WWE WrestleMania 38 night one live results: The KO Show with ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin
The first night of WrestleMania 38 from AT&T Stadium in Dallas is headlined by the return of WWE icon “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
Austin will confront Kevin Owens on the KO Show, which is expected to lead to some sort of physical confrontation. The extent of that physicality is one of the intriguing storylines going into the show.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair will defend against Ronda Rousey, who returns to WWE’s biggest show of the year for the first time since 2019.
In another high-profile match, Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defends against Bianca Belair.
Seth Rollins’ road to WrestleMania will end up against a mystery opponent that is widely assumed to be the returning Cody Rhodes.
The Mysterios vs. The Miz & Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin, The Usos vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs for the SmackDown Tag Team titles, and New Day vs. Sheamus & Ridge Holland are also set for tonight.
Tonight’s main card begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time. There will also be a two-hour pre-show leading into the event.
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Pre-Show
Kayla Braxton introduced the panel members Booker T, Pete Rosenberg, Kevin Patrick, and JBL. They’re outside of AT&T Stadium with a crowd of fans behind them waiting to get in.
They recapped the Becky Lynch and Bianca Belair feud. Rosenberg, JBL, and Booker all picked Belair to win, which got a pop. Patrick picked Lynch, which also got a good reaction from the fans nearby.
The panel turned their attention to the KO Show tonight. They showed a Steve Austin video package. They recapped The Usos vs. Rick Boogs & Shinsuke Nakamura.
They recapped the Seth Rollins path to WrestleMania storyline. In the back, Maria Menounos interviewed Rollins. He noted that everyone wants to know his opponent’s identity.
Rollins said it could be a legend like Stone Cold, The Rock, or Hulk Hogan. He speculated it could be someone from NXT like Carmelo Hayes. Rolins even thinks it could be Vince McMahon. He said it doesn’t matter because tonight’s about him.
The panel discussed Rollins’ match tonight. The fans in the background broke into a loud “Cody” chant. They recapped last night’s Hall of Fame ceremony.
A TikTok celebrity Josh Richards joined the panel, and the fans erupted in boos. They broke into a loud “Who are you?” chant. Booker asked if he’d get in the ring because he’s a natural heel. JBL agreed. They previewed the KO Show with Steve Austin tonight.
They showed footage of Kevin Owens at Axxess yesterday. He knocked over Austin merchandise, hit an Austin cut out, and spray painted Owens 3:16 Get Stunned on an Austin poster.
Jerry “The King” Lawler joined the panel, and the fans broke into a loud “Jerry” chant. They previewed Rey & Dominik Mysterio vs. The Miz & Logan Paul. Logan’s brother, Jake Paul, joined the panel, and the fans booed him. He was a total heel and played to the crowd.
They previewed Sheamus & Ridge Holland vs. New Day. They also showed footage of Big E’s injury. In the back, Maria Menounos interviewed Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. They promised to win tonight despite Butch being in Sheamus & Holland’s corner. They showed Big E’s message on social media from last month. Braxton started a “Big E” chant. This match didn’t end up taking place.
They recapped the Happy Corbin and Drew McIntyre feud. The panel discussed Madcap Moss winning the Andre the Giant Battle Royal last night. Braxton wondered if Moss would be better off without Corbin. Moss interrupted the panel and praised Corbin. He’s confident that Corbin’s winning tonight and continuing his undefeated streak.
Moss told a bad joke, but Booker thought he was hilarious. He made Moss tell more jokes, and Booker couldn’t stop laughing. He even got the fans chanting, “One more.” Moss felt the fans didn’t deserve one more joke.
Inside the AT&T Stadium, Titus O’Neil welcomed the fans to the most stupendous WrestleMania. The fans popped. O’Neil introduced five local organizations they worked with and donated $20,000 to each.
They previewed Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey. American Ninja Warrior’s Akbar Gbjabiamila joined the panel to discuss the SmackDown Women’s title match. They turned their attention to Austin’s return and tomorrow night’s main event.
