5 potential WWE Championship matches for WrestleMania 38

The Royal Rumble premium live event kickstarted the road to WWE's biggest event of the year, WrestleMania. In doing so, the star-studded show laid the foundation for the grand spectacle's marquee matches. However, the direction for sports entertainment's most prestigious title and its champion remains ambiguous.

Bobby Lashley defeated Brock Lesnar to win the top prize at the Rumble, shocking many fans. In a surprising turn of events, the win came as a result of Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman's betrayal. The next night on RAW, the All-Mighty learned that he would defend his newly-won prize inside the Elimination Chamber against Lesnar, Austin Theory, AJ Styles, Riddle, and Seth Rollins later this month.

Recent reports indicate that Lashley's opponent for WrestleMania has been decided, but the challenger's identity hasn't been disclosed. Vince McMahon is notorious for randomly changing plans on a whim, so it can be assumed that the WWE Championship match isn't set in stone yet.

Moreover, the six-man Elimination Chamber match could give rise to several possibilities. The field is so level that it is virtually impossible to predict a winner at this point.

With that in mind, let's take a look at five potential WWE Championship matches for The Grandest Stage of Them All.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed herein are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Sportskeeda.

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#5 Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Big E for the WWE Championship

This one seems like an odd pick, but the story would have been different a month ago. Heading into the new year, Big E was the reigning WWE Champion and his biggest threat was the All-Mighty.

However, owing to circumstances beyond everyone's control, Brock Lesnar was inserted into the main event of Day 1 as a replacement to Roman Reigns, and the rest is history. Barring the Beast's last-minute inclusion, the Powerhouse of Positivity might still be holding the top prize today.

Since losing the championship, Big E has fallen down the pecking order and has seemingly returned to being just another guy on the main roster. His plight is such that he wasn't even considered for a spot in the six-man Elimination Chamber match and was a non-factor in the Men's Royal Rumble this year.

Fortunately, all hope isn't lost for the powerhouse of the New Day. It's possible he was intentionally left out of the Elimination Chamber match in order to revisit an old rivalry with Lashley for the most prestigious title in sports entertainment. Big E never received a fair one-on-one rematch for the title he lost, and he may come calling for the All-Mighty at WrestleMania to exact his revenge.

While Bobby Lashley vs. Big E lacks the freshness WrestleMania matches should have, it does carry some of the so-called "big match" feel. They do share considerable history, which might factor into a future storyline.

#4 Seth "Freakin" Rollins(c) vs. Bobby Lashley for the WWE Championship

Seth Rollins and Bobby Lashley are two invaluable additions to Vince McMahon's roster. These two stars bring so much to the table that their matches may as well be banquets, and their past bouts show that they share an undeniable chemistry.

The Messiah recently came off a failed Universal Championship pursuit on SmackDown, and the All-Mighty won the WWE Championship. While fans would love another round of the Tribal Chief vs. the Architect of the Shield, Rollins seems to have shifted his focus to the prize that rests around Lashley's waist.

The Elimination Chamber match can lay the foundation for a colossal WWE Championship singles match between Rollins and Lashley. The Visionary could be the one to take the title off the All-Mighty. As some fans may recall, original plans called for Seth "Freakin" Rollins to win the top prize on Day 1, but he tested positive for COVID-19, and a few last-minute changes curtailed those prospects.

However, the cunning and savvy Rollins can sneak his way to the summit again. There are a multitude of methods the Visionary could use to take the championship. He may find a way to pin Lashley after an infuriated Brock Lesnar decimates the latter. Even a roll-up victory wouldn't do much harm to the All-Mighty.

The only hurdle is that both men are currently heels, but the creative team hit the jackpot with Reigns vs. Rollins at the Royal Rumble. It stands to reason that there is some likelihood of the All-Mighty vs. the Messiah taking place at WrestleMania 38.

#3 Seth "Freakin" Rollins vs. Riddle for the WWE Championship

Two significant players in the six-man Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship will be the aforementioned Seth "Freakin" Rollins and Riddle. The Original Bro defeated Otis to earn a spot while the Messiah announced his inclusion on the KO Show.

Real-life heat could come into play here, as Rollins and Riddle aren't exactly fond of each other. The Visionary once remarked that he had little desire to share the ring with the latter. While they have crossed paths numerous times in multi-man matches and at the Rumble, a full-fledged rivalry between the two talented stars hasn't come to fruition.

WWE has used real-life animosity to good effect in the past. Matt Hardy vs. Edge epitomized the magic that could be created when authentic hatred finds expression in a wrestling ring. Moreover, WWE recently announced a one-on-one match between Riddle and Rollins on RAW. While a match of such magnitude shouldn't be given away flippantly, this can lead to bigger things down the line.

In the past year, Randy Orton's on-screen best friend has become a bonafide star. Riddle is very high on WWE's priority list, and his booking shows the creative team's confidence in his ability. Facing Rollins under the bright lights of WrestleMania will take his career to the next level, and a victory will catapult him into stardom overnight.

#2 Riddle (c) vs. Randy Orton for the WWE Championship

Among all the entries in this list, this one will generate the most mixed feelings from the WWE Universe. RK-Bro has been one of the most entertaining and intriguing acts in recent memory. Orton and Riddle are opposites on paper, but they have put this contrast to good use onscreen.

The uniquely preposterous tandem has put the Original Bro on the map, and the Viper has nothing but praise for his tag-team partner.

Given the positive response the duo has received from the WWE Universe, a significant section will be disappointed to witness the inevitable split. Sadly, history and common sense suggest that Orton will stab his partner in the back at some point.

RAW's Apex Predator is currently on hiatus and isn't scheduled to compete in the Elimination Chamber match. In the six-man encounter, the King of Bros may be a dark horse, but there is a decent possibility he walks out with the most prestigious prize. The title victory may inculcate jealousy in the Viper, pushing him to betray his partner. The betrayal will lead to a grudge match for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania.

Recent reports indicate that Riddle and Orton will soon part ways. They also seemed to suggest that both men were considered as potential Royal Rumble winners at one point. These signs clearly point to a high-stakes bout between the two friends in the foreseeable future.

#1 AJ Styles (c) vs. Edge for the WWE Championship

Vince McMahon tends to save his company's must-see dream matches for the Grandest Stage of Them All - WrestleMania. Edge vs. AJ Styles is one of the biggest blockbuster matches McMahon can book right now, and the timing is perfect.

The Phenomenal One is set to compete in the Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship, and Edge is on hiatus following the Royal Rumble. On the off chance that Styles wins the gold for the third time, the Phenomenal One vs. the Rated-R Superstar may happen under the bright lights of WrestleMania.

A colossal dream match between Styles and Edge doesn't necessarily need the WWE Championship, but there are multiple benefits to putting the title up for grabs. First, it adds an extra dimension of importance and intrigue in that the Ultimate Opportunist returned from retirement to win the World Championship once again.

Second, these two wrestling generals are both outstanding athletes that will put on a clinic in front of a sold-out stadium, restoring prestige to the title.

Time is running out on this matchup, as Styles is entering the twilight of his career. Edge looks better than ever, but even he can't wrestle at this incredible pace forever. Hence, WWE needs to quickly book this dream match before it slips through their fingers.