WWE WrestleMania Night 2 aired live from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida. Roman Reigns put the Universal Championship on the line against Edge and Daniel Bryan in a Triple Threat match in the main event. Asuka defended the RAW Women’s Championship against Rhea Ripley. Apollo Crews challenged for the Intercontinental Championship against Big E in a Nigerian Drum Fight. Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax defended the Women’s Tag Team Championships against Natalya & Tamina.

WrestleMania Night 2 Results:

1. Randy Orton def. The Fiend
2. Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax def. Tamina & Natalya to retain the Women’s Tag Team Championships
3. Kevin Owens def. Sami Zayn
4. Sheamus def. Riddle to win the United States Championship
5. Apollo Crews def. Big E to become the new Intercontinental Champion
6. Rhea Ripley def. Asuka to win the RAW Women’s Championship
7. Roman Reigns def. Edge & Daniel Bryan to retain the Universal Championship

Here are the takeaways from Night 2 of WrestleMania 37:

Randy Orton def. The Fiend

Randy Orton faced The Fiend in the first match of the night. Alexa Bliss came down the entrance ramp as Orton was waiting in the ring. Bliss started turning a gigantic jack in the box and The Fiend popped out.

The Fiend leaped off the box and leveled Orton with a Clothesline. The action spilled out of the ring and Orton slammed The Fiend on the announce table. The Fiend locked in the Mandible Claw but Orton broke free and hit a DDT.

Orton dodged a Senton from The Fiend and hit another DDT. The Fiend applied the Mandible Claw and set up for the Sister Abigail but Alexa Bliss popped out of the box with black goo coming down her face. The Fiend got distracted and Orton hit an RKO for the pinfall victory.

Opinion: This was awful and was correctly booed by the crowd in attendance. There was a holy sh*t chant when Bliss emerged, followed by some loud boos once everyone realized that was it. Hell of a way to kill the crowd at the beginning of the show. At the very least, this was slightly better than the worms projected onto the ring at WrestleMania 33.

Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler Retained

Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax defended the Women’s Tag Team Championships against Natalya and Tamina in the 2nd match of the night. Nia Jax and Baszler dominated early and sent Tamina out of the ring. Tamina eventually tagged back in and knocked Nia off the apron. Shayna went for the Kirifuda Clutch but Tamina blocked it.

Tamina climbed to the top rope but Shayna caught her with a kick to the face. Nia tagged in and hit a massive Crossbody off the middle turnbuckle. Tamina battled back and hit a Body Slam.

Tamina went for a Splash off the top rope but Nia got out of the way. Natalya locked in the Sharpshooter on Nia but Shayna broke it up. Baszler then applied the Kirifuda Clutch on Natalya and she passed out. Baszler and Jax are still the Women’s Tag Team Championships.

Opinion: I would have rather just seen the SmackDown Tag Team Championship match at WrestleMania than whatever the point of this was. I thought Natalya and Tamina were heels, so I didn’t understand who WWE wanted the fans to cheer for. The Riott Squad would have made more sense in this match.

Kevin Owens Picked Up A Victory

Kevin Owens faced Sami Zayn tonight at WrestleMania. Logan Paul was ringside or the match. Sami rolled out of the ring right away after Owens hit a Powerbomb. Back in the ring, Owens slammed Zayn across the top rope and followed it up with a Clothesline.

Owens hit a Cannonball and made his way to the top rope but Sami rolled to the apron. Kevin followed him and Sami hit a Brainbuster on the ring apron. Sami hit Owens with a Michinoku Driver and went for the cover but Owens was able to kick out at two.

Kevin Owens hit a Splash off the top rope and went for the cover but Sami kicked out at two. Owens followed it up with a Neckbreaker for a two count. Sami connected with another Brainbuster and went for the cover but Owens kicked out at two as the crowd chanted “this is awesome!”.

Sami went for a Superplex but Owens countered into one of his own and both superstars fell to the canvas. Zayn hit Owens with a Helluva Kick and went for another one but Owens countered with a Superkick. Owens hit another one and planted Sami with a Stunner for the pinfall victory. After the match, Logan Paul shook Owens’ hand. Kevin looked at his hand and then at the crowd as they chanted “yes!”. Owens then planted Logan Paul with a Stunner.

Sheamus Captured The United States Championship

Riddle defended the United States Championship against Sheamus tonight at WrestleMania. Sheamus leveled Riddle with a shoulder tackle to begin the action and went to work on Riddle’s arm.

Sheamus hit a Backbreaker and went for the cover but Riddle powered out at two. Riddle planted Sheamus with a Suplex but the Celtic Warrior battled back. Sheamus hit an Alabama Slam and went for the cover but the United States Champion kicked out at two.

