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WWE WrestleMania 39 Night 1: An Emotional Main Event, New Champs, Family Drama, and the ‘Hollywood’ Theme Comes Alive

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: WWE

Saturday’s first night of WrestleMania 39 or shall we say “WrestleMania Goes Hollywood”, was just that!  It featured: a magnificent stage and entrance ramp, storylines that could topple many of the major storylines currently on any of your favorite soap operas, and in-ring performances that showed that the WWE Superstars have the power to transcend and connect to a live crowd, like no other. You could look no further than to the ecstatic fans, the booing fans, and those who shed tears of joy or sorrow when matches came to its conclusion.

Photo: WWE

Since we’re in the City of Angels, the stars came out to perform, interfere, or make a key save in one of the marquis match-ups including: Snoop Dog, Lil Uzi Vert, Pat McAfee, San Francisco 49ers player George Kiddle, plus the incredible athleticism of viral superstar, Logan Paul, and Grammy award-winner, and quite the wrestler himself, Bad Bunny! More on these guys later.

Let’s take a look at the highlights of some of the top matches on the card:

Photo: WWE

In the main event, the WWE took a solid year to build this story, and play out all of its twists and turns, betrayals, reunifications, and familial drama all leading in part to this. Would Jimmy and Jey Uso retain the Universal Tag Team Championship which they have held for a record 622-days, or would they lose to best friends duo, Sami Zayn (who going into Wrestlemania weekend had all the heat in the world on him) and Kevin Owens?

Photo: WWE

This was the match that had the potential to move you to tears in its conclusion, and the WWE did not disappoint. After battling back and forth with high-flying moves, and selling their spots while keeping the deep animosity between both teams alive, it finally came to its end when Zayn tagged in and nailed his former ‘Bloodline’ brother, Jey Uso with three Helluva Kicks and scored the pin fall.

Not only were the fans overcome, but you could see both Owens and Zayn with tears in their eyes.  They finally achieved this kind of success, after all their years of hard work in the industry – even starting their wrestling careers in Los Angeles with the PWG promotion made this extra special and let’s not forget they main-evented WrestleMania and won the belts.

Photo: WWE

In one of the best matches of the night, Rhea Ripley challenged 14-time champ Charlotte Flair for the WWE Women’s Smackdown Championship – and it was clear that even though Rhea is the ‘heel’, she had most of the crowd in her pocket rooting her on to defeat Flair. This was also the first match in WrestleMania history to feature all women in key positions: wrestlers (Flair and Ripley), referee (Jessika Carr) and ring announcer (Samantha Irvin).

While the match went back and forth for quite awhile and both women had frustration mounting, eventually Ripley hit the Riptide from the second rope to finally put Charlotte to bed and walk away as the new women’s champ!

You had to give this to Ripley, her momentum has been building for three years and now she becomes the first women in the WWE division to hold all the championships at one time or another. In what looked like some very real and honest emotion, you could see Charlotte in tears later in the match, and at ringside on the floor after the match, sitting by and watching Ripley enjoy her WrestleMania moment.

Photo: WWE

In some show-stopping entrances and then in-ring prowess, Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins and Logan Paul turned WrestleMania 39 out! Paul entered by zip-lining halfway down the ramp where he was met by his PRIME drink mascot (and now everyone knew that mascot would somehow figure into helping Paul in the match, but who was in the costume?) This was followed by a Los Angeles orchestra conductor delivering Rollins theme-music big time, before Seth came to the stage, draped in an oversized red robe with pryo going off to the left and to the right of him.

Photo: WWE

Once in the ring, all hell broke lose as Paul and Rollins put on high-flying performances.  As the match wore on, it turned out that KSI, Paul’s friend and business partner, ended up being the PRIME suspect, err shall we say mascot. He pulled Paul out of the ring to save him from a finishing maneuver from Rollins.

Photo: WWE

Then in an attempt at another viral moment attempt (as only he could), Paul set Rollins up on the announce table to fly off the top rope and turnbuckle post and land on Seth. However, The crafty Rollins threw KSI on the table instead; leaving Paul in mid-air splashing on his friend instead. Major BACKFIRE! In the end, Rollins delivered a Superkick followed by one of his noted stomps and pulled out the victory.

