Cody Rhodes may have failed to finish the story at WrestleMania 39 earlier this year, but he and Roman Reigns delivered WWE’s best match of the year.
Earlier this month, WWE kicked off a fan-voted tournament to see what was the best match of the year. The tournament featured the following matches:
SummerSlam: Cody Rhodes vs Brock Lesnar
WrestleMania 39: Rey Mysterio vs Dominik Mysterio
Payback: Trish Stratus vs Becky Lynch
WrestleMania 39: Fatal Four-Way Men’s Tag Team Match
Monday Night RAW: Chad Gable vs Gunther
WrestleMania 39: Rhea Ripley vs Charlotte Flair
Money In The Bank: The Usos vs Solo Sikoa and Roman Reigns
WrestleMania 39: Drew McIntyre vs Gunther vs Sheamus
Backlash: Bad Bunny vs Damian Priest
NXT Deadline: Men’s Iron Survivor Match
WrestleMania 39: Roman Reigns vs Cody Rhodes
Crown Jewel: Seth Rollins vs Drew McIntyre
Backlash: IYO Sky vs Bianca Belair
Elimination Chamber: Sami Zayn vs Roman Reigns
WrestleMania 39: The Usos vs Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens
NXT No Mercy: Carmelo Hayes vs Ilja Dragunov
In the end, the finals saw two matches featuring WWE’s American Nightmare. The finals were between Rhodes’ WrestleMania 39 match with Reigns and his SummerSlam 2023 showdown with Brock Lesnar.
What’s Next?
Cody Rhodes is currently feuding with Shinsuke Nakamura, who has been able to mist Rhodes multiple times. Cody will compete in next month’s Men’s Royal Rumble match. If he wins, Cody will become the fourth man to win back-to-back Royal Rumble matches. Win or lose, many expect Rhodes will challenge Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. WWE’s annual Showcase of the Immortals will take place in April from Philadelphia, PA.
Cody Rhodes is going to be staying with WWE for many years to come. Click here to find out more.
The question as to which match will headline WrestleMania 39: Night One has been on the mind of fans for some time.
This year will mark WWE’s fourth two-night WrestleMania: a concept that the company adopted in 2020 in the wake of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
The two-night format has allowed more Superstars to have a WrestleMania main event to their name, including AJ Styles, Bianca Belair, and Kevin Owens.
WrestleMania 39: Night One
With WrestleMania 39 going Hollywood (given its LA setting) WWE has been releasing parody trailers for popular films and TV shows featuring the Superstars.
This week, WWE featured Rhea Ripley in a Stranger Things parody, with the Judgment Day member playing Millie Bobby Brown’s Eleven.
In the video, an unseen (but very recognizable) voice all but announced that Ripley will be headlining Night One, stating:
“Feeling that pressure, huh? Of being the main event of WrestleMania? Is it triggering you right now, Rhea? You want some? Then, go get some!”
At WWE WrestleMania 39, Ripley (the winner of the 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble match) will face SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair.
This will make Flair the first and only woman in WWE history to headline two WrestleManias (after previously closing out WrestleMania 35 in 2019.)
It had previously been reported that this match was the favorite to headline Night One, with Night Two being headlined by Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns Vs. Cody Rhodes.
While not confirmed by WWE yet, Logan Paul told listeners of his popular ImPaulsive podcast that his match with Seth Rollins will be on Night One.
That show will take place on April 1, which will mark Paul’s 28th birthday.
WrestleMania 39 is now just 20 days away, and one SmackDown stable is expected to make their presence felt at the show.
WrestleMania 39 will mark WWE’s fourth two-night WrestleMania, which was introduced in 2020 due to restrictions surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic.
Matches confirmed for the show include Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns Vs. Cody Rhodes, SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair Vs. Rhea Ripley, and Seth Rollins Vs. Logan Paul.
WrestleMania Plans
One stable that hasn’t been confirmed for WrestleMania 39 is Legado Del Fantasma, but that is expected to change in due time.
Fightful Select reports that while details are still scarce, there are “plans” for the factions over WrestleMania weekend.
In recent weeks, the group has turned face, aiding Rey Mysterio in his issues with Dominik Mysterio and the Judgment Day.
On the most recent episode of SmackDown, it was confirmed that until their battle with the Judgement Day is over it was official that Rey is an associate of the group.
Legado Del Fantasma
In June 2020, El Hijo del Fantasma, fresh off his NXT Cruiserweight Championship win, aligned himself with Joaquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza.
