WrestleMania XL

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Wrestlemania 40)

WrestleMania XL
Promotional poster featuring Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes
PromotionWWE
Brand(s)
DateApril 6–7, 2024
CityPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
VenueLincoln Financial Field
Attendance
  • Night 1: 72,543[1]
  • Night 2: 72,755[2]
  • Combined: 145,298
WWE Network event chronology
← Previous
NXT Stand & Deliver 		Next →
Backlash France
WrestleMania chronology
← Previous
39 		Next →
41

WrestleMania XL was a 2024 professional wrestling event produced by WWE. It was the 40th annual WrestleMania and took place as a two-night event on April 6 and 7, 2024, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The event aired via pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming and featured wrestlers from the promotion's Raw and SmackDown brand divisions. This was the second WrestleMania to be held in both the city of Philadelphia and state of Pennsylvania, after WrestleMania XV in 1999.

The card comprised a total of 14 matches, with seven on each night. In the main event for Night 1, The Bloodline (The Rock and Roman Reigns) defeated Cody Rhodes and Seth "Freakin" Rollins in a tag team match, which made the stipulation of the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match on Night 2 a Bloodline Rules match. In other prominent matches, Sami Zayn defeated Gunther to win Raw's Intercontinental Championship, ending the latter's record-setting reign at 666 days, and in the opening bout, Rhea Ripley defeated Becky Lynch to retain Raw's Women's World Championship.

In the main event for Night 2, Cody Rhodes defeated Roman Reigns in a Bloodline Rules match to win SmackDown's Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, ending the latter's world championship reign at 1,316 days.[a] In other prominent matches, Bayley defeated Iyo Sky to win SmackDown's WWE Women's Championship, Logan Paul defeated Randy Orton and Kevin Owens in a triple threat match to retain SmackDown's United States Championship, and in the opening bout, Drew McIntyre defeated Seth "Freakin" Rollins to win Raw's World Heavyweight Championship, after which, Damian Priest cashed in his Money in the Bank contract and defeated McIntyre to win the title.

This was the first WrestleMania held after WWE merged with the Endeavor subsidiary Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in September 2023, under the banner of TKO Group Holdings. It was the first WrestleMania under TKO and the first not directly under McMahon family control. It was also the final WrestleMania to livestream on the standalone WWE Network, which is set to close in any markets where the service is still available in January 2025, with WWE content moving to Netflix.

The event received highly positive reviews, with Night 2 being singled out for critical acclaim. Praise was given to all seven championship matches, with the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match garnering ubiquitous acclaim for its storytelling and satisfying conclusion.

Production

Background

The event was held at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

WrestleMania is WWE's flagship pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming event, having first been held in 1985. It was the company's first PPV produced and was also WWE's first major event available via livestreaming when the company launched the WWE Network in February 2014. It is the longest-running professional wrestling event in history and is held annually between mid-March to mid-April, featuring wrestlers from WWE's Raw and SmackDown brand divisions.[3] Along with Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, Survivor Series, and Money in the Bank, it is one of the company's five biggest events of the year, referred to as the "Big Five".[4][5][6] WrestleMania was ranked the sixth-most valuable sports brand in the world by Forbes,[7] and has been described as the Super Bowl of sports entertainment.[8] Much like the Super Bowl, cities bid for the right to host WrestleMania.[9] The official theme song for the event was "Gasoline" by The Weeknd, which marked the fifth consecutive year that a Weeknd song was used for WrestleMania.[10]

On July 27, 2022, it was announced that Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania would host WrestleMania 40 on April 6 and 7, 2024.[6] Philadelphia mayor Jim Kenney welcomed WWE to the city, noting the economic boost from visiting fans.[11] The event's logo was revealed on October 8, 2022, during the Extreme Rules Kickoff pre-show at the nearby Wells Fargo Center. Themed after the Liberty Bell and in the colors of the Philadelphia Eagles, it incorporated Roman numerals for the first time since WrestleMania XXX in 2014, thus officially stylizing the title as WrestleMania XL.[12][13] Tickets for the event went on sale on August 18, 2023.[14] Over 90,000 tickets were sold on the first day for both nights combined, breaking WWE's record set by the prior year's WrestleMania.[15]

Lincoln Financial Field set up for WrestleMania XL.

From January 2023, there had been speculation that WWE had been placed up for sale.[16] Hours before WrestleMania 39 Night 2 began, CNBC reported via multiple sources that a deal between WWE and Endeavor, the parent company of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) via Zuffa, was imminent. The deal involved a merger of WWE with the UFC into a new publicly traded company, with Endeavor holding a 51% stake.[17] The sale was confirmed the next day on April 3, 2023,[18] and was finalized on September 12, with WWE merging with the UFC to become divisions of TKO Group Holdings. WrestleMania XL was in turn the first WrestleMania held in which WWE was not owned and controlled by the McMahon family, and subsequently the first WrestleMania under TKO.[19]

Broadcast outlets

WrestleMania XL was broadcast live on traditional pay-per-view worldwide. Additionally, it was available to livestream on Peacock in the United States, Disney+ Hotstar in Indonesia, Disney+ in the Philippines, Binge in Australia, Abema in Japan, SonyLIV in India, and the WWE Network in all other countries.

Additionally, the event streamed live on Netflix in New Zealand, as a technical test for when the promotion's new contract with Netflix comes into effect in January 2025.[20] As a result of said contract, all WWE Network content will move to Netflix in all countries where the former is still available as a standalone service, making WrestleMania XL the final WrestleMania event to livestream on the WWE Network.[21]

Other WrestleMania week events

As part of the WrestleMania festivities, WWE held a number of events throughout the week. WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker presented his 1 deadMAN Show on Thursday, April 4 at The Fillmore Philadelphia.[22] From that same day through April 8 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, there was a fan convention called WWE World at WrestleMania. In partnership with Fanatics Events, the five-day event included interview panel sessions with WWE wrestlers, a WWE 2K24 gaming tournament, live podcast recordings, meet-and-greets with wrestlers, and a large merchandise store with various memorabilia honoring WrestleMania's 40-year history.[23] WWE World replaced the WrestleMania Fan Axxess event that had been held at each year's WrestleMania prior to WrestleMania 36 in 2020.[24] WWE commentator Pat McAfee also hosted a live edition of his eponymous ESPN afternoon show at WWE World on Friday, April 5.[25]

The night before WrestleMania XL on April 5, WWE kicked off WrestleMania Weekend with a special "WrestleMania Edition" of Friday Night SmackDown, which featured the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, won by Bronson Reed.[26] Immediately after SmackDown, the 2024 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony commenced. The afternoon of WrestleMania Saturday, WWE's NXT brand held its annual WrestleMania Week event, Stand & Deliver. WrestleMania Week concluded with the post-WrestleMania edition of Monday Night Raw on April 8. These events were held live at the nearby Wells Fargo Center.[27]

Between all of the WrestleMania Weekend events (SmackDown/HOF induction ceremony, Stand & Deliver, both nights of WrestleMania XL, and Raw), WWE announced a grand total attendance of 201,924.[28]

Celebrities

As is tradition at WrestleMania, celebrities from outside of wrestling participated at the event in various capacities, such as rapper and Philadelphia native Meek Mill, who narrated the cold open for the event on both nights.[29]

On Night 1, Grammy Award winning singer Coco Jones opened the show by performing "The Star-Spangled Banner".[30] Grammy winning rapper Lil Wayne debuted his latest single during the event.[31] Philadelphia Eagles offensive linemen Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson were involved in the Rey Mysterio and Andrade vs. Santos Escobar and "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio tag team match, aiding Rey and Andrade.

