Drew McIntyre made history at WrestleMania 40 by defeating Seth Rollins to become the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion. The two stars opened the event in front of a passionate crowd at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field. McIntyre won the title with multiple Claymore Kicks, finally achieving his dream and breaking down in tears of joy. Following McIntyre’s victory, Damian Priest cashed in his Money in the Bank contract on McIntyre, further shaking up the championship picture.
McIntyre’s win over Rollins came less than 24 hours after a grueling main event against The Rock and Roman Reigns. Rollins, who sold a leg injury throughout the match, also showed emotion and congratulated McIntyre on his victory. McIntyre, known for his trolling, made a not-so-subtle reference to CM Punk during the match and continued to taunt Punk after the win. This led to a confrontation with Punk and ultimately a cash-in from Damian Priest, creating additional excitement for the fans.
WWE showcased its cinematic prowess with the compelling storyline between Rollins and McIntyre. Both wrestlers have faced setbacks in the past, with McIntyre winning the WWE Championship in 2020 without a live audience and Rollins overcoming a knee injury that threatened his WrestleMania status. The timing of their rivalry and McIntyre’s rise to the top added layers to their feud, culminating in a dramatic title win and cash-in at WrestleMania.
McIntyre’s journey to the world title took an unexpected turn when CM Punk returned to WWE and initially overshadowed McIntyre’s WrestleMania aspirations. However, Punk’s injury before the event opened the door for McIntyre to step into the spotlight and challenge Rollins for the championship. McIntyre embraced his new role as a wrestling villain, using every tool at his disposal to taunt Punk and push the boundaries of his character. With Rollins playing the straight man in the feud, the addition of Punk as a special guest commentator added an extra layer of intensity and emotion to the rivalry.
In the end, McIntyre’s calculated trolling and relentless pursuit of the title paid off as he defeated Rollins to become the new champion. Damian Priest, who had been holding the Money in the Bank briefcase for nearly 300 days, seized the opportunity to cash in and become a champion himself. The events at WrestleMania highlighted the importance of timing in the wrestling world, as both McIntyre and Priest capitalized on key moments to achieve their goals and create memorable moments for the fans.
