Posts Tagged ‘WrestleMania XL’

Seth Rollins Makes Big Injury Announcement During WWE Elimination Chamber

WWE has a lot of things going on, but their World Heavyweight Champion has been on the shelf for several weeks. Seth Rollins still plans on making his way to WrestleMania 40 for a big night to defend his title, and he will be cleared sooner than some expected.

Seth Rollins’ Big Injury Announcement

Seth Rollins recently provided WWE fans with an update on his potential return to in-ring action before WrestleMania XL on April 6 and 7. This took place during the Elimination Chamber event in Perth, Australia. 

Rollins sustained a torn MCL and partially torn meniscus during a match against Jinder Mahal on the January 15 episode of RAW. Despite making multiple television appearances since the injury, the World Heavyweight Champion has yet to step back into the ring.

During Elimination Chamber, Seth Rollins mentioned that he is “days away” from being medically cleared to compete. Consequently, there’s a possibility of witnessing him wrestle on the journey leading to the main event.

That announcement went down during a very eventful Grayson Waller Effect. That is the same time that Cody Rhodes challenged The Rock to a one-on-one match down the line. Seth Rollins then told Cody that he won’t be making that fight alone.

What’s Next For Seth Rollins

Odds are, Rollins may very well compete on both nights of Mania, with a tag team match with Cody Rhodes against Roman Reigns and The Rock going down on the first night. If that happens, then his World Heavyweight Championship match should be a marquee contest on night one. 

It will be interesting to see how Seth Rollins is booked from this point on. Roman Reigns’ recent burial of the World Heavyweight Champion as having a runner-up title wasn’t a great look. Still, he is one of the most beloved babyfaces in the company. 

WWE Planned Injury Angle To Take Cody Rhodes Out Of WrestleMania 40 Main Event

WWE has seen quite a ride on the road to WrestleMania 40 so far. This included The Rock re-entering the fold, and plans changing multiple times. CM Punk’s injury also threw a wrench in WWE’s plans, so there were several things that they needed to address. Their plan to take Cody Rhodes out of the picture was also nixed in the process. 

WWE Planned Injury Angle For Cody

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted that Cody Rhodes was informed in the fall that he would face Reigns. However, he was not informed about Rock’s involvement in the match until January 3rd. Therefore, any interviews he gave about concluding the story before the Rumble assumed he was part of the match, despite rumors about The Rock.

The report also went on to say that WWE planned an injury angle for Cody to write him out of the WrestleMania 40 main event match once The Rock showed up. Of course, they pivoted from those plans in a big way.

[Cody] was told the day of the Rumble that Rock was facing Reigns even though he was winning the Rumble. He was also told that they would be going to Reigns against him later so all the post-match stuff building that match wasn’t there to swerve people as much a build a later match. But the fact it was not going to be Reigns vs. Rhodes was keep secret from almost everyone (obviously a few knew) because Rock wanted the angle the next Friday a surprise. Even fewer knew the injury angle planned for Rhodes because even people who knew this complete story were not aware of the original idea of how to get Rhodes out of the match and Rock in.

WWE Changed More WrestleMania 40 Plans

The report also noted that Punk’s injury changed plans, but there was still no use for a men’s Elimination Chamber match because Rhodes was going to choose Rollins as his opponent. The Rock was also not wrestling in Australia, at an event that takes place at 5:00 AM on the East Coast. 

The angle with Rhodes endorsing Rock, which was reportedly suggested by Triple H, was well-received by the crowd and WWE thought it went well at first. Then social media backlash changed things. Johnson reportedly already considered turning heel if fans booed him, which led the company to push in that direction.

I reported the entire time that The Rock was the only one who could change those plans. In the end, Dwayne Johnson conceded that it should be Cody Rhodes in the main event of WrestleMania 40 against Roman Reigns. 

If the Rhodes injury angle was followed through with, they would have likely faced an even greater negative social media reaction. Now, fans have a chance to see Cody finish his story.

