strategies WWE is faltering in implementing for WrestleMania 41:
Rewritten:
WrestleMania 41 is shaping up to be a bit of a letdown, with the focus on John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes overshadowing the rest of the card. In recent years, WWE has produced top-notch storytelling across Raw and SmackDown, but the past several months have seen a noticeable drop in creative mojo, particularly on SmackDown. This timing couldn't be worse, as WrestleMania 41 is less than four weeks away, and several key stars find themselves aimlessly wandering or stuck in underwhelming storylines.
There have been some encouraging developments, like Jey Uso's rise, Iyo Sky's ascension, and the ongoing drama between Jade Cargill and Naomi. But by and large, the build-up to WrestleMania 41 is failing to meet expectations. Here are five ways WWE is dropping the ball with its booking heading into WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas.
Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest
Even Drew McIntyre himself has voiced his frustration with his WrestleMania storyline. Despite his tremendous contributions to WWE over the past few years and arguably being one of their top all-around performers, McIntyre finds himself in a midcard match against Damian Priest, which is an unfortunate letdown.
Though the match hasn't officially been confirmed for WrestleMania 41, it's clear that's where things are headed. McIntyre and Priest have been scratching each other's backs for two years now, but that hasn't generated much heat or emotional investment from the fans. McIntyre, the company's top heel, deserves better than this rehashed feud.
The Midcard Championship Mess
WWE has been playing hot potato with the United States title between LA Knight and Bron Breakker on SmackDown, and the Women's US Championship has been largely forgotten on Raw. This lack of direction has left the midcard title scene in shambles. However, there's a glimmer of hope: Breakker and Penta are crowd favorites, so their IC title match could still be a highlight.
In contrast, the women's midcard titles are being neglected. Lyra Valkyria and Chelsea Green, two exceptional performers, haven't had the opportunity to shine like they should. Fans feared this might happen when the women's midcard titles were first introduced, and now their worst fears are coming true.
WWE's Forgotten Tag Team Divisions
WWE currently has three main roster tag team divisions, but only SmackDown's is doing well. Raw's Women's Tag Team Championship is often ignored, while the World Tag Team Championship lacks long-term storytelling for the champions, The War Raiders. This disregard for tag team divisions is remarkable, especially considering the depth and talent on the roster.
Roman Reigns, Rhea Ripley, and the Overreliance on Triple Threats
Triple threat matches might be easier to book, but they're not always the best option. For instance, CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins would create a more focused and compelling storyline than adding Roman Reigns to the mix. This trend is also present in the women's division, where a Sky vs. Ripley or Ripley vs. Belair match would make more sense than the current triple threat.
Sami Zayn's Absence
Where is Sami Zayn when we need him? After being written off TV due to Kevin Owens' heinous attack at Elimination Chamber, Zayn is on the verge of WrestleMania 41 without a confirmed match. Zayn's absence would be disappointing given his significant role in WWE and his impact on the past two WrestleManias.
In summary, WWE's booking for WrestleMania 41 is lackluster at best. By neglecting some of its top performers and shoehorning too many wrestlers into multi-person matches, WWE is missing an opportunity to create engaging and unforgettable storylines for fans. Hopefully, things turn around before the big event in Las Vegas.
- Despite John Cena's match at WrestleMania 41 being a potential highlight, the general concern is that it overshadows the rest of the card, leading to a perceived letdown.
- One of the titleholders, Drew McIntyre, himself has expressed frustration with his WrestleMania storyline, feeling that he deserves better than a midcard match against Damian Priest.
- The women's midcard titles, specifically held by exceptional performers like Lyra Valkyria and Chelsea Green, are being neglected, not receiving the attention and opportunities they deserve, contrary to fans' expectations.
