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WrestleMania 41: A Night of Glory, Grievances, and Ghosts of the Great One
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Are we on course to become cyborgs?

Original Post date: 8th Oct 2020

If that sounds like a headline from the National Enquirer, it’s not.

AI Illustration of a future human and machine cyborg

The industry that creates wearable tech has boomed over the last few years. Fitbits, for example, are no longer a luxury but an essential item for anyone keen to improve their health. 


For parents obliged to stand on the side-lines as their child practises their football skills—typically, early doors on a weekend morning—you can wear ‘smart’ clothes…hats, gloves and or fleeces/gilets with integral heating to keep you toasty.


Smartphones parade as fashion watches. Google Glass (smart glasses) allow you to scroll the internet whilst you walk. Gloves and suits exist that allow gaming enthusiasts to further absorb themselves into their games via virtual reality.


Think of the amputees with robot-like hands and legs – technology can go as far as an entire exoskeleton, almost like Robocop. According to the military, a technologically-enhanced skeleton-like frame that’s worn on the outside of the body would greatly improve someone’s prowess in combat. Apparently, the suit would make them stronger and more able to carry supplies from camp to camp; I presume it would also protect them from certain angles – should bullets hit their metal skeleton, they’d ping off in another direction, which means less chance of being wounded in gunfire.


All of these examples assume the user wears the technology on the outside of their body. For some people, however, they’re willing to go one step further. 


Old school 1950's style Robot in a American Cafe

A recent poll carried out by cybersecurity company Kaspersky, which interviewed members of the public across Europe, found that some of them would be willing to endure a ‘body upgrade’ or enhancement. This could be anything from microchips inserted under the skin that holds their financial information and identification details, to supplies of preventative ‘smart drugs’, that could help make an individual immune to cancer.


How much tech would we be prepared to insert into/onto our bodies before we become more machine than human? Are cyborgs really only found in science fiction books? 


The survey showed that almost two-thirds of those interviewed (63%) would be prepared to augment – or upgrade, as they prefer to see it - their bodies with technology. Our European cousins are also far keener than us Brits on the subject; only a quarter of British respondents entertained the idea.


Future style Cyborg

According to Marco Preuss, Kaspersky’s European Director of Global Research, fans of technological/physical upgrades are “keen to test the limits as to what’s possible.” But at what point would they consider stopping? Could someone actually stray into cyborg territory?


Bionic eyes are already a ‘thing’, used to treat optical issues and degeneration. As is the 3D printing of certain body parts, e.g. hearts, lungs and kidneys, using stem cell technology and the advancements in printing. Body parts now grown in labs include fully-functioning ears, bladders…and vaginas. 


Perhaps it’s easier to consider an artificial body part if your original one fails. And I can understand smart drugs in a world where cancer is as rife as it is. Inserting chips under my skin just in case I forget my car keys or bank card may be a step too far for me personally, particularly given that you…YOU, not your laptop or phone…could be hacked. 


Would you be up for it? Let us know your take on things - Tweet us at @intheknowemag

WrestleMania 41: A Night of Glory, Grievances, and Ghosts of the Great One

WrestleMania 41: A Night of Glory, Grievances, and Ghosts of the Great One

23 April 2025

Paul Francis

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Cheers and Chants, Boos and Tweets: The Verdict is In

WrestleMania 41 came, saw, and - depending on who you ask - either conquered expectations or crumbled beneath the weight of its own spectacle.


Crowd fills a brightly lit arena for WrestleMania. Large stage and ring centered, vibrant colors, excitement in the air.
Image of Wresltemania 32 by Miguel Discart from Bruxelles, Belgique

Fans around the world were quick to voice their thoughts, and they weren't shy about it. Social media was ablaze the moment the lights dimmed in Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium. From historic highs like John Cena’s record-breaking win to eyebrow-raising absences (we're looking at you, Rock), the WWE Universe had plenty to celebrate - and criticise.


Some called it the most emotionally charged 'Mania in years, others dubbed it overbooked chaos wrapped in celebrity fluff. Either way, WrestleMania did what it always does: dominate the cultural conversation.


