WrestleMania 34 Headline Result: Who Won
WrestleMania 34 took place on April 8, 2018, in New Orleans, Louisiana. In the main event, AJ Styles defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to retain the WWE Championship after controversially ending the match by raising Nakamura’s hand three times. This win reinforced Styles as champion and remained a key talking point in WWE continuity. The event also featured multiple title changes and milestone moments. The following breakdown covers the confirmed results, title switches, and lasting context, using verified details from WWE’s official communication and reputable live reports.
Confirmed Match Results and Title Changes
Multiple bouts occurred across the card, with several championships exchanged. Below is a compact summary of the most notable verified outcomes, including stipulation details and championship lineage.
| Match | Winner(s | Championship or Stipulation |
|---|---|---|
| Main Event (No. 1 Contender’s Match, final bout) | AJ Styles | WWE Championship (retained) |
| Fatal 4-Way for SmackDown Women’s Title | Charlotte Flair | SmackDown Women’s Championship (won) |
| Tag Title Match | The Bar (Cesaro & Sheamus) | SmackDown Tag Team Championship (won) |
| WWE Universal Title Match | Roman Reigns | No title change (c retained after DQ) |
| 2nd Main Bout (WWE Championship) | Shinsuke Nakamura | WWE Championship (challenge ended by finish controversy) |
Main Event Finish Details
The closing bout followed a standard WrestleMania build: Nakamura earned a title shot by winning an earlier contender’s match. During the contest, Styles and Nakamura exchanged high-impact strikes, with Nakamura pressing near-fall opportunities. WWE’s live outcome saw Styles retain after multiple pose-downs and a curb stomp finish, culminating in the three-hand raise finish that drew significant fan reaction and commentary. This finish preserved Styles’ reign and allowed WWE to maintain continuity with minimal championship turnover at its flagship event.
Legacy and Long-Term Impact
WrestleMania 34’s headline reinforced AJ Styles as a top champion heading into mid-2018, while Shinsuke Nakamura remained a prominent challenger. The event contributed to ongoing SmackDown narrative momentum after the brand split and set future program directions for both wrestlers. While initial reactions were mixed due to the finish style, the match is remembered as a strong in-ring effort that fit WWE’s long-term storytelling rather than serving as a dramatic turning point.
Quick Takeaways
- AJ Styles defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to retain the WWE Championship in the main event.
- Charlotte Flair won the SmackDown Women’s Championship from Becky Lynch.
- The Bar (Cesaro & Sheamus) captured the SmackDown Tag Team Titles.
- Roman Reigns’ Universal Title match ended in a disqualification draw, retaining for Reigns.
- These outcomes emphasized continuity and championship stability rather than major upheaval.
Additional Context
WrestleMania 34 was WWE’s flagship annual event held at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. It featured a mix of legacy stars and emerging talent, with several non-title matches contributing to ongoing programs. The card balanced nostalgia with new rivalries, aligning with WrestleMania’s role as a seasonally important pay-per-view. Official WWE recaps, video packages, and post-event interviews corroborate the above results and championship statuses.
FAQ
Reader questions
Did the WWE Championship change hands at WrestleMania 34?
No. AJ Styles defeated Shinsuke Nakamura and retained the WWE Championship during the main event.
Who won the SmackDown Women’s Match at WrestleMania 34?
Charlotte Flair defeated Becky Lynch to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
What was the controversial finish in the main event?
The finish involved multiple curb stomps and three pose-downs, with Styles ultimately being declared winner after three hand raises, a booking choice that emphasized storytelling over a decisive clean finish.
Were any other titles won at this event?
Yes. The Bar won the SmackDown Tag Team Championship, and several mid-card and women’s titles changed hands as listed above.