4th Rope at SXSW was nothing short of legendary—a night that brought together hip-hop, wrestling, and culture in a way that felt organic and revolutionary. It wasn’t just an event; it was a movement, a collision of two worlds that have always been intertwined, but on this night, they stood side by side, unapologetically commanding the spotlight. From the moment you walked into the venue, there was an energy unlike any other. The air was thick with anticipation as wrestling fans, hip-hop heads, and cultural enthusiasts all converged to witness history in the making. The night promised legendary moments, and it certainly delivered.

One of the night's most unforgettable moments was witnessing Jeff Hardy apply face paint for Zilla Fatu. For wrestling fans, it was a surreal sight—Jeff Hardy, a legend in his own right, mentoring and passing down wisdom to the son of the late, great Edward Fatu, better known to the wrestling world as Umaga.

The moment was more than face paint—it was a bridge between generations, a passing of the torch in a way that only wrestling can deliver. Jeff and Zilla swapped stories, reminiscing about when Jeff faced Umaga in WWE. The nostalgia was thick, and for those in attendance, it was a rare and intimate look at the bond shared between wrestlers, even across different eras. It wasn’t just about competition but respect, legacy, and family.

Hearing Justin Roberts’ voice outside of an AEW ring added a unique authenticity to the night. His legendary voice has introduced some of the biggest moments in wrestling history, and hearing it in this intimate yet high-energy setting made the entire event feel even more significant. Roberts has a way of elevating any moment, and his presence at 4th Rope only further solidified its importance in the wrestling community.

And if this night was any indication, the best is yet to come. While 4th Rope at SXSW was already an iconic night due to the blend of hip-hop, wrestling, and culture, the in-ring action itself was absolutely next level. From the Babs Wingo Women’s Battle Royale to marquee matches featuring Zilla Fatu, Nic Nemeth, and The Hardys, every moment delivered on intensity, athleticism, and storytelling that made this night one for the ages.

Real1 vs. Nic Nemeth: The Showmanship Battle

Another highly anticipated bout of the night saw Real1 (fka Enzo Amore) take on Nic Nemeth (fka Dolph Ziggler) in a match that blended high-level in-ring work with top-tier entertainment value.

Both men are known for their charisma and microphone skills, but they remind everyone that their in-ring ability is just as elite. Real1 brought his signature brash energy, talking his talk while still proving he could back it up. Nic Nemeth, one of the most technically sound wrestlers in the industry, showcased why he’s been at the top of the game for so long. The chemistry between the two was undeniable, making this match a true highlight of the night. Whether it was the slick counters, the high-impact offense, or the incredible crowd reactions, this battle had all the elements of a classic wrestling showdown.

Elijah vs. Zilla Fatu: A Battle of the Future

The singles match between Elijah and Zilla Fatu was nothing short of spectacular. Zilla Fatu, the son of the late great Umaga, continues to forge his own legacy in the wrestling world, and this match was another step toward greatness. Facing Elijah, who has built his own reputation as a dynamic performer, both men went to war in a match that had the crowd invested from start to finish.

This wasn’t just a showcase—it was a proving ground. Zilla’s presence in the ring, his hard-hitting style, and his ability to connect with the audience all point to him being a future star. Elijah, on the other hand, matched him move for move, showing his versatility and resilience. It was one of those matches where you knew you were watching the future of wrestling unfold before your eyes.

The Hardys vs. The New Guys: A Tag Team Classic

When The Hardys (Matt and Jeff Hardy) stepped into the ring, the energy in the building shifted. Wrestling legends with a decades-long legacy, the brothers took on The New Guys, an up-and-coming tag team looking to make their mark.

This was the ultimate clash of generations. The Hardys, known for their innovative and high-risk style, still had plenty left in the tank. Their experience, chemistry, and ability to tell a story inside the ring made this an instant classic.

But don’t sleep on The New Guys—they came to fight, bringing their own explosive style to the match. They pushed The Hardys to their limits, proving they were more than just newcomers trying to make a name for themselves. While the veterans may have had the advantage, this match stated that the future of tag team wrestling is in good hands.

Babs Wingo Women’s Battle Royale: A Show-Stopping Display of Women’s Wrestling

One of the night's standout moments was the Babs Wingo Women’s Battle Royale, which brought together some of the fiercest and most talented women in professional wrestling today. Thunder Rosa, Maya World, Britnie Brooks, Alexis Littlefoot, and many more competed in a high-energy, hard-hitting contest that showcased why women’s wrestling continues to thrive at the highest levels.

Named in honor of Babs Wingo, one of the first African American female wrestlers to break barriers in the industry, this match wasn’t just a spectacle—it was a statement. Each competitor brought a unique style, from high-flying agility to pure power moves, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats.

Thunder Rosa, already one of the most respected names in women’s wrestling, proved once again why she’s a dominant force. Maya World and Britnie Brooks both put on incredible performances, making it clear that they’re ones to watch in the future. And Alexis Littlefoot, known for her charisma and in-ring ability, added an extra layer of excitement to the battle. In an event filled with unforgettable moments, this Battle Royale was a major highlight, proving that women’s wrestling deserves every bit of the spotlight.

Smoke DZA & Westside Gunn: Hip-Hop’s Road Warriors

Then came the music—a vital piece of the puzzle that made 4th Rope so special. The curator behind the event, Smoke DZA, alongside Westside Gunn, proved once again why they are the Road Warriors of hip-hop. Their love for wrestling isn’t just for show; it’s embedded in their music, aesthetic, and entire movement.

One of the most electrifying moments of the night was when Smoke DZA & Westside Gunn performed the best wrestling theme song out right now—Hurt Syndicate, featuring MVP, who joined the duo on stage. If you know anything about wrestling, you know that the entrance music is just as important as what happens in the ring. When that beat dropped, and MVP made his way out, it was a true WrestleMania moment in the heart of SXSW.

Seeing Gunn and DZA perform in this environment, surrounded by some of the best minds in wrestling and hip-hop, felt like a victory lap for everything they’ve built over the years. They have long been champions of wrestling culture within hip-hop, and this night proved that the two worlds are one and the same.

An Event That Redefined Culture

4th Rope at SXSW wasn’t just an event but a cultural moment. The night showcased how deeply hip-hop and wrestling are connected—from the storytelling, the larger-than-life personas, and the undeniable charisma that both art forms require. It was a reminder that wrestling isn’t just for die-hard fans, and hip-hop isn’t just about the music—it’s about the energy, the passion, and the impact these elements have on the culture as a whole.

If you were there, you witnessed something special. If you missed it, you missed history. But one thing is certain: 4th Rope will only get bigger, and the fusion of hip-hop and wrestling will continue to thrive, pushing boundaries and redefining entertainment as we know it. SXSW has always been a breeding ground for innovation, and 4th Rope set the bar high for what a cross-cultural event should look like. Whether you came for the music, the wrestling, or just to experience something new, you left feeling like you were part of something monumental.

This wasn’t just a wrestling show. It wasn’t just a concert. It was a declaration—a statement that hip-hop and wrestling belong together and that their influence on culture is only growing stronger.