Riddle knocked Sheamus to the floor and connected with a Moonsault. Back in the ring, Riddle hit a Senton off the top rope for a two count. Sheamus went for White Noise off the top rope but slipped. Sheamus recovered and hit White Noise and then a Knee Drop for a near fall. Riddle went for another Moonsault but Sheamus countered into a Brogue Kick for the pinfall victory. Sheamus is the new United States Champion.

Opinion: The botch during the White Noise spot was unfortunate but the finish to this match was excellent. Sheamus has been a workhorse and absolutely deserved this victory and moment at WrestleMania.

Apollo Crews Captured The Intercontinental Championship

Big E defended the IC Title against Apollo Crews in a Nigerian Drum Fight (Hardcore match). The match started off with Big E and Crews trading shots with kendo sticks. Big E sent Apollo out of the ring and grabbed a gong. Apollo booted the gong away and hit Big E several times with a kendo stick.

Back in the ring, Big E sprinted across the ring and hit Apollo with a massive Spear that sent Crews to the floor. Apollo regrouped and planted Big E with a Death Valley Driver on the ring apron.

Apollo set up the steel steps next to the ring apron but it completely backfired. Big E hit Crews with a Uranage onto the steel steps and started trash talking. Crews grabbed a kendo stick and brutally beat Big E down in the ring with it.

Crews climbed to the top rope and went for a Splash but Big E got out of the way and Apollo crashed through a table. Big E hit the Big Ending but Dabba-Kato showed up. Dabba attacked Big E and then dragged Crews on top of him for the pinfall victory. Apollo Crews is the new Intercontinental Champion.

Opinion: I guess everyone is supposed to forget Dabba-Kato’s stint on RAW Underground or the fact that he was drafted to the brand. He was also Babatunde in the Greatest Royal Rumble a few years back. Having said that, this was still a very entertaining match and it was cool to see Apollo have a meaningful win at the biggest show of the year. Big E and Apollo beat the hell out of each other tonight and it was fun to watch.

Rhea Ripley Won The RAW Women’s Championship

Asuka defended the RAW Women’s Championship against Rhea Ripley tonight at WrestleMania 37. Asuka hit a Dropkick and then rolled up Ripley for a two count. Asuka quickly hit another Dropkick but Rhea bounced back and sent Asuka to the corner.

The RAW Women’s Champion tripped Ripley up and bounced her face off the turnbuckle. Ripley rolled out of the ring to regroup as Asuka danced around. Ripley got back into the ring and connected with a slam for a near fall.

Ripley started mocking Asuka and slapping her in the back of the head. Rhea hit a Dropkick of her own and stared at the RAW Women’s Champion as she was laid out on the mat.

Asuka tripped up Rhea and applied a Knee Bar in the middle of the ring. Ripley broke free and planted Asuka with a German Suplex for a near fall. Rhea perched Asuka up on the top turnbuckle but the Empress of Tomorrow connected with an elbow to the face.

Asuka followed it up with a Dropkick off the top rope and both superstars fell to the mat. Asuka connected with a German Suplex and then the Hip Attack in the corner. Asuka booted Rhea in the face and followed it up with another Hip Attack for a two count.

Ripley hit another Dropkick and Asuka tumbled out of the ring. Rhea bounced Asuka’s head off the ring apron and rolled her back inside. Asuka caught Rhea on the apron and planted her with a DDT to the floor.

Back in the ring, Asuka hit a knee to the face for a two count. Asuka went for an Armbar but Ripley escaped by throwing Asuka into the turnbuckle. Rhea then hit the Riptide for the pinfall victory. Rhea Ripley is the new RAW Women’s Champion.

Opinion: I thought this match was alright but it would have been better if there was any semblance of a build for it. Rhea Ripley is incredibly talented but I barely had a reaction to her winning the title.

Roman Reigns Retained The Universal Championship

Roman Reigns defended the Universal Championship against Edge and Daniel Bryan in a Triple Threat match in the main event of Night 2 of WrestleMania 37. Reigns went right after Daniel Bryan and leveled him with a punch to the face.

Reigns beat Edge down in the corner and sent Bryan out of the ring. Jey Uso attacked Daniel Bryan and sent him into the steel steps as Triple Threat matches have no disqualifications. Jey delivered a Superkick to Edge as well. Bryan hit Reigns with a Suicide Dive but turned around into another Superkick from Jey.

