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Post by blackHEART on Oct 13, 2020 11:46:41 GMT -5
WrestleMania Kickoff!
The Kickoff begins at the panel with host Peter Rosenberg, Booker T, JBL, and Beth Phoenix. Beginning the event, they share the matches they’re most excited for.
Booker T: John Cena challenging Randy Orton for his 17th title, calling these two the Austin/Rock of this era and it’ll be a showdown for the ages.
JBL: Batista versus Triple H, for power of the company, and JBL reflects on WrestleMania 21 when he lost to Cena, but Batista and Triple H main evented. JBL predicts it won’t be for the feint of heart.
Beth Phoenix: Christian and Angle, two future Hall of Famers, and one career ends tonight.
Peter Rosenberg: Charlotte and Paige, citing Charlotte’s dominance of the division and Paige winning the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble shows momentum is on the Anti-Diva’s side.
Rosenberg transitions into showing footage from the 2018 Women’s Royal Rumble Match, the first of its kind. 25 women came to the ring with hopes of earning a title opportunity at WrestleMania AND having bragging rights to be the inaugural winner. Molly Holly, Lita, Layla, Michelle McCool, Beth Phoenix, and Melina all came back to try and win a title opportunity. Carmella and Ember Moon from NXT tried making the big leap, and this served as Tessa Blanchard’s breakout match into the SmackDown roster… even Stephanie McMahon showed up, though quickly eliminated by Bayley. The match, highlighted by Nia Jax’s seven eliminations, was one for the ages. Charlotte, who was not the reigning Divas Champion at the time, eliminated Nia Jax from the match right before Paige would eliminate Charlotte.
After the footage from the Royal Rumble, Rosenberg notes Charlotte has saved her WrestleMania, beating Asuka for the Divas Championship, and we finally get the Charlotte/Paige showdown that we got a glimpse of at the end of the Women’s Royal Rumble. The other panelists weigh-in with JBL saying Charlotte gets her vengeance and continues her reign on top, while Beth Phoenix credits both women for being as advanced as they are in this business, Paige being 25 and Charlotte just turning 32.
Rosenberg sends it backstage to Renee Young who sits with Lita. Young asks her thoughts on the division coming this far of a Women’s Royal Rumble Match, and now Charlotte and Paige having a high-profile match at WrestleMania. Lita credits people like Trish Stratus and Beth Phoenix for making this happen but says individuals like Charlotte and Paige have elevated it to another level. Asking for her prediction, she gives the nod to Paige, and understands Paige has a surprise card up her sleeve tonight, if she wins. When asked to speak more, she doesn’t mention much.
Footage then airs from the Men’s Royal Rumble Match. We see Samoa Joe enter the match at 21 and off the bat eliminate Kurt Angle, Sami Zayn, and Daniel Bryan. He later eliminated both Matt and Jeff Hardy, followed by Kofi Kingston. We see Sheamus make his return at number 30! Joe eliminates Rhodes and Rollins before coming face-to-face with Sheamus. Joe, however, ends Sheamus’ dream return and clotheslines him over the top rope and wins the Men’s Royal Rumble.
The panel dives into Samoa Joe challenging for Shinsuke Nakamura’s WWE Universal Championship. Rosenberg questions if Samoa Joe is ready, especially needing Triple H and The Authority assisting him to get to this point. Booker T says he’s been in the ring with Joe and he’s definitely ready and doesn’t need anyone but himself when he steps in the ring. Phoenix says Nakamura is a world-class performer and JBL agrees, with Nakamura used to the big stage, he should feel good.
Rosenberg mentions Shinsuke Nakamura losing his WrestleMania debut last year against Brock Lesnar, but now another man participates in his first WrestleMania match against the Beast Incarnate. This is a good segway to the package for Corbin/Lesnar:
Paul Heyman leads Brock Lesnar through WWE as a Paul Heyman Guy, back from his days in 2001-04.
Heyman leads Lesnar to big WrestleMania victories, including 30 against Brock Lesnar and last year against Shinsuke Nakamura.
24 hours after WrestleMania, Heyman debuts Baron Corbin as his newest project and client.
Heyman helps Corbin defeat Shinsuke Nakamura at King of the Ring to become Intercontinental Champion.
Heyman leads Corbin to several successful title defenses in 2017 against Daniel Bryan, Braun Strowman, and Cesaro.
In several interviews with Baron Corbin, Heyman answers questions about Brock Lesnar as Corbin appears disgruntled.
At the Royal Rumble, Baron Corbin hits End of Days on Lesnar costing him the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against John Cena.
Baron Corbin earns Lesnar a rematch at Fastlane, and subsequently, gets himself inserted for a triple threat match.
Corbin turns on Lesnar once again.
The package sets up the WrestleMania match between Brock Lesnar and Baron Corbin. Peter Rosenberg sends it back to Renee Young, who stands outside Brock Lesnar’s locker room with Paul Heyman.
When Renee asks how Paul Heyman is preparing Brock Lesnar for this match, being the former advocate of Baron Corbin, Heyman reassures Renee that Lesnar is prepared for this match. Heyman says he taught Corbin everything Corbin knows, but he hasn’t taught Corbin everything Brock Lesnar knows. Heyman says he knows both men very well, and it’ll be a massacre in Suplex City, and he’ll be glad to get a ringside seat to the action.
The panel breaks down the match. JBL and Booker T both agree on Lesnar coming to the ring and dominating. Beth Phoenix remains optimistic that Baron Corbin is the future of the business and might pull off an upset, much like Jeff Hardy did two years prior, but it’ll be difficult.
[ ANDRE THE GIANT MEMORIAL BATTLE ROYAL ]
This match featured…
Raw superstars: Aiden, Big Show, Carlito, Chris Masters, Colin Cassady, Enzo Amore, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Joe Hennig, Kane, Kassius Ohno, Rusev, Simon
SmackDown superstars: Alberto Del Rio, Blake, Dolph Ziggler, Elias Samson, Kalisto, Michael Bennett, Murphy, Sami Zayn, Tomko
NXT superstar Abyss
And former WWE employees: Hardcore Holly, Jinder Mahal, Mark Henry, Santino Marella, The Great Khali, Sabu, Tommy Dreamer
The final man to make his way to the ring was The Great Khali. Khali gets in the ring and as the bell rings, Hennig goes up to Khali, reaches up, and slaps the taste out of Khali’s mouth. Khali grabs Hennig by the head and pushes him over the top for the first elimination, and the rest of the pool lifted Khali over.
This match had some memorable moments. Big Show grabbed Carlito by the throat, Kane grabbed Chris Masters, and pushed them over the top and to the floor. Hardcore Holly, after eliminating Enzo Amore, got a little too cocky and turned around into a big boot from Colin Cassady that topples him over the top rope. Santino brought out the Cobra to strike Tomko and eliminate the big man, who didn’t take him seriously moments before being hit with the Cobra. We even had our ECW nostalgia! Tommy Dreamer and Sabu rolled underneath the ring and threw in garbage cans, steel chairs, and kendo sticks. Swinging for the fences, they were able to attack all the competition, but didn’t throw anyone out. It was Ziggler, Samson, and Bennett working together to eliminate the ECW originals.
