Review written by Christian Garcia
I'm doing something a little different and introducing a new segment called CG Predicts. One fun fact about me is that I am a huge wrestling fan. I've been watching since I was 11 years old. I've gotten to go to many shows over the years including 3 WrestleManias. WrestleMania has always held a special place in my heart as a fan and it is something I look forward to every year.
With this years WrestleMania less than a week away, I wanted to give my thoughts and predictions for how this years events will play out!! So please enjoy my predictions for this years WrestleMania!!
Night 1
Women's Tag Team Showcase
No real story going into this match as it was just announced on social media.
I hope that they add some stakes to this bout with maybe the winner earning a shot at the Women's Tag Team Championships on RAW or at the next PPV.
Although the other teams have yet to be confirmed, my guess is that the team of Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler will come out the winners and earn themselves a shot at Becky Lynch and Lita.
Predicted Winners - Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler
Austin Theory (c) vs. John Cena for the WWE United States Championship
Is Austin Theory's time now or is it up? "The Now" Autin Theory defends the United States Championship against the "G.O.A.T." John Cena.
Since failing his Money In The Bank contract cash-in, Austin Theory has developed a new attitude and a new aggressive side. He declared that he was not the Future of the WWE but the Now. The change in attitude proved to be successful for him with him regaining the United States Championship at Survivor Series.
After successfully retaining his championship in the Elimination Chamber, the confident Theory confronted John Cena during his return to RAW and challenged him to a match at WrestleMania. Cena at first declined, claiming that Theory is not ready. After some goading, Cena reluctantly accepted but told Theory that whether he wins or loses, there is no way for Theory to come out on top at the Grandest Stage of Them All.
Sadly, besides the initial challenge, Cena has not been present in the build-up for this match and because of that, I feel as though there is not much heat on this match. Given his busy filming schedule, as well as the upcoming Fast X film due to release this year, I doubt that Cena will be sticking around after WrestleMania and when he can return is even more uncertain. With that in mind, I expect that Austin Theory will come out as the victor at WrestleMania and continue his rise as a future main event star.
Predicted Winner - Austin Theory
Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Rhea Ripley for the SmackDown Women's Championship
Royal Rumble winner Rhea Ripley has her chance at redemption as she takes on the reigning champion, "The Queen" Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women's Championship.
Rhea Ripley has been seen as a future top star in the Women's Division since her days in NXT. At the height of her popularity, the then-NXT Women's Champion made the bold move of challenging then-Royal Rumble winner Charlotte Flair to a match at WrestleMania which "The Queen" accepted. Flair came out on top that night and Rhea's career took a bit of a spiral. Ripley eventually made her way to the main roster and went on to become RAW Women's Champion at WrestleMania 37. However, once again she crossed paths with Flair and once again, "The Queen" came out on top and Rhea spiraled again.
Last year, Rhea's career became reinvigorated after joining the Judgment Day alongside Edge and Damian Priest. After the addition of Finn Bálor and the ousting of Edge, the Judgment Day gained momentum and Rhea got to show more of her personality and as a result, became arguably the most popular member of the group.
Her momentum continued as Rhea won the 2023 Women's Royal Rumble from the number one position. The following night, she chose to face Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania so she can finally have redemption against the woman she cannot beat.
While Rhea is riding a huge wave of momentum, Charlotte Flair has been pretty cold since her return last December. Despite beating Ronda Rousey in shocking fashion upon her return, Charlotte's time as champion has been very uneventful.
Given the huge momentum behind Rhea, her redemption arc, and Charlotte's lack of momentum, it makes all the sense in the world for Rhea to finally have her moment and get her win back at WrestleMania and turn it into WrestleMamia.
Predicted Winner - Rhea Ripley
Seth "Freakin" Rollins vs. Logan Paul
"The Visionary" Seth "Freakin" Rollins takes on Internet Sensation Logan Paul in a highly personal matchup.
Like most of Logan Paul's rivalry, it all began with a Tweet. Their rivalry grew when Paul eliminated Rollins from the Royal Rumble match and took away his dream of headlining WrestleMania. Rollins called Paul out on his attitude on MizTV and the Internet Sensation responded by interfering in the Elimination Chamber and costing Rollins the victory.
The two finally met face-to-face and Paul threw out the challenge for a match at WrestleMania and sealed the deal by knocking out Rollins.
While a controversial figure, Logan Paul has proved himself to be a great fit for the WWE and his past performances have been great. Seth Rollins has always been a consumate performer and has always been one to steal the show and I believe that he and LP will steal the show at this year's Mania.
As for who comes out on top, given that Rollins has not had a major and a win over the cocky Logan Paul could set up for a future rematch, I'm predicting that "The Visionary" will come out on top at WrestleMania
Predicted Winner - Seth 'Freakin' Rollins
Main Event - The Usos (c) vs. Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships
Bad blood boils over as Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens team up to take on The Bloodline's reigning Undisputed Tag Team Champions, The Uso's.