Edge had enough and launched Jey into the steel steps. Edge went after the Universal Champion and slammed Roman Reigns into the ring post. Edge then hit Jey with a DDT onto the steel steps. WWE medical officials helped Jey backstage as Bryan and Edge battled in the ring.

Bryan went for a Hurricanrana but Edge rolled through and slammed Daniel to the mat. Reigns and Edge then traded punches on the ring apron. Bryan got back in the action and leveled Edge with a Dropkick off the top rope.

Bryan went for a Suicide Dive but Reigns countered into a Suplex outside the ring. Back in the ring, Roman leveled Edge with a massive Clothesline as the crowd booed. Edge dodged the Superman Punch and connected with a DDT. Edge went for a Spear but Roman countered with a Superman Punch that landed this time.

Both Edge and Reigns went for a Spear at the same time and collided in the middle of the ring. Bryan hit Roman with a Flying Headbutt and went for the cover but the Universal Champion powered out at two.

Daniel delivered some Yes Kicks to both Edge and Reigns in the ring. Bryan hit Edge with the Running Knee and booted Roman in the face for a near fall. Daniel applied the Yes Lock in the middle of the ring but Edge broke it up. Bryan got Edge in the Yes Lock but the Universal Champion quickly broke it up.

Roman Powerbombed Daniel Bryan on top of Edge in the middle of the ring. The action spilled to the outside as the crowd chanted “Roman sucks!”. Reigns got distracted by the crowd for a moment before sliding the steel steps next to the announce table.

Reigns Powerbombed Bryan through the announce table but turned around into a Spear from Edge. The Rated R Superstar brought a chair into the ring but Roman ripped it away. Reigns went for the Guillotine Choke but Edge shoved him to the turnbuckle. Edge then locked in a Crossface in the center of the ring.

Roman was about to tap out but Bryan grabbed his hand at the last moment. Bryan applied the Yes Lock while the Crossface was locked in. Edge and Bryan then traded heatbutts to break the holds as the WWE Universe chanted “this is awesome!”. Bryan started stomping on Edge’s neck and set up in the corner for the Running Knee.

Edge countered with a Spear and delivered another one to Reigns. Edge went for the cover but Daniel Bryan dragged referee Charles Robinson out of the ring before his hand hit the mat for a third time. Edge got pissed off and started bring more chairs into the ring.

Edge hit Bryan and Reigns several times with the chair before putting Daniel’s head on the steel chair. Edge did the same to Roman Reigns and grabbed another chair. Edge hit Bryan with a ConChairTo but was attacked by Jey. Edge took out Jey but turned around into a Spear from Roman Reigns. Roman then hit Edge with the ConChairTo and pinned both superstars to retain the Universal Championship.

Opinion: This match had a terrific build and it delivered tonight. Unfortunately, Night 1 was a much better show in my opinion and it was tough for Night 2 to overcome the terrible start. Reigns, Edge, and Daniel Bryan put on the match of the night to close the show. I loved the finish with Reigns pinning both men to retain as well.

WWE WrestleMania Night 1 aired live from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida. Bobby Lashley put the WWE Championship on the against Drew McIntyre in the first match of the night. Sasha Banks defended her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Royal Rumble winner Bianca Belair in the main event tonight.

WrestleMania Night 1 Results:

1. Bobby Lashley def. Drew McIntyre to retain the WWE Championship
2. Natalya & Tamina won the Tag Team Turmoil match to earn a title shot during Night 2
3. Cesaro def. Seth Rollins
4. AJ Styles & Omos def. New Day to capture the RAW Tag Team Championships.
5. Braun Strowman def. Shane McMahon in a Steel Cage match
6. Bad Bunny & Damian Priest def. The Miz & John Morrison
7. Bianca Belair def. Sasha Banks to become the new SmackDown Women’s Champion

Here are the takeaways from Night 1:

Bobby Lashley Retained The WWE Championship

Bobby Lashley defended the WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre in the first match of the night. There was a forty minute rain delay to begin the show. MVP was ringside for the match. Lashley and McIntyre locked up in the middle of the ring to start off the action.

Lashley connected with a shoulder tackle but Drew hopped right back up. The WWE Champion took control of the match and beat McIntyre down for a few minutes. Lashley planted McIntyre with a Neckbreaker and went for a cover but Drew kicked out at two.

Lashley charged but McIntyre got out of the way and the WWE Champion crashed into the ring post. McIntyre went for an Armbar in the middle of the ring but Lashley escaped by unloading some punches to McIntyre’s face.

McIntyre hit a Northern Lights Suplex but Lashley responded with a slam of his own for a near fall. Drew battled back and connected with a series of elbows to the face. McIntyre followed it up with a Reverse Alabama Slam and went for the cover but Lashley powered out at two.

