LECLAIR’S WWE WRESTLEMANIA 39 NIGHT 2 REPORT: Alt perspective, detailed coverage of Reigns vs. Rhodes, Belair vs. Asuka, Edge vs. Balor, more

LECLAIR’S WWE WRESTLEMANIA 39 NIGHT 2 REPORT
APRIL 2, 2023
LOS ANGELES, CA AT SOFI STADIUM
AIRED LIVE ON PEACOCK (U.S.), WWE NETWORK (Int.)

Announcers: Michael Cole & Corey Graves

-After the signature intro, Mike Rome introduced Jimmie Allen to perform “America the Beautiful” from the stage.

-Kevin Hart was introduced again to narrate the cold open. Tonight’s package included highlights from night one, before turning to build for night two feuds interspersed with more clips from the spoof trailers. Hart referred to night 2 as “WrestleMania Goes Hollywood, the sequel.”

-Michael Cole spoke over a wide shot of the upper decks of SoFi Stadium. He said WWE Superstars proved during night one that WrestleMania is the premiere event in live entertainment.

-Mike Rome introduced The Miz and Snoop Dogg, already in the middle of the ring for the second night in a row. Miz welcomed the crowd to the show and said he and Snoop Dogg are back for night 2. He ran down a brief recap of night 1, soliciting pops for Rhea Ripley, Sami Zayn, and Kevin Owens. Snoop Dogg said they’re there to make legends. He asked to “fire it up”, just like last night.

-Omos’ music hit and he walked slowly onto the stage, trailed closely by MVP. Mike Rome included his 7’3″ height in his announcement.

At the announcers desk, Michael Cole said night one of WrestleMania was epic and they expect more of the same tonight. He introduced Corey Graves, and tossed to the Spanish announcers desk again situated adjacent to the main booth at ringside. Graves talked over a Tale of the Tape for Omos vs. Lesnar, marveling over Omos’ shoe size, in particular.

Brock Lesnar entered to a massive ovation. He stepped in the ring quickly and got right in Omos’ face.

(1) OMOS (w/ MVP) vs. BROCK LESNAR

Brock Lesnar and Omos came to blows almost immediately. Omos grabbed a waist lock and tossed Lesnar with a Gutwrench throw. Brock just smiled and shot to his feet. Omos dropped him with a quick headbutt, then a body slam. Brock struggled to his feet. Omos slammed him again. Cole wondered aloud if there’s any other time in Brock’s career where he’s been manhandled this early and this often.

Omos lifted Brock into the air and locked in a bear hug. Cole said he’s been covering Lesnar’s career for nearly twenty years and he’s never seen anything like this. The crowd began to will Brock to life. Omos slammed him in the corner, breaking his own hold. Brock wandered out back into Omos’ grips. He delivered another big body slam. “That’s it!” MVP screamed from the outside. Omos gave Lesnar a Chokeslam and covered him for a two count.

As the match approached 4:00, Omos charged at Lesnar in the corner. Brock side-stepped him and delivered his first German Suplex of the match. The crowd rose to its feet in excitement. Brock hit a second German Suplex. Omos wandered to his feet. Both men grabbed at their lower backs. Brock hit a third German Suplex. Omos used the ropes to steady himself. Lesnar scooped him up for an F5, but his back gave out and he dropped Omos to the mat. Omos tried to grab Lesnar, but Brock blocked him. He hoisted Omos into the air, screaming as he did it. He hit an F5 and covered Omos for a three count.

WINNER: Brock Lesnar in 4:55

(LeClair’s Analysis: Not much to see here. Omos man-handled Lesnar for four of the match’s five minutes. Cole and Graves sold it like a monumental event, but the crowd just kind of waited fro Lesnar’s inevitable comeback. Omos, now years into his career, is still so incredibly limited that he can only piece together a small string of spots before things start to fall apart. To his credit, he took this about as far as he could go, but I’d contend his WrestleMania match last year with Bobby Lashley was still a bit better than this. Lesnar sold the beat down effectively, even after the match concluded. The crowd loved the brief appearance of Suplex City and they got out of dodge before any of the facade had a chance to great. This worked out about as well as it could have. You have to wonder what’s left for Brock at this point, and whether there’s truth to the rumor that he told people he was “winding down.”)

-After a quick break, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez entered to kick off the women’s tag team showcase match. Natalya and Shotzi followed. Cole noted that this is Natalya’s 11th WrestleMania appearance. Sonya Deville and Chelsea Green entered next. Only Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler received full entrances. They marched to the ring purposefully as Cole talked up their accolades.

(2) LIV MORGAN & RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ vs. NATALYA & SHOTZI vs. SONYA DEVILLE & CHELSEA GREEN vs. RONDA ROUSEY & SHAYNA BASZLER – 4-Way Women’s Tag Team Showcase match

Sonya Deville began the match with Liv Morgan. Deville went for a quick bicycle kick, but Liv ducked it and hit a Backstabber. Sonya rolled to her feet and leapt to the middle rope. She dove, but Liv dropped her with a Codebreaker. Sonya rolled to the corner and tagged in Natalya. Natalya caught a leaping Liv Morgan, who managed to flip her into a quick ‘rana. Liv tagged in Raquel Rodriguez. Raquel set Nattie up for a Powerbomb, but Natalya countered it into her own Hurricanrana.

Natalya looked poised to lock up with Raquel. Instead, she begged off and tagged in Chelsea Green. Green didn’t want to enter, so Nattie pulled her in the ring. Green dove at Raquel, who caught and slammed her. Shotzi tagged herself in on the back of Rodriguez. She took Green down with a Headscissor and went for a quick cover. Shayna Baszler broke it up before the referee could even get started. Shotzi got tossed to the outside of the ring, where Ronda Rousey was waiting to talk to some trash. Meanwhile, the babyfaces dropped Shayna Baszler with a triple Powerbomb in the ring. Baszler rolled to the safety of her partner on the floor.

