Will Backlash be truly phenomenal?

Cody Rhodes’ first defense of THE WWE Championship could also be his last, because he is up against The Phenomenal A J STYLES! Will The American Nightmare have finished his story only for the next chapter to be cut short?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Randy Orton & Kevin Owens VS Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga w/ Paul Heyman; turned into…
• Street Fight Tag: Randy Orton & Kevin Owens VS Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga w/ Paul Heyman; Solo & Tama win.
• WWE Women’s Championship Triple Threat: Bayley VS Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton; Bayley wins and retains the title.
• WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Damian Priest VS Jey Uso; Priest wins and retains the title.
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: The Kabuki Warriors VS Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill; Bianca & Jade win and become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
• Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes VS AJ Styles; Cody wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the Backlash in France Kickoff Show!

The countdown to showtime is on! Join Jackie Redmond, Big E and CM Punk as they discuss, analyze and predict what happens at the first-ever Premium Live Event to ever air from France!

BREAKING NEWS!

Make sure to watch the Kentucky Derby’s kickoff show on NBC today, right after Backlash, because there will be news about WWE WrestleMania 41!

Backstage interview with Jey Uso.

Byron Saxton brings up that Jey Uso was Raw’s number one draft pick. Now he can build on that by becoming the NEW World Heavyweight Champion. How is he feeling? Jey says he’s got goosebumps, Uce. You can’t see ’em, but he’s got ’em. He appreciates Byron being there from day one on Jey’s career, to tonight. This is a career defining moment. Damian Priest is a beast, but Jey’s gotta prove he can stand on his own two feet. And by the end of tonight, Lyon, France and the world will YEET with the new champion, Main Event Jey Uso! Gimme a yeet. Byron says “YEET!” and says we could be looking at the new WHC. Will Jey finally have his moment?

Backstage interview with Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill.

Byron is now with the strongEST duo, and says they are going after Damage CTRL and the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. Bianca immediately says she is so tired of talking about DMG CTRL. She is done, ready to be done with Kairi, with Asuka, with Iyo, with Dakota, and even Bayley. Taking those titles means DMG CTRL gets stuck on Raw. Why does she have to keep repeating herself? She is tired of hearing herself talk about it! She wants to be done! Jade steps in and says they’re just excited to be NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. They don’t have time for this, they gotta go. Jade & Bianca head out, will they soon be the newEST champions?

WWE shares a special interview with AJ Styles.

Kayla Braxton sat down with The Phenomenal One, and wanted to talk about his new attitude since returning. Styles seems confused as to that phrasing, and she asks what brought this on. New attitude? No, this is focus. He was out, got his mind right, dialed in, that’s where he’s at right now. Then to her next question, he hasn’t been world champion in six years. Is frustration over that what brought this change about? Styles says he looked back and realized he’d gotten complacent. So again, he got his mind right and focused himself. Kayla knows Styles and Cody have never faced each other. Styles says he still respects Cody, but that won’t stop him from beating him.

Then to add to that, these two have been ships in the night. Styles comes into WWE, Cody makes his way out. Does this match resonate on a personal level? Styles say sit isn’t personal, it’s business. But he also takes this business personally. He doesn’t wanna beat Cody, but he has to. Then what happens if he doesn’t? That possibility isn’t in Styles’ mind. He doesn’t want this, he needs this, and he needs it much more than Cody. It took Cody two YEARS to get this title, but it’ll only be 27 days when he loses it. Will Styles bring about a phenomenal end to The American Nightmare’s dream?

Now this is cinema.

Time to make hot, new headlines, and to start some new stories. When the stakes are this high, the world tunes in, and the superstars turn it up. “When one good story ends, an even better one begins.” Are you ready? Ready for war!? History is being made before your eyes as WWE is live from France! Welcome to Backlash!

Randy Orton & Kevin Owens VS Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga w/ Paul Heyman!

The Viper and the Prizefighter have proven to be a powerful duo, and they’ve both had their beef with The Bloodline, plus they have initials that line up, so this just seemed like a natural move! Will #R-KO #JustKeepFighting until they’ve torn down the Enforcer and the Good Bad Guy? Or will The Wise Man’s warning from last night come true?

The fans chant “WE WANT ROMAN!” but Solo tunes that out. The teams stare down, the ref wants them to sort out, but Kevin gets righ tin Tama’s face! And then the brawl is on! The fans are thunderous as the hands fly fast and furious! Tama and Kevin tumble out one side, ORton and Solo on the other! Kevin fires off fists on Tama against the desk! Then he dumps Tama over barriers! Orton SMACKS Solo off the apron, throws more hands, then brings SOlo over to the desks! Solo stops that, SMACKS Orton,m and Tama fires hands on Kevin! Refs and produers rush out here to try and get this intno a match but the fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!”

Security now has to get involved, this is just like last night at the end of SmackDOwn! Kevin and Tama are in the ring, Kevin hits a sTUNNER on a guard! STUNNER again! Kevin grabs at Tama, Tama grabs at Kevin! Nick Aldis storms out here as SmackDown GM, and tells his superstars to stop it already! But alright, if they wanna disregard rules, throw out stunners, then fine! Do whatever you want! Thi sis now a STREET FIGHT!!

Street Fight Tag: Randy Orton &

The fans are thunderous as the bell rings and the brawling continues! Tama CHUCKS the Prime at Kevin! Orton and Solo brawl in the crowd! Kevin fires hands on Tama against the French commentary, then SMACKS him with a bottle! Kevin CHUCKS the Prime jug, shoves the cart over, then SMACKS Tama with the Prime sign! Kevin then SPITS on the sign, throw sit down, and keeps after Tama. Meanwhile, Solo and Orton have brawled up into the bleachers! Solo HEABUTTS Orton, throws up the one, but Orton pokes him in the eyes! Kevin and Tama brawl their way through the crowd, Kevin JAMS Tama up with a fan’s chair!

Kevin SMACKS Tama with the chair, then grabs some railing to SMACK him with that, too! Orton has Solo down, but drags him back up to return to ground level. The fans are thunderous for “K O! K O!” as Kevin keeps after Tama. Solo DECKS Orton in return but then Kevin runs over to attack Solo! We’re getting picture in picture of the same beating! Kevin rains down fists and fans count all the way to TEN, or whatever that is in French. But then Tama grabs Kevin in a SLEEPER! Orton is looking for him in the wrong place! The Bloodline mugs Kevin, the fans taunt them, but Orton doubles back!

Solo whips Kevin into barriers, but then Orton attacks him and Tama! Orton HEADBUTTS, but you never headbutt a Samoan! Solo UPPERCUTS Orton down, but Kevin SUPERKICKS Solo! Kevin TOSSES Solo to ringside! The fans are thunderous again as Kevin gets up on the barriers. Kevin walks along, to then FROG SPLASH Tama on the floor! Orton goes up!? Then he hops down. Orton brings Tama up to SMACK him off steel steps! Orton drags Tama along, back to the desks! The fans fire up for the DESK BACK SUPLEX! Tama writhes on top of the French team’s monitors, but then Orton brings Tama to DESK BACK SUPLEX on the English commentary table!

Kevin SMACKS Solo off steel steps, then pulls the steps apart so he can DDT Solo on the steel! Orton goes looking under the ring, and fans cheer! They bring out trash cans and their lids! Lyon wants tables but they’ll have to wait a moment. Orton SMACKS Tama down with a trash can! Solo staggers up, staggers his way over, and Kevin SMACKS him with the lid! The fans cheer for “E C DUB!” as Orton gives Kevin a kendo stick! Kevin SMACKS, JAMS, then SMACKS Solo again! Solo staggers around, into a TRASH CAN SHOT! The fans are still thunderous as Kevin drags Tama up to put him on the desk. Orton SMACKS Tama! And SMACKS him again!

Orton SMACKS Solo off a desk, throws hands, then he and Kevin go looking for something more. The fans are electric as they each bring out a TABLE! “OUI! OUI! OUI!” echoes out as Orton puts his in the ring while Kevin sets his up ringside. Orton throws hands down on Solo, Kevin fetches Tama, and Kevin drags Tama over to the ring. Tama fights back with fast hands! Kevin SMACKS Tama off the apron, then puts him on the table! Orton finishes setting his table up at the center of the ring, and Kevin goes up to the apron! “SUCK IT!” FROG SPLASH through the table!! Kevin roars right in Tama’s face!

Orton gets Solo in the ring and the fans are loving all of this! Orton grins as he brings Solo up, but Solo UPPERCUTS! Orton wobbles, Solo fireman’s carries! SAMOAN DROP through the table! Orton writhes out of the wreckage but Kevin hurries in! Solo stands, roars, but turns around into haymakers! The fans fire up as Kevin kicks, but no stunner! Solo LARIATS Kevin inside-out! The fans boo and taunt Solo, but Solo tunes that out to call to Tama. Tama rises, he and Solo beat Kevin down. Kevin kicks back but Tama fires stomps and fists! Tama just hammers away on Kevin, then rains down HEADBUTTS!

The fans boo and Tama finally lets off. Solo tosses a kendo stick in, Kevin grabs for it but Tama takes it from him! The fans tell Tama off, but Tama SMACKS Kevin! Solo steps in, Tama hands him the stick. Solo stalks Kevin, then SMACKS him in the ribs! Kevin sits down in a corner, Solo rains down fists on him! The fans rally for Kevin but Tama has a trash can lid. Solo lines up a shot first, and he goes corner to corner for the HIP ATTACK! The fans boo as Solo roars, but now Tama takes his turn. Tama SMACKS Kevin with the lid! And then SMACKS him again! And again! Solo has him stand down, then Solo throws down hands!

Tama returns with a trash can, but Kevin TACKLES him first! Solo SMACKS Kevin with the can! And again! Kevin grabs at the kendo stick but Solo takes it from him to SMACK away again and again! The fans boo as Solo holds up the one. Solo tells Tama to fetch more things, and Tama looks under the ring. Tama brings out another TABLE! The fans cheer the table but The Bloodline is setting it up. Kevin manages to stand while the table is propped up in a corner. Kevin BOOTS Tama then TOSSES him out! But Solo ROCKS Kevin back! Solo gets in Kevin’s face and grins a sinister grin before he throws HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT!

Solo brings Kevin around, whips him corner to corner, but Kevin reverses! Solo crashes through the table!! But Tama LARIATS Kevin back down! The fans rally for Randy, wherever he’s disappeared to, but Tama brings in chair after chair. Tama stalks Kevin as he goes to ropes, but Orton returns! Tama hears the fans cheering and turns around. Orton and Tama stare down, they circle, and Tama fires up! Tama swings, Orton dodges! LARIAT! LARIAT! Orton then dodges to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans are electric again, and Orton puts Tama through ropes! The fans cheer for the DRAPING DDT!

Even with 11 THOUSAND cheering him on, Orton hears those voices now! R K O!! Cover, Solo breaks it!! Solo throws HEADBUTTS until Orton tumbles out of the ring! Solo goes after him, SMACKS him off the desk, then clears it off! English commentary might end up off the air as Solo drags Orton over. The fans chant “SOLO SUCKS! SOLO SUCKS!” but Solo ignores that again to stand Orton up. Solo HEADBUTTS Orton onto the desk, then climbs up after him. Solo drags Orton up, powers up the thumb, RKO ON THE DESK!!! The fans are thunderous as The Viper strikes outta nowhere! But it was also double-edged given the landing!

Kevin drags himself back up in the ring and the fans fire up as he has Tama to himself! Kevin grabs a chair, “This is Awesome!” as Kevin SMACKS Tama on the back! Kevin sets that chair up, SMACKS Tama with another chair, then sets that chair up. Kevin SMACKS Tama with a third chair, then sets that one up. And then SMACK with a fourth chair, and another SMACK, and another SMACK, before the chair square is complete! The fans are thunderous again as Kevin makes Tama recline back on all those chairs! Kevin goes up, but Tama goes after him first! Tama fires hands, then grabs at Kevin. Kevin fires hands in return!

Kevin ROCKS Tama, adjusts position, but Tama goes up after him! Tama fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT, then goes to the very top! But Kevin turns that around! SUPER FISHERMAN BUSTER through the chairs!!! The fans are absolutely losing it as both men are down in the wreckage! Kevin crawls to a cover, but TANGA LOA drags the ref out of the ring?!? Tama’s brother is here?! Since when!? The Silverback has the steel steps, and he CLOBBERS Randy!! And then he CLOBBERS Kevin! Solo hits an URENAGE on a chair!! The fans boo as Solo drags Kevin up, to SAMOAN SPIKE!!! Cover, Bloodline wins!!

Winners: Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga, by pinfall

Just when the Bloodline looked like they were at their most dangerous, they got even MORE dangerous! Solo leads the OG Guerrillas of Destiny forward in the WWE, is there going to be no stopping them now?

WWE Women’s Championship Triple Threat: Bayley VS Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton!

