Despite some good moments, the journey towards WrestleMania 41 has many wrestling fans scratching their heads. WWE has historically enjoyed success in Las Vegas, but this time, something doesn’t feel quite right.
The Lost Momentum of Jey Uso
Jey Uso clinched his spot at WrestleMania 41 by eliminating John Cena in the Royal Rumble. However, his prominence has been overshadowed by the Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena and the triple threat of Punk vs. Reigns vs. Rollins. This move undermines the significance of the World Heavyweight Championship and the prestige of winning the Royal Rumble.
Perhaps one could argue that Jey Uso lacks the star power and his ongoing feud with Gunther has been less captivating. WWE has utterly fumbled with this rivalry. Furthermore, incorporating Jimmy Uso hasn’t done much to salvage the situation.
Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair Feud
Many would agree that Charlotte Flair’s triumph in the Women’s Rumble wasn’t an erroneous decision. However, her rivalry with Tiffany Stratton hasn’t sparked the anticipated excitement. Stratton, more at ease as a heel, is still finding her way as a babyface.
Facing Charlotte Flair has only highlighted her weaknesses, particularly her elocution skills. Though they are expected to put up a strenuous match at WrestleMania 41, the narrative leading to it could be easily forgotten.
Confusion Surrounding the Women’s Championship Triple Threat
The triple threat match between Iyo Sky, Bianca Belair, and Rhea Ripley is baffling, to say the least. Ripley inexplicably lost her title to Iyo Sky after being interrupted by Bianca Belair, an unprecedented move for her character that remains unexplained by WWE.
Panic ensues as wrestling enthusiasts scramble to understand the subplot between Ripley and Belair and the suspended storyline involving Cargill and Naomi. Meanwhile, Iyo Sky, the champion, seems to be standing idly, demanding undeserved attention.
Punk vs. Reigns vs. Rollins: A Wasted Opportunity?
Despite a promising outlook, the triple threat match between CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins falls short due to several factors. The absence of Reigns stalled the storyline, leaving much of the spotlight on Punk, Reigns, and Paul Heyman. Seth Rollins’s addition to the match seemed extraneous and ended up slowing down the plot progression.
A one-on-one between Punk and Reigns could have made a substantial impact. Instead, WWE insisted on roping in Rollins who, in hindsight, seems to be there only to shoulder defeat and protect Punk and Reigns from a WrestleMania 41 disgrace.
Cena vs. Rhodes: Missed Steps
While the alliance between Cena and The Rock sparked interest, the build-up to the WrestleMania match with Cody Rhodes has fallen flat on its face. Even The Rock’s absence is felt in the storyline, leaving a gaping hole in the narrative.
Final Thoughts
Much like its rivalries, the leadup to WrestleMania 41 seems out of sync, with numerous subplots and narrative nodes being abandon. Contrary to WrestleMania 40, where the trajectories were well-defined, the build-up to this year has been met with unpredictability.
While it has certainly added an element of surprise, this inconsistency has inadvertently made the sell out of highly-priced tickets difficult. The seeming lack of commitment from WWE has resulted in a show that feels underwhelming for a city like Las Vegas.
Are you dissatisfied with the build to WrestleMania 41? Do you believe that the narratives can be rectified before the event weekend of April 19-20? Share your thoughts!
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