In light of Seth Rollins’ recent injury, it appears that the planned Triple H vs. Seth Rollins match at WrestleMania 33 is now out of the window. Here are my top choices to replace Seth Rollins at WrestleMania.
#1 CM Punk
The most unlikely person on this list to fulfil the role, but he would certainly be the biggest draw. There is genuine animosity between CM Punk and Triple H. CM Punk has spoke openly about having bad vibes and a bad relationship with Triple H.
Punk has also ripped into Triple H for cutting off his momentum in 2011 and claims that he has told Triple H that he shouldn't have been putting over a semi-retired wrestler during his hottest period. On the Colt Cabana Podcast, Punk said, “Triple H essentially came out of retirement to beat me, and then went back into retirement shortly thereafter.”
Also during that same conversation with Cabana, Punk claimed that he received a call from Triple H, who he hadn't spoken to since he left, two days before he was getting married. Punk let the call go to voicemail and sent Triple H a text letting him know that he was getting married in two days and that he would call him after the honeymoon.
He also asked about his royalty check that he never received. Triple H never replied, and days later - on his wedding day - Punk received a letter informing him that he was fired and wouldn't be receiving royalties because he breached his contract.
If by some miracle, the WWE and CM Punk could mend fences in the next few weeks, then Punk could easily face Triple in two months time at WrestleMania, in what would be the biggest match on the card. This is of course, highly unlikely.
#2 The Rock
This would be a great fit.
The seeds were already sewn in 2014 (see video) and at WrestleMania 31, during the segment that also featured Stephanie McMahon and Ronda Rousey. The pair has history together, going back 20 years, so they could mesh together easily in the ring.
In addition to that, Triple H is one of the few guys on the roster who is credible enough to face The Rock and be looked at as a serious threat. WrestleMania 33 also emanates from Florida, The Rock’s home state.
The Rock will be at WrestleMania anyway, however, he won’t be wrestling. This writer is hoping an extra half million dollars and some desperate begging from Vince McMahon can convince The Rock to get back in the ring to take on the King of Kings. Triple H is one of the safest workers in the WWE, and this could possibly also sway The Rock.
#3 Shane McMahon
Like CM Punk, the situation with Shane and Triple H is real.
Last year, a story from Ian Frisch at Vice Sports claimed that Shane and one of his friends James Frey pitched an idea to Vince McMahon in 2012. Their suggestion was to take over the reins of creative for WWE. At that time, however, Vince shot down the idea.
However, Kevin Dunn, Executive Vice-President of Production, is an ardent supporter of Shane. Much of that support for Shane O’Mac arises from the fact that Dunn does not like Triple H. Kevin Dunn has always been lobbying to get Shane back in the company at a high ranking position.
This could affect Stephanie and Hunter’s interests in the company and this entire situation could escalate into a huge power struggle among the McMahon siblings once Vince is out of the picture.
Ric Flair also commented the Shane McMahon vs. Triple H situation, stating that it would be the best idea going into WrestleMania 33 in Orlando. The Nature Boy pointed out that the match-up would draw big money and shed light on the rivalry that exists between the two men but hasn't been highlighted to its true potential in the past.
The video above, from Wrestle Talk TV, goes into the issues between Shane and Triple H in more detail.
#4 Finn Balor
Finn Balor has been out since being injured at SummerSlam. He narrowly missed out on being ready for the Royal Rumble, but he is very likely to be ready for WrestleMania. Triple H opened a small door to a feud with Finn Balor or any other top former NXT talent when he referred to himself as a “creator.”
This line may be fine when it comes to Enzo and Cass, Rusev or several other talents who were created solely in NXT, however, the likes of Sami Zayn, Nakamura and Finn Balor, made their names around the world, prior to being hired by Triple H at NXT. If they desperately needed a storyline, Finn Balor could easily take offence to Triple H’s “creator” comment.
#5 Batista
Batista has always said that he wants his last match in WWE to be with Triple H, however, that may have changed after his terrible run in 2014. Batista was booked poorly throughout, through no fault of his own (apart from his dress sense), and a return to WWE looks highly unlikely.
However, money talks in wrestling and the timing is pretty good for both parties. Batista would probably like to promote Guardians of the Galaxy 2 to a massive audience, prior to its release, shortly after WrestleMania.
From the WWE’s stand point, they simply need a credible opponent who is equal to or bigger than Seth Rollins. The last time we saw Batista, he was quitting Evolution, which is a perfect place to pick up, if he were to return to the WWE.
#6 Samoa Joe
This story would be complicated, but not impossible to do. It would centre around Triple H not delivering on something that he promised Joe, in order to do his dirty work and take out Seth Rollins.
It would lead to Joe attacking Triple H, essentially meaning that the Game would have to work as a face. Joe is the only opponent on the list where the storyline would require Triple H to work as a face. Samoa Joe debuted on this week’s Raw and was the man who injured Seth Rollins, as you can see in the video above.
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