Reflecting on last year’s road to Survivor Series, it truly feels like one of the most iconic builds in WWE history. The excitement and momentum leading up to that event were unprecedented, and looking back now, it almost seems impossible to top. The level of hype was unreal, and even a year later, the memories of those dramatic returns and storyline twists still linger as unforgettable moments in wrestling history.

One of the most jaw-dropping surprises was the return of CM Punk. It’s hard to believe that after so many years of speculation, Punk finally made his way back to WWE. His return was the culmination of years of rumors, fan demand, and endless speculation. Punk had been absent from WWE for so long, with many believing he would never step foot in a WWE ring again. Yet, in one of the most stunning moments of recent wrestling memory, he returned to the company, and it felt like the wrestling world paused to take it in. His return wasn’t just a single moment; it was the beginning of a new chapter, filled with all the rebellious energy and unpredictability that Punk is known for.

Then there was Randy Orton, a legend in his own right and someone who had been through his share of injuries. When reports surfaced about the severity of Orton’s injuries, with many suggesting it could be career-ending, fans were bracing for the heartbreaking reality that we might have seen the last of “The Viper.” But against all odds, Orton made a triumphant comeback, showing the resilience and toughness that have defined his career. Watching him return from what seemed like an impossible situation added another layer of intensity to the Survivor Series build, as Orton wasn’t just coming back—he was reclaiming his place among wrestling’s elite, inspiring fans and fellow wrestlers alike.

Together, these moments felt legendary, like watching history unfold. The road to Survivor Series last year wasn’t just about building up to one event; it was about creating moments that would resonate with fans for years to come. Punk’s return was symbolic of wrestling’s unpredictability, a reminder that in WWE, anything can happen. Meanwhile, Orton’s return showcased the grit and determination that are often part of a champion’s story.

One year later, it’s still hard to wrap my head around it all. The energy, the shock, and the overwhelming excitement made last year’s Survivor Series one for the ages. WWE managed to blend nostalgia with fresh storylines, pulling off a delicate balance between honoring its past and pushing forward. Those few weeks leading up to the event reminded fans why they fell in love with wrestling in the first place, as the sense of community, excitement, and unpredictability brought everyone together.

In the end, it was legendary stuff—a perfect storm of returns, surprise moments, and raw emotion. The road to last year’s Survivor Series set a standard that might be impossible to match, yet it has left fans eagerly anticipating what could come next.

In a recent interview with Off The Rope, WWE legend Rikishi expressed his thoughts on the potential future of the WWE Championship and the intriguing possibility of Solo Sikoa stepping up to challenge Cody Rhodes. Reflecting on the current landscape of WWE, Rikishi spoke highly of his son Solo Sikoa and suggested he could be a strong contender to dethrone Cody.

Rikishi’s comments were inspired by the significant moment when Solo pinned Roman Reigns, an unexpected and monumental feat. For Rikishi, this victory highlighted Solo’s potential as a top competitor in WWE and as someone capable of carrying the championship. He expressed that Solo’s victory over Roman could be a pivotal point, marking his readiness for even greater challenges. Solo’s performance against Roman provided the WWE Universe with a glimpse into his resilience, power, and skill—qualities that could make him a prime candidate to eventually take on Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship.

“I think, after what we’ve seen with Solo pinning Roman, the idea of him going after Cody is very realistic,” Rikishi explained. Solo’s growth within WWE has been rapid, evolving from a formidable presence in NXT to becoming one of the most feared members of The Bloodline. His natural progression, combined with his recent wins, make him a legitimate contender in Rikishi’s eyes.

Rikishi added that, while many fans might see Roman Reigns as the logical person to reclaim the WWE Championship, he believes that Solo could be an unexpected yet fitting successor. This sentiment is especially intriguing given that Roman has been the face of WWE for the past several years, holding the WWE Universal Championship for a record-breaking reign. However, Rikishi’s perspective sheds light on a new possibility: Solo stepping up as a next-generation star, taking over the family legacy.

When asked about Cody Rhodes, Rikishi acknowledged Cody’s impact and dedication as WWE Champion, emphasizing how much Cody has worked to elevate the title. Yet he believes that having Solo challenge Cody would add a fresh dynamic, one that could shift the direction of WWE storylines in an exciting way. “I talked about maybe Roman coming back and taking the title off Cody,” Rikishi mentioned, indicating that Roman could be the one to face Cody eventually. However, Rikishi also feels Solo could bring something unique to the table, potentially taking WWE’s main championship to a different level altogether.

