Breaking News: WWE WrestleMania 28 Poster Leaked

WrestleMania XXVIII might be over six months away, but don't tell the WWE that! The company began promoting the event a mere day after WrestleMania XXVII with the clash of the century:

The Rock versus John Cena in an epic collision pitting the past, present and torch-bearer of the "Attitude" era going mano-a-mano with the leader of the "WWE Universe."

Now the poster has leaked, and compared to years past, its purpose is to exclusively underscore the main attraction than highlight the usual collage of WWE Superstars.

It is simple without being simplistic and effective without being gaudy. Only two men are featured, facing each other with one eye seemingly on the prize, the other eye glaring intently at the opposing combatant.

From within The Rock emanates the heat of Miami, scorching, sweltering hot and proud vis-a-vis the calm, blue equilibrium of a preparedly reserved John Cena once again in enemy land.

Video game gumshoes might find the image eerily reminiscent of the Street Fighter and (especially) Mortal Kombat "versus" snapshots, precursors to the fights to follow. One particular reference that stands out is the homage paid to "Sub-Zero" vs. "Scorpion." These characters were (and still are) uncanny, otherworldly, and omnipotent.

The Rock and John Cena's characters similarly transcend their human exteriors as modern-day warriors of the galaxy and the universe beyond, both comprised of equal parts myth, legend, and icon.

The two might be cut from the same cloth but they are shaped from a different mold, making their impending collision all the more compelling.

A polarized divide will be vociferous on April 1st, 2012, each side endorsing its own hero, but for different reasons...

Whose side will you be on?