Both superstars battled on the turnbuckle and McIntyre went for a Kimura Lock but Lashley blocked it. McIntyre sent Lashley flying to the canvas and the crowd got on their feet. McIntyre went for the Claymore but Bobby countered with a Spinebuster.

McIntyre hopped right up and hit a Belly to Belly Suplex. Drew then followed it up with three Future Shock DDTs for a near fall. Drew went for the Claymore but Lashley slinked out of the ring. Drew then flipped onto Lashley and MVP as the crowd erupted.

Drew went for a Flying Clothesline but Lashley countered with an Exploder Suplex. Lashley hit another slam and set up for the Hurt Lock. McIntyre escaped and applied the Kimura Lock in the middle of the ring. Lashley battled through the pain and reached the bottom rope to break the hold.

McIntyre hit the Glasgow kiss and went for the Claymore but MVP distracted him. Drew then missed and Lashley applied the Hurt Lock in the middle of the ring. McIntyre tried to escape but Lashley wouldn’t let go. McIntyre passed out and Bobby Lashley retained the WWE Championship.

Natalya & Tamina Will Face Shayna & Nia Tomorrow Night For The Titles

Lana & Naomi and Billie Kay & Carmella started off the Tag Team Turmoil match. The last team standing will face Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler for the Women’s Tag Team Championships on Night 2 of WrestleMania 37.

Naomi hit Carmella with a Dropkick and brought her to the corner. Lana tagged in and connected with a Bulldog. Lana drove her knees into Carmella’s back but Carmella shrugged it off. Carmella slammed Lana to the mat at tagged in Billie Kay.

Billie bounced Lana’s face off the turnbuckle but Lana battled back with a Russian Leg Sweep. Naomi tagged in and booted Billie in the face. Lana booted Carmella out of the ring as Naomi hit a kick to Billie’s head for a two count. Billie Kay then rolled up Naomi for the elimination.

Riott Squad was next up and Carmella stomped Liv Morgan down in the corner. Billie Kay tagged in and planted Liv with a Suplex. Billie went for the cover but Ruby Riott broke it up at two.

Billie Kay rolled up Liv as Carmella shoved her boots on Billie’s back for leverage but the referee caught her. Liv hit Double Knees and Riott tagged in. Ruby hit Billie with a Senton for the pinfall elimination.

Dana Brooke and Mandy Rose were the next team in the match. Dana Brooke planted Ruby with a Blockbuster and went for the cover but Liv broke it up at the last moment. Dana followed it up with a Neckbreaker on Ruby for a near fall.

Liv tagged in and hit Mandy with an Enziguri. Morgan went for the cover but Rose kicked out at two. Ruby hit the Riott Kick but Dana Brooke broke up the pin. Mandy hit Liv with a punch and sent her to the turnbuckle. Rose sent Ruby out of the ring and perched Liv up on the top turnbuckle.

Morgan knocked Dana off the apron but she hopped back up and tagged in. Mandy hit Liv with a Superplex and Dana climbed to the top rope. Dana connected with a Swanton and went for the cover but Liv reversed it into a roll-up for the pinfall.

Natalya & Tamina were next up. Natalya went for a Sharpshooter but Liv was able to escape. Natalya planted Liv with a Powerbomb and went for the cover but Ruby broke it up at two. Tamina knocked Ruby out of the ring and went back to the apron. Ruby tagged in and beat Tamina down int he corner.

Riott booted Tamina in the face and Liv tagged back in. Ruby hit Tamina with a Senton and Liv went for the cover but Tamina powered out at two. Natalya tagged in and hit the Hart Attack on Ruby in the middle of the ring. Natalya smiled and made it seem like she was going for the Sharpshooter. Natalya opted to tag in Tamina and she hit a Splash off the top rope for pinfall victory. Natalya and Tamina will face Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax tomorrow night for the Women’s Tag Team Championships.

Cesaro def. Seth Rollins

Cesaro faced Seth Rollins tonight at WrestleMania. Cesaro leveled Rollins with an uppercut and went for the Swing but Rollins broke free. Cesaro hit a Dropkick and went for a Gutwrench Suplex off the middle rope. Seth escaped and hit a Buckle Bomb for a near fall.

Rollins and Cesaro then traded shots in the middle of the ring. Rollins hit a Superplex and rolled through for a Falcon Arrow for a two count. Cesaro responded with a flurry of uppercuts and posed for the crowd in attendance. Cesaro leveled Rollins with a Clothesline and went for the cover but Seth kicked out at two.

