WrestleMania season is almost here with the Royal Rumble set to kick off 2019 and the road to WrestleMania 35. With the new year comes many changes in store for WWE. The male and female Royal Rumble winners are certain to have major WrestleMania implications, to say nothing about impending returns and debuts for 2019. Because of the shake-ups that tend to happen around and after WrestleMania, fans are often anxious during this time of the year, especially with all the supposed backstage leaks circulating.
WWE is going to pull out all the stops for WrestleMania. This means big pushes, surprise returns and huge match-ups, and that doesn’t even cover the WrestleMania fallout. While WWE doesn’t always push the most favorable superstars among fans, there are wrestlers supposedly in line for a much deserved push that give the fans some excitement. In addition to scheduled pushes, WrestleMania almost always brings about the return of legends such as The Undertaker and The Rock.
However, not all is positive. WWE continues to push certain superstars that aren’t over, and their undeserved push turns people away from the product. Certain "part-time" superstars returning to take a spot on the WrestleMania card, questionable booking plans and potential departures also keep WWE fans a little worried for 2019. Time will tell where the road to WrestleMania and beyond will take us. Good or bad, hopefully we can all enjoy the ride while we’re on it. In the meantime, let’s review some of these supposed plans for 2019 with 10 we hope are true, and 10 we hope are not.
20 Hope Isn’t True: Brock Lesnar Extends His Contract
Fans went bananas when Brock Lesnar returned to WWE in 2012, after an eight-year hiatus, but that nostalgic feeling has all but faded. Lesnar’s lack of appearances and lazy matches haven’t endeared him to fans, and his two Universal Title wins look undeserving at best. With reports of Brock Lesnar having quietly extended his WWE contract, fans are nervous they’ll see more of the same in 2019.
Even the staunchest Roman Reigns hater knew that Reigns taking the title off of Brock would be better for business. Finally, Raw would have a champion that showed up and wasn’t booked like a demigod. Unfortunately, Reigns had to relinquish the title, and now WWE is right back where they started with Lesnar as champion again. Even more concerning for fans would be if this extension keeps the title on Lesnar past WrestleMania.
19 Hope is True: Push For Drew McIntyre
Drew McIntyre entered WWE back in 2007 and was dubbed “The Chosen One.” McIntyre would win the Intercontinental Title, and even after Vince McMahon himself declared McIntyre a future World Champion, he still wasn’t connecting to the WWE fans. McIntyre would be released in 2014 but has since come back better than ever.
Michael Cole isn’t wrong when he says Drew McIntyre reinvented himself. McIntyre honed his craft in Impact Wrestling, perfected his Claymore Kick and found some much needed charisma. Fans are ecstatic over reports of another push for the “Scottish Psychopath” with McIntyre being one of the favorites to win the Royal Rumble.
18 Hope Isn’t True: The Rock Winning the Royal Rumble
While most fans would love for The Rock to FINALLY come back to the WWE, those same fans wouldn’t be too thrilled about “The Great One” winning the Royal Rumble. The Rock has said he’d love to wrestle again, and reports circulated that he was slated to win the Royal Rumble and face his cousin Roman Reigns for the Universal Title at this year’s WrestleMania.
Fans still worship The Rock, but Rock winning the Royal Rumble would likely induce more groans from fans who are starved for new stars. With Roman taking time off, The Rock facing Roman isn’t going to happen, but The People’s Champ is still a top favorite to win the Rumble to face Brock Lesnar, but that would be equally unfavorable. The fans don’t want yet another part-time superstar taking up a top spot on the card, even if it's The Rock.
17 Hope Is True: Becky Lynch versus Ronda Rousey as the WrestleMania Main Event
WrestleMania plans are far from a done deal, and the main event for the grandest stage of them all is still very much up in the air. There are big questions as to who’s winning the Royal Rumble for the men and women. One possible match being thrown around to main event WrestleMania is Becky Lynch versus Ronda Rousey, and that possibility has a lot of fans stoked.
