The time is nearly here for the highly anticipated bout between Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn at the 2023 WWE Elimination Chamber PLE for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title.
In recent weeks, there has been much debate among fans regarding how WWE should handle the booking of this match with some even pushing for WWE to add Zayn to the already announced bout between Reigns and Cody Rhodes for the title at WrestleMania 39 in April.
In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that the original plan for Reigns vs. Zayn at the WWE Elimination Chamber PLE was for Reigns to retain the title.
The idea was for Jey Uso to turn against Zayn at the show, leading to Reigns retaining and Zayn teaming with Kevin Owens to challenge The Usos for the Undisputed Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania.
The Usos can travel to Canada for the show even though WWE shot an angle last week where they were told to stay home.
Things Have Changed
Meltzer wrote that “a lot has changed since that time” with Zayn becoming “major TV ratings mover” in recent months. The belief is that Zayn beating Reigns would be a “late deviation of the script. Meltzer wrote the following about the situation:
“It’s tricky for a lot of reasons, because Zayn does not fit into the mentality of what a mainstream ratings mover looks like, nor has his booking been what traditionally leads to it. It just happened, and it not handled right, it could end. Maybe it would have ended with a win as well, because the chase is over and maybe it was the build to the angle and chase that were the draws. Either way, this is the first booking decision in a long time that can actually make a difference to full show ratings.”
Reigns is a heavy betting odds favorite at -2000 to beat Zayn at the Elimination Chamber.
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns is on the roll of his career after reaching yet another milestone as the promotion’s top star.
Reigns returned from a hiatus (stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic) at Summerslam 2020 and captured the WWE Universal Champion a week later.
Since then, the Tribal Chief has maintained an iron grip on the title, and this week, reached 900 days with the gold.
At WrestleMania 38, Reigns unified the title with the WWE Championship (won from Brock Lesnar) and is on day-320 as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
Roman Reigns Reacts
For Roman Reigns, reaching milestones such as these has become a common occurrence, and the Tribal Chief often reacts to his accolades on social media.
In a tweet, Reigns said that fans were given plenty of notice that such an impressive reign was coming for him.
In addition to this record, Reigns has not been pinned in 1,160 days, with the last time his shoulders were on the mat for the three-count coming at WWE: TLC 2019.
What’s Next for Roman Reigns?
Tomorrow night, Reigns will make his latest title defense, this one being against Sami Zayn in the latter’s hometown of Montreal.
Despite Sami having the home-field advantage, Reigns remains the firm favorite, and if victorious, will go on to defend his title at WrestleMania 39 against Cody Rhodes.
There has been speculation that Zayn’s popularity with fans could force WWE to make a triple-threat match at WrestleMania 39, an idea 16-time World Champion Ric Flair recently spoke out against.
Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn participated in a highly praised segment on this week’s episode of Raw, but Roman Reigns is not impressed.
This week’s episode of the Red Branded Show saw Zayn jumping the barricade once again. He called out Rhodes and asked if Cody really believes Sami can beat the Tribal Chief at Elimination Chamber.
The American Nightmare said that it doesn’t matter what anyone else believes. He said that he is here to finish his story and told Zayn to finish his own.
This segment between the two title challengers received high praise from the fans but it failed to impress the WWE Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion.
Roman Reigns posted a message on Twitter saying that everybody thinks they’re the guy until they meet the guy. He targeted Sami Zayn in the video, saying he’ll see the Honorary Uce in Montreal:
“If you gotta have a pep rally to convince each other that you can beat me? You don’t stand a chance. I’ll see ya in Montreal.”
Cody Rhodes will be main eventing WrestleMania 39 after winning the Royal Rumble. Sami Zayn on the other hand, is set to challenge Reigns for the Undisputed titles this Saturday, February 18 at Elimination Chamber from Montreal, Canada.
Cody Rhodes vs. Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.
Cody Rhodes Vs. Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Sami Zayn.
Why not both?
Since winning the Men’s Royal Rumble match last month, it has been known that the American Nightmare will challenge for WWE’s richest prize at WrestleMania 39, but who he’ll face remains uncertain.
Elimination Chamber
At this time, the WrestleMania 39 main event will see Rhodes attempt to dethrone Reigns and end his historic reign as WWE’s sole World Champion.
Before that though, Reigns will defend his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Sami Zayn at this weekend’s Elimination Chamber event.
During last week’s Raw, Rhodes said he believes Zayn can defeat Reigns in Montreal, and reiterated that point this week in a face-to-face segment with Sami.
