WrestleMania is the biggest Premium live event that the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has to offer. This year the WWE is hosting its 41st edition of the event on April 19th and 20th at 7 P.M EST/4 P.M PST.
WrestleMania is considered to be one of the biggest stages in the company because it is where some of the biggest storylines of wrestling are either started or concluded. Key storylines for this year’s show are CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins going up against each other in a triple threat match in the main event of the first night of the show. The other major storyline for the show is John Cena, who has become a villain for the first time in twenty-one years, is challenging WWE champion Cody Rhodes for the WWE championship in the main event of night two.
The show is presented in a different location each year, with this year’s edition being hosted in Paradise, Nevada at the Allegiant Stadium, and last year’s edition being hosted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the Lincoln Financial Field.
Wrestling has grown throughout the years because of the growing support of the fans, and because of the increase of talent from the independent wrestling scenes. In the independent scene, many wrestlers take independent bookings to boost up their attention with the potential of being signed by some of the big-name companies, such as WWE, AEW (All Elite Wrestling), NJPW (New Japan Pro Wrestling), and etc…
WrestleMania every year feels bigger mostly because of the worldwide attention it has gotten throughout the years. The WWE has reached to one of its highest levels, even hosting events in other continents bringing in an intense fan base. Premium live events that have been hosted in places such as Puerto Rico, Scotland, Germany, and France has gotten some of the loudest fans who are excited for the show to take place.
Prior shows do not feel as big now mostly to the fact that the marketing for wrestling has increased through time. The WWE has grown where you can watch their shows from streaming surfaces such as Netflix and Peacock. Wrestlers are also showcased on ESPN and are shown in many charities promoting their line of work. Another part is the setup, as they really take the time to come up with some unique set ups and always use large arenas to fill up seats.
The landscape of wrestling has become quite diverse as in the past many wrestlers were larger in muscle and were known for their strength and power. Nowadays wrestling mostly still counts on strength and power, but also the high-flying style, and the technical style which is relied on submitting your opponent.
A comparison between shows then and now would be how the change of who is appearing on the programming. Many wrestlers of the past are now retired, which give the way for the current stars to come in. WWE pick up a lot of wrestlers from the independent scene and recruit many college athletes and train them in their facilities to make them into wrestlers.
The WrestleMania has come a long way throughout the years where now it even takes two nights for the entire show now. The fans are a big part of this as many fans from around the globe are willing to travel, especially since the company also sponsors meet-and-greets, and other wrestling companies doing shows nearby as a way to take advantage of all the fans flying in.
The significance of WrestleMania is truly based on the fans who have helped make this happen. Without the support of the fans, the wrestlers would not have anyone to show case their talents to.