By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE WrestleMania 38 Night Two
Aired April 3, 2022 live on Peacock and pay-per-view
Arlington, Texas at AT&T Stadium
Ring announcer Mike Rome introduced Jessie James Decker, who sang “America the Beautiful” while a pianist played on the stage…
Powell’s POV: Decker wins the “America the Beautiful” battle over WrestleMania Saturday performer Brantley Gilbert, and it wasn’t even close. There were no matches on the kickoff show again today.
Mark Wahlberg hosted the WrestleMania video package… Jimmy Smith welcomed viewers to the show…
Triple H made his entrance dressed in a suit to Motorhead’s “The Game” and received a big reaction from the live crowd. He walked to the edge of the ramp and smiled, then yelled as he walked down the ramp with a water bottle in hand. He stopped and hugged Gable Steveson, who was in the front row.
Triple H stood on the ring apron and spat water for another big pop from the crowd. He looked out at the crowd and smiled before entering the ring. Triple H stood on the middle rope and played to the crowd. He dropped into the ring and patted his chest while pointing to the fans. The crowd roared once his music stopped playing.
A “thank you, Hunter” chant broke out. Triple H responded with the “too sweet” hand gesture. The crowd continued to cheer for him. “I just wanted to come out here to say thank you,” Triple H said. “And to show you my love in the best way I know how. Welcome to WrestleMania!” Pyro shot off on the stage.
Triple H left his boots and the microphone in the ring. He went to ringside and hugged what I assume were his daughters. Corey Graves spoke on commentary and said he would be remiss if he didn’t say thank you to Triple H…
Powell’s POV: A WrestleMania moment. Triple H appeared at the NXT Stand & Deliver event and hugged Tommaso Ciampa on Saturday. This moment was all about Triple H and it was cool to see him looking good after his life threatening health issues.
Gable Steveson was introduced by Mike Rome, and he waved to the fans…
Entrances for the Raw Tag Title match took place with RK-Bro out first to Randy Orton’s music. The Raw broadcast team of Jimmy Smith, Corey Graves, and Byron Saxton checked in from ringside. Riddle kicked off his flip flips and the animated birds flew. The Street Profits were out next and solo cups fell from above them on the stage. Alpha Academy was out last. Otis kicked some of the cups. Brief clips aired of the build to the match…
1. “RK-Bro” Randy Orton and Riddle vs. “The Street Profits” Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins vs. “Alpha Academy” Chad Gable and Otis for the Raw Tag Titles. Riddle, Ford, and Gable started the match. Ford backhanded Gable to start. Gable performed an early German suplex on Ford, but Riddle broke up the pin. The tag partners entered and wrestlers were tossed to ringside. Otis was the last man standing.
Ford performed an early dive over the ring post onto most of the other wrestlers on the floor. Gable followed with a moonsault from the top rope onto the pile of wrestlers below. Back inside the ring, Gable and Otis performed a clothesline into a German suplex on Riddle. Gable delivered his awesome thank you to the crowd. Otis worked over Riddle while Ford was still down at ringside.
Gable checked in and continued to work over Riddle. Gable performed a dragon screw leg whip on Riddle. Ford returned and dropkicked Ford. Gable monkey-flipped Ford, who tagged in Dawkins shortly thereafter. Dawkins performed a running back elbow on Gable, then performed suplexes on Riddle and Gable. Dawkins covered Riddle, but Otis tagged in and splashed both of them to break up the pin.
Orton took a hot tag and performed powerslammed Ford. Orton went for a Draping DDT, but Ford pulled him to ringside. Orton side slammed Ford onto the broadcast table, then did the same to Gable. Back in the ring, Orton and Riddle performed stereo Draping DDTs on Ford and Dawkins and then played to the crowd for a big pop. Orton and Riddle both struck the Viper’s Pose, but Gable and Otis pulled them to ringside.
In the ring, Otis blasted Dawkins with a back elbow. Otis held up Ford and then Gable performed a bulldog from the top rope in a Steiner Brothers tribute that led to a near fall. The Profits battled back. Dawkins put Gable on his shoulders and then Ford performed a Blockbuster from the top rope for a good near fall. A “this is awesome” chant broke out. Riddle tried to return to the ring, but Dawkins sent him back to ringside.
Orton went for an RKO on Dawkins, who stuffed it and then gave him a spinebuster. Dawkins dove onto Otis on the floor. Ford went up top. Riddle springboard and hit Ford with an RKO on the way down. Gable leapt from the ropes and was hit with an RKO from Orton on the way down…
“RK-Bro” Randy Orton and Riddle defeated The Street Profits and Alpha Academy in 11:30 to retain for the Raw Tag Titles.
After the match, The Profits entered the ring and fist-bumped Orton and Riddle, then handed them solo cups and poured some of their own drinks into their cups. As they were about to drink, the Profits stopped them and pointed to ringside.
