that make her The Man? It doesn’t hurt. But what might make her The Man is the sum of what Becky Lynch did to get to this moment. She wanted it. She worked for it. And she took it all. (Via WWE.com)