Deville and Green wound up alone in the ring briefly. Shotzi climbed to the top rope and took them both out as the match crossed 3:20. She dove through the middle rope onto a number of women waiting below. Chelsea Green climbed to the top turnbuckle, but Raquel Rodriguez entered to come after her. Green, in fear, dove out of the ring onto a waiting crowd below. Rodriguez then lifted her partner into Powerbomb position to launch her into the field on the floor.

Shotzi wound up in the ring with Raquel. getting caught by a Fallaway Slam. Raquel leapt to the middle rope and delivered a nice looking Corkscrew elbow for a cover and two count. Raquel lifted Shotzi into the air, but Sonya Deville tagged herself in off of Raquel’s back. Green cut Raquel’s leg out from underneath her and the two worked together to kick Raquel to the mat and then out of the ring. Natalya entered the fold and executed a double team flip on Green with Shotzi. Nattie wound up covering Deville after a slam, but Green broke it up. Natalya body slammed Green onto her own partner. She turned both women over for a double Sharpshooter.

Liv Morgan dove off the top rope with a missile dropkick to break Natalya’s submission. She dragged Deville to the corner and tagged herself in. Liv caught Shotzi with kick kicks. Shotzi shrugged it off and hit her with a double underhook Suplex. They traded near kick-misses. Morgan caught Shotzi with a Codebreaker, then followed it up with Oblivion. As Liv leapt off the middle rope, Ronda Rousey tagged herself in. Shayna hopped in to cut Shotzi’s legs out. Rousey grabbed Shotzi’s arm and played to the crowd. They booed her heavily. Ronda locked in the Arm Bar and Shotzi tapped quickly.

WINNERS: Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler in 8:22

(LeClair’s Analysis: Like the men last night, the women seemed motivated to get creative and keep the actions fast and furious. I thought the results were a little mixed, especially compared to last night’s counterpart. There were some creative spots and neat moments, but no one stood out in any particular way. Baszler and Rousey, the obvious favorites, barely saw any action throughout. In fact, Rousey didn’t even touch the ring until she applied the Arm Bar as the very end. This may have been by design, to elicit even more heat on she and Shayna, but it wound up making the finish feel a little anticlimactic. Overall, not bad, but it could’ve benefited from a couple extra minutes, slowing things just down just a bit.)

-After a break, Cole talked over a shot of the outside of SoFi Stadium. He tossed to the “highlight of the night”, a recap of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on Friday’s Smackdown.

-Bobby Lashley was introduced. He carried the Andre trophy onto the stage and posed with it, then began walking down the ramp.

-Michael Cole tossed to Xavier Woods to preview the triple theat match for the Intercontinental Championship. Woods was joined by Tegan Nox, Hit Row, Tyler Breeze, Nikki Cross, and Madcap Moss. He said they simulated the triple threat match 100 times in WWE 2K23 and Drew McIntyre won 42% of the time. Woods tossed to a hype package for the match for Peakcock Premium subscribers.

-Titus O’Neil was welcomed to the commentary table. Cole tossed to a sponsored video featuring Drew McIntyre and Sheamus.

Drew McIntyre entered first. He rose his sword to the sky and flames erupted the entire outer frame of the stage. O’Neil said he’s wrestled both McIntyre and Sheamus and knows how tough they are. Graves talked up their prowess, as well as Gunther’s. Sheamus’ music hit and he emerged from a smoky spotlight flanked by Ridge Holland and Butch. He gave them a big hug before they returned to the back.

The camera cut to Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci, standing on the eastern podium of the stage. Kaiser introduced the Intercontinental Champion, Gunther. Cole mentioned that it’s his 296th day as champion. He talked up Gunther’s performance in the Royal Rumble.

(3) GUNTHER (c) vs. DREW McINTYRE vs. SHEAMUS – WWE Intercontinental Championship match

The crowd popped big as the referee called for the opening bell. Drew McIntyre, Gunther, and Sheamus exchanged quick glances with each other. Gunther suggested that Sheamus and Drew start things out. He tried to step aside. McIntyre kicked him in the face. The champion rolled to the outside. McIntyre and Sheamus then came to blows. They traded quick rights and battled from corner to corner, trading advantages every few seconds. McIntyre eventually exploded out of the corner and dropped Sheamus with a big clothesline. Titus said their chops “take skin right off your chest.”

Sheamus managed to toss McIntyre over the ropes to the apron. He set up for Ten Beats, but Gunther returned to wreak havoc. He knocked McIntyre to the floor, then went to work on Sheamus. He chopped him violently. Sheamus’ chest already began to show blood. McIntyre returned to the apron to fire off some right hands at Gunther. The champion pulled him in and slammed him into the ring post. Drew fell back to the floor as the match hit 2:45.

Gunther went back to work on Sheamus. He tired up against the ropes and delivered two massive chops. “Call the police,” Titus begged. Gunther kicked Sheamus in the face. The Celtic Warrior broke free of the ropes and returned the favor, throwing stiff forearms. Gunther shook them off and gave Sheamus a big Spinebuster. He turned his challenger over into a Texas Cloverleaf. McIntyre returned to break the hold, slapping Gunther, but the champion wasn’t phased. McIntyre had to kick him in the head to get him to relinquish the submission. McIntyre and Gunther traded head kicks, then engaged in a vicious chop battle. McIntyre wound up besting Gunther, backing him into the corner and littering his chest with rapid chops.

Drew looked to stay on the attack, but Sheamus rejoined the fray. The three men began trading chops and right hands. McIntyre and Sheamus began fighting for the ability to chop Gunther. All three men were sporting beet-red chests. Sheamus hooked Gunther in the ropes from the apron and began the Ten Beats, with McIntyre chops interspersed. Once completed, Drew kicked them both to the floor. McIntyre retrieved Sheamus and tossed him into the ring. Sheamus gave him a quick knee and walked him to the apron for Ten Beats. He got to 28 before McIntyre collapsed. The crowd gave Sheamus a standing ovation.