Main Show
Country music rocker Brantley Gilbert performed the National anthem. The opening video featured actor Mark Wahlberg.
The Dallas Cowboys’ Cheerleaders came out and performed to AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” and got a big pop.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee kicked off WrestleMania. McAfee’s excited for his first WrestleMania.
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos defeated Shinkuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs to retain (6:52)
This was a good opening match, but it was the same basic match they’d have on SmackDown. It might have been cut short due to Boogs’ injury.
Rick Boogs came out and introduced Shinsuke Nakamura. They both got a big pop from the fans. McAfee danced on the announce table.
They recapped Rick Boogs defeating Jey Uso. They did the special ring introductions for the match.
Nakamura kicked Jimmy in the face at the bell. He followed up with a running knee in the corner. The Usos took over and isolated Nakamura on their side of the ring. Nakamura tried fighting back, but Jimmy hit an enziguri to maintain control. He slowed the pace down with a chin lock.
Boogs tagged in and ran wild. He caught Jey with a bear hug and transitioned into a delayed vertical suplex for a near fall. Boogs picked up both Usos on his shoulders, but his knee gave out. Nakamura tagged back in and hit a dive to the floor. Nakamura fought The Usos alone for the rest of the match because Boogs’ legit knee injury.
Nakamura hit a sliding German suplex on Jey and set up for the Kinshasa, but Jey hit a superkick. Jimmy followed up with the splash for a near fall, which got a big reaction. Nakamura fought back, but Jey grabbed his hair, which allowed Jimmy to hit a superkick. The Usos hit the 1-D for the win.
After the match, the doctors checked on Boogs at ringside. Later in the night, Cole noted that Boogs would require surgery for his injury.
They showed a lengthy video package looking at Sami Zayn vs. Johnny Knoxville.
Drew McIntyre defeated Happy Corbin (w/Madcap Moss) (8:38)
McIntyre and Corbin had a good match. It started out slow but picked up when McIntyre was in control. The fans were into it by the end.
They recapped the McIntyre-Corbin feud. Cole and McAfee made a big deal out of Corbin’s joke about McIntyre’s mother last night. They then recapped Madcap Moss winning the Andre the Giant Battle Royal.
McIntyre jumped Corbin at the bell. He rocked Corbin with hard chops in the corner. Corbin tried fighting back, but McIntrye sent him to the floor with a clothesline. McIntyre drove Corbin’s back into the barricade.
Corbin recovered and sent McIntyre into the ring post. He targeted McIntyre’s knee and talked trash. He followed up with a back suplex for a near fall. Corbin was firmly in control, so Moss jumped on the apron to celebrate.
Corbin yelled at Moss to jump off the apron. McIntyre took advantage and hit a spinebuster for a near fall. He regained control and hit the neck breaker for another near fall. Corbin blocked the Futureshock DDT and hit the Deep Six for a close near fall.
McIntyre fought back and hit a clothesline off the top rope. He set up for the Claymore, and the fans popped. They counted along with him, but Moss pulled Corbin out of the ring. McIntyre then hit a huge flip dive over the top rope. The fans popped big.
Corbin avoided McIntrye and went for the End of Days, but McIntyre slipped out. Corbin avoided the Claymore and hit End of Days for a very close near fall. The fans thought that was the finish and popped big when McIntyre kicked out. Cole noted that’s the first time anyone kicked out of Corbin’s finisher.
McIntyre jumped to his feet and hit the Claymore kick for the win. The fans popped big for McIntyre’s win.
After the match, McIntyre celebrated with his sword, Angela. Moss tried to get in the ring, but Mcintyre backed him off. He then cut the top ring rope with the sword, and all the ropes fell.
The Miz & Logan Paul defeated Rey & Dominik Mysterio (11:14)
This was a good tag team match. Paul was good in the match and a great heel. The fans hated him with a passion. They hated him so much they cheered Miz when he turned on Paul after the match.
