10 Unbelievable WrestleMania Matches That Almost Happened

8. Bret Hart/John Cena Vs. Vince McMahon/Batista - WrestleMania XXVI

Triple H Mike Tyson
WWE.com

In the weeks leading up to WrestleMania XXVI, it was reported by the Pro Wrestling Torch that multiple sources in the WWE had noted an unusual booking shift for 'The Show of Shows'.

In late February, the plans for WrestleMania were for John Cena to team up with WWE legend, Bret 'The Hitman' Hart, to take on the team of Batista and Vince McMahon. What's even more incredible is the fact that it was even proposed that the WWE Championship be on the line with Bret walking out victorious.

The build up to 'Mania itself seemed to corroborate this angle, as both Cena and Batista had been heavily involved in the development of the Bret/Vince feud. Cena was even the one who had relayed Bret's WrestleMania challenge to Vince, while Batista had gotten physical with Bret a couple of times leading into 'The Show of Shows'.

In hindsight, this would have allowed Bret a spectacular return to the centre stage of WrestleMania with the safety net of Cena and Batista around him to pick up the slack. Bret even proved at SummerSlam, five months later, that he could contribute pretty well in a tag team setting.

Unfortunately, WWE ultimately went a different direction and had the pairings of Vince/Bret and Batista/Cena square off in solo competition as the tag scenario was dropped.

Contributor
Contributor

Occasional wrestler, full-time gym rat and lifelong lover of the grapple game. Would probably buy you a shot of Jack at the bar in exchange for witty banter...and preferably more Jack. @MartynGrant88 for more wrestling-related musings and weight room wisecracks!