Gable Steveson entered the ring. The Profits poured him a drink. They did a countdown to a toast, but Chad Gable returned and knocked the drink out of Steveson’s hand. Steveson removed his shirt. Gable got a mic and tried to speak, but Steveson ripped the mic out of his hand. Gable got it back and said Steveson was just getting started, so he had a lesson for him. Steveson grabbed Gable and suplexed him. Steveson went to ringside and had the toast with Orton, Riddle, and the Profits…
Powell’s POV: A really good, fun opening match. They could have given these teams another ten minutes and I wouldn’t have complained. The post match angle was well received. I assume that Gable Steveson’s arrival is going to lead to a name change for Chad Gable. If so, I cast my unofficial vote for Chad Alpha as his new name.
Highlights aired from WrestleMania Saturday… Omos made his entrance while highlights aired of the angle from Raw that set up his match with Bobby Lashley, whose entrance followed…
2. Omos vs. Bobby Lashley. MVP did not accompany Lashley. Omos was the early aggressor after stuffing a Lashley suplex attempt. Omos knocked Lashley down with a clothesline a little over a minute into the match. Lashley got right up, but Omos knocked him back down. Lashley got a brief amount of offense and went for the Hurt Lock, but Omos powered out of it and knocked Lashley down again.
A short time later, Lashley went up top and dove at Omos, who caught him. Omos tossed Lashley over his head and let him fall to the mat. Omos push Lashley in a bearhug. Omos drove Lashley into the corner. Graves said the back of Lashley’s head hit the ring post. Omos maintained the bearhug for a moment. Lashley eventually got out of it and then threw punches at the big man.
Omos went for another suplex, but Omos avoided it. Lashley kicked him and then performed the suplex for a crowd pop. Lashley barked Steiner style and then kicked Omos’s back. When Omos stood up, Lashley speared him and pinned him…
Bobby Lashley defeated Omos in 6:35.
Powell’s POV: While hardly a mat classic, it came off like a hard fought win for Lashley and was well received by the live crowd. By the way, they showed a slow motion replay and the back of Lashley’s head actually did hit the top of the ring post casing on the spot that Graves mentioned. Fortunately, he seemed to be fine afterward. I wonder where MVP fits in now that Lashley is a babyface.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee checked in from ringside. Cole said that only two wrestlers have commentated on a WrestleMania show that they also wrestled on. McAfee said he was happy to join Cole and Jerry Lawler on that list…
A video package recapped the Johnny Knoxville and Sami Zayn feud…
3. Johnny Knoxville vs. Sami Zayn in an Anything Goes Match. Before the match, Knoxville slapped hands with some of his Jackass buddies in the front row. The bell rang to start the match and Zayn immediately dropped Knoxville with a Helluva Kick. Zayn took Knoxville to ringside and tossed him into the barricade. Zayn also shoved one of the Jackass guys.
Knoxville sprayed Zayn with a fire extinguisher. Knoxville pulled weapons in a trashcan from underneath the ring, including a stop sign. Zayn cut him off and they returned to the ring with the weapons. Zayn pulled out a cookie sheet and slammed it over Knoxville’s back. Zayn followed up by slamming a crutch over Knoxville’s back. Zayn threw the trashcan at Knoxville and then covered him for a two count.
Zayn pulled a table and more weapons out from underneath the ring. Zayn suddenly acted like his hand hurt. He pulled a table with mousetraps attached to it and asked Knoxville if he did that. Zayn set up the table on the floor. When Zayn returned to the ring, Knoxville slammed two trashcan lids on his head in cymbal style twice. Knoxville hit Zayn with the stop sign.
Knoxville set up a table in the corner of the ring and went for a suplex, but Zayn stuffed it and gave Knoxville an exploder suplex through the table. Zayn covered Knoxville for a two count. Zayn went for a Helluva Kick, but Knoxville used an air horn to throw him off. Zayn covered his ears and kicked Knoxville.
Chris Pontius from Jackass entered the ring in “Party Boy” character mode and danced while a confused Zayn watched. Party Boy ripped off his pants and shirt, and then danced on Zayn, who shoved him away and then hit him. Knoxville rolled up Zayn for a two count. Zayn put Knoxville down again and then shoved Party Boy under the ring.
Wee Man from Jackass punched Zayn and then beat him up at ringside and then inside the ring. Wee Man bodyslammed Zayn for a big pop. Knoxville performed a tornado DDT on Zayn from the middle rope and got a close near fall. Wee Man pulled out a contraption from Jackass that had a prosthetic foot on it. However, Zayn blasted Wee Man with a kick to the head, which drew loud boos.
Zayn went to the top rope. Knoxville held up a remote control and triggered a confetti fun that shot from the ring post behind Zayn. Knoxville pulled out a bowling ball and rolled it at Zayn’s crotch. Knoxville positioned Zayn in front of the contraption and then set it off to hit him between the legs. Zayn pulled out a taser. Zayn fled to ringside. Knoxville followed. Zayn ran into a giant hand contraption that knocked him over.