They say all people are created equal, but when a champion is in a Triple Threat, their odds drastic go down! The Role Model only just got this title off Iyo Sky at WrestleMania, but now things have gotten complicated. Bayley and Naomi are friends, and Tiffany is anything but. Will Bayley survive to bring this belt back to the States? Or will there already be a new Women’s Champion on SmackDown?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the numbers spell disaster at Backlash!

The bell rings and the fans sing for Bayley. But Tiffy stays it is still Tiffy Time, and the fans join in on that, too! Then Tiff kicks Naomi, swing son Bayley but Bayley dodges to arm-drag! Bayley runs up on Naomi but Naomi arm-drags! Naomi blocks Tiffy’s arm-drag, whips her away, then splits, but Tiffy handsprings over! The fans cheer this opening exchange, and ‘TIFFY TIME!” echoes out. Bayley shoves Tiff, rolls her up, but Naomi rolls Bayley! Tiff rolls Naomi, but Bayley breaks it! The fans cheer, “That was Awesome!” Bayley runs to ELBOW Tiff in the back, then SLIDING LARIAT from the front! Naomi runs up, into a sweep! Cover, TWO!

Bayley keeps going, she ELBOWS Naomi, but Naomi catches the sliding lariat to a ghost pin! TWO, Bayley cradles, TWO! Tiff gets a DOUBLE JACKKNFIE! TWO!! The fans cheer this second exchange as all three women cool off. Bayley smiles, digging the energy from the fans, and then Bayley and Naomi both kick Tiff! They double whip but Tiff KICKS Bayley! Naomi waitslocks, Tiff elbows free, then Tiff sends Bayley into buckles! Tiff whips Naomi, Naomi slides under, then mule kicks back! Naomi runs but Tiff dodges, Naomi SHOTGUNS Bayley! Tiff kicks Naomi, bumps her off buckles, then runs corner to corner to handspring and BACK ELBOW!

The fans fire up as Tiff snapmares Naomi, runs, but Bayley DECKS her! Bayley runs at Naomi, sunset flips, but Naomi stays up! But Tiff SHOTGUNS Naomi, then STOMPS Bayley! Cover on Bayley, TWO! Tiff covers Naomi, TWO! Tiff is annoyed but the fans are still loving this. Tiff TOSSES Naomi out, brings Bayley up to bump her off buckles. Tiff wrenches and whips then ELBOWS Bayley down! The fans applaud and Tiff brings Bayley up. Tiff CLUBS Bayley, CLUBS her again, but fans sing for Bayley again. Tiff puts Bayley in ropes to CHOKE her! And she doesn’t have to let off in a Triple Threat!

Tiff YANKS the ropes to jam Bayley up, but Bayley fires body shots and forearms! Bayley runs, but Tiff LARIATS her down! Cover, TWO! Tiff is annoyed again but the fans continue to cheer. Tiff stomps Bayley, ROCKS her, and Bayley goes to ropes. The fans rally for Bayley as Tiff CHOKES her again! The erf reprimands but that’s all he can do. Tiff brings Bayley around but Bayley fires body shots! Bayley fires forearms but Tiff knees low! Tiff whips but Bayley goes up and over the corner to roll Tiff up! TWO and Tiff CLOBBERS Bayley! Cover, TWO! The fans have not stopped chanting as Tiff brings Bayley up and around.

Tiff whips again, Bayley ends up in the corner. Tiff then handsprings, but Bayley catches her! For a BIG back suplex, but Tiff lands out! Cartwhele and Alabama SLAM! High stack, TWO! Naomi CLOBBERS Tiff, too! The fans are still thunderous like they have since last night on SmackDown, and Naomi whips Tiff. Tiff holds ropes, BOOTS back, but Naoim comes back to SPEAR Tiff through the ropes! Naomi fires up and the fans fire up again, too! Naomi fires forearms on Tiff, then brings her around to whip. Tiff reverses and Naomi hits barriers! Tiff runs and handsprings to BACK ELBOW! Tiff SHOVES Naomi over into the timekeeper’s area!

Tiff says it’s Tiffy Time, but Bayley DIVES onto her! The fans are thunderous as Bayley rains down fists! Bayley finds Naomi, brings her up, but Naomi ROUNDHOUSES her! Naomi goes up onto the barrier, and then BLOCKBUSTERS to the floor! The fans cheer as Naomi finds Tiff and puts her in. “This is Awesome!” as Naomi KICKS Tiff in the ropes, then twerks right on her! HEATSEEKER! Naomi then hits the SPLIT-LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, Bayley breaks it! All three women slowly rise, and Naomi mule kicks Bayley! Naomi then runs Bayley to BUCKLE BULLDOG in the corner!

Naomi puts Bayley up top, climbs up after her, but Bayley fires hands! Tiff YANKS Naomi down, then climbs up after Bayley! Bayley fights with body shots again, and then Naomi CLUBS Tiff! Naomi brings Tiff out for a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Into the BUTTERFLY STRETCH!! Tiff endures, but Bayley MACHO ELBOWS!! Cover on Naomi, TWO!! Bayley hurries to cover Tiff, TWO!! The fans continue to rally, all three women rise up again. Bayley has targets in both corners, so Bayley sunset BUCKLE BOMBS Naomi! Bayley runs to sunset Tiff, but she sits on it!! TWO!! Tiff swings, into a BAYLEY2BELLY!! Cover, TWO!!

Tiff survives, the fans continue to chant and cheer, and Bayley is beside herself. Bayley CLUBS Tiff, stomps her to a corner and fires off fast hands! The fans cheer, Tiff shoves Bayley away, then POSTS her! Bayley is stuck in the ropes, Tiff drags her back out and fireman’s carries! ROLLING SENTON! Tiff goes up but Naomi YANKS her down! Naomi drags Tiff to the floor and rains down fists! Tiff BOOTS Naomi into barriers, then cartwheels for the ALABAMA- NO, they cartwheel more and more! Tiff has Naomi back up, ALABAMA SLAM on the desk!! The fans are thunderous as Tiff drags Bayley out for an ALABAMA SLAM on the French desk!!

Tiff puts Naomi in the ring, then puts Bayley in. Tiff has them lined up like weeks before, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT- NO, Tiff rolls through as both opponent move! Naomi & Bayley hit a ONE D!! The fans are thunderous, “This is Awesome!” as Bayley and Naomi stare down. They are friends but this is about the title! They fire off forearms back and forth, and Naomi gets the edge! Naomi ENZIGIRIS Bayley down! Then Oklahoma Roll, TWO! Bayley cradles, BAYLEY WINS!!

Winner: Bayley, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Champion)

The Role Model snatches victory away and certainly stuns a portion of the fans! But with how fast this match was moving, will Bayley have to keep up the pace if she wants to stay champion?

Jey Uso prepares backstage.

Solo walks over, as do Tama & Loa. They don’t say anything, but the Bloodline heads out. And then Heyman walks over, shakes his head, then walks on. Can Main Event Jey keep the drama out of his head to YEET the World Heavyweight Championship right off Damian Priest? We find out, because that match is next!

WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Damian Priest VS Jey Uso!

Senor Money in the Bank became El Campeon at WrestleMania, but that’s about the only thing that’s gone well for him. The Judgment Day is looking lost without Mami, is this title match going to be another loss? Or will The Punisher make sure Main Event Jey doesn’t have his crowning moment?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see just who’s getting fed to who!

The bell rings, the fans fire up again and the two stare down. “YEET! YEET! YEET!” echoes out, and Jey gets the fans to bounce again, on all four sides of the ring! The fans cheer, and then they all join in, but Priest grabs Jey’s neck! Jey fires haymakers, but Priest TOSSES Jey to a corner! Jey dodges to then fire off haymakers, “YEET! YEET!” Jey whips, Priest reverses, Jey goes up and over, then “YEET!” The fans cheer again but Priest is getting annoyed. Priest runs up but Jey DUMPS him out! Jey then builds speed, but has to stop as Priest moves aside. Priest cools off, but Jey goes out to LEAP from the apron! Only for Priest to catch him!

Priest runs and RAMS Jey into barriers! Priest brings Jey around to ROCK him, but the fans rally for “USO! USO!” Jey gets in the ring, Priest storms in after him, and the “UCE! OH!” echoes out now. Priest stands Jey up but Jey fires body shots! Priest DECKS Jey! Priest soaks up the cheers and jeers, then waits on Jey. Jey goes to a corner, Priest runs in, BACK ELBOW! Priest runs to CLOBBER Jey! Priest mocks the yeet bounce, covers, TWO! Jey stays in this and the fans stay fired up, but Priest grabs Jey’s arms. Priest has a motorcycle stretch and he digs his knee into Jey’s back! The fans rally for Jey as he endures!

Jey fights up to his feet, but Priest chinlocks. Jey throws body shots, “YEET!” But Priest BELL CLAPS! Jey falls, Priest shakes his head, and Priest says Jey is not next. The fans continue to rally as Priest kicks Jey around. Jey stands, into a KICK! And another KICK! And another, and another! But he ducks the discus to hit a BIG back suplex! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Jey and Priest slowly rise, Priest stands first. Jey grins as he hruns up to HAYMAKER! And counter punch! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey pops ‘n’ locks then puts some stank on the HAYMAKER! Priest staggers, the fans fire up, and Jey whips.

Priest reverses, but Jey slips free of the scoop to mule kick! And UPPERCUT! Priest wobbles, Jey kicks, but Priest blocks! Only for the DRAGON WHIP to hit! The fans fire up as Priest ends up in a corner! Jey goes to a corner, the fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” and bounce along. Jey runs in, but Priest puts Jey on the apron! Jey GAMANGIRIS in return, then goes up top! Jey leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! The fans continue to rally and Jey catches his breath. Priest is outside, so Jey builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and Priest hits barriers! The fans fire up again and Jey nods. Jey hears the ring count, brings Priest up and puts him in at 7 of 10.

But wait, Judgment Day rushes out here! JD McDonagh messes with the ropes to trip Jey up! Priest SPEARS!! Cover, TWO!! Jey survives and JD is furious that their plans still aren’t working! JD coaches Priest but Priest asks what he’s even doing here! Wait, JD is going rogue again? Priest says he doesn’t need any help here! Priest and JD argue, Jey runs up! Jey dodges Priest to SUPERKICK JD! SUPERKICK for Priest! Jey goes up top, USO SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Jey is stunned, but the fans are still fired up! Jey and Priest sit up, and Jey throws a haymaker! “YEET!” Priest gives back a forearm, “BOO!”

Jey haymakers, “YEET!” Priest forearms, “BOO!” Both men stand, and then Jey UPPERCUTS! “YEET!” Jey shoves Priest, Priest comes back to ROCK Jey! “NO YEET!” “YEET! NO YEET! YEET! NO YEET!” Priest gets the edge, fires himself up, and swings, into an UPPERCUT! But then Priest UPPERCUTS! Jey SUPERKICKS! Priest ROCKS Jey again! Jey PELES! Priest JUMP KICKS! Both men fall and the fans are thunderous again! They stare each other down and the fans are so loud, this place is rumbling! Priest blocks a kick, kicks back, then gets Jey up for the RAZOR’S EDGE!! Cover, TWO!!

The fans continue to cheer while Priest cools off. Priest brings down the straps, powers up the hand, and waits on Jey. Jey rises slowly, turns around, into the choke grip! SOUTH OF- NO, Jey slips free, then ducks ‘n’ dodges to SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and the fans are thunderous again! Jey thinks on what he has to do to keep Priest down, and the fans rally behind him as he goes back for a corner. Jey climbs, but now FINN BALOR is here! Finn gets on the apron, Jey SUPERKICKS! Jey then runs in at Priest, but Priest LARIATS! Priest staggers around, choke grip, and SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, TWO?!?

Jey survives Priest’s best shot and the fans are electric! Priest has no idea how, but he works to calm back down. “This is Awesome!” as Priest storms around. Priest fires himself back up, wants Jey to rise, and Jey slowly stands back up. Priest runs up to SPIN KICK! Jey flops back down but Priest tells him to get back up! Jey rises, the fans rally, and Priest SPIN KICKS again! Jey wobbles, drops to his knees, but Priest says one more time! Rise! The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” as Jey makes it back to his feet, SPIN- SUPERKICK!! Jey hits another SUPERKICK! And another SUPERKICK! The fans fire up with Jey as he runs in to SUPERKICK at the corner!

Priest wobbles, Jey runs, SPEAR!! Jey goes up a corner and the fans are thunderous! USO SPLASH!!! Cover, JD GIVES HIM THE ROPEBREAK!! Maybe Priest was wrong about needing the help! Jey is beside himself, it’s like being on the other side of Bloodline antics. The fans tell JD off, but JD and Finn both coach Priest back into this. The fans chant, “F U J D!” Jey DIVES onto JD! The fans fire up again and Jey hurries around. Finn runs up, into a SPEAR! Jey leaves The Prince behind to aim at the Punisher. Jey climbs, but Priest hits ropes to trip him up! Priest goes up after Jey, choke grips, SUPER SOUTH OF HEAVEN!!! Cover, Priest wins!!

Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall (still WWE World Heavyweight Champion)

The Judgment Day didn’t plan this as a team, but they still won as a team to keep the gold with their man! And then Finn & JD have to add on by beating Jey down! That Priest does NOT approve of! He throws JD off, and shoves Finn back! Priest tells them that is enough! Jey’s done, they can leave. Finn & JD don’t understand, but they still listen to Priest. Are things (not) going to be fine with The Judgment Day?

Phillipe Chereau is in the ring.

He thanks the fans for being here this weekend, and for setting the LARGEST GATE of ANY ARENA SHOW in WWE history! Vive la France, vive la WWE!

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: The Kabuki Warriors VS Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill!

The Empress of Tomorrow & The Pirate Princess reunited under Iyo Sky’s Damage CTRL, and they took control of the Women’s Tag Division. However, the EST is about to lose control, and not in a good way! Will Bianca and Jade bring the storm that washes away the reign? Or will even the strongEST duo not be ready for Asuka & Kairi?

The introductions are made, the titles are raised, and we see who is truly in control!

The teams sort out and the fans cheer for “E S T! E S T!” as she starts against Asuka. They circle, tie up, and Bianca headlocks hard. Asuka pulls the braid and powers out of the hold, but Bianca RAMS her! Neither falls, Bianca fires up, and they start shoving! The fans rally and duel as the forearms go back and forth! Bianca gets the edge, but Asuka SOBATS! Asuka runs, but Bianca blows past her to run her over! The fans fire up and Bianca keeps moving, but Asuka drops. Bianca handsprings, and says kiss this! Asuka runs up, but Bianca bypasses her. Asuka turns hip toss into takedown, TWO! Asuka gets around, IRON OCTOPUS!

Bianca endures as Asuka pulls her arm and twists the wrist! Bianca powers Asuka around for a swinging GUTBUSTER! Asuka flounders away, Bianca runs up but ducks the kick! Asuka ducks a haymaker to drop toehold! Kairi runs up but Bianca DECKS her! Bianca dodges Asuka, reels her in, and suplexes! Bianca kips up again and the fans fire up! Jade reaches out, Bianca tags her in! The fans cheer as Jade and Kairi now face off. Kairi runs up, gets around, but Jade THRWOS her away! Jade flexes, Kairi runs up again, but Jade smothers the spear! Jade lifts, Kairi slips free and kicks Jade in the back! Kairi SLAPS Jade!

Kairi dodges the haymaker, but Jade picks Kairi up for a SWINGING BACKBREAKER! Jade then picks Kairi up for another BACKBREAKER! Kairi writhes, but Jade brings her over, tags Bianca, and they double whip to double hip toss, into a DOUBLE FLAPJACK! The fans fire up as Jade & Bianca say Wakanda Forever and Black girl magic! Bianca then handsprings to MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Kairi stays in this but Bianca stays cool. Bianca drags Kairi up, fires forearms, then whips. Bianca RAMS Kairi in the corner, then climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count all the way to TEN, but Kairi slips under to CLUB Bianca!

Kairi grabs the braid, the fans boo, but Bianca backflips and DROPKICKS! Kairi tumbles out and the fans fire up! Bianca PLANCHAS but Kairi dodges! Asuka ROUNDHOUSES Bianca, then Kairi goes up the corner! Kairi grins as she aims for a SUPER CROSSBODY! The Kabuki Warriors fire up while they stand tall! Kairi gets Bianca back in, covers, TWO! Kairi rains down forearms, then drags Bianca over. Tag to Asuka, Bianca fights back but the Kabuki Warriors mug her. They reel Bianca in but she wrenches out to fire forearms! Bianca runs, but into an ELBOW! Kairi adds a SLIDING D! Asuka adds the SLIDING KNEE! Cover, TWO!

Asuka drags Bianca up while the fans rally. Asuka CLUBS Bianca, kicks her around, then stands on her face. The fans boo, the ref counts, and Asuka steps away. Asuka kicks, Bianca blocks and ROCKS Asuka! Bianca reaches out but Asuka holds her back! Bianca fiefs a forearm but Asuka KICKS! And KICKS! Tag to Kairi, and the Kabuki Warriors double whip. Bianca is int he corner. Kairi sends Asuka in to ELBOW! Kairi runs corner to corner, SLIDING D again! The fans rally while Kairi goes up, FLYING KABUKI FOREARM! High stack cover, TWO!! Bianca survives and Kairi is annoyed, but she tags Asuka.

The Kabuki Warriors stand Bianca up, but Bianca ROCKS Kairi and dodges Asuka’s leap! Bianca hurries to crawl forward, but Asuka is in her way! The fans rally, Bianca JAWBREAKERS free! Roll up, TWO! Bianca stands, into a SOBAT! Asuka snarls, reels Bianca in, but Bianca suplexes first! Kairi hurries back up while both women are down! Bianca and Asuka crawl, hot tag to Kairi, Kairi uses Bianca as a step to BLAST Jade! The fans boo but Kairi smiles. Kairi drags Bianca up, SLAPS her around, but Bianca SLAPS back! Kairi whips, Bianca reveres, but Kairi holds ropes! Kairi ELBOWS Bianca, Asuka tags in! CODE BREAKER!

Asuka holds on, Kairi BLOCKBUSTERS! The fans fire up for the KABUKI SLIDING COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Bianca stays in this and the fans continue to rally. Asuka stomps away on Bianca, drags her around by an arm, and has a MOUNTED ARMBAR! Does Becky know Asuka’s using her move? Bianca endures, fights around, and lifts Asuka up! Torture rack, but Kairi tags in first! Kairi then saves Asuka from the Kiss of Death, and Asuka ROUNDHOUSES Bianca! Kairi goes up, Asuka has Bianca, but Bianca shoves Asuka away! Kairi leaps, Bianca gets under! Kairi hurries to grab the braid! Asuka waistlocks Bianca, but Bianca fights free!

Bianca reels Kairi in to short arm LARIAT! The fans are thunderous as Bianca and the Kabuki Warriors are all down! Hot tag to Jade! And she SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODIES! She gets both Asuka & Kairi! Jade runs, LARIAT for Kairi, BOOT for Asuka! Then a STINGER SPLASHY in one corner, STINGER SPLASH in the other, repeat! Asuka falls out, Kairi runs up, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Asuka breaks it! Jade is frustrated but she stays focused on Kairi. Jade drags Kairi up, wrenches and scoops, to then trophy lift! MILITARY PRESS SLAM! The fans fire up with Jade as she storm around. But Kairi BOOTS her back!

Asuka tags in, blocks a boot, and then URAKEN! URAKEN! SOBAT! KICK! MULE KICK! URAKEN! ROUNDHOUSE! Jade wobbles, Kairi tilt-o-whirls for DESTINO!! Cover, but Kairi forgets Asuka tagged in! Kairi still drags Jade around, but Jade UPPERCUTS her down! Jade herself thinks Kairi is still legal, but she whips! Kairi holds ropes, BOOTS back, and Asuka makes it clear this time. Asuka waistlocks, Jade throws elbows, but both women kick low! Jade SUPERKICKS! Asuka falls but Jade drags her back up. Jade reels Asuka in, but Asuka RAMS Jade into ropes! The ref counts, Kairi tags in!

Kairi gets around Jade, waistlocks, CLUBS her, but Jade choke grips! CHOKE SLAM! Jade staggers, maybe running out of steam, but she still gets Kairi up. Kairi trips Jade, pushes to a cover, TWO, into an ARMBAR!! Jade endures, Asuka catches Bianca! ARMBAR!! The fans rally while the strongEST team endures double submissions! Jade clasps hands, Bianca moves around, and then they both deadlift the Kabuki Warriors! STEREO POWERBOMBS!! All four women are down and the fans are thunderous! “This is Awesome!” as Bianca bails out, and Jade has both Kabuki Warriors! But they both kick back!

The Kabuki Warriors double whip, Bianca sneaks the tag! Jade KICKS Asuka, gets around Kairi, WHEELBARROW DDT GERMAN SUPLEX COMBO!! Cover, TWO?!?! Kairi survives all that and no one can believe it! Asuka is lurking behind Jade, too! Asuka YANKS Jade down, then sends her into steel steps! Bianca is furious, but Kairi rolls her up! TWO!! Bianca escapes, to SPINEBUSTER! Bianca runs at the corner, Kairi sends her into POST! Tag to Asuka, and they get Bianca up! InSANE DDT!! Cover, JADE BREAKS IT! The fans fire up and now the Kabuki Warriors are shocked! Kairi SLAPS Jade, then tags Asuka.

The Kabuki Warriors get Jade up, URAKEN! URAKEN! SOBAT! KICK! Kairi goes up but Jade blocks a kick to SUPERKICK! Kairi still leaps, but into Jade’s arms! Jade pops Kairi up and around, then into the chicken wings! JADED!! Bianca tags in, she gets Asuka in a torture rack! KISS OF DEATH onto Kairi!! Bianca covers, she and Jade wins!!

Winners: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

And the strongEST become the newEST! Bianca has a Triple Crown in the WWE, and Jade is already a champion just three matches in! DMG CTRL is now stuck on Raw, is this truly the last time Bianca has to worry about them?

WWE announces the opening round for The King & Queen of the Ring tournaments!

Monday Night Raw has decided on their brackets! First, in the Queen of the Ring: Ivy Nile VS Zoey Stark! Shayna Baszler VS Zelina Vega! Lyra Valkyria VS Asuka! Iyo Sky VS Natalya! And then for the Kings: Drew McIntyre VS Finn Balor! Kofi Kingston VS Rey Mysterio! Ricochet VS Ilja Dragunov! Gunther VS Sheamus! A star-studded show to be sure, but who will take one step closer to WWE’s return to Saudi Arabia?

Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes VS AJ Styles!

So much has already been said about this first-time-ever match-up over the last few weeks. Ships passing in the night, both men respecting each other but also both needing to win this match to solidify their legacies. Will the American Nightmare keep the dream alive? Or will The Phenomenal One end this new story before it even begins?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly undisputed!

The bell rings and the fans are singing and jumping around so much, this place is practically shaking! Cody and Styles circle, tie up, and go around. They break, the fans fire up again, and the two reset. They tie up again, go around, and Cody puts Styles in a corner only for Styles to turn it around. They go along the ropes, into the corner, and they break again. Styles and Cody tie up again, Cody headlocks, and he hits a takeover. Styles keeps his shoulders up, pushes his way to a headscissor, but Cody pops free. The fans rally again as the two circle. Styles shoots in, gets a leg, but Cody rolls free.

The fans duel between Cody and Styles as the two reset again. The two feel it out, tie up, and Styles headlocks. Styles grinds the hold, hits a takeover, but Cody keeps his shoulders up. Cody pushes to a headscissor, Styles kips free, but Cody hits another headlock takeover! Styles headscissors again, Cody bridges, grabs at Styles, but Styles pulls thar arm down. Cody headstands, pops free, goes for the headlock, but Styles rolls through! Cody waistlocks, Styles waistlocks, they switch and switch, but Styles puts Cody in the corner! The fans cheer the exchange but Cody steps up. Styles shoves Cody, but Cody SLAPS Styles!

Styles staggers away as Cody gets him back for last night! The fans fire up behind Cody, and he resets with Styles. They tie up, but Styles knees low! Cody still puts Styles in a corner to CHOP! Styles CHOPS! Cody CHOPS! Repeat! The fans “WOO~” with every CHOIP, and Styles gets CHOP after CHOP! Styles headlocks, Cody powers out, then Cody drops, hurdles and DROPKICKS! The fans fire up and Cody cartwheels to give the Stardust to Styles! The fans are thunderous as the two reset again. The fans chant for “STARDUST! STARDUST!” The two knuckle lock, Styles kicks low then fires off CHOP after CHOP!

Styles whips and DROPKICKS Cody! Payback for the payback and the fans sing for the Phenomenal! Styles runs, but Cody back drops him away! Styles writhes and the fans fire up with Cody! Cody covers, ONE, but he clamps on with a chinlock. Styles endures, fights up, but Cody CLUBS the arm. Cody reels Styles in, suplexes, and holds Styles up! The fans cheer as Cody goes all the way to TEN before the GOURD BUSTER! Styles sputters, Cody looms over him, then Cody brings Styles up. But Styles RAMS him into a corner! Styles hammerlocks an arm and RAMS that shoulder into buckles! Styles wrenches the arm again, to hit a AMRBAR DDT!

The fans duel again as Styles brings Cody up. Styles wrenches the arm to WRING it out! Cody writhes, but Styles hammerlocks the arm to keep Cody down. Cody endures, fights up, and the fans rally. Cody throws forearms on Styles but Styles keeps the wristlock! Cody ROCKS Styles, runs, but Styles kitchen sink knees! The fans sing again, Styles brings Cody up to KICK him! And KICK him again! Cody crawls but Styles stalks him. Styles taunts Cody, kicks, but Cody blocks to hook Styles up, BACKPACK CRADLE! TWO, Cody tries again! TWO, RHODES UPPERCUT! But Styles PELES back!

