Reviews

The John Report: WWE WrestleMania 42 Review – Night 2 (Sunday)

By John Canton • Published Apr 19, 2026 21:33 EDT
WWE WrestleMania 42 Sunday Review
WWE WrestleMania 42 Sunday Review - Image via WWE

It’s WWE WrestleMania 42 Sunday, headlined by CM Punk battling Roman Reigns, a Brock Lesnar-Oba Femi clash, Jade Cargill against Rhea Ripley, and more.

The second night of WrestleMania 42 is upon us. I thought WrestleMania 42 Saturday was okay, but certainly not a great show. I know it led to a lot of anger from WWE fans due to all the breaks and ads between the action. It was a nearly 4-hour broadcast that had about 90 minutes of in-ring time, which seems low for sure.

WrestleMania 42 Sunday has six matches advertised, unlike the seven matches that took place on Saturday. I would expect the CM Punk-Roman Reigns main event to feature long entrances and a long match. Hopefully, other matches get more time tonight.

There was a 3-hour WrestleMania 42 Countdown Show on WWE’s YouTube channel, but I don’t review those shows. I’m watching on Netflix in Canada. Let’s get to the main show.

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WWE WrestleMania 42 (Sunday)
From Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada
Sunday, April 19, 2026

There were superstar entrances by Trick Williams with Lil Yachty, Rhea Ripley, Jade Cargill (more like footage from her interview), and CM Punk.

A video package aired with highlights from WrestleMania Saturday, followed by clips of the people involved in tonight’s matches.

John Cena Welcomes Us To WrestleMania

The WrestleMania 42 host, John Cena, made his entrance wearing a suit again. Cena did a quick stroll down the ramp on his way to the ring. The first hour of WrestleMania was on ESPN in the US.

Cena said we kicked off WrestleMania with an incredible night one and the stage is set for a historic night two. Cena said that for the first time in history, WrestleMania is live on ESPN. There were some boos for that. Cena said we have to start with something big, and Cena said: “Welcome to WrestleMania!” There was some pyro after that.

Analysis: Thanks, John Cena. I’m surprised they didn’t do any skits with him to open the show on either night. Cena has been a very generic host, but there’s time for more later. ESPN getting booed made me laugh.

It’s Michael Cole and Wade Barrett on commentary again. Alicia Taylor was the ring announcer.

Oba Femi made his entrance to a huge ovation and a lot of “Oba” chants. Oba did his strut down the long ramp and the fans love this guy, as they should. Even if some of the chanting and “Hoo” sounds could be manufactured, it’s still a cool entrance.

Brock Lesnar was up next for what could be his final WrestleMania, although we don’t know that for sure. There’s speculation that it could be his last. Lesnar’s advocate, Paul Heyman, was with him.

They showed the Tale of the Tape, and both guys are similar physically, while Lesnar is nearly 20 years older. Paul Heyman did the special introduction of Brock Lesnar, like he has done many times in the past. Alicia Taylor did the introduction of Oba Femi. The fans love Oba. Good choice for an opener.

Brock Lesnar (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Oba Femi

Lesnar and Femi locked up with a tie up. Lesnar pushed Femi to the turnbuckle and hit some shoulder tackles, but Femi shoved Lesnar back. The fans erupted for something simple like that. Lesnar went for some clotheslines, Femi blocked them and Femi nailed a clothesline, so Lesnar took a break on the floor. Femi reached for Lesnar on the floor, so Lesnar tripped him up and Lesnar tackled Femi into the ring post. Lesnar sent Femi into the ring post and into the steel steps. Lesnar took Femi to Suplex City with a German Suplex across the ring. Lesnar hit another German Suplex, followed by a third release German Suplex by Lesnar. Femi sent Lesnar into the turnbuckle and Femi hit two running uppercuts. Lesnar caught Femi and put him on his shoulders, leading to an F5, but Femi was on his knees. Femi got back to his feet and hit a Chokeslam. The fans were going crazy! The fans were standing. Femi picked Lesnar up and hit the Fall From Grace sitout Powerbomb on Lesnar for the one…two…and three! It went 4:46.

Winner by pinfall: Oba Femi

Analysis: *** I loved that! This is one of those matches where the star rating doesn’t matter that much. It’s about the story and the story was that Femi dominated Lesnar enough to win the match in a decisive way. It’s exactly what it should have been, with Femi dominating Lesnar in a passing of the torch moment, with Femi taking over for Lesnar as the next powerhouse that WWE can build around for decades to come. I’m glad Femi won in the manner that he won because it was impressive and Lesnar sold so well for him. The fans were standing on their feet for this whole thing, so it showed how much they wanted to see it.