WWE’s WrestleMania 40 Stallone Deal Fizzles Out Due to Scheduling Conflict

WWE’s WrestleMania 40 event is preparing to take over Philadelphia on April 6th and 7th, and the company usually prepares memorable cards for the showcase of the immortals. Sadly, Sylvester Stallone won’t be able to make it.

Stallone and WrestleMania

There are a lot of rumors going around about WrestleMania this year, but one rumored megastar will not be on the show of shows. Sylvester Stallone has appeared for WWE before, but it’s not going to work out for Mania 40.

WrestleVotes reported that WWE has strong interest in Sylvester Stallone appearing at WrestleMania in Philadelphia. The extent of discussions or Stallone’s potential role remains uncertain at this point.

Sources within WWE indicate there is interest in collaborating with Sylvester Stallone for WrestleMania in some form. While any communication status is unclear, I’m told there’s hope for it. Whether it ultimately ends up happening or not is to be determined.Stallone, born in NYC, gained fame through the iconic Rocky films, deeply associated with Philadelphia.

Additionally, Stallone is no stranger to the WWE world, having inducted Hulk Hogan into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.

I asked around about this, and I was told that, “They are months behind on the Stallone ‘scoop.’ Old news. As of last word, schedules couldn’t match up.”

Dave Meltzer also reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter to say that, “Those at WWE have confirmed the talk but said that as of earlier in the week Stallone had said there was a schedule conflict, so the deal hasn’t been done unless you can or wants to remove the conflict.”

We will have to see if WWE can get Sylvester Stallone to make an appearance at a future event. WrestleMania 40 in Philly seemed like the perfect location, but it just didn’t work out.

What’s Next

WWE has a lot of things planned for WrestleMania, and John Cena may just be in the mix. I exclusively reported that Cena is trying to do something for Mania this year.

As of this writing, Cody Rhodes vs Roman Reigns and Bayley vs IYO Sky are the only two confirmed matches. We will have even more after the Elimination Chamber event as well, because both Chamber matches will determine Rhea Ripley and Seth Rollins’ opponents on the grandest stage of them all.

WWE Has Another Dream Match Planned For WrestleMania 40

WWE is on the road to WrestleMania, and they are setting up the matches for the big show as we speak. This week’s episode of RAW saw a lot of momentum toward the grandest stage of them all, and a big match is already coming together. This match is also one that some fans have dreamed about witnessing for years. 

WWE’s WrestleMania Plan

During WWE RAW this week, Jey Uso battled GUNTHER for the IC Title. Uce didn’t win that match, but he was really close at one point.

Jimmy Uso interrupted that match by ringing the bell to stop a count when Jey was pinning GUNTHER. That distraction caused GUNTHER to get another shot in the match, and he ended up pulling off the win.

During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer made it clear that Jimmy vs Jey Uso is the match at WrestleMania. This has been the plan for months, so they are going that way with them.

“Obviously, they’re setting up Jimmy vs Jey at WrestleMania, which has been the plan for like, six months.”

What’s Next on the Road to WrestleMania 40

Jimmy and Jey Uso have won a ton of titles together, and they are one of the best tag teams of all time. They have yet to really battle it out in the ring, and this year’s showcase of the immortals will certainly give them that opportunity.

The card is always subject to change, and you never know what obstacles may arise in the next month and a half, but it looks like fans will finally see The Usos get their WrestleMania moment in a singles match this year.

SEScoops will have continued coverage of the road to WrestleMania. Please keep checking back for more updates.

WWE World: Fanatics To Power 5-Day Fan Experience Over WrestleMania Weekend

Fans attending WrestleMania 40 will be able to enjoy a time like no other as part of the ‘WWE World’ experience.

In a statement, WWE announced their partnership with Fanatics to produce WWE World, which will serve as a successor to the popular WrestleMania Axxess. 

