LECLAIR’S WWE WRESTLEMANIA 38 (NIGHT 1) REPORT: Alt perspective, detailed coverage of Austin on KO Show, Lynch vs. Belair, Flair vs. Rousey, Rollins’ mystery opponent, more

LECLAIR’S WWE WRESTLEMANIA 38 (NIGHT 1) REPORT
APRIL 2, 2022
ARLINGTON, TX AT AT&T STADIUM
AIRED LIVE ON PEACOCK (U.S.), WWE NETWORK (Int.)

Announcers: Michael Cole & Corey Graves (Smackdown), Jimmy Smith & Corey Graves & Byron Saxton (Raw)

-The show opened cold on a high shot of AT&T Stadium. Mike Rome welcomed Bradley Gilbert to perform “America the Beautiful.” Pyro shot from the entrance stage as the fans cheered.

-Mark Wahlberg narrated the opening video package, hyping matches for night 1.

-Pyro exploded from above the ring and over and around the massive entrance stage. Michael Cole welcomed the audience to “the most spectacular, astounding, magical, and stupendous event in live entertainment.” He said over 70,000 were in attendance for WrestleMania Saturday.

Mike Rome introduced the acclaimed Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. They danced onto the stage and performed a quick routine to AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck.”

-The camera cut to the announcers desk. There were new LED boards on the corners of the barricades around the ring. Michael Cole welcomed the audience again, and said it’s his 26th time working at WrestleMania. He introduced Pat McAfee, commenting that it was his very first WrestleMania. Pat talked about how excited he was, but interrupted himself to freak out over Rick Boogs’ guitar lick. There were new LED boards on the corners of the barricades around the ring.

-Rick Boogs introduced Shinsuke Nakamura for the opening match. Pat McAfee danced on top of the announcers table, then jumped over it. Cole tried to keep it together, but wound up laughing. Nakamura sported new tron graphics and brightly colored orange and yellow gear. Boogs’ singlet matched. Cole jokingly called on the doctor to bring Pat some oxygen. “This is good prep for tomorrow,” he said, exasperated. The crowd gave Nakamura a strong welcome. The Usos entered as Cole tossed to clips of how Nakamura & Boogs earned a title match. Samantha Irvin provided Championship match introductions. Cole noted that it’s her first WrestleMania appearance.

(1) THE USOS (c) vs. SHINSUKE NAKAMURA & RICK BOOGS – Smackdown Tag Team Championship match

Shinsuke Nakamura took Jimmy Uso down quickly with a kick to begin the match. He positioned Jimmy in the corner, hoisted him to the the top rope, and drove a running knee into Uso’s midsection. Jimmy rolled to his corner and tagged in Jey. Jey dropped Nakamura and threw his arm up, signaling “1” to the crowd. Jey tagged out and the Usos went to work on Nakamura’s legs. Jimmy draped Shinsuke over the middle rope and tried to choke him out, yelling “time to go to work.” The referee pulled him away.

Jimmy and Nakamura traded some quick punches and kicks. Jimmy got the better of Nakamura with an enziguri and covered for a quick two count. Cole said it’s the Usos first WrestleMania together in a couple years. Shinsuke caught Jimmy with a step-over kick. Rick Boogs stomped the steps, looking for a tag. Both men reached their partner. Rick Boogs clubbed both Jimmy and Jey. He went for a powerslam on Jey, but the champion flipped through it. He leapt into Rick’s arms, but Boogs caught him in a bearhug. Boogs deadlifted Jey into a stalling vertical suplex, then covered for a two count.

Boogs tagged in Nakamura. He tried to bench press Jey Uso, but Jimmy jumped on him. The weight caused Boogs to collapse, grabbing at his knee. He rolled outside. Shinsuke went to work, taking Jey down and setting up for the Kinshasa. He charged, but Jey caught him with a superkick. He tagged in Jimmy, who climbed the rope and hit the Frog Splash. Jimmy covered for a believable near fall. Cole sold Boogs’ knee injury, saying the match had effectively become 2-on-1.

Jey made a blind tag and grabbed Nakamura by the hair from the corner. Jimmy caught Shinsuke with a superkick. Jey hopped in the ring, and the Usos hit their version of the 3D – the 1D. Jey covered for a three count.

WINNERS: The Usos in 6:53 to retain the Smackdown Tag Team Championship

After the match, Nakamura hopped outside to check on Rick Boogs, who was surrounded by doctors and backstage personnel. They had his leg stretched out and his knee pad removed.

(LeClair’s Analysis: Decent match, but it didn’t really get enough time to leave a lasting impression. My initial thought was that Boogs’ injury was just part of the match, but it looked like it may have been legitimate based on the attention being paid to him after the match. Nakamura looked concerned, and Boogs appeared to be in some pretty serious pain. There may have been an audible or two called there, but I’m sure we’ll find out in the coming hours and days. I’m fine with The Usos keeping the titles here – they’ve had an impressive run and, while Nakamura is certainly a popular act, I don’t think he and Boogs necessarily need to win the titles off a feud that didn’t have a ton of heat going in. Fine opener, but nothing special here.)

-After a break, Michael Cole and and Pat McAfee reset the stage by thanking Dallas for playing host to WrestleMania weekend. Cole said they’d try to get an update on Rick Boogs as soon as they can. He turned focus to Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin and tossed to a video package for the match.

Happy Corbin headed to the ring with Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal winner, Madcap Moss. Samantha Irvin introduced Corbin as undefeated. Cole said last night kicked off what could be a happy weekend for the duo. They showed Moss’ win from Smackdown. Drew McIntyre received a solid reaction as he emerged from the stage. The raise of his sword sent flames shooting high above the stage. Corbin and Moss left the ring as McIntyre stepped inside it. McAfee said there’s a good chance Corbin could be leaving in an ambulance.

