WrestleMania 39, famously dubbed “WrestleMania Goes Hollywood,” transcended the realm of a mere wrestling show, evolving into a cultural phenomenon that captivated millions worldwide. Held on April 1st and 2nd, 2023, at the colossal SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, this two-night extravaganza delivered a potent blend of athletic prowess, emotional narratives, and unexpected twists, solidifying its place as one of the most talked-about events in recent WWE history. 

From the star-studded atmosphere to the record-breaking attendance and significant financial impact, WrestleMania 39 cemented WWE’s position at the pinnacle of sports entertainment, leaving a lasting impression on fans and the industry alike. 

Understanding WrestleMania: The Grandest Stage of Them All

Before we dive into the specifics of WrestleMania 39, it’s crucial to understand the significance of WrestleMania itself.

What is WrestleMania?

WrestleMania is the premier annual professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) and live streaming event produced by WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). Often referred to as “The Grandest Stage of Them All,” “The Showcase of the Immortals,” and “The Super Bowl of Sports Entertainment,” it is the culmination of WWE’s annual storytelling cycle, featuring the biggest matches, feuds, and championship contests. WrestleMania is renowned for its elaborate stage designs, celebrity appearances, and memorable moments that often define careers and reshape the landscape of professional wrestling.

The Evolution of WrestleMania

Since its inception in 1985, WrestleMania has grown exponentially in scale and grandeur. What began as a bold gamble by Vince McMahon to establish WWE as a mainstream entertainment entity has transformed into a global spectacle. 

Over the decades, WrestleMania has consistently broken attendance and revenue records, becoming a cultural touchstone that attracts not only wrestling enthusiasts but also mainstream media attention. Its evolution reflects the broader trends in sports entertainment, showcasing increasingly sophisticated production values, diverse storytelling approaches, and a growing emphasis on global reach.

WrestleMania 39: Going Hollywood with a Bang

WrestleMania 39 was a particularly significant event, marking the 39th annual installment and returning to the “Hollywood” theme last seen at WrestleMania 21 in 2005. The choice of Los Angeles, a city synonymous with entertainment, perfectly aligned with WWE’s ambition to create a show that blurred the lines between sports and spectacle.

The Road to WrestleMania 39: Building the Hype

The build-up to WrestleMania 39 was characterized by several compelling storylines and anticipation-generating moments. The Royal Rumble victories of Cody Rhodes and Rhea Ripley set the stage for their respective championship challenges, while the long-running saga of The Bloodline, featuring Roman Reigns, The Usos, and Sami Zayn, provided the emotional core of the event. Celebrity involvement, a staple of WrestleMania, was also prominent, with Logan Paul’s burgeoning wrestling career and appearances by The Miz and Snoop Dogg generating mainstream buzz.

Key Matches and Unforgettable Moments

WrestleMania 39 featured a total of 15 matches across two nights, each contributing to the event’s overall narrative and spectacle. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most impactful contests and memorable moments:

Night 1 Highlights:

Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship: The Usos (c) vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn: This highly anticipated main event delivered an emotional rollercoaster. The culmination of the months-long “Bloodline” storyline saw Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens dethrone The Usos, ending their record-setting 622-day reign. The crowd reaction to Owens and Zayn’s victory was deafening, a testament to the masterful storytelling that had led to this moment. This match is widely considered one of the best tag team matches in WrestleMania history, praised for its storytelling, in-ring psychology, and dramatic finish.

SmackDown Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Rhea Ripley: This was a brutal and hard-hitting encounter that many critics lauded as the “match of the night” for Night 1. Rhea Ripley emerged victorious, capturing the SmackDown Women’s Championship in a performance that solidified her as a dominant force in the women’s division. The physicality and intensity of this match set a new benchmark for women’s wrestling on the grandest stage.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. Logan Paul: A surprisingly impressive match given Logan Paul’s relatively new foray into professional wrestling. Paul showcased incredible athleticism and a willingness to take risks, while Rollins, ever the showman, delivered a captivating performance. The match featured a memorable spot involving KSI and demonstrated Paul’s commitment to the craft, earning him respect from many fans.

