Rivalries & Legendary Matches in 2022
The first half of 2022 was marked by unexpected returns, shocking betrayals, and legendary title reigns. From January to June, WWE witnessed intense battles that set the stage for the second half of the year. Let’s dive into the key matches and rivalries that defined the first six months of 2022—without revealing the results.
📅 January – Royal Rumble Kicks Off the Year 🏆
🔥 Key Matches:
- Men’s Royal Rumble Match – Brock Lesnar, Drew McIntyre, Randy Orton, AJ Styles, Bad Bunny
- Women’s Royal Rumble Match – Ronda Rousey, Charlotte Flair, Bianca Belair, Sasha Banks, Liv Morgan
- WWE Championship Match – Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley
- Universal Championship Match – Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
The Men’s Royal Rumble delivered a shocking moment with a powerful return and late entry that shifted the momentum. Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton fought valiantly, while unexpected alliances and betrayals made headlines.
In the Women’s Rumble, a returning megastar battled through the chaos to earn a championship opportunity, adding a jolt of energy to the division.
The WWE Championship match was shaken up by interference, adding a layer of controversy, and sparking tension between WWE’s top champions.
📅 February – Elimination Chamber: High Stakes ⛓️
🔥 Key Matches:
- Men’s Elimination Chamber Match – Brock Lesnar, Seth Rollins, Riddle, AJ Styles, Austin Theory, Bobby Lashley
- Women’s Elimination Chamber Match – Bianca Belair, Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, Doudrop, Liv Morgan, Nikki A.S.H.
- Universal Championship Match – Roman Reigns vs. Goldberg
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
The Elimination Chamber spotlighted domination and unpredictability, as top names collided inside the steel structure.
Bianca Belair reasserted herself as a major force, emerging from the chaos with momentum heading toward WrestleMania.
Roman Reigns faced off against a Hall of Famer, putting his dominance on full display in a match of eras.
📅 March – The Road to WrestleMania 🛣️
🔥 Key Matches & Segments:
- Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns (Contract Signing for WrestleMania)
- Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Return Announcement
- Edge vs. AJ Styles Feud Begins
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Tensions escalated during the contract signing between Lesnar and Reigns, foreshadowing a monumental clash.
The WWE Universe buzzed with the return tease of Stone Cold Steve Austin, aiming for a confrontation with Kevin Owens.
Edge’s shocking transformation led to a brutal assault on AJ Styles, laying the foundation for an intense showdown.
📅 April – WrestleMania 38: The Grandest Stage 🎇
🔥 Key Matches:
- Champion vs. Champion – Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar (Winner-Takes-All)
- Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Kevin Owens (No Holds Barred Match)
- Edge vs. AJ Styles
- Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch (RAW Women’s Championship)
- Cody Rhodes’ WWE Return vs. Seth Rollins
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar met in a historic encounter to unify titles, raising the stakes like never before.
A surprise return by Cody Rhodes sent shockwaves through the arena, leading to a clash of style and legacy against Seth Rollins.
The long-awaited comeback of Stone Cold Steve Austin delivered nostalgia and intensity in equal measure.
📅 May – Backlash and the Fallout 💥
🔥 Key Matches:
- Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins (Rematch)
- Ronda Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair (I Quit Match – SmackDown Women’s Championship)
- Roman Reigns & The Usos vs. Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
The rematch between Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins elevated their rivalry to new heights with a deeply personal confrontation.
Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair pushed each other to the limit in a brutal “I Quit” match.
The Bloodline furthered their storyline dominance, taking on a star-studded trio in a high-octane six-man tag.
📅 June – Hell in a Cell: Settling Scores 🔥
🔥 Key Matches:
- Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins (Hell in a Cell Match)
- Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch vs. Asuka (RAW Women’s Championship)
- Bobby Lashley vs. Omos & MVP
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Inside the cell, Cody Rhodes delivered a performance that shocked the world, displaying unmatched heart and grit.
The RAW Women’s Title match showcased the best of the division, with Bianca, Becky, and Asuka pushing each other to the limit.
Bobby Lashley faced daunting odds but showed his power and resilience in a two-on-one showdown.
🔥 2022 Summary – The First Half in Review
The first half of 2022 was filled with unforgettable returns, championship clashes, and career-defining moments.
- Roman Reigns’ reign as undisputed champion continued to reshape WWE’s future 👑
- Brock Lesnar’s destructive path to WrestleMania left its mark 🏆
- Cody Rhodes’ stunning return added fresh excitement to the main event scene 🎤
- Ronda Rousey’s resurgence injected new fire into the women’s division 💪
- On June 6, a seismic shift occurred within Judgment Day.
Edge, the very man who founded the dark and dominant faction, was shockingly betrayed by his own disciples. ⚡💔
As WWE moved into the second half of 2022, fans were left wondering: What could possibly happen next?
