Age of The Nerd
WrestleMania 40’s night two in Philadelphia was a spectacle of high-octane wrestling that lived up to the grandeur expected of such a storied event. The evening was headlined by a gripping match between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, where Rhodes sought redemption and the chance to “finish his story” and of course the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship. The “Bloodline Rules” stipulation added an intense layer of drama, with Rhodes overcoming the odds to dethrone Reigns in a stunning upset that had the Lincoln Financial Field erupting in cheers.
It was no surprise that during the match both Reigns and Rhodes has some assistance during their match from the likes of Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, The Rock, John Cena and none other than The Undertaker making brief cameo appearances.
The United States Championship match was another highlight, featuring Logan Paul defending his title against Randy Orton and Kevin Owens in a thrilling triple threat match. The athleticism and storytelling displayed were exemplary, showcasing the evolving talent within WWE. Logan Paul was able to take down both Randy Orton and Kevin Owen keeping his title as the United States Champion.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Street Fight saw The Final Testament (Karrion Kross & Authors of Pain) clash with Bobby Lashley & The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford) in a match that was as much a battle of wills as it was of physical prowess, embodying the spirit of Philadelphia’s gritty reputation. The match featured guest referee Bobby Ray Dudley and special commentary from rapper Snoop Dogg. Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits took the win!
The Women’s Championship bout between Iyo Sky and Bayley was a masterclass in technical wrestling, with both competitors pushing each other to their limits. The match was a testament to the depth of the women’s division and the progress it has made over the years. Bayley came out with the victory over Iyo Sky and we are left to see what this will mean for this future of Damage CNTRL and a new direction for the “Role Model” Bayley.
The match between AJ Styles and LA Knight at WrestleMania 40 was a highly anticipated event, marking a significant moment in the careers of both wrestlers. LA Knight, in his first WrestleMania appearance, faced off against the seasoned AJ Styles in what was a grudge match fueled by a heated rivalry. The tension between the two had been building for months,
The match itself was a showcase of both wrestlers’ abilities, with LA Knight demonstrating why he is considered one of the rising stars in WWE. Despite being on the verge of a count-out, Knight managed to recover and execute his finisher, the BFT, to secure a victory over Styles. Styles, known for his high-flying and technical prowess, introduced new theme music, adding to the spectacle of the event. However, it was Knight’s night as he emerged victorious, possibly setting the stage for future championship pursuits.
Seth Rollins’ World Heavyweight Championship defense against Drew McIntyre was another marquee match, with CM Punk’s presence at commentary adding a layer of unpredictability to the outcome. We saw Drew McIntyre take a short-lived victory before Damien Priest ran out into the ring cashing in on his Money In The Bank contract and quickly taking down Drew McIntyre to secure the title.
Stephanie McMahon’s surprise appearance at WrestleMania 40 was a momentous occasion, marking a significant shift in the WWE’s direction. As she stood before the crowd at Lincoln Financial Field, her presence was not just a nod to the past but a clear signal towards the future of the franchise. Her speech was poignant, acknowledging the special nature of each WrestleMania, but highlighting this 40th edition as particularly dear to her, being the first WrestleMania of the “Paul Levesque era”.
Her return to WWE programming since her departure in January 2023 was a powerful statement. Stephanie’s appearance was more than a welcome; it was a reassurance to fans and stakeholders alike that the WWE was entering a new era of leadership and creative direction.
The energy in the stadium was palpable as she invoked the iconic “Are you ready?” catchphrase, a staple of WWE events, further exciting the audience for the night’s lineup. Her role in the company has been pivotal, having served in various executive positions before ascending to co-CEO and chairwoman, and her appearance at WrestleMania 40 was a reminder of her enduring influence within the industry.
It set the stage for an unforgettable evening and left fans with a sense of anticipation for what’s to come under the new leadership of Paul Levesque, who is known for his innovative approach to content and storytelling within the wrestling world.
The event was not just about the matches but also the moments that will be etched in the memories of fans for years to come. From the elaborate entrances to the emotional victories and defeats, WrestleMania 40 night two delivered a blend of athleticism, drama, and storytelling that is the hallmark of WWE’s biggest night. It was a night that celebrated the past, present, and future of professional wrestling, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what the next chapter will bring.
