As we all know, this year’s Wrestlemania has been broken into two parts: The first part aired Saturday Night on WWE Network, whereas the other half is set to take place on Sunday, April 5th. For the first time ever, the WWE’s most popular show will take place with no fans in attendance.
Wrestling At the Forefront
Without the reaction of fans, actual wrestling is at center stage. Several matches featured great technical skill, free from the distraction of a fan base known for hijacking shows. Sami Zayn and Daniel Bryan didn’t disappoint. Zayn in particular did some of his best cowardly heel work. The triple threat ladder match showcased all of the talents of the men involved. Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins took no disqualification to a whole new level. That being said, the women weren’t to be outdone.
The Women Steal The Show
The women’s matches were a treat from start to finish. First, the Tag Team Championship match between the Kabuki Warriors and Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross set the tone. The four competitors beat each other from pillar to post with Bliss and Cross coming out on top in a thrilling finish. They were followed up by and terrific match between Champion Becky Lynch and challenger Shayna Baszler.
Lynch and Baszler had one of the most intense matches of the night, with Lynch taking bumps that would make even the toughest fan cringe. However, when all was said and done, ‘The Man’ was able to retain her title with a clever reversal.
Big Surprises And A Great Ending
The biggest surprise of night one of Wrestlemania had to be the crowning of new WWE Universal Champion Braun Strowman. He withstood multiple spears from Bill Goldberg, and delivered four power slams of his own to put away the Hall of Famer. Seeing Strowman hoist the title after all he’s been through may have been the most cathartic moment of the night.
The evening ended with an entertaining display from the Undertaker and A.J. Styles. The curiously named “Boneyard Match” was a captivating piece of theater with multiple twist and turns. It was the perfect way to end a night that was much better than most thought it would be.
