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Welcome to PWInsider.com's live, ongoing coverage of the Wrestlemania 35 Preshow, live from New Jersey!
We start by meeting our panel for tonight, which is Jonathan Coachman, JBL, Paige, and Sam Roberts. They talk about the spectacle of Wrestlemania and what tonight is about, and then run down tonight's card.
We go to Charly Caruso and Pat McAfee to say hi, then it's back to the panel, who turn their attention to Roman Reigns vs Drew McIntyre. They debate whether Roman is really fully recovered, and if he will be able to handle Drew so early into his comeback.
We go backstage to Kayla with Xavier Woods and Big E. They say this is the biggest opportunity of Kofi's career, and he won't squander the opportunity. Big E cuts a great promo on how Kofi has been overlooked for 11 years, and Xavier says tonight, he will become the NEW...WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!
Back to the panel with Edge and Christian, who talk about why it took Kofi this long to get here. Christian thinks it's because he was happy to be here, and even this just fell into his lap, and maybe that's why Mr. McMahon thinks he's a B+ player. Edge mocks Christian for taking 15 years to become champion, and Christian says the difference is he spent the whole time trying. Edge makes fun of Sam Roberts looking like Krusty the Klown, then we head to the ring for our opening match...
WWE Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy vs. Tony Nese
Buddy tries to get the jump on Nese, but Nese manages to turn the tide, using his speed to outmaneuver the champion. Nese with the cartwheel off the apron into a big right hand. Nese goes to the top, but Murphy runs up the corner, gets Nese in a fireman's carry, and drops him on the top turnbuckle as we go to commercial.
We're back, and Nese is still in trouble, but he blocks a tornado DDT and suplexes Murphy into the corner. Nese with an awesome leg lariat lays the champion out, Murphy tries ditching Nese to the apron and goes for a deadlift superplex, but Nese knocks him backward and hits a springboard moonsault for 2. They go back and forth for a bit until Nese connects with a palmstrike, Murphy blocks a superplex and goes fo ra sunset bomb, and takes him out with a twisting crucifix slam for 2. Nese counters Murphy's Law to a victory roll for 2, but Murphy gets a TKO over the knee, Nese comes back with an inverted Frankensteiner, and Nese heads to the corner. Murphy unloads a flurry of strikes, Nese comes back with some of his own, and they continue going back and forth until Murphy turns Nese inside out with a clothesline. Nese gets a leg cradle driver for 2, then takes Murphy out with a dive when he rolls to the floor. Nese goes back to the top and hits the 450 splash, but Murphy is out at 2. Murphy hits Murphy's Law, but Nese gets his foot on the bottom rope at 2. Murphy goes for the facewash, but Nese hits a superkick, a German suplex into the corner, and a facewash of his own for 3.
Winner and NEW Cruiserweight Champion: Tony Nese
Great match, and what a moment for a guy who has been breaking his butt for years to get to this point. He paid his dues, he worked hard, and he deserves every bit of this. Good for him.
We go to Charly and Pat with the guys from Impractical Jokers, then we go to the panel to discuss Miz vs Shane McMahon, and Jerry Lawler joins the panel for this one. Lawler says Shane is a McMahon and he should have known what would happen, and JBL wants to see Mr. Miz get punched in the face. Sam is in full heel panel member mode as he talk about how sickening it is seeing this pandering stuff with Miz and his dad.
Back to the ring for our next match...
Wrestlemania Women's Battle Royal
Naomi and Asuka are the only ones that get real entrances, so take that for what it usually means. Maria goes out early, and Nikki Cross battles with Candice LeRae, but both get tossed in short order. Ember Moon and Naomi have a pretty good back and forth that Naomi comes out on top of, but then Naomi goes out, so we're guaranteed a new winner tonight. Moon hits the Eclipse on Mandy Rose, but makes the mistake of going to the top, and Lana knocks her to the floor. Kairi Sane goes at it with Sarah Logan, then the Riott Squad tosses Lana. More triple teaming from the Riott Squad gets rid of Kairi, then they team up to drill Asuka with a nasty running knee from Logan, then they turn to Dana Brooke. Dana holds her own and manages to toss Ruby then Liv Morgan, but then Zelina Vega gets tossed, followed by Mandy and Sonya Deville dumping Dana. Five women remain, and Mickie James superkicks Mandy out before Sonya knocks Mickie out too. We're down to Asuka, Sonya Deville, and Sarah Logan. Asuka tears into both of them, sends Sonya to the apron, and sweeps her leg out to dump her. Sarah quickly comes in from behind and tosses Asuka, but here comes Carmella, who was apparently hiding under the ring. Sarah lays her out with a clothesline and tries to toss Carmella, but Carmella knocks Sarah to the apron and superkicks her to the floor.
Winner: Carmella
It was what most battle royals are, though I have to admit I'm surprised Asuka didn't win. So much for that resurgent push, I guess.Back to the panel, who talk about the history being made by tonight's women's main event. then we take a break as the first hour comes to an end.
The second half of the Kickoff Show is up next on Page 2!
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