The wrestling staff of Back Sports Page have carefully selected what they believe to be the top 41 matches in WrestleMania history. Presented in chronological order, this series will detail the backstory, match review, and aftermath of each match, along with how the outcomes shaped the careers of those involved.
Backstory: The year prior, Cody Rhodes dealt with the crushing heartbreak of losing to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39. He was so close to winning the WWE Universal Championship and could taste glory. The only problem was a Solo Sikoa Samoan Spike that did him in. Therefore, the story is incomplete.
So what’s the American Nightmare to do in this situation? Cry in the corner? No. Instead, he takes down the likes of Brock Lesnar while winning the Royal Rumble. The rematch is set. Reigns vs. Rhodes, part two.
But there are some differences. First, Jey Uso isn’t part of the Bloodline anymore. There’s also a bigger presence felt: The Rock. The original plan was Reigns vs. the Rock, despite Rhodes winning the Royal Rumble. Rhodes didn’t take kindly to this and picked the WWE Universal champion as his opponent.
Still, there were some stipulations. First, a tag team matchup between Reigns and the Rock against Rhodes and Seth Rollins would happen on the first night. If the Rock and Reigns won, it would be Bloodline rules with the Bloodline involved. If Rhodes and Rollins won, there would be no Bloodline.
Match Review: It turns out that the Rock and Reigns would win the matchup, adding more pressure on Rhodes to finish his story. The match would be a back-and-forth bout between both wrestlers, with business picking up by Solo Sikoa’s re-emergence.
But wait! This time, the odds are evened out, courtesy of John Cena! Then, the Rock takes over and delivers a Rock Bottom! Then the Rock brings out his belt, ready to whip the American Nightmare into oblivion when suddenly…
“DING”
The Undertaker shows up and chokeslams the Rock! Reigns picks up a chair and looks to finish Cody Rhodes. Instead, he hits Rollins in the best form of long-term storytelling ever made. In turn, Rhodes finishes off Reigns with three straight Cross-Rhodes to become the WWE Champion. 1,316 days of terror over.
Story finished.
This match is an example of excellent storytelling that spanned over a year. From the prior WrestleMania’s devastating loss to the journey back to the top. That’s not even mentioning the various appearances from WWE legends to add to the match. Overall, it was the ultimate gift to hardcore wrestling fans looking for a feel-good story.
Aftermath:
- Cody Rhodes is still the WWE champion to this day. He will face John Cena at WrestleMania 41. The only difference is that Cena has suddenly aligned himself with the Rock (!), turning heel in the process. Will Rhodes’s story come to an end in Las Vegas this weekend? Stay tuned!
- Roman Reigns will be involved in a triple-threat match at WrestleMania 41. His opponents will be CM Punk and Seth Rollins. The Tribal Chief stated that he would be stepping out of professional wrestling to get into Hollywood full-time in two to three years. It looks like the end is near for the Head of the Table regarding wrestling and the WWE.
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