Seth Rollins' WrestleMania 36: A Night To Forget?

WrestleMania, the grandest stage of them all, a place where legends are made and moments are etched in 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 what happened that night, the buildup, the match itself, and the aftermath for the Monday Night Messiah.

The Road to WrestleMania: A Messiah is Born

To truly understand the context of Seth Rollins' WrestleMania 36 journey, we need to rewind a bit. Following a Universal Championship loss to Bray Wyatt at Hell in a Cell in late 2019, Rollins underwent a character transformation. He embraced a messianic persona, proclaiming himself the "Monday Night Messiah." This new gimmick saw Rollins leading a group of disciples, most notably AOP (Akam and Rezar) and later Murphy. Rollins preached his vision for the future of WWE, often using forceful and controversial methods to achieve his goals. His sermons and actions drew the ire of many, including Kevin Owens.

The feud between Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens became the central storyline heading into WrestleMania. Owens, a no-nonsense, blue-collar brawler, saw Rollins as a hypocritical egomaniac who was abusing his power. Owens was disgusted by Rollins' self-righteous attitude and his manipulation of others. The conflict escalated week after week on Monday Night Raw, with both men engaging in brutal attacks and verbal sparring. Rollins, with his disciples by his side, often had the upper hand, but Owens never backed down. The intensity of their rivalry made it clear that their match at WrestleMania would be personal and filled with animosity. The buildup was masterfully crafted, painting Rollins as a delusional villain and Owens as the defiant hero standing against him. The personal nature of the feud resonated with fans, making them eager to see Owens finally shut Rollins up on the grandest stage.

The narrative emphasized Rollins' descent into madness, his unwavering belief in his own divine purpose, and his willingness to do whatever it took to achieve his vision. On the other hand, Owens represented the voice of reason, the everyman who wouldn't stand for Rollins' arrogance and tyranny. This contrast created a compelling dynamic that captivated audiences and set the stage for a highly anticipated showdown at WrestleMania 36. The question on everyone's mind was whether Owens could overcome Rollins' cult-like following and bring him down to earth, or if the Monday Night Messiah would continue his reign of terror.

The Empty Arena: An Unprecedented WrestleMania

WrestleMania 36 was unique for many reasons, most notably because it took place in an empty arena due to the emerging COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of a live audience created an eerie atmosphere, something wrestling fans had never experienced before on such a grand scale. The energy and excitement that usually permeate WrestleMania were noticeably absent, replaced by an almost surreal silence. This presented a significant challenge for the performers, who had to adapt to the unusual circumstances and find ways to connect with the viewers at home without the immediate feedback of a roaring crowd. For Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens, this meant relying solely on their in-ring skills and storytelling abilities to captivate the audience.

The empty arena also affected the overall presentation of the event. WWE had to get creative with camera angles, lighting, and sound effects to compensate for the lack of crowd noise. Commentators Michael Cole and JBL worked hard to generate excitement and enthusiasm, but it was undeniable that the absence of fans had a dampening effect. Wrestlers had to be more deliberate with their movements and expressions, ensuring that every action conveyed the intended emotion. In a way, it put more pressure on them to deliver compelling performances. The absence of the crowd also changed the psychology of the matches. Without the immediate gratification of cheers and boos, wrestlers had to rely on their instincts and experience to gauge the audience's reaction. This required a different level of focus and awareness, making the matches feel more intimate and personal.

Despite the challenges, WrestleMania 36 still managed to deliver some memorable moments. The empty arena created a unique backdrop that added to the drama and intensity of certain matches. It also allowed viewers to focus more on the in-ring action and appreciate the athleticism and skill of the performers. While it wasn't the WrestleMania anyone had envisioned, it was a testament to the resilience and adaptability of WWE and its performers. They managed to put on a show that entertained and engaged fans during a difficult time, proving that the spirit of WrestleMania could endure even in the face of unprecedented circumstances. The empty arena served as a stark reminder of the global crisis, but it also highlighted the power of wrestling to bring people together, even when they were physically apart.

The Match: Rollins vs. Owens

The match between Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 36 was a solid affair, but perhaps not the show-stealer many had anticipated. The empty arena certainly played a role in the match's overall impact. The two Superstars worked hard to deliver a compelling contest, but the lack of crowd reaction made it difficult to build the same level of intensity as they had on Raw. The match was physical, with both Rollins and Owens dishing out and absorbing significant punishment.

