The Road to WrestleMania refers to the timeframe between January and early April each year when WWE builds storylines and airs matches that set up the top matches for its biggest event, WrestleMania. This is when feuds are built up through promos, matches, and other segments on WWE’s weekly TV shows like Raw and SmackDown to get fans invested in characters and storylines leading up to WrestleMania.
When does the Road to WrestleMania start?
The Road to WrestleMania officially begins each year with the Royal Rumble pay-per-view event which takes place in late January. The Royal Rumble match features 30 WWE superstars competing with the winner getting a title shot at WrestleMania. This really kicks off the build to WrestleMania as storylines start to take shape.
What are the key events on the Road to WrestleMania?
There are several major events that take place during the Road to WrestleMania timeframe:
- Royal Rumble – Late January
- Elimination Chamber – February
- Fastlane – Early March
- WrestleMania – Early April
The Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and Fastlane pay-per-views all feature matches that help determine the WrestleMania card. There are also various other live events and TV shows like Raw and SmackDown where storylines further develop.
How do feuds build during this time?
Feuds and storylines build through a combination of matches, promos, backstage segments, and other angles on weekly TV and pay-per-view. For example:
- Promos – Wrestlers cut promos (interviews) to explain their motivations and directly address their rivals.
- In-Ring – Wrestlers have matches against each other or allies to gain momentum.
- Run-Ins – One wrestler may attack another after a match to gain an advantage.
- Backstage Segments – Rivals get into confrontations backstage to increase tensions.
This allows fans to get invested in the rivalry through the progression of the story over 2-3 months. The WrestleMania match becomes the climax of the storyline.
What are some of the biggest WrestleMania feuds from the Road to WrestleMania?
Here are some of the most memorable WrestleMania feuds that were built up during the Road to WrestleMania timeframe:
| Year | Feud |
|---|---|
| 1998 | Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Mr. McMahon |
| 2001 | The Rock vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin |
| 2004 | Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Benoit |
| 2007 | John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels |
| 2015 | Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar |
What happens at WrestleMania?
WrestleMania is WWE’s biggest show of the year. It is where all the storylines and feuds that were built up from January through early April culminate in huge matches. WrestleMania generally features 8-12 marquee matches with all the major WWE titles defended. Some key things that happen:
- Major feuds see a climax with a big match blowoff at WrestleMania.
- Titles like the WWE Championship and Universal title are defended.
- There are surprise returns and special attractions like legends returning for a match.
- WrestleMania is where legacies are created as wrestlers have career defining performances.
With its elaborate sets, pyro, and attractions, WrestleMania feels like the Super Bowl of professional wrestling and ends the Road to WrestleMania with a bang.
What happens on the Raw after WrestleMania?
The Raw after WrestleMania begins a new season for WWE as storylines reset with wrestlers having new feuds and directions. This Raw tends to feature returns, NXT call-ups to the main roster, and shock moments with fans excited for what’s next after WrestleMania resolves the past feuds.
What are the key storylines for this year’s Road to WrestleMania?
Based on current WWE TV, some of the likely top matches and storylines building for WrestleMania 39 in 2023 include:
- Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
- Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch
- Seth Rollins vs. Cody Rhodes
- Bobby Lashley vs. Bray Wyatt
- Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley for the SmackDown Women’s title
These major feuds are likely to see their climax at WrestleMania 39 in April 2023 after building through the Road to WrestleMania events in the coming months.
How can I watch the Road to WrestleMania?
The primary shows that feature the Road to WrestleMania storylines are:
- Raw – Airs live on Monday nights on USA Network
- SmackDown – Airs live on Friday nights on Fox
- Pay-Per-Views – Major PPV events air live on Peacock in the U.S. and WWE Network internationally.
Raw and SmackDown feature weekly storyline progression while the PPVs like Royal Rumble and WrestleMania are the major tentpole events. Fans can watch these shows live on cable or streaming platforms to follow the Road to WrestleMania from January through April.
Conclusion
The Road to WrestleMania refers to the exciting build-up period on WWE programming from January through early April. Feuds and storylines progress through promos, matches, and segments on weekly shows like Raw leading up to the climactic blowoffs at WrestleMania. Marquee matches are made and tension builds through events like the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber. WrestleMania delivers the payoff for fans invested in these stories. The Road to WrestleMania is the most exciting time to be a WWE fan, culminating in the spectacular Showcase of the Immortals at WrestleMania which finishes off existing feuds and sets the stage for new ones in the upcoming year.