McIntyre dragged himself back into the ring. Sheamus set him up for a Celtic Cross, but Gunther broke it up with a boot to the face. He delivered a release German Suplex, then a massive clothesline for a cover and near fall at 7:25. Gunther moved to the corner and called for Sheamus to stand. He charged and hit another massive clothesline. The champion hooked the leg, but Sheamus still managed to kick out. McIntyre then dove off the top rope with a flying clothesline. Gunther stood quickly, but McIntyre dropped him with a Neckbreaker. Gunther crawled to the corner. Drew gave Sheamus an overhead belly-to-belly into Gunther. Sheamus rolled to the floor.

Gunther struggled to stand. McIntyre charged and went for the Claymore. Gunther laid out to avoid it. He kicked Drew into the corner, and, on the rebound, pulled him in and hit the Powerbomb for a cover and near fall. Gunther climbed to the top rope, only to be met at the pass by Sheamus. They traded chops. Sheamus hooked Gunther and connected with White Noise off the top rope. He hoisted Gunther up and hit White Noise. Sheamus hooked the leg, but Gunther kicked out.

The match ticked toward 11:00 as Sheamus turned the champion over into a Cloverleaf. Gunther grabbed the bottom rope, but Cole noted that there’s no breaks. Sheamuys pulled Gunther back to center. McIntyre emerged and grabbed a Sleeper Hold on Sheamus, breaking his Cloverleaf. McIntyre went for a Future Shock DDT. Sheamus countered it and hit a pump knee. He gave one to Gunther too. Sheamus threw his arms out to rile up the crowd. The camera pulled back as he called for the Brogue Kick. He hit all of it. Sheamus hooked the leg, but McIntyre pulled him to the outside just in time. The former friends stared at each other with contempt. They hesitated for a beat, then came to blows. A loud “this is awesome” chant broke out.

McIntyre fought Sheamus on the apron, eventually knocking him to the floor. Drew got a running start across the ring and hit a clean Swanton over the top onto Sheamus on the floor. He popped up and tossed Sheamus in the ring. McIntyre headed to the corner and led the crowd in a count. McIntyre delivered a massive Claymore and hooked the leg for a believable near fall. The crowd rose to their feet as Sheamus and McIntyre struggled. Drew hit a Glasgow Kiss. Sheamus stumbled into the ropes, then caught him with a pump knee on the rebound. Drew shook it off, hit the ropes, and delivered a second Claymore. He hooked the leg again for another nearest of near falls.

The two challengers rose to their knees in the center of the ring, trading forearms. The crowd was firmly behind Sheamus. Graves said someone is going to have to be knocked out to lose. Sheamus and Drew switched to short-arm clotheslines. Sheamus fell into the ropes and charged forward with a Brogue Kick. He struggled to make the cover, but eventually did so. At two, Gunther dove from the top rope and splashed both Sheamus and McIntyre to break the count. He gave Sheamus a Powerbomb, then grabbed McIntyre and Powerbombed him onto Sheamus’ back. Gunther pinned McIntyre for a three count.

WINNER: Gunther in 16:35 to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship

(LeClair’s Analysis: I went to bad for this match on a few PWTorch post-shows in recent weeks. I am typically in full agreement with Wade Keller’s belief that a good, one-on-one rivalry for a championship is almost always superior to a multi-man feud or match. But sometimes, in the spirit of the incomparable Big E, you just want to see big meaty men slapping meat! With that in mind, I was a big advocate for this heavily rumored triple threat match and was ecstatic when it was announced. It lived up to my lofty expectations. These two beat the living hell out of each other for over sixteen minutes. The crowd ate up nearly every moment. They were particularly invested in seeing Sheamus finally win the Intercontinental title, a low-key compelling story that they can definitely return to in the very near future. Gunther’s run of dominance has been unbelievably impressive, and though his title seemed more in peril tonight than at any point thus far, I think a major win on the biggest stage was the right call. These three received a standing ovation at the conclusion of the match, and they certainly earned it.)

-Cole tossed to a video package for the Raw Women’s Championship match.

-Several women dressed as Asuka, adorning her signature mask, danced into and then out of frame, eventually revealing the challenger for the Raw’s Women’s Championship. She danced to the ring as the camera pulled back for a sponsor reset. Corey Graves said Asuka has “returned to form.”

Bianca Belair’s music hit and the camera moved to the stage to reveal a dance crew of young girls, the Divas of Compton, performing a routine to the theme song. Eventually, they created a tunnel for Bianca to pass through. She danced with one of the kids and they formed a line behind her as she skipped to the ring.

Mike Rome delivered championship introductions. Both women received strong, positive reactions.

(4) BIANCA BELAIR (c) vs. ASUKA – Raw Women’s Championship match

Asuka went to lock up with Bianca Belair, the Raw Women’s Champion hit her with a quick dropkick. Asuka shot to her feet and ate a second one. Belair whipped Asuka to the corner. She mounted the challenger and delivered a quick series of right hands. Bianca hit a Suplex, then held on for a second. Asuka slid down her back, stumbled to the corner, and then caught the champion with a quick kick to the face.

The challenger exploded with her signature flurry of back fists, chops, and kicks. She covered Belair for a quick two count. Asuka grinned at her opponent. She kicked Belair in the chest a couple times, then headed to the middle turnbuckle. Belair rose quickly to meet her. The champion set Asuka up for a Superplex as the camera peeled back for a neat wide shot. Asuka blocked. She leapt down and charged at Belair, but the champion caught her with a Spinebuster for a cover and a two count.