The fans continue to rally while both men are down! Styles goes to ropes, stands up, runs back in, but Cody sends Styles into ropes! Styles gets jammed up and flops out of the ring! Cody builds speed and DIVES into a haymaker! Styles drags Cody out to SMACK off the English desk! The ring count starts, but Styles refreshes that. Styles drags Cody back up, to SMACK him off the desk again! Cody flounders around, Styles looks to the French desk. French commentary asks him not to, but he still clears their desk off! Styles brings Cody over, but Cody sends Styles into steel steps! Cody gets in the ring and the fans rally back up.

Cody drags himself up with ropes, Styles flounders to the apron, but Cody brings Styles up! Styles fires hands, Cody hits back, then Cody bumps Styles off buckles! Fans chant “Too Sweet! WOOP WOOP!” while Cody drags Styles up the corner. Styles throws body shots, but so does Cody! The fans fire up, and Cody lifts Styles! Stalling- NO, Styles slips free and YANKS Cody down! A hard landing for both men and Cody scrambles to a corner. Cody stands, but Styles storms up on him! Styles Electric Chair Lifts Cody, for a SLAM! Cody writhes on the Prime logo while the fans sing for The Phenomenal again.

Styles runs to LIONSAULT onto knees! Cody saves himself there, and both men are down! The fans cheer while Styles sputters and both men sit up. Styles drags himself to a corner and stands while Cody rises at center. Styles runs up but Cody counter punches! And counter punches again! And again! And again, and again! Cody whips, Styles reverses but Cody FOREARMS! Styles stays up, runs in at the corner, but Cody goes up and over! SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up again and Cody feels it! The cameras are shaking from the power of the fans! Cody runs, springboard, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER KICK! Cover, TWO!

The fans continue to rally as Cody keeps his focus. Cody rises, the fans continue to sing, and Cody throws hands. Cody springboards again, but Styles catches him to another Electric Chair! But Cody victory rolls it, TWO! Styles fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! Cody stays in this, the fans cheer, and Styles grits his teeth. Styles rises again, hobbling on that banged up leg. Cody rises, Styles runs up, but Cody dodges! BULLDOG! Both men are down again but Styles rolls to the apron. Cody steps out after him, “This is Awesome!” as Cody reels Styles in! But Styles suplexes first! APRON BRAINBUSTER!!

Cody sputters while on his feet, then flops over! Both men are down on the outside, the fans sing for The Phenomenal, and the ref checks Cody. Cody is somehow still in this, and the ring count climbs. Styles rolls in at 3 of 10, then goes back out. SLIDING KNEE, BLOCKED! Cody hits a POWERBOMB through the French commentary table!! The fans chant “OUI! OUI! OUI!” while both men are down again! The ring count starts again, both men are still down at 5 of 10! The fans count along, we pass 7, then 8! Both men stand at 9, and slide in safe at 9.5!! The fans are thunderous as this main event continues!

Styles flounders to a corner, runs up on Cody, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so they start throwing forearms back and forth! The fans are torn as the shots keep going! Cody fires hands, as does Styles, then both men ROUNDHOUSE! Both men fall and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as both men go to corners. Both men drag themselves up, fire up, and they both run in! They fire furious fists, then Cody throws body shots! Styles blocks to fire the PHENOMENAL BLITZ! Cody ducks the lariat to JAB, JAB, JAB! Flip! Flop! Fly and a little extra, BIONIC ELBOW! Cover, TWO! The fans are still electric as both men are down!

Both men sit up, Styles grabs at Cody but Cody kicks him away. Cody pounds the mat, the fans fire up with him, and Cody springboards! CODY CUT- NO, Styles dragon sleepers! Inverted suplex, into a gut wrench! Cody flips through to have Styles up! But Styles slips free! Cody runs in, into a BOOT! CORNER SNAP SUPLEX!! Cody slumps down the buckles and the fans sing for The Phenomenal again! Styles drags Cody up and around, scoops him and hits a BACKBREAKER! Cody is down in a drop zone and Styles goes to the corner. Styles aims from the apron, springboards, 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!!

The fans are thunderous as Cody survives and Styles is frustrated. Styles stalks Cody, torture racks, and hits a BURNING HAMMER!! Cover, ONE?!?!? WHAT?!?! Cody punches himself and is all fired up! The fans are volcanic seeing this, but Styles KICKS, punches, repeat! Cody blocks a kick, spins him around, then springboards to CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!!! Styles survives and Cody is beside himself! The fans rally as Styles crawls to the apron and Cody rises. The fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” but this has to end somehow! Styles is in a corner now, Cody shakes his head. Styles tells him to bring it! They both run in, Cody LARIATS Styles down first!

The fans fire up again as Cody has a second wind! Cody storms around, calls his shot, and then dragon sleepers! CROSS- SNAPMARE! Styles ducks the lariat to PELE! Cody goes to a corner, Styles runs in, but Cody puts him on the apron! Styles ROCKS Cody and Cody staggers away! Elbow pad off, Styles springboards, PHENOMENAL- SUPERKICK!! Both men are down again and the fans continue to cheer! Cody drags Styles into a KIMURA!! Cody learned this from The Beast! Styles is caught in the body scissors, endures as Cody twists that elbow joint, and the fans duel as Styles fights up!

Styles manages to deadlift Cody off the mat, to SPINEBUSTER! Styles drags Cody up into position now, but Cody kicks free of the Clash! Cody BOOTS Styles, dragon sleepers, CROSS- NO, Styles turns things around again! Styles kicks, reels Cody in, STYLES- NO, Cody fights that off to back drop! Styles sunset flips, Cody sists on it! TWO!! Styles swings, Cody dodges to go up and up and SUPER CODY CUTTER!!! The fans are volcanic again as Cody rises! Cody says this is it! Dragon sleeper, CROSS RHODES!!! Cover, Cody wins!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Champion)

That match was Just Too Sweet! A truly phenomenal match, but that just shows how The American Nightmare is undeniable! Will Cody keep writing this incredible “sequel” to his story?

My Thoughts:

I know “Phenomenal” has been used a lot because of how AJ Styles was on this show, but it is truly a fitting adjective for this year’s Backlash. Lyon, France as a crowd definitely proved they were the right location. They were non-stop energy between both last night on SmackDown and right here for Backlash, it added to everyone’s energy, including my own, so much fun. Opening with the Bloodline match was a bit surprising, but it was a great move given it turned into a Street Fight. And the surprise of the night happened here with Tanga Loa making a debut. I did not see that coming, I honestly thought he was still with NJPW, but here he is, and that’s awesome.

The Triple Threat was a great follow-up for that tag match, especially with how WWE has learned from other places how to book a Triple Threat that almost never slows down. They didn’t constantly boil it down to 1v1 pairings until closer to the end, and it was great seeing Naomi and Bayley take Tiff out with a tag team finisher to get there. Bayley’s quick pin win is great for everyone, we can definitely get some more of Bayley and Naomi 1v1 and same for Bayley and Tiff 1v1. Great promo from Jey with The Bloodline, because it was actually more powerful that they didn’t speak. It was just Jey knowing that The Bloodline is getting more dangerous and outta control, and in a way, it’s because Jey left at a pivotal moment.

Priest VS Jey for the world title was a great match, and a solid halfway point on the card. Turns out that Judgment Day can interfere on Priest’s behalf and not muck it up, but Priest still doesn’t like that they’re beating up on people when, in Priest’s opinion, it’s not needed. I’m still sensing that Priest could be leaving Judgment Day because he’s trying to do things in a respectable way and they wanna stay vicious, “pack of wild dog” Heels. Something’s gotta give, and either way, I’d love seeing Priest VS Finn for the title. Great picks for those King & Queen of the Ring brackets, but with McIntyre VS Finn in round one, I feel like so much of the tournament is determined right there.

Great Women’s Tag Team Championship match, though it got a bit wonky in the middle when ref and Kabuki Warriors lost track of who was what. But either way, great to see Bianca & Jade defying the go-home math. They stood tall with Naomi and Bayley last night, and they still won the titles here tonight. Bianca’s grudge against DMG CTRL didn’t cost them, and now with some teams moving around, we can get some fun, fresh match-ups for these titles. And then, the fans just never stopped losing their minds during Cody VS Styles, taking what was a great match and making it feel truly awesome. But I figured Cody would retain, he just got the belt and there is any number of match-ups for him to still do.

Maybe Styles’ story after this is sorting things out with The OC since they’re all still on the same brand. There are still plenty of factions they can feud with for the Summer, like The Pride, Legado, and the Logan-Theory-Waller friends. Maybe Styles also gets in on King of the Ring, as SmackDown’s bracket wasn’t announced yet.

My Score: 9.2/10

Bloodline Rules, but will they reign?

The Rock quite truly did everything he could to screw Cody Rhodes on Night One, so now on WrestleMania Night Two, it’s BLOODLINE RULES for the Universal Championship! Is this how they #FinishTheStory?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins and becomes the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
• WWE World Heavyweight Championship MITB Cash-In: Drew McIntyre VS Damian Priest; Priest wins and becomes the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
• Six Man Philly Street Fight: The Final Testament VS The Pride; The Pride wins.
• LA Knight VS AJ Styles; Knight wins.
• WWE United States Championship Triple Threat: Logan Paul VS Kevin Owens VS Randy Orton; Logan wins and retains the title.
• WWE Women’s Championship: Iyo Sky VS Bayley; Bayley wins and becomes the new WWE Women’s Champion.
• Undisputed WWE Universal Championship Bloodline Rules: Roman Reigns VS Cody Rhodes; Cody wins and becomes the new WWE Universal Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the WrestleMania Night Two Kickoff Show!

Once again, join Michael Cole, Pat McAfee, CM Punk & Big E in discussing, analyzing and predicting the action for the biggest WrestleMania’s epic finale!

WWE presents part two of the sit-down interview with Triple H.

Megan Morant brings up how CM Punk made his return to the WWE in Chicago back in November, at the end of Survivor Series. How’d that all come about? HHH says it is funny. If you’d asked HHH a few weeks prior to it, all the rumor and speculation, yet HHH and Punk had no communication. But as the event drew near, there were a couple conversations that happened between Punk and Nick Khan. Khan wanted HHH to have a conversation and see where it goes. HHH had no issues, just a concern about, “What’s the fit?” It was still a longshot when it came to calling Mia Lowie on the WWE Music side of things to see about Cult of Personality.

And then Survivor Series starts, and HHH got word that they’d pay for the song, and Punk was gonna show up. So at that point, maybe five people knew. Right before Punk arrived, HHH got word that it was a done deal. Punk snuck in, HHH said hey at gorilla, and HHH told people at the break just before the main event to tell the others. There was some mixed emotions, and over the next couple of days, HHH had some “interesting” private conversations for people to air their differences. They got to a good place, and HHH will say himself this is a different Punk than before. Punk’s been nothing but a wonderful employee and addition to the team.

It has even been refreshing to work with Punk now, that they’ve kept him updated on everything even while Punk is out injured. Megan shifts things to Drew McIntyre VS Seth Rollins, with CM Punk on commentary. Certainly a lot of drama there between all three, but what has the dynamic been like to HHH? A lot of history there. Rollins and Punk have respect, but they’re not fans of each other. McIntyre and Punk have a lot of water under that bridge. The dynamic completely changed when they all agreed to add CM Punk to things.

Megan says WrestleMania is one thing, but even the rest of 2024 looks just as busy. What can fans expect as the year continues on? HHH says he couldn’t be more excited and motivated not just by the superstars but by the staff and crew. It makes him wake up and excited to go to work and dig in. It is hard to put things into words how excited he is for this. Then imagine five years from now, what does the WWE look like? HHH wants to reinvent all this. Well, not really “reinvent” since nothing is broken, damaged or anything like that. This is the greatest form of entertainment in the world, but HHH wants to turn it into something even more.

Mania next year, this might feel like a whole new place. Five years from now, HHH expects this to be the same heart and soul, but with a whole new bunch of ish that blows our minds. Then any final words of wisdom? Nah, HHH just feels, keep doing what you’re doing, keep sharing what you like and all that. Pro-wrestling is an escape, a fantasy world, and you can enjoy every aspect of it, just like he does. Megan thanks HHH for this time, and appreciates all he is doing for the company. HHH thanks Megan and appreciates all of us. Is The Game’s Era going to be the greatest of all time?

Meek Mill speaks.

“In this life, you either finish your story, or somebody else gonna finish it for you. Turn neon dreams into faded nightmares. Ain’t this what they’ve been waiting for? You ready? I used to pray for times like this, to rhyme like this, to grind like that to shine like this. Dreams are full, nightmares come true, time to marry the game and said, ‘Yeah I do.'” Snatch the glory. When they write the book of greatness, this will be the epilogue. We on one now! Ain’t no better place to be, no better city to be in! Let’s get it, one more time!

