LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — After WrestleMania Saturday brought controversial endings, Sunday at Allegiant Stadium provided more twists and turns as the showcase of the immortals took center stage in the sports and entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas.
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes took on John Cena in his final WrestleMania match en route to retirement. In an October interview, Rhodes told 8 News Now that WrestleMania 41 would bring the unexpected.
“I always tell people you’re probably looking at unexpected; you’re probably looking at avenues you didn’t think we’d take, [and] matches you never imagined would happen,” Rhodes teased at the time, even hinting that Cena might play a larger role in the event.
“I’d pinpoint… enjoying the final run of John Cena,” Rhodes said in October. As it turned out, he would be the one facing the leader of the Cenation, a superstar with a new villainous attitude after a heinous attack on Rhodes at Elimination Chamber, flanked by “The Final Boss” The Rock and rapper Travis Scott.
But before the long-awaited face-off between Rhodes and Cena would begin, the evening started with a triple-treat match for the women’s world championship.
Iyo Sky vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Bianca Belair for the Women’s World Championship
A fast-paced opener saw all three women getting the upper hand at points in the contest. The fan-favorite champion, Sky, would not have to be pinned or submit to lose her World Championship, and she did not, hitting a trademark moonsault on her opponents before pinning Belair to retain in a fantastic bout.
Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre in a Sin City Street Fight
Kerry King, guitarist for Slayer, played Priest to the ring in what was a violent Sin City Street Fight. The match saw a sequel to WrestleMania 40’s “Bored at work” moment where McIntyre took a selfie photo and posted it on X during the contest. Minutes into the match, the Las Vegas crowd began a “We want tables” chant, which Priest obliged, sending McIntyre through a table with a Razor’s Edge. Drew returned the favor sometime later, when Priest was flung through tables in the ringside area while attempting a maneuver similar to The Undertaker’s “Old School.” Eventually, McIntyre got the pinfall victory after hitting a chair-assisted Claymore.
Bron Breakker vs. Dominik Mysterio vs. Penta vs. Finn Bálor for the Intercontinental Championship
The four superstars all took turns on the offensive with the Las Vegas crowd in the corner rooting for the dastardly Dominik Mysterio, although there was plenty of fan support behind Breakker and Penta during the contest. Several near falls from Mysterio got the Allegiant Stadium crowd fired up before Breakker sent the interfering Carlito through the commentary table with a vicious spear. Mysterio would hit Breakker and Balor with a frog splash, pinning his fellow Judgment Day stablemate to capture the Intercontinental championship to the raucous delight of his hometown Las Vegas fans.
Randy Orton vs. a mystery opponent
When Kevin Owens was forced to bow out of his WrestleMania match against Randy Orton due to a neck injury that required surgery, the Viper issued an open challenge to anyone who wanted to throw down at Allegiant Stadium. “The Legend Killer” got his wish when someone apparently said his name, and he appeared. Allegiant Stadium believes in Joe Hendry. A huge crowd reaction preceded a short but spirited match that saw the TNA Champion dropping the contest to Orton after an RKO.
AJ Styles vs. Logan Paul
The phenomenal one took on the social media megastar as Styles and Paul faced off in the WrestleMania ring for a deliberate affair. After would-be interference from one of Paul’s entourage who was caught in the process of providing brass knuckles to Paul. Superstar Karrion Kross caught him however, and implored Styles to use the weapon instead. Styles refused, but was then caught with Paul’s “Paulverizer” finishing maneuver, giving him the win.
Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez vs. Lyra Valkyria and an unknown partner for the Women’s Tag Team Championship
When Bayley was injured heading into WrestleMania Sunday, Valkyria was tasked with finding a replacement for her partner. It was revealed that her partner would be none other than “The Man.” Becky Lynch made her return to the WWE ring in Las Vegas. Lynch would clinch the victory, and the championships with a Manhandle Slam to Morgan.
The former Texas, now Nevada Rattlesnake rode out to the ring on an ATV to the delight of Allegiant Stadium. After a brief attempt at an attendance hand count, Austin announced WrestleMania Sunday’s official attendance of 63,226, making for a two-night total of 124,693 fans.
Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship
The 16-time champion came to the ring with a minimalist entrance, only the performer’s name emblazoned on the screen in white text over a black background. Quite the juxtaposition to the colorful presentation he once donned. On the other hand, Rhodes entered the ring flanked by colorful dirt bikes with an “American Nightmare” helmet, complete with Iron Man-style flip-up visor.
Cena’s villainous demeanor took center stage as he played mind games early on with Rhodes, leaving the ring several times to slow down the match’s pace. Eventually, that strategy gave way to a hard-hitting bruiser style with Cena throwing clubbing blows and clotheslines.
A run-in from Travis Scott saw the musician taking a Cross Rhodes from the champion. However, in the end, Rhodes refused to cheat by hitting Cena with the championship belt. Cena, however, retaliated with a low blow and an attack of his own with the WWE championship, pinning Rhodes and winning a record 17th world championship in the company.
