WrestleMania 42 Review: WWE Acknowledges Its True Champion

I previously wondered why WWE set Punk vs. Reigns as the ultimate main event of WrestleMania 42. Because the way they have set it up the past few years, the Undisputed WWE Championship is the primary world title. However, after comparing the two matches, it's clear that WWE made the right decision. "The OTC" and "The Voice of the Voiceless" proved they are two of the best wrestlers to ever step into a wrestling ring.

Their storytelling was superb. The match told the story of their recent rivalry. One of Reigns' hard-hitting verbal attacks on Punk was that the champ was "old." Having the match end with Punk "losing his strength" after a hard-fought match, which gave Reigns the opening to win, was a fantastic touch. 

Perhaps it would have made more sense if Punk had collapsed during a heated, hard-hitting exchange. The way it ended makes it look like Roman didn’t truly earn the victory, especially since Punk had been dominating the match at that point. However, Punk can use that exact argument to demand a rematch. Similar to how Shawn Michaels demanded a rematch against The Undertaker after his "mistake." 

The Face of the Company

If you compare the two main events, it’s clear that WWE acknowledges its one true champion. 

What do I mean?

While Rhodes and Orton put on a solid performance, their storytelling sucked.

Early on, Orton was "injured," and Rhodes relentlessly exploited this. This seemed backwards, given the babyface/heel dynamic of the contest. Orton got busted open and played the "babyface in peril."

It looked as if WWE was pulling a double turn, similar to "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Bret "The Hitman" Hart at WrestleMania 13 or The Rock and "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania 18.

But they didn't pull the trigger, and it may cost them.

We've seen this with Rhodes before, first in AEW, when he teased a heel turn but never followed through. Ultimately, the fans turned on him. The same has happened several times in WWE, too. How many times has he viciously attacked his opponent or won thanks to underhanded tactics?

If WWE is trying to portray Rhodes as a tweener, they’re failing. As much as I wanted to see Rhodes "finish his story," I'm now tired of WWE pushing him down my throat as the face of the company.

It's similar to what WWE did with Roman Reigns last decade when they pushed him as the top babyface, even giving him a win against The Undertaker at WrestleMania. If you recall, it took years for the fans to actually acknowledge him.

If you watch the crowd's reactions and read commentaries online, you'll see that resentment against Rhodes is building again. In fact, the fans cheered when Orton punted him.

If I recall correctly, Orton's punt kick usually resulted in the victim being sidelined for a while. As I've already read reports about Rhodes being injured, WWE might go down that road again. Maybe being out of sight will make the heart grow fonder. And Rhodes can focus on promoting his upcoming Street Fighter.

Back to Randy Orton: Him turning on McAfee makes the past few weeks seem inconsequential, but it fits his character. The WWE seems to have reverted him to the vicious and unpredictable Apex Predator who indiscriminately RKO'ed and punted anybody.

I prefer Orton as a face, but even I can’t dispute that he's one of the greatest heels of all time. With his strong performances, it’s only a matter of time before he finally gets another (well-earned) title run.

WrestleMania 42 Results Night 2

Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi

This was the quick, hard-hitting match we expected, which cemented Femi as a monster star in the WWE. Lesnar hits an F5, but Femi got back to his feet. He hit a chokeslam, followed by the Fall from Grace for the three-count. After the match, Femi briefly celebrates his victory on the ramp before disappearing backstage.

In the ring, Lesnar breaks down in tears and leaves his gloves and boots in the middle of the ring. Paul Heyman joins him, and the two embrace with tears in their eyes. Heyman raises Lesnar’s arm one last time as he waves goodbye to the crowd before heading backstage.

Lesnar seemed surprised but also grateful for the warm reception he received from the fans. Considering the rumors about his involvement in Janel Grant’s lawsuit, it surprised me, too.

Anyway, the Beast Incarnate made Femi look like the star that WWE believes he is. After all the rumors and setting up Gunther as the "Career Killer," I doubt that this was Lesnar’s last match. It wouldn't be difficult to lure him back into the ring. Gunther could point out that Lesnar retired because he feared him, or something like that. Another option is Gunther demanding the match as payment for the favor that Paul Heyman owes him, "The Ring General."