This heel turn saw Fantasma demask and rebrand himself as Santos Escobar, and the group would be dubbed Legado Del Fantasma.
As part of the gold brand, Escobar would later challenge for the NXT and NXT North American Championships, but would be unsuccessful in both pursuits.
In mid-2022, the group began a subtle face turn as part of their feud with Tony D’Angelo, which resulted in Escobar losing a loser-leaves-NXT match to the Don.
In October 2022, the group was called up to WWE’s main roster as heels, but with Zelina Vega replacing Elektra Cruz in the faction.
Damage CTRL’s Bayley will achieve a lifelong dream when she faces Lita at WrestleMania 39, and this is a match the Role Model has been preparing for decades.
On this week’s Raw, a six-woman tag-team match was made official for WrestleMania 39, pitting new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Lita and Becky Lynch, as well as Trish Stratus, against Damage CTRL.
During an edition of the Broken Skull Sessions, Bayley named Lita as her dream opponent from any era of wrestling.
Studying
Before becoming the heel Role Model we know today, Bayley was WWE’s premiere Super-Fan, and this wasn’t just her character.
A lifelong WWE fan, Bayley grew up watching Lita, and (according to the former SmackDown Women’s Champion) knows her weaknesses.
Taking to Twitter, Bayley shared an essay she wrote in her youth, showing that she has been studying the WWE Hall of Famer for decades.
The dream team of WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Becky Lynch and Lita, and Trish Stratus, are looking to shut Damage CTRL up for good at WrestleMania 39.
Last month, Lita made her return to WWE to aid Lynch in a steel cage match against Bayley, which had originally been scheduled for the Raw is XXX event.
On last week’s Raw, Lynch and Lita dethroned Dakota Kai and IYO SKY to win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, the first title for Lita since 2006.
While Bayley tried to interfere in that match, the returning Trish Stratus (who had been scheduled for the previous week’s Raw but didn’t appear) neutralized the Role Model.
WrestleMania 39
On this week’s Raw, the new champions and Stratus celebrated the victory but were quickly interrupted by Damage CTRL
Stratus then challenged Damage CTRL to a six-woman-tag team match and made it clear that she wanted to shut Bayley up once and for all.
Bayley accepted the challenge on behalf of her team.
The WrestleMania match will mark Stratus’ first match since SummerSlam 2019, when she lost to Charlotte Flair in Canada.
Surprisingly, this will mark the second in-ring WrestleMania appearance for Lita, after she challenged for the WWF Women’s Championship at WrestleMania X8.
Double-Booked?
The announcement of Lynch, Lita and Stratus against Damage CTRL at WrestleMania is an interesting one, given that this isn’t the match many expected.
It has been reported that WWE’s plan initially was for Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler to win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships at the two-night event in April.
Despite Rousey aggravating an injury (which is why she was in a sling on last Friday’s SmackDown,) she is expected to be fully healed in time for WrestleMania.
There is the possibility that the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions could compete on both nights, a feat Tamina Snuka and Natalya achieved at WrestleMania 37 in 2021.
Vince McMahon may be back in charge of WWE, but the promotion is trying to distance its controversial chairman from WrestleMania 39.
McMahon made his shocking return to WWE two months ago, after retiring from all roles with the company in July of last year.
McMahon reportedly began plotting his comeback shortly after his retirement, believing he had been given bad advice by those closest to him.
Director no Longer
Given the California setting for the April event, WWE have leaned heavily into the Hollywood theme, with movie-style posters for Superstars being used in graphics.
For the poster of Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, the credits during a recent graphic included the phrase ‘Directed by Vince McMahon.’
Fans have speculated as to whether this was just a nod to McMahon’s ownership of WWE, or if it is a sign that he is more tied to creative than WWE is admitting.
In a more recent graphic though, McMahon has been ousted as ‘director,’ and the graphic now reads that WrestleMania 39 is directed by Selma Tinware.
Ms. Tinware is a name not known among wrestling fans, primarily because she does not exist, and Selma Tinware is merely an anagram of WrestleMania.
WrestleMania 39
WWE WrestleMania 39 will be (in theory) the first Showcase of the Immortals without McMahon heading the creative team.
In addition to the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match between Reigns and Cody Rhodes, the SmackDown Women’s Title will be on the line as Charlotte Flair will defend against Rhea Ripley.
Asuka looks to end the near-year-long reign of Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, while it will be Goliath Vs. Goliath as Brock Lesnar is set to face Omos.
Brock Lesnar will face Omos at WrestleMania 39 next month, but this isn’t the match WWE originally had in mind.
