Professional wrestling thrives on creative storylines that keep fans on the edge of their seats. WWE, being the largest wrestling company in the world, has given us countless unforgettable moments. But for every great storyline, there are many that fans wished to see — angles that had incredible potential but never made it to television. Whether due to creative differences, backstage politics, or poor timing, some ideas were scrapped long before they could become reality. These “what if” moments continue to be discussed by fans worldwide, sparking debates about how different WWE history might look if they had happened. Let’s explore four of the most talked-about WWE storylines that audiences wanted but, for one reason or another, never became reality.
1. The Long-Awaited John Cena vs. Heel Roman Reigns Feud
John Cena vs. Roman Reigns (Image via Getty)For years, WWE fans begged for a proper feud between John Cena and a fully heel Roman Reigns — not just a one-off match, but a long-term rivalry with real stakes. While Cena and Reigns faced off a few times, including at No Mercy 2017 and SummerSlam 2021, the versions of Reigns during these matches were far from the “Tribal Chief” persona that now defines him.
Imagine if WWE had pulled the trigger when Roman was at his most hated, forcing Cena — the ultimate “face of the company” — to step in and stop Reigns’ rise. The story practically wrote itself: the former poster boy protecting his legacy from a new, more ruthless company face. Fans were eager to see Cena call out Reigns for being “handpicked” and riding corporate support, with Reigns firing back about Cena’s own carefully maintained image.
This storyline would have brought in real-life tension, much like Cena’s legendary rivalries with The Rock and CM Punk. Unfortunately, by the time Reigns finally embraced his heel role, Cena had become a part-time attraction, and their clash never reached its storytelling potential.
2. The Four Horsewomen of WWE vs. MMA’s Four Horsewomen
The Four Horsewomen of WWE vs. MMA’s Four Horsewomen (Image via Getty)Another fantasy booking that WWE fans begged to see was a Four Horsewomen vs. Four Horsewomen feud. On one side, the WWE faction led by Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, and Bayley — the pioneers of the women’s evolution in WWE. On the other side, the MMA group featuring Ronda Rousey, Shayna Baszler, Jessamyn Duke, and Marina Shafir, who had all transitioned into wrestling.
The anticipation peaked when Rousey made her WWE debut at Royal Rumble 2018, but the storyline never went beyond teasing. WWE even staged several behind-the-scenes face-offs that fueled rumors of an eventual clash. Fans envisioned a Survivor Series-style elimination match or a WrestleMania showdown, with both groups battling for dominance.
Imagine Becky Lynch and Rousey rekindling their rivalry, Charlotte squaring off against Shayna Baszler, and Sasha and Bayley mixing it up with Duke and Shafir. The sheer star power and crossover appeal would have made this one of the biggest women’s storylines in wrestling history. Yet, timing issues, injuries, and creative decisions left this dream feud sitting on the shelf.
3. The Shield Triple Threat at WrestleMania
The Shield Triple Threat (Image via Getty)Since The Shield broke up in 2014, fans had dreamed of a WrestleMania main event featuring all three members — Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose (now Jon Moxley) — facing off in a high-stakes triple threat. Although WWE did give us a Shield triple threat at Battleground 2016, many felt that the match was wasted on a lesser pay-per-view and not given the grand stage it deserved.
The storyline potential was massive. Reigns, the powerhouse and company’s chosen face; Rollins, the architect and backstabber who originally broke the group; and Ambrose, the wild card who fans always believed could reach the top. Each had a unique story and emotional history to pull from. WrestleMania could have been the ultimate platform to settle their differences once and for all.
A proper build for this match could have revolved around jealousy, betrayal, and proving who was the true “leader” of The Shield. Fans wanted to see their emotional bond torn apart one final time under the brightest lights. Sadly, between shifting pushes and Ambrose’s eventual WWE exit, this once-in-a-generation feud was never fully realized where it mattered most — at WrestleMania.
4. Sting vs. The Undertaker — The Dream Match That Never Was
Sting (Image via Getty)Few WWE dream matches were more demanded than Sting vs. The Undertaker. Both icons with mysterious personas, dark entrances, and loyal fan bases, Sting and Taker seemed destined to meet in the ring. Fans pictured an epic showdown between “The Phenom” and “The Icon” — a battle of two wrestling legends with decades-long careers.
When Sting finally signed with WWE in 2014, the dream felt within reach. His initial feud with Triple H at WrestleMania 31 was memorable but left many feeling like WWE had missed a huge opportunity. Even after that match, there were still hopes for Sting vs. Undertaker at WrestleMania 32. Both men were still active, and although neither was in their prime, the spectacle and storytelling would have carried the match.
Unfortunately, Sting’s career-ending injury during his match with Seth Rollins at Night of Champions 2015 crushed any chance of this dream match happening. For fans, it’s one of the biggest “what could have been” moments — a bout that would have united generations of wrestling followers, finally seeing two dark legends share the ring.
Final Thoughts
WWE has a history of crafting some of the most talked-about storylines in entertainment. But sometimes, even the most obvious storylines fans crave are left untouched. Whether because of timing, backstage decisions, or unfortunate injuries, these missed opportunities remind us how unpredictable professional wrestling can be. Still, fans continue to wonder what could have happened if WWE had taken a different creative path — and these storylines remain among the most wanted in the history of the company.
If you’ve ever thought about which dream WWE storyline you’d like to see, these are just a few that might top your list. Which of these do you wish had actually happened? Or is there another one missing from the list that you think could have been legendary?