Belair looked for a springboard standing Moonsault, but Asuka caught her and tried to transition into the Asuka Lock. Belair blocked it initially, leading to Belair catching her in a cover for two. Asuka kicked out, and, with Belair’s flail, grabbed the Asuka Lock. Bianca was too close the ropes and quickly used them to pull herself to the floor. Asuka quickly slid to the outside to meet her. Belair hoisted Asuka into the air and delivered an incredible sit-out Powerbomb onto the floor. Graves said it was undoubtedly over. Belair slid Asuka back in the ring and covered her for a two count.

Bianca set Asuka up in the corner and charged. Asuka side-stepped, sending the champion crashing into the ring post as the match crossed 5:00. The two women crawled to each other in the center of the ring. Belair shoved Asuka to create separation. She pulled her in and lifted her by the arms, but Asuka rolled through it and picked Bianca’s ankle. Belair used her raw strength to dead-lift Asuka into the air, forcing her to let got of the ankle. She slammed her to the mat and looked for the standing springboard Moonsault again. Asuka picked the ankle a second time, locking in an Ankle Lock. Bianca rolled through it again, launching Asuka toward the turnbuckle. Asuka telegraphed, leapt onto the top rope, and caught Bianca with a missile dropkick.

Both women rose to their feet slowly. Asuka toyed with Belair, kicking her in the ribs repeatedly. Belair tried to toss the challenger to the outside, but Asuka caught herself on the apron. She pulled Belair out with her. Asuka threw a trio of kicks. Belair caught the third and delivered a hard forearm to the chin. Asuka shook it off and dropkicked Belair into the ring post. Belair rolled back into the ring. “Whenever Belair delivers her best shots, Asuka takes them and smiles,” Corey astutely mentioned.

Asuka grabbed onto Belair while still on the apron. Bianca turned it around and ran her into the ring post. Asuka lay draped on the turnbuckle. Belair deadlift-Superplexed her over the ropes. She crawled over for a delayed leg hook for a two count at 9:15. The two women turned themselves to face each other on the mat. They rose to their kness and fired off quick forearms. Asuka gained control briefly, but Belair followed her to the ropes and caught her with a knee to the stomach. They engaged in quick roll ups for alternative two counts. Asuka stopped the run with a kick to the head and a cover for two.

Belair and Asuka jockeyed for position with Belair’s braid as a focal point. Bianca managed to pull Asuka into a roll up for a two count. When Asuka popped up, the champion was waiting for her with a Codebreaker. Asuka wasn’t phased. Belair hit the ropes and connected with a Blockbuster. She immediately went for, and finally hit the springboard standing Moonsault for a cover and near fall. Asuka rose slowly, drawing Belair in. She popped her up into the air and hit a knee strike to the face. Belair used the ropes to stand. She climbed to the top turnbuckle, but Asuka cut her off. She climbed up to the top rope, but Belair pulled her into position for the K.O.D. Asuka elbowed free, but they remained in precarious position on the top rope. Asuka used Belair’s braid to pull her off the turnbuckle and into a Codebreaker. Asuka hooked the leg for a near fall.

The champion dragged herself to the opposing corner. Asuka charged at her for a hip check, but Bianca absorbed it and hoisted her up by the arms. She dumped Asuka haphazardly into the turnbuckles. Belair lifted Asuka for the K.O.D., but Asuka held onto the ropes. Belair put her down. Asuka spit mist, but missed Belair. Asuka went for a kick, but Belair ducked it. She hoisted Asuka into K.O.D. position. She tossed her up, but Asuka turned it into an arm drag. She held onto the arm and applied a full Arm Bar. Belair screamed in pain.

With the hold still applied, Belair began rolling onto her stomach. She lifted Asuka up, breaking the hold and returning to vertical base in the process. With Asuka in position, she finally managed to hit the K.O.D. for a cover and three count.

WINNER: Bianca Belair in 15:59 to retain the Raw Women’s Championship

(LeClair’s Analysis: Really good match. Like last night’s Women’s title bout, Belair vs. Asuka suffered from a relatively poor build. In execution, though, it was aided by having two women who the crowd seems to genuinely love. This did exactly what it needed to – give Belair another impressive title win on a big stage against a high-end challenger. Asuka never felt like a serious threat to end Belair’s now year-long run, but she did feel like someone who could have a great showing in a marquee match at WrestleMania, and I felt they delivered on that well.)

-After a break, the camera showed George Kittle in the crowd for the second night in a row. They also showed Al Michaels in attendance.

-Cole and Graves talked over clips of last night’s Tag Team title main event. They wondered if it signaled the beginning of the end of the Bloodline as we know it.

-Miz and Snoop Dogg were in the ring again to announce night 2’s attendance as 81,395. He added that the two night total is 161,892. Miz told Snoop he has something to get off his chest. He claimed they’re supposed to be friends, yet Snoop put him in a match while he was wearing a $10,000 suit. “So you want to do it again?” Snoop Dogg asked. The crowd cheered. Miz said no. “You almost ruined my suit, and you tried to embarrass me,” he added. “My bad,” Snoop concluded. Miz wasn’t pleased. He said L.A. is his city. Snoop Dogg said it’s “our” city. He pointed to the stage.

“Here Comes the Money” hit and Shane McMahon danced onto the stage to a massive pop. He trotted to the ring. Miz looked furious. Snoop Dogg said he’s in trouble. Shane grabbed a microphone. He said the reaction means a lot to him, and thanked Los Angeles. Snoop Dogg told Shane to “take care of” Miz. Miz said tonight’s suit is even more expensive.

(5) THE MIZ vs. SHANE McMAHON

Shane McMahon popped Miz in the mouth. He hit the ropes and dropped Miz a couple of times before attempting a leap frog. He landed, but then twisted awkwardly and crumpled in a heap. Jessika Carr backed Miz to the corner and the camera cut away from Shane. They helped him out of the ring quickly. Snoop Dogg returned to the ring. He punched Miz in the face. Miz stumbled back to his feet, and Snoop punched him again. He mimed the People’s Elbow, then dropped it on Miz and covered him for a three count.

