5 reasons why Kofi Kingston will win at WrestleMania

4. It makes narrative sense

In professional wrestling, the hero prevails. It’s why we tune in. It’s escapism from the unjust hardships of reality. Our favorite may get knocked down again and again, but eventually they will overcome and the villain will receive their due comeuppance. We can’t necessarily count on seeing it in life, the arc of the moral universe being long and all, but in our stories, the simulacra of the squared circle, the payoff is typically inevitable. We, as audience members, need that cathartic moment when our hero, our favorite character we identify with, relate to or wish we were, finally conquers their obstacles; it’s inspiring and fulfilling. Neglecting to provide the audience that isn’t artsy or postmodern, it’s sadistic.

Yes, there’s money in the chase, and delayed gratification is so much sweeter than immediate. However, the time is now for Kingston to finally get justice for all the kayfabe atrocities he’s endured. There is no offseason in professional wrestling, and WrestleMania is as close as WWE gets to a season finale. Like the WrestleMania 20 slogan stated, “WrestleMania is where it all begins again.” It’s usually the culmination of the year’s storylines, leading to a fresh reset; it’s why new Superstars debut and why the draft or shakeup always occurs immediately afterward. If this is where the story ends, our hero needs to ride away victorious.

If they plan on dragging out the Kingston storyline until SummerSlam or later, then a point could be made that he doesn’t need to win now, but the WWE needs to strike while the iron’s hot. Don’t wait until the audience has cooled, or until father time takes its toll on an already 11-year veteran. Besides, how many more times can we watch Kingston fight the lockerroom? Kingston’s story needs a just ending, and he needs it where it matters most: WrestleMania.