Abyss and Jinder Mahal had good showings, respectively. Abyss was the one to eliminate Mark Henry and both Vaudevillians, while Mahal eliminated both Usos, Santino, and Sami Zayn before Kalisto used a headscissors to get Mahal over the top rope and to the floor.
The biggest moment came with Big Show, Kane, Alberto Del Rio, Blake, Dolph Ziggler, Elias Samson, Michael Bennett, and Murphy remaining. As Ziggler watched Big Show nearly eliminate Elias, he and Bennett teamed up with Del Rio and Murphy to take out Big Show and eliminate him from the match. The duos then traded blows before Kane re-emerged, taking matters into his own hands, eliminating Ziggler. Del Rio and Murphy immediately attack Kane and get him down. They look over at Blake, and as Del Rio orders Murphy to eliminate his former best friend, Murphy stood still. Del Rio yelled berating comments at Murphy before shoving him and Murphy hits a jumping knee strike, knocking Del Rio back! Blake and Murphy team up once again and eliminate Del Rio! As Del Rio shouts, Blake shouts back after months of put-downs by Del Rio before Murphy tosses his former teammate over, crashing onto Del Rio. Murphy flicks his hair, signaling he’s in it on his own. Murphy, Kane, and Michael Bennett remain.
Murphy and Bennett try taking out Kane, as the Big Red Monster is teetering on the ropes. On the verge of elimination, Kane grabs Bennett and then Murphy by the throat. Kane shoves Bennett away and pushes Murphy from one side of the ring to the other, pushing Murphy back into the ropes and Murphy falls to the floor! Kane stares Murphy down, but takes too long as Bennett rushes to Kane and lifts the leg up and lifts Kane over the top! Bennett turns his back and celebrates, but Kane held on. Bennett noticed the staredown and Kane goes to step over, but Murphy reaches and pulls Kane’s foot off the mat and Kane is eliminated! Bennett can’t believe what happened! Murphy immediately runs away and Bennett, after watching Kane chase Murphy away, starts to celebrate by getting up in the corner and telling everyone he proved them wrong… before Elias comes and topples Bennett over the top rope and the bell rings. Mass confusion as Elias celebrates and he’s announced the winner as Bennett pitches a fit at ringside. Maria Kanellis even marches down in heels to argue with the official.
While this is settled, Peter Rosenberg and the panel share their thoughts before getting the replay. It shows Elias was thrown over the top rope by Big Show and held on. Elias wrapped himself around the rope as Big Show tried pushing him off with his foot before Ziggler and Bennett hopped on Big Show. Elias would roll back inside the ring, and quickly back out, resting on the barricade. Right when Murphy was battling Kane, Elias was shown crawling to the timekeeper and speaking to him, before sliding in the ring and eliminating Michael Bennett. The panel accepts the fact Elias Samson is the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal winner in spite of the controversy.
The panel brings up the Career versus Career match to take place later this evening, and the package put together by the production team airs:
Christian’s first championship: Light Heavyweight Title defeating Taka Michinoku at Judgment Day in 1998
Christian joins Edge and Gangrel in The Brood
TLC and Ladder matches with Edge, The Hardy Boyz, and The Dudley Boyz
The Un-Americans
Christian defeating Chris Jericho at WrestleMania XX
Christian’s return to WWE, winning the ECW Title
Christian defeats Alberto Del Rio at Extreme Rules 2011 to win his first World Heavyweight Championship
Christian’s return in 2016
Winning a renewed rivalry with Orton in Payback 2016
HARDY/BALOR Statements:
Jeff Hardy (challenger): “I’m no stranger to the Intercontinental Championship. I’m a five-time champion. I’m no stranger to WrestleMania. My first was in 2000. I’m no stranger to big matches. I’m also a three-time heavyweight champion and I defeated Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania two years ago. But I am a strange creature. Finn Balor says I’m facing a Demon, but I’ve fought my demons and I’m still standing.”
Finn Balor (champion): “I’ve looked up to and idolized Jeff for what he has done in nearly 25 years in this business. He’s a future Hall of Famer, but so was The Undertaker. The Demon doesn’t discriminate. The Undertaker, Bray Wyatt, Jeff Hardy, they’re all superhuman. They’re all icons. No mere mortal man on their best day can beat them, but it’s not the mortal Finn Balor coming to New Orleans.”
** this was written 7 months later **
Finn Balor hits Coup de Grace on Hardy, wins the match. I know it's lazy, I'll come back later and might re-write this match lol
MONEY IN THE BANK Statements:
Bobby Lashley: “I know what it feels like to be on top of the world. Last year, I became the first African-American to win the WWE Championship. Nobody can say that, not from the past, not from the present, and not from the future. I will walk into WrestleMania and make history again by becoming the first African-American to win Money in the Bank and I will reclaim the world championship.”
Cesaro: “I was close to beating Seth Rollins two years ago for the WWE Championship. At WrestleMania, I grab the brass ring and the briefcase to earn a second chance at becoming world champion.”
Cody Rhodes: “For 365 days, I’ve had to live with the reality of defeat. The moment my shoulders were pinned to the mat, the weight came crashing down on my shoulders. I let myself down, I let my fans down, I let my family down, and most of all, I let ‘The American Dream’ Dusty Rhodes down. Mark my words, I will not let them down again. I will become Mr. Money in the Bank and I will become world champion.”
Kevin Owens: “At KO Mania, I will climb the ladder, retrieve the Money in the Bank briefcase, and finally put the naysayers in their place. Everyone knows being Mr. Money in the Bank is being a future world champion. So just prepare yourselves because once I get that briefcase, it’s only a matter of time before the WWE Universe becomes the KO Universe.”
Matt Hardy: “One thing has eluded me in my career. It’s the WWE Championship. Everyone else in this match has a bright future ahead of them, but not me. This may be the closest I ever get to becoming world champion. So rest assured, I will become Mr. Money in the Bank and Matt Hardy will not die!”
Seth Rollins: “I’ve been here before. I’ve won multiple world titles. I’ve won Money in the Bank. I’ve cashed in, at WrestleMania. I wanted a first-time ever match at WrestleMania, but life doesn’t always go the way you want, so I’ll make the most of it. Maybe when I become world champion again, some legend will finally step up and take my offer. If that’s what it takes, then so be it.”
The Miz: “This WrestleMania is must-see! Nakamura and Joe, Orton and Cena, Corbin and Lesnar, Christian and Angle. But the most must-see match on the entire show is the Money in the Bank Ladder Match! Why? Because the most must-see superstar is in that match. And The Miz will climb the ladder and win the Money in the Bank Ladder Match and go on to become WWE Champion, or maybe win the Universal Championship. Anything’s a possibility, except for anyone else walking out as Mr. Money in the Bank.”
Tyler Breeze: “Truth be told, I’m making the biggest sacrifice. I’m sacrificing the most gorgeous face in the universe to earn an opportunity at the world title. An opportunity? There’s got to be an easier way. But I’ll do what I’ll always do, make something great out of nothing, and win the briefcase with a make-believe contract for a world title shot. I’m making this sacrifice for the fans. They need a mmm gorgeous world champion and it won’t be long until they do. Stay breezy!”
