WWE's Road to WrestleMania 41: A Journey Lacking Flavor

By Thomas Brunt

​As fans gear up for WrestleMania, opinions are mixed. While there have been a few exceptional moments and rivalries—consider the likes of CM Punk, Reigns, and Rollins or the compelling Cena-Rhodes feud—there's a growing sentiment that the journey leading to the grand event feels somewhat underwhelming. Even the rivalries that show promise, such as those involving Belair, Sky, and Orton-Owens, could benefit from additional seasoning, particularly in the wake of this month’s surprising Premium Live Event, the Elimination Chamber.

Currently, the narrative seems dominated by John Cena's heel turn and his escalating rivalry with WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes. On the opposite side, fans rally behind babyface Jey Uso, this year’s Royal Rumble winner and a former key member of the Bloodline. Yet, his conflict with Gunther lacks the intensity one typically expects from a World Heavyweight Championship rivalry.

​Are we truly meant to believe this storyline hinges on announcers dancing on tables? To be fair, I don't catch every episode of SmackDown, so I may have missed critical moments that could flesh out this feud. While I might be exaggerating, I can't shake the feeling that such antics, while entertaining, shouldn’t serve as the backbone—or even the near-backbone—of a prominent rivalry. Yes, Jey is a lovable babyface, but he shouldn't need that much convincing from the audience!

What stands out, however, is that this feud has showcased Jey as a formidable competitor—he's not the adversary Gunther anticipated, which enhances his underdog status both in Gunther's eyes and among us fans. While some may have predicted Jey's victory at the Rumble, I confess I wasn't among them. Gunther's reign as champion has recently felt less impactful than it could be; even he has acknowledged this in interviews.

Moreover, Randy Orton's return earlier this month during the Premium Live Event in Toronto sparked significant chatter among fans. This development raises important questions about Sammy Zayn’s potential involvement at WrestleMania. If Zayn does appear, what role will he play? To my mind, an unsanctioned match between Owens and Zayn deserves to be staged at 'Mania rather than the Chamber. Their ongoing rivalry, steeped in a rich history of friendship and competition, warrants a proper spotlight at WrestleMania, complete with a coherent feud arc.

I don’t wish to come off as overly critical; I genuinely believe that both Orton and Owens could deliver a breathtaking match if given the adequate time and build. Their rivalry, in its own right, is compelling, conjuring memories of Orton’s sadistic Punt-Kicker phase from '09. However, it’s hard to ignore the potential that remains unrealized in Owens' involvement in 'Mania.

Then there’s the matter of Cena's heel turn. I previously wrote an article supporting this shift, and I enjoy exploring various perspectives. I stand by my points, but I also aimed to play the Devil's advocate while sharing some authentic reflections. Writing about overlooked elements can be challenging, especially when considering the complexities surrounding Cena's character transformation.

During his latest promo, Cena raised some valid points that could lay the groundwork for his heel persona. However, it’s ultimately up to the creative team to steer this narrative effectively and ensure its believability. An oversight I encountered while penning my previous piece is that Cena continues to share inspirational quotes on social media platforms, such as "X" (formerly Twitter). This raises an interesting dilemma: Should Cena adhere to his character, or does he have the freedom to express himself outside of that framework?

One might argue that social media doesn't require strict adherence to character, but if Cena is to embrace a heel persona, he must evolve accordingly. His character should develop in alignment with his newfound status, rather than clinging to the "Never Give Up" motto that has long defined him. In contrast, AEW's top heel, MJF, remains fiercely dedicated to kayfabe. Cena, too, would benefit from taking a similar approach. I appreciate the direction of his promo and believe that, as the story continues to unfold, these elements will start to solidify.

Ultimately, I still see potential in this storyline, even from a heel perspective and even with the Never Give Up Mantra, as it would be interesting to see it from a Heel perspective. My concern is fans not fully being sold out on Cena as a heel, and instead seeing him more as a grey Jedi not fully turned Sith. The journey towards WrestleMania may still bear fruit, and I don't want to be too hasty in my judgments before witnessing how these narratives evolve. Here’s to hoping the Road to WrestleMania accelerates with excitement and delivers memorable moments.

SEE ALSO: "Breaking Down John Cena's First Heel Promo on WWE Raw"