LAS VEGAS, NV – FEBRUARY 08: Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE Chief Content Officer during the WWE … More
It’s hard to remember the last time the Road to WrestleMania had so much depth. What we know about is excellent, but the surprises could be just as big.
John Cena and Cody Rhodes have been must-see TV, and they have barely touched each other during a month of amazing storytelling and verbal jabs.
The Roman Reigns–CM Punk–Seth Rollins Triple Threat match has had an excellent build, and the same can be said for the Iyo Sky–Bianca Belair–Rhea Ripley story. Triple H and Co. have pushed all the right buttons of late.
As good as those matches could be, there are five potential surprise appearances that could garner headlines.
Malakai Black
Most believe Malakai Black has already re-signed with WWE. He was released by AEW in February, and his return to WWE has been seen as a foregone conclusion. Many believe the mysterious “4” vignettes that WWE has aired during programming are about Black.
We’ll likely find out soon. I’m guessing he shows up at WrestleMania or on the Raw after the pay-per-view.
Rusev
DUESSELDORF, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 22: Rusev arrives prior to the WWE Live Duesseldorf event at ISS … More
News broke on Rusev being sighted at WWE headquarters in Stamford, CT this week. That has most convinced he too has returned to WWE. It seems the momentum toward his return hasn’t been as steady as Black’s—though AEW released them both in February.
In any case, Rusev and his wife CJ Perry, aka Lana, could be back shortly after WrestleMania. The 39-year-old could be earmarked for a feud with LA Knight, as Rusev had an epic run as the United States Champion when he was with WWE.
Hikuleo
OSAKA, JAPAN – AUGUST 05: Hikuleo speaks during the New Japan Pro-Wrestling – G1 CLIMAX 33 at Edion … More
Hikuleo is definitely already signed with WWE. We’re just waiting on him to make an appearance. At this point, it is unclear if he will join his real-life brothers Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa or if he’ll be incorporated into a repackaging of the Bloodline.
Either way, WrestleMania could be the spot.
Becky Lynch
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA – MAY 27: Becky Lynch waiting for her match to begin during Monday Night RAW at … More
At some point, Lynch will come back in some capacity. Her husband, Rollins, recently confirmed his wife is not retired and that “there are future plans for her in professional wrestling.”
He didn’t confirm if those plans would be in WWE, but it is tough to imagine her heading over to AEW to continue or finish her career.
Lynch could return to challenge or put over someone for the U.S. title. Lynch dethroning Chelsea Green sounds like an obvious spot, with Lynch holding on to the belt until she ultimately drops it to a rising star like Roxanne Perez.
In any case, WrestleMania 41 would be a great kickoff for that run.
Ronda Rousey
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 01:Ronda Rousey attends FOX’s Stars On Mars “The Mars Bar” VIP red … More
Rousey has been teasing something on social media.
She’s been back in the gym working out with former opponent Cat Zingano. A return to MMA is pretty much out of the question, but WWE could be appealing to Rousey—especially with Triple H in control of creative.
Rousey could potentially compete in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which is something the UFC has already started to invest in on Fight Pass. Rousey’s name would add serious weight there, but who knows?
This one is a long shot, but if I’m right, I’m a genius.
