WrestleMania 40 Night 2: A New Era Dawns in Philadelphia
The grandest stage of them all lived up to its name once again as WrestleMania 40 concluded its two-night extravaganza in Philadelphia. Night 2 delivered a night of thrilling in-ring action, unexpected twists, and a changing of the guard at the top of WWE. Let’s delve into the results, winners, and losers from this unforgettable night.
New Champions Crowned: McIntyre and Priest Rise to Glory
WrestleMania 40 Night 2 kicked off with a bang as Drew McIntyre challenged Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship. The match was a hard-hitting affair filled with signature moves and near falls. McIntyre dominated early with his incredible strength, but Rollins countered with his technical brilliance. The Philly crowd erupted as McIntyre hit a thunderous Claymore kick, but Rollins somehow kicked out. In a desperate move, Rollins attempted a Curb Stomp on the ring apron, only for McIntyre to counter with a Future Shock DDT for a near three-count. The climax arrived when McIntyre reversed a Phoenix Splash attempt into a roll-up, pinning Rollins for the win. Drew McIntyre, the “Scottish Psychopath,” was crowned the new World Heavyweight Champion, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Later in the night, Damian Priest found himself in a shocking turn of events. Originally scheduled for a singles match, a last-minute announcement saw him inserted into the United States Championship match, turning it into a Triple Threat. The champion, Logan Paul, faced off against Randy Orton and the returning Kevin Owens. The match was a chaotic brawl, with all three superstars showcasing their signature styles. Priest, fueled by the electric Philadelphia crowd, delivered a devastating combination of a diving elbow drop and the Reckoning finisher to pin Owens and become the NEW United States Champion. This unexpected victory cemented Priest’s status as a rising star in WWE.
Blood, Sweat, and Tears: Cody Rhodes Dethrones Roman Reigns
The main event of WrestleMania 40 Night 2 was a clash of titans. Roman Reigns, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion for over two years, entered the ring with his aura of dominance. His challenger, Cody Rhodes, returned to WWE with a single-minded goal: to dethrone “The Tribal Chief.” This match, contested under Bloodline Rules (meaning any member of the Bloodline could interfere), was a brutal affair.
Reigns took control early, utilizing his power advantage and the occasional sneak attack from his cousins, the Usos. However, Rhodes displayed incredible resilience, fighting back with a flurry of punches and kicks. The turning point came when Jey Uso interfered, attempting a splash off the top rope. Rhodes countered with a Cross Rhodes, taking down both Usos. With Reigns distracted, Rhodes delivered a picture-perfect moonsault, followed by three consecutive Cross Rhodes on the champion. The referee made the three-count, and the stadium erupted. Cody Rhodes, the prodigal son, had finally conquered Roman Reigns, ending his historic reign and becoming the NEW Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. The emotional post-match celebration, with Rhodes embracing his wife and son in the ring, was a heartwarming moment that solidified his victory.
Other Show-Stealing Matches
WrestleMania 40 Night 2 wasn’t just about the title matches. Several other encounters delivered unforgettable moments.
- The returning LA Knight picked up a decisive victory over the veteran AJ Styles in a hard-fought battle of two generations.
- The Philadelphia Street Fight between Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits against The O.C. (AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, and Luke Gallows) lived up to its name. Tables were smashed, bodies were thrown, and ultimately, the good guys prevailed as Lashley pinned Styles for the win.
- In a shocking upset, Bayley, the returning Royal Rumble winner, defeated Iyo Sky to become the NEW WWE Women’s Champion. This victory further solidified the unpredictability of WrestleMania.
Memorable Moments and Surprises
WrestleMania 40 Night 2 wasn’t just about the in-ring action. Several moments outside the squared circle left a lasting impression:
- The return of CM Punk on commentary for the Drew McIntyre vs. Seth Rollins match added a layer of nostalgia and excitement to the encounter.
- The Rock made a surprise appearance during the main event, creating speculation about his potential future involvement in the title picture.
- The heartfelt post-match promos from the new champions, Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, and Damian Priest, resonated with the audience, solidifying their connection with the fans.
Conclusion: A Night of Change and New Beginnings
WrestleMania 40 Night 2 delivered a night of thrilling action, unexpected twists, and a changing of the guard. The coronation of new champions in Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, and Damian Priest signaled a new era in WWE. The emotional moments, the surprise returns, and the unpredictable outcomes all contributed to a truly memorable night for the WWE Universe. However, some questions linger as we move forward:
- How will Roman Reigns react to his shocking defeat? Will he challenge for a rematch, or will he take some time off to regroup?
- What are the plans for The Bloodline after their dominant reign crumbled? Will Jey Uso finally break away from Roman Reigns’ control?
- Can the newly crowned champions, Rhodes, McIntyre, and Priest, maintain their momentum and build strong championship reigns?
WrestleMania 40 Night 2 left us with more questions than answers, but that’s the beauty of professional wrestling. It keeps us on the edge of our seats, eagerly anticipating what the future holds for our favorite Superstars. With a new landscape taking shape in WWE, one thing is certain: the road ahead promises to be exciting, unpredictable, and filled with electrifying moments.
WrestleMania 40 Night 2 was a spectacular conclusion to a historic two-night event. With its blend of thrilling in-ring action, emotional storytelling, and surprising outcomes, it provided fans with a night they won’t soon forget. As the dust settles on WrestleMania, the WWE Universe eagerly awaits the new chapters that will unfold in the months to come.
WrestleMania 40 Night 2: Winners
WrestleMania 40 Night 2 saw several Superstars rise to victory, shaking up the landscape of WWE. Here’s a quick recap of the winners:
Main Card:
- Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Cody Rhodes (defeated Roman Reigns)
- World Heavyweight Championship: Drew McIntyre (defeated Seth Rollins)
- United States Championship: Damian Priest (defeated Logan Paul and Kevin Owens in a Triple Threat Match)
- WWE Women’s Championship: Bayley (defeated Iyo Sky)
- LA Knight (defeated AJ Styles)
- Bobby Lashley & The Street Profits (defeated The O.C. – AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, and Luke Gallows) in a Philadelphia Street Fight
Other Notable Winners:
- While not part of the official card, CM Punk made a surprise return on commentary, adding to the excitement of the night.
These victories mark a turning point in WWE. The rise of Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, and Damian Priest as champions signifies a new era.
WrestleMania 40 Night 2: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who won the main event of WrestleMania 40 Night 2?
Cody Rhodes defeated Roman Reigns to become the NEW Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
How many title changes were there on Night 2?
There were four title changes on Night 2:
- Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (lost) to Cody Rhodes (won)
- World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins (lost) to Drew McIntyre (won)
- United States Championship: Logan Paul (lost) to Damian Priest (won)
- WWE Women’s Championship: Iyo Sky (lost) to Bayley (won)
Were there any surprises on Night 2?
- Yes, there were several surprises:
- CM Punk made a surprise return on commentary for the Drew McIntyre vs. Seth Rollins match.
- The Rock made a surprise appearance during the main event, sparking speculation about his future involvement.
- Bayley’s victory over Iyo Sky for the WWE Women’s Championship was an upset.
What are the implications of Roman Reigns’ loss?
This loss could signal a period of reflection or a potential rematch for Reigns. It also raises questions about the future of The Bloodline.
Can the new champions maintain their momentum?
Only time will tell if Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, and Damian Priest can build strong championship reigns.
