Jordan MendozaUSA TODAY
When it comes to preparing to face three of WWE’s top superstars at WrestleMania 40, World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins is embracing the physical and mental challenge.
He and Cody Rhodes will have one of the most unique – and perhaps biggest – weekends in WWE history when the two face Roman Reigns and The Rock on night one of WrestleMania before each star competes in their own title match the following night; for Rollins, it’s defending his title against Drew McIntyre on night two.
But that shouldn’t be an issue for someone already giving himself a bold title: “The new Mr. WrestleMania.”
“Nothing against Shawn Michaels. He's incredible, the original Mr. WrestleMania,” Rollins told USA TODAY Sports. “But for my generation, you're looking at my track record, nobody can touch it.”
Rollins gave full insight into how he’s approaching WWE’s grandest event as the company announced its first official energy drink of WWE, C4 Ultimate Energy, which will partner with WWE for its multi-day talent tryout as part of WrestleMania week.
It’s typical for WWE stars to compete on consecutive days with their full-year schedules, with live shows throughout the week in addition to “Monday Night Raw” and “Friday Night Smackdown.” But it’s not often you compete in high-profile matches back-to-back nights on WWE’s grandest stage.
Rollins knows it, but he isn’t shying away from his excitement. He noted this is exactly what he’s been training for in his decade-plus career in the company.
“These matches at WrestleMania, they're not like anything else you're ever gonna see. This is special, it takes its toll on you,” he said. “If anybody on planet Earth is prepared to perform two nights in a row on the grandest stage, it is moi.”
Seth Rollins on facing The Rock
What benefits Rollins during WrestleMania weekend is the familiarity he has with two of his opponents. He of course came up with Reigns as part of The Shield in 2012 and they have had several bouts since, while he’s competed with McIntyre several times in the past year.
But the one “wildcard” is the new TKO Group board member, Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson.
“Anything could happen out there and I gotta be prepared for that,” Rollins said of The Rock.
To be fair, The Rock is a wildcard for most of the WWE Universe despite being a company icon since way before he made the jump to Hollywood. While he looks more than in physical shape, it is unknown how he’ll do in his return to the ring. Technically, The Rock’s last WWE match was a six-second match against Erick Rowan at WrestleMania 32 in 2016, but before that, it was the WrestleMania 29 match against John Cena in 2013.
Eleven years sure is a long time away from competing in a main event match.
“This is not the same dude that was in a WWE ring 10 years ago, 20 years ago. This is a different animal,” Rollins said.
Because of the time off and him being 51-years-old, jokes have been made online about his ability to hold up for the match.
Even with the lengthy time away, Rollins isn’t treating The Rock as a washed up performer. Rollins calls him an “incredible specimen” that is in great shape, and you can’t overlook what he’s capable of doing.
“I'm not going to underestimate him. I'm going to do whatever I can to make sure and treat him like he's the biggest star possible,” Rollins said. "I’m ready for him to be in 100% shape. I'm going to be ready for him to be the very best version of The Rock.
“That's the guy that I want at WrestleMania.”
WrestleMania 40 gear
Since WrestleMania is the biggest stage in WWE, stars will go all-out with extravagant outfits to go with elaborate entrances. Rollins is no exception.
At WrestleMania 39 last year, Rollins had a conductor to lead the crowd in singing his entrance music before he appeared in an elegant, pink, puffy robe complete with pink pants. This time around, two matches in two nights presents a new opportunity for Rollins to break out wild gear.
Rollins confirmed he will have different gear for Saturday and Sunday, but didn’t give exact details as to what it will be. His said his outfit for his WWE World Heavyweight Championship match against Drew McIntyre will be a “pretty special thing.” His reasoning for putting extra emphasis on his title match is because of all the work he’s done to make the championship prestigious.
“You're going to get cool stuff both nights, but I think the World Heavyweight Championship match is going to have an extra little pizzazz to it,” he said.
Seth Rollins on C4 partnership
Rollins didn't pass up a chance to badmouth former rival Logan Paul. The two may no longer compete in the ring, but they have a new business standoff comparing energy drinks.
Rollins called the C4 partnership "fitness and wrestling coming together," while bashing Prime, which also has a deal with WWE, as a "hydration gimmick."
"C4 has cornered the energy market here. Prime just trying to get a little toe in the water," he said. "They ain’t got a chance.”
