The Miz def. Tye Dillinger on the Kickoff ShowDillinger truly put up the fight of his life, but The Miz caught Tye in the eye, as The Miz hunched over the official's back to then hit a Skull Crushing Finale and win like a dirty vet.Cultural Revolt(c) def. The Usos and Neville to retain the WWE Trios Championships on the Kickoff ShowIn one of two cross-branded title matches tonight, Cultural Revolt retained simply off Justin Gabriel's 450 Splash on Neville, who was tripped from his Red Arrow attempt.Right before the 32-man Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal was scheduled to take place, with the other 30 men have entered together, The Homage Wreckers came out and decided to protest this WrestleMania. They suggested if they were in the WWE Trios Championships match as opposed to The Usos and Neville, they would have brought the titles to Raw. They said they not only hope the WWE Tag Team Championships go to SmackDown for Mick Foley's poor choices, but also they hope a SmackDown superstar wins the Battle Royal because they are officially withdrawing themselves. The fans cheered while everyone else was confused, and the action got underway.
Andre the Giant Memorial Battle RoyalOrder of EliminationBig Show eliminated by the field (Big Show won it the previous 2 years)
Curt Hawkins eliminated by Erick Rowan
R-Truth eliminated by Braun Strowman
Aiden eliminated by Cesaro
Titus O'Neil eliminated by Braun Strowman
Kaval eliminated by Ryback
Kalisto eliminated by The Ascension
Colin Cassady eliminated by Luke Harper and Erick Rowan
Enzo Amore eliminated by Braun Strowman
Chris Masters eliminated by Kofi Kingston and Zack Ryder
Big E Langston eliminated by Rusev
Alberto Del Rio eliminated by Hideo Itami
Christian eliminated by Braun Strowman
Tomko eliminated by Braun Strowman
Ryback and Simon eliminated by Tyler Breeze (done as Ryback was trying to eliminate Simon)
Tyler Breeze eliminated by Braun Strowman (happened immediately after Breeze gloated for the 2-in-1 elimination)
Luke Harper eliminated by Kane
Kane eliminated by Braun Strowman (happened immediately after Kane eliminated Luke Harper)
Hideo Itami eliminated by Sheamus
Konnor eliminated by Braun Strowman
Viktor eliminated by Braun Strowman
Sheamus eliminated by Cesaro
Rusev eliminated by Braun Strowman
Zack Ryder eliminated by Braun Strowman
Kane eliminated by Erick Rowan
Kofi Kingston eliminated by Braun Strowman
Dolph Ziggler eliminated by Erick Rowan
As the final three men, Raw's Cesaro and SmackDown's Braun Strowman and Erick Rowan, Strowman stunned everyone by attacking Erick Rowan and eliminating his ally, leaving just Strowman and Cesaro. The two duked it out and it came down to Braun Strowman putting Cesaro on his shoulder and trying to toss him over the top, but Cesaro slid down the back and tried to lift Strowman's hind legs up, but to no prevail as Strowman took Cesaro and casually threw him over the top rope by the head for his 14th elimination and the win.
Roman Reigns(c) vs. Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn vs. Samoa JoeClosing Moments:While each of the four had opportunities against the others, it was plainly obvious Owens and Zayn were fighting each other the bulk of the match and the same with Reigns and Joe. Each four had their moments of opportunity, particularly in a series of finishers. Kevin Owens thought he had Zayn after a triple powerbomb in the corner, but Zayn kicked out at two, and then crawled over for Joe to kick out at two. Then he went to Reigns and hit a Popup Powerbomb, for only a two. Sami Zayn hit a Helluva Kick on both Samoa Joe and Kevin Owens, but both kicked out at two. Roman Reigns even thought he had the win by hitting a Drive-By on Kevin Owens, then a Superman Punch on Sami Zayn and getting back in the ring to hit Samoa Joe with a Spear, but that only resulted in a two as well.
As the match drew to a close, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn were trading blows in the center of the ring. Kevin Owens got the better of the exchange and decked Zayn to the mat. Instead of going for a cover, Owens went for a Popup Powerbomb but as he popped Zayn up, Zayn countered with a dropkick. Owens ran toward Zayn and got caught with an exploder suplex in the corner, which set up a Helluva Kick by Sami Zayn. Zayn was milliseconds away from being crowned champion and the crowd knew it, except Samoa Joe pulled Sami Zayn out and threw Zayn into the barricade hard. Samoa Joe turned around into a Spear on the outside by Reigns. Roman Reigns knew his opportunity so he lifted the deadweight of Samoa Joe up and rolled him inside but time elapsing allowed for Joe to kick out. Roman Reigns then decided to hit a Superman Punch, which connected, but as soon as Reigns knocked Joe out cold with the Superman Punch, Owens pushed Reigns into the ropes and hit a Popup Powerbomb on the champion and dropped for the cover. That was all she wrote in that match!
A video package is played for The Dudley Boyz in their long storied career that ends tonight, win or lose. The Dudley Boyz will be retiring, but the question is as the 10-time or 11-time WWE Tag Team Champions. The only cross-branded match on tonight's main card begins now.
WWE Tag Team Championships
The Hardy Boyz(c) vs. The Dudley BoyzClosing Moments:Before any physical contact, The Dudley Boyz got applause from a standing ovation in Orlando. They also got "Thank you Dudleys" before a single punch was thrown. The Hardy Boyz recognized this, the four shook hands in the middle of the ring, and things got underway. This match was a true appreciation of the tag teams and the storied history back to their TLC days with Edge and Christian.