Photo: WWE

Everyone was on the edge of their seats to see how newly inductee to the WWE Hall of Fame, Rey Mysterio Jr., would face-off with his son, Dominik Mysterio in what has now turned out to be another epic soap opera family battle within the company.  In a very clever video opening, Dominik is seen being put into a ‘correction’ facility van and being driven to SoFi Stadium. Once in front of the live crowd, he reveals he is wearing a luchador mask just like his father.  After the mask comes off, the ‘correction’ officers unlock his handcuffs as he heads to the ring.

Photo: WWE

Not to be outdone, Rey is driven in by Snoop Dogg in a low-rider car, and odes to his late best friend, Eddie Guerrero.  Meanwhile, Bad Bunny was revealed to be chatting with the Spanish commentators.

Photo: WWE

When the match got underway: Rey beat his son with the belt from his ring tights for a few lashes, Dominik threw a drink in his sister’s face at ringside, then got slapped by his mother!  Disguised as ring help, it was revealed that Dominik’s Judgement Day partners, Finn Balor and Damian Priest were at ringside and waisted no time interfering in the match before they were taken out by the appearance of Legado del Fantasma.

Photo: WWE

As the match came to its conclusion, Dominik distracted the referee by taking the turnbuckle cover off and attempted to grab a chain Damian Priest left under his jacket in the ring. However, Bad Bunny ran over and grabbed the chain from Dominik!  That move allowed Rey to deliver the 619 followed by a Frog Splash to come out victorious.  It also sets up Bunny to appear at WWE’s first PPV ever in Puerto Rico ‘Backlash” which happens in May. Stay tuned.

In the opener of night one, 16-time champ, John Cena challenged current U.S. champ, Austin Theory.  For the last several years, Theory has been hailed as the new Cena, and on this night, it would be the ultimate passing of the torch for Theory defeated Cena in what was not much of a match.

Photo: WWE

The contest opened with a nice touch giving a nod to Cena’s incredible work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where he has granted more wishes than anyone to children with critical illnesses. In fact, several of the kids appeared with John before he made his way to the stage.

Photo: WWE

If you watched WrestleMania 39 night one on Peacock or were in attendance, what bouts or spots do you think delivered big time? Comment below and make sure to tune-in to Peacock tonight for night two starting at 8PMEST/5PM PST.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair

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Sonny, Dante, Michael, Brook Lynn General Hospital

On the Thursday, October 1 episode of General Hospital, both Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson) had some things to say and what they had to say didn’t go over well with whom they were talking to!

Sonny had a confrontation with his son, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna), while Michael leveled with Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) over Chase (Josh Swickard).

GH is setting up a scenario where everyone is going to make it look like Sonny was responsible for having Sidwell (Carlo Rota) beat up in Pentonville; while viewers already know Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) were behind it.

Sonny and Dante

Courtesy/ABC

A VISIT WITH DAD

Now, Dante comes to Sonny’s house. He wants to know straight up from his dad if he ordered the attack at Pentonville. Sonny flatly denies any culpability or responsibility, but Dante refuses to believe him.

Dante informs Sonny he has video footage of Sully and Vito at the prison. Sonny explains to Dante he doesn’t know why Sully beat up both Curtis and Dante. Things escalated when Sonny was deeply hurt that Dante refused to believe him. Dante says he was disappointed that his father didn’t respect him enough to be truthful with him!

Sonny asks Dante to consider that he was being set up. He says all he did was to tell Vito to instruct Sully to keep a watchful eye on Sidwell, not to harm him. No matter what Sonny said, Dante continued hammering him with how he knew deep down, even though he said he left the mob, he had to finish off Sidwell for himself.

Next, Sonny explains everything he has ever done was to provide for and to protect his family. Dante fired back that he doesn’t want to deal anymore with Sonny’s half-baked truths. As the two men argue, Gio (Giovanni Mazza) shows up at Sonny’s front door and overhears Sonny losing his temper and shouting at Dante, “Get out of my house! I don’t want a son like you!”  The scenes featured an excellent performance by Maurice Benard.

Michael and Brook Lynn

Courtesy/ABC

MICHAEL THE MANIPULATOR

While this is going down, outside the Quartermaine boathouse, Brook Lynn opens up to Michael about living at the Q’s with Chase being there, since he only came back due to legal advice from his lawyer, Monet Mitchell (Blythe Howard).

Brook Lynn questioned whether they should get legally separate. Michael insisted that would be a big mistake. When she asks why, Michael tells Brook Lynn to bide her time until Chase and Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) have an affair; then she’d have full custody of Phoebe.

