WrestleMania 42 was a monumental event in the world of professional wrestling, featuring some of the biggest names in the WWE universe. However, amidst the chaos of building one of the greatest events in wrestling history, there were several scrapped matches that left fans wondering what could have been. One of those forgotten battles was a potential Undisputed WWE Championship match featuring Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, which was reportedly pitched with a Hell in a Cell stipulation. In this article, we’ll dive into the behind-the-scenes discussions that led to this scrapped match and what might have been.
A Third Confrontation Between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns
For months, the WWE universe was abuzz with the possibility of a third match between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The two men had already clashed on multiple occasions, with Rhodes emerging victorious in their second encounter at WrestleMania 38’s Road to WrestleMania. However, sources close to Cody Rhodes revealed that the plan was to take their rivalry to the next level by adding a Hell in a Cell stipulation to their third match.
“A Hell in a Cell match would have been a game-changer for Cody and Roman’s rivalry,” a WWE insider explained. “The stipulation would have added an extra layer of brutality and intensity to their match, and it would have given fans a chance to see the two men go at it in a whole new way. It was a risk-reward situation, but it would have definitely paid off in the long run.”
According to the insider, the decision to scrap the Hell in a Cell stipulation was made due to creative concerns. The WWE was looking to shake things up and try something new, but they ultimately decided to stick with a more traditional approach.
“The WWE wanted to try something fresh and exciting, but they also didn’t want to overdo it,” the insider said. “They were worried that a Hell in a Cell match would be too much, too soon, and it would have taken away from the overall story of the event. It’s a shame, because I think it would have been an incredible match.”
The Impact of a Scrapped Match
While the match between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Championship was ultimately scrapped, the ripple effects of the decision can still be felt today. The WWE universe is always looking for the next big thing, and a Hell in a Cell match between two of the biggest stars in the company would have been a massive draw.
“It would have been a huge opportunity for Cody and Roman to take their rivalry to new heights,” WWE Hall of Famer and former champion, Edge, said in an interview. “A Hell in a Cell match would have been a great way to end a long feud, and it would have given fans a chance to see the two men go at it in a whole new way. It’s a shame it didn’t happen, but I’m sure it will be something that fans will look back on and remember for years to come.”
A New Era for the WWE
While the WWE’s decision to scrap the Hell in a Cell stipulation may have disappointed fans, it also opened the door for a new era of storytelling and creative possibilities. The company has been pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in professional wrestling, and a Hell in a Cell match between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns would have been a bold move in that direction.
“The WWE has always been about taking risks and pushing the envelope,” WWE’s current CEO, Nick Khan, said in an interview. “We’re always looking for ways to innovate and try new things, and a Hell in a Cell match between Cody and Roman would have been a great way to do that. It’s a shame it didn’t happen, but we’re always looking to the future and finding new ways to tell stories and entertain our fans.”
Conclusion
The WWE’s decision to scrap the Hell in a Cell stipulation for a potential match between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42 was a bold move, but it also opened the door for a new era of storytelling and creative possibilities. While fans may have been disappointed by the decision, it’s clear that the WWE is always looking to the future and finding new ways to innovate and entertain.
As Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns continue to build their rivalry, it’s clear that a Hell in a Cell match is still on the table. While it may not have happened at WrestleMania 42, it’s a match that fans will be eagerly anticipating in the future.