The closing moments of this match included Matt Hardy and D-Von Dudley going at it. Matt was in control, even with his partner on the outside holding his shoulder loose. Matt tried hitting a Twist of Fate, but D-Von countered and pushed Matt into the ropes and hit a shoulder block. D-Von then hit an Electric Chair on Matt before tagging in Bubba Ray. D-Von made the hot tag and Bubba Ray comes in and is hitting everything in the book, including an elbow tribute to Dusty Rhodes. Bubba Ray then tags in D-Von for a Wassup moment and D-Von landing. The two went for a 3-D when Jeff Hardy came and tried throwing punches with the other arm clearly troubled, and Jeff was able to trip D-Von out of the ring as he went solely on Bubba Ray. Jeff even hit a Twist of Fate on Bubba Ray and executed a Swanton Bomb, and when pulling Matt over him, the official reminded Jeff that Bubba Ray was not the legal man. This only took enough time for D-Von to come back and clothesline Jeff to the floor. D-Von then took Matt Hardy and when he was about to eat a Twist of Fate, he reversed it and hit a spinebuster. D-Von then got Bubba Ray up in order to hit a 3-D, but as they were about to, Jeff came back in to pull Bubba Ray around for a Twist of Fate and this allowed Matt to hit the same finish on D-Von. Jeff then scaled to the top and hit a Swanton Bomb on D-Von and for Matt to make the cover, retaining their titles.
Following their classic match, the champions were handed their title and all four stood in the middle of the ring handing out hugs with nothing but respect pouring from the crowd. They all made the long walk up the ramp together and were stalled by the music of Edge. The Rated-R Superstar was in the building, and he came with Christian! The two stepped out to hug The Dudley Boyz and the six men all raised hands together in warm reception to the crowd, the three teams that defined the Attitude Era and tag team wrestling as we know it today.
In the backstage area, Cody Rhodes is getting taped up when the newest Hall of Famer Goldust steps up to him, but dressed as Dustin Rhodes. The two brothers share a hug and Dustin wishes his brother well tonight. Dustin reminds Cody that their father would be proud if he walked out tonight as the new WWE Universal Champion, but more so if he loses with honor. Cody agrees and says he'll win the belt with honor tonight. The two share one more hug before the next match begins, one that came by Randy Orton disrespecting the American Dream and another SmackDown superstar taking exception.
Dean Ambrose vs. Randy OrtonClosing Moments:The build for this match was critical. Between both failing to compete for the WWE Universal Championship tonight, to Randy Orton's change of attitude late, both men were invested in this match, and you can tell from the immediate impact forcing the bell to ring. The two brawled through the ringside area and the official assigned to the match was very lenient. The result of this brawl was able to get Dean Ambrose control of the match, and when it got back into the ring for a normal one-on-one contest, Randy Orton turned the tables by capitalizing on his experience edge and taking control. This would continue to be a back-and-forth between the two men.
Towards the end, Randy Orton had Dean Ambrose right where he wanted him. Ambrose was barely surviving and the will to kick out was great. Randy then decided he'd begin to put Ambrose away as he stalked him with a RKO, but Orton was pushed into the ropes and Orton caught Ambrose with a forearm instead. Ambrose would take that momentum and hit a rebounding clothesline! The crowd got excited as both men were down and they rose to their feet at the same time and both trading blows, but Ambrose got the better of it as he used the punch-chop combo to get advantage. Ambrose gained momentum and got to the Dirty Deeds, but Orton kicked out! Ambrose couldn't believe it but he scaled to the top and waiting for Orton to get to his feet before jumping with a standing elbow drop and hit it! Ambrose went for the pin again, but didn't get it. Ambrose was deciding what he could do, in which he went for another Dirty Deeds this match. Dean was picking up a seemingly unconscious opponent until Randy Orton landed an RKO Outta Nowhere! The crowd roared, even for a heel, because of the unexpected finishing maneuver. Orton then slowly rolled Ambrose over, knowing he had it won, and tried pinning Ambrose, but Ambrose kicked out just in time! Randy was irate and he got to a bad place mentally, backing up for a punt kick that's been banned for years. Orton then rushed over, and Ambrose moved out of the way, in which Ambrose then got to his feet and kicked Orton in the gut and was about to hit Dirty Deeds when Orton escaped and hit an RKO! Randy rolled Ambrose over and realized it was now, and he won the match!
Randy Orton rolled out of the ring after an exhausting match, but the commentary team took over and mentioned the Four Horsewomen have dominated ever since NXT and that same domination has translated to WWE and the main roster. The four are wrestling in two separate title matches tonight and we see a video package of the revolutionaries before the WWE Matrons Championship match begins.
WWE Matrons Championship
Sasha Banks(c) vs. Becky LynchClosing Moments:The first of two women's title matches began with Banks and Lynch. While it was a fairly even match, it wasn't until Sasha Banks hit a suicide dive on Becky, but hurt herself in the process. The official didn't believe she could continue, but Banks insisted so the match continued on. Sasha would try, but Becky wasn't afraid to turn things around with a neckbreaker once things got back in the ring, and even tossed Sasha on the outside and threw her into the steel steps. This was just the beginning of an onslaught by Lynch.
