WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN WRESTLEMANIA GOES HOLLYWOOD
2023 Royal Rumble winner Cody Rhodes is set to challenge Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns at WrestleMania, Rhea Ripley, winner of the Royal Rumble, has a chance at redemption when she challenges SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania, Bianca Belair and Asuka will lock horns for the Raw Women's Championship and more!
UNDISPUTED UNIVERSAL CHAMPION ROMAN REIGNS VS CODY RHODES
Following his triumph over 29 other Superstars in the 2023 Royal Rumble Match, Cody Rhodes will now get the opportunity to realize his dream when he challenges Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
One of the most dominant World Champions of all time, Reigns is enjoying a legendary title reign, winning epic battles against Brock Lesnar, John Cena, Kevin Owens, Drew McIntyre and many more. As he presides over The Bloodline with an iron fist on The Island of Relevancy, The Head of the Table stands armed with a brutal arsenal and seems unstoppable.
Look back at the highly-personal war of words between Undisputed WWE Universal Champion @WWERomanReigns and his #WrestleMania challenger, The American Nightmare @CodyRhodes, on #SmackDown. pic.twitter.com/tV9eY0taCQ
— WWE (@WWE) March 9, 2023
From the unstoppable to the Superstar who would simply not be stopped, Rhodes returned to WWE and made it clear that his one and only focus was to become WWE Champion. After battling through a gruesome pectoral injury to defeat Seth "Freakin" Rollins in a Hell in a Cell Match and taking some time to rehabilitate, The American Nightmare returned to win the Royal Rumble and now sets his sights on toppling Reigns to finally capture the biggest prize in WWE.
Don't miss the highly-anticipated Undisputed WWE Universal Championship showdown when WrestleMania goes Hollywood during for a special two-night Premium Live Event.
Did @CodyRhodes predict @WWERomanReigns' future?#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/LebDDtvs78
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2023
UNDISPUTED WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS THE USOS vs SAMI ZAYN & KEVIN OWENS
At WrestleMania, an important question will be answered: Is friendship stronger than blood?
In a highly-anticipated showdown to decide the future of the titles and perhaps The Bloodline itself, Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos will square off against reunited brothers-in-arms Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens on The Grandest Stage of Them All. It is a matchup that would have been completely impossible just a month and a half earlier. Sami Zayn was firmly aligned with The Bloodline as the anointed "Honorary Uce." In extreme contrast, Kevin Owens had waged a one-man crusade against the dominant faction. That all came crashing down at Royal Rumble, however, when Zayn refused to join a post-match attack against Owens and instead struck Roman Reigns with a steel chair.
After weeks of speculation, “Main Event” Jey @WWEUsos returns take out the one-time “Honroary Uce of The Bloodline” @SamiZayn alongside his brothers Jimmy Uso and @WWESoloSikoa.#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/onvBkoXPvg
— WWE (@WWE) March 10, 2023
Despite Zayn's change of heart, Owens wanted nothing to do with him and insisted on battling The Bloodline alone. Although Cody Rhodes intervened in a tireless attempt to get them back together, KO still resisted, and it wasn't until Owens finally charged into the rescue and saved Zayn from a 2-on-1 Uso attack that the two embraced and were reunited. On the following Raw, the powerful resistance challenged the historic titleholders with Jey Uso overruling his brother Jimmy to emphatically accept.
After reuniting on #SmackDown to repel a @WWEUsos attack, @FightOwensFight and @SamiZayn come before the WWE Universe to talk about their renewed friendship and #TheBloodline.#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/oBZlfzPdl1
— WWE (@WWE) March 22, 2023
SMACKDOWN WOMEN'S CHAMPION CHARLOTTE FLAIR VS RHEA RIPLEY
Rhea Ripley, winner of the Royal Rumble, has a chance at redemption when she challenges SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania.
Ripley won the Royal Rumble in spectacular fashion, starting out as the first entrant, lasting a grueling 61 minutes and eight seconds and eliminating No. 2 entrant Liv Morgan to gain victory. Ripley’s win was all the more astonishing since she had been Speared by WWE Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix earlier in the evening.
The following night on Raw, Ripley announced who she would challenge: her fierce rival, Flair.
The Queen and The Nightmare have a rich, albeit one-sided history as Ripley has never beaten Flair. Three years ago, the roles were reversed, as Flair won the 2020 Women’s Royal Rumble Match before challenging then-NXT Women’s Champion Ripley at WrestleMania 36. Ripley lost to Flair on that night and has never beaten her since.
