NEW ORLEANS – The show opened with WWE Champion Cody Rhodes confronting SmackDown GM Nick Aldis about why he was taken out of the six-man tag match for tonight. Aldis alluded to the Final Boss’s return, saying, “It’s out of my control if you smell what I’m cooking.”
"Big" Jimmy Uso vs. Drew McIntyre
The two competitors collided in a hard-hitting matchup from the opening bell. Big chops and shots were exchanged back and forth. On a tirade, McIntyre attempted to seriously injure Uso by performing an inverted Alabama Slam onto the steel steps, face first.
Uso recovered, and back inside the ring, he countered a dive with a superkick and then caught McIntyre with another superkick as he was running in for a Claymore. Riding the wave of momentum, Uso reversed another inverted Alabama Slam into a victory roll for an upset win.
Post-match, a furious McIntyre attacked Uso.
LA Knight and R-Truth vs. The Miz and Carmelo Hayes
The new tag team, much to Hayes’ chagrin, "Melo Don’t Miz," had a lot to prove in this match. Both recently took aim at Truth, and as R-Truth said, “Louisiana Knight.”
The faces started rolling and had the match well in control. Truth began his childhood hero John Cena’s "Five Moves of Doom," and it looked like he was going to secure the win—until Shinsuke Nakamura struck Knight with a roundhouse kick on the outside while the referee wasn’t looking.
Hayes and Miz took advantage, winning the match with a Codebreaker–Skull Crushing Finale combo. Post-match, Hayes seemed surprisingly pleased with The Miz for forcing this team together.
Tiffany Stratton Calls Out Charlotte Flair
In a quick promo, Stratton told Charlotte she’s coming for her rightfully deserved spot at the top of WWE. Nia Jax and Candice LeRae interrupted her, saying, “If she makes it to WrestleMania.”
Tiffany Stratton vs. Candice LeRae
Stratton controlled the beginning of the match until Flair made her way down to the ring, distracting her. Quickly, Stratton regained command of LeRae. She showed off her athleticism and strength, but LeRae was able to follow up with moves of her own.
Stratton set up for the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, but Jax pulled LeRae out of the ring. Seeing an opportunity to prove why she’s the champion, Stratton kicked Jax, Alabama Slammed LeRae into the barricade, and bad-mouthed Flair. Back in the ring, Stratton connected with the Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the 1-2-3.
Post-match, Jax attacked Stratton. Trish Stratus ran down for the save, but the numbers game was too much—even for the Hall of Famer. Jax laid both women on top of each other before landing the Eradicator on them.
Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan Attack Bianca Belair and Naomi Before Their Match
Judgment Day attacked the tag champs before the match could even begin, hitting a Texana Bomb and Oblivion. The match was forced to be called off.
“The Final Boss” Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Returns
The Final Boss made his iconic entrance to the ring to the love of the crowd. The audience played along as he asked if they felt it and said he had chills. The Rock delivered his signature "Finally" catchphrase, but to the crowd’s surprise, instead of saying, "The Rock has returned to New Orleans," he announced that WrestleMania will return to New Orleans in 2026.
He soaked in the cheers but then turned on the audience, calling them "STD-loving trailer park trash," before turning his attention to Cody Rhodes.
Enter Cody Rhodes
The Rock gave Rhodes his flowers, acknowledging that he has been a great champion—but he wants more. He wants Rhodes to be his champion.
He explained that he wants Rhodes to be more than just the fans' champion—he wants him to be on the same level as The Rock to open doors and opportunities previously thought impossible. Everything Rhodes has ever wanted and dreamed of—for himself, his wife, and his child—The Rock can make happen.
The Rock then revealed that the one thing he’s always wanted more than anything is a brother. And that’s what he wants Rhodes to be.
He told Rhodes he’s special for standing up to him and brought up how their fathers are looking down on them. But he didn’t want an answer tonight. He wanted it at the Elimination Chamber.
The Rock finished by saying, "I don’t want your championship—I want your soul."
WWE Tag Team Championship Match – #DIY vs. Pretty Deadly
The match started off slow as both teams tested the waters. The pace picked up with Pretty Deadly gaining momentum, setting up the champs for a potential victory.
However, The Street Profits attacked the challengers, causing a disqualification.
Post-match, The Profits laid out both teams. The Motor City Machine Guns ran out to make the save but also became victims of The Profits.
Braun Strowman and Damian Priest vs. "The Samoan Werewolf" Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa
The battle of monsters commenced with a slow start as Priest and Sikoa traded big shots. Priest came out on top, but Strowman laid him out with a crossbody.
Strowman took out Tama Tonga, leading to a chaotic brawl. The Bloodline regained control, but as Priest and Strowman fought back, Tonga got involved again.
Sikoa attempted to end the match with a Spinning Solo, but Priest kicked out. The Bloodline tried to finish things, but Fatu accidentally superkicked Sikoa.
Strowman bulldozed Fatu and Tonga, allowing Priest to finish the match with a South of Heaven Chokeslam.