If you enjoy surprises, you likely enjoyed Night 1 of WrestleMania. However, Night 2 might be even more exciting. WWE typically delivers a strong lineup for WrestleMania, but traditionally, Night 2 features the main event. This holds true tonight.
While last night’s show was impressive, it’s going to be challenging to surpass a night that starts with Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi and ends with Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk. That’s exactly what we’re in for tonight.
Stick with us as we cover the biggest night of the biggest weekend of the year.
It’s WrestleMania Night 2!
Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk Grade
This match was outstanding. Roman Reigns and CM Punk are two of the greatest ever. They proved it. Grade: 98 out of 100.
Roman Reigns Defeats CM Punk
What a match. Jeez, they killed each other. CM Punk put on a great match. But so did the Tribal Chief. These guys are the best in the business, and they proved it just now. Well done, men. Punk is still down. Roman is standing tall. These guys destroyed each other with huge moves, finishing moves, trash talk. I’m sad to see the CM Punk championship era end. I’m very excited about Roman being champion again. This was exactly what you’d want. WrestleMania went off the air with Roman Reigns standing tall. Acknowledge him!
CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns
This is why we’re all here. This is the biggest match of the weekend. It’s the biggest star vs. the second biggest star. Which is which? I’m not sure. I’ve loved CM Punk since he was in Ring of Honor. I remember being so excited when he signed in ECW. He wasn’t great there, but when he came to Smackdown, he was the best. He only got better. I enjoyed him leading Nexus. His pipe bomb was great. I loved his long title reign, never wanted him to leave, pulled for him in UFC, watched him in AEW and I’m happy he’s doing his best work ever right now. CM Punk has been my guy for decades.
But Roman Reigns is responsible for my favorite period of wrestling ever. It was ECW. I loved the Hulk Hogan era, my all time favorite tag team were the Rock and Roll Express, I’m an ECW guy and I never stopped watching. The Bloodline was the best period of wrestling that I can remember. And that was all Roman. He was so good, he’s still so good. I don’t think anyone can touch him on the mic. He is much better as a bad guy, but he can’t stay bad because people love him. Whatever he is, when he’s on, wrestling is much better. Roman Reigns is the best in the sport right now.
So this match is going to be a lot of fun, but also tough. Sad to see one of these guys lose. For Roman it would be his third straight Mania loss, for Punk just his second. Both men lost last year to Seth Rollins. Roman is out and he looks massive. This is Roman’s 11th main event. That’s a lot of main events. Hulk Hogan had eight. But Roman had two in one year, I only give him one that year. Still, Roman might be the top guy ever.
And the most unlikely top tier guy ever is coming out next. They show video of his career. Punk looks so happy. I didn’t want him to leave. I wanted him to come back way earlier. Knowing what we know now and seeing what we see at this exact moment proves he knew what was best. He looks so happy to be in WWE. He’s coming out in front of the crowd with no music. Very strange. He yelled “It’s Clobbering Time” then they started his music. Very unique entrance. Not very elaborate, but very cool. Less was more. That grabbed my attention. It’s time for the best match of the weekend. CM Punk is honoring fallen friends with his jacket. I don’t have the spellings or I’d name them. Punk is very thoughtful to many, and it’s always to people he doesn’t have to be thoughtful to. That says a lot about him.
It’s time to rock. Good luck boys. Do you think Paul Heyman comes out? Something has to happen, right? I want one of these guys to officially be a bad guy after tonight. We need a great bad guy, and Randy Orton can’t be that now. These guys can be. They talk a little trash. Now they circling each other and tie up. Punk tries to outwrestle him. And does. They’re both laughing. And now both getting fired up. It’s good early. They’re getting the crowd excited doing very basic moves. They keep pushing each other and slapping each other. This is what a fight between two guys who didn’t like each other would look. Roman hits a Samoan drop and pounds away on Punk. Roman is in complete control, including where he clotheslined Punk out to the floor. They fight out there with Roman getting the edge. Reigns knocking Punk silly with big punches, then he throws Punk into the crowd. Reigns goes after him. They’re brawling in the stands, until Punk throws Reigns back into ringside. He hits a clothesline on the floor and is taunting Reings on the table. Reigns recovers and press slams Punk off the table onto the floor. He rolls Punk in and gets a two count. Reigns says “mock me again,” and “This ain’t Twitter, son.”