The first Money in the Bank Ladder Match at WrestleMania in eight years does not disappoint! Lashley, Cesaro, Hardy, and Breeze representing Raw while Rhodes, Owens, Rollins, and Miz rep the blue brand. A few spots to highlight from the match is Breeze dodging several ladder shots to the face, until Breeze was up on the top of the ladder and Hardy took another ladder and smashed it in Breeze’s face to knock him off. Breeze immediately leaves following this spot, clutching his face. Another spot featured Kevin Owens hitting a Popup Powerbomb on The Miz, followed by a running senton from the apron, splitting a bridging ladder from the barricade to the ring.
As the match draws to a close, Lashley clears the competition and is the only man left standing after hitting a Spear on Matt Hardy. Lashley finds a ladder and sets it up. As Lashley begins to scale, Rollins pulls himself up to the apron. Rollins, seeing Lashley inching closer to becoming Mr. Money in the Bank, he springboards onto the opposing side of the ladder! Rollins climbs up the rest of the way and punches away at Lashley. As they square up, Cesaro gets up from the corner and pushes the ladder down, knocking Lashley into the ropes and Rollins lands on his feet! Rollins eats an uppercut to the jaw that knocks him to the outside. Lashley charges at Cesaro, but Cesaro side-steps him and clotheslines him to the outside. Now Cesaro sets the same ladder he just tipped over and begins to climb, but The Miz immediately comes and pulls Cesaro down and hits a Skull Crushing Finale with the bones in Cesaro’s nose cracking on a lower rung! The Miz takes his ascent up the ladder, but Matt Hardy rolls in! Hardy punches The Miz, but The Miz kicks him off. Matt Hardy then decides it’s best to hustle up the ladder and punch The Miz before hitting a Twist of Fate off the ladder! Everyone’s down! Rollins and Lashley are stirring on the outside, but so is Cody Rhodes. Cody Rhodes grabs Rollins from behind and hits the Cross Rhodes! Cody then jogs to the other side of the ring and kicks up with the apron to hit a Disaster Kick on Lashley on the outside! Cody looks in the ring and it’s empty!
Cody Rhodes slides inside the ring and sturdies the ladder right below the briefcase. The fans roar in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome as Cody climbs the ladder and gets his hand on the briefcase, but the ladder is tipped from the frontside. Cody falls off and lands at the ropes, and it’s Kevin Owens! Owens uses the ladder’s momentum and fully pushes it over, meeting Cody face-to-ladder. Cody’s rocked on the ropes and Owens clotheslines Cody over the top rope and he falls on Matt Hardy. Kevin quickly sets the ladder up and scales the top of the ladder, but Cody’s not done yet! Cody Rhodes slides back in the ring and tries reaching for Kevin’s leg to stop him, but Owens unhooks the briefcase and wins!
At the top of the ladder and the height of his career, Kevin Owens shouts in victory while Cody slides over to the edge of the ring and gets emotional for falling short at WrestleMania a second year in a row. After failing to capture the Universal Championship at last year’s big event, the big win eludes Rhodes once again.
CORBIN/LESNAR Statements:
Baron Corbin: “A lot can change in a year. One year ago I was looking blindly to Paul Heyman for guidance. I was blind, but now I see. I don’t play second fiddle to anyone. I don’t play well with anyone either. Tonight, and forevermore, I ride alone.”
Paul Heyman (on behalf of Brock Lesnar): “My name is Paul Heyman, and my client here Brock Lesnar is a former King of the Ring, a former Royal Rumble winner, a five-time WWE Heavyweight Champion, a former UFC Heavyweight Champion. He was also the “1” to end The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania in this very building. Baron Corbin could’ve been the ‘Next Big Thing’ but he decided to pick a fight with the Beast. Tonight is the final night Baron Corbin is relevant before Brock Lesnar beats him into obscurity.”
Corbin wastes no time and jumps on Lesnar in the corner at the ring of the bell. Corbin gets a few shots in before Lesnar trades positions and throws knees into Corbin’s gut before turning him around and trying a German Suplex, but Corbin holds onto the ropes and loosen’s Lesnar grip with a few elbows. Corbin then pulls Lesnar in with an End of Days attempt but Lesnar flips onto his feet instead. Lesnar then bulldozes Corbin over. Lesnar rains down forearms before the official pulls him off, but this official has to handle Heyman’s opposing orders being barked from ringside. Lesnar picks Corbin up and irish whips Corbin into the corner, but Corbin avoids the corner, slides out the ring, and slides back in to hit a lariat on Lesnar! Corbin gets the crowd riled up and tries to hit End of Days again but Lesnar blocks it and turns Corbin around and hits a German Suplex. Lesnar does this seven times before lifting Corbin up for an F-5 and Corbin slides off the back and pushes Lesnar into the ropes for a third attempt at End of Days, but Lesnar blocks it and locks in the Kimura Lock center of the ring! Heyman encourages Corbin to tap but he struggles and rotates his body to get his long leg to touch the bottom rope. Lesnar finally lets go but goes right in the German Suplexes and hits five more. Lesnar pulls Corbin off the mat and hits a F-5. As Lesnar goes for the cover, Heyman barks for him to do it again, so he obliges and hits a second F-5. Heyman demands for one more and Lesnar lifts Corbin up for a F-5, but Corbin counters into a DDT! Corbin struggles to make it to his feet but once he does, he charges at Lesnar who catches him in the fireman’s carry and hits the third F-5! Lesnar makes the cover and the match is over.
The future may be Baron Corbin, but the present day is all Brock Lesnar’s as Paul Heyman hustles into the ring and raises the fist of Brock Lesnar who remains undefeated in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the same place he ended The Streak four years ago.
LYNCH/BLANCHARD Statements:
Tessa Blanchard (challenger): “It’s undeniable I’ve had the fastest rise to stardom in WWE history. And looking at my lineage, it’s the expectation sitting on my shoulders. For me, this isn’t the climax of a three-month journey. It’s the burden of 22 years growing up in the shadow of Tully Blanchard, of Magnum T.A. And at WrestleMania, the burden comes off and I begin to write my own story.”
Becky Lynch (champion): “Tessa’s story is cute and she’s off to a hot start, but this is my division. I’m a record 3-time Matrons Champion, I’m the longest reigning Matrons Champion, and I have owned this division for the last year. Her day is coming, but it won’t come at the expense of the Irish Lasskicker.”
Becky Lynch is getting Tessa’s best this match. Tessa Blanchard, only debuting this year, is taking Becky to the limit. Sasha Banks is getting the best view as special guest referee. Tessa nearly had the Boss counting the three after a jumping neckbreaker. Tessa then decides to showboat and show her power with a military press slam and going for a fall again, but the champion kicks out at two. Tessa shouts her frustrations at Sasha before focusing on her opponent once more, but that short snap nearly costs Tessa by Becky’s small package attempt. After Lynch was inches away from retaining, she ducks a clothesline from the furious Blanchard and begins a hot streak of her own. Lynch is on fire and finishes a string of attacks with the Bex-Plex!