(2) HAPPY CORBIN (w/ Madcap Moss) vs. DREW McINTYRE

Drew McIntyre shoved Happy Corbin into the corner as soon as the bell rang. Corbin battled out quickly, taking control and whipping Drew to the opposite side of the ring. McIntyre popped out and dropped Corbin with a big clothesline. Corbin tried to hit the ropes, but Drew kept pace and sent him flying over the top rope. Drew followed him out, staying right at his heels. He tossed Corbin into the barricade, then back into the ring.

Corbin recovered inside the ropes and cut Drew off as he attempted to get back in the ring. He slammed Drew’s head off the turnbuckle, sending him flying to the outside. Corbin retrieved McIntyre and tossed him back inside. Corbin talked some trash. Drew recovered and punched his way out of the corner. Corbin didn’t let up, whipping McIntyre again. This time, Drew fell to his knees. Corbin shoved him down and covered for a one count.

Happy Corbin hit a nice suplex on McIntyre and hyped himself up, Madcap Moss cheered wildly on the outside. Corbin gave Drew a backdrop and covered for another one count. Corbin drove a knee into Drew’s stomach, then an open handed strike to the head. McIntyre tried to shake it off. The crowd booed. “Finish him off!” Moss said from the apron. Corbin told him to get down. Corbin walked into a spinebuster from McIntyre. Cole said Moss made a crucial mistake. McIntyre hit a pair of clotheslines. Corbin went for his ’round the post clothesline, but McIntyre cut him off with a belly-to-belly. Corbin popped up and ate a neckbreaker. McIntyre kipped up.

McIntyre went for the Future Shock DDT, but Corbin blocked it. He hit McIntyre with the Deep Six and hooked the leg for a two count as the match crossed 5:00. McIntyre willed himself to his feet. Corbin went for a chokeslam, but McIntyre jumped it. He elbowed Corbin and climbed to the top rope, connecting with a flying clothesline. McIntyre led the crowd in a count, but Madcap Moss pulled Happy Corbin to safety on the outside. McIntyre got a running start, then flip-dove over the top rope onto both Corbin and Moss. The crowd popped big. McIntyre tossed Corbin in the ring, then gave Moss a belly-to-belly overhead throw.

Drew climbed back to the top rope. He dove, but Corbin ducked. Corbin went for End of Days, but Drew flipped through it. McIntyre went for the Claymore, but Corbin ducked. Drew crashed and burned. Corbin hit McIntyre with the End of the Days and hooked the leg, but McIntyre kicked out at two and a half. Cole said it’s the first time anyone has ever kicked out of the move. Corbin couldn’t believe it. He dragged McIntyre to his feet. Drew kicked him in the gut and hit the Future Shock DDT. McIntyre kipped up a second time. He initiated the count, and drilled Corbin with the Claymore for a three count.

WINNER: Drew McIntyre in 8:38

Madcap Moss tried to step in the ring after the match. McIntyre saw him and and pointed the sword his way. Drew walked to the ropes and sliced through the top and middle rope. Moss jumped to the floor in terror. The turnbuckles collapsed. They played a large “boom” over the PA when he cut the ropes, and I’m not sure why. Drew celebrated at ringside and slapped hands with McAfee.

(LeClair’s Analysis: Solid match, one of Happy Corbin’s better efforts. They continued to tease the eventual breakup of Corbin and Moss, and Cole certainly played it up heavily on commentary. Corbin probably got a little too much here, especially if Drew is going on to bigger things, but the finish was decisive. Drew kicking out of the End of Days was a nice touch, given how protected that move has been over many years. It made sense for it to be Drew. The post-match rope cut was a little ridiculous, but I guess at least McIntyre finally got to use the damn sword after all this time. Hopefully, this is the official end of this feud, which feels like it’s been going on since last year’s WrestleMania.)

-After a quick promo break, Cole and McAfee tossed to a video package for Rey & Dominick Mysterio vs. The Miz & Logan Paul.

-Rey and Dominick Mysterio popped up from the stage and bounced to each side, greeting the crowd and triggering big fireworks. Rey wore Mexican flag inspired gear, while Dominick sported the American flag. At the announcers desk, Jimmy Smith introduced himself, Corey Graves, and Byron Saxton. Graves said he’d heard that Dominick Mysterio tried desperately all week to get out of the match. Saxton said he doubts Graves’ sources. Corey said his source was Logan’s brother, Jake.

The Miz entered next, then pointed back to the entrance for Logan Paul. Paul’s gear matched Miz’s. He wore a PSA Graded 10 Pikachu Pokemon card around his neck, the rarest of all Pokemon cards and the most expensive to ever be sold in a private sale, according to Jimmy Smith.

(3) REY & DOMINICK MYSTERIO vs. THE MIZ & LOGAN PAUL

All four men stood in the ring, jawing at each other as the bell rang. Finally, The Miz and Rey Mysterio started the match. Logan Paul teased a quick tag in to distract Mysterio. Miz took advantage and beat Rey down in the corner. He tagged in Logan. Miz held Rey in the corner while Paul peppered him with punches to the stomach. Mysterio quickly fought free and grabbed a headlock. Paul shot Rey off the ropes. Logan performed some quick leaps, but Rey bested him easily and kicked him in the head. He tagged in his son Dominick. They performed a double barrell roll onto Paul. Dom covered for a one count.

Dominick Mysterio caught Logan Paul with a sprinboard moonsault off the middle rope. Miz hopped in the ring, but Dominick walked the ropes and dove onto both opponents. Miz and Paul rolled to the outside. Dominick flew over the top onto both of them. While Dominick and Paul recovered on the inside, The Miz took down Rey at ringside. Logan gave Dominick a nice looking powerslam and covered him for a two count. Paul kicked at Dominick and talked trash to Rey. He tagged in Miz. Miz and Paul traded “it” kicks on Dominick, landing the final one from opposing directions. Miz covered for two. He grabbed a seated rear chinlock.

Miz went for a neckbreaker, but Dominick countered into a backslide. Miz quickly broke free and tagged in Logan Paul. The two isolated Dominick in their corner, eliciting boos from the crowd. Paul set himself up on the middle rope and hit a Blockbuster on Dom. He tagged Miz back in. The duo continued to kick the young Mysterio in the corner. Miz and Paul continuously goaded Rey into drawing the referee’s attention, allowing them to double team Dom.

