WrestleMania XL: A Night of Shocks, Surprises, and Legacy (Night 1 Review)
WrestleMania. The Grandest Stage of Them All. This year, the iconic event touched down in Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for 2024 WrestleMania XL, and night one did not disappoint. From championship upsets to emotional victories and a main event packed with drama, the night was a rollercoaster for the WWE Universe. Let’s dive into the results and review the key moments that left us buzzing.
Opening Bell: Setting the Stage
WrestleMania XL kicked off with a bang. The Women’s World Championship match between Rhea Ripley and Becky Lynch was a fantastic display of athleticism and storytelling. Both women showcased their signature moves, pushing each other to their limits. In the end, it was Ripley who emerged victorious, retaining her title with a thunderous Riptide. This high-octane encounter set the tone for the night, promising a night of thrilling action.
Tag Team Turmoil: A Ladder Match for the Ages
The next match was a chaotic spectacle – a six-pack Ladder Match for both the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Championships. The Usos, The Street Profits, The Judgment Day, Alpha Academy, The Miz & R-Truth (affectionately known as Awesome Truth), and The New Day all threw caution to the wind in their quest for tag team gold. Bodies flew, ladders were used creatively (and destructively), and near falls had the crowd on the edge of their seats.
The highlight of the match was a series of incredible high spots. Ciampa took out Tyler Bate with a devastating White Noise off a ladder, while Dominik Mysterio launched himself into a group of competitors outside the ring with a massive moonsault. The climax arrived when J.D. McDonagh attempted a daredevil maneuver from the top of a ladder, only to be thrown to the outside by his Judgment Day teammates. In the ensuing scramble, it was R-Truth who managed to snag the Raw Tag Team titles, sparking a heartwarming celebration with The Miz. Meanwhile, on the SmackDown side, Austin Theory and a surprisingly motivated Solo Sikoa of The Usos secured the victory, showcasing a potential new direction for the faction.
Gunther’s Reign Ends: The Underdog Triumphs
The Intercontinental Championship match was a clash of styles. The dominant force of Gunther, with his reign seemingly unbreakable, faced off against the resilient Sami Zayn. The underdog narrative resonated with the crowd, who cheered on Zayn as he weathered Gunther’s brutal offense. The match was a masterclass in storytelling, with Zayn showcasing his fighting spirit and Gunther’s power on full display.
A pivotal moment came when Gunther taunted Zayn’s wife at ringside. Fueled by anger and determination, Zayn countered Gunther’s signature powerbomb and landed a devastating top-rope brainbuster. Two Helluva Kicks later, the unthinkable happened – Sami Zayn dethroned Gunther, ending his record-setting reign as Intercontinental Champion. The crowd erupted as Zayn celebrated, a testament to his perseverance and the power of the underdog.
A New Era Dawns in the NXT Championship Match
The NXT Championship match was a display of pure athleticism and youthful exuberance. Bron Breakker, the current champion, faced off against the high-flying sensation Carmelo Hayes. The match was a fast-paced affair, with both men showcasing their impressive arsenals. Breakker relied on his power and technical prowess, while Hayes utilized his agility and aerial maneuvers.
In the end, it was Breakker who emerged victorious, retaining his title with a thunderous spear. However, the post-match celebration was interrupted by the surprise arrival of NXT veteran Joe Gacy. Gacy challenged Breakker to an immediate match, a brazen display of disrespect. Breakker, fueled by adrenaline, accepted the challenge. In a shocking turn of events, Gacy defeated Breakker in a quick and decisive match, becoming the new NXT Champion. This unexpected twist left the crowd stunned and opened the door for an intriguing new chapter in NXT.
The Rock Returns: A Main Event Steeped in Legacy
The main event of WrestleMania XL: Night 1 was a dream match for many fans. The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, alongside his cousin The Rock, faced off against the unlikely duo of Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins. The match was a clash of titans, with each competitor carrying a significant legacy.
The early portions of the match saw Reigns and The Rock dominate, showcasing their undeniable chemistry. However, tensions began to simmer between the cousins as the match progressed. Cody Rhodes, fueled by his desire to capture the Undisputed Championship, took some impressive bumps and delivered a series of high-flying maneuvers. Rollins, ever the opportunist, used his cunning to capitalize on any openings.
The climax of the match was a whirlwind of action. Reigns attempted a Spear on Rhodes, but The Rock pulled him out of the way, taking the brunt of the force himself. This act of selflessness stunned the crowd and fueled speculation about a potential rift between The Rock and Reigns. Rollins, seeing an opportunity, hit a flying knee on Reigns, but before he could capitalize, Cody hit him with a devastating Cross Rhodes.
Just when it seemed like Rhodes would secure the victory, The Rock delivered a shocking Rock Bottom through the announce table. The crowd fell silent, unsure of what to make of The Rock’s actions. As the referee began his count, Reigns recovered and hit a Spear on Rhodes, securing the pinfall victory for his team.
A Night of Unforgettable Moments
WrestleMania XL: Night 1 was a night of unforgettable moments. From Rhea Ripley’s dominant win to Sami Zayn’s emotional victory and the shocking return of Joe Gacy, there was something for everyone. The main event, while predictable in its outcome, left the audience with more questions than answers.
