Tag: The Undertaker

The WrestleMania 40 main event delivered in every possible way

Pro wrestling at its finest in every aspect? We experienced it when Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns met at WrestleMania 40.

Professional wrestling is so many things. But at its core, it is beautiful.

Its beauty lies in its action, its drama, its emotions.

Professional wrestling’s beauty lies on the faces of thousands of fans cheering on their heroes and booing their villains.

And there was no better showcase for how beautiful wrestling can be than Sunday night at Lincoln Financial Field. That’s because more than 70,000 people gathered in South Philadelphia to see one thing: the climax of Cody Rhodes’ story.

But the beautiful thing about professional wrestling was that it wasn’t just about Rhodes’ story. There were others, and they all culminated in the most climactic main event in WrestleMania history.

WWE didn’t have to promote Sunday’s match as the “biggest in WrestleMania history” like Vince McMahon did two years ago. The fans’ desire to watch Rhodes defeat Roman Reigns was the only indication anyone needed.

Once the bell rang, WWE delivered.

The main event of WrestleMania 40 was everything it should have been and more. There were cameos from recurring characters throughout the story, call backs to key moments from the past, and there was even a surprise or two.

When Rhodes pinned Reigns to become the new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, there was a release of emotions from everyone inside Lincoln Financial Field and from wrestling fans across the world. 

That is because on Sunday, April 7, 2024, everything the wrestling world had ever hoped for had been fulfilled. They had received or been a part of one of the most storybook endings in WrestleMania history. 

If it were an action movie from the 1980s, it may have ended with a freeze frame. While that may sound grossly cliche, it is the type of ending wrestling fans yearn for on an annual basis. They got their wish Sunday night.

The main event of WrestleMania 40 was professional wrestling executed at its highest level. It’s was what professional wrestling is all about.

What is professional wrestling about?

Professional wrestling is about the journey. It is about telling the story of two men who wrapped themselves in their respective family’s wrestling traditions, but for two very different reasons.

On one side was the prodigal son, who returned to the place where he had a prophecy to fulfill: win the title his father never could.

He came within seconds of accomplishing his goal last year, only to have it snatched away from him.

But like any hero, he dusted himself off and fought his way back.

He overcame obstacle after obstacle in order to find his way back to the same spot he was in one year ago: the main event of WrestleMania.

On the other side was the tyrannical villain, whose motives are rooted in providing for his family — or in this case, his tribe. For 1,316 days, he ruled WWE with an iron fist, running through anyone who threatened his position at the summit of the industry, including his own family if necessary.

However, he always made sure that the family had his back, including the ones with even more influence within the company than him.

It’s just that his villainous ways may have cost him in the end.

Professional wrestling is about setting that hero and that villain on a collision course that culminates at the biggest event of the year — twice. It is about living vicariously through all of the characters involved and hoping each of them receive what they have coming to them.

Professional wrestling at its best was on full display Sunday night.

Professional wrestling is beautiful.

Professional wrestling is back in WWE.

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The Undertaker, John Cena create wonderful chaos in WrestleMania 40 main event

Cody Rhodes had the help of The Undertaker and John Cena in the raucous main event of WrestleMania 40.

Philadelphia, Pa. — When The Rock teased surprises for the main event of WrestleMania Night 2 at the Night 1 press conference, it caused a bit of a stir. A chaotic, overbooked match between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes had been expected, but to outward hint at that happening … well, it raised an eyebrow.

Yet sure enough, bout 20 minutes in, the match began to break down. Jimmy Uso interfered first, which brought Jey Uso to the entrance ramp to spear his brother off the stage. Solo Sikoa followed soon after to aid Reigns, and then the match erupted.

John Cena‘s music blared throughout Lincoln Financial Field as he ran to the aid of Rhodes. Given his storyline issues with The Bloodline, most recently Sikoa, it seemed logical.

Once Cena knocked out the Enforcer, The Rock became the main event’s next entrant. He stared the 16-time world champion down in the middle of the ring, bringing the crowd to its feet to witness two icons go face to face. It ended quickly, however, as the Brahma Bull planted him with a Rock Bottom.

That brought a Shield version of Seth Rollins out next, but his attempt to help ended quickly.

If you’re a fan of plot twists, the next and final person to enter the fray fit the bill spectacularly. A familiar, ominous gong played, the lights went out, and in the middle of the ring, The Undertaker popped up and chokeslammed The Rock. And just as quickly as The Dead Man arrived, he left, taking The People’s Champ with him. Rhodes pinned Reigns with multiple Cross Rhodes moments later to win the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.

While not the “Stone Cold” Steve Austin appearance fans speculated about, The Undertaker and The Rock still have a history dating back 20-plus years. It still pitted old foes — two legends — in the ring to create a moment that captivated the venue.

Cena and The Undertaker added to a special night for Rhodes and an overall grand weekend for WWE. They helped put over the magnitude of the main event, creating moments to remember.

