WrestleMania 35: Reigns Vs. Lesnar Rematch

What's up, wrestling fanatics! Today, we're taking a trip down memory lane to revisit one of the most anticipated showdowns at WrestleMania 35: the clash between the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and the Beast Incarnate, Brock Lesnar. These two titans have a history, and their encounter at 'Mania 35 was billed as a pivotal moment in both of their careers. We're diving deep into what made this match a must-see, the build-up, the expectations, and of course, the match itself. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's break down this epic encounter!

The Road to WrestleMania 35

The Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar rivalry has been a defining narrative in WWE for years. Their previous WrestleMania encounters, particularly at WrestleMania 31 and WrestleMania 34, were absolute wars. At WrestleMania 31, Lesnar was on the verge of defeating Reigns when Seth Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank contract, turning a guaranteed victory for Lesnar into a chaotic ending. Then, at WrestleMania 34, it was a highly criticized match that saw Lesnar retain his Universal Championship in a rather underwhelming fashion. This history, filled with controversy and unfinished business, set the stage perfectly for their WrestleMania 35 bout. Reigns, after his triumphant return from battling leukemia, was more determined than ever to finally conquer Lesnar and prove he was the true king of WWE. Lesnar, on the other hand, was facing questions about his commitment to WWE, often appearing as a part-time champion who was difficult to defeat. The narrative wasn't just about a championship; it was about Reigns finishing what he started and Lesnar asserting his dominance one last time. The build-up was intense, with Reigns constantly pursuing Lesnar, challenging him for the Universal Championship, and questioning his dedication to the roster. Fans were eager to see if Reigns could finally overcome the Beast and solidify his legacy, especially after his courageous battle with cancer. The stakes were incredibly high, not just for the title, but for Reigns' personal journey and Lesnar's status as the ultimate champion.

Reigns's Journey and Lesnar's Reign of Terror

When we talk about Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 35, we have to acknowledge the monumental journeys that brought them there. For Roman Reigns, this match was more than just a title fight; it was a redemption story. After his groundbreaking announcement in late 2018 about battling leukemia, Reigns was forced to relinquish the Universal Championship, a title he had fought tooth and nail to win and defend. His return to the WWE, stronger and more determined than ever, was met with an outpouring of support from the WWE Universe. WrestleMania 35 represented his chance to reclaim his throne, to prove that he was not only a survivor but a true champion who could overcome any obstacle, including the formidable Brock Lesnar. The emotional connection fans had with Reigns' personal struggle amplified the significance of this match. It was about him finishing his fight, both inside and outside the ring. On the other side of the coin, you had Brock Lesnar. His reign as Universal Champion had been characterized by his sheer dominance and a certain aloofness. Lesnar was often perceived as a part-time champion, showing up sporadically to defend his title, yet always managing to retain it against the best the roster had to offer. His matches, while often brutal and impactful, sometimes lacked the consistent engagement that fans craved. Lesnar's reputation was that of an unstoppable force, a man who could walk into any match and walk out with the championship. This created a fascinating dynamic: the fan-favorite hero fighting for his legacy and his comeback, against the seemingly invincible, almost mythical figure of Brock Lesnar. The narrative was expertly crafted, highlighting Reigns' resilience and Lesnar's destructive power, making their WrestleMania 35 encounter a deeply personal and high-stakes affair for everyone involved. The anticipation for this match was palpable, as fans wondered if Reigns could finally conquer the Beast and if Lesnar's reign of terror would finally come to an end at the grandest stage of them all.

The Match Itself: A Physical Battle

The Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar match at WrestleMania 35 was, as expected, a brutal and physical affair. From the opening bell, both men were throwing haymakers and showcasing their raw power. Lesnar, true to his nature, came out aggressive, trying to assert his dominance early. He landed several German suplexes, showcasing his incredible strength and throwing Reigns around the ring like a rag doll. Reigns, however, showed incredible resilience. He absorbed the punishment and fought back with his signature intensity. We saw Reigns connect with powerful clotheslines and spear attempts, keeping Lesnar on the defensive at times. The match was characterized by its stiff strikes and powerful slams. Both men clearly came to inflict damage and prove their superiority. Unlike some of their previous encounters, this match felt more back-and-forth, with momentum shifting multiple times. There were moments where it looked like Reigns was finally going to get his hands on the Universal Championship, only for Lesnar to counter with a devastating F-5. Conversely, there were instances where Lesnar seemed poised to finish Reigns, but the Big Dog managed to kick out or escape. The crowd was heavily invested, roaring with every big move and gasping at the near falls. The intensity was undeniable; you could feel the impact of every blow. It was a true test of wills, a clash of two powerhouse athletes who were determined to leave it all in the ring. The physicality was on another level, making it a captivating spectacle for the WWE Universe.