Zayn returned to the ring and Knoxville followed. Zayn kicked and then suplexed Knoxville. Zayn went up top, but Knoxville used a weapon on his balls and then shoved him off the top rope and through the table covered in mousetraps. The Jackass crew pulled out a giant mouse trap from underneath the ring and slid it inside the ring. Knoxville tased the stomach of Zayn, who ended up on the mouse trap. Knoxville struggled to trigger the mousetrap, but he eventually did. With Zayn stuck inside the trap, Knoxville covered and pinned him.
Johnny Knoxville defeated Sami Zayn in 14:25 in an Anything Goes Match.
Powell’s POV: 72 stars! This is sure to be polarizing, but I got a big kick out of it. Wrestling purists will despise it. To each their own. The live crowd had fun. Both guys did a good job and Zayn is always one promo away from getting his heat back.
Highlights aired from WrestleMania Saturday of Drew McIntyre beating Happy Corbin… A shot aired of Brock Lesnar’s locker room door…
Entrances for the WWE Women’s Tag Title match took place. Sasha Banks drove a sports car onto the stage with Naomi in the passenger’s seat before they headed to the ring. Liv Morgan came out wearing a Catwoman mask and carried a whip. Rhea Ripley had a black bunny mask. Morgan botched cracking the whip at the same time that Morgan did her entrance stomp. Shayna Baszler and Natalya had standard entrances. Queen Zelina had a crown, scepter, and a long cape. Carmella came out with all white gear…
4. Queen Zelina and Carmella vs. Sasha Banks and Naomi vs. Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan vs. Shayna Baszler and Natalya in a four-way for the WWE Women’s Tag Titles. Smith, Graves, and Saxton called the match. Graves, who had a white tuxedo on, said Carmella’s gear was an homage to Madonna. Carmella wore a white face mask. Two women were allowed in the ring at a time.
Banks went for an early Backstabber on Ripley, who remained on her feet to stuff it. Zelina and Carmella pulled Ripley to ringside. Banks and Morgan performed stereo dives onto the two heel teams who were on opposite sides of the ring. Banks and Morgan returned to the ring and worked against one another briefly.
Later, there were towers of doom spots in opposite corners with Ripley and Morgan on the bottom of both. Morgan tried to cover Naomi, but she countered into an inside cradle for a near fall. Ripley tagged in and hit a double team move with Morgan on Naomi and had her pinned, but it was broken up. Baszler ended up having Naomi pinned, but Morgan broke that up. Nataly and Baszler set up for a Hart Attack clothesline, but Natalya was pulled to the floor after Carmella tagged herself in.
Carmella ended up catching Naomi with a superkick and covered her for a two count. She covered her again for another two count and threw a fit when she didn’t win. Naomi rallied with a kick and then tagged in Banks, who frogsplashed Carmella for a near fall. Banks applied the Bank Statement, but Zelina pulled Carmella to ringside. Banks hit Zelina with a meteora off the apron.
Back in the ring, Naomi and Banks hit Carmella with a double team move that resulted in Banks hitting a Codebreaker. Banks covered and pinned Carmella to win the match…
Sasha Banks and Naomi defeated Carmella and Queen Zelina, Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan, and Shayna Baszler and Natalya in a four-way in 10:50 to win the WWE Women’s Tag Titles.
Powell’s POV: I’m happy they all found spots on the WrestleMania card, but it was tough to care about the outcome or muster up much enthusiasm for the title change. WWE just hasn’t made those belts feel important.
Highlights aired of The Miz and Logan Paul beating Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio at WrestleMania Saturday, followed by Miz turning on Paul (I believe these highlights are airing during Peacock commercial breaks)…
Dallas Cowboys’ stars Micah Parsons and Ezekiel Elliot were shown in the crowd… A video package set up the Edge vs. AJ Styles match…
AJ Styles had a standard entrance and had a cut on his upper right cheek. Edge sat on a chair on top of a two tiered platform with flames on it. More flames shot off when he motioned for them…
Powell’s POV: A cool entrance for Edge. Triple H would approve. I’m not sure what happened to AJ’s cheek, but I’m starting the rumor that he mouthed off to Wee Man and paid for it.
5. Edge vs. AJ Styles. Smith, Graves, and Saxton called the match. Styles went after Edge, who backed into the corner before the bell. Referee Jessika Carr separated them. Styles threw a nice early dropkick. A short time later, Styles went for a springboard 450, but Edge put his knees up.
Edge took offensive control and put Styles in an abdominal stretch. Styles escaped and performed a dragon screw leg whip. Styles threw a punch at Edge. His sold a shoulder injury and then used his legs to put it back in place. Styles charged Edge in the corner. Edge moved, causing Styles to crash into the corner.