On Night 2, Country music duo The War and Treaty performed "God Bless America" to open the show. WWE Hall of Famer and rapper Snoop Dogg was on commentary for the Philadelphia Street Fight, and returned later alongside the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders to announce the evening's attendance. Rapper and YouTuber IShowSpeed accompanied Logan Paul to the ring for his WWE United States Championship defense (wearing a Prime bottle costume at the start and then revealing himself while the match was in progress).

Storylines

The event included 14 matches, split evenly between both nights, that resulted from scripted storylines. Results were predetermined by WWE's writers on the Raw and SmackDown brands,[32][33] while storylines were produced on WWE's weekly television shows, Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown.[34]

Main event matches

Cody Rhodes (left) and Seth "Freakin" Rollins (right) wrestled on both nights of WrestleMania XL. On Night 1, they teamed to face The Bloodline (The Rock and Roman Reigns) in a tag team match. On Night 2, Rhodes faced Reigns for SmackDown's Undisputed WWE Universal Championship and Rollins defended Raw's World Heavyweight Championship against Drew McIntyre.

After Cody Rhodes made his return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022, he declared he would finish his story by winning the WWE Championship, a title his father Dusty Rhodes never held.[35] Also at WrestleMania 38, Roman Reigns became the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion by retaining the WWE Universal Championship and winning the WWE Championship.[36] After Rhodes won the 2023 Royal Rumble match but failed to defeat Reigns for the undisputed title at WrestleMania 39,[37] Rhodes again won the Royal Rumble match in 2024.[38] With the introduction of the World Heavyweight Championship after WrestleMania 39,[39] Rhodes, who won the Royal Rumble as a member of the Raw roster, in turn received a choice of which world title to challenge for at WrestleMania XL.[38] During the Royal Rumble post-event press conference, Rhodes stated that he wanted to face Reigns again for SmackDown's Undisputed WWE Universal Championship,[40] but on the January 29 episode of Raw, Seth "Freakin" Rollins argued that Rhodes should instead challenge him for Raw's World Heavyweight Championship.[41] On that week's SmackDown, Rhodes announced that he would not challenge Reigns at WrestleMania and said that one of the individuals he took counsel from in making his decision knew Reigns very well. This brought out The Rock, who came face-to-face with Reigns.[42]

On Night 1 of WrestleMania XL, The Rock wrestled his first match since WrestleMania 32 in 2016.

Prior to the Royal Rumble at Raw: Day 1 on January 1, The Rock made a surprise appearance and seemingly called out Reigns by asking if he should sit at the "head of the table", a reference to their relationship through the Anoaʻi family as for over three years, Reigns had claimed he was the Head of the Table and Tribal Chief of The Bloodline, a faction of wrestlers from the family that includes Reigns and his cousins Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa, managed by Paul Heyman.[43] After Rock and Reigns came face-to-face on the February 2 episode of SmackDown, a WrestleMania XL Kickoff media event was held on February 8 where the two declared that they would face each other for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in the main event of WrestleMania XL. However, Rhodes appeared and asserted that since he won the Royal Rumble, he earned the right to decide the main event and announced that he had reversed his decision and would challenge Reigns for the title at WrestleMania. After bringing up each other's families, Rock claimed that he and Rhodes now had issues and he slapped Rhodes in the face with Rollins backing Rhodes.[44]

WrestleMania XL marked Roman Reigns' fourth consecutive defense of the WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania, and his second as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. In main eventing both nights, Reigns set the record for most WrestleMania main event matches (nine).

On the following SmackDown, WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H affirmed that the main event of WrestleMania XL Night 2 would be Reigns defending the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Rhodes.[45] After Rhodes had initially declared that he would not challenge Reigns at WrestleMania and with Rock seemingly challenging Reigns instead, this drew intense fan backlash with #WeWantCody trending on social media prior to the Kickoff event.[46] On the February 12 episode of Raw, Rhodes claimed that it was because of the fans that he reversed his decision and decided to challenge Reigns. Rollins interrupted and stated that he understood Rhodes's decision and offered to be his backup due to Reigns always having his family in his corner.[47] In response on that week's SmackDown, The Rock turned heel, officially joined The Bloodline, and vowed that he would do everything in his power to ensure Rhodes did not finish his story.[48]

At Elimination Chamber: Perth on February 24, Rhodes challenged Rock to a one-on-one match at any time, and Rollins again asserted that he would be in Rhodes's corner in facing The Bloodline.[49] On the following SmackDown, Rock rejected Rhodes's challenge and instead offered a counter: a tag team match featuring Rhodes and Rollins against Rock and Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania XL Night 1 with an added stipulation that if Rhodes and Rollins won, then The Bloodline would be barred from ringside during the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match on Night 2, however, if Rock and Reigns won, then the championship match would be contested under The Bloodline's rules in which anything goes.[50] Rhodes and Rollins appeared on the next week's episode where they accepted the challenge.[51]

Undercard matches

Bayley (left) challenged Damage CTRL member Iyo Sky (right) for SmackDown's WWE Women's Championship on Night 2.

At SummerSlam in July 2022, Bayley made her return from injury alongside Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky with the trio dubbing themselves Damage CTRL.[52] Kairi Sane, who returned to WWE in November 2023 and who had previous issues with Bayley before her departure, forgave Bayley and joined with Damage CTRL, followed by Asuka joining the group, subsequently reuniting The Kabuki Warriors in the process.[53] The group would attain success on SmackDown, including multiple WWE Women's Tag Team Championship reigns, as well as Sky winning the WWE Women's Championship. Bayley then won the 2024 women's Royal Rumble match, thus earning a women's championship match of her choice at WrestleMania XL.[38] Bayley had previously said she would be going after Raw's women's championship so that Damage CTRL would hold all the women's titles of Raw and SmackDown;[54] however, on the February 2 episode of SmackDown, after Bayley overheard Sky, Asuka, and Sane talking behind her back, Bayley revealed she understood Japanese and how they made fun of her. Bayley was then kicked out of Damage CTRL after Asuka and Sane attacked her, turning face for the first time since 2019. After fighting off the rest of Damage CTRL, Bayley decided that she would challenge Sky for the WWE Women's Championship at WrestleMania XL.[42] Kai was absent when Sky, Asuka, and Sane turned on Bayley and although she seemingly sided with Bayley the next week,[45] Kai also turned on her on the March 1 episode.[50] On April 1, the WWE Women's Championship match was confirmed for Night 2.[55]

Concurrent to their feud with Bayley, Damage CTRL (Iyo Sky, Dakota Kai, Asuka, and Kairi Sane) were also feuding with Naomi and Bianca Belair. On the March 29 episode of SmackDown, following Belair's win over Kai, Damage CTRL engaged in a beatdown of Belair and Naomi. Jade Cargill, who was making her debut as an official roster member of the brand that night, made the save after weeks of teasing a feud with the faction. Later, it was announced that Cargill, Naomi, and Belair would face Damage CTRL (Kai, Asuka, and Sane) in a six-woman tag team match at WrestleMania XL Night 1.[56][55]

As a result of both the men's and women's Royal Rumble match winners choosing to challenge for SmackDown's respective men's and women's world championships at WrestleMania XL, the challengers for Raw's respective men's and women's world championships at the event were decided by Elimination Chamber matches at Elimination Chamber: Perth.[57][45] Raw's Becky Lynch won the women's eponymous match to face Rhea Ripley for the Women's World Championship, while Raw's Drew McIntyre won the men's to face Seth "Freakin" Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship.[49] The Women's World Championship match was scheduled for Night 1,[55] with the World Heavyweight Championship match set for Night 2.[58] On the March 25 episode of Raw, it was announced that CM Punk, who had issues with both Rollins and McIntyre but had gotten legitimately injured at the Royal Rumble, would serve as a special guest commentator for the World Heavyweight Championship match.[59]

