WrestleMania 35: Relive The Hype!
What's up, wrestling fans! Get ready to dive back into the electrifying atmosphere of WrestleMania 35, a night that truly lived up to the 'Show of Shows' moniker. This event wasn't just another wrestling pay-per-view; it was a spectacle, a culmination of storylines, and a showcase of incredible athleticism that left us all on the edge of our seats. From the historic main event to the surprise returns and emotional farewells, WrestleMania 35 delivered moments that are etched into WWE history forever. So, grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let's take a trip down memory lane to relive the magic, the drama, and the unforgettable action of WrestleMania 35. We're going to break down the biggest matches, the most talked-about moments, and why this event continues to resonate with fans around the globe. It was a night where legends were cemented, new stars rose, and the landscape of WWE changed forever. Get ready, because we're about to go deep into what made WrestleMania 35 so special, and why it's a must-watch for any true wrestling aficionado. We'll explore the build-up, the in-ring performances, and the lasting impact of this monumental event.
The Road to WrestleMania: Building the Hype
The build-up to WrestleMania 35 was an absolute masterclass in storytelling, guys. WWE really knows how to turn up the heat, and leading into this event, the anticipation was palpable. For months, the rivalries simmered, the promos were fiery, and the stakes felt higher than ever. One of the most compelling narratives heading into the show was the journey towards the Universal Championship match. Brock Lesnar, the seemingly unstoppable beast, was once again at the top, but the challenger, Seth Rollins, represented the fight of the everyman, the underdog who refused to back down. Rollins's promos were raw and full of passion, directly challenging Lesnar's dominance and vowing to bring the Universal Title back to Monday Night Raw. The contrast between Rollins's relentless pursuit and Lesnar's unpredictable, powerful presence created a magnetic draw that had everyone talking. You could feel the energy building with each passing week, as Rollins overcame obstacles and proved his worthiness to face the Beast Incarnate on the grandest stage of them all. This wasn't just about a championship; it was about a shift in power, a changing of the guard that wrestling fans had been yearning for. The journey Rollins took, the sacrifices he made, and the sheer determination he displayed made his quest for the Universal Title incredibly relatable and inspiring. It was a classic David vs. Goliath story, but with a modern wrestling twist, and the WWE Universe was fully invested in seeing if Rollins could pull off the impossible. The promotional videos and backstage segments leading up to this match were expertly crafted, highlighting Rollins's resilience and Lesnar's intimidating aura, further fueling the excitement for their eventual clash at MetLife Stadium. The narrative was simple yet effective: could the Architect finally dethrone the Beast?
Beyond the Universal Championship, the women's division was also at the forefront, and WrestleMania 35 was a landmark event for female Superstars. For the first time in history, a women's match was chosen to headline WrestleMania. Yes, you read that right – the main event! Ronda Rousey, the Raw Women's Champion and a legitimate combat sports icon, was set to face Charlotte Flair, the Queen of WWE and a multi-time champion, with Becky Lynch, 'The Man,' entering the fray as a force of nature. The build-up to this triple threat match was intense, fueled by Lynch's fiery defiance and her 'free-for-all' attitude that captured the hearts of fans. 'The Man' wasn't waiting for permission; she was taking what was hers, and her confrontations with both Rousey and Flair were nothing short of spectacular. The promo packages leading up to this historic main event showcased the evolution of women's wrestling and the immense talent and star power of these three incredible athletes. It was a powerful statement from WWE, acknowledging the immense contributions of its female Superstars and giving them the main event spotlight they so richly deserved. The story of Lynch's rise, her unyielding spirit, and her fight against the establishment resonated deeply, making her the undeniable fan favorite. The fact that this match was chosen to close the show spoke volumes about the changing tides in professional wrestling and the growing importance of the women's division. It was a moment that transcended wrestling, becoming a symbol of empowerment and breaking barriers. The intensity of their promos, the physical altercations, and the sheer narrative weight of this match made it one of the most anticipated bouts on the card, and for good reason. It was a clash of styles, personalities, and destinies, all converging on the biggest stage.
