10 Matches WWE Could Have Booked For WrestleMania 38

10. United States Championship" ‘Demon’ Finn Balor © Vs. Damian Priest

There have been sporadic instances in WrestleMania history where neither the Intercontinental Championship nor the United States Championship were defended. However, this will mark the first time in the event’s history that neither is involved at WrestleMania. Yes, seriously.

This is inexcusable.

In WWE’s quest to promote WrestleMania as a week-long festival, both Intercontinental Champion Ricochet and United States Champion Finn Bálor were docked from the actual two-night Premium Live Event. As a consolation prize, Ricochet will defend the former workhorse championship in a last-minute triple threat addition to the go-home SmackDown 24 hours before WrestleMania. Bálor, alongside former United States Champion and presumed challenger Damian Priest, will compete on Friday evening as well… in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

WWE had all the pieces for a rematch in front of them for a month. On 28 February 2022, Finn Bálor upset then-champion Priest to become the new United States Champion. Since his RAW debut in early 2021, ‘The Archer of Infamy’ had assembled a pristine track record including a six-month run as champion and losses counted on one hand. After months of struggling with a ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ gimmick, Priest finally snapped after dropping the title to Bálor and fully embraced his dark side. One good turn deserves another right? Finn’s ‘Demon’ persona is right there waiting to erase the bitter taste of Extreme Rules 2021.

Alas, no stakes and no stadium show. At least WrestleMania found time over two evenings for three celebrity matches and an interview segment.