The main event at WrestleMania normally (and should be) reserved for the biggest match of the night between the most over superstars in the company at that time. “The Man” Becky Lynch is the most over superstar in WWE at the moment, and a match between her and Ronda Rousey would be huge. A women’s match headlining WrestleMania would set a new “first” for the Women’s Division, and if there was ever a time and a superstar to set that first, now is the time, and Becky is that superstar.
16 Hope Isn’t True: Keeping Charlotte Strong
Charlotte was the WWE Divas Champion, is a four-time Raw Women’s Champion, a two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion, and inexplicably ended Asuka’s undefeated streak. Then, just when Charlotte finally dropped her title to Becky Lynch, creative decided Charlotte needed to look strong yet again.
There’s certainly nothing wrong with keeping Charlotte relevant, she’s one of the best (if not the best) woman in the division, but it’s Becky’s time now. The focus should be on “The Man” not “The Queen.” Charlotte’s had her time in the sun, and it’s time for someone different to soak up some rays. Unfortunately, reports have Charlotte remaining atop of the division and may even take the spotlight from Becky by needlessly adding herself into a Becky Lynch versus Ronda Rousey match.
15 Hope Is True: A Renewed Asuka Push
Asuka has been one of the most damaged superstars since coming to the main roster from NXT. She had meaningless feuds on Raw, lost her undefeated streak to Charlotte and lost her feud with Carmella while on Smackdown. The Empress of Tomorrow obviously isn’t the same threat she once was, but it appears Asuka may be in line for another big push.
Vince McMahon was reportedly stunned at Asuka’s loud crowd reaction during a SmackDown event, and this reaction may be why Asuka was added to the TLC match with Becky Lynch and Charlotte. Fans may finally see some success for Asuka on the main roster. The question is will WWE officials be “ready for Asuka” this time around?
14 Hope Isn’t True: Nia Jax Limiting the Use of Her Fist
There has been some heat on Nia Jax for recklessly punching Becky Lynch in the face, causing a rewrite of the Survivor Series match-up involving the two WWE Women’s Champions. However, in a very WWE-esque move, officials have decided to use Nia’s legitimate injury to Becky as part of her character.
Rumors have it that WWE officials want to limit Nia’s already limited moveset by reducing the use of her punches. In doing so, they hope to get her knockout punch over, much in the same way that the Big Show uses his WMD finishing punch. Fans aren’t too happy about this, however. It rewards clumsiness, and gives Nia an even lamer finisher than she already had before.
13 Hope Is True: John Cena Returns
With much of the Raw roster depleted, the time is now for John Cena to return to WWE. Cena already returned to WWE’s Super Showdown in Australia, but fans may be seeing more of the Leader of the Cenation with the approach of WrestleMania season.
Raw is clearly lacking talent at the moment with notable injuries, and fans would love to see Cena return home even if it’s just for a few months. Cena’s star power can definitely boost a lackluster looking WrestleMania. Granted, a Cena versus Undertaker rematch doesn’t sound that inspired, but John Cena actually putting over Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania would do wonders for McIntyre, moving forward towards a major main event push in 2019. Either way, Cena’s presence is sorely needed and desired in 2019.
12 Hope Isn’t True: Batista Returning
While John Cena’s return could be very beneficial in sparking interest in WWE during WrestleMania season, the same can’t exactly be said for Batista. It’s nothing against The Animal, and he has stated that he has unfinished business in WWE. However, Batista has said that he really wants a match with Triple H., and that’s not exactly a match fans are scrambling to see.
The point may be moot anyway with Triple H rehabbing a pectoral injury. With Triple H. likely to miss WrestleMania, why even bother with a Batista return? The only dream match that’s possible would be against Brock Lesnar, but if Batista wins another Royal Rumble to get that match, WWE may get another “Boo-tista” instead.