And let's not forget the legendary title vs. title match involving SmackDown and Universal Championship implications, although that's a slightly different context than the main event. The build-up focused on the sheer ego and ambition of the competitors. The tag team division also had its moments, with teams like The Usos and The Bar having compelling storylines. The showcase matches, featuring stars like Kurt Angle in his final match, also added to the overall appeal. The promotional videos consistently highlighted the personal stakes, the championship gold, and the legacy each competitor was fighting for. It was a tapestry of narratives, each woven with passion, betrayal, and the ultimate goal of glory at WrestleMania. WWE masterfully used its platform to hype each match, creating distinct storylines that appealed to a wide range of fans. Whether you were into intense rivalries, underdog stories, or dream matches, WrestleMania 35 promised something for everyone. The sheer volume of content, from in-ring action vignettes to backstage drama, ensured that the hype train kept chugging along, leaving no stone unturned in their quest to make this the most talked-about WrestleMania yet. The creative team definitely went all out to ensure that every match had a compelling reason for us to tune in, making the entire build-up a spectacle in itself.
WrestleMania 35: The Matches That Delivered
Now, let's talk about the action, the pure, unadulterated wrestling goodness that made WrestleMania 35 an unforgettable night. The matches were, for the most part, absolutely phenomenal, delivering on the hype built during the road to the show. The main event, the historic women's triple threat match for the Raw and SmackDown Women's Championships, was everything we hoped for and more. Ronda Rousey, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch put on a clinic. Despite some controversial moments, the sheer grit and determination displayed by these women were incredible. Becky Lynch's victory, culminating her 'insurrection,' was a moment that sent shockwaves through the wrestling world and cemented her status as 'The Man.' It was a hard-fought battle, and seeing Lynch pin Rousey clean after a massive leg drop was a truly iconic WrestleMania moment. The crowd was electric, fully invested in Lynch's journey, and her triumph felt like a victory for the entire WWE Universe. The emotional outpouring from the fans, the sheer jubilation, and the symbolic significance of a woman headlining WrestleMania and winning both titles made this match an instant classic. It wasn't just a wrestling match; it was a cultural moment, a statement about progress and equality in sports entertainment. The physical toll was evident, but their resilience and willingness to push through the pain made their performances even more compelling. The storytelling within the match itself, with Rousey's submission attempts, Flair's powerful offense, and Lynch's tenacious fighting spirit, kept everyone hooked until the final bell. It was a fitting end to an incredible women's wrestling story.
Moving on, the Universal Championship match between Seth Rollins and Brock Lesnar was a crucial turning point. Rollins, the underdog challenger, faced the formidable Brock Lesnar. While some might have wanted a longer, more back-and-forth affair, the match served its purpose perfectly. Rollins's strategic offense and his relentless pursuit of the Beast Incarnate culminated in him hitting the Stomp multiple times to finally capture the Universal Championship. This was the moment many fans had been waiting for – the crowning of a new, beloved champion who embodied the spirit of Raw. The crowd erupted as Rollins stood victorious, holding the title high. It was a powerful visual that signaled a new era for the Universal Championship. The match itself was a display of Rollins's tenacity and Lesnar's raw power, and though it was relatively short, it packed a punch and delivered the decisive outcome that the storyline demanded. The immediate aftermath, with Rollins celebrating and soaking in the adoration of the crowd, was a testament to his connection with the WWE Universe. It was the culmination of a long and arduous journey for Rollins, and his victory felt incredibly earned. The visual of him holding that championship aloft, with the confetti raining down, is an image that will forever be associated with WrestleMania 35's triumph for the underdog.
Let's not forget the highly personal and emotional retirement match for Kurt Angle. Facing Baron Corbin, Angle aimed for one last great performance. While the match itself might not have been a technical masterpiece, the emotional weight of seeing a legend like Kurt Angle compete for the final time in a WWE ring was immense. The cheers and applause for Angle throughout his entrance and match were a fitting tribute to his illustrious career. Even in defeat, Angle received a hero's send-off, leaving the ring with his head held high, surrounded by fellow legends. It was a poignant moment that celebrated the career of one of wrestling's all-time greats, and a reminder of the sacrifices these athletes make. The WWE Universe showed their respect and admiration for Angle's contributions, making his final match a memorable, albeit bittersweet, occasion. The emotional farewell was the true highlight, making the in-ring action secondary to the significance of the moment. It was a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to the sport, and the reception he received was a testament to his legendary status.
