WWE WrestleMania 2015 Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights

The WWE mountaintop awaited Roman Reigns at the 2015 edition of WrestleMania, but a beast, doubt-filled fans and a history-making opportunist stood in his way.

This year, The Showcase of Immortals was a battle of generations. WrestleMania mainstays John Cena, Triple H and Undertaker collided with newcomers who hoped to have the longevity and success those men have achieved.

In many ways, the show celebrated the past, as Undertaker rose and the Monday Night War reemerged.

WrestleMania pointed to the future as well. Daniel Bryan took home the Intercontinental Championship in a show-stealer. Rusev got ample spotlight, even if it didn't translate to a win. And the biggest winner was the man who wormed his way into the main event, Seth Rollins.

He provided one of the night's many surprises.

Did big names from the past overshadow the rising stars? Did we see a series of torches passed? How did WWE deliver in terms of spectacle and story? The following is a look at all those questions, complete with results and letter grades.

Tag Team Championship Fatal 4-Way

In a match filled with double-team spots and a good number of near-falls, Cesaro and Tyson Kidd faced a trio of challengers.

Cesaro cut down his competition early by attacking Jey Uso's already-injured shoulder. Jimmy Uso fought the bout alone. Superkicks connected several times over.

Taking advantage of Jimmy's splash on Big E, Cesaro slipped in and stole a victory for his team.

Result

Cesaro and Kidd win via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Cesaro slams Jey into the guardrail to further injure his shoulder.

Jimmy hits his running hip attack in the four corners on four opponents. 

Big E splashes Cesaro onto Jimmy.

"The bull's tapping out!" —Jerry Lawler

"There is no way the referee knows who's legal." —John "Bradshaw" Layfield

Los Matadores hit suplexes in stereo.

Grade

B

Analysis

Working Jey's injury into the storyline was smart. It left Jimmy to go it alone, playing the resilient underdog role.

The match was fun, with each team clearly trying to make an impact on the show. Many of the spots felt contrived, though. That hurt the flow and the storytelling. Even the announcers seemed confused as to what was going on at times. 

Good effort all around, but having no pre-match story held this bout back from the beginning.

Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

After the first few eliminations, Damien Mizdow did as The Miz ordered. The pair worked together to oust Alex Riley. The Ascension did the same to Mark Henry.

Big Show cleared his share of the Battle Royal field, as did Ryback. After the giant eliminated Cesaro in a role reversal of last year, Big Show flung Ryback outside. That left Miz and Mizdow alone with The World's Largest Athlete.

Mizdow refused to fight alongside The Miz and took out his own boss before battling Big Show alone. Big Show threw the stunt double to the floor for the win.

Result

Big Show wins the Battle Royal.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Curtis Axel tears off his shirt just before a mass of foes tosses him over the ring.

Fandango and Adam Rose kick each other off the ring apron.

Big Show takes out all three members of The New Day.

"The Big Guy is dominating." —Michael Cole

Cesaro slams Kane over the top rope.

"Mizdow says, 'I quit!' " —Cole

"Can there be a miracle here tonight?" —Jerry Lawler

Grade

C-

Analysis

This took a long while to get rolling, even more than the typical Battle Royal. The match was slow early on and didn't pick up much energy.

It was good to see Cesaro get some spotlight and for Mizdow and The Miz to start their feud, but the ending was a letdown as Big Show's moment felt flat.

And with as much as they collided here, it sure looks like there will be tons more Ryback-Big Show action in the future, as unappealing as that sounds.

Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match

Daniel Bryan, Bad News Barrett and Co. didn't hesitate to start slugging it out. The action moved to the outside early, each man quick to take big risks.

Ladders clanged against limbs. Wrestlers flung each other to the mat from great heights.

Dean Ambrose and Luke Harper fought alone in the ring for a stretch before Harper started cracking a ladder against the series of oncoming foes. Close calls and breathtaking moments followed. 

Bryan survived the chaos, knocking Ziggler down before retrieving the title.

Result

Bryan wins the Intercontinental Championship.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Ambrose hits a flying elbow drop on five competitors from off the top of a ladder.

Bryan hangs Harper upside down from a ladder and kicks him repeatedly. 

Stardust pulls out a bedazzled ladder from under the ring.

"The ladder is a bit off. R-Truth is way off." —Jerry Lawler

Barrett superplexes Stardust off a ladder.

Harper powerbombs Ambrose onto a pile of propped-up ladders.

"This is an absolute war of attrition." —John "Bradshaw" Layfield

Bryan and Ziggler headbutt each other at the top of the ladder.

Grade

A

Analysis

Great drama and big, violent spots powered a show-stealer of an opener.

The hunger that these men had for the title was clear. Barrett was in protection mode for much of the night, desperate to remain champ. This is the strongest he's looked during his entire reign.

All the wrestlers took unimaginable punishment and put on a hell of a show. Kudos to everyone involved.

The finish wasn't stellar, but WWE went with the right winner. Bryan can do wonders for the IC belt as WWE continues its mission to restore its prestige.

Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins

Wearing trunks reminiscent of his 2004 look, Randy Orton had Seth Rollins retreating early on.

