Anthony Sulla-Heffinger
WrestleMania 40 Night 1 results, grades, analysis: The Rock, Roman Reigns defeat Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins
Three new champions were crowned on Night 1 and The Rock returned to in-ring action
WrestleMania 40 officially kicked off Saturday in Philadelphia with a seven-match card. There were three championship matches, with four separate titles on the line.
In the main event, The Rock and Roman Reigns took on Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins in one of the most highly anticipated tag team matches in WWE history.
Night 1 — Full results and grades
Rhea Ripley defeats Becky Lynch in 17:07 to retain her Women’s World Championship
Grade: B
Best spot: Rhea Ripley's "electric chair"
#RheaRipley DOMINATES at #WrestleMania! pic.twitter.com/7kpvJ4MAa8
— WWE (@WWE) April 6, 2024
Analysis: Two of the biggest stars in WWE put on a solid opening match that overcame some early pacing issues and showcased Ripley's power vs. Lynch's in-ring psychology. Ripley continuing her yearlong reign as champion was the right call and Lynch continues to put over the next generation of female stars.
Grayson Waller and Austin Theory win the Smackdown Tag Team Championships and Awesome Truth wins the Raw Tag Team Championships in 17:36
Grade: A
Best spot: DIY's dual high-risk moves
CIAMPA, YOU MADMAN!!!! 😲😲😲😲😲😲#WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/hF7zR8FUcL
— WWE (@WWE) April 7, 2024
Analysis: While it won't go down as the best ladder match in the event's history, there were several truly jaw-dropping moments and Awesome Truth winning creates a bonafide WrestleMania moment. Having Waller and Theory win as a heel team is a smart move when splitting the tag team championships.
Rey Mysterio and Andrade defeat Santos Escobar and Dominik Mysterio in 11:50
Grade: B
Best spot: Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson running in to help LWO
PHILLY STRONG.@JasonKelce & @LaneJohnson65 just destroyed @DomMysterio35 at #WrestleMania XL! pic.twitter.com/k2xZdODDHA
— WWE (@WWE) April 7, 2024
Analysis: Strong work from all parties involved for a match with relatively low stakes. Andrade was the true star in this match and could see a significant push coming out of it. Jason Kelce's wild 2024 continues with a run-in at WrestleMania.
Jey Uso defeated Jimmy Uso in 11:13
Grade: C
Best spot: Jimmy Uso pleading with Jey Uso
Can't trust JIMMY USO!#WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/25olbQXGvC
— WWE (@WWE) April 7, 2024
Analysis: Considering the build for this match, the payoff really wasn't there. Jey Uso winning keeps his momentum going, especially because he's the bigger star of the two right now. The match was just a little too slow and even though there was an emotionally charged climax, it felt like more could have been done here.
Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair and Naomi def Damage CTRL in 9:38
Grade: B-
Best spot: Bianca takes out Damage CTRL
The EST of #WrestleMania! pic.twitter.com/d58Ar3V6KP
— WWE (@WWE) April 7, 2024
Analysis: From the entrance to the final bell, Jade Cargill was built up as a forceful star. Cargill showcased power and charisma that makes her an exciting addition to WWE. Belair continues to steal the show every time she enters the ring. Damage CTRL should be fine coming out of this, regardless of the outcome of Iyo Sky's match on Night 2.
Sami Zayn defeats Gunther in 15:40 to win the Intercontinental Championship
Grade: B+
Best spot: Zayn's final flurry of offense
SAMI ZAYN DID IT!!! GUNTHER HAS BEEN DETHRONED!!!
WE HAVE A NEW INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION AT #WrestleMania!!! pic.twitter.com/ecvyi7y3Xh— WWE (@WWE) April 7, 2024
Analysis: The lone legitimate stunner of WrestleMania Night 1, Zayn ends the record reign of Gunther. For the second year in a row Gunther is part of a brutally hard-hitting Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania and for the second year in a row, Zayn walks out a champion.
The Rock and Roman Reigns defeated Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins in 44:38
Grade: A
Best spot: Rhodes puts Rock through an announce table
THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE TABLE.
THROUGH THE BARRICADE.#WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/Ugifiju9di— WWE (@WWE) April 7, 2024
Analysis: In his first real match in 11 years, Rock looked good in the ring and these four told an excellent main-event story from start to finish. While it seemed fairly obvious that the deck needed to be stacked against Rhodes heading into Night 2, there were enthralling false finishes from the babyface team in this overly physical match.
For full match breakdown and analysis, check out the recaps from our live coverage below.
LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER16 updates