Last week, Omos laid out the challenge to the Beast Incarnate, who most recently competed against Bobby Lashley at WWE Elimination Chamber.
On this week’s Raw, Lesnar accepted the challenge and laid out MVP, Omos’ manager, in a message to the Nigerian giant.
Nixed Match
Fans have been surprised by WWE’s decision to go ahead with this match, which was not even being hinted at just a few weeks ago.
Prior to WWE Elimination Chamber, Bray Wyatt stated that he would face the winner of Lesnar Vs. Lashley at WrestleMania 39.
Fightful Select has learned that a match between Lesnar and Wyatt was pitched for the April two-night event, but Brock turned the idea down.
No specific details were given as to why the former Universal Champion refused the match with Wyatt.
It was confirmed to Fightful that Brock Lesnar personally approved the Omos match.
Other Options
In December 2022, it was reported that GUNTHER was being lined-up as Lesnar’s WrestleMania 39 opponent, and the two did have an altercation in the Men’s Rumble match.
Fightful adds that while GUNTHER was also pitched for Lesnar, this match was nixed and that the match had already been scrapped when news in December came out.
At the time that the GUNTHER-Lesnar match was a possibility, there was no mention whatsoever of the Intercontinental Championship being a factor in the match.
Bobby Lashley was also pitched as an opponent for Lesnar at WrestleMania, though the All Mighty will seemingly be facing Wyatt instead.
Vince McMahon
In a tweet, Wrestle Votes implied that Vince McMahon personally had a hand in making the Lesnar-Omos match a reality.
I’m told the highly anticipated, very compelling (??) Brock Lesnar vs Omos WrestleMania matchup was the idea of one specific, powerful person who pushed it through. pic.twitter.com/VpcdEFsLzJ
Fightful hasn’t confirmed that internally, but sources close to Lesnar had indicated that “could be true.”
While sources in WWE have stated that McMahon has no official capacity with the creative department, one anonymous talent has stated that they believe the Executive Chairman has more of an influence on creative than publicly believed.
This year’s WrestleMania will feature a smaller card, leaving some frustrated Superstars off the biggest show of the year, it has been claimed.
WrestleMania 39 will take place on April 1, and April 2, in Inglewood, California, marking the fourth two-night WrestleMania in a row.
Night Two of the Showcase of the Immortals will be headlined by Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defending against Cody Rhodes.
Smaller Card
WrestleMania is WWE’s biggest event of the year, so it is expected that it is the longest and most stacked show of the year.
For single-night events, WrestleMania 35 (2019) takes the record for the longest WWE event in history, clocking in at five hours and 20 minutes (or over seven hours if you watch the pre-show.)
WrestlingNews.co was informed that WWE will be using a smaller card as compared to previous years, and this is an edict from WWE’s Head of Creative/Talent Relations Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque.
It is reported that there will not be a WrestleMania Battle Royal at WrestleMania, which in years past allowed a lot of Superstars the chance to compete at the biggest show of the year.
In more recent years, WWE has kept the men’s Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal for the SmackDown before WrestleMania.
At this time, three matches have been announced by WWE, though this will of course change.
Unhappy
With a smaller card comes fewer spots for talent to appear on the show, which Wrestling News was informed has led to “some unhappiness” backstage.
There is also unhappiness about some of the slots on the show being saved for part-timers, though the report did not state who.
We do know that Brock Lesnar will answer Omos’ challenge for WrestleMania 39 on tonight’s Raw, and a match between Edge and Finn Balor is expected.
There have also been reports that Trish Stratus and Lita will team with Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 39 to face Damage CTRL.
John Cena is expected to face United States Champion Austin Theory this April, though the match has yet to be confirmed by WWE.
WWE Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair will defend her title at WrestleMania 39 against Asuka, but this is not the match WWE had planned for the EST.
Belair’s reign as Raw Women’s Champion began at WrestleMania 38 last April, and the popular Superstar’s reign is the second longest in history (behind Becky Lynch.)
Asuka, a former Raw Women’s Champion in her own right, earned the title match by winning the Women’s Elimination Chamber match earlier this month.
Change of Plans
While Asuka and Belair are more than capable of an exceptional match this April, this isn’t what WWE had planned.
Initial plans for WrestleMania 39 saw Belair defending her title against Charlotte Flair, according to a report from Fightful Select.
Those plans changed when Ronda Rousey informed WWE of plans to take January off, and thus Flair was brought back from her hiatus earlier than planned.
