Two nights of body slamming action have concluded in the "City of Brotherly Love". WrestleMania 40 from Philadelphia is in the books, and as many have said, it feels like the start of a new era for the sport.
WrestleMania 40 marks the first WrestleMania event fully under the watch of Paul "HHH" Levesque, following the ouster of WWE founder Vince McMahon earlier this year. From changes in television production, to stage design, to storyline advancements, and even the mention of the words "pro wrestling"--once considered taboo under McMahon--it truly feels like we have entered new territory.
In the night's conclusion, Cody Rhodes defeated Roman Reigns to finish his story, ending a title run for Reigns that lasted almost four years. He didn't do it alone. Cameo appearances from WWE Legends like John Cena and The Undertaker had the Philly crowd electrified. As Cody's family and several WWE fan favorites came to the ring to celebrate in the aftermath, the emotions of the crowd were easy to read. We as fans, and WWE as a company, are on the verge of new territory. The industry is entering a new era. Some have called it "The Renaissance", others have called it "The HHH Era". Whatever you want to call it, wrestling fans can rejoice. The business is bigger and hotter now than it has been in decades. WE'RE BACK, BABY.