He punches Punk, stays in control and gets a two count. But can’t put Punk away. Reigns is playing with Punk, just pounding away and showing very little mercy. But Punk comes back and he returns the favor, pounding away on Reigns. Punk hits a heel dropkick. He hits his knee. And the bulldog. Punk calls for the G2S. Reigns is dazed. But he recovers to ram Punk into the post, then hit a Superman punch. He gets a two count. Reigns held the belt for four years. That’s longer than Central’s tennis winning streak.
Reigns went for a spear but only gets a knee. Reigns eats two clothelines, then Punk gives him a neckbreaker. He then does a suicide dive to the outside after Reigns rolled out. Punk had Reigns on the table, but before he could fly onto him, Reigns cut him off. Punk kicks him in the head. Reigns puts Punk on the top turnbuckle, then ties Punk to the tree of woe, but with Punk hanging upside down outside the ring. Reigns hits three Superman punches. He was hanging like a punching bag. Punk is bleeding. Now Reigns hit Punk with the steps. Punk is bleeding from his mouth and his head. Reigns is laughing. Not very kind.
The ref checks on Punk, Roman clears off the table. Punk is bleeding badly. And now he gets powerbombed on a table. It broke. So did Punk. Reigns went for a spear, but Punk hit a G2S. Only gets a two count. Roman hits a spear but only gets a two count. Both men have hit their finishers and neither could get the win. This match is getting good. And it was always good. Reigns looks shocked Punk kicked out. He’s smooshing Punk’s head into the canvas. Reigns calls for Punk to go to sleep. But he punches him. Punk punches back. Reigns headbutts him and calls for night-night. Reigns goes for a G2S, but Punk fights out and kicks Reigns in the head. Two count only. Punk looks like Rocky in Rocky 3 after the first round of the first Clubber Lang fight.
Punk hits a Superman punch but only gets a two count. Punk puts on the Ula Fala. and goes for a spear, but Reigns locks in a choke. Punk reverses it to his submission, but Reigns locks in the choke again. Punk escapes and looks for a sharpshooter. He fights out of it and locks in the choke again. Punk rolled up Reigns while the choke was on. Punk hits a kick and both men are down. This match has been awesome. Nothing but two great wrestlers going one on one. They’re now talking trash and slaping each other. Both men look tired. Both men should be tired. Punk hits chops. Reigns hits chops. Both guys are hitting everything they have. Both men are down. The fans are going nuts. Punk goes low on Reigns, hits a G2S, but Reigns kicks out. Fans are going bananas. Punk cheated and couldn’t win.
Reigns is hurt. The fans are solidly behind Roman Reigns. They’re singing his song. Roman and Punk are on the outside. Punk puts Reigns on the table. Punk goes to the top turnbuckle. And he hits an elbow on the table. Wow. Say what you want, these guys aren’t mailing it in. This is a great match. They could go a long way with star power, brother, but they are giving us 100 percent. Punk is up. Reigns isn’t. That had to kill both of them.
Punk hit another G2S. He fell back onto Punk’s shoulders and Punk collapsed. He’s getting up, but he just fell to the ground. Reigns spears him. But Punk pops up. He swings at Reigns but Reigns hits another spear. And the tribal chief is the one. Roman Reigns wins.
John Cena Is Back
John Cena said tonight’s attendance was 55,255. They had over 106,00 for the two nights. That ain’t bad. He said that concludes his duties as host. He said he wanted to thank everyone. And the Miz comes out. The Miz said Cena left a hole in the fans’ heart that he had to fill. I love the Miz. He said he’s not leaving until he gets a WrestleMania moment at WrestleMania 42. Cena tells Miz to have his WrestleMania moment.
