WrestleMania XL: A New Fan’s Perspective
Add this to the list of things I never thought I would say, “I think I like wrestling.” As a kid, I thought it was a weird sport and that everything was scripted. Although, I do remember liking Chyna and how badass she looked. Besides that, my knowledge of wrestling went as far as knowing some household names like Bret Hart, The Rock, Undertaker and John Cena. Other than knowing their names or seeing two of them in movies, I knew nothing of this world.
So here’s a perspective from someone who just started watching wrestling for the first time.
Okay, but Why Is This So Fun?
Yes, yes, it’s scripted. But like any movie or book you read, only the author knows what will happen. As fans, you still get to watch it all play out and not know what twists it’ll take. So, don’t let that turn you off; I made that mistake. But seriously, the drama, the action, and the sheer entertainment were unmatched. I don’t think I’ve laughed and gasped so hard watching a sport.
I used to be a big hockey, NFL and soccer fan. I will watch every Olympic sport, both winter and summer. However, I have fallen out of the sports world due to boredom. As of late, Formula One has been my Roman empire, but WWE may give that a run for its money!
It was like watching my favourite characters clash on stage and in the most over-the-top ways. I had no idea what was going on or the stories, but I really got into it. I even found myself cheering for Roman Reigns! When I watched it, I didn’t know his story, but can we just say that he looks cool? It’s okay to cheer for that reason, right?
Rhea Ripley: Need I Say More?
As a goth lady myself, Rhea is my girl. I had heard of her before watching WrestleMania since she popped up on my TikTok algorithm due to her style. Since then, I have been curious about starting to watch wrestling but have yet to do so. I’m glad I caught it now, and yay, she won! Better late than never, right?
And can we talk about how her introduction included Motionless in White?! I’m 100% sold. I love that band! I hear she’s a villain, but I don’t care; I love her and will continue to cheer for her. You go, gothic queen!
Cosplay Galore
And speaking of style, can we talk about the costumes?! Move over fashion shows! WWE knows where it’s at! Honestly, who gets to design these things? Can I have that job, please? I love how flamboyant and over-the-top all the costumes are. As a cosplayer, it really inspires me. If one day, I ever make it to a main event, I will 100% cosplay as my favourite fighter.
Some of my favourites over the two nights are Cody Rhodes (so cool!), Rhea Ripley, Bayley, and Seth “Freakin” Rollins. As much as I don’t like Logan Paul, his was neat, and I did love that car he came out in. Seth Rollins’ Mardi Gras-themed entrance had me “rollin’.” I thought it was ridiculous and unapologetically awesome. And can we say how much Cody looks like Homelander, but slightly less scary? But that outfit was to die for!
At one point, I thought I was watching a cosplay contest and forgot it was a sporting event. And honestly, it’s giving!
Such Energy!
I’ve been to many live sporting events, including F1, where the air smells of brake dust and the roaring engines make your heart skip a beat. WrestleMania XL’s energy? I wasn’t there in person, but I felt the hype! It went hard, and I am here for it. The crowd’s enthusiasm and reaction to the cameos were epic.
I loved the “boos” and “yeah” that the crowd did during the main event, where Roman and Cody were exchanging punches. It had me giggling hard on the couch.
Speaking of cameos, which is probably the wrong word here, seeing The Rock show up randomly at the end of night two was epic. Then John Cena ran out, and I screamed, and I had no idea why since I don’t even like him as an actor. Then, to top it off, you had the Undertaker show up; again, I screamed, not even recognizing who he was. I did yell, “It’s that meme!” but I also slightly doubted myself if it was the same guy. But that shows how much the crowd got me into it, not to mention my husband did, too.
Whoa! So Much Lore!
After night two finished, I pestered my friend for the backstory of every wrestler and every rivalry. Bless his heart, he didn’t hold back. The depth of storytelling in every wrestler is fantastic! I’m a sucker for a good story, hence my love for One Piece. My buddy knew this and made the connections that I would understand. It’s like discovering a new anime series rich with history, betrayals and redemption.
A Convert’s Conclusion
To sum up, I’m glad I kept an open mind and joined my husband in watching this. WrestleMania wasn’t just an event; it was a revelation. To anyone else who was like me and never gave it a chance, I say: take the shot. It’s a wild world full of crazy characters, rich storytelling, and pure entertainment. It was unapologetically ridiculous, and I loved it.
Hi, WWE, I guess you have a new fan. Let the countdown to the next event begin!