With The Judgment Day by her side, “Mami” has the best chance of dethroning The Queen. Ripley is a much different competitor than three years ago, and her recent run of dominance proves she may come out as the victor.
Can Ripley finally overcome her demons to make Flair’s worst nightmare come true, or will history repeat itself with The Queen staying on top?
.@MsCharlotteWWE doesn't appear to be intimidated by her #WrestleMania opponent @RheaRipley_WWE in the slightest. ??#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/7WezYTzgfJ
— WWE (@WWE) March 11, 2023
AUSTIN THEORY DEFENDS HIS US TITLE AGAINST JOHN CENA
You can see John Cena at WrestleMania this year when he challenges Austin Theory for the United States Championship.
Austin Theory may have be outspoken and ultra-confident, but that doesn't change the fact that he has proven himself to be a powerful competitor. In a short time, he has risen to become Mr. Money in the Bank, a two-time U.S. Champion and, most recently, he outlasted five major challengers inside the Elimination Chamber to retain the red, white and blue title. And it was in that vein that Theory decided to come before John Cena during his Raw return to give him the "gift" of facing him in a U.S. Title Match at The Show of Shows.
The Leader of the Cenation initially gave a definitive "no" in response to the offer, however, decimating Austin on the mic by explaining that the WWE Universe doesn't believe Austin Theory because Theory doesn't believe himself. Cena said the champion was not ready to face him at WrestleMania because there is nothing inside him. When the irate titleholder brought the crowd into it the mix, however, and attempted to belittle "The Greatest of All Time," Cena was backed into a corner and reluctantly agreed. But he made it clear that, win or lose, there is no way Austin Theory can come out on top in a match against him on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
Cena stands as arguably the greatest of all-time, boasting 16-time World Titles, five United States Championships, two Royal Rumble victories and so much more. Can Austin Theory overcome his challenger and his expectations? Or will he simply become another Superstar who learned the hard way not to mess with Cena at The Showcase of the Immortals?
.@JohnCena puts @_Theory1 in his place before finally agreeing to take on United States Champion on The Grandest Stage of Them All, #WrestleMania!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/vQXSWRA6v6
— WWE (@WWE) March 10, 2023
RAW WOMEN'S CHAMPION BIANCA BELAIR VS AUSKA
At The Showcase of the Immortals, Bianca Belair will lock horns with Asuka for the Raw Women's Championship!
From the first time she stepped into the squared circle, Bianca Belair has demonstrated an elite athletic offense and an undeniable strength. As Raw Women's Champion, she has proven time and time again that she is a true fighting champion as she has defeated every Superstar put in her path from Becky Lynch to Bayley to Alexa Bliss. But is she ready for Asuka?
Now at the top of her game, the ultra-decorated Empress of Tomorrow fused a fierce arsenal and an unpredictable nature to outlast Liv Morgan, Nikki Cross, Raquel Rodriguez, Carmella and Natalya inside the career-altering Elimination Chamber to earn the right to challenge The EST of WWE for the Raw Women's Title on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
BROCK LESNAR VS OMOS
Following months of carnage from both Superstars, “The Beast Incarnate” Brock Lesnar and “The Nigerian Giant” Omos will finally square off on The Grandest Stage of Them All at WrestleMania 39.
Omos and his partner MVP threw down the challenge to Lesnar on a recent edition of Monday Night Raw, challenging the former WWE Champion to a one-on-one match to prove who is the true beast in WWE.
With MVP in his corner, Omos has systematically destroyed nearly every Superstar that he has faced. Meanwhile, Lesnar is coming off one of the greatest challenges of his career in his rivalry with “The All Mighty” Bobby Lashley.
SETH 'FREAKIN' ROLLINS vs LOGAN PAUL
In a highly-personal matchup, Seth “Freakin” Rollins is set to go to war with Logan Paul at The Showcase of the Immortals.
The animosity between Rollins and Paul has been building for some time. It began when the Internet sensation made some comments on social media that did not sit right with The Visionary. As a result, it wasn't long before Rollins took to the mic to express his annoyance. Things only intensified when Logan eliminated Rollins from the 2023 Royal Rumble Match and reemerged weeks later to attack Rollins at WWE Elimination Chamber, costing him the United States Title. In addition to taking his frustration out on The Miz in the weeks that followed, Rollins "borrowed" The A-Lister's phone and invited Paul to a face-to-face showdown on Raw.