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Cody Rhodes def. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40: Best photos

Check out these photos from Cody Rhodes’ WrestleMania 40 victory over Roman Reigns, which featured John Cena, The Rock, and more.

Check out these photos from [autotag]Cody Rhodes[/autotag]’ Universal Heavyweight Championship victory over [autotag]Roman Reigns[/autotag] at WrestleMania 40 Night 2, and saw interference from [autotag]John Cena[/autotag], [autotag]The Rock[/autotag], [autotag]The Undertaker[/autotag], [autotag]Seth Rollins[/autotag], [autotag]Jimmy Uso[/autotag], [autotag]Jey Uso[/autotag], and [autotag]Solo Sikoa[/autotag]. (Photos by Joe Camporeale/USA TODAY Sports, Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Exclusive ‘Biography: WWE Legends’ sneak peek: John Cena calls Roman Reigns ‘the greatest of all time’

The Undertaker and Hulk Hogan also offer lofty praise for Roman Reigns as the face of WWE.

WWE has been marketing John Cena in his most recent appearances as “The Greatest of All Time,” and it’s hard to argue against that honor for the 16-time world champion. But who would Cena himself anoint as the GOAT?

It’s a champion with a few other nicknames of his own. The Tribal Chief. The Head of the Table. It’s Roman Reigns, who is preparing to head to WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia to put his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship on the line on night 2 in a rematch against Cody Rhodes — but only after he teams with The Rock to battle Rhodes and Seth Rollins on night 1.

Reigns just happens to be the subject of the pre-WrestleMania episode of “Biography: WWE Legends” (probably no coincidence, that), and in the exclusive clip below, you can Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker and Reigns’ Special Counsel, Paul Heyman, talk about why they feel he’s ascended to the very top of WWE and is uniquely suited to remain there.

But it’s Cena who offers the most succinct and high praise.

“We only recognize something when we romanticize about it, when we look back on it,” Cena says. “I hope there’s a few more folks out there that can realize that Roman Reigns is a very unique individual. There’s never been a performer like him.

“Roman Reigns as the Tribal Chief is the greatest of all time.”

The Roman Reigns episode of “Biography: WWE Legends” is set to premiere this Sunday, March 31, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on A&E. It follows a new episode of “WWE Rivals” that focuses on The Miz vs. Daniel Bryan at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

You can also find full episodes of A&E’s WWE shows as soon as the next day on aetv.com and for free on YouTube, and they make for some perfect viewing as we prepare for WrestleMania 40 in less than two weeks.

Elimination Chamber winners: Every WWE wrestler to win an Elimination Chamber match

Check out our Elimination Chamber winners list, with details on every WWE wrestler to enter and win Elimination Chamber matches since 2002.

The Elimination Chamber is the answer to a question many wrestling fans probably never thought they’d ask: What’s more formidable than a match inside a steel cage?

WWE came up with it anyway in 2002. Said to be the brainchild of Triple H and Eric Bischoff, the Elimination Chamber combines the brutality of a steel cage match with the chaos and “who’s next” suspense of the Royal Rumble. And the structure itself is a key component, with its roofed cage and four pods — which have become central to some of the match’s most creative spots over the years.

Like the Royal Rumble, the Elimination Chamber has gone on to become the star of its own series of premium live events, with men’s and women’s versions of its namesake match. Not bad for a gimmick match that was originally a brand-only affair.

After the 2023 Elimination Chamber event in Montreal, WWE will be past 30 total Elimination Chamber matches, with no end in sight. Let’s take a look back at every winner since the first one was held in 1992.

Royal Rumble winners list: Every wrestler to win a WWE Royal Rumble

Check out a full list of WWE Royal Rumble winners over the years, plus fun stats on entry number, most eliminations and more.

There’s nothing in pro wrestling quite like the Royal Rumble. While there have been and always will be other battle royals, WWE has distilled the over-the-top extravaganza into something that has withstood the test of time.

Since 1988, the promotion has had at least one Royal Rumble a year, with one for men and women held annually since 2018. Not only have fans fallen in love with the core concept, to the point that they enthusiastically count down from 10 each time a new wrestler enters the fray, they’ve also come to expect legends and surprises — which WWE generally delivers.

Another great aspect that has become part of the Royal Rumble’s DNA over time is the prize: an opportunity to challenge for a world championship at WrestleMania, making the Rumble the official kickoff on the road to WWE’s biggest show of each calendar year.

Naturally, that means it’s quite an honor to win a Rumble match. Even with the event heading toward its 40th anniversary later this decade, the list of Royal Rumble winners is still a pretty exclusive club.

Let’s take a look at every Royal Rumble winner ever, year by year.

CM Punk once picked fights with Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin on a plane

The Undertaker recalled a story of CM Punk claiming he could submit Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin on a plane.

