A More Suitable WrestleMania Opponent for LA Knight, Gunther’s Ideal Feud, WWE and AEW Insights
LA Knight would stand to gain considerably more from a WrestleMania showdown with Logan Paul rather than AJ Styles.
One of the most electrifying moments at WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 unfolded when AJ Styles intervened in the men’s Elimination Chamber match, targeting LA Knight and sabotaging his chance to vie for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 40.
This sequence effectively sets the stage for a showdown between the two at The Show of Shows. While the quality of the anticipated clash is undoubted, it’s clear that Knight could have reaped greater benefits from a confrontation with Logan Paul, with the United States Championship hanging in the balance.
Although The Maverick seems poised to defend his title against Randy Orton following their altercation within the Chamber, the opponent for intercontinental champion Gunther remains shrouded in mystery.
The Ring General asserted his dominance over Jey Uso to retain his title on the February 19 edition of Raw, yet no indication was given regarding his next challenger. Among the handful of potential contenders waiting in the wings, one stands out as the most sensible choice.
This edition of Quick Takes will delve into the optimal WrestleMania match for Gunther, Wardlow’s resurgence in All Elite Wrestling, Tiffany Stratton’s remarkable ascent following her standout performance at Elimination Chamber, and more.
WWE Misses an Opportunity by Not Pitting LA Knight Against Logan Paul at ‘Mania
LA Knight has emerged as one of WWE’s most prominent faces since being excluded from last year’s WrestleMania, warranting significant placement on this year’s card.
A showdown with the esteemed AJ Styles isn’t unfavorable by any means, especially considering the prolonged animosity between them. However, the payoff at WrestleMania 40 doesn’t present a scenario where Knight stands to gain significantly.
The next phase of Knight’s trajectory in WWE should involve championship gold. Excluding his brief stint as Million Dollar champion in NXT, he has yet to clinch a sanctioned title in the company and has already fallen short in capturing the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship on two occasions.
A rivalry with United States champion Logan Paul could have filled this void. Their brief encounters last summer showcased instant chemistry, and Knight, beloved by fans, would have been the perfect candidate to dethrone the polarizing social media personality.
Randy Orton, who seems poised for a shot at the star-spangled prize, hardly requires it. While a multi-man match isn’t entirely out of the question, granting Knight the spotlight in a singles capacity with championship gold on the line would have been the ideal direction for ‘Mania.
Tiffany Stratton Poised to Shine at ‘Mania After Breakout Performance
Every participant in the women’s Elimination Chamber match delivered an impressive performance, but Tiffany Stratton distinguished herself with a stellar showing, solidifying her status as a rapidly ascending star.
In addition to a promising debut month on SmackDown, she more than held her ground against some of WWE’s finest female talent, even eliminating the seasoned Naomi. Throughout her time in the ring, she had the unwavering support of the Perth crowd.
At just 24 years old, Stratton joins the ranks of Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair as one of WWE’s most promising prospects. The most effective way to capitalize on the momentum she garnered from Elimination Chamber is to feature her in a match at ‘Mania.
A one-on-one encounter with The EST of WWE would showcase the talents of both gifted athletes.
Belair maintains an undefeated streak at The Show of Shows, and simply sharing the ring with her would bolster Stratton’s credibility, irrespective of the outcome.
While she shouldn’t be rushed into championship contention, Stratton has swiftly found her footing on the main roster and has the potential to become a cornerstone of the women’s division for years to come.
Wardlow’s Compelling Promo Demonstrates His Resilience
Wardlow’s gradual decline in AEW over the past two years has been well-documented, prompting many to dismiss him as a missed opportunity.
However, his impassioned promo on last Wednesday’s Dynamite, addressing the injustices his character has endured, reignited hope among fans that he can stage a comeback.
While joining Undisputed Kingdom was a step in the right direction, Adam Cole’s injury coupled with lackluster booking has significantly cooled their momentum. Elevating Wardlow to the forefront could potentially reignite their flame.
By incorporating criticisms of his treatment in AEW into his storyline, Wardlow has the opportunity to reclaim his status as a fan favorite and ascend to the upper echelons of the card.
Wardlow thrives on intensity, and his proficiency on the mic positions him as a main event contender in AEW. The success of this redemption arc will determine whether he realizes his full potential, and if not, a fresh start elsewhere could be in the cards.
Jimmy Uso Match Represents a Step Backward for Jey
The direction of WrestleMania 40 has long hinted at a clash between Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso, dating back to SummerSlam when the former shockingly betrayed the latter in his pursuit of Roman Reigns’ Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
The Usos expressed their desire to wrestle each other one-on-one on The Grandest Stage of Them All to Ariel Helwani of BT Sport, leaving no doubt about the setup despite their infrequent interactions since the fall.
However, facing the lukewarm Jimmy at the event represents a regression for the red-hot Jey.
The fraternal feud appears more enticing on paper than in practice. Despite Jey accumulating several high-profile losses, he remains immensely popular with the audience, whereas Jimmy has been relegated to the role of a Bloodline lackey, lacking credibility.
While the longest-reigning tag team champions in WWE history may steal the show, Jey’s star has soared to a point where a more meaningful match on the card would be a better fit come April 6-7.
Sami Zayn Emerges as the Ideal Challenger for Gunther at WrestleMania
The cancellation of Gunther’s rumored WrestleMania match with Brock Lesnar, confirmed by the intercontinental champion himself in an interview with David Taub of Off the Bottom Rope, has created a lucrative opening at WrestleMania 40.
Bron Breakker’s recent altercation with Imperium backstage on Raw hinted at him being the next No. 1 contender for the title, but with the NXT call-up now on SmackDown, that bout appears less probable.
As a result, Sami Zayn, Chad Gable, Sheamus, and Andrade El Idolo emerge as the top contenders to challenge Gunther at the event.
While the narratives of Gable and Sheamus remain unresolved, the latter has been sidelined due to injury for months, and the former has secured only two televised victories since September. While Andrade would offer a fresh challenge for the champion, Zayn’s storyline possesses the most depth.
The three-time Intercontinental champion has articulated his desire to redeem himself by making history at WrestleMania. It stands as the marquee matchup of the bunch, with the outcome almost inconsequential.
Unless he maneuvers his way into the World Heavyweight Championship picture to reignite his rivalry with Drew McIntyre, Zayn’s pursuit of Gunther represents the most fitting program for the intercontinental title at The Show of Shows.
