WWE WrestleMania 40 night 1 is over and we reviewed each match with a grade attached. And, let us know how we did.
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Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill & Naomi vs Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Asuka & Kairi Sane)
After lots of questions about WWE adding another women’s match, they did so with little time to spare. While I like the pairing of Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill & Naomi, I feel WWE should have added Liv Morgan as she earned a WrestleMania match. The biggest story coming into the match was Jade Cargill. Outside of the Royal Rumble, fans might not be too familiar with her. She came and did enough to get over as WWE should not rush any push. As for Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Asuka & Kairi Sane) losing, that is bad sign for Iyo Sky tomorrow night. Grade: B
Rey Mysterio & Andrade vs Santos Escobar & Dominik Mysterio
Honestly, the match did not make much sense because we saw Rey Mysterio defeat Dominik Mysterio to end a lengthy storyline at WrestleMania 39. Then, weeks before WWE WrestleMania 40, Dominik reignites a feud with his father. Then, Andrade was a late addition and I thought the purpose of the match was to elevate Santos Escobar. Although, that did not happen. There was too much outside interference, even though it was full of great spots. Therefore, Rey winning again makes me question the purpose of the bout. Grade: B
Jey Uso vs Jimmy Uso
For only the third time in WrestleMania history, brothers are wrestling against each other. This match was rumored since last spring and there was lots of hypes. Heading into the bout, WWE promoted Jey Uso as a main event wrestler and Jimmy Uso as the lesser. Being twins, they know each other better than anyone else, yet something felt off. I figured there would be plenty of chemistry and emotion, but it was severely lacking until the end. Jey failing to pull the trigger and almost losing would have been an injustice. The Usos Civil War ends with Jey winning. Grade: B
The Bloodline (The Rock & Roman Reigns) vs Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins
Thankfully, WWE dropped The Rock vs Roman Reigns after listening to the fans. The Rock & Roman Reigns vs Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins is the biggest tag team match in WrestleMania history and probably WWE. After so much wrestling since Friday, I wished the introductions did not take so long. Rollins knee was focused on, which means he likely drops the belt on Sunday to Drew McIntyre. There was so much hype for the match and the final 15 minutes really delivered. The Bloodline won and after that accidental spear, I think Reigns vs The Rock happens before the year concludes. Grade: B+
Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley vs Becky Lynch
Earlier in the day, WWE mentioned how Becky Lynch was not feeling well. Based off her performance, you would never know. Also, Rhea Ripley looked great out there and it made for a fantastic opening match. It was a hard-hitting affair, although the live crowd took time to get loud. Great combination of moves, with some rarely seen spots. Rhea wins clean to keep her year plus title reign going and it was the right call to begin WWE WrestleMania 40 Night 1. Grade: A-
Six-Pack Tag Team Ladder match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship: The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor & Damian Priest) vs #DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) vs The Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) vs New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) vs A-Town Down Under (Austin Theory & Grayson Waller) vs New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate)
Finally, after like 2 years of talk, WWE has split the RAW and SmackDown Tag Team Championships again. I would have liked to see #DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) win, but Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) and A-Town Down Under (Austin Theory & Grayson Waller) leaving with the belts was great. First, R-Truth is a true gem to pro wrestling as everyone loves him and grabbing the belts reminded me of Zack Ryder doing the same. Coolest spots were Ciampa hitting the air-raid off the top of the ladder, JD McDonough crashing into 2 tables, Kofi Kingston’s trust fall to the outside and the Gargano DDT to the outside and through a table. The biggest takeaway is Finn Bálor & Damian Priest lost all that gold. I have a feeling Rhea Ripley will not be happy with her Judgement Day stablemates. Grade: A-
Intercontinental Championship: Gunther vs Sami Zayn
For 666 days, nobody has taken the Intercontinental Championship from Gunther. He easily holds the record for longest reign, with a belt that dates back to 1979. Basically, I gave Sami Zayn zero chance from the minute the match was announced, but that backstage segment with his family, Chad Gable and Kevin Owens made me believe a title change was very possible. As expected, Gunther used his power and turned Sami’s body red from all those blows. We saw Gunther get slammed on the mat, chopped and squared several times. Sami’s family helped him end Gunther’s reign and create a WrestleMania moment. Grade: A-
Read More: NXT Stand & Deliver 2024: Carmelo Hayes And Trick Williams Go To War, New Champion, Surprises
So, how did WWE WrestleMania 40 night 1 score on your end?
