WrestleMania 40, celebrated on April 6 and 7, 2024, at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, marked a significant milestone in WWE’s storied history. As the 40th edition of the grandest stage of them all, this event promised—and delivered—a weekend of high-octane wrestling action, unforgettable moments, and historic achievements. With its location in a city deeply embedded in wrestling lore and its lineup featuring some of the biggest names in the industry, WrestleMania 40 was a celebration of the past, present, and future of professional wrestling.
Night 1: A Spectacular Start
Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins: The Ultimate Showdown The first night of WrestleMania 40 was headlined by a colossal match between Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins for the WWE Universal Championship. This encounter was built on years of rivalry and shared history, making it one of the most eagerly anticipated matches of the year. Reigns, continuing his dominant run as the Tribal Chief, faced Rollins, who was looking to reclaim his place at the top of the WWE hierarchy. The match was a classic clash of styles and personalities, with Reigns’ power and Rollins’ agility creating a thrilling contest. In a dramatic finish, Reigns retained his title, solidifying his place as one of the most dominant champions in WWE history.
Bianca Belair vs. Rhea Ripley: Clash of Titans The WrestleMania 40 card also featured a highly anticipated match between Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley for the Raw Women’s Championship. Both women had been dominant forces in their respective divisions, and their encounter promised a hard-hitting, high-energy bout. Belair’s athleticism and Ripley’s brute strength made for a compelling match, with the crowd on the edge of their seats throughout. Ripley emerged victorious, capturing the Raw Women’s Championship in a match that showcased both competitors’ incredible skills and resilience.
Edge’s Final Farewell In an emotional moment that resonated with long-time fans, Edge took part in what was billed as his final WrestleMania match. Facing a formidable opponent in AJ Styles, Edge’s performance was a testament to his enduring talent and legacy in the wrestling world. The match was a celebration of Edge’s storied career, filled with high spots and emotional moments. Edge’s victory provided a fitting end to his in-ring journey, with fans paying tribute to one of wrestling’s all-time greats.
Night 2: A Historic Conclusion
John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes: A Battle for the Ages Night 2 of WrestleMania 40 was headlined by a blockbuster match between John Cena and Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship. Cena, a veteran of the sport and a fan favorite, faced Rhodes, who had been making waves with his recent performances. The match was a high-profile contest that lived up to its billing, with both wrestlers delivering a top-notch performance. Cena’s experience and Rhodes’ hunger for success created a compelling dynamic, and in a surprising twist, Rhodes emerged victorious, capturing his first WWE Championship and marking a significant milestone in his career.
The Usos vs. The New Day: Tag Team Excellence The Usos and The New Day squared off in a highly anticipated tag team match that highlighted the best of WWE’s tag team division. Known for their dynamic in-ring styles and chemistry, both teams delivered a match that was both technically proficient and entertaining. The Usos, continuing their dominant run as tag team champions, managed to retain their titles in a match that further cemented their status as one of the greatest tag teams in WWE history.
Ronda Rousey vs. Shayna Baszler: MMA Meets Wrestling In a unique matchup, Ronda Rousey faced Shayna Baszler in a contest that combined elements of mixed martial arts with professional wrestling. Both competitors, with their backgrounds in MMA, brought a different intensity to their match, making it a standout bout of the night. Rousey’s victory over Baszler showcased her continued evolution as a wrestler and provided an intriguing contrast to the traditional wrestling matches on the card.
Memorable Moments and Surprises
Return of The Rock One of the most electrifying moments of WrestleMania 40 was the surprise return of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Appearing during a backstage segment, The Rock’s return generated a huge reaction from the crowd. His presence was a nostalgic reminder of his legendary career and provided a boost of excitement to the event.
Logan Paul vs. The Miz: A Celebrity Showcase Another highlight was the match between Logan Paul and The Miz. This contest, featuring the social media star and the seasoned wrestler, was a showcase of celebrity involvement in WWE. Paul, known for his athleticism and charisma, delivered an impressive performance, while The Miz’s experience added depth to the match. Paul’s victory, aided by a surprise appearance from fellow YouTube stars, provided a memorable spectacle and underscored the blending of mainstream and wrestling entertainment.
Carmella’s Unexpected Return Carmella’s return to WWE was another memorable moment of WrestleMania 40. After a period of absence, Carmella made a surprise appearance during a women’s match, adding an element of excitement and speculation about her future role in the company.
Legacy and Impact
WrestleMania 40 was a landmark event in WWE’s history, celebrating four decades of wrestling excellence with a mix of nostalgia, high-stakes drama, and athletic prowess. The event’s two-night format allowed for a diverse and engaging lineup, catering to fans of all tastes and preferences. The matches delivered at WrestleMania 40 not only showcased the incredible talent of WWE’s roster but also set the stage for future storylines and rivalries.
Conclusion
WrestleMania 40 was a fitting tribute to WWE’s rich history and an exciting preview of its future. From the emotional farewells and historic victories to the surprises and spectacular performances, the event delivered a memorable experience for fans and participants alike. As WWE looks forward to the next chapter in its storied legacy, WrestleMania 40 will be remembered as a milestone that celebrated the best of professional wrestling.