Flair’s return saw the Queen capture the SmackDown Women’s Championship from Rousey on the final SmackDown of 2022, and the Belair match nixed.
Charlotte Flair will defend her SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 39 against 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble winner Rhea Ripley.
Rousey at WrestleMania
With Rousey out of the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championship pictures, there has been speculation about what she will do at WrestleMania 39.
It has been reported that WWE’s plan is for Rousey and Shayna Baszler to challenge for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships this April.
A match between the MMA fighters and Damage CTRL is interesting, given that the trio of Bayley, Dakota Kai, and IYO SKY are expected to face Becky Lynch, Trish Stratus and Lita at WrestleMania 39.
Lita and Lynch will challenge Kai and SKY for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships on tonight’s episode of Raw.
The Rock won’t be competing at WrestleMania 39, but there isn’t any bad blood between the Brahma Bull and WWE.
For months, it was rumored that The Rock would be competing at WrestleMania to have the long-awaited dream match with his cousin Roman Reigns.
In January, the Great One informed WWE that he did not believe there was time for him to get into sufficient ring shape for a match in April.
Animosity?
While WWE was actively pursuing The Rock for one more match, there isn’t any animosity between the two sides.
While speaking to Louis Dangoor of GiveMeSport.com, Twitter account @WrestleVotes, who has broken stories in the past, said there is no animosity, and added:
“Like with Stone Cold Steve Austin, that door is always open. Maybe he said let’s do it next year? When those guys say yes, WWE is going to say okay.”
WrestleVotes.
Instead of his cousin, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns will defend against Cody Rhodes at WWE’s biggest two-night event of the year.
Never Confirmed
While WWE wanted the Brahma Bull in Los Angeles, a match between The Rock and Reigns was never on the card, as WrestleVotes explained:
“There were obviously talks, but I don’t believe any point in Triple H’s tenure that the match was set in stone. How do you plan for something that you don’t think it’s gonna happen? The internet thought it was going to happen, but it was never really alluded to on TV.“
WrestleVotes.
Last weekend, the XFL, which The Rock co-owns with business partner Dany Garcia, kicked off their latest season.
Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins have shown off their acting chops for the first movie parody trailer to promote WrestleMania 39.
This year’s two-night event will take place in Los Angeles, which previously hosted WrestleMania in 2005 and 1991, and was one of three host cities in 1986.
For WrestleMania 21 in 2005, the show’s tagline ‘WrestleMania Goes Hollywood’ resulted in the stars of the time parodying films including Braveheart, Taxi Driver, and Forrest Gump.
Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins
With WWE returning to Hollywood, this year’s WrestleMania has leaned heavily into the glitz and glamor of the silver screen.
During last night’s WWE Elimination Chamber event, a parody of Joker (2019) was aired, featuring Seth Rollins in the titular role.
Recreating one of the most iconic scenes in the film, Rollins could be seen dancing down steps to a remix of his WWE entrance theme.
Unfortunately for Seth, his dance is cut short by Lynch, doing her best impression of the gravelly voice used by Christian Bale for the Dark Knight trilogy by director Christopher Nolan.
Lynch confirmed that she is parodying Batman by speaking about going to her ‘Man-Cave.’
WrestleMania Plans
As two of WWE’s biggest stars in years, it should come as no surprise that Rollins and Lynch are expected to compete at WrestleMania 39.
For Rollins, it has been reported that he will face Logan Paul this April, who eliminated Seth from last month’s Men’s Rumble match and helped eliminate the Architect during last night’s Men’s Elimination Chamber match.
As for Lynch, her WrestleMania future is far less certain, though her current feud with Damage CTRL has led to rumors of a six-woman tag in which Lynch would team with Lita and Trish Stratus.
Bayley will go through anything to make her presence felt at WrestleMania 39, after missing out on a match at the previous two events.
The Damage CTRL member took to Twitter this week to make her promise and reminded fans of her recent bad luck with WWE’s biggest show of the year.
I haven’t competed in the last two Wrestlemanias. Last year, I had no control of due to injury. But I will never forget the feeling of not having a match on WM 37, and I will never let that happen again. I’m going to Hollywood one way or another!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/gRyamrsOcn
On this week’s Raw, Bayley faced Becky Lynch and Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair in a match with potential WrestleMania stakes.
Had either Lynch or Bayley won, they would have been added to tomorrow night’s Elimination Chamber match, in which the winner will face Belair for the title at WrestleMania.
Unfortunately for Lynch and Bayley, it was the EST who emerged victorious on Raw.
