LAS VEGAS — WWE kicked off WrestleMania 42 in explosive fashion Saturday night at Allegiant Stadium, delivering a stacked Night One card filled with brutal brawls, title changes, surprise returns, and a dramatic main event that left the crowd buzzing. From Jacob Fatu’s violent unsanctioned war to Cody Rhodes surviving Randy Orton, the opening night had all the spectacle fans expect from WWE’s biggest stage.
Opening Match: The Usos and LA Knight Set the Tone
The night began with energy as The Usos and LA Knight defeated Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and IShowSpeed in a six-man tag team match. The crowd erupted early as Jimmy and Jey Uso cleared the ring with superkicks before Knight finished the job, sending the audience into a frenzy.
Jacob Fatu Wins Brutal Unsanctioned Match
One of the night’s most talked-about moments came when Jacob Fatu defeated Drew McIntyre in a savage unsanctioned match. Weapons littered the ring as both men used chairs, tables, and toolboxes. After surviving a fall through a table, Fatu roared back with a crushing moonsault through another table for the victory.
AJ Lee Turns Back Becky Lynch
AJ Lee successfully defended the Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Becky Lynch in a highly anticipated showdown. Wrestling in her biggest spotlight match in years, AJ silenced doubters and reminded fans why she remains one of WWE’s most beloved stars.
Surprise Return Shakes Up Women’s Tag Title Match
The Women’s Tag Team Championship Fatal 4-Way brought nostalgia and chaos. Teams included Nia Jax and Lash Legend, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, Bayley and Lyra Valkyria, and The Bella Twins. The biggest shock came when Paige made a surprise return, instantly becoming one of the loudest crowd reactions of the night.
Gunther and Seth Rollins Steal the Show
If there was a match-of-the-night candidate, it may have been Gunther vs. Seth Rollins. The bout was physical, technical and intense, with both stars trading momentum in one of the strongest wrestling matches on the card. Gunther ultimately stood tall after a punishing finish.
Liv Morgan Captures Gold
Liv Morgan dethroned Stephanie Vaquer to become the new Women’s World Champion, capping another major title change on Night One. Morgan celebrated wildly as the Las Vegas crowd reacted to one of the evening’s biggest surprises.
Cody Rhodes Survives Randy Orton in Main Event
In the headline bout, Cody Rhodes retained the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton in a tense and dramatic main event. Orton landed a vicious punt kick during the night, while Pat McAfee’s involvement added more controversy. Rhodes weathered the chaos and left Las Vegas still champion.
Biggest Moments of the Night
- Jacob Fatu’s table-crashing moonsault
- Paige’s surprise return
- Liv Morgan winning the Women’s World Title
- Gunther and Seth Rollins deliver a classic
- Cody Rhodes survives Randy Orton in the main event
- Massive celebrity reaction for IShowSpeed’s WrestleMania debut
Final Take
WrestleMania 42 Saturday had everything WWE fans wanted: violence, nostalgia, title drama, and unforgettable moments. If Night One was this wild, Night Two has massive expectations to meet.
