By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE WrestleMania 41 Night One
April 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada at Allegiant Stadium
Streamed live on Peacock (Netflix internationally)
-Michael Cole checked and narrated arrival shots of Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, CM Punk and Paul Heyman, Charlotte Flair, and Tiffany Stratton. Backstage shots aired of Gunther and Jey Uso… A WrestleMania video package narrated by Triple H was shown…
Paul “Triple H” Levesque was introduced by ring announcer Alicia Taylor. Levesque stood in the ring while one of his entrance themes played. “It is my distinct honor to welcome you to Las Vegas, where for the first time ever, right here, right now, all of you are being seen by the entire globe live, now,” Levesque said. “So with that said, welcome to WrestleMania.” Pyro shot off on the elaborate stage…
Michael Cole checked in on commentary and was joined by Wade Barrett and Pat McAfee. Cole said over 60,000 fans would be in attendance…
A DJ table was raised from underneath the ring. The front of the table had a Fatal Fury logo on it. Salvatore stood behind the desk while a group of people danced around him. Jey Uso’s entrance theme played while men holding “Yeet” flags ran onto the entrance ramp and Las Vegas Raiders’ cheerleaders danced in the stands.
Jey made his entrance from the concourse. McAfee stood on the broadcast table and pumped his arms. Cole remained on the floor and pumped his arms while Barrett maintained his dignity. Jey hopped the barricade while Cole read a plug for meat sticks. Jey stopped and shook hands with the broadcast team. Cole welcomed Barrett for the first time.
Cole pointed to Marcelo Rodriguez and Jerry Soto at the Spanish broadcast table and noted that they were also pumping their arms. Saudi Arabian adviser Turki Al-Sheikh was shown and had a name graphic. Gunther made a standard entrance via the stage while a graphic noted that he had been champion for 259 days, had six title defenses, and was 3-0 against Jey Uso…
1. Gunther vs. Jey Uso for the World Heavyweight Championship. Alicia Taylor delivered in-ring introductions for the title match. Cole noted that it was Taylor’s first time working WrestleMania. The bell rang to start the match. Jey went for a collar and elbow tie-up. The broadcast team expressed surprise that he started the match in that manner.
Gunther backed Jey into a corner of the ring and threw a chop at him. Jey sold the chop before hitting Gunther with an uppercut. Gunther went to ringside to regroup for a moment. Gunther returned and was hit with a step-up enzuigiri, which led to him taking another powder. Gunther took control for a moment once he returned to the ring, but Jey bodyslammed him. Jey went to the ropes and was blasted with a chop that caused him to tumble to the floor. Gunther played to the crowd and was booed loudly.
Jey returned to the ring and caught Gunther with a spear that led to a two count. Gunther dropped Jey with a chop. Gunther set up for a powerbomb, but Jey countered into a Samoan Drop. Cole noted that Sean Bennett was the referee. Gunther superplexed Jey and then dropkicked him. Gunther powerbombed Jey for a two count. There’s a “Naz Reid” sign draped over one of the railings in the crowd (represent, Minnesota).
Gunther went for a powerbomb, but Jey countered into a huracanrana and then speared Gunther. Jey hit the Uso Splash for a near fall. Gunther went to ringside and grabbed his title belt off the podium that it was on. Jey went for a suicide dive that caused the referee to move out of the way. Gunther hit Jey with the title belt from the floor. Gunther hit a top rope splash for a near fall. Gunther put Jey in a sleeper while lying on the mat.
Gunther threw chops at Jey’s chest. Jey sold the chops while also laughing. Gunther blasted him with two more that put Jey down. Once Jey was on his feet, he and Gunther traded chops. Jey bounced off the ropes and put Gunther down with a clothesline. Gunther got up and tried to put Jey in a sleeper, but Jey slipped behind him and executed a German suplex.
Gunther dropkicked Jey and went for a powerbomb, but Jey slipped away and countered with a powerbomb of his own. Jey superkicked Gunther. Jey waited for Gunther to stand up and then superkicked him again before spearing him. Jey went up top and hit the Uso Splash. Jey went up top and hit a second Uso Splash. Jey went up top again and hit a third Uso Splash, this time onto the back of Gunther. Jey put Gunther in a sleeper hold. Gunther, who appeared to have a little blood in his mouth, tapped out.
Jey Uso defeated Gunther in 16:30 to win the World Heavyweight Championship.