WINNER: Snoop Dogg in 2:10

(LeClair’s Analysis: Yikes. What a mess. Shane McMahon elicited a massive pop, but that plant didn’t look good. Snoop Dogg was quick on his feet to get back in there and “save” the segment from being a total disaster. That was a little too reminiscent of Vince at Royal Rumble 2005.)

-After a commercial and video package hyping Edge vs. Finn Balor, the old gray Hell in a Cell structure lowered into place over the ring. A narration talking up the match’s brutality played over it.

The WrestleMania stage turned blood red. “Brood Edge” appeared on the screen. Slayer blared from the speakers. Flames engulfed a square at the top of the ramp. The platform rose from below the bring Edge into focus. He worse a shiny Terminator-esque skull headpiece. After a few moments, the stage went black. “Metalingus” played and Edge’s signature pyro shot from the stage. Edge threw his arms up for a massive ovation. He marched to the ring.

The lights dimmed again for Finn Balor’s demon entrance. He crawled onto the ramp. This iteration of the Demon had purple paint and tape mixed amongst the signature red and black. His original music played. Balor led the crowd in his signature “arms up, lights up” taunt. He carried purple smoke sticks, creating a neat visual as he walked the ramp. Graves said Edge is responsible for releasing the Demon.

(6) EDGE vs. “DEMON” FINN BALOR – Hell in a Cell match

Finn Balor and Edge stood at opposite corners of the ring as the bell rang and the cell door was locked. They met in the middle and traded two quick shoves before sliding out adjacent sides of the ring and fishing under it for weapons. Edge retrieved a red steal chair, Balor a Kendo stick. Edge swung the chair, but Balor no-sold it. He hit Edge with stick a number of times before the two spilled to the outside. Edge was already sporting a small cut near his eye.

After battling at ringside for a few moments, the two returned to the ring. Edge pounced on Balor and threw a few punches before the Demon rolled free and retreated to the floor. Edge stalked him, fresh Kendo sticks in hand. He cracked it over Balor’s back, then tossed him into the cell wall as the match crossed 3:00. Edge collected a number of sticks from ringside. He used them to trap Balor against the corner of the cell. Edge climbed to the turnbuckle and delivered a dropkick to Balor. Finn slumped, suddenly being choked by the top stick.

With Balor immobilized, Edge went back under the ring to retrieve a purple table. He propped it against the opposite corner of the Cell and turned to retrieve Balor. Finn had used the weight of his body to snap one of the Kendo sticks and free himself. He charged at Edge and whipped him violently into the steel steps. Balor tossed Edge against the wall of the cell and chopped him repeatedly before sliding him back into the ring. Edge fought to his feet, kicked Balor in the gut, and hit the Edgecution. Finn shot to his feet almost immediately. He delivered a missile dropkick to Edge, sending him to the apron, then another one to drop him to the floor.

Balor slithered out of the ring, stalking his prey. He charged at Edge, giving him a missile dropkick. Edge flew back, crashing through the leaning table and into the cell wall. Balor retrieved a chair and tossed it at the wood pile containing Edge’s body. Edge emerged from the wreckage and Balor tossed a chair right at his head. Edge shook it off and avoided a third hit. The two fought their way into the ring. Edge pulled Balor in and hit the Killswitch. He crawled to the corner as Balor slowly rose to meet him. Edge charged for a Spear, but Finn kicked him in the face. He rolled Edge up for a two count just past the 8:00 mark.

Graves said that Balor is unaffected by moves that would normally put wrestlers away. Edge went to the outside and pulled out a ladder. He tossed it right at Balor’s head, dropping hm. Finn’s head was busted open and dripping blood all over the mat. The referee immediately moved Edge back and called someone into the cell to work on Balor. The crowd booed heavily. Edge looked frustrated. The camera avoided showing Balor at all costs. Edge went back under the ring to retrieve more Kendo sticks, another chair, and a tool box. He set up a ladder in the corner. The referee continued to hold him back.

Balor finally emerged from the congress of officials working on him. Edge gave him another Edgecution. Balor popped up. Edge went for a Spear, for Balor ducked. Edge collided with the ladder. Finn climbed to the top rope and delivered a big missile dropkick. Edge slowly rose to his feet. Balor caught him with a quick Slingblade. He hurried to the top rope and connected with the Coup De Grace. Balor hooked the leg for a near fall at 13:15. Finn climbed the turnbuckle on the ladder’s side. He began climbing the ladder. Edge intercepted him with a Kendo stick. He climbed the opposite end. The two teetered atop the ladder. Edge pulled Balor in and gave him an Edgecution off the steps of the ladder. He covered for a near fall.

The Demon writhed on the mat while Edge pulled out another table. He dragged it into the ring and slid it toward the southeast corner. Edge set up the table and turned around to ate a Kendo stick shot to the ribs. Balor forced Edge onto the table. He hit him in the stomach repeatedly with the steel chair. Balor climbed to the top turnbuckle. He turned and noticed a camera platform at the top of the first panel of the cell. He climbed to that instead. Balor went for a Coup De Grace, but Edge rolled off the table. Finn crumpled the table with his feet. Both men dragged themselves to their feet. Edge caught Balor with a Spear. He hooked both legs for a believable near fall.

“If you were Edge, what would you do?” Cole asked. Graves said he’d never have taken the match in the first place. Edge broke a Kendo stick over Balor’s back, then hit him half a dozen times with a steel chair. He dropped to his knees and slid the chair underneath Balor’s head. Graves said all the suffering has come to a head. Edge grabbed a second chair and hit a Con-Chair-To. He rolled Balor over and covered him for a three count.

