– The WWE WrestleMania 38 Night One Kickoff pre-show opens up live from outside of AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Kayla Braxton welcomes us to WrestleMania Saturday. She’s joined by Kevin Patrick, Peter Rosenberg, and WWE Hall of Famers JBL and Booker T. A large group of fans behind them are fired up and ready to go. They pop for Texan Booker T and chant for Texan JBL. We get a video package for tonight’s RAW Women’s Title match. The panel discusses the match next and Patrick predicts Becky Lynch will retain, while Booker, JBL and Rosenberg pick Bianca Belair to win. The panel shows us a video package on WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin, and then talk about being excited for The KO Show tonight. Rosenberg talks about how Austin is in great shape. The panel sends us to Matt Camp, who is outside of another part of the stadium with fans who are getting ready to enter the stadium. The fans are fired up and ready for WrestleMania. Kayla sends us to the WrestleMania 38 set reveal video with Dude Perfect, Pat McAfee and Michael Cole.
We get a video package and discussion for tonight’s SmackDown Tag Team Titles match. Kayla sends us to more breaks and promos, and we come back to Maria Menounos backstage with Seth Rollins. She asks for any insight into his opponent for tonight. Rollins says the world is watching and guessing. Rollins speculates on who it could be and says it doesn’t really matter when it comes down to him because he is what’s important here. Rollins wraps his promo and walks off laughing. The panel talks about 2022 WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker and we see his statue reveal from Superstore Axxess on Thursday night. We also see highlights from the WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday night.
Social media star Josh Richards joins the panel but fans chant “who are you?” and then boo him. Josh has been watching WWE since he was a kid and he’s a big fan. He’s most looking forward to The KO Show and wants to see Owens take three Stunners tonight. We get another break and more hype for The KO Show and Stone Cold’s return tonight. Kayla sends us down to Jackie Redmond on the floor of AT&T Stadium. She interviews a few fans who are really excited for the show. We see footage of Owens vandalizing a Stone Cold mural at Superstore Axxess on Friday. We go back to the panel and they hype the matches scheduled for WrestleMania Sunday. Kayla sends the Peacock Premium Plus subscribers to a special look at WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, while everyone else gets more commercial breaks.
We come back for hour two of the Kickoff pre-show and WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler is filling in for JBL. We get another look at fans outside of the stadium and they are still fired up. The panel goes over the card for tonight one more time. We get a video package for Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio vs. Logan Paul and The Miz. Logan’s brother Jake Paul joins the panel now. Jake is booing the fans, but says he’s booing himself, and they are definitely booing him. Jake taunts the fans and insults Rey a few times. Jake talks about how his brother has been preparing for this his whole life. Jake points to how his brother fought Floyd Mayweather, so why would he be worried about Mysterio? Lawler says when Dominik was born, Rey’s wife got a ticket for littering. Jake also takes shots at Rey for being short, and Booker stands up for Rey. Jake talks more for a few minutes and keeps taunting the fans, threatening to jump them and anyone who boos his brother. We get more commercials, including a look at WWE fans at the Cricket Wireless Fan Zone. Kayla sends us back to Jackie on the floor of AT&T Stadium. The fans are riled up and Jackie interviews one young fan dressed like Rhea Ripley, who is a fan of Ripley because she inspires her to be herself. We get a video package on what led to The New Day vs. Ridge Holland and Sheamus tonight. The panel sends well wishes to Big E at home. Menounos is backstage with Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods now. They hype tonight’s match and take shots at Sheamus and Holland, and pay homage to Big E. We go back to the panel and Booker says the key to this match will be Butch at ringside because he’s dangerous. The panel talks more about the match and we see some of Big E’s recent selfie videos as he recovers from the broken neck. Kayla gets the fans in the background to chant for Big E and they all send him some more love and positivity. We get a video and discussion on Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Baron Corbin now. We also see how Madcap Moss won the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on WrestleMania SmackDown. Moss interrupts the panel and talks about tonight’s match. He also tells some jokes and Booker is laughing, asking for more. Moss goes to give one more joke but Moss says the fans don’t deserve it.
Kayla sends us to a video showing some WWE Community events in Texas this year. WWE Global Ambassador Titus O’Neil is now live on the WrestleMania stage. He gets the crowd hyped up and introduces himself. Titus then introduces 5 local organizations that are helping people in the Dallas area. The groups were honored by WWE’s Championship Showcase this WrestleMania Week. They are the North Texas Food Bank, Cafe Momentum, For Oak Cliff, Vogal Alcove, and The Family Place. A rep from each group steps forward with a replica WWE Title belt in the air. Titus announces that each group will receive a grant of $20,000 from WWE and DoorDash. We go back to the panel for another look at tonight’s card. Back to another set of commercials. We come back to the panel to wrap up. American Ninja Warrior commentator and former NFL player Akbar Gbaja-Biamila joins the panel for final hype on tonight’s matches. That’s it for the WrestleMania Saturday Kickoff pre-show.
– Night One of WWE WrestleMania 38 opens up live from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas with country music star Brantley Gilbert on the big stage with his band. They perform “America The Beautiful” and then the fireworks explode inside the stadium. We cut to the opening video package, narrated by Mark Wahlberg. We’re live again as The Grandest Stage of Them All opens up with more pyro going off. Michael Cole welcomes us to the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, and tonight the home to more than 70,000 fans. Mike Rome introduces the world famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and out they come to the stage, performing to “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC. Cole is at ringside with Pat McAfee now. They briefly hype the show and send us to the ring.