Becky Lynch is on a roll and goes for the Dis-arm-her. Lynch grabs Blanchard by the arm and begins hammering down on her shoulder to set up the hold, when Blanchard responds by vicious elbows to the Irish Lasskicker’s jaw. Lynch finally lets go to protect her jaw when she is victim to a butterfly suplex. Blanchard then gets her opponent in position and successfully hits the Draping Flatliner before making a cover and Lynch barely kicking out. Blanchard argues the call, but shoves Sasha aside to get on the top rope and waits for Lynch to get up, ready to hit Magnum. Banks orders Blanchard to get down, but as the young rookie ignores her, Banks pulls Blanchard’s foot from beneath her and the challenger hits her neck on the padded turnbuckle and she falls flat on her face on the mat. Blanchard gets up holding her neck and is hit with a backstabber into the Banks Statement! The official has the Banks Statement locked in! Becky Lynch is getting up and realizing what’s going on when Banks orders her to come over and Lynch does, and locks in the Dis-arm-her on the other side. Blanchard’s in pain and Banks lets go and before Blanchard even taps, Banks calls for the bell.
With confusion and anger filling the Mercedes-Benz Superdome after Sasha’s abuse of power, she grabs the belt and shoves it in Becky Lynch’s chest before storming off. Lynch takes a moment to watch Banks walk away before going to the back herself, leaving Tessa Blanchard down in the ring and the fans perplexed at the controversial ending of the Matron’s Championship match.
BATISTA/HHH Statements:
Batista: “Hunter asked me to come back. I came back and helped him maintain control of the WWE. In return, he promised me a world championship. He promised me to headline WrestleMania. Triple H didn’t follow on his promises, and I’m used to it. But tonight, I follow mine. I promise to gain control of WWE. I promise to be world champion again. I promise to headline WrestleMania. And the headlines tomorrow will read ‘Triple H Dethroned by the Animal.’ Just like WrestleMania 21, I’m gonna kick your ass!”
Triple H: “It’s a shame that it’s come to this, Dave. I brought you into this world. I brought you in with Evolution and watched you reach the pinnacle of our profession. I’ll always look at you like a son, but tonight, I will chastise you like a child. You’re acting like a child, Dave. It’s time for a lesson. You’re in way over your head and what’s been looming over mine is thirteen years ago, you beat me at WrestleMania. The World Heavyweight Championship isn’t on the line. You don’t have a bright young career ahead of you. A lot has changed in thirteen years. As far as I’m concerned, I’m the one who brought you into this world, and I’ll be the one to take you out. Game over.”
Triple H and Batista have torn the house down and apart ever since the opening bell. It begins with hard, stiff punches in the center of the ring. Triple H takes a hard spinebuster and when he’s slower to get up, Batista takes advantage of going to the outside and throwing in multiple steel chairs, garbage can, garbage lid, and picks up a kendo stick. Batista then gets in and goes to town on Triple H, starting with the kendo stick, and then beginning to use the chairs as well. This match spills to the outside when Triple H picks up a chair and throws it in Batista’s face, rocking him to the outside. Triple H would clear off the commentary table and hit a spinebuster on the edge, not breaking the table. Triple H decides to try a Pedigree, but Batista counters with a backbody drop, Triple H crashing through the table beside them. Moments later, Batista would pull apart the steel steps and hit Triple H with the top half before setting up the bottom half for a Batista Bomb, but Triple H is on Batista’s shoulders and Triple H punches himself down and instead hits a Spinebuster as Batista’s back goes across the steel. Moments later, Triple H finds a chain to choke Batista with and the COO needs to be convinced to let go as Batista begins to be “Bluetista” once again. Triple H would pull Batista back up onto the announce table and he’s able to hit a Pedigree through the table this time! Both men crawl away from the rubble and Batista rolls inside the ring first, but Triple H finds a Sledgehammer underneath the ring. Triple H slides inside, and Batista eludes it, hitting a Spear and going for the cover, only getting a two count.
The next few moments, it’s more of a traditional wrestling match. It has hard-hitting, mat wrestling, and multiple close attempts for both The Game and The Animal to put this away for their arch enemy. Towards the close, Batista finds the same chain Triple H was choking him with, wraps it around his fist, and goes to town on the former leader of Evolution. Batista decides to finish things off by hyping himself up, shaking the ropes, and puts the thumbs up and he pauses… Batista looks in the corner and sees the sledgehammer, smirks, and puts the thumbs down as he goes for the sledgehammer and waits for Triple H to make it to a vertical base. Batista charges and levels Triple H with the sledgehammer! Batista smiles and isn’t quick enough, so Triple H rolls out of the ring. Batista gets frustrated and goes after Triple H before hitting a Batista Bomb on the bottom half of the steel steps. Batista knows this match is over as he picks the deadweight up, and The Game has no clue where he is, as Batista pushes him into the ring. At this time, Stephanie McMahon hustles down to the ring in heels as Batista walks to the other side of the ring. Stephanie and Batista have some words before Stephanie slaps the piss out of Batista! Batista retaliates by grabbing Stephanie by the hair and putting her between his legs for the Batista Bomb, but no, Batista hooks one arm and then the other… he’s going to hit the Pedigree! Batista’s then nailed from behind with a Sledgehammer! This drops Batista to the floor, holding his head as Triple H saves his wife from a Batista Pedigree. Triple H lifts Batista off and says he asked for this before throwing him face-first into the ring post. Triple H lifts Batista up and rolls him inside the ring before Triple H invites his wife in too. Triple H picks Batista up and allows Stephanie to low-blow Batista before Triple H turns Batista around and tries for a Pedigree, but a back body drop has Triple H fall on top of his wife, taking them both out! Batista gears up and puts Triple H in position for a Batista Bomb, but before Batista can get him up, the Cerebral Assasin drops to his knees and low-blows Batista. Triple H stands up and hooks Batista up for a Pedigree and gets it! Triple H makes the cover and wins.
Thirteen years later, Triple H conquers Batista. Batista ended Triple H’s historic World Heavyweight Championship reign at WrestleMania 21, but will not end Triple H and Stephanie McMahon’s control of the company - for better or worse. Triple H can barely roll out of the ring and the power couple stumble their way up the long ramp at Mercedes-Benz, still holding all the power in WWE. Hall of Famer Batista is slow to get up as well, and he slowly slides out of the ring before taking a deep breath, but holds his ribs, as the Hall of Famer heads out with his head hung low.
BRYAN/STROWMAN Statements:
Daniel Bryan: “Four years ago, I turned WrestleMania into Yes-tleMania. I was on top of the world as WWE World Heavyweight Champion, beating every Evolution member in one night. Fast forward three months and I relinquish the title due to injury. A year later, the same thing after winning the Intercontinental Championship, injury has me vacate the title. Two years later, I return to the ring and beat Kurt Angle at WrestleMania! I live for these moments. I live to be the underdog. If you keep doubting me, I’ll keep fighting me! It’s David versus Goliath? More like Daniel versus Jackass. I’m going to New Orleans and recreating Yes-tleMania.”
Braun Strowman: “5 foot 10, 210 pounds. 6 foot 8, 385 pounds. Bryan’s disadvantage isn’t his height or his size. Bryan’s disadvantage isn’t even his bad neck. Bryan’s disadvantage is ME! I took him out for a reason, but he decided to stand back up. Now he won’t be able to walk out of New Orleans. I hope Brie and Birdie forgive me one day for permanently putting Bryan in a wheelchair.”
