But I want to go the other way. In general relativity space-time curves because of mass. But what is mass? Just a given. But maybe mass comes about as distortion of space-time.
In general relativity, mass is not more fundamental than the gravitational field and its curvature. While we generally speak of spacetime curving because of mass, this doesn't mean this is a one way relation. The stress energy tensor is equal to the Einstein tensor (roughly curvature), so the relationship is already two-way.
It's a cool thing to think about of course, just wanted to clarify.
Hope that helps point you in the correct direction!