Top eight WWE Stars who could headline WrestleMania 40 matchcard

As the last quarter of 2023 approaches, it is time for WWE to make arrangements for the WrestleMania 40 lineup. As The Show of Shows approaches, the top 'Mania matchups, in particular, become increasingly evident, albeit certain creative concepts are certain to change before then.

With Roman Reigns currently holding the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, all indicators point to his retaining the gold until WrestleMania and starring in his fourth straight (and eighth overall) iteration of the event.

Let the discussion begin about who will be his opponent on The Grandest Stage of Them All, as well as who will fill the coveted main-event place the other night.

So, here's the list of eight WWE stars who could realistically headline the WrestleMania 40 matchcard.

8. Becky Lynch

In the world of WWE's Raw roster, one matchup stands out as the most anticipated for WrestleMania 40: Becky Lynch vs. Rhea Ripley. It's a clash that wrestling fans have been yearning for, and WWE seems to have strategically postponed this showdown. Their lone singles encounter occurred back in November 2019 on an episode of NXT, a time when Ripley was yet to reach the superstar status she enjoys today. It wasn't until the WarGames event at Survivor Series 2022 that they crossed paths again, sparking the anticipation for a future clash.

Both Ripley and Lynch could benefit from a momentum boost leading up to WrestleMania. By the time the grand event arrives, they will have amassed enough excitement and anticipation to make this match truly monumental. Becky Lynch is no stranger to headlining WrestleMania, and if this match is promoted effectively, she could make history

7. Rhea Ripley

WWE's decision to not place Rhea Ripley in the WrestleMania main event this year may have seemed like a missed opportunity, but in retrospect, it appears to have been the right choice. With Reigns vs. Rhodes already locked in as the WrestleMania 39 main event for Night 2, Night 1's main event was up for grabs.

While Charlotte Flair vs. Ripley seemed like the logical choice on paper, Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens vs. The Usos had a more compelling storyline. However, Ripley and Flair's incredible match proved they could have easily closed out the event. Looking ahead to WrestleMania 40, it's clear that Ripley deserves a spot in the main event, provided she has a high-profile opponent.

6. GUNTHER

Gunther is probably going to face Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40, and that bout is deserving of the WrestleMania grandeur. Gunther's reign as Intercontinental champion has been unrivaled in the last 15 months. He recently broke the all-time record for the longest reign and doesn't look to be relinquishing the championship anytime soon.

WWE should be praised for booking The Ring General, as he might easily have faded into oblivion like other once-promising NXT hopefuls. He's being maintained in shape and has yet to lose a pinfall or submission on the main roster.

5. Jey Uso

One thing is for sure, that main event Jey Uso is going to the main event WrestleMania 40. As WWE would not want the brotherly fight to end just like this. WWE will try to build the storyline of Jimmy and Jey Uso to culminate in a match to be seen for centuries. The tension, the crowd work everything is way much better when it is with the Bloodline. WWE will definitely bring the brothers back to bring the ultimate family drama to the world's Grandest wrestling stage WrestleMania 40.

4. LA Knight

LA Knight may go from being taken off the WrestleMania 39 card owing to WWE having nothing creative for him to participating in the main event of WrestleMania 40 due to his rapid increase in popularity. His sudden ascension to singles popularity has been a revelation and a welcome one. He was scarcely featured a few months ago, but he was forced onto WWE TV due to the overwhelming support he received from fans. The "Yeah!" Movement is now unstoppable.

3. Seth Rollins

Seth Rollins has made it known throughout the years that he wants to one day headline WrestleMania, and with the incredible run he is currently on as World Heavyweight champion, it's feasible he may do it at WrestleMania 40. Reigns will always take precedence just because of his position in the organization, but there's nothing stopping WWE from putting Rollins in the main event of WrestleMania 40 the other night.

2. Cody Rhodes

There is a lengthy list of hungry Superstars waiting in the wings to fight Roman Reigns, but Cody Rhodes is the best candidate to face him in the main event at WrestleMania 40. The build to their initial bout at WrestleMania 39 was spectacular, and the match itself delivered, but it was all overshadowed by Solo Sikoa interfering and costing Rhodes the victory in one of the worst WrestleMania endings of all time. It's only fitting that Rhodes avenges that defeat by ultimately becoming champion in April.

1. Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns is very certainly going to appear in the forthcoming April 2024 edition. It's more a question of who his opponent will be. If he can keep the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship until then, he will become the first Superstar to enter WrestleMania with the same title four years in a row.

The only other person to achieve it with three was Hulk Hogan. Of course, he'll have little trouble keeping it if his championship defenses are few and far between. He most recently defended the prized award against Jey Uso at SummerSlam.