An angered Brook Lynn pushed Michael into the water and accuses him of moving Willow back into the gatehouse with intent on putting Chase and Willow in closer proximity and sacrificing Brook Lynn’s family in the process.  As the two cousins bicker, Chase shows up asking Brook Lynn if she is OK. Michael punctuates their talk with “You know, I’m right.”

CURTIS FIGURES OUT A WAY TO GET OUT OF THE SLAMMER

At GH, Willow visits Curtis (Donnell Turner) in his hospital room. Curtis wants Willow to get him pardoned and keep him out of jail, and in return, he will help her nail Sonny.

Next, Willow tells Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) she wants Curtis held for observation for three more days. He agrees to do so under one condition, that she understands that he may need to call in a favor from a congresswoman.

So, what did you think of how Dante accused his father and refused to believe Sonny’s answers? Is this the end of their father and son relationship for good? Is Michael the most manipulative person of all, except for Willow? Do the two deserve each other? Do you want Chase and Willow to have an affair? And what of Curtis? Does he have many redeeming qualities left? Share your thoughts via the comment section,  but first check out the talk Michael had with Brook Lynn.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown

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Drew and Ava

If you thought that the person responsible for the Pentonville brawl that saw Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and Curtis (Donnell Turner) taken to General Hospital was Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) or even Sidwell himself, you were dead wrong! On the Wednesday, September 30 episode of GH, it turned out that the culprits were actually Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison).

In story, Drew apparently bankrolled the attack on Sidwell and framing Sonny. He told Ava their planned worked (she came up with it!) but was horrified when Drew informed her that Curtis got caught in the crosshairs. Ava is visibly upset because of her longtime friendship with Curtis’ daughter, Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali). Drew tried to make Ava see the bright side. Curtis was witness to it and his presence will cast doubt on Sonny’s claims to that he had gotten out of the mob and gone legit.

Later, Vito shows up at Drew’s. They informed him that his guy on the inside of the slammer made a big mistake by hurting their friend and ordered him to leave town.

Maura West

Courtesy/ABC

BOATHOUSE BRAWL

In other major developments, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) and Rocco (Finn Carr) have a blow out fight as Danny blames his “brother” for the reason Charlotte was sent off to boarding school.

Rocco told off Danny for Charlotte’s (Bluesy Burke) reckless behavior and he explains he had to protect his sister. He went in on Danny saying that his mother Lulu (Alexa Havins) has been right to send Charlotte to boarding school and far away from Danny.

However, Rocco went a bit too far when he shouted, “And if your mom was alive, she would send you away too!” Next, Danny punched out Rocco, leading to a terrible brawl. An angered Danny yells at Rocco to, “Stay away from me and everyone in my family. And don’t you ever mention my mom again!” Danny storms off.

Rocco

Courtesy/ABC

Now alone outside the boathouse, Rocco flashes back to his first kiss with Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarksi), hoping that his fight with Danny will not escalate and ruin their budding romance. Meanwhile, a bloodied-mouth Danny heads over to Sonny’s and Jason (Steve Burton) is there at the same time. He then admits that he has a bad fight with Rocco and they are both beaten up.

WILL SCOUT WISE UP?

At the end of the episode, Scout, who had a fight with Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) over Drew, and who keeps telling everyone how good a man her dad truly is, comes upon a suspicious scene.

Scout hides behind the wall outside Drew’s. She sees her dad, Ava and Vito talking. Next, Scout seems to overhear Vito assuring Drew and Ava that their business dealings are done, and he’ll be leaving Port Charles for good.

So, what did you think of the reveal that Ava and Drew were behind framing Sonny for the prison beatdown of Sidwell (and Curtis)? Do you think Danny and Rocco’s relationship can be repaired, or do you think the teenagers will continue to be at each other’s throats? Finally, do you hope Scout gets a clue and stops thinking her dad walks on air? Weigh-in via the comment section, but first check out how Ava and Drew conspired below.

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AEW

‘AEW Dynamite’ Pays Tribute to PAC Following the Death of Benjamin Satterley in Emotional, Moving, Pitch-Perfect Episode

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AEW Tribute to PAC

AEW delivered what would turn out to be an tear-filled, exceptionally done tribute to one of their own, Benjamin Satterley. better known as PAC. on the Wednesday night September 30 edition of their signature show, AEW Dynamite.