They recapped the Mysterios vs. The Miz & Logan Paul feud.
Paul came to the ring wearing a rare Pokemon card around his neck. The heels gained the early advantage when Paul caused a distraction from the apron.
Paul tagged in, and the fans erupted in boos. He backed Rey into the corner with rights and lefts. Paul avoided Rey with two leapfrogs and did the splits. Rey took advantage and kicked Paul in the head.
The Mysterios took over with Dominik running wild. He hit a moonsault off the middle rope on Miz for a near fall. He followed up with an arm drag on Paul, and a head scissors on The Miz. Dominik then hit a twisting crossbody to the floor. The fans popped for Dominik and gave him a big reaction.
Paul jumped Dominik from behind to take over. He hit a running power slam on Dominik for a two-count. Paul and Miz hit the It kicks on Dominik to loud boos.
Paul hit a blockbuster on Dominik for another near fall. The fans rallied behind Dominik. The heels isolated Dominik on their side of the ring and cut him off from Rey.
Dominik fought back with a tornado DDT on Miz and kicked Paul in the face. Rey got the hot tag and caught Miz with a flying hurricanrana. He followed up with a seated senton and a kick to the face for two-count. Rey hit a moonsault on Miz for a near fall, but Paul broke up the pin attempt.
The heels went for a double suplex, but Dominik caught Paul with a superkick, and Rey rolled up Miz for a near fall. Rey went for the 619, but Miz fought back. Rey followed up with a tornado DDT for another near fall. Rey went for the Three Amigos on Miz to a huge pop. The fans broke into a brief “Eddie” chant.
Miz escaped ad sent Rey into the ring post. Paul posed in the ring, and the fans erupted in boos. Paul then gave Rey the Three Amigos to a chorus of boos. They absolutely hated him. They hated him even more when he climbed to the top rope and did Eddie Guerrero’s pose. He hit the frog splash to even louder boos.
Dominik made the save, and the faces ran wild. They hit a double 619 on Paul, but Miz made the blind tag. Dominik hit the frog splash on Paul, and Rey hit a second frog splash. Miz jumped in and slammed Dominik onto Rey. He then hit the skull crushing finale on Rey for the win.
The fans erupted in boos at the finish. The Miz and Paul celebrated after the match when Miz turned on Paul and gave him the skull crushing finale. The fans popped for the turn and cheered Miz.
Stephanie McMahon came out to a good reaction. She thanked the fans and introduced Gable Stevenson to a big pop.
They recapped the Edge and AJ Styles feud.
Bianca Belair defeated Becky Lynch to win the Raw Women’s Championship (19:07)
Belair and Lynch had a great match. The fans were into it from start to the finish.
They recapped the Lynch-Belair feud. Lynch had a grand entrance with a special video and a chauffeur driving her onto the stage. Belair had a grand entrance as well with the Southern Texas marching band playing Belair’s music. This was pretty awesome.
They did the special ring introductions for the match. Belair got a big pop during the intro, while Lynch got a mixed reaction. The fans gave the match a big reaction when the bell rang.
Lynch went for the Manhandle slam at the bell, but Belair countered with the KOD. Lynch slipped out and hit the Manhandle slam a close near fall. The fans reacted big for the near fall since it was the SummerSlam finish.
Lynch went for several near falls but couldn’t put Belair away. Belair fought back with a suplex and rolled through. She went for a second suplex, but Lynch reversed to take over. Lynch missed a moonsault, and Belair locked on Lynch’s dis-arm-her.
Lynch fought back and got to the ropes. Belair tried to lift up Lynch on her shoulders but struggled to get her up. They changed course and traded near falls.
Lynch took over after sending Belair into the ring steps. She was firmly in control and hit a series of suplexes. Lynch then drove Belair throat first into the middle rope. Belair fought back, but Lynch hit a superkick. Lynch followed up with leg drop off the corner onto Belair draped over the top rope.
