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The WrestleMania 40 main event doesn't need The Rock directly involved in order to feel like an epic attraction.
The WrestleMania 40 main event doesn't need The Rock directly involved in order to feel like an epic attraction.Credit: WWE.com

The Case Against a Reigns vs. Rhodes vs. Rock Triple Threat at WrestleMania XL, More

Graham GSM MatthewsFeb 12, 2024

In a pleasantly surprising turn of events at Thursday's Las Vegas press conference, WWE pivoted from its polarizing WrestleMania 40 main event involving The Rock and successfully shifted the focus back to Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes.

The next step is ensuring it stays that way and isn't adjusted to a Triple Threat match at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia come April 6-7.

Rhodes setting his sights on the undisputed WWE universal title leaves world heavyweight champion Seth Rollins without an opponent for the event. A new No. 1 contender will be determined via an Elimination Chamber match at the same-titled event on February 24.

Although the field for the high-stakes bout is far from complete, Drew McIntyre should be considered the odds-on favorite to not only reign supreme inside the Chamber but also walk out of WrestleMania with the title.

This installment of Quick Takes tackles why it's time to crown McIntyre, two potentially massive debuts for All Elite Wrestling at next month's Big Business show, why the money is in the chase for Sami Zayn, and more.

Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes Must Remain As Is Without The Rock

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WWE may claim Reigns vs. Rhodes II is set in stone as the main event of WrestleMania 40, but the lingering possibility of The Rock being inserted in some form or fashion has created doubt among fans.

Following the electric angle that closed last Thursday's WrestleMania Kickoff press conference, WWE would be foolish to rush into anything relating to Rock vs. Reigns when it can be saved for next year or another event before then.

In the meantime, the Anoa'i cousins would benefit from being aligned as heels in The Bloodline, creating an even bigger obstacle for Rhodes to overcome.

Sticking with the singles match between The Tribal Chief and The American Nightmare would break the tradition set by WrestleMania 20 and WrestleMania 30 of the main event turning into a Triple Threat, but it isn't necessary in this case.

Reigns' historic run must come to an end by being beaten one-on-one, and Rhodes has proved to be the perfect person to dethrone him. Rock getting involved from ringside by either aiding his cousin or fending off the rest of The Bloodline would make sense, but there is zero reason for him to be added in an official capacity.

The Great One would be better suited for a potential tag team match with Reigns against Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1 of 'Mania, assuming WWE goes in that direction as teased in the new trailer for The Show of Shows.

The Money Will Be in the Chase for Sami Zayn Over the Long Term

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Sami Zayn's many disappointments over the last year may have left fans questioning if he'll ever be able to win on his own when it matters most. But, as a perennial underdog, there's reason to believe he will have his moment in the sun eventually.

The stars won't align for it to happen at WrestleMania 40, though.

Zayn should still have a spot on the card after headlining last year's installment, but it remains to be where he'll fit in following his failure to qualify for the men's Elimination Chamber match last Friday on SmackDown.

The sit-down interview with him that aired on the Feb. 5 edition of Raw made it clear that the long-term arc will see him continue to rack up losses before finally getting his just due.

That could and should be in the form of a World Heavyweight Championship victory, albeit not anytime soon.

With two world titles between Raw and SmackDown, Zayn fulfilling his destiny by becoming a world champ is well within the realm of possibility. Every setback he suffers between now and then will make that moment mean that much more.

Debuts for Okada and Moné at AEW Big Business Would Send Strong Message

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Tony Khan's "big" announcement on last Wednesday's Dynamite was unsurprisingly related to the first-ever Big Business edition of the show at Boston's TD Garden on March 13, with all signs pointing to it also marking the debut of Massachusetts-based star Mercedes Moné.

The former Sasha Banks has been expected to be AEW-bound for some time now, but the arrival of the highly sought-after Kazuchika Okada on the same show would make the occasion even more epic.

Per Fightful Select, Okada is heading to AEW fresh off his departure from New Japan Pro-Wrestling at the end of January and will be one of the promotion's greatest gets, with The Rainmaker being a generational performer.

AEW had one of its most memorable moments in its short history at All Out 2021 when Adam Cole and Bryan Danielson made surprise debuts back-to-back. That can be recreated at Big Business with both Moné and Okada making their first appearances as "All Elite" talent.

With Cole, MJF and Kenny Omega and others out injured, the promotion has had a solid if unspectacular start to the year. Revolution is shaping up to be a massive show, and following up that with another eventful night would send the message that AEW is ready to reclaim the buzz and momentum it hasn't had regularly in some time.

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Logan Paul Can Thrive as Full-Time Member of SmackDown Roster

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As part of the men's Elimination Chamber qualifiers, Logan Paul will take on The Miz on Friday's SmackDown in what will be his first non-premium live event WWE match.

Regardless of the outcome, it's a significant step forward for the United States champion who'll presumably be wrestling more matches on the main roster weekly shows going forward.

Paul revealed on Instagram that he recently re-signed with WWE and implied he intends to make it more of a full-time job instead of treating it as a hobby. He's exceeded expectations as a part-time performer in the past two years, but he can easily excel as an active member of the roster as well.

The 28-year-old has improved every aspect of his game and should still feel special despite appearing more regularly, provided he's handled properly and isn't booked to lose more often than necessary.

The social media star would be a fine addition to the Chamber match, but he should also wrap up his rivalry with Kevin Owens in the coming weeks to pave the way for a WrestleMania 40 match with LA Knight.

Drew McIntyre Is Rightful Chamber Winner and Next World Heavyweight Champion

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Drew McIntyre has been doing the best work of his career since returning from his hiatus last summer and kicking off the character transformation that later culminated in his heel turn.

As such, it's only appropriate he become the new No. 1 contender to the World Heavyweight Championship at Elimination Chamber and go on to take the title from Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40.

Rollins has defeated the Scot to retain the prestigious prize twice before, but McIntyre now being a full-blown heel will create a fresh dynamic.

Furthermore, The Visionary is long overdue for a change of pace, and being put back in chase mode by the white-hot McIntyre would accomplish that.

With CM Punk out injured and Gunther focused on the Intercontinental Championship, The Scottish Warrior is the strongest candidate by far to face Rollins at The Show of Shows. The only unknown factor in the situation is his contract status with WWE and if he plans to re-sign.

If so, there's no excuse for McIntyre not to finish his own story by capturing a world title in front of fans for the first time.


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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.

Have The Death Riders Influenced Ospreay's Style?

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