WWE Had The Rock vs Roman Reigns Match Locked In for WrestleMania 40 in January, New Details Emerg

One Big Thing

The highly anticipated match between The Rock and Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 was reportedly “locked in” by WWE in January, according to Brian Gewirtz on Busted Open Radio. However, plans changed, and Cody Rhodes ultimately defeated Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the event.

Key Details

• Discussions about The Rock vs Roman Reigns match gained traction in fall 2022
• By January 1st, during a promo with Jinder Mahal, the possibility of the match seemed likely
• A crucial meeting took place involving The Rock, Triple H, Nick Khan, and Brian Gewirtz to discuss storyline details
• The Rock subtly hinted at the “Head of the Table” concept, receiving positive audience reaction
• The match was considered a “lock-in” by mid-January, with plans for merchandise and title belts in place

Cody Rhodes’ Impact

Despite the plans for The Rock vs Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes won the Royal Rumble, setting his sights on Reigns for WrestleMania. Gewirtz expressed concerns about this decision, suggesting it altered the narrative dynamics and shifted focus away from Cody’s storyline.

“The idea of Cody winning the Rumble, I thought, was problematic. I said in San Diego, in that meeting, I thought the cleanest thing to do, if we’re booking Rock and Roman, is to have (CM) Punk win the Rumble and challenge Rollins.” – Brian Gewirtz

Why It Matters

The revelation that The Rock vs Roman Reigns match was nearly a certainty for WrestleMania 40 provides insight into WWE’s long-term planning and the challenges of booking a major event. The decision to have Cody Rhodes win the Royal Rumble and ultimately defeat Reigns at WrestleMania demonstrates the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling storylines and the need for flexibility in booking decisions.

Are you surprised that WWE had nearly finalized plans for The Rock vs Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40? Share your thoughts in the comments below!