Dominick managed to hit Miz with a Tornado DDT, knocking Paul off the apron in the process. He crawled to the corner, kicked Miz away, and got to Rey for the hot tag. The crowd popped big. Rey dropped Miz with a til-a-whirl ‘rana, then a kick and sunset flip for a cover and two count. Rey hopped to the apron, climbed to the top rope and hit a moonsault. Rey covered, but Paul broke it up at two. Miz and Paul set Rey up for a double suplex, but Dominick dropkicked them both. Rey rolled Miz up for two. He tripped him into the ropes and set up for the 619, but Miz caught him. Rey spun through it and hit a DDT for another near fall as the match crossed 8:00.

Rey hit two of three amigos suplexes on Miz, who blocked the final one and tagged in Logan Paul. Logan booted Mysterio and smiled at the hard cam. The crowd booed loudly. Logan gave Rey a suplex, then popped the hips. The crowd figured it out and showered him with boos. Paul completed the Three Amigos, then kipped up. Paul climbed to the top rope and shimmied, mocking Eddie Guerrero. He hit the Frog Splash and hooked the leg. Dominick looked to make the save, but missed it. Rey still expertly kicked out. Dom tossed Logan haphazardly to the outside. The Mysterios tripped Logan Paul into the ropes. They hit tandem 619s, then tandem Frog Splashes. Neither man saw that The Miz tagged himself in. He gave Dominick a quick slam, then hit the Skull Crushing Finale on Rey for a pin and three count.

WINNERS: The Miz & Logan Paul in 11:15

The Miz and Logan Paul celebrated together, looking on menacingly at the crowd. Miz’s smile suddenly disappeared and he turned his head slowly to an unsuspecting Logan Paul. Miz gave him a Skull Crushing Finale. The crowd exploded. Miz celebrated, leaving the ring and blowing a kiss to Paul.

(LeClair’s Analysis: Surprisingly solid match. The meat of it was a tad slow, with Dominick playing the face-in-peril while Logan Paul and Miz worked him over. Paul was surprisingly impressive – he came off like a complete natural. He had the timing down, he garnered a ton of heel heat, and he was in the right places at the right times. The finish was a nice little swerve. The final sequence for Rey and Dominick seemed like a clear-cut WWE finish, so to have Miz subvert expectations and get the win, cleanly, was a nice touch. Now the segment on Raw makes a whole lot more sense, given that it seemed like the issue was more or less resolved. The Mysterios got their win on Monday so that Miz and Logan Paul could be the story tonight. With that said, I think any attempt to make Paul a babyface is severely misguided. He’s not well liked in virtually any circle, so while he’s good for heat, getting him cheered against anyone, even Miz, is going to be an uphill battle. The crowd loved Miz for turning on him tonight. I don’t expect the reaction to be any different in most cities.)

-Following another break, Mike Rome introduced Stephanie McMahon. She appeared on the stage and thanked the fans. She said she’s blown away by the majesty of WrestleMania. She said there’s a reason they say “then, now, forever.” She welcomed a member of the next generation – Gable Steveson. She touted his accomplishments. Graves reminded us that he’s a Raw draft pick. Steveson waved to the crowd and the segment faded out.

(LeClair’s Analysis: I get them wanting to get Gable on the show, but it’s hard to incorporate a guy who seemingly isn’t going to be around in any major capacity for a while. This was innocuous enough, but it felt a little awkward, and Stephanie was a weird person to do it.)

-A clip for Young Rock aired. Jimmy Smith plugged the show afterward.

-Smith, Graves, and Saxton talked up the Raw Women’s Championship match. They tossed to its video package.

Becky Lynch received a high end, Marvel-esque “Big Time Becks” graphic preceding her entrance.  She entered in the back of a white SUV driven onto the stage. Lynch hoisted her title in the air and smoke blasted from the massive stage. Graves said that Lynch has a brand new hairdo, courtesy of the challenger. Smith said she’s wearing it well. There were audible boos, but the camera side was filled with “Big Time Becks” signs.

A full marching band spilled onto the stage. Smith said they were from Texas Southern University. They played a rendition of Belair’s theme. Her real them eventually hit, and the band played along with it for a really cool entrance moment. They parted ways for Belair to skip onto the stage, spinning her braid. Lynch looked on with disgust. Graves said both women have main evented WrestleMania, and left the show as champion. Mike Rome provided Championship introductions. Both women got sizable reactions.

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

Bianca Belair looked around at the crowd with a smile. Becky Lynch, a scowl. Belair offered her hand to Lynch. Becky punched her in the face and went for the Man-Handle Slam, but Belair blocked it. Bianca hoisted the champion up for the K.O.D., but Lynch flipped out of it. Becky hit the Man-Handle Slam and covered Belair, but she kicked out just before three. A perfect callback to the SummerSlam match.

Lynch immediately went to work on Belair, trying to apply the Disarm-Her and failing. She stomped at Belair’s arms and legs and made multiple cover attempts, each one yielding less of a count. Lynch showed visible frustration, leaning her head against the ropes and sighing heavily. Belair rolled Lynch up for a two count. She hit a quick suplex, held on, rolled over, and went for a second one. Lynch blocked it and cradled Belair for another two count.

Becky dragged Belair toward the corner and climbed the ropes. She went for the moonsault, but Belair rolled out of the way and immediately applied the Disarm-Her to Lynch. Becky struggled for a few moments, but broke free. The two women traded another set of roll-up near falls. Becky broke the stalemate with a kick to the stomach. She used Belair’s braid to drag her to the outside. Belair tried to counter, but got whipped into the steel steps. Becky slid back in the ring and urged the referee to count. Belair returned to the ring relatively quickly. Lynch hit a B-exploder. She jawed at the fans, then gave Belair a capture suplex and covered for two.

