WrestleMania 36: The Real Winners & Losers
THERE HAVE BEEN many historic firsts at WrestleMania, but there has never been an event quite like this one.
For one thing, the COVID-19 crisis forced WWE to put on its banner pay-per-view with no audience present. This was also the first WrestleMania taped in advance, as well as the first one presented over two nights.
Despite less than optimal circumstances, this year’s ’Mania gave fans many unforgettable moments—including a disturbing Boneyard Match that seemed more like a horror movie than a wrestling bout, a bizarre Firefly Fun House match that stretched the very definition of what wrestling can be, and the coronation of two new World champions.
Apart from the Firefly Fun House Match, it was pretty clear who won all of this year’s contests … on paper, anyway. But, over the next 19 pages, as is our annual tradition, we’ll reveal the real winners and losers of WrestleMania 36.
CESARO vs. DREW GULAK
This opener was a test of strength and technique right from the start, with both competitors showing off their submission prowess. Although they spent some time brawling outside the ring, most of the bout took place on the mat, with Gulak targeting Cesaro’s arm and “The Swiss Cyborg” using European uppercuts and stiff boots to maintain the upper hand. Pulling out a rare maneuver from wrestling’s past, Cesaro trapped Gulak in an airplane spin (with no hands!), dropped him to the mat, and became WrestleMania 36’s first victor.
THE WINNER
Cesaro by pinfall in 4:22
THE REAL WINNERS
Those who tuned into the WrestleMania Kick-Off show. Sometimes, fans skip over this largely hype-filled hour, waiting for the start of the main pay-per-view. Those who began their viewing early were treated to a short, but exciting clinic between two grappling masters.
THE REAL LOSER
Sheamus. The tough Irishman returned to action as a singles competitor after years of successful teaming with Cesaro. But Sheamus’ career has since stalled, indicating maybe it was unwise to part with his tag partner. Thanks to this strong win, Cesaro has little reason to consider reforming The Bar with his former associate.
THE KABUKI WARRIORS vs. ALEXA BLISS & NIKKI CROSS
Kairi Sane and Asuka entered as Women’s tag team champions, but, by the end of the proceedings, their six-month reign would come to a crashing end. It wasn’t for lack of trying, as The Kabuki Warriors did their best to cut off the ring—isolating Bliss as a desperate Cross tried to rally her teammate. Once Cross finally tagged in, she lit into the opposition, nailing a spinning neckbreaker on Sane and quickly tagging in her partner, who hit Twisted Bliss … leading
