PROMOTION: World Wrestling Entertainment DATE: 04.06-04.07.24 LOCATION: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
FOR THE FIRST TIME since 1999, pro wrestling’s premier supercard emanated from PWI’s stomping grounds: Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love. And brother … this XL edition was something else!
With an announced two-night attendance of 145,298, WWE offered up one of the hottest WrestleManias in recent memory. Despite unpleasant weather throughout the week—Philly in April is notorious for cold rains and strong winds—fans from around the globe packed into Lincoln Financial Field to see championships defended, grudges settled, and the spectacle that only the industry leader can provide.
NIGHT ONE
In what would turn out to be the final defense of her 380-day Women’s World title reign, Rhea Ripley kicked off Wrestle-Mania Saturday with a defense against one of her toughest opponents to date. Becky Lynch vowed to return to her place at the top of the Raw women’s roster with a victory over the red-hot champ.
At the previous WrestleMania Saturday, 2023 Match of the Year. While perhaps not as thrilling as that encounter, her bout with Lynch was solid and competitive. It took two of Ripley’s Riptide slams to put away “The Man” just past the 17-minute mark.
