WrestleMania 41: 5 WWE Legends Triple H should bring back if The Rock isn’t available
WrestleMania 41 is expected to be another blockbuster PLE considering that last year’s event was dubbed as one of the biggest ‘Manias because of The Rock's presence. Further, Roman Reigns and The Bloodline’s storyline is still piping hot as the OTC is on a mission to regain what is rightfully his.
Aside from being a multi-time world champion, The Rock has transcended other fields, too. He is an entrepreneur, actor, producer, and one of the directors on TKO Group Holdings' board.
He exudes such charisma that whenever he makes an appearance – whether in a brief promo or a full-fledged match – fans can’t help but get hyped. A case in point was during WWE’s RAW Day 1 special, where he made an electrifying return. He would later delve into the Roman Reigns-Cody Rhodes feud during which he and the former headlined Night 1 of WrestleMania XL against the latter and Seth Rollins.
Now that WrestleMania 41 is just a few months away, there are conflicting rumors about him being part of pro wrestling’s greatest spectacle. If The Rock doesn't make it to next year’s Showcase of The Immortals, who among the WWE Legends should Triple H bring back? Check out these wrestling greats that could grace the PLE.
#5. Kurt Angle
It has been a hot minute since WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle was seen on WWE TV, the most recent being the 30th anniversary of RAW in 2023. His last match in the company was at WrestleMania 35 where he, in a losing effort, had a match against former superstar Baron Corbin.
With the numerous surgeries that he has had over the years, his stepping foot in the squared circle at WrestleMania 41 is out of the question. Further, he has said in several interviews that he will no longer take part in another match and has made peace with the fact that his in-ring prowess as a WWE Superstar has come to an end.
Angle can still grace WrestleMania 41 if rumors about The Rock not being able to make it are correct. He can still be a part of it in some capacity, but not by locking horns with a younger superstar.
#4. Batista could finally be inducted into WWE's Hall of Fame before WrestleMania 41
Similar to Kurt Angle, former WWE Superstar Batista had his retirement match at WrestleMania 35 against Triple H in a No Holds Barred match.
Years have passed and fans are wondering if he will make another comeback to WWE. However, this is unlikely since he has already highlighted in previous interviews that his final match against The Cerebral Assassin has been the perfect way to cap off his pro-wrestling career.
Batista, though, has yet to be inducted into WWE’s Hall of Fame. The promotion might finally convince the former world champion to join the roster of wrestling icons.
Additionally, the promotion’s HoF induction usually takes place before WrestleMania. With that in mind, Batista could still be a part of WrestleMania 41, provided that he is included in the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 and accepts it this time. For those unaware, Batista was initially announced to be in the company’s 2020 HoF class but was not formally inducted.
He may have decided not to make another in-ring return, but fans seeing him within WWE and finally accepting his HoF induction would be a solid move by the promotion if The Rock is not available for the PLE.
#3. Stone Cold Steve Austin would also be a massive draw if The Rock is not available for WrestleMania 41
Kevin Owens’ KO Show segment featuring WWE legend Stone Cold Steve Austin during WrestleMania 38 was indeed a delight. This is because the chit-chat between the two Superstars ended in chaos, with fans enjoying every minute of it.
Both The Rock and Austin have the star power to captivate audiences whenever their entrance themes are played. Such a crowd reaction can be expected if WWE taps the latter in the event the former is unable to attend WrestleMania 41.
However, The Texas Rattlesnake has also had his fair share of injuries during his heyday. Lacing up his wrestling boots for another match in WWE, particularly at WrestleMania, may no longer be a feasible option considering the extent of his previous injuries.
WWE’s Creative could either cook up a spot similar to the KO Show in 2022 that allowed him to rough up Owens minus the sick bumps. This is if he agrees to make an appearance in next year’s Showcase of The Immortals.
#2. The Undertaker can also electrify fans just like The Rock
The Undertaker was a staple of WrestleMania for many years when he was still an active WWE Superstar. Despite being retired, The Dead Man makes sporadic appearances in some of the company's shows. To that end, he might have another spot at next year’s WrestleMania 41 if The Rock cannot commit to an appearance.
He indicated in interviews that he still dreams of stepping foot inside the squared circle and doing what he does best. ‘Taker made it clear, though, that despite such a desire, he has no intention of wrestling again.
His getting involved during the Roman Reigns-Cody Rhodes match at WrestleMania XL was one of the PLE’s highlights. The crowd missed him big time, as was evident by the huge pop he got when he appeared before delivering a chokeslam to The Rock. A clear indication that last year’s appearance won’t be his last at The Show of Shows.
#1. Brock Lesnar returning at WrestleMania 41 would be wild
The Beast Incarnate Brock Lesnar making his in-ring comeback at WrestleMania 41 will create shockwaves across Titanland, not to mention put the WWE main roster on notice yet again. This, of course, if it is confirmed that The Rock won't be appearing at the PLE.
Lesnar may be closing in on his 50s, but he remains an intimidating competitor. He still has a lot of gas left in his tank and can ragdoll whoever he faces inside the ring.
Wrestling fans are well aware of why he is currently on hiatus, but if it all gets cleared up in time for WrestleMania 41 and The Rock's not available for the PLE, 2025’s 'Mania will undoubtedly be an unforgettable one.