SmackDown Tag Team Titles Match: Rick Boogs and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. The Usos
We go right to the stage and Rick Boogs is out with his guitar. He does the grand introduction and begins performing as partner Shinsuke Nakamura makes his way out. McAfee jumps on top of the announce table and goes wild as Boogs and Nakamura shred down the long ramp. LED boards are lit up on the ringside barrier and the ring apron for The Harder Farmer, a brand of Mike’s Harder Lemonade, and the logo matches the ring gear of Boogs and Nakamura. They stop and pose with a man dressed as The Harder Farmer, and Cole says something about how Nakamura and Boogs had a special drink mixed up for them. They hit the ring and Nakamura poses as more pyro goes off. Fans pop big for Boogs and Nakamura. The music hits and out next come SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos – Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso. We see recent events that led to this match as The Usos hit the ring and pose with the titles in the air. We get formal ring introductions from Samantha Irvin, who is also making her WrestleMania debut.
The bell rings and Nakamura unloads on Jimmy with kicks to start. Nakamura drops Jimmy in the corner and gives him Good Vibrations. Nakamura positions Jimmy in the corner and hits the running high knee for a quick 1 count. Jey tags in and they double team Nakamura as Jey flies off the top while Jimmy holds him. Jey with a slam. Jey points up in the air in the middle of the ring as fans boo.
Nakamura rocks Jey with a right hand but Jey takes him back down and kicks him. Jimmy tags back in for another double team to Nakamura. Jimmy uses the middle rope on Nakamura as the referee warns him. The referee stops Boogs from coming in, which lets Jey deck Nakamura with a cheap shot. Jimmy works Nakamura over while talking trash. Nakamura gets up and fights back with strikes. Jimmy drops Nakamura with an enziguri for a close 2 count. Jimmy grounds Nakamura with a headlock now. Nakamura reaches for a tag but Jimmy stops him. Nakamura blocks a slam and stuns Jimmy with a kick to the face.
Nakamura is down as Boogs rallies for a tag on the apron. Jey and Boogs tag in at the same time. Boogs unloads and then drops Jimmy as he charges in. Jey turns it around and stuns Boogs but then leaps into a bear-hug in the middle of the ring. Boogs powers Jey up into a vertical suplex, but holds Jey, goes down to one knee, goes back up and finishes the suplex. Jey still kicks out at 2. Boogs puts Jey on his shoulders but here comes Jimmy. Boogs has hem both on his shoulders now but Boogs’ knee goes out and they all three fall to the mat. Boogs sells a knee injury now.
Nakamura fights both opponents at ringside now, where Boogs is down. Nakamura goes at it with Jey and hits the big sliding German. Nakamura calls for the Kinshasa but he runs into a superkick instead by Jey. Jimmy tags in and goes to the top for the big Uso Splash but Nakamura kicks out just in time. Jey tags in but Nakamura tries to fight them off. Jimmy superkicks Nakamura, then they hit him with the double team 1D for the pin to retain.
Winners: The Usos
– After the match, The Usos stand tall and exit the ring with the titles as the music hits. We go to replays, and see how Boogs went down. Nakamura checks on Boogs at ringside and we see several trainers checking his knee out. The Usos back up the ramp with the titles to end the segment.
– Back from a break and we get a video package for the next match.
Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Baron Corbin
Back from the break and out first comes Happy Baron Corbin with Madcap Moss. We see how Moss won the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on WrestleMania SmackDown last night. Drew McIntyre is out next with his sword, Angela. Drew hits the corner to pose as the fire shoots up from the ring posts.
The bell rings and Drew quickly attacks. Corbin turns it around in the corner but Drew clotheslines him. Drew sends Corbin face-first into the corner, then chops him. Corbin kicks Drew’s leg but Drew stays on him and clotheslines him to the floor. Boogs turns it around and sends Drew into the barrier. They bring it back in and fight on the apron as Corbin runs Drew shoulder-first into the ring post. Corbin brings it back into the ring and focuses on the knee in the corner while talking trash to Drew’s face.
Drew tries to turn it around but Corbin keeps control and takes his time, stopping to look out at the crowd and smile. Corbin with a back suplex for a 2 count as Moss looks on from ringside, cheering Corbin. Corbin continues beating Drew around the ring. Moss hits the ring apron but Corbin wants him to get off. Corbin turns around to a big Spinebuster from Drew.
Drew mounts offense now. Corbin slides under the bottom rope and runs back in but Drew meets him with a big overhead throw. Drew with a neckbreaker and a kip-up for a big pop. Corbin blocks the Futureshock DDT and drops Drew with a Deep Six for a close 2 count. Corbin keeps control and has a chokeslam blocked by Drew. Drew ends up leaping off the top rope with a big right hand. Drew rallies the crowd for a pop now. He waits for Corbin to get up but Moss pulls Corbin to safety as fans boo.
