A few memorable moments took place during the 40th version of WrestleMania but no doubt that the last match was thrilling and deserving to mark the end of Roman Reigns’ incredible reign as WWE Champion. The eagerly anticipated event saw Cody Rhodes become the first champion in a match surprisingly influenced by an unexpected return to form for all-time-great, The Undertaker.
The comeback of the deceased
The fans were astounded to see The Undertaker return to the ring again after a long time, and he only took retirement once prior from professional wrestling. The main event also saw a shocking appearance as he emerged from the shadows and delivered a vicious chokeslam to The Rock, who was there to support Roman Reigns which resulted in open jaws across the WWE Universe. The crowd went wild when the Undertaker entered the ring, creating a memorable WrestleMania comeback.
The backstage story revealed
In a recent podcast with Demetrious Johnson, the current ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion, The Undertaker disclosed the behind-the-scenes story of his unexpected return. Johnson, known for his curiosity and engaging interviews, asked how the wrestling legend orchestrated his surprise appearance. The Undertaker shared an amusing anecdote, saying, “It must have been late Tuesday night when I got a call from Triple H. He goes, ‘We’re thinking about this thing, and your name’s come up.’”
He went on to describe the moment he got the call, “On Sunday, I was in the suite with my family and friends, watching it. Suddenly, I sensed my phone vibrating, so I checked it. I’m confused. I put my phone up and said, ‘I’ll be back in a little bit.’ She knew what it meant.”
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An unrehearsed performance
During the podcast, Johnson asked if The Undertaker had practiced his dramatic entrance and chokeslam on The Rock, leading to an interesting twist. Surprisingly, The Undertaker disclosed that he had executed the act without practicing beforehand, an impressive accomplishment given his age and the physical requirements of professional wrestling. At the age of 59, his capacity to put on such a show without rehearsing proves his long-standing talent and expertise in the boxing arena.
Demetrious Johnson’s potential challengers
While the podcast provided an inside look at WrestleMania’s backstage dynamics, it also highlighted Demetrious Johnson’s current status in the MMA world. As the reigning ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion, Johnson remains a coveted target for potential challengers. One such contender is Jarred Brooks, the former ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion.
Jarred Brooks sets his sights
Brooks, eager to reclaim his title after a controversial disqualification loss to Joshua Pacio, is now focused on defeating Cuban sensation Gustavo Balart in the upcoming ONE Interim Strawweight MMA World Championship. In an interview with MMA Junkie Radio, Brooks expressed his ambitions, stating, “If I beat Demetrious Johnson, it will just bring my name up way, way higher in the echelon of mixed martial arts and combat sports world.” He further added that a victory against Balart would solidify his position as the best flyweight across PFL, UFC, and ONE Championship.
Fan reactions and prospects
There is a lot of talk in the wrestling and MMA circles about these possible fights. Many fans are excitedly talking about the chance of Brooks taking on Johnson, with lots of them questioning if Brooks can defeat the champion. At this moment, Demetrious Johnson has not given an official response to Brooks’ challenge, creating anticipation among fans.
The impact of Wrestlemania 40
WrestleMania 40’s unexpected twists and legendary returns have set the stage for an exciting future in both WWE and MMA. The Undertaker’s return, orchestrated in secrecy and executed without rehearsal, has reignited interest in his legacy. In the meantime, the expected clash between Johnson and Brooks offers the prospect of another intense competition in the realm of mixed martial arts.
Keep following for further updates on these evolving stories as we consistently provide you with the most recent news from the realms of professional wrestling and MMA.