Oba Femi celebrated the win with the fans cheering loudly for him in the ring. Femi looked as if he was shocked that he did what he did. Femi celebrated on the ramp while Lesnar was down in the ring. The announcers put over Femi for dominating Lesnar like that. Cole called Femi the “Next Big Thing,” which was Lesnar’s nickname in his rookie year. Femi went up the ramp, celebrating.

Analysis: The fans love Oba Femi already, and they should. The guy was so much fun for me to cover in NXT, and he’s thriving on the main roster too.

Brock Lesnar was seated in the ring and Femi’s music stopped. Brock Lesnar took off his MMA gloves and was taking off his shoes. Lesnar was nearly in tears while the fans shouted “No” at him because the fans know it means that Lesnar may be retiring. Lesnar left his boots and gloves in the ring. Lesnar saluted the crowd. Heyman gave Lesnar a huge hug in the ring. Lesnar saluted the crowd again while the fans chanted, “Thank You, Brock.” As Brock went up the ramp, the fans chanted: “Thank You Lesnar.” Lesnar walked to the back with Heyman as they showed his boots in the ring again. That was it.

Analysis: There’s the Brock Lesnar retirement. It wasn’t known beforehand, but Lesnar himself said he was only back in WWE for a short while, so I’m not that surprised by it. We thought that maybe it would extend to SummerSlam since it’s in Minnesota, but if he wants to call it a career now, then that’s fine too. Brock Lesnar is 49 this year and is actually born in the same year as John Cena and AJ Styles (1977), so he’s retiring at a similar age to them. You can’t do it forever. I’m a Lesnar fan and have been since day one when he debuted in March 2002, but obviously, there’s been controversy with him in recent years, too. Anyway, he did the right thing on the way out, and that’s good to see. Thanks, Brock.

A video aired showing Hulk Hogan’s documentary on Netflix. That led to 4 minutes of footage, which means they are showing commercials on ESPN for fans in the US.

The Intercontinental Title Ladder Match was next. They showed the introductions for Rey Mysterio, Je’Von Evans, and the champion Penta, while the other guys were already at ringside to start the match. Penta was wearing a Shao Kahn-inspired mask from Mortal Kombat. Cool look.

Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship: Penta vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Rusev vs. JD McDonagh vs. Dragon Lee vs. Je’Von Evans

There were ladders all around the ring, and the IC Title was hanging above the ring. The first guy to put a ladder under the title and bring it down is the Intercontinental Champion.

The trio of Rey, Penta, and Lee cleared the ring. Rusev pulled Rey out of the ring. Rusev hit Penta and Lee with a ladder. Penta clotheslined Rusev on the floor. JD hit Penta with a ladder. Evans jumped over the top with a dive onto JD on the floor. That was crazy. Lee gave Evans a hurricanrana off the apron onto Evans onto JD on the floor. Great spot. Rey faced off with Lee even though they are buddies. Rey sent Lee into the ropes and went for a 619, but Lee avoided it and hit a superkick. Rusev went into the ring and hit three guys with ladders to knock them down. JD charged at Rusev, who hit a back body drop onto a ladder. Ouch. Penta gave Rusev a bulldog off a ladder. Penta kicked Evans into the turnbuckle. JD shoved Penta over the top to the floor. JD grabbed the title and Evans punched him to stop that. Rusev shoved the ladder over to knock Evans over the top onto somebody on the floor. Evans hit a springboard clothesline on JD while JD was on the ladder. The fans loved that and I did too. Rey dropkicked Lee into a ladder and Rey hit a 619 kick into the ladder. Evans jumped over Rey on the ladder and Penta used Evans as a weapon to trip up Rey on the apron. Penta suplexed Evans into a ladder. Lee hit a missile dropkick off the top onto Rey while Rey was upside down on a ladder. Lee climbed a ladder quickly, but Rusev stopped that and hit a uranage on Lee. Rusev set up a ladder bridge to the turnbuckle and Rusev slammed Evans with a uranage onto a ladder. Penta and Rey hit strikes on Rusev to send him to the apron. Penta launched Rey over the top, and Rey hit a senton splash onto Rusev, who went crashing through a ladder on the floor! Ouch! That was brutal. Rough landing for Rey and especially Rusev on that one.

