In the weeks building up, I had a feeling this was going to be a major event for me. WrestleMania X7 was the first Mania I ever saw, back in April 2001. We didn’t have Sky Sports at the time, so I’d asked my grandparents to record it for me. They brought round the VHS the following afternoon and I watched the whole thing after school. I was gripped from the opening bell of the first match to the closing bell of the last. This was a time when I wasn’t on the internet, anywhere near as frequently, so I managed to make it all the way through the day without the show being spoilt. This year marks 20 years of me watching WrestleMania events.

Night 2 of WrestleMania 37 marks exactly 10 years to the day when Edge was forced to retire. Edge is one of my all-time favourites, so I was devastated to think that his career had been cut short prematurely. I’d already booked tickets to attend the forthcoming SmackDown tapings at the O2 Arena. That episode turned out to be Edge’s retirement party. It felt electric to be in the crowd that night, especially when Metalingus played out over the speakers. It’s a night that I will never forget. It’s still unbelievable to me that Edge should get himself cleared, win the Royal Rumble, earn a chance to compete for a World Championship and main-event the biggest show of the year.

You may have barely had any time to catch your breath from the action of Night One. Thankfully, there wasn’t a drop of rain in sight, so Night Two managed to get underway without any delay. There were seven matches on the card, five of which had championships on the line. Without any further ado, let’s take a look at all the action.

Randy Orton vs The Fiend

This was certainly not a match that I ever expected as an opener. Orton came out first, wearing a surprising choice of white trunks. Didn’t he know what happened when Finn Balor wore white gear to face the Fiend? A video package aired, recapping the feud between these two so far. The video ended with CGI effects of The Fiend healing. No more burnt Wyatt, the mask was a pristine white again. Alexa Bliss came out to the Firefly Funhouse music. There was a huge Jack-in-the-box at ringside. Bliss cranked the handle and the Fiend came out of the top. He jumped off the box, into the ring and onto Orton to jumpstart the match.

Remember the red light that remained on in the early days of The Fiend matches? Yeah, that was back here. I sense it’s just as unwelcome now as it was then. Fiend dominated the early goings of the match, but Orton soon found an opening, landing his patented Spike DDT. Wyatt fought back, landing a crossbody, but he missed a Senton. Orton landed another Spike DDT and then set up for an RKO. Fiend saw it coming and applied a Mandible Claw. The Fiend transitioned it into a Sister Abigail but didn’t land it, as he was distracted by pyro going off from all four ring posts – much in the manner of Kane’s entrance. Alexa Bliss came out the top of the Jack-in-the-Box with black liquid pouring down her face. The distraction was enough for Orton to land an RKO and pick up the victory.

Winner: Randy Orton

Everybody, bar Orton, appeared to be in shock. The lights went out, the screen went black. When the lights came back on, Bliss and The Fiend were gone. The crowd booed.

Verdict: That was a disaster, truth be told. The match itself was fine, with the exception of the red light. The ending didn’t make sense. Was this supposed to signal Bliss turning on the Fiend? Did she cost him the match? It just wasn’t clear. The way the crowd voiced their displeasure certainly wasn’t a good sign.

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships
Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax (C) vs Natalya & Tamina

Natalya and Shayna started the match for their respective teams. They went back and forth, exchanging technical holds before Baszler tagged out to Nia. Jax wanted to face her former tag team partner and demanded Natalya tag out to Tamina. Natalya acquiesced. The two big Samoans went at it, exchanging hammer blows. Natalya tagged back in, she and Tamina double-teamed the Champions. Baszler tagged back in and attempted a sneaky roll up on Natalya, but only got a two-count.

The challengers used frequent tags, in an attempt to keep themselves fresh while grinding down the Champions. Baszler, the Submission Magician, for the upper hand, targeting the left ankle of Natalya. Jax continued the assault on the weakened limb, before picking up a two-count. Natalya found a second wind and managed to take down Nia with a clothesline. Jax fought back, nailed a Spinebuster, but Tamina broke up the pin attempt.