And cue Danhausen’s music. He’s on his way out with dwarfs dressed like him. Actually Michael Cole said they asked to be called a word I thought I can’t say so I won’t say it. But the whole entrance is very cool, very evil, very nice.
They all run in the ring, it’s about seven shorter Danhausens along with the OD. The fans are loud for Danhausen. I guess we shouldn’t write him off after his debut. He’s at WrestleManiahausen. Danhausen is a huge fan of Cena. Miz said if he wanted to see Wizard of Oz he would have gone down the street. Kit Wilson pushes a few of the mini-Danhausens, and they all attack him. Danhausen punches Miz low. And he hits the Danhausen shuffle. Miz is carried off by the Danhausens. They drop him midway up. Danhausen tries a smoke screen getaway. Instead, he ducks under the ring in plain view. Cena said retired life is awesome.
Cena said next up is the main event. I’m torn. Very upset one of these guys have to lose. I’m going to go cry and we’ll be back for the main event.
Jade Cargill vs. Rhea Ripley Grade
Tonight’s WrestleMania has been a lot better than last night. This match was incredible. I really enjoyed it. And I want to see it again. Grade: 91 out of 100.
Rhea Ripley Pins Jade Cargill
Great match. Rhea Ripley gets her belt back. She deserves it. Jade Cargill’s first reign in WWE was OK. It wasn’t bad, and she’s improving. This match was her best match. She’s only getting better.
Jade Cargill vs. Rhea Ripley
I think I said last year this would be a main event of WrestleMania some day. Proud that was nearly right. In less than one year, it’s semimain. And they’re both young. They’ll run it back before it’s over and it will be a main event. Book it. Rhea Ripley is out next. I was sad to hear she is struggling or has struggled with an eating disorder. If someone like her can have issues, anyone can. Best way to help? Be nice to people. Encourage people. Don’t be a jerk. I’m glad she spoke out because it can help someone. Most of today’s WWE stars, and AEW stars and TNA stars seem to be good people. Old school wrestlers weren’t always that way. Many were, but now it seems like most are very good people.
Which one of these women look more like a star? Can’t answer, can ya? They’re both 10 out of 10 in that book. This doesn’t look like a wrestling match, it looks like a movie scene. They’re both stars. Jade proves to be stronger in the first tieup. She also hits a tackle and a body slam. Rhea hits a kick and slam. Then a drop kick to a floored Cargill. Jade with a powerslam. Ripley is hurt. Jade does a little trash talk before slinging Rhea into the turnbuckle. Jade then kicks and pounds away. Cargill throws Rhea out and slams Ripley into the barricade. Cargill rolls in to break the count, very cool. That’s old school stuff not many do anymore. Jade hits a suplex bomb but only gets a two count.
Cargill gets Ripley in a crossface. That was a move perfected by Ursiuns wrestler Tom Flud. Rhea powers out and hits a super kick. And Now Rhea pounds away, but Rhea returns the favor. Great fight. Rhea picks Cargill up for an electric chair and Ripley drops her on her face.
Cargill hits a huge spinebuster but can’t get a two. She goes for a powerbomb but Ripley hits a Frankensteiner. Michin and B-Fab have interfered saving Jade Rhea. Cargill just hit Kenny Omega’s one winged angel and hit it great. Ripley kicked out. Very impressive.
Jade has had her best match yet tonight, by far. Rhea is part of that reason. The other part is Jade is getting good. Iyo Sky is coming out to even the odds. She is taking out Jade’s goons. She takes out both of Cargill’s henchwomen with a moonsault. Rhea is back in the ring with a huge headbutt. She goes for Riptide, but Cargill powers out. Jade went for her finisher, Rhea slips out and hits Riptide. We have a new champion. Very good match.
Dominik Mysterio vs. Finn Balor Grade
I’ll be honest, I’m very prejudice. These are two of my guys. But I loved it. Grade: 94 out of 100.
Finn Balor Pinned Dominik Mysterio
It was exactly what you’d expect from two of the best. Good match. Two pros. Finn Balor could use the win. Dominik is bulletproof. He could lose every night. He’s that good.
