Seth Rollins' WrestleMania 36: The Monday Night Messiah's Crusade
WrestleMania 36, a unique chapter in WWE history, unfolded under unprecedented circumstances. While the absence of a live audience due to the global pandemic created an unusual atmosphere, the Superstars of WWE delivered memorable performances. Among them was Seth Rollins, then embracing his controversial "Monday Night Messiah" persona. Let's delve into Seth Rollins' WrestleMania 36 journey, exploring his character arc, the build-up to his match, the match itself, and its aftermath.
The Monday Night Messiah: A Descent into Delusion
Seth Rollins' transformation into the "Monday Night Messiah" was a slow burn, evolving from a beloved babyface into a self-proclaimed savior of WWE. This character shift was marked by a messianic complex, with Rollins believing he was on a righteous mission to rid WWE of its perceived evils. He assembled a devoted following, including Murphy (now Buddy Matthews) and AOP (Akam and Rezar), who carried out his bidding with unwavering loyalty. Rollins preached about leadership, sacrifice, and a new vision for WWE, all while exhibiting increasingly erratic and dictatorial behavior. His sermons became a staple of Monday Night Raw, often filled with cryptic messages and self-aggrandizing pronouncements.
The brilliance of the "Monday Night Messiah" character lay in its ability to provoke strong reactions from the audience. Some fans were genuinely intrigued by his charismatic delivery and the underlying message of change, while others vehemently rejected his arrogance and perceived hypocrisy. This division fueled intense rivalries and made Rollins one of the most compelling figures on WWE television. His promos were masterclasses in manipulation, blurring the lines between reality and kayfabe. He skillfully used religious imagery and rhetoric to amplify his message, further solidifying his messianic persona. Rollins' ability to seamlessly transition between moments of genuine conviction and outright villainy made him a captivating and unpredictable performer. The storyline also allowed for exploration of themes such as blind faith, the dangers of unchecked power, and the corrupting influence of ego. Rollins' portrayal of a man consumed by his own delusions was both unsettling and fascinating, cementing his place as one of the top heels in the industry.
The Collision Course: Rollins vs. Owens
The seeds of the Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens rivalry were sown months before WrestleMania 36. Owens, a natural rebel and staunch opponent of authority, quickly became a thorn in Rollins' side. He saw through Rollins' messianic facade and refused to be swayed by his promises of a better WWE. Owens challenged Rollins' hypocrisy at every turn, leading to heated confrontations and escalating violence. The animosity between the two men grew increasingly personal, with Rollins targeting Owens' friends and allies. Owens, in turn, vowed to expose Rollins as a fraud and bring his reign of terror to an end.
The build-up to their WrestleMania encounter was a masterclass in storytelling. Rollins and Owens engaged in a series of intense promos, each man trying to undermine the other's credibility. Physical altercations were frequent, with both Superstars laying waste to each other in brutal brawls. The involvement of Rollins' disciples, Murphy and AOP, further complicated matters, as they often interfered in Owens' matches. One memorable moment saw Owens handcuffed to the ropes while Rollins and his followers mercilessly beat him down. This act of brutality solidified Rollins' villainous status and fueled Owens' desire for revenge. The personal nature of the rivalry added a layer of intensity to their matches. Rollins and Owens have a history of delivering memorable performances together, and their WrestleMania clash was highly anticipated by fans. The contrast in their characters – Rollins, the self-proclaimed savior, and Owens, the defiant rebel – made for a compelling narrative. Their clash represented a battle between two opposing ideologies, with the future of WWE hanging in the balance.
WrestleMania 36: The No Disqualification Match
WrestleMania 36 saw Seth Rollins face Kevin Owens in a No Disqualification match. This stipulation perfectly suited the volatile nature of their rivalry, allowing both men to unleash their full arsenal of weapons and tactics. The match was a brutal and chaotic affair, with neither Superstar willing to back down. Rollins and Owens traded blows with reckless abandon, using chairs, tables, and anything else they could get their hands on. The absence of disqualifications meant that Rollins' disciples, Murphy and AOP, were free to interfere, further tilting the odds in his favor. However, Owens proved to be a resilient opponent, weathering the storm and fighting back with unwavering determination.
A pivotal moment in the match occurred when Rollins attempted to use a steel chair on Owens. However, Owens managed to evade the attack and seized the chair himself, delivering a series of vicious blows to Rollins. The momentum shifted in Owens' favor, and he began to dominate the match. He unleashed a barrage of offense, culminating in a devastating Stunner that nearly secured the victory. However, Rollins managed to kick out at the last possible moment, demonstrating his incredible toughness. The match reached its climax when Owens lured Rollins to the WrestleMania set and delivered a thunderous Pop-up Powerbomb onto a stack of production cases. This brutal maneuver finally put Rollins down for the count, giving Owens the hard-fought victory. The match was a testament to the incredible athleticism and storytelling abilities of both Superstars. They pushed each other to their limits, delivering a performance that was both physically and emotionally captivating. The No Disqualification stipulation allowed them to fully express their animosity, creating a match that was both violent and memorable. The victory was a significant one for Owens, as it marked a turning point in his career and solidified his status as one of the top babyfaces in WWE.
The Aftermath: A Fall from Grace?
Following his loss at WrestleMania 36, Seth Rollins' "Monday Night Messiah" character began to unravel. The defeat exposed the cracks in his messianic facade, and his followers started to question his leadership. Murphy, in particular, grew increasingly disillusioned with Rollins' methods, eventually turning against him and aligning himself with Rey Mysterio. Rollins' descent into madness continued in the months following WrestleMania. He engaged in a heated feud with the Mysterio family, culminating in a gruesome "Eye for an Eye" match at The Horror Show at Extreme Rules. The storyline drew criticism for its graphic nature and perceived lack of sensitivity.
Rollins' character eventually underwent another transformation, as he began to acknowledge his past mistakes and seek redemption. He distanced himself from the "Monday Night Messiah" persona and started to show glimpses of his former self. This transformation paved the way for his eventual return to the babyface side, where he has once again become one of the most popular Superstars in WWE. Looking back, Seth Rollins' WrestleMania 36 journey was a pivotal moment in his career. It marked the culmination of his "Monday Night Messiah" character arc and set the stage for his subsequent transformation. While the circumstances surrounding WrestleMania 36 were unusual, Rollins delivered a memorable performance that showcased his incredible talent and versatility. His rivalry with Kevin Owens was a highlight of the show, and their No Disqualification match was a brutal and captivating affair. Despite the eventual demise of the "Monday Night Messiah" character, Rollins' WrestleMania 36 journey remains a significant chapter in his illustrious career.