Seth Rollins' WrestleMania 36: A Look Back

WrestleMania 36, a unique event in WWE history, took place under unprecedented circumstances. While the global pandemic forced the event to be held behind closed doors, the show still delivered memorable moments, including Seth Rollins' clash with Kevin Owens. Let's dive into the details of this match and explore the broader context of WrestleMania 36.

The Road to WrestleMania 36: Rollins vs. Owens

The feud between Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens leading up to WrestleMania 36 was a slow-burn that eventually erupted into a heated rivalry. To truly appreciate their WrestleMania encounter, it's important to understand the storyline that fueled their animosity.

• The Monday Night Messiah: Rollins, embracing his role as the 'Monday Night Messiah,' had transformed into a controversial figure, preaching his vision for the future of WWE. His character became increasingly arrogant and self-righteous, attracting the ire of many fellow superstars. Rollins, with his newfound disciples, Murphy and AOP (Akam and Rezar), positioned himself as a gatekeeper, deciding who was worthy of success and who wasn't. This messianic persona allowed Rollins to tap into a different level of heel heat, drawing genuine anger from the audience and setting the stage for compelling confrontations.
• Kevin Owens' Resistance: Kevin Owens, always the defiant and rebellious voice of reason, emerged as the primary antagonist to Rollins' vision. Owens saw through Rollins' self-proclaimed righteousness, recognizing it as nothing more than a power grab. He challenged Rollins' authority at every turn, refusing to be silenced or intimidated by the 'Monday Night Messiah' and his followers. Owens' unwavering commitment to fighting for what he believed was right made him a natural foil to Rollins' increasingly tyrannical behavior.
• The Turning Point: The rivalry intensified when Rollins and his disciples targeted Owens, leading to brutal attacks and confrontations. Rollins attempted to force Owens to embrace his vision, but Owens remained steadfast in his opposition. The breaking point came when Rollins orchestrated an attack on Owens and his allies, resulting in Owens suffering a severe beatdown. This act of violence solidified Owens' determination to take down Rollins and expose him as a fraud.
• The Challenge is Made: With the bad blood between them reaching a boiling point, Owens challenged Rollins to a match at WrestleMania 36. Owens vowed to not only defeat Rollins but also dismantle his entire 'Monday Night Messiah' persona. Rollins, confident in his superiority, accepted the challenge, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown on the grandest stage of them all. The personal nature of their feud and the clash of their ideologies made this match one of the most compelling storylines heading into WrestleMania 36.

The Match: A No Disqualification Showdown

The Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens match at WrestleMania 36 was a No Disqualification match. The match was a brutal and hard-hitting affair, with both men taking advantage of the no-disqualification stipulation.

• Early Aggression: From the opening bell, both Rollins and Owens went on the offensive, unleashing a barrage of strikes and maneuvers. Owens, fueled by his intense hatred for Rollins, came out with a relentless assault, determined to make a statement early on. Rollins, however, weathered the storm and retaliated with his signature offense, showcasing his technical prowess and agility. The early exchanges set the tone for a physical and unforgiving contest.
• Weaponry Introduced: As the match progressed, both men began to incorporate weapons into their arsenal. Owens introduced a steel chair, delivering vicious blows to Rollins' back and limbs. Rollins responded by utilizing a kendo stick, targeting Owens' midsection and head. The use of weaponry escalated the intensity of the match, adding a layer of brutality and danger to the proceedings. Each weapon shot was a statement of intent, demonstrating the willingness of both competitors to go to extreme lengths to secure the victory.
• High-Risk Maneuvers: The match also featured several high-risk maneuvers that had the audience on the edge of their seats. Owens executed a breathtaking Swanton Bomb off the top of a ladder, crashing down onto Rollins and sending a shockwave through the arena. Rollins retaliated with a death-defying Curb Stomp onto the exposed concrete floor, leaving Owens writhing in pain. These high-impact moves showcased the athleticism and recklessness of both performers, further emphasizing the intensity of their rivalry.
• The Finish: The turning point came when Rollins attempted to use a steel chair, but Owens countered with a Stunner. The match concluded with a surprising and controversial finish. Rollins, in desperation, struck Owens with a low blow, drawing a disqualification. However, Owens, refusing to accept a victory by disqualification, demanded that the match be restarted under no disqualification rules. Rollins, caught off guard by Owens' resilience, reluctantly agreed. Seizing the opportunity, Owens delivered a devastating Stunner to Rollins, securing the pinfall victory and finally overcoming his nemesis. The restart added a dramatic twist to the match, showcasing Owens' unwavering determination and Rollins' frustration.

The Aftermath and Impact

Following his victory over Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 36, Kevin Owens continued his momentum, solidifying his position as a top babyface on Monday Night Raw. The win served as a significant boost to his career, elevating him to new heights and setting the stage for future championship opportunities. Owens' triumph over Rollins was seen as a victory for the fans who had grown tired of Rollins' arrogant and self-righteous persona.

• Kevin Owens' Ascension: Owens' victory over Rollins at WrestleMania 36 marked a turning point in his career. It propelled him into the upper echelons of Monday Night Raw, positioning him as a legitimate contender for the top championships. Owens continued to deliver impressive performances in the weeks and months following WrestleMania, engaging in memorable feuds and showcasing his versatility as a performer. His ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level made him a popular figure, and his win over Rollins solidified his status as a fan favorite.
• Seth Rollins' Re-evaluation: For Seth Rollins, the loss to Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 36 served as a catalyst for change. It forced him to re-evaluate his 'Monday Night Messiah' persona and consider a new direction for his career. While Rollins initially remained committed to his messianic character, the defeat at WrestleMania planted the seeds of doubt in his mind. Over time, he began to question his own beliefs and the methods he had employed to achieve his goals. This internal conflict ultimately led to a gradual shift in his character, paving the way for new storylines and opportunities.
• The Empty Arena Era: It's impossible to discuss WrestleMania 36 without acknowledging the unique circumstances surrounding the event. The global pandemic forced WWE to hold the event behind closed doors, creating an unprecedented atmosphere. The absence of a live audience significantly impacted the overall experience, but the performers adapted admirably, delivering captivating performances despite the lack of crowd reactions. While the empty arena era presented challenges, it also allowed for creative storytelling and innovative presentation, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the WWE roster.

WrestleMania 36: More Than Just One Match

WrestleMania 36 was more than just Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens. Goldberg lost the Universal Championship to Braun Strowman. In another highly-anticipated match, Edge made his return to the ring after a nine-year retirement, defeating Randy Orton in a Last Man Standing match. The Undertaker faced AJ Styles in a Boneyard Match, a cinematic masterpiece that showcased the Undertaker's legendary career. Rhea Ripley defended the NXT Women's Championship against Charlotte Flair. While the event took place under unusual circumstances, it still delivered memorable moments and showcased the talent and dedication of the WWE roster. The entire show had a unique feel because of the lack of a live crowd.

In conclusion, Seth Rollins' WrestleMania 36 match against Kevin Owens was a brutal and captivating encounter that showcased the intensity of their rivalry. While the event itself was held under unique circumstances, the match delivered a memorable moment and contributed to the overall narrative of WrestleMania 36. Both Rollins and Owens emerged from the event with their careers significantly impacted, setting the stage for future storylines and opportunities. Do you guys think this match lived up to expectations?