Seth Rollins' WrestleMania 36: A Night To Forget?

WrestleMania, the grandest stage of them all, is where legends are made, and unforgettable moments are etched into wrestling history. For Seth Rollins, WrestleMania 36 was neither of those things. It was a night that many fans, and likely Rollins himself, would rather forget. Let's dive deep into what happened, why it didn't quite click, and the aftermath of Seth Rollins' WrestleMania 36 experience.

The Buildup to WrestleMania 36

Before we dissect the match itself, it’s crucial to understand the context and the narrative that led Seth Rollins to face Kevin Owens on that particular night. Seth Rollins had embraced a new persona, transforming from the beloved 'Architect' and 'Kingslayer' into 'The Monday Night Messiah.' This character was complex, delusional, and undeniably captivating.

The Monday Night Messiah: This moniker wasn’t just a catchy nickname; it represented a complete overhaul of Rollins' on-screen identity. He started preaching his vision for WWE, gathering followers (including AOP and Murphy) who believed in his self-proclaimed righteous cause. Rollins saw himself as a necessary evil, someone who would cleanse WWE of its impurities and lead it to a better future.

The feud with Kevin Owens was personal and intense. Owens, always the rebellious and outspoken figure, stood in stark opposition to Rollins' messianic delusions. Owens saw Rollins for what he was: a manipulative egomaniac using faith and rhetoric to control others. Their confrontations were filled with fiery promos and brutal attacks, creating a compelling storyline that had fans invested.

The weeks leading up to WrestleMania 36 saw Rollins and Owens engage in a series of escalating conflicts. Owens consistently challenged Rollins' authority, disrupting his sermons and costing him matches. Rollins, in turn, used his disciples to inflict pain on Owens, attempting to force him into submission. This back-and-forth animosity set the stage for what was expected to be a brutal and cathartic showdown at WrestleMania.

Fans were eager to see Owens finally shut Rollins up and knock him off his high horse. The storyline had all the elements of a classic wrestling feud: a clear-cut villain, a relatable hero, and a deeply personal conflict. Expectations were high that their match would deliver a memorable WrestleMania moment. However, as we’ll explore, the actual match didn’t quite live up to the hype.

The Match: Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens

The match between Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 36 was undoubtedly unique, but not necessarily in a good way. Held in the empty WWE Performance Center due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the atmosphere was surreal. The lack of a live audience significantly impacted the energy and feel of the match. While both Rollins and Owens are incredibly talented performers, the absence of crowd reactions made it difficult to build momentum and create the kind of drama that WrestleMania is known for.

The match itself was a mixed bag. It started with some solid wrestling, with both men exchanging holds and strikes. Rollins, playing the arrogant Messiah, taunted Owens and attempted to control the pace. Owens, fueled by his hatred for Rollins, responded with aggressive attacks and relentless determination. However, the match never truly reached the high gear that fans were anticipating.

A turning point occurred when Owens, frustrated with Rollins' tactics, struck him with the ring bell. This act led to Owens' disqualification, meaning Rollins technically won the match. However, Owens wasn't satisfied with a simple DQ victory for Rollins. He demanded that the match be restarted as a No Disqualification match, and Rollins, ever the arrogant one, accepted the challenge.

The No Disqualification stipulation opened the door for more intense and brutal action. Owens immediately capitalized, unleashing a barrage of attacks on Rollins. He used the environment to his advantage, throwing Rollins into the barricades and delivering devastating moves. The highlight of the match came when Owens climbed to the top of the WrestleMania sign and delivered a thunderous frog splash onto Rollins, who was positioned on the announce table below.

Ultimately, Owens defeated Rollins, but the match felt somewhat underwhelming. The lack of a crowd and the somewhat convoluted finish left many fans feeling unsatisfied. While both men worked hard, the circumstances surrounding WrestleMania 36 made it difficult for them to deliver a truly memorable performance.

The Impact of an Empty Arena

It's impossible to discuss Seth Rollins' WrestleMania 36 experience without addressing the elephant in the room: the empty arena. The COVID-19 pandemic forced WWE to hold WrestleMania 36 at the Performance Center with no live audience. This unprecedented situation had a profound impact on the entire event, and the Rollins vs. Owens match was no exception.

The absence of a crowd sucked the energy out of the building. In wrestling, the audience plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative and amplifying the drama. The cheers, boos, and chants provide feedback to the performers, helping them gauge what's working and what's not. Without that feedback, it's much harder to create a compelling and engaging match.

The empty arena also affected the pacing and structure of the match. Wrestlers often rely on crowd reactions to build momentum and create anticipation for big spots. In the absence of a crowd, they have to work much harder to generate that excitement. This can lead to a more methodical and deliberate style of wrestling, which may not always translate well on television.

Moreover, the lack of a live audience exposed the artificiality of professional wrestling. Without the roar of the crowd to mask the sounds of grunts, slams, and commentary, the illusion of realism is diminished. This can make it harder for viewers to suspend their disbelief and become fully invested in the match.

Despite these challenges, Rollins and Owens did their best to adapt to the circumstances. They worked hard to create a compelling match, but the empty arena ultimately limited their ability to deliver a truly memorable WrestleMania moment.

The Aftermath and What's Next for Rollins

Following his loss to Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 36, Seth Rollins continued to evolve his 'Monday Night Messiah' persona. The defeat didn't derail his character; instead, it fueled his messianic delusions. Rollins doubled down on his rhetoric, claiming that he was being tested and that his vision was more important than ever.

Rollins' feud with Owens continued for several weeks after WrestleMania, with both men engaging in intense battles on Monday Night Raw. However, the storyline eventually fizzled out as WWE moved on to other feuds. Rollins then set his sights on other targets, including Drew McIntyre, who was the WWE Champion at the time.

One of the most notable moments in Rollins' post-WrestleMania 36 career was his feud with Rey Mysterio. This storyline became incredibly personal and at times, bizarre, involving Mysterio's son, Dominik. Rollins portrayed a dark and sadistic character, even going so far as to seemingly injure Mysterio's eye in a gruesome attack.

This feud with the Mysterio family further cemented Rollins as one of the top heels in WWE. He embraced the villainous role and relished the opportunity to generate heat from the audience (when they eventually returned to live events). Rollins' ability to draw strong reactions from the crowd is a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft.

Eventually, Seth Rollins transitioned away from the 'Monday Night Messiah' character and adopted a new persona: 'The Visionary.' This new iteration of Rollins is still arrogant and self-assured, but he's also more focused on his own success and legacy. He's become one of the most popular and successful performers in WWE, consistently delivering captivating matches and storylines.

Final Thoughts

Seth Rollins' WrestleMania 36 match against Kevin Owens was a unique and challenging experience. The empty arena significantly impacted the atmosphere and feel of the match, making it difficult for both men to deliver a truly memorable performance. While the match had its moments, it ultimately fell short of expectations.

Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, Rollins continued to evolve his character and establish himself as one of the top stars in WWE. His ability to adapt and reinvent himself is a testament to his talent and dedication. While WrestleMania 36 may not be a highlight of his career, it served as a valuable learning experience and helped shape the performer he is today.

So, while Seth Rollins' WrestleMania 36 might be a night he'd rather forget, it's also a reminder of his resilience and ability to thrive in the face of adversity. And that, guys, is what makes a true wrestling superstar! He took a tough situation and turned it into an opportunity for growth, proving that even on the grandest stage, the show must go on, and Rollins will always find a way to steal it.