WWE WrestleMania 40 Live Updates: Rock and Reigns Triumph on Night 1, Cody Faces Bloodline Rules Match on Night 2

The 40th anniversary of WrestleMania, dubbed WrestleMania XL, unfolded its grand spectacle at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Night one delivered a whirlwind of unexpected results, emotional clashes, and championship victories, setting the stage for a potentially even more explosive Night 2.

The Rock Returns, Reigns Retains, and Bloodline Rules Await Cody

The night's main event, billed as the biggest tag-team match of all time, witnessed a shocking alliance. The Rock, once the People's Champion, shed his familiar persona and embraced his "Final Boss" transformation, aligning himself with his cousin Roman Reigns. Together, they dominated the ring against a formidable duo of Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. This victory came at a high price for Cody, as the pre-match stipulation dictated that a loss would force him to face Reigns in a Bloodline Rules match on Night 2. This barbaric format allows The Bloodline, Reigns' family faction, to interfere freely, creating a daunting challenge for the lone wolf, Cody.

Sami Zayn's Upset Victory: The New Intercontinental Champion

In a moment that sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe, Sami Zayn defied the odds and dethroned Gunther, the seemingly invincible Intercontinental Champion. Gunther's reign, spanning an impressive 666 days, crumbled under Zayn's relentless onslaught. Despite taking a brutal beating, Zayn's determination shone through as he countered with three signature Helluva Kicks and a devastating brainbuster delivered from the top rope. This victory marked a monumental achievement for Zayn, silencing his doubters and cementing his place as a champion.

Rhea Ripley Retains, Tag Team Turmoil Crowns New Champions

The night kicked off with a thrilling championship defense by Rhea Ripley. Facing off against Becky Lynch, Ripley displayed her unwavering strength and strategic prowess to retain the coveted Women's Heavyweight Championship. Their nearly 30-minute battle showcased the immense talent of both competitors, but ultimately, Ripley continued her reign, extending her championship hold since her WrestleMania 39 victory over Charlotte Flair.

The tag team scene witnessed a resurgence of veteran power and the emergence of a new dominant force. The six-pack ladder match for the Raw Tag Team Championship saw a nostalgic triumph for Team Awesome Truth, comprised of The Miz and R-Truth. Their victory brought back memories of their past championship reigns, proving that experience still holds weight in the WWE. Meanwhile, the SmackDown Tag Team Championship witnessed the rise of a fresh duo: Grayson Waller and Austin Theory. Their cohesive teamwork and aggressive tactics secured them the coveted titles, marking a significant step forward in their young careers.

Emotional Battles and Family Feuds

WrestleMania 40 wasn't just about championship glory; it also served as a stage for deeply personal battles. The Mysterio family drama unfolded in the ring, with Rey Mysterio and Andrade emerging victorious over Dominik Mysterio and Santos Escobar. This emotional encounter highlighted the complexities of family dynamics, betrayal, and redemption within the wrestling world.

Another highly anticipated clash saw Jey Uso triumph over his brother Jimmy Uso in a brutal and emotional brother-versus-brother match. The raw emotions, physicality, and moments of compassion displayed during the match resonated with the audience, leaving a lasting impact.

A Legacy Continues: Looking Ahead to Night 2

WrestleMania XL lived up to its reputation as the granddaddy of professional wrestling. It delivered a night filled with legendary returns, unexpected twists, and championship battles that left the WWE Universe buzzing with excitement. The night concluded with a sense of anticipation as the brutal Bloodline Rules match loomed large. Will Cody defy the odds and overcome The Bloodline's tyranny? Can other champions retain their titles amidst new challenges? These questions will be answered when WrestleMania 40 reaches its epic conclusion on Night 2. Stay tuned for more updates as history continues to be written in the squared circle.