A month ago, I embarked on the journey of predicting WrestleMania 32’s card months in advance with updates every 30 days or so. Well, in the month since the first edition of my predictions, a lot has changed, affecting my standing on a few matches.
Originally I’d predicted a Brock vs. Sheamus match for the title, but Sheamus lost the belt and they’re wrestling at a house show in January. While house show matches are rarely seen as “giving away” matches because the audience is so small, Brock’s house show matches are widely announced and footage leaks. So, I doubt he wrestles Sheamus. I know my Big E call was out of left field last month, but I still hold that it’d be the best star-making match possible.
Anyway, as things have become more clear, I’ve made some more adjustments to my predictions. So, here they are:
The World Title Picture, Also Known As Who Challenges Roman Reigns
So, last month, I predicted that Sheamus would hold the belt until WrestleMania because I obviously don’t care about things like WWE making money or having people watch Raw. I was wrong as hell. Reigns is the champ, and he’ll most likely carry the belt until ‘Mania at the very least, but who’s going to challenge him? There are really four options that could happen:
1. Triple H – There’s a definite built towards a Reigns/Triple H match happening. And it’s weird that Triple H is being booked as some returning babyface here. However, I don’t think this match is happening at ‘Mania. There’s just no drama to it. We know Triple H isn’t winning another title and their match would have zero drama. If you want to argue for the match, you can say that Bryan/Triple H had zero drama and was the match of the night at WrestleMania 30. But I just don’t see this as a ‘Mania match. Instead, I bet this happens at the Royal Rumble with Triple H making his return this Monday.
2. John Cena – They’ve been conspicuously kept apart ever since Reigns went single, so it’s clear they’re being set up for a big matchup down the line. I just don’t think it’s happening so soon. Instead, I’d imagine that they have a feud that pushes through 2016 or even later as Cena’s career comes to a close and maybe turns heel. Though the odds are remote, I wouldn’t mind this match happening in April.
3. Dean Ambrose – This is a left-field possibility…if we get an Ambrose turn, him facing Roman could be a crazy story going into the spring. But this is another one that can hold off until later in 2016 when it has time to build. As for Ambrose, I’m not sure at all what he could be doing at WrestleMania.
4. Brock Lesnar – Ugh. I don’t want this match to happen. They just defied all expectations last year and I don’t know if a rematch can be as great. Also, the ending will be pretty obvious and Roman beating Brock clean will only turn the crowd against him to ruin all the momentum he just built up. Actually, the Cena match seems to be the best option here, even if I don’t think it happens. Especially if it means we don’t get this…
The Still Intact Main-Event – I still think we’re getting John Cena and The Undertaker as the main-event. While that may not be enticing to the hardcore fans, hardcore fans aren’t filling up Jerry World. This match is happening no matter what we want.
The Rock’s Role
I’m pretty sure that The Rock is still forbidden from wrestling at ‘Mania due to insurance issues with the Baywatch movie he’s remaking. I bet he does another angle like he did last year with hopes of a build towards a match in 2017 as his farewell, especially if they end up with WrestleMania in LA or something. If he does manage to wrestle, expect it to be against Triple H as that’s his only real option at this point.
The Undercard
Goldust vs. Stardust – A few commenters mentioned this match, and it’s such a home run that there’s no way it doesn’t happen. Dusty gets his big WrestleMania farewell and this is how they do it. The match could happen after the Hall of Fame presentation that they do at WrestleMania, even. This is a no-brainer.
Faction Warfare – So, right now WWE has three factions: New Day, League of Nations and The Wyatts. While I originally had thought we’d get a New Day vs. Wyatts match at ‘Mania, I could see League of Nations being inserted into the mix and this being a big brawling match. At the very least, I bet two of the three of these groups are battling.
Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn – People are talking about having Kevin Owens face Brock, but if that’s anywhere on WWE’s radar, they’re not having him lose to Neville in 12 seconds on Raw. I’m holding out hope for this match, but the fact that Zayn is probably headed to a TakeOver match with Balor for ‘Mania weekend makes me skeptical.
The Andre The Giant Invitational – Of course, this match has to happen. Dean Ambrose isn’t doing anything. This might give him something to sink his teeth into if he’s not inserted into anything meaningful beforehand. Still, I could see Big Show winning again so that it’d be even more of a push when he’s tossed over in the future.
Charlotte vs. Sasha – This is still happening. It has to. Crappy Raw match be damned.
