Braun Strowman - lost in WrestleMania 34 shuffle?

Over the past year, Braun Strowman has quickly risen to the top of the WWE card, however, he has yet to have his “WrestleMania moment”. Last year at WrestleMania 33, Strowman was relegated to the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, and despite being the odds-on favorite to win the battle royal, the match was won by Mojo Rawley.

It was an odd booking decision, given Rawley slowly slipped down the card following WrestleMania 33. This year, Strowman is in danger of not being a part of WrestleMania 34. Why is Braun Strowman lost in the WrestleMania shuffle again?

WrestleMania let downs

Strowman was set to challenge The Miz for the IC title at WrestleMania 34 before plans changed

Early WrestleMania 34 card rumors had Braun Strowman challenging The Miz for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. This would have been a huge step in the right direction for Strowman after the disappointment of WrestleMania 33.

The match has since been scrapped in favor of a triple threat featuring The Miz defending against Seth Rollins and Finn Balor. The reason is reportedly due to the controversy surrounding the WWE Universal Championship match between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns.

The following is what Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio had to say about Braun Strowman’s role at WrestleMania 34:

“One thing was changed, and that is that Miz-Braun Strowman appears to be out [for WrestleMania]. If you watched [Raw], it’s pretty clear that they’re going to be doing Miz-Seth Rollins, and probably Finn Bálor, in a three-way, which takes Strowman out. Strowman is obviously – based on what happened there, Strowman is the backup plan in case something happens [with Brock Lesnar].

“I don’t know if they’re going to go with a three-way at Mania, with Strowman in there with Reigns and Brock Lesnar, but if something happens with Lesnar, obviously Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman is the only match you can put in that spot. And if something happens with Roman Reigns, and something still could, Strowman’s obviously the only guy you can put in that spot, as well. I suppose they could go with Strowman with Elias, but it is very interesting.” (Source: Inquistr)

The problem with the plan

Brock Lesnar's WWE contract issues are one of the reasons Strowman has been relegated to WrestleMania 34 backup plan

There are issues with both Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns. Those issues are putting their championship match at WrestleMania 34 in jeopardy. Lesnar’s contract is one of the problems, and the Universal Champion could decide to leave WWE without appearing at WrestleMania 34.

The other issue is Reigns, who is in the middle of a performance-enhancing drug (PED) scandal, and could be suspended before WrestleMania 34 if the allegation proves to be valid.

Strowman appears to be a victim of circumstance and in a holding pattern. If the Lesnar vs Reigns match happens, then it is possible that Strowman sits out WrestleMania 34. He deserves a lot more than just being a backup plan.

The Monster Among Men has been deserving of a main event push for a very long time. Why should he take a back seat to Lesnar and Reigns when they are at the heart of the problem? It is time for WWE to go all in on Braun Strowman.

What matters

Strowman could use a “WrestleMania moment”, and at this point in his career, it is what matters. Unfortunately, Strowman may have to wait another year for it to happen.

Do you think it is fair that Braun Strowman has apparently been relegated to a WrestleMania 34 backup plan? Do you think WWE is just doing smart business? Sound off in comments!