11 Times WWE Was Better Than Literally EVERYTHING
3. Damian Priest Cashes In
A wonderful confluence of events that would only be matched by the main event on the same evening, WrestleMania 40's opener and post-match events was a toast to just how switched on the company's creative team was heading into 2024's 'Show Of Shows'.
To recap; Seth Rollins was going into his World Heavyweight Championship match against Drew McIntyre injured, having partnered Cody Rhodes the night before against The Rock and Roman Reigns. McIntyre had carried around his own regrets about not being able to win the big one in a stadium setting, but never had the situation suited his quest more. In a pulsating all-bombs opener, he got it done, and all while fierce rival CM Punk watched from the sidelines in a commentary role he was forced into thanks to 'The Scottish Warrior' injuring him at the Royal Rumble.
Life was ostensibly perfect for the new Champion, but arrogance overtook him at the sight of the 'Straight Edge Superstar'. McIntyre taunted Punk with the belt until Punk revealed he was fitter than he was letting on. 'The Voice Of The Voiceless' struck, pulling off the heavy duty arm support to beat Drew with it after the new titleholder had already fallen hard onto the announce desk. This, seemingly, was Punk's revenge for the night but worse was to come. In a gorgeous bit of framing to pay-off a longstanding meme gag about The Judgment Day theme interrupting folk, the 'Other Side' hit as the beatdown concluded, and Damian Priest arrived to claim his prize.
Drew was beaten with the South Of Heaven, but he got so high off the move that he was only just South of it at the peak. Babyfaces and heels alike got untold redemption, a new titleholder was crowned and given the best possible jumping off point, and WWE's feud of the year enjoyed another dramatic twist. And all in the opening half an hour of WrestleMania. Pro wrestling perfected.