When they finally stepped into the ring together for a war of words, Logan Paul refused to battle The Visionary right there and then. Instead, he suggested a showdown against Rollins at WrestleMania. Before it was settled, a physical altercation took place resulting in Logan Paul taking down Seth Rollins with one earth-shattering blow.
The match was later made official and is now set to go off the rails when WrestleMania goes Hollywood for a special two-night Premium Live Event
TRISH STRATUS, BECKY LYNCH & LITA vs DAMAGE CTRL
At WrestleMania, Trish Stratus will join forces with WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Becky Lynch & Lita against Damage CTRL's Bayley, IYO SKY and Dakota Kai.
Becky Lynch has had a longstanding rivalry with Damage CTRL, but it wasn't until the Feb. 20 edition of Raw when The Man's knife cut the deepest. Big Time Becks interrupted an episode of "Ding Dong Hello!" to challenge Bayley's cohorts SKY & Kai to a match for their WWE Women's Tag Team Titles. When The Role Model inquired who Lynch's partner would be, WWE Hall of Famer Lita emerged to take up the charge. At the height of the high-stakes matchup the following week, Trish Status suddenly charged down to the ring to help neutralize the meddling Bayley and paved the way for Lynch & Lita to capture the championship gold!
One week later on Raw, the six Superstars came face-to-face and, when Bayley attempted to belittle Trish Stratus, the WWE Hall of Famer recommended that she and the new champions get some Stratusfaction at The Show of Shows by taking on Damage CTRL in a Six-Woman Tag Team Match.
Brace yourself with the next level showdown when WrestleMania goes Hollywood for a special two-night Premium Live Event.
THE MIZ TO HOST WRESTLEMANIA
In a stunning announcement by the outspoken Superstar himself, The Miz will be the official host of The Show of Shows when WrestleMania Goes Hollywood! As a gift from his lovely wife Maryse, The A-Lister was shocked to learn that he would be overseeing The Showcase of The Immortals.Don’t miss your opportunity to see The Most Must-See WrestleMania of All Time during the two-night WrestleMania Premium Live Event
#WrestleMania Goes Hollywood in three weeks ??
— SuperSport ?? (@SuperSportTV) March 12, 2023
REY LOOKS TO TEACH DOMINIK A LESSON AT WRESTLEMANIA
After enduring months of disrespect, Rey Mysterio will finally step in the squared circle in a highly-personal showdown against his own son, Dominik, at The Showcase of the Immortals.
When Dominik first emerged on the WWE scene, he was everything that would make a father proud. Together he and Rey proved to be an amazing tandem and soon became the first father-son combination to capture the SmackDown Tag Team Championship. Despite their success, however, Dominik soon began to feel stifled under Rey's guidance and it wasn't long before the up-and-coming Superstar did the unspeakable by turning on his dad.
After ripping himself away from his father and aligning with "Mami" Rhea Ripley and The Judgment Day, Dominik did not hesitate to unleash a constant mix of beatdowns and humiliation on his legendary father. He accused him of being a "deadbeat dad," crashed family holiday dinners with Ripley on his arm, cost Rey numerous matchups and even interrupted Rey's response after being announced as the newest member of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2023.
Despite Dominik's actions, the legendary Superstar never failed to do what was right, vehemently refusing to fight back or lay his hands on his son. But he could be pushed no further and, with a heavy heart, he reluctantly agreed to the contest to teach his son a lesson.
?? It's finally HAPPENING!
— SuperSport ?? (@SuperSportTV) March 25, 2023
Rey Mysterio gives Dominik what he asked for and that's a match at #WrestleManiapic.twitter.com/8MGYItfjGB
EDGE TO BATTLE FINN BALOR INSIDE HELL IN A CELL
A rivalry as venomous and vicious as Edge and Finn Bálor’s can only end one way: inside Hell in a Cell.Almost one year ago, Edge founded The Judgment Day with Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley, before Finn Bálor stole the faction away from him in vicious fashion.
Since then, The Rated-R-Superstar has been on a rampant quest to destroy the very group he created. To this end, Edge has tangled in his hometown of Toronto against Priest, helped Rey Mysterio defeat The Judgment Day at SummerSlam and even faced Bálor in an “I Quit” Match at WWE Extreme Rules.
