Philadelphia is buzzing with anticipation as WrestleMania 40 approaches, promising to be an event brimming with drama, athleticism, and the kind of spectacle only WWE can deliver. Amidst the whirlwind of excitement, a question that has been on the lips of fans and insiders alike concerns a match that seems to have been etched in the stars, yet, as it turns out, was never destined to happen: The Rock vs. Roman Reigns.
The Illusion of a Dream Match
After the Royal Rumble in 2024, the WWE Universe was abuzz with speculation. The return of The Brahma Bull on SmackDown, usurping Cody Rhodes’ chance to challenge The Tribal Chief, was a moment of high drama that seemed to set the stage for a colossal showdown at WrestleMania 40. However, despite the palpable tension and the series of face-offs that followed, something was amiss.
Sam Roberts, a well-known WWE personality, shed light on this during his appearance on “Insight with Chris Van Vliet.” Roberts, often seen as a conduit to the company’s inner workings, revealed a critical piece of evidence that, in his view, confirmed the match was never actually in the pipeline. “It didn’t have a graphic,” he pointed out. In the world of WWE, the promotional graphic is the seal of confirmation, the signal that a match is indeed slated to happen. Yet, for all the encounters and the hype, no such graphic for The Rock vs. Roman Reigns was ever released.
Don’t let The Rock and Roman Reigns vs Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins tag team match distract you from the fact that Triple H has FAILED to put together an exciting WrestleMania card.
Here’s why:
1. Austin Theory – Literally beat John Cena at WrestleMania 39. He has no match at… pic.twitter.com/2KIFCTqgW6
— Wrestle Tracker (@wrestletracker1) March 17, 2024
The Graphic That Never Was
Roberts’ observation might seem simplistic at first glance, but it highlights a fundamental aspect of how WWE markets its most significant events. “The second the press conference was over, there was a Roman Reigns versus Cody Rhodes graphic. I said, ‘Okay, that’s a match,'” Roberts elaborated. This absence is telling, especially in an organization where visual promotions play a crucial role in building anticipation for its marquee events.
This revelation might be disappointing to fans who were eager to see two of the most dominant personalities in WWE history clash on the grandest stage of them all. Yet, it also peels back the curtain on the intricate dance of expectation and reality that WWE navigates so adeptly.
A Promise of a Different Battle
While the dream match remains just that, WrestleMania 40 is far from lacking in attractions. The Rock, aligning with Roman Reigns, has turned his sights on Cody Rhodes. In a tag team match that sets the stage for a weekend of intense rivalry, The Rock and Reigns aim to enforce Bloodline Rules for the second night of the event. The Rock’s bold promise to “whip” Rhodes with his belt and present it to Rhodes’ mother adds a personal stake to the match, ensuring that the drama inside the ring is as compelling as any speculated bout could have been.
What Lies Ahead
As WrestleMania 40 looms on the horizon, the WWE Universe is left to ponder what might have been. The Rock vs. Roman Reigns was a match many hoped to see, but the absence of a promotional graphic speaks volumes about WWE’s actual plans. Nevertheless, the spectacle of WrestleMania continues unabated, with storylines and rivalries that promise to captivate and entertain in equal measure.
As for the future, speculation will continue to swirl. Will WWE ever book The Rock versus Roman Reigns? Only time will tell. But for now, fans can look forward to an event that remains unmatched in its ability to blend athleticism, storytelling, and sheer spectacle — a testament to WWE’s enduring appeal in the world of sports entertainment.