Scott Zanghellini, WWE’s Co-Head of Revenue Strategy & Development, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Fanatics:

“Fanatics has a phenomenal ability to customize offerings for fans and we’re excited to partner with them on this first-of-its-kind experience for the WWE Universe at WrestleMania XL.”

Lance Fensterman, CEO of Fanatics Events, shared Zanghellini’s enthusiasm about the collaboration. 

 “Through unique content, Superstar access and immersive experiences, we look forward to curating a captivating event for all fans who are in Philadelphia for WWE’s marquee event.”

WWE World: What to Expect

Tickets for WWE World will go on sale this Thursday at 10 AM Eastern, with prices ranging from $30 to $300. Attendees can look forward to a diverse array of attractions, including roundtable discussions with top WWE Superstars, a WWE 2K24 gaming tournament, live podcast recordings, and direct memorabilia and autograph sales facilitated by Fanatics Live.

WWE World will be a five-day event, scheduled for April 4 to April 8 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The event will also feature a WWE Superstore filled with merchandise. 

WWE WrestleMania 40

WrestleMania 40 will take place on April 6, and April 7, and mark the promotion’s fifth two-night event. The card for the show so far is as follows: 

  • Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns (c) Vs. Cody Rhodes
  • WWE Women’s Champion IYO SKY (c) Vs. Bayley

The Rock On Slapping Cody Rhodes: “Your Hero F***** Around And Found Out!”

Cody Rhodes found out the hard way what happens when you speak ill of the Bloodline at the WrestleMania 40 kick-off event, according to The Rock.

Last week’s event saw some of WWE’s top Superstars in attendance. At the press conference, Roman Reigns made clear he intended to face The Rock at WrestleMania 40 in April. Cody Rhodes threw a wrench into these plans by declaring he would be challenging the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion in Philadelphia

Cody Rhodes Found Out

During his promo against The Rock and Roman Reigns, Cody said that their ancestors would be ashamed to see the two attempts to monopolize the WrestleMania main event scene. This comment drew the ire of The Rock, who slapped the American Nightmare. Rhodes would be backed up by new ally Seth Rollins, though the four men did not come to further blows. 

Taking to Instagram, The Rock reflected on slapping Cody with some choice words for “your hero.” 

“Your hero f***** around and he found out quick what happens when you talk about our family with disrespect.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/reel:C3Nu69cRpTb

What’s Next?

On this week’s Raw, Rollins offered to be a ‘shield’ for Rhodes against the might of the Bloodline. There has been speculation that a tag team match could happen, especially given the WrestleMania 40 trailer aired at the Super Bowl. The Rock and Reigns seem to be on the same page, as the pair were spotted together following the WrestleMania kick-off press conference. On last week’s SmackDown, Triple H made clear that his decision is final regarding the WrestleMania main event, and encouraged The Rock and others to “know your role.” 

Becky Lynch: Rhea Ripley Will Learn To “Be A Bottom” When I Face Her at WrestleMania

Rhea Ripley may claim that ‘Mami’ always comes out on top, but Becky Lynch hopes to give the Women’s World Champion an education on being a ‘bottom’ this April. 

The reigning WWE Women’s World Champion, Rhea Ripley was at last night’s WrestleMania 40 kick-off press conference that took place at Las  Vegas’ T-Mobile arena. Ripley admitted to being surprised that Bayley chose to face IYO SKY at WrestleMania. The 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble winner confirmed her face turn and parted ways with Damage CTRL on last week’s SmackDown. 

Ripley then turned her attention to her own road to WrestleMania and said she has one more stop; the WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth event later this month. This brought out Becky Lynch, who pointed out that she has qualified for the Women’s Elimination Chamber match that will determine who faces the Women’s World Champion at WrestleMania. 

Lynch didn’t hold back in her face-to-face with Ripley, as she said: 

“It doesn’t matter who you face because Mami’s always on top, huh? It does matter Rhea. It does matter who you face. I have made a legendary career out of knocking golden girls out of their top spot. So Mami is gonna learn what it’s like to be a bottom because that’s what happens when The Man comes around.”