Rey connected with a 619 and went for a ladder climb, but Lee stopped that. Rey rammed Lee’s left arm into the ladder. Rey knocked Lee down, but Lee was able to hold on to get back up. Rey jumped off the ladder and Lee caught Rey, which led to Lee hitting a Styles Clash on Rey. JD went up the ladder with Lee and hit a Spanish Fly on Lee into the ring. That was outstanding. Penta and JD were fighting on top of the ladder. JD tried for a suplex, but Penta fought out of that. Penta hit a Mexican Destroyer off the ladder onto a ladder bridge! Cole: “McDonagh’s dead!” That’s a crazy spot to do, but it looked about as safe as it could be. Evans climbed up the ladder, he was holding onto the apparatus holding the belt and Rusev got a hold of him and pulled Evans down. That was close for Evans. Rusev looked like he was favoring a left foot injury, so he was slowly climbing up. Evans jumped off the top and hit an OG Cutter off Rusev off the ladder. Evans got back up, but Penta jumped off a ladder and hit a Mexican Destroyer on Evans in the ring. Penta slowly climbed the ladder, sat on top, and pulled it down to win. It went 15:10.

Winner: Penta

Analysis: ****1/2 That was an outstanding ladder match. I think it was one of the best WWE matches of the year so far. I know going in there was not much of a story for this match, but I think it’s a case of WWE knowing that they didn’t have to build much of a story and just let these guys have the time to have a great match. That’s what they did. I thought all six guys really got a chance to shine, with Je’Von Evans standing out the most, and Penta was right there with him with those Mexican Destroyers that he did. I loved the spot with Rey and Rusev through the table. Kudos to Rusev getting back from that to take the OG Cutter from Evans. Dragon Lee and JD McDonagh had plenty of awesome moments, too. I figured Penta would win because it’s still early in his title reign, and I certainly don’t mind seeing him with the title for the future.

They showed highlights of the amazing spots in the Ladder Match. Penta celebrated with his Intercontinental Title.

There was a replay of Brock Lesnar retiring after losing to Oba Femi earlier in the night. Cole admitted he had no idea, and they didn’t know how to react to it. Cole said he was there in the beginning, he was there for his championships, and he thanked Brock Lesnar for being one of the most spectacular superstars in WWE history. Wade said he’ll wait for an official word from Lesnar about it.

It’s another Hulk Hogan documentary clip. The same one about the Hogan/Andre match at WrestleMania 3 that was shown multiple times last night too. It’s an ad break. I don’t mind the breaks as much as some people do because they give me a chance to edit the review I’m doing live.

Highlights from WrestleMania Saturday were shown, with Randy Orton attacking Cody Rhodes after Cody retained the WWE Title.

They showed celebrities at ringside, including singer JOP, music producer Rick Rubin, Jahmyr Gibbs of the NFL’s Detroit Lions, UFC legend Daniel Cormier, and singer Joe Jonas.

Sami Zayn made his entrance as the United States Champion and there were boos as soon as his music hit. The fans were singing Zayn’s song on the way to the ring, but there were definitely boos for him, even though Zayn has been a face for a few years. To this crowd, Zayn is a heel.

Lil Yachty introduced his buddy, “Mr. Lemon Pepper Stepper” Trick Williams, which led to Trick Williams making his entrance wearing his white fur coat jacket. The stadium was chanting “Whoop That Trick” for Williams in his WrestleMania debut. As Trick made his entrance, we realized that there was a long train connected to it.

United States Championship: Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams (w/Lil Yachty)

Zayn jumped over Trick and hit a clothesline that knocked Trick out of the ring. Trick got back in the ring quickly with two clotheslines and a leg lariat. Trick hit a backhand to the face and a neckbreaker. Trick hit a Book End for a two count. Zayn hit a boot to the face and a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count. Zayn was aggressive while Trick was against the ropes, so the fans booed that. Yachty checked on Trick, so Zayn hit Yachty with a forearm to the head to knock Yachty down. Zayn sent Yachty into the barricade at ringside. Zayn sent Trick into the ring post and then a brainbuster on the apron. Zayn is really aggressive here, which has led to boos from the fans. Zayn hit a Helluva Kick on Trick on the floor. Zayn went back into the ring as the referee counted Trick out, but Trick got back in before the ten count. Zayn stomped on Trick while the referee checked on Trick. Zayn set up in the corner, Yachty pulled on Zayn’s neck across the top rope while the referee was looking at Trick. That led to Trick hitting a spinning kick for two. Zayn avoided a Trick Shot and got a rollup for two. Zayn hit an Exploder into the turnbuckle and the fans booed again. Zayn charged, but Trick hit the Trick Shot knee for the pinfall win at 7:10.