Bryan and Strowman go toe-to-toe at tonight’s WrestleMania in New Orleans and as the fans fuel Bryan from the get-go as he tries chopping the big man down, but Strowman’s immeasurable strength floors Bryan multiple times. Bryan is struggling to get a lot going, though he finds a way out of Strowman’s grips a few times, and the big moment was Strowman trying to throw Bryan over the top rope, but Bryan stays on the apron and counters with a missile dropkick, taking down the Monster Among Men.
From this moment, Bryan gets up and begins a series of Yes Kicks, continuing to be fueled by the same crowd that watched him conquer the world four years ago. Bryan swings for Strowman’s head, but Strowman catches Bryan’s foot and stands up, pulling him in for a clothesline. Strowman shouts at the crowd to pipe down before going to pick Bryan up, but Bryan beats him down to a Yes Lock… The Yes Lock is in! Strowman then gets on a knee and while Bryan has the Yes Lock in, he gets to a vertical base and falls back, crushing Bryan and breaking the hold. Strowman hooks the leg, but only gets a two count. Strowman decides to throw Bryan out of the ring and gets out on the opposite side. Strowman runs the perimeter of the ring to run over Bryan, but Bryan uses a drop toe-hold for Strowman to go head-first in the steel steps. Bryan uses this energy to get in the ring and once Strowman gets up in front of the commentary table, Bryan surges and tries to hit a suicide dive, but Strowman catches him and throws him into the laps of Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and Tyson Kidd. Strowman picks Bryan up and shoves Tyson Kidd in the process before throwing Bryan in and waiting for Bryan to get up. Strowman charges at Bryan, who ducks a clothesline, runs to the corner, and comes back with the Knee Plus! Bryan hits a running knee! The crowd is on their feet and Bryan covers Strowman, but Strowman power lifts Bryan off him at one! Bryan can’t believe it and he backs up in the corner, waiting for Strowman to get up and Bryan begins a Yes chant to hit another Knee Plus. Bryan picks his moment and charges at Strowman, but Strowman scoops him up and hits a Running Powerslam! Strowman presses his massive hands down on Bryan’s chest, and the official counts a three.
Just like that, the magic runs out. Daniel Bryan, for the first time ever, loses in Mercedes-Benz SuperDome, the same place he won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship four years ago. Strowman stands up and roars loudly in a disappointed stadium before leaving with complete disregard for the outstretched hands of younger fans in the front row.
NEW DAY/WYATT Statements:
Kofi Kingston (⅓ of champions): “Your boys the New Day have held this division upright for nearly a year. These titles were made with us in mind.”
Xavier Woods (⅓ of champions): “We all get a chance to have our WrestleMania moment together. All three of us. That’s what’s special about these titles and what’s special about WrestleMania this year.”
Big E (⅓ of champions): “WrestleMania pits the best of the best against each other. WrestleMania is the perfect stage for dream matches and this is no different. The Wyatt Family versus The New Day. We get to prove we’re not only the best trio in WWE, but more importantly, we’re the best trio of this generation.”
Bray Wyatt (⅓ of challengers): “The positive vibes are nonexistent this day in New Orleans. The power of positivity is trampled by voodoo, negativity, and the undead realm. This is the real world, E, Kofi, Woods. Your unicorns, your dancing, your jiving, it’s all a fantasy born of lies to mask your harsh, cruel, cold reality. We’re your reality. We’re here.”
The trios match takes an interesting turn. Tom Phillips and JBL, getting a ringside view as opposed to their typical spot in the press box, make notes of the different tones the trios bring to the table. The crowd is split. The New Day’s silly antics continue to spread positivity by having fun with the Wyatt Family when they’re in the ring, but the Wyatt Family turn the match into a mini-horror film and an eerie mood by dismantling The New Day which connects with the older audience.
Towards the end of the contest, Xavier Woods is in bad shape in the wrong corner. Rowan, Harper, and Wyatt are taking turns tagging each other in, and mock the Unicorn Stampede of The New Day. Wyatt ends it with getting Rowan to irish whip him into a cannonball. Wyatt senses the Wyatt Family’s first set of Trios Championships as he picks Woods up and begins to waltz with Woods before setting up a Sister Abigail. Wyatt kisses Woods, but he punches Wyatt multiple times before hitting a leaping reverse STO! Kingston and Big E rally Woods and through a double hot tag, Big E and Rowan are tagged. Big E gets the upperhand after a series of back-and-forth punches, but Luke Harper comes in to attack E. Kofi Kingston comes to even the odds as he takes on Harper and hits an SOS. Big E sees Bray Wyatt recouping on the apron for him to hit a Spear through the ropes, landing in front of the commentary team! Kofi Kingston takes on Erick Rowan, but Rowan catches Kingston in an Iron Claw Slam, only to be hit with a missile dropkick by Woods! Big E crawls back into the ring and Woods sees an opportunity, gets a tag, and Big E hoists Harper up and hits Midnight Hour! Woods makes the cover, but the official won’t count because Rowan is the legal man. Wyatt comes back and turns Big E around quickly for Sister Abigail before Woods even notices, as he continues to speak with the official. Woods realizes and jumps on Wyatt, going off in a fury. Woods, however, is caught on Wyatt’s shoulder and Rowan has recovered to get on the second rope and hit Midnight Hour! Woods hit with New Day’s own finishing move! Rowan makes the cover, but Kofi Kingston emerges and hits Trouble in Paradise on Wyatt, knocking Wyatt over onto the cover, breaking the pin.
Kingston pulls Woods over into the corner, leaps the apron, and gets himself tagged in. Kingston then goes off on Erick Rowan, the two legal men, and sets up a Trouble in Paradise on Rowan and misses! Rowan ducks and then grabs Kofi by the head to hit the Iron Claw Slam, but it’s Big E hitting Rowan down with a huge lariat! Big E signals for Kofi to go up and Big E hoists Rowan up on his shoulder and Kingston hits Midnight Hour! Kofi makes the cover as Big E holds off Luke Harper to secure the win.
The New Day fans roar as the WWE Trios Championships are retained! In all the chaos, the legal Kofi Kingston pins Erick Rowan and continues their title reign. The reign is 315 days and counting, and they make their claim as not only the best trio of the two teams tonight, but the best trio in WWE history as The New Day resume dancing and jiving after winning at tonight’s WrestleMania.
REIGNS/AMBROSE Statements:
Emperor Roman Reigns: “One word to describe Dean Ambrose is jealousy. That’s all this is. Dean’s jealous that I was ‘The Guy’ in The Shield. Dean’s jealous that I clearly look like a WWE superstar and he looks like a gas station clerk. Dean’s jealous that I beat him last year to become King of the Ring. That set him over the edge. Dean, I’m always going to be here. But after this Unsanctioned Match you decreed, you might not be.”
