WWE WrestleMania 41 kicked off on Saturday, April 19, 2025, with a thrilling match that saw Chad Gable, competing as El Grande Americano, face off against Rey Fenix, who stepped in for the injured Rey Mysterio. The event, held at the iconic SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, was marked by high stakes and unexpected twists, making it a memorable night for wrestling fans.
El Grande Americano made a grand entrance, complete with a Mariachi band, setting the tone for a night filled with excitement. However, the atmosphere quickly turned tense when he shoved AAA’s star wrestler, Vikingo, who was seated at ringside, leading to a swift kick to Americano’s face. This early confrontation hinted at the intensity that would unfold in the ring.
Fenix, who recently joined WWE and was making his WrestleMania debut, started strong, gaining momentum with a top-rope missile dropkick followed by a crossbody that sent Americano crashing to the outside. The crowd roared as Fenix showcased his agility and skill, proving he was ready to seize the opportunity presented by Mysterio's injury.
However, Americano soon turned the tide with a German suplex, displaying his own prowess. He then attempted a backward 450 splash from the top rope, but Fenix remarkably kicked out, much to the delight of the audience. The match continued to escalate as Americano tried to pull off Fenix's mask, a move that is as controversial as it is dramatic in the world of wrestling.
In a shocking twist, Americano had placed a metal plate inside his mask, a tactic that would later play a crucial role in the match's outcome. Fenix executed his signature Goodbye Amigo kick but immediately began to sell his leg after striking the plate. Americano seized the moment, applying an ankle lock. Yet, Fenix showed resilience, managing to counter out of the hold.
The climax of the match came when Americano delivered a devastating headbutt with the plate inside his mask, followed by a top-rope flying headbutt that ultimately secured him the victory. The crowd erupted in mixed reactions, as Fenix’s valiant effort was overshadowed by Americano’s cunning strategy.
After the match, Vikingo, who had been a vocal presence throughout the event, helped Fenix to his feet, demonstrating the camaraderie that exists among wrestlers despite the fierce competition. Fenix’s performance, although ending in defeat, showcased his potential in the WWE and left fans eager for his future matches.
The backdrop to this match was the unfortunate injury of Rey Mysterio, who had been slated to compete against Americano. Mysterio sustained an injury during a six-man tag match at WWE SmackDown just a day prior, when he was pulled out of the ring by Julius Creed, leading to his inability to compete at WrestleMania. "As of right now, I don't have the clearance to compete," Mysterio stated during the WrestleMania pre-show. Despite his disappointment, he expressed confidence in Fenix, stating, "There is a replacement, and that is a good thing, because Lucha is still going to be put on the map tonight – and that replacement, Rey Fenix."
Fenix’s rise to prominence has been swift, and stepping in for a legend like Mysterio only amplifies his stature in the wrestling community. His brother, Penta, also made headlines by competing in a fatal four-way match for the Intercontinental Championship on Night 2 of WrestleMania, marking a significant moment for the Lucha Libre legacy.
As the night unfolded, the stakes were high not only for the wrestlers but for the WWE itself, which recently announced the acquisition of Lucha Libre AAA and the upcoming "Worlds Collide" event in June. This acquisition signals a new era for WWE, expanding its reach into the rich traditions of Lucha Libre wrestling.
WrestleMania 41 is shaping up to be a landmark event, not just for its matches but for the narratives that intertwine the wrestlers’ journeys. Fans are already buzzing about the implications of Americano's victory and what it means for the future of both him and Fenix in the WWE landscape.
As the dust settles on Night 1 of WrestleMania 41, one thing is clear: the world of professional wrestling is as unpredictable and thrilling as ever. With more matches to come, including the highly anticipated showdown between Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins, fans are left eagerly awaiting what the next night will bring.
In the end, while Rey Fenix may not have walked away with a victory, his debut at WrestleMania has undoubtedly set the stage for his future in WWE. The wrestling world is watching closely as he continues to develop his craft and establish himself as a formidable competitor.