The War & Treaty sings God Bless America.

Stephanie McMahon is here!

The fans cheer as the Billion Dollar Queen of the WWE returns! Steph struts her way down the ramp and to the ring. She gets the mic and says it’s a good things are a little warmer tonight. But when she was eight years old, she was at the entryway to watch WrestleMania 1. She has seen or been part of every mania since, but WrestleMania 40 is the one she’s most proud of. This is the first Mania of the Paul Levesque Era! And tonight, fans from 64 countries and all 50 states of America are here to share this one thing we all love! And no one understands that better than HHH. So if she may steal a line from him… Are you ready?

The fans sure sound ready! No, no, no, Philly and the world over! ARE, YOU, READY?! The fans are really fired up now! Then without further ado, Steph says let’s kick off night two of WrestleMania XL!

WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre!

The Visionary also lost against The Bloodline last night, but now he has to focus on what he’s fighting to protect. Will he be able to survive the Scottish Psychopath that’s coming after him? Or will this finally be McIntyre’s Mania Moment, four years in the making?

McIntyre gets an entire Scottish procession but CM Punk is on commentary for this to say this is some kinda sacrilege. McIntyre walks under the raised claymores of his fellow Scotsman all the way down the ramp, then he steps into the ring. As for Rollins, he has the Philadelphia Mummers Parade playing his song on banjos, saxophones and accordions! And Rollins himself looks like a grand poobah of the owl house or something! Punk says Liberace must be rolling in his grave. The fans still sing along, “WHOA~ OHH~ OHHH~!” The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who burns it down!

The bell rings, and CLAYMORE OUTTA NOWHERE!!! Cover, TWO!!! Rollins survives and everyone is stunned! McIntyre reloads, Punk says this is the smart play! But same goes for Rollins getting outta there! McIntyre seethes, he storms out after Rollins and CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg! Rollins writhes, McIntyre stalks him, and McIntyre hauls Rollins up to OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Rollins tumbles, McIntyre borrows his wife’s phone to tweet, “Bored at work, LOL!” Then McIntyre POSTS Rollins, spine first! Rollins hobbles, McIntyre refreshes the count, and he OVERHEAD SUPLEXES Rollins again! McIntyre sneers at Punk, then hauls Rollins up.

The fans chant for Punk, but McIntyre asks if Punk recognizes this. The underhooks are in, but Rollins wrenches out! Rollins underhooks to PEDIGREE on the floor! Rollins clutches the leg but he gets himself into the ring. The ring count is climbing, McIntyre rises at 8 and slides in at 9! Rollins runs up to CURB STOMP! Cover, TWO!!! McIntyre survives Rollins’ best shot now, and Punk thinks this is all to impress him. But he’ll neither confirm no deny if he is, because neither guy is The Best int he World. Rollins rises up, underhooks again, but McIntyre back drops Rollins away! Rollins writhes, and McIntyre storms up again.

McIntyre ROCKS Rollins, stalks him, but Rollins ROCKS McIntyre! McIntyre ROCKS Rollins, Rollins ROCKS McIntyre, repeat! They go back and forth, faster and after, and the fans fire up! Rollins CHOPS, McIntyre CHOPS, but Rollins ROLLING ELBOWS! McIntyre BOOTS Rollins, Rollins SUPERKICKS! McIntyre GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Rollins staggers but stays up, to swing again! But into a NECKBREAKER! Both men are down, but McIntyre kips up! The fans fire up and McIntyre scowls. Rollins sits up slowly and McIntyre aims from a corner. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- POP-UP?! POWERBOMB!! And flip over, into underhooks! PEDIGREE!!!

But the leg won’t let Rollins cover! Rollins reloads, to CURB STOMP!! Cover, TWO!!! McIntyre survives again and Rollins is stunned! Is the bad leg and the bad back holding back all his best moves? “This is Awesome!” as Rollins and McIntyre stir. Rollins hobbles to another corner, and he goes up a corner. McIntyre rises, Rollins SUPER- NO, McIntyre avoids the stomp, but then Rollins avoids the Claymore! McIntyre dodges, wrenches, underhooks, FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, TWO?!?! Rollins survives and McIntyre is shocked! McIntyre thinks on what he has to do, but he looks at Punk. Punk tells him to focus on Rollins.

McIntyre says night-night! Punk says of course McIntyre goes there. He must be putting the fans to sleep. McIntyre fireman’s carries Rollins, for the GO TO- CRADLE!! TWO!! McIntyre escapes, blasts past Rollins, CLAYMORE!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? HOW?!?! McIntyre is getting frustrated as Rollins shows superhuman grit! McIntyre goes outside, and he clears off the English commentary desk! Punk is not intimidated, he says doubt is creeping into McIntyre’s mind. McIntyre can’t get this done in the ring so he needs furniture. McIntyre ROCKS Rollins, drags him out, and reels him in. McIntyre gets Rollins up, aims, but Rollins fights!

Rollins lands safe on the desk to BOOT McIntyre, then SMACKS him off the desk! And again! And then SUPERKICK! Rollins drops to his knees but then goes to the Spanish commentary desk! This is a bit like last night’s main event. Rollins runs to CURB STOMP McIntyre off the desk!! McIntyre falls back, Rollins gets him in the ring, but McIntyre’s up to CLAYMORE again!!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Where is Rollins getting this!?! McIntyre seethes, Rollins sputters, but Rollins dares McIntyre to do it! CLAYMORE YET AGAIN!!!! Cover, MCINTYRE WINS!!!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall (NEW WWE World Heavyweight Champion)

The Visionary was beat up but still had so much to give, only for it all to be snuffed out by the Scottish Terminator! McIntyre is trying not to be emotional, but he finally holds a world championship in front of a sold out arena! And Rollins stands, emotional in his own way. He says McIntyre earned this, and then moves on. Will that seal of approval heal McIntyre’s wounds?

McIntyre brings the belt to show to his lovely wife, and she gives him a kiss in celebration. But then McIntyre looks over at Punk again. McIntyre gets on the desk to look Punk in the eyes. Punk says congrats, go have fun taking selfies for the internet with the belt. McIntyre says he still meant every single word he’s said about Punk. And he wouldn’t change anything he’s done, either. If Punk wants, he can step back in the ring, but he needs to know McIntyre will obliterate him when he does. McIntyre wants this moment framed on his wall as he holds the belt over Punk’s head, and tells him to “SUCK IT!” So Punk TRIPS McIntyre!!

The fans go nuts as Punk is no longer on commentary, and he takes off the arm brace and suit jacket! Punk CLOBBERS McIntyre with the brace! Punk stomps McIntyre again and again, taking out his frustrations on him! WAIT! Damiani Priest is here!! Punk loves it! He knows all about Money in the Bank cash-ins, and he lets Priest CLOBBER McIntyre with the briefcase! Priest says it’s go time!

WWE World Heavyweight Championship MITB Cash-In: Drew McIntyre VS Damian Priest!

Priest puts McIntyre in the ring, the bell sounds, and Priest takes McIntyre SOUTH OF HEAVEN!!! Cover, PRIEST WINS!!!

Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall (NEW WWE World Heavyweight Champion)

McIntyre’s moment lasted all of five minutes! The Punisher goes from Senor Money in the Bank to the man who pulled off the NEW Heist of the Century! And Punk can’t help but applaud. Judgment Day may not be undisputed tag team champions, but Priest is THE champion! Will nothing stop Judgment Day from running Raw?

Snoop Dogg is here!

The WWE Hall of Famer and world renowned rapper is bringing the Golden Championship with him as he joins commentary for the showdown that’s about to go down.

Bubba Ray Dudley is here, too!

The ECW Original is wearing the zebra stripes, aka he’s the special guest referee for this match, because it’s gonna get extreme!

Six Man Philly Street Fight: The Final Testament VS The Pride!

Karrion Kross & The Authors of Pain have been writing how this story goes, and it’s them always beating down The All Mighty and his Profits. However, Bobby Lashley, Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins aren’t going to let it continue any longer! Will The Pride be the reason for The Final Testament’s fall? Or will Kross still bring the apocalypse to WrestleMania?

The bell rings and it fires off! Lashley LARIATS Korss up and out! Ford ENZIGIRIS and Dawkins DROPKICKS! The AOP tumble out, and the Profits go looking. They bring out a TABLE! Bubba didn’t even need to say anything! But AOP mug the Profits and send them into steel steps! Lashley hurries out but Kross hands out kendo sticks! Lashley stands his ground in the ring, even as the Final Testament flank the ring. Lashley hits Kross, hits Rezar, but Akam gets him first! Then it’s a 3v1 kendo stick smack attack! Kross talks trash, and Rezar BREAKS his kendo stick off Lashley’s back! Kross gets a chair, turns Lashley, and hits a NECKBREAKER on the edge!

Kross covers, but Dawkins breaks it! But then he gets kendo stick strikes! Ford leaps in, but Kross SMACKS him out of the air! Like a homer by the Phillies! The sicks all break apart and Rezar shows off the damage done. The AOP haul the Profits up, and Kross says have at it! SUPER COLLIDER! Kross covers, B-FAB breaks it! So Scarlett CLOBBERS her with a trash can! This is a Mixed Street Fight now as Scarlett POSTS B-Fab! Kross tells the AOP to set it up again. They get the Profits up, but Lashley makes the save! He then clinches Kross to FLATLINER! The Profits RANA free and the AOP tumble all out!

Lashley OVERHEAD SUPLEXES Kross! The Profits hurry up, and Dawkins POUNCES both AOP! Then Ford FLIES to take them both out at the barriers!! The fans are thunderous and Snoop can’t even! Lashley gets a chair, and he aims at Kross! Lashley JAMS Kross, SMACKS him, then SMACKS him again and again and again! Snoop loves it, and Lashley puts the chair down so he can URENAGE Kross right on it! Kross writhes, Scarlett panics, and Lashley clamps on the HURT LOCK!! Scarlett SMACKS Lashley with the kendo stick! That just pisses Lashley off! But B-Fab BOOTS Scarlett for him! B-Fab gets Scarlett to the apron, but Ellering gets involved!

B-Fab gives Scarlett a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP through the table!! Kross ROCKS Lashley, to hit a DOOMSDAY SAIDO!! Kross sets the chair up again, drags Lashley up, and DDTS him through the chair!! Cover, TWO!!! Kross argues the count with Bubba, but you can bet Bubba knows the difference between two and three. Kross shoves Bubba, so Bubba brings out the glasses! The fans fire up as Kross turns around, into a SPEAR!!! The Profits return, and Lashley nods to them. Bubba also approves as they open Kross up! Dawkins is up top to say WAZZUP~!! The Dudleys would approve! Then Lashley tells Ford, and Ford tells Dawkins, “GET THE TABLES!!”

The fans chant for tables as the Profits find the hardware! They get that in the ring, Lashley helps set it up, and they put it right at center. Kross is put on the table, and it already breaks! Shoddy craftsmanship! Lashley beats down Kross while the Profits go find another table! They put this one in, Ford SMACKS away on Kross with the kendo stick! This new table is set up, Ford says they’ll try this again. Ford climbs, Kross is put on the table, and the table stays together! Ford comes in FROM THE HEAVENS through the table!!! Cover, The Pride wins!!

Winner: The Pride, by pinfall

Philly is the city of extreme, and that’s just what Philly got! But will this punctuate the story with The Final Testament? Or will there be a sequel on the horizon?

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

Kayla Braxton first congratulates him on the Hall of Fame induction, but then has to ask about last night, The Rock & Roman Reigns won their tag team match, tonight is now Bloodline Rules for Cody VS Roman. Can he please tell us what that means? Well yes, according to WWE Official Rules Page 88, Subsection D… Oh, c’mon, Kayla! The Bloodline Rules are determined by The Bloodline itself! No disqualifications, no count outs, there HAS to be a definitive winner. One is the Universal Champion, the other goes home to his wife, Brandi Rhodes. So tonight, Roman Reigns and The Bloodline Rules! Get it?

The Wise Man heads out, and if it is Anything Goes, what won’t The Bloodline do to make sure Cody’s story ends in tragedy?

LA Knight VS AJ Styles!

The Mega Star drove up to the arena in the Slim Jim-mobile, and he’s ready to snap the Phenomenal One in two! But will he really turn this into WrestleMania X L A Knight? Or will Styles make this his game now?

Styles has new music to fit his new attitude, and he runs down the ramp! Styles slides in, the bell rings right before the hands start flying! Styles puts Knight in a corner but Knight turns things around to fire hands! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, but Styles CLUBS and KICKS Knight back! Styles CHOPS Knight against ropes, runs side to side, but Knight dodges! Styles tumbles up and out, Knight RWECKS him with a dropkick! “YEAH!” Knight gets Styles up, and he SMAKCS him off the desk! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight then brings Styles for one last big SMACK! The ring count is past 5 of 10 but Knight puts Styles in at 8.

