Seth Rollins' WrestleMania 36: A Night To Remember!
WrestleMania 36, held in the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, was a unique event in WWE history. Among the many memorable matches and moments, Seth Rollins' clash with Kevin Owens stood out. This article delves into the details of that encounter, exploring the build-up, the match itself, and its aftermath. We'll examine how this particular WrestleMania moment fits into Seth Rollins' illustrious career and its impact on the broader wrestling landscape. So, buckle up, wrestling fans, as we take a trip down memory lane to revisit Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 36!
The Road to WrestleMania 36: Rollins vs. Owens
The rivalry between Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens leading up to WrestleMania 36 was a slow-burning feud that gradually intensified, captivating audiences with its blend of personal animosity and high-stakes competition. It all began in late 2019 when Seth Rollins, after a somewhat turbulent run as a babyface Universal Champion, embraced a new persona as the 'Monday Night Messiah.' This character saw Rollins adopting a holier-than-thou attitude, positioning himself as a leader and visionary who believed he was guiding WWE towards a better future. He began to assemble a group of followers, including AOP (Akam and Rezar) and later Murphy, to enforce his vision.
Kevin Owens, on the other hand, had always been a defiant and anti-establishment figure. He saw through Rollins' messianic facade and took it upon himself to expose Rollins' hypocrisy. Owens viewed Rollins' actions as nothing more than a power grab fueled by ego and manipulation. He couldn't stand by and watch Rollins gain more influence within WWE, so he decided to take a stand. The conflict between the two started with heated verbal exchanges, with Owens directly challenging Rollins' motives and methods. Owens accused Rollins of being a false prophet and a fraud, someone who was only interested in self-aggrandizement.
As the weeks went by, the rivalry escalated into physical confrontations. Owens found himself constantly battling Rollins' disciples, AOP and Murphy, in handicap matches and tag team bouts. Despite the odds, Owens managed to hold his own, showcasing his resilience and determination. However, the numbers game often proved too much, and Rollins and his followers would frequently gain the upper hand through nefarious tactics. These attacks only fueled Owens' anger and solidified his resolve to take down Rollins at WrestleMania. A pivotal moment occurred when Rollins and his group brutally attacked Owens, leaving him lying injured in the ring. This act of violence served as the catalyst for their WrestleMania showdown, with Owens promising to exact revenge on Rollins for his actions. The personal nature of the feud, with its underlying themes of betrayal, manipulation, and redemption, resonated with fans, making their match at WrestleMania 36 one of the most anticipated contests on the card.
The Match: A No Disqualification War
The match between Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 36 was a brutal and hard-hitting affair, perfectly fitting the No Disqualification stipulation. From the opening bell, both men wasted no time in unleashing their aggression, turning the contest into a chaotic brawl that spilled all over the ringside area. Rollins, with his calculated and methodical approach, targeted Owens' weakened body, using a variety of strikes and submission holds to wear him down. Owens, fueled by adrenaline and a burning desire for revenge, responded with a barrage of his signature moves, including cannonballs, superkicks, and the pop-up powerbomb.
The match quickly devolved into a weapons-filled spectacle. Rollins introduced chairs into the equation, delivering vicious blows to Owens' back and legs. Owens retaliated with a kendo stick, raining down a series of strikes on Rollins' body. Both men took turns using the environment to their advantage, slamming each other into the barricades, steel steps, and even the announce tables. A particularly memorable spot saw Owens hitting Rollins with a devastating DDT onto the exposed concrete floor outside the ring. This risky maneuver showcased the extreme lengths to which both men were willing to go to secure the victory.
As the match reached its climax, Owens found himself in a precarious situation. Rollins, with the help of Murphy, managed to handcuff Owens to the ring ropes, leaving him defenseless. Rollins then proceeded to unleash a relentless assault, battering Owens with a series of chair shots. However, Owens refused to stay down, using his resilience and determination to withstand the punishment. In a surprising turn of events, Owens managed to break free from the handcuffs and deliver a low blow to Rollins, taking advantage of the No Disqualification rules. With Rollins incapacitated, Owens seized the opportunity to climb to the top of the WrestleMania set and deliver a death-defying frog splash onto Rollins, crashing through the announce table below. This incredible display of athleticism and risk-taking sealed the victory for Owens, as he pinned Rollins to end their intense and personal rivalry.
The Aftermath: What Happened Next?
Following his victory over Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 36, Kevin Owens continued his momentum as a prominent babyface on Monday Night Raw. He engaged in several high-profile feuds, including a notable rivalry with Randy Orton, where he showcased his resilience and determination against one of WWE's most cunning veterans. Owens' victory over Rollins at WrestleMania solidified his position as a top-tier performer and further endeared him to the WWE Universe. The feud with Rollins, though concluded at WrestleMania, had a lasting impact on Owens' character, adding depth and complexity to his persona.
For Seth Rollins, the loss at WrestleMania 36 marked a turning point in his character arc as the 'Monday Night Messiah.' While he initially maintained his cult leader persona, the defeat at the hands of Owens began to sow seeds of doubt and vulnerability within his character. Rollins continued to lead his disciples, Murphy and AOP, but his aura of invincibility had been shattered. He entered into a feud with Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship, but he was ultimately unsuccessful in dethroning the Scottish Warrior. The loss to Owens forced Rollins to re-evaluate his approach and eventually led to a gradual shift away from the 'Monday Night Messiah' gimmick. He eventually embraced a new character, becoming the 'Visionary' and adopting a more flamboyant and unpredictable persona.
The WrestleMania 36 match also had implications for the other performers involved in the storyline. Murphy, who had been a loyal follower of Rollins, eventually broke away from the 'Monday Night Messiah' and aligned himself with Aleister Black. This split led to a brief but intense feud between Murphy and Rollins, with Murphy seeking to prove that he could succeed on his own without Rollins' guidance. The AOP, on the other hand, suffered a series of injuries that sidelined them for an extended period, derailing their momentum as a dominant tag team. Overall, the WrestleMania 36 match between Rollins and Owens had a ripple effect on the careers of all the performers involved, shaping their storylines and trajectories in the months that followed.
Seth Rollins' WrestleMania Legacy
Seth Rollins' WrestleMania legacy is one of consistent high-performance and memorable moments. While WrestleMania 36 might not be his most celebrated WrestleMania moment, it's an important chapter in his overall story. Looking back, guys, it's clear that Seth Rollins has consistently delivered on the grandest stage of them all. From his show-stealing performance in the triple threat match at WrestleMania 31, where he cashed in his Money in the Bank contract to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, to his Intercontinental Championship victory over Finn Balor at WrestleMania 34, Rollins has always risen to the occasion. Even in defeat, as in his match against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 35, Rollins has demonstrated his ability to tell compelling stories and captivate audiences.
Rollins' willingness to evolve his character and embrace new challenges has been a key factor in his success at WrestleMania. Whether he's playing the role of a valiant babyface or a cunning heel, Rollins has always committed himself fully to his character, delivering believable and engaging performances. His athleticism, in-ring skills, and charisma have made him a perennial favorite among fans, and his WrestleMania appearances are always highly anticipated. WrestleMania 36, while unique due to the circumstances, still showcased Rollins' ability to adapt and deliver a compelling performance, even in the absence of a live audience. It served as a reminder of his status as one of WWE's top performers and solidified his place in WrestleMania history.
So, there you have it, folks! A look back at Seth Rollins' WrestleMania 36 match against Kevin Owens. It was a brutal battle that showcased both men's talent and cemented their place in WrestleMania history. What are your favorite Seth Rollins WrestleMania moments? Let us know in the comments below!