Becky Lynch kept control throughout and a few submissions were putting the pressure on Sasha Banks, and she even went as far as to lock in a Bank Statement on Sasha Banks herself. Banks struggled but fought through the pain to get to the ropes. Becky Lynch then wanted a Bex-Plex to put the game away, but Banks blocked it and began to fight back, gaining momentum and the crowd had sided with Sasha this match. Sasha gained momentum and hit a crossbody, only getting a 2-count. Sasha then went after Becky and Lynch tried locking in the Dis-arm-her, but Banks slid under the bottom rope and outside the ring. Becky followed Sasha inside, but Sasha switched places with her and tried a suicide dive, but Lynch had hopped on the apron and lifted a knee, catching Sasha in the neck/shoulder area. Becky Lynch got back in the ring and hit a Bex-Plex, but it was Sasha barely kicking out at 2.99. Everyone thought it was over, including Becky, who was freaking out. Lynch then would try Straight Fire as Sasha made it to her feet in the corner, but Banks moved out of the way and was able to hit a Bank Statement. However, Becky was able to slither out and get a Dis-arm-her in there. Sasha's struggling but stretches her foot out to touch the rope, breaking the hold. By the time Sasha could make it to her feet, Becky was ready with a Bex-Plex and made the cover for the win.
After the match, Becky Lynch was handed the Matrons Championship becoming the first ever two-time champion. The official paid more attention to Sasha Banks however and asked for assistance to get Sasha help as she laid in the ring on her back with minimal movement.
Cody Rhodes is backstage and approaches "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair. Ric Flair wishes Cody Rhodes the best of luck tonight and says his father would be honored of the man he's become, win or lose tonight. Cody says he appreciates it, and he remembers Ric attending his father's funeral and makes the assumption there is no American Dream without a Nature Boy. Cody does say it might be win or lose, but he's expecting to win tonight. Ric Flair then offers his services to accompany the challenger to the ring tonight. Cody ponders the thought and says it'd be his privilege to have Ric Flair in his corner tonight. They shake and then bring it in for a hug.
To prelude the next contest, there's a video package for Bobby Lashley and John Cena's No Holds Barred match. It shows the Bobby Lashley return at the Royal Rumble, replacing an injured John Cena in the 30-man match. We see highlights of the relationship complications of Cena and Nikki Bella, followed by the tapes released from Bobby Lashley's night with Nikki Bella at a hotel, followed by Lashley's admittance to releasing the footage to tabloids. We then get Tom Phillips backstage with Nikki Bella who has been placed in the center of this all. Nikki's asked about her relationship with the two, when she responds with there is none. She clarified saying she and John Cena broke up for a reason, while Bobby Lashley was a drunken mistake, admitting she had been under the influence of alcohol. When asked who she's rooting for, she left that question unanswered as she walked away.
Bobby Lashley's music hits first and he comes down with this new arrogant attitude, that goes along with a Fearless Nikki Bella hat on his head. Lashley tosses it to the crowd once he gets in the ring in a Cena-like fashion. It's then a John Cena entrance we had never seen before. Cena does his usual towel thing and he throws his cap off and darts to the ring. Cena then goes straight from the slide to a tackle on Bobby Lashley, kicking things off.
No Holds Barred Match
Bobby Lashley vs. John CenaClosing Moments:It didn't take long for things to heat up as Cena tackled Lashley right out of the gate. After that tackle, Bobby Lashley turned things to get on top of Cena pounding away, but Cena flipped the tables as well and Lashley finally pushed Cena off and escaped the ring. Cena followed and Lashley had grabbed a steel chair and hit Cena in the gut with it. Cena would fight back and throw Lashley into the steps and as he's taking the announce table apart, he's attacked from behind by Lashley. Lashley would grab a monitor and smash Cena and Cena would get busted open early. The two would continue to brawl on the outside with the official having no say on the manner, as Lashley was having his way with Cena utilizing steel chairs, a lead pipe, and a trash can to his advantage. Lashley would dominate much of the match since Cena's gash. However, John Cena had an instance of charging at Lashley with the steel steps and connecting, then slamming the steps down on Lashley a couple of times, but a cover only meant two. But generally, Lashley had control.
The match drew to a close and both were fatigued after a match that didn't disappoint in intensity. As things calmed down, it became more about will, determination, and strategy. Lashley had grown tired but was warping Cena with a steel chair and tried a cover, but Cena kicked out at two, so Lashley went to the chair again and after Cena kicked out after a second series of chair shots, Lashley threw the steel chair away and went looking. Bobby Lashley shouted to the crowd, hoping Triple H was watching, because he pulled a sledgehammer out from under the ring. He got back inside and when he went to smash Cena's head in, Cena tripped him up and locked in the STF! Lashley panicked and reached for the sledgehammer in front of him, but Cena elbowed Lashley in the shoulder and reached ahead of him to relock the STF in with the sledgehammer. Lashley had to endure the pain, but eventually got to the ropes, but there's no disqualification. Realizing this, Lashley had to crawl out of the ring to break Cena's grasp. John Cena then exited the ring, knowing he had things going his way, and picked Lashley up in the fireman's carry, walking around the ring and tried putting Lashley threw a setup table with an AA, but Lashley elbowed himself out of it and instead picked Cena up and executed a spinebuster through the table. Lashley stumbled away and rolled in the ring to lay down and take a breather.
At this time, Nikki Bella hurried down the ramp and checked on John Cena's health. Bobby Lashley saw this, cracking a smile, went out and hit on Nikki. Nikki then slapped Lashley across the face that erupted Orlando in cheers. John Cena had been revived by Nikki and Cena was able to throw Lashley into the ring. Cena then picked Lashley up for an Attitude Adjustment and landed it on the bottom half of the steel steps. John Cena pushed Lashley off and pinned him on the mat for the win.
