WWE WrestleMania 35 Live Results, Highlights, and Grades

WrestleMania 35 Kickoff Show

WrestleMania has officially kicked off in MetLife Stadium, and the Kickoff Show began hyping things up from the very start. We got a brief view of WrestleMania host Alexa Bliss backstage, where she will be talking to superstars leading up to their big moments at WrestleMania. Things then went backstage for a brief interview with Big E and Xavier Woods.

They were first asked about how it felt earning Kofi Kingston’s opportunity with their win of the tag team gauntlet, but things quickly turned to questions of whether Kofi Kingston had been too worn down by his difficult path to WrestleMania. The New Day assured everyone that Kingston’s tank is full to the brim, and he’s ready for things tonight.

Grade: A, The New Day are fantastic any time they get to talk, and this helped add a little more build to an already heavily hyped WWE Title match.

WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match: Buddy Murphy (c) vs. Tony Nese

The action got rolling with 205 Live’s cruiserweight showcase. Buddy Murphy looked confident upon arrival, but Tony Nese is in the midst of what could be his WrestleMania moment, and he’s clearly just as prepped for action. Things got off to a fast start with Murphy trying to hit a knee to end things right out of the gate, but Nese avoided it and the back and forth began.

These two men used to be the best of friends, and that familiarity was on display as the match got rolling and the counters were plentiful. Tony Nese utilized his striking ability whereas Buddy Murphy looked to capitalize with his power. Murphy looked to finish things off with Murphy’s Law on several occasions, only for Nese to slip out of it.

While some of the crowd was still getting situated during this match, by about halfway through they were already thoroughly invested in a great contest. As the match heated up, both men were looking to finish things. Nese hit a picture-perfect 450 splash and went for the cover, but Murphy still kicked out.

It didn’t take long for Buddy Murphy to hit Murphy’s Law, and it looked like things were over, but Nese barely got his foot on the bottom rope to break up the pin. With a final effort, Nese got Murphy into position and nailed the Running Nese. Murphy was out cold, and Nese covered him for the pin to become the new Cruiserweight Champion.

Grade: A, This was a great opening contest, and both Murphy and Nese brought their best. Fantastic crowning of Nese in what was definitely a WrestleMania moment.