Triple Threat
While the Royal Rumble winner has traditionally competed in singles action at WrestleMania, Rhodes is open to the idea of facing both Zayn and Reigns in Los Angeles.
“I don’t really have a preference [between Reigns and Zayn.] Solely because I want to wrestle the best. People wanted a contender forever. So if two show up, don’t be mad. Don’t make it about A or B, or B or A, or one or two. Enjoy it all. That’s really been kind of the challenge. I can’t begrudge a dude getting super hot. I have no preference in terms of the direction it goes.
“I have no preference in terms of the direction it goes.”
Cody Rhodes.
“I really look forward to the moments when I’m in there, if they happen, Sami, whether that’s just on the road to WrestleMania. I think it’s different than people think. I think he’s doing amazing.”
Rhodes remained aware that what happens this Saturday at WWE Elimination Chamber could significantly affect his WrestleMania future.
“I feel like I’ve been able to really do some great stuff too. So bring it all together. Who knows what happens in Montreal? Who knows what happens at WrestleMania?”
Cody Rhodes.
If WWE does have a triple-threat match at WrestleMania, it will be the eighth time the stipulation will be used at a WrestleMania for a World Championship (2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2014, 2015-albeit thanks to Seth Rollins, and 2021.)
Eric Bischoff has become the latest individual to heap praise on the Bloodline, considering the popular faction to be better than the New World Order.
The NWO changed the wrestling landscape forever upon the group’s inception in 1996, ushering in the concept of the ‘cool heel.’
Much like Hogan in 1996, Roman Reigns’ heel turn in 2020 breathed new life into a character that fans had already turned on due to their strong babyface booking.
Better
While Bischoff played a large backstage role in the formation of the NWO (and would later be an on-screen member) he has now acknowledged the Tribal Chief.
Speaking on his 83 Weeks Podcast, Bischoff compared the two factions that have dominated their respective eras.
“The truth is The Bloodline story, in terms of a storyline in and the ingredients and the elements and the discipline and the structure and the nature of it, is a far better story than the NWO. Will it have the same impact on the industry as the NWO did? Probably not. But, that has a lot to do with timing.”
“The Bloodline story, in terms of a storyline… is a far better story than the NWO.”
“There are so many things that made the NWO work, including Hulk Hogan turning heel, by the way. There were so many things that were just a moment in time that helped propel that storyline at that, that time that you can’t replicate that today.”
While WWE tried to recapture the magic of the NWO upon the return of Hogan, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash in 2002, the group was gone within months.
The Bloodline has been suffering some issues themselves as of late, with the exit of Sami Zayn and the seeming departure of Jey Uso.
WWE had an important objective to achieve in booking Cody Rhodes and Paul Heyman’s memorable in-ring segment on Monday’s Raw.
Rhodes has a one-way ticket to the main event of WrestleMania Goes Hollywood. As of this writing, he’s scheduled to challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. Of course, Sami Zayn is the X-factor that could change everything when he challenges Reigns for the titles at Elimination Chamber in less than two weeks.
We’re most likely going to see Reigns vs. Rhodes at WrestleMania, but WWE has to walk a thin line and make sure this long-planned bout is not derailed by Zayn’s surging popularity.
On the Feb. 7 episode of Monday Night Raw, Rhodes addressed the Orlando, Florida crowd. While he was talking, Heyman came out to continue the build for Rhodes’s match against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39. Rhodes and Heyman got personal because of Heyman’s history with Cody’s father, Dusty.
The segment struck a chord with WWE fans and created anticipation for the inevitable confrontation between Rhodes and Reigns. According to Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer, it’s reported that the segment was made to make the WrestleMania 39 match the primary focus for fans.
This was done because they were well aware of how hot the Sami Zayn thing is, and it was imperative to not have this WrestleMania main event angle feel secondary. So they knew going in that they had to do something. And they did.
– Dave Meltzer
He added, “It’s very important to the entire company that the Cody match is not the secondary match. But it’s also important that people don’t look at it as a competition between the two of them (Rhodes and Zayn), and then the people get behind Sami Zayn, and then that screws up Cody as a babyface.”
Walking a Fine Line with Rhodes & Zayn
WWE is entirely behind Rhodes vs. Reigns for the Undisputed Universal Championship at WrestleMania 39. However, they will first have Reigns defend the title against Zayn in his home country of Canada at Elimination Chamber on Feb. 18. The WWE fans are behind Zayn. Still, they also support Rhodes and seem to look forward to the WrestleMania match.