What’s Next? 

Lynch will be joined by five other women in the Elimination Chamber match. Next week’s Raw will see either Liv Morgan or Zoey Stark join her as they’ll face off in a qualifier. Rhea Ripley will defend her Women’s World Championship at WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth against Nia Jax. 

Ripley is eager to face The Man at WWE’s biggest show of the year… 

Wrestling World Reacts As Cody Rhodes Makes His Choice For WWE WrestleMania 40

Cody Rhodes’ choice to face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 has had the wrestling world buzzing after a complicated road to this decision. 

Rhodes made his choice clear during the WrestleMania 40 kick-off press conference. Leading up to this event, there had been a lot of talk about who Cody would pick, especially after Rhodes said last week he wouldn’t be facing Reigns this April. A massive fan backlash may have influenced WWE’s decision, with the ‘We Want Cody’ movement being heard both at WWE events and on social media

The Wrestling World Reacts

Triple H was present for Cody’s decision at the WrestleMania 40 kick-off press conference. Taking to Twitter, the WWE’s Chief Content Officer made it clear that the decision has been made. 

WWE U.S Champion Logan Paul had backed Cody Rhodes in the run-up to the press conference. On social media, Paul shared a video of his reaction to Cody’s decision and The Rock slapping him. 

Cody’s fellow AEW alum Amanda Huber spoke highly of Rhodes and is excited to see him finish the story in April. 

TNA Wrestling’s Nic Nemeth used some political satire to explain what’s going on with the Cody Rhodes/Roman Reigns/The Rock dynamic. 

With Cody Rhodes not challenging for the World Heavyweight Championship, Drew McIntyre is pleased that his quest to win the gold became all that much clearer. 

Cody’s wife Brandi used some emojis to share her excitement for the upcoming match. 

And as for the man of the hour himself, Cody Rhodes had a clear message after challenging Roman Reigns. 

The Rock Says It’s “Crazy” Ava Received Death Threats Over WWE WrestleMania Build

WWE NXT General Manager Ava receiving death threats over her father’s return to the company is simply crazy, according to The Rock. 

Ever since The Rock’s return to WWE last week, the fans have made clear that they wanted to see Cody Rhodes challenge Roman Reigns instead of the Great One. Videos of The Rock at WWE events have been booed, while the YouTube video of his comeback has become WWE’s most disliked video of all time. This week’s Raw saw “Rocky sucks” chants so loud that Michael Cole acknowledged them on commentary. 

The Rock on Ava’s Death Threats

The Rock’s daughter Ava has not been spared from the backlash of her father’s comeback. Ava was on the receiving end of death threats from fans which ultimately led to the youngest General Manager in WWE history deactivating her Twitter account. During an episode of the Pat McAfee Show, The Rock said it was crazy to see her daughter receive death threats over WWE’s plans and his return. 

“She’s feeling it too [the fan backlash]… Oh yeah, Cody’s gotta finish his story… By the way, she’s also got death threats. It’s crazy… C’mon guys, we’re all in this thing, and by the way, what happens in the middle of the ring and on these storylines, don’t forget that, again inside baseball, outside the ring, we all talk. We all can figure this thing out while working together.”

What’s Next? 

At the WrestleMania 40 kickoff press conference, Cody Rhodes chose to face Roman Reigns at the two-night event in April. This would infuriate Reigns, who had earlier in the show said that he would be facing The Rock in April. The Rock would also slap Cody during the press conference, with suspicions that all three men could face off at WrestleMania 40. 

Grayson Waller Can’t Wait To See The Rock ‘Finish The Story’ at WrestleMania 40

Grayson Waller is hoping to see a story finished at WrestleMania 40, but now the lengthy, compelling story of Cody Rhodes. 

On last week’s SmackDown, Rhodes graciously stepped aside to allow The Rock to challenge Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. This booking decision has been reviled by fans. Despite being one of the most popular Superstars of all time, The Rock’s return is now WWE’s most-disliked YouTube video. It’s not just online that this disdain has been shown. At a WWE live event, fans booed a video showing The Rock’s return on SmackDown.