Dominik Mysterio vs. Finn Balor
It’s not the Demon it’s Finn Balor. The man is a prince and don’t you forget it! This match features two of the best guys in WWE and you can use that definition in any way you’d like. They’re both huge stars, always put on great shows and both dudes are said to be among the nicest dudes. Balor is out next and if you don’t know the Demon entrance, enjoy! Not only is Dom outside the ring, he’s hiding behind Michael Cole. He’s so good. Dirty Dom looks so scared. This is fantastic. This is the first time in three years, I guess the last time was when he wrestled Roman.
We are off and Balor is stalking Dom. Balor is taking control, pounding and kicking poor Dirty Dom. Sad for Liv. Now he has a Singapore Cane and he wears out Dom. Shoutout Sandman, who retired this weekend. It’s always a Singapore cane to me!
Dom now has the stick and he’s beating Balor. Mysterio is throwing a bunch of chairs in the ring. Dom hits a slingshot senton and then punches away on Balor. Balor eats a frog splash, but he escapes. Balor hits a slingblade. Then he hits a running drop kick. He hits another. He hits the top rop but can’t connect with his stomp. Dom hits Finn with a chair but only gets a two.
Balor went to put Mysterio through a table, instead he eats a 619 with a chair. A 619daminator! He only gets a two count, Balor escapes! Dom hits the Demon with a chair about 5 times, now he’s looking for a table.
Dom is setting up a table. Demon still down. Fans are booing. Fans hate Dom still, which shocks me because he’s so good. Balor is up. And he has a chair. WWE has to shoulder some responsibility here. Why would you make a match with a man named “The Demon” a street fight? Dom got drop kicked into the buckle with a chair around his head. Then Balor hit his stomp through a table. Finn Balor wins
Who Is the Best Tight End?
We saw a battle of the best tight ends of all time when Rob Gronkowski squared off with George Kittle. We aren’t talking best football player, we’re talking best beer chugger. It looked like Kittle won this round. And I’m a Gronk guy.
Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams Grade
Sami got punked out. He watched Williams celebrate. This ain’t over. But this was a good match. Grade: 88 out of 100.
Trick Williams Pins Sami Zayn
We have a new United States champion. Trick Williams needed gold, he gets it here. Great showing by both.
Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams
The fans are booing Sami before he even came out. A little harsh if you ask me, but what do I know? Lil Yachty is bringing Trick Williams to the ring. I’m not familiar with him. What happened to Too Short, Big Daddy Kane and KRS-One? I’m old and irrelevant, aren’t I? Anyway, Trick Williams played for the Philadelphia Eagles and that’s the only thing I don’t like about him. Trick Williams’ robe is the length of the 75-yard runway. That’s awesome.
We are off. Sami tackles Trick and the fans booed. Trick recovers to hit a neckbreaker as “whoop that Trick” chant breaks out. Trick hits a rock bottom but only gets a two count. I’m not enjoying this feud because I think Carmello Hayes should be involved.
Sami is getting very aggressive, kicking Trick in the head and throwing Lil Yachty into the barricade. That was a bit much, Sami. Sami is the bad guy here. He then hit a Helluva kick from the barrier. Sami was going for another one, but before he could hit it, Lil Yachty clostheslined Sami on the top rope. Trick couldn’t get the three count. Sami hits an exploder suplex, but ate a knee when going for the kick, that’s all she wrote! Trick Williams is your new champ!
The Ads Are Getting Ridiculous
It seems like there are more ads than wrestling. And now we’re watching the Mug Root Beer highlight from last night. Come on, we pay $30 a month for this. Do you think we pay for it to watch old 30 for 30s? This is why people have the channel. Stop double dipping. I seriously think there are less ads on Monday Night Raw.
Ladder Match for IC Championship Grade
That match had a tough match to follow. They did tremendous. That match had everything you could possibly want. I was hoping Je’Von Evans would win, but Penta is tremendous. I’m good. Grade: 96
Penta Wins Ladder Match for IC Championship
I expected a new champion, but Penta fought off all six challengers. Penta is a great champ, I would have been fine with any of those guys winning. They put on a show.