Natalya made the hot tag to her partner. Tamina landed a Samoan Drop to Baszler for a two-count. Moments later, Nia Jax attempted a top rope move on Tamina. Natalya helped Tamina escape before Nia landed a flying crossbody on both challengers, an attempt to pin them both, simultaneously, only got another two-count. Nia talked trash to Tamina, Tamina fought back and botched a powerslam for a close fall. Tamina climbed the ropes, attempted a Superfly Splash, but Nia rolled out of the way.

Natalya tagged back in. Nia tagged out but Natalya didn’t notice. Natalya applied the Sharpshooter before Shayna returned, applying the Kirifuda Clutch to Natalya for the submission victory.

Winners: Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax

Verdict: The crowd seemed flat for this match. That’s through no fault of the women involved here, I think the crowd were still subdued and confused from the opening match. Sadly, this match did little to get back the buzz and excitement that WrestleMania should feel like. The match was good, they hit all the right notes and I don’t think the finish was a surprise.

Sami Zayn vs Kevin Owens

Zayn came out first and introduced his special guest, Logan Paul. Logan got his own entrance music and Tron graphic. He got in the ring and shook hands with Zayn before KO came out. Logan Paul watched the match from ringside.

The bell rang, Zayn charged at Owens and immediately into a Pop-up Powerbomb. Zayn escaped the ring, but Owens gave chase. Back in the ring, KO went on the offence, landing a Cannonball before climbing the ropes. Zayn rolled out of the ring before Owens could commit to a Frog Splash. The two Canadians fought on the apron, where Zayn hit Owens with a brainbuster on “the hardest part of the ring”.

The opening allowed Zayn to go on the offence, but he kept looking for approval from Logan Paul. Sami attempted to superplex Owens, but Kevin fought back with headbutts. Zayn fell to the mat, Owens landed a Frog Splash for a two-count. Zayn landed an Exploder Suplex into the corner but missed the Helluva Kick. Zayn then dodged a Stunner attempt and landed a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two-count. A trio of suplexes only got Zayn another close fall. Close, but never close enough.

Zayn remained on the offence and sat Owens on the top rope. Owens fought back and landed a Fisherman’s Suplex from the top rope. Sami landed a Helluva Kick. He got cocky and wanted a second, but Owens hit back with two Superkicks. Owen’s put the cherry on the top with a Stunner for the three-count.

Winner: Kevin Owens

Following the match, Logan Paul got in the ring and congratulated Owens for the victory. Zayn didn’t take kindly to that, saying that Logan was “his guest”. Logan shoved Zayn away and then raised Owens’ hand in victory. Owens responded by hitting a Stunner on Paul for a huge pop.

Verdict: Strong match. You can always count on these two to put on something special when they work together. I think people expected Logan Paul to play a role similar to Mike Tyson in the Austin vs Michaels match and it didn’t really go that way. But him eating a Stunner will probably be a highlight for most fans.

United States Championship – Riddle (C) vs Sheamus

Sheamus was the quickest out of the gates upon the opening bell. The Celtic Warrior targeted the left arm of the Original Bro. Riddle countered and applied a Sleeper Hold, but Sheamus escaped. Sheamus landed an Irish Curse Backbreaker for a two-count. Riddle applied an armbar, using the ropes for leverage, so he had to relinquish the hold. This left Riddle on the apron, prone for Sheamus to hit the Ten Beats of the Bodhran.

The two fought to the top rope, where Riddle landed an overhead belly-to-belly. Riddle tried for a Bro-Derek but Sheamus escaped. Riddle catapulted himself into the ring and inadvertently into a Brogue Kick for a close fall. Sheamus immediately followed up with an Alabama Slam, but only got two, again. The two fought to the apron, where Riddle landed a German Suplex on “the hardest part of the ring”.

Back in the ring, Riddle landed Floating Bro for a close fall. Riddle locked on a Triangle choke but Sheamus powered out. Riddle applied a Sleeper, but Sheamus reached the bottom rope. Sheamus landed the White Noise, followed by a flying knee to the chest for another close fall. Sheamus set up for a Brogue Kick, but Riddle ducked it. Riddle attempted a springboard move from the second rope, but suffered a Brogue Kick in midair, to earn Sheamus the United States Championship.

Winner: Sheamus

Following the match, Riddle was bleeding from the lips. The replay showed that the final Brogue Kick appeared to make substantial contact.