It seems WWE is in a good position with two great babyfaces. WWE may have already figured out a way to get to Rhodes vs. Reigns without the fans complaining about Zayn. However, we will have to wait and see how the story will transpire.
WWE was set to introduce a new World Champion at WrestleMania 39, had plans with The Rock not fallen through.
Last year, it was reported that WWE was actively pursuing the Great One for a match with Roman Reigns, a bout both men have teased over the years.
In January 2023, The Rock informed WWE that he does not believe there is time for him to prepare sufficiently for a match this April.
New Championship
It was at WrestleMania 38 last April that WWE made the much-contested decision to unify the WWE and Universal Championships.
Not long after, it was reported that the USA Network was unhappy with the move, given that Reigns, now WWE’s sole World Champion, was making few appearances on Raw.
On the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer explained that in the event of Rock Vs. Reigns, a new title was going to be created.
That title would allow Cody Rhodes to win on Night One, while leaving Reigns free to defend the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against his cousin on Night Two.
Meltzer added that other names considered to be the holder of this new World Championship included Drew McIntyre and Seth Rollins.
What Now?
With the match between The Rock and Roman Reigns not happening (this year at least) then WWE does not need to create a title to avoid Rhodes defeating Reigns.
While many expect that the American Nightmare will be the one to dethrone Reigns this April, this will still leave WWE with one World Champion, much to the chagrin of those at the USA Network.
On this week’s Raw, Rhodes and Reigns’ Special Counsel Paul Heyman had an emotional in-ring promo that caught the attention of Cody’s brother, AEW’s Dustin Rhodes.
WWE is doing serious business on the road to WrestleMania 39, but who are the biggest names when it comes to merchandise?
These days, merchandise sellers may not be WWE’s primary source of income (thanks to the promotion’s lucrative TV deals and Saudi contract) but still earn WWE a hefty sum.
More important merchandise sellers are a quantitative way for WWE to see who is the most popular among the fans.
Top Merchandise Sellers
With WrestleMania 39 drawing near, every WWE Superstar will hope to get the attention of the promotion’s higher-ups by moving a serious amount of merchandise.
On the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer named the stars who are shining above the rest of the roster in terms of merch.
“A lot of the big characters are very over when it comes to selling merchandise right now. Bray Wyatt, Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, I’m sure Sami Zayn. They’re hot. That’s the deal. Things look good for them going into WrestleMania season.”
Dave Meltzer.
WrestleMania 39
We already know plans for two of WWE’s top merch sellers for WrestleMania, as Cody Rhodes will challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal title this April.
As for Sami Zayn, it has been rumored that he and Kevin Owens will challenge Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos at WrestleMania 39.
It’s worth bearing in mind that these rumors began before Jey’s exit from the Bloodline at last weekend’s Royal Rumble event.
As for Bray Wyatt, all signs are pointing to an eventual clash with Uncle Howdy (played by his brother Bo Dallas) at WrestleMania.
Sami Zayn’s turn at the end of Royal Rumble 2023 captivated the 51,000+ fans in the Alamodome, millions watching worldwide, and the WWE roster and crew.
In the main event, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns retained his title against Kevin Owens, and the Bloodline continued their beatdown post-match.
When Zayn refused to attack his best friend, he instead struck Reigns with a steel chair, and was beaten down by the Bloodline (sans Jey Uso) for his insubordination.
Curtain Sellout
The main event of WWE Royal Rumble 2023 and what transpired after the match has been heralded by many as some of the company’s best storytelling in years.
The segment was also a hit backstage, with Fightful Select reporting that it was a “curtain sellout” with wrestlers and the crew gathering around monitors to see what happened.
It has been reported that WWE’s plan for this angle will see Zayn challenge the Tribal Chief at next month’s WWE Elimination Chamber event, in Sami’s hometown of Montreal.
During this week’s Raw, 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble match winner Cody Rhodes confirmed his plans to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 39.
Rumble Backstage
After the disaster of last year’s Royal Rumble (which resulted in Shane McMahon being fired) a lot was riding on this year’s event.
Fightful adds that the mood backstage was “very laid back” and that the children of several wrestlers were having fun behind the scenes.
The WWE Royal Rumble Premium Live Event went a bit over time, as it was scheduled for four hours and lasted four hours and 12 minutes.
WWE has set up two of the bigger matches slated to take place at WrestleMania 39.
On Monday’s episode of WWE Raw, it was confirmed that Roman Reigns will defend the Undisputed WWE Universal Title against Cody Rhodes and Charlotte Flair will defend the SmackDown Women’s Title against Rhea Ripley.