Knight storms in, argues with the ref, but Style kicks the ropes to jam Knight! Then he CHOP BLOCKS the leg! Styles stomps away on Knight’s leg, then drops knees on the knee! Styles paces around Knight, then gets the leg to DDT the foot! Knight writhes, Styles stalks him to a corner, but Knight kicks back! The haymakers fly, Styles KICKS the leg out! And he KICKS the leg again! The ref reprimands but Styles backs off. Knight hobbles along ropes, but Styles brings him around to get the leg for a SHIN BREAKER! Knight flounders away while Styles soaks up the heat. Styles storms up on Knight, drags him around by the leg, but Knight kicks with the good one!

Styles staggers, Knight stands, but Styles kicks the bad leg! SHIN- NO, Sunset Flip! TWO! Knight DECKS Styles again and again, then RUSSIAN LEG SWEEPS! “YEAH!” The fans rally as Knight gets Styles in a corner. Knight stomps a “YEAH!” hole into Styles! The ref counts, Knight lets off to go corner to corner and back again, KNEE WASH! The fans rally up as Knight waits on Styles. Styles rises, Knight springboards to TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Styles is still in this but the fans still cheer on Knight, “YEAH!” Knight puts Styles up top, then CHOPS! Styles almost falls off but Knight goes up after him.

The fans rally and “YEAH!” as Knight brings Styles up. Styles resists, slips under, and he Electric Chair Lifts to then SMACK Knight off buckles! GERMAN SUPLEX! Styles holds on, to atomic FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Knight survives but Styles seethes again. Styles drags Knight to a drop zone, goes up the corner, but Knight trips him up! “YEAH!” Knight climbs up to get Styles, and he CLUBS away on Styles chest! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight BITES Styles’ forehead, “YEAH!” Knight then gets Styles up, but Styles CLAWS the eyes! Knight falls back, Styles adjusts, but Knight’s right back up! SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX!! Cover, TWO!!

Styles survives but both men are down after that one! “This is Awesome!” as both men slowly rise. Knight stands, he gets the fans fired up, “YEAH!” Knight drags Styles up, but Styles trips him! CALF CRUSHER!! Knight endures, reaches out, fights around, and the fans rally for him! Styles pulls back on the leg, but Knight still reaches out! ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Styles lets go at 4 and is frustrated as Knight hangs around. Knight goes to a corner but Styles goes out. Styles drags Knight to the corner to SLAM the bad leg! And then Styles positions the leg, gets on the apron, and DROPKICKS the knee into the post!

Knight writhes, the ref reprimands, but Styles pushes Knight around. Styles gets Knight’s legs on either side of the post, but Knight YANKS Styles in! Styles wobbles, Knight hobbles, and Knight gets Styles’ legs to STOMP the stomach! Knight rips up floor mats!? Knight goes back for Styles, hauls him up, but Styles fights the lift. Styles back drops Knight onto the bare floor! Styles goes into the ring and wants the count out! The fans boo but the count climbs as Knight writhes. We pass 5 of 10, then 7! Knight rises at 9 and slides in at 9.99!! The fans fire up and Styles is furious! Styles KICKS Knight in the side!

Styles goes out to the apron, springboards and 450 SPLASHES onto knees!! Double-edged for Knight but better than taking the full force of that move! Styles sputters as he tumbles to a corner, and the fans rally harder for Knight! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight rises, and he ROCKS Styles with a haymaker! Styles ROCKS Knight back! Knight ROCKS Styles, “YEAH!” Styles ROCKS Knight, “BOO!” They go back and forth, Styles KICKS the bad leg! Knight JABS! JABS! And swings, but Styles ducks to PELE! Knight goes to the corner, Styles runs up but is put on the apron! Styles springboards back in, but Knight dodges!

Knight hurries to cravat, but Styles rolls him up! And then deadlifts into the- NO, Knight kicks free! Styles BOOTS from the apron, goes out and he ROCKS Knight! Styles springboards again, but Knight trips him up! Styles falls in and Knight has him! B F T!! Cover, KNIGHT WINS!

Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall

“YEAH!” The Mega Star proves he’s more than phenomenal! His first WrestleMania is his first WrestleMania victory, will it only be a matter of time before this IS LA Knight’s game?

The King & Queen of the Ring are coming!

The epic tournaments return, and it all culminates on May 25th as the WWE returns to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia! Who will fight their way to the top and ascend to the thrones?

The 2024 WWE Hall of Fame Class is on stage!

Barry Windham & Mike Rotunda, aka The US Express! Thunderbolt Patterson! Bull Nakano! Ata Johnson is here to represent Lia Maivia, and a banner flies for Muhammad Ali! And of course, The Wise Man, Paul E. Dangerously himself, Paul Heyman! The fans cheer for “E C DUB! E C DUB!” as this incredible class shines under the spotlight.

WWE United States Championship Triple Threat: Logan Paul VS Kevin Owens VS Randy Orton!

They say all men are created equal, but if you were to ask The Maverick, he’d say he’s levels above both of his opponents put together. Logan is ImPAULsive to say the least, but he went from trolling The Prizefighter to outright screwing The Viper over inside the Elimination Chamber. Now he’ll have to face them both, can he survive? Or are we mathematically guaranteed a new champion here in Philly?

Logan sees LA Knight’s Slim Jim car and raises him a Prime Truck, armed with a “Prime Cannon” to set off his pyro! And once again, he has a Prime bottle mascot following him. Is that gonna turn out to be KSI again? As for Kevin, he reaches gorilla, and Sami Zayn is there! Sami won the Intercontinental Championship after Kevin encouraged him, so he says, “Your turn now! Go get ’em!” Kevin makes his entrance, his ring gear and graphics echoing OG ECW, but that makes him think. Kevin goes around behind the L to go get the golf cart! Kevin cruises down to ringside, but then he hears Orton’s music hits so he backs up and offers a ride.

Orton thinks about it, and says why not. Orton hops on the back, holds on to the handrail, and Kevin cruises right back down to ringside. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s prime championship material!

The bell rings and Logan bails out! Logan won’t let #RKKO go after him like they did on Friday, but he thinks this is enough to turn them against each other. They go out after him, chase him down and pinball him between haymakers! The fans fire up and Kevin CHOPS! Orton CLUBS Logan, Logan kicks Kevin but Orton SMACKS Logan off the apron! Kevin SMACKS Logan off the apron! Orton SMACKS Logan off steel steps! Kevin SMACKS Logan off Spanish commentary! Speaking of commentary, Orton gives Logan a DESK BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and RKKO agree to do that again! Kevin hits the DESK BACK SUPLEX!

Logan writhes, RKKO say they need to go higher! Orton drags Logan up to BIG DESK BACK SUPLEX! Kevin sees it now, and he brings Logan up to put him in the ring. They go in, stomp Logan around, then Kevin hauls Logan up to back suplex. Logan slips free, shoves Kevin into Orton, and now there’s tension. But Orton remembers, it was Logan who shoved Kevin. So RKKO mugs Logan! Orton stomps Logan’s hand, Kevin stomps the other hand! Then they do the same to the feet! The fans cheer as Kevin asks Logan, “Are you having a good time? No?” Oh well. Orton whips Logan to ELBOW him down, then Kevin SENTONS! But then who covers…?

The tension grows a bit more, but RKKO says they’ll keep going against Logan. But then Kevin stops the RKO! Orton says it was that close. The fans tell Orton he messed up, but Kevin says they might as well get it out of the way. They fire off haymakers on each other! The fans cheer as the forearms fly, then Orton HEADBUTTS! Logan DOUBLE BUCKSHOTS them down!! The fans boo but Logan rains down forearms on Kevin! Logan says this is what they get for bullying him, and he stomps Orton around. Orton goes to one corner, Kevin goes to the other, and Logan mocks Orton’s pose. Logan mocks the fans, then runs up to dribble Kevin off buckles!

Logan digs Kevin’s face into the Prime logo on the buckle, then ROCKS him! Logan runs up at Orton to STINGER SPLASH! The fans cheer for Gatorade, and Kevin SUPERKICKS Logan! Logan falls onto Orton, and Kevin says “SUCK IT!” CANNONBALL, two for one! Kevin hurries up top with Logan in the drop zone! SWANTON onto knees! Logan saves himself, goes out to the apron, and he climbs up top. Logan SWANTON BOMBS Kevin, then SPLASHES Orton! Cover, TWO! Logan covers Kevin, TWO! The fans tell Logan “You Still Suck!” but Logan waits on Orton to stand. Logan drags Orton up to UPPERCUT! Orton UPPERCUTS in return!

Logan UPPERCUTS, but Orton shakes out the cobwebs. Orton UPPERCUTS and Logan wobbles. Logan UPPERCUTS, Orton UPPERCUTS, repeat! They go shot for shot, Logan throws UPPERCUTS from all sides! Orton drops to his knees and Logan wipes the sweat from his brow. The fans boo but he just grins and soaks it up. But then Orton pokes Logan in the eye! Orton TOSSES Logan out to the floor, but Kevin kicks Orton! Kevin whips Orton to a corner but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Kevin swings, misses, and runs into the SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton smirks.

Orton has Kevin in the ropes, brings him out, but Logan ROCKS Orton! Logan slingshots but into the SNAP POWERSLAM! Orton scowls and drags Logan up. Orton puts Logan in the ropes, and then gets Kevin, too! The fans fire up as Orton has them both, DOUBLE DRAPING DDTS! The fans cheer as Orton swaggers, then he hears those voices in his head! The Viper has two targets, who wants it first? Logan and Kevin both stand, so Orton tries Logan! No RKO, Kevin SUPERKICKS! Kevin SUPERKICKS Logan, too! Then CODE BREAKER SENTON COMBO! Orton tumbles away so cover on Logan, TWO!!

Kevin rains down hands on Logan, steps on him to go to the corner and climbs up top. But Orton is back and he ROCKS Kevin! Orton throws hands but Kevin hits back! Orton pokes Kevin in the eye, climbs up, but Logan runs up to CLUB Orton in the leg! Logan gets under Orton but Orton rains down fists! Orton also punches Kevin, he alternates and gets to TEN much faster! But then Kevin HEADBUTTS! And HEADBUTTS! Orton falls back, but Logan ROCKS Kevin! Logan goes up, but Kevin turns this around, FISHERMAN BUSTER JACKHAMMER!! Kevin goes back up to MOONSAULT!! Cover, TWO!!! Logan survives and Kevin is speechless!

Logan flounders his way to the outside, and Orton wants Kevin! Kevin says no to the RKO and rolls Orton, TWO! Kevin kicks, whips, but Orton slips free of the pop-up! Kevin still tries the kick but Orton block the Stunner! RKO!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Kevin survives THE move, and Orton is shocked! Kevin crawls to the apron then flops out. Orton is frustrated, but Logan slithers in. He has the brass knuckles!! The fans boo as Logan can’t just do this fair and square! But Orton ducks the haymaker, gets the knuckles, but Logan CLAWS Orton’s face! And BRASS KNUCKLE HAYMAKER!! Cover, TWO?!?!?!

Orton survives and Logan can’t understand! To be fair, surviving that is superhuman to say the least! Logan aims again, but Kevin grabs that hand! Logan gets free, BRASS BODY BLOW then BRASS HAYMAKER!! Logan gets Orton back up, reels him in and grins. Logan says watch this! RKO OUTTA NOWHERE!!! The Viper strikes and the fans are thunderous! But all three men are down! Orton stirs and rises up while Philly rallies for him. Orton finds his way over to Logan, takes the knuckles away, and the fans want him to use them now! Orton says no, he lets the ref have the knuckles. Orton then looms over Logan, and prepares that field goal leg!

The fans fire up as Orton takes aim, and he runs in, only for the Prime bottle to get Logan outta there! The fans boo, that’s IShowSpeed! Streamer helps influencer, and he barks at Orton like he’s a big dog! Speed shoves Orton, talks trash, but Orton BOOTS him down! He spills the Prime, and then clears off the English commentary desk! Orton strips Speed of the costume, then drags him to the desk! Orton gets Speed on the desk, then climbs up to join him! The fans fire up as Orton’s about to meme him! BARK BARK, RKO TO THE DESK!!! Philly is electric but Logan POSTS Orton! Logan puts Orton in, goes up top, and FROG- NO, Orton move!

Kevin is there, POP-UP POWERBOMB for Logan!! STUNNER for Orton!! Cover on Orton, TWO?!?! Orton survives Kevin going Stone Cold and Kevin is beside himself! “This is Awesome!” as Logan flounders away and Kevin drags Orton up. Kevin gets Orton on his feet, whips him to ropes, POP-UP RKO!!!! But Logan runs in! Orton tosses him back out, but Logan still POSTS Orton! Logan goes up to FROG SPLASH Kevin!! Cover, Logan wins!!