Edge targeted the bad shoulder of Styles. He applied an STF. When Styles reached for the ropes, Edge grabbed that arm and tucked it and repositioned, but Styles used his foot to reach the ropes to break it. Styles came back with a leap over the ropes into a DDT, which left both men down temporarily.
Styles got up and struggled to climb the ropes. Edge recovered and cut him off. Edge stood on the middle rope. Styles went for a sunset bomb, but Edge held on. Styles gave it up and kicked the leg of Edge, then put him in a Torture Rack and then put him down with a Rack Bomb for a near fall.
Styles put Edge in the Torture Rack again, but Styles slipped out of it and gave him an Impaler DDT for a near fall. Styles and Edge had a good series of strike exchanges that Styles got the better of. They also traded submission hold attempts with Edge catching him in the LeBell Lock. Styles broke free.
Edge executed a slingshot sit-out powerbomb for a near fall. Edge took the fight to the apron and placed Styles in a seated position on the top rope. Edge tried to join him, but Styles slipped away and punched him, causing Edge to fall on the other side of the post on the apron. Styles pulled Edge onto the ropes and then suplexed him on the apron, causing both men to tumble to the floor.
Back inside the ring, Styles performed a springboard 450 onto the back of Edge and covered him for a near fall. Styles went back to the apron and went for a Phenomenal Forearm, but Edge ducked under him. Edge went for a spear, but Styles avoided it. Styles hit the Styles Clash for a close near fall.
Styles went to the apron for his Phenomenal Forearm. However, he was temporarily distracted by Damian Priest standing at ringside. Styles went for the Phenomenal Forearm, only to be speared in midair by Edge, who then pinned him.
Edge defeated AJ Styles in 24:05.
After the match, Edge and Priest looked at one another. Priest entered the ring and looked down at a kneeling Edge. Priest also dropped to one knee. Edge laughed and then so did Priest. Edge raised his arms and Priest joined him. “What sort of unholy union is this?” Graves asked.
Powell’s POV: A very good match. The build to the match was rushed and it felt like the crowd was a little slow to really choose sides. The fans were into the match and they got louder as it went on, just as the match got better as it went on. The finish obviously protects Styles. I didn’t see the Edge and Priest alliance coming.
After an ad, Mike Rome stood in the ring and announced the attendance of WrestleMania Sunday as 78,453 (night one was listed as 77,899). Pyro shot off in and around the building…
6. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods vs. Sheamus and Ridge Holland (w/Butch). Cole and Saxton called the match (with McAfee preparing for his own match). The teams brawled to before the bell. Both New Day members wore singlets, presumably in tribute to Big E. The bell rang to start the match and Kingston hit Trouble In Paradise on Holland. Sheamus broke up the pin.
Sheamus stopped Butch from getting involved. Woods spiked Holland’s head on the mat, then took a shot at Sheamus. Kingston leapt off the apron at Sheamus, who caught him with a Brogue Kick. Woods superkicked Holland. Butch tried to enter the ring. As the referee tried to keep Butch out of the ring, Sheamus snuck in and Brogue Kicked Woods. Holland slammed Woods and pinned him.
Sheamus and Ridge Holland beat Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods in 1:40.
Afterward, Butch attacked Woods until he was pulled off by Sheamus and Holland…
Powell’s POV: They couldn’t find time for that 100-second match on last night’s show?
A video package recapped Cody Rhodes’ return at WrestleMania Saturday… A shot aired of Roman Reigns’ locker room door…
The graphic for the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2022 inductees aside from the headliner was shown on the big screen. Undertaker’s entrance theme played. Undertaker made his entrance in a black suit and stood on the stage. Taker took a bow and waved to fans on both sides of the stage. Suddenly, Party Boy ran out and started grinding on him! Okay, not really. Taker turned toward the back, looked back at the crowd, and raised his fist before going backstage…
Footage aired from the “Yellowstone” series. Actor Jefferson White, who plays Jimmy, was shown in the crowd…
Powell’s POV: WWE wanted Beth Dutton, but AT&T Stadium isn’t big enough to contain her badassery.
A video package set up the Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory match…
Ring announcer Samantha Irvin introduced Vince McMahon, who made his entrance and entered the ring. Cole said McMahon created WrestleMania and sports entertainment. McMahon introduced Austin Theory, who took a selfie with Vince once he was in the ring.
The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders came out and danced to “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes. Pat McAfee made his entrance and was followed down the ramp by the cheerleaders. McAfee punted a Cowboys football into the crowd and then they all headed to the ring…
7. Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory (w/Vince McMahon). Cole and Saxton called the match. Vince McMahon sat in a chair at ringside. McAfee performed an early huracanrana. Theory came back with a backbreaker and threw punches at McAfee. Theory looked down at Vince, who smiled at pointed at him. The fans chanted the “Seven Nation Army” song. Theory suplexed McAfee and told them to shut up.