After several wrestlers declared their intentions to challenge Gunther for Raw's Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania XL, Raw General Manager Adam Pearce announced that a gauntlet match would be held on the March 11 episode of Raw with the winner facing Gunther for the title at WrestleMania.[60] The gauntlet match was won by Sami Zayn,[61] and the Intercontinental Championship match was later confirmed for Night 1.[55]

On the March 11 episode of Raw, Raw General Manager Adam Pearce and SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis announced that at WrestleMania XL, The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor and Damian Priest) would defend the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship in a Six-Pack Tag Team Ladder match. Qualifying matches for the five vacant spots—three teams from Raw and two from SmackDown—occurred over the subsequent episodes of Raw and SmackDown.[61] The three teams from Raw were determined by qualifier matches on the March 18 episode of Raw, which were won by #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa), The Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth), and The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods).[62] The two teams from SmackDown were determined by two tournament brackets, which were won by A-Town Down Under (Austin Theory and Grayson Waller) and New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate) on the March 29 episode of SmackDown.[56] On April 1, the match was confirmed for Night 1,[55] and it was also clarified that both sets of titles under the Undisputed Championship banner (the Raw and SmackDown tag titles) had to be retrieved for the match to end.[63]

On the December 15, 2023, episode of SmackDown, AJ Styles made a return from injury and helped LA Knight in fending off The Bloodline, but then turned on Knight and attacked him with a steel chair.[64] Styles later explained that he attacked Knight for taking his spot in a tag team match at Fastlane in October 2023, saying he "stepped over his dead body" to get ahead.[65] Both then participated in a fatal four-way match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble in January 2024, but were unsuccessful.[38] Knight then qualified for the men's Elimination Chamber match at Elimination Chamber: Perth the following month, but Styles did not. During the match itself, Styles snuck into the chamber and attacked Knight with a steel chair, causing Knight to be eliminated.[49] After more weeks of feuding, Knight challenged Styles to a match at WrestleMania XL and Styles accepted,[66] which was later confirmed for Night 2.[55]

Brothers Jimmy Uso (left) and Jey (right) faced each other on the Night 1 undercard.

Prior to the summer of 2023, The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) were a unit of their family's stable, The Bloodline, on SmackDown. However, due to the manipulations of its leader, Roman Reigns, The Usos left the group which eventually led to a "Bloodline Civil War" tag team match at Money in the Bank against Reigns and Solo Sikoa, in which The Usos won.[67][68] Jey then faced Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at SummerSlam that August, but Jimmy interfered and cost his brother the match.[69] On the following SmackDown, Jimmy explained that he cost Jey the match to keep him from gaining power and becoming corrupted like Reigns. Jey subsequently attacked Jimmy and "quit" WWE,[70] but was later reinstated as a member of the Raw roster.[71] Despite being on different shows, Jimmy, who rejoined The Bloodline, would often appear on Raw and attack Jey or cost him matches. The two would also face off in the men's Royal Rumble match in January 2024 as the first two entrants.[38] Jimmy then cost Jey a match for the Intercontinental Championship the following month.[72] On the March 11 episode of Raw, fed up with his brother's actions, Jey challenged Jimmy to a match at WrestleMania XL,[61] which Jimmy accepted on that week's SmackDown.[66] The match was later confirmed for Night 1.[55]

At the Royal Rumble, Logan Paul defeated Kevin Owens by disqualification to retain SmackDown's United States Championship. Paul had attempted to use his signature brass knuckles, but Owens instead used them and was caught, thus was disqualified.[38] The following month at Elimination Chamber: Perth, Paul, Owens, and Randy Orton were participants in the men's Elimination Chamber match. Orton eliminated both Owens and Paul, who in turn caused Orton to be eliminated by punching him with the brass knuckles.[49] On the March 8 episode of SmackDown, Paul and his business partner KSI announced that their energy drink company, Prime, would be an official WWE sponsor with the Prime logo placed in the center of the ring mat for PPV and livestreaming events, in turn becoming WWE's first center ring mat sponsor. Orton interrupted and attempted an RKO on Paul, but Paul escaped with KSI instead receiving the RKO.[51] The following week, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis announced that Paul would defend the United States Championship against Owens and Orton in a triple threat match at WrestleMania XL,[66] which was later confirmed for Night 2.[55]

At Crown Jewel in November 2023, Rey Mysterio lost the United States Championship to Logan Paul after his Latino World Order (LWO) stablemate, Santos Escobar, left Paul's signature brass knuckles on the ring apron, allowing Paul to hit Rey with them and win the title.[73] On the following episode of SmackDown, fellow LWO member Carlito accused Escobar of intentionally leaving the brass knuckles on the ring apron. Later that night, Escobar attacked Rey as he was checking on Carlito, injuring Rey's left knee and striking it with steel steps, turning heel and defecting from the LWO.[53] After a three-month hiatus, Rey returned on the March 1 episode of SmackDown to help Carlito defeat Escobar in a street fight.[50] Three weeks later, Escobar defeated Rey after interference from the latter's son, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, who had turned on his father at Clash at the Castle in September 2022 to join The Judgment Day.[74] One week later, Escobar and his Legado Del Fantasma stablemates thanked Dominik for his actions. Rey interrupted, introduced Dragon Lee as the newest member of the LWO, and Rey and Lee subsequently challenged Escobar and Dominik to a tag team match at WrestleMania XL, which was made official for Night 1.[56][55] The following week, however, Lee was attacked backstage, rendering him unable to compete at WrestleMania. Andrade, who assisted Rey in fending off Escobar and Dominik earlier that night and reunited with LWO's Zelina Vega, was named Lee's replacement.[26]

At SmackDown: New Year's Revolution on January 5, Karrion Kross, accompanied by Scarlett, attacked The Pride (Bobby Lashley, Angelo Dawkins, and Montez Ford) with help from the returning Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar), accompanied by Paul Ellering, with Kross, Scarlett, Authors of Pain, and Ellering forming a faction called The Final Testament.[75] The two groups would continue feuding over the next couple of months and on the March 29 episode of SmackDown, The Final Testament attacked Lashley and B-Fab backstage, causing a distraction that cost The Street Profits (Dawkins and Ford) their tournament final match to qualify for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship match at WrestleMania XL.[56] On April 1, a six-man tag team Philadelphia Street Fight pitting The Final Testament against The Pride was confirmed for WrestleMania XL Night 2.[55]

Cancelled matches

Brock Lesnar, who last appeared at SummerSlam in August 2023, was planned to return at the Royal Rumble and be featured in a match at WrestleMania XL, reportedly against Gunther. However, due to Lesnar being referenced in a sex trafficking lawsuit against Vince McMahon, Lesnar was pulled from the Royal Rumble and all planned storylines for him leading into WrestleMania were scrapped.[76]

CM Punk, who after nearly 10 years made his return to WWE at Survivor Series: WarGames in November 2023, legitimately tore his right triceps during the men's Royal Rumble match. It was reported that his planned WrestleMania XL match was to challenge Seth "Freakin" Rollins for Raw's World Heavyweight Championship, but due to his injury, plans were changed.[77]

Event

WrestleMania XL stage

Night 1

Other on-screen personnel – Saturday
Role Name
English commentators Michael Cole
Corey Graves
Pat McAfee
Spanish commentators Marcelo Rodriguez
Jerry Soto
Ring announcer Samantha Irvin
Referees Danilo Anfibio
Jason Ayers
Shawn Bennett
Jessika Carr
Daphne Lashaunn
Eddie Orengo
Chad Patton
Rod Zapata
Interviewers Kayla Braxton
Cathy Kelley
Byron Saxton
Pre-show panel Jackie Redmond
CM Punk
Big E
Wade Barrett
Pre-show correspondents Megan Morant
Tom Rinaldi

Preliminary matches

WrestleMania Saturday began with WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H welcoming and hyping up the fans for the event.[78]