In Rikishi’s view, Solo’s challenge would add a compelling storyline, especially as a new generation of The Bloodline rises. With Roman having dominated as a powerhouse, the idea of Solo carrying the championship torch would showcase the continuity within the family while also providing a fresh face in the championship picture. As Rikishi points out, this move could surprise fans and further deepen the intricate Bloodline storyline.

Rikishi’s remarks bring new speculation to WWE’s future direction, especially with the rise of Solo Sikoa as a legitimate star. Whether Solo eventually faces Cody Rhodes or the title changes hands in a different way, Rikishi’s vision paints an exciting possibility for the WWE Universe. As fans anticipate what’s next, Solo’s future remains a captivating subject in the ever-evolving WWE landscape.

The prospect of Drew McIntyre winning the World Heavyweight Championship in 2025 is looking uncertain, given WWE’s current landscape and emerging title contenders. While McIntyre has the potential and fan support to carry the title, other factors may delay or complicate his path to another reign as champion.

Firstly, Gunther is strongly positioned to hold the World Heavyweight Championship well beyond WrestleMania 41. As one of WWE’s most dominant and consistent performers, Gunther has built a reputation for hard-hitting matches and impressive resilience. His record-breaking Intercontinental Championship reign showcased his ability to elevate any title he holds, and now, as he shifts focus to the World Heavyweight Championship, WWE seems keen on building him up as an unstoppable champion. If WWE intends to give Gunther a long run as champion, McIntyre’s opportunity might be pushed back, allowing Gunther to fully establish himself as the new face of dominance in WWE.

Secondly, Bron Breakker is an emerging star likely to enter the world title picture in the near future. Breakker has been heavily featured as a breakout talent on NXT, where he’s shown his strength, athleticism, and impressive potential. Fans and WWE management alike view him as a future main-eventer who could make a substantial impact on the main roster. There’s a strong chance WWE will position him as a challenger for the World Heavyweight Championship, especially if they want to inject fresh talent and youth into the title scene. Breakker’s entry into the title picture could further complicate McIntyre’s chances, as WWE may prioritize establishing Breakker as a future cornerstone before revisiting McIntyre’s path to the title.

Additionally, Finn Bálor remains a viable contender in the world title picture. As a former Universal Champion, Bálor has the pedigree, and his recent run with Judgment Day has rejuvenated his character, positioning him as a credible challenger for any top title. Bálor’s alliance with Judgment Day adds an intriguing layer, as he could potentially receive support from his faction, allowing him to become an even bigger threat in the title scene. WWE could use Bálor’s established fanbase and strong character work to elevate the World Heavyweight Championship, especially if they want a heel with tactical savvy. If Bálor enters the title race, it might delay McIntyre’s chances, as WWE would likely want to give Bálor a proper run if he were to capture the title.

In light of these factors, McIntyre’s path to the World Heavyweight Championship in 2025 may be delayed or detoured. WWE has several compelling options for the title picture, with Gunther, Breakker, and Bálor all bringing unique strengths and potential to the role. For McIntyre, this means he may need to bide his time or take on high-profile non-title feuds to maintain his momentum until the title picture opens up again.

While McIntyre has the skills and popularity to be a strong world champion, WWE’s current direction and focus on new challengers suggest that his reign may not come to fruition in the immediate future. As WWE continues to build its next generation of champions, McIntyre will likely remain a prominent figure, even if he isn’t holding the title right away.

Roman Reigns once revealed an interesting story about a time he decided to switch up his look, only to face disapproval from Vince McMahon. During an appearance on WWE RAW, Reigns wore his signature black vest but made a subtle change by adding ‘RR’ written in white on it, along with white soles on his boots. It was a small touch, yet noticeable, as it stood out from his typical all-black attire. Fans may remember how Reigns’ understated shift gave him a fresh, slightly different look that many thought suited him well.