After a successful win, Nikki Bella entered the ring and John Cena's music came to a halt as the two locked eyes and Nikki went up to Cena and hugged his neck, and they would share a kiss in the middle of the ring at WrestleMania 33. WWE's power couple is back together, it appears, at the expense of Bobby Lashley!
A video package appeared, displaying the highlights from Friday's Hall of Fame ceremony. The newest Hall of Famers were then recognized at the top of the stage. Representing the late Owen Hart was Bret "The Hitman" Hart and last but not least among these Hall of Famers, Batista came out and celebrated his induction into the Hall this year. Batista headed down to the ring completely and said he asked for the time to experience WrestleMania. He recalled twelve years ago, he won his first world title against Triple H. Batista wanted to thank once again Ric Flair for inducting him last night and he's then interrupted by The Homage Wreckers. Hennig and Rotunda came to talk down at Batista and said he's not worthy to be in the likes of Mr. Perfect and IRS, but Batista responds by attacking them both. Batista was handling it well, until getting chopped from behind. Hennig and Rotunda were set on ruining Batista's night when glass shatters and out come Stone Cold Steve Austin! Stone Cold heads down and takes on both Hennig and Rotunda and finishing each off with a Stone Cold Stunner. The second was hit on Rotunda and Rotunda bounced right into a Batista Bomb by the newest Hall of Famer! We then see Stone Cold come face-to-face with Batista and shakes The Animal's hand that ends in the sharing of beers as the two fellow Hall of Famers steal the show tonight at WrestleMania.
The second women's match is due now, as we get prepped for the Divas Championship match between challenger Charlotte and champion Bayley.
WWE Divas Championship
Bayley(c) vs. CharlotteClosing Moments:With Charlotte winning on this stage last year, and Bayley's first ever WrestleMania caught her overwhelmed as Bayley was explosive out of the gates but once Bayley's Bayley-to-Belly connected, it looked like it would be over quick. Charlotte rolled out of the ring and as Bayley went after her, she got jabbed in the throat and irish-whipped in the steel steps, hurting her knee as she flipped over the steps. Charlotte would then use much of the match to work on the knee. Using several moves like the one-legged Boston Crab or even the Sharpshooter, which she'd taunt the Hart family saying a Flair does better, she wore down the leg of Bayley and with constant covers, she forced Bayley to kick out with that knee.
As the match drew to a close, Charlotte was still in control. Charlotte would Bayley in a tree-of-woe and relentlessly kick the injured knee of Bayley while she was in the position before Charlotte's pushed off by the ref, allowing Bayley time to get out. Charlotte would then pull Bayley towards the center before dropping a knee as she targeted the limb. Charlotte then tried a Figure-Eight, but Bayley pushed her off with the good leg, knowing her fate if it's locked in. One Bayley got to her feet she was firing shots on one leg and when she pushed Charlotte back into the ropes, Charlotte actually baseball slid into Bayley's bad leg. Charlotte would lock in the Figure-Four Leg Lock and was taunting Bayley constantly as Bayley yelped in pain. Bayley would do enough to roll the pain and reverse it on Charlotte, and Charlotte was close enough to grab the ropes and the official had to get in there and release the hold. However, Bayley had a lot of pain from it. Charlotte got up before Bayley, and she stalked Bayley as she needed the ropes to get help up. Charlotte then charged towards Bayley and got caught with a drop-toe hold and Charlotte's face busted on the second turnbuckle. Bayley then hobbled up to the top rope for an elbow drop! Bayley made the cover, but Charlotte got her shoulder up at two. The crowd was buzzing, thinking that was it, but Charlotte's kickout took the air out of the Orlando crowd. Bayley then got up on one leg and got set for Bayley-to-Belly, but Charlotte blocked it, pushed Bayley back, and hit the Queen's Boot on Bayley. Charlotte went for the cover and Bayley's resilience stopped the ref's count. Charlotte then popped up angry, shouting it'll be over now as Charlotte got the Figure-Four locked in, but Bayley was attacking Charlotte with punches to prevent her from transitioning into the Figure-Eight. Bayley fought with all she had until Charlotte fought Bayley off and got the Figure-Eight, which that was all, and Bayley tapped.
The bell sounded and Charlotte let go of the hold and she scooted back, just sitting in the ring as she's handed the Divas Championship. Charlotte stood up and roared, throwing it up in the air and displaying it high for all to see. Bayley's knee was of concern, but she shrugged off help and was able to limp her way to the back with pride in mind while the Genetically Superior Athlete began her third reign atop the Raw's divas division.
A few Hall of Famers such as Rikishi, Ricky Steamboat, Tony Atlas, Jimmy Hart, and Tito Santana were hanging out and Tom Phillips came up to them, asking about tonight's first-time ever showdown between Daniel Bryan and Kurt Angle. All but Steamboat and Rikishi sided with the Olympic Gold Medalist, so the Hall of Famers favor Kurt Angle in this contest. However, this isn't to come for some time. Up next is another first-time ever contest between the Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura and "The Beast Incarnate" Brock Lesnar. We see a video package dating back to their early careers, including Nakamura's time in Japan, and their first encounter at the Royal Rumble that led to this non-title contest being shown.
