Welcome one and all to my preview and predictions blog for the biggest event in the "WWE" calendar, "Wrestlemania 34". This year sees the event taking place in New Orleans. As always if you have any comments or feedback leave a comment in the section below or by following me on "Twitter" or "Instagram". Of course "Wrestlemania" isn't the only "WWE" event taking place this weekend, "NXT Takeover" takes place the night before "Wrestlemania" and promises to be one hell of an event. Check out my preview and predictions blog for "NXT Takeover: New Orleans" by following this link. And as usual I will be talking about the matches in no particular order.
As always there are an insane number of matches on the five hour spectacular. The obvious absences are The Undertaker and John Cena. I have been pretty vocal about the fact I'm not a huge Cena or Taker fan but, the build up for this non match has been fantastic. Cena seemed to be winning over even the most jaded members of the "WWE Universe" with his recent promos. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a match between these two and hats off to whomever came up with the idea to leave off two of the biggest names in "WWE" history until the night of the event. This creates a buzz and a genuine surprise reaction that will draw in a bigger audience.
1. Pre Show: Andre The Giant Battle Royal: I am a little bit shocked that both Battle Royal matches are on the pre show this year but, as the "WWE" would like to assure you; being on the pre show isn't a negative. This should be a great time filler of a match for all of the competitors that haven't got a story line worthy of an actual match on the card. There are some X factors in this match that could make it interesting. the criminally under utilised Revival could surprise everyone by being the first tag team to win, "Woken" Matt Hardy might out crazy everyone and win. I think the most likely outcome of the match will be someone not quite on the verge of main event status winning it, could Baron Corbin win ? or even an unannounced "NXT" talent for example Alexander Wolf or Eric Young. Hard to pick a winner and even if I did it probably wouldn't be even close.
2. Pre Show: Women's Battle Royal: The once "Fabulous Moolah Battle Royal" will prove to be similar to the Andre Battle Royal. There are some very talented female competitors taking part in this match. Sasha Banks or Bayley have to be early favourites to win due to their volatile relationship at present actually being semi interesting. The potential X factors in this match could be an "NXT" talent making an appearance, I would more than welcome Nikki Cross or one of the "Iconic Duo" shocking the world by winning the match. As with the Andre Battle Royal it's hard to pick a winner in this one.
3. Pre Show: WWE Cruiserweight Championship: Cedric Alexander Vs. Mustafa Ali: Another live special and yet another Cruiserweight Championship match on the pre show. This is a little bit of a heart breaker because after the shit show that was the reign of the un named Italian American Scrappy Doo rip off, "205 Live" has become actually interesting since the arrival of Drake Maverick and the tournament to crown a new Cruiserweight Champion. It could be argued that both Alexander and Ali are both deserving of being champion but, with that being said all of the "205 Live" roster deserve to be champion. This will be a great crowd pleasing match between two fantastic competitors that both deserve to be champion. This will steal the pre show.
4. Daniel Bryan And Shane McMahon Vs. Kevin Owens And Sami Zayn: I was incredibly happy when out of nowhere "WWE" announced that Daniel Bryan had been medically cleared to compete and would join Shane McMahon, who has had his own medical issues in recent weeks, to take on Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. This should be a hard hitting match filled with some brutal spots. I could see Sami and Owens being "fired" from "Smackdown Live" and then showing up on "RAW" the following night so for that reason and because I'm a sucker for a feel good story I think the returning Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon will pick up the win.
5. Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat: The Miz (C) Vs. Seth Rollins Vs. Finn Balor: This match has been built incredibly well and is a great example of using what has been often seen as a secondary belt in the Intercontinental Championship to create a focal point away from the main championship. Both Rollins and Balor could easily be in the main event on a monthly basis, and probably should be, just re watch their Universal championship match for evidence. The Miz continues to prove how good he really is, let's face it he isn't a multi time Intercontinental Champion by accident. He is one of the top heels on "RAW" and has been for a good while. This match should be a great example of how 3 different styles really mesh well. I wouldn't be surprised if The Miz retains.
6. Smackdown Live Tag Team Championship Triple Threat: The Usos (C) Vs. The New Day Vs. The Bludgeon Brothers: I can't count how many times I have said that the series of matches between The Usos and The New Day have been some of the best tag team wrestling on "WWE" television in recent history. Adding Harper and Rowan to the mix could be a hit or miss but, both men deserve a chance as they have proven to be great performers in the past. This could be a great match early on the card with a lot of entertainment value. Expect a lot of physical spots and more great tag team wrestling. I really can't see how switching the belts back to The New Day again so for that reason I am going out on a limb and predicting a Bludgeon Brothers win.