Dean Ambrose: “Six years ago, Roman, Seth, and I made history debuting as The Shield. When Seth stabbed us in the back, I turned to Roman. He was there. He was my best friend. It’s no secret, now, he’s dead to me. But tonight, Dean Ambrose is dead to me. Tonight, it’s personal. Tonight, it’s Jon and Joe. It’s unsanctioned, it’s not for the record books, it’s not for a title. You don’t know me, Joe. Nobody knows me. You don’t know what I’m capable of. Hell, I don’t even know. But after tonight, everyone will.”
(after entrances) The match is set to be intense, it begins by Ambrose running to the ring with a kendo stick, where Reigns slides out. Ambrose chases Reigns with the kendo stick back into the ring, and Reigns uses this to tackle Ambrose.
This unsanctioned match is met with brutal fists by both competitors and just wanting to inflict as much pain as possible to watch their former best friend suffer. Another side of Ambrose is seen in this match by going to the extreme limits. Ambrose drags out a trash can, a ladder, tables, and more to take out Reigns. A few spots see Ambrose pull out a toolbox and not only smash Reigns with it, but also take out a screwdriver and land it in the eye of Reigns. Ambrose later is Speared by the Emperor through the barricade into the timekeeper’s area. The two battle up to the top of the WrestleMania stage and after Ambrose misses a lariat, he is teetering on the edge before turning around into another Spear by Reigns! After going off the stage, Reigns and Ambrose battle before Ambrose gains the upperhand, throws Reigns back on the stage and follows it up by tossing a grocery cart back on stage. Ambrose ends up putting Reigns in the cart and pushing him down the ramp, but Reigns falls out midway. Eventually getting back in the ring, Ambrose has Reigns set up on a table and scales a ladder set up in the corner and lands an elbow drop!
After the elbow drop spot, Ambrose crawls out of the ring and pulls out a cinder block. Ambrose lifts the cinder block into the ring and rolls in after it. As Ambrose does it, SmackDown superstar Seth Rollins appears down the ramp in a tee shirt and tights. Rollins wrestled earlier in the evening in the Money in the Bank ladder match, but he was the third member of The Shield and is known for his cinder block antics. This catches Dean’s attention and Rollins gets in the ring and tries convincing Ambrose not to use the cinder block and that this has gone too far. Ambrose listens to him, nods, and after Rollins pleads with Ambrose, Ambrose kicks Rollins in the gut and hits Dirty Deeds through the cinder block! Ambrose’s snapped! Ambrose sits there after what he just did and the official checks on Rollins, shouting at Ambrose over his actions, and Ambrose gets up and is hit with an Emperor Punch by a revived Reigns! Reigns ducks out and grabs his Roman Scepter beside the steps and rolls back in, waiting for Ambrose, and nails Ambrose in the face with his Roman Scepter. Reigns drops for the cover and the official counts three.
The Emperor manages to get to his feet after the beating he took tonight. He makes a point to lift his Scepter high as he stands above both his opponent, Dean Ambrose, and Seth Rollins, who only tried to stop the Lunatic Fringe from going to the point of no return.
PAIGE/CHARLOTTE Statements:
Paige (challenger): “It’s no secret, Charlotte, you’re the daughter of Ric Flair. And much like your daddy, you’ve held this division down for quite some time. You’ve held the Divas Championship 659 days total, among your four reigns since winning the title originally in 2015. Over seventy percent of your career is as Divas Champion. You’re the face of the division. But I’m not a diva. I’m the anti-diva, and your reign as Divas Champion and the Divas Era ends on my watch.”
Charlotte (champion): “Paige, you’ve accomplished plenty in your career. You’ll always be remembered as the first ever NXT Women’s Champion, and the first ever winner of a Women’s Royal Rumble. But honestly, not many people remember the people I wrestle. At the end of the day, they all blend together because there’s one common denominator -- Charlotte wins. So you’ll be able to bury this night in your historic career, just like I’ll bury you tonight to remain Divas Champion. I’ve never lost at WrestleMania, and I won’t lose to you.”
The match tells a story of a student brought in by Paige in 2015 that has become a master. Paige and Charlotte have a back-and-forth encounter before Charlotte sidesteps a charging Paige and sends her crashing through the middle rope. Charlotte gets her moment when she hits a picture-perfect corkscrew moonsault onto the outside. Beyond here, it’s a story of technician wrestling between the two best in the business as Charlotte and Paige both try inflicting pain on each other with vicious grapples.
Towards the end of the encounter, Paige tries a Paige Tap-out and Charlotte counters with a Charlotte Web and Paige barely gets out of the situation before getting her shoulders pinned to the mat. Paige gets to her feet as quickly as she could, but she’s met with a big boot by the Queen! Charlotte goes for a Figure Four, perhaps even a Figure Eight, but Paige kicks Charlotte off before hitting a schoolgirl with Charlotte knocking her head on the middle turnbuckle! Charlotte holds her head and Paige goes for the cover, but gets a two. Paige transitions onto the apron as Charlotte tumbles away from the corner and Paige goes up top, and Paige drops an unprecedented diving headbutt off the top! This hurts Paige as much as Charlotte, but Paige makes a cover and the champion kicks out again. A moment passes for both to recover and once both are back up, Paige and Charlotte exchange knife edge chops before Paige kicks Charlotte in the knee, bringing her to the mat, before hitting a shining wizard! Paige gets the crowd on their feet as she roars and goes for a Paige Turner, but Charlotte counters with a tilt-a-whirl gutbuster to bide some time. Charlotte crawls to the corner and waits for the moment to hit a Natural Selection! Charlotte makes the cover and Paige kicks out at two, and the Queen’s scorn is shouted towards the official. Out of frustration, Charlotte stomps away relentlessly at Paige before stepping away and scaling to the top. Without looking, Charlotte goes for a moonsault, but Paige rolls out of the way! Charlotte holds her gut as Paige pops up and hits RamPaige, her version of a cradle DDT! Paige transitions from the Cradle DDT to a small package, but Charlotte kicks out! Paige tries locking in the PTO, but Charlotte elbows her way out of it before hitting a German Suplex to create space. As Paige gets to her feet, Charlotte nails her with a Spear! That’s gotta be it!
Charlotte hooks the leg, but Paige barely gets her shoulder up in time. Charlotte has a panic but quickly snaps out of it and pulls her to the center, locking in the Figure Four. Charlotte tries transitioning to the Figure Eight, but Paige battles and takes shots at Charlotte’s leg, preventing her from bridging. Paige does this enough before turning over and transferring the pain to the champion. In agony, Charlotte crawls closer to the ropes, but before she can get to it, she decides to roll over again into the Figure Four. At this moment, Paige is close enough to reach above her head and grab the ropes. Charlotte’s forced to let go. Charlotte needs to use the ropes to get up and she shows frustration before storming to Paige, who’s still down, and pulling her up by the hair. Charlotte shouts at her, “This is my division!” before shoving her away and trying another Queen’s Boot, but Paige ducks it and Charlotte turns into a running forearm smash. Paige responds by shouting, “This is my house!” and picking Charlotte up and hitting a Paige Turner! Rather than going for a pin, Paige turns Charlotte onto her belly and locks in the PTO, the Paige Tap-Out! Charlotte refuses to give up! Paige continues putting more and more pressure on! Paige is using all her strength to torture Charlotte, and the official calls for the bell as Charlotte nods in tears… she’s given up!
