Pro wrestling is experiencing a resurgence, and WWE is gearing up for an epic WrestleMania 40 on April 6-7, promising title bouts and pivotal moments in ongoing storylines.
The highly anticipated event marks The Rock’s return to the ring after nearly a decade, alongside stars like Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins, solidifying their roles as pillars of WWE’s Renaissance Era.
Explore the current match lineup at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and delve into predictions for what’s in store at The Show of Shows in this comprehensive preview.
Match Card
Announced for WrestleMania 40:
- Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns (c)
- World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins (c) vs. Drew McIntyre
- Rhodes and Rollins vs. Reigns and The Rock
- WWE Women’s Championship: Bayley vs. Iyo Sky (c)
- Women’s World Championship: Becky Lynch vs. Rhea Ripley (c)
- Triple Threat match for the United States Championship: Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens vs. Logan Paul (c)
- Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn vs. Gunther (c)
- Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Six-Pack ladder match: The Judgment Day (c) vs. DIY vs. The New Day vs. Awesome Truth vs. two more teams yet to be named
- Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso
- LA Knight vs. AJ Styles
WrestleMania 40 Predictions:
The End of The Bloodline
For the past four years, fans have witnessed The Bloodline’s dominance in WWE, led by the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, and his undisputed WWE Universal Championship reign.
This storyline has been one of WWE’s greatest, delivering unforgettable moments and elevating the status of everyone involved. However, it all reaches a climax in Philadelphia on April 6-7.
Cody Rhodes has assembled a team including Seth Rollins and Jey Uso to take on Reigns and his faction. It’s a narrative akin to a tale from the Marvel Universe, with Rhodes leading a group to combat WWE’s greatest threat.
With Uso facing his brother Jimmy and Rollins teaming up with Rhodes against Reigns and The Rock, the stage is set for a showdown between Reigns and the two-time men’s Royal Rumble winner.
If Reigns loses the title, it could sow discord within The Bloodline, with The Rock questioning Reigns’ leadership. While maintaining the status quo has its benefits, the potential fallout from a downfall offers an equally intriguing storyline.
Fan Service Finales
In Philadelphia, Rhodes claiming victory over Reigns and capturing the elusive title for his family is the most anticipated outcome WWE could deliver.
Since The American Nightmare secured his second men’s Rumble win in January, fans have clamored for this moment, driving the #WeWantCody movement.
While this outcome is expected, it’s not the only fan service anticipated at the event.
Bayley’s redemption, culminating in her victory over Iyo Sky for the WWE Women’s Championship, would be a fitting payoff for her Rumble win and avenge the betrayal she endured from her Damage CTRL teammates.
There’s also the potential for Sami Zayn to dethrone Gunther as intercontinental champion, while Jey Uso defeating his brother would mark a significant moment in his singles career.
Additionally, CM Punk’s potential interference in the World Heavyweight Championship match between Rollins and Drew McIntyre could add another layer of intrigue to the rivalry.
While some outcomes seem more likely than others, WrestleMania 40 should offer fans the satisfaction of seeing their favorite stars triumph, reflecting WWE’s commitment to delivering captivating storylines fueled by fan investment.
Rhea Ripley Retains
Last year marked a significant turning point in Rhea Ripley’s career, as she secured victory over Charlotte Flair for the then-SmackDown Women’s Championship in a bout recognized as the Match of the Year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated voters.
This triumph symbolized Ripley’s culmination of years of hard work, solidifying her position as a top-tier talent in the women’s division. Since then, her growth has been exponential, propelling her to become one of WWE’s most prominent and beloved Superstars.
Her recent main event victory at Elimination Chamber, where she successfully defended her title against Nia Jax in her homeland of Australia, further solidifies her status as a force to be reckoned with.
With Ripley’s immense popularity and momentum, the prospect of Becky Lynch, a legendary figure in women’s wrestling, defeating her seems improbable. Much like Lynch in 2019, Ripley’s connection with fans has made her indispensable to the WWE landscape.
Removing the title from Ripley without a clear direction solely to facilitate Lynch’s return would be detrimental. WWE is likely aware of this, and barring strategic opportunities tied to Lynch’s new autobiography release, Ripley should continue her dominant reign with a significant triumph.