Drew runs the ring instead and leaps over the top rope, taking Moss and Corbin down. Drew brings it back into the ring and goes to the top but Corbin ducks him. Drew dodges End of Days and rocks him. Corbin dodges a Claymore Kick, then nails End of Days for a close 2 count. They tangle again and Drew nails the Futureshock DDT somehow, then kips up again. Drew follows up with the Claymore Kick for the pin to win.
Winner: Drew McIntyre
– After the match, McIntyre stands tall as the music hits. We go to replays. Moss is on the apron now. Drew points the sword at him and approaches. Drew slices at Moss but he escapes to the floor and Drew cuts through the top two ropes as some sort of explosion goes off. Drew stands tall as we get another replay and the music starts back up. McIntyre goes to ringside and stands with his wife. He then goes over and slaps hands with the announcers before celebrating more at ringside.
– Back from a break and we get a video package for the next match.
The Mysterios vs. Logan Paul and The Miz
We go back to the ring and Jimmy Smith welcomes us to the next match. He’s joined by Corey Graves and Byron Saxton. Out first come The Mysterios – Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio. Out next comes The Miz and social media star turned boxer and podcast host Logan Paul. Logan is apparently wearing an expensive rare Pokemon card around his neck. He and The Miz are wearing matching black & yellow gear. Logan’s brother Jake Paul is sitting behind the announcers.
The bell rings and the two sides have some words. Miz starts off with Rey. Miz unloads on Rey in the corner and beats him down thanks to a quick distraction by Logan. Miz stomps Rey and in comes Logan. Logan works on Rey’s ribs and talks some trash. Rey applies a headlock but Paul picks him up and puts him against the ropes. They run the ropes and Paul does a split to avoid Rey but he does it at the wrong time and Rey decks him. Paul tags out and in comes Miz.
The Mysterios double team Miz and Dominik covers for a 1 count. Miz sends Dominik into the corner but he counters and hits a big moonsault. Paul rushes in and rocks Dominik to prevent a tag. Dominik with a flying takedown to both opponents. Dominik gets a pop as he keeps contorl, then flies out to drop Miz at ringside. Dominik comes back in as we see Miz pull Rey off the apron. Miz backs off as the referee sees him. The distraction allows Paul to hit Dominik from behind.
Miz takes over on Dominik in the corner. Paul tags back in and hits a big running powerslam in the middle of the ring. Dominik kicks out at 2. Miz takes over on Dominik again and covers for a 2 count. Miz grounds Dominik with a headlock now as Rey waits for the tag. Miz ducks a right hand but has his neckbreaker blocked with a back-slide for a 2 count.
Paul comes back in off the top with a big Blockbuster on Dominik for a 2 count. Miz and Paul double team Dominik in their corner now. Miz sends Dominik into the turnbuckles but he decks Paul off the apron. Dominik keeps fighting and drops Miz with a tornado DDT. They both go down and Rey is fired up for the tag now.
Rey comes in to a big pop and drops Miz with a hurricanrana. Rey goes on and hits the top rope senton. Rey rolls through a Sunset Flip and kicks Miz in the face for a 2 count. Rey fights back in from the apron now. He goes to the top and hits a moonsault onto Miz for a 2 count as Paul makes the save. Paul and Miz go for a double suplex on Rey but Dominik breaks it up and Rey rolls Miz for a close 2 count. Rey drops Miz into the ropes for 619 as fans cheer. Miz blocks the 619 but Rey counters that into a tornado DDT. Miz still kicks out at 2. Rey with the Three Amigos suplexes to pay tribute to WWE Hall of Famer Eddie Guerrero but Miz blocks the third and cuts him off.
Paul tags in and he knocks Dominik off the apron, then boots Rey. Paul is all smiles as most fans boo him now. Paul grabs Rey and tells everyone to watch this. Paul hits a suplex and holds it. Paul now does the Three Amigos as the boos get louder. Paul hits all three suplexes, then does a kip-up in the middle of the ring. Rey is down and Paul takes it all in. Paul goes to the top, does the Guerrero shake, then hits the big Frogsplash but Dominik breaks the pin up just in time out of nowhere.
Dominik hits a big suicide dive to Miz into the announce table. Dominik chases Paul back into the ring, where Rey is waiting to drop him into the ropes for 619. Rey and Dominik hit a double 619 to Paul. Dominik with a Frogsplash to Paul, then Rey hits a Frogsplash to Paul. Miz quickly tags himself in, sends Dominik into Rey, then drops Rey with a Skull Crushing Finale for the pin to win.
Winners: The Miz and Logan Paul
– After the match, the music hits as Paul rushes in to embrace Miz. They begin celebrating, raising their arms in the air and bowing for the crowd. Miz grabs Paul out of nowhere and drops him with a Skull Crushing Finale. The crowd goes wild and Miz is fired up now. Miz exits the ring and celebrates with a fan at ringside. Paul recovers and can’t believe it. He stares Miz down and recovers, getting back to his feet. Miz blows Paul a kiss as we go back to a replay of the turn. Paul makes his exit as a referee checks on him.