Cesaro set up for the Swing but Rollins countered into a roll-up for a two count. Cesaro went for the Swing again but Seth escaped and hit an Enziguri. Rollins went for the Stomp but Cesaro countered into the Swing for nine rotations and went for a Sharpshooter but Seth quickly reached the bottom rope to break the hold.

Seth dodged the Neutralizer and caught Cesaro with a knee to the face. Rollins followed it up with a Slingblade and made his way to the top turnbuckle. Seth hit a Corkscrew Splash for a near fall. Cesaro connected with the Neutralizer this time but Seth was able to kick out at the last second.

Rollins then planted Cesaro with a Pedigree for a two count. Seth shouted that he was a god because he survived the Neutralizer and the Swing. Rollins went for a Stomp but Cesaro dodged. Rollins stayed on the attack and leveled Cesaro with a kick to the back of the head.

Seth went for the Stomp but Cesaro countered with an uppercut. Cesaro lifted Rollins up onto his shoulders in a UFO Spin. Cesaro flexed for the crowd and Rollins with the Swing for 23 rotations. Cesaro quickly hit the Neutralizer for the pinfall victory. This was Cesaro’s first singles victory at WrestleMania and it was long overdue.

Styles & Omos Won The RAW Tag Titles

New Day defended the RAW Tag Team Championships against AJ Styles & Omos tonight. AJ Styles and Kofi Kingston started off the action. AJ went for the Calf Crusher early but Kofi blocked it. Kingston hit a slam and twerked in the ring as Woods played the trombone.

Xavier tagged in and tripped up Styles. Woods connected with an Elbow Drop for a two count. Woods applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring as Omos started at him from the apron. Kingston tagged in and hit a Double Stomp but Styles kicked out at two.

Styles went for an Enziguri but Woods ducked under it and dragged him back to the corner. Kingston hit a Splash and went for the cover but AJ kicked out at two. Woods climbed to the top rope but Styles escaped and tagged in Omos.

Woods tried to prevent it but he was too late. Omos got into the ring and the crowd erupted. Xavier booted Omos in the knee but he was unfazed. Kingston tagged in and leaped off the top rope but Omos caught him. Omos hit a massive Backbreaker and bent Woods across his knee.

AJ Styles leaped off of Omos’ shoulders and hit Woods with a Phenomenal Forearm. Omos then hit Kingston with a ridiculous Powerbomb for the pinfall victory. AJ Styles and Omos are the new RAW Tag Team Champions.

Braun Strowman Picked Up A Victory

Shane McMahon squared off with Braun Strowman in a Steel Cage match tonight. Jerry “The King” Lawler joined commentary for the match. Before the match, Elias and Ryker attacked Strowman and hit his legs with steel chairs. Shane hit Strowman in the legs with the steel chair several more times before trying to escape out of the cage.

Strowman brought Shane down to the canvas but McMahon danced around Strowman. Shane hit Strowman with some punches as Braun limped around the ring. Shane bashed Strowman in the face and went for the cover but Braun kicked out and sent McMahon flying across the ring.

Shane tried to crawl through the cage door but Strowman caught him with a massive slam. Strowman slammed Shane into the steel cage several times and McMahon collapsed to the canvas. Strowman hit a Splash against the steel and then grabbed his left knee in pain.

Braun went for a Running Powerslam but his knee gave out. Shane shoved Strowman into the steel and followed it up with a DDT in the middle of the ring. Shane connected with the Coast to Coast Dropkick for a two count.

Elias and Ryker started climbing up the cage and tried to get Shane out. Strowman launched himself into the cage and Ryker & Elias fell to the floor. Braun and Shane then battled on the top of the cage. Shane found a toolbox randomly and hit Strowman in the face with it.

McMahon had the match won but took a moment to taunt Strowman from the outside of the cage. Strowman grabbed Shane’s hand and peeled apart the steel cage. Braun dragged Shane back inside and beat the hell out of him in the corner of the ring.

Strowman and McMahon then fought on the very top of the cage. Shane pleaded for mercy but Strowman wasn’t having it. Strowman launched McMahon back down to the mat as the crowd chanted “holy sh*t!”. Braun said this was for every person that has ever been called stupid and planted Shane with the Running Powerslam for the pinfall victory.

Bad Bunny & Damian Priest def. The Miz & John Morrison

Damian Priest & Bad Bunny faced The Miz & John Morrison tonight. Booker T joined commentary for the match and Miz & Morrison had a bunch of bunnies during their entrance. Bad Bunny showed up on top of an 18-wheeler and got a great reaction from the crowd.