Theory went for another suplex, but McAfee reversed it. Cole openly cheered for McAfee. Saxton told him to be careful as the camera cut to McMahon. Theory ended up on the apron. McAfee hit him with a shoulder block that sent Theory crashing into the broadcast table. McAfee went to ringside and put on the headset and talked about how he was beating the hell out of Theory.
With the headset on, McAfee slammed Theory’s head on the broadcast table several times, then tossed him back inside the ring. McAfee removed the headset and went to the apron. Cole said Vince didn’t look pleased and he would know because he’s seen that look before. McAfee went up top while the fans chanted the song again. McAfee went for a Swanton, but Theory moved. McMahon smiled.
Theory slammed McAfee and covered him for a two count. Theory kicked McAfee and then played to the crowd as he climbed the ropes. McAfee shot up and punched Theory. McAfee joined Theory on the ropes and went for a top rope superplex that Theory stuffed. Theory shoved McAfee off the apron, but McAfee did a backflip and landed on his feet.
McAfee jumped onto the ropes and performed the top rope superplex and then covered Theory for a good near fall. McAfee stood and clutched his back, then let out a primal scream. McAfee went for a punt kick that Theory avoided. Theory knocked McAfee down and talked smack to him, then fired punches at his head. Theory talked more smack. Theory hoisted up McAfee for his ATL finisher, but McAfee countered into a rollup and got the three count.
Pat McAfee defeated Austin Theory in 9:40.
Afterward, McMahon flashed a look of disdain. McAfee celebrated his win by standing on the middle rope and playing to the crowd. McMahon got up and approached Theory and spoke to him. McAfee pointed down at McMahon and jawed at him.
Vince McMahon teased removing his jacket and stopped. The fans booed. Vince removed his jacket and tie. Saxton pleaded with McAfee on commentary to apologize. He told Cole to talk some sense into McAfee. Vince removed his dress shirt and then entered the ring. A referee joined them in the ring. Theory returned and hit McAfee from behind. Vince started to strut as Theory left the ring. Vince spoke to the referee, who rang the bell to start the match…
8. Vince McMahon (w/Austin Theory) vs. Pat McAfee. Vince clotheslined McAfee and then knocked him down with a shoulder block. McAfee eventually recovered and then pointed at McMahon and jawed at him. “Let’s go,” McAfee said. Theory tripped Theory from the floor and crotched him on the ring post. The broadcast team agreed that the referee wasn’t going to disqualify McMahon.
Vince toyed with McAfee by tapping him with his foot. Theory handed Vince a Dallas Cowboys football. Vince teased punting it into the crowd a couple of times, then pointed at McAfee. Vince punted the ball at McAfee’s side, then covered him and pinned him.
Vince McMahon defeated Pat McAfee in 3:45.
After the match, Cole said it was one of the most disgusting displays of sportsmanship that he’s ever witnessed. Theory climbed on the middle ropes and played to the crowd for good heat. McAfee held his arms open for a hug. Vince did the same and then they embraced. Vince raised Theory’s arm. Vince’s entrance theme played.
The glass broke and Steve Austin made his entrance and came out to a huge pop for the second night in a row. Vince looked concerned. Austin entered the ring and went face to face with Vince while Theory stood in the corner. Vince pointed to Theory, who tried to cheap shot Austin, but he stuffed it. Austin took out Theory with a Stunner.
Austin and Vince squared off. Vince tried to talk Austin down and they conveyed that Vince wanted to drink a beer with Austin, who then called for a couple of beers. Austin and Vince opened their beers while Cole wondered if they would finally let bygones be bygones.
Vince took a couple of sips of the beer and indicated that he he liked it. Austin toasted him. They both slammed their beer. Austin kicked Vince and put him down with a Stunner that Vince took poorly. Austin laughed and had beers thrown to him. Vince rolled out of the ring.
Vince called McAfee into the ring and gave him a beer. Vince and McAfee had a beer bash. Austin kicked McAfee and then dropped him with a Stunner. Austin laughed and had more beers. Austin poured a beer on McAfee as he walked by him to go to the ropes to celebrate more. Austin looked into the camera and slammed two beers together. Austin left the ring. McAfee was shown lying on the ground pouring beer in his mouth. Funny. Austin returned to the ring for another quick bow before he headed to the back…
Powell’s POV: The McAfee vs. Theory portion was really fun. McAfee has done a great job in each of his matches. The White Stripes song was a great choice for his entrance theme because fans of all kinds enjoy chanting along with that one. You had to know where this was going once Vince beat McAfee, but it was still great once the glass broke for what may be the final Austin vs. McMahon showdown. Man, this year’s WrestleMania has been a blast. I assume we’re in for a pretty long break before the main event while they clean up the mess.
