WrestleMania 40 became an unforgettable spectacle for WWE fans worldwide, not just for the crowning of a new champion but also for the sensational returns of two Hollywood megastars: John Cena and The Rock. These iconic figures ignited the crowd in Philadelphia, injecting a dose of nostalgia and star power into WWE’s most significant annual event.
The two-night extravaganza saw a series of thrilling matches and unexpected twists, but the appearances of John Cena and The Rock undeniably stole the spotlight. WrestleMania 40 witnessed Cody Rhodes finally overcome Roman Reigns’ dominant three-year reign as champion in a deeply emotional main event on Sunday. However, the electrifying atmosphere was significantly amplified by the presence of wrestling legends like John Cena and The Rock, alongside The Undertaker, making it a truly historical event.
WWE’s Chief Content Officer, Triple H, hailed WrestleMania 40 as “the biggest WrestleMania of all time,” a sentiment echoed by fans and critics alike. Adding to the magnitude, The Rock, a TKO board member, announced that Saturday night’s show achieved the “highest selling single night” in WWE history, underscoring the immense drawing power of WrestleMania and the returning legends.
The event was emotionally charged for Roman Reigns, who bravely disclosed his ongoing battle with leukaemia. Diagnosed nearly two decades ago, Reigns revealed his continuous oral chemotherapy treatment, a testament to his resilience and dedication to his profession. Despite this personal challenge, Reigns delivered a memorable performance before ultimately losing his title to Cody Rhodes, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter.
Cody Rhodes’ victory over Roman Reigns was the culmination of a long-standing storyline, often referred to as the “bloodline saga.” Rhodes himself acknowledged the weight of the moment, stating, “what we do next has to be extremely special,” setting the stage for an exciting future in WWE.
The Rock’s return to WrestleMania after over 25 years since his debut was met with thunderous applause. His tag-team match on the first night, partnering with Roman Reigns against Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins, was a highlight. Fans were astounded by The Rock’s performance, with one fan, Joe Clarkson, remarking on his agility at 51, “he’s still moving like a cruiser-weight.” Another fan praised his return as “45 minutes of pure cinema,” emphasizing the entertainment value The Rock brought to WrestleMania 40. Social media platforms buzzed with accolades, with fans declaring “The Rock is the GOAT of WWE” and celebrating his entrance as “the greatest” ever. John Cena’s appearance added another layer of excitement, creating dream match scenarios and unforgettable moments for the WWE Universe.
Beyond the headline-grabbing returns, WrestleMania 40 delivered on multiple fronts. Philadelphia Eagles stars Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson made a surprise appearance, adding local flavour to the event. Rhea Ripley retained her Women’s World Championship, Bayley captured the new WWE Women’s Championship, and Sami Zayn ended Gunther’s Intercontinental Championship reign. Even YouTuber Logan Paul was in action, showcasing the diverse appeal of WrestleMania.
Bayley proudly displays her newly won WWE Women's Championship title at WrestleMania 40.
Many fans have lauded WrestleMania 40 as the “best WrestleMania ever,” with particular praise for the Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns main event. Triple H lauded Cody’s victory as “an incredible moment” but also paid tribute to Roman Reigns’ legacy, calling him “one of, absolutely for certain the greatest of all time.”
Looking ahead, WWE’s landscape is set to evolve with pay-per-view events, including WrestleMania, moving exclusively to Netflix from January 2025. Additionally, WWE is expanding its global footprint, with its first-ever event in Scotland, Clash at the Castle, scheduled for Glasgow in June. WrestleMania 40 not only delivered a spectacular show but also signaled the beginning of an exciting new era for WWE, blending legendary returns with the rise of new stars, ensuring a vibrant future for professional wrestling entertainment.
