WWE WrestleMania 40 Press Conference Results from Las Vegas

The first major WWE WrestleMania 40 press conference began on February 8 in the middle controversy involving The Rock, Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns.

At the end of the press conference, Roman Reigns, referring to Cody Rhodes as Mr. Hesitation, chose The Rock as his opponent at WrestleMania 40. This brought out Cody Rhodes, who challenged Reigns to the main event of WrestleMania. Michael Cole announced that it will be Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship at WrestleMania. It was also strongly suggested that The Rock is also in the main event picture.

The Rock’s latest surprise return sparked speculation that the 51-year-old WWE legend and TKO board member would headline WrestleMania 40 in Rhodes’ place. This led to ubiquitous vitriol and global outrage Addressed to The Rock. Under fire for the last few days, which even included the return of “rocky sucks” chants, a heeled Rock responded today on Pat McAfee’s show by calling out Rhodes’ fervent audience “Cody Llorones.“

No one really knows the direction of WrestleMania 40, including Dave Meltzer, who has “reported” every possible scenario just to cover his bases. The #WeWantCody movement has been a boon to WWE’s viewership and interest, and his initial WrestleMania press conference added direction to the main event picture.

Results from the start of WWE WrestleMania 40

After a video package, with a reference to the Yes Movement, WWE began its WrestleMania press conference. Michael Cole opened the press conference, accompanied by Pat McAfee, Big E and “AJ Lee’s husband” CM Punk.

Every reference to The Rock was loudly booed and included a dueling chant of “we want Cody-Rocky Sucks!” The Cody Crybabies reference was also booed.

After a backstage report from Jackie Redmond and a few words from Paul Heyman, Heyman reminded the crowd that even though everyone is talking about The Rock and Cody Rhodes, everyone is talking about who will headline WrestleMania against Roman Reigns.

Triple H appears live

Triple H talks about the history of WrestleMania dating back to WrestleMania 1, to WrestleMania broadcast on CCTV, to the PPV and finally streaming on Netflix.
NFLX
as part of $5 billion deal.

Triple H said it’s a new time, a new era and a completely new WWE. He promised that “you haven’t seen anything yet.”

Triple H signs off with his signature “Are you ready?!” slogan.

Bianca Belair speaks

Bianca Belair appeared during Super Bowl week to talk about WWE’s Super Bowl, WrestleMania.

Belair promoted her Hulu show Love and WWE, and talked about how she made history at WrestleMania 37 with Sasha Banks, who became the first black woman to headline WrestleMania.

Belair talked about her undefeated record at WrestleMania to applause, but she is not currently a champion. Someone shouted “okay!” and she said “that is well.” Belair teased that she is going after a championship and will likely compete in the Elimination Chamber.

Rhea Ripley faces Becky Lynch

Rhea Ripley received a standing ovation amid cheers and described herself as the most dominant women’s champion of all time. She seemed legitimately taken aback by the number of “Mommy” chants she received.

Ripley promoted her upcoming match against Nia Jax (boos) in Australia and said she’ll be ready for whoever wins. This caused the appearance of Becky Lynch.

The fans sang Lynch’s song while Becky was almost as finished as Ripley.

Lynch promoted the possible confrontation between her and Ripley, which she called “Mommy vs. The Man.” After more “Mommy” chants, Lynch said that she has made a legendary career of knocking the golden girls out of their top spots, and that Mommy will find out what it’s like to be in last place. The two face off as WWE announces their next segments.

Cody Rhodes and The Rock will headline WrestleMania 40 against Roman Reigns

Seth Rollins appeared next and said he wanted to know the main event of WrestleMania. While trying to introduce Cody Rhodes, Rollins was interrupted by Roman Reigns.

Las Vegas recognized Reigns with cheers and brief chants of “Tribal Chief.” This led to a confrontation between Reigns and Rollins, who opened the festivities by saying “he showed up for work once.” Reigns responded and said that Rollins showed up to work at his wife’s place. The two spoke to each other before Reigns continued calling Rhodes “Mr. Hesitation.” As a result, Reigns said tonight that he chooses who will face him in the main event of WrestleMania, and he chooses The Rock.

The Rock came out, dressed all in black, to accept the challenge. Rocky received mostly applause, but was booed the moment his music stopped. Amidst the boos, there were some “Rocky” chants mixed with “Cody” chants.

Rock made his “finally” line as anticipation grew. Rock asked if the fans thought he was going to beat the Tribal Chief and chanted “we want Cody!” Rock asked if fans thought this would be the biggest main event in WWE history and was booed.

A frustrated Rock introduced the Cody Crybabies to the press and the millions of viewers at home. High boos. Rock showed the crowd his family bloodline tree and was booed even more. Rock also had to fight against the chants of “what”.

Rock seemed to go full speed as he told the crowd “if you don’t think Rock vs. Roman isn’t the biggest main event in WrestleMania history… it doesn’t matter what you think.”

The Rock said whether fans like it or not, Rock and Roman are in the biggest main event in WrestleMania history: linked by blood. Then he hugs Roman Reigns.

Cody Rhodes comes out to massive applause. Rhodes said, “This right here is nonsense.”

Rhodes said it’s not Reigns’ decision to choose who he faces at WrestleMania. Rhodes then said that he had made the decision for him. At WrestleMania 40, in the main event, he chooses Roman Reigns. The fans erupt in cheers with poor Seth Rollins standing to the side, forgotten.

Reigns told Rhodes to go to the losers’ bracket with the “green doll (Rollins).”

Reigns called Rhodes’ father irrelevant, and Rhodes responded by telling Reigns that he doesn’t have family, he has bullies. And none of them have been cooking for two years. Rhodes said that if Reigns’ grandfather or Peter Maivia were here, they would be ashamed of Roman Reigns.

Heel Rock said that when Cody talks about Reigns’ family, he’s talking about The Rock’s family. When he talks about Reigns’ ancestors, he’s talking about Rock’s ancestors. When he talks about Reigns’ blood, he’s talking about Rock’s blood. Rock proceeded to slap Rhodes as a scuffle broke out.

Rollins and Rock got into a shouting match as Seth stormed off and the crowd booed The Rock out of the damn building. Without fake reporters being blocked by wrestlers who don’t respect them, this was the biggest press conference in WWE history.

After the press conference, The Rock and Triple H had bad words with each other during a backstage segment. And the road to WrestleMania looks to be wild.