Rhodes won the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match while Ripley won the Women’s Royal Rumble Match this past Saturday night.
The Segments
In the opening segment of the show, Rhodes name-dropped Reigns in his post-Royal Rumble victory promo by noting that they will clash at Mania. He vowed to become the Undisputed WWE Champion Universal Champion.
Later in the show, Rhea did a promo segment where it was hyped whether she would challenge Flair for the top prize for the women on SmackDown or challenge Bianca Belair for the Raw Women’s Title. Ripley decided to go to the blue brand and Flair’s title. This is a rematch from WrestleMania 36 where Flair retained the NXT Women’s Title over Ripley.
WWE Hall Of Famer Kurt Angle believes WWE should utilize Seth Rollins more.
Angle recently took to his podcast, “The Kurt Angle Show,” and was asked about who he’d like to share the ring with if he got to have one last match. The Olympic Gold medalist chose Seth Rollins as a prime option, heaping a ton of praise on “The Architect.”
In fact, Angle explained that he doesn’t believe WWE utilizes Rollins to his potential, believing he should be in a similar spot to that of Roman Reigns.
“I really, really like Seth Rollins. I love the character he’s doing right now, the flamboyant thing,” Angle said. “He is such a great wrestler, such a great talent. I know the company has utilized him a lot the past couple of years. But I think they don’t utilize him enough. I think he should be where Roman Reigns is — on top all of the time.”
Rollins participated in this past weekend’s Men’s Royal Rumble match and put on quite the performance. However, he was eventually eliminated by Logan Paul. Rollins is still featured as one of the top stars on Monday Night RAW at the moment.
With WrestleMania 39 right around the corner, it will be interesting to see what plans the professional wrestling juggernaut have in store for the former World Champion at “The Show Of Shows.”
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns will seek to remind Sami Zayn who is the Head of the Table next month at WWE Elimination Chamber.
At last weekend’s Royal Rumble event, Zayn’s tenure as the Honorary Uce ended when he refused to attack Kevin Owens, and instead struck Reigns with a steel chair.
This moment of victory for Zayn was short-lived, as he was attacked by Reigns, Jimmy Uso, and Solo Sikoa immediately after.
Elimination Chamber Main Event
Reigns has been on the roll of his career since capturing the Universal Championship at Payback 2020, but Zayn is hoping to prevent the Tribal Chief from entering his third consecutive WrestleMania as Champion.
Dave Meltzer reports that the main event of the upcoming show will see Zayn challenge Reigns for the title, in Sami’s hometown of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Though Meltzer said that plans are as always, subject to change, he said that major changes to plans have been far less frequent since Triple H’s appointment as Head of Creative.
Next month’s event will be the first WWE Premium Live Event to take place in Montreal since Breaking Point in September 2009.
WWE Elimination Chamber 2023 will take place on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
Sami Zayn: Can He Do It?
A year ago, the idea of Sami Zayn dethroning Roman Reigns was laughable, but there has been a growing consensus that this could happen.
Not only will the Canadian have the home-field advantage, but Zayn’s popularity has proven to be undeniable in recent weeks.
Many have compared Zayn today to Daniel Bryan circa 2014, and believe WWE may push him to the top as the crowd remains firmly on his side.
There’s also the factor of Cody Rhodes (the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble winner) who has been one of WWE’s top babyfaces since returning to the promotion.
WWE runs the risk of fans turning on Rhodes (a la AEW) if they push him instead of Zayn, and ironically, it was WWE’s steadfast focus on pushing Reigns as a babyface that caused the fans to turn on him.
WWE superstar Cody Rhodes wants fans to know he is sorry for his injury from last year.
Rhodes shocked wrestling fans when he wrestled injured against Seth Rollins at Hell in a Cell on June 5, 2022. He hurt himself while lifting weights, resulting in a torn pectoral muscle. Despite the injury, Rhodes competed in a Hell in a Cell match and defeated Rollins.
While fans have praised Rhodes’s effort in the match, he wants his supporters to know he is sorry for the injury. In the post-royal rumble press conference on Jan. 28, Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp asked Rhodes about the injury, and the WWE superstar apologized for getting hurt.
“…I do want people to know I’m really sorry. I’ve never been hurt; I felt genuinely bulletproof. I’m very sorry that I got hurt, and it happens right, but I’m just glad that I had the chance to go out. …Once a doctor says it can’t get hurt any worse, then I have to be out there. Chicago means so much to me, and I’m myself on the chair, and I’m so embarrassed and defeated. Half my body is no longer functioning. I know that match registers with people and I really appreciate it. It doesn’t register with me, because that’s what I’m supposed to do.”
-Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes and Triple H
Triple H Praises Cody Rhodes’s Return From Injury
Although Rhodes is apologetic about his pectoral injury, Chief Control Officer Triple H has praised Rhodes for his return and how he dealt with the injury. After Rhodes, the press conference, Triple H credited the WWE superstar’s dedication.
“…Going through what he did for all of us, for this industry, for himself, I know what’s the like. I’ve been in that spot. Unfortunately, a few different times, and I can admire what goes in with that, and for him to turn that around and come back tonight and do what he did is amazing in it of itself,” said Triple H. He also added that Rhodes is a special talent and human being.
WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H doesn’t believe The Rock will be at WrestleMania 39 in April.
The spectacular event will be a two-night show held at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on April 1 and 2. Wrestling fans were excited over the speculation that The Rock could be competing at this year’s WrestleMania. He has become a dream opponent to challenge the current Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns.
With the event in California, fans were ready to see “The Great One” return to WWE. However, it doesn’t seem like that will happen this year. In a press conference after the Royal Rumble, TV Insider Scott Fishman asked Triple H about The Rock’s involvement at WrestleMania 39. The Chief Content Officer revealed that the superstar isn’t available.
“…I know for him, and I know his family, his background, and everything, there is a part of him that if he could be here for this WrestleMania in Hollywood, he would turn over every stone and walk through fire to be able to do it if he could. I just don’t think it is in the cards, but then again, you don’t know,” said Triple H.
He added The Rock is always in talks about a return, and he could come back when he wants. Triple H also said, “…I think that respect factor works both ways that he wouldn’t want to do it unless he could absolutely do it. There is no way he would half-ass it. There’s no way he would show up here and not come in and want to put every single thing he had into it.”
What’s Next For Roman Reigns?
Wrestling fans may be unable to see The Rock challenge Reigns at WrestleMania 39.
However, they will get a chance to see Cody Rhodes challenge the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion at “WrestleMania Hollywood.” Rhodes earned his opportunity by winning the Royal Rumble match on Jan. 28. It’s unclear if the Royal Rumble winner will challenge for both titles or just the WWE Championship. Rhodes has spoken in the past about wanting to be the WWE Champion, which his father wasn’t able to do.
Reigns also have unfinished business with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. He defeated Owens at this year’s Royal Rumble event but gave him an extra beat down after the match. When Reigns asked Zayn to attack Owens, Zayn refused and the champion in his back with a chair. Zayn’s actions led to The Bloodline beating him up to the event. It’s possible WWE could have Owens and Zayn try to get their revenge on the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
Although The Rock will not be involved in this year’s WrestleMania event, WWE seems to have exciting plans in store for its fans.
Roman Reigns made his latest title defense as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion against Kevin Owens, a rematch two years in the making. However, it was the post-match angle that had people talking.
The title match at Saturday’s WWE Royal Rumble premium live event featured a back and forth affair to start things off. Although Owens got the upper hand after hitting a back splash on the floor, Reigns took over with a slower pace.
Owens did manage to hit a frog splash off the apron to the floor before getting back into the ring where Reigns connected with a powerbomb for 2. Reigns missed a spear, leading to a superkick and swanton bomb by Owens for 2. Owens missed a moonsault and Reigns hit a spear for 2. There was a referee bump. Although Zayn got a chair as Reigns asked him to do so, Owens managed to hit a stunner for 2. Reigns speared him through the barricade, bounced Owens’ head off the steel steps and hit a spear for the win.
Post-match, The Bloodline beat down Owens. Zayn pleaded with Reigns to top the attack. Reigns wanted Zayn to hit Owens with the chair. Zayn hit Reigns in the back. Reigns, Solo and Jimmy Uso beat down Zayn, but Jey walked out.
In recent months, Owens has been a thorn in the side of Reigns and The Bloodline. At Survivor Series: WarGames, Owens was on the opposite team, although he fell short thanks to Sami Zayn.
At the 2021 Royal Rumble event, Owens and Reigns battled in a Last Man Standing bout, but dealt with interference from The Bloodline and other factors, eventually leading to his loss against “The Tribal Chief.”
Roman Reigns has spoken candidly about the possibility (or lack thereof) of facing his cousin The Rock at WrestleMania 39.
A showdown between the two members of the Anoa’I family has been a dream match for years, and it was reported last year that WWE was actively pursuing the match.