WINNER: Edge in 18:10

(LeClair’s Analysis: A lot will be said about the choice to halt the match in the coming days. It undoubtedly worked against its overall impact, it angered the crowd, it disappointed Edge and Balor, and it left Edge to try to scramble to hold the audience’s attention. I understand WWE’s aversion to blood, but I have a really hard time with sucking the momentum out of a crowd and a match if it happens by accident, especially in a match like Hell in a Cell. I was elated to see the return to the gray steel cell, as a opposed the toy-like red structure. Disappointingly, though, they colored the weapons instead! I guess something has to look like a toy in these gimmick matches now. That aside, I thought Edge and Balor worked incredibly hard and brought an appropriate level of violence to a feud of this magnitude and length. Balor is still clearly a star, especially in the paint, and the crowd loved seeing the throwback. I’d like to see him get another opportunity as a prominent babyface after his semi-rehabilitation as part of the Judgment Day. Edge needed to win to put the finishing touches on this feud, obviously. In the end, another really good match, but brought down by the referee stoppage.)

-Backstage, Kayla Braxton welcomed Bianca Belair. Belair said she can’t put into words how it felt to defend the Raw Women’s title at WrestleMania and hold the Championship for the year. She gave props to Asuka, calling her an incredible competitor. Kayla brought the Divas of Compton back in to celebrate with Belair.

-After a quick promo for Backlash, Cole and Graves talked up the show from ringside. They then turned their focus to the 2023 Hall of Fame Ceremony. Cole tossed to a recap package.

Mike Rome introduced each Hall of Fame inductee. They (or their representatives) stood on stage for a brief moment of applause. Rey Mysterio got his own entrance. He posed and pointed to the fans on either side of the entrance with his signature pyro accompanying him. He then shook hands with or hugged the other inductees on the stage.

-Another promo aired for WrestleMania XL in Philadelphia. They showed a clip of fans in Philadelphia, along with the Eagles mascot, chanting “Mania.”

-After another break, Cole tossed to the video package for the main event.

-Cody Rhodes’ American Nightmare skull was superimposed over a darkened stadium fresh out of the video package. The crowd erupted as soon as his music hit. Rhodes was elevated from a hole in the stage. He marched into position and threw his arms out, receiving a massive “woah” from the crowd singing along to his music. Pyro exploded from the stage at his cue. Rhodes took his time, looking at various faces in the crowd as he slowly removed the added adornments on his ring robe. He circled the ring, smacked the steps, and went to the timekeeper’s area, finding his wife, Brandi, his mother, and his daughter. He lifted the little girl into his arms and gave her a hug. Cody removed his weight belt, covered in the names of every independent promotion he worked for during his time away from WWE. He passed it to a boy seated with his family. It was little Brodie, the late Brodie Lee’s son. He messed his hair and turned back to the ring.

Pyro shot from the stage one more time as Cody posed on the turnbuckle. He stepped into the ring and his music faded out.

The camera cut to a wide shot of the WrestleMania stage. Six grand pianos were positioned near the entrance, three on each side. The pianists launched into their own rendition of Roman Reigns’ music. When they finished, they stood to acknowledge the champion. Reigns’ familiar music rang out and the Tribal Chief emerged with Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa in tow. He parted the pianists as the camera focused on the WWE Championship on his waist. Paul handed him the Universal Championship at his command, and Reigns held it up to a sea of pyro. “For 945 days, Roman Reigns has been champion,” Cole began. He said that while Cody Rhodes has never main evented a WrestleMania, this is Reigns’ seventh. Cole added that he’ll become the first champion to defend the same titles at three consecutive WrestleManias.

Reigns made his long, slow descent down the ramp as the camera pulled back to a beautiful wide shot of SoFi Stadium. Graves said they’ve finally reached the pinnacle – the main event of WrestleMania. “For Roman Reigns, it’s familiar territory, but the Tribal Chief is under serious threat.”

Samantha Irvin delivered spirited, befitting Championship introductions. The crowd was absolutely raucous for both introductions, with overwhelming cheers for Rhodes and boos for Reigns. Roman took a calculated look around the crowd as they broke into a “Cody” chant. He raised his hand and then slowly lowered it, trying to quiet the stadium. He held out his hand. Paul Heyman delivered a microphone. “WrestleMania, acknowledge me!” Reigns held his arms out, basking in the boos. Paul Heyman left the ring. Solo Sikoa lingered briefly, but eventually broke his gaze and relented.

(7) ROMAN REIGNS (c, w/ Paul Heyman & Solo Sikoa) vs. CODY RHODES – Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match

The crowd let out an exalting cheer at the ringing of the bell. Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes stepped slowly to one another in the center of the ring. The camera zoomed in for a close up of the stare down, blurring everything around them. Roman smirked and backed away. He rubbed his hands together, slapped the ropes, and began circling. Cody followed suit. They sized each other up and locked up for the first time nearly a minute into the match.

Cody got the better of the initial tie up, backing Roman into the ropes and causing a quick, clean break. The strutted to center and locked up again. Cody grabbed a side headlock. Roman lifted him into the air and held him suspended. Cody countered into a headlock takeover. He held on. Reigns battled to his feet quickly, shooting Reigns to the ropes. Cody slid under the champion’s feet and then caught him with an elbow to the jaw. Reigns slid to the outside to regroup and chat with Paul Heyman.

“You’re not here for him, he’s here because of you!” Paul exclaimed. “They all paid to see you, now smash him!” Heyman smiled, tugging on his big-match lei. Reigns climbed the steps and entered the ring. He caught Cody with a quick elbow. Rhodes checked for blood, then charged. He ate another one. Reigns threw up the “one” and the crowd booed. He backed the challenger into the corner and littered him with short-arm clotheslines. Roman hit the ropes, looking for a leaping clothesline. Cody ducked him and bounced back with a dropkick. He covered for a quick one count. Cody immediately shot to his feet and began working the champion’s left arm.