Bayley-Mania
Bayley hasn’t competed at the last two WrestleManias, though last year’s event WrestleMania 38 wasn’t down to WWE’s creative plans.
In July 2021, days before the return of live fans, Bayley suffered a serious ACL injury that led to her being out of action for over a year.
For WrestleMania 37, Bayley was simply not booked for a match, which angered fans who appreciated what she had done during the crowd-less Pandemic era.
Instead, Bayley was used for a few skits involving The Bella Twins, Hulk Hogan, and Titus O’Neil.
What’s Next for Bayley?
With the Role Model being blocked from entering the Women’s Elimination Chamber match, any bout for Bayley at WrestleMania is unlikely to be for a championship.
Earlier this month, WWE Hall of Famer Lita appeared on Raw to cost Bayley her steel cage match with Lynch, seemingly setting up a feud between them.
While it had been rumored that Elimination Chamber 2023 would see Damage CTRL face Lynch, Lita, and Trish Stratus, no match has been announced, but could be saved for WrestleMania.
With that said, it has been reported that WWE is planning for Dakota Kai and IYO SKY to defend the WWE Women’s Tag Titles at WrestleMania against Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler.
Ric Flair seems to be against the idea of making the WrestleMania 39 main event for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title a Triple Threat match.
Flair recently took to his podcast, “To Be The Man,” to offer his thoughts on the possibility of the WrestleMania main event between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes adding Sami Zayn to make it into a Triple Threat match.
Given the popularity of The Bloodline storyline and the rising stardom of Zayn, many suggest WWE could be on the way to inserting him into the main event as well. However, if Ric Flair had his way, he’d like to keep things between Reigns and Zayn.
“No way! They have put too much time into Cody and too much time into Roman. The fans sometimes get with that three-way stuff, and sometimes they don’t, you know what I mean?
“I think it is better; I know it would mean more just from knowing him like I have since 12 years old; I think Cody and Roman that’s going to be a really world-class match.
“I actually think Cody is a better worker now than he was; his work is better right now than it was when he was at AEW. On top, yeah! And Roman hasn’t slacked off. I think Roman is great. I think it’s a clash of the titans, man.”
Rhodes earned his way into the main event of WrestleMania this year by winning the Men’s Royal Ruble match in Texas. Now, he’ll headline “The Show Of Shows” against Reigns in Los Angeles.
However, before that takes place, Sami Zayn will get his shot at the World Title when he challenges Reigns at the Elimination Chamber PLE. It will be interesting to see how the World Title picture shapes out heading into WrestleMania this April.
One of the last men eliminated from the Royal Rumble match, just missing out on punching their own ticket to WrestleMania, was Seth Rollins. Rollins was eliminated by Logan Paul from the match, setting up a likely feud between the pair moving forward.
With that being said, Rollins recently did an interview with Sports Guys Talking Wrestling‘s Stew Myrick at Super Bowl LVIII. During the interview, Rollins was asked about missing out on the main event this year.
While Rollins admits he wants that spot very badly, he also understands why two superstars as hot as Reigns and Rhodes at the moment have been given the nod. He even acknowledged that someone like Sami Zayn might even be a candidate that should’ve gotten the opportunity as well.
“I want that match, I want that spot. I want that title and I do not have it. There’s a lot of salt in the wound of having to talk about it. It’s difficult for me to analyze. I will say you’re looking at a rock and a hard place.
“You’ve got Roman Reigns, who is on an incredible run, but you’ve got Cody Rhodes, who is riding a lot of momentum. When those two guys meet, if that is the match — it could be Sami Zayn in that spot, we’ll see after Elimination Chamber — it’s going to be a generational main event at WrestleMania.”
Rollins added that it’s hard to feel anything other than “slighted” by being left out of the main event, but will support his fellow WWE Superstars regardless, and suggests the bout will still be one to remember.
“Again, it’s hard for me to feel anything but slighted by it, so that is what it is. But, I will take a page out of [fellow guest Renee Manfredi’s] book and I will support my family, my brothers regardless of the outcome.
“It’s not about winning and losing, it’s how you play the game. It’s going to be an incredible main event at WrestleMania no matter what it is.”
Despite not being involved in the WrestleMania main event this year, Rollins is still undoubtedly one of WWE’s biggest stars. He could very well head into WrestleMania with some gold around his waist.
Rollins is scheduled to challenge for the WWE United States Title inside the Elimination Chamber on February 18 against defending champion Austin Theory, Johnny Gargano, Bronson Reed, Damian Priest, and Montez Ford.