But Mr. Money in the Bank, with a little help from his security team, took control. He slowed the match's pace and wore Orton down. 

The warriors traded big blows in a match where their best weapons weren't good enough. It took an RKO straight out of a video game to end things.

Result

Orton wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Orton DDTs both Joey Mercury and Jamie Noble to the floor.

Rollins hits an Asai moonsault to the outside.

"Orton wants to make Rollins suffer." —Michael Cole

Rollins kicks out of the RKO; Orton kicks out of the Curb Stomp.

Orton RKOs J&J Security.

Orton counters a Curb Stomp into an RKO.

"That's a WrestleMania RKO." —Jerry Lawler

"Vengeance is The Viper's." —Cole

Grade

B+

Analysis

The announcers seemingly sold this as a passing-of-the-torch match, but the result seemed to say that Rollins isn't quite ready for the top tier yet. 

The methodical pace made it hard for this to follow the Intercontinental Championship bout. Orton already got much more decisive revenge earlier in the feud, which didn't help either.

Orton and Rollins each delivered solid performances. The ending was eye-catching on top of that. We've seen better from both men, though.

Sting vs. Triple H

Following an intense staredown, Sting knocked Triple H to the canvas first. The Vigilante had Triple H unsure of himself, outwrestling him early on. The Game turned things into a street fight, though. 

He pulled Sting to the outside and began to punish him. After leaving Sting wobbling, Triple H laughed at him, mocked him.

When Sting fought back and had his foe trapped in the Scorpion Deathlock, D-Generation X ran in. Sting fought them off, but soon had to deal with Triple H wielding a sledgehammer. That was NWO's cue to step onto the scene.

The two factions battled on the outside of the ring. That allowed Sting to hold Triple H in his trademark finisher for a long stretch of time, but the COO reached the ropes to escape.

Shawn Michaels superkicked Sting to prevent another Scorpion Deathlock.

Chaos unfolded, complete with Triple H's sledgehammer, Sting's bat and Hall of Famers all around the ring. In the end, Triple H nailed Sting with his trusty hammer and got the win.

The two enemies shook hands in the ring rather than have the stable war continue.

Result

Triple H wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Sting's entrance included smoke and face-painted men playing drums.

Triple H holds severed Terminator heads during his elaborate, futuristic entrance.

"This isn't Starrcade; this is WrestleMania." —John "Bradshaw" Layfield

Sting shakes off a knee lift from Triple H.

Triple H mocks Sting with a crotch chop.

Sting dives onto DX from the top rope.

"The Monday Night War has just come to life!" —JBL

Michaels does the crotch chop over a fallen Sting.

Sting breaks Triple H's sledgehammer in half.

Grade

A

Analysis

There are of course things to nitpick here, but in the end, it was the kind of spectacle-driven story that makes WWE so special.

For one, WWE seemed to make more of a big deal for Triple H's entrance. It's also an odd move to have JBL play down Sting's accomplishments so much. Rather than present him as an icon from elsewhere, JBL sold him as an underdog. 

That didn't matter that much in the end. There was too much fun to be had.

The DX vs. NWO stuff was rich with nostalgia, with WWE pulling out all the bells and whistles fans expected for this match. When the foes battled with their favorite weapons, it felt like a comic book had come to life.

This was never going to be a mat clinic. The better move was to turn this into a memorable sideshow. WWE did just that, delivering a unique, powerful piece of theater.

The Bella Twins vs. AJ Lee and Paige

The match had aggression aplenty from the opening bell. Paige and Nikki Bella scrapped on the mat, then Nikki knocked AJ Lee off the ring apron.

The Bellas then dominated, keeping Paige in their corner, taking turns putting a hurting on her. AJ eventually made her way into the match, going on a flurry.

As Brie and Paige fought outside, AJ was busy forcing Nikki to tap. 

Result

AJ and Paige win via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Brie gets extra air for her missile dropkick.

The Bellas hit a double-team slingshot suplex on Paige.

Paige flips off the ring apron onto Nikki and Brie.

Grade

B-

Analysis

This was one of the better WrestleMania women's bouts in recent memory. It was short compared to the men's clashes, but there was enough time to have this be a welcome contribution to the card. Tried-and-true tag team tactics, good in-ring storytelling and some hard-hitting action were its strengths.

Had WWE given this more build beforehand, it would have had more of an impact.  

John Cena vs. Rusev (United States Championship)

Following Rusev's theatrical entrance, WWE played a bit of pro-American propaganda to welcome John Cena.

Cena struck first with a big clothesline, but The Bulgarian Brute soon took over. Rusev flung his opponent around the ring and stunned Cena with kicks.

The hero bounced back briefly, but Rusev retook control of the bout. Cena took a pounding that left him dizzy. Rusev hit a variety of big moves, many of which we hadn't seen from him. That wasn't enough for a win.

Cena had to resort to trying new weapons as well.  

It was a familiar one that had him leave with the U.S. title, though. After Rusev accidentally knocked over Lana, Cena hit an Attitude Adjustment for the win.

Result

Cena wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Marching Russian soldiers carry the Russian flag; Rusev then rides in on a tank.