– Back from a break and out comes WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon to the stage. Stephanie says she just wanted to come out and take the opportunity to say thank you. She is always blown away by the majesty of WrestleMania, the power of everyone coming together from different countries, different states, and different backgrounds, to celebrate this one thing we all love. She says we say “Then. Now. Forever.” for a reason and now it’s her pleasure to introduce one of the next generation of WWE Superstars. She touts the Olympic gold medal win and the recent NCAA Heavyweight championship win, then introduces Gable Steveson. Gable comes to the stage and poses for fans, waving to each side of the crowd. Stephanie raises Gable’s arm in the air to end the segment.
– We get a quick video preview for The Rock’s “Young Rock” on NBC and Jimmy plugs the show. The announcers send us to a video package for the next match.
RAW Women’s Title Match: Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch
We go back to the ring and a video starts playing on the big screens, similar to the one Tommaso Ciampa had at Stand & Deliver today. A white SUV drives out onto the stage and the driver gets out, then lets RAW Women’s Champion Becky Lynch out. Lynch stops and poses to pyro and smoke filling up the stage. Lynch marches to the ring with her new look as fans cheer her on. Lynch waits in the ring now as a full marching band comes out to do Bianca Belair’s entrance. The announcers say this is the Texas Southern University marching band. Belair appears and her gear is inspired by the leader of a marching band. Belair swings her hair and starts skipping to the ring as Lynch looks on. They face off in the ring and we get formal ring introductions from Mike Rome.
The crowd is hot as they stare each other down following the bell. Graves says you can feel the tension building. They meet int he middle of the ring now and Belair offers her hand for a shake. Becky decks her with a right hand instead. Belair blocks a quick Man-Handle Slam. Becky blocks a quick KOD. Becky comes back and hits the Man-Handle Slam this time but Belair kicks out just in time. Becky can’t believe her quick trick didn’t work to start the match.
Becky shakes it off and rushes Belair with the Dis-Arm-Her but Belair gets the ropes to break it. Becky stays on Belair and works her over, going for another pin attempt, and another. Becky shows some frustration now as she covers one more time. Becky leans against the ropes and re-groups now as some fans boo.
Belair goes for a roll-up. Becky blocks it and goes for one of her own. Belair with a suplex and another attempt but Becky hangs on. Becky stays on Belair for another pin attempt. Becky stands over Belair now and drags her to the corner. Becky climbs to the top for a moonsault but Belair moves out of the way. Belair applies Becky’s Dis-Arm-Her in the middle of the ring. Becky scrambles for the ropes but Belair drags her back. They tangle on the mat some more. Belair kicks Becky as they stand back up. More back and forth with submissions and pin attempts. Becky uses Belair’s hair but she gets tossed to the floor, still holding onto the hair. Becky counters Belair at ringside, then shoves Belair into the steel ring steps.
Becky brings it back in the ring and hits a Bexploder suplex. Becky stands tall to a mixed reaction. Becky with another Bexploder, and another for a 2 count. Becky sends Belair throat-first into the middle rope, focusing on her recent throat injury from RAW. Belair side-steps in the corner and rocks Becky from the apron. Belair tries to launch her in from the apron but Becky superkicks her in the gut, leaving her draped over the top rope. Becky flies from the top with a big leg drop while Belair is draped over the top rope. Belair kicks out just in time.
Becky grounds Belair in the middle of the ring now. Belair escapes a hold but Becky slams her face-first, then hits a double underhook suplex. Becky goes right into an armbar in the middle of the ring. They tangle some more on the mat but Becky keeps control, now with a Triangle locked in. Belair powers up with the hold still applied, and dumps Becky over the top rope. They both tumble to the floor but Becky has the best landing. The referee counts while they’re both down at ringside.
Belair ends up dropping Becky with a big suplex on the floor. Belair brings it back in and unloads with right hands into the corner. Becky kicks Belair out of the corner but Belair cuts her comeback off, then slams her with a Gutbuster for a 2 count. Belair shows some frustration now. Belair goes on and tries for a powerbomb but Becky turns it into a hurricanrana. More back and forth now. Belair drops Becky and hits the handspring moonsault for a close 2 count as Becky kicks out just in time. Belair goes to the top but Becky cuts her off with a right hand. Becky climbs up for a superplex but Belair fights back. Belair stands up on the top rope and drops Becky into the top turnbuckle ribs-first for a big pop.
Belair goes back to the corner and hits a big 450 Splash from the second rope but Lynch kicks out. Belair can’t believe it. Belair and Lynch are both down now. Belair gets up first, then taunts Becky and waits for her to get up. Becky gets up on the apron. Belair charges and grabs her but Becky drops her over the top rope with a Stunner. Becky drops Belair with a kick. Becky goes to the top and leaps for a senton but it ends up being more like a missile dropkick for a close 2 count. Becky can’t believe it now.
Belair blocks the Man-Handle Slam and they keep going at it with strikes. Belair with a Spinebuster. Belair goes for the handspring moonsault but Becky gets her knees up and Belair lands hard. Belair counters the Dis-Arm-Her for a 2 count. More back & forth and pin attempts now. Becky kicks Belair face-first into the turnbuckles. Becky puts a boot to Belair’s face in the corner now. Belair grabs her for the KOD but Becky holds onto the top rope to block it. Belair instead dumps Becky over the top rope to the floor.
