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What's the story?
With multiple men involved in the Intercontinental title picture, it only seems obvious that WWE goes by the tradition and books a ladder match featuring all the participants in contention.
But creative may go a different route for the 34th edition of WrestleMania according to speculation from Dave Meltzer from the Wrestling Observer.
In case you didn't know...
WWE has put forth a ladder match on all of the three previous WrestleManias. The IC title was on the line in seven-man ladder matches at WrestleMania 31 and 3o respectively and booked a tag team titles ladder match at the most recent edition where the Hardy Boyz memorably returned.
This time, though, WWE has reserved the gimmick match for another event during WrestleMania weekend.
The heart of the matter
As revealed in the NXT spoilers, WWE unveiled the NXT North American Championship and will crown the first ever holder of the title in a ladder match at NXT Takeover: New Orleans. Velveteen Dream, Killian Dain, Lars Sullivan, Ricochet, EC3 and Adam Cole would be a part of the historic match that is scheduled to take place night before the show of shows.
Dave Meltzer stated on the Wrestling Observer Radio that it would make no sense for the WWE to have a ladder match on Saturday and another one on Sunday at WrestleMania.
Circulating rumors of a multi-man ladder match for the IC title seem to be false as WWE looks to be going forward with a triple threat match featuring Finn Balor, Seth Rollins, and The Miz.
What's next?
Fastlane would be the final roadblock before WrestleMania and while the card may seem underwhelming on first glance, it could drastically alter the WrestleMania card as we know it.
As for Raw, WWE has some important decisions to make when it comes to the IC title. Braun Strowman and Elias are left with nothing and could be added to the match if WWE goes ahead with Reigns vs. Lesnar.
Author's take
I personally have no qualms about not seeing a ladder match at WrestleMania as the one that will happen on the preceding night has all the makings of being a takeover classic.
At the same time, however, I wouldn't certainly mind two ladder matches but there's a catch. Put Strowman in the match and have him win the title!
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