5 WWE Superstars who unsuccessfully tried to change their opponent

#1 Kurt Angle wanted to face John Cena instead of Baron Corbin (WWE WrestleMania 35)

Kurt Angle was originally supposed to retire from in-ring competition in 2020 against John Cena at WWE WrestleMania 36. However, the Olympic Gold medallist knew in 2019 that he could not compete for another year, so he decided to retire 12 months early.

Vince McMahon agreed to Angle’s request, but the WWE Chairman wanted him to finish his storyline with Baron Corbin before retiring. That meant the former WWE RAW authority figures had to face each other at WWE WrestleMania 35.

Angle explained in a Q&A with Pro Wrestling Junkies that he tried to change the match when he spoke with McMahon about his retirement.

“I told Vince I wanted to wrestle John Cena because I started his career and I wanted him to end mine - it just made sense to me. He told me no and that I was getting Baron Corbin. He said that if I wanted Cena, I'd have to wait until next year, but I didn't want to go another year.” [H/T Wrestling Inc.]

Angle ended up losing against Corbin in the final match of his career at WrestleMania 35. At the same event, Cena did not compete in a match but he did take part in a segment with Elias.