Despite Edge’s efforts, The Judgment Day has managed to grow stronger, most notably adding Dominik Mysterio to its ranks. In his match against Bálor at Extreme Rules, the dark faction forced Edge to say “I Quit” before Ripley took his wife Beth Phoenix out of action with a Con-Chair-To. Ultimately, the Grit Couple returned to defeat Bálor and Ripley at WWE Elimination Chamber but, despite the loss, The Prince was hellbent on inflicting punishment on The Ultimate Opportunist.
As their rivalry continued to rage on, Edge officially challenged Bálor to a match at WrestleMania on the March 13th edition of Raw, but this time with a twist: their clash will take place inside Hell in a Cell.
Edge is no stranger to Hell in a Cell, including a victory against Seth “Freakin” Rollins at Crown Jewel 2021 and way back in a hard-fought matchup against The Undertaker in SummerSlam 2028. The Prince, however, will be stepping inside the Devil’s Playground for the first time. The Show of Shows hasn’t had a Hell in a Cell Match since The Undertaker defeated Shane McMahon seven years ago at WrestleMania 32.
Can Edge finally rid the WWE Universe of The Judgment Day and send Bálor straight to hell?
The Rated-R Superstar @EdgeRatedR challenges @FinnBalor to a Hell in a Cell Match at #WrestleMania. #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/R47Spbz6vs
— WWE (@WWE) March 15, 2023
GUNTHER vs DREW MCINTYRE vs SHEAMUS FOR THE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP
At WrestleMania, Gunther will put his Intercontinental Championship on the line against Drew McIntyre and Sheamus in a Triple Threat Match.
In his incredible reign, Gunther has proven to be a dominant champion and has elevated the Intercontinental Title to "sacred" status. As he approached The Grandest Stage of Them All, however, The Ring General found himself without an opponent. Flanked by Imperium, he demanded that WWE Official Adam Pearce rectify the situation, In response, Pearce set up a Fatal 5-Way Match between the elite Superstars who had made their cases for why they should be given said challenge at The Show of Shows.
When McIntyre and Sheamus scored a pinfall at the same time in the culmination of the free-for-all, however, it was determined that the long-time friends would battle one-on-one for the Intercontinental Title opportunity. Before a winner could be decided in that subsequent showdown the following week, however, a mid-match attack by Imperium brought a sudden end to the contest. With no winner emerging from that match due to Gunther's interference, it was determined by Pearce that both Superstars would challenge Gunther in a Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania.
.@ScrapDaddyAP makes it official! ??????
— WWE (@WWE) March 18, 2023
It's going to be a Triple Threat Match for the #ICTitle at #WrestleMania! @WWESheamus vs. @DMcIntyreWWE vs. @Gunther_AUT!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Yg73ic2ak2
WOMEN'S WRESTLEMANIA SHOWCASE MATCH
In one of two WrestleMania Showcase Matches, four elite female tag teams will collide in a Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match.
Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan became the first team to qualify for a free-for-all at The Showcase of the Immortals with an explosive victory over Emma and Tegan Nox on the March 17 edition of SmackDown.
What tandems will join Rodriguez and Morgan in the WrestleMania Showcase? Find out in the coming weeks on The Road to WrestleMania!
On the March 24 edition of SmackDown, Natalya and Shotzi booked their tickets to the Showcase by defeating Lacey Evans and Xia Li. After the match, Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler made their return to announce they will be in the match as well.
MEN'S WRESTLEMANIA SHOWCASE MATCH
In one of two WrestleMania Showcase matches to occur at The Grandest Stage of Them All, four of the most impressive tag teams in WWE will collide in a Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match.Braun Strowman & Ricochet, The Street Profits, Alpha Academy and The Viking Raiders will battle in Los Angeles at The Showcase of the Immortals. Each of the four teams have recently had opportunities at the WWE Undisputed Tag Team Titles, with three of the four teams having held tag team gold.
With Otis of Alpha Academy starting his modeling career with Maximum Male Models, how will Alpha Academy be a cohesive unit against the other teams?The Viking Raiders, while perhaps being the most dominant team out of the four, will be making their WrestleMania debuts, upping the ante for Erik and Ivar.
Which team will showcase their talent and come out on top at WrestleMania?
Source: WWE