The most exciting night in sports entertainment is upon us. This weekend in Philadelphia, WWE brings its “Super Bowl” — WrestleMania 40 — to town, and it’s gearing up to be one of the company’s biggest.
There are exciting storylines that have been brewing all year, like the main event matchup between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns. There are also newer storylines that will make for impressive matches, like the six-pack ladder match challenge for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship. Overall, this is a can’t miss weekend if you’re a professional wrestling fan.
That being said, let’s look at the matches to expect this weekend.
Night 1 (April 6, 2024)
Twins, brothers and once allies, Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso will face off one-on-one. This is a match that has been brewing since Jey left the Bloodline. Jimmy has been hell-bent on ruining Jey’s life since; this match will finally allow the two to go at it and take out all their frustration.
The ring general vs. the underdog, Gunther will take on Sami Zayn for the Intercontinental Championship. Zayn has been training extra hard with Chad Gable for this match, but we’ll have to see if it’ll be enough for him to take out Gunther, the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion to date. Whatever the outcome, with two great in-ring performers, this will be a great match.
Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee vs. Dominik Mysterio and Santos Escobar should be another good match. Lee is an up-and-coming NXT talent teaming with the returning legend Rey Mysterio, who was sidelined by Escobar and has an ongoing bone to pick with his son Dominik Mysterio. Expect fast-paced action and frequent tags.
Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair and Naomi vs. Damage CTRL should be a beatdown for Damage CTRL (finally). The faction has been dominant since stepping on the scene, but this trio seems to be on the same page, and all have their beef with the group. It’s also very exciting to see Cargill’s first match since the Royal Rumble.
The Six-Pack Ladder Match features DIY, Awesome Truth, The New Day, New Catch Republic, The Judgment Day and Grayson Waller/Austin Theory. This ladder match will hold both sets of belts above the ring. To win, a member from the tag team must secure all belts, and with this being a ladder match, it’s sure to have some unforgettable spots.
Becky Lynch vs. Rhea Ripley for the Women’s World Championship is a matchup of the Man vs. Mami, two of the most popular female superstars in WWE going at it once and for all. Ripley hasn’t had many title defenses since becoming champion, so this should be the biggest challenge to date for her reign. Let’s see if the Man can knock her off her pedestal.
Finally, it’s Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes vs. The Rock and Roman Reigns. A duo some thought would never team up, Rollins and Rhodes are now on the same page and ready to take on the Bloodline. If they win, Rhodes will have no interference in his main event match versus Reigns on the next night, but if they lose, the Bloodline will have their reign.
Night 2 (April 7, 2024)
LA Knight vs. AJ Styles is one of the most exciting matches after Styles cost Knight a win at the elimination chamber. Knight has been insistent on fighting Styles since, even attacking Styles at his own house, which resulted in Knight being arrested. But that didn’t stop him!
Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens vs. Logan Paul for the United States Championship will be one to watch for sure. Orton and Owens both hate Paul and all three are great entertainers and wrestlers. I’m not sure who will walk away with the win, given Paul’s track record of cheating in matches.
Bayley vs. Iyo Sky will battle for the WWE Women’s Championship. Once teammates and now foes, Sky against Bayley should have main-evented night one of WrestleMania, given Bayley’s Royal Rumble win. But since it’s not, I’m sure the two will make sure to deliver extra hard. They have history together, a story to tell and, most of all, great in-ring chemistry.
Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre for the World Heavyweight Championship is next. Rollins will have already competed the night before and will now have to take on McIntyre, who has acted entitled this entire feud. McIntyre might catch Rollins off guard due to fatigue, but they both need to watch out for Damian Priest, who still has his money in the bank contract ready to be cashed in.
Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits vs. The Final Testament will have a Philadelphia Street Fight. These teams absolutely despise each other and having the street fight stipulation added on top of this hate will only result in more carnage. But, it’s carnage we’re ready to see.
Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes for the WWE Universal Championship will wrap it up. Finally, after winning The Royal Rumble for the second year in a row, Rhodes will have the chance to rewrite history. He may have lost to Reigns last year, but this time around, I have full faith in Rhodes finishing his story, even if he must go through multiple Bloodline members to do so.
“Sports Entertainment Solidified” is a pro wrestling column by Maddy Myer.