WrestleMania 34, held on April 8, 2018, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, was a landmark event in the world of professional wrestling. As the 34th installment of WWE's flagship pay-per-view, it brought together wrestlers from Raw, SmackDown, and 205 Live, showcasing a diverse array of talent and thrilling matches. This article delves into the major matches and events that defined WrestleMania 34, highlighting the unforgettable moments
that captivated fans worldwide.
Main Event Highlights
The main event of WrestleMania 34 was a highly anticipated match between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship. Lesnar, who had won the title at WrestleMania 33, faced Reigns in a match that was expected to be a crowning moment for Reigns. However, Lesnar retained his championship, much to the surprise of many fans. The match was met with heavy criticism, with some labeling it as one of the worst main events in WrestleMania history due to its pacing and outcome.
Another significant match was AJ Styles versus Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Championship. Styles successfully defended his title against Nakamura, who had won the men's Royal Rumble match earlier in the year. The match was notable for its technical prowess and the post-match heel turn by Nakamura, who attacked Styles, setting the stage for future confrontations.
Notable Returns and Debuts
WrestleMania 34 marked the in-ring return of Daniel Bryan, who had been absent for nearly three years due to concussions. Bryan teamed with Shane McMahon to defeat Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, a match that was well-received by fans and critics alike. Bryan's return was a highlight of the event, showcasing his resilience and popularity among the WWE Universe.
The event also featured the WWE debut of Ronda Rousey, a former UFC champion. Rousey teamed with Kurt Angle to face Triple H and Stephanie McMahon in a mixed tag team match. Rousey's performance was praised for her athleticism and ability to adapt to the wrestling ring, making her debut one of the standout moments of the night.
Memorable Moments and Surprises
One of the most surprising moments of WrestleMania 34 was the impromptu match between The Undertaker and John Cena. Cena, who had been attending the event as a fan, was called to the ring for a match against The Undertaker. The match was brief, with The Undertaker quickly defeating Cena, but it was a memorable moment that added to the night's excitement.
Another unexpected highlight was the Raw Tag Team Championship match, where Braun Strowman teamed with a 10-year-old named Nicholas to defeat Cesaro and Sheamus. Nicholas, the son of referee John Cone, became the youngest champion in WWE history, adding a unique and humorous twist to the event.
WrestleMania 34 was a night filled with drama, surprises, and unforgettable matches, solidifying its place in wrestling history as a spectacle that entertained fans around the globe.