When the world learned of Satterley’s sudden passing on Sunday, September 27, it came just one day after what would be his final match at AEW All Out the night before. Now, for the first time his death, the AEW locker room, the men and the women who knew him best, gathered together to give “Ben” as they knew him, the send-off he deserved.

The special episode which emanated from the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was filled with emotional speeches, video packages, and matches dedicated to the wrestling favorite, who was one of the greatest to ever do it, and whose life was cut short at just 40-years-old.

TEARS IN HEAVEN

What was so impressive about how AEW produced this episode was they literally broke the fourth wall and allowed their performers to eulogize Satterley and tape them at the arena earlier in the day, sitting in front of the camera and speaking from their hearts.

The same carried through to the matches on the card. Each held significance, and instead of it being babyfaces vs heels, everyone came together to perform for PAC, for Ben, for this special night.

This unity illustrated how close for the most part the brotherhood and sisterhood among professional wrestlers truly is, in the field of sport entertainment, that is often misunderstood for it’s deeper meaning and what these athletes and performers do night after night by putting their bodies on the line.

The show began with a formal dedication from the commentary team led by Excalibur and Tony Schiavone. Next, they tossed to an unbelievable poignant video package featuring Jon Moxley with the Death Riders and PAC by his side (for what would be for the last time) speaking to the camera after his loss for the AEW World Title at AEW All Out. Moxley’s speech spoke to what it means to be a professional wrestler, and to “do things with purpose and give a shit,” which was a reference to PAC’s own philosophy.

PAC’S FAMILY SEND SPECIAL MESSAGE

A ten-bell Salute followed for Ben as the entire AEW locker room and company took to the stage alongside an empty chair representing PAC. As the cameras panned, tears were being shed by many of the wrestlers and referee Bryce Remsburg was visibly upset.

Later in the night, Renee Paquette struggled through reading a statement from PAC’s family back in the U.K. Paquette was emotional as she shared the words of thanks from the family to all those who showed Benjamin Satterley the love since his passing and what he meant to them.

MATCHES FILLED WITH HUGS AND MOMENTS HONORING ONE OF THEIR OWN

As the wrestlers made their way to the ring for their matches, many times they had tears in their eyes. Each wore an armband with the name PAC on it, and often came to the ring in PAC t-shirts, which AEW is selling online to help out Satterley’s family.

Jon Moxley faced Orange Cassidy in the opening bout, with Cassidy visibly upset. In the end, Moxley retained his Continental Championship. However, after the match, Bryan Danielson, who Moxley also most choked out with a plastic bag, splintering their relationship for what seemed like for good, was greeted in the ring by his former friend, who was in tears. The two hugged it out an emotional moment.

Hangman Adam Page was shown next in a video package just overcome with grief over the loss of Satterley. Next, he along with the Young Bucks and Kenny Omega reunited as “The Elite” took on members of the Don Callis Family, defeating them in a four on four tag match.

Cash Wheeler and Jay White each remembered PAC in two more video packages with both becoming overwhelmed with sadness and emotion. Swerve Strickland and his stablemates The New Level came out with the Trios Titles, something very connected to the legacy of Ben, and laid a PAC tribute towel over them in the center of the ring.

Next, in one of the more heartbreaking moments, Ricochet recalled how he and Pac shared a small room with bunk beds early in their careers as young wrestlers and how much he loved Satterley.

That was followed by a non-title bout between Ricochet and AEW World Champion, Will Ospreay. Before the match, the two hugged and in its aftermath. In tribute to Pac, Ospreay delivered his signature move off the top rope to secure the pin. This was an incredible match by two of the best wrestlers in the world.

MORE MEMORIES OF BEN

The match was followed by Will Ospreay’s tribute to PAC, including memories and the lasting impact Pac had on Ospreay from a young age. Later, Swerve Strickland and Darby Allin spoke to the cameras, In addition, Marina Shafir as the sole woman “Death Rider” shared her memories, before the women’s four way tag-match in which she appeared.

The main event featured The Death Riders with Bryan Danielson joining them to honor their fallen member, PAC against more members of the Don Callis family which included the return of Wardlow.

The show concluded with a video package honoring PAC, and closed out with empty chair placed under a spotlight in the ring as the wrestlers surrounded it, while the audience chanted “Thank you, PAC!”

What did you think of last night’s AEW Dynamite and how the wrestlers and the company came together to deliver this poignant episode dedicated to Benjamin “PAC” Satterley? Let us know via the comment section, but first check out the final video package in honor of the late pro wrestling favorite below.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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