Winner by pinfall AND NEW United States Champion: Trick Williams

Analysis: *** I liked the match, but I was also hoping they would get 12-15 minutes at least. When Zayn hit that Blue Thunder Bomb early in the match, I figured they would have a shorter match, and that’s what happened. Zayn was working as the heel here with his actions, while Trick was against the ropes, and Zayn was attacking Yachty as well. I liked the spot with Yachty doing a necksnap leading to Trick getting a nearfall after a kick. Trick finishing it right after was good to see. I just think it would have been a better match if Zayn was on offense for a few minutes before Trick came back to win. I picked Trick to win, so I like that result.

Trick Williams celebrated with the US Title. Trick hugged his mom and dad at ringside. Cool moment for the family. Trick continued to celebrate with the US Title while Zayn was sad on the floor.

Analysis: A year ago, Trick was in the NXT Stand & Deliver main event with Oba Femi and Je’Von Evans. On this WrestleMania Sunday, all three guys had incredible showings at WrestleMania. Making NXT proud. Good job by all of them. I’m excited about all of their futures in WWE.

There were a few commercials and then more of the Hulk Hogan Netflix documentary for those of us on Netflix. That meant more ads for fans in the US on ESPN. It took another 4 minutes.

Dominik Mysterio made his entrance as the AAA Mega Champion, joined by about a dozen wrestlers wearing luchador masks, since Dom likes to call himself the King of the Luchadores. They had Dominik on a throne at the start of the entrance. This match was announced as a Street Fight by Raw GM Adam Pearce earlier on Sunday. Dom’s luchador buddies went to ringside and then they left. Dom threw a mask at Michael Cole, so Cole called him a jackass.

Finn Balor made his entrance as “Demon” Finn Balor with the cool entrance and the paint all over his body, along with the colorful headgear. The fans loved it as Balor took his time getting into the ring and was blowing smoke on his way to the ring. Cole: “Dominik Mysterio, welcome to hell.” Cole noted it was the first time in three years that the Demon had arrived.

Street Fight: “Demon” Finn Balor vs. Dominik Mysterio

A Street Fight means anything goes and the pinfall or submission has to be in the ring. Balor tripped up Dom, followed by chops. Dom tried a kick, Balor blocked it and Balor stomped on Dom. Balor clotheslined Dom from the apron to the floor. Balor grabbed a kendo stick and hit Dom in the ribs with it. Balor hit Dom in the back with the kendo stick. Balor pulled a table out from under the ring and Dom hit a suicide dive to knock Balor down. Dom worked over Balor with multiple kendo stick shots to the body. Dom brought some chairs into the ring and hit Balor a few times in the ribs. Dom jumped over the top with a senton splash. Dom tried a suplex on chairs, but Balor countered with a suplex onto the chairs. Balor hit a Slingblade. Dom came back with a superkick and dropkick into the ropes. Dom hit the 619 kick and a Frog Splash off the top for just a one count. The one count kickout drew a big pop. Balor countered a chair attack with a reverse DDT. Balor hit a running dropkick into the turnbuckle. Balor hit another running dropkick into the turnbuckle. Balor went up top and went for the double foot stomp, but Dom moved. Dom attacked with a steel chair, and Balor got his hands up to take the chair shot. Dom got a two count.

Dom brought the Slim Jim table into the ring and put it against the turnbuckle. Balor got back into it with punches, along with a Slingblade neckbreaker. Balor fired up the crowd, but Dom stopped that with a superkick. Dominik sent Balor crashing through the table against the turnbuckle. Dom hit Balor in the back with a chair shot. Dom put a chair on Balor’s head and hit a 619 kick into the chair on Balor’s head. Dominik went up top and hit a Frog Splash for a two count this time. Dominik attacked Balor with repeated chair shots to Balor’s back. Dom brought another table into the ring. Dom set up a table in the ring, although it was a bit of a struggle. Balor popped right up and hit a clothesline. Balor worked over Dom with chair shots to the back. Balor put a chair around Dom’s neck and Balor hit a dropkick into the turnbuckle. Balor put Dom on the table in the ring, Balor went up top and hit a Coup de Grace double foot stomp through the table. Balor covered Dominik for the pinfall win at 10:33.

Winner by pinfall: “Demon” Finn Balor

Analysis: ***1/2 A clean and decisive win for the Demon as you would expect in his first match as the Demon in over three years. Dom had no chance here, although Dom got more offense than I thought he would get. This is a match that I thought might get under 10 minutes, but they got more than that and that was cool to see. The weapon usage was fine. They didn’t go crazy with weapons other than the basic stuff we always see, like kendo sticks, chairs, and tables. Balor beating Dominik was probably the easiest match to pick on the entire WrestleMania card.