Brock Lesnar's entrance was simple, being accompanied by Paul Heyman. Lesnar was all business, but had to watch from the ring his opponent's elaborate entrance. Shinsuke Nakamura's music was performed by a violinist while karate proteges were lined up on both sides of the ramp with rooster masks, for the 2017's calendar year of the rooster. Shinsuke Nakamura took his time making his first entrance at a WrestleMania and got in the ring for business to pick up. We had the ring introductions done then by Eden before the bell rang.
Non-Title Match
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Brock Lesnar w/Paul HeymanClosing Moments:Things were slow to start off, as both Lesnar and Nakamura were staring at each other. Lesnar all of a sudden charged for Nakamura, but Shinsuke sidestepped and followed it up with a taunt, which is interrupted with Lesnar charging, picking him up, and carrying him into the corner for a few shoulder thrusts. Nakamura then gets a knee up to block and then a striking combo that ended with an elbow. Shinsuke is getting control and ends up backing Lesnar into the corner, when the referee is trying to get Lesnar some space, Nakamura puts his head on Lesnar's chest. Lesnar doesn't know what to think, but Shinsuke does it a little too long for Lesnar to throw up a knee into the nose of Nakamura and take over there. This back-and-forth brawling style would continue until Shinsuke got some space between he and Lesnar, and Lesnar executed a backbody drop as Nakamura went high and landed hard on his back. This was the area Lesnar would target from that point forward. Lesnar executed several German Suplexes as a part of this assault.
Brock Lesnar had taken Nakamura to Suplex City and towards the end, he had hit a 9th suplex and everyone knew this was taking a toll on Nakamura's 37-year-old body. Lesnar was stalking Nakamura at this point, as Nakamura's just trying to get to his feet and Lesnar's laughing. Lesnar then picks Nakamura up and instead of going for a 10th suplex, he throws Nakamura into the corner and Nakamura's momentum stumbles him into the center where Lesnar runs over him. Lesnar then makes a cover and barely gets a two-count. Lesnar then listens to Paul Heyman saying he needs to end Nakamura, so Lesnar's picking Nakamura up and gets him up for an F-5, but Nakamura elbows out of it and once Nakamura gets to a vertical base with Lesnar, the King of Strong Style fights back with that strong style he's mastered. Shinsuke even gets Lesnar backed up in the corner and once Lesnar's on his rear, it's Good Vibrations time! Shinsuke then hit an inverted exploder suplex and was ready for the Kinshasa. As Lesnar's almost getting up, Heyman panics and grabs the leg of Nakamura but immediately regrets it. It's Nakamura that later regrets it, as he's tackled in the corner and Lesnar hits a 10th suplex. Lesnar then gets Nakamura up and lifts him up on his shoulders for an F-5! Lesnar makes the cover and the distraction was costly for the Intercontinental Champion, who should be grateful his title wasn't on the line tonight.
The Beast Incarnate got up and showed why he's one of the top athletes in the sports entertainment world as Paul Heyman gets inside and talks down on the incapacitated Shinsuke Nakamura before raising the fist of Brock Lesnar at the stage of WrestleMania, who is overcoming a defeat to Jeff Hardy in last year's WrestleMania.
Rich Brennan and JBL prelude the final SmackDown match of tonight between WWE Universal Champion Seth Rollins and challenger Cody Rhodes. They mention it is Cody's first world title match at WrestleMania in his career and the pressure is on to live up to his father's legacy tonight. The video package showed the early moments of father Dusty's career and showed Cody's childhood photos and his debut in the WWE. This video package highlights Cody's entire life, basically, while we get to the match hype itself in the video when Seth Rollins had returned to claim the WWE Universal Championship at the new year and beat Dean Ambrose, while Cody Rhodes nearly won the Royal Rumble and ended up winning a Fatal-4 Way to earn him an opportunity at WrestleMania. The video culminated in Cody's claims of wanting to make his father proud at WrestleMania tonight, and when the video package ends, announced to be a special commentator is Jim Ross! The Oklahoman comes out to call the match with Brennan and Layfield, before the challenger Cody Rhodes walks out with Ric Flair after an agreement earlier this evening. Seth Rollins then heads out with a swagger and the WWE Universal Championship displayed around his waist before this contest. Flair whispers last-second advice to Rhodes before getting down from the apron and letting the match go.
WWE Universal Championship
Seth Rollins(c) vs. Cody RhodesClosing Moments:Prior to the match, the commentators gave their pre-match predictions. Rich Brennan was the only one to pick the challenger Cody Rhodes, while Layfield and Ross put their bets on The Architect. The match began with the appearance that Cody's mind wasn't in the match and he was trying to do too much, along with Seth's comfortable stature at WrestleMania closing out the previous two WrestleMania events. Seth Rollins was calculated in his approach while Cody Rhodes showed resilience and performed with more passion than the champion. Both showed incredible athleticism, which Seth's suicide dive got caught with a dropkick by Cody, which was followed up by Cody hitting a springboard moonsault to a vertical Rollins on the outside. This match was as even as it could be, with a few minutes leaning towards Seth's favor and a few leaning towards Cody's favor.