Finish the Story

While the WWE Universe is vehemently on the side of the American Nightmare, not everyone is against The Rock. On Twitter, WWE shared footage of the Great One arriving in Las Vegas for today’s press conference. In a tweet of his own, Grayson Waller welcomed the “boss,” a nod to The Rock’s role as a TKO Board member. Waller added that he hopes to see Rock “finish your story” in a nod to Cody Rhodes’ storyline. 

What’s Next? 

The Rock, Roman Reigns, and Cody Rhodes will be present at today’s WrestleMania 40 kick-off press conference. Many suspect that Rhodes will confirm who he will face at WrestleMania during this media event. Rhodes will also compete at Elimination Chamber: Perth later this month in Waller’s native Australia. Neither The Rock nor Roman Reigns are expected for the event. 

WWE WrestleMania 40 will take place on April 6, and April 7, from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. The show will be WWE’s fifth two-night WrestleMania, a format that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

What has Cody Rhodes had to say about the ‘We Want Cody’ movement… 

Changes Made to WWE WrestleMania 40 Start-Time As Show Will Begin Early

Those planning to watch WWE WrestleMania 40 will have to be ready early as the start time for the upcoming two-night supershow has been moved forward. 

Those with tickets for WWE WrestleMania 40 received emails this week with the following information (courtesy of PW Insider): 

“The official start time for the event each night has been moved up to 6:30 PM Eastern.

“Lincoln Field in Philadelphia will open doors for the event each night at 4:30 PM Eastern.”

Typically, WWE Premium Live Events start at 8 PM Eastern. 

WWE WrestleMania 40

WWE WrestleMania 40 will take place from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA, on April 6, and April 7. The show will mark WWE’s fifth two-night WrestleMania; a concept introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic that proved popular with fans. The current card for the show is as follows: 

  • IYO SKY (c) Vs. Bayley (WWE Women’s Championship)
  • Either Rhea Ripley or Nia Jax (c) Vs. The Winner of the Women’s Elimination Chamber match (WWE Women’s World Championship)

WWE’s Big WrestleMania Dilemma

Right now, there are huge questions as to the direction of Cody Rhodes regarding the biggest event on WWE’s calendar. While fans are eager to see Rhodes face (and defeat) Roman Reigns, the American Nightmare stepped aside on last week’s SmackDown, allowing The Rock to return and tease facing his cousin

This decision has earned a huge backlash from fans, with The Rock being booed whenever he appears on screen. This is a far cry from the usual response the ‘People’s Champion’ typically receives. On this week’s Raw, signs were shared declaring ‘We Want Cody,’ which the crowd chanted alongside ‘Rocky Sucks.’

A WWE WrestleMania 40 press conference will hopefully give a clearer picture of plans when it happens later this week. 

CM Punk, The Rock & McMahon: How Cody Rhodes Lost His Spot Against Roman Reigns

Cody Rhodes is on the Road to WrestleMania 40, but his final destination won’t see him face Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. 

On the February 2, episode, The Rock confronted his cousin Roman Reigns in the closing moments of the broadcast. Prior to this, Cody Rhodes spoke about what it means to ‘finish the story’ and added that though he’s coming for Roman Reigns, it won’t be at Wrestlemania 40.

How Cody Rhodes Lost His Spot

On the forum board of F4W Online, Dave Meltzer explained that The Rock pushed hard for the match with Reigns. He added that the blockbuster showdown between the Hollywood megastar and the Tribal Chief will hopefully turn attention away from the ongoing Vince McMahon scandal. 

“Dwayne pushed super hard for it. Read last week’s issue and this week’s. The card changed when Punk & Brock were out and all the dominoes fell. Dwayne already wanted it and they felt they now needed it as well. Felt this was better to change the news flow away from Vince.”

