As Roman Reigns’ title reign continues to run, the widely held belief is that the endgame is a match with Dwayne Johnson in the main event of WrestleMania 39.
Johnson has never ruled out returning to the ring, and there have been occasional teases dropped into the consciousness of fans that a match could be on the cards. However, with the Royal Rumble and traditional start to the ‘Road to WrestleMania’ just around the corner, plans seem very much up in the air.
Dwayne Johnson Could Miss WrestleMania 39
It was recently reported that the star known as The Rock wasn’t “locked in” for the event, and WWE had begun to make other plans. The report said that WWE were looking to strike a deal with the former World Champion ahead of the Royal Rumble. The report also appeared to confirm that there are plans to split up the WWE and Universal Championships once more.
Current plans for WrestleMania 39 reportedly see Seth Rollins facing Drew McIntyre or Cody Rhodes for the WWE Title on night one, and Roman Reigns facing The Rock or Cody Rhodes on night two for the Universal Title.
Writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer has now appeared to confirm that the likelihood of The Rock missing WrestleMania is growing. Melted noted that WWE have a plan in mind for Roman Reigns, and maybe a backup match, if Johnson doesn’t appear which is said to be a “very real possibility.” However, he added that he has been told the story of splitting the titles and having two title matches isn’t currently the plan within WWE.
“Regarding WrestleMania, Paul Levesque has made a decision on the Roman Reigns direction for WrestleMania in the event it is not Dwayne Johnson, which is a very real possibility. I don’t know that direction although Cody Rhodes would be the betting line favorite for those on the outside right now. So it’s not like there are multiple ideas for that match, only maybe two, Johnson and whoever the other plan would be with.
There remains a lot of talk of creating a second title for Raw (or Smackdown if they switch brands with Reigns or if someone beats Reigns) in 2023. But I’ve been told the story going around of that title being created with Rhodes, Rollins or McIntyre on night one of Mania this year is not the plan as of this week”
Cody Rhodes hasn’t wrestled since undergoing surgery in June, but did recently hint that he could be returning very soon.