Cole spoke about how Jey started “in a small promotion named Florida Championship Wrestling” that pre-dated NXT. He recalled Dusty Rhodes saying that Jey and his brother Jimmy would be massive stars. Jimmy Uso came out and entered the ring while Jey was celebrating with the title at ringside. Jey returned to the ring and hugged his brother. Jimmy picked up the title belt and presented it to Jey and then raised Jey’s arm. Jey and Jimmy went into the crowd and celebrated with the fans…
Powell’s POV: That was a really fun way to open the show. It was cool to see Jey performing some of Gunther’s signature moves in addition to his own. I was not surprised to see Jey win, but I was surprised that Gunther tapped out. There’s no telling how long Jey’s title reign will last. If the play it right, there will be a lot of suspense in his title defenses because he’s portrayed as an underdog. Meanwhile, I assume they will play up Gunther having a WrestleMania curse given that he also lost the Intercontinental Title to Sami Zayn at WrestleMania XL.
Music producer Rick Rubin, magician Criss Angel, San Francisco 49ers’ tight end George Kittle were shown in the crowd. Kittle slammed a beer while McAfee said Kittle was celebrating his eighth WrestleMania…
A video package set up the World Tag Team Title match and then entrances for the match took place. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods made their entrance first and were dressed in gear that Barrett said was a tribute to Giant Gonzalez. They approached George Kittle, who jawed back at them. The War Raiders entrance followed. The Raiders came out dressed as “Clash of Clans” characters…
2. “War Raiders” Erik and Ivar vs. “New Day” Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods for the World Tag Team Titles. Eddie Orengo was the referee. Erik picked up Kingston and battered Woods with him. Both New Day members ducked out of the ring. Erik slammed Ivar from the apron onto Kingston and Woods on the floor. Ivar performed a crossbody block on the New Day duo while they were seated against the apron.
Back in the ring, Erik held up Woods while Ivar jumped from the top rope onto Ivar and covered him for a near fall. Cole said he hoped that Alicia Taylor wasn’t upset with Woods stealing her hairstyle. Kingston pulled Woods out of the ring. Erik went for a suicide dive, but Woods hit him from the floor. New Day isolated Erik for a stretch while Cole played up Erik’s history of neck issues.
Ivar eventually took a hot tag and then cleaned house on both challengers. A short time later, Ivar performed a top rope moonsault onto Kingston (Ivar didn’t get much air and was lucky to pull off the move). Woods broke up the pin attempt that followed with a top rope elbow drop. The War Raiders went for their War Machine finisher on Woods, but Kingston tripped Ivar while he was going for a springboard. Ivar sold the back of his neck. The New Day duo hit The Daylight finisher, and then Woods pinned Ivar.
“New Day” Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods defeated “The War Raiders” Erik and Ivar in 9:15 to win the World Tag Team Titles.
After the match, Kingston and Woods grabbed the title belts and sprinted up the ramp to the stage. Kingston and Woods yelled at the fans and into the camera…
Powell’s POV: Taking a loss is par for the course for teams named the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Yes, I’ve been sitting on that lame joke. A decent match with the expected title change. Kingston and Woods drew heat, and yet it seemed like Erik and Ivar struggled to get the crowd to respond when they played to them. It’s been cool to see Kingston and Woods thrive as heels after feeling so stale as babyfaces.
Actor O’Shea Jackson Jr., comedian Michael Che, and musician Jelly Roll were shown in the crowd…
Powell’s POV: I’m fairly certain that entertainment companies are somehow required to have Jelly Roll at every major event. Dude is everywhere.
A video package set up the Jade Cargill vs. Naomi match, and then entrances took place. Naomi came out first. A “WrestleMania Weather Report” video aired with storm tracker James Cantore speaking outside the stadium, which set up Cargill making her entrance…
3. Jade Cargill vs. Naomi. Ryan Tran was the referee. A couple minutes into the match, Naomi held Jade up from ringside so that her legs were draped over the apron and then hit an X-Factor on the floor. Naomi followed up with a Blockbuster off the ring steps. Naomi rolled Cargill back in the ring and followed. Naomi used her legs to drive Jade’s face onto the mat and then covered her for a two count.
Later, Naomi dove at Jade from the middle rope. Jade caught Naomi and hit a nice Jackhammer. Jade put Naomi down with a big boot. Jade went to the ropes, but Naomi cut her off. Naomi performed a bulldog from the ropes and then hit a a split-legged moonsault for a two count. Naomi put Jade in a submission hold on the mat, but Jade powered out of it. Jade put Naomi in the Electric Chair and then turned Naomi around and executed a powerbomb. Jade followed up with Jaded and scored the pin. The broadcast team gushed over Jade and said it was a star-making performance.
