The Bloodline's Collapse Has Arrived, Booking Adam Cole and More Quick Takes

Never before has The Bloodline's demise in WWE felt so imminent, with WrestleMania 39 just days away.

All signs point to Roman Reigns and The Usos losing their gold this weekend, which would mark the first time since the summer of 2021 that they haven't been champions simultaneously. It was an inevitable reality, and one that has to happen in order to move their story forward.

Adam Cole is also in the process of transitioning into a new chapter with his in-ring return coming up on Wednesday's Dynamite. The former NXT champion initially resurfaced over two months ago but has been spinning his wheels waiting for the proper creative or to be cleared for competition.

Once Cole overcomes Daniel Garcia, All Elite Wrestling should be looking to heat him up in a major way to ensure whatever momentum he has left doesn't go to waste. Putting him in a meaningful program would be a significant step in the right direction.

This installment of Quick Takes will discuss Cole's booking, a Randy Orton comeback being rumored for WrestleMania weekend, Kenny Omega returning to form in singles competition, and more.

WrestleMania 39 Must Mark End of Roman Reigns' Run as Undisputed Champ

The most exciting element of Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania is that it could feasibly go either way.

This is the most jeopardy The Tribal Chief's historic run has been in to date, but it wouldn't be completely far-fetched for him to find a way to retain, either.

With that said, there can be no doubt Rhodes being crowned the new undisputed WWE universal champion is the outcome that makes most sense.

The Bloodline have consistently been the best thing about WWE TV since August 2020, but all good things must come to an end eventually. It would be ideal for the group to start teasing tension now while they're still at the peak of their popularity rather than when they've completely run their course.

WWE insider Twitter account WrestleVotes reported this week that Reigns is set to take an extended hiatus from WWE TV, contingent on the result of his match at SoFi Stadium on Sunday. It would be incredibly disappointing for Raw and SmackDown to go back to having one absentee world champ when the issue can easily be resolved with The Tribal Chief losing to The American Nightmare in Los Angeles.

This will, of course, serve as the first major blow to The Bloodline and take them one step closer to a full-blown split. Reigns retaining does no one any favors, and Rhodes is the right choice to dethrone him.

Kenny Omega's Return to Singles Competition Is Long Overdue

AEW booked a "dream match" for last Wednesday's Dynamite between Kenny Omega and AAA Mega champion El Hijo del Vikingo, and it did not disappoint.

In addition to Vikingo impressing, Omega again reminded fans what he's capable of on his own. That isn't to say he's any less entertaining in The Elite, but his singles matches always have a big-fight feel to them and it's time AEW tapped into that again.

The Omega of old was (and still is) regarded as one of the best wrestlers in the world at that time. It's unknown how many years the 39-year-old has left, so using him as much as possible while he's still at the top of his game is imperative.

Omega's next singles outing will see him defend the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship against New Japan Pro-Wrestling star Jeff Cobb on Dynamite this week. It's guaranteed to be great, and Omega being back in the ring on his own cannot be considered anything but a positive.

Due to injuries and other creative setbacks, Omega hasn't felt as special as he should since returning to the ring, but putting together a strong series of matches will play a pivotal role in elevating him back to that level.

WrestleMania Weekend Is Prime Time for a Randy Orton Comeback

WrestleVotes went on to confirm to GiveMeSport that WrestleMania weekend was the latest expected return date for Randy Orton, who has been out of action for nearly a year.

When he was last seen on WWE TV, he was being brutally attacked by The Bloodline. He and Matt Riddle lost the Raw Tag Team Championship to The Usos following interference from Roman Reigns, so he still has unfinished business with the group.

He'd be a logical candidate to thwart Solo Sikoa at ringside during 'Mania and help Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn secure the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship. He could also be saved for a bigger role on the post-WrestleMania Raw, possibly even entering the world championship chase.

The sole drawback to a Orton vs. Rhodes rivalry right now is that The Viper is bound to be beloved upon his return. If WWE is adamant about getting The American Nightmare over as its top babyface, it would be counterproductive for him to go up against someone who is likely more over than he is.

An Orton comeback on The Grandest Stage of Them All would the epitome of a WrestleMania moment.

Who Will Win This Year's Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal?

As per tradition, the annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal will be held on the SmackDown before WrestleMania weekend gets underway. Unsurprisingly, the combatants include the usual cast of undercard characters.

Bobby Lashley, Karrion Kross, Bronson Reed and LA Knight are among those who stand out. All four are currently without a match at SoFi Stadium this weekend, so winning the 'Dre would be a perfectly fine consolation prize.

Lashley was originally set for a feud with Bray Wyatt heading into The Show of Shows prior to Wyatt suffering an issue that caused their contest to be canceled, per Fightful Select. It's possible he ends up appearing in some capacity, along with Knight who is still searching for his WrestleMania moment.

Between Kross and Reed, the latter is the better fit to emerge victorious in the Battle Royal. The former has been treading water for some time, whereas Reed has been building momentum with a string of squash match wins.

Winning the Battle Royal before WrestleMania has historically meant nothing due to the lack of stakes, but it would at least indicate WWE has something meaningful in mind for Reed post-beyond The Showcase of the Immortals.

How AEW Can Get Adam Cole Back on Track

Adam Cole returned to AEW Dynamite with plenty of fanfare at the onset of 2023. The moment came completely out of nowhere and got his return run off to a strong start, except he's done nothing of note since then.

It would have been wise for the company to hold off Cole on coming back until it was decided when he would wrestle, especially if it wasn't going to be for another two-and-a-half months.

Regardless, Daniel Garcia is a talented competitor and a fine choice for Cole's first opponent back. The former NXT champion should defeat him with ease so he can move on to bigger and better things, which is the only way AEW can reclaim his lost momentum.

Chris Jericho could be next given the connection to Garcia, but it's too soon for Cole to be challenging MJF for the AEW World Championship. His best bet would be to target Christian Cage, who is feud-free now that he's done with Jack Perry.

Chasing the AEW TNT Championship at some point wouldn't be the worst idea, but it's been so devalued that it's difficult to take seriously.

Cole can be a recurring highlight on the program so long as AEW gives him something to sink his teeth into and treat him like the top talent he is.

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Graham Mirmina, aka Graham "GSM" Matthews, has specialized in sports and entertainment writing since 2010. Visit his website, WrestleRant, and subscribe to his YouTube channel for more wrestling-related content.