Lynch paced the ring as the match approached 6:00. She twisted Belair’s arm, sending her tumbling into the middle rope. “Get up!” she yelled. Belair side-stepped Lynch out of the corner. She tried to leap back in the ring, but Lynch caught her with a kick to the chest. Belair laid draped across the top rope. Becky gave her a leg drop from the top and hooked the leg for two. Becky grabbed a rear chinlock and continued to talk trash to her challenger.

Belair worked to her feet slowly. She gave Lynch a snapmare and sent her toward the ropes. Lynch blocked her, took her down and grabbed an Arm Bar. Lynch couldn’t fully extend, but used the braid to maintain control. Belair rolled through the hold and deadlifted Lynch into Powerbomb position. Both women tumbled over the top rope to the outside. Belair used the apron to perform a handstand over Lynch, then dropped over her and scooped her into a nice suplex. The two barely made the referee’s count back into the ring.

After a quick tussle back and forth, Bianca managed to connect with a tilt-a-whirl gutbuster on the champion. Lynch crawled toward the ropes. Belair executed another handstand off the ropes, but Lynch flipped away from the offense. Belair still scooped her up, arms first, for a big front-face slam. She hit a handstand-standing moonsault for a near fall. Belair dragged the champion toward the corner. She climbed to the top rope, but Lynch cut her off. The two women teetered on the top turnbuckle, trading punches. Lynch tried for a suplex, but Bianca transitioned into K.O.D. position. Instead, Bianca stepped off the ropes and dropped Lynch across the rope and turnbuckle. Becky bounced to the mat. Belair climbed to the second rope and hit a perfect 450 splash for a believable near fall. They replayed this one twice and it was even more impressive in slow motion.

Belair willed Lynch to stand up. Becky needed the ropes for support. She guillotined Bianca off the rope to create some space, then kicked her in the face. Becky climbed to the top rope and completed a full body rotation, clipping Belair in the face with her boot. Another impressive move on replay. Lynch went for the Man-Handle Slam again. Belair blocked it. She hit the ropes, but Becky cut her off with a punch to the jaw. Belair hit a spinebuster, then went for another handstand moonsault. Becky got her knees up. She went for the Disarm-Her, but Belair turned it into cover for two. They traded quick roll ups again, then worked to the corner.

Becky climbed the ropes, but Belair scooped her into K.O.D. position. Lynch held on for dear life. Belair tossed her over the top rope to the outside instead. Belair was quick to retrieve her. The announcers ponted out that she needed to win the match in the ring. The two fought to the opposite side. Lynch slammed Belair into the ringpost. She pulled her outside and gave her a Man-Handle Slam on the base of the stairs. The referee counted as Belair slumped to the mat in a heap. Bianca answered the count at nine. Lynch rolled her up for a near fall. She pounded at Belair’s back in frustration as the match passed 18:20.

The champion dragged her challenger to her feet. She went tried to give her the Man-Handle Slam off the middle rope. Belair flipped over Lynch. Becky stumbled backward, surprised. Belair scooped her up and hit a huge K.O.D. in the center, hooking Lynch’s leg for a three count.

WINNER: Bianca Belair in 19:08 to win the Raw Women’s Championship

(LeClair’s Analysis: Excellent match. These women brought it in every way. Innovative offense, multiple believable near falls, incredible spots highlighting the athleticism of Belair and the in-ring prowess of Lynch. This was brilliantly paced, and expertly laid out. Becky worked as the exasperated heel, unable to believe that her offense wasn’t putting the challenger away. Belair worked from behind for a good portion of the match, being thwarted from hitting her biggest moves on multiple occasions before her big comeback and win at the end. These two women told an excellent story, led in by an excellent promo hyping their feud and highlighting their history dating back to SummerSlam last year. I loved the nod to that match at the start of this one, too. At the end of the day, they can’t ever erase what they did last year, but they certainly did right by Belair tonight. She looked like a million bucks, and so did Lynch.)

-Following a Peacock break, the Raw announce team turned their attention to Seth Rollins and his mystery opponent. They tossed to a video package for the angle.

Out of the video package, a choir of boys and girls on the stage led the crowd in Rollins’ “oh” sing-along. Rollins’ music hit and he walked out in a furry blue robe and jeweled, lace and teal gear. The crowd serenaded Rollins on his walk to the ring. Graves called it a spiritual experience. Rollins threw his arms up and looked toward the entrance. The crowd murmured with anticipation. Rollins paced impatiently. Pyro shot from the ring posts, then all the way up the ramp. The stadium lights turned off.

“Wrestling has more than one royal family…” played over the speakers. Cody Rhodes’ “Kingdom” theme hit. “American Nightmare” sprawled across the entrance stage. Cody Rhodes rose from beneath the stage. The crowd popped big. Graves said it’s surreal. Saxton said he had chills. “From undesirable, to undeniable, the prodigal son has returned.” Graves yelled. Rhodes brought the crowd to their feet as he climbed the turnbuckle. Rollins smiled.

(5) SETH ROLLINS vs. CODY RHODES

Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes stood several feet apart, staring each other down as the bell rang. Rollins looked to the crowd. A large “Cody” chant filled the stadium. The two circled each other. They locked up and immediately split. Cody backed away, soaking in the reaction. The two finally locked up. Cody grabbed a side headlock, Rollins shot him off the ropes. Cody landed a quick arm drag, then did a quick cartwheel. He moved his hands in front of his face, a la Stardust, then brushed it off. Graves said he’s “shedding skin of the past.”

Rollins and Rhodes traded quick tackle-dropdowns, then some blocked armdrags. Rhodes dropped to the mat for his signature hit to the jaw. Rollins retreated to the corner. “Welcome back, it’s good to see you!” Rollins said. He slapped Cody in the face. Rhodes shrugged it off. They traded punches again. Seth set up for the Pedigree, but Rhodes blocked it. He looked for Cross Rhodes, but Rollins slid out and dropped him. Seth went for the Stomp, but Seth moved. They teased suplex attempts, finally working toward the ropes. Cody suplexed Rollins over the top rope, but Seth took Cody with him. Both men shook it off on the outside.

