In this WrestleMania 39 Night 1 review, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn challenge The Usos for the WWE Tag Team titles, Rhea Ripley squares off with Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women’s title, and much more.
Let’s jump in!
- Show: WWE WrestleMania 39 Night One
- Date: April 1, 2023
- Location: SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, CA
John Cena vs. (c) Austin Theory – United States Title
Expectations for a Cena match in 2023 are a little different. Despite other opinions, this was never going to be a “changing of the guard” moment. Theory isn’t there yet, and it seemed unlikely Cena was going to do anything other than a safe match. That’s what we got here. It was a pretty standard heel vs. babyface outing, with Cena still finding ways to keep the crowd engaged. But this was all about expectations, and I can’t say I was disappointed since it was never advertised as this game-changing match for Theory, despite Cena being the opponent.
The Street Profits vs. Braun Strowman and Ricochet vs. Alpha Academy vs. The Viking Raiders – WrestleMania Showcase Match
Speaking of expectations, this exceeded any I had. What looked like just another match throw onto the card to keep everyone happy turned into a fun, action-packed eight-minute sprint. Everyone got their big moves in and it all tied together nicely. The Street Profits were the right choice as the winners, and perhaps it’ll lead them back to being a legitimate factor in the tag team title picture. (Recommended)
Seth Rollins vs. Logan Paul
Now that Paul is embracing his role as a heel, it’s easy to understand why WWE is so invested in him. The guy is just easy to boo. Of course, the bigger story is his ridiculous athleticism and undeniable ability to grasp the fundamentals of pro wrestling. Both were on display against Rollins, who needed a big win and got it. Did I love the KSI spot with him hiding in the blue energy drink costume? No, but I know why they did it. This WrestleMania provides a clear picture of WWE’s path forward in terms of marketing to the biggest audience possible, whether that’s through the involvement of influencers or sponsored ads around the ring. Beyond that, what’s next for Rollins? I’d have to think he’ll be back in the world title picture soon enough. (Recommended)
Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Io Sky) vs. Becky Lynch, Lita, and Trish Stratus
I’m a fan of all six of these women, so I had no issue with the six-women tag. Still, it’s hard not to be disappointed at Becky missing out on a high-profile singles match at WrestleMania. This was exactly what it needed to be, with Becky doing most of the work for the babyface and unanswered questions for the heels after their loss. Trish was great, and the most logical path forward would involve her turning on Becky since the latter holds the women’s tag titles with Lita.
Rey Mysterio vs. Dominik Mysterio
This was terrific. Dominik’s entrance was an all-timer given the storyline, and it added even more to an already hot storyline. The involvement by the Mysterio family during the match upped it again. Dominik’s heel antics were on another level, and Rey played perfectly off him to get the desired reaction from the crowd. While I probably would’ve predicted a Dominik win, I don’t mind Rey earning the victory. Dominik had talked a lot of shit, and his dad shut him up. Simple but effective. Of course, this feud figures to continue with Bad Bunny joining the mix, and Rey and Bad Bunny vs. Dominik and Damian Priest could headline Backlash in Puerto Rico. (Recommended)
Rhea Ripley vs. (c) Charlotte Flair – SmackDown Women’s Title
I always hesitate to classify a match as an all-time great in the moment. However, I can safely say this is one of the best women’s matches in WWE history. Some may even argue it’s the best women’s match in WWE history. I won’t push back on that belief. Truly a special performance from both women, and that shouldn’t be surprising given their past matches. The chemistry has always been there, and they turned it up a notch to deliver a classic. Credit all parties involved because this was as good as it gets from a wrestling and booking standpoint. The crowning of Ripley as the future of WWE could not have come across any better. (Legendary)
Pat McAfee vs. The Miz
Love seeing McAfee back, even if it’s a one-off appearance. I would’ve rather had him be on commentary though. This match was nothing more than filler between the two main events, and that’s fine. At least McAfee notched the win to avenge his WrestleMania 38 loss to Vince McMahon. Yes, that match happened.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn vs. (c) The Usos – Tag Team Titles
These four men had a tough act to follow with the women’s match. But what do you know, these guys took the crowd on a roller-coaster ride to the biggest no-brainer finish on the show. Everything had built to Owens and Zayn having their shot at revenge in the main event of WrestleMania, and their long journey culminated in an emotional moment with them holding the titles. You could see what it meant to both Owens and Zayn, but let’s also not discount what it means to the Usos. For the longest time they were just another team with potential that only had so many opportunities in a Vince-booked tag team division. The Bloodline storyline has changed everything for them, and they were also deserving of a WrestleMania main event given the work they’ve put in to build to this special match. Sometimes the predictable result is the right result. That’s what made this memorable. (Legendary)
BLAKE’S TAKE ON WRESTLEMANIA 39 NIGHT 1
Top Matches
- Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair
- Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn vs. The Usos
- Seth Rollins vs. Logan Paul
Overall Rating: 9.0/10
Thoughts: This was one of the most satisfying editions of WrestleMania yet. Every match had a purpose, and there were no swerves or bullshit just for the sake of swerves and bullshit. The actions fit the stories, and it all came together to give fans a classic show. Good luck to WrestleMania Night 2 in trying to match it.
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