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Shane McMahon was quietly released from WWE in the aftermath of the 2022 Royal Rumble. The rumour mill has been rife with reports of the chaotic events which lead to his dismissal. Claims of unprofessional behaviour, disagreements with top talent and unpopular booking changes to the Rumble match have surfaced in explanation of his exit.
Before his unceremonious ejection, Shane-O-Mac was set to be heavily featured on Monday Night RAW, leading up to matches at Elimination Chamber and Wrestlemania 38. A few superstars were rumoured to be in line to face the Chairman's son before the sudden turn of events.
These superstars will now go in a different direction, but it is intriguing to speculate which opponents McMahon would have locked horns with. Possible outcomes and creative directions from these clashes are also interesting to ponder.
Here are 5 superstars who could have faced Shane McMahon at Wrestlemania had he not been fired from WWE.
#5: Shane McMahon could have added another chapter to his rivalry with Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens and Shane McMahon share a long history. The former foes have faced off multiple times, most recently clashing in a ladder match on Smackdown's premiere on FOX. Owens defeated McMahon, leading to the latter being fired in storyline. Shane-O-Mac would disappear from WWE TV for nearly a year after the contest before resurfacing to launch RAW Underground.
Upon his recent Royal Rumble return, McMahon made a beeline for Owens, with the two former foes brawling until the Prize Fighter was eliminated by his nemesis.
This elimination could have been explored to write another chapter in their rivalry, leading up to a match at WrestleMania 38. This would have served to keep the former Universal Champion's momentum high since he doesn't seem to be in the WWE title picture heading to the show of shows.
They have worked well together before, and this iteration should have been no different
#4: Shane McMahon could have been Mr.McMahon's next test for Austin Theory:
Austin Theory has been involved in multiple segments with Vince McMahon recently. The RAW Superstar has been the chairman's on screen protege, facing a series of tests and tasks to prove his worth to the boss. The next test for Theory could have been a match against the boss's son.
Whether competing for the Chairman's favour or conquering his biggest test yet, the 24-year old had much to gain. Just as McMahon facing The Undertaker at Wrestlemania 32 gained his father's respect, this story could have been the perfect way to raise Theory's profile. This could have been an organic launchpad to the main event title scene. This was definitely a match fans were excited to see, and one that the younger McMahon was reportedly pushing for.
#3: Seth Rollins was rumoured to face Shane McMahon at the Showcase of Immortals
One of the rumoured scenarios for Shane McMahon on the Road to WrestleMania was his entry into the elimination chamber match. Seth Rollins is one of the six superstars in the match. Reports have stated that the Drip god was planned to have an interaction with McMahon, setting up a rivalry going into the showcase of immortals.
“Shane was going to be in the Chamber and set up a feud with Seth Rollins for WrestleMania. I don’t know if that was going to be the [WWE] Championship match, but obviously [...] that was changed, so I don’t know how that relates to Shane McMahon at WrestleMania, but this was supposed to be the step to that.” h/t Dave Meltzer via Wrestling Observer Radio
McMahon is one of the most daring performers in WWE history and Rollins is one of the finest wrestlers in the world. A contest similar in dynamic to Shane-O's match against AJ Styles at Wrestlemania 33, this match could have stolen the show.
#2: Facing Shane McMahon at the show of shows would have kept Big E's singles run going strong:
It is well known that facing Shane McMahon at WrestleMania is considered an important achievement in the eyes of WWE management. Some of Shane-O's former show of shows opponents include The Undertaker, Braun Strowman, The Miz, AJ Styles and Kevin Owens, all former world champions.
Big E has not been in the main event picture since losing the WWE Championship at Day 1. In the aftermath of a lukewarm Rumble performance, the powerhouse of positivity was moved to Smackdown and seemingly placed back into the tag team division.
McMahon would have been a good opponent to keep his singles run near the top of the card going strong. A win for the former NXT champion would have given him some much-needed momentum going into the post-Wrestlemania season.
#1: Shane McMahon was reportedly considered to face WWE Champion Bobby Lashley at Wrestlemania 38
One of the biggest rumours involving Shane McMahon was a potential WWE championship match against Bobby Lashley at WrestleMania 38. It is unclear whether McMahon would enter this clash as champion or challenger, but it was an idea that proved unpopular with fans.
“I can confirm that as of a couple of days ago, their plan for Bobby Lashley at WrestleMania was Shane McMahon. I think that’s changed but that absolutely 100% was their plan”. h/t Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Live
No matter how anyone felt about the clash though, it can not be denied that such a rivalry would have generated heated discussion amongst the WWE Universe and Internet Wrestling Community.
