WWE WrestleMania 41 Night 1 Review


WWE World Heavyweight Championship - Gunther vs Jey Uso

Way better than Jey Uso's WrestleMania match last year, mainly because it wasn't a mirror match against his brother. Gunther did a really good job here being the monster heel for Jey to overcome. I'm surprised at how much Jey put into this matchup, actually getting me invested in what was going on. While the build to this match was uninteresting to start, they certainly upped the ante these past couple of weeks to light a fire under Jey Uso. Jey definitely deserved this win after all this.

★★★★

WWE World Tag Team Championships - War Raider vs The New Day

I was expecting Big E to interfere in some capacity, but what we got was serviceable enough, especially if this fued is going to continue. Not only that, but the New Day finally get some respect at WrestleMania with their first victory at the event. The double crossbody from Ivar to the New Day was definitely a standout spot here. Maybe, if the match was longer it could've had some more memorable spots, but I'm just greatful that the New Day is getting respect at WrestleMania.

★★★½

Jade Cargill vs Naomi

This match was fine, but it sort of lacked the heat that the fued had building up to the event. It certainly wasn't on the level of Triple H vs Randy Orton at WrestleMania 25 level of boring, but it certainly has that same problem. There were a couple of creative spots, I just wish there was some kind of stipulation that would wake this match up, because a normal match does not fit the hatred these two have for each other.

★★★

WWE United States Championship - LA Knight vs Jacob Fatu

A solid US title defense. Both men were on their A game here. LA Knight had incredible offense, especially with him reversing a moonsault into a BFT. I was absolutely floored by that reversal. Jacob Fatu continues to show why he was such a hot free agent in the first place. The dude moves like a cruiserweight, yet is built like a linebacker. He's an absolute beast, and this was a great showcase for him. The crowd was getting behind him, too. He will definitely be an over US champion.

★★★½

El Grande Americano vs Rey Fenix

A bit of a change due to Rey Mysterio suffering an injury on the previous night's Smackdown, but they gives the opportunity to have Rey Fenix in his first ever WrestleMania match. What I wasn't expecting was a cameo from El Hijo del Vikingo, who also is making his WrestleMania debut, but not in a match. There was plenty of spots here that I was surprised that they put it together in just one night. Either that, or Rey Fenix and Rey Mysterio were interchangeable without any conflict. I was expecting this storyline to end here, but I guess it'll continue until Mysterio is cleared.

★★★½

WWE Women's Championship - Tiffany Stratton vs Charlotte Flair

The worst match of the night, and it wasn't even Tiffany Stratton's fault. The build to this match was just awkward as all hell, with both of them trying to shoot on each other, so this match had to do a lot of work to stick the home run. Unlike Charlotte's match with Rhea last year, this match was just disjointed and clunky, thanks in no part to Charlotte's no selling and sandbagging. She's made it clear she's only in this business for herself. I'm only thankful that Tiffany won. RETIRE, CHARLOTTE. NO ONE WANTS TO SEE YOUR SELFISH ASS.

★★½

Seth "Freakin'" Rollins vs Roman Reigns vs CM Punk

A match that was just as good as the main event for Stand and Deliver, but for different reasons. Unlike most Bloodline multiman matches, this one didn't feel too drawn out, and I actually got quite invested in the goings-on. The Paul Heyman swerve was actually well planned out ahead of time, especially on this week's episode of Raw. These three had excellent chemistry together, and the in-ring action was just smooth. Counter after counter, move after move. Just weaving an excellent story. I can't wait for the explanation on the Raw after Mania!

★★★★★

Night 1 Score:

Match Quality: 71/100
Show Structure: 90/100
Atmosphere: 80/100
Story: 80/100
Production: 80/100

Overall: B- (81/100)

While not an incredible WrestleMania thus far, the results are mostly what I was expecting given the story buildup to the event. It certainly isn't the worst WrestleMania I've seen, because it certainly isn't boring. While some matches were just okay, they did provide with some great WrestleMania sized moments for everyone to enjoy. New champions being crowned, and new rivalries beginning. Far from the worse. What definitely helped the score was the main event, which definitely delivered.

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