In the first match of Night 1, Rhea Ripley defended the Women World's Championship against Becky Lynch. During the match, Lynch applied the Dis-arm-her on Ripley, who was able to escape by performing a sit-out powerbomb for a nearfall. As Ripley attempted the Riptide, Lynch countered into a Manhandle Slam for a nearfall. Ripley then hit the Riptide for another nearfall. In the climax, as Lynch attempted a second Manhandle Slam, Ripley countered and performed two consecutive Riptides and pinned Lynch to retain the title.[78]

Next, The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor and Damian Priest) defended the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship in a Six-Pack Tag Team Ladder match against #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa), The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods), The Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth), A-Town Down Under (Austin Theory and Grayson Waller), and New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate). Both sets of titles had to be retrieved for the match to end. During the match, Truth performed the Attitude Adjustment on Bálor and pinned him for a three count. Truth celebrated, thinking it was a traditional tag team match, but Miz informed him that they had to pull the title belts down. Truth then suggested that #DIY go after the Raw Tag Team Championship, while he and Miz go after the SmackDown Tag Team Championship. The two teams were then knocked down by A-Town Down Under, who climbed the ladder and retrieved the SmackDown titles to become the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions. Judgment Day member JD McDonagh interfered, but The New Day tipped over the ladder, causing McDonagh to crash through the tables. In the end, Truth performed another Attitude Adjustment that sent Priest over the top rope to the floor. Truth then climbed the ladder and retrieved the Raw titles for he and Miz to become the new Raw Tag Team Champions, concluding the match as well as ending the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship with the two titles now separated. This made Truth the oldest Raw Tag Team Champion in the title's history and marked his first win at WrestleMania.[78]

After that, Rey Mysterio and Andrade (accompanied by Rey's LWO stablemates Carlito, Cruz Del Toro, Joaquin Wilde, and Zelina Vega) faced Santos Escobar and "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio (accompanied by Escobar's Legado del Fantasma stablemates Angel, Berto, and Elektra Lopez). In the end, two masked men showed up and helped Rey, who then hit Dominik and Escobar with a 619. Andrade took out Dominik and Rey pinned Escobar to win the match. After the match, the masked men celebrated with the LWO and were revealed to be Philadelphia Eagles offensive linemen Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson.[78]

In the fourth match, Jey Uso faced his brother Jimmy Uso in only the third-ever real life brother vs. brother match at WrestleMania (after Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart at WrestleMania X in March 1994 and Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Hardy at WrestleMania 25 in April 2009). During the match, Jey and Jimmy traded multiple superkicks against each other. As Jey was about to perform a superkick, Jimmy apologized and offered a handshake to Jey while on his knees, and the latter shook his brother's hand and helped him up, but Jimmy pushed and superkicked Jey. Jimmy then performed the Frog Splash on Jey for a nearfall. In the end, Jey performed a Spear and Uso Splash on Jimmy to win the match.[78]

Next, Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair, and Naomi faced off against Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Asuka, and Kairi Sane) in a six-woman tag team match. In the end, Asuka accidentally spit mist in Sane's face, allowing Belair to whip Asuka with her ponytail and followed up with the KOD. Cargill then performed the Jaded on Kai to win the match.[78]

Sami Zayn ended Gunther's Intercontinental Championship reign at 666 days, the longest in the title's history.

In the penultimate match, Gunther defended the Intercontinental Championship against Sami Zayn. As Zayn charged for the Helluva Kick, Gunther countered into a sleeper hold submission. Zayn escaped and attempted the Blue Thunder Bomb, but Gunther countered again and applied another sleeper hold. Gunther performed a dropkick and powerbomb on Zayn for a nearfall. Gunther executed multiple powerbombs, but Zayn kicked out. Gunther started mocking Zayn's wife, who was seated in the front row and performed multiple top rope splashes on Zayn. As Gunther climbed the top rope, Zayn performed a Helluva Kick and Brainbuster on Gunther on the top turnbuckle. Zayn then followed up with two consecutive Helluva Kicks and pinned Gunther to win the title for a fourth time, ending Gunther's 666 day reign as champion.[78]

Main event

In the main event of Night 1, The Bloodline (The Rock and Roman Reigns, accompanied by Paul Heyman) faced Cody Rhodes and Seth "Freakin" Rollins in a match where if Rhodes and Rollins won, all members of The Bloodline would be barred from ringside during the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match between Reigns and Rhodes on Night 2, but if Rock and Reigns won, then the championship match would be held under Bloodline Rules. While Rock and Rollins were fighting outside the ring, Rock warned referee Chad Patton that he would fire him if there was a countout. As Reigns tagged in Rock, Rock performed a low blow on Rollins. Patton apologized to Rhodes as there was nothing he could do about it. Rock applied the Sharpshooter on Rollins, in which Rhodes broke it up by slapping Rock in the face. As Reigns' nose was bleeding, he attempted the Spear on Rhodes, who countered and performed a Sunset Flip for a nearfall. Rhodes performed the Cody Cutter and Rollins followed up with a frog splash on Reigns for a nearfall. Rollins performed a second Stomp on Reigns, in which Rhodes followed up with the Cross Rhodes. Rhodes went for the pin, but Rock pulled the referee out of the ring. Reigns recovered and hit Rhodes from behind with a low blow and a Spear. Rock rolled the referee back inside the ring for a nearfall. Outside the ring, Rock grabbed the weight belt with Rhodes' blood on it and taunted Rhodes' mother, who was seated at ringside. Back in the ring, Rock attempted the People's Elbow, but Rhodes countered with the Cody Cutter. Reigns attempted the Spear on Rhodes, who was pushed out of the way by Rollins, causing Reigns to accidentally spear Rock. Rhodes and Rollins performed simultaneous Pedigrees on Rock and Reigns for a nearfall. Outside the ring, Rhodes performed the Rock Bottom on Rock through the broadcast table, while Reigns speared Rollins through the barricade. Back in the ring, as Rhodes attempted a third consecutive Cross Rhodes on Reigns, Rock whipped Rhodes with the weight belt, allowing Reigns to perform the Spear on Rhodes. Reigns tagged in Rock, who performed the People's Elbow on Rhodes and pinned him to win the match, making the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match on Night 2 to be held under Bloodline Rules. This match was the second longest in WrestleMania history (after Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XII in March 1996).[78]

Night 2

Other on-screen personnel – Sunday
Role Name
English commentators Michael Cole
Corey Graves
Pat McAfee
CM Punk (opening match)
Snoop Dogg (Philadelphia Street Fight)
Spanish commentators Marcelo Rodriguez
Jerry Soto
Ring announcer Samantha Irvin
Referees Danilo Anfibio
Bubba Ray Dudley (Philadelphia Street Fight)
Dan Engler
Eddie Orengo
Charles Robinson
Ryan Tran
Rod Zapata
Interviewers Kayla Braxton
Cathy Kelley
Peter Rosenberg
Byron Saxton
Pre-show panel Jackie Redmond
Big E
Wade Barrett
John "Bradshaw" Layfield
Pre-show correspondents Megan Morant
Tom Rinaldi

Preliminary matches

WrestleMania Sunday began with a returning Stephanie McMahon hyping up the crowd for the event.[79]

In the first match, Seth "Freakin" Rollins defended the World Heavyweight Championship against Drew McIntyre, with CM Punk as a special guest commentator. Immediately at the beginning of the match, McIntyre performed the Claymore Kick on Rollins for a nearfall. Outside the ring, McIntyre grabbed a cellphone and took a selfie with his wife. Following this, Rollins performed the Pedigree on McIntyre. The latter beat the count, but as he went back into the ring, Rollins immediately performed the Stomp for a nearfall. McIntyre turned his attention to Punk and mocked him by signaling for his finisher, the GTS, but Rollins countered into an inside cradle for a nearfall. McIntyre then performed another Claymore Kick on Rollins for a nearfall. In the climax, as Rollins kicked out of another Claymore Kick, McIntyre hit him with the maneuver again and pinned him to finally win a WWE world title in front of a live crowd.[79]