Winner: Logan Paul, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)

The Maverick proved he can be as opportunistic as the best of ’em! He better give IShowSpeed some of that winner’s purse for saving him. But with this big WrestleMania victory, will Logan’s ego grow exponentially from here on out?

WWE Women’s Championship: Iyo Sky VS Bayley!

Damage CTRL debuted at SummerSlam 2022, and it was meant to be how The Evil Genius, The Role Model and Dakota Kai would take control of the WWE Women’s Division. However, when Iyo found success and Bayley did not, things soured. It was Iyo who brought in old friends to usurp control from Bayley and then cut the deadweight away from the group. Will Bayley make Iyo regret betraying her? Or will Bayley end up regretting ever bringing Iyo back to the WWE?

Bayley’s entrance has her carried in by men in Anubis headdresses while she herself is like an Egyptian goddess. Her theme song is remixed to fit the theme, is this her way of saying she’s going to bury Iyo like the pharaohs of old? As for Iyo’s entrance, it’s a lot of herself on screen, and then she walks out in a robe that sparkles in all colors of the rainbow, DMG CTRL seeing her off. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly in control!

The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two stare down. They step up, tie up, and go around. Bayley headlocks for the takeover, but Iyo headscissors. Bayley kips free and runs Iyo over! Iyo bails out, Bayley eggs her on, and Iyo returns. Iyo stomps a foot, then throws Bayley by her hair! The fans still rally behind Bayley but now Iyo eggs Bayley on. Bayley gets back in, they tie up again, and Bayley powers Iyo back. They go to the mat, tumble out to the floor, then stand up. Bayley shoves Iyo so Iyo SHOTEIS! The brawl is on, and Iyo SMACKS Bayley off the apron! Iyo puts Bayley in, storms up after her, but dodges the haymaker!

Iyo handsprings, Bayley dodges, but the DROPKICK still finds her! Bayley bails out and Iyo says iku zo! Iyo runs but Bayley ROCKS her first! APRON DDT! Iyo staggers, Bayley DIVES! Direct hit with a rare low-pe from Bayley, but she shakes out a leg. Bayley puts Iyo in, pushes her to a cover, TWO! Bayley keeps cool but her leg still bugs her. Iyo bails out so Bayley WRECKS her with a dropkick. Bayley then runs to DAREDEVIL- NO, Iyo blocks the dropkick to SLAM the bad leg into the post! Iyo has her target and she gets on the apron for a HANGING HEEL HOOK! Bayley suffers, the ref counts, but Iyo lets go at 4!

Iyo hurries back in, Bayley hobbles away, but Iyo SLAMS the bad leg off the mat! Bayley goes to a corner, Iyo runs in, but Bayley BOOTS her! Iyo runs back in, blocks the second boot, and then puts that leg in the ropes to DRAPING DRAGON SCREW the other! Bayley won’t have a leg to stand on at this point! Iyo stomps Bayley around, focusing on the knees, then she drags Bayley up. The fans rally but Iyo whips. Bayley reverses, but Iyo wheelbarrows, victory rolls, STOMP 182! Cover, TWO! Bayley survives, bails out, and the fans still rally behind her. Iyo smirks as she goes out to the apron. Iyo then aims, but Bayley YANKS her down!

Bayley runs up, but Iyo ROCKS her first! Iyo brings Bayley up to whip, but Bayley reverses and sends Iyo over barriers, into the timekeeper’s area! Bayley says she’s got Iyo now, but Iyo ROCKS her first! Iyo goes up the barrier to CROSSBODY into a SPINEBUSTER! Bayley turned that right around on Iyo and the fans rally up! The ring count is 5 of 10, then 7! Bayley hurries to get Iyo up and in at 8 to keep this match alive. Cover, TWO! Iyo is still in this but Bayley KNEES her right down! Iyo goes to a corner, Bayley fires off point-blank clotheslines! The fans fire up as Bayley fires off but the ref backs her down.

Bayley reels Iyo in, fireman’s carries, and spins around, SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Iyo survives that but Bayley just goes to a corner. Bayley climbs, even with the bad leg, but Iyo SHOTEIS! Bayley’s bad leg gets caught between the ropes! Iyo hurries up to SHOTGUN Bayley to the floor! Iyo won’t stop there, she goes up the corner! ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Direct hit and Bayley’s down again! Iyo roars as she rises but the fans boo. Iyo gets Bayley in, goes up and up and springboards to SHOTGUN! Then Bayley’s on ropes so Iyo DOUBLE KNEES her in the back! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives the onslaught and Philly still sings for her!

Iyo snarls, gets Bayley up, but Bayley switches. Iyo switches, Bayley switches, repeat! Bayley back suplexes, Iyo lands out and Bayley hobbles. Bayley still comes back, SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB! Then inside cradle, TWO!! Iyo escapes, Bayley’s bad leg holding back that cradle. Bayley and Iyo both stand, Bayley runs up but Iyo puts her on the apron! Bayley’s bad leg buckles, but she still avoids Iyo’s shoulder tackle! Bayley CLUBS away, but then Iyo waistlocks! Iyo drags Bayley back in, to GERMAN SULE! Bridging cover but the roll through, deadlift HIGH ANGLE GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!!

Iyo is seething but she goes up the corner now. The fans boo the OVER THE MOONSAULT but Bayley BOOTS her! A truly double-edged move to save herself but this is how much Bayley wants this! Bayley drags herself up the corner, aims, MACHO ELBOW, into a CROSSFACE!! Bayley flails, reaches out, rolls it to a cover, TWO! SLIDING UPPERCUT! Then SLIDING- CROSSFACE!!! Iyo has Bayley again, but Bayley fights and crawls around! Bayley reaches out but Iyo rolls this back, steps over, STF!!! Bayley endures all over again, but gets her arms inside the crossface to elbow away! Iyo lets her go, and Bayley clinches! BAYLEY2BELLY!!! Cover, TWO!!!

Iyo survives the classic and Bayley is frustrated. Bayley drags Iyo back up, hooks her up, but Iyo grabs at Bayley’s vest! Iyo wants to apologize? SUCKER PUNCH! Iyo manipulates Bayley’s emotions and laughs about it! But Bayley rises up to SLAP Iyo!! The fans are thunderous as Bayley says Iyo is right: they were never friends. Bayley did this for Iyo! Iyo ROCKS Bayley, Bayley fires off forearms in return! BAYLEY2- ROLL-UP! TWO!! Bayley rises, but Iyo wrenches her and underhooks! TIGER BACKBREAKER!! Iyo goes up the corner, to go OVER THE MOONSAULT!! Cover, TWO!!! Bayley survives and shocks everyone!

The fans cheer Bayley on as hard as they can while Iyo tries to use all her Evil Genius to understand how Bayley’s still in this! Iyo fires off hands, STANDING MOONSAULTS, then she goes up to LIONSAULT! Then she goes up and up and OVER THE MOONSAULT but Bayley moves! Bayley runs up to hook Iyo up! ROSE PLANT but Iyo handsprings through?! Since when!? Iyo runs up, but Bayley LARIATS Iyo inside-out!! Bayley fights through the pain and the fans are thunderous! Bayley hobbles back up, clinches, SAIDO!! Bayley hurries to the corner and drags herself back up! MACHO ELBOW!!!

But that’s not enough for Bayley! She hooks Iyo up, ROSE PLANT!!! Cover, BAYLEY WINS!!!

Winner: Bayley, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Champion)

Justice has been served and Bayley has been vindicated! She takes control back from Iyo, adding to her already stellar résumé! Will Bayley’s star only shine bigger and brighter from here on out?

Backlash says c’est la vie.

That’s right, Saturday May 4th, WWE goes to Lyon-Decines, France! But who will say oui oui to championship opportunities?

The Philadelphia Cheerleaders help bring out Snoop Dogg!

D O Double G has a mic to say, “Yessir! If you having a good time tonight, make some noise!” The fans make some noise for sure. Snoop says he is gonna announce tonight’s attendance: 72,755! Can we have a toast to the City of Brotherly Love? The fans cheer that, too! Is anybody out there ready for the amin event? Then say “Hell yeah!” “HELL YEAH!” Say it again! “HELL YEAH!” Then that brings us to the two night total of: 145,298! WrestleMania 40 is truly XL, will things only get bigger and better from here?

Undisputed WWE Universal Championship Bloodline Rules: Roman Reigns VS Cody Rhodes!

It has been a cold weekend in Philadelphia, and everyone has had chills going up their spines as the story continues to heat up. Reality doesn’t always have a happy ending, just look back at last year in Hollywood. “You can step away, set a new standard, ignite a revolution,” and even then, a dream may always be just out of reach. The Tribal Chief has found a way to dominate and retain this title time and time again, and again, just look back at last year. But this year, The American Nightmare vows to do everything he has to in order to right those wrongs. This year, Cody is all in, he’s going to go all out, because it is all or nothing!

If Cody loses now, he’ll NEVER get another shot at this title, because The Final Boss, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson said so! Last night’s tag team match may have sealed Cody’s fate, but if there’s even a one percent chance of winning, can The American Nightmare hit the mark? Or will we all ACKNOWLEDGE the end?

As banners with his logo wave on the tron, with a warzone all around, Cody Rhodes rises up wearing a winged skull helmet, Brandi Rhodes by his side! “Wrestling has more than one royal family,” and Cody is ready for war! The fans sing along with Cody’s song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and Cody gets his pyro. Cody hugs his mom, sister and nephew at ringside, hoping to make them proud. For Roman’s entrance, he has an entire choir and orchestra performing the prelude to his theme song, then he walks out on stage, The Wise Man right behind him. He raises the title and the pyro goes off as the music continues here on Day 1316.

Roman continues down to the ring, Heyman holding up the title as the only banner The Tribal Chief needs. Roman then steps into the ring, raises the belt again, and his second round of pyro goes off. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time to see just how we #FinishTheStory!

The bell rings and the fans are thunderous already! And they’re all chanting for “CODY! CODY!” Roman smirks and steps forward to stare Cody down. Roman talks a little trash, then the two circle. Cody fires the fans up more, they tie up, and Roman clinches. Cody puts Roman in a corner, but then gets away before Roman can turn it around. The fans boo Roman but Roman chuckles. The two circle again, tie up, and Cody waistlocks. Roman fights the lift, ELBOWS free, then talks more trash. Roman headlocks, Cody powers up and out, but Roman runs him over! Roman puts up the one but the fans boo.

Cody gets up and Roman smirks. Roman and Cody reset and circle again. The fans fire up for “CODY! CODY!” more and Roman is annoyed. They tie up, go around, and Cody headlocks. Roman powers up and out, but Cody slides under, kicks low and RHODES UPPERCUTS! Cody baits Roman in, Roman runs up but into the POST! Cody has Roman on the outside and hurries after him! Cody decides to use Bloodline Rules to his advantage, and he gets a TABLE! The fans fire up as we’re going extreme already! Cody puts the table in but Roman DRIVEBY DROPKICKS! Roman chuckles as he takes the table and puts it back under the ring!

The fans boo, but Roman doesn’t give them what they want, he does what he wants. Roman brings Cody around, whips him, but Cody reverses! Roman hits steel steps! Cody sees the belt on display, then goes after Roman. Cody puts Roman back in, but Roman bails out the side. Cody is annoyed but he hurries after. Cody drags Roman up by his hair, but Roman kendo stick SMACKS Cody! Then Roman gets in to SMACK Cody again! And again! And again! And again! The fans boo but Roman tells them to shut their mouths, he’s The Tribal Chief. Roman winds up, but Cody ducks! Strike one, and Cody kicks low!

Cody gets the kendo stick now! Roman freaks out, dodges Cody, and the stick goes tumbling away! Cody kicks Roman back to then BULLDOG him down! Cody gets the legs, the fans “WOO~!” and Cody steps through! FIGURE FOUR! Roman flails right on the Prime logo! Roman grabs at the hold, CLAWS Cody’s face, and Cody lets Roman free! Roman snarls, hobbles, and Cody flounders. Roman BOOTS Cody down, stomps away on him, then stalks Cody. The fans rally for Cody but Roman wags his finger. Roman bumps Cody off buckles, then brings him around to bump off more buckles. The fans rally for Cody but Roman TOSSES Cody out.

Roman talks trash as he goes out after Cody. Roman storms up and uses the Prime tank to SMACK Cody! Roman shoves the hydration station aside, DUMPS Cody into the crowd, then pursues! Roman tells Mama Johnson he’s gonna beat Cody’s ass. But Cody hits back! They brawl with haymakers right by one of the girder supports, then Roman SMACKS Cody off it! Roman gets up on the support with Cody, but the fans boo. Roman tells fans to move aside, he’s about to chuck Cody! Roman reels Cody in, but Cody blocks the suplex! Roman throws body shots, but Cody still fights, to suplex Roman onto the support!

