WrestleMania 42 kicked off in a big way with John Cena serving as host, setting the tone for a chaotic and headline-filled first night. From shocking returns to brutal stipulation matches and major title changes, Night 1 delivered on spectacle and surprises.
John Cena Opens the Show
Cena made his way to the ring in a suit, making it clear he wasn’t there to compete. Acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the past year in WWE, he welcomed fans to WrestleMania and asked the looming question of the night—who would step up on the grand stage?
LA Knight & The Usos def. The Vision & IShowSpeed
The opening match brought a mix of celebrity involvement and top-tier talent. LA Knight teamed with Jimmy and Jey Uso to take on Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and IShowSpeed.
Despite some chaotic moments—including miscommunication between Logan Paul and IShowSpeed—the veteran trio capitalized. Knight sealed the win with the BFT on Theory.
After the match, tensions exploded. Logan Paul snapped on IShowSpeed, laying him out before attempting to escalate things further. That backfired spectacularly, as The Usos intervened, and IShowSpeed ultimately hit a wild frog splash off the ring post through the announce table in a jaw-dropping moment.
Jacob Fatu def. Drew McIntyre (Unsanctioned Match)
This one was exactly as violent as expected. Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre tore into each other with weapons from the opening bell, including chairs, tables, and even a toolbox.
McIntyre dished out serious punishment, but Fatu proved unstoppable. After a brutal sequence involving a toolbox shot and a springboard moonsault through a table, Fatu secured the win in decisive fashion.
Brie Bella & Paige win WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships
Originally set for Nikki Bella to compete, an injury forced a late change—but it led to a major return. Paige made her surprise comeback to team with Brie Bella.
In a chaotic four-way tag match also featuring Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair, Bayley & Lyra Valkyria, and champions Nia Jax & Lash Legend, the action never slowed down.
Paige ultimately pinned Alexa Bliss to capture the titles, marking a successful and emotional return alongside Brie Bella as the new champions.
Becky Lynch def. AJ Lee to win WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship
In a highly anticipated showdown, AJ Lee defended against Becky Lynch in a back-and-forth battle filled with counters and near falls.
The finish came with controversy. After removing a turnbuckle pad and distracting the referee, Lynch took advantage and delivered the Manhandle Slam to win the title, ending AJ Lee’s reign under questionable circumstances.
GUNTHER def. Seth Rollins (Referee Stoppage)
This hard-hitting match escalated quickly, with both men brawling before the bell even rang.
Rollins pushed GUNTHER to the limit, but the tide turned when Bron Breakker made a shocking return, spearing Rollins and shifting momentum. GUNTHER locked in the Gojira Clutch, forcing the referee to stop the match.
Afterward, Breakker aligned himself with Paul Heyman, adding another layer to the ongoing power struggle.
Liv Morgan def. Stephanie Vaquer to win WWE Women’s World Championship
The Women’s World Title match featured outside interference from multiple competitors, creating a chaotic environment.
Despite Stephanie Vaquer fighting through distractions, Liv Morgan capitalized with Oblivion to secure the victory and become the new champion. She celebrated with Dominik Mysterio and her allies, closing the segment with momentum firmly on her side.
Bianca Belair Announces Pregnancy
In one of the night’s feel-good moments, Bianca Belair appeared during a host segment and revealed she is expecting a child. The announcement drew a huge reaction from the crowd, with Cena acknowledging the milestone moment.
Cody Rhodes def. Randy Orton to retain WWE Undisputed Championship
The main event saw Cody Rhodes defend against Randy Orton in a physical, drama-filled contest.
Before the bell, Pat McAfee and Orton attack Rhodes, but Rhodes manages to shrug them off, puts Orton into the post and lays Pat out with Cross Rhodes! Cody takes McAfee to the floor and puts him on the announce desk! Jelly Roll is here and tells him he’s got it, climbs up on the other desk… JELLY ROLL DROPS AN ELBOW THAT PUTS PAT MCAFEE THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE DESK!
McAfee is carted off on a stretcher.
Both men targeted each other relentlessly, with Orton’s back becoming a key focal point. The match featured multiple referee bumps and interference, including Pat McAfee wearing a neck brace a referee shirt runs down after Orton hit the ref with a RKO. McAfee makes a count but Rhodes kicks out after 2. Orton hits McAfee with an RKO.
In the end, Rhodes hit Cross Rhodes to retain his title—but the story didn’t end there.
After the match, Orton brutally attacked Rhodes, busting him open and standing tall to close the show, leaving a lasting image as Night 1 came to an end.
WrestleMania 42 Night 1 delivered major title changes, shocking returns, and unforgettable moments. With tensions rising and new champions crowned, all eyes now turn to Night 2 to see how the rest of WrestleMania unfolds.
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