Key Moments and Finishes

During the Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar match at WrestleMania 35, there were several moments that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. Early on, Lesnar dominated with his signature suplexes, setting a tone of sheer power. However, Reigns showcased his grit, absorbing the punishment and fighting back with fiery offense. A key sequence saw Reigns hit a Superman Punch, stunning Lesnar and creating an opening for a potential comeback. The crowd erupted, sensing that Reigns might finally be closing in on victory. But Lesnar, ever the opportunist, managed to hit a brutal F-5, leaving Reigns seemingly down and out. The tension was palpable as the referee began the count. However, Reigns, in a testament to his resilience, managed to kick out at two, much to the shock of Lesnar and the delight of the WWE Universe. This near-fall was a pivotal moment, highlighting the never-say-die attitude of both competitors. The match continued with both men trading powerful blows and executing signature moves. There were multiple instances where each man seemed on the verge of victory, only for the other to find a way to survive. The finish, however, was somewhat controversial and unexpected. Seth Rollins, who had won the Royal Rumble earlier in the night, made his presence known. In a moment that echoed his WrestleMania 31 cash-in, Rollins stormed the ring while the referee was distracted. He proceeded to hit Lesnar with a series of Stomps, effectively incapacitating the Beast Incarnate. Rollins then capitalized on the weakened state of Lesnar and delivered a decisive Stomp to Roman Reigns, pinning him to win the Universal Championship. This controversial finish meant that neither Reigns nor Lesnar won the match in a traditional sense, as Rollins seized the opportunity to claim the title. It was a shocking conclusion that left many fans divided, as it denied Reigns the clean victory he desperately sought and ended Lesnar's dominant reign in a rather abrupt manner. The aftermath left a lingering question: could Reigns ever truly vanquish Lesnar on the grandest stage?

The Aftermath and Legacy

The conclusion of the Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar match at WrestleMania 35, with Seth Rollins emerging victorious, left a significant impact on the landscape of WWE. For Roman Reigns, it was another instance where his quest to defeat Lesnar on the grandest stage of them all remained unfulfilled. Despite putting forth a valiant effort and showcasing incredible resilience, the outcome was not what he or his fans had hoped for. This loss further fueled the narrative of Reigns' struggle to overcome the Beast, adding another layer to his ongoing journey. While he had overcome leukemia and returned to the squared circle with immense courage, this specific hurdle at WrestleMania remained. The legacy of this particular Reigns vs. Lesnar encounter is complex. On one hand, it was a hard-hitting, physical contest that delivered on the promise of a clash between two of WWE's biggest powerhouses. The sheer brutality and back-and-forth action were undeniable. However, the finish, orchestrated by Seth Rollins, overshadowed the direct contest between Reigns and Lesnar. It became a story of opportunism and a testament to Rollins' own determination to ascend to the top of the mountain. For Brock Lesnar, his long and dominant reign as Universal Champion finally came to an end, not through a decisive defeat by Reigns, but through a surprise attack by Rollins. This marked the end of an era, as the title moved to a full-time competitor who could dedicate himself to defending it regularly. The legacy of Reigns vs. Lesnar at WrestleMania 35 is thus intertwined with Seth Rollins' triumph. It's remembered as the match where Reigns almost had it, where Lesnar's dominance was finally broken, but not by the expected challenger. It solidified the idea that while Reigns could go toe-to-toe with Lesnar, overcoming him cleanly at WrestleMania was a monumental task that would require a different kind of victory. This encounter, though ending controversially, contributed to the ongoing saga of these two superstars and their place in WWE history, setting the stage for future confrontations and narratives.

What Could Have Been?

Looking back at Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 35, you can't help but wonder about the alternate paths the story could have taken. Many fans had been eagerly anticipating a definitive, clean victory for Roman Reigns over Brock Lesnar on the grandest stage of them all. After years of near misses, controversial finishes, and Reigns' personal battle with leukemia, a decisive win would have been a cathartic moment for the Big Dog and his supporters. Imagine if Reigns had managed to overcome Lesnar through sheer will and power, pinning him clean in the center of the ring. It would have cemented Reigns' status as the guy, the undisputed face of WWE, without any asterisks or