The Rock’s most recent match was an eight-second win over Erick Rowan in 2016, while his most recent full match saw him lose to John Cena at WrestleMania 29.
Roman Reigns
While The Rock Vs. Reigns was once considered a virtual lock for WrestleMania, that is no longer the case.
Earlier this month, it was reported that The Rock has informed WWE that he does not believe there is enough time for him to prepare for the Mania match.
Speaking on the Tonight Show to promote tonight’s Royal Rumble, Reigns addressed the match seemingly being off the table.
“I believe he just came out with a statement saying that he’s not gonna be ready in time, which, that’s the face that everyone’s making, like, ‘Hold on! He trains every single day. He’s huge!’ In his defense, it’s one thing to train with weights, the bodybuilding, the look, the part… but, to be able to get in the ring and do a main event match, a championship match, it takes a lot of conditioning, it beats up your body.
“So there’s more that goes into it than training in the weight room. It’s a professional athlete type of situation where you have to condition. He does two out of three things perfectly. His nutrition and weight training is on point, but you have to condition yourself, you gotta be ready to fall down.”
With The Rock not expected at WrestleMania, (and therefore tonight’s Rumble) other favorites to win the Men’s Rumble match include Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn.
Reigns will defend the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship tonight against Kevin Owens.
This isn’t what fans had originally expected, as many believed it would have been Reigns Vs. The Rock, but that match is now unlikely to happen.
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said there has been talks in WWE about Austin facing Brock Lesnar this April.
“The match that was pitched was not with Roman Reigns. It was Brock Lesnar, but as you can tell, pretty much from the show tonight [Raw is XXX] it’s not happening. It’s not on. Something could happen now [but it’s not on at this time.]”
Dave Meltzer.
Meltzer added that talks of Lesnar Vs. Austin is nothing new and was happening backstage as far back as early December when reports broke that Lesnar Vs. GUNTHER was the WrestleMania plan.
“It’s been talked about, probably for months. Because I know when they had that Brock Lesnar-GUNTHER thing came up, I was told immediately it’s not happening, or that’s not the idea right now. Maybe it’s going to happen. But the idea [for Lesnar’s WrestleMania opponent] was a secret. Austin was that secret.”
Lesnar Vs. Lashley
On last night’s Raw 30th anniversary episode, Brock Lesnar made his TV return, costing Bobby Lashley a shot at the U.S. title.
On his show, Meltzer said that all signs are pointing to Brock Vs. the All Mighty at WrestleMania.
“The match is not on. It looks like it’s going to be Lesnar with Lashley, based on the show tonight. I don’t have that confirmed if it’s a WrestleMania match. Obviously, both will likely be in the Rumble, probably feud. Whether that means Montreal where the Pay-Per-View is there [Elimination Chamber 2023] or WrestleMania, I don’t know, but it seems like it’s probably something to do with WrestleMania.”
When speaking about Roman Reigns and a potential match with Austin, Meltzer said we should have a clearer picture after this weekend’s Royal Rumble.
“As far as Roman Reigns goes, I don’t know, but I figure that whatever Roman Reigns’ situation [for WrestleMania] will be, we will know on Saturday night, based on who wins the Rumble match.”
Although WWE didn’t get their dream match between The Rock and Roman Reigns, the company has tried to make another major match happen. This time it features Steve Austin.
As previously reported, The Rock indicated that he wouldn’t be in ring shape in time for the match at WrestleMania 39 in April. The company knew about this for a while.
Fightful Select reports that a pitch was made internally for a “huge opponent” for Austin, and that was Reigns. The report noted, at the very least, Austin’s camp was approached with the possibility of it happening, which was said to have been for “enormous” money.
Past Talks
Last summer, it was reported that Austin was approached with a deal that wasn’t as appealing from a financial standpoint. After speaking with those in WWE, they claimed they hadn’t heard back on whether the most recent offer was accepted. One source indicated that another “big name” was offered in the months prior.
It was previously reported by WrestlingNews.co in December that the internal plans for top WrestleMania title matches called for Drew McIntyre/Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins one night and TBD/Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns another night.
Austin came out of retirement last year for a match against Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 38.
Factors beyond WWE’s control led to the Bloodline Acknowledgement Ceremony scheduled for tonight’s Raw being scrapped.
The segment was promoted as featuring every generation of the Anoa’I wrestling family, in a ceremony focussed on Roman Reigns.
Last week, WWE announced that the segment had been replaced with ‘The Trial of Sami Zayn.’
Scrapped
WWE’s promise of every generation of the Bloodline appearing had fabs excited, but it was a promise the company couldn’t deliver on.
