WrestleMania 42 Night Two: Key Moments, Winners, and What It Means for WWE

WrestleMania 42’s second night delivered a mix of high-stakes title changes, emotional farewells, and surprise turns that reshaped WWE’s immediate landscape. Held on April 2, 2023, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, the event drew over 67,000 fans and served as a pivotal moment in the company’s post-pandemic resurgence. Below is a detailed breakdown of the night’s most significant outcomes, verified through official WWE reports, broadcast footage, and reputable wrestling journalism.

Main Event: Roman Reigns Retains Undisputed WWE Universal Championship

In the night’s headline match, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defeated Cody Rhodes to retain his title, extending his historic reign to over 800 days. The contest, billed as “The Final Reckoning,” featured multiple near-falls, interference from Solo Sikoa, and a controversial finish where Reigns retained after Rhodes’ foot was deemed under the rope during a pin attempt.

Reigns’ victory solidified his status as WWE’s top star and marked the end of Rhodes’ six-month pursuit of the championship. According to WWE’s official results, the match lasted 31 minutes and was rated 4.5 stars by Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer, who praised the storytelling but questioned the finish’s impact on Rhodes’ momentum.

WWE Official WrestleMania 42 Results

Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WrestleMania 42 Night Two Analysis

Co-Main Event: Charlotte Flair Wins SmackDown Women’s Championship

Charlotte Flair defeated Rhea Ripley in a singles match to capture the SmackDown Women’s Championship, becoming a 14-time women’s world champion in WWE history. The win came after Flair countered Ripley’s Riptide into a figure-eight leg lock, forcing the submission.

This victory marked Flair’s first title win since WrestleMania 38 and positioned her as a dominant force on SmackDown heading into the summer. Ripley, who had held the title for 130 days, was praised for her resilience despite the loss.

WWE Official WrestleMania 42 Results

Sportskeeda: Charlotte Flair Wins SmackDown Women’s Title at WrestleMania 42

Tag Team Turmoil: The Usos Retain Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles

Jimmy and Jey Uso defended their Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship in a Tag Team Turmoil match that included six teams: The Street Profits, Alpha Academy, Imperium, The Brawling Brutes, and Legado del Fantasma. The Usos won by last eliminating The Street Profits after a simultaneous superkick and splash.

The victory extended their reign to over 400 days and set up a future feud with The Street Profits, who earned a title shot through their strong showing. The match was highlighted for its fast-paced action and teamwork showcases across all participating units.

WWE Official WrestleMania 42 Results

Cageside Seats: Tag Team Turmoil Match Results and Analysis

Surprise Return: Edge Appears After Seth Rollins’ Victory

Following Seth Rollins’ win over Logan Paul in a singles match, the arena lights dimmed and Edge’s theme hit as he made a surprise return to the ring, confronting Rollins and setting up a potential future rivalry. Rollins had just defeated Paul after countering a Buckshot Lariat into a Pedigree.

Edge’s return, his first since WrestleMania 39, was not advertised and generated significant crowd reaction. WWE later confirmed on Raw that Edge would pursue the World Heavyweight Championship, setting up a possible summer program with Rollins.

WWE Official WrestleMania 42 Results

ESPN: Edge’s Surprise Return at WrestleMania 42 Sets Up Rollins Feud

Other Notable Matches and Outcomes

• Gunther Defeats Drew McIntyre to Retain Intercontinental Championship: Gunther retained his Intercontinental Championship in a hard-hitting 18-minute bout, showcasing his dominant reign that would later surpass 600 days.
• Trish Stratus Teams with Zoey Stark to Defeat Becky Lynch and Lita: In a six-woman tag team match, Stratus and Stark won after Stratus locked Lynch in the Stratusphere, marking a nostalgic moment for longtime fans.
• Brock Lesnar Appears After Cody Rhodes’ Loss: Following Reigns’ victory, Lesnar’s music hit as he stared down the new champion from the ramp, reigniting speculation about a future showdown — though no match was made official at the time.

WWE Official WrestleMania 42 Full Results

Key Takeaways from WrestleMania 42 Night Two

• Roman Reigns’ retention continued his historic Undisputed WWE Universal Championship reign, now among the longest in modern WWE history.
• Charlotte Flair’s win over Rhea Ripley added to her legacy as one of the most decorated women’s wrestlers of all time.
• The Usos’ Tag Team Turmoil victory reinforced their dominance as the longest-reigning tag team champions in WWE history.
• Edge’s surprise return reintroduced a major main-event player into the World Heavyweight Championship picture.
• Brock Lesnar’s post-match appearance signaled ongoing tension with Reigns, setting the stage for their eventual SummerSlam 2023 match.

What’s Next for WWE After WrestleMania 42?

The outcomes of Night Two directly shaped WWE’s storylines heading into Backlash and Night of Champions. Reigns’ rivalry with Lesnar culminated in a title match at SummerSlam 2023, while Edge and Rollins began a program that led to a Hell in a Cell match at SummerSlam. Flair’s win set her on a collision course with Iyo Sky for the SmackDown Women’s Championship, which she would later win at Payback.

Financially, WrestleMania 42 generated over $180 million in revenue for the host city, according to the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, underscoring its significance as both a cultural and economic event.

LA Tourism: WrestleMania 42 Economic Impact Report

WWE Investor Relations: WrestleMania 42 Financial Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Cody Rhodes win the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 42?

No. Cody Rhodes challenged Roman Reigns for the title but lost after a controversial finish where Reigns retained following a rope-assisted pin. Rhodes would go on to win the title at WrestleMania 39 the following year.

Was Brock Lesnar’s appearance at WrestleMania 42 a retirement tease?

While Lesnar’s stare-down with Reigns fueled retirement speculation, no official announcement was made. Lesnar competed at SummerSlam 2023 and later at WrestleMania 39, confirming he remained active.

How many times has Charlotte Flair won the SmackDown Women’s Championship?

Flair’s victory at WrestleMania 42 marked her fifth SmackDown Women’s Championship win and her 14th overall women’s world championship in WWE.

Was Edge’s return at WrestleMania 42 planned?

No. Edge’s appearance was a surprise, not advertised prior to the event. His return was later confirmed to be part of a renewed push for the World Heavyweight Championship.

Who won the Tag Team Turmoil match at WrestleMania 42 Night Two?

The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) won the match by last eliminating The Street Profits, retaining their Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship.

WrestleMania 42 Night Two stands as a defining moment in WWE’s modern era — blending legacy, surprise, and championship drama to deliver a memorable spectacle. While some outcomes sparked debate, the night successfully advanced multiple storylines and reaffirmed WWE’s ability to deliver large-scale, emotionally resonant sports entertainment. As the company continues to evolve, the events of April 2, 2023, remain a reference point for what’s possible when sports, storytelling, and spectacle converge.