Meltzer added that Rhodes was supposed to face Reigns at WrestleMania in the original plan and that a showdown with The Rock was set to happen at a later date. It was also stated that CM Punk’s injury was a decisive factor in WWE’s change of plans.  

“Cody was the plan. Dwayne was going to face him later, maybe next year’s Mania, maybe Saudi. Shit happens with Vince and Punk, the Vince thing ends up worse than they thought and they changed the plan. I literally didn’t know until yesterday that it could change and then I was told it’s under lock. But 100% it was Punk vs. Seth and Cody vs. Reigns until Punk got hurt.”

This massive change of plans as seen on SmackDown has had the wrestling world talking… 

Brandi Rhodes & More React to The Rock Taking Cody Rhodes’ Spot at WWE WrestleMania 40

The return of The Rock during this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown has certainly had the wrestling world talking about this unique booking decision. 

On the February 2, episode, The Rock confronted his cousin Roman Reigns in the closing moments of the broadcast. Prior to this, Cody Rhodes spoke about what it means to ‘finish the story’ and added that though he’s coming for Roman Reigns, it won’t be at Wrestlemania 40.

The Wrestling World Reacts

Cody and The Rock shared an embrace during SmackDown, in what many have seen as confirmation that Rock will face Reigns at WrestleMania instead of Rhodes. Many online have disagreed with the idea, given Rhodes’ heartbreaking loss to Reigns last year and how his story has always been about winning the WWE Championship (now part of the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship) that his father never captured. 

On Twitter, Brandi Rhodes referred to her husband as a quarterback, indicating that he is a reliable hand that WWE can count on. 

Mr. Money in the Bank Damian Priest of the Judgment Day found the situation interesting and is excited for WrestleMania 40. 

Danielle Moinet, better known to WWE fans as Summer Rae, was far from pleased, stating that after two years of build, this twist doesn’t make sense. 

Amanda Huber, who worked with Cody in AEW, used Dr. Cox from Scrubs to make her views clear on this twist. 

Echoing Cody’s comment about taking everything from Reigns, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful said that this storyline is doing much more harm to the American Nightmare. 

Drew McIntyre used an old GIF of Cody to share his take on the situation. 

Filthy Tom Lawlor suggested another way Cody could finish his story. 

Hopefully, we all get a clearer picture on this situation on next week’s episode of WWE Monday Night Raw. 

Winner Takes All? Cody Rhodes Interested in Massive Triple Threat WrestleMania Match

Could WrestleMania 40 go off the air with Cody Rhodes holding both the World Heavyweight Championship and the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship? 

While it’s known that Cody will challenge for a World Championship at WrestleMania 40, there has been plenty of speculation as to which champion he’ll face. Ever since his loss at WrestleMania 39, it was expected that Cody would face Roman Reigns this year and get his win back, ending the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion’s historic run in the process. When The Rock returned during the Day 1 Raw, he teased coming for Reigns’ spot as Head of the Table. 

CM Punk’s Injury

During the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble, CM Punk suffered a torn triceps. Punk has confirmed that he will miss WrestleMania 40, leaving World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins without an opponent. On this week’s Raw, Rollins encouraged Rhodes to challenge him at WrestleMania 40. After Rhodes told Rollins he’d think about it, the Architect continued his campaign on social media. A Rhodes-Rollins match would in theory leave Reigns free to face his cousin. 

Winner Takes All? 

While it’s expected that Rhodes could challenge for one championship in Philadelphia, the American Nightmare wouldn’t say no to leaving with both titles. When a fan on Twitter suggested a ‘Winner Takes All’ stipulation featuring Reigns, Rollins, and Rhodes, Cody made it clear he was interested in the idea. 

Cody Rhodes will appear on tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown. The American Nightmare has also confirmed a role at this month’s Elimination Chamber event

The Rock “Headstrong” On Making Roman Reigns WrestleMania Match Happen (Report)

Roman Reigns Vs. The Rock has yet to be made official behind the scenes by WWE, but the Brahma Bull is focused on making the match a reality.