Belair brings Becky back into the ring but Becky rolls right back to the floor on the opposite side of the ring. Becky uses Belair’s braid to put her in the ring post. Becky picks Belair up at ringside now, then slams her on top of the bottom of the steel ring steps with a Man-Handle Slam. The referee counts Belair while Becky stands tall in the ring and waits. Belair rushes right back in at the 9 count and looks to capitalize but Becky kicks out. Becky mounts Belair and pounds on her, screaming out in frustration.
Becky goes for another Man-Handle Slam but Belair escapes with a big back-flip from the top, then nails the KOD for the pin to win the title in the middle of the ring.
Winner and New RAW Women’s Champion: Bianca Belair
– After the match, Belair goes wild as the music hits and she begins to celebrate. Becky stumbles out of the ring and goes down. Belair takes the title and celebrates, raising the title in the air. We go to replays. Belair continues her big celebration with the crowd. She poses in the corner as we see her mother and father at ringside.
– We get a video package for Seth Rollins’ journey to WrestleMania 38.
Seth Rollins vs. Cody Rhodes
We go back to the ring and out comes Seth Rollins with a custom entrance, featuring his own Freakin’ Choir. Rollins waits in the ring and he’s anxious, ready to find out his opponent. He yells about time being money, and to not keep the people, and him, waiting. The ring suddenly erupts in pyro and most of the stadium goes black. We hear the voice of Cody Rhodes say something about pro wrestling. The Nightmare symbol appears on the screen and Cody Rhodes is raised from under the stage. Rollins starts laughing. Cody poses in the shadows and then heads down the ramp as the pyro goes off. Rhodes is fired up. He’s announced as “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes. Saxton and Graves say this is unreal, and they have chills. Saxton mentions Rhodes being away for 6 years and now he’s back, but no reference to AEW. Cody hands his belt to a young fan at ringside. He stops at the ring steps and apparently gives a nod to his father before entering the ring. Graves says Cody’s father, WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes, is looking down with a smile.
The bell rings as Cody and Seth stare each other down. Fans chant for Cody. They lock up and immediately break. Rollins laughs as they get a feel for each other. Rhodes backs off and plays to the crowd for a pop. They lock up again and Cody applies a headlock. They run the ropes and Cody nails an arm drag, then does a cartwheel and shows off some for another pop.
They lock up again and Rollins drops Cody with a shoulder. Rollins is all smiles as they go at it and trade counters. Rhodes does the drop-down right hand for another pop. Fans chant “Cody!” again. Rollins approaches and says it’s god to have Cody back, good to see him, but he nails a cheap shot. Cody rocks him back. They go at it and Cody blocks The Pedigree. Rollins blocks a CrossRhodes. Rollins can’t hit the Stomp. They trade several suplex counters now. Rhodes suplexes Rollins over the top rope but they both tumble to the floor and land hard.
Cody keeps control as the referee counts, yanking Rollins into the ring post by his arm. They bring it back into the ring and Cody works Rollins over in the corner, focusing on his hurt arm as the referee counts. Cody takes Rollins down by his arm and grounds him while talking some trash in his face. Cody with a short-arm scissors to the arm on the mat. They get back up and tangle some more. Cody with a kick to the gut while holding Rollins up by his legs.
Rollins rocks Cody with an enziguri but Cody comes back and yanks Rollins down shoulder-first into the mat by his arm. Cody goes to the top and flies with a crossbody but Rollins dropkicks him in mid-air. Cody yells about a rib injury. Rollins keeps control now, saying “Welcome back to the big leagues, bitch!” while working Cody over. Rollins sends Cody into the turnbuckles, then applies a bear-hug to focus on the lower back. Cody fights out and decks Rollins’ hurt arm again.
Rollins with a big back elbow and a chop to the chest. They run the ropes and Cody nails a forearm. Rollins charges but Cody leaps over him in the corner, then catches him in a snap powerslam. Cody clotheslines Rollins over the top rope to the floor. Cody is alone in the ring now as fans cheer him on. He runs and nails a suicide dive, sending Rollins over the announce table.
Cody stays on Rollins and brings him back in. Cody goes for the top rope crossbody but barely connects. Rollins kicks out at 2. Rollins retreats to the floor to recover but Rhodes follows. Cody jumps off the steel steps for a kick or a hurricanrana takedown but Cody catches him in mid-air, then nails a big Barrier Bomb. Rhodes lands hard and he’s down. Rollins brings Cody back in and hits the top rope knee to the face. Rollins superkicks Cody in the jaw, then nails a Falcon Arrow for another close 2 count. Rollins shows some frustration now.
Rhodes gets up and talks some trash about this being his moment. Rhodes waits in the corner and readies for the Stomp now. Cody dodges it and rolls Rollins up. Rhodes dodges another Stomp. Rollins blocks CrossRhodes. They tangle some more and Cody nails CrossRhodes for a close 2 count now. Rollins barely kicks out in time and Cody can’t believe it. More back and forth now. Rhodes is left alone on the top after Rollins crotches him. Rollins leaps back to the top and hits a big inverted superplex, then a Dragon Sleeper into another inverted slam. Cody still kicks out at 2.
Rollins goes back to the top and flies but he has to roll through on the Phoenix Splash as Cody moves. Cody dodges The Pedigree. Rollins blocks Cody’s Pedigree attempt. They trade more counters and pin attempts. Cody looks to go for a Pedigree but he nails a powerbomb instead. Fans rally for Cody. He nails a springboard Cody Cutter but Rollins kicks out just in time. Cody can’t believe it.