Seth slammed Cody into the LED apron as the match hit 5:00. Rhodes recovered and pulled Rollins’ arm through the turnbuckle and dragged him back in the ring. Cody worked Seth to the mat and locked in an arm scissor. Both men worked back to their feet, trading forearms. Rollins got caught up in the ropes. Cody lifted him and kicked him in the gut. Rhodes pulled Seth away from the ropes, but Rollins landed on his feet. He caught Cody with an enziguri. Cody shook it off and twisted Seth to the mat by the bad arm. Cody climbed to the top rope. He went for a cross body, but Rollins caught him with a dropkick in mid-air. Rhodes clutched his ribs, screaming. Seth whipped Rhodes from rope to rope, hitting a ripcord knee on each run. He covered Cody for two. “Welcome back to the big leagues, bitch!” Rollins yelled.

Rollins grabbed a bearhug in the center of the ring. The crowd clapped to will on Cody. He broke free, continuing to target the arm of Rollins. The two traded massive chops. Rhodes hit a running forearm, then leapt over Seth at the turnbuckle. He hit a snap powerslam, then clotheslined Rollins over the top to the outside. Cody dove onto Seth through the middle rope. Seth went flying over the announcers desk, nearly kicking Jimmy Smith in the face.

Rhodes tossed Rollins back into the ring at 10:42. He climbed to the top rope, looking for a moonsault. He landed it awkwardly, covering Rollins for two. Seth rolled to the outside. Cody went for a Disaster Kick off the steps, but Rollins caught him on his shoulders and hit a vicious looking Buckle Bomb into the barricade. Seth tossed Cody inside, then hit a springboard knee followed by a superkick. Rollins connected with a running Falcon Arrow for a near fall.

“This is my moment, Rhodes!’ Rollins yelled. He tried to lead the crowd into a sing-along as he stomped the mat, setting up for the Stomp. Cody side-stepped it and went for a roll up, but Seth rolled through and went for the Stomp again. Cody slid out and went for Cross Rhodes. Seth blocked it. Seth spun around, ate a kick, then Cody hit Cross Rhodes. He hooked the leg for a believable near fall. Rhodes pounded the mat in frustration.

Cody climbed to the top rope. Rollins cut his legs out from under him, planting Cody awkwardly on the turnbuckle. Rollins climbed to meet him. Cody elbowed Seth to the mat. Rollins leapt up again, then hit an inverted superplex off the top rope. Rollins held onto Rhodes’ neck, rolled him over, and hit it again on the mat, covering for a near fall. Seth raked at Cody’s face. He limped to the corner. Cody rolled toward him. Rollins climbed the ropes and went for the Phoenix Splash, but Cody rolled through it. Seth landed on his feet. He grabbed Cody and went for the Pedigree, Cody blocked. Cody hooked Seth for the Pedigree. The crowd popped big. Seth blocked it. The two men traded shots. Cody eventually hooked him again and caught the double underhook bomb for a near fall.

Rhodes ran to the corner, leapt to the middle rope and hit a springboard Cody Cutter on Rollins for another believable near fall. A “this is awesome” broke out as the match passed 18:00. Rhodes pulled Rollins to his feet. Seth popped up and hit Cody with the Pedigree for a near fall. Rollins elbowed Rhodes. “This is my moment!” he yelled. Cody fired back. They traded punches. Cody kicked Seth in the head from the drop down position. Seth shook it off and dropped Cody to his knees. He kicked Rhodes in the face repeatedly, then hit a rolling elbow. He spun around for another rolling elbow to the back of the head. Cody popped up and hit the Cross Rhodes. He held on, pulled Rollins up and hit a second Cross Rhodes. Cody didn’t let go. He pulled Seth up, positioned him in the center, then leg him go. He spun Seth around, then hit his father’s famous punches. He followed with the Bionic Elbow. Rollins collapsed. Cody pulled him up and hit a third Cross Rhodes for a three count.

WINNER: Cody Rhodes in 21:32

(LeClair’s Analysis: Corey certainly nailed it when he said that it was a surreal moment. Letting Cody use “Kingdom” made the debut all the more special. That theme has become synonymous with Rhodes, and even though its lyrics are about the departure of the company he now works for again, it’s hard to imagine him entering to anything else, especially in a big role. Rhodes was treated like a star, from the entrance, to the crowd reaction, to the layout of the match, and the conclusion. They appear to be all-in on Cody, and that’s good. They need him right now. He and Rollins had a hell of a match, pulling out all the stops and spamming the finisher button. That doesn’t always work, but I thought it accomplished the goal here. Cody needed a big time main event level match, and Rollins was the perfect opponent. This would be an easy match of the night if not for the Women’s title bout the preceded it. Ultimately, I’m glad we can move on from the Rollins’ WrestleMania story. I stand by my comments that it was senseless and required suspension of disbelief beyond what’s even reasonable in wrestling. The end result, though, was certainly satisfying.)

-The announcers threw to the Hall of Fame recap package.

Mike Rome introduced the Hall of Fame Class of 2022. The Undertaker received his full entrance, bathed in purple glow as he bowed to the crowd from each end of the stage. The gave him a standing ovation and big Undertaker chant. Graves said he gave one of the greatest speeches in Hall of Fame history. Taker walked to the back after the bell tolled and his music faded out.

(LeClair’s Analysis: I covered last night’s Hall of Fame Ceremony for PWTorch. If you’d like to read my extensive, real-time report, you can find it on the main page.)

-After a break, Michael Cole and Corey Graves returned to the announcers desk. They replayed Rick Boogs’ injury from the opening match. Cole said they spoke with Boogs and the doctors backstage and have learned that Boogs’ tore his quad and injured his patella. They said he’ll have surgery in the coming days.

(LeClair’s Analysis: Bummer for Rick Boogs, who has been featured prominently on Smackdown. That’s a serious injury and he’ll be out for sometime. All the best to him.)

-Mike Rome announced the official attendance as 77,899.

-Michael Cole threw to a video package for Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey.

