With WrestleMania approaching in less than a week, the match card is already taking shape. The biggest event of the year will once again be split into two nights by WWE. The main event for Night 2 will feature Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes for the Universal Championship. Many superstars will get the opportunity to showcase their talent on the biggest stage thanks to the new two-night arrangement. This also enables both Royal Rumble winners to headline the event, as promised.
As the Road to Wrestlemania continues to build excitement for the biggest wrestling event of the year, fans can’t help but miss some of their favourite WWE superstars, who look like they will not be present at this year’s Greatest Spectacle in Sports. It will surely be an event to remember as “Wrestlemania Goes Hollywood” on the weekend of April 1–2.
Here is a list of wrestlers who are going to miss out on this year’s WrestleMania
1. AJ Styles
‘The Phenomenal One’ AJ Styles shocked the world when he made his WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble. He has silenced all his critics with his performances since. Unfortunately, on December 28th, 2022, AJ Styles suffered a broken ankle during a house show performance.
Just want you guys to know that I’m ok. Broken ankle is what I’m dealing with. No surgery, this just takes some time to recover. This will be the longest I've ever been out of the ring. Thanks for the prayers and get well wishes.
— AJ Styles (@AJStylesOrg) December 31, 2022The former two-time WWE Champion confirmed this injury on New Year’s Eve on his Twitter account, with news that broke his fans’ hearts. “broken ankle is what I’m dealing with. No surgery, this just takes some time to recover. This will be the longest I’ve ever been out of the ring.” Styles also went on to thank his fans for their “prayers and get well wishes”. As one of the most dynamic Superstars WWE has, the 22nd Overall Grand Slam Champion will surely and sorely be missed.
2. Kofi Kingston
In what is another unfortunate event of injury, one of the most beloved and long-time members of the WWE roster, Kofi Kingston, will also be missing out on WWE WrestleMania 39. Kofi’s injury struck very recently on the March 3rd edition of WWE SmackDown during a backstage segment with Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, Karrion Kross, and LA Knight.
The former WWE Champion and member of New Day posted on his Twitter two days after reassuring his fans with the message, “We gon’ be alright!” in a video shot poolside where his right ankle and leg were seen bandaged up. As one of the most popular and entertaining WWE Superstars, the highflyer looks set to miss his first Wrestlemania as a competitor since Wrestlemania 33 in 2017, which he hosted with his fellow New Day members.
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3. Matt Riddle
The former MMA fighter, who made a seamless transition into the wrestling world, has been in and out of trouble behind the scenes since December 5th. After finding himself without his tag team partner Randy Orton, Riddle returned to the singles division and feuded with ‘The Architect’ Seth Rollins.
However, after failing his second wellness policy violation, Riddle was suspended for a period of 60 days. It was not reported until December 13th, 2022. A promising and exciting prospect, fans hope to see Riddle return better than before in and out of the ring.
4. Alexa Bliss
WWE Universe loves Alexa Bliss and wants to see her utilized better and more frequently. Bliss hasn’t appeared on TV since the Royal Rumble. It was rumored that she would reunite with Bray Wyatt after WrestleMania. Both superstars can be revamped into a better storyline ahead of the new WWE season.
Tired of seeing these tweets. I am not on a hiatus. They know where to find me.
— Lexi (Kaufman) Cabrera (@AlexaBliss_WWE) March 10, 2023She would understandably be upset about missing an opportunity to be on the Grandest Stage of Them All. Recently, she even tweeted revealing she isn’t on any hiatus, leading fans to believe that WWE doesn’t have any plans for her.
5. Randy Orton
Last but not least, arguably one of the biggest stars of the last 20 years in the wrestling business, Randy Orton will also miss out on this year’s WrestleMania. He has been out with a back injury that many feared might be career-ending. One of the most decorated members of the WWE roster, the 14-time World Champion, has not been seen on WWE programming for over 10 months. The idea of WrestleMania without Randy Orton seems foreign to a lot of hardcore fans given his longevity in the sport.
His everlasting presence has been a source of entertainment for fans and of experience and wisdom for the new generation of WWE superstars. Fans shouldn’t be too upset after all since you never know if he may make a surprise return this year. After all, anything can happen in the WWE.
Despite the absence of these high-profile WWE Superstars, this year’s Wrestlemania appears to be the biggest yet. With a Hell in a Cell match, the long-awaited return of John Cena, two Wrestlemania showcase matches, and, last but not least, a main event for the ages, where this year’s Royal Rumble winner, ‘The American Nightmare,’ Cody Rhodes, will face ‘The Tribal Chief,’ Roman Reigns.
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