Rollins, ever the calculating strategist, focused on weakening Owens with a variety of strikes and submissions. Owens, known for his resilience and never-say-die attitude, absorbed the punishment and fired back with his signature moves. The turning point came when Rollins, in a moment of desperation, struck Owens with the ring bell, resulting in a disqualification. However, Owens wasn't satisfied with a victory by DQ. He demanded that the match be restarted as a No Disqualification match. Rollins, never one to back down from a challenge, accepted, and the match resumed with even more intensity.

In the No DQ environment, both men pulled out all the stops. They used weapons, took risks, and pushed each other to their limits. The match culminated in a dramatic spot where Owens delivered a Stunner to Rollins off the WrestleMania sign. This high-risk maneuver secured the victory for Owens, finally silencing the Monday Night Messiah, at least for one night. While the match was well-executed and told a good story, it lacked the epic feel that many WrestleMania matches possess. The absence of a live crowd definitely detracted from the overall experience, making it feel more like a regular match than a WrestleMania classic. Nevertheless, Rollins and Owens deserve credit for putting on a solid performance under challenging circumstances. They demonstrated their professionalism and dedication to the craft, providing a memorable moment for fans watching at home.

The Aftermath: What Happened Next?

Following his loss to Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 36, Seth Rollins' storyline took an interesting turn. While he didn't disappear from WWE television, he began to show signs of change. The defeat seemed to shake his confidence, leading him to question his messianic persona. This internal conflict added a new layer of depth to his character, making him more vulnerable and relatable. Rollins' journey after WrestleMania was marked by a search for redemption and a reevaluation of his beliefs.

He continued to lead his disciples, Murphy and AOP, but the group's dynamic shifted. Rollins became more demanding and erratic, putting a strain on his relationships with his followers. This eventually led to a split with AOP, leaving Rollins and Murphy as a two-man unit. The storyline explored the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the burden of leadership. Rollins' interactions with Murphy became increasingly complex, as he tried to maintain control while also dealing with his own inner demons. The arrival of Rey Mysterio and his son Dominik added another layer to Rollins' narrative. Rollins became obsessed with Mysterio, believing that he held the key to unlocking his true potential. This obsession led to a series of disturbing events, including an eye injury angle involving Mysterio that drew considerable controversy. Despite the questionable nature of the storyline, it kept Rollins in the spotlight and allowed him to showcase his acting abilities.

As time went on, Rollins eventually transitioned into a new phase of his career, embracing a more comedic and over-the-top persona. He adopted the nickname "The Visionary" and began sporting flamboyant outfits and hairstyles. This transformation allowed him to reinvent himself once again and remain a relevant and entertaining figure in WWE. While WrestleMania 36 might not have been a career highlight for Seth Rollins, it served as a catalyst for significant character development and creative opportunities. It demonstrated his versatility as a performer and his ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Rollins' journey after WrestleMania proved that even in defeat, there is always room for growth and reinvention. He has continued to evolve and entertain, solidifying his place as one of the top stars in WWE.

Final Thoughts: A Stepping Stone, Not a Setback

While Seth Rollins' WrestleMania 36 match might not be remembered as an all-time classic, it was a significant moment in his career. It marked the culmination of his Monday Night Messiah storyline and served as a stepping stone for future character development. The empty arena undoubtedly detracted from the overall experience, but Rollins and Owens still managed to deliver a solid and compelling match. Ultimately, WrestleMania 36 was a unique and unforgettable event, not just for Seth Rollins, but for the entire wrestling world. It was a reminder of the challenges and uncertainties of life, but also of the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit.

Rollins' ability to evolve and reinvent himself after WrestleMania is a testament to his talent and dedication. He has proven time and time again that he is one of the most versatile and entertaining performers in WWE. Whether he's playing a villainous cult leader or a charismatic visionary, Rollins always delivers. His journey is a reminder that setbacks are inevitable, but they don't have to define us. It's how we respond to those challenges that truly matters. Seth Rollins has embraced the challenges and emerged stronger and more creative than ever before. His WrestleMania 36 experience may not have been perfect, but it played a crucial role in shaping his career and solidifying his legacy as one of the top stars in professional wrestling. So, while it might have been a night to forget in some ways, it was also a night that paved the way for future success and innovation. And that's something worth remembering.