WWE: The Return of Interpromotional Matches

As Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton trade shots and invade each other’s respective brands heading into their collision at WWE SummerSlam, what future interpromotional matches could we see at the other upcoming big events?

Ever since the introduction of the Draft back in 2002, one of the key bullet points was that the roster was to be divided in two, thus resulting in certain wrestlers never crossing paths or having the ability to work with each other. However, shortly after, WWE introduced the concept of ‘interpromotional’ matches that would pit a Raw superstar against a Smackdown superstar.

With the return of the Draft, WWE appears to be bringing back interpromotional matches, beginning with Raw’s Brock Lesnar and Smackdown’s Randy Orton. Historically, these type of matches could only occur during the ‘Big Four’ events of the WWE calendar year: Wrestlemania, SummerSlam, Survivor Series, and the Royal Rumble. With Lesnar and Orton set for SummerSlam, perhaps we could see other confrontations or actual matches at the next PPVs?

The first known instance of such a concept began at the 2003 Survivor Series when WWE Champion Brock Lesnar was confronted by World Heavyweight Champion Goldberg during a backstage segment. The two would cross paths once again backstage at the 2004 Royal Rumble, before formally kicking off their feud when Lesnar F5’d Goldberg and cost him the Rumble. Goldberg would return the favor by spearing Brock Lesnar during his title defense against Eddie Guerrero at No Way Out. This would all lead to a massively hyped, albeit tremendously disappointing (for reasons outside of the ring) interpromotional match at Wrestlemania XX between Brock Lesnar and Goldberg.

Around the same time, a second interpromotional storyline took place between the newly unmasked Kane and his brother, the Undertaker, who at the time, was in his American Bad Ass gimmick. Revisiting their legendary rivalry from six years prior at Wrestlemania XIV, the interpromotional Brothers of Destruction feud culminated at Wrestlemania XX with the return of the Undertaker in his original ‘Deadman’ persona.

interpromotional matches have been WWE’s equivalent to dream matches within their company

Since then, interpromotional matches have been WWE’s equivalent to dream matches within their company. One such match was the instant classic between Smackdown’s Kurt Angle vs. Raw’s Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania 21. But with the end of the initial Brand split in 2011, interpromotional matches went by the wayside.

Regardless of the outcome of the Lesnar vs. Orton match, WWE is sure to make use of the interpromotional match in order to bring about competition between Raw and Smackdown. This once led to the creation of the Bragging Rights PPV, which featured all interpromotional matches between the two shows.

One such feud could be Raw’s Finn Balor vs. Smackdown’s AJ Styles

But what other interpromotional feuds could we see after Lesnar vs. Orton in the future? Looking at the way the roster was divided as a result of the Draft, there are already several dream encounters that WWE could capitalize on. One such feud could be Raw’s Finn Balor vs. Smackdown’s AJ Styles, a battle between the two prolific leaders of the infamous and hugely influential Bullet Club. Such a dream match would be huge for WWE, worthy of the global stage and worldwide audience of a Wrestlemania. With fans already knowing of and about the Bullet Club’s history as well as Balor’s and Styles’, WWE creative won’t have to do much in terms of writing as the feud practically writes itself.

WWE would almost certainly book a possible match between Raw’s Roman Reigns and Smackdown’s John Cena

As far as a potential homegrown interpromotional feud is concerned, WWE would almost certainly book a possible match between Raw’s Roman Reigns and Smackdown’s John Cena, or at the very least a backstage confrontation at either Survivor Series or the Royal Rumble. During his rise to the top the last two years, WWE had wisely kept Roman and Cena away from one another, hinting that there is a huge money making opportunity for the company by having the two eventually lock up.

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Rumors are also starting that a potential match between Sasha Banks and Bayley for the Women’s Championship is possibly in the works for Wrestlemania 33. What makes this interesting is that it is still unknown what show Bayley will be called-up to. If she were to be called up to Raw, Monday Nights would be in firm possession of a renewed rivalry between the two extremely popular women. However, a Smackdown call-up brings about interpromotional possibilities, much like the Tag Team championship situation. There is surely to be at least one interpromotional match at Wrestlemania 33, as it will be the first ‘Mania in this second brand split. Raw’s Sasha Banks vs. Smackdown’s Bayley for the WWE Women’s Championship as well as which brand controls the title could be a high profile match with major implications at the biggest show of the year.

Next: WWE SmackDown Live Review: Results, Analysis, and Grades for August 2

Knowing what the roster looks like in the aftermath of the Draft, what possible dream interpromotional matches or seed-planting backstage confrontations do you see happening in the future?

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