After suffering an injury on SmackDown last night (April 18), Rey Mysterio announced on today’s Countdown to WrestleMania pre-show that he’d be unable to work tonight’s show. The legendary luchador revealed that his spot on the card would be taken by Rey Fenix.
Neither the unfortunate news about the Hall of Famer, nor the change in opponent, inspired El Grande Americano (who is definitely Chad Gable) to break out a more respectful entrance package.
Prior to Mysterio’s announcement this afternoon, WWE announced they were acquiring one of Mexico’s two big promotions, AAA. And before this match, Americano briefly jawed with one of AAA’s biggest stars, (El Hijo del) Vikingo. The former Mega Campeon responded by kicking the cosplaying luchador in the face to send him into the ring.
Fenix almost ended it immediately, but we were treated to lots of Gable-like offense from Americano and Fenix’s thrilling brand of lucha libre. An awe-inspiring rotating senton almost won the match for Grande…
— WWE (@WWE) April 20, 2025
…and when it didn’t he first tried to remove Rey’s mask. When that didn’t work, Americano pulled the steel he’s used to load his mask before out of his jock.
It gave the faux-luchador a win after Fenix hurt his shin kicking Americano in the steel, then hit him with a loaded flying headbutt.
Vikingo came to check on his Mexican countryman after the match, and may be next in line to try and defend the honor of lucha libre after Fenix took a loss in his WrestleMania debut.
Get complete WrestleMania 41 Night One results and coverage of the entire card right here.