Lynch slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Belair tried fighting back, but Lynch regained control with an armbar. Belair fought back and picked up Lynch. Lynch grabbed the top rope, and they both fell over to ringside.
Belair tried to get back in the ring, but Lynch pulled her out. At ringside, Belair ran at Lynch. She attempted to give her a backdrop, but Belair bounced off the ropes into a suplex.
Belair took over and ran wild on Lynch. She avoided Lynch with a headspring backflip. Belair caught Lynch in a powerbomb, but Lynch rolled her up for a near fall. Belair recovered and hit a handspring standing moonsault for a close near fall.
Belair climbed to the top rope, but Lynch cut her off. Belair lifted Lynch on her shoulders while standing on the middle turnbuckle. She then dropped Lynch on the corner. The fans all stood up and popped for the spot.
Belair hit the 450 splash for a very close two-count. Lynch fought back and hung Belair on the top rope.
Lynch went for a flip senton but instead did a flip dropkick and hit Belair right in the face. Belair then hit a spinebuster and went for the handspring moonsault again, but Lynch got her feet up.
Belair tried to roll up Lynch, but she reversed and sent her into the ring post. Belair recovered and went for the KOD. Lynch held onto the top rope, so Belair gave her the KOD to the floor instead. Lynch recovered and sent Belair into the ring post by her hair. Lynch then gave her the Manhandle slam on the ring steps.
Lynch almost won by count out, but Belair beat the count. The fans popped big for Belair getting back in the ring. The fans broke into a loud “This is awesome” chant.
Belair could barely get to her feet. Lynch went for the manhandle slam off the middle rope, but Belair avoided it with a backflip. Belair then hit the KOD for the win to a massive pop.
Cody Rhodes defeated Seth “Freakin” Rollins (21:32)
Rollins and Rhodes had an awesome match. The fans went crazy for everything they did. Rhodes debut was an awesome WrestleMania moment. He came across like a major star.
They recapped the Seth Rollins path to WrestleMania storyline. Rollins waited in the ring as fans broke into a “Cody” chant. Rollins threw his jacket out of the ring, and pyro went off. The lights then went off in the stadium as well.
Cody Rhodes’s music hit to a huge pop. He came out as the “American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes. He had a similar entrance to his AEW days.
The fans broke into a loud “Cody” chant before the bell. They squared off, and the fans broke into another “Cody” chant. Rhodes had the early advantage with a side headlock and an arm drag. He did the old Stardust pose to a big pop.
Rollins fought back, but Rhodes recovered, dropped down, and caught Rollins with a right hand. The fans broke into a loud “Cody” chant. Rollins went for the Pedigree, but Rhodes escaped and attempted the Cross Rhodes.
They fought over a suplex in the ring and fell over the ropes to the floor. The commentators pushed that Rhodes has a high in-ring IQ.
Rhodes slowed the pace down and worked over Rollins’ arm. Rhodes went for a flying crossbody, but Rollins hit a dropkick. Rhodes told the referee his ribs were injured.
Rollins took advantage and worked over Rhodes’ ribs. Rollins shouted at Rhodes, “Welcome to the big leagues.” Rollins slowed the pace down with a bear hug targeting the ribs.
Rhodes fought back with a power slam and a clothesline to the floor. He followed up with a suicide dive sending Rollins over the announce table. Rhodes then hit a moonsault off the top for a close near fall.
Rhodes jumped off the apron, but Rollins caught him and gave him a powerbomb into the barricade. He followed up with a superkick and falcon arrow for a near fall.
Rhodes avoided the stomp twice and went for the Cross Rhodes. Rollins escaped, but Rhodes hit the Cross Rhodes for a very close near fall. The fans broke into a “Cody” chant.