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.
Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER’s reign may be in serious jeopardy if WWE goes ahead with plans for a blockbuster triple-threat match at WrestleMania 39.
The Austrian powerhouse captured the title on WWE SmackDown in June of last year and is the longest-reigning champion since 2005.
If GUNTHER holds on to the gold for another week, he will surpass Shelton Benjamin’s reign and become the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion of this millennium.
WrestleMania 39
GUNTHER’s performance since coming to the main roster has been heralded by fans, as seen with the response to his record-shattering performance at last weekend’s Royal Rumble.
While it was previously reported that WWE was planning on GUNTHER Vs Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 39, that no longer appears to be the case.
Wrestle Votes reports that WWE is considering an epic triple-threat in which the leader of Imperium will defend his title against Drew McIntyre and Sheamus.
I’m told while not decided 100%, there are plans to feature an Intercontinental Championship 3 way match at WrestleMania: Gunther v Sheamus v Drew McIntyre. There are a number of supporters within creative that not only want the match, but they want it towards the top. TBD.
McIntyre is a former IC Champion, winning the title in December 2009 and holding the gold until May 2010.
Though he was suspended (in storyline) and stripped of the title by then SmackDown GM Teddy Long, an edict by Mr. McMahon undid Long’s actions, and WWE counts McIntyre’s run as one, uninterrupted reign.
Sheamus is yet to hold the Intercontinental Championship, which is the only title he needs to complete the Grand Slam.
Both McIntyre and Sheamus have spoken previously about wanting to be the one to dethrone the Austrian, and Sheamus’ pursuit of the title led to the much-acclaimed match at WWE Clash at the Castle last September.
Ric Flair believes the upcoming SmackDown Women’s Title match between Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley should headline one of the two nights of WrestleMania 39.
Ripley punched her ticket to WrestleMania by winning this year’s Women’s Royal Rumble match. Now, she has opted to challenge Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Live Women’s Title at “The Show Of Shows” in Los Angeles.
Speaking on his podcast, “To Be The Man,” Ric Flair explained why he believes his daughter’s match should one a main event for one of the two night’s cards.
“It’s gotta be one of the main events. It’s gonna be spectacular. Rhea has matured so much. That match they had in front of no people a couple years ago was fantastic. I can only imagine, I mean ‘The Queen’ is in a place where… she just plain and simply is the best worker in the business, in the company.
“I’m sure that she and Rhea will tear the joint down. If I were the guys, I wouldn’t want to follow them, and I would be hope that they’d be on last. As much as I enjoy that group she [Rhea]’s with, which worked out really nice, I’m really happy that she’s going out on her own now again. I like that.
“Win, lose, or draw, I don’t know whether she’ll stay with that group or not, but she is such a great singles attraction. She and ‘The Queen’ will just tear it down. I’m so excited for both of them.”
Flair returned to WWE back in December on an episode of SmackDown after a lengthy several month layoff. She challenged Ronda Rousey for the title in an impromptu match, winning the bout and re-capturing the title in the process.
With the win, Flair became a 14-time World Champion in the process.
Is Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson being honest when he says that he doesn’t feel he’s ready for a match at WrestleMania 39?
In a word, yes.
For years, fans have speculated on a possible match between the People’s Champion and his cousin Roman Reigns.
It was reported last year that WWE was actively pursuing the match for this year’s WrestleMania 39 event.
Not a Work
Earlier this month, it was reported that Johnson had informed WWE that he did not feel like he could get in an adequate ring shape in time for WrestleMania.
Of course, this statement has caused fans to believe he is going to compete, and that this claim is just to try and throw fans off the proverbial ‘scent.
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer confirmed that when The Rock says he’s not wrestling, he means it.
“Dwayne could be there [WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles, California] in some form or fashion. I mean there are some people going ‘don’t you think it’s a swerve?’ It’s not a swerve. I mean I’ve been told this for a while. Of course, there’s always the idea that maybe, there’s a secret. Like the Pat McAfee thing [referencing the commentator’s return at last Saturday’s Royal Rumble Premium Live Event.] Only a few people know about that. But we’re past that point.
“Cody won the Royal Rumble, he’s getting that championship match. It ain’t going to be Dwayne anymore.”
Dave Meltzer.
Other Plans
The Rock could still appear at WWE’s showcase of the immortals, even if a match is off the table.
On his show, Meltzer reiterated that Johnson will not be wrestling at WrestleMania 39, but said the option remains open for down the line.