Six-Pack Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship
Penta (c) vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Dragon Lee vs. JD McDonagh vs. Rusev vs. Rey Mysterio

Penta won by retrieving the title from the hanging ladder. Since none of the contenders are currently in a position to win the IC title (not even Rey Mysterio), the outcome was as expected.

Besides, the entire match seemed to showcase Je'Von Evans's high-flying skills, with the other competitors added to the card for more talent.

WWE United States Championship Match: Sami Zayn (c) v. Trick Williams w/Lil’ Yachty

I'm not surprised that TPTB gave Trick Williams, their other rising star, his WrestleMania moment against veteran Sami Zayn.

Speaking of which: Considering he's now putting over up-and-comers, it's clear that Zayn's career has hit a glass ceiling. It's too bad, really. He has always done his best with the opportunities he got - even putting himself over with the fans during his involvement with the Bloodline.

That would have been the perfect opportunity to give him his well-earned world championship, even if only temporarily. But alas, it won't ever happen.

Street Fight: “The Demon” Finn Bálor vs. Dominik Mysterio

"The Demon" Finn Balor defeated Dominik Mysterio with a Coup de Grâce through a table.

Why did WWE bring back the Demon gimmick? After his string of losses a couple of years ago, it doesn't have the same aura it did a decade or two ago. Besides, the feud came far too late. Judgement Day should have split months, if not years, ago.  

WWE Women’s Championship Match: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Rhea Ripley

Rhea Ripley wins via pinfall after the Riptide, becoming a seven-time WWE Women’s Champion. Michin and B-Fab interfered several times until Iyo Sky, Ripley's best friend in the business, arrived and took them out. Then Cargill went for Jaded, but Ripley countered and hit the Riptide for the three count.

WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match: CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns defeats CM Punk by pinning him after hitting him with the Spear. The match ended when Punk hit a diving elbow drop from the top rope through the announce table. Punk rolled Reigns into the ring and hit the Go to Sleep. But instead of pinning Reigns, Punk went for another GTS, only to collapse under Reigns’ weight.

Reigns waited as Punk struggled to his feet before hitting one more spear for the win.

WrestleMania 42 Results Night 1

Six-Man Tag Team Match: The Usos (Jimmy & Jey) & LA Knight vs. The Vision (Austin Theory & Logan Paul) & IShowSpeed

LA Knight secured the win after hitting Theory with the BFT. Picking up the pin looked good for LA Knight. "The Megastar" has been popular with fans for some time, so hopefully the powers that be will capitalize on that before it’s too late.

Throughout the match, Speed follows his teammates' instructions and tries his best, but with mixed results. One of Speed’s failures signals the end of the match.

Afterward, Logan Paul attacked Speed in a fit of anger. After exchanging blows, the Usos and LA Knight take pity on Speed and intervene. They switched roles to give Speed his WrestleMania moment.

How many times have we seen the heel team turn on their "celebrity" member, only for the faces to save him and help him get revenge? Utterly predictable, and a waste of time.

Unsanctioned Match: Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre

Jacob Fatu defeated Drew McIntyre by pinning him after hitting the Mighty Moonsault from the top rope through the table. Given that WWE wants to promote Fatu as one of their top stars, his victory was predictable.

Both competitors brought weapons and props into play and spent time outside the ring. However, calling it "unsanctioned" seems bizarre, considering the general manager announced the match, and both performers showed up in their ring gear. In fact, we've seen more brutal and bloody regular matches in AEW.

Fatal Four-Way Tag Team Match for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship:
The Irresistible Forces (c) vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. Brie Bella and Paige

Nikki Bella announced that she hadn’t been medically cleared to wrestle, but she wouldn’t let Brie go out there alone. She says that she called an old friend, Paige! 

Surprise, surprise, the match ended with a pin by Paige on Bliss following the RamPaige.

WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Match: AJ Lee (c) vs. Becky Lynch

Becky Lynch wins via pinfall after the Manhandle Slam. Lynch repeatedly clashes with referee Jessica Carr after trying to expose a ring corner. In the end, however, she got her way in an unnoticed moment and immediately used it to secure the finish.

"The Ring General" Gunther vs. Seth "Freakin" Rollins

Gunther won by referee stoppage after Rollins lost consciousness in a sleeper hold. Despite having little time to set the match up, the two managed to convey a great deal of animosity, making it seem as though they were longtime rivals.

While both competitors were brawling outside the ring, Bron Breakker charged down the ramp and speared Rollins while the referee was checking on Gunther. Breakker rolls Rollins back into the ring, and Gunther follows. Gunther locked Rollins in a sleeper hold on the mat for the wins.

After the match, Rollins gets to his feet and tries to drag himself up the ramp. However, Breakker turned around and ran down the ramp at full speed to hit Rollins with another spear.

Gunther added another signature win to his already impressive run over the past several months. He is poised to enter the world title picture or engage in a program with Brock Lesnar to solidify his reputation as "Career Killer."

Women’s World Championship Match: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Liv Morgan

Liv Morgan won by pinfall after the ObLivion. After the match, the women of Judgment Day and Dominik Mysterio celebrated Morgan’s victory.

Undisputed WWE Championship Match: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton w/ Pat McAfee

Cody Rhodes won via pinfall after the CrossRhodes.

Before the bell rang, McAfee attacked Rhodes. Orton followed suit immediately, but Rhodes turned the tables and hit McAfee with the Cross Rhodes. Jelly Roll got involved and took out McAfee with a flying elbow through the commentary desk. To the fans' cheers, medics wheeled the commentator out of the arena. 

Rhodes poked Orton in the eyes, and Orton started bleeding from his forehead. The blood obstructed his vision and caused him to accidentally hit the referee with an RKO. While Orton failed to take advantage with a cheap shot, Rhodes retaliated with a low blow.

Rhodes went for a top-rope Cody Cutter, but Orton caught him mid-air with an RKO. Orton makes the cover, but the referee is still down. Pat McAfee, wearing a referee’s shirt and a neck brace, comes out to fill in for the knocked-out official. However, Rhodes kicks out at two.

A frustrated Orton hits McAfee with an RKO out of nowhere, much to the fans' delight. However, this gives Rhodes the time he needs to catch Orton with the final Cross Rhodes.

After the match, Rhodes celebrates his victory, but only briefly because Orton isn't willing to accept the outcome. Having recovered somewhat, Orton snatches the belt from the champion’s hand and hits him with it.

Reminiscent of his time as the Apex Predator, Orton then punted Rhodes, much to the fans' delight. The Viper then grabs the championship belt and stands over Rhodes, ending the first night of WrestleMania 42.

Final thoughts on WrestleMania 42

Overall, Night 2 of WrestleMania 42 was a much better showing than Night 1, although the bar was set very low. Was Night 2 perfect? Far from it. It was almost as predictable as the first night. Still, while Night 1 seemed to drag on, Night Two felt less time-consuming, despite having only one less match.

As much as I love professional wrestling, this event made the strongest case for WrestleMania and other two-day premium live events to return to a one-day format.

Several matches would have been better suited for a television broadcast. If WWE cut back on all the so-called “celebrities'” involvement, they would have enough money to cut back on all the unnecessary advertising and promotions. It's ridiculous how many matches are sponsored by companies. They should also stop the talent from constantly using the Slim Jim Table.

Yes, it's WrestleMania, and it's supposed to be a great show, but instead of ten- to twenty-minute entrances with commercials, give the time to the performers.

And as much as I like Danhausen, using an “army of midgets” might not have been a good idea.

Speaking of good ideas—or the lack thereof: Why did the WWE have all the women’s championships change hands? That looks like a lack of imagination or a desperate attempt to get a reaction from the crowd. Since I’m writing about it, perhaps they succeeded. But was it worth it? Then again, the media coverage will focus on the men’s storylines…

Anyway, I’m looking forward to tonight because RAW after WrestleMania is usually one of the best shows of the year.

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