WWE 2012: Wrestlemania 28 Up.

WWE Presents: Wrestlemania 28. Live from Miami, Florida

Wrestlemania 28 opened with an elaborate fireworks display, along with a recap package of the feud between The Rock & John Cena. Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler & Booker T welcome the audience at home to the Grandest stage of them all before passing over to Justin Roberts in the ring.


United States Championship: Zack Ryder(c) defeated Jack Swagger

Zack Ryder kicked off the in ring action at Wrestlemania by retaining his United States Championship against Jack Swagger. Swagger started the match by pummelling Ryder with punches before attempting to take out Ryder’s potential ability to use the Rough Ryder by working on Ryder’s legs. It only took one mistake for Ryder to come back into the match. Swagger mistimed ducking under a Ryder clothesline, which led to Ryder and Swagger exchanging big punches and moves in the middle of the ring. Swagger tried to use the Gutwrench Powerbomb to seal the victory but Ryder got out of it then used the Rough Ryder to pick up the victory in his first full Wrestlemania match.

The cameras cut to the back where Daniel Bryan was standing by with Matt Striker. Bryan stated that although he lost to Sheamus this time last year, a lot has changed in that year. He mentioned that he was now the greatest wrestler in the WWE and would prove that tonight when he cashed in his briefcase to win the World Heavyweight Championship.

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Intercontinental Championship: Cody Rhodes(c) defeated Randy Orton

Cody Rhodes retained his Intercontinental Championship by disqualification after sending Randy Orton off the deep end. Rhodes & Orton went at each other from the first bell, instead of locking up the two men just threw punches at each other until finally Orton looked to set up for a punt to put Rhodes out of action. Rhodes managed to get out of the way of the punt and sent Orton flying to the outside. The two men then brawled around ringside before Rhodes low blowed Orton behind the referee. This enraged the Viper, who grabbed a chair and attacked Rhodes with it. This caused the referee to call for the bell. Orton, however did not stop at this and RKO’ed Rhodes on the outside of the ring before a Punt to the side of Rhodes head.

While the EMT’s ran down to the ring to check on Rhodes the cameras cut to the back, to show Sheamus getting ready for his match with Daniel Bryan.
Then there was a video package detailing Daniel Bryan’s Money in the Bank win, contrasted with Sheamus World Heavyweight Championship win. The video then showed the history of the feud between Bryan & Sheamus, before showing Bryan injuring Sheamus’ leg.


World Heavyweight Championship: Daniel Bryan defeated Sheamus(c)

This was a potential match of the night contender with both men’s styles working in sync as Bryan used his variety of submission holds to take away Sheamus’ power advantage, by working on the injured ankle. The crowd couldn’t decide who to back in the match, regardless of Bryan’s previous actions, they wanted to see him win the Championship. Sheamus looked set to retain his championship after a Brogue Kick knocked Bryan off the apron to the outside. Bryan however managed to get back into the ring as the ref counted to 9. Sheamus then set up for the High Cross, but Bryan got out and fired off on Sheamus with a series of kicks to the legs. Bryan then locked in the Regal Stretch but Sheamus made it to the ropes. Bryan then managed to avoid Sheamus attempts at bringing him down to the mat before a kick to the side of the head presented the opportunity for the LeBell Lock. Sheamus tried to fight out of it, but after about 30 seconds he tapped out, giving Bryan his first World Championship reign.

As Bryan celebrated with his title, the cameras cut to the back to see the Rock. The Rock pumped up his hometown crowd by mentioning all the things Miami means to him, by recapping his accomplishments in the WWE and talking about how he wishes he had never left the WWE. Before promising that he would defeat John Cena.


The Undertaker defeated Christian

The Undertaker went 20-0 at Wrestlemania by defeating former World Heavyweight Champion Christian. Christian frustrated Taker in the early stages by avoiding contact as much as possible and trying to attack The Deadman from behind. Taker didn’t have to put up for this for long as he quickly gained the upper hand and began to use strikes to wear down Christian. Christian fought his way back into the match, bringing the crowd to their feet as they thought the streak might come to an end. Christian used the Killswitch to get a count that almost handed Taker his first loss at Wrestlemania. Taker managed to kick out just before the ref’s hand hit the mat for the 3 count. Christian then set up for a spear but Taker reversed it into a running DDT. Both men were down and after struggling to their feet Taker used a Chokeslam to get a 2 count before a Tombstone Piledriver to pick up the win.

The cameras cut to the back where Royal Rumble Winner Dolph Ziggler was shown taping his fists in preparation for his WWE Championship match. Alberto Del Rio & The Miz were then shown on their way to the ring.


WWE Tag Team Championships: Alberto Del Rio & The Miz defeated Air Boom(c)

The Miz & Alberto Del Rio went a way to proving to Kofi Kingston & Evan Bourne that they are better than them in this match, but many fans will feel Air Boom were cheated. This was an extremely fast paced match with Kingston and Bourne flying around the ring. They certainly proved to be a strong match up for Miz & Del Rio, who didn’t really take control until the later stages of the match. The match looked certain to be over after Kofi was locked in the Cross Armbreaker, but a springboard splash from Bourne broke it up. Kofi later hit the Trouble in Paradise on the Miz but the former WWE Champion kicked out after 2. The finish came when The Miz used the ropes for leverage during a roll up on Bourne.
The Miz & Del Rio quickly scarpered to the back with their championships as Air Boom got angry at the ref for not noticing the Miz’ cheating.

The cameras then showed a video package highlighting Dolph Ziggler’s meteoric rise since Royal Rumble 2011, hyping up the WWE Championship match.


WWE Championship: CM Punk(c) defeated Dolph Ziggler

CM Punk retained his WWE Championship with a huge victory over the Royal Rumble Winner Dolph Ziggler. Punk capitalised on Ziggler’s showboating antics in the early stages of the match to lay the ground work for a victory. Ziggler didn’t go down without a fight, but it seemed he was more interested in gaining a Wrestlemania moment than winning the WWE Championship. There were moments, however when it looked like the winner of the Royal Rumble was going to pick up the victory. He almost put Punk out with the sleeper hold but the WWE Champion held on. Ziggler also managed to kick out of a GTS before Punk locked in the Anaconda Vice forcing Ziggler to tap.

The cameras cut to the back showing John Cena & The Rock’s final preparations for the match before showing a video package of the feud between the two men.


John Cena defeated The Rock

John Cena pulled out a win that many expected he could not achieve by defeating The Rock in his hometown. The match was very back and forth and it looked like a big move from either man could have won the match. Memorable moments from the match included Cena imitating the lead up to the People’s Elbow for the 5 knuckle shuffle. The Rock using the Attitude Adjustment on Cena & Cena kicking out of the Rock Bottom/People’s Elbow combination. Cena eventually picked up the win with an Attitude Adjustment. Then in a surprising turn of events both men shook hands and The Rock raised Cena’s arm to end Wrestlemania.