A commercial aired for SummerSlam in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on August 1st and August 2nd. The Jade Cargill-Rhea Ripley match was next.

The “We’ll Be Right Back” video was shown of WWE superstars for us on Netflix for some ads for over three minutes.

A Priority Pass VIP Guest, Adam Weitsman, was sitting at ringside with Cole and Barrett for the next matchup. I wonder how much that cost. I’m not sure if Adam will say much.

The WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill made her entrance in a gold outfit. She had on this elaborate jacket and took it off on her way to the ring. I thought she’d get a more elaborate entrance, but as a heel, maybe the call was made to keep her entrance simpler.

Rhea Ripley had a cool look as usual, and the fans popped big for her. There was some pyro for her as well. Ripley’s jacket said “Inmate” on it, so Cole said Ripley’s outfit represented that it felt like she had been in an insane asylum dealing with Cargill. Ring announcer Alicia Taylor did the championship introductions.

WWE Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill vs. Rhea Ripley

Jade used her power to hit a shoulder tackle and a body slam. Ripley came back with a face first slam of her own, along with a dropkick. Jade sent Ripley into the ropes and connected with a powerslam. Jade sent Ripley out of the ring and Jade jumped on Ripley’s back. Jade sent Ripley into the barricade. The fans booed as Jade posed. Back in the ring, Jade hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count. Ripley told Jade to bring it, so Jade took Ripley down with a Crossface submission. Ripley tried to power up Jade, but Jade elbowed Ripley to break free. Ripley hit a rising kick to stun Jade. Ripley and Jade took turns punching eachother. Jade kicked Ripley into the ropes and Ripley hit a jumping kick. Ripley put Jade on her shoulders and Ripley slammed Jade face first into the mat for two. Ripley went for Riptide, but Jade countered it with a hiptoss. Jade hit a superkick and an impressive Spinebuster for a two count. Wade praised Jade for doing a great job in the match. Jade went for Jaded, but Ripley countered it into a pin attempt for two. Ripley fought out of a Jade move with a hurricanrana. Ripley hit a running kick to the chest. Michin arrived on the apron as Jade’s ally and B-Fab showed up as well to save Jade. Ripley punched B-Fab off the apron. Ripley went after Michin, who went to the floor. Jade avoided a move and Ripley hit the ring post with her shoulder. Michin kicked Ripley for a two count. Jade hit a move off the shoulders called the Sandstorm for a two count. That is like Kenny Omega’s One Winged Angel.

Jade tossed Ripley out of the ring. Jade distracted the referee, but the referee saw B-Fab and Michin about to interfere again. Iyo Sky’s music hit and she ran down to the ring to help Ripley. Sky punched B-Fab and hit an uppercut on Michin. Sky hit a springboard moonsault onto B-Fab and Michin on the floor. Ripley with a headbutt. Ripley went for a Riptide, Jade got out of it and Jade hit a pump kick. Jade went for Jaded, Ripley countered it and Ripley hit Riptide for the pinfall win! New WWE Women’s Champion! It went about 10 minutes. Cole called Ripley “Miss WrestleMania” as she won her 4th Women’s Championship.

Winner by pinfall AND NEW WWE Women’s Champion: Rhea Ripley

Analysis: ***1/2 A competitive match with good action throughout. It was probably one of Jade’s best matches, and she didn’t look out of place at any point. Barrett was right to praise her. Ripley is so great in matches like this, and I think Ripley’s presence helped Jade a lot, but it’s certainly not a carry job. It was an entertaining match. It was a title change that I expected, and I’m glad it happened. With that said, I’m also proud of Jade for working hard and improving since she joined WWE. Hard work pays off, and Jade should be proud of this performance.

Rhea Ripley celebrated as the new WWE Women’s Champion. As Cole said, Ripley is now a 4-time WWE Women’s Champion and she has had a lot of success at WrestleMania in her career.

The next WWE PLE is Backlash on Saturday, May 9th.

There was a replay of Oba Femi beating Brock Lesnar in the opening match. After the match, Lesnar shocked the world by retiring in the ring after the match. Cole said nobody knew this was going to happen. They showed Paul Heyman in tears with Lesnar and they left together.

John Cena Announces WrestleMania Attendance

The WrestleMania host, John Cena, was in the ring. Tonight, Cena read from a card, saying that the attendance was 55,255 people. Cena said that two night attendance was 106,072 people. Cena said that it concluded his duties as the host. There was an interruption.

The Miz and Kit Wilson interrupted. The Miz complained about how he didn’t have a WrestleMania moment last year and he wants a WrestleMania moment right now. Cena acted like he didn’t know who Kit Wilson, so Cena asked his name and they shook hands.

