It's a controversial statement given where things stand and the expectations set. This is the 'Mania where Roman's empire crumbles. It's the ascension of Cody Rhodes to his destined spot. Or for the dreamers, it's the Daniel Bryan-esque cap to Sami Zayn's run.
The table for one of the greatest modern pro wrestling swerves is set.
This idea isn't just to stun fans, either. Should WWE go in this bold direction, it would accomplish many different things at once.
The heat Reigns would receive would be nuclear. There's always the argument about sending the fans home happy, and especially at the most important event of the year, but this is one of the greatest title runs in the sport's history. Imagine how his retaining amid the boos would be viewed long-term.
That run of dominance itself is part of this discussion too. At this point, is WWE really content to let this end with a 900-plus-day mark? Why not go for 1,000 to really push the run into legendary territory?
There are also the other Superstars involved to consider. Rhodes losing would endear him to fans that much more. He's trying to win the title his father never did, and putting him in an underdog chase role would work well. As history has shown for babyfaces, the chase is usually better than the reign.
Rhodes has also been sort of handed everything. There's a non-insignificant portion of fans who rolled their eyes at Rhodes entering 30th in the Royal Rumble and winning. Beating Reigns feels a little unearned, especially given the hype behind Zayn right now, so putting Rhodes in chase mode and having him win over any dissenting fans might be a good idea.
What about the Usos and Zayn? Kevin Owens? Paul Heyman? Why end one of the greatest stories ever right now just to get a belt on Rhodes? The anticipated tag match featuring the Usos against Zayn and Owens can proceed, but why end the story there? This family-based story started with Jey Uso, so Reigns winning and facing Jey would be fun. So would Solo Sikoa choosing a side and throwing down.
And while on the family theme, Reigns winning would do one more thing—put The Rock back on the table as a possibility. He can't do this 'Mania, but stringing out the family theme until SummerSlam or even the next 'Mania could work. Rhodes as the non-family element of the story still feels a bit odd.
Maybe a swerve here is the window of an opening WWE needs to make another title, too. Fans have speculated the company will make another world championship for Raw to even things up between the brands before a potential draft.
That could let Rhodes veer off and pursue that new title instead, leaving the family angle for Reigns' unified titles. It would also lessen the impact of Reigns working a further reduced schedule as an almost part-time final boss.
All of this is a gamble, of course. But WWE is playing with house money right now. Rhodes as champion isn't going to hit the same and create a stunning live moment like Drew McIntyre vs. Reigns in the U.K. and Zayn vs. Reigns in Montreal.
There's no question Rhodes is a major draw, and he's earned that given his amazing journey. But at a time when WWE might be courting potential suitors for a sale, it seems like a no-brainer to keep the belts on Reigns.
To its credit under Triple H, WWE has stuck adamantly to its storytelling guns. If all involved feel like there's an earned, organic ending in place at WrestleMania 39, more power to them.
But it's hard to not raise a serious eyebrow at the stunning moment that would be Reigns beating Rhodes and the positive ripple effects that would follow, never mind how history would judge it.
Very rarely does pro wrestling capture this proverbial lighting in a bottle of a surefire stunning moment and must-see storytelling for months on end in the aftermath. But it's right there, should WWE be bold enough to swerve fans with Reigns retaining.