10 Things That Must Happen Before WrestleMania 34
It's a long road to New Orleans: here's how to make the most of the journey.
WrestleMania 33 is done and dusted, and it's time to look forward to WWE's new season. The company have already made an impressive start with this week's post-Mania Raw and SmackDown, and after delivering a number of major returns and debuts, the stage is perfectly set for an exciting year of programming.
Next week's Superstar Shake-up will provide a clearer indication of WWE's intentions for the next 12 months, but it's not too early to start thinking about WrestleMania 34. Taking place in New Orleans on April 8th, 2018, the Showcase of the Immortals returns to the city for the first time since 2010, and Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns has already been pinpointed as a potential main event.
For the most part, WWE exceeded expectations at WM 33. They're in a good place at the moment, and if they can maintain their current momentum, they're set for a great year. That being said, there are still a number of nuts and bolts that must be tightened before 34, and there are a number of enticing angles, storylines, and matches that will help WWE make the most of their flagship PPV.
10. TLC Goes Back To Its Roots
Though WWE’s PG status has largely diminished their high-risk match stipulations over the past few years, TLC remains one of their signature gimmicks. It’s been a long, long time since we’ve seen a traditional tag team Tables, Ladders, and Chairs bout, however, and it’s time WWE considered restoring the match’s lustre by returning to its roots.
The first two TLC bouts saw Edge & Christian, the Hardy Boyz, and the Dudley Boyz do battle in a set of instant classics. With Matt and Jeff back in the fold, booking them in a nostalgic TLC throwback makes all the sense in the world, and highly athletic teams like American Alpha, The Usos, and The New Day would make ideal E&C/Dudleyz substitutes.
WrestleMania 33’s ladder match proved that the Hardys are still happy to put their bodies on the line for the sport, and that Jeff remains a complete and utter lunatic. While they’ll inevitably slow down over the coming years, booking them in the match they helped popularise would not only provide a huge highlight later this year, but help restore the stipulation’s declining reputation.