“Dwayne’s not wrestling anyone else on this show. Unless it’s a three-second match like he did with [Erick Rowan at WrestleMania 32.] He could go do that. He could do an angle if he wants to. But he did not feel like he had the time [to prepare for a match.] Which is basically what the story was. He did not feel that he had the time to get in the shape he needed to be in to do a WrestleMania-caliber main event. And the door is open for next year, if he has more time.”
“The door is open for next year, if he has more time.”
Johnson’s seven-second win over Rowan in 2016 was an attempt for the Brahma Bull to set the record for the fastest victory at a WrestleMania.
With WrestleMania 39 drawing closer, WWE has yet to give any indication that Austin will compete at the show.
On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that Austin has no intention on competing this April.
“They did talk about Austin. As far as Austin goes, Steve might be at the show. I mean I wouldn’t be surprised at all. He might do something on the show, but he did in fact turn down wrestling at the show. He was offered Brock Lesnar, he was offered Roman Reigns. Probably, he could have named his opponent if he wanted to do it with anybody else. But he did not choose to wrestle on the show.”
Dave Meltzer.
Austin at WrestleMania
If a match isn’t happening for the Rattlesnake, that doesn’t mean that Austin won’t be featured at WrestleMania.
As one of (if not the) biggest stars in wrestling, WWE would be wise to have Austin on the show, even if he doesn’t wrestle.
Austin has proven himself to be a referee at WrestleMania, officiating Brock Lesnar Vs. Goldberg (WrestleMania 20,) and Jerry Lawler vs Michael Cole (WrestleMania 27.)
The Texas Rattlesnake could also serve as a guest host, as we saw by The Rock (WrestleMania 27,) Hulk Hogan (WrestleMania 30,) Alexa Bliss (WrestleMania 35), and the combination of Hogan and Titus O’Neil (WrestleMania 37.)
Paul has impressed so far, and Rollins is a great opponent for him, as the former Universal Champion is a veteran who can push Paul to be his best in a fast-paced match.
WrestleMania 39
It had previously been reported that WWE’s plans called for John Cena to face Logan Paul but that obviously isn’t the direction anymore.
It has been reported that scrapping the Cena-Paul match is due to the belief that Cena will not have time to train and rehearse a match with the talented, but inexperienced YouTuber.
More recent reports state that the plan now is for Cena to take on WWE United States Champion Austin Theory in the former’s first WrestleMania match since 2020, and his first non-cinematic WrestleMania match since 2018.
During this week’s Raw, it was confirmed that Cody Rhodes will challenge Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns this April.
2023 Women’s Royal Rumble match winner Rhea Ripley also declared that she will challenge SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 39.
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.”
It may be a good while yet before Snoop Dogg and his gold WWE Championship are reunited after the title went missing this week.
On social media, the rap legend and WWE informed fans that the title had been ‘stolen’ during Snoop’s ongoing ‘Holidaze of Blaze’ tour.
Snoop, a WWE Hall of Famer as part of the celebrity wing, was presented the title by Bianca Belair and Becky Lynch at the WrestleMania 39 tickets launch party in August of this year.
Lost and Found
On Instagram, WWE shared footage of comedian Guillermo Rodriguez with the golden title, saying he won’t give it back to Snoop.
After a ‘moments later’ cut, Rodriguez revealed that he has already lost the title, and it is unclear where it is now.
Rodriguez is best known for his work on Jimmy Kimmel Live as the sidekick of the popular late-night talk show host.
Expert belt creator Dan Beltzer (@BeltFanDan) senses this developing news story might be seasoned with a hint of show business. Beltzer noticed that more than one belt has been used as part of the news coverage, a sign that this may be part of an angle to generate publicity for Snoop and/or WWE.
The Custom Snoop belt being stolen seems like a storyline. 2 different belts have been shown if you look closely.
When asking for the help of fans, Snoop Dogg stressed that he needs to find the gold WWE Championship before WrestleMania 39.
Many have taken this as a sign that the rap legend will have some involvement with the show which will take place on April 1, and April 2, next year.
Snoop is no stranger to WrestleMania, having performed his cousin Sasha Banks to the ring for her WrestleMania 32 triple threat match for the WWE Women’s Championship.
WWE WrestleMania 39 will take place at SoFi Stadium, in Los Angeles, California and mark the fourth two-night WrestleMania in a row.
WWE has given its biggest tease yet that Cody Rhodes will be back in time for WrestleMania 39, incorporating the American Nightmare in a commercial shoot for the event.
Rhodes returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in April of this year, 46 days after announcing his departure from All Elite Wrestling.