Paige lets go of the hold out of exhaustion and scoots back in the ring. Paige, lounging against the ropes, is in tears as her music blasts through the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The official tries handing Paige the Divas Championship, but she shoos him away. Paige uses the ropes to get up as she hobbles on one leg and her music is interrupted by Lita’s! Lita is here! Lita is carrying a covered object underneath her arm as she claps her way down the ring. Lita gets inside the ring and Paige responds by limping to the center and the two embrace. Lita then hands the object over before Paige uncovers it and it’s a championship belt! A closeup shows it says “Women’s Championship.” This receives a pop from the capacity crowd and Lita raises the hand of the new champion and Paige gets on the second rope to hoist it high in the air, saying this is her house and this is her women’s division. Is this the end of the divas division? Paige walks out with her brand new title belt as Lita walks up the ramp celebrating with the new champion.
JOE/NAKAMURA Statements:
Samoa Joe (challenger): “It’s me, your winner of the 2018 Royal Rumble and your future WWE Universal Champion. Shin, we meet again. Shin, I chose you, not the title. Flashback to 2016 down in Full Sail, just two years ago, you took something that mattered to me - the NXT Championship. This rematch is two years in the making. Now I get to take something that matters to you, the WWE Universal Championship. This isn’t the Tokyo Dome, you’re in the Superdome. You’ll never compete in either ever again, because at WrestleMania, Joe’s gonna kill you.”
Shinsuke Nakamura (champion): “WrestleMania… Samoa Joe… *laughs*... Kinshasa.”
Nakamura and Joe hold nothing back and hit hard from the on-set. Nakamura comes out of the gates proving why he is the King of Strongstyle but with these strikes, Joe has one powerful counter move that stops Nakamura in his tracks. After a few moments of this, action spills to the outside as Joe sidesteps a knee strike by Nakamura and Nakamura gets tangled in the ropes and Joe bulldozes Nakamura, sending him to the floor. Joe changes script and sends himself in a suicide dive on Nakamura, but Nakamura moves and Joe hits the edge of the barricade and floor. The commentators, fans, and official shows concern. Nakamura rolls back in the ring and the official stops the count and checks on Joe, and Joe’s moving. The official gets in the ring and explains to Nakamura the situation, and the official hasn’t called for the bell yet. Joe gets to his hands and knees and crawls inside the ring and the official checks on Joe to see if he’s okay, when he gives the clear, the official lets the match continue. Joe goes to the center of the ring and eats a Kinshasa! Nakamura hooks the leg and that’s it!
Shinsuke Nakamura’s music hits and the crowd isn’t sure what to make of it. Nakamura retains his WWE Universal Championship, but the tide quickly turned as Joe took a hard fall on the outside and wasn’t the same. Not many fans are cheering, as there’s growing concern about Samoa Joe. Nakamura takes his title to the back as Samoa Joe gets medical attention and he’s helped to the back while a package begins for the next match - Career versus Career.
CHRISTIAN/ANGLE Statements:
Christian: “Kurt, let’s be damn real, I’ve had a long career and a fairly long accolade sheet. I’m a four-time world champion, a four-time Intercontinental Champion, a nine-time tag team champion. But you? You’re a six-time world champion, a former King of the Ring, and you’re an Olympic Gold Medalist. And it’s apparent that SmackDown and WWE has gotten too big for the both of us. I have some other things on my bucket list. I want to be a five-time world champion, I want to headline WrestleMania, and I want to end the career of Kurt Angle. That’s what I’ll do, and I’ll make your children cry, not because they’re sad you’re finished, but this strange man’s in the house. Go be with your kids, Kurt, go be a good, present father. And I’ll be here, continuing to live my dream and be Captain Charisma, because that’s… how I roll.”
Kurt Angle: “Christian, I came back last year for a dream match against Daniel Bryan. I’ve spent the last year, inside and outside the ring, to help the next generation. I want to give back to the business I love. But Christian, all you do is take. You’re the most selfish person I’ve met in my twenty years in this business. The one thing I’m selfish with is my career. I want to end things on my terms. No other man will put me to pasture. WrestleMania 34 will not be my last, but it will be for Christian. Oh it’s true, it’s damn true.”
Early on, Angle has Christian where he wants him, trapping Christian in the ring and having full control. However, whenever Tomko gets involved to keep his friend’s career alive, the tide turns. Christian complains of a sore ankle that’s broken after a brief Angle Lock, and drawing the official’s attention, Angle is tripped by Tomko and pulled into the corner groin-first. Moments later, Christian has all his weight on Kurt Angle who rests on the middle rope and after the count reaches 4, Christian draws the official’s attention away and Tomko gets a right jab on a rope-hung Angle. However, a little later, Angle gets the advantage and all the momentum. Angle strings together a few German Suplexes before hitting the Angle Slam! Kurt hooks the inside leg and Tomko comes by, propping the outside leg on the bottom rope. The official immediately stops his count, but stands up to shout down Tomko’s throat. The official makes the decision to throw Tomko out to a huge uproar, sending him to the back!
After Tomko’s departure, Kurt Angle has full control and it’s been up to Christian to keep his career alive. Angle works on the ankle in various moves, but Christian gets out or reaches the ropes three consecutive holds. Angle finally gets fed up and hits a few more German Suplexes and decides to scale up to the top. Angle leaps for a picture-perfect moonsault, except Christian moves inside to the corner. Angle gets up holding his ribs as Christian slides back in and tries for a small package, but Angle kicks out at two! Christian stands up and rushes at Angle, who catches Captain Charisma with a belly-to-belly. Angle drops the straps and raises the intensity, waiting for Christian to get up and hit the Angle Slam. Christian has no idea and is grabbed, and as Angle lifts, Christian slides off the back and tries for a schoolboy… and the official’s hand nearly hits the mat for a third time! Christian scoots back and gets up before Angle who charges and connects with a Spear - made popular by best friend Edge! Christian grabs Angle’s wrist and signals to the crowd that it’s over when he goes for the Killswitch, but Angle ducks under and goes for another Angle Slam, but Christian slides off again and lands the Killswitch! Christian pushes Angle over to his back and hooks the outside leg, grapevining the inside, and the official’s third hit to the mat lets out the air of the crowd.
A moment of silence before Christian’s music pops and a sly grin comes across Captain Charisma’s face. Christian slides out of the ring and demands the official follow to raise his hand at the ramp before Christian leaves the area to celebrate further backstage. The music stops and the crowd is stunned, a woman seen tearing up, as Kurt Angle lays on his back bawling.
Kurt Angle slowly rises to a knee to see the capacity crowd has beat Angle to his feet in a standing ovation for the Olympic Gold Medalist. Angle stands up and stumbles back before he catches his balance in the corner, taking it all in from the appreciative crowd. He spots over at the commentators for them following suit with the fans. Angle gets to the center of the ring and bows four times in response to the warm send-off from the fans. Angle gets out of the ring and high-fives a few lucky fans on his way up the ramp. Angle gets to the very top and decides to look back and raises his fists intensely one more time in the air and pyro goes off before his music begins. “You Suck” chants resound in the arena out of a sign of respect for the six-time world champion wrapping up a Hall of Fame career in New Orleans tonight at WrestleMania.