Rollins finally nails The Pedigree but Cody kicks out. Rollins is shocked. Rollins talks some trash as they get up and trade strikes now. They continue brawling in the middle of the ring. Cody unloads with rights and a kick, then the drop-down right hand. Rollins kicks him in the injured ribs. Rollins grabs Cody’s head, yells about this being his company and his industry. Rollins with big kicks and a roaring elbow. Cody is stunned now. Rollins drops him with a forearm to the back of the head as some fans boo.
Cody nails a CrossRhodes out of nowhere. Cody holds onto Rollins and hits a second straight CrossRhodes. He holds that and brings Rollins to the middle of the ring for his father’s signature right hands, then the Bionic Elbow to drop Rollins as fans pop. Cody with another CrossRhodes in the middle of the ring for the pin to win.
Winner: Cody Rhodes
– After the match, the music hits as Rhodes stands tall and has his arm raised. The crowd pops big as Rhodes takes it all in. Rhodes poses in the middle of the ring with his arms open as we go to replays.
– We see highlights from the 2022 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The Hall of Famers are brought out to the stage – The Steiner Brothers, Vader’s family, Shad Gaspard’s family, Queen Sharmell. The Undertaker comes out next as the lights go low and his music plays. Taker shows thanks to the crowd, then turns around and marches to the back like he often does.
– Cole announces that Rick Boogs has a torn quad and patella tendon. He will undergo surgery in the next few days. Rome announces attendance of 77,899 for Night One of WrestleMania 38.
– We get a video package for the next match.
SmackDown Women’s Title Match: Ronda Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair
We go back to the ring and out first comes Ronda Rousey. Rousey is all smiles as she marches down the ramp with nothing special but new custom attire. Rousey waits in the ring as SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair makes her way out next. Flair stops on the ramp and spins around to show of her robe as the fireworks explode above. Flair stops on the apron and has the referee open the ropes for her. Flair poses in the middle of the ring as more pyro goes off, then fireworks explode above the stadium. We get formal ring introductions from Irvin.
The bell rings and they aggressively lock up. Flair takes it to the ropes and backs off. Flair swings but Rousey grabs her into the corner. The aggressive offense continues. Flair goes into the ropes as the referee backs Rousey off. Flair nails a cheap shot and stays on her. Flair with a takedown. Rousey tosses Flair and takes her back down, going into the ankle lock but Flair scrambles away.
Flair jabs at Rousey but fakes and takes her down. Flair goes for a Figure Four but Rousey catches her. They scramble on the mat some more until Flair gets sent to the apron. Rousey rocks her but Flair fights back in from the apron, kicking Rousey down. Rousey comes back with another block and a knee strike. Rousey uses the ropes to apply a submission as the referee counts. Flair has Rousey on the apron now. She puts the knee into her spine, then drops her on the edge of the apron with an elbow. Flair wastes some time and Rousey has an ankle lock applied through the ropes. Rousey sends Flair to the floor but Flair comes back in and sends Rousey to the floor.
Flair poses to boos as the referee counts Rousey. Flair goes out and sends Rousey into the ring post. Flair brings it back in for a quick 1 count. Flair rag-dolls Rousey while grounding her now. Flair keeps control until Rousey tosses her to the mat and then nails a knee to the face for a 2 count. The back & forth continues. Rousey rag-dolls Flair by her arm several times, then bounces around to cheers from the crowd. Rousey’s celebrating is interrupted by a big Spear from Flair. Rousey kicks out just in time
Flair with a back suplex and a kip-up. Flair goes to the top for the moonsault but she lands on her feet, and barely hits the follow-up moonsault. Flair still pins Rousey for 2 after the botched moonsaults. Flair with big chops now. Rousey with a big slam for a 2 count. Flair turns Rousey upside down in the corner and works her over with knees. Rousey pulls herself up with Flair but Flair knocks her back to the upside down position. Rousey pulls herself back up and rocks Flair but Flair knocks her back down one more time.
Rousey is on her feet now. She climbs to the second rope and launches Flair off the top to the mat with a big arm drag. Flair kicks out at 2. Rousey puts Flair on her shoulders and drops her with Piper’s Pit. Rousey goes for the armbar but Flair escapes. Rousey with a knee to the face. Flair with a big boot to the face. Flair and Rousey are both down and slow to recover. Rousey blocks a Figure Four and catches Flair with a snap powerslam for a close 2 count. Rousey shows some frustration now.
Rousey goes for Piper’s Pit again but it’s blocked. Rousey rolls through and applies the ankle lock. Flair goes for the bottom rope but Rousey pulls her back. Flair counters into an ankle lock of her own. They tangle some more and Flair kicks out at 2. Rousey bounces around and talks some trash while Flair is down. More back and forth. Rousey applies an arm lock but Flair counters and slams her to the mat for a close 2 count. Flair escapes an arm bar. They tangle and Rousey applies the ankle lock, pulling Flair back to the middle of the ring. Rousey drops down and now she really has the submission as fans go wild.