A video package recapped Bianca Belair’s entrance at WrestleMania Saturday… The WrestleMania Hollywood video aired for the shows that will be held on April 1-2 at SoFi Stadium… A video package spotlighted the main event…
Roman Reigns made his entrance along with Paul Heyman, Jimmy Uso, and Jey Uso. Once in the ring, Reigns was given the mic. “WrestleMania, acknowledge me,” Reigns said to a mixed reaction. Brock Lesnar made his entrance. Pyro shot off when Lesnar jumped from the floor to the apron. Lesnar entered the ring and went face to face with Reigns and let you a primal scream.
Mike Rome tried to deliver in-ring introductions for the main event. Heyman took the mic from him and introduced Reigns. Rome tried to introduce Lesnar, but Lesnar took the mic and introduced himself as the cowboy country ass kicker “who is going to kick your ass tonight.” Lesnar threw the mic down.
9. WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns (w/Paul Heyman) vs. WWE Champion Brock Lesnar in a unification match. The Usos were not in the corner of Reigns. Cole and Graves called the match. The bell rang. Lesnar smiled and then removed his MMA gloves.
Lesnar pushed Reigns into the corner. Reigns threw punches, but Lesnar threw him back in the corner and drove shoulders into his gut. Lesnar picked up Reigns and ended up driving him into the opposite corner. Lesnar performed a German suplex and smiled. Lesnar performed a second and then a third suplex. Lesnar taunted Heyman, who flinched. Lesnar clotheslined Reigns over the top rope to the floor.
Lesnar went to ringside while Cole said he assumed the referee would give them some leeway in this match. Lesnar stalked Heyman, who pleaded while telling Lesnar that he loves him. Reigns speared Lesnar through the timekeepers barricade. Reigns returned to the ring. Lesnar got up and beat the count at the referee’s nine count.
Lesnar stood up and was immediately speared by Reigns, which resulted in a near fall. When Lesnar stood up, Reigns put him right back down with a Superman Punch. Reigns jawed at the crowd. Lesnar stood up and Reigns put him right back down with another Superman Punch. Reigns jawed at the crowd again and said this is what happens.
Lesnar got up and laughed. Reigns looked concerned. Lesnar took Reigns to Suplex City with four straight German suplexes. Lesnar smiled as he looked to the crowd. When Reigns stood up, Lesnar put him down with another German suplex. Lesnar stood over Reigns and smiled, then picked him up and hoisted him up for an F5, but Reigns slipped away and shoved Reigns into the corner. Reigns dropped Lesnar with a Superman Punch.
Reigns went to a corner and let out the war cry. Reigns charged Lesnar, who hoisted him up and gave him an F5. Lesnar covered Reigns for a close near fall. Lesnar picked up Reigns in F5 position, but Reigns raked his eyes. Reigns shoved Lesnar toward the referee, but Lesnar stopped short of hitting him in the corner. Reigns shoved into the referee. REF BUMP!!! Reigns low-blowed Lesnar. Reigns got his title belt from Heyman and hit Lesnar with hit. Reigns covered Lesnar and the referee recovered to count the near fall.
Reigns talked some trash. Reigns ran the ropes and then speared the back of Lesnar. Reigns covered Lesnar, who grabbed the ropes to break up the pin. Reigns waited for Lesnar to get up and then speared him, but Lesnar caught him in the Kimura lock. Reigns reached out and couldn’t get the rope. Heyman’s hand could be seen pushing the rope toward Reigns, who grabbed it to break the hold. Heyman shouted concerned words of encouragement to his Tribal Chief.
The broadcast team played up Reigns having a dislocated shoulder from the Kimura lock. Lesnar picked up Reigns for an F5, but Reigns slipped out. Reigns sent Lesnar into the ropes and then speared him and pinned him to win the match…
Roman Reigns defeated Brock Lesnar in 12:15 to become the Unified WWE Universal Champion.
Reigns held his shoulder at his side, but then raised both belts in the air. Reigns went to the ramp where Heyman handed him both title belts. Reigns held them above his head while Lesnar was shown recovering in the ring. Pyro shot off while Reigns looked into the camera and held up his belts. Pyro shot off around the outside of the stadium. Reigns continued to celebrate to end the show…
Powell’s POV: A strong match while it lasted. The finish was felt very abrupt. I guess the idea is that Heyman willed Reigns to victory. I expected the match to go a bit longer and have more drama. Even so, WrestleMania 38 delivered in a big way. I’m looking forward to discussing it with Jake Barnett and Will Pruett in our WrestleMania Sunday audio review for Dot Net Members (including our Patreon subscribers). Let me know what you thought of WrestleMania Sunday by grading it below and by voting for the best match.
At least America the Beautiful performance was infinitely better than Saturday night.
Starting with that Triple H moment was a great way to kick off the show that has a lot to live up to after last night!
Not to nitpick,but Triple H should’ve come out last night because when he said welcome to Wrestlemania it would’ve made more sense because it started last night technically.
Gable vs.Gable.