After the match, McIntyre mocked Punk and gestured a crotch chop. Punk stood up and tripped McIntyre. Punk then removed the brace from his arm and hit McIntyre with it. 2023 Men's Money in the Bank winner Damian Priest then ran out to the ring with his briefcase and cashed in the contract. Priest immediately performed the South of Heaven on McIntyre and pinned him to win the title. This made him the first WWE world champion of Puerto Rican descent in over fifty years and only the second WWE world champion of Puerto Rican descent after Pedro Morales. This also made him the second person to cash in his briefcase at WrestleMania (after Rollins at WrestleMania 31 in 2015).[79]

Next, The Pride (Bobby Lashley, Angelo Dawkins, and Montez Ford, accompanied by B-Fab) faced The Final Testament (Karrion Kross, Akam, and Rezar, accompanied by Scarlett and Paul Ellering) in a Philadelphia Street Fight match. WWE Hall of Famer and rapper Snoop Dogg was the special guest commentator for the match, and WWE Hall of Famer Bubba Ray Dudley was introduced as the special guest referee. In the end, Kross bickered with Dudley and shoved him. Dudley then pulled out his Hansen Brothers glasses and put them on and then signaled to "Get The Tables". Ford and Dawkins grabbed a table and set it up inside the ring. Ford then performed a Frog Splash on Kross through the table. Lashley then pinned Kross to win the match. After the match, Snoop Dogg joined The Pride and Dudley inside the ring and celebrated with them.[79]

After that, LA Knight faced AJ Styles. Before the match began, Knight and Styles ensued in a brawl. As Knight went for a superplex, Styles slipped under him and tripped him, causing Knight's head to hit the top turnbuckle pad. In the climax, Styles attempted the Phenomenal Forearm on Knight, who countered and performed the Blunt Force Trauma on Styles and pinned him to win his WrestleMania debut.[79]

In the next match, Logan Paul (accompanied by the Prime energy drink mascot) defended the United States Championship against Randy Orton and Kevin Owens. Throughout the match, Orton and Owens double-teamed Paul. As Orton and Owens attempted to pin Paul, both men traded punches to each other, giving Paul the opportunity to roll outside. Owens attempted the Stunner on Orton, only for the latter to counter into the RKO for a nearfall. Paul then hit Orton with his brass knuckles for a nearfall. Orton set up for the Punt Kick, but the Prime mascot pulled Paul outside the ring and revealed himself as IShowSpeed. Orton then performed the RKO on IShowSpeed through the announce table. Back in the ring, Orton countered Owens' Pop-Up Powerbomb attempt into the RKO. Paul then threw Orton out of the ring and performed the Frog Splash on Owens and pinned him to retain the title.[79]

In the penultimate match, Iyo Sky defended the WWE Women's Championship against Bayley. During the match, Sky performed two consecutive bridge suplexes on Bayley for a nearfall. Sky applied the STF and transitioned into a crossface, in which Bayley escaped and performed the Bayley to Belly on Sky for a nearfall. Sky performed an Over The Moonsault, but Bayley kicked out. After hitting Sky with an elbow drop, Bayley performed the Rose Plant and pinned Sky to win the title for a second time.[79]

Main event

John Cena (left) and The Undertaker (right) both appeared in the main event to help Cody Rhodes against The Bloodline.

In the main event of Night 2, Roman Reigns (accompanied by Paul Heyman) defended the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in a Bloodline Rules match against Cody Rhodes. During the match, Reigns and Rhodes fought into the crowd, where Rhodes suplexed Reigns on a table. Back in the ring, Reigns performed a back suplex and a fisherman's suplex on Rhodes for nearfalls. Outside the ring, Reigns performed a low blow on Rhodes before powerbombing him through an announce table. The two continued to fight back in the ring, where Rhodes performed the Cross Rhodes on Reigns, but as he attempted a second, Jimmy Uso attacked Rhodes. However, Jey Uso ran in. The two fought up the entrance ramp and Jey speared Jimmy off the ramp through tables. Reigns applied the guillotine choke, but Rhodes forced himself and Reigns out of the ring, where Rhodes speared Reigns through the barricade. Much like the previous year's WrestleMania, Rhodes performed the Cross Rhodes on Reigns twice, only for Solo Sikoa to appear and perform a Samoan Spike on Rhodes just before the third attempt.[79]

However, even after a Samoan Spike/Spear combination by Sikoa and Reigns, Rhodes kicked out. John Cena, who had his own issues with The Bloodline, then ran down to take out Sikoa and Reigns. The Rock appeared and after a stare-down with his old rival, performed a Rock Bottom on Cena. The Shield's music then hit, and Seth "Freakin" Rollins, who was wearing the stable's old gear, arrived with a chair, but before he could hit Rock with it, he was taken out by Reigns with a Superman Punch. Rock was about to attack Rhodes with the weight belt, but The Undertaker then appeared and took out Rock with a chokeslam. With chaos unfolding around the ring, Reigns had the opportunity to take out Rhodes with a chair, but instead decided to hit Rollins in the back with the chair (as deliberate revenge for Rollins betraying Reigns in the same way that caused the Shield's breakup 10 years prior) before throwing it away. Reigns attempted to spear Rhodes, but Rhodes countered the move and hit three successive Cross Rhodes and then pinned Reigns to finish his story of becoming WWE Champion, and also ending Reigns' 1,316 day reign as Universal Champion, the fourth longest world championship reign in WWE history. After the match, Rhodes celebrated with many main roster wrestlers and WWE legends, as well as his family.[79]

Reception

The Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes was universally praised. Wade Keller of Pro Wrestling Torch called it "a mega-spectacle of a match", stating that the only downfall was "the near falls didn't really resonate as possible finishes since the Bloodline Rules advantage hadn't come into play yet", but "once it did, it delivered huge pops". Keller stated that he "loved the idea of other top babyfaces celebrating with Cody, as Dusty Rhodes did that when he won NWA World Titles".[80] Chris Mueller of Bleacher Report and Brent Brookhouse of CBS Sports called it "overbooked in the best way".[81] Brookhouse stated that there was a "plodding" beginning because "everyone knew the mess of interference" from The Bloodline would be coming, and that "Rhodes getting help from Jey Uso, Cena, Rollins and Undertaker was the kind of wild mess that only makes sense at WrestleMania".[82] Cinemablend described the match, and the appearances by The Rock, John Cena, and The Undertaker, as being WWE's "Avengers: Endgame moment".[83]

