The wrestling world was shaken to its core on Saturday night as WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia kicked off with a bang. The event saw a new champion crowned and numerous memorable moments. Among them, the anticipated match between The Rock and Roman Reigns battling Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins stood out as the highlight for Sunday’s lineup.
In a grueling main event, The WWE universal champion and self-proclaimed “Final Boss” took on the world heavyweight champion and the “American Nightmare.” The Anoaʻi family, Reigns and The Rock, emerged victorious, setting up a showdown between Reigns and Rhodes on Sunday. With members of the Bloodline, including Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso, likely to interfere, the odds will be stacked once morest Rhodes as he seeks revenge for last year’s WrestleMania defeat.
Rollins, on the other hand, faces his own challenges as he puts his world heavyweight title on the line once morest the red-hot Drew McIntyre. Additionally, the return of CM Punk, who previously suffered an injury at the Royal Rumble, adds further intrigue as he commentates on the match and might potentially impact the outcome. The WWE women’s championship will also be up for grabs as Iyo Sky takes on Bayley, seeking revenge following being kicked out of the group she helped form, Damage CTRL. Lastly, the United States champion Logan Paul will defend his title once morest two formidable opponents, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens.
WrestleMania 40 Night 2 Predictions from CBS Sports Experts
The Pride vs. The Final Testament
The match between two middling factions, The Pride and The Final Testament, might swing either way. While Lashley and the Street Profits are the safer choice, the unpredictable nature of this rivalry suggests an upset may be in store. The Final Testament has the potential to disrupt expectations and secure a surprising victory.
LA Knight vs. AJ Styles
LA Knight’s rise in WWE has been remarkable, and he has the momentum to take down AJ Styles in this highly anticipated showdown. While a match stipulation might elevate the intensity, Knight has been waiting for this opportunity for over 20 years, and it’s only fitting that he comes out on top.
United States Championship — Logan Paul (c) vs. Kevin Owens vs. Randy Orton
While Logan Paul holding the United States title may not sit well with some fans due to his limited appearances on television, it’s highly likely he will retain the title. Taking advantage of Owens and Orton’s focus on each other, Paul is likely to find a clever way to secure another sneaky title defense and prolong his reign.
WWE Women’s Championship — Iyo Sky (c) vs. Bayley
Bayley’s storyline has been building up to this moment, where she finally gets a definitive WrestleMania performance. Despite the match’s position on the card, Bayley is expected to emerge victorious and deliver an outstanding performance once morest Iyo Sky. Hopefully, they will be allotted enough time to create something remarkable and showcase their talent.
World Heavyweight Championship — Seth Rollins (c) vs. Drew McIntyre
Drew McIntyre, one of the most improved superstars of the year, deserves his WrestleMania moment as much as Cody Rhodes does. McIntyre’s development as a heel and his ability to hold his own once morest top talkers like CM Punk and Rhodes make him a strong candidate for a proper celebration in front of his family and fans. However, given Rollins’ potential loss on Night 1, it’s unlikely he would suffer another defeat on Night 2. Rollins is expected to retain the title, potentially setting up a future feud with CM Punk.
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship — Roman Reigns (c) vs. Cody Rhodes
While the outcome will be determined by the events of Night 1, Cody Rhodes is anticipated to face daunting odds under Bloodline Rules. The presence of legendary superstars and those aligned once morest Reigns may help even the playing field, allowing Rhodes to overcome the stacked deck. A triumph for Rhodes would rectify past missed opportunities for other top babyfaces and mark a personal victory. The match promises to be a spectacle, pulling out all the stops to provide an unforgettable experience.
Looking beyond WrestleMania 40, the implications of these matches and storylines suggest potential future trends in the wrestling industry. The event’s success hinges on delivering epic showdowns, satisfying fan expectations, and allowing new stars to shine. It also highlights the importance of compelling narratives, character development, and surprises that captivate audiences.
The WWE constantly strives to innovate, appealing to a diverse fanbase and adapting to emerging trends. As technology advances, wrestling promotions may explore new formats, such as virtual reality experiences or interactive fan engagement. Collaboration with streaming platforms and esports might also expand the industry’s reach and attract new viewership.
In terms of storytelling, the focus may shift towards long-term arcs with intricate character development, creating deeper emotional investment for fans. Incorporating elements from other mediums, like comic books or cinematic universes, might further enhance the narrative landscape and provide a more immersive experience.
The influence of social media and digital platforms will continue to shape the industry, driving fan engagement and providing a platform for wrestlers to connect with their audience. This connection might lead to more opportunities for wrestlers to develop personal brands and crossover into other entertainment ventures, such as movies, music, or streaming shows.
From a business perspective, partnerships with brands outside the wrestling industry may become more prevalent. This might range from product collaborations and endorsements to joint promotional events. These collaborations would not only broaden the industry’s appeal but also generate additional revenue streams.
While these predictions and recommendations are speculative, they reflect the ongoing evolution of the wrestling industry and its ambition to captivate audiences in new and exciting ways. WrestleMania 40 serves as a testament to the industry’s ability to adapt and create enthralling experiences, showcasing the immense potential for future trends and innovations.