Uh oh,Chad might go to back being Shorty G..
I foresee a murder solving detective duo, Gable to Gable!
The Meltzer Fears Facts sign is the sign of the weekend.
The match might end up sucking, but that Johnny Knoxville introduction was amazing.
Chad Alpha! LOL Awesome!
Wee Man just body slammed Sami Zayn. What the hell is going on and when did the Attitude Era come back?
Where’s Hornswoggle???!!!
Chad Alpha sounds like an incel gimmick.
I enjoyed that Zayn-Knoxville match much much much more than I should have. Zayn was a perfect victim and really earned his paycheck tonight. Damn. I wanted to HATE this.
Agree with you, Jason. I loved the Anything goes match too, and yes the wrestling purists would hate it. But it was done for comedy and it worked. The two low shots were funny as – the bowling ball (Steeeerike!) and the boot (the sweet sound of nuts cracking as Australian wrestling legend from the Aussie WCW days Kurt Von Schneider once said).
AEW’s The Bunny is like “what the hell” right now because of Ripley and Morgan.
The formula of the fun/goofy/action packed stuff to get everyone going, followed by the more serious matches that can be classics is a good idea if they insist on doing 2 nights of WM.
I’m assuming Zeke and Parsons were told that WM is like the Super Bowl of pro wrestling so they figured they should watch it like they do in the NFL.
I guess Cody wasn’t able to bring Arn with him.lol
This has been the best mania since 31.
I was just thinking to myself about the one person dreading the debut of Gable Steveson being Chad Gable because that would mean Chad would go back to being called Shorty G. I suppose that encounter should lead to a match to determine who gets to keep the name Gable.
The WWE Universe and the Taylor Sheridan-verse have officially crossed over.
Gollum Vince is in the ring and wresting McAfee?
What the hell is going on?
Major uncanny valley going on with Vince.
Austin and McMahon. I’m so mad I didn’t see it until the glass shattered.
Austinvs.Austin!!!lol
Having bad ass songs for the video packages makes a huge difference. Metallica and Kid Rock adds so much
Aaaand the award for worst stunner goes toooo…
I like how thegreatestone is fine with all the nonsense so long as the marquee says WWE. lmao.
If you think this is nonsense then you’re a fucking moron. This is pro wrestling at its peak.
Holy crap! A clean finish
The greatesttwo (I’ve ever taken) says that he and “10 million real wrestling fans” enjoy this garbage. When in reality, it’s not wrestling at all. It’s Sports Entertainment.
Gotta admit, my expectations for Mania were low but both nights were pretty fun. I’m sure by next week it will all come crashing down, but both nights were quite good imo. Three nights really if including the Hall of Fame
Pro Wrestling has been Sports Entertainment since that term was first coined in 1935, and that’s exactly what WWE is finally getting back to. None of the flippy midget bullshit. No 5’8″ 143lb balding brothers no selling like they’re the Road Warriors. It was grown ass men and women fighting like they wanted to actually win something and 75k+ each night was popping like they did in the Hulkamania and Attitude Eras.
This was a treat for real pro wrestling fans and proof that the old formulas still work, they just need a modern coat of paint on them.
Spears, germans, superman punches, F5. Sounds just like the progression of a modern Goldberg match just swapping out a couple of moves. I know that it is not going to be a mat classic but they couldn’t come up with anything better than this for the WM main event?
I’m sorry but the main event needs to be longer then stone colds match who hadn’t wrestle in 19 years. That was to dam. Short and to abrupt an ending.
Honestly – the main event was under huge pressure to be a classic given the hype going in. And it failed to get there. There wasn’t anything wrong with the match. It just didn’t reach the height needed.
I expected Reigns to win, but ending felt weird, almost anti-climactic. Totally enjoyed WM 38 though. Well produced show overall. Can’t wait to see what the Raw show holds. Kudos to Pat McAfee. Wow! Theory plays douchebag well and he sold that stunner almost as good as the Rock.
Ending of the main event was very underwhelming lol. But Brock lesnar is a major star. Didn’t need to win. This was a really good wrestlemania. Went back to its roots. The celebs did a great job. Wonder how much the gate was
Oh – and how about that sell of the Stunner by Theory? One of the best of all time! McAfee’s wasn’t bad either. No comment on Vince’s.
I laughed my tail off at Theory, he plays a jerk so well, but my hats off to him on that sell
Greatest mania in 10 yrs plus! Cody and seth stole the show, ronda and flair beat the hell out of each other, becky carried them to a good match that got her opponent over. Logan paul was a stud in his match, stone cold looks like he can go have a 2 yr run still. Edge and aj stole it tonight, omis looked like a beast in his match and that made lashley look even better! Great gimmick matches are what sammy zane does best at this point in his career. Pat mcafee did awesome. And then main event lived up to the hype of the biggest match of all time. What a hard battle! It didnt need to be a 30 min match.
