WrestleMania 33: All The Highlights And Biggest Moments

WrestleMania 33, guys, was one heck of a show! Taking place on April 2, 2017, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, it was a night packed with incredible matches, shocking moments, and unforgettable memories. Let's dive into some of the biggest highlights from that night.

The Undertaker's (Alleged) Final Ride

One of the most talked-about moments of WrestleMania 33 was The Undertaker's match against Roman Reigns. The match itself was a brutal, hard-hitting affair, with both men giving it their all. However, it was the aftermath that truly left fans in shock. After Roman Reigns defeated The Undertaker, the Deadman symbolically left his hat, coat, and gloves in the ring, seemingly signaling his retirement. This moment was incredibly emotional, marking the end of an era for one of the most iconic figures in wrestling history. The image of The Undertaker slowly descending on the ramp as the crowd roared will forever be etched in wrestling lore. Many fans believed this was the definitive end of The Undertaker's career, given his age and the wear and tear on his body. The finality of the gesture – leaving his iconic attire in the ring – felt like a poignant farewell. However, as we all know, in the world of professional wrestling, retirement is rarely permanent. The Undertaker would later return to the ring, much to the delight (and sometimes dismay) of fans. Despite his later appearances, the WrestleMania 33 moment remains a powerful and memorable send-off to a legendary career. Whether it was truly intended as his last match or not, the emotion and respect in the stadium that night were palpable. It underscored the immense impact The Undertaker had on the sport and the deep connection he forged with fans over decades of captivating performances. This match and its aftermath continue to be debated and discussed, adding another layer to the mystique surrounding The Undertaker’s career. It serves as a reminder of the storytelling power of professional wrestling and the ability to create moments that resonate with audiences long after the final bell has rung.

Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar: A Rematch for the Ages

Another major highlight was the Universal Championship match between Goldberg and Brock Lesnar. This was a rematch from their infamous WrestleMania XX encounter, which was widely considered a disappointment. However, WrestleMania 33 was a completely different story. Goldberg and Lesnar delivered a short but incredibly intense and action-packed match. The two powerhouses traded signature moves, with Lesnar ultimately defeating Goldberg to win the Universal Championship. This victory marked a significant moment for Lesnar, solidifying his dominance in WWE. The match was a showcase of brute strength and explosive offense, with both men delivering impactful moves from the opening bell. Goldberg's spear and Lesnar's suplexes were on full display, creating a thrilling back-and-forth dynamic. The crowd was electric, fully invested in the high-stakes encounter between two of wrestling's biggest stars. While the match was relatively brief compared to other main event bouts, it packed a punch and delivered a satisfying conclusion to their renewed rivalry. Lesnar's win signaled a shift in the Universal Championship picture, setting the stage for his reign of terror over the following year. For Goldberg, it was a fitting end to his comeback run, proving he could still compete at a high level and deliver memorable moments for the fans. The contrast between their WrestleMania XX encounter and this match highlighted the evolution of both performers and their ability to adapt and deliver captivating performances. The intensity and physicality of the match made it a standout moment of WrestleMania 33, reaffirming the drawing power of these two legendary figures.

John Cena and Nikki Bella's Mixed Tag Team Victory and Engagement

The tag team match featuring John Cena and Nikki Bella against The Miz and Maryse was not just a typical wrestling match; it was a prelude to a deeply personal and unforgettable moment. Cena and Bella emerged victorious, but the real highlight came after the bell. In a move that surprised and delighted fans around the world, John Cena proposed to Nikki Bella in the middle of the ring. This heartfelt moment transcended the scripted drama of professional wrestling, offering a genuine display of love and commitment. The proposal was met with thunderous applause and tears of joy, making it one of the most memorable WrestleMania moments in history. The match itself was entertaining, with the two couples playing off their real-life relationships to create a compelling narrative. The Miz and Maryse, known for their villainous personas, added heat to the match, making the eventual victory for Cena and Bella all the more satisfying. However, it was the post-match proposal that truly stole the show. Cena's heartfelt words and Nikki's emotional response resonated with fans on a deep level, turning a wrestling event into a celebration of love. The moment showcased a different side of John Cena, revealing his vulnerability and genuine affection for Nikki. For Nikki, it was a dream come true, solidifying their relationship in front of millions of viewers. While their relationship eventually ended, the memory of this WrestleMania moment remains a cherished one for both of them and for the fans who witnessed it. It serves as a reminder of the power of human connection and the ability of professional wrestling to create moments that touch our hearts.

Randy Orton Wins the WWE Championship

Randy Orton faced off against Bray Wyatt for the WWE Championship, in what was a highly anticipated match. The match itself was somewhat polarizing due to the bizarre visual effects and imagery displayed on the ring canvas, which were meant to reflect Wyatt's twisted mind. Despite the unique presentation, Orton and Wyatt delivered a solid contest, with Orton ultimately defeating Wyatt to capture the WWE Championship. This victory marked Orton's 13th world title win, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest WWE Superstars of all time. The lead-up to the match was filled with psychological warfare, with Wyatt using his mind games to try and gain an advantage over Orton. The visuals during the match were intended to enhance this narrative, but they were met with mixed reactions from fans. Some found them to be creative and innovative, while others felt they were distracting and detracted from the in-ring action. Regardless, Orton and Wyatt managed to tell a compelling story, with Orton overcoming Wyatt's dark powers to emerge victorious. Orton's win was a culmination of his long and storied career, adding another chapter to his already impressive resume. For Wyatt, the loss was a setback, but it did not diminish his status as one of WWE's most unique and captivating performers. The match remains a talking point among wrestling fans, with discussions continuing about the effectiveness of the visual effects and the overall quality of the contest. Despite any criticisms, it was a significant moment in both Orton's and Wyatt's careers, and it contributed to the overall excitement of WrestleMania 33.

Other Notable Moments

Besides these major events, WrestleMania 33 had other noteworthy moments. The Hardy Boyz made a surprise return to WWE and won the Raw Tag Team Championships in a ladder match, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Seth Rollins defeated Triple H in an Unsanctioned Match, proving his resilience and determination. And Naomi captured the SmackDown Women's Championship in her hometown, adding an emotional touch to the show. These moments, along with the others mentioned above, made WrestleMania 33 a truly memorable event.

WrestleMania 33 was a rollercoaster of emotions, surprises, and unforgettable moments. From The Undertaker's emotional farewell to John Cena's proposal, it was a night that will be remembered for years to come. Whether you were there in person or watching from home, WrestleMania 33 delivered on its promise of being the Ultimate Thrill Ride.