ORTON/CENA Statements:
Randy Orton (champion): “After sixteen years, I finally get Big Match John at WrestleMania, what many are saying is the biggest match of John Cena’s career. He wants to become a 17-time world champion, breaking Ric Flair’s record. He’s more than capable, but there’s one problem… it won’t be at my expense. Not at WrestleMania, no. Many know Randy Orton as the Viper, the Apex Predator, Mr. R-K-O. But for WrestleMania, I’ll go back to my Legend Killer roots. At WrestleMania, I kill the legend of Big Match John.”
John Cena (challenger): “Some have asked me, what would it be like to beat Ric Flair’s 16-time record? Some think it’d damage the reputation of Ric Flair and who knows, maybe they’re right, but that’s not my goal. Honestly, right now, it’s not about John Cena winning his 17th world championship. It’s about taking it off the most over-privileged, self-entitled, coddled little prick - Randy Orton. Randy, people will talk about WrestleMania 34 as the night John Cena became a 17-time world champion, and let ‘em. But tonight, you feel the real story. With every punch, every kick, every slam, every hold, every Five Knuckle Shuffle, every Attitude Adjustment; you’ll know the real story behind tonight. Sixteen years means a whole lot more than seventeen-time world champion. It’s been sixteen years of me trying to put you in your place and I’m not letting another year go by before I do just that. I’m not sure how it’s been all these years and it’s the first time you and I have met at the Grandest Stage of ‘em All. For the first time ever at WrestleMania, it’s Randy Orton versus John Cena. But fair warning, you wanted me at WrestleMania. You arranged Triple H to get you on Raw because you couldn’t hang with Nakamura on SmackDown. Now you’re gonna get more than you wished for. You wanted some, now you’re ‘bout to get some!”
The main event of WrestleMania, for the biggest prize of the profession, is very even throughout. Cena and Orton have known each other since breaking into the WWE in 2002 and their days in Ohio Valley Wrestling and with countless bouts against one another, they know each other really well, avoiding any bigger moves and their opponent has to be quick and creative to get any big moves in. Moments where Orton tries running from Cena’s offense and wrath as Cena comes into the match emotional tonight, but once Orton sees a window of opportunity, he takes it to floor Cena and then breaks down Cena, little by little, as if there’s a method to his madness.
John Cena has Orton on the mat after a Throwback, a running neck-snap to a bent-over opponent. Cena, feeling the effects of the match thus far that’s running on 18 minutes and counting, crawls onto the apron and gets up top for a diving leg drop on the back of Orton’s neck. As Cena waits for Orton, the Viper calls the official over, complaining of his neck. The official gives Cena the stop sign as the official checks on Orton and Orton pushes the official back into the ropes, with Cena falling on top. The official nags Orton and threatens to disqualify him, but Orton pops up and pushes Cena off as he hits the apron hard on his way to the floor. Orton rolls out and picks Cena up, gives him a good couple punches, before swinging Cena’s feet to the edge of the apron and hitting a DDT on the floor! Orton gives a sick sly, sitting up against a wincing Cena, as he throws Cena back on the apron and Orton gets back inside before duplicating the Hangman DDT. Orton makes the cover and Cena kicks out at two and a half. Orton stalks Cena from behind as he gets to his hands and knees and Orton grabs Cena around the waist and Cena elbows out of it. Cena creates distance and rushes at Orton but a drop toehold sends Cena face-first into the second turnbuckle. Orton then picks Cena up, grabs him around the waist, and hits a Wheelbarrow Suplex, a finisher used in his time with Cena at OVW. Orton slithers to a cover, but only gets two.
Orton, growing frustrated, decides it’s time for a RKO. Orton gets on the mat and stalks his prey, banging his fists on the mat, ready to strike. Cena gets up, not sure where he is, and Cena swivels around into an RK- no! Cena throws Orton off and Orton comes running and is caught in a fireman’s carry. Cena goes for the AA, but Orton slides off and hits the inverted headlock backbreaker. Orton takes a breath after eluding the AA and then gets to shouting at Cena that he’s got him figured out before Orton’s caught off guard with a drop toe hold and Cena locks in the STF! Orton’s panicking! He has nowhere to go! Orton screams in pain as Cena wrenches back but Orton army crawls to the rope to his left, wrapping his fingers around it and Cena lets go at the count of 2. Cena rolls and stands up in the center, watching Orton pull himself up with the ropes and Cena pulls him to the center and tries hitting a spin-out slam, but Orton pulls Cena close for an RKO! Orton lays on top of Cena for a cover, and without Orton putting much effort in, Cena kicks out.
Orton begins listening to the Voices in his head. Orton seems conflicted but backs up in the corner and snaps into another mood. Everyone knows what’s coming. Orton gets ready to pounce and when he runs to hit a helpless Cena with a Punt Kick, Cena uses the momentum to seamlessly get Orton on his shoulders and hit the AA! But without letting go, Cena rolls over, keeping Orton on his shoulders, and hits another AA! Cena doesn’t let go, getting up and keeping Orton in the fireman’s carry. Cena then looks at the corner and Cena, spent, gets up on the second rope to hit a third AA, a super AA! Cena knows this isn’t enough and goes for the third rope. Cena gets his right foot on the top rope and as he tries to elevate, Orton begins elbowing Cena before Orton gets a footing on the top rope and hits a Super RKO outta nowhere! This stuns everyone! Orton and Cena lay in the center of the ring and neither are moving, despite Corey Graves on commentary pleading for Orton to make the cover. Orton finally pushes Cena to his back and lays an arm across his chest, but Cena raises his shoulder, and this main event continues!
Randy Orton can’t believe it, as can nobody else. Orton crawls to the ropes and uses them to get to a vertical base as he looks back at Cena who is stirring on the opposite end. Orton steps behind Cena and turns Cena around and hits a scoop powerslam. Orton stumbles back into the corner, spent for energy, and gets on a knee ready to hit the RKO. Orton slithers behind Cena, pulls him around, and goes for the RKO but Orton’s pushed shoulder-first into the corner. Cena sees his moment and steps onto the apron and gets on the top rope. Cena grabs Orton and pulls him up to the top rope with him and gets him in the fireman’s carry. Cena stands to his feet, along with the faithful in New Orleans, and hits a Super AA! Cena falls into the cover and has enough instinct to hook the leg of Orton and the official counts the three!
John Cena’s music blares and Cena lays on top of his adversary for a moment before rolling off. Cena slowly makes it to his feet and is handed his 17th world championship of his career - the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Cena raises it high above his head and roars a shout of victory. Cena exits the ring and hops the barricade, celebrating in a pool of fans before hopping back over, getting in the ring, and celebrating some more! The fireworks are heard outside the arena and the pyro goes off inside as Cena gets on the second rope and hoists the record-breaking title above his head with a big, genuine smile on his face. Orton is shown resting against the barricade, holding his ribcage, struggling to breathe as he watches Cena celebrate with the title that was his a few minutes ago. Cena walks up the ramp and the final picture is The Champ at the top and hoisting it proudly one more time behind his back as WrestleMania 34 in New Orleans comes to a close.
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