WrestleMania, the pinnacle of WWE’s yearly calendar, concluded with a historic moment as John Cena captured the WWE Championship for the 17th time, surpassing Ric Flair to become the most decorated wrestler in the history of the company. This landmark victory came against Cody Rhodes, with an unexpected twist involving a surprise interference from rapper Travis Scott.
A Fitting Farewell for Cena
Cena, who has announced his impending retirement in 2025, marked his final WrestleMania appearance with this record-setting win. His departure from the WrestleMania stage adds a poignant layer to his triumph, emphasizing his long and storied career within WWE.
Streaming Success and Global Reach
This year’s WrestleMania also marked a significant shift in its broadcast strategy, being the first to air live on Netflix. This move allowed approximately 300 million subscribers worldwide to witness the spectacle, enhancing its global reach and marking a new era in sports entertainment broadcasting. The success of this transition was evident as the event streamed largely without glitches, signaling a successful collaboration between WWE and Netflix.
Star-Studded Matches and Legacy Wins
Aside from Cena’s headline-grabbing win, the event was packed with high-stakes matches and significant title changes that captivated the audience. Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and CM Punk headlined the first night in a generational clash, with Rollins ultimately emerging victorious in a highly anticipated match.
Celebrating New and Legacy Champions
Jey Uso, a rising star who gained immense popularity in 2024, claimed his first World Heavyweight Championship, surpassing his father, Rikishi’s achievements. This win kicked off the event on a high note, celebrating both new champions and the enduring legacies within WWE.
Dominik Mysterio, son of WWE legend Rey Mysterio, captured his first Intercontinental Championship, further highlighting the event’s theme of legacy and succession. New Day’s Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston and Jacob Fatu also secured title wins, underscoring the depth of talent on display throughout the weekend.
Women of WWE Shine Brightly
WrestleMania’s women’s division shone exceptionally bright this year, with Becky Lynch making a triumphant return to win the Women’s Tag Team Championships alongside Lyra Valkyria. This marked Lynch’s first match since 2024, and her victory was a standout moment that resonated deeply with fans.
Jade Cargill, Tiffany Stratton, and Iyo Sky also delivered standout performances, with Sky defending her Women’s World Championship in a match that was quickly dubbed an “instant classic” by fans and critics alike.
Controversies and Ad Overload
While the event was largely celebrated for its in-ring action, it was not without its controversies. The heavy presence of advertisements, including brand logos on the ring canvas and numerous ad breaks, drew criticism from fans who felt it distracted from the matches. Despite this, the strategic partnership with Netflix provided many fans their first opportunity to view WrestleMania without additional costs, highlighting the evolving nature of sports entertainment consumption.
As WrestleMania wraps up, WWE doesn’t pause; it continues with its narrative-rich programming, constantly building towards the next big showdown. This event has set the stage for new rivalries and continued storylines, promising more action and drama in the coming year.
WrestleMania’s blend of historic achievements, strategic broadcasting moves, and unforgettable matches further cements its status as a flagship event in sports entertainment. With John Cena’s record-breaking win and the emergence of new champions, WrestleMania continues to thrill fans worldwide, maintaining its allure as a spectacle of athleticism, drama, and entertainment.