Ladder Match for IC Championship
Didn’t think we’d have to catch our breathe before this match, but what a start to the show. Next up is the showstealer of the night, with a six way for the IC championship. Penta defends against Rey Mysterio, Rusev, Dragon Lee, JD McDonagh and Je’Von Evans. Lots of stars, should be a trainwreck in the best possible way. You just hope nobody goes home hurt. Lets enjoy it!
Looks like JD McDonagh isn’t a fan favorite. Everyone went after him, now it’s the three masked men facing off until Rusev spoils the party.
Je’Von Evans put on a show, now it’s time for Dragon Lee to do it. Until he’s cut off by Rey Rey. Lee went for a Styles Clash, he broke out of it and missed a 619. Great action as we’d expect. Now Rusev is in the ring and he’s beating people up with the ladder. He just back body dropped McDonagh onto a ladder. Ouch.
Rusev just killed Je’Von Evans. Never mind, he came back to life. He just did a springboard clothesline from the outside onto McDonagh who was climbing the ladder. Ridiculous. Now Rey hits a 619 on Dragon Lee, but had his head up against a ladder. Ridiculous. Evans and Rey are climbing the same side of the ladder. Lee is killing everyone now. Watch this if ya can.
Rusev stops Dragon Lee from getting the title. Penta and Rey are now facing off with both guys getting in good shots. Mysterio just hits a massive West Coast Pop on Rusev through a ladder. Rusev is brave for taking that.
Rey hits a 619 on Penta, but is cut off by Dragon Lee before he can get the title. They both fall down and Lee hits the Styles Clash. Now Lee is caught by JD, who hits a Spanish Fly from the ladder.
Penta hits a Mexican Destroyer on McDonagh from the ladder through another ladder. Now Evans is the only one in the ring. Evans got the belt, but before he can take it down, Rusev removes the ladder. The belt is now swinging and Rusev is setting up the ladder. He should be dead.
Je’Von Evans hits a massive cutter on Rusev, then he eats a Mexican Destroyer. Penta is climbing the ladder. And he retains the title.
Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar Grade
It wasn’t a scientific matchup, but it was a lot of fun. You don’t often see Brock Lesnar get squashed. Oba Femi is a star. Grade: 93 out of 100.
Oba Femi Pinned Brock Lesnar
It wasn’t long, but it was hard hitting. Oba Femi was suplexed, F5’ed, but it wasn’t enough. Femi hit a chokeslam, hit his pop up powerbomb and he smashes Lesnar. Lesnar is still in the ring, hurt. He was smashed. Lesnar is taking off his gloves. Maybe he’s retiring now. He’s also taking off his shoes. He’s crying. Lesnar looks like he’s done. He’s crying his eyes out. He’s leaving his boots and gloves in the ring. He takes a bow. He hugs Paul Heyman. That wasn’t what I was expecting. But it sure was a memorable way to open up Night 2 of WrestleMania.
Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar
Oba Femi’s first PLE match is on ESPN in probably one of the most watched wrestling matches of all time. But no pressure dude! If anyone can handle it, it’s this big guy. He looks focused. It’s fair to say the fans like him. The chants are loud, and in a stadium, that’s very impressive. He’s gonna be tired after getting to the ring. It’s hard to walk 75 yards, try dancing it. But he’s in the ring and ready to rock. Next up is the beast!
A lot of people have Brock Lesnar retiring after Summer Slam and it makes sense because it is in Minnesota. But I cannot imagine him not being in Saudi Arabia next year. They’ll give him whatever he wants to be there. He’s on his way out with Paul Heyman, who is all smiles. I hope this isn’t the last time we see Heyman tonight.
The men combine for 600 pounds, assuming those stats are accurate on ESPN. Lesnar is talking trash, legit, it looks like. He’s a better sports entertainer than we give him credit for. Oba Femi looks very confident. He’s massive. I have Lesnar winning, everyone says I’m crazy. Let’s go!