Danhausen Arrives At WrestleManiahausen

Danhausen made his entrance, joined by little people dressed like Danhausen. Cole claimed that they wanted to be called midgets. Danhausen arrived in a unique car while the little guys went down to the ring with Danhausen. Danhausen went into the ring with the little people. Wade: “How old are they?” Cole: “55.” Nice.

Danhausen was in the ring with the little guys, Miz, Wilson and Cena. The fans popped as Danhausen said greetings to the humans. Danhausen said he’s finally made it to WrestleManiahausen. Danhausen had something to say to Cena. Danhausen said he was a huge fanhausen of Cena and Cena was ecstatic. The Miz complained about Danhausen turning WrestleMania 42 into a circus. Miz said if he wanted to see the Wizard of Oz, he would have gone down the street. Kit said that the little people are toxic, and Kit knocked a guy down. A little person punched Kit in the groin. The little people attacked Wilson. Danhausen punched Miz in the gut or maybe the groin. Danhausen did Cena’s “You Can’t See Me” and the Five Knuckle Shufflehausen fist drop on The Miz. The little people carried Miz out of the ring. Danhausen celebrated with Cena. Danhausen had a small explosion and the lights didn’t go out, but Danhausen went under the ring. Cena said that retired life is awesome. Cena said that the grandest stage of them all. Cena said that next up is your main event.

Analysis: I laughed. Danhausen’s stuff is ridiculous, and I totally get it if some people hate it, but I certainly don’t mind it. We need some laughter on these kinds of shows, and I don’t mind it when Danhausen is involved. You could tell Cena was genuinely laughing about it and enjoying his part in it. Nice job by Miz and Kit Wilson in their roles.

The CM Punk-Roman Reigns main event is up next. They showed a video package including Roman Reigns winning the Royal Rumble and telling CM Punk he’ll challenge him for the World Heavyweight Title. It led to a lot of insults and some brawling between them. They are both babyfaces, but they are also two guys who hate eachother. I have enjoyed the build for this one.

A video aired about the Street Fighter movie that comes out in October. Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes are in it.

We got another Hulk Hogan Netflix documentary video, which meant more commercials. I need a bathroom break, so it’s okay.

Roman Reigns had an elaborate entrance with a vocalist singing his song, a piano player and a drummer. They showed images of Roman Reigns’ family on the screens to show his family legacy, which is cool to see. That led into Roman’s music playing as the Tribal Chief made his entrance, looking like he’s in the best shape of his life. It was a long walk to the ring for the OTC, Reigns, as the stadium put their 1’s up in the air. It took a while for Reigns to get to the ring as usual. He’s not a man who rushes his entrance and that’s okay for WrestleMania.

They showed CM Punk on top of Allegiant Stadium (at least in theory) and then they showed images of his wrestling journey pre-WWE and in WWE. Punk was shown walking backstage with the World Heavyweight Title around his waist. They played the AFI song “Miseria Cantare – The Beginning” as Punk walked onto the stage. That is the song Punk used in Ring of Honor, so that was a nice touch. When Punk got to the stage, Punk shouted, “It’s Clobberin’ Time,” and Cult of Personality hit in the stadium. There were four names on CM Punk’s jacket. Cole mentioned they are people who have passed away, including three former WWE employees. That’s nice of Punk paying tribute to them. The back of Punk’s jacket pays respect to Harley Race. Punk also had an image of his dog Larry, who passed away recently as well. Good job by Punk. Alicia Taylor did the championship introductions and did a nice job as usual.

Analysis: I thought both entrances were great. It certainly has a big fight feel of a WrestleMania main event match, and having those kinds of entrances helps a lot.

World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns

It is Punk’s second WrestleMania main event and Reigns’ 11th WrestleMania main event. The referee was Rod Zapata. The bell rang at 8:54 p.m. ET to start the match.