Results

Night 1
No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[78]
1Rhea Ripley (c) defeated Becky Lynch by pinfallSingles match for the Women's World Championship[84]17:05
2A-Town Down Under (Austin Theory and Grayson Waller) and Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) defeated The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor and Damian Priest) (c), #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa), The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods), and New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate) by retrieving the SmackDown and Raw championships, respectivelySix-Pack Tag Team Ladder match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship[85]
Both sets of titles had to be retrieved for the match to end.		17:25
3Rey Mysterio and Andrade (with Carlito, Cruz Del Toro, Joaquin Wilde, and Zelina Vega) defeated Santos Escobar and "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio (with Angel, Berto, and Elektra Lopez) by pinfallTag team match[86]11:05
4Jey Uso defeated Jimmy Uso by pinfallSingles match[87]11:05
5Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair, and Naomi defeated Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Asuka, and Kairi Sane) by pinfallSix-woman tag team match[88]8:05
6Sami Zayn defeated Gunther (c) by pinfallSingles match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship[89]15:30
7The Bloodline (The Rock and Roman Reigns) (with Paul Heyman) defeated Cody Rhodes and Seth "Freakin" Rollins by pinfallTag team match[90]
Since Rock and Reigns won, the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match on Night 2 was held under Bloodline Rules.
Had Rhodes and Rollins won, all members of The Bloodline would have been barred from ringside during the championship match.		44:35
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match
Night 2
No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[79]
1Drew McIntyre defeated Seth "Freakin" Rollins (c) by pinfallSingles match for the World Heavyweight Championship[91]10:30
2Damian Priest defeated Drew McIntyre (c) by pinfallSingles match for the World Heavyweight Championship[91]
This was Priest's Money in the Bank cash-in match.		0:09
3The Pride (Bobby Lashley, Angelo Dawkins, and Montez Ford) (with B-Fab) defeated The Final Testament (Karrion Kross, Akam, and Rezar) (with Scarlett and Paul Ellering) by pinfallPhiladelphia Street Fight[92]
Bubba Ray Dudley was the special guest referee.		8:35
4LA Knight defeated AJ Styles by pinfallSingles match[93]12:25
5Logan Paul (c) (with IShowSpeed)[b] defeated Kevin Owens and Randy Orton by pinfallTriple threat match for the WWE United States Championship[94]17:40
6Bayley defeated Iyo Sky (c) by pinfallSingles match for the WWE Women's Championship[95]14:20
7Cody Rhodes defeated Roman Reigns (c) (with Paul Heyman) by pinfallBloodline Rules match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship[96]33:25
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Six-Pack Tag Team Ladder Match SmackDown Qualifier Tournament (2024)

This section is transcluded from List of WWE tournaments. (edit | history)
First round
SmackDown
(March 15) 		Final
SmackDown
(March 29)
    
Latino World Order
(Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro) 		9:12[97]
Legado Del Fantasma
(Angel and Berto) 		Pin
Legado Del Fantasma
(Angel and Berto) 		7:19[98]
Bracket #1
New Catch Republic
(Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate) 		Pin
New Catch Republic
(Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate) 		Pin
Pretty Deadly
(Elton Prince and Kit Wilson) 		11:14[97]
First round
SmackDown
(March 22) 		Final
SmackDown
(March 29)
    
A-Town Down Under
(Austin Theory and Grayson Waller) 		Pin
The O.C.
(Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) 		7:19[99]
A-Town Down Under
(Austin Theory and Grayson Waller) 		Pin
Bracket #2
The Street Profits
(Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) 		6:20[98]
The Street Profits
(Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) 		Pin
The Authors of Pain
(Akam and Rezar) 		8:37[99]

Notes

  1. ^ Specifically, under the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship banner, his reign with the WWE Universal Championship ended at 1,316 days while his WWE Championship reign ended at 735 days.
  2. ^ Speed had accompanied Logan Paul to the ring disguised as a Prime bottle; his identity was unveiled midway through the match.