In an F4WOnline update, Dave Meltzer reported that a series of absences ultimately led to WWE ditching the ceremony.
It is noted that the Wild Samoans (Afa and Sika) were originally going to play a large part in the ceremony, but neither was going to be able to make it to Raw.
Rikishi, the father of The Usos and Solo Sikoa is dealing with an illness and would not have made the show either.
The report refuted rumors that The Rock not being at Raw led to the segment being scrapped, saying he was never scheduled to appear.
The Trial of Sami Zayn
Instead of an acknowledgment ceremony, the Bloodline will be all business on tonight’s Raw.
Sami Zayn has been at odds with the group ever since he ate the pin during his and Reigns’ tag match against Kevin Owens and John Cena on the final SmackDown of 2022.
The match marked the second time in 2022 that Reigns lost a match (the first being by DQ at the Royal Rumble against Seth Rollins.)
While Reigns wasn’t pinned, the loss to Cena and Owens was the first clean defeat for the Tribal Chief since 2019.
Sami Zayn may be the Bloodline’s Honorary Uce, but recent comments may have jeopardized that position.
Zayn has been associated with the group for close to a year now and has routinely helped out other faction members in matches.
The Canadian wrestler has had some tensions with the group, most notably with Jey Uso last year who didn’t believe he belonged.
Becoming WWE Champion
As a member of the Bloodline, Zayn’s role is to protect Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns from all potential challengers.
With that in mind, Zayn has dreams of becoming WWE’s top champion himself, as he explained to the Detroit News.
“When you get this close and you’re in the in the periphery of the WWE title, it makes you think, well, I’m already here, maybe winning it’s not totally unrealistic. That would for sure be like a cherry on top of everything else. If it happens, awesome. If it doesn’t happen, it still would have all been awesome.”
Sami Zayn.
Zayn’s former best friend Kevin Owens will face Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship next weekend at the Royal Rumble.
While Zayn hasn’t been declared yet for the Men’s Rumble match, some are considering him a dark-horse favorite in the 30-man bout.
Reflecting on his Career
Prior to coming to WWE in 2013, Zayn worked as El Generico in various promotions and has had plenty of success both in and out of the mask.
Reflecting on what he’s accomplished, Sami is proud of what he’s done, even though he is yet to have a WWE World title reign to his name.
“Whatever happens, I’m good. It could end tomorrow, and knock on wood, I really hope it doesn’t, but I would feel very complete and very satisfied with everything I’ve ever done.”
Roman Reigns has added yet another milestone to his impressive run on top as the Undisputed Universal Champion.
At Payback 2020, Reigns became the Universal Champion when he beat Bray Wyatt and Brown Strowman in a No Holds Barred Triple Threat Match.
He later scored a victory over Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 38 last year. Reigns became the first star to hold both the WWE and Universal Championships simultaneously.
The Stat
Wrestling Stats & Info on Twitter noted that Reigns has now been the Universal Champion for 871 days, surpassing GUNTHER’s 870-day NXT UK Title reign.
“Today, @WWERomanReigns’s active reign as Universal Champion (2020-Present) reaches 871 days, surpassing @Gunther_AUT’s NXT UK Title reign (2019-2021) for the longest single/consecutive championship reign in the entire @WWE Universe in the last 35+ years. #HeadOfTheTable.”
Throughout his time as the Universal Champion, Reigns has defended it against some of the biggest names in the company, including John Cena. Reigns will make his next defense as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion against Kevin Owens at the Royal Rumble next weekend. This is a rematch from the 2021 event where Reigns won their Last Man Standing Match.
GUNTHER is currently the Intercontinental Champion and is slated to work the 30-Man Royal Rumble match.
It seems more WWE legends will appear on the Raw 30th-anniversary show.
WWE has reached a major milestone with their longest-running TV show, Monday Night Raw reaching 30 years of programming. Although the first episode of Monday Night Raw happened on Jan. 11, 1993, WWE decided to celebrate their milestone on Jan. 23.
The company has advertised several WWE legends, including The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels, to appear at the event. However, it seems WWE has at least two unannounced legends to pop in for the 30th anniversary of Monday Night Raw.
Spoiler Warning
The Daily Items’ Francis Scarcella reports former WWE talent Rikishi and Samu will appear at the 30th celebration of Monday Night Raw. In the article, Samu confirmed that he would be at the event on Jan. 23.
“…I want to thank the WWE for everything they have done for myself and my family,” Anoa’i said. “I look forward to next week when I can see a lot of familiar faces and be reunited with a lot of my family members,” said Samu(h/t Francis Scarcella).
