The opening contest of WrestleMania 41’s first night concluded with a new champion as Jey Uso secured the World Heavyweight Championship in Las Vegas on April 19. The former tag team specialist dethroned Gunther in surprising fashion to capture singles gold on wrestling’s grandest stage.
Uso earned his title shot after winning the Royal Rumble in February, where he last eliminated John Cena to secure his WrestleMania opportunity. The build to this championship bout intensified after Gunther attacked Jimmy Uso during the weeks leading to WrestleMania, adding personal stakes to the title match.
The contest began following Paul Levesque’s formal introduction and quickly showcased both competitors’ contrasting styles. After weathering Gunther’s initial offense, Uso mounted a comeback that culminated in three consecutive corner splashes. In a strategic move that shocked the audience, Uso applied GUNTHER’s own sleeper hold against him, forcing the champion to submit and end his eight-month title run.
Jimmy Uso joined his brother in the ring for an emotional celebration, while announcer Michael Cole noted that their father Rikishi was also present in the arena for the historic victory. Gunther’s reign, which began at SummerSlam last August when he defeated Damian Priest, included successful defenses against Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, Priest, Finn Bálor, and previously against Jey Uso himself.