In the last year, Sami Zayn has taken the Bloodline and the WWE Universe by storm. When Sami first tried to buddy up with The Bloodline, most scoffed at the idea. However, over time it quickly became the hottest thing and Sami Zayn became one of the most popular stars in the WWE.
From the beginning, Jey Uso was skeptical of Zayn's intentions. After months of the two at odds, Zayn finally earned Jey's trust when he helped him get the victory for the Bloodline inside War Games, at the expense of Kevin Owens. After Survivor Series, Sami became an Honorary Uce and was on the cusp of becoming Sami Uso.
Owens and Zayn have their long history of being best friends and bitter rivals. Owens warned Sami that the Bloodline would eventually turn their backs on him. Sami instead turned his back on Owens in favor of the Bloodline.
These stories came to a head at the 2023 Royal Rumble. After Roman Reigns successfully retained his championship against Owens, the Bloodline commenced another beat down on the fallen Owens. Reigns commanded Sami to beat down his former friend/rival with a chair but instead Sami made the choice and struck the Tribal Chief with the chair to the delight of the WWE Universe. The Bloodline minus a conflicted Jey Uso beat Zayn down and kicked him out of the group.
Sami tried to take down the Bloodline by taking the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship from Roman Reigns at the Elimination Chamber in his home town of Montreal. After a valiant effort, Sami sadly came up short but he did receive a helping hand from a returning Kevin Owens.
The next night on RAW, Sami asked his former rival to help him take down the Bloodline but Owens refused. After trying to appeal to Jey Uso for help, Sami's anguish would only continue as Jey finally turned his back on Sami and chose his family over him.
After some urging from Cody Rhodes and an admission of love from Sami, Kevin Owens finally reunited with his best friend and the two challenged the Usos for their Tag Team Championships on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
For this match, I'm making two predictions. Rumors are speculating on whether this match or the Charlotte vs Rhea match will be the Main Event of Night 1 and while I understand the sentiment of giving the women's title the main event slot, I have always believed that the main event of WrestleMania should be the match that the fans are the most invested in. Back in 2019, the feud between Charlotte, Ronda, and Becky was too hot to deny and those women made history and main evented that years WrestleMania.
This year, I feel that the Sami Zayn vs The Bloodline storyline is the best long-term storyline in recent WWE history and because of all the time given to this story that it only makes sense for it to be the main event of Night 1.
My second prediction is that Sami & KO will end the Uso's record-setting Tag Team title reign at WrestleMania.
Predicted Winners - Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens
Night 2
Men's Tag Team Showcase
Like with the women's match, there is no real story going into this match as it was also announced on social media.
I also hope that they add some stakes to this bout with the winner earning a future shot at the Men's Tag Team Championships..
As is, I am going to predict that they have the new team of Braun and Ricochet pick up the win.
Predicted Winners - Braun Strowman & Ricochet
Becky Lynch, Lita, & Trish Stratus vs. Damage CTRL
The Women's Evolution continues when generations collide as Becky Lynch teams up with WWE Hall of Famers, Lita and Trish Stratus to take on Damage CTRL's Bayley, Dakota Kai, and Iyo Sky.
Damage CTRL has been a thorn in Becky Lynch's side since their formation at SummerSlam. The next night Damage CTRL made their presence known by attacking and putting Lynch on the shelf for several months. Lynch made her triumphant return when she joined Team Belair and helped them defeat Damage CTRL in the Women's War Games at Survivor Series. Damage CTRL got their revenge by preventing Lynch from winning the Women's Royal Rumble.
The Man finally had enough and challenged them for their Women's Tag Team Championships and revealed her partner to be WWE Hall of Famer, Lita. The match saw the return of another Hall of Famer as Trish Stratus returned to neutralize Bayley which helped Becky and Lita pick up the victory and the Women's Tag Team Titles. The next week, Bayley challenged the trio to 6-Woman Tag Match at WrestleMania.
With rumors circulating that Trish Stratus and Becky Lynch will be working a program following WrestleMania, I am predicting that a miscommunication between the two will result in Damage CTRL picking up the victory at WrestleMania.
Predicted Winners - Damage CTRL
GUNTHER (c) vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
The dominant Intercontinental Champion, GUNTHER takes on his biggest challenge yet in the form of the "Celtic Warrior" Sheamus and "The Scottish Warrior" Drew McIntyre.
Since his debut on the main roster, the "Ring General" GUNTHER has dominated on SmackDown and has yet to be pinned. As the Intercontinental Champion, GUNTHER has had an incredible run and has become the longest reigning champion in the last 34 years and is now the third longest reigning IC champion of all time. One of those title defenses was against Sheamus at Clash at the Castle which many have regarded as one of the best matches of 2022.