Priest and The Miz started off the action. Miz backed to the corner and told Damian to back off. The Miz demanded that Bad Bunny get in the ring and called him scared. Bad Bunny tagged in and jabbed Miz in the face and Morrison shouted “that was luck”.

Bad Bunny caught Miz with another right hand to the face and the former WWE Champion fell against the ropes. Bad Bunny took Miz down and unloaded some more punches. Miz battled back and stomped Bad Bunny to the canvas.

The Miz stared at Booker T for a moment and it cost him. Bad Bunny hit an Arm Drag that sent Miz out of the ring. Bad Bunny rolled up Miz for a near fall and The Miz retreated to the corner. Morrison gave Miz a pep talk in the corner of the ring and told him to not get angry.

Miz calmed down and booted Bad Bunny in the midsection. Bad Bunny hit Miz with a Hurricanrana and Morrison tagged in. Bad Bunny dropped John with a Headbutt and followed it up with a Splash. The Miz hit Bad Bunny with a cheap shot and tagged in.

The crowd booed as Miz taunted Bad Bunny in the ring. Bad Bunny battled back with some punches to Miz’s face and then knocked Morrison off the apron. The Miz prevented a tag and Bad Bunny rolled him up for a two count.

Morrison tagged in and did the Spin-a-Roonie to mock Booker T. The Miz and Morrison then stomped Bad Bunny down to the canvas as Priest pleaded for a tag. Bad Bunny planted Miz with a DDT off the middle turnbuckle and both men fell to the mat.

Damian Priest finally got the tag and unloaded some kicks to Morrison. Priest leveled John with a Clotheslines and fired up the crowd. Damian then hit a Chokeslam on Miz and went for the cover but Morrison broke it up. Priest and Bad Bunny hit Falcon Arrows in stereo but Miz and Morrison kicked out.

Bad Bunny hit Miz with a Crossbody off the top rope and rolled him back into the ring. The Miz hit Priest with a Skull Crushing Finale but Bad Bunny broke it up. Bad Bunny then hit Morrison with a Destroyer on the floor outside the ring and Miz looked shocked. Priest then lifted Miz up in the Electric Chair and Bad Bunny hit a Crossbody off the top rope for the pinfall victory.

Bianca Belair Won The SD Women’s Title

Sasha Banks defended the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Bianca Belair in the main event of Night 1. Bianca Belair was on the verge of tears at the beginning of the match but pulled herself together. Belair and Banks locked up in the middle of the ring to start off the action.

Banks shoved Belair down but the challenger hopped right up. Belair taunted Banks and went for the KOD but Sasha escaped. Banks bounced Bianca’s face off the turnbuckle and Bianca tumbled out of the ring. Sasha hit a Suicide Dive but Belair rolled through. Bianca showed off her power and walked up the stairs with Banks lifted above her head.

Belair threw Banks into the ring but Sasha caught her with a Dropkick for a one count. Sasha followed it up with a knee to the face for a near fall. Sasha slowed things down and applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring. Bianca broke free but Sasha caught her with a knee to the face.

Sasha went for a Double Knees but Belair caught her with a slam. Banks grabbed Bianca’s hair but it backfired and Belair threw her into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Bianca connected with a massive Vertical Suplex. Sasha went for an Arm Drag but Belair blocked it and hit a Dropkick.

Bianca hit a Standing Shooting Star Press and slammed her to the mat. Bianca went for a 450 Splash off the top rope but Banks got her knees up. Bianca responded with back to back Powerbombs for a two count. Banks connected with a DDT but Belair was able to kick out at two.

Sasha hit a Frog Splash for a near fall. Banks dragged Bianca outside and launched her into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Sasha used Bianca’s hair and locked in the Bank Statement in the middle of the ring. Belair was able to reach the bottom rope to break the hold and Banks was pissed off.

Bianca drove Banks to the turnbuckle and hit her with some kicks to the midsection. Belair and Banks battled on the top rope. Banks got Belair in the Tree of Woe and went for a Double Stomp but Belair dodged it. Belair then hit the 450 Splash for a two count.

Belair went for the KOD but Banks landed on her feet. Bianca whipped Sasha with her hair and the sound echoed throughout the stadium. Belair then planted Sasha Banks with the KOD for the pinfall victory. Michael Cole accidentally shouted “Sasha kicked out!” while the match was clearly over.

Opinion: Night 1 of WrestleMania absolutely delivered and it was excellent to see fans back. Bad Bunny impressed the hell out of me in a match that had zero expectations for. Cesaro and Seth Rollins had a very good match as well. The main event had a disappointing build but it was great to watch Bianca Belair have her WrestleMania moment. I’m sure there will be many more for Bianca during her career.

