The Shield Triple Threat As Wrestlemania 32's Main Event or Not?

There was a time where I found the prospect of the match exciting, but now it seems kind of more adequate than anything. It should have that Rock meeting Austin feel or even closer, Michaels meeting Triple H. I think it doesn't because we don't have enough psychic distance between these guys and their last meetings.

Ambrose fought Rollins all spring/summer and Reigns is set to face Seth in just a few weeks at Survivor Series. Ambrose could turn on Reigns (possibly but unlikely aligning with Rollins) and set the triple threat in motion, but I wonder if WWE has other plans.

Obviously there's huge upside in that the match pays off a lot of long form storytelling. It pays off Rollins betrayal of the Shield, it pays off Seth stealing the main of event of Mania 31 out from under Roman, and it pays off the bromance between Ambrose and Regins. If too guys are put together, good logical wrestling storytelling tells us they have to implode. But we're talking about WWE.

Ambrose becoming frustrated by Reigns capitalizing from their partnership while Dean is left off of cards just makes sense from a storytelling perspective. WWE may just have Roman win and begin Seth on the path to a face turn.

I like the idea of Roman winning the Rumble and redeeming himself against the top heel in the company. That top heel should not be Sheamus, but WWE could book it that way.

The last time a hot fresh face won the Rumble and went on to beat the top heel was 10 years ago when Batista won to beat Triple H. In 2006, Mysterio went on the challenge a face in Angle. Undertaker faced a babyface Batista in 2007. 2008 to 2011 the winners failed to capitalize at Mania. I wouldn't describe Sheamus or Cena as being either hot or fresh in 2012 and 2013 respectively. Then Batista and Roman went back to back in failing to capitalize.

It's been 10 years since what most view the concept of the modern Royal Rumble being; the hottest babyface winning to challenge the top heel. That formula has not been implemented as many times as it has, but it does have that basic formula of pro-wrestling embedded in it.

This year I believe it's time for a face to win the Rumble, then challenge the heel to win cleanly at Mania. The Rumble has been kind have tainted in recent years. Of the last 10 winners, we've gone 50/50 for Mania win losses of Rumble winners, let that sink in.

I wouldn't mind if Dean and Roman both won the Rumble, or if Roman wins and Dean weasels in. I more than anything want to see the Rumble return to prominence that it had through the 90s and early 2000s. Considering how poorly the Rumble has been received the last two years consecutively, perhaps it's time to reconsider the concept of how the WrestleMania main event is decided.

The Shield triple threat could be good, but as others have said, maybe there are bigger plans. I doubt this match will be billed as the main event, co-main event possibly. Lesnar, Cena, Undertaker, and even a long shot in Ronda Rousey, have all had their names circulating. Austin will not be involved. I have my doubts the Rock will, as much as WWE would love Rock vs Brock.