The American Nightmare would defeat Seth Rollins at the show of shows and would pick up wins over the Architect at WrestleMania Backlash and WWE Hell in a Cell.
The Commercial
Hours prior to Hell in a Cell, Rhodes suffered a torn pectoral muscle which has kept the former AEW TNT Champion on the shelf ever since.
On Thursday of this week, WWE filmed a commercial for WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles, which featured The Miz wrestling Rhodes, Fightful Select reports.
They add that while this may not have been Cody himself, it was “at least someone dressed up exactly like him.”
WWE fully expects to have Cody Rhodes back in time for WrestleMania, which a source who spoke to Fightful said was never really in doubt.
Fightful was told that Maryse was supposed to be in attendance as well, though they aren’t sure if it was for a specific commercial spot or just to be there with her husband.
The Royal Rumble
When Cody went down with his injury, WWE reported that he would be out for nine months, giving him a March 2023 return date.
Immediately, fans were suspicious, and many believe that Rhodes will return as part of the Men’s Royal Rumble match, and is a favorite to win.
It was reported this week that WWE is considering having Roman Reigns defend the WWE and Universal Championships separately at WrestleMania 39, with Rhodes being one of his opponents.
In his emotional promo on the post-WrestleMania 38 Raw, Rhodes vowed to become WWE Champion to fulfill a promise to his late father.
Rhea Ripley could be on course to challenge for the Raw Women’s Championship at WrestleMania for the second time in her career.
In 2021, Ripley challenged then-Raw Women’s Champion Asuka and dethroned the Empress at WrestleMania 37.
This year has seen Ripley align herself with the Judgment Day and is a regular on TV alongside Finn Balor, Damian Priest, and Dominik Mysterio.
WrestleMania
Rhea Ripley may be a regular on TV, but championship matches have proven to be a rarity for the Eradicator.
Ripley’s most recent title opportunity came on the April 18, 2022, edition of Raw, when she and Liv Morgan unsuccessfully challenged then-WWE Women’s Tag Champions Naomi and Sasha Banks.
On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that there has been a push backstage for Ripley to challenge for the Raw Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 39.
“There’s a very big push for Rhea Ripley. I think we may be looking at Rhea Ripley vs Bianca Belair at WrestleMania [next] year.”
Dave Meltzer.
Ripley had been scheduled to challenge Bianca Belair at this year’s Money in the Bank event but was pulled from the show due to medical issues.
In her place, Belair defeated Carmella to retain the title in the third match of the night.
Bianca Belair
Belair has proven to be a dominant force since her WWE main roster call up in 2020, holding both the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championships.
Speaking on the Survivor Series WarGames post-show press conference, the EST named Ripley as someone she hopes to face.
“We crossed paths a couple of weeks ago at Raw and we’ve had a long history starting back at NXT all the way to the Royal Rumble. We both won our first titles at WrestleMania 37. We’re both doing equally amazing things, our careers parallel right now. It would be really great to meet at the mountaintop.”
Belair also named Charlotte Flair as someone she’d like to face, though the Queen has been absent from WWE TV since WrestleMania Backlash in May.
John Cena will be donning his jorts and sneakers for next year’s WrestleMania according to a recent report.
Cena, a 16-time WWE World Champion, was once the face of the promotion but has appeared less in recent years due to his thriving Hollywood career.
John hasn’t competed in WWE in over a year, with his most recent televised match seeing him lose to Universal Champion Roman Reigns at Summerslam 2021.
WrestleMania
Cena appearances are becoming increasingly rare, and the former World Champion has missed the past two WrestleManias.
“Cena should be there and Cena should be wrestling.”
WrestleVotes.
WrestleVotes also refuted the idea that Vince McMahon’s retirement from WWE in July this year would hurt Cena’s chances of a high-profile match on the card.
“Vince is out of the picture, Cena still has a love for this place. John Cena and Triple H have a respect for each other.”
WrestleVotes.
WrestleVotes added that Cena competing next year makes sense if John wants to be ‘the next Rock,’ as WrestleMania 39 will take place in Los Angeles, California.
Cena Vs. Theory?
With WrestleMania still months away, there’s no confirmation on who John Cena will face at WrestleMania 39.
Earlier this year, a feud was teased between Cena and Austin Theory, who like John held the United States Championship early into his career.
While many expected a match between the two at Summerslam, that did not take place, and Theory instead faced Bobby Lashley on July 30.
Despite this, Theory has said he expects to face Cena at next year’s WrestleMania.