It got down towards the end and both men were trying to pull out certain moves, but neither could get the other to lay down for an allotted three seconds. It was Seth's Superplex transitioned into a Falcon Arrow that Cody kicked out of. Cody hit a modified reverse STO that was kicked out of, and then hit a springboard dropkick that also wasn't good enough. Rollins ended up hitting a turnbuckle powerbomb and Cody kicked out of that! Seth followed that up with a Blockbuster and the pinfall attempt was also unsuccessful. These guys were pulling out all the stops to get the other to go, but when Seth went up for a frog splash, Cody countered with getting his knees up and tried the small package there, but only got two. Both popped up and Cody went after Seth, but Seth dunked and came back on the rebound with a slingblade! Seth then was ready to hit a Pedigree, but Cody reversed into a Cross-Rhodes attempt, but Seth got out of it and landed a knee to Cody's face before kicking him in the gut and hitting a Pedigree! Seth rolled Cody over, but Rhodes barely got the shoulder up! Rollins couldn't believe it, and he sat there trying to catch his breath while wondering what he could do.
Seth Rollins ended up getting Cody back to his feet and lined up for a second Pedigree, but Cody executed a backbody drop and gained momentum landed a few punches before irish-whipping Seth into the ropes and landed a crossbody. Cody then popped up on the springboard and hit a Beautiful Disaster! The momentum had Seth rolling, but Cody caught him before he'd roll out of the ring, but Rollins was so close that he got hold of the rope and the referee saw it. Rhodes couldn't imagine and he pulled Seth out from the ropes and measured Rollins up for a Cross-Rhodes, and when he got there, Rollins countered, but Rhodes settled for a neckbreaker instead. Cody then scaled up to the top rope as the fans in Orlando rose to their feet and when Cody blew a kiss to the sky, he leaped for a standing moonsault, but Seth pulled the referee in front of him! The official was used as a shield for Rollins and the official is unconscious. Cody realized that after it happened and Seth tried hitting a Pedigree, but Cody got out of it and when Rollins charged, Rhodes moved out of the way as Seth's face hit the top turnbuckle. Cody then hit a Cross-Rhodes! Rhodes pulled Rollins from the ropes and tried to startle the official, but Ric Flair had gotten himself in the ring and is trying to wake up the official. After no prevail, Flair leaves the ring on the mission and brings back a steel chair. Ric Flair gets in, takes another look at the official, and offers the chair over to Cody telling him to finish the job for his father. Cody was conflicted and took the chair. But remembering his own words that he wanted to do things with honor, he refused and tossed the chair out of the ring and told Flair he's doing things the right way. It only took a second for Cody to turn back around to focus on Seth Rollins when Flair dropped to his knees and executed a low-blow on Rhodes. This stopped Cody in his tracks and this allowed Seth, who had recovered when the dilemma presented itself, to hit a Pedigree. Ric Flair then revived the referee and pulled him over as Rollins had the win in the bag and the official slowly counted three.
Once the music of Seth Rollins hit, Ric Flair forcefully took the WWE Universal Championship from ringside and got inside the ring to deliver to Rollins and raise the hand of The Architect. Jim Ross had the memorable line that Ric Flair has screwed a Rhodes again, as Ric Flair tried telling Cody, who was on the mat, he told him so. Seth Rollins had the opportunity to get on the turnbuckle, say a few words, and raise the title up high. Rollins and Flair exited the ring together and Seth Rollins held the championship high, as the commentators recall Seth Rollins walked out of last year's WrestleMania the WWE World Heavyweight Champion to a controversial ending also.
After the match, Jim Ross is recollecting with Rich Brennan and JBL when Jim Ross says he's going to join the Raw commentators while he's here. While Ross is transitioning, Michael Cole and Tyson Kidd are discussing the match coming up next. For the first time in nearly 11 years, Kurt Angle is competing inside a WWE ring! They recalled Angle's last WrestleMania was him entering as World Heavyweight Champion, the night Rey Mysterio pinned Randy Orton and Mysterio won the title while Angle never was pinned. They remembered the Angle versus Michaels match at WrestleMania 21 that is still considered one of the greatest matches in WrestleMania history. By this time, Jim Ross had transitioned over and when asked who he believes wins this one, he said Kurt Angle is an all-time great, but Daniel Bryan is fighting for it all tonight. Michael Cole sided with Jim Ross while Tyson Kidd mentioned Kurt Angle is one of the best pure wrestlers of all-time and that will matter tonight. They share a video package of the match coming up next. It featured Kurt Angle's past in WWE, followed by Daniel Bryan's career and the moments he's had at WrestleMania 30. It highlighted 2017 so far as Bryan lost to Wyatt and can no longer challenge for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in his career, while he was set to announce his retirement, Kurt Angle returned for one more match and chose Bryan as his opponent. Convincing Daniel Bryan to not retire, this match was made official and now we're here!
Daniel Bryan made his way to the ring first and the crowd erupted in YES chants as Bryan came out with a tear in his eye already, thinking about if he had retired, but now he's at WrestleMania about to go one-on-one with Kurt Angle. Bryan gave in to the YES chants all the way down to the ring as Bryan's smile has returned for the first time in a long time. Getting in the ring, he waited for the arrival of his opponent. Moments passed before Kurt Angle's music hit and the crowd was chanting "You Suck" to Angle before he even came from the curtain. Kurt Angle then emerged through the curtain to an enormous pop, making everyone wait, as Angle was taking it all in. Kurt made his way to the ring and once he got in, he was all business at that point. Kurt Angle acknowledged the crowd before he and Daniel were in their respective corners, staring off for the match set to take place.
