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WWE made a grand return to Las Vegas for WrestleMania 41, delivering two high-octane nights filled with memorable matches that enthralled over 124,000 fans at Allegiant Stadium from April 19 to April 20, 2024. Millions more tuned in via Peacock to witness this spectacular showdown.
On Easter Sunday, the spotlight particularly shone on John Cena, who faced off against Cody Rhodes for the WWE Undisputed Championship, marking his final in-ring appearance at WrestleMania. The atmosphere was charged with nostalgia as Cena aimed for a 17th world title, equating to a sports narrative reminiscent of Tom Brady vying for another Super Bowl against Patrick Mahomes. Dressed in black, Cena’s entrance resonated with the character shift he has adopted, embodying a more villainous persona in the ring.
Rhodes made a distinctive entrance, accompanied by BMX riders sporting “American Nightmare” masks. Before the match commenced, he took a moment to embrace his family, including his young daughter and wife, sitting ringside. The battle unfolded with a measured pace, featuring Cena’s classic moves as he maintained control, while Rhodes found himself on the defensive.
In a pivotal moment, Cena applied the STFU submission hold, but Rhodes narrowly escaped, inadvertently taking out referee Chad Patton during the struggle. With the referee incapacitated, Cena exposed the steel turnbuckle, using it to his advantage. Following a series of strategic maneuvers that included interference from Travis Scott and a dramatic title shot, Cena secured a 1-2-3 victory, clinching his record-setting 17th title reign while the anticipated presence of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was notably absent.
Night 1 saw a feature bout that included veterans CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins in a gripping triple-threat match. Reigns’ ally, Paul Heyman, played a pivotal role in the unfolding drama, having supported Punk in exchange for a previous favor. The match was a showcase of physicality and strategy, with each wrestler executing their signature moves while the audience was kept on edge by near falls and dramatic shifts in momentum. Ultimately, in a surprising twist, Heyman turned on Punk, aligning himself with Rollins, adding another layer of intrigue to the rivalry.
The event was not without its fair share of surprises and delightful moments. UFC president Dana White narrated the lead-in video package, while the event kicked off with a heartfelt rendition of “God Bless America” by Jelly Roll, marking the first WrestleMania to take place in Las Vegas in over three decades. A star-studded lineup included appearances from celebrities like Criss Angel, George Kittle, and many others, adding to the spectacle of the evening.
Jey Uso Fulfills Prophecy
In an electrifying championship matchup, Jey Uso, fresh from winning the Royal Rumble, faced Gunther for the WWE World Championship. With an entrance supported by DJ Salvatore Ganacci and performance by the Las Vegas Raiderettes, Uso showcased remarkable resilience against Gunther’s formidable style, ultimately prevailing after a fiercely contested battle.
War Raided
The Tag Team Championship saw The War Raiders defending against The New Day’s Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. Exploiting an opportune moment, The New Day found a way to secure victory, marking another championship win for the duo.
Noami Jaded
A heated confrontation unfolded between former friends Naomi and Jade Cargill, with Cargill exhibiting her strength and prowess. The match culminated with Cargill sealing the victory using her finishing maneuver, Jaded.
Jacob Fatu Takes Gold
With a menacing werewolf mask, Jacob Fatu emerged victorious against LA Knight to claim the United States Championship, showcasing his impressive athleticism and determination.
El Grande American0 Head Above Rest
In a match filled with exciting aerial maneuvers, Rey Fenix stepped in for the injured Rey Mysterio against El Grande Americano, showcasing a blend of acrobatics and fierce competition.
Still Tiffy Time
The women’s championship featured a showdown between Champion Tiffany Stratton and Royal Rumble winner Charlotte Flair, escalating into a fierce street fight that showcased their athletic prowess and competitive spirit.
Ava Max opened the festivities with a rousing performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” setting the energetic tone for the night. The event continued with surprise entries and celebrity appearances, including the iconic “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, who drew cheers from the crowd by announcing the attendance for Night 2.
Sky’s The Limit
The triple threat match on Night 2 featured Io Sky, Bianca Belair, and Rhea Ripley. Each competitor displayed incredible skills, leading to a thrilling climax that saw Sky emerge victorious.
Sin City Street Fight
Drew McIntyre took on Damian Priest in a chaotic bout that included weapons and high-impact moves, culminating in McIntyre’s victory after a decisive Claymore kick.
Dom Playing Dirty
The Intercontinental Championship bout showcased Bron Breakker defending against Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor, and Penta. A series of dramatic moments ended with Mysterio seizing the title in a surprising display of strategy.
Say His Name…And He Appears
With Kevin Owens sidelined, TNA Champion Joe Hendry filled in against Randy Orton, leading to an unexpected but entertaining match that ended in Orton’s classic RKO.
Paul Pulverizes Styles
Logan Paul faced AJ Styles in an electrifying matchup, blending humor and skill to entertain the audience before ultimately claiming victory.
Becky Is Back
Finally, the return of Becky Lynch electrified the crowd as she partnered with Lyra Valkyria to challenge the women’s tag champions, capturing the title and cementing her comeback in dramatic fashion.
Source
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