Recent reports from Fightful Select have shed light on the creative changes made to WrestleMania 39 and the subsequent RAW After WrestleMania episode. While these alterations couldn't be confirmed due to WWE Chairman Vince McMahon's involvement, insiders have revealed some intriguing backstage news and notes from the events held in Los Angeles.
Initially, there were plans for a WrestleMania segment featuring LA Knight and Bobby Lashley. Though the part was still in the works leading up to the weekend, it ultimately did not come to fruition. Lashley's Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal trophy appeared at SoFi Stadium during his brief introduction on stage.
However, it was initially supposed to include LA Knight in some capacity. Fans may have also noticed that Shotzi's tank was present at SoFi Stadium but was not used during her and Natalya's entrance for the Women's Showcase Fatal 4 Way.
The reason for this change remains unknown.
RAW Creative Shifts: Cancelled LWO Segment
Another creative shift came with canceling a planned LWO (Legado del Fantasma, Rey Mysterio) segment featuring Bad Bunny on RAW. No explanation has been provided for the segment's removal.
Additionally, WWE had intended for a RAW detail to show Cody Rhodes on the phone with someone, presumably calling his mystery partner for the main event. However, WWE changed course and booked Brock Lesnar as the partner. Lesnar attacked Rhodes before the match with Solo Sikoa, allowing Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns to start the match instead.
The initial plans for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn vs. The Street Profits match had it listed as a title match internally, but this was different from how it played out. Moreover, WWE originally intended to hold a mini-tournament to determine the new #1 contender for RAW Women's Champion Bianca Belair.
The tournament would have featured Liv Morgan vs. Dakota Kai vs. Piper Niven and Candice LeRae vs. Raquel Rodriguez vs. IYO SKY. However, the plans were scrapped an hour before the show. Instead, WWE opted for a tag team match where Liv and Raquel defeated Kai and SKY, earning a shot at WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Lita and Becky Lynch on the following week's show.
These alterations to WrestleMania 39 and the RAW After WrestleMania episode demonstrate the fluid nature of WWE's creative process. As more details emerge, fans can gain further insight into the behind-the-scenes decision-making that shapes their favorite wrestling events.