First Time Ever
Daniel Bryan vs. Kurt AngleClosing Moments:Everyone knew what was being witnessed tonight was something special. Angle and Bryan were very mat-oriented and while Angle initiated the style, Bryan was able to match the mat specialist. We did see them leave this style a couple of times, such as when Bryan and Angle were brawling outside. Angle was bullying Bryan outside until Bryan was able to move and throw Angle's ribs into the barricade, as Bryan quickly got inside the ring and executed a suicide dive. We saw some high-risk moves this match, and some were rewarded while others not. Daniel Bryan missed a diving headbutt in the ring, but when everyone held their breath as Angle scaled the top rope, he was able to hit a moonsault to perfection and even if Bryan kicked out at two, he got a standing ovation from the crowd. It was obvious both these men were giving it all they had to win tonight in Orlando.
As this classic drew to a close, with it being obvious Kurt Angle can still go according to the chants, both had set up for their submissions. Bryan's ankle was getting worked on throughout the night and Angle's arm had as well. It was Bryan trying the Yes Lock on Angle, and eventually Angle would work out of it and try the Angle Lock, but Bryan would get to the ropes to break the hold. Angle would then lay the straps down and as Bryan got to his feet, he wrapped his hands around him and hit a German Suplex... and another... and another. Angle finally let go and he measured Bryan up for the Angle Slam, but Bryan elbowed himself out of it. Bryan then began a series of Yes Kicks, and as he measured up for his big final kick, Angle ducked his head, popped up, and hit another German Suplex! This allowed both Angle and Bryan to catch their breath and as they made it up to the their feet and traded hard blows in the middle of the ring. This went on a few times until Bryan swung and missed, Angle grabbed Bryan's waist for another suplex, but Bryan backed all the way up into the corner, with it forcing Angle to let go of his grip. Bryan would then run to the other corner, bounce off, and hit a corner elbow smash followed by a corner dropkick. Bryan was feeling it and he went back up top to hit a diving headbutt, but this missed as well! Angle moved out of the way and quickly locked in the Angle Lock, and as Angle yelled "TAP!," Bryan was finding a way out to deal with the pain and didn't only get to the ropes, but crawled out of the ring, forcing the hold to break.
Kurt Angle had his hands on his hips, wondering what he could do to put Daniel Bryan away. Kurt Angle went outside to get him and Daniel Bryan ducked a clothesline attempt, and Bryan changed direction to hit a Knee Plus on the outside! Kurt Angle's out cold! Bryan, once he got up, realized his opportunity and he used all his strength to pick Angle up and roll him inside the ring. Bryan followed suit and while it looked to be over, the time that elapsed allowed Angle to pick his shoulder off the mat and keep on. Bryan, while frustrated, quickly got over that and put the Yes Lock hold on Angle. Angle fought for it, even with it applied in his bad arm, and was able to get to the ropes and continue on. Daniel Bryan, out of options, went after another Knee Plus, as he geared up in the corner. Angle was making his way up with assistance from the ropes as Bryan geared for it, and Angle turned right into a second Knee Plus. Bryan reached for the cover and was able to put the Olympic Gold Medalist away.
Daniel Bryan laid in the ring and was slow to get up as his music played throughout the Citrus Bowl. Bryan got his hand raised and began to celebrate his biggest victory since WrestleMania 30 back in 2014 when he won the world title. Daniel Bryan would leave the ring and celebrate with YES chants from the crowd and walked up the long ramp victorious, and after his music silenced, the ring was left to Kurt Angle after his first match in the WWE since 2006. Kurt Angle would stagger to his feet and get the crowd up in applause, appreciating Angle's effort tonight, a fitting flashback to his WWE career. Jim Ross mentioned Kurt Angle looked as good as he did in his prime, and predicts this won't be the last time Angle will compete in a WWE ring, and hopes it isn't.
Jim Ross thanks Michael Cole and Tyson Kidd for allowing him to call an instant classic in Angle versus Bryan, a match that will be remembered for years to come. After Lilian Garcia announces the attendance being 75,442 people, Cole and Kidd instantly have to transition to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match up next, the main event of this extravaganza. They introduce a video package that sets the mood for what's to come between Bray Wyatt and Finn Balor.
We see another video, and this is of Finn Balor winning the Royal Rumble and choosing Monday Night Raw to face Bray Wyatt at WrestleMania. Balor's voiceover said he understood when he picked Raw, to defeat Bray, he would need more than himself. He would need to bring his inner demon. We then saw transitioning from Finn Balor to the Demon Finn Balor, and this kicked off his entrance music. The Demon would emerge and he'd slowly and methodically make his way to the ring with some wicked paint plastered on. Balor would eventually make his way to the ring and after getting in, he'd slide back out of the ring on the side of the commentators, peaking over the apron awaiting the champion.