A desperate Rhodes climbed to the top rope, but Rollins cut him off. Rollins gave Rhodes a reverse superplex into a slam for another near fall. The fans broke into a “This is awesome” chant and a faint “Cody” chant. Rhodes avoided the Phoneix Splash, but Rollins rolled through.
Rollins went for the Pedigree, but Rhodes escaped. Rhodes set up for the pedigree, and the fans popped. Instead, Rhodes hit a powerbomb and Cody cutter for another very close two-count. Rhodes didn’t know what to do next. Rollins took advantage and hit the Pedigree for another close near fall.
They traded rights in the middle of the ring. The fans cheered Rhodes and booed Rollins. Rollins yelled that this his company. He hit a forearm to the back of the head.
Rhodes recovered and hit two Cross Rhodes. He went for a third but let Rollins go. Rhodes paid tribute to his father, Dusty Rhodes. He did the flip, flop, and fly. He then hit the bionic elbow and a third Cross Rhodes for the win. The fans popped big for the finish.
They recapped the Hall of Fame ceremony and introduced the 2022 class to the fans. Undertaker got a separate introduction. He got a huge reaction from the fans.
They announced the attendance for tonight as 77,899.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defeated Ronda Rousey to retain the title (18:20)
Flair and Rousey had a good match, but the finish felt a bit weak. They had a tough time following the last two matches, but it picked up towards the end.
They recapped the Flair-Rousey feud.
They did the special ring introductions for the title match. Rousey got a mixed reaction with mostly cheers, while Flair got loud boos.
Rousey had the early advantage with rights and lefts in the corner. Referee Charles Robinson got in between them. Flair took advantage and hit a forearm. Rousey fought back with an armbar, but Flair broke free. Flair took over and sent Rousey into the ring post.
Flair was firmly in control and slowed the pace down with a face lock. Rousey fought back, but Flair responded with a hard clothesline. She slowed the pace down again with a dragon sleeper. Rousey broke free and rocked Flair with a knee for a two-count.
Flair tried to jump on Rousey’s knee, but she moved and hit a version of a tornado DDT. Rousey rocked Flair with a kick to the head and threw her around. Flair recovered and hit a spear for a near fall. The crowd was pretty dead up to this point. The fans finally came alive.
Flair went for a moonsault, but Rousey moved. Flair landed on her feet and hit a standing moonsault, but it was mistimed. Rousey fought back, but Flair regained control. Flair hung up Rousey in the corner and locked on a Boston Crab on the top rope. Rousey broke free and punched Flair in the face. She then threw Flair off the top rope.
Rousey hit Piper’s Pit and set up for the armbar. Rousey took her time, which allowed Flair to recover. Flair rocked Rousey with a boot to the face. She went for the figure four, but Rousey escaped and hit a power slam for a two-count.
Rousey went for Piper’s Pit again, but Flair escaped. Rousey applied the ankle lock, but Flair reversed the move. Rousey sent Flair into the turnbuckle, but Flair fought back with a powerbomb. Rousey went for the armbar, but Flair countered into the figure four. Rousey reversed into the ankle lock, but Flair broke free.
They traded submission moves. Rousey went for the armbar, but Flair countered into the figure eight. Rousey reversed and rolled out of the ring. Cole noted nobody ever broke free of the figure eight before.
They fought at ringside, with Rousey pulling Flair off the apron. Flair recovered and caught Rousey with a suplex into the barricade. They beat the ten count. Flair went for a boot, but Rousey grabbed her leg.
Rousey hit Piper’s Pit, and Robinson counted three, but Flair got her foot on the bottom rope. Robinson waved it off, but Rousey thought she won. Flair took advantage and hit natural selection for a near fall.
Flair went for the figure four, but Rousey kicked off, and Flair speared Robinson. Rousey caught Flair with the armbar, and she tapped, but Robinson was still down. Rousey tried to revive the referee, but Flair took advantage and kicked Rousey in the face for the win.
It appears New Day vs. Sheamus and Holland was bumped from the show.
