The night professional wrestling broke its biggest glass ceiling
In short: For decades, the main event of WrestleMania was a male-only domain. In 2019, that changed forever. WrestleMania 35 didn't just feature a women's match in the spotlight; it fundamentally restructured the hierarchy of sports entertainment, marking a historic shift in how the industry defines its biggest stars.
WWE experienced a major shift during WrestleMania 35, which occurred at East Rutherford's MetLife Stadium on 7 April 2019. While the event featured 16 matches across the Raw, SmackDown, and 205 Live brands, its most significant contribution was the first-ever women's main event match in the history of the franchise.
Becky Lynch triumphed over Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey during a 'Winner Takes All' triple threat main event. This wasn't just a singular victory; it was the culmination of a complex narrative involving injuries, suspensions, and high-stakes betrayals. Lynch had navigated a grueling path to the main stage, including a Royal Rumble victory where she eliminated Flair despite a knee injury, and a subsequent suspension for refusing a medical examination.
Beyond the gender barrier, WrestleMania 35 marked the end of several eras. It was the final time the event was held as a single night, as the following year it expanded to a two-night format. This show hosted the final appearances of Batista and Kurt Angle, while also marking Triple H's concluding in-ring outing prior to his 2022 retirement.
The André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal moved to the preceding SmackDown show in 2021, making this the final time it occurred at the primary WrestleMania event. By placing women in the headlining slot, the promotion signaled a move toward a more inclusive 'Big Four' era, where the 'Super Bowl of sports entertainment' finally reflected a broader spectrum of its roster.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: WrestleMania 35
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