WrestleMania XL promises to be a monumental event in WWE’s history, with marquee matchups and intense rivalries electrifying the stage.
However, the road to Philadelphia’s grand spectacle was fraught with unexpected twists and turns that reshaped the event.
As rumors swirled and reports circulated during the buildup to WrestleMania, the initial plans envisioned a different scenario than what ultimately transpired.
While some matches, such as Jimmy vs. Jey Uso and Rhea Ripley vs. Becky Lynch, remained constant, several unforeseen events altered WWE’s course of action.
1. Vince McMahon’s Allegations Disrupt Gunther’s Destiny
Reports circulating in late 2023 and early 2024 hinted at a blockbuster showdown between Gunther and Brock Lesnar for the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania XL.
Man Brock Lesnar vs Gunther would have been great at Wrestlemania 40 🙃 But after Brock Lesnar I wanted Chad Gable vs Gunther but it's ok I am happy for Sami Zayn 😊#WWE2K24 #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/tteS1zfNxb
— VellaRey (@M26Reyansh) March 13, 2024
However, allegations against Vince McMahon, implicating Lesnar, derailed these plans. The Intercontinental Champion will now defend against Sami Zayn, setting the stage for another epic encounter.
2. Injuries Derail Charlotte Flair and CM Punk’s WrestleMania Plans
December 2023 saw the wrestling world buzzing with excitement over CM Punk’s return and Charlotte Flair’s anticipated clash with Bianca Belair.
Tragically, both superstars suffered significant injuries—Flair with a torn ACL and Punk with a torn triceps—shattering their WrestleMania aspirations before they could materialize.
3. The #WeWantCody Movement Alters Main Event Dynamics
Following Cody Rhodes’ Royal Rumble win, The Rock’s unexpected return and subsequent confrontation with Roman Reigns ignited a fervent #WeWantCody movement.
Duh. But I will say this, the pivot that WWE made in putting Cody back in the main event, gave us heel rock, which has been the best thing on TV these past few weeks. https://t.co/icDWI0f51f
— TALKIN BOUT…Podcast (@TalkinBoutPod) March 25, 2024
This groundswell of support propelled Rhodes into a personal feud with The Brahma Bull, reshaping the main event and paving the way for Drew McIntyre’s title challenge.
As WrestleMania XL draws near, the lingering effects of these unforeseen events add layers of intrigue and anticipation to the grandest stage of them all.
While the final lineup may deviate from initial plans, the show promises to deliver unforgettable moments and unforgettable battles, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the last bell rings.