11 Hope Is True: Trish Stratus Versus Alexa Bliss
While Batista’s last return wasn’t very warmly received, Trish Stratus still gets a great ovation from the live crowd. Trish was supposed to return and face Alexa Bliss at the all-women’s WWE event, Evolution, but Alexa was injured and couldn’t compete. However, WWE is trying to keep Trish and Alexa relevant, and with WrestleMania approaching, this match could still happen.
Comparisons between Alexa and Trish have been made since Little Miss Bliss’ main roster debut, and it makes perfect sense for these two to wrestle each other at some point. Hopefully, The Goddess recovers fully from her concussion(s) so the fans can get this match, because the pitched Sasha Banks and Bayley versus Trish and Lita idea isn’t nearly as compelling.
10 Hope Isn’t True: The Club Leaving WWE
Although they generated a huge buzz when they debuted in WWE, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows have been misused for most of their tenure in the company. Yes, they won the Raw Tag Team Titles by some miracle, but The Club has been jobbing almost ever since. Their move to SmackDown hasn’t helped either, and now, they’re barely even seen on WWE programming. Because of this and their contract status, numerous reports have spread that Gallows and Anderson are on their way out of WWE.
WWE fans are still hoping they haven’t seen the last of Anderson and Gallows in WWE. Their contract is just about up, and New Japan would love to have them back. Still, while The Club is surely to be booked better outside of WWE, fans are hoping WWE comes to their senses instead, re-signs them and books them like the dominant tag team they once were.
9 Hope Is True: Women’s Tag Team Titles
WWE officials are really pushing for Women’s Tag Team Titles as fans have reportedly been handed signs saying “We Want Women’s Tag Team Titles.” Furthermore, WWE is pushing Bayley and Sasha as a tag team and scripting their desire to be the “first ever” WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. However, this propaganda is completely unnecessary. The fans already want Women’s Tag Team Titles, so just pull the trigger already.
Fans see too many in the Women’s Division just sitting on the roster with nothing to do. Ember Moon is lost on Raw while Carmella is cheer-leading for R-Truth. Instead of “having nothing for them,” create some tag teams and give the rest of the Women’s Division something to fight over.
8 Hope Isn’t True: Shane McMahon’s Heel Turn
Understandably, Shane McMahon’s warm reception has cooled recently, and reports have pointed at a major character change for Shane-O-Mac. While it’s not entirely clear what this change will be, it’s believed that a heel turn has been in the works for a while now, and may play off Shane’s baffling WWE World Cup victory.
A character change may not necessarily be a bad thing. Shane has always been a tremendous heel, and could complement Paige’s face character. Still, almost anything involving Shane will be mediocre at this point. Shane’s a part-time wrestler who’s not even a wrestler. Turning heel and showing off his World Cup isn’t going to sell WrestleMania tickets regardless of whom his opponent may be.
7 Hope Is True: More All-Women Events
The first ever WWE all-women’s event known as Evolution was dubbed a huge success, with more all-women events planned for the future. Evolution was a historic moment for WWE, but the event itself could have been better. Alexs Bliss vs Trish Stratus was changed to a tag match, then Bliss had to remove herself from the match completely. Then, The Bellas momentarily returned just to get wedged in for an undeserved shot at Ronda Rousey.
Despite a few too many throwaway matche, Evolution was still a step in the right direction. More all-women pay per views is a good thing for WWE for multiple reasons, and with superstars like Becky Lynch on it, there would definitely be interest in them. Hopefully, WWE will invest more time into the pay per view buildup and exclude superstars that fans don’t really want to see from participating in them in future.
6 Hope Isn’t True: AJ Styles Less Featured On Smackdown
Like his former Bullet Club members Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, AJ Styles also has an expiring contract in April. While it’s more likely WWE will re-sign Styles than The Club, the effects of this contract negotiation are already taking effect.
