Very rarely does WWE seem to utilise long-term storytelling, but it isn't uncommon for the company to map out their marquee matches for WrestleMania months in advance.
Potential matchups could be discussed by the powers that be as early as WrestleMania season the year prior, as is currently the case with Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 34, reportedly.
However, plans are constantly changing in WWE for a number of reasons. It could be because a Superstar gets injured or leaves the company, or because the mastermind behind it all (Vince McMahon) simply changes his mind.
A handful of matches of WrestleMania 33 will be going on as scheduled, such as Seth Rollins vs. Triple H, but there are others that were added to the lineup only just recently. For better or for worse, these five matches will not be taking place next Sunday in Orlando.
#5 The Rock vs. Vin Diesel
Let the record show that this match was presumably never officially set in stone for WrestleMania 33, though it was heavily speculated throughout the summer of 2016.
During the filming of The Fast and the Furious, The Rock and Vin Diesel raised some eyebrows (no pun intended) with the “heat” that they seemed to have. Rock normally isn't one to call anyone out, but he did just that on his Instagram page by labelling his co-star a “candy a**.”
Also read: 7 Matches we must see at WWE Wrestlemania 33
It was then rumoured that this was all a ruse to build to a match at 'Mania the following year between the two, which would have coincided with the release of the film. Thankfully, nothing ever came of it, and talk of the match happening was quickly dropped.
That said, you know WWE would have booked the bout if they had a say in the matter.
#4 John Cena vs. The Undertaker
Originally, plans called for John Cena vs. The Undertaker to take place at WrestleMania 32, but an injury suffered by Cena in late 2015 prevented that from happening. Instead, Undertaker faced Shane McMahon at the event and WWE held off on the dream match until the following year.
There were serious discussions regarding the contest in the final few months of 2016, but at the onset of the new year, Vince McMahon reportedly had a change of heart. The argument was that the focus should be on the future with 'Taker working with Roman Reigns, not an already established star in Cena.
The biggest shame of all is that we may now never get to see the anticipated Undertaker vs. Cena matchup with The Phenom potentially retiring this year. Sadly, fans will be left to wonder what could have been with these two icons.
#3 John Cena vs. Samoa Joe
With John Cena vs. The Undertaker off the table, it was reported shortly thereafter that Cena's new opponent for WrestleMania 33 would be Samoa Joe. At that time, Joe was winding down his tenure in NXT and his main roster arrival was imminent.
Regardless of whether it was for the WWE Championship or not, Cena vs. Joe made perfect sense for the event considering their history and how it would be a high profile bout for Joe right off the bat. Joe could have easily attacked Cena at Elimination Chamber and cost him the title, setting the stage for their 'Mania match.
However, any plans for that bout at WrestleMania 33 were quickly thrown out the window once Joe debuted on the Raw brand one night removed from the Royal Rumble.
Although Cena's recent rivalry with The Miz and Maryse has exceeded expectations, both men might have been better off facing each other at the event with Joe not scheduled for the show as of now.
#2 Brock Lesnar vs. Shane McMahon
Similar to The Rock vs. Vin Diesel, this is another example of a match that fans should be happy won't be happening at WrestleMania 33. Brock Lesnar vs. Shane McMahon would have been way better from an in-ring standpoint, mind you, but it would have been a complete waste of Lesnar on the grand stage.
If you can recall, Lesnar annihilated McMahon with an F5 following the controversial conclusion of 2016's SummerSlam pay-per-view. That was meant to plant the seeds for a 'Mania match between them, but Goldberg's return to the company in the fall threw those plans into disarray.
Shane will still be competing at the event in a match with AJ Styles, but at least it will be an infinitely better bout than what Lesnar and Shane could have produced. Say what you will about Lesnar vs. Goldberg, but it is a much bigger marquee match for The Beast Incarnate than him against Shane.
#1 Big Show vs. Shaquille O'Neal
Once Big Show's encounter with Shaquille O'Neal on Raw in July 2009 scored as much mainstream attention as it did, discussions immediately began for a match pitting the two against each other. However, with Shaq still active in basketball at the time, there was no way it could come to fruition.
Fast forward seven years, the two finally rekindled their rivalry in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32, where they briefly came to blows before being tossed out. It wasn't just a one-off, either, as Show later issued a challenge to Shaq for a match at WrestleMania 33 to which the NBA legend agreed.
WWE never made mention of the match publicly, but Show and Shaq exchanged verbal jabs in interviews and on social media as recently as earlier this year, so all signs pointed to it happening.
For reasons unknown, unfortunately, plans for the mega match were nixed, forcing Show to take part in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal for the fourth straight year instead.
Send us news tips at [email protected]
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