There was a long staredown by Punk and Reigns to start the match. Punk hit a shoulder tackle. Punk sent Reigns into the ropes and Reigns hit an elbow smash. Reigns hit an impressive leapfrog, followed by a Samoan Drop. Reigns smashed Punk with a punch to knock him down. The fans were singing “Roman, Roman Reigns” as Reigns sent Punk into the turnbuckles. Reigns clotheslined Punk over the top to the floor. Reigns left the ring and Punk sent Reigns into the commentary table. Reigns sent Punk into the barricade. Reigns broke the referee’s count and back out to punch Punk. Reigns sent Punk over the barricade and back into the ring to break the count. Reigns went at Punk at ringside, but Punk fought back. Punk hit a clothesline from the barricade onto Reigns at ringside. The referee was out on the floor with them, so there was no count at this point. Punk was celebrating on the commentary table mocking Reigns’ salute and Reigns slammed Punk on the floor. They went back into the ring, so Reigns trash talked Punk for mocking him. Reigns and Punk exchanged strikes, leading to Reigns hitting a boot to the face. Reigns worked over Punk wit the ten clotheslines against the turnbuckle and Reigns hit a leaping clothesline for two. Reigns set up for a Superman Punch, Punk avoided it and Punk hit a clothesline. Punk went up top and hit a cross body block. Punk worked over Reigns with punches. Punk hit a jumping heel kick to knock Reigns down. Punk hit the running knee against the turnbuckle and the bulldog that Punk loves to do. Reigns elbowed Punk to counter a GTS move and Reigns sent Punk into the ring post. Reigns hit a Superman Punch for a two count as usual for that move.

Reigns set up by the turnbuckle, but Punk came back with a running knee. Punk hit another knee smash and two short arm clotheslines in a row. Punk hit a neckbreaker. Punk clotheslined Reigns out of the ring to the floor. Punk hit a suicide dive on Reigns on the floor. Punk sent Reigns into the commentary table and the steel steps. The referee was out on the floor with them, so there was no count again. Punk went up top while Reigns was on the commentary table. Punk was about to jump, but Reigns was back up to stop that. They exchanged elbows on the apron. Punk kicked Reigns and Reigns kicked Punk in the head. Reigns put Punk on the top turnbuckle. Reigns set up Punk upside down by the turnbuckle, so Reigns worked over Punk with punches while Punk can’t defend himself. Reigns hit a Superman Punch while Punk was upside down. Reigns hit two more Superman Punches while Punk was upside down against the turnbuckle. Reigns picked up the steel steps and hit Reigns in the head. Punk was bleeding from the forehead. It looked like Punk was putting the blade back into his boot or under the ring. Reigns cleared off the Spanish commentary table. Reigns picked up Punk and gave him a Powerbomb through the Spanish commentary table, and the table broke. That was a big bump. The referee was checking on Punk while Reigns posed. Reigns: “I ain’t done with you yet, Phil.” Reigns put Punk into the ring. Reigns ran the ropes, Punk caught him and Punk hit a Go To Sleep (GTS) knee to the face for a two count. Great nearfall there! It was about 20 minutes into the match.

Punk went for a lift, Reigns got out of it and Reigns ran the ropes leading to Spear for the one…two…and no! Punk kicked out. That means each man has kicked out of a finishing move. Reigns was stunned that Punk kicked out. Reigns slammed Punk’s head into the mat a few times. Reigns told Punk it was time to go to sleep. Reigns put Punk on his shoulders, Reigns went for a GTS and Punk blocked it. Punk hit a roundhouse kick to the head for a two count. Punk signaled Reigns’ hand gesture for a Superman Punch and Punk hit his own Superman Punch for a two count. Punk grabbed a red Ula Fala necklace that a fan was wearing at ringside and Punk put it on. Punk went for a Spear, but Reigns caught him in a Guillotine submission. Punk rolled up Reigns for a two count and Reigns barely kicked out of that. Punk applied the Anaconda Vice submission, but Reigns was able to punch his way out of it. Reigns applied a Guillotine Choke again and Punk was able to get out of it. Reigns punched and kicked Punk to get out of a Sharpshooter attempt. Reigns applied a Guillotine headlock again and Punk countered it into a pin attempt. Reigns and Punk hit a double clothesline to knock eachother down. Punk and Reigns were on their knees exchanging strikes. They kept on throwing punches. Punk hit a knee and Reigns hit a knee. Punk headbutted Reigns, which is never wise to do against a Samoan. They were both on their knees and Punk threw his tape at Reigns. The referee threw the tape out of the ring and Punk hit a low blow uppercut! Punk hit a GTS for the 1…2…no! Reigns got his shoulder up at the last moment. The fans thought that was it. Punk hit elbow drops and Reigns went out of the ring. Punk put Reigns on the commentary table again. Punk slowly went up top and Punk took a long time thinking about it. Punk was on the top rope and jumped off the top with an elbow drop that put Reigns through the table. The match was over 30 minutes at this point. Reigns was down selling and even said “F**k” which got muted on the broadcast. It was over 30 minutes at this point.