Jade Cargill defeated Naomi in 9:20.
Powell’s POV: Another solid match. There were some choppy moments, but Jade’s power moves looked good and that’s what most fans will remember. I’ll be surprised if Naomi doesn’t play a part in the Women’s World Championship match on Sunday.
A video package hyped Cardi B hosting the two-night SummerSlam event on August 2-3 in East Rutherford, New Jersey at MetLife Stadium… Cole hyped Joe Tessitore hosting the WrestleMania post-show. He said there will also be a recap podcast available on Sunday morning…
Comedian Lilly Singh and rapper Lil Yachty were shown in the crowd… A video package set up the U.S. Championship match. The entrances followed. Jacob Fatu came out wearing a werewolf mask and was accompanied by Solo Sikoa, who took the mask and did not accompany him to the ring. Fatu stared into the camera. A white Maserati was driven onto the stage. LA Knight exited the passenger’s seat and then headed to the ring…
4. LA Knight vs. Jacob Fatu for the U.S. Championship. Charles Robinson was the referee. Fatu hit a pop-up Samoan Drop. Cole noted that Fatu did stints in prison before turning his life around and getting involved in combat sports. Knight battled back and sent Fatu to ringside before hitting him with a dropkick through the ropes.
Back in the ring, Knight dove from the second rope and was caught by Fatu, who powerslammed him and then covered him for a two count. Fatu went for another pop-up Samoan Drop, but Knight countered into a crucifix bomb. Fatu went for a corner splash that Knight avoided, causing Fatu to strike his head on top of the ring post casing. Knight ran Fatu through the ropes and into the ring post casing twice.
Knight turned Fatu inside out with a clothesline. Knight went to the ropes and hit an elbow drop for a two count. Fatu threw a kick to Knight’s gut and then went for a double jump moonsault, but Knight shot up and crotched Fatu on the top turnbuckle. Knight joined Fatu on the ropes and was elbowed away. Knight jumped on the ropes and executed a German suplex and then covered Fatu for a two count.
Fatu rallied and hit Knight with several hip attacks in the corner. Fatu landed a Swanton Bomb for a near fall. There were duelling chants for the wrestlers. Fatu went for top rope moonsault and was hit by a BFT on the way down. Knight covered Fatu and had him beat, but Fatu grabbed the bottom rope at the last moment. Great spot.
Knight to the ropes and was kicked by Fatu, who then hit a senton while Knight was on the top turnbuckle. Fatu suplexed Knight and then hit a moonsault and his double jump moonsault, which led to him getting the three count.
Jacob Fatu defeated LA Knight in 10:40 to win the U.S. Championship.
After the match, Haku appeared at ringside and congratulated Fatu. After Fatu celebrated, he left the ring and climbed over the barricade where WWE executive Nick Khan was standing…
Powell’s POV: A nice match with the right finish. Knight had a really good near fall off that cool BFT spot. Fatu went over strong and yet it came off like Knight put up a good fight.
Cole recalled Rey Mysterio announcing on the countdown show that he was not medically cleared. Cole said Rey Fenix would replace Mysterio in the match against El Grande Americano. A video package set up their match…
A mariachi band dressed in El Grande Americano masks played on the stage. Americano made his entrance and was introduced as being from the Gulf of America. Cole said Alicia Taylor didn’t get the memo because Americano now says he hails from the Gulf of Mexico. Cole also pointed out that you can’t spell luchador with Chad. Rey Fenix made his entrance and pulled off one mask, yet had a second mask on underneath it. Fenix received a mild reaction…
5. Rey Fenix El Grande Americano. El Hijo del Vikingo was shown in the crowd while Cole recalled the news that WWE has acquired AAA. A graphic listed him simply as Vikingo. Dana White was shown in the crowd. Americano went to ringside and shoved Vikingo, who responded with a kick. Americano went to the ring and the referee checked on him before calling for the bell. Fenix performed a huracanrana and got a near fall.
Fenix dominated early and dropkicked Americano to the floor. Fenix went up top and hit a crossbody block on the floor. Americano had his first offensive run of the night. Fenix went for a springboard move, but American caught him with a suplex for a near fall. Fenix came back with a kick and then played to the receptive crowd. Fenix charged Americano, who suplexed him into a corner of the ring.
Americano went up top and performed what Barrett called a “backwards 450” and got a near fall. Wild move. Americano went for Fenix’s mask and was booed. Fenix fought him off and used a black fire driver for a near fall. Fenix went for a springboard move and was kicked by Americano.