Rikishi hasn’t shared if he will be at the event yet. The WWE has yet to advertise either Samu or Rikishi, so it’s possible their potential appearance is to be a surprise. The Bloodline faction led by Roman Reigns is to have a segment on Monday Night Raw listed as the “Acknowledgement Ceremony.” Samu and Rikishi could make an appearance during that segment.
What to Look Out For During the 30th Anniversary of Monday Night Raw?
The 30th anniversary of Monday Night Raw could be an exciting event to watch. While the WWE has advertised several legends, there could be more surprise appearances. WWE has also promoted two championship matches and a steel cage match between Becky Lynch and Bayley.
WWE fans may also be curious if WWE Chairman Vince McMahon will come out on the show. He hasn’t appeared on WWE TV since he unceremoniously retired from WWE following allegations of misconduct with female employees on July 22.
Kevin Owens looks to right a wrong from 2021 at this year’s WWE Royal Rumble event when he steps into the ring once again and challenges Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title.
In recent months, Owens has been a thorn in the side of Reigns and The Bloodline. Owens has that he hasn’t gotten over the fact that he would have been WWE Universal Champion if not for Paul Heyman and Jey Uso getting involved in his match two years ago.
At that event, Owens and Reigns battled in a Last Man Standing bout, but dealt with interference from The Bloodline, a pair of handcuffs, and a referee’s decision not to count all the way to 10 eventually led to his loss against “The Tribal Chief.”
How We Got Here
On Friday’s episode of SmackDown, Owens challenged Reigns to a match at the Royal Rumble. This was as Reigns was in the middle of talking down to Sami Zayn.
Owens made it clear that Roman’s problem wasn’t with Zayn, but rather it was with him. Owens said he would see Roman at the Royal Rumble and see Zayn if he ever made the decision to get his balls out of the pocket of Roman Reigns.
This will be Reigns’ first defense on pay-per-view since facing Logan Paul at WWE Crown Jewel.
After a major upset last week, @WWERomanReigns wants to know one thing:
Will NXT’s Grayson Waller win this month’s Men’s Royal Rumble match? It’s certainly a possibility according to the man himself.
Waller made his WWE TV debut in June 2021 and was one of the top names in WWE NXT 2.0.
His prominent position on the card continued following the end of NXT 2.0 and the revamp back to WWE NXT.
Royal Rumble
Waller has had a handful of appearances outside of NXT on WWE Main Event, but he is optimistic about his chances on one of WWE’s biggest shows of the year.
Speaking to Steve Fall of Ten Count, the Australian Superstar was asked about possibly entering the Royal Rumble.
“You’re trying to get me in trouble with Roman right now. I can feel it. I know what you’re doing, but that’s okay. Because if I get the opportunity in the Royal Rumble, I have confidence. I know I could go on and win that thing.”
Grayson Waller.
Waller mentioned that he has experience defeating Bloodline members, as he holds a victory over Solo Sikoa, which came “pretty easily” according to the NXT star.
Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns has been virtually untouchable since his return in August 2020, and is closing in on 900 days as WWE Universal Champion.
Calling the Tribal Chief the toughest challenge in wrestling today, Waller was optimistic about facing the Champion, if he has plenty of time to prepare.
“if I get in there with Roman, and I have time, and I can come up with a strategy, and I can get some backup [I can beat him.] …Who knows? Imagine me doing a shoey with three championships in my hand? That’s pretty impressive.”
Grayson Waller.
The third title Waller is referring to is the NXT Championship, which Waller will challenge for as a result of winning the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge at NXT Deadline.
WWE is looking to load up the Raw 30th Anniversary show later this month.
Roman Reigns and Ronda Rousey are being advertised for the show on WWE’s website, which will emanate from Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center on January 23, 2023. The company will celebrate three decades since Raw first appeared on television on January 11, 1993.
The Other Names
According to the company’s website, Seth Rollins, Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, and Bobby Lashley are also advertised. WWE is expected to bring in Legends, but it’s unknown who will be used. WWE will likely load up the card with big matches as well.
Ric Flair recently said on his To Be A Man podcast that he has also been invited to the show, while Kurt Angle stated in a recent interview that he expects to be there.
WWE started working on plans in October for this special edition of the show, as the first episode took place on January 11, 1993.
WWE celebrated Raw’s 25th anniversary in 2018 with a special episode that took place across two locations – in New York City at both the Barclays Center and the Manhattan Center – as the Manhattan Center was the original home of Raw in 1993.
