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Levon Campbell III
Staff Writer
In a spectacle that captivated millions of fans worldwide, “WrestleMania 40” unfolded over the weekend of April 6-7, leaving an indelible mark on the world of sports entertainment.
Hosted at a sold-out venue at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa., the annual extravaganza showcased the athleticism, drama, and pageantry that has made “WrestleMania” a cultural phenomenon for four decades.
This year’s edition of “WrestleMania” not only dazzled audiences in person but also shattered records in the digital realm. With the event exclusively available for streaming on Peacock, the NBCUniversal-owned platform, “WrestleMania 40” emerged as the most-streamed entertainment event in Peacock’s history, underscoring the enduring popularity of professional wrestling and the global reach of the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) brand.
The event was a thrilling night of action for fans throughout the WWE universe. From the return of beloved wrestlers to the culmination of long-running storylines, the mega event did not disappoint. Notable moments included: The Rock and Undertaker coming back to wrap up their epic saga; Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns’ championship match; and much more. All in all, “WrestleMania 40” delivered an unforgettable experience to fans around the world.
All the matches put on during the event were nothing short of spectacular. From Rhea Ripely claiming victory in the women’s championship to the superb NXT Stand and Deliver event, there was plenty of action and excitement across the board.
However, the matches that proved to be the most thrilling were those that wrapped up long-standing storylines. Trick Williams triumphing over Carmelo, Hayes and Rhodes securing the decisive victory against Roman Reigns and claiming the undisputed WWE Universal Championship, was among the most anticipated matches of the night and lived up to all expectations.
In an interview after his winning match, Rhodes emphasized the father-son narrative surrounding his journey and how it resonated with many people. He stated that it was essentially a true-to-life tale, as he wasn’t initially deemed a franchise player. Rhodes explained that he wanted to be this person because he felt that his late father should have been considered as one.
Despite facing setbacks and failure Rhodes believed that it was essential to complete this story. Additionally, he acknowledged his own skepticism regarding the belief that fans strongly identified with him but said that he still had to fulfill his mission.
“You asked, why it resonates? It’s the only answer I really know – because it’s real. I wanted to be this because at first, he wasn’t and I thought he should have been. Then when he passed away, I failed. I didn’t hand it to him. But it became about, I said this earlier, it was in the hype packages and stuff that was playing – the story was beyond me at that point. I still felt the need to finish it. I’ve been saying all week. I think I said it on First Take too that even if I didn’t believe people believed so I had to do it,” Rhodes stated.
Jackson State University students have expressed positive reactions to the outcome of “WrestleMania 40” and talked about their favorite moment, the return of the Undertaker. Many were ecstatic to see the iconic wrestler’s return and felt that the event was a success overall.
Cameron Holder, a freshman psychology major from Chicago, Ill., talked about his favorite moment during the event.
“I would say the Rock getting choked slammed by the Undertaker was the best part to me since the Undertaker is my favorite wrestler of all time,” Holder stated.
Zion Murphy, a freshman meteorology major from St. Louis, Mo., also felt the Undertaker stole the show.
“It had to be the Undertaker [for me] because every time that bell rang, you knew what was about to happen and it meant that the dead has risen,” Murphy said.
The entire event was a spectacular and showcased top-tier wrestling matches and memorable moments. From surprise returns of beloved wrestlers to the conclusion of long-running storylines, it was a celebration of the WWE’s legacy.
The epic scale and entertainment factor made it an unforgettable experience for all who viewed the mega event. And beyond the action inside the ring, “WrestleMania 40” was a celebration of the passion and enthusiasm of WWE fans and the sport’s enduring legacy.
