Hello Ringers! WrestleMania is this Sunday night and Jon and myself are here to run down the card and give you our monthly dose of pay-per-view predictions as it pertains to the 31st annual show of shows. WrestleMania is always the be all, end all when it comes to the WWE season, so to speak.
We could see some career-defining moments at this show and it could prove to be a very interesting one. However, the build has been terrible--and that’s being nice. So if you’re like me (in other words, not that excited about this show’s prospects), hopefully, we’ll get you as ready as you can be. With that said le’ts get down to business and the predictions of the show.
Kickoff: Fatal 4 Way for the WWE Tag Team Titles
The Usos vs. Los Matadores vs. Big E and Kofi Kingston vs. Cesaro and Tyson Kidd (C)
Jon: This match has been thrown together in recent weeks for WrestleMania and its very apparent that it is rushed. There hasn't been a focus on the tag division in a long time. Hopefully, this changes immediately after WrestleMania. There are some good teams in the division that if given can a chance and some consistent direction would bring the titles back to promise.
Kidd & Cesaro are a good pairing even with Natalya as their manager. Los Matadores have yet to convert me into a fan but they are solid in ring. New Day should be heels, WWE dropped the ball and really need to correct this misjudgment. The Usos are without a doubt the best team in the division, but with one of the twins being hurt their chances of recapturing gold seems slim. Kidd and Cesaro could use an extended run with the titles and will retain in the pre-show.
Jon’s Prediction: Winners and still WWE World Tag Team Champions Tyson Kidd and Cesaro
Nathan: This match is a match which gives everyone some airtime because let’s face it: we have not only this match, we have a ladder match and a 30-Man Battle Royal. That means that everyone and their mother is on this show.
The match itself was thrown together as Jon said. The tag team division needs a serious overhaul and this is not the way to do it. I understand the argument that they are at least doing something with the tag team division but just because it’s something doesn’t mean it’s the best thing they could be doing. With Cesaro and Kidd winning the tag team titles just last month, there is absolutely no way that they do not retain the titles here.
Nathan’s Prediction: Winners and still WWE World Tag Team Champions Tyson Kidd and Cesaro
Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
Konnor, Viktor, Kane, Big Show, Darren Young, Titus O'Neil, Jack Swagger, The Miz, Ryback, Curtis Axel, Fandango, Adam Rose, Zack Ryder, Erick Rowan, Sin Cara, Damien Sandow, Goldust, Mark Henry, Heath Slater, a NXT Superstar TBD, others TBA
Jon: Last year when this match was announced, there was a lot of hope that this would be used as a way to launch someone’s career like the Money in the bank has done in the past. That failed to happen last year when Cesaro won the Battle Royal. This year, of all the wrestlers who deserve a Mania moment, it would be Ryback. Ryback has yet to win any title or match of significance. This could be the first accolade that gets the big man on a very good roll in 2015.
Jon’s Prediction: Ryback
Nathan: I’m actually surprised that this match is on the show due to the fact that when it was made last year, I wasn’t sure if they would continue the trend of doing it year to year. I’m glad to see that they have continued to honor Andre The Giant’s memory by continuing with the tradition.
But, having said that I hope that they handle the winner better this year than they did last year. If I had to pick a winner here it has to be Damien Sandow/Mizdow. I feel this is his way of getting out of this gimmick that has been going on way too long. It’s been great for what it has been but it’s time for it to end.
There is the caveat that Sheamus could return and win because it’s the worst-kept-secret probably of the entire weekend. But, even with that aspect of it I feel this is Damien Sandow’s match to win. This will hopefully allow Sandow to finally recover from losing the Money In The Bank briefcase back in 2013 because ever since then he’s been stuck in midcard hell. However, now is a chance to seriously rebuild him and a win here will do that.
Nathan’s Prediction: Damien Sandow
AJ Lee and Paige vs. The Bella Twins
Jon: Looks like the very fragile team of Paige and AJ lee has fallen apart after this weeks Monday Night Raw. That friction will make it hard for them to overcome the Bella Twins.The mean girl twins have been making Paige's life very difficult for months, attempting to bully her or humiliating her in anyway possible, going as far as stealing her clothes in hopes she would have to wrestle nude. A Nikki Bella win would show the world that she and Brie are over their little rift that they had before she became champion.
Jon’s Prediction: The Bella Twins
Nathan: I could care less about this match. We had a Diva’s Title match on the go home RAW to WrestleMania between challenger Paige and champion Nikki Bella and it wasn’t a great match but it wasn’t that good either. The match that took place between Nikki and Paige should be the one that is taking place at WrestleMania however we are getting a pointless tag tam match on the biggest show of the year and I’m not sure why.
I’m going to go against Jon on my prediction for this match though and go with AJ Lee and Paige to pick up the win. I have a feeling that whoever picks up the pinfall between AJ and Paige will pin Nikki Bella in order to set up a Divas title match at Extreme Rules.
That’s the logical thing to do anyway to make this match sort of mean something. But...we’re talking about a company with no logic so I don’t know what to tell you.
