WWE WrestleMania 29: Full Show Recap

What's up, wrestling fans! Today, we're diving deep into the archives to revisit a truly epic event: WWE WrestleMania 29. This show, guys, was packed with history, incredible matches, and moments that still echo through the WWE Universe. Filmed live from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on April 7, 2013, WrestleMania 29 delivered on all fronts. From the main event showdown that had everyone on the edge of their seats to the undercard gems that showcased the incredible talent on display, this was a WrestleMania for the ages. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's relive the magic of WWE WrestleMania 29 full show!

The Road to WrestleMania 29: Setting the Stage for Greatness

The build-up to WWE WrestleMania 29 was a masterclass in storytelling, guys. It wasn't just about big matches; it was about weaving narratives that made fans invested. The primary storyline, of course, was the highly anticipated rematch between The Rock and John Cena. This wasn't just any match; it was billed as "Once in a Lifetime" – a phrase that always gets the blood pumping. Last year at WrestleMania XXVIII, Cena had lost to The Rock in a match that was supposed to be The Great One's swan song from full-time wrestling. But, as wrestling often goes, plans change, and The Rock made his triumphant return. Cena, driven by the sting of his loss and the desire to prove he was the best, challenged The Rock once again. The promos leading up to this were intense, filled with personal jabs and high stakes. It was the biggest star in Hollywood versus the biggest star in WWE, a true clash of titans that symbolized the changing of the guard, or perhaps, the retention of it. The stakes were the WWE Championship, and the story was deeply personal. It was a tale of redemption for Cena and a chance for The Rock to solidify his legacy once more. The atmosphere surrounding this match was electric, and the anticipation for their WWE WrestleMania 29 full show encounter was palpable.

Beyond the main event, other compelling storylines were unfolding. The Undertaker, in his quest to preserve his legendary 20-0 WrestleMania undefeated streak, faced CM Punk. Punk, as the reigning WWE Champion at the time (though he didn't enter WrestleMania 29 as champion, he was certainly a top contender with a massive chip on his shoulder), was portrayed as a dangerous, rebellious force who didn't respect legends. He had even mocked the passing of The Undertaker's former manager, Paul Bearer, in a truly heelish move that disgusted the WWE Universe. This added a layer of morbid fascination to the match, pitting Punk's arrogance and in-ring prowess against the mystical aura and sheer determination of The Deadman. Would Punk be the one to finally break the streak? The wrestling world was buzzing with this question, making it one of the most compelling undercard matches. We also saw a bitter rivalry between Brock Lesnar and Triple H culminate in a No Holds Barred match. Lesnar, a former UFC fighter, had returned to WWE and quickly established himself as a destructive force. He had brutally attacked Triple H's arm, leading to a heated feud. Triple H, facing the potential end of his career, vowed to retire Lesnar. This match was personal, brutal, and promised to be a physical war, highlighting the intense rivalries that made WWE WrestleMania 29 such a memorable event.

The Undercard: Gems That Shone Bright

While the main events often steal the spotlight, the undercard matches at WWE WrestleMania 29 were absolutely stacked with talent and delivered some incredible performances, guys. These bouts weren't just filler; they were crucial in building the overall excitement of the show and showcasing the depth of the WWE roster. One of the standout matches, no doubt, was the Intercontinental Championship match where Wade Barrett defended his title against The Miz. The Miz, a former WWE Champion himself, was looking to reclaim IC gold, and Barrett, as a dominant champion, was looking to solidify his reign. It was a technical clinic with both men showcasing their athleticism and ring awareness. Every move mattered, and the crowd was invested in seeing who would walk away with the prestigious Intercontinental Championship. The dynamic between these two superstars always produced solid matches, and this encounter was no exception, adding significant prestige to the mid-card battles of the WWE WrestleMania 29 full show.

Another match that deserves a special mention is the United States Championship match. Antonio Cesaro defended his title against Kofi Kingston. Cesaro, known for his incredible strength and "$euro"$-centric gimmick, was facing the high-flying and immensely popular Kofi Kingston. Kofi's acrobatic style and explosive energy always get the crowd going, and this match was a perfect showcase for his talents. Cesaro, on the other hand, brought a more grounded, powerhouse style. The contrast in their approaches made for an exciting contest, with near falls and high-impact moves keeping the audience on their feet. It was a testament to the athleticism and skill present throughout the WWE WrestleMania 29 roster, proving that championship matches, regardless of their placement on the card, could deliver pure entertainment. These matches, while not the main event, were crucial in building the overall spectacle and demonstrating the broad talent pool that WWE had at its disposal during this era. They were critical in making WWE WrestleMania 29 a comprehensive and satisfying wrestling experience for all fans, from casual viewers to the most dedicated enthusiasts.