WWE SmackDown aired live from the ThunderDome inside Tropicana Field. It was the final episode of SmackDown before WrestleMania 37. Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler defended their SmackDown Tag Team Championships against Street Profits, Alpha Academy, Rey & Dominik in a Fatal 4-Way match. The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal also took place tonight.

SmackDown Results (4/9)

1. Roode & Ziggler def. Alpha Academy, Street Profits, Rey & Dominik to retain the SD Tag Titles
2. Tamina def. Nia Jax via DQ
3. Jey Uso won the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Bryan Vowed To Walk Out Of WrestleMania As Universal Champion

Daniel Bryan made his way to the ring to begin the show. Bryan said we are so close to the biggest event of the year and everyone is excited. Daniel noted that he is excited about everything but is most excited to finally hear the roar of the WWE Universe in person.

Bryan added that he loved the ThunderDome but there is absolutely nothing like wrestling in front of a live audience at WrestleMania and winning the Universal Championship in the main event. Daniel said he is often associated with the word “yes” but most of his career has revolved around constantly being told no.

Daniel brought up the past and how Batista & Orton didn’t want him in the main event of WrestleMania 30 and the same goes for Reigns & Edge this year. Bryan said his mentors taught him to ignore the negativity and say “yes”. Daniel claimed that this will be the biggest match of his career when he faces Roman Reigns & Edge in a Triple Threat match for the Universal Championship this Sunday at WrestleMania 37.

Bryan noted that Edge thinks he is stealing his spotlight and Reigns is worried that Daniel will make him tap out again. Daniel added that Edge and Reigns are two of the most dangerous men in WWE but they aren’t going against family man Daniel Bryan. Daniel stated that they are getting the best, most dangerous version of Bryan that will tap Reigns out again and kick Edge’s head in despite his neck. Bryan wondered if he could walk out of the main event of WrestleMania as Universal Champion and started a “yes!” chant.

Ziggler & Roode Retained

Bobby Roode & Dolph Ziggler defended their SmackDown Tag Team Championships in a Fatal 4-Way against Alpha Academy, Street Profits, and Rey Mysterio & Dominik. Dominik hit Gable with a Dropkick and tagged in Rey. Mysterio connected with a Hurricanrana and followed it up with an elbow to the face.

Mysterio went for a Moonsault but Gable caught him. Rey escaped and planted Gable with a DDT for a near fall. Rey and Dominik knocked everyone off the apron and sent Gable out of the ring with a Back Body Drop. Rey hit a Suicide Dive and Dominik followed it up with a Splash onto Alpha Academy as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Roode planted Montez Ford with a massive Spinebuster and both superstars fell to the canvas. Otis tagged in and beat down Montez Ford in the middle of the ring. Ziggler tagged in and hit Ford with a Dropkick to the face. Dolph went for the Fameasser but Ford countered with a Powerbomb.

Dawkins tagged in and hit Gable with an Exploder Suplex. Dawkins hit Roode with a Bulldog but Rey tagged himself in. Rey hit Roode with a Senton and sent Dawkins out of the ring. Rey launched Roode into Otis and knocked him off the apron. Dominik and Rey then hit a double 619 on the tag champs. Dominik climbed to the top rope and hit Roode with a Frog Splash. Dominik went for the cover but Otis broke it up at two.

Street Profits leveled Otis with a Dropkick and then Ford flipped onto him outside the ring. Dawkins rolled up Gable but Chad kicked out at two. Montez tagged in as Gable hit a German Suplex. Montez hit a Frog Splash but turned around into a Superkick from Ziggler. Roode then covered Gable for the pinfall victory. Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode are still the SmackDown Tag Team Champions.

Tamina & Natalya Sent A Message Before WrestleMania

Tamina faced Nia Jax tonight on SmackDown. Natalya and Shayna Baszler were ringside for the match. There will be a Tag Team Turmoil match during Night 1 of WrestleMania and the winners will face Nia & Shayna for the Women’s Tag Team Championships during Night 2.

Nia overpowered Tamina to start off the action and shoved her to the canvas. Tamina and Nia locked up and Tamina returned the favor and shoved Jax down. Reginald hopped on the ring apron for a distraction and Tamina tried to drag him in the ring. Baszler prevented it and Nia capitalized on the distraction and hit a Splash in the corner.

Natalya and Shayna started battling outside the ring as Tamina booted Nia in the midsection. Tamina hit a Samoan Drop and went for the cover but Shayna broke it up to end the match in a DQ. The rest of the teams in the Tag Team Turmoil match then were interviewed backstage and it led to a brawl. Tamina and Natalya showed up and beat everyone down.