The fans fire up while Cody rises. Roman hobbles away, but Cody DUMPS him to ringside! Cody puts Roman in, the fans rally up, and Cody hurries in to springboard and DISASTER- NO, Roman catches and POWERBOMBS Cody! But even Roman falls back from how much that took out of him! Roman sits up, Cody crawls, and the fans rally again. Heyman grins as Roman stands and storms up on Cody. Roman hauls Cody up to snap suplex! Cover, ONE!! Cody is defiant but Roman CHOKES him on the ropes! Roman says he’ll send Cody to Hollywood with the rest of ’em! “This is MY company, you little b*tch!”

The fans boo as Tribal Chief puts money in the swear jar, but Roman just looms over Cody. Roman kicks Cody around and laughs. Cody hobbles up, but Roman reels him in for a BIG back suplex! Cover, ONE!! Roman gets annoyed but laughs it off. Heyman says the son of the son of a plumber is not going to win this one! Roman clamps on a cravat for a neck wrench, and he grinds Cody down to the mat! Cody endures, fights up, and the fans rally up! Cody throws body shots, but Roman CLUBS Cody! Roman brushes off the fans cheering Cody on, and he back suplexes, but Cody lands out! Kick and facelock, but Roman wrenches out!

Roman hooks a leg, PERFECT PLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! So not quite perfect, but Heyman says Cody must love the pain if he’s still hanging around. Roman stalks Cody to a corner, and he SLAPS Cody! Roman stares Cody down, ROCKS him, and Heyman is certainly enjoying this. The fans still rally for Cody as Roman ROCKS him again. Cody goes to another corner, Roman storms up, and Roman fires point blank clotheslines! The fans count along, Roman goes all the way to TEN! Roman then runs, but Cody SUPERKICKS! Roman BOOTS back, Cody SUPERKICKS! Roman BOOTS again! Both men wobble, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide!

The fans fire up while both men are down! Roman and Cody slowly sit up. Roman stands and he throws a haymaker! Cody gives that haymaker back! Roman hits back, so Cody hits back! They go back and forth, Philly clearly on Cody’s side! Cody gets the edge as he fires off a flurry! Cody whips, Roman reverses but Cody CLOBBERS him! Roman runs back up, Cody goes up and over! SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans are thunderous as Cody is feeling it! Even with one good leg, Cody springboards to DISASTER KICK! Cover, TWO! Roman’s tougher than that but Cody keeps calm. Cody glares at Heyman, then hauls Roman up.

Cody runs, springboards, but into a waistlock! Then dragon sleeper! Roman steals CROSS RHODES!! Cover, TWO!!! Heyman is shocked and Roman is laughing in disbelief! “That move sucks!” Roman pretends like that’s the reason Cody kicked out, and then he goes to a corner. The fans boo as Roman locks ‘n’ loads! Roman runs in, SUPERMAN- NO, Cody dodges! JAB! JAB! JAB! JAB JAB JAB JAB! Flip, Flop, Fly, BIONIC ELBOW! Cody looks to Heaven, knowing Dusty is looking down on him! Roman bails out, Cody pursues, but then thinks about it. Cody looks at the desk, and he clears it off! The fans are loving where this is going!

Cody gets Roman up, but Roman LOW BLOWS!! The fans boo but Roman grins. It was only a matter of time before Roman went there, and he reels Cody in to get him up, to POWERBOMB him through the desk!! Roman then hurries to get Cody up and into the ring! But Cody’s right up, so Roman SUPERMAN PUNCHES!! Cover, TWO!!! Cody survives again and Roman is beside himself! Roman eggs on the fans now and they boo as he goes back to the corner. Roman says this is the end! “OOOAH~!” Roman runs in, into a KICK! Cody springboards, CODY CUTTER!! But Cody can’t make the cover! He crawls to it, TWO!!!

Roman survives but Cody fights back his frustration and panic. The fans are still with him, and Cody roars! Roman rises, Cody dragon sleepers, but Roman fires hands from below! And a KNEE! Cody staggers back, but he runs up, into a clinch! ROCK BOT- ARM-DRAG!! Cody then dodges Roman to SPEAR!!! Cover, TWO!!! Roman survives, does that move “suck” now? Cody gets Roman back up, dragon sleepers, and CROSS RHODES!! But Cody holds on! JIMMY USO SUPERKICKS HIM!!! This was also only a matter of time! Jimmy may have lost to Jey but he isn’t gonna let Roman lose this!

Jimmy gets Cody up, Roman runs in, SUPERMAN PUNCH! But speaking of, here comes Jey!! Jimmy hurries to intercept and the Uso VS Uso battle begins again! Jey throws haymaker after haymaker, “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Then SUPERKICK! Then a SPEAR off the stage and through some tables!!! Uso cancels out Uso and Roman can’t believe it! Cody rolls Roman up! TWO!!! Cody ducks ‘n ‘dodges, but Roman SPEARS!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! Cody survives again and Roman is pissed at the ref!! Roman storms around, says he’s done with this ish! Roman tells Heyman to do something but what? Roman gets Cody in the GUILLOTINE!

Cody RAMS Roman into buckles! Roman holds on, so Cody RAMS Roman into more buckles! Then Cody takes Roman tumbling out of the ring! Cody is free now, stands back up, and he runs back in at Roman! Cody SPEARS Roman through barriers!!! The fans lose their minds as Cody gives Roman a taste of his own medicine from just last night! “This is Awesome!” as Cody drags Roman up from the wreckage, into the ring, and he pounds the mat. Is he hearing voices like his old mentor, Randy Orton? CROSS RHODES!! And then another CROSS RHODES!! But then flashbacks to WrestleMania 39!! SOLO SIKOA SAMOAN SPIKES CODY!!!!

The fans boo as the other ace up Roman’s sleeve comes into play! Solo drags Roman onto Cody, handing him this on a silver platter! Cover, TWO!??!?!? HOW?!?!? Solo doesn’t believe it, even though he sees it with his own eyes! Solo is about to lose his cool, and he HAMMERS away on Cody! The fans boo as The Enforcer tells The Tribal Chief to stand! Solo says to finish this, and Roman says he knows! Solo stands Cody up for Roman, and Roman takes aim! Roman says “OOOAH~” and SAMOAN SPIKE SPEAR COMBO!!!! Cover, TWO??!?!?! How is Cody human?! Solo is pissed, but HERE COMES JOHN CENA!!!!

The fans are going nuts as Cena wants payback on Solo for Crown Jewel!! Cena fires off haymakers on Solo, then runs to LARIAT Solo up and out! Then fireman’s carry on Roman, this is for SummerSlam 2021! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cena clears off the Spanish desk, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT through the desk!! But here comes THE ROCK! Cena knows The People’s Champion well, and he goes into the ring as Rock starts heading down the ramp! The fans are losing their minds as we get Once in a Lifetime for the third time! Cena says you can’t see him, but Rock hits the ROCK BOTTOM!!

Rock tells that’s what Cena gets! The weight belt comes off, and it still has Mama Rhodes’ name on it. But wait, the SHIELD theme?!? The Rock is waiting for someone, anyone, but Roman sees Rollins first! SUPERMAN PUNCH on Rollins, who was even dressed in the old gear! The fans boo as Roman ruins Rollins’ moment, and now Rock tells Mama Rhodes she’s gonna see a repeat of Chicago! BUT THEN THE BELL TOLLS?!? Not even The Rock can believe this one! The lights go down, and when they come up, THE UNDERTAKER IS BEHIND ROCK!!! Rock sees him, takes a swing, but gets a CHOKE SLAM instead!!!

Taker then disappears with the lights, and he took Rock with him!! Roman and Cody are alone with a chair and the weight belt in the ring! Roman thinks about what he wants to use, and he goes for the chair. Cody drags himself up with the ropes, but then Roman sees Rollins is still here. Roman can’t let the past go, he SMACKS Rollins!! Rollins falls, Roman takes aim at Cody, “OOOAH~!” But Cody KICKS him first! CROSS RHODES!!! CROSS RHODES!!!! And once again, CROSS RHOOOOODES!!!!! Cover, CODY WINS!!!!!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall (NEW WWE Universal Champion)

Now THAT is how you #FinishTheStory!!! Brandi joins Cody in the ring to celebrate with a kiss as he, and the Rhodes Family, finally holds up THE WWE Championship! Rock and Roman regroup on the ramp while Cena, Rollins, Jey, Sami, Kevin, Randy, even LA Knight and CM Punk join Cody in celebrating. They hoist him up on their shoulders for all to see, because finally, someone dethroned The Tribal Chief! Even Mama Rhodes gets in the ring to hug her boy. Cody lets Mama hold onto the belt, everyone knowing Dusty is smiling down on them. Cody gets a mic and stands with the family to say, “Real quick, I know it’s been a long night.”

The fans cheer Cody on, and Cody says he is surrounded by greatness in this ring, in this stadium, but there are two people who he would never have made it back to WWE without. One is Bruce Pritchard, and the other is pleading to not come out here, but we have started a brand new era and that man is the leader of it, PLEASE, HHH! Come on down! Mama Rhodes hands the belt back to Cody as Pritchard and HHH make their way on down the ramp. Brandi helps Cody put the belt on, just in time for Pritchard to hug it out with Cody. HHH shakes Cody’s hand, the fans cheer, and now they hug it out, all the emotion pouring out.

HHH raises Cody’s hand in victory and the fans cheer again. Sami calls Randy over, they get Cody up again for another round of applause. The American Nightmare is living the dream, having fulfilled Dusty’s greatest dream for his son. Cody even goes out to hug it out with Michael Cole, then shakes hands with Corey Graves and Pat McAfee. Cody returns to the ring to continue shaking hands and hugging it out with everyone on Team Nightmare. And of course, Cody thanks Rollins for sticking with him until the end. They shake hands, and Rollins says Cody deserves this. HHH shakes Cody’s hand one more time, and now Cody revels in the cheers of the fans.

The pyro goes off in celebration, and Cody holds the belt up one more time. Truly, a new era has begun in the WWE, and if this is the biggest WrestleMania ever, just how much bigger will WrestleMania 41, 42 and beyond become?

My Thoughts:

What an incredible night for WrestleMania, for WWE, for pro-wrestling at all! From first match to last match, just so much great action that also worked well with all the stories being told. And Steph returned, that’s a sign of good thigs, too! The World Heavyweight Championship opening the night was a surprising move, but then it became clear they wanted this title scene to have a moment unto itself. Rollins probably survives one too many things given what he also went through last night in the tag match, but McIntyre gets his win, his moment, and then perhaps his own hubris took that moment away when he taunted Punk, got punked, and then Priest cashes in successfully. What an awesome move going into Raw in this HHH Era.

The Six Man Street Fight was great not just for action but for the fact Snoop joined commentary, Bubba Ray got to be the special guest ref, and even the ladies got involved. Great win for The Pride after all the “losses” they took along the way. With this team on SmackDown, and given how A-Town Down Under have the tag titles, The Pride could easily go after them now in this stretch to Backlash France. In fact, Logan Paul still being US Champion, Lashley can even go after him now so that the whole faction is facing Logan and his circle of friends. The Triple Threat was great stuff, and Kevin is himself so self-aware of story tropes, it was great for him and Orton to amicably start fighting each other! As I figured, those two canceled out, Logan retains, on to another Face challenger.

LA Knight VS AJ Styles was really good because it found a way to blend their styles, pun intended. LA Knight is the Attitude Era throwback beefy brawler while Styles basically helped innovate the Indy wrestler hybrid of technique and high-flying, and we got enough of both that it worked. Knight winning out was the right move, he gets payback for Elimination Chamber and gets a much needed moment of “winning the big one.” If not Lashley, LA Knight should go against Logan and the US Championship next because he’d be able to match Logan in promos while basically having another of these mixed style matches.

Iyo VS Bayley as the second-to-last match was a great honor for them, that in a way shows how important this story is to WWE right now. Iyo the international Joshi star, Bayley as one of the NXT Horsewomen and first Women’s Grand Slam Champion, these two gave us an awesome match because what else was it gonna be? Both knew each other so well given their time as allies in DMG CTRL, and it’s Bayley bringing out stuff she hadn’t in a long time that tipped the scales in her favor, I really like that Bayley actually pulled this win off. DMG CTRL lost the whole weekend, though, so you can bet they’ll want something big for Backlash as revenge.

And of course, what is there to say about the main event? Well, I did wonder at the start how wild it was gonna get, they kinda gave us just a taste of what that “fair and square” match was gonna be. But it built up through the No Disqualification stipulation, built up through the overbooking, and it was so awesome that they got Cena and Taker to get in on this. Granted, Taker was the most surprising, I was expecting glass to shatter, not the bell to toll. But hey, there’s continuity to make Taker helping Cody make sense, such as Roman beating Taker after the streak was already broken. But in the end, Cody HAD to #FinishTheStory, he DID #FinishTheStory, and so much great showing of real emotion. In a perfect world, Dustin would’ve been here, too, but hey, 99% is still damn good.

My Score: 9.6/10