Verdict: Great match from start to finish. Sheamus brought the realistic, hard-hitting style to the show. Riddle certainly looked in awe as he saw the crowd, that must have been an incredible feeling, his first WrestleMania. He couldn’t have asked for a better opponent in Sheamus. Riddle played his role as the young rookie who almost got lucky. But Sheamus, the wily veteran, was just too good.

Nigerian Drum Fight for the Intercontinental Championship – Big E (C) vs Apollo Crews

As announced ahead of time, Wale was present to perform Big E’s entrance music. Big E, a native of Tampa, Florida, got an incredible reaction when he emerged at the top of the ramp.

A range of different drums and percussion instruments were arranged at ringside. Big E and Crews immediately went for kendo sticks and started swinging at each other. Early in the match, Big E speared Apollo through the ropes to the outside. The two fought on the apron, where Apollo landed a Death Valley Driver. (Side note, there seemed to be a LOT of moves on the apron tonight.)

The steel steps were rearranged. With Big E laid out on the bottom steps, Apollo threw the smaller steps, but E rolled out of the way. Moments later, E landed a Uranage from the apron and onto the steps. Big E set up a table in the ring. Apollo unloaded on E with a kendo stick and then laid Big E out on the table. Apollo attempted a Frog Splash, but E rolled away and Crews went through the table.

Big E immediately followed up with a Big Ending and looked set to retain. But then a large man stormed the ring (I think it was Dabba-Kato) dressed in Nigerian army clothes. He attacked Big E and then dragged Apollo on top for the victory.

Winner: Apollo Crews

Verdict: I certainly didn’t see that ending coming. The match was fun and a hard-hitting gimmick match was probably needed. We’re certainly seeing a big reset tonight, with two title changes back to back. Apollo Crews is nicely set up as a mid-card heel and now he has a monster to hide behind. Big E now has a 0-7 record at WrestleMania. I wish I knew that ahead of the predictions article.

RAW Women’s Championship – Asuka (C) vs Rhea Ripley

Much like with the previous match, Rhea Ripley had Ash Costello in attendance to perform her entrance music, Brutality.

The opening of the match was rather frantic and fast-paced. Asuka, the veteran, did her best to frustrate Rhea Ripley, and the challenger seemed to fall into the trap on a couple of occasions. As the bigger of the two, when Ripley got on the offensive, she did so to devastating effect. Early on, the story here was established that Rhea is the bigger, stronger and tougher. Rhea took control of the match, applying body scissors before flooring Asuka with a series of clotheslines. Rhea continued in her attempt to assault and wear down the Champion.

Asuka started a comeback and landed a hip attack for a two-count. Asuka climbed the turnbuckles, but Rhea hit a running dropkick to send Asuka crashing to the outside. Ripley sent Asuka face-first into the apron. Seriously, there’s been a lot of spots on the apron in this show. So much so that it devalues the idea behind it. Asuka landed a DDT from the apron to the stadium floor.

Back in the ring, Asuka targeted the head of Ripley with a series of kicks. Ripley foresaw a sliding knee and then went on the attack. Asuka transitioned into an Armbar, but Ripley powered out. Ripley landed a big suplex for a close fall. Rhea tried for a German Suplex, but Asuka battled out of the waist lock and transitioned into another armbar. Rhea tried to escape, Asuka turned it into an Asuka Lock. Rhea rolled through and connected with a Riptide for the victory and the Championship.

Winner: Rhea Ripley

Verdict: Wow! Make that three new Champions in a row. If the next night on RAW is the start of a brand new season, WWE has certainly given themselves a clean canvas to work on. This was a good back and forth match. There was a good story of strength and power vs speed and submissions. In this instance, strength and power came out on top. Ripley was made to look powerful here, certainly showing off her brutality.

Triple Threat Match for the Universal Championship – Roman Reigns (C) vs Edge vs Daniel Bryan

Finally, it was time for the main event. The three competitors made their entrances. Edge got a great ovation, which shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering how long he’s been away, but it seems that his presentation has been more that of a heel, in recent weeks on SmackDown. Greg Hamilton made the formal ring introductions and we were underway.