Ronda Rousey entered first to a strong initial pop. She slapped hands with fans down the ramp and at ringside before stepping in the ring. No special entrance or bells and whistles. Charlotte Flair entered to a star reaction, adorned in a particularly glittery, regal robe. Cole said that their rivalry is as bitter and nasty as they come. He said Rousey needs to win the title, and Flair needs to cement her legacy. McAfee said Charlotte “knows sports entertainment like the back of her hand.” Both women got strong reactions during Samantha Irvin’s introduction, with notable boos for both women coming through.

(6) CHARLOTTE FLAIR (c) vs. RONDA ROUSEY – Smackdown Women’s Championship match

Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey locked up in the center at the sound of the bell. They traded quick punches. Rousey gained control and hit quick jabs to the mid-section. Charlotte backed herself into the ropes to create separation. Flair stepped back into the fold and tied Rousey up. The wrestled on the mat for a few moments before Flair thought better of getting in that position with Ronda. Charlotte stepped to Rousey, but Ronda hit a quick judo hip toss. Flair pulled her down for a cover and a one count.

Rousey spilled Flair onto the apron. They tossled for a moment before Ronda caught the champion with a step-up knee to the face. She hooked Flair’s head between her legs and the referee gave her a count. Ronda broke at four. Charlotte dragged her out to the apron and delivered a knee to the spine, then a club the chest. It dropped Rousey on the edge of the ring. Ronda recovered quickly and tried to pick the leg of Flair. Charlotte whipped her through the ropes and onto the floor. Flair held her arms up, eliciting boos from the crowd.

Flair tossed Ronda in the ring and covered her for one. She settled into a side face-lock. Rousey used jabs to pull herself up. Flair clubbed her on the side of the head. Flair stretched Rousey at the neck again. Rousey slipped out of it with another judo throw, then hit a stiff knee to Flair’s face. She covered for two. Both women stumbled toward the corner. Flair draped the challenger on her knee, then sweeped her back into the turnbuckle. Rousey shook it off, climbed to the middle rope and hit a modified tornado DDT for a two count.

Ronda and Charlotte elbowed each other as they stood. Ronda tossed Flair around by her arm. She psyched herself up, turning away from Flair. Charlotte burst into frame with a big spear. She scored a two count. Flair went for Natural Selection, but Ronda locked up and shrugged it off. Flair gave her a backdrop instead. She kipped up and stepped on Ronda on her way to the turnbuckle. Flair climbed the ropes. She went for the moonsault, but Ronda rolled. Flair went for the standing moonsault, but Ronda moved slightly again. Flair landed awkwardly, but pinned her anyway. Ronda kicked at two.

Flair chopped Rousey repeatedly. Ronda exploded with a capture throw. Flair stood quickly and the two worked toward the corner. Flair caught Rousey in a tree of woe position. Ronda got caught up awkwardly in the ropes. The referee forced a break. Ronda sat up, meeting Flair eye to eye. Rousey gave Flair an arm drag off the top rope and covered her for a near fall. Cole said he’s impressed with Ronda’s new offense. Rousey hoisted Flair onto her shoulders and hit Piper’s Pit. She grabbed the arm, but Flair escaped. Flair caught her with a big boot. Both women struggled on the mat as the match crossed 10:20.

Charlotte set up for the Figure Four, but Ronda kicked her away. She hit a snap slam and covered for two. Rousey grabbed the Ankle Lock. Flair crawled desperately toward the ropes, but managed to roll through into an Ankle Lock of her own. Ronda managed to catapult Flair into the turnbuckle to break the hold. Rousey climbed Flair’s shoulders. Flair flipped her around and gave her a Powerbomb. She fell on top of her for two. Rousey grabbed Flair’s arm and rolled into the Arm Bar. Flair out-powered her and broke it. Ronda transitioned into the Ankle Lock. Ronda hooked the leg and fell to the mat. Flair screamed in agony, teasing a tap. Charlotte rolled, kicking Rousey’s face to create a break. Ronda let go. Flair clutched at her leg and limped to her feet.

Flair set up for the Figure Four, but Rousey pulled her into the Arm Bar. Flair slid out and got the Figure Four locked in. She bridged into the Figure Eight. The screen went black for a few moments. Rousey was trapped in the Figure Eight for several seconds and eventually managed to roll it. Rousey rolled to safety on the outside, clutching her knee. Flair followed her to the apron. Ronda pulled Charlotte off the apron by her hair. Flair landed flat backed, hard on the mat. Rousey charged at Flair. Charlotte caught her and delivered an exploder suplex into the barricade. Rousey and Flair both crawled toward the ring as the match approached 16:00. They answered the referee’s count at eight.

Rousey and Flair came face to face on their knees. Flair tried to give Ronda boot, but she caught the leg and scooped her up for another Piper’s Pit. Ronda covered, and the referee counted three, but Flair’s foot was on the bottom rope. The official waved off the cover. Ronda pleaded with him. Ronda hit her with Natural Selection and hooked the leg for a believable near fall. Flair covered her face in exhaustion and frustration. She went for the Figure Four again. Rousey kicked her away. Charlotte collided with the referee. Rousey pulled Flair into the Arm Bar. Charlotte immediately tapped, but there was no official. Rousey realized quickly. She went to the official and helped him up. Rousey turned around and caught a boot to the face from Flair. Charlotte covered her for a three count.

WINNER: Charlotte Flair in 18:21 to retain the Smackdown Women’s Championship

(LeClair’s Analysis: Flair and Rousey were put in a mighty tough spot – following two excellent, main event caliber matches and preceding an appearance from Stone Cold Steve Austin. They busted their asses, working incredibly hard from bell to bell. They delivered a plethora of hard hitting spots, and wore the welts and blood spots early and often. Rousey looked well prepared. Her offense was, at times, sloppy, but she looked to be working at a level much closer to her initial run than anything we’ve seen from her thus far in 2022. Flair, for her part, played the arrogant heel and kept the crowd almost exclusively behind Ronda, despite some noticeable boos before the bell rang. I thought the tension and drama they build toward the end of the match was really strong, and Rousey spent more time in the Figure Eight than just about anyone has. It made for a cool moment, as that hold as almost always brought a quick finish. This could’ve easily been a disaster, but it wound up being my third best match of the night on a card that featured two really excellent matches, back-to-back, no less. I thought Rousey was an easy pick here, but I don’t mind them going this route. Rousey got the visual victory and has claim to a rematch. They can stretch this out and give Ronda a title win soon enough.)