Rousey tries to keep the hold locked but Flair kicks free with boots to the face. Rousey blocks the Figure Four again and pulls Flair into the arm bar. They tangle some more and the screen goes black a few times, perhaps due to a wardrobe malfunction. Flair gets the Figure Four and bridges to the Figure Eight but Rousey turns it over into another submission. Flair hangs on and turns back over but they get to the ropes and the holds are broken. Rousey rolls out of the ring to the floor. Flair sits up on the apron and is frustrated.
Flair goes to the top for the moonsault but Rousey keeps blocking from the floor. Flair comes back down to the apron and reaches for Rousey but Rousey slams her to the mat and she lands hard with a thud. Rousey charges at ringside but Flair catches her and launches her into the barrier with a big Exploder suplex. The referee counts while they’re both down at ringside. They make it back in at the 9 count, staring each other down. They crawl to the middle of the ring. Flair mushes Rousey first and talks some trash. They get up and Rousey catches a big boot. Rousey nails Piper’s Pit but Flair lands near the ropes and gets her foot on the bottom rope to break the pin attempt.
Rousey pleads with the referee over the call but she didn’t see Flair get her foot on the bottom rope. Flair takes advantage and hits Natural Selection for a close 2 count. Flair can’t believe Rousey kicks out. Flair seethes now while on her knees, Rousey flat on her back. Flair goes for the Figure Four but Rousey kicks her out, sending her into the referee. He goes down in the corner. Rousey drops Flair into the armbar and Flair taps out but the referee is down.
Rousey breaks the hold and frantically goes to wake the referee up. Flair takes advantage and rushes, delivering a big boot to the head to knock Rousey right back down. Flair quickly covers for the pin to win as the referee comes to.
Winner: Charlotte Flair
– After the bell, takes her title and quickly goes to the ramp as the music hits. Rousey sits up from the pin and she can’t believe what just happened. We go to replays. Flair raises the title on the ramp while backing up as Rousey seethes in the ring and yells out at her.
– The announcers go over the card for WrestleMania Sunday. No mention of The New Day vs. Sheamus and Ridge Holland.
– We get several commercials, then a plug for WrestleMania 39 on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2 from SoFi Stadium in Hollywood.
– They show the video package for The KO Show.
– We go back to the ring and out comes Kevin Owens for a special edition of The KO Show. The boos start up as the Texas crowd lets Owens have it. Owens looks upset but he takes the mic and welcomes everyone to the WrestleMania main event edition of The Kevin Owens Show.
Owens starts talking about Texas and says he realized he should’ve apologized for everything he says. He says he’s sorry… sorry for telling the awful truth about the state. He says he’s been here for a few days and it’s actually worse than he remembered. Owens says he feels like fans are eager for him to bring out his guest, but he’s going to bring him out when he wants to because this is his show and he’s not done telling us how he despises the guy. Owens says his guest is the absolute worst role model in WWE, and Owens would know because he once looked up to him. Owens says when his guest sits in this chair, Owens will look at him and tell him he sucks, and this guy won’t do anything about it, he’ll take it because he knows if he doesn’t show Owens the respect he deserves and commands, then Owens will drop him with a Stunner and pour beer all over his stupid bald head.
Owens keeps talking but the glass breaks and AT&T Stadium explodes as WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin makes his way out. Austin takes the pop in and paces around the stage. Owens sits in his chair in the ring and looks on, smirking. Austin suddenly walks back to the backstage area and he’s gone. The music continues to play. Austin comes back out riding his ATV down the ramp. Austin circles the ring several times and then parks the ATV. Austin hops off and enters the ring, posing in the corner as fans cheer him on.
Austin starts tearing up the set as the music plays. Owens calls for the music to be cut. Owens says this isn’t Austin’s show, this is his show. A huge “Austin!” chant breaks out. There are just two chairs in the middle of the ring now. Owens tells Austin take a seat and fans boo him. Austin is angry with Owens already. Owens keeps trying to get Austin to sit down. Owens says let’s calm down, he’s not here for a fight, just a chat. They both finally sit down. Owens welcomes Austin to The KO Show and thanks him for accepting his invitation. Austin isn’t warm here and Owens is picking up on it. Austin cuts a promo like only he can, saying Owens brought him here for a chat after all that trash talking. Owens looks like a jackass, and he’s a stupid son of a bitch for trash talking Texas.
Fans chant for Austin some more. Owens doesn’t know what’s so great about Texas. It’s hotter than hell in the summer, the land is flat and not inspiring like Canada is, and the people… they wear these dumb hats, boots and belt buckles. Fans boo as Owens goes on about how dumb Texans look. Owens feels for Austin and says if he had to grow up in Texas also he would’ve moved away, maybe to Mexico because it’s right there. Austin says in about 5 seconds he’s going to have more than 75,000 people calling him an asshole. A big “asshole!” chant immediately starts up. Owens tells Austin not to be the stereotypical rude, crass Texan, be more like Owens, the sophisticated French-Canadian. Owens says he’s going to move past the insults, be the bigger man, because he actually has to let Austin in on a little secret.