Roman immediately went after Bryan and kicked him outside of the ring. Jey Uso attacked Bryan with a Superkick and then sent him crashing into the steel steps. Reigns then threw Edge out of the ring, Uso attacked Edge as well. No disqualifications under triple threat rules. Roman cleared the commentary table, Bryan launched a flying attack at Roman, while Edge attacked Uso, giving him a DDT onto the steel steps, taking him out of the equation – for now. All three competitors were down, at ringside, while medical personnel carried Jey Uso to the back.

Edge and Bryan returned to the ring and went at it. The commentary team reminded us that if Edge or Bryan pinned each other, Roman would lose the Championship. Teasing that outcome, Edge and Bryan each scored a close pinfall on the other. Bryan landed a missile dropkick from the top rope to Edge. Bryan dived out of the ring, but was caught by Roman and flattered with a belly-to-belly suplex to the ringside floor.

That left Roman and Edge in the ring. Roman attempted a Superman Punch, but Edge countered into an Edgecution. Edge set up for a Spear, but Roman caught him with a Superman Punch. Reigns tried for a Spear, but Edge reversed into a Sunset Flip for a two-count. Edge and Roman each tried a Spear at the same time. They clashed shoulders and both fell to the mat.

Bryan returned, landing flying headbutts to Edge and Roman, he attempted to pin Reigns but only got two. Bryan then unloaded with a series of Yes Kicks to both his opponents. Bryan hit Edge with a Running Knee before landing another Yes Kick to Roman for another close fall. Bryan softened Roman up and then applied the Yes Lock. Heyman looked worried, at ringside, until Edge broke up the submission attempt. Bryan applied the Yes Lock to Edge, but Roman broke it up and then began raining fists down on Bryan.

The Head of the Table powerbombed Bryan onto Edge, taking control of the match. Roman kicked Bryan out to ringside and caught his breath. The crowd booed Roman, but the Champ soaked it up. Finally, Roman Reigns was in the right character for how the audience perceives him. Roman powerbombed Daniel through the commentary table. Reigns took the time to brag but then took a Spear from Edge.

Edge took two chairs into the ring, but Roman fought them off him. One of the chairs broke, leaving a piece of the leg behind. Edge applied a Crossface to Reigns, using the broken piece of chair leg for extra pain. Roman looked an inch away from tapping out when Bryan made the save.

Deep into the match, all three men seemed exhausted. Bryan set up for a Running Knee, but Edge caught him with a Spear. Edge hit another Spear to Roman and made the cover. He should have had the match won, but Bryan pulled the referee out of the ring. Edge, clearly frustrated, attacked both Bryan and Reigns with a steel chair. Edge laid both Roman and Daniel’s faces on steel chairs. Edge hit Bryan with a Con-Chair-To before Jey Uso returned.

Edge hit Jey with a Spear before attacking him with a chair. Edge then walked into a Spear from Roman. Reigns hit Edge with a Con-Chair-To before dragging Edge onto Daniel Bryan. Roman pinned both his opponents for the victory.

Winner: Roman Reigns

Verdict: An incredible, hard-hitting match. They told a great story here, with three men who would all stop at nothing to win the Universal Championship. I thought Roman winning was a rather deflating finish, especially for the first show back in front of live fans for over a year. That said, the bigger story here is that there is a bigger story at play. Roman has been positioned as the guy to beat, yet he’s still the only Champion because of Jey Uso. One could argue that Edge and Bryan would each have legitimate claims to a title match where Jey can’t get involved. But I wonder if that’s something they save for SummerSlam.

Overall: The biggest talking point will be the factor of having fans back in attendance. This certainly made the show feel different from the past year of shows. I’m not sure this show had that special feeling that WrestleMania usually brings. Of the seven matches on Night Two, Kevin Owens was the only face to win. That can certainly create an odd atmosphere when the heels are generally more victorious.

WWE finds itself at a crossroads now. After two year years in a row of splitting WrestleMania over two nights, is this the new normal? Two shorter shows certainly feel more palatable, in my personal opinion, yet I’m not convinced that every match over the two nights was WrestleMania worthy. It was also the first Mania in a long time to not rely on the use of part-timers. There was no Undertaker, no Brock Lesnar, no Triple H, and no John Cena. Could this be the dawning of a new era?

All images courtesy of WWE