Some of the most memorable moments in WWE history come from rivalries that keep fans glued to their screens. A well-built feud can define careers, shape storylines, and keep audiences invested for months. But not every great feud gets the time it deserves. Sometimes, creative decisions, injuries, or scheduling cut short what could have been legendary sagas. Wrestling fans still talk about these unfinished stories, wondering what could have been if they had just a little more time to breathe. Below are four WWE feuds that should have lasted longer — ones that had chemistry, heat, and untapped potential that was never fully realized.
1. Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose (2018)
Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose (Image via Getty)When Dean Ambrose turned on Seth Rollins on the same night Roman Reigns announced his leukemia diagnosis, fans expected a deeply personal rivalry. The betrayal was emotional, and the story practically wrote itself. Instead, the feud was rushed and bogged down with awkward promos and confusing creative choices.
These former Shield brothers had history, and with both men at the peak of their singles careers, WWE missed an opportunity to create a long-term, emotionally driven storyline. Had this feud stretched out over several months with proper storytelling, it could have been remembered as one of WWE’s best personal rivalries. Instead, it wrapped up too fast, leaving fans feeling robbed of a deeper narrative.
2. AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (2018)
The dream match between AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura at WrestleMania 34 was hyped as a showcase of two of the best wrestlers in the world. After Nakamura’s heel turn at the end of the match, it seemed WWE had laid the foundation for a heated rivalry. Yet, despite multiple rematches, the feud quickly became repetitive and failed to reach the heights fans expected.
With their chemistry in New Japan Pro-Wrestling and their established reputations, a longer, better-paced feud could have delivered match-of-the-year contenders and a more engaging storyline. A slow-burn rivalry that focused on their mutual respect turning sour would have been far more satisfying than the series of low blows and abrupt endings that we got.
3. Edge vs. Randy Orton (2020)
Edge vs. Randy Orton (image via Getty)When Edge returned at the 2020 Royal Rumble, his reappearance led to an immediate confrontation with Randy Orton. What followed was one of the most intense and emotional feuds in years, culminating in a brutal Last Man Standing match at WrestleMania 36. Their rivalry continued briefly but was ultimately cut short by Edge’s injury.
Given their history and natural chemistry, this feud had the potential to become a long-running saga, evolving into different chapters and stipulations. Fans were invested in the personal angle, especially since both men played off their storied past. If circumstances had allowed, an extended program could have added a few more classics to both men’s résumés.
4. Becky Lynch vs. Ronda Rousey (2018-2019)
Few rivalries have ever felt as real as Becky Lynch vs. Ronda Rousey. Their heated exchanges on social media and raw promos brought a level of intensity that blurred the lines between storyline and reality. Although they clashed at WrestleMania 35 in a historic main event, the feud was overshadowed by Charlotte Flair’s addition, turning it into a triple threat.
A one-on-one match between “The Man” and Rousey never happened, and the feud fizzled out when Ronda took a hiatus. Considering the momentum Lynch had and Rousey’s star power, this rivalry could have been a long-term storyline stretching over several pay-per-views, with each woman trading victories and building anticipation for a final showdown. It’s a feud that still has fans hoping for a second chance.
These rivalries had the potential to become all-time greats but ended far too soon. WWE thrives on storytelling, and sometimes, all a great feud needs is time to fully blossom.