Introduction
Well, that was a bit of meh beginning to Wrestlemania season…. Despite an enjoyable women’s rumble, the men’s rumble ultimately ended up being as memorable as Paul Di Resta’s F1 career. Oh, and the single most predictable end to the World Title match ever because even Stevie Wonder could have seen that coming. But anyway, with the road to Wrestlemania 40 officially beginning we’re going to talk about 10 possible storylines heading into or at the show. And as always this is just our opinion so bear that in mind. Anyway, here are our 10 picks for possible WWE Wrestlemania 40 storylines.
10. CM Punk finally gets a Wrestlemania main event
Edit, this aged well….. Starting off nice and topical with Cookie Monster Punk and his long deserved Wrestlemania main event. Now, this will certainly not apply to Roman Reigns and his World Title given he’s stuck between a Rock and a Cody place however a certain World Heavyweight championship is an main event option. If Rollins is fit, there’s plenty of history between the pair whether it be from ROH or their recent Twitter beef. However, should a certain Gunther get the world championship prior to Wrestlemania that’s another very appetising option for Punk’s main event. Either way, this may be impossible this year given the sheer starpower around the main event scene but a Punk fan can hope.
9. Bayley vs IYO: Damage CTRL Civil War
From pure speculation to an almost done deal with the much rumoured Bayley vs IYO Sky match. Given the tensions within Damage CTRL, it’s not inconceivable that the group could kick Bayley out thus leading to a very interesting world title match at Wrestlemania 40. Given IYO’s unfortunately underwhelming run with the belt since Summerslam, would HHH want to give Bayley a true Wrestlemania moment as a babyface and have her win? Conversely, if HHH wants the belt still on IYO maybe beating Bayley is an incredibly late catalyst to flesh her reign out. Either way, it could become very messy considering Dakota Kai may play a role in being between the pair. Shame they can’t just hug it out….
8. Solo begins his Batista Arc
Ok, this one is definitely just Bloodline fatigue. But for the longest time it’s felt like Solo is one step from going full Batista. This may get saved for after Wrestlemania and a certain story. However, Sikoa more than has the talent to slowly warm to the fans like Batista in 2005. And at least this way, he can’t ruin more world title matches as Roman’s get out of jail free card. Just think during another rumoured direction for Reigns, if Sikoa finally starts to see that Roman’s only been using him for his own selfish gains and begins plotting his revenge. I’d imagine with enough time he’d get a similar reaction to Wardlow at Revolution. Then you’ve got a perfect first non-title feud for Roman. Pure fantasy booking but there’s always a possibility.
7. Jade Cargill vs Nia Jax
Now this seems like a pre-Wrestlemania feud that I think about it but if WWE don’t go for the obvious match (I’ll come back to that) this is a more than interesting feud. Given Cargill’s excellent showing in the Rumble, a powerhouse slug fest could be on the cards for Wrestlemania 40. However, the downside is obviously some fans may be more worried that Nia would injure Cargill. But sometimes the risk is worth the reward and this match could absolutely cement Cargill right up there for a post Wrestlemania feud with Bayley, IYO or two other women on this list… Either way, a storm is coming to the women’s division.
6. Damian Priest cashes in Money in the Bank (?)
I mean this could easily just be titled stop making Damian Priest look like an idiot who can’t beat a one legged man in an ass kicking contest. Maybe LA Knight shouldn’t have won Money in the Bank if this was the planned treatment… Either way, Priest has taken a substantial knock so it’s going to be difficult to spin him as world champion material. However, don’t let that dissuade you from Priest being in the position to become the second man to cash in at Wrestlemania. No guesses for who was first… Either way if he does, it could kickstart Judgement Day’s breakup which is another valuable post-Wrestlemania 40 storyline. Either way, please stop trying to kill Damian Priest’s main event aura and give him something worthwhile to do.
5. GUNTHER loses/vacates the Intercontinental Title
All hail Der Ringgeneral: GUNTHER. This man has been the company’s MVP since Wrestlemania 39. And is deservedly getting pushed slowly towards the main event scene. However, he’s still Intercontinental Champion so the company has a decision to make about how to proceed. The obvious answer seems to be that Sheamus will finally win it to become a grand slam champion. However, what if GUNTHER vacates the championship as he could reason there’s no one worthy of beating him for it? This way you can have a tournament for the IC Title while GUNTHER goes off and wins the World Heavyweight Championship just in time for Bash in Berlin? Again, that’s pure fantasy booking speculation but this way everyone wins with no one’s aura being damaged. Watch he’ll get beaten by Sheamus now….
4. Rhea Ripley vs Becky Lynch
Naughty, naughty HHH teasing us with this match for more than a year. With Bayley surely going after Damage CTRL, that leaves a certain Eradicator without an opponent for Wrestlemania? There is the outside chance of Jade Cargill but WWEGareth watching Dynamite is more likely than that match at Wrestlemania. So, who better than the Man to step up to Mami? With the seeds for this match being planted in the run up to Wargames last year, it really feels like only Becky can challenge the sheer presence of Rhea. Oh, and we all know the match will be incredible. Also there’s plenty of promo material given Dom’s presence in the match. This better not end up in the same category of matches as Shawn Michaels vs The Rock….
3. Jade Cargill vs Bianca Belair
Similar to Ripley vs Lynch, we all know that Wrestlemania needs a standout women’s match. Also right now there’s no hotter property in the women’s division than Cargill. Ok, maybe Rhea Ripley but I digress. While my prediction for the Rumble didn’t happen, this is a match which has long been fantasy booked and it’s not difficult to see why. Both are incredibly strong and have enormous in ring charisma. Also, given the fact that Jade will need a strong win over an established competitor to get herself into the world championship scene. So, there really is no better time to have these two square off….
2. The Rock vs Roman Reigns: Family Troubles
Now, I know this almost directly clashes with entry 10 and soon to be entry 1 but if that promo was anything to go by, the Rock is finally back for his long speculated match with his younger ‘cousin’: Roman Reigns. While this would have been better without the belts, it’s entirely likely that this match may get pushed back but even still imagine the promos. Ok, yes the Rock isn’t able to go as well in the ring but Reigns has become a good enough worker to get the Great One through the match. Also, those promos will probably lead to some excellent Rock trash talk given how similar both men’s rise to the top of WWE has been. And frankly, there’s never been a better chance to finally have this match given its been incessantly rumbling for three years. Now, that’s what the Rock has been cooking….
1. Cody finally finishes the story
Is this generic and predictable? Yes, but this is where my cynicism about whether or not WWE wants Roman to break Hogan’s record will determine if Cody finally ends the nightmare which the Bloodline has become. Despite all the signs of Cody winning last year and the Bloodline dissolving, neither happened leaving fans feeling broken and betrayed. So, for the love of god HHH don’t go for Hogan’s record and let Cody have his moment instead of continuing with a story as broken as Ferrari’s pitwall. Also, it then begins to start the law of diminishing returns because if Cody needs three attempts to beat Roman, it’ll weaken his credentials further or maybe that’s just my ever cynical brain talking…