-Michael Cole and Pat McAfee prepared to turn things back over to the Raw crew, tossing to the video package for Stone Cold Steve Austin on the KO Show.

Out of the hype video, Kevin Owens headed down the ramp in full ring gear for the KO Show. They had signs in the ring, and two chairs. Saxton said he believes Owens will regret attempting to tarnish the legacy of Steve Austin.

Kevin Owens looked around the crowd. They booed him wildly as he lifted the microphone to his face. A “we want Austin” chant broke out. Owens smiled. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the WrestleMania main event edition of the Kevin Owens Show!” He referred back to the hype video, saying he’s said a lot of mean things about Texas. Owens retold his joke about Texas being the ass of America.

Owens said he’s thought about it, and maybe he should apologize. The crowd hit him with “what” chants. Kevin said he’s sorry for telling the absolute truth about their pathetic state. “I’ve been here for a couple days, and it’s actually worse than I remember.” Owens said he feels like the crowd is eagerly anticipating his guest. “Guess what? I’m gonna bring him out when I want to, because it’s my show and I’m not done telling you about how much I despise this guy!” The crowd erupted in more boos.

Kevin said Steve Austin is the worst role model. He said he used to look up to him. Owens said when Austin sits in the chair, he’s going to tell him how much he absolutely sucks. “And he’s going to sit there and take it.” Owens promised that if Austin doesn’t show him respect, he’ll stun him and pour a beer out on his bald head. Owens said he’s not done. Glass shattered. The crowd erupted. Steve Austin emerged from the stage, mustering every bit of his badass swagger.

Steve walked the entire span of the stage, posing for the crowd and soaking in the cheers. He finally returned to the ramp and stopped, taking a look around. Austin turned around went back through the curtain. The camera cut to Owens, he threw his hands up and laughed, looking to the announcers for a clue. Suddenly, Austin returned, this time riding a 4-wheeler. He sped down the ramp and around ringside before parking it back in the entryway. KO rolled his eyes.

Austin stepped through the ropes and kicked down the KO Show signs. He posed on each turnbuckle. KO called for Austin’s music to be cut. He asked Steve to calm down and take a seat. Austin stared him down. “I’m not here for a fight, I just want to have a nice chat,” Kevin said. Stone Cold obliged. Owens sat beside him. He welcomed Steve to the KO Show and thanked him for accepting his invitation.

Stone Cold couldn’t believe Owens wanted a conversation after all the trash he’d talked. He egged on the crowd’s “what” chant, pausing for them. He called Owens a “stupid son of a bitch” for degrading him, and the state of Texas. KO said he doesn’t understand what’s so great about Texas – it’s hot as hell, the land is flat, and the people dress like idiots. He asked fans in the crowd to take off the hats and boots and move somewhere else. “If I’d grown up in Texas, I’d have just moved to Mexico, it’s right there!’ Owens concluded.

“In about five seconds, you’re gonna have 75,000 people calling you an asshole,” Austin said. The crowd went for it. Owens told Steve to be more like him, a distinguished French-Canadian. He called Austin rude. He said he’s going to be the bigger man and let Austin in on a secret. “I said I invited you to have a talk, but that was a lie.” Owens revealed that he tricked Steve. He said he has a bad back, but he’s still looking for a fight. He challenged Austin to a match. Owens said when Austin left 19 years ago, his knees, his neck, and his back were all shot. “I’m sure they’re still shot now, but you’re fine otherwise.” He said he’s challenging Austin to a No Holds Barred match.

Austin sized Owens up. KO said he knows Austin is thinking he can’t beat a “big, beautiful, French-Canadian bastard.” Owens says he’s right. He said Austin won’t accept his challenge, so he might as well “get back on his stupid golf cart” and go back to his stupid ranch. Austin looked around at the crowd. His eyes returned to Owens. He looked behind him, then up toward the rafters again. The crowd kept the momentum going.

Steve said he had his first match in Dallas. “I could have my last match right here in Dallas, Texas.” He asked the crowd to give him a “hell yeah” if they want the match. They exploded in resounding affirmation. “Bring me down a god —- ref!” Austin censored himself. A referee ran to the ring. Austin and KO ditched the chairs outside.

(7) KEVIN OWENS vs. STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN – No Holds Barred match

The crowd popped huge at the bell ringing. Steve Austin and Kevin Owens came face to face in the center of the ring, talking trash. They traded a burst of punches. Austin backed KO into the corner. Owens collapsed. Austin delivered slow, methodical boots, letting the crowd count along. He finally sped up, completing his patented mud-hole. “You stupid son of a bitch!” Austin yelled as he whipped Owens to the opposing corner.

Austin called for a beer. He took a swig and tossed it aside so he could return to stomping Owens in the corner. The crowd counted with him again. Austin tossed Owens over the top rope and retrieved another beer. He took a sip as Owens struggled to his feet. Owens whipped Austin into the barricade, but Steve popped back and dropped KO with a clothesline. Austin dropped Owens on the barricade and raked at his eyes. He walked Owens to the timekeeper’s area. Owens grabbed Austin and tossed him into the ring post. KO grabbed the the tripod from the KO Show set. He slammed it over Austin’s chest, then mounted him for a flurry of punches. Owens retrieved a table from underneath the ring. He set it up against the barricade. Owens tried to toss Austin through it, but Steve countered and sent KO crashing through the table.

Owens crawled away from Steve in desperation. Austin tossed him over the crowd barricade and into the crowd. They walked and brawled across the floor, all the way back to the lower risers. Austin went for a suplex on the concrete, but Owens blocked it and delivered one of his own. Graves said there’s no way he’s getting up. Owens dragged Austin to his feet. They began firing wild punches at each other. KO maintained control. He walked Austin back to ringside and tossed him over the barricade. Stone Cold recovered and pulled KO over the barricade and onto the announcers desk.