The Brahma Bull returned to WWE on the Day 1 episode of Raw and teased coming for Reigns’ spot as the Head of the Table. A match between the pair has been teased for years and was at one point locked in for WrestleMania 39

The Rock & WrestleMania 40

A potential Reigns-Rock match will come as bad news to fans of Cody Rhodes, who until the Day 1 edition of Raw, seemed poised to face the Tribal Chief at WrestleMania 40. In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reports that despite the anticipation of a match between the two, The Rock has yet to sign a deal confirming his involvement with WrestleMania. 

An agreement has yet to be reached, but the Brahma Bull is eager for the match to happen. One person in the company noted that Johnson was “headstrong” about wrestling Reigns at WrestleMania. Reigns himself laughed at the idea of facing The Rock during the episode of SmackDown that followed the Day 1 Raw. During an episode of ESPN’s First Take, The Rock admitted there is a chance of a match with Reigns at WrestleMania

The Rock’s Return to WWE

If The Rock does compete at WrestleMania, it won’t solely be as a wrestler. This week, Dwayne Johnson was appointed to TKO’s Board of Directors. As part of his lucrative deal, Johnson has full ownership of ‘The Rock’ moniker in a deeply personal move for the former WWE Champion. 

The Rock: There Is A Chance I Will Face Roman Reigns At WrestleMania

Will The Rock lace up his boots and compete against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 this April? There’s a chance… 

The Brahma Bull returned to WWE on the Day 1 episode of Raw and teased coming for Reigns’ spot as the Head of the Table. A match between the pair has been teased for years and was at one point locked in for WrestleMania 39

There’s A Chance

With The Rock’s tease on Raw, many are expecting the long-awaited showdown between himself and Reigns to take place at WrestleMania 40. During an appearance on Hot Take, The Rock, fresh off his appointment to TKO’s Board of Directors, was asked about the possibility of headlining WWE’s grandest stage against the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. 

“I’m a long-gamer and I like to build.  Something like this, what this is [is potentially huge.] If… if myself and Roman Reigns were to main event WrestleMania, and I mean this very respectfully of all the WrestleManias prior, because I grew up in this business and I love it, we could possibly put on, with us as the main event and this incredible group of men and women who are these incredible performers,  we could possibly put on the greatest and the biggest WrestleMania of all time.”

When a host sought to confirm if The Rock was saying there was a chance he would wrestle, the Brahma Bull didn’t reject the notion. 

“There’s a chance… I love this business, I love pro wrestling, I love WWE. But I also have this deep passion to grow it and to build it. And if we’re going to do something like this, I want the world to watch.”

The Rock has his sights set on Roman Reigns, but the Head of the Table isn’t sweating his cousin…

For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops

Bayley Is The ‘Mami-Slayer’ & She’s Coming for Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 40

Damage CTRL’s Bayley has set her sights on the WWE Women’s World Championship and hopes to capture the gold at WrestleMania 40. 

On this week’s SmackDown, Bayley sat on commentary for the Women’s Tag Team Championship bout between champions Katana Chance & Kayden Carter and challengers Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn. During her time behind the table, Bayley dubbed herself the ‘Mami-Slayer’ and vowed to win the Women’s Royal Rumble. 

Given that IYO SKY is the WWE Women’s Champion, Bayley made it clear she plans to challenge Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania. To add insult to injury, Bayley wore one of Ripley’s shirts for the show. 

Bayley Vs. Rhea Ripley

Bayley and Rhea Ripley have shared the ring as opponents a total of four times. To date, their only singles match took place on the March 20, 2023, edition of Raw, and saw Ripley get the win. Their first encounter would be a triple-threat on the December 5, 2022, Raw alongside Asuka that Bayley would win. They have also competed in the 2021 and 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble matches, the latter of which Ripley would win. 