We also saw tag team action that kept the energy high. The Usos faced The Prime Time Players (Darren Young & Titus O'Neil) in a fast-paced tag team bout. The Usos, with their Samoan heritage and high-octane offense, are always crowd-pleasers. The Prime Time Players, meanwhile, brought a combination of power and charisma. Their match was a showcase of tag team wrestling at its finest, with quick tags, double-team maneuvers, and a relentless pace. It was the kind of match that reminds you why tag team wrestling is so important and exciting. These undercard battles are often the unsung heroes of a WrestleMania card, providing continuous action and keeping the momentum of the show alive. They prove that WWE WrestleMania 29 wasn't just about the main storylines but also about celebrating the diverse range of talent and wrestling styles within the company. The hard-hitting action and athletic displays in these bouts truly made them memorable parts of the WWE WrestleMania 29 full show experience.

The Main Event: A Clash of Titans

And now, guys, we arrive at the main event of WWE WrestleMania 29: John Cena vs. The Rock for the WWE Championship. This was the rematch everyone had been talking about, the culmination of a year-long story. The Rock, as mentioned, had defeated Cena at WrestleMania XXVIII, but Cena, driven by his pride and the desire to prove he was still the face of WWE, got his shot at redemption. The atmosphere in MetLife Stadium was absolutely electric. You could feel the anticipation; this was more than just a wrestling match; it was a cultural event. The Rock, a Hollywood megastar, was stepping back into the squared circle against WWE's perennial hero, John Cena. The contrast in their personas and their journeys made this encounter incredibly compelling. The Rock, with his charisma and electrifying presence, was the ultimate showman. John Cena, the ultimate workhorse, had carried WWE on his back for years. The story wasn't just about who would win; it was about legacy, about who truly deserved to be at the top of the mountain.

As the match got underway, the crowd was divided, with chants of "Cena!" and "Rocky!" echoing throughout the stadium. Both men gave it their all, delivering a hard-hitting and emotionally charged contest. There were moments where it looked like Cena would finally get his revenge, and moments where The Rock seemed poised to retain his championship and his undefeated streak against Cena at WrestleMania. They traded signature moves, including The Rock's "Rock Bottom" and "People's Elbow," and Cena's "Attitude Adjustment." The sheer physical toll of the match was evident on both Superstars. The storytelling within the match was superb, with near falls that had the audience gasping and double-takes from both competitors as they kicked out of devastating maneuvers. It was a back-and-forth battle that truly tested the limits of both men. The WWE WrestleMania 29 full show experience was undeniably centered around this colossal main event, and it did not disappoint in delivering drama and intensity. The stakes were clear: Cena's pride and championship aspirations against The Rock's legendary status and desire to prove he could still hang with the best.

In the end, after a grueling and dramatic contest, John Cena defeated The Rock to win the WWE Championship. The crowd erupted, witnessing Cena finally achieve his redemption. It was a moment of triumph for Cena, cementing his status as the undisputed face of WWE. While The Rock delivered a valiant performance, Cena's determination and resilience shone through. This victory marked a significant point in Cena's career, reclaiming the championship that many felt was rightfully his. The match itself was a fitting climax to a year-long feud and a testament to the enduring star power of both The Rock and John Cena. It perfectly encapsulated the drama and excitement that WWE WrestleMania 29 promised and delivered, leaving the WWE Universe buzzing long after the final bell rang. It was a main event that lived up to the hype, providing a satisfying conclusion to one of the biggest rivalries in recent memory and solidifying the WWE WrestleMania 29 full show as a must-watch event for wrestling aficionados.

The Undertaker vs. CM Punk: Streak vs. Will

One of the most anticipated matches on the WWE WrestleMania 29 card, aside from the main event, was The Undertaker's legendary streak versus CM Punk's sheer, unadulterated will. This wasn't just a wrestling match; it was a battle of wills, fueled by Punk's disrespectful actions leading up to the event. CM Punk, in his arrogant and rebellious persona, had crossed lines that few had dared to cross, most notably by mocking the recent passing of The Undertaker's former manager, the legendary Paul Bearer. This added a deeply personal and morbid element to the feud, turning it into something far more intense than just a championship match. The Undertaker, known for his stoic and almost mystical demeanor, was visibly angered by Punk's actions, and the WWE Universe felt the weight of that animosity. Punk, the