Bookmark this article and check back here for the latest rumors and news for WrestleMania 40, which will take place from Apr. 6-7, 2024, in Philadelphia. Only reliable sources with a track record of reporting are utilized, and each news item contains expanded context. The piece is set up so that the most recent/relevant rumors are located at the top.
Dominik vs. Rey Mysterio rematch?
Details
In an appearance on The MMA Hour, Rey Mysterio stated that he has thought about having a second WrestleMania match with son Dominik next year in Philadelphia.
Analysis
While their first match was a rousing success and their second would not be a bad idea at all, it seems better for the two to remain in separate programs after how brutal and lengthy their excellent rivalry was. That story has already been told and can be revisited at a much later date. For now, the program with Rey and Santos Escobar is far more compelling, especially after WWE pulled the trigger on Escobar’s fantastic heel turn. Buckle up.
Will John Cena be at WrestleMania?
Details
Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso writes that John Cena will be back to working in Hollywood after putting over Solo Sikoa, but the 16-time world champion is expected to be back at WrestleMania 40 for a role “in some capacity”.
Analysis
We’ve seen WrestleMania succeed without Cena, but the Show of Shows just doesn’t feel the same without the man WWE has been branding as the “GOAT” lately. Cena has been losing an awful lot lately, including at the last WrestleMania against Theory, of all people. It would be nice to see Cena get a big win at the next ‘Mania, but it also wouldn’t be surprising if “in some capacity” means he doesn’t have a match. A lot ends up depending on his filming schedule due to insurance issues regarding potential injuries.
Is The Rock vs. Roman Reigns happening?
Details
Sources within WWE informed Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso that there are currently no plans in place for a WrestleMania main event between The Rock and Roman Reigns.
Analysis
Although some fans have been wondering about the possibility of The Rock vs. Roman Reigns happening at WrestleMania 40, it appears Cody Rhodes vs. Roman is the plan for the next main event at the Show of Shows. Cody and Roman headlined the last WM, with Reigns defeating the American Nightmare in a surprising result. It makes sense for Cody to have to go through Brock Lesnar and others before finally reaching the summit, and the babyface climb is indeed worth it.
As for The Rock, while fans have been speculating about the possibility of him being the final family member for Reigns to beat a Tribal Chief, it seems like a waste of a main event to have him in that spot over Cody. And the main event of WrestleMania should be more unpredictable. Everyone knows Reigns would win, because WWE can’t build up Reigns for years to have him lose to a part-timer. This is Cody’s time. Now, a Rock vs. Roman match at Royal Rumble on the road to WrestleMania would be enticing, but given how little Rock gets to wrestle because of his schedule, it seems like a longshot.
Will Brock Lesnar be at WrestleMania?
Details
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer stated that while Brock Lesnar would be “gone for a while” after putting over Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam, the Beast Incarnate will be back for WrestleMania season.
Analysis
Lesnar has another interesting part-time schedule with WWE, but it’s actually been pretty consistent lately, in the sense that you can always bet on him being in a big feud at WrestleMania and SummerSlam. This year, he had a program with Cody between WrestleMania and SummerSlam, while his actual WrestleMania feud was with Omos. It makes sense for WWE to keep him away from the stories when it’s not time for a major show, because it’s not worth his time and not worth WWE’s money to pay him for appearances that aren’t going to move the needle. The period between Royal Rumble and WrestleMania is WWE’s most important of the year. You had better believe the will come up with something big for Lesnar then.
Kevin was an editor at Daily DDT, covering professional wrestling, and is now doing the same here at Let Them Wrestle.