The KO Show with Stone Cold Steve Austin
They recapped Kevin Owens challenging Austin. The fans were elelctirc for the segment and reacted big to everything.
Kevin Owens made his entrance to a chorus of boos. The fans broke into a loud “Austin” chant. Owens welcomed everyone to the main event version of the KO Show. The fans erupted in boos. He pointed out that he said some bad things about Austin and Texas.
The fans broke into a loud “What” chant. He pretended to apologize but insulted the fans more. He called Austin the worst influence and couldn’t wait to tell him that he sucks.
Owens promised to give Austin a stunner and pour beer on him. Suddenly, glass shattered, and Austin’s music hit to a massive pop. Austin came out dressed to fight. He started walking to the ring but stopped and walked to the back. Owens laughed and assumed Austin had left.
Austin returned on his ATV and drove down to the ring. He jumped in the ring and kicked over the KO Show signs to pose on the corners. Owens demanded they stop the music and noted this is his show. The fans broke into a loud “Austin” chant.
Owens demanded that Austin sit down so they could talk. Owens doesn’t want to fight. Austin mocked Owens haircut as the fans broke into the “What” chant, which works with Austin. Owens mocked Texas and said it’s not as good as Canada.
Owens claims he’d rather live in Mexico than Texas. Owens admitted that he tricked Austin onto the show. He’s not looking to talk. He’s looking for a fight.
Owens noted he brought Austin on the show to challenge him to a match. The fans popped. Owens then challenged Austin to a No Holds Barred match right now.
Owens claims that Austin knows he can’t beat him. He told Austin to leave, and the fans broke into a “One more match” chant.
Austin noted he had his first match in Dallas, Texas. He added that he could have his last match in Dallas, Texas, tonight. He asked the fans if they want him to have a match tonight to give him a hell yeah.
The fans responded with a loud “Hell Yeah.” Austin agreed to a match and called out a referee to have an official match. The fans popped.
No Holds Barred: Stone Cold Steve Austin defeated Kevin Owens (13:55)
Austin and Owens had an awesome brawl with amazing heat. It wasn’t the best technical match of the night but it was still great. Austin and Owens were great in their roles. It was another awesome WrestleMania moment to end a good first night of WrestleMania 38. It was fun and cool way to end the night.
They traded right hands, with Austin getting the upper hand. He backed Owens into the corner and stomped a mud hole.
Austin threw Owens into the other corner and continued to stomp on Owens. He grabbed a beer mid-match to a huge pop. The fans broke into a brief “you still got it” chant. Owens recovered and took over. He beat down Austin around ringside and pulled out a table.
Owens set up the table against the barricade, but Austin reversed and sent Owens into the table instead. They fought through the crowd. Austin went for a suplex, but Owens reversed. Austin tried fighting back, but Owens got the upper hand again.
Austin recovered and slammed Owens onto the announce desk. He pulled out more beer to a huge pop. Austin continued to beat down Owens with ten right hands. He had another beer and threw Owens back in the ring. Owens hung Austin on the top rope and tried to leave on Austin’s ATV.
Austin stopped Owens and jumped on the ATV. He drove them both up the ramp to the stage. Austin then gave Owens a suplex on the stage and sent him headfirst into the ATV. He then gave Owens a second suplex on the stage.
Austin threw Owens down the ramp, and he rolled back to ringside. Austin grabbed more beers and got back in the ring. Owens took advantage and hit the stunner for a close near fall. The fans broke into an “Austin” chant.
Owens grabbed a chair and went to hit Austin, but he moved. The chair hit the ropes and bounced back into Owens’ face. Austin then hit the stunner for the win to a massive pop.
After the match, Austin gave Owens another stunner and celebrated his win. He called Byron Saxton into the ring. He gave Saxton a beer and then a stunner. It was the greatest moment in Corey Graves’ career.
Austin celebrated his win with more beers to end a good first night of WrestleMania 38.