Rhodes jostled the arm repeatedly. He went to the ropes and leapt off the middle one, looking for an early Disaster Kick. Reigns picked him out of the air and gave him a delayed Last Ride Powerbomb for a cover and a two count just past 5:00. Reigns backed Rhodes into the ropes and draped him over the middle, cutting off his air. When he was forced to break, he pulled Cody into a quick Suplex and a cocky cover for a one count. Reigns laughed as Rhodes struggled on his hands and knees. The champion delivered another Suplex, this time letting Rhodes go in the air.

Roman pulled Cody to his feet. He tossed him out of the ring, or so he hoped. Cody skinned the cat. He flipped back inside and tossed Roman to the apron, tit for tat. Reigns was undeterred, he dropped Cody on the edge of the ring and leapt to the floor to continue his assault. Reigns tossed his opponent first into the barricade, then up to the base of the ramp. He gave Cody a body slam on the unprotected, hard surface. Roman walked around arrogantly. He lifted Rhodes to his feet. Cody, in a burst of energy, fired up and gave Reigns a body slam on the same surface. Reigns rolled back toward the ring, trying to escape. Cody gave chase, walking him around the ring and to the announcers desks. Solo Sikoa stayed closeby, stalking Cody.

Cody tossed Roman into the ring. Reigns grabbed the referee’s attention. Solo Sikoa retrieved a chair and drove the side of it into Cody’s ribs. Rhodes collapsed, steadying himself against the apron. Reigns saw an opportunity, quickly sliding from the ring and delivering a Drive-By. He tossed Rhodes back inside and covered him for a two count. Reigns grabbed a seated headlock. Cody fought out of it quickly. He hit the ropes, but Solo grabbed his ankle. The momentary distraction allowed Reigns to flip him inside out with a massive clothesline for a cover and a two count. The champion continued to take shots at Rhodes’ now vulnerable rib area. He circled the ring, soaking in more boos from the crowd. He tossed Rhodes to the outside and began clearing off the announcers desk.

“I think Reigns has been pushed far enough and he’s eager to remind the WWE Universe that this is his world,” Graves surmised. He rolled into the ring to break the count, admonishing the referee for even bothering. Reigns tossed Cody onto Spanish announce desk. He climbed up and pulled him for a Powerbomb. Cody held on. Reigns tried again. Cody bent his knees. In a fit of desperation, Rhodes managed to backdrop Reigns over him and through the announcers desk. Cody rushed into the ring to break the count again. He went and retrieved Reigns on the outside.

The American Nightmare came alive with a flurry of rapid offense, ducking Reigns’ quick clothesline attempts and hitting the middle rope to connect with the Cody Cutter. He hooked the leg for hanging near fall just before 15:00. The crowd came to life. Rhodes stomped at the champion. “The champion is in serious, serious trouble,” Cole said. He rolled to the outside. Cody took a couple of quick hops, hit the ropes, then dove through them and onto Roman. Reigns collapsed against the barricade, exhausted.

Cody tossed the champion into the ring. He climbed to the apron. Solo Sikoa cracked Rhodes in the back with Cody’s weight belt that he’d stolen from Brodie. The referee didn’t see it, but he heard it. He whipped his head toward Solo and tossed him out. The crowd roared. Meanwhile, Reigns retrieved the discarded belt. He swung it at Cody, but the challenger ducked. He pulled Reigns in and delivered Cross Rhodes. He looked the leg for a very very near fall.

“Over 81,000 just lost their collective breath,” Cole proclaimed. The two men used each other to pull themselves up. Reigns delivered a jawbreaker. Cole wondered if that may have been Cody’s only opportunity. Reigns tossed Cody to the apron again. Cody skinned the cat a second time. Reigns telegraphed it this time. He was waiting, pulling Rhodes into a Tombstone position. Cody slid free, but Reigns scooped him and delivered a massive Uranagi. The champion covered for a near fall.

Rhodes winced, clutching his ribs. Reigns rose to his knees and nodded, looking for an end. He cocked his fist and approached the corner. Roman went for the Superman Punch, but Cody ducked. He grabbed Reigns and hit him with a Pedigree. Cody hooked the leg for another last millisecond near fall. The match pushed past 21:00. Cody breathed heavily. He shook his fist. He tossed Reigns toward the ropes. Cody leapt to the middle rope, looking for the Disaster Kick, Reigns flew to meet him and delivered a massive Superman Punch. He covered for another too close two. Reigns was incensed. He squatted in the corner, shaking his head. He reared his head back and yelled. Reigns charged for the Spear. Cody leapfrogged over it. He rolled Reigns up for a two count.

The challenger had a contingency plan. He immediately rolled over Reigns and applied the Figure Four. Reigns flopped on he mat in agony. He scratched and clawed, inching toward the ropes. Reigns eventually managed to turn the hold over. Cody crawled quickly to the ropes to break the exchange. He rolled to the apron. Reigns clutched his lower legs. Neither man was in a rush to stand. A wide shot of the crowd captured the nervous excitement in the air at SoFi Stadium.

Champion and challenger traded punches, Roman in the ring, Rhodes on the apron. Cody broke the stalemate with a body shot. He caught Reigns with a quick guillotine and climbed to the top rope. Rhodes leapt, but Roman ducked under him. Rhodes landed on his feet and hit the ropes instead. Reigns was waiting, crushing Cody with a Spear. He hooked the leg for the nearest near fall yet. Cole and Graves could hardly speak as the match crossed 26:00.

Roman turned on the arrogance. He mounted Rhodes and delivered clubbing forearm blows. The crowd was at a fever pitch with boos. Cody began to stir. Reigns signaled that it was done. He grabbed the Guillotine. Rhodes almost immediately dropped to his knees. He began flailing wildly. He split his legs, trying to get some sense of a vertical base. Before long, he began to fade. He dropped to one knee. The referee raised his arm and let it go. Cody kept it up. The crowd erupted. Reigns dashed their hopes, climbing Rhodes’ body with his legs and falling onto his back. “This is where the story ends,” Graves said. Roman laid into the hold even deeper. After a few moments, Cody managed to slip his head free. He clubbed Reigns with forearms, returning the earlier favor.