United States Championship: Austin Theory (c) vs. John Cena: While shorter than many anticipated, this match saw Austin Theory controversially defeat John Cena to retain the United States Championship. It marked a significant victory for the younger star, albeit one that left many Cena fans yearning for a more conclusive performance from their hero.

Rey Mysterio vs. Dominik Mysterio: A deeply personal and emotionally charged father-son rivalry. Dominik, having embraced his heel persona, received overwhelming boos, while Rey was cheered emphatically. The match paid homage to Rey’s legendary career, with a lowrider entrance featuring Snoop Dogg and a hard-fought victory for the lucha libre legend.

Night 2 Highlights:

Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Cody Rhodes: This was arguably the most anticipated match of WrestleMania 39, with Cody Rhodes attempting to “finish the story” and capture the championship his father, Dusty Rhodes, never held. Despite widespread expectation of a Cody victory, Roman Reigns, with assistance from Solo Sikoa, controversially retained his championship. 

The unexpected outcome sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, sparking intense debate and discussion among fans about the future of Cody’s narrative. This main event, while critically acclaimed for its in-ring action and drama, generated significant controversy due to its finish.

Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat: Gunther (c) vs. Sheamus vs. Drew McIntyre: This was a clinic in hard-hitting, European-style strong-style wrestling. All three men delivered a brutal and captivating contest, filled with thunderous chops and powerful maneuvers. Gunther ultimately retained his Intercontinental Championship, further cementing his reign as a dominant champion.

Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair (c) vs. Asuka: A highly athletic and competitive match that saw Bianca Belair successfully defend her Raw Women’s Championship against a formidable Asuka. The match showcased the incredible athleticism and strength of both competitors.

Hell in a Cell Match: Edge vs. “The Demon” Finn Bálor: A violent and intense Hell in a Cell match that saw Edge emerge victorious. The match was notable for a legitimate injury sustained by Finn Bálor, who continued to compete despite being visibly cut open. The brutality of the contest was a throwback to traditional Hell in a Cell matches.

Beyond the Bell: The Impact and Legacy of WrestleMania 39

WrestleMania 39’s influence extended far beyond the immediate thrill of the matches. Its impact resonated throughout the WWE landscape and offered insights into recent trends in professional wrestling.

The “Finish the Story” Controversy and Long-Term Booking

The controversial finish to the Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes match ignited a firestorm of debate among fans and critics. While some lauded the decision as a bold move to prolong Reigns’ historic reign and further the Bloodline storyline, others criticized it as a missed opportunity to crown a new top babyface and provide a satisfying conclusion to Rhodes’ journey.

Recent Trends (as of 2025): This very controversy highlights a significant trend in professional wrestling: long-term storytelling and character development over immediate gratification. While the “story” might not have finished at WrestleMania 39, it continued, leading to further chapters and escalating the stakes for Cody Rhodes. 

This approach often tests the patience of fans but can lead to more impactful payoffs down the line, as evidenced by the sustained interest in The Bloodline storyline which continued to evolve even into 2025. WWE, under the creative direction of Triple H, has shown a greater willingness to embrace nuanced, long-form narratives, a departure from some of the more short-sighted booking decisions of the past.

The Rise of New Stars and Veteran Resilience

WrestleMania 39 showcased a blend of established veterans and burgeoning new talent. Rhea Ripley’s dominant victory over Charlotte Flair cemented her as a future cornerstone of the women’s division. Austin Theory’s win over John Cena, while debated, propelled him into a higher echelon. Simultaneously, legends like Rey Mysterio and Edge proved their enduring appeal and in-ring capability.

Recent Trends (as of 2025): This balance between established stars and emerging talent remains a crucial aspect of professional wrestling in 2025. Promotions like WWE are actively investing in their developmental systems (e.g., NXT) to cultivate the next generation of superstars, while simultaneously leveraging the drawing power and experience of seasoned performers. 

The ability to seamlessly integrate new faces into prominent storylines while retaining the loyalty of long-time fans is vital for sustained success.

