WrestleMania 35: 4 Reasons why WWE let Samoa Joe destroy Rey Mysterio in one minute

Rey Mysterio vs. Samoa Joe ended even before it began at WrestleMania 35. The entrances lasted longer than the match itself. While the United Championship match was never intended to be a show stealer in the first place, it was still quite a dampener to see a blink-and-you-miss contest between two veterans.

But, when you probe further, there are many logical deductions that can be made regarding the potential reasons behind WWE's decision to keep the match short.

Follow up on 2019 WrestleMania 35 Results

In this article, we'll try and shed some light on those reasons:

---

#1. Rey Mysterio is still injured

The match was in jeopardy of undergoing a major change after Mysterio injured himself on the go-home episode of Raw for WrestleMania 35. Mysterio hurt his right ankle during his match against Baron Corbin in the main event and there was nothing but scepticism regarding his status in the aftermath of the said bout.

In a positive update, the master of the 619 came out to reveal that he was alright and that he was cleared to compete at the Show of Shows.

However, that would have just been a coverup. One theory is that Mysterio may have still had issues with his ankle, which would have hampered the quality of the match. Even worse, the injury could have been aggravated.

Now you're wondering why WWE didn't announce a replacement instead? Well, that would have decreased the hype surrounding the match. There wasn't all that hype anyway and such major changes in the final week before 'Mania isn't always a good sign.

Thus, Mysterio went ahead with the match like a true veteran would and WWE played it safe by keeping it short and sweet. Very sweet for Joe, not so much for his legendary competitor though.

#2. To make Samoa look like a monster heel

Samoa Joe is the best heel on the roster. Alright, let's reword that a bit. Joe has the potential to be the best heel on the roster. The former TNA World Champion has it all that makes for a great bad guy - the razor-sharp promo skills and ruthless in-ring work to back it up.

However, WWE's booking of the Samoan Submission Machine in his WWE Championship feud against AJ Styles party dented his monstrous aura. Joe capturing the US title is not just a reboot for him, but also for the US title that has lost a considerable amount of prestige.

A string of underwhelming champions have not helped the cause and having Joe as a dominant holder of the strap will go a long way in making the championship relevant again.

A win against a legend in Mysterio is the step in the right direction. A squash match has made it even better.

#3. To avoid the fans from getting burnt out

Mysterio setting up the 619.

16 matches. 7-and-a-half hour runtime. WrestleMania 35 was a painstakingly long PPV. We don't blame you if you felt like shutting the whole darn thing to hit the sack.

For every highly anticipated match, there has to be a bout to cool down the proceedings and Joe vs. Mysterio served that purpose.

It was a filler that was meant to give the fans a break after the heart-racing WWE Championship match between Kofi Kingston and Daniel Bryan. The fans at the Metlife stadium, as well as those who watched from around the world, needed some time to process Kingston's monumental feat.

Joe and Mysterio were, as they popularly say, a toilet-break contest, that segued to Roman Reigns' match against Drew McIntyre.

It was a smart move considering WWE needed the fans to be energetic right up until the main event.

#4. To facilitate a rematch for SmackDown Live

Mysterio and Joe can go at it again on SD.

The fallout episodes of Raw and SmackDown after WrestleMania 35 always have a few title matches. The Intercontinental title has been defended in recent years, and this year, it could be the US Championship that is put on the line on SmackDown Live.

Mysterio could come out stating he wants another shot as he was not a 100% fit going into the match. WWE can use the injury angle and make it a believable reason to hand Mysterio another opportunity to win the US title.

In all honesty, WWE doesn't even need a reason to book the match. It would add some gloss to the usually anticipated episodes the follow the Show of Shows.

Add in the title change, however unlikely it may sound, and you have a newsworthy moment right there.

Catch all the Live Updates From WrestleMania 35 right here on Sportskeeda