With Rhodes on his feet, Reigns went for another punch. Cody ducked it. He threw a boot, wildly. Reigns ducked. Cody took out of the referee. Both men collapsed in the center of the ring. Now everyone was down. Rhodes was the first to rise, just as the match hit 30:00. Cody pulled the Tribal Chief in, setting up for the Cross Rhodes. Suddenly, The Usos appeared. They hit Rhodes with Superkicks to the side of the head. They picked him up and landed the 1D. Cole was enraged. Jimmy and Jey pulled Roman on top of Cody.

The crowd erupted at something off-screen. It was Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. They hit the ring and pounced on Jimmy and Jey, tossing them from the ring. KO gave Reigns a Stunner. Roman stumbled into the corner. Sami hit him with a Heluva Kick. Reigns crumpled to the mat. The Usos pulled Sami and KO to the outside and the two teams battled out of view into the crowd. Cody Rhodes crawled desperately and threw an arm over Roman Reigns. The referee returned just in time to count to 2.99.

Both men rose to their knees. They traded rights and forearms. One of Cody’s sent Reigns rearing into the ropes. He bounced back with a bigger shot. The strikes continued. They turned to uppercuts. Reigns cocked a fist and leapt for a Superman Punch, but Cody caught him with a jab. He hit a few more, then dropped to the mat and hit the signature upper cut. Cody hit a Bionic Elbow, then pulled Reigns in. He hit Cross Rhodes. Instead of looking for the cover, he rolled through for a second one. Paul Heyman leapt onto the apron, distracting the referee.

Solo Sikoa, now in a hoodie with his face covered, leapt onto the apron. He grabbed Cody from behind and gave him a Samoan Spike. Rhodes stumbled toward the center, hunched over and choking. Roman hit both sides of the ring on the wind-up for a Super Spear. He hit it, then hooked the leg for a three count.

WINNER: Roman Reigns in 34:27 to retain the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship

Roman sauntered from the ring to the ramp with Heyman and Solo flanking him. He held up the two titles as Cole said like it or not, we must acknowledge him. The camera pulled back to show Rhodes laying in the ring. He looked to be welling up, overcome with emotion. They cut to one last shot of Reigns staring at the camera as the show faded into a closing recap video package.

(LeClair’s Analysis: This was WWE main event style spectacle from start to finish. They played into the signature Roman Reigns formula by having him dominate to an alarming degree in the early going to build up sympathy for Cody, leading a rush of a adrenaline when he finally exploded with offense later in the match. They incorporated virtually every beat of the Bloodline story into this and gave ample time in between each major interference piece so Cole and Graves could detail its significance. I thought, for the second night in a row, Michael Cole greatly enhanced the main event with unrivaled passion and enthusiasm. He was “on” from bell to bell, and brilliantly sold the weight of the moment, the fan’s investment, and the importance of the outcome. He did a fantastic job laying the groundwork for the story and hitting the beats the video package didn’t cover during the long, elaborate entrances of both Rhodes and Reigns. A stellar performance.

I am usually critical of overbooked matches, and I thought, at times, one could argue this crossed into the territory. I do think, though, the layered story-telling and intertwining of individual motivations gave logical reasons for each man to get involved at the various stages they did. In a match where Roman Reigns appeared to be more vulnerable than ever, it only makes sense that the Usos would come to his rescue in his greatest moment of peril. And by tying Cody in with Sami and KO, it made logical sense for them to not only continue to battle the Usos, but feel motivated to help Rhodes win the title in the face of unfair adversity. Solo Sikoa’s late re-emergence, though, is a little bit harder to buy. After being tossed from ringside earlier in the match, it felt a little cheap and undermining to see him return and be virtually ignored by the official in the aftermath. I know this is WWE booking 101, but I hold the Bloodline to the highest standard and I wish they could’ve made this feel a little less cliche.

There will be endless conversations about the result. In the last couple of weeks, I’d come to believe it was all but a foregone conclusion that Cody Rhodes would be the one to dethrone Roman Reigns, and that he’d do it at WrestleMania 39. If I’d had any doubts along the way, the massive reaction to both Rhodes, and the match itself tonight, cemented me in that camp. I let out an audible gasp when Reigns hit the Super Spear and covered Cody for three. That’s rare. As a fan of 20 plus years, I’m not often tricked.

Now, don’t take that to mean I think this was done solely for the purpose of a swerve. WWE is guilty of a lot of things, and they deserve the criticism for plenty, but they’ve earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to all things Roman Reigns and the Bloodline. Months from now, I may take the side of those who were quick to declare this a booking disaster. For tonight, though, I acknowledge that they got me, and I believe that Cody Rhodes is over enough to overcome this loss and continue to build fervent support from a crowd that is more in tune and more invested in WWE than at any time in the last fifteen plus years. From a business perspective, there’s plenty of intriguing conversations to be had. Was this always the direction? Or did the impending sale sway WWE into the belief that stability with a proven, successful, well-drawing World Champion was more important than the high of a story payoff tonight?)

FINAL THOUGHTS: I’m reserving final judgment on the main event result until the story is truly finished. WWE’s earned it with Roman Reigns and the Bloodline. Controversy there aside, this was a second night of truly superb entertainment. WWE built palpable momentum with last night’s brilliant show, and I thought they did everything possible to keep it running tonight. The pageantry felt equally big despite losing the freshness of last night’s presentation, stage, and lore. The matches delivered, with a stellar, WWE style main event, a violent and entertaining Hell in a Cell match, and a very good Women’s title that further cemented the legacy of the one of the division’s brightest stars. I don’t know what’s to come with the looming sale of WWE as early as tomorrow, but Triple H’s first WrestleMania in control will, in my books, go down as one of the absolute best.