References

  1. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (April 6, 2024). "WWE Announces Attendance Of 72,543 Fans For WrestleMania XL Saturday". Fightful. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  2. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (April 7, 2024). "WWE Announces Attendance Of 72,755 Fans For WrestleMania XL Sunday". Fightful. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  3. ^ Benigno, Anthony; Clapp, John (April 3, 2013). "WrestleMania 29 press conference brings WWE to Radio City Music Hall". WWE. Archived from the original on April 7, 2013. Retrieved March 31, 2014. ... WWE's flagship event lights up MetLife Stadium ... WrestleMania
  4. ^ Ian Hamilton. Wrestling's Sinking Ship: What Happens to an Industry Without Competition (p. 160)
  5. ^ News 3 Staff (August 22, 2021). "Las Vegas to host WWE's Money in the Bank in 2022". KSNV. Archived from the original on August 23, 2021. Retrieved May 31, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ a b Lambert, Jeremy (July 27, 2022). "WWE Announces Dates And Location For WrestleMania 40". Fightful. Archived from the original on July 27, 2022. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
  7. ^ Ozanian, Mike (October 16, 2019). "The Forbes Fab 40: Puma Debuts On 2019 List Of The World's Most Valuable Sports Brands". Forbes. Archived from the original on January 27, 2022. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  8. ^ Gelston, Dan (April 4, 2013). "WrestleMania is Super Bowl of sports entertainment". Associated Press. Archived from the original on March 31, 2014. Retrieved March 31, 2014.
  9. ^ Graser, Marc (March 28, 2010). "WrestleMania sets off bidding frenzy". Variety. Archived from the original on April 26, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  10. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (January 27, 2024). "WWE Announces The Weeknd's Gasoline Is The Official Theme Song Of WrestleMania 40". Fightful. Archived from the original on February 1, 2024. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
  11. ^ Sharber, Cory (July 27, 2022). "WWE's Wrestlemania 40 coming to Philadelphia in 2024". WHYY. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
  12. ^ Kasabian, Paul (October 8, 2022). "WWE WrestleMania 40 Logo Revealed; Event Will Be Held in Philadelphia". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved October 9, 2022.
  13. ^ Harris, Jeffrey (October 8, 2022). "WWE Unveils WrestleMania 40 Logo at Extreme Rules". 411Mania. Archived from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved October 9, 2022.
  14. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (July 21, 2023). "WrestleMania 40 Tickets Available On Friday, August 18". Fightful. Archived from the original on July 21, 2023. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  15. ^ Currier, Joseph (August 18, 2023). "WrestleMania 40 breaks WWE's all-time gate record". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Archived from the original on August 19, 2023. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  16. ^ Sherman, Alex (January 7, 2023). "Vince McMahon is back at WWE to ensure a smooth sale process. Here's who might want to buy it". CNBC. Archived from the original on January 9, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  17. ^ Sherman, Alex (April 2, 2023). "WWE near deal to be sold to UFC parent Endeavor, sources say". CNBC. Archived from the original on April 2, 2023. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
  18. ^ Valinsky, Jordan (April 3, 2023). "WWE is combining with UFC to form a new company". CNN. Archived from the original on April 3, 2023. Retrieved April 3, 2023.
  19. ^ "Endeavor and WWE® Deal to Create TKO Group Holdings Expected to Close September 12". Business Wire. September 7, 2023. Archived from the original on September 7, 2023. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  20. ^ O'Neill, Robert (April 11, 2024). "WWE WrestleMania 40 aired on Netflix in New Zealand". Awful Announcing. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  21. ^ Lowson, Thomas (January 25, 2024). "End of the WWE Network: Streaming Service to Be Absorbed By Netflix Next Year (Report)". SE Scoops. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
  22. ^ Holder, James (March 8, 2024). "The Undertaker Confirmed For WrestleMania 40 Weekend". TJR Wrestling. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  23. ^ Carey, Ian (February 19, 2024). "WWE, Fanatics reveal details of 'WWE World' at WrestleMania". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  24. ^ Powell, John (February 19, 2024). "WWE World replacing WrestleMania Fan Axxess". SLAM! Wrestling. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  25. ^ Boone, Matt (March 4, 2024). "Pat McAfee To Host His Show Live From WWE World During WrestleMania Week". PWMania. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  26. ^ a b Barnett, Jake (April 5, 2024). "WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (4/5): Barnett's review of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, Jey Uso vs. Solo Sikoa, KO Show with guest Randy Orton, final hype for WMXL". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
  27. ^ Wells Fargo Center [@WellsFargoCtr] (November 8, 2023). "Three huge events have been added to @WWE WrestleMania Week in Philadelphia! Friday Night Smackdown & 2024 WWE Hall of Fame Friday, April 5 NXT Stand & Deliver Saturday, April 6 Monday Night RAW Monday, April 8 All three events right here at Wells Fargo Center! Combo Tickets for all three events on-sale next Friday, November 17" (Tweet). Retrieved November 12, 2023 – via Twitter.
  28. ^ Keller, Wade (April 8, 2024). "WWE RAW RESULTS (4/8): Keller's report on the Raw After WrestleMania 40 including Cody mid-ring victory speech with Triple H and Rock, plus Cena, Jade, Drew, Priest". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  29. ^ O'Neal, Samuel (April 2, 2024). "WrestleMania 40 slams into Philly: What wrestling fans (and non-WWE fans) need to know". NBC Philadelphia. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
  30. ^ Currier, Joseph (April 4, 2024). "WWE reveals national anthem singer for WrestleMania 40 night one". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
  31. ^ Simon, Alexandria (April 2, 2024). "Lil Wayne coming to WrestleMania 40, debuting new single". CBS News. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  32. ^ Grabianowski, Ed (January 13, 2006). "How Pro Wrestling Works". HowStuffWorks. Discovery Communications. Archived from the original on November 29, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2012.
  33. ^ "Live & Televised Entertainment". WWE. Archived from the original on February 18, 2009. Retrieved March 21, 2012.
  34. ^ Steinberg, Brian (May 25, 2016). "WWE's 'Smackdown' Will Move To Live Broadcast On USA (Exclusive)". Variety. Archived from the original on May 26, 2016. Retrieved May 25, 2016.
  35. ^ Powell, Jason (April 4, 2022). "4/4 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of the Raw After WrestleMania with Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, the return of Cody Rhodes, new Raw Women's Champion Bianca Belair appears, the "debut" of Veer Mahaan". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on April 5, 2022. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  36. ^ Powell, Jason (April 3, 2022). "WrestleMania 38 results: Powell's live review of night two with Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar for the Unified WWE Championship, RK-Bro vs. The Street Profits vs. Alpha Academy for the Raw Tag Titles, Edge vs. AJ Styles, Johnny Knoxville vs. Sami Zayn in an Anything Goes match, Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory, Bobby Lashley vs. Omos". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on April 4, 2022. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  37. ^ Powell, Jason (April 2, 2023). "WrestleMania 39 results: Powell's live review of night two with Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Bianca Belair vs. Asuka for the Raw Women's Title, Gunther vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus for the Intercontinental Title, Edge vs. Finn Balor in Hell in a Cell, Brock Lesnar vs. Omos". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on April 9, 2023. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
  38. ^ a b c d e f Powell, Jason (January 27, 2024). "WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. AJ Styles for the WWE Universal Championship". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on January 27, 2024. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  39. ^ Casey, Connor (April 24, 2023). "Triple H Introduces WWE's New World Heavyweight Championship Title". ComicBook.com. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
  40. ^ Lambert, Jeremy; Tessier, Colin (January 28, 2024). "Cody Rhodes: I Want To Face Roman Reigns Again And Finish The Story". Fightful. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  41. ^ Powell, Jason (January 30, 2024). "WWE Raw results (1/29): Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes and Bayley's post Royal Rumble win appearances, CM Punk's health update, Damian Priest and Finn Balor vs. DIY for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved February 3, 2024.
  42. ^ a b Barnett, Jake (February 2, 2024). "WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (2/2): Barnett's review of Roman Reigns responds to Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes, appearances by Royal Rumble winners Cody and Bayley". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on February 3, 2024. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  43. ^ Powell, Jason (January 1, 2024). "WWE Raw results (1/1): Powell's live review of Day 1 with Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre for the World Heavyweight Championship, Rhea Ripley vs. Ivy Nile for the Women's World Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Nia Jax". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  44. ^ Powell, Jason (February 8, 2024). "WrestleMania XL Kickoff press conference live coverage: Cody Rhodes announces his decision, The Rock, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, and Triple H appear". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
  45. ^ a b c Barnett, Jake (February 9, 2024). "WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (2/9): Barnett's review of Triple H addressing the WMXL Kickoff event, Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate vs. DIY for a shot at the Undisputed WWE Tag Titles". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  46. ^ Lowson, Thomas (February 9, 2024). "Wrestling World Reacts As Cody Rhodes Makes His Choice For WWE WrestleMania 40". SE Scoops. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  47. ^ Powell, Jason (February 12, 2024). "WWE Raw results (2/12): Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes' comments on the WMXL Kickoff event, Bobby Lashley vs. Bronson Reed, LA Knight vs. Ivar, and Liv Morgan vs. Zoey Stark in Elimination Chamber qualifiers". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  48. ^ Barnett, Jake (February 16, 2024). "WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (2/16): Barnett's review of The Rock and Roman Reigns, four Elimination Chamber qualifying matches". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  49. ^ a b c d Powell, Jason (February 24, 2024). "WWE Elimination Chamber results: Powell's live review of Rhea Ripley vs. Nia Jax for the Women's World Championship, Elimination Chamber matches, Grayson Waller Effect with Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  50. ^ a b c Powell, Jason (March 1, 2024). "WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (3/1): Powell's review of The Rock's appearance with The Bloodline, Kabuki Warriors vs. Bayley and Dakota Kai, Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
  51. ^ a b Barnett, Jake (March 8, 2024). "WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (3/8): Barnett's review of Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins responding to Rock and Roman Reigns' WMXL challenge, Bobby Lashley vs. Karrion Kross". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