Americano shoved a piece of metal inside his mask while the referee was checking on Fenix. Americano wound up for a headbutt, but Fenix avoided it and ended up hitting his run across the top rope before throwing a kick. Fenix sold a foot injury because of the metal piece in Americano’s mask. Americano applied an ankle lock. Americano eventually delivered a headbutt and then followed up with a top rope headbutt and got the three count.
El Grande Americano defeated Rey Fenix in 7:55.
After the match, Vikingo entered the ring and checked on Fenix while Americano made his exit. Vikingo got Fenix to his feet…
Powell’s POV: I wonder what AAA fans are thinking right now? The match was well worked and had some cool spots, but the Americano gag feels one-note and isn’t doing much for me. I guess the character is going to stick around for a while given that he won this match.
here to stay if they think Chad Gable can be a heel in AAA.
Footage aired from the countdown show of the announcement of WWE acquiring AAA. The AAA dignitaries were shown sitting in the crowd…
Shawn Michaels was introduced. Michaels stood on the stage and listed the attendance as 61,467. The DX theme played and then some pyro shot off on the stage…
Actor Stephen Amell, MMA fighter Israel Adesanya, and UFC’s Dana White were shown in the crowd. White was booed…
A video package set up the WWE Women’s Championship match. Tiffany Stratton had a Barbie entrance with the stage set resembling a Barbie house, and Stratton looking like she was in Barbie packaging. Cole credited Mattel. Cool entrance. A Rolls-Royce drove onto the stage and then Charlotte Flair exited the backseat and headed to the ring. Flair wore an impresive robe…
Powell’s POV: These two stole the show when it comes to entrances. The set is really impressive. It’s just a shame that most of the show is going to be held while the sun is still out.
6. Tiffany Stratton vs. Charlotte Flair for the WWE Women’s Championship. Alicia Taylor delivered in-ring introductions for the title match. Stratton was announced as being from Minneapolis rather than Prior Lake, Minnesota. Aja Smith was the referee. Stratton and Flair went right at one another and threw punches. They ended up at ringside, where Stratton ran Flair into the ring post.
Flair took offensive control and used her legs to drive Stratton’s head on the mat. Flair applied a Boston Crab. Stratton rolled Flair into a pin to break it and got a two count. Flair went for a big boot that Stratton avoided, and then Stratton connected with a kick of her own. Stratton performed her handspring elbow spot twice. A short time later, Flair put Stratton down with a big boot and then covered her for two. Flair threw several chops at Stratton and then pie-faced her. Stratton fired, but Flair put her down with a kick to the face. Flair hit a sit-out powerbomb for a near fall.
Flair went for a top rope crossbody block. Stratton rolled through and got a two count. Stratton had some blood in her mouth. Flair went up top and was cut off. Stratton targeted the surgically-repaired knee. Flair dropped her with a kick from the good leg and got a two count. Flair put Stratton in the Figure Four. Stratton punched Flair’s bad knee until she released the hold. Cole said Flair was unable to bridge into a Figure Eight because of her bad knee.
Stratton went for the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, but Flair put her knees up and then got a near fall. Flair sold her knee. Moments later, Flair hit a Natural Selection from the top rope for a near fall. Flair grabbed Stratton’s head and trash-talked her. Flair went for her finisher again, but Stratton avoided it. Stratton used an Alabama Slam to send Flair into a corner of the ring. Stratton performed a rolling senton and then hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the win…
Tiffany Stratton beat Charlotte Flair in 19:05 to retain the WWE Women’s Championship.
After the match, Flair rolled to the floor. Stratton shot her a look and then went back to playing to the crowd…
Powell’s POV: The best match of the night thus far. I don’t know what went on during the build, but it led to a gritty match that both wrestlers can be proud of. Stratton had a mark on her forehead and may need some dental work. It never came off like they were taking liberties with each other. It was just a good, physical match, and easily the stiffest of Stratton’s career. This was a big win for Stratton. Beating Flair means a lot, and Stratton was able to show a ruggedness that we hadn’t seen from her before.
A WWE Hall of Fame ceremony recap video aired… Triple H, Bret Hart, Steve Austin, Michelle McCool, Fred “Typhoon” Ottman, and the family of the late John “Earthquake” Tenta were introduced and had their moment on the stage…
Footage aired of Iyo Sky riding in a blimp above Vegas. Cole said she will kick off WrestleMania Sunday with the Women’s World Championship defense against Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley…
A video package set up the main event…
