After an underwhelming WrestleMania 42 on Saturday, WWE came back strong with a great Mania Sunday. In contrast to the first night, Night Two had longer and better matches. The show was well-paced and backed with high-quality action. Additionally, the storytelling portion was pretty good.
Given that WWE had saved some of its biggest matches for Mania Sunday, the show was bound to surpass the first night. However, credit must be given to the company where it is due. Triple H and his creative team have come under fire recently, but they did a commendable job on Mania 42 – Night Two. On that note, let’s look at 4 things WWE got right at WrestleMania 42 on Sunday.
#4. Oba Femi Came Out of WrestleMania Looking Stronger than Ever
WrestleMania Sunday kicked off with a bang as Oba Femi battled Brock Lesnar. This was one match fans were genuinely optimistic about, and they were not disappointed. There were whispers that Lesnar might squash Femi, but those rumors couldn’t have been more wrong.
Femi walked in looking like a million bucks. The Ruler had the crowd in the palm of his hand as he strutted down the ring. He already won half of the battle with his entrance. The match was kept short, five minutes, but it did the job.
The Ruler looked invincible. Lesnar tried to take him down with two Clotheslines, but Femi barely moved. The Beast Incarnate was taken aback. Lesnar eventually found a way back into the war, briefly taking Femi to Suplex City. However, this was the Ruler’s night to shine and ascend to the top.
Lesnar hit the F5, but Femi got up and Chokeslammed his opponent. Then, the Ruler picked up Lesnar for the “Fall from Grace,” which put the Conqueror away for the three-count. The message was clear: Oba Femi had arrived. He is now the guy to beat, and the man who rules over WWE with an iron fist.
The Beast, the man who ended The Undertaker’s legendary streak, was no match for the former NXT Champion. Never had we seen Lesnar look so vulnerable. He had no answer for Femi, who was effectively a better and younger version of the Conqueror.
After his defeat, Lesnar took his gloves and boots off, leaving them in the middle of the ring. He soaked in the crowd’s adulation as many wondered if the Beast had hung up his wrestling boots for good. However, Lesnar can retire knowing that he created a megastar in his final match.
#3. The Intercontinental Title Ladder Match Was Everything it Should Have Been
When WWE confirmed a 6-man ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 42, fans were elated with joy and anticipation. Je’Von Evans, Dragon Lee, JD McDonagh, Rusev, Rey Mysterio, and the Champion, Penta, made up the field. Given the talent involved, the expectations were through the roof, and the 6 men delivered.
It’s hard to single out the MVP of the ladder match as each participant brought their A-Game. Je’Von Evans was flying all over the place. Rey Mysterio showed the world that he hadn’t lost a step. Penta nearly killed JD McDonagh with the Mexican Driver through the ladder. Rusev’s power was on full display as the rest of the field wowed Vegas with their athleticism.
It was never going to be a storytelling masterpiece, nor were fans expecting a technical masterclass. They wanted chaos and a shot of adrenaline. The IC Title Ladder match provided those requirements with 15 minutes of thrilling, high-octane action.
#2. Trick Williams Also Got His WrestleMania Moment
Although many fans didn’t think that Sami Zayn needed the United States Championship, they still wanted to see Trick Williams in a high-profile match. Tricky Willy is one of the most charismatic stars in WWE today, and casual fans got a taste of his charisma at Mania.
The former NXT Champion’s presentation was excellent. Lil Yachty accompanied Williams to the ring as Allegiant Stadium screamed “Whoop That Trick.” The crowd was firmly in his favor, and WWE did well to put Tricky Willy in the tweener role. Sami Zayn behaved like a heel at certain places, but Williams did well to keep the crowd on his side.
In the end, Williams had a somewhat clean win as he hit the second Trick Shot for the three-count. This was his first title win on the main roster, and it couldn’t have come at a bigger stage. WWE clearly sees something in the charismatic star, and fans are seeing it too now.
#1. Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk Was a Storytelling Masterpiece
Professional wrestling is the ideal combination of action, storytelling, and cinema. Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk brought these three elements to life in the best way possible at WrestleMania Sunday. However, the storytelling aspect needs to be highlighted because it was absolutely splendid.
From the get-go, WWE got everything right about the story. Reigns brought back his old theme song, reminding everyone of his dominance. He also reminded the world of his Bloodline. Punk ensured that Reigns got to hear the fans’ chant his name as his theme song hit minutes after he walked out to the stage.
The action started slowly as both men built tension, slowly drawing the crowd into the match. It was Reigns’ dominance and fury against Punk’s heart and resilience. It was the ultimate tale of the student trying to outplay a former mentor. The referee allowed some leeway as Reigns used the steel steps, but that was a testament to the importance of this match. Nonetheless, the ending felt appropriate.
After a grueling bout, Punk finally had the upper hand. He was about to hit one final GTS, but his body gave out. The champion’s heart was still in the game. However, the old veteran, a fact Reigns brought up in the build-up, couldn’t keep up with his younger foe. The OTC hit two consecutive Spears to win the World Heavyweight Championship.
The OTC proved that he could get the job done, showing Punk’s initial claims were wrong. He also proved that the Second City Saint had grown old and slightly out of place with the modern generation. It would be intriguing to see where Punk goes from here, but Reigns is set for another dominant run at the top.