A video, much like Balor's, is played on the titantron. But this, it is a globe. It goes to pinpoint on the map and then shows clips of each victory by Bray Wyatt, beginning with the night he cashed Money in the Bank in to defeat Seth Rollins for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. It included the Valley of Shadows Deathmatch, and continued forward through Sami Zayn at Survivor Series, John Cena at TLC, an Elimination Chamber Match at New Year's Revolution, Daniel Bryan at Royal Rumble, and wrapped up with a successful defense against Cesaro at Fastlane in Milwaukee. We then hear the eerie kid proclaiming Bray has the whole world in his hands, and then the typical music hits of the champion. Bray Wyatt then brings out a lit-up globe serving as his lantern as he makes his way to the ring, playing on the fact he does have the whole world in his hands. Wyatt takes his time up in the ring and he gets inside and he decides to blow out the globe as Camping World Stadium lights up. Bray locks eyes with the Demon, as Balor slides in, with neither taking their eyes off each other. Bray then unbuttons the title from his waist and raises it high. Lilian Garcia would introduce both men before the official takes the championship from Wyatt and raises it before ringing the bell.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Bray Wyatt(c) vs. Finn BalorClosing Moments:The match everyone had been anticipating not only all night, but all WrestleMania season was finally here and did not disappoint. Balor was aggressive out of the gates with his Demon persona taking over, and this caught Wyatt off guard a ton. It was as if Balor had all the offense, including a slingblade, a suicide somersault senton, and all his moves were connecting beautifully. It wasn't until Bray countered a charging Demon with a clothesline more wicked than either of these two men. Wyatt would then execute a methodical ground game, wearing down the Demon and Finn Balor was having issues keeping up. Wyatt continued to target the ribs of Balor, trying to take the air out from his lungs, and working to perfection to. Bray was willing to keep this going.
Towards the end, as Wyatt had executed his gameplan to perfection, had hit a running crossbody, following it up with a running senton. Taking cover, he only got two. Wyatt continued with this assault on the ribs, as he picked him up for a belly-to-back swinging gutbuster, and when Balor kicked out of that, Wyatt decided to go outside the ring and get a steel chair. As Wyatt got back in the ring, the official had to pry the chair away from a man who didn't care. Once the official did that, Balor had time to recoup and hit a swinging heel kick to the midsection of Bray and this got Balor going. Balor would hit various moves, and would even get in a comeback-set of leaping forearms, and this until he got caught with a running body block by Wyatt, who then menacingly laughed. Wyatt didn't care to take cover, but went right after Sister Abigail as he set up in the corner. Wyatt spider-walked towards Balor, and then turned into for his Sister Abigail, but Balor got out of it just in time and when Wyatt turned to face Balor, got hit with a slingblade! Bray got up and was hit with a series of kicks, ending in one Pele Kick. Balor was feeling it and was picking Bray up for a 1916, but Wyatt countered and pulled Balor in for a devastating clothesline. Wyatt then uncharacteristically went to the top rope, but the Demon was able to rise and hit an enzuigiri as Wyatt sat on the top turnbuckle. Balor then got up to his level and hit a hurricanrana! That drew an awe from the crowd, who had to peak up from their seats to take it all in.
As both men struggled to get up, Bray hit an uppercut to the jaw on Balor and was met with an elbow. This was back-and-forth until Wyatt missed, Balor hit another Pele Kick, but Wyatt stumbled back into the ropes and was able to come back with a running crossbody. Wyatt laughed and picked Balor up for another Sister Abigail, but Balor's able to throw Wyatt into the corner instead. Balor comes at Wyatt, who moves out of the way, and Wyatt wastes no momentum to come running back into Balor for a body avalanche. Wyatt then pulls Balor out of the corner and hits Sister Abigail in the middle of the ring! The official drops to count, but Balor kicked out!! The Demon kicked out of Sister Abigail! Wyatt couldn't believe it, but he pulled Balor closer to the ropes, got on the apron, and pulled Balor to the apron along with him, where Wyatt would try hitting a DDT on the apron, but Balor blocked it and hit a football kick to Wyatt's chest. Balor then clotheslined Wyatt back into the ring and Balor scaled up to the top rope. However, Balor leaped and was unfortunately caught in a powerbomb, which Wyatt used the leverage for a pin as well. It was Balor's instincts to have him grab the rope to his right to avoid losing at WrestleMania.
Bray Wyatt had seemingly nothing left to go to and while he shouted out his frustrations, he picked Finn Balor up and hit a releasing suplex. Wyatt picked Balor up and did it once more, continuing to work on his ribs and internal organs. Wyatt went for it a third time, but Balor blocked it and hit Dreamcast. Balor then measured up and hit a drop front kick, as Wyatt's head bounced off the turnbuckle. Finn knew this was his chance and went up top to hit Coup de Grace, doing it successfully, but was amazed that only a two-count surfaced from it! The Demon quickly got back into the zone and picked the champion up for a 1916, but Wyatt countered in position for Sister Abigail, but Balor reversed that into a 1916 of his own! Balor then rolled under the ropes as he went up top and hit another Coup de Grace, this one leaping nearly to the center of the ring! Balor made the cover and only got a two count once more. The Demon inside was relentless and went back up top AGAIN! Balor then saw Wyatt stirring and hit a diving double foot stomp on the back of Wyatt's head, planting his head into the mat. Wyatt laid on his back seemingly motionless on the mat, but The Demon wasn't done, as he scaled back up and hit a third Coup de Grace, then hooking the leg of the champion to secure the win.
The music sounded and the crowd went nuts as it was official, that Finn Balor used his inner Demon and had defeated Bray Wyatt for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, one year after winning his WrestleMania debut against The Undertaker. Balor showed up once more on the grandest stage of em all and was handed the world title to show for his efforts. Balor rose up and didn't forget a "Too Sweet" sign to the sky and the confetti had fallen from the setup above the ring. Fireworks echoed throughout the entire arena and at the top of the entrance as Balor began celebrating his first world championship. The Era of Wyatt was over and the Demon's reign had officially begun here tonight in Orlando.
An incredible main event that delivered capped off a fascinating WrestleMania, one to remember for the ages. There was about a 4-minute video recapping and highlighting all that went on tonight and this was the end of WrestleMania 33. Until next time!
