Dylan jackson
WrestleMania 40 is shaping up to be one of the biggest events in WWE’s illustrious history. A big reason for this is the preparation for the two main events. But focus too much on the drama with Cody Rhodes and The Bloodline and you lose sight of the bigger picture.
The Rock and Romain Reigns vs. Rhodes and Seth Rollins headline Night 1. Reigns vs. Rhodes for the undisputed WWE Universal Championship will serve as the main event of Night 2. The scope of its storyline makes it the biggest attraction of the weekend.
However, there is a lot to be seen beyond this huge plot. In addition to Reigns vs. Rhodes, there will be seven other title matches over the weekend. Some of the notable ones include Rollins facing Drew McIntyre with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line, Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley will face Becky Lynch and Intercontinental Champion Gunther will face Sami Zayn. Plus, a brother vs. brother match as Jey Uso fights Jimmy Uso.
Ahead of WrestleMania 40 on April 6 and 7, let’s look at four can’t-miss matchups beyond the two main events.
Intercontinental Championship – Gunther (c) vs. Sami Zayn
Gunther x Zayn could be the most technically brilliant showcase of the weekend. They have long been two of professional wrestling’s elite performers. If their in-ring credentials weren’t enough, the match is driven by contrasting personalities and a well-developed storyline. Zayn is the eternal underdog and Gunther is the towering ring general with an iron fist. It’s hard to believe that anyone will dethrone Gunther, but WWE created doubts by inserting Chad Gable into the plot. Gable came closer than most to defeating the Intercontinental Champion. He’s now mentoring Zayn to accomplish what he couldn’t. Suddenly, it looks like Zayn could pull off the upset. This adds intrigue to an already promising match.
Women’s World Championship – Rhea Ripley (c) x Becky Lynch
It’s a question of dominance versus pedigree when Ripley and Lynch face off for the women’s world championship. Ripley recently surpassed a year as women’s world champion and emerged as the de facto Judgment Day leader. Lynch is a surefire Hall of Famer who works to overcome doubts ahead of a title shot. Both women look sharp after recent wins against Nia Jax. Their rivalry is based on ambition and the quest to prove that they are the greatest of all time. Multiple fights highlight the intensity you can expect in Philadelphia.
World Heavyweight Championship – Seth Rollins (c) vs.
This match has taken a backseat to Rollins’ involvement with Rhodes and The Bloodline, but McIntyre refuses to be overshadowed. McIntyre is doing the best work of his career and maintaining intrigue in a match that should be devoid of it. He’s a small to moderate favorite to win the match for good reason. Rollins must be devastated after the main event of Night 1 and McIntyre is long overdue for his biggest achievement. McIntyre led the company through the pandemic era, but watching him win the WWE Championship in an empty venue didn’t satisfy him. Rumors about McIntyre’s contract ending add more intrigue to the result.
Undisputed Tag Team Championships – Judgment Day (c) vs.
Sometimes you need to have a little fun. That’s exactly what Six Pack Ladder Match promises. Damian Priest and Finn Balor will defend their undisputed tag team titles against five other teams at WrestleMania. A dozen superstars are ready to seize the opportunity to put their bodies on the line in creative ways. Expect big spots and complete chaos as Kofi Kingston and Johnny Gargano, among others, use 8- and 12-foot ladders to create violent WrestleMania moments.
Honorable mentions: Jey Uso x Jimmy Uso, Damage CTRL x Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair and Naomi