7. RAW Women's Championship: Alexa Bliss (C) Vs. Nia Jax: This is probably the match that I couldn't have predicted. I was sure that Alexa Vs. Asuka was such a certainty that I was stumped at what the "Smackdown Live" women's match was going to be. I continue to be impressed with Nia Jax on a weekly basis. Her ability has grown since her humble beginnings on "NXT" and I honestly believe she could be a champion, just not right now. Alexa is such a natural heel now, I've almost forgotten any of her character traits before she turned in "NXT". This should be an emotional match with a dominant performance by Nia. I don't see her winning the match but, I do see Alexa winning by interference from Mickie or by another superstar.
8. RAW Tag Team Championship: Sheamus And Cesaro (C) Vs. Braun Strowman and ??: I know a lot of people are disappointed that Braun isn't in the main event but, I have to admit that this match is a much better use of his talents. Sheamus and Cesaro are an example of what two talented superstars that may be floundering a little can do with a new opportunity. They have gone from being a thrown together team to one of the best teams on "RAW" in the space of a couple of years. I have no idea who Braun's tag team partner will be in the match, logic would suggest someone like The Big Show or Big Cass are the most likely candidates but, I would love to see someone like Bray Wyatt or a legend partnering up with Strowman. Even though his partner hasn't been announced I could see a shock team Strowman win.
9. Smackdown Live Women's Championship: Charlotte Flair (C) Vs. Asuka: I don't think it would be an understatement to say this would be the "jumping the shark" moment for the women's division. Both Asuka and Charlotte Flair have been the top talents on "WWE" television in recent years and have had some incredible matches but, haven't met each other in a match yet. This should be a highlight reel worthy match with a lot of back and forth. I would love to say that Charlotte is going to have another "Wrestlemania" moment but, I really can't see Asuka's streak ending any time soon so for that reason I think Asuka will come out with the win.
10. Kurt Angle And Ronda Rousey Vs. Triple H And Stephanie McMahon: The match that kind of has been two years in the making but, not quite. You have to believe that Kurt Angle wasn't really the first choice for this match, that would have gone to The Rock, however teaming Angle and Ronda Rousey is a great move. Both have competed in The Olympics and are incredible athletes. Triple H is in the best shape of his career, even though he seems to be one of the busiest people in the "WWE". This match, in my opinion, is going to be a little hit or miss. I think if Ronda can control her nerves the match will be fantastic but, who's to say if she can. With that being said I feel Angle and Rousey will probably come out on top because what use would having a top talent in her first match lose ?
11. United States Championship Fatal Four Way: Randy Orton (C) Vs. Bobby Roode Vs. Rusev Vs. Jinder Mahal: This match has had one of the strangest builds. The match began as a one on one match between Orton and Roode then Rusev was added and then Mahal. This has the potential to be a show stealer and a coming out party for Rusev. Orton seems to be as excited as usual about heading into "Wrestlemania" holding the only championship he's never held. Mahal is the real X factor in this match. Mahal had a less than stellar "WWE" championship run and could really pull out the surprise win. I can't really see it, I really think the momentum is in the favour of Rusev.
12. WWE World Championship: AJ Styles Vs. Shinsuke Nakamura: the dream match and arguably the better of the two main event matches. AJ Styles has really proven he is, pardon the pun, phenomenal and more than deserving to be the face of the "WWE". Shinsuke Nakamura has really exceeded a lot of expectations since his arrival in "WWE" two years ago. I really didn't think he would make it into the title picture so quickly let alone winning this years "Royal Rumble" but, for once, the fans got their wish. This is really going to be the highlight of the entire event and nothing short of breath taking. I am a little torn on who I want to win. AJ Styles has been a fantastic champion and deserves the "Wrestlemania" moment however, Nakamura has more than proven how great a talent he is by transitioning into the "WWE" style and environment no problem.
13. WWE Universal Championship: Brock Lesnar (C) Vs. Roman Reigns: The talk of "RAW" has been the intermittent appearances of Brock Lesnar. For once I have to agree with Roman Reigns, no matter how much of a work or not his promos have been the valid point has been made. A lot of attention has been payed to Lesnar over full time talent. I understand Lesnar is a top athlete and a draw but, his attitude seems to be lacking. Now the news has been announced that Lensar is heading back into "UFC" but, I have the funny feeling Lesnar could be the first athlete to take the "WWE" Universal Championship to "UFC". This match will be a little hit or miss. Roman Reigns has not proven himself in a lot of fans eyes but, he is a top talent with a lot of potential. Fans will probably not be into a lot of the match. I'm not really sure how this one will turn out, I'm not overly fussed either way but, I have a funny feeling Lesnar will come out with the win.
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