Key Questions for Night 2:
- What are the ramifications of The Rock’s actions in the main event? Is there a brewing conflict between him and Roman Reigns?
- How will Sami Zayn react to his emotional victory? Will he defend his newly won Intercontinental Championship?
- Who will be the next challenger for Bron Breakker after his shocking loss to Joe Gacy?
- How will the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Championships play out with the unlikely pairings of The Miz & R-Truth and Austin Theory & Solo Sikoa?
Night 1 of WrestleMania XL set the stage for a thrilling conclusion. With so many unanswered questions and potential feuds brewing, Night 2 promises to be just as captivating, if not even more. With the legacy of the sport on display, the WWE Universe eagerly awaits to see how these storylines unfold.
WrestleMania XL: Night 1 – Winners & Losers
WrestleMania XL: Night 1 delivered a rollercoaster of emotions and unexpected results. Let’s take a look at the biggest winners and losers from the night.
Winners:
- Rhea Ripley: Retaining the Women’s World Championship in a strong opening match solidifies her dominance in the division.
- Sami Zayn: The ultimate underdog story comes true as he dethrones Gunther and becomes the new Intercontinental Champion.
- R-Truth & The Miz (Awesome Truth): A heartwarming and unexpected victory, capturing the Raw Tag Team Championships in a chaotic Ladder Match.
- Austin Theory & Solo Sikoa: A new and potentially interesting tag team emerges, winning the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
- Joe Gacy: A shocking upset victory over Bron Breakker earns him the NXT Championship, opening a new chapter in NXT.
Losers:
- Becky Lynch: A surprising loss to Rhea Ripley raises questions about her future with the company.
- Gunther: His record-breaking reign as Intercontinental Champion ends abruptly at the hands of Sami Zayn.
- The Usos: Despite Jimmy Uso’s absence, they lose the SmackDown Tag Team Championships, potentially creating tension within the faction.
- Bron Breakker: Loses his NXT Championship in a shocking upset to Joe Gacy.
- Seth Rollins: Despite a valiant effort, fails to capture the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
- Cody Rhodes: Comes close to victory but is ultimately betrayed by The Rock in the main event.
Undecided:
- The Rock: Delivers a shocking Rock Bottom on Cody Rhodes, potentially setting up a future feud with Roman Reigns.
- Roman Reigns: Retains the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship but the tension with The Rock creates uncertainty.
Night 1 of WrestleMania XL left us with more questions than answers. The outcomes of these matches will undoubtedly have a ripple effect on the storylines moving forward. It will be interesting to see how the winners capitalize on their victories and how the losers bounce back from their defeats.
Where to watch WrestleMania XL 2024: Night 1 & 2
In the United States:
- Peacock: WrestleMania XL is likely available to stream live and on-demand through Peacock, the official streaming service of WWE in the US.
In Canada:
- Sportsnet+: You might be able to watch WrestleMania XL through Sportsnet+, a streaming service that offers the WWE Network in Canada.
Internationally:
- WWE Network: Depending on your region, WrestleMania XL might still be available through the WWE Network. However, it’s important to note that WWE recently signed a deal with Netflix, and the WWE Network is transitioning to Netflix in some territories.
Alternative Options:
- WWE’s YouTube channel: While they won’t be showing the full event, WWE’s YouTube channel often uploads pre-show content and highlights from their premium live events.
Disclaimer: It’s important to be aware of copyright laws and only watch WrestleMania XL 2024 through official channels.
WrestleMania XL: Night 1 – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What were the main results of WrestleMania XL: Night 1?
- Rhea Ripley defeated Becky Lynch to retain the Women’s World Championship.
- R-Truth & The Miz (Awesome Truth) won a six-pack Ladder Match to become the new Raw Tag Team Champions.
- Austin Theory & Solo Sikoa won a six-pack Ladder Match to become the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
- Sami Zayn defeated Gunther to become the new Intercontinental Champion.
- Bron Breakker lost the NXT Championship to Joe Gacy.
- Roman Reigns & The Rock defeated Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins in the main event.
Q: Who were the biggest winners of the night?
- Sami Zayn (emotional Intercontinental Championship win)
- Rhea Ripley (dominant Women’s Championship defense)
- R-Truth & The Miz (unexpected Raw Tag Team Championship victory)
Q: Who were the biggest losers of the night?
- Becky Lynch (surprising loss to Rhea Ripley)
- Gunther (lost his record-breaking Intercontinental Championship reign)
- Bron Breakker (shocking NXT Championship loss)
Q: What are the biggest questions left unanswered after Night 1?
- What are the ramifications of The Rock’s actions in the main event?
- Will there be a future feud between The Rock and Roman Reigns?
- How will Sami Zayn react to his Intercontinental Championship win?
- Who will be the next challenger for Bron Breakker after his NXT Championship loss?
Q: Where can I find more information about WrestleMania XL?
- You can visit the official WWE website for news, results, and highlights from WrestleMania XL.
- Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook will likely be buzzing with discussion about the event. Use hashtags like #WrestleManiaXL and #Night1 to join the conversation.