Another Challenger

Bayley isn’t the only Superstar with her sights set on The Judgment Day’s resident Mami. On Raw this week, Becky Lynch confronted Rhea Ripley and made it clear she plans to win the Women’s Rumble and challenge the Eradicator. Ripley, who had previously warned the roster not to waste their Rumble win by challenging her, said she is rooting for Lynch to win the match. 

The 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble Match

Bayley was the first Superstar to be declared for the Women’s Royal Rumble Match. She is joined by Nia Jax and former Rumble winners Becky Lynch (2019 winner) and Bianca Belair (2021 winner.)

Bayley plans on winning the Women’s Royal Rumble match, unless… 

Kazuchika Okada in WWE? Exiting NJPW Star Dreams of WrestleMania Match

Kazuchika Okada dreams of competing at WrestleMania, and that’s a dream that those in WWE management are well aware of. 

This week, it was confirmed that Okada’s tenure with New Japan Pro Wrestling will finish at the end of this month. While his contract will run out on January 31, Okada will compete at the NJPW New Beginnings events scheduled for February. Okada is a five-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and two-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. He is the only person to hold the latter title more than once. 

Is Kazuchika Okada WWE Bound? 

WWE has had interest in Okada for some time and has sought to win him over in recent months. The push of Shinsuke Nakamura in late 2023 was reportedly an effort to show Okada that Japanese talent can thrive in WWE. Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated reports Triple H and Shawn Michaels have “significant interest” in bringing Okada on board. 

Multiple sources close to NJPW revealed that he has always wanted to perform at a WrestleMania, a dream Triple H is aware of. The belief is that should a match happen, AJ Styles or Finn Balor would be the right opponents for Okada’s WrestleMania match. Both men have pre-existing relationships with Okada thanks to their respective NJPW runs. 

Is Okada All-Elite? 

WWE may want Okada, but AEW also has its sights set on the Japanese star. Okada has worked with AEW in the past via the Forbidden Door crossover events with New Japan. He is also close with AEW EVPs Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks. Okada has formed a rivalry and friendship with Bryan Danielson, whom he faced at Forbidden Door II in 2023 and earlier this month at Wrestle Kingdom 18. Okada also competed on an October 2023, edition of Dynamite

Bayley is Ready for Her First Singles Match at WWE WrestleMania

WWE Superstar Bayley may be a founding member of Damage CTRL, but the Role Model is eager for a singles match at WrestleMania 40. 

WrestleMania 40 will take place from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA on April 6, and April 7, 2024. The show will be WWE’s fifth two-night WrestleMania, a tradition that began in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Bayley Wants WrestleMania 40

With WrestleMania 40 still months away, no matches have been confirmed for the show. Plans for WrestleMania 40 will be much clearer after the Royal Rumble PLE set to take place this month. Speaking to Cageside Seats, Bayley shared her excitement about the upcoming Women’s Royal Rumble match and hopes that a win will be the launching point for her first singles match at WWE’s biggest annual event. 

“Everybody knows that when you win the Royal Rumble, you get to point at the sign and the fireworks go off. That’s the stuff you dream about. I’m excited to feel that. I wanna feel that and I wanna get that singles match at WrestleMania.”

While Bayley has competed several times at the Showcase of the Immortals, she has yet to have a singles match at WrestleMania. Instead, she has competed in battle royals, six-pack challenges, tag-team matches and won a four-way in 2017 to retain the Raw Women’s Championship. 

Bayley Reacts to Triple H

Bayley’s lengthy tenure in WWE (in addition to her exemplary work during the pandemic) has resulted in plenty of praise for the Role Model. During the post-Fastlane press conference, WWE COO Triple H called Bayley the all-star of the Women’s Division, and someone who doesn’t always get the credit she deserves. In the interview, Bayley reflected on the Game’s comment. 

“I hope he really meant it. It’s all over Twitter, so he can never take it back (chuckles)… to hear [Triple H] say that makes me feel like we’re like right there, because everything he said [at Fastlane] is everything I’m trying to be and more.”

Bayley has plans to win the Women’s Royal Rumble match, unless…