The WrestleMania Main Event That Almost Was: A Tale of Creative Chaos and Missed Opportunities
Let’s start with a question: What if one of the most historic moments in women’s wrestling had been hijacked by a bizarre creative decision? It’s not just a hypothetical—it’s a story that’s recently come to light, and it’s as wild as it is revealing. Personally, I think this tale says more about the wrestling industry’s creative process than any match ever could.
In 2021, Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair made history by headlining WrestleMania 37’s Night One. It was only the second women’s main event in WrestleMania history, a moment that should have been celebrated without reservation. But behind the scenes, a different narrative was unfolding—one that involved Vince McMahon, Reginald the Sommelier, and a love story that no one asked for.
The Pitch That Could Have Derailed History
According to Reginald (now known as Scrypts), Vince McMahon pitched an idea that, in hindsight, feels like a fever dream. The plan? Add Reginald to the main event, turning it into an intergender triple threat match. But that’s not all—Vince wanted Sasha Banks to fall in love with Reginald, complete with a storyline where he buys her a dog to win her affection.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the sheer disconnect between the vision and the reality. Here you have two of the most talented women in wrestling, poised to make history, and the focus shifts to a forced romance with a sommelier. From my perspective, this isn’t just a bad idea—it’s a symptom of a larger issue in wrestling: the tendency to prioritize gimmicks over storytelling that respects the performers.
One thing that immediately stands out is how out of touch this idea feels. Sasha and Bianca’s match was a celebration of their skill and the progress of women’s wrestling. Adding Reginald—and a love story—would have undermined that. What many people don’t realize is that these kinds of creative decisions can erase years of hard work in an instant.
The Chemistry That Wasn’t
Vince McMahon reportedly justified the idea by claiming Sasha and Reginald had “chemistry.” When pressed for specifics, he couldn’t provide any. This raises a deeper question: How often do creative decisions in wrestling rely on vague, undefinable concepts rather than concrete storytelling?
In my opinion, this is where the industry often falls short. Chemistry isn’t something you can force—it’s either there or it’s not. And when it’s not, trying to manufacture it can lead to moments that feel cringe-worthy at best and disrespectful at worst.
A detail that I find especially interesting is Sasha’s reaction to the pitch. She repeatedly asked Vince to explain the chemistry he saw, and he couldn’t. This isn’t just a story about a bad idea—it’s a story about the power dynamics in wrestling, where performers often have to fight against creative decisions that don’t serve their characters or the audience.
What This Really Suggests About Wrestling’s Future
If you take a step back and think about it, this story is a microcosm of the challenges wrestling faces. On one hand, you have the potential for groundbreaking moments like Sasha and Bianca’s match. On the other, you have outdated creative visions that threaten to derail progress.
What this really suggests is that the industry needs to evolve its approach to storytelling. Wrestling has always been about larger-than-life characters and dramatic narratives, but there’s a difference between drama and nonsense. Personally, I think the key lies in trusting the performers and giving them the freedom to shape their own stories.
The Match That Lived On
Thankfully, Vince’s idea was nixed, and Sasha and Bianca went on to deliver a match that will be remembered for years to come. But the fact that this idea was even considered is a reminder of how fragile progress can be.
If you ask me, this story should serve as a cautionary tale. Wrestling has the power to tell incredible stories, but it also has the power to undermine itself. The question is: Will the industry learn from moments like this, or will it continue to repeat the same mistakes?
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on this story, I’m struck by how much it reveals about the wrestling world. It’s a world where history-making moments can coexist with baffling creative decisions. It’s a world where performers like Sasha and Bianca have to fight for the respect they deserve. And it’s a world that, despite its flaws, continues to captivate audiences around the globe.
What this story really leaves me thinking about is the future. Will wrestling embrace the progress it’s capable of, or will it remain stuck in the past? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: stories like this are a reminder of why we should never take moments of progress for granted.
So, what do you think? Would Vince’s idea have been a disaster, or is there something I’m missing? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your take.