Nathan’s Prediction: AJ Lee and Paige
Sting vs. Triple H
Jon: So many questions surround this match. Sting has thwarted The Authority’s plans on several occasion since showing up in WWE at Survivor Series. He still has great presence about him and the crowd is in a frenzy when he is at Raw. But, on Sunday, we need answers!
Can he still wrestle to the standard that he set back in WCW? Can Sting defeat The Game at the grandest stage of them all? Is Triple H still the Cerebral Assassin or has the suit and tie put him in early retirement? While Sting hasn’t had a match in WWE, Triple H hasn’t had a match since Payback 2014. If you’ll recall, Evolution lost to The Shield, which set up for The Authority adding the future of the WWE, Seth Rollins, to their ranks. I’m going with Sting.
Jon’s Prediction: Sting
Nathan: This match has some intrigue to it. I’m interested in seeing how this match plays out and whether or not it ends up being any good. Everything in this match all depends on Triple H as far as whether it’s seen as good or bad in the end. Sting just turned 56 years old and this match will be a true test of how good a worker Triple H really is.
I just hope that the match exceeds my expectations. This match received the best build of this Mania Season and I’m really excited to watch Sting in a WWE ring for the first time. But, I would be lying if I said I was a bit nervous going in because I feel this match is either going to be really good or really bad with no in-between. I’m looking for Sting to win this match because since this is Sting’s first-ever match in a company that he waited fourteen years to be a part of. That and it’d be a complete waste to have Triple H win here.
Nathan’s Prediction: Sting
Bray Wyatt vs. The Undertaker
Jon: A year later it’s still hard to come to terms with the fact that Taker's streak came to an end last year. Furthermore Taker hasn’t returned to the ring since last year, what kind of physical condition is he in after the physical beating he took from Brock Lesnar? Regardless of his condition The Phenom always shines at Mania.
Bray has done a great job at providing the fuel to make this match interesting without Taker being on any Monday Night Raw leading up to mania. Bray claims to be the new face of fear, and its a claim that he has every right to. There’s no character like him in the WWE; his promos are lined with cryptic messages and his actions are explainable. Defeating The Undertaker would firmly cement himself in that role, yet, also send Taker into retirement, that is a task easier sad than done.
Jon’s Prediction: The Undertaker
Nathan: Does anyone honestly care about this match? I don’t. This match makes me question the decision to end The Streak last year. I figured that since The Streak did in fact end that we were seeing the last of the Undertaker inside of the ring. But now, they are bringing him back for some reason I still can’t put my finger on.
We are in a weird situation going into this match because both of these men lost their respective matches at WrestleMania 30. Bray lost against Cena last year and is now 0-1 at the Show of Shows and we all know that after Taker lost to Lesnar, he is now 21-1. This match has no streak in it so either guy could win. The idea of a Sting vs. Taker match at WrestleMania has been rumored for next year at 32. But if Taker loses again (which I feel he will), that match should not happen. Bray Wyatt can easily be put into the role of the “New Face Of Fear.” But, regardless who wins, from a booking standpoint, it’s a lose-lose situation for WWE.
Nathan’s Prediction: Bray Wyatt
Ladder Match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
Dolph Ziggler vs. R-Truth vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Luke Harper vs. Stardust vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Bad News Barrett (C)
Jon: This ladder match has all the ingredients to steal the show if done correctly. The right mix of brawlers, technical wrestlers and risk takers. When title first was getting stolen every week I thought what another waste of a Wade Barrett title run. As it progressed and all the participants were getting involved the shenanigans were hilarious especially R-Truth. Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler have great chemistry with one another a storyline between the two after this seems only logical. Dean Ambrose would be the most unpredictable component of this match. He is on a mission to bring the IC title back to its prestigious air it should be.
Jon’s Prediction: Winner and NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion: Daniel Bryan
Nathan: This match can (and will) steal the show, I’m not happy with how this match was built up. Everyone in this match stole the title during RAW or SD! or a house show, which, in my eyes, makes it look meaningless. People keep telling me that this match is a way to build prestige to the title. But, I honestly don’t see it that way.
What this match is in reality is a replacement for the Money In The Bank Ladder match that used to take place at this show. Ever since the Money In The Bank Ladder match received its own self-titled PPV and was removed from WrestleMania, it has created a hole in the card at WrestleMania itself. While I’m looking forward to this match, I really hope this is a one time thing.
If it is made a yearly thing, it could damage this title’s prestige even further. They may be doing something with the title but just because it’s something doesn’t mean it’s good. Daniel Bryan will win this match but I honestly question WWE putting him in this match given the fact that he just came back from a career-threatening injury.
Nathan’s Prediction: Winner and NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan
John Cena vs. Rusev (C)
WWE United States Championship Match
Jon: The most exciting and unpredictable not on this match up will be their entrances. It’s almost a forgone conclusion that Cena will win the United States Championship. This feud hasn’t been all that bad though, Rusev has shined in his role and has delivered some great beat downs to Cena. While he will receive his first loss by pinfall or submission I’m sure, he can recover from it.