Celebrity Involvement: A Double-Edged Sword

Logan Paul’s impressive performance at WrestleMania 39, alongside his prior outings, solidified his position as a legitimate, if controversial, in-ring performer. His presence brought significant mainstream attention and drew in viewers who might not typically watch wrestling.

Practical Tip: While celebrity involvement can be a huge draw, it’s crucial for it to be authentic and for the celebrity to demonstrate a genuine commitment to the craft, as Paul largely has. Audiences are discerning and can quickly spot a superficial appearance. When done right, it introduces new demographics to the product; when done poorly, it can alienate the core fanbase.

Real-Life Examples: WrestleMania’s Cultural Footprint

WrestleMania’s impact extends beyond financial figures. Here are some real-life examples illustrating its cultural footprint:

Make-A-Wish Foundation: John Cena’s long-standing involvement with the Make-A-Wish Foundation is a prominent example. At WrestleMania 39, Cena made a heartwarming entrance with Make-A-Wish children on stage, highlighting WWE’s significant philanthropic efforts and the positive impact wrestlers have on their fans’ lives.

Celebrity Integration: Beyond Logan Paul, figures like Bad Bunny and Pat McAfee have transitioned from their primary careers to impressive in-ring performances at WrestleMania, showcasing the event’s ability to attract and integrate mainstream talent.

Fashion and Pop Culture: WrestleMania often features elaborate entrances and unique attire that bleed into pop culture. Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, and Seth Rollins are known for their distinct and often trending ring gear at major events, including WrestleMania.

Fan Pilgrimages: Fans from all corners of the globe regularly plan vacations around WrestleMania, transforming it into a major tourism driver for host cities. The economic impact figures mentioned earlier are a direct result of these fan pilgrimages.

FAQ

What was the most controversial moment at WrestleMania 39?

The most controversial moment at WrestleMania 39 was undoubtedly the conclusion of the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes. Many fans expected Cody Rhodes to “finish the story” and dethrone Reigns, but Roman Reigns ultimately retained his championship with assistance from Solo Sikoa. This sparked widespread debate and disappointment among a significant portion of the fanbase.

How many people attended WrestleMania 39 over both nights?

WrestleMania 39 boasted a combined attendance of 161,892 fans over its two nights at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. This figure set a new attendance record for the stadium.

Which match is considered the best from WrestleMania 39 by critics and fans?

While opinions vary, many critics and fans widely consider the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship match between The Usos and Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn on Night 1, and the SmackDown Women’s Championship match between Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley, also on Night 1, as the standout matches of WrestleMania 39. The Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat between Gunther, Sheamus, and Drew McIntyre on Night 2 also received immense praise for its physicality.

What was the economic impact of WrestleMania 39 on the host city?

WrestleMania 39 generated a significant economic impact of $215 million for the Los Angeles region. This includes revenue from ticket sales, merchandise, hotel bookings, dining, and other local entertainment activities, highlighting the substantial financial benefits of hosting the event.

Will the “Hollywood” theme return for future WrestleManias?

While the “WrestleMania Goes Hollywood” theme was specific to WrestleMania 39 due to its location in Los Angeles, WrestleMania often adopts unique themes or taglines relevant to its host city or significant storylines. While a direct “Hollywood” theme might not immediately return, the elaborate stage designs and celebrity integration that were prominent at WrestleMania 39 are likely to remain staples of future WrestleMania events.

Final Thoughts

WrestleMania 39 was a monumental event that underscored the enduring power and appeal of professional wrestling. From the captivating drama of the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship match to the controversial yet compelling main event, it offered something for every type of fan. The record-breaking attendance and revenue figures are a testament to WWE’s global reach and the dedication of its fanbase. 

As professional wrestling continues to evolve, embracing long-term storytelling and integrating new talent, WrestleMania remains the benchmark for spectacle and a celebration of the unique blend of athleticism, drama, and entertainment that defines this captivating industry. The “Showcase of the Immortals” continues to write its storied history, promising more unforgettable moments for years to come.

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