WrestleMania 40 was a changing of the guard moment for WWE. Throughout WrestleMania week in Philadelphia, the talking heads like Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, Pat McAfee, and Nick Khan invaded a calculated batch of generous media outlets to tell the world that not only is Vince McMahon gone, but that the company is in wonderfully successful hands without him.
A new era
It was a new era. Triple H, Stephanie, and the on-air announcers made that exact declaration on television as thousands roared in approval as hoped. Cody Rhodes defeated Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania Sunday and secured his spot not only as champion, but as the face of the new era in WWE. It was Rhodes on Today the morning after WrestleMania — not Roman Reigns. Not Triple H. Not The Rock. Cody. Reports indicated that Rhodes sold over $1 million in merchandise over the week — a massive number and statistical proof that WWE had the new cart attached to the right horse.
Amidst the elation of Roman Reigns losing the championship to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania, one moment caught my eye and distracted me from the excitement and Rhodes celebration happening in the ring.