Jon’s Prediction: Winner and NEW WWE United States Champion John Cena
Nathan: I’m really excited for this match. Their last match was really good and I have a feeling that this match will be one that we will talk about around the water cooler the next day. Rusev has been built up as an unstoppable monster ever since he made his debut on the main roster and now he comes face to face with the face of the company. I really would like to see Rusev get the win here in convincing fashion but that already happened at Fast Lane so it won’t happen.
I like John Cena, don’t get me wrong, but I do not want him winning this. However, he will in fact win this match because if Cena doesn’t overcome the unstoppable monster, who else will? Rusev will take his first pinfall or submission loss in this match but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t afraid for his future. Remember Goldberg? Well he lost in very shady fashion via Taser to Kevin Nash. So, I hope if Rusev has to lose it’s handled better than that and that Rusev is able to recover from Cena.
Nathan’s Prediction: Winner and NEW WWE United States Champion John Cena
Seth Rollins vs. Randy Orton
Jon: This match up has been almost a year in the making. Once Seth became the authorities favorite turncoat, there has been nothing but friction between the two. Things only got worst after Rollins took Randy Orton out of action for a several months. Once Orton came back it didn’t take long for him to get a measure of revenge on The Authority and Seth Rollins. One of the best moments on the road to WrestleMania was seeing the Viper fight side by side with The Icon Sting. At Mania Orton will avoid a curb stomp and hit a RKO out of nowhere in spectacular fashion for the victory.
Jon’s Prediction: Randy Orton
Nathan: This match is going to be good, this past Monday we had Rollins and J and J security take on Randy Orton in a three on one handicap match and this Sunday they finally go one on one. It’s been building for a while and actually received a decent build as part of a lackluster WrestleMania season.
Since I have a feeling Seth Rollins will be doing something later on in the evening normally I would say that he would be winning this. However, this is WWE and they don’t think with real, legitimate, logical logic. Instead they use WWE Logic and using that logic, it tells me that Randy Orton will win this match. But, I have a feeling Seth Rollins will come out of the night as the real winner once it is all said and done.
Nathan’s Prediction: Randy Orton
Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar (C)
WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match
Jon: If Paul Heyman hasn’t sold you on why you should want to see this match, I assume you have had your head stuck in the mud for the past month. Paul has perfectly conveyed why Roman Reigns have a legitimate chance, all the while showcasing why his beast Brock Lesnar will destroy Roman like every other Challenger in recent months.
The tug of war at the end of RAW was definitely a waste of time and a lost chance to have a meaningful physical encounter against between champion and challenger. With Brock recently re-signing with the WWE the outcome of this match is less obvious than it was just a week ago. The crowd has changed its opinion on Reigns. Once the darling of the WWE Universe he is now a stain on a favorite t-shirt, believe that. There are still fresh matches for Brock to have in WWE that would be great television and even better matches.
Jon’s Prediction: Winner and Still WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar
Jon’s Prediction, continued: No matter who wins the Brock vs. Reigns match, Seth Rollins will cash in and become the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
Jon’s Prediction: Winner and NEW WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins.
Nathan: Has there ever been a more underwhelming main event than this one? If you were to ask me who was going to win this match yesterday, I would have told you that there is no way that Roman Reigns doesn’t win. However, with what happened yesterday evening, with Brock Lesnar announcing that he’s re-signed with the WWE on a multi-year deal? It makes the match a little less predictable. I’ll be looking for Brock Lesnar to win the match and retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship but that’s not all folks…
Nathan’s Prediction: Winner and Still WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar
Nathan’s Prediction, continued: WWE has a chance to do a first at a WrestleMania and I think they will do it here. After this match between Reigns and Lesnar is over, look for Seth Rollins to come down to the ring and cash in his Money In The Bank briefcase on a vulnerable Brock Lesnar. The bell will ring they may do a few things in the match itself. But, I feel that the match will end with a curb stomp and we will have a new WWE World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania via the first-ever Money In The Bank Briefcase cash in at the showcase of the immortals.
Nathan’s Prediction: Winner and NEW WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins.
There you have it ladies and gentleman. You now know where Jon and myself stand when it comes to the Showcase Of The Immortals known only as WrestleMania. This is what we see happening at the show and although I’ve been unenthused with the build itself towards this event, I hope the event itself delivers. This is the end of the line when it comes to the Road To WrestleMania and it will go a long way in letting us know where this company is headed in the future.
Until Sunday be sure to follow Jon on Twitter at @BigJonDaLegend and myself at @Headliner5. Also be sure to follow the EOTR master page at @EyesOnTheRing and stay tuned to www.EyesOnTheRing.com. If you have any additional thoughts be sure to hit us up on Twitter by tweeting Jon, the main Eyes On The Ring account, or myself. Also be sure to go to Facebook.com/EyesOnTheRing hit that like button and share your thoughts on WrestleMania there as well.
Finally don’t forget to tune into the post WrestleMania edition of Eyes On The Ring radio via Elite Podcast Network located right here at 11:30PM EST. So long ringers we will see you at the show.
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