  52. ^ Powell, Jason (July 30, 2022). "WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar in a Last Man Standing match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch for the Raw Women's Title, The Usos vs. The Street Profits for the Undisputed WWE Tag Titles, Liv Morgan vs. Ronda Rousey for the Smackdown Women's Title". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on July 31, 2022. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  53. ^ a b Barnett, Jake (November 10, 2023). "WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (11/10): Barnett's review of Bobby Lashley vs. Carlito, LA Knight vs. Grayson Waller, and Bayley addresses the future of Damage CTRL". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on November 11, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  54. ^ Defelice, Robert; Brennan, Corey (January 28, 2024). "Bayley Reflects On Victory In 'Wide-Ranged' 2024 WWE Royal Rumble Match: I Feel Amazing". Fightful. Archived from the original on January 29, 2024. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  55. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Renner, Ethan (April 1, 2024). "WWE reveals cards for WrestleMania 40 nights one and two". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  56. ^ a b c d Barnett, Jake (March 29, 2024). "WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (3/29): Barnett's review of Jade Cargill's appearance, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens vs. Pretty Deadly, WMXL tag team title ladder match qualifiers". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  57. ^ Powell, Jason (February 5, 2024). "WWE Raw results (2/5): Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a Bull Rope match, Kabuki Warriors vs. Kayden Carter and Katana Chance for the WWE Women's Tag Titles". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  58. ^ Boone, Matt (March 4, 2024). "WWE Announces Title Match For Night Two Of WrestleMania XL". PWMania. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  59. ^ Powell, Jason (March 25, 2024). "WWE Raw results (3/25): Powell's live review of CM Punk's appearance, Jey Uso vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Sami Zayn vs. Bronson Reed, Andrade vs. Giovanni Vinci, Ivy Nile vs. Candice LeRae". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  60. ^ Powell, Jason (March 4, 2024). "WWE Raw results (3/4): Powell's live review of Drew McIntyre vs. Jey Uso, Becky Lynch vs. Nia Jax, Damian Priest and Finn Balor vs. Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci in a non-title match". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
  61. ^ a b c Powell, Jason (March 11, 2024). "WWE Raw results (3/11): Powell's live review of Sami Zayn vs. Ricochet vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Bronson Reed vs. JD McDonagh vs. Chad Gable in a gauntlet match for a shot at the IC Title, Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  62. ^ Powell, Jason (March 18, 2024). "WWE Raw results (3/18): Powell's live review of Becky Lynch vs. Nia Jax in a Last Woman Standing match, Gunther and Sami Zayn contract signing, three WMXL tag team title ladder match qualifiers". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
  63. ^ Powell, Jason (April 1, 2024). "WWE Raw results (4/1): Powell's live review of the brand's WMXL go-home show with The Rock and Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn vs. Bronson Reed, Judgment Day vs. New Day and DIY". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  64. ^ Barnett, Jake (December 15, 2023). "WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (12/15): Barnett's review of the return of Roman Reigns, Carmelo Hayes vs. Grayson Waller and Kevin Owens vs. Austin Theory in tourney matches for a shot at the U.S. Title". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  65. ^ Barnett, Jake (December 22, 2023). "WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (12/22): Barnett's review of AJ Styles vs. Solo Sikoa, Carmelo Hayes vs. Kevin Owens and Santos Escobar vs. Bobby Lashley in tournament matches for a shot at the U.S. Title". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved December 22, 2023.
  66. ^ a b c Barnett, Jake (March 15, 2024). "WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (3/15): Barnett's review of The Rock and Rey Mysterio's appearances, Bayley vs. Dakota Kai, Pretty Deadly vs. Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne in a WMXL ladder match qualifier". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
  67. ^ Barnett, Jake (June 16, 2023). "WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (6/16): Barnett's review of Roman Reigns' return and Jey Uso's decision, Pretty Deadly vs. The Street Profits vs. The OC vs. Sheamus and Butch vs. Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro in a gauntlet for a tag title shot, Charlotte Flair on The Grayson Waller Effect, Iyo Sky vs. Zelina Vega". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
  68. ^ Powell, Jason (July 1, 2023). "WWE Money in the Bank results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa vs. The Usos, two MITB ladder matches, Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor for the World Heavyweight Championship, Cody Rhodes vs. Dominik Mysterio". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on July 1, 2023. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
  69. ^ Powell, Jason (August 5, 2023). "WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns vs. Jey Uso in Tribal Combat for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title, Asuka vs. Bianca Belair vs. Charlotte Flair for the WWE Women's Title, Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor for the World Heavyweight Title, Brock Lesnar vs. Cody Rhodes". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
  70. ^ Barnett, Jake (August 11, 2023). "WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (8/11): Barnett's review of Jimmy Uso's "Hail to the Chief" segment, Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair, Austin Theory vs. Santos Escobar for the U.S. Title, AJ Styles vs. Karrion Kross". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  71. ^ Powell, Jason (September 2, 2023). "WWE Payback results: Powell's review of Seth Rollins vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the World Heavyweight Title, Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez for the Women's World Title, LA Knight vs. The Miz". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  72. ^ Powell, Jason (February 19, 2024). "WWE Raw results (2/19): Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre, Gunther vs. Jey Uso for the Intercontinental Title, a battle royal for the final spot in the women's Elimination Chamber match". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  73. ^ Powell, Jason (November 4, 2023). "WWE Crown Jewel results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns vs. LA Knight for the WWE Universal Title, Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre for the World Heavyweight Title, Rey Mysterio vs. Logan Paul for the U.S. Title". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
  74. ^ Barnett, Jake (March 22, 2024). "WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (3/22): Barnett's review of Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes, Rey Mysterio vs. Santos Escobar, WWE Women's Champion Iyo Sky vs. Naomi in a non-title match". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  75. ^ Barnett, Jake (January 5, 2024). "WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (1/5): Barnett's review of Roman Reigns and Logan Paul's appearances, Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. AJ Styles for a shot at the WWE Universal Title at the Royal Rumble". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  76. ^ Carey, Ian (January 29, 2024). "Update on original plans for Brock Lesnar after WWE Royal Rumble". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Archived from the original on January 29, 2024. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  77. ^ Lee, Joseph (February 16, 2024). "More Details On Plans For Wrestlemania 40 Main Event, Original Plan For Cody Rhodes". 411Mania. Archived from the original on February 16, 2024. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
  78. ^ a b c d e f g h i Powell, Jason (April 6, 2024). "WrestleMania XL results: Powell's live review of night one with The Rock and Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley vs. Becky Lynch for the Women's World Championship". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  79. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Powell, Jason (April 7, 2024). "WrestleMania XL results: Powell's live review of night two with Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes for the WWE Universal Championship with Bloodline Rules, Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre for the World Heavyweight Championship". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  80. ^ Keller, Wade (April 7, 2024). "WWE WrestleMania XL – Night Two results (4/7): Keller's report on Reigns vs. Cody, Rollins vs. McIntyre, Iyo Sky vs. Bayley, Logan vs. Orton vs. Owens, more". P Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  81. ^ Mueller, Chris (April 7, 2024). "WWE WrestleMania 40 Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights of Night 2". Bleacher Report. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  82. ^ Brookhouse, Brent (April 7, 2024). "WWE WrestleMania 40 results, grades: Cody Rhodes finishes the story, ends Roman Reigns' epic run as WWE champ". CBSSports. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  83. ^ Sledge, Philip (April 8, 2024). "I Knew WrestleMania 40's Main Event Would Deliver, But I'm Shocked By The Rest Of The Card". CINEMABLEND. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  84. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (April 6, 2024). "Rhea Ripley Remains On Top, Defeats Becky Lynch To Retain WWE Women's World Title At WrestleMania XL". Fightful. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  85. ^ Defelice, Robert (April 6, 2024). "New WWE Raw And SmackDown Tag Team Champions Crowned At WWE WrestleMania XL". Fightful. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  86. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (April 6, 2024). "Jason Kelce And Lane Johnson Help Rey Mysterio And Andrade Win At WrestleMania XL". Fightful. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  87. ^ Defelice, Robert (April 6, 2024). "Jey Uso Defeats Jimmy Uso At WWE WrestleMania XL, Proves The Superiority Of 'YEET'". Fightful. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  88. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (April 6, 2024). "Jade Cargill, Naomi, And Bianca Belair Best Damage CTRL At WrestleMania XL". Fightful. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  89. ^ Defelice, Robert (April 6, 2024). "Sami Zayn Wins Intercontinental Title At WrestleMania XL, Gunther's Historic Reign Ends At 666 Days". Fightful. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  90. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (April 6, 2024). "The Rock And Roman Reigns Defeat Cody Rhodes And Seth Rollins In WrestleMania XL Main Event". Fightful. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  91. ^ a b Tessier, Colin (April 8, 2024). "Damian Priest Cashes In, Wins World Heavyweight Title After Drew McIntyre Wins At WWE WrestleMania XL Night Two". Fightful. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  92. ^ Defelice, Robert (April 7, 2024). "Bobby Lashley And The Street Profits Beat The Final Testament In Philadelphia Street Fight At WWE WrestleMania XL". Fightful. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  93. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (April 7, 2024). "LA Knight Defeats AJ Styles At WWE WrestleMania XL, Styles Debuts New Theme". Fightful. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  94. ^ Tessier, Colin (April 7, 2024). "Logan Paul Beats Kevin Owens And Randy Orton To Retain WWE US Title At WWE WrestleMania XL Night Two". Fightful. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  95. ^ Defelice, Robert (April 7, 2024). "Bayley Captures WWE Women's Title By Defeating IYO SKY At WWE WrestleMania XL". Fightful. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  96. ^ Tessier, Colin (April 7, 2024). "Cody Rhodes Finishes The Story, Beats Roman Reigns To Win Undisputed WWE Universal Title At WrestleMania XL Night Two". Fightful. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  97. ^ a b Barnett, Jake (March 15, 2024). "WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (3/15): Barnett's review of The Rock and Rey Mysterio's appearances, Bayley vs. Dakota Kai, Pretty Deadly vs. Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne in a WMXL ladder match qualifier". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  98. ^ a b Barnett, Jake (March 29, 2024). "WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (3/29): Barnett's review of Jade Cargill's appearance, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens vs. Pretty Deadly, WMXL tag team title ladder match qualifiers". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  99. ^ a b Barnett, Jake (March 22, 2024). "WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (3/22): Barnett's review of Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes, Rey Mysterio vs. Santos Escobar, WWE Women's Champion Iyo Sky vs. Naomi in a non-title match". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved March 22, 2024.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=WrestleMania_XL&oldid=1219487248"