Seth Rollins' WrestleMania 36: A Night To Forget?

WrestleMania, the grandest stage of them all, is a place where legends are made and moments are etched into wrestling history forever. For Seth Rollins, WrestleMania 36 was supposed to be another milestone in his illustrious career. However, things didn't exactly go according to plan. Let's dive deep into Seth Rollins' WrestleMania 36 experience, exploring the buildup, the match itself, and the aftermath.

The Road to WrestleMania 36: A Messiah's Path

In the months leading up to WrestleMania 36, Seth Rollins had embraced a new persona – The Monday Night Messiah. This character was a stark departure from his previous roles as the Architect and the Kingslayer. As the Messiah, Rollins portrayed a cult-like leader, gathering followers like AOP (Akam and Rezar) and Murphy. His promos became increasingly grandiose, filled with religious undertones and a sense of self-righteousness. He claimed to be on a mission to cleanse WWE and lead it to a better future, whether the WWE Universe wanted it or not. Rollins, with his smug demeanor and holier-than-thou attitude, quickly became one of the most despised heels on Monday Night Raw.

The rivalry that ultimately led to his WrestleMania match began with Kevin Owens. Owens, disgusted by Rollins' messianic complex and his treatment of other wrestlers, decided to take a stand. He saw through Rollins' charade and made it his mission to expose him. Their feud became intensely personal, filled with brutal attacks, scathing promos, and a genuine sense of animosity. Owens challenged Rollins' leadership, his motives, and his very sanity. The conflict escalated week after week, with both men delivering memorable moments. From steel cage matches to chaotic brawls, the two superstars left no stone unturned in their quest to gain the upper hand. The culmination of this heated rivalry was set for WrestleMania 36, where Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens would finally settle their differences in a one-on-one encounter.

The stakes were high for both men. For Seth Rollins, WrestleMania was an opportunity to solidify his position as the Monday Night Messiah and prove that his vision for WWE was the right one. A victory over Kevin Owens would validate his leadership and further cement his status as a dominant force. For Kevin Owens, WrestleMania represented a chance to silence Rollins and expose him as a fraud. He wanted to show the world that Rollins' messianic persona was nothing more than a manipulative act designed to control others. A win would not only shut Rollins up but also restore some sanity to Monday Night Raw. The stage was set for a clash of ideologies, a battle between good and evil, and a fight that promised to be nothing short of spectacular.

The Match: Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens

WrestleMania 36 took place under unprecedented circumstances. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was moved from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando. There were no roaring crowds, no elaborate stage setups, and no electrifying atmosphere that usually defines WrestleMania. Instead, the event was held in a closed set with only essential personnel in attendance. Despite the unusual setting, the wrestlers were determined to put on a show for the fans watching at home. Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens were no exception.

The match between Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens was a hard-hitting, back-and-forth affair. Both men came prepared to unleash their full arsenal of moves. Rollins, ever the strategist, tried to use his agility and technical skills to outmaneuver Owens. He targeted Owens' injured knee, hoping to weaken him and limit his mobility. Owens, on the other hand, relied on his power and resilience to absorb Rollins' attacks and deliver his own devastating blows. He hit Rollins with his signature cannonballs and senton bombs, showcasing his incredible strength. The match spilled outside the ring early on, with both men taking advantage of the no-disqualification stipulation.

The turning point came when Rollins grabbed a steel chair and repeatedly assaulted Owens with it, resulting in a disqualification victory for Owens. However, Owens was not satisfied with winning by disqualification. He wanted to beat Rollins decisively. He grabbed the microphone and challenged Rollins to a No Disqualification match then and there. Rollins accepted, and the match was restarted. The intensity escalated even further as both men pulled out all the stops. Rollins brought out tables and tried to put Owens through them, but Owens managed to escape and turn the tables on Rollins, literally. Owens delivered a thunderous pop-up powerbomb onto the announce table, sending Rollins crashing through it. Finally, Owens hit Rollins with a stunner in the ring to secure the pinfall victory.

The Aftermath: What Happened Next?

Kevin Owens' victory at WrestleMania 36 was a significant moment in his career. It marked a turning point in his rivalry with Seth Rollins and solidified his position as one of the top babyfaces on Monday Night Raw. The win not only silenced Rollins but also gave Owens a much-needed boost of momentum. He went on to challenge for championships and continue his battles against other formidable opponents. For Seth Rollins, the loss at WrestleMania was a setback, but it didn't derail his career. He continued to embrace his Monday Night Messiah persona and remained a prominent figure on Raw.

Rollins' character evolved over time, becoming even more complex and unhinged. He recruited new followers and continued to spread his message, often clashing with other babyfaces like Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio. The feud with the Mysterios became intensely personal, with Rollins targeting Rey's eye in a gruesome angle. Despite the controversies, Rollins remained one of the most captivating and polarizing figures in WWE. He eventually transitioned into a new persona, the Visionary, which allowed him to showcase his creativity and charisma even further.

The empty arena era, while strange and unconventional, provided a unique opportunity for wrestlers to experiment with their characters and storylines. Without the noise and distractions of a live crowd, wrestlers were forced to rely on their in-ring skills and storytelling abilities to connect with the audience. Seth Rollins was one of the wrestlers who thrived in this environment. He embraced the challenge and used the empty arena setting to amplify his character's traits and mannerisms. His promos became even more theatrical, his expressions more exaggerated, and his movements more deliberate. He truly embraced the role of the Monday Night Messiah and made the most of the circumstances.

Legacy of the Match

While WrestleMania 36 might not be remembered as one of the greatest WrestleMania events of all time due to the circumstances surrounding it, the match between Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens was a standout moment. It was a brutal, intense, and emotional battle that showcased the talents of both men. The match also served as a reminder that even in the absence of a live crowd, wrestlers can still deliver compelling performances and create memorable moments.

The Rollins-Owens rivalry continued to be a cornerstone of Monday Night Raw for months after WrestleMania. Their interactions were always filled with intensity and unpredictability, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The two superstars brought out the best in each other, pushing each other to their limits and creating some of the most memorable moments of the empty arena era. Their feud became a symbol of resilience and determination, proving that even in the face of adversity, wrestlers can still deliver compelling stories and memorable matches.

In conclusion, Seth Rollins' WrestleMania 36 experience was a mixed bag. While he lost his match against Kevin Owens, he continued to evolve as a character and remained a prominent figure in WWE. The match itself was a hard-fought battle that showcased the talents of both men. And the empty arena setting provided a unique backdrop for their rivalry to unfold. While WrestleMania 36 might not be remembered as a classic, it was a testament to the resilience and dedication of the wrestlers who worked tirelessly to entertain fans during a difficult time.