They lock up, and neither man gained an edge. They go again and Oba shoves Brock off. Lesnar charges and hits a series of shoulder blocks. But Femi feels nothing and shoves Brock to the mat. Lesnar responds with two clotheslines. Nothing. Oba hits one and Brock is down and out of the ring.
Lesnar tried to pull Brock in, but he got clotheslined on the top rope and now Brock is in control. He smells blood and Femi is hurt. And the first German suplex of the match is thrown. Lesnar does a second and Femi is down. He hits a third. He goes for No. 4, but Femi fights out and hits two uppercuts. He goes for a third but he gets caught with an F5. Before Lesnar can follow up, Femi hits a chokeslam. He hits a popup powerbomb and Femi beats Lesnar.
John Cena Is Back to Open Night 2
John Cena is coming out again and again, wearing a suit. He can’t run in a shit, which is taking him much longer to get to the ring. Cena said the stage is set for a historic night two. He said it’s historic because WrestleMania is live on ESPN. So it’s time to start with something big. He welcomes us to WrestleMania.
Who Is Singing the National Anthem at WrestleMania Tonight
Joe Jonas will sing the National Anthem tonight. I bet his brothers are jealous.
Roman Reigns Will Leave If He Loses?
Nothing ever happens like we expect in wrestling, but Roman Reigns just said if he loses tonight, he doesn’t deserve to be in WWE. He also said his work would be done. Is he out if he loses? I hope not. Actually, it probably won’t matter. He’s not losing to Punk!
Quick WrestleMania Night 1 Thoughts
As we’re 20 minutes away from tonight’s card, I want to take a look back to last night. The highlight was Paige’s return. The best match was Gunther vs. Seth Rollins. The main event was the most disappointing match of the night. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t what I was hoping for. I think tonight’s main event will deliver on all fronts. It helps that no matter who wins, some fans will be happy.
Cody Rhodes Medical Update
Cody Rhodes was deemed medically disqualified Sunday after his match with Randy Orton. Rhodes, who retained the title, suffered an eye injury, as well as had several nasty gashes that need to heal before he returns to the ring.
When Is WrestleMania 42?
WrestleMania 42 Night 2 will be held April 19.
Where Is WrestleMania 42?
WrestleMania 42 is at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
What Time Will WrestleMania 42 Start?
WrestleMania 42 is slated to start at 6 p.m.
Where to Watch WrestleMania 42
On Sunday, the first hour will air on ESPN. The entire card will air on ESPN Unlimited.
Who Is Hosting WrestleMania?
John Cena will host WrestleMania 42.
Night 1 results
- Cody Rhodes pinned Randy Orton
- Liv Morgan pinned Stephanie Vaquer
- The Usos and LA Knight beat Austin Theory, Logan Paul and IShowSpeed
- Jacob Fatu beat Drew McIntyre
- Gunther defeated Seth Rollins
- Becky Lynch defeated AJ Lee
- Brie Bella and the returning Paige defeated NIa Jax and Lash Legend, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, and Bayley and Lyra Valkyria.
Night 2 card
- CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship
- Jade Cargill vs. Rhea Ripley for the WWE Women’s Championship
- Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi
- Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams for the United States Championship
- Penta vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Dragon Lee vs. JD McDonagh vs. Rusev in a ladder match for the WWE championship
- Finn Balor vs. Dominik Mysterio
Will the Rock be at WrestleMania?
It doesn’t appear so, so in wrestling, that means it’s entirely possible.
What matches will air on ESPN?
On Sunday, Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi and the Intercontinential Championship ladder match will air on ESPN. The rest of the card will air on ESPN Unlimited.
When is the WrestleMania preshow
WrestleMania preshow will begin at 3 p.m.
Where to watch the WrestleMania preshow
The preshow will air on ESPN Unlimited, as well as on WWE’s Youtube page.
How long is WrestleMania?
It is expected WrestleMania will last about four hours each night, with the first hour on ESPN2 on Saturday, ESPN on Sunday. ESPN Unlimited will air the entire show.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: WWE WrestleMania 42 live results: Match grades for all matches
