WrestleMania 42 Review: Reigns vs. Punk - A 5-Star Epic!

The Turning Point: WrestleMania 42 Sunday Recap

WrestleMania 42 kicked off with great anticipation but, let's be honest, Saturday's offerings faltered. Match durations were short, the over-saturation of ads was frustrating, and at times, it felt more like a celebrity showcase than a wrestling event. But Sunday, oh boy, Sunday flipped the script!

Amongst the chaos of commercials and missed opportunities, the opening and closing bouts on Sunday reminded us why we love professional wrestling. As fans, we crave that adrenaline rush, and it was undoubtedly delivered.

Highlights and Grades from an Action-Packed Night

Here's my breakdown of the key matches that defined WrestleMania 42's finale!

Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar

Femi's WWE debut was nothing short of spectacular. Defeating Lesnar? That was an electrifying moment that I'd argue will resound through history. It's not always about technical skills; Femi's powerbomb on Lesnar, after weathering a F5, sends a message: he's not to be taken lightly!

Grade: A+

Penta (c) vs. Multiple Challengers

The ladder match was pure chaos and exhilarating! Every participant had a moment to shine, showcasing why they were included. Evans, despite his loss, proved he's poised to be a future star in the high-flying division. Here's hoping Penta secures a longer reign!

Grade: A-

Trick Williams vs. Sami Zayn

This was a slight misfire. Williams secured a star-making moment, but the match could've used a few more minutes for a fuller narrative. Sometimes less is not more!

Grade: C

Finn Bálor vs. Dominik Mysterio

I had higher hopes for this street fight. It simply didn't live up to expectations. Remember when street fights hinted at mayhem? This one felt restrained. Bálor deserved better.

Grade: D+

Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill (c)

Despite criticisms, I see potential. The chemistry between Ripley and Cargill was surprisingly visceral. Here's hoping for greater utilization of Iyo Sky in the future, as she's too talented to remain a supporting player!

Grade: C

The Main Event: Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk

And now, the moment we've been waiting for! Reigns vs. Punk delivered beyond our wildest expectations. This wasn't just a match; it was a symphony of storytelling! Over 30 minutes, these two warriors engaged in an epic struggle, and it felt like every second counted.

The clean finish? Refreshing! No run-ins, no gimmicks. Just pure wrestling. Reigns claimed his title while Punk laid everything on the line. What a sight!

Grade: A+

Final Thoughts: WrestleMania's Roller Coaster

Despite a rocky start, Sunday's WrestleMania 42 was a testament to perseverance. The high points not only saved the event but also set the stage for exciting storylines moving forward. We could very well see Reigns take on Femi at SummerSlam, and I, for one, can't wait!

In the end, WrestleMania isn't merely about the wins and losses; it's about the moments that will linger in our memories. As we step away from this year's spectacle, I believe the theme will resonate: “Don't count it out until the last bell rings.”

Let's gear up for next year's WrestleMania 43—it's bound to be electrifying!