Other standout matches included the SmackDown Tag Team Championship match, where The Usos defended their titles in a fantastic bout, and the Intercontinental Championship match which, despite some booking frustrations, featured strong performances. The various showcase matches, like the Women's Battle Royal and the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, provided moments of excitement and surprises. Elias's performance, involving the surprise appearance of John Cena, was a fun, entertaining segment that paid homage to Cena's history. The sheer variety of matches and the quality of in-ring action ensured that WrestleMania 35 was a marathon of memorable moments, each contributing to the overall epic nature of the event. The passion and dedication of every single performer were evident, making it a true celebration of professional wrestling. The depth of the card meant there was always something exciting happening, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish. The performances across the board were a testament to the talent within WWE.
The Legacy of WrestleMania 35
The legacy of WrestleMania 35 is undeniably significant, guys. It wasn't just another WrestleMania; it was a pivotal moment in WWE history, largely defined by its groundbreaking main event. For the first time ever, the women's championship triple threat match between Ronda Rousey, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch closed the show. This decision alone was monumental, signifying a major shift in how WWE viewed and presented its women's division. It was a testament to the incredible talent, star power, and drawing ability of these three athletes, and it proved that women's wrestling could not only headline but could absolutely steal the show. Becky Lynch's victory as 'The Man' was the culmination of an incredible underdog story, resonating deeply with fans and establishing her as one of the biggest stars in the company. The image of her holding both titles aloft after defeating two of the biggest names in the business was an iconic WrestleMania moment, symbolizing progress and breaking barriers in sports entertainment. This main event wasn't just about championships; it was about equality, opportunity, and the undeniable talent of female wrestlers being given the spotlight they deserved. The impact of this decision rippled throughout the industry, inspiring countless other promotions to elevate their women's divisions and proving that women's wrestling could be just as compelling, if not more so, than the men's.
Beyond the main event, WrestleMania 35 also served as a significant turning point for Seth Rollins. His victory over Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship was a much-needed breath of fresh air for the title and for Monday Night Raw. Rollins, with his undeniable charisma and in-ring prowess, was the perfect choice to carry the brand forward. His win represented the crowning of a beloved babyface, a true athlete who had earned his shot and delivered on the biggest stage. The crowd's reaction to his win underscored his immense popularity and the desire of the WWE Universe to see him succeed. This victory propelled Rollins to the top of the card and cemented his status as a franchise player for WWE. It marked the beginning of a new era, one where fan favorites were being rewarded and the focus was on exciting, compelling in-ring action. The narrative of the determined challenger finally overcoming the seemingly invincible champion was a classic wrestling story, and Rollins's triumph was a cathartic moment for many fans who had been waiting for this shift in power. It signaled that WWE was listening to its audience and willing to make bold decisions to reward compelling characters and performances.
Furthermore, WrestleMania 35 was the stage for legendary farewells and career milestones. The retirement match of Kurt Angle, while not a classic in-ring contest, was a highly emotional moment that allowed fans to pay tribute to one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Seeing Angle compete one last time, surrounded by the cheers of the WWE Universe, was a fitting end to an extraordinary career. It was a celebration of his legacy, his contributions to the sport, and the unforgettable moments he gave us. Beyond Angle, other veterans had significant matches, reminding everyone of the rich history and enduring appeal of WWE. These moments, whether triumphant victories or emotional goodbyes, contribute to the tapestry of WrestleMania, making each event a unique chapter in wrestling history. The blend of current stars, rising talents, and departing legends creates a dynamic and engaging experience that keeps fans coming back year after year. The event truly felt like a celebration of wrestling's past, present, and future.
The event as a whole showcased the breadth of talent within WWE. From the high-octane tag team division matches to the hard-hitting singles contests, there was a consistently high level of in-ring performance. Even the smaller matches and segments had their moments, contributing to the overall spectacle. WrestleMania 35 solidified its place in wrestling lore not just for its headline-grabbing moments but for the sheer quality of wrestling and storytelling across the entire card. It proved that WWE could deliver a grand spectacle that was both emotionally resonant and action-packed, leaving a lasting impression on fans and influencing the direction of professional wrestling for years to come. The event's success set a high bar for future WrestleManias, demonstrating the power of bold creative decisions and the unwavering talent of the WWE roster. It was a night that celebrated the past, embraced the present, and set the stage for an exciting future in professional wrestling.