Rusev hits a Kevin Owens-esque cannonball. 

Fans chant, "Let's go Lana!"

"You can't beat me, John Cena!" —Rusev to Cena

Rusev hits a flying headbutt from the top rope.

Cena hits a springboard back elbow.

Cena lifts Rusev with The Accolade locked on.

Grade

B+

Analysis

Cena may have won, but Rusev gets plenty of rub here. For one, WWE went all in on his entrance, something most folks debuting at WrestleMania don't get.

Rusev dominated much of the match and looked strong. It took the distraction of him crashing into Lana to have him taste defeat for the first time.

WWE now has Cena and Daniel Bryan holding its midcard titles. Expect rejuvenation for both belts.

The Rock Arrives, Ronda Rousey Gets Angry

Jonathan Bachman/Associated Press

The Authority gloated in the ring before The Rock interrupted them. The Great One and Triple H stared each other down. Stephanie McMahon then slapped him, daring him to hit her.

The Rock enlisted Ronda Rousey's help, welcoming her in from the crowd. 

Rousey and Stephanie growled at each other before chaos broke out. The Rock attacked Triple H. Rousey flipped Triple H over before wrenching Stephanie's arm.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"There wouldn't be The Rock without the McMahons." —Stephanie

"You keep talking about the Johnsons and the McMahons. You wouldn't be in power if it wasn't for McMahon's johnson." —The Rock to Stephanie

"Any ring I step into is mine." —Rousey

Grade

B-

Analysis

In what was clearly a means to fill time, a pair of surprise cameos highlighted what early on felt very drawn out. 

In the end, it was a cool moment. And not every segment like this can be on the level of The Rock's in-ring meeting with Steve Austin and Hulk Hogan last year. 

Bray Wyatt vs. Undertaker

Undertaker glared at Bray Wyatt before going on the assault. He nailed The Eater of Worlds with punches, Old School and a leg drop onto his throat.

The Deadman stayed on top until Wyatt countered Snake Eyes and delivered an onslaught of his own. He left Undertaker reeling with clotheslines and right hands. The match slowed with Wyatt staying on top, clear that he was enjoying handing out pain.

When Undertaker responded, a Tombstone piledriver wasn't enough for a three-count. The same was true for when Wyatt landed Sister Abigail.

A second head-first trip to the mat did, however, put Wyatt away.

Result

Undertaker wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Wyatt "gives life" to scarecrows as he walks by them. 

"Bray Wyatt wanted a dance with the devil? Welcome to Hell." —John "Bradshaw" Layfield

Undertaker pops right back up after Wyatt clotheslines him over the top rope.

Wyatt launches himself at Undertaker in order to smack his foe's head against the ring post.

Wyatt kicks out of the Tombstone piledriver; Undertaker kicks out of Sister Abigail.

Undertaker sits up as Wyatt does his spider walk.

Grade

B

Analysis

The announcers did an excellent job playing up the uncertainty surrounding Undertaker's future. They weaved into the narrative onscreen, reality bleeding into kayfabe.

The sit up/spider walk moment was the biggest highlight. Undertaker's return and him getting a win were both enjoyable, but this was not a great match.

Undertaker spoiled fans with that stretch of classics at The Show of Shows. This wasn't one of them. It was far better than last year's outing, but not all that electric or dramatic.

Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar (WWE World Heavyweight Championship)

Roman Reigns struck first, then Brock Lesnar seemed to be doing a reprise of his beatdown of John Cena at SummerSlam. He went for the F-5 early and rattled the ring with German suplexes. 

Reigns tried to laugh off the attack, but the pain kept coming. The Beast Incarnate rocked Reigns with hard shots. Lesnar couldn't put Reigns away, though, as the challenger kicked out of two F-5s.

Reigns then sidestepped Lesnar and used the ring post to leave Lesnar's head a mess of blood. It was Reigns' turn to be shocked, as his best moves didn't even bring the big man down. A pair of spears didn't get him a win.

Seth Rollins then cashed in his Money in the Bank contract mid-match. After Reigns knocked out Lesnar, Rollins Curb Stomped Reigns to walk away champion.

Result

Rollins wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

A cut opens up on Lesnar's cheek.

"Suplex City, bitch." —Lesnar to Reigns

Lesnar sends Reigns off the ring apron with a nasty forearm.

"When he tastes his own blood, he turns it up a notch." —Jerry Lawler on Lesnar

A shot to the ring post busts Lesnar's head wide open.

"Seth Rollins with the heist of the century!" —Michael Cole

Grade

A

Analysis

WWE solved a puzzle that didn't seem solvable.

How do you get the title off Lesnar and manage to protect him? How do you respond to the questions surrounding Reigns' readiness to be a headliner? The answer: Rollins.

Fans may have expected a cash-in, but not like this. In the end, Rollins looks like a brilliant scavenger. WWE didn't have to see if it would have a repeat of the Royal Rumble in terms of fan reaction, and a full-timer walks away champ.

The viciousness of the match was enthralling. The bloodshed was unexpected, adding to the story in a big way. It was the chaotic, surprise ending, though, that made this the winner that it is.