10 New Directions For WWE After WrestleMania 40's Press Conference
Cody Rhodes will finish his story, but WWE has HUGE plans for The Rock and Roman Reigns.
Opinions are already mixed on the success of WWE's WrestleMania 40 press conference on Thursday night. The event wasn't so much a presser as a promo-powered hour of storytelling that set up key matches for Rhea Ripley, possibly Bianca Belair and definitely Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns and The Rock.
Seth Rollins fits in there somewhere too, though there's no doubting his World Heavyweight Title is coming across as a dreaded afterthought at this point. Y'know, something many expressed concerns about when the thing was created last year. Sadly, it looks like Seth will have to play backup to the bigger story involving Cody, Roman and Rocky.
He can still play a part in both nights of 'Mania goodness.
WWE announced brand new shows, brought several favourites back into view as hosts for the evening, and left everyone scrambling for definitive answers. It's now clear that Rhodes will finish his story in Philadelphia after all, but Triple H's creative team fancied exploring possibilities beyond that.
An unlikely tag-team united in defence of family may have formed, and Elimination Chamber is already looking functional more than essential.
Here's everything you need to know!
10. WWE Speed
Say hello to WWE Speed.
A series of five-minute bouts taped exclusively for Twitter/X will debut this spring, and they'll apparently involve wrestlers from all three major brands: Raw, SmackDown and NXT. WWE already has some of these in the can - they held tapings before SmackDown in December, so content is ready to roll out freely.
Winners will receive a point, but losers will be docked one for failing. Time limit draws will result in zero points awarded for both wrestlers. It's an interesting and quirky concept, one clearly designed to capitalise on the shorter attention spans social media throws up.
No, this wasn't an earth-shattering announcement by any means, but it is interesting that WWE chose the 'Mania presser as the right place to dish details on Speed. Triple H will be hoping that this farms even more social engagement for the promotion, and there's no reason to suspect it won't (at least initially whilst the concept is fresh).