A Look at WWE’s Post-WrestleMania Storytelling Gaps
# **WWE’s Post-WrestleMania Slump: A Messy Road to Recovery?**
## **The Roman Reigns & Jacob Fatu Saga: A Rivalry Lost in Repetition**
The hype after *WrestleMania* was electric—until Jacob Fatu crashed Roman Reigns’ celebration, demanding the same familial legacy as the Tribal Chief. Their *Backlash* match delivered fire, but the weeks since have felt like a slog. Fans were dragged through endless brawls, half-hearted contract signings, and a *Tribal Combat* spectacle that devolved into a chaotic street fight rather than a grand spectacle. Reigns’ reliance on cheap gimmicks—like exposed turnbuckle finishes—left little room for compelling storytelling. Where’s the freshness in a rivalry running on fumes?
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## **SmackDown’s Identity Crisis: Cody, Gunther, and the Vanishing Big Moments**
*SmackDown* didn’t fare much better. Cody Rhodes, once a WrestleMania main eventer, now looks like an afterthought. Gunther wandered through aimless feuds, with a potential showdown against *The American Nightmare* fizzling into nothing. The show’s big finish at *Clash in Italy* was forgettable, and Sami Zayn’s heel turn offered a rare spark—but is WWE truly invested in pushing him as a top-tier star?
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Midcard Chaos: Promising Potential, Wasted Opportunities
Raw’s midcard shined brighter, with a clear Intercontinental Championship race heating up. Je’Von Evans, Rey Mysterio, and Ethan Page’s recent headline-quality matches proved the division has life. But over on SmackDown? A wasteland. Trick Williams won the U.S. Title only to get bogged down in a dull cycle with Carmelo Hayes and Ricky Santos. Veterans like Matt Cardona and Ilja Dragunov sit on the bench—either misused or forgotten entirely.
Women’s Division: Struggles and Scattered Progress
The women’s division took a step backward. Liv Morgan’s title reign stalled after an injury to a rival, leaving her stranded with little direction. Becky Lynch remains a standout, but her feud with Sol Ruca is still in its infancy. Over on SmackDown, Rhea Ripley dominated Jade Cargill alongside Charlotte Flair, yet the Women’s U.S. Title picture remains murky. Tiffany Stratton’s reign helped, but Giulia’s lack of a clear path hurt. The rare bright spot? Brie Bella and Paige’s win over Nia Jax—but what’s next for them?
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The Big Picture: Stagnation After a Peak Era
WWE’s post-WrestleMania struggles aren’t shocking—after years of elite booking, even a slight dip feels jarring. Overloaded live events, diluted long-term stories, and corporate interference (like forcing one-off angles) make it harder to focus. Yet the product isn’t a total loss. Fresh faces like Trick Williams and Oba Femi are getting opportunities, injecting some much-needed energy. But if WWE wants to keep fans engaged, it’s time to cut the deadweight and double down on compelling, long-term storytelling.