However, Vince McMahon wasn’t pleased with Reigns’ wardrobe adjustment. Known for his keen eye for detail, Vince has always had strong opinions about how his superstars should look, often weighing in on their ring gear to ensure it aligns with the character he envisions. For Reigns, who had been presented as the powerhouse of The Shield and later as “The Big Dog,” Vince preferred him in dark, intimidating attire that highlighted his strength and intensity. Vince reportedly felt that adding white elements detracted from that image, possibly making Reigns appear less fierce or imposing.

Despite Vince’s concerns, many fans and critics alike thought that the touch of white actually added a lot to Reigns’ look. The white accents gave his outfit a pop of contrast that made him stand out even more in the ring. For a character as visually iconic as Roman Reigns, who has spent much of his career in black gear, these small changes symbolized a willingness to evolve his look and experiment with his presentation. Reigns looked sharp, commanding attention in a way that was still true to his persona but offered something fresh. The white detailing didn’t take away from his intimidating presence but rather enhanced it, proving he could make even minor changes while still maintaining his powerful aura.

This story highlights the differences in perspective between Vince McMahon and his superstars. While Vince has built WWE around his vision, wrestlers like Reigns often see their characters in more personal ways, knowing what resonates with their audience and enhances their image. For Reigns, adding white was a simple way to refresh his look while staying true to the essence of his character.

It’s also a reminder of how sometimes, those little stylistic choices can create memorable moments or spark conversation among fans. For example, Reigns’ later transition to wrestling shirtless after becoming the Tribal Chief was a major shift that was widely celebrated. It allowed him to present himself in a more raw, authentic way that emphasized his dominance even further. Fans still discuss these wardrobe changes and how they reflect Reigns’ growth over his career.

Ultimately, while Vince McMahon may not have appreciated Roman Reigns’ choice to incorporate white, many fans did. It was a reminder that sometimes even small changes can have a big impact and that evolving a character’s look can keep things fresh and interesting. Whether with white accents or his now-iconic shirtless look as the Tribal Chief, Reigns knows how to command attention and redefine his style.

Tiffany Stratton recently highlighted a challenge many female WWE superstars face: securing adequate TV time and match opportunities. As a standout talent in WWE’s women’s division, Stratton acknowledged the struggle to find space on a roster often dominated by male storylines and feuds. In an interview with Jazzy’s World TV, she said, “Match time and just TV time is a little hard to get as a female superstar because a lot of times you get overlooked.” Her comments shed light on an ongoing issue within WWE, where, despite the strides made in recent years, women can still find themselves fighting for equal screen presence.

Historically, WWE has had periods where the women’s division was a main focus, but that spotlight can shift depending on the broader storylines involving top male superstars. Since the Women’s Evolution in WWE, which brought major changes such as the renaming of the Divas Championship to the Women’s Championship and women headlining WrestleMania, female superstars have undoubtedly gained more visibility and respect. However, that doesn’t necessarily guarantee consistent opportunities for all women on the roster. With so many male-centric storylines dominating WWE programming—whether it’s the ongoing Bloodline saga, rivalries for the top titles, or crowd favorites like Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and Cody Rhodes—the screen time dedicated to male talent can make it challenging for female superstars to secure their own spotlight.

Stratton’s remarks touch on an important reality: even with talented women ready to deliver high-quality matches and engaging storylines, they sometimes don’t receive the TV exposure to showcase their abilities. WWE’s roster includes exceptionally skilled women such as Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, and many others, all of whom have shown they can hold an audience’s attention. However, time constraints on weekly shows like Raw, SmackDown, and NXT mean decisions must be made about which segments get airtime. The result is often that the men’s divisions, which tend to have long-running storylines with major stakes, take precedence.

Fans and analysts alike have noticed that the women’s division has had fewer multi-layered storylines and main event matches compared to the men’s, despite the talent present. Stratton’s comments underscore the need for a more balanced approach, allowing the women’s division to be showcased in a way that complements and even elevates the men’s division, rather than taking a backseat. When female superstars are given the chance to shine—such as during events like WrestleMania 35, where the women headlined for the first time—the result is often memorable, high-quality matches that fans talk about for years.

Stratton’s message isn’t just a critique but a reminder of the potential within WWE’s women’s division. As fans rally behind calls for change, there’s hope that WWE will find ways to provide its female superstars with more opportunities to showcase their skills on a larger stage. With consistent support and recognition, WWE can continue evolving, ensuring that all superstars—regardless of gender—have the chance to leave their mark.