Styles was “The Champ That (Ran) The Camp” for over a year on SmackDown, but he has since lost the WWE title that he held for 371 days. WWE is downplaying Styles through these negotiations in case he doesn’t re-sign, and apparently, Styles will be less featured until these negotiations are over. The Phenomenal One is said to be looking for a lighter schedule to spend more time with his family, and surely Styles deserves that time off. However, with a new contract still not a done deal, and the concerns stemming from a lighter schedule, fans remain on edge regarding the future of Styles and hate the idea of less AJ.
5 Hope Is True: More Sports, Less Comedy on Smackdown
AJ Styles’ future is not the only potential change to Smackdown Live. As WWE’s contract with FOX Sports goes into effect, the programming content is slated for a change as well. As part of an effort to promote their sports block, FOX Sports wants less comedic skits on SmackDown and more sports oriented action.
This comes to the chagrin of Vince McMahon who loves his comedy acts, however fans are completely on board with the new proposed change. WWE’s comedy skits are notoriously weak and unfunny, and having a wrestling show that’s actually devoted to wrestling can only be a good thing in today’s product.
4 Hope Isn’t True: Calling Up NXT Superstars
While normally NXT superstars promoted to the main roster generates a good buzz, the booking of almost every NXT call-up hasn’t been WWE’s crowning achievement. Ember Moon looks lost, Asuka has no credibility and Bobby Roode is slapped with Chad Gable in the Tag Division.
Because of the track record among those that came before them, fans are very worried about Tommaso Ciampa and Aleister Black being called up to the main roster. Both Ciampa and Black are close to getting that call, but Ciampa’s great heel work and Black’s awesome rise as a babyface could be lost on the crowded main roster. Hopefully, Triple H protects his investment in them should they come up, but many fans are actually hoping they stay in NXT where they are actually booked appropriately.
3 Hope Is True: The Rock Inducted Into the WWE Hall of Fame
While fans may not be overjoyed to at the possibility of The Rock versus Brock Lesnar, millions and millions of The Rock’s fans would still love to see Dwayne Johnson return for WrestleMania in some form or fashion. One possible way to get The Rock involved in WrestleMania weekend would be to finally induct him into the WWE Hall of Fame, and in this capacity fans would have no problem.
The induction of The Rock in the WWE Hall of Fame is long overdue and would give The Brahma Bull even more incentive to participate in WrestleMania 35. WWE has changed the day of the Hall of Fame ceremony, apparently to accommodate his hectic schedule, and may provide the fans the opportunity to once again smell what The Rock is cooking during the Hall of Fame and possibly even WrestleMania 35.
2 Hope Isn't True: WWE Poaching Stars From The Indies
Vince McMahon doesn’t feel threatened by any competition at the moment, but he certainly is aware of it. With the success of independent events like All-In and the possibility of the All Elite Wrestling promotion being created, McMahon is scooping up available talent to keep them away from other wrestling companies.
WWE has supposedly made offers to New Japan superstar, KUSHIDA and has made an offer to Cody Rhodes as well. Cody Rhodes stated he turned WWE’s offer down, and fans aren’t too upset about that. Fans of The Elite, KUSHIDA and other free agents are leery of WWE signing these talents after seeing so many other signings misused. While it would be awesome to see Kenny Omega or The Young Bucks in front of a mainstream crowd, fans believe these stars are more over outside of the WWE than they would be inside it.
1 Hope Is True: Brock Lesnar versus Seth Rollins at WrestleMania
Ever since Brock Lesnar won back the Universal Title fans have been wondering who will be the one to take the belt off of him. The most recent reports have hinted at “The Kingslayer” Seth Rollins slaying “The Beast” at WrestleMania. This does raise a few questions, however.
Will Seth Rollins win the Royal Rumble? Will his feud with Dean Ambrose conclude by WrestleMania? Will Lesnar still be Universal Champion? All these questions will have to be answered by WrestleMania, but fans are fully behind The “Architect” taking on Lesnar. Rollins has carried Raw on his back, and no one on that roster deserves the Universal Title more.