WrestleMania Match Card Preview
Now that another successful year of the WWE main events has come to a close, the match card for WrestleMania 40 is beginning to take shape. The Royal Rumble winners have already declared their opponents for the big stage, as Cody Rhodes chose to fight Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion and Bayley chose to go against her former teammate Iyo Sky for the WWE Women’s Championship. At the Elimination Chamber, although slightly predictable, two very entertaining matches took place to complete the four major belt fights in Philadelphia on April 6th. The winner of the men’s Elimination Chamber was Drew McIntyre, as Raw’s biggest heel now gets his shot at facing Seth Rollins for the WWE Heavyweight Championship. On the women’s side of things, Becky Lynch secured her shot at the Women’s World Championship title against Rhea Ripley, who held onto it in a match against Nia Jax.
These four contenders aim to write the next storyline of their career against the biggest names in the WWE. First, Cody Rhodes looks to avenge his loss against Roman Reigns at last year’s WrestleMania and “Finish the story” of his ascend to be the face of the WWE. Drew McIntyre looks to do the same, as said in an interview ahead of his match-up against Rollins, “We’re so close, so close. WrestleMania, we finish our own story and I finally get my moment.” RAW’s biggest heel will get his shot against the biggest name on RAW in Seth Rollins. On the women’s side, Bayley looks to get revenge on an old teammate turned foe, by stealing away the title from Iso Sky. Then, in what is one of the most anticipated first-time meet-up between two superstars, Becky Lynch will look to rise to stardom once again in her match against Rhea Ripley. RAW’s two biggest stars have been kept away from each other for an entire year, but have crossed paths as of recently, and now the stage is set between two of the best in the business.
Along with the four confirmed title matches, there are already a few previews of what else could be seen at WrestleMania. One of the most exciting could be Logan Paul v Randy Orton, and perhaps even Kevin Owens. The Maverick, Logan Paul, sabotaged Orton’s chance for a belt match at WrestleMania with a brass knuckle punch at the Elimination Chamber, creating bad blood between the two. Logan Paul, known for his pure athleticism and fearless ability would make for an incredible match against a WWE legend and veteran Randy Orton. Logan Paul has had a lengthy feud with Kevin Owens as well, which was at its peak in the Elimination Chamber with several shenanigans back and forth. This could pair well to add another star to the mix, setting up an appetizing triple-threat match. More action that occurred in the men’s Elimination Chamber could set up potential matchups, with AJ Styles interfering in the match and hitting LA Knight with a steel chair, as he was attempting to pin Drew McIntyre. Styles did not hold back on Knight, and this could only be a glimpse of what is to come.
Away from what happened in the Elimination Chamber, recent feuds could lead to more matches. One of which being Jimmy Uso v Jey Uso. The two brothers have had their ongoing feud that was on full display in their Royal Rumble standoff when they entered at spots number one and two. The bloodline story has stretched across the WWE, even bringing the Rock back to the WWE Universe. Cody Rhodes gave an open invitation to fight Rock, to which Seth Rollins said he would back up Rhodes, and the Rock has his family in Roman Reigns in his corner. This is another direction the WWE could go for WrestleMania Day One. Then finally, speaking of old superstars making returns, Stone Cold Steve Austin has pondered the question of one more match and could look to fight against another veteran in CM Punk if all things line up correctly. Many of the potential matches are still up in the air, but as far as we are concerned the four main title matches are set in stone in what is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated WrestleMania’s of all time.
Confirmed Card:
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion: (c) Roman Reigns defends against Cody Rhodes
World Heavyweight Champion: (c) Seth Rollins defends against Drew McIntyre
WWE Women’s Champion: (c) Iyo Sky defends against Bayley
Women’s World Champion: (c) Rhea Ripley defends against Becky Lynch