What Is WrestleMania, Anyway?

Wrestler Cody in ornate gold and blue costume kneels, smiling with bright lights behind. Energetic mood, gold eagle shoulder decoration.
Photo by Diego Serrano

WrestleMania isn’t just a wrestling event - it’s the wrestling event. Dubbed the “Grandest Stage of Them All,” it’s WWE’s annual Super Bowl, Oscars, and rock concert rolled into one.


Since its debut in 1985, WrestleMania has been the launchpad for legends, dream matches, and moments that define eras. Who can forget Hulk Hogan slamming Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III? Or Shawn Michaels' emotional farewell at XXVI? More recently, Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair made history in 2021, lit up the world with representation and power.


In essence, WrestleMania is where the myths of pro wrestling are born.


WrestleMania 41: The Good, the Bad, and the Confusing

The Good?

  • John Cena’s 17th World Championship had the crowd exploding. History was made, and even sceptics had to admit - it was a goosebumps moment.

  • CM Punk’s return to the WrestleMania main event, complete with tears backstage and emotional callbacks, reminded fans why he’s one of the most compelling figures in wrestling.

  • Dominik Mysterio unexpectedly won fans over with his Intercontinental Title victory - perhaps turning a new page with the WWE Universe.

  • And perhaps the biggest surprise of all: TNA World Champion Joe Hendry making his WrestleMania debut against Randy Orton. While the match was relatively short, it became one of the most talked-about moments of the night. The crowd sang Hendry’s entrance theme in full twice, and the "Say His Name and He Appears" catchphrase rang through the stadium like a battle cry. Hendry lost the match to Orton, but it hardly mattered. In that moment, he arrived. The crossover moment was unexpected, refreshing, and hinted at WWE’s increasingly open door to the wider wrestling world.


The Bad?

  • Matches like Jey Uso vs. Gunther felt rushed and disjointed, leaving fans scratching their heads.

  • Becky Lynch’s surprise tag title win (replacing Bayley last-minute) drew ire from fans who saw it as behind-the-scenes politicking.

  • Travis Scott’s heavy involvement in the event’s climax had some fans wondering if the show had veered too far into pop culture stunt casting.


But all of this paled in comparison to the elephant in the ring...


Where Was The Rock?

Heading into WrestleMania 41, the anticipation of a clash-or at least an appearance-from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson had been built up for months. From his involvement in earlier segments, to backstage teases, to his apparent alignment with The Bloodline… fans were ready. The table was set.


Then he didn’t show.


The reaction? Volcanic.


On Twitter (now "X"), #WhereIsTheRock trended before the show even ended. Fans speculated everything from creative disputes to last-minute schedule conflicts. Some believed The Rock opted out to allow Cena the spotlight, as later confirmed in interviews, but that explanation didn’t sit well with many who had bought into the storylines building to a showdown.


More than just a missed cameo, The Rock’s absence left a gaping hole in the narrative. Story arcs were left dangling, tensions unresolved. And while Cena’s record-breaking moment was monumental, a large segment of the audience couldn’t shake the feeling of what could have been.


Fan Voices: Mixed But Passionate

“Cena breaking Flair’s record was incredible. But The Rock going ghost? It’s like watching Avengers: Endgame without Iron Man.” — @HeelTurnTim
“WrestleMania is about moments, and this one had a few. But it also had a few missed ones that sting more than they should.” — Reddit user ‘SuplexSavage’
“Punk crying backstage, Cena rewriting history… yeah, I’ll remember this one for a while. Just wish The Rock hadn’t vanished.” — @WrestleMama
“Joe Hendry at WrestleMania singing with the crowd? I didn’t have that on my 2025 bingo card. TNA just got a whole lot more eyes on them.” — @VoiceOfKayfabe

Final Bell: Legacy in the Balance

WrestleMania 41 will be remembered - no question about it. Whether as a triumphant milestone or a missed opportunity depends on where you were sitting, and maybe who your favourite is.


It was a reminder that pro wrestling isn’t just about who wins the match, but who shows up at all.


And next year? Well, let’s just say fans will be watching the horizon for one very famous eyebrow to finally raise again.

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