Edge Claimed He Wasn’t Getting The Respect He Deserved

Edge marched down to the ring with a steel chair as SmackDown went to a break. When SmackDown returned, Edge was seated in the chair with a spotlight on him. Edge said he went to WrestleMania 6 and saw Hulk Hogan versus the Ultimate Warrior and that night he realized what he needs to do with the rest of his life.

He said that when he dreams things, he has to manifest them and he became a WWE superstar. Edge noted that he has accomplished everything besides ending his career on his own terms. Edge added that he didn’t walk away from this, he had it ripped away from him and it took him 9 years to get it back.

Edge stated that he didn’t come back as a nostalgia act, he came back to steal the show and main event WrestleMania. Edge claimed that Daniel Bryan used sympathy as a factor to weasel his way into this match. He complained about the possibility that Bryan could win the title by pinning Reigns and he would have nothing to do with it.

Edge turned his attention to Roman Reigns and referred to him as “Samoan Edge” because he came into WWE with a three man group and uses the Spear as his finisher. He said that this match will take place 10 years to the day when he was forced to retire but it is barely mentioned, but if it were Bryan that narrative would be driven into the ground.

He claimed he wasn’t getting the respect he deserved since he returned. Edge noted that he won the Royal Rumble, has come back from something nobody has come back from and shouldn’t have to jump through hoops. Edge added that he is competing at a level that nobody has ever done from this type of injury and anyone that refers to him as a part timer is a slap in the face to him.

Edge said it is time to take back the respect he deserves because he is the Rated R Superstar. He ended the promo by saying he will be the next Universal Champion because he dreamt it and now he will manifest it. Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce then had a brief conversation backstage. Sonya claimed that Bryan shouldn’t be in the title match and it should just be Reigns & Edge.

Jey Uso Won The Andre the Giant Battle Royal

Sami Zayn hopped on commentary before the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal and started babbling about conspiracies. Kevin Owens showed up and attacked him as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal began. Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin were quickly eliminated as the show went to another commercial. Slapjack was eliminated by Ryker and Elias. Mace and T-Bar beat Ryker and Elias down and eliminated them. Mustafa Ali then eliminated T-Bar and battled with Murphy.

Lince Dorado eliminated Kalisto but was then eliminated by Gran Metalik. King Corbin sent Gran Metalik over the top rope as SmackDown went to a break. When SmackDown returned, Murphy and Angel Garza were battling on the apron. King Corbin booted Murphy off the apron for the elimination as Garza escaped back into the ring.

Shinsuke Nakamura eliminated Garza and there were five superstars remaining (Ricochet, Nakamura, King Corbin, Mustafa Ali, Jey Uso). Ricochet eliminated Ali with a Hurricanrana but turned around into a Superkick from Jey Uso that knocked him to the floor.

It was now down to Shinsuke Nakamura, Jey Uso, and King Corbin. Jey hit King Corbin with a Superkick and threw him to the apron. Nakamura eliminated King Corbin and it we were down to two superstars. Jey and Shinsuke traded shots in the middle of the ring. Shinsuke set up for the Kinshasa but Jey countered with a Superkick. Nakamura shrugged it off and hit the Kinshasa. Shinsuke tried to throw Jey out but Uso reversed it for the victory.

Roman Reigns Closed The Show

After the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman made their way to the ring to pose with Jey. Reigns said he was annoyed that he has to be here and bitched about being in a match that he can lose without being pinned.

Reigns said he still going to show up to WrestleMania and win because show day is the easy day due to his preparation. Reigns added that when he shows up, WWE is winning. Roman said that he can be like Edge & Bryan and have one good week but he has been doing it for thirty weeks in a row.

Roman boasted about changing the ratings for SmackDown and made the Universal Championship relevant. Roman brought up Bryan claiming he tapped him out and “you tapped out!” chants were piped in. Reigns noted that if Bryan made him submit then he would champion, but he is not because he cannot make him tap out.

Reigns referred to Edge and Bryan as “dreamers” and that this is where the comeback story ends. Roman added that the story ends with Edge & Bryan in the main event because this is just a launching pad for him. Reigns said that he is “the man with the golden hand” and everything he touches turns to gold. Roman told Jey that he gave him the greatest year of his career and pointed to the Andre the Giant trophy. Roman vowed to wreck everyone in the main event at WrestleMania and leave as Universal Champion. Roman said that you are going to look up at him raising the title with the pyro going off and you are going to feel the entire world acknowledge him.