Punk was in the middle of the ring with Reigns, and Punk hit Reigns with the GTS. Reigns fell right back onto Punk’s shoulders, which is a spot I’ve seen Punk do many times over. As Punk tried lifting Reigns again, Punk collapsed and Reigns was able to roll away across the ring. Punk staggered back up by the ropes, so Reigns was back up with a Spear. Punk tried to throw a punch, but he was exhausted and he missed. Reigns ran the ropes and hit another Spear. Reigns covered Punk for the 1…2…3. Roman Reigns is the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion! The match went 34 minutes.

Winner by pinfall AND NEW WWE World Heavyweight Champion: Roman Reigns

Analysis: ***** It’s a 5-star match to me, and that’s as high as the scale goes for me. It’s an outstanding match that was worthy of being the main event of WrestleMania. They absolutely delivered a legendary match. Going 30+ minutes isn’t easy, but they had a hell of a match with fighting on the floor, each guy hitting moves that the other guy does, and they sold everything so well. There were some nearfalls that were damn close that the crowd absolutely bought into some of those nearfalls. I liked the finish a lot, with Punk hitting the GTS, and then it looked like he was about to hit another one, but Punk collapsed and wasn’t able to hit it. The idea was that Punk was absolutely exhausted, and he wasn’t able to lift Reigns for a second GTS, so Reigns was able to finish off Punk after that. The way they threw in the submission moves also added to the drama because it looked like Punk may pass out or Reigns may tap out. They really planned this match out well and delivered performances that they can both be proud of. I don’t think one guy stood out more than the other. I think Reigns and Punk were both outstanding and should be proud of having one of the best matches of their careers.

Roman Reigns celebrated with the World Heavyweight Championship. Reigns is now a 7-time World Champion in WWE. They showed replays of the key spots in the match.

As Roman Reigns celebrated with the World Heavyweight Title, he posed on the turnbuckle, and the pyro went off in the stadium. Reigns was wearing his red Ula Fala and tossed the other Ula Fala to the guy at ringside. Reigns continued to celebrate as Cole said that Reigns was back at the Head of the Table. Cole said Reigns was built for WrestleMania. Reigns left the ring and greeted his family at ringside, including his four sons (two sets of twin boys), daughter, and his wife. Reigns went back into the ring to celebrate. The show ended there.

Analysis: I’m happy for Roman Reigns being a WWE World Champion again. I hope it means he’ll wrestle a more regular schedule moving forward, but more than likely, he’ll be off some PLEs moving forward. I think Reigns is such a great pro wrestler, and he makes others better, so the more he is around, the better it is.

WWE WrestleMania 42 Sunday had a runtime of 3 hours, and 33 minutes. WrestleMania Saturday was 3:55.

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Five Stars of the Show

  1. Roman Reigns
  2. CM Punk
  3. Oba Femi
  4. Penta
  5. Rhea Ripley, “Demon” Finn Balor, Je’Von Evans and more.

And a shoutout to Brock Lesnar for what appears to be his last match.

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Final Thoughts on WWE WrestleMania 42 Sunday

I’m going 8.75 out of 10 for this show. I went 7 out of 10 for WrestleMania Saturday, so average it out, and it’s a 7.88/10 for all of WrestleMania 42.

I loved WrestleMania 42 Sunday. It was definitely better than WrestleMania Saturday, and I had a blast watching it. The main event was a 5-star match between Roman Reigns and CM Punk that absolutely was worthy of a main event at WrestleMania. It’s going to be remembered as a legendary match. I’m so happy for Reigns and Punk delivering such an epic match. I loved the IC Title Ladder Match as well, with Penta, Je’Von Evans, and Rusev all standing out in that match, along with the other good performances.

They started things off right with Oba Femi winning big over Brock Lesnar, who retired after his loss. That was a huge moment. Femi came off as a massive star. It wasn’t long, but it was exactly what it needed to be, and it’s about the moment for Femi. Lesnar saying goodbye after that match is likely his choice. Respect to him for leaving when he wanted to and how he wanted to do it.

I’m happy for Trick Williams winning the US Title from Sami Zayn and Rhea Ripley winning the Women’s Title from Jade Cargill. That was probably Jade’s best singles match in WWE, a credit to her improvement and to how good Ripley is. I would have liked to see more time for the Williams/Zayn match, but at least it was the right result.

WrestleMania Saturday disappointed many fans, and the commercials drew widespread complaints. There were still commercials on WrestleMania Sunday, but the action was way better, so the commercial whiners probably could tolerate them more on this show.

To sum it up, WrestleMania Sunday absolutely outclassed WrestleMania Saturday. I had fun tonight. Thanks for reading!

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As a reminder, I have a listing of every WWE PPV that I reviewed in order by year. Thank you for supporting us at TJRWrestling. We appreciate you.

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