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Throughout his long and storied career in pro wrestling, CM Punk has experienced many ups and downs that have been well documented. From participating in a career-defining match with John Cena at Money in the Bank to being fired by AEW earlier this year, various events have unfolded that shaped his past two decades.

Punk left AEW because of his infamous backstage incident with Jack Perry at All In. However, there was another, somewhat less serious backstage incident that had occurred in his past.

On his Six Feet Under podcast, The Undertaker said the Straight Edge Superstar once picked fights with Shelton Benjamin and Bobby Lashley backstage. It’s safe to say neither fight worked out in his favor (h/t Fightful for transcription).

We’re drinking, everyone is carrying on. Somehow or another, the discussion comes up. I don’t know if Vince instigated this one or not. Bradshaw was on this flight too. The topic comes up as we’re on the way over. CM Punk, he fashioned himself as a jiu-jitsu practitioner. Someone broached the question, ‘You did jiu-jitsu. How long do you think you could last with one of these two wrestlers?’ It was Bobby Lashley, who wrestled for the Army, and Shelton Benjamin, who wrestled at Minnesota. Two high-level amateur wrestlers. To Phil’s credit, he said, ‘I’ll tap them out.’ That was about all it took. Now, the pot begins to really get stirred. Shelton, at this time, he didn’t drink at all. I remember Vince pouring a styrofoam cup full of wine, and Shelton just gulps it down. I honestly can’t remember who went first. There is not a lot of room. It’s tight, but there’s enough room. I want to say the first match lasted about 47 seconds. The other one was sub-40, where they had taken them down and pinned him. He didn’t back down, but my goodness, it was like blood in the water and two great white sharks circling. They could not wait. They didn’t disappoint. That was another fine case of Vince McMahon shit disturbing.

It seems Punk made the wrong decision — a very wrong one. He couldn’t last a total of two minutes in his fights, which is understandable given that Lashley went on to compete in MMA, although Punk also dabbled in the Octagon, but to negative results.

Nonetheless, this eye-opening experience offered a glimpse into the 45-year-old’s wild career. Surely, this was memorable for Undertaker and others to take in.

Quinn Ewers receives Big 12 championship belt from The Undertaker

The Undertaker gave Quinn Ewers a Big 12 championship belt

And now Texas waits.

The Longhorns crunched Oklahoma State on Saturday, 49-21, in the Big 12 Championship Game.

Texas QB Quinn Ewers was the star as he threw for 452 yards and 4 touchdowns.

The game marked the Longhorns’ exit from the Big 12, since they are headed for the SEC.

And to the victor of the game sponsored by WWE, goes a championship belt.

The quarterback will never forget who presented it to him: The Undertaker.

The Undertaker, WWE Superstars showcased at Big 12 Championship Game

WWE had a major presence at the Big 12 Championship Game

Texas and Oklahoma State played at AT&T Stadium on Saturday with the Big 12 Championship on the line.

There were plenty of Superstars in attendance who know what it is like to try and win a title.

WWE was a sponsor of the game and the sports entertainment juggernaut supplied talent.

The Undertaker, Sheamus, Drew McIntyre and Jade Cargill were among those at the game.

The Undertaker, Vince McMahon ‘butted heads’ over farewell ceremony: ‘He wouldn’t let me say retirement’

The Undertaker was not allowed to use a particular word during his WWE farewell ceremony in 2020.

The Undertaker ended his in-ring WWE career almost four years ago after facing AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36 in a Boneyard match. Although it was not announced as a retirement match at the time, he later confirmed it to be his last ride.

When The Undertaker officially announced he was done in the ring, WWE held a special farewell ceremony for him at Survivor Series 2020. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a proper sendoff. Although it was the Dead Man’s time to shine, Vince McMahon apparently banned a word from his vocabulary for that night — one that would have been appropriate to describe the situation.

On his Six Feet Under podcast, The Undertaker said that McMahon did not allow him to say the word “retirement,” as McMahon might not have believed the Phenom was finished in the ring (h/t Fightful for transcription).

In November, that was one of those times where Vince and I butted heads. My retirement. He wouldn’t let me say retirement. ‘It’s time for the Undertaker to rest in peace.’ In full character. I have these guys, all in the ring, but I’m going to be in my full character. It was like, ‘yuck.’ It was a way, it was still during COVID, it was not good. I honestly don’t think he was completely convinced at that point that I was done. I don’t think anybody was, really. There are still people out there that think I have one more.

McMahon notoriously banned words like “belt,” “strap” and “pro wrestling,” among others, but while that night was The Undertaker’s, pro wrestlers have repeatedly gone back on retirement. Just look at Ric Flair’s handful of “last” matches and Shawn Michaels’ infamous in-ring return in 2018. Anything is possible.

McMahon might not have wanted to believe it. Fans probably didn’t either. But when The Undertaker announced his retirement, he meant it, and nearly four years later, it has stuck.