Owens lied about bringing Austin here for a little talk. He doesn’t lie often but only when he has a good reason. Owens says he tricked Austin because he doesn’t want to talk. Owens says even though he has a bad back right now, he’s looking for a fight. Fans pop. Owens brought Austin out here to challenge him to a match. Owens knows it’s been 19 years since Austin’s last match and his knees, neck and back were all shot then, and he’s sure they’re all worse than before, but Austin has no reason not to accept the challenge. Owens challenges Austin to a No Holds Barred match, right here, right now. The crowd pops again and Austin just looks at Owens. Owens says Austin knows he can’t beat him. Owens goes on and tells Austin to get the hell out of his ring and get his ass back to his ranch.
Austin stares Owens down again, and leans up from the chair to look around AT&T Stadium. Austin says he had his first match right here in Dallas, and he could have his last match right here in Dallas. Austin asks if you want Stone Cold to compete in a match against this sack of shit, give him a Hell Yeah. Austin wants them to tell him louder and they do. Austin calls for a referee. Owens tosses the mic as a referee comes down. Owens gets up from his chair and tosses it out of the ring.
No Holds Barred Match: Steve Austin vs. Kevin Owens
The bell rings as WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin gets ready in the corner. Kevin Owens paces around the ring as the crowd pops. Austin approaches Owens in the middle of the ring and they face off. Austin talks some trash and they have words. Austin rocks Owens with a right hand and they start brawling. Austin beats Owens into the corner, then beats him down. Austin stomps a mud hole in Owens now as the fans count along with the first slow 7 stomps.
Austin then unloads with stomps for a pop. Austin calls Owens a stupid son of a bitch, helps him up, and launches him across the ring into the turnbuckles. Owens goes down. Austin is tossed a beer and he takes a big gulp, then goes back to stomping Owens in the corner.
Austin tosses Owens over the top rope to the floor. Austin follows, grabs another beer and sits it on the apron. Austin goes to whip Owens into the barrier but Owens counters and sends Austin into the barrier. Austin comes right back with a big clothesline at ringside. Austin sends Owens into the barrier and rakes his eyes. Fans chant “you still got it!” now as Austin works Owens over against the barrier. Owens sends Austin face-first into the ring post and Stone Cold goes down.
Owens hits Austin with the tripod from The KO Show set, then mounts him on the ground with right hands as fans boo. Owens leans a table against the barrier and goes to whip Austin into it, but Austin counters and launches Owens through the table. Austin tosses Owens over the barrier into the crowd. They brawl through the crowd now. Owens blocks suplex attempts on the concrete. Owens counters and drops Austin on the concrete with a suplex of his own. The referee immediately checks on Austin.
Owens stands tall and beats on his own chest, yelling out as fans boo him. Owens kicks Austin back to the ring area. They trade more punches now as Austin gets back in it. Owens drops him with a knee to the ribs. Owens dumps Austin over the barrier at the announce table. Owens climbs over but Austin grabs him and presses him from the top of the barrier onto the announce table. Austin grabs a few more beers and climbs on top of the announce table, standing over Owens. Austin drinks both beers as fans cheer him on.
Austin mounts Owens with right hands on top of the announce table as fans count along. Austin with double fists. He takes another beer and drinks it, then rolls Owens back into the ring. Austin follows but Owens rolls to the other side of the ring, dropping Austin over the top rope. Owens walks over to Austin’s ATV now. He’s trying to start it up so he can escape but Austin comes over and starts beating on him. Austin drives the ATV up the ramp with Owens on it. Austin stops on the stage and beats Owens across the large WrestleMania stage. Owens fights back but Austin blocks him and hits a suplex on the stage. Austin kicks Owens and punches him around some more, sending him face-first into the ATV rack.
Austin with a thumb to the eye and another suplex on the stage. Austin stands tall as fans cheer him on. Austin brings Owens back to the ramp and tosses him down it. Austin beats Owens back to the ringside area. Austin tosses Owens back into the ring and calls for two more beers. Austin brings the beers in the ring and drinks them. He then approaches Owens but Owens drops him with a Stunner out of nowhere for a close 2 count. Owens can’t believe it.
Owens brings a steel chair into the ring as Austin slowly gets back up. Owens swings the chair, Austin ducks and the chair bounces off the top rope, right back to Owens, hitting him in the face and dazing him. Austin follows right up with a Stone Cold Stunner for the pin to win.
Winner: Steve Austin
– After the match, the glass breaks and the music hits as Stone Cold begins celebrating with more beers. Austin poses in the corner as the beer bash continues. He has a few more beers tossed to him so he can pose in the opposite corner. Austin rolls out of the ring and tosses a beer his brother, who is sitting behind the announcers. Austin returns to the ring and drops Owens with one more Stone Cold Stunner. Austin kicks Owens out of the ring and two Texas State Troopers are waiting for him. They escort a dazed Owens up the ramp. Austin takes the mic and says it’s good to be back in Dallas, Texas, and that’s the bottom line cause Stone Cold said so! Austin continues the beer bash and shares a toast with the referee. Austin then invites Saxton into the ring for a beer. The music stops and Saxton is a bit worried based on what happened the last time he shared a beer with Stone Cold. They toast and Austin kicks him in the gut, then drops him with the Stunner. The music starts back up as Austin continues his beer bash while Saxton is laid out face-first on the mat. Austin’s brother briefly joins him in the ring for some beer. Graves and Smith plug Night Two of WrestleMania 38. WrestleMania Saturday goes off the air with Austin celebrating his final match.
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