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Barring a much bigger fan backlash than we’ve seen to date, or some other unforeseen change in circumstances, it’s clear the main event of WrestleMania 39’s second night will be Roman Reigns defending the Undisputed WWE Universal championship against Royal Rumble winner Cody Rhodes.
What about Sat., April 1’s night one, though?
This week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter says that while WWE officials haven’t made a final decision, there’s “an internal feeling that Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley right now is the favorite.”
Also up for the spot is the match it looks like Sami Zayn will get for ‘Mania instead of challenging Reigns — The Usos vs. Zayn & Kevin Owens. But after men went on last both Saturday & Sunday at last year’s WrestleMania 38, Dave Meltzer writes that those in favor of Ripley & Flair argue a women’s match is better optics “for sponsors and political reasons”. The other marquee women’s match, Raw Women’s champion Bianca Belair vs. Asuka, is not seen as a strong enough program to merit the main event designation.
If they do close the show on WWE’s first night in SoFi Stadium, would Charlotte & Rhea face some of the backlash WWE reportedly fears Rhodes might be subject to? Her current babyface push notwithstanding, it’s not hard to imagine Flair getting some boos. But it seems unlikely the part of the audience that cares about these things would want to take away from a big moment for Ripley.
Let us know what you think. What should main event night one of WrestleMania 39? Do you think WWE should be worried about fans not liking their pick, whatever it ends up being?
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