Austin retrieved a couple beers and stood over Owens on the table. He tilted them back and tossed them away before hitting Owens with more punches. He asked for another beer. He spit this one in Owens’ face. KO retreated to the ring. He rolled toward the other side and Austin tried to catch him. KO caught him with a guillotine over the rope. With Austin down, Owens looked to escape. He mounted Austin’s 4-wheeler and looked to start it. Austin attacked him from behind, joined him on the saddle, and drove them up to the top of the stage.

KO and Steve Austin battled on the stage. Austin gave Owens a suplex. KO crawled away in agony. They continued to walk and brawl. Steve gave Kevin a thumb to the eye, then suplexed him on the stage a second time as the match hit 11:00. Austin walked Owens to the ramp and tossed him. Owens comically rolled down, speeding their return to the ring. Stone Cold circled ringside and retrieved more beers. He cracked two and took big gulps from each, spitting some more on Owens. As Austin tossed his cans, Owens returned to his feet. He caught Austin with a Stunner and covered him for a two count. KO had a nasty looking slice over his shoulder blade.

Owens retrieved a chair from ringside. He looked to hit Austin in the head with it. Steve ducked, and the chair ricocheted off the rope, hitting KO in the face. Austin hit him with a Stunner and pinned him for a three count.

WINNER: Stone Cold Steve Austin in 13:55

Austin immediately called for beers. Corey Graves said the final chapter of Austin’s career has been inked in the same place it began. Smith reiterated the point. Saxton sad the celebration is on. The camera got a close-up shot of Austin’s beer can for some free advertising. Graves said he was already through half a case before the match was over. Austin tossed a beer to someone in the crowd. He held up a can to the crowd.

Owens stumbled to his feet, and Austin gave him another Stunner. He kicked Owens out to the floor. Two officers in full uniform and Cowboy hats dragged Owens to his feet and up the ramp. Austin toasted them and grabbed a microphone. “It’s good to be back here in Dallas, Texas and that’s the bottom line ’cause Stone Cold said so!” Austin’s music hit again and he continued his celebration, handing a beer to the referee and toasting him.

Austin invited Byron Saxton in the ring and handed him a beer. Saxton was elated. They toasted, took a sip, and then Saxton ate a Stunner. Graves said it’s the greatest night of his life. Steve’s brother entered the ring and they shared a beer  and a hug. Stone Cold toasted the crowd as the camera pulled back. Smith and Saxton implored the audience to join them for night two tomorrow. Graves said night one belongs to the Rattlesnake as the show faded to black.

(LeClair’s Analysis: Well, once you saw what they had planned, there’s no way they could’ve closed the show with anything else. You have to wonder why, if this was their plan all along, they didn’t just announce the match from the start. Then, there would have simply been no room for question. WWE went for the surprise route again here, foregoing the announcement and saving the big reveal for the event itself. We’ll never know if they’d have drummed up additional interest by announcing the match beforehand, but the end result was a whole lot of fun regardless. As much as I typically dislike sacrificing the current crop of talent for stars of yesterday, Kevin Owens got a career-defining special moment here and looked to be having the time of his life. He’ll be perfectly fine on Monday – he can talk his way out of virtually anything, and certainly a main event beating from the biggest name in wrestling history. Austin, while clearly a bit self-conscious about his body at his age, looked spry. He was well protected and any limitations brought on by age, injury, and rest were well-masked with the walk and brawl, no holds barred formula. The match just worked, largely because the audience was hanging on every punch, kick, look, and beer can. A stellar official send off to one of the best to ever do it, 19 years in the making.)

(LeClair’s Analysis: Well, once you saw what they had planned, there’s no way they could’ve closed the show with anything else. You have to wonder why, if this was their plan all along, they didn’t just announce the match from the start. Then, there would have simply been no room for question. WWE went for the surprise route again here, foregoing the announcement and saving the big reveal for the event itself. We’ll never know if they’d have drummed up additional interest by announcing the match beforehand, but the end result was a whole lot of fun regardless. As much as I typically dislike sacrificing the current crop of talent for stars of yesterday, Kevin Owens got a career-defining special moment here and looked to be having the time of his life. He’ll be perfectly fine on Monday – he can talk his way out of virtually anything, and certainly a main event beating from the biggest name in wrestling history. Austin, while clearly a bit self-conscious about his body at his age, looked spry. He was well protected [except that suplex bump – yikes!] and any limitations brought on by age, injury, and rest were well-masked with the walk and brawl, no holds barred formula. The match just worked, largely because the audience was hanging on every punch, kick, look, and beer can. A stellar official send off to one of the best to ever do it, 19 years in the making.)

FINAL THOUGHTS: Last year, night one of WrestleMania wound up outshining the bigger-on-paper night two. Time will tell if the same will be said for 38, but night two has some mighty shoes to fill. While I would’ve liked to see them cut down on length, given that we’re going to do this all over again tomorrow, this show felt like it progressed at an impressive clip and the big matches needed, and got room to breathe and develop. Only the opening tag team match disappointed, and that can easily be attributed to Boogs’ untimely, legitimate injury. Both of the other undercard matches (McIntyre vs. Corbin, Mysterios vs. Miz/Paul) vastly over-delivered. Lynch vs. Belair is sure to make plenty end-of-year lists. Cody Rhodes had one of the more impressive debuts in recent memory, getting a star-defining, big time entrance, living up the nearly impossible hype and outdoing his own output in AEW in just one night back with the company that gave him his start. Rollins, having suffered through a miserable storyline to get here, showed up big on the grandest stage. Rousey and Flair over-delivered, too, and maintained a hot crowd for an issue that didn’t feel all that heated coming in. The final segment delighted the audience to no end, and served as one last-hurrah to an era WWE has tried hard to hold onto. Austin’s appearance, and match were calculated and benefited from the his reluctance to overexpose his character in the years since his initial retirement. They spent Austin’s cache at the right time, and it paid off. Overwhelming thumbs up.