WWE fever is through the roof as we draw closer to the most exciting wrestling weekend of the year. WrestleMania 42 is a little over a week away. If the excitement wasn’t high enough, the company has also confirmed the matchcard and announced the breakdown for each night.
Although there was little doubt that Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk would main-event WrestleMania Sunday, there was less clarity about the headlining act of Mania Saturday. Given the epic buildup to their dream match, many fans wanted Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi to main-event Night One. In their defense, that was an understandable motive.
However, Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton (with Pat McAfee) is expected to headline Mania 42 on Saturday. Meanwhile, Lesnar vs. Femi will open Night Two. In WWE’s defense, booking the Beast vs. the Ruler as the opener of WrestleMania Sunday is the correct decision for three reasons.
#3. WWE Needs a Banger to Open WrestleMania Sunday
While the main event slot carries the most importance and prestige, the significance of the opener cannot be discounted. The first match of the show often sets the tone for the evening and injects excitement into the crowd. A fun opening match prepares the crowd for the ultimate thrill ride filled with exciting twists and amazing matches.
For example, WrestleMania 31 is renowned for its epic main event and “The Heist of the Century.” However, it was the thrilling 7-man Intercontinental Championship Ladder match that set the tone for the rest of the show. Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi can play a similar role on Mania Sunday.
The Ruler and the Beast Incarnate will not wrestle a technical classic. This will be an absolute war between two of the biggest and baddest stars on the planet. The crowd will be red hot for both men. Furthermore, the physicality and brutality will keep the crowd hooked and prepare Vegas for the rest of the show.
#2. Oba Femi vs Brock Lesnar Will Stream Live on ESPN
As mentioned previously, WWE has confirmed the match card and daily run-downs for Night One and Night Two, respectively. The first hour of WrestleMania Sunday will stream live on ESPN. Thus, Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi and the Intercontinental Title Ladder match will feature on the platform.
Naturally, more eyes will be on the show during the first hour. Hence, a larger section of the WWE Universe will be able to view the colossal dream encounter between the Ruler and the Beast Incarnate. If the company’s presentation of Femi is any indication, they are clearly building the former NXT Champion as a major star of the future.
Hence, from a business perspective and long-term strategy, it makes sense for Lesnar and Femi to open on Sunday. Many casual fans will be seeing Femi for the first time, so they could see him up close doing what he does best.
#1. The Shock Factor Needs to Hit Early
Sometimes, saving the best for the last isn’t a wise strategy. Surprises and early WrestleMania moments inject excitement into the show. Mania XL will be universally praised for its cinematic ending, but nothing can be taken away from Damian Priest’s epic cash-in on Drew McIntyre.
Therefore, it helps to increase the energy level earlier in the show. When Lesnar appears, the mood changes and the energy spikes rapidly. Pairing Lesnar’s vibe with Oba Femi’s unpredictable dominance is a recipe for chaos. Given that both men are indestructible forces, fans will be treated to an epic, high-octane brawl.
Each German Suplex will have the crowd on the edge of their seats. They will scream with immeasurable joy when Femi Clotheslines Lesnar to the mat. However, a potential “Fall From Grace” will leave the fans gasping for air and give them an epic WrestleMania memory.