I loved this weekend!!
BROCK LOSES CLEAN….ROMAN WILL HOLD TITLE FOR ANOTHER YEAR …..zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…..vince is destroying his product but is to old to realize it…..WWE DIED TONIGHT…RIP!!
“Spears, germans, superman punches, F5. Sounds just like the progression of a modern Goldberg match just swapping out a couple of moves. I know that it is not going to be a mat classic but they couldn’t come up with anything better than this for the WM main event?”
Those things are what put 75k butts in seats in the first place.
I have tuned out of WWE for awhile as I just haven’t had the time. I watched both nights and man, WWE can still deliver those big shows.
This was a great mix of good-to-great matches (Becky/Bianca wins my match of the nights), legends, comedy, and storytelling.
A lot of people will crap on the Zayn/Knoxville match, but that seemed more like an Attitude era match than anything in any promotion in a long time.
Main event of 12 minutes. Wow. An AEW star and a 58 year old man were the highlights of the weekend. Becky and Bianca were great too. The rest was very underwhelming … rushed storylines and typical wwe throw it together at the last minute. Vince has run out of old stars .. so it’s now a case of who can I get from the entertainment world. Maybe Goldberg will be back next year.
That’s my yearly fix of sports entertainment done. Back to Pro Wrestling now.
We might have seen the best and worst selling of a stunner ever, all within a couple of minutes. Edge is clearly a fan of the House of Black.
All in all this was a very good Wrestlemania. I haven’t watched weekly WWE programming in years and I probably won’t start again now, but fair play to them, they came up with the goods here.
Maybe he is but figure Edge’s entrance was more about his Brood character while his tights were a tribute to The Undertaker when he first wore purple and black.
Are you nuts? Did you actually watch the show? It was so boring with same matches over and over all matches if seen on raw or smack down. Best part was austin every other match sucked id rather what anything aew then this boring olde recycled broing crap. You mist get paid to say it was great otherwise you should retire cause you forgot what good wrestling is. Oh the knoxville match was actually funny too. Im glad cody left aew he sucks wwe can have him pay boat load of money now someone else can take his spot thank god. This year wrestlemaina didn’t need to be two nights most the matches were raw throwaway matches that noone cares about and have seen for free on tv a thousand times. Sad how out of touch wwe is i can’t believe they still have that much followers. Do yourself a favor and make Wednesday night your wrestling nigh. Best roster stories and in ring action there is. You owe to yourself
Everything about that Mcafeevs.Theory,MACVS.MAC,Austin/Austin interaction and even the commentary was absolute GOLD!
The match might’ve been cut a little short because Reigns got legit injured possibly.We’ll likely find out soon if that’s the case.
This WM was so entertaining.
I feel we’re not talking enough about how Mcafee is the guy that was over the most, through out the entire weekend (OK, maybe Stone Cold is #1). The crowd was SO HOT for him, it’s insane. Him commentating his own match was brilliant.
The Jackass bit was so much fun. Sami was the perfect guy to deliver this.
Vince failed stunner had me in tears. I keep re-watching it and can’t get over how bad/funny it was. Austin was laughing is arse off as well.
Best match of the weekend goes to Bianca and Becky, imo. I wasn’t sure with Becky recently, mostly because i think she looks soooo frail right now and didn’t think she could look strong against a beast like Bianca, but boy did she deliver (both of them did). Was a classic.
Roman winning bores me, specially clean like this. And now i have a feeling that with both titles, he’s going to be on both brand and he’s going to be over-exposed. Yay.
Overall, such a fun weekend, didn’t expect that because the build to WM has been awful this year.
I think I’m with the majority in saying that Becky v Bianca was the best wrestling match of the two nights, with Cody v Seth and Edge v AJ both being very good as well.
This might be the best use of celebrities since the early days. Logan Paul looks like he could be a legit pro wrestler and Johnny Knoxville was exactly what he needed to be.
McAfee is brilliant. How the hell a punter turned into that guy is beyond me.
Of course, both Austin segments were gold. The moment he took that back bump on the concrete seemed to assure him that he could still go a bit, and from that point on he was a lot less tentative and a lot more classic Stone Cold.
If you want to know why being stars matter more than wrestling ability and “having good matches”, just go back and listen to that place come unglued for Austin and Vince squaring off again.
The main event on night 2 may have gotten cut short, but it’s also a heavyweight match. People like seeing the big guys go at it in boxing and MMA because the rate of knockouts is so much higher than the lower weight classes. Wrestling needs that again, and Brock and Roman did a good job of delivering it and making their big moves mean something. Not everything needs to go 20+ minutes to be good.
I’m 95% sure that the main even ended early because Reigns shoulder did dislocate. You could see him say something to Brock and then the match ended. Most likely, he didn’t think he could sustain the bumps they had planned. Once the match was over, he got his shoulder back in but you can still see some difficulty with his motion to lift the title up.