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The grandest show of them all is just over a week away and the excitement is quite palpable. In the aftermath of the latest episodes of Raw and SmackDown, the rumor mills have been churning out fresh updates regarding WWE's plans for WrestleMania 34 and all of them have the potential to make the show in a spectacle to remember.
A long-awaited heel turn, new champions, and an unexpected reunion were the major scoops that surfaced and this list takes an in-depth look at each one of them:
#1 Roman Reigns heel turn
WWE may finally be giving Reigns' heel turn some serious thought if reports from Rajah.com are to be believed. The lack of credible heels on the red brand coupled with an unwanted number of babyfaces in Finn Balor, Seth Rollins, and Braun Strowman may force WWE to pull the trigger on The Big Dog's turn.
Rumors of AJ Styles moving to Raw after WrestleMania gives the WWE creative another reason to execute what should have been done years ago. Paul Heyman is also said to be free to work in WWE after Brock Lesnar leaves and Roman Reigns' name has popped up as The Beast Incarnate's replacement.
Could Heyman turn on his client in New Orleans itself? There's no word on if it will happen but the chances look promising.
#2 Spoiler on the Intercontinental Championship match
Yet another live event card may have possibly revealed the winner of the Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat match between The Miz, Seth Rollins, and Finn Balor.
The SSE arena in Belfast advertised Seth Rollins as the IC Champion in his match against Finn Balor for a house show in Ireland slated to take place on May 10th. The SSE Arena's social media team deleted the tweet immediately after the goof-up but the damage had already been done.
While live event cards are subject to change, it is quite strange to not advertise the current champion for future shows.
The build-up of the three-way feud also suggests that the Kingslayer may walk out of New Orleans with the IC title strapped around his waist.
#3 Shane McMahon's replacement
Don't let the announcement of the tag team match for Mania distract you from the fact that Shane McMahon is legitimately injured.
While on vacation in the Caribbean, the SmackDown Live commissioner contracted an umbilical hernia and diverticulitis and was flown to a hospital in New York for further treatment.
WWE has incorporated Shane O'Mac's injury into the current storyline and while he is expected to return on next week's SmackDown Live, it could be to announce the man who would take his place.
According to Dirty Sheets, Kane is the favorite to step in and reform Team Hell No in the match against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, who would both remain fired if they lose. Chris Jericho's name was also brought up but was later dropped due to the Fozzy lead vocalist's unavailability.
A Hell Yeah for Team Hell No?
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#4 Spoiler on the Raw Tag Team titles match
WWE may have dropped a spoiler on the outcome of the Raw Tag Team Championship match for WrestleMania 34 by announcing a match for the Greatest Royal Rumble Event.
The company announced that Raw Tag Team Champions The Bar will take on The Hardy Boyz for the straps at the historic event in Suadi Arabia that is scheduled to take place on April 27th.
While cards are subject to change, it seems odd that WWE would confirm a title match for such a massive event. As things stand, Sheamus and Cesaro are the favorites to retain their titles against Braun Strowman and his mystery partner.
As for the Monster Among Men's unnamed partner, Bray Wyatt, Elias, and Samoa Joe's name have been doing the rounds. Surprisingly enough, Dean Ambrose's is also in contention!
#5 Segment with The Rock canceled
Vince McMahon was seriously considering getting The Rock back for a segment with Elias for WrestleMania 34, according to a report from DirtySheets.net.
However, the plans were canned after the Great One was couldn't free himself up for the mega show. Additionally, details of the segment were also disclosed that include an elaborate musical performance by the Drifter.
Elias was penciled in to perform five theme songs with the fifth one being that of the Rock. This would have been the cue for Rock to interrupt Elias. McMahon also contemplated roping in Shawn Michaels in Rock's place with HBK possibly singing his own 'Sexy Boy' theme song.
After a week's discussions, The boss reportedly dropped the entire angle but has not lost out hope on the most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment showing up for a 20-minute segment at WrestleMania 34.
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