For months on end now, the match that we've been anticipating for WrestleMania 33 is Triple H versus Seth Rollins. The story makes sense, given the teacher-student dynamic of their relationship, in addition to the fact that HHH screwed Rollins over in favour of helping Kevin Owens become the WWE Universal Champion.
So naturally, when Rollins went down with yet another knee injury at the hands of Samoa Joe, it was a pretty devastating moment. After The Architect missed WrestleMania last year, it seemed as if the wrestling gods just didn't want Seth to perform at the showcase of the immortals once again.
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In terms of how fans responded, Farooq sums it up better than we ever could, 'damn'.
However, their confrontation on this past week's Monday Night Raw has left us all in a state of confusion as to whether the match will indeed take place. If it doesn't, WWE has to be prepared to substitute someone in place of Rollins. After all, they aren't just going to let Triple H's inevitable grand entrance go to waste, are they?
With that being said, here are five potential WrestleMania replacements for a Triple H match.
#5 The Rock
This one is probably the least likely and if anything, we would've instead expected to see this at WrestleMania 32. The Rock vs. Triple H in a battle of the legends has been rumoured for a few years now, ever since their altercation at WrestleMania 31.
Alas, so far it hasn't taken place - but what if The Rock stepped in as a last minute replacement for Seth?
You could add a sense of realism into this storyline too, as HHH was rumoured to be furious with Rocky for calling CM Punk live in the ring, following a recent edition of Monday Night Raw. It's understandable that the stunt didn't go down well, and they could capitalise on that by incorporating it into the story of their feud.
The disgruntled boss vs. the old school icon.
Now to a man who has received a lot of praise from The Rock as of late.
#4 Kevin Owens
The current Universal Champion is on fire right now after his betrayal of former best friend Chris Jericho. He's slowly reverting to the Owens of old like we saw down in NXT when he manhandled a string of Superstars on his way to becoming NXT Champion.
Speaking of Championships, the man responsible for his current reign is none other than The Game himself.
It seems a bit sudden, but having Owens turn face and go after HHH would be a huge twist in the tale. Owens could state that he never needed anyone's help, fast forwarding the match that we're all anticipating will happen at some point down the line.
People may not be desperate to see it in Orlando, but it would certainly help to get the Prizefighter even more over. From the champ to a man who's only just walked onto the main roster.
#3 Samoa Joe
Yes, we know - this one seems incredibly fast and we agree that it would be unusual. However, wouldn't it make sense given everything Samoa Joe has been saying over the last few weeks? During his sit-down interview with Michael Cole, Joe said that he didn't need HHH to hold his hand in order to achieve success. The seeds were planted right there.
It may not make sense to some people to have him turn face, but the dynamics of this one can be completely up in the air. Joe can just unleash hell on The Game, building up the idea that he's this unstoppable monster.
Triple H will then realise what a mistake he's made by letting Joe off his hinges, and as a result, feel the need to be the man to try and take him down a peg or two. Onto yet another former NXT Champion.
#2 Finn Balor
They say he's not cleared, but we don't believe them. Not only did Finn Balor make his return at a recent NXT taping, but he also got involved physically and is also booked to appear on house shows leading up to WrestleMania 33.
Honestly, it just makes sense at this point for him to be on the card and there are few matches better for him than going up against the man who gave him the keys to the castle.
Balor could return on behalf of Seth, who was ironically the man who put him out in the first place. He could say that he's seen how Rollins has altered his attitude over the last few months and go on to claim that The King of Kings has been the root of every single problem in WWE over the last few months.
If nothing else, just imagine how awesome both of their entrances would be. We conclude with the underdog from the underground.
#1 Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn's trajectory at this point leads towards Triple H more so than anyone on the roster not named Seth Rollins. He's been engaging in back and forth debates with Stephanie and Foley for a few months now, he's battled against the odds in an underdog-like fashion similar to Daniel Bryan, and he's got an upcoming match against HHH's bodyguard of sorts Samoa Joe at Fastlane.
You could have The Game cost Zayn the match at Fastlane, stating that it's payback for all of the disrespect he's shown The Authority since arriving on the main roster. Triple H could even act like Sami isn’t even remotely on his level, but much like Bryan, he would be forced to take notice when Zayn fights back against the system and demands a match at WrestleMania.
Make it happen.
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