Details On How WrestleMania Matches Changed, And How Some Were Just Revealed

The Rock’s recent interview on Pat McAfee’s show, and trailers for WWE’s  Unreal series have shed light on many potential matches for WrestleMania.

Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp and Self Made PW’s Ibou had discussed a number of the matches back in December and January that ended up appearing on a white board in a trailer for the upcoming WWE Unreal series. 

During the Rock’s interview, he confirmed Fightful’s reporting that there had been no plan as of WWE Bad Blood for the John Cena heel turn to take place. In fact, he stated that he wasn’t even slated for Elimination Chamber until about a month before, and along the way the heel turn was solidified. He also confirmed Dave Meltzer’s reporting that he wanted Cody Rhodes to turn. Fightful Select has reported throughout the process that by November, Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena was the plan, but at that point neither were going heel. 

The white board itself are tentative, preliminarily discussed matches, we’re told. There were some people listed twice, as WWE is as aware as anyone about the possibilities and the adjustments that occur. One top WWE talent had joked late in the year to Ibou that they were “at the mercy of Dwayne.”

Wyatt Sicks vs. Judgment Day was a direction Fightful had heard was a possibility and had mentioned on the WWE Raw post show. We have since been told that Bo Dallas being sidelined caused a lot of issues regarding that, but many of the talent hadn’t been broached about that match.

Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax was also a match that had been discussed internally, and had made its way to a number in the company. However, during the period that Cargill was sidelined with an injury, the decision had been made for Naomi. A title match was listed on the whiteboard, but by December, Fightful had heard Charlotte Flair vs. Tiffany Stratton was already in the cards. This was before Charlotte had even returned from injury. 

Speaking of Charlotte Flair, she was listed on the whiteboard in a match with Becky Lynch vs. IYO SKY and Asuka. This, and other pitches are why Fightful ran a story in January regarding “creative discussions about Asuka’s return programs” ran. This match was not pitched to the talent themselves, although Becky Lynch had been approached with a separate match. 

CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Gunther and Roman Reigns’ plans had been in flux, and Rollins/Punk were listed twice. 

Rhea Ripley vs. Bianca Belair was reported as the planned direction by Fightful Select in January. That was listen on the white board, but later had IYO Sky added to it. 

WWE sources claimed that Jey Uso had been the plan for Gunther as of mid-January.

Joe Hendry was approached by the time that Kevin Owens’ injury had been made public. Many in TNA found out about it the day prior to the match. We’re told that Aleister Black wasn’t seriously considered because WWE was adamant on his return being after WrestleMania. The same with Rusev, as they had a distinct idea for the match and didn’t think it fit with him considering his future creative. Cory Hays of PWN and Bodyslam had reported that Orton had picked Hendry, which we’re able to confirm is the word within WWE.

Chad Gable/Mysterio, Randy Orton/Owens had long been planned, and AJ Styles was planned for Logan Paul before his injury as well.