As WrestleMania 40 looms ever closer, anticipation among fans reaches a fever pitch. With the decision to split the event into two nights, WWE has aimed to enhance match quality by ensuring shorter runtimes and mitigating audience fatigue, promising a memorable experience for all in attendance.
Headlining this year’s extravaganza is a clash of titans between Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and the two-time Royal Rumble Winner, Cody Rhodes.
This showdown marks the second time these megastars collide on the Grandest Stage of Them All, with Rhodes expressing determination to dethrone the Tribal Chief and “finish his story.”
Night 1 of WrestleMania 40 will witness an unmissable tag team encounter, with Reigns joining forces with The Rock to take on Rhodes and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins. The outcome of this bout will significantly impact the stipulation for the highly anticipated Rhodes vs. Reigns showdown on Night 2.
Amidst the excitement surrounding this year’s main event, let’s take a retrospective journey through the annals of WrestleMania history and revisit the five greatest main events of the past decade.
#5 – Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair (WrestleMania 35)
WrestleMania 35 marked a historic moment as female superstars headlined the event for the first time.
With Ronda Rousey reigning as the dominant WWE RAW Women’s Champion and Becky Lynch emerging victorious in the Royal Rumble, the addition of SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair set the stage for an unforgettable showdown.
Lynch’s triumph after pinning Rousey cemented this match as a milestone in wrestling history.
#4 – Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar (WrestleMania 38 Night 2)
In a showdown four years in the making, WrestleMania 38 saw Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar clash in a Winner Takes It All match, with both the Universal and WWE Championships at stake.
With Reigns embracing his role as a heel against the beloved Lesnar, and Paul Heyman’s pivotal involvement adding layers of intrigue, the match delivered high drama, culminating in a controversial finish that set the stage for further epic encounters.
#3 – Randy Orton vs. Batista vs. Daniel Bryan (WrestleMania 30)
A decade ago, WrestleMania 30 witnessed Daniel Bryan etch his name in the annals of WWE history by overcoming formidable odds to capture the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in a Triple Threat Match against Randy Orton and Batista.
Bryan’s journey, from an underdog overcoming The Authority’s obstacles to his triumphant championship victory, remains etched in the memories of fans worldwide.
#2 – Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes (WrestleMania 39 Night 2)
In what can only be described as a clash of legends, WrestleMania 39 showcased Roman Reigns defending his title against Cody Rhodes in a match rife with anticipation and excitement.
The electrifying atmosphere, combined with the stakes at hand, made this encounter a highlight of the decade, with Rhodes coming agonizingly close to securing the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
#1 – Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns (WrestleMania 31 with Seth Rollins cashing in his MITB briefcase)
WrestleMania 31 witnessed a momentous turning point as Brock Lesnar defended the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns, with the latter striving to prove himself as the face of WWE.
While the match itself delivered in terms of quality, it was Seth Rollins’ unprecedented cash-in of his Money In The Bank briefcase that stole the show, propelling him to the pinnacle of WWE and reshaping the sports entertainment.
As WrestleMania 40 looms on the horizon, these iconic main events serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of WWE’s premier showcase, promising yet another chapter of unforgettable moments and thrilling encounters.