After a Fatal Five Way match to determine GUNTHER's opponent for WrestleMania ended in a draw, former WWE Champions Drew McIntyre and Sheamus were to do battle once again. The match ended in a draw after interference from GUNTHER's Imperium members. WWE official, Adam Pearce made the decision that now the three would do battle in a triple-threat match at WrestleMania.
GUNTHER is a top star in the making and his reign of dominance is one that needs to continue. GUNTHER has the potential to be one of WWE biggest monster heels and even a future World Champion. A victory at WrestleMania over two former WWE Champions and credible stars of the caliber of McIntyre and Sheamus will surely help elevate him to the next level. I'm predicting that GUNTHER will continue his reign of dominance and walk out with the victory.
Predicted Winner - GUNTHER
Rey Mysterio vs. Dominik Mysterio
A bitter family feud finally boils over as newly inducted WWE Hall of Famer, Rey Mysterio battles his son, Dominik.
At Clash at the Castle, Dominik Mysterio shocked the world when he turned his back on his father, Rey Mysterio and the next night completed his turn to the dark side by joining The Judgment Day.
Since this betrayal, Dominik has repeatedly called out his father wanting to fight him. The humble Rey has gone out of his way to avoid any kind of fight with his son even going as far as to request a trade to SmackDown. However, Dominik would not let his father run and has gone as far as to attack his father at Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve family gatherings with the latter resulting in Dominik being arrested.
After Rey was announced as the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2023, Domink interrupted his father's big moment and challenged him to a match at WrestleMania. However, Rey refused again saying he will never fight his own son.
Although this match has yet to be officially announced, it is definitely a shoo-in to take place at WrestleMania.
Prediction-wise, this match is a toss-up for me. On one hand, I can see the young Dominik coming out on top by likely cheating. But on the other hand, I could also see Rey coming out on top and them mirroring the Rey Mysterio-Eddie Guerrero feud where Eddie became obsessed with beating Rey and loss after loss drove him mad, with Dominik assuming the role of his "real father" Eddie Guerrero.
Seeing as WWE seems to be trending the way of slow-building storytelling, I'm going to make the prediction that the elder Mysterio will come out on top in their first encounter.
Predicted Winner - Rey Mysterio
Brock Lesnar vs. Omos
Monsters collide as "The Beast Incarnate" Brock Lesnar battles "The Nigerian Giant" Omos.
Omos and MVP threw down the challenge to Brock Lesnar for WrestleMania and after some persuading from MVP, "The Beast" accepted.
Fans were not very enthusiastic about this match as Omos has yet to prove himself as a commodity worthy of a big match with a star of the caliber of Brock Lesnar. However, I think there is mostly an ironic intrigue to this match as most will be interested to see how "bad" this match will be or just interested to see if Brock will be able to land an F5 on the Giant.
I, and most fans, believe this will be an easy win for Brock Lesnar and give the highlight of seeing the Giant Omos take an F5 to send the crowd home happy.
Predicted Winner - Brock Lesnar
Bianca Belair (c) vs. Asuka for the RAW Women's Championship
The Empress of Tomorrow, Asuka challenges the EST of WWE, Bianca Belair for the RAW Women's Championship.
Bianca Belair has reigned supreme as the RAW Women's Champion since defeating Becky Lynch for the title at last year's WrestleMania. After Royal Rumble winner Rhea Ripley chose to face Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania, an Elimination Chamber match was set to determine Belair's WrestleMania opponent, and the match was ultimately won by Asuka.
Asuka returned after a brief hiatus at the Royal Rumble rocking a new look with Joshi-Style facepaint and a seemingly more intense and mysterious attitude and it appears as though WWE is trying to build her back up as a top star in their women's division.
However, this match does not have a lot of heat on it going in besides a few stare-downs between the Champion and Challenger. Also as of this moment, Bianca is one of the longest-reigning RAW Women's Champions in recent history and just made history by becoming the longest-reigning black singles champion in WWE history.
With a historic reign of that caliber and with Bianca proving her worth as a top star in the women's division, I feel it would be a mistake to have her reign end in an anticlimactic fashion. Also, I see a lot of value in a potential Bianca Belair vs Rhea Ripley match somewhere down the line and with both women having a lot of momentum, I think it would be in their best interests to keep them both as strong as they possibly can and a victory for Belair over a talent like Asuka would help with that and also help further establish her in-ring credibility going toe-to-toe with one of the very best.
Predicted Winner - Bianca Belair
Edge vs. Finn Bálor inside Hell in a Cell
In the culmination of a year's worth of storytelling, Edge takes on Finn Bálor inside Hell in a Cell.
At last year's WrestleMania, The Judgment Day was born with the alliance between Edge and Damian Priest. The duo would add Rhea Ripley to the group and they began to wreak havoc on the WWE. Bálor was one of the group's first targets and after failing to defeat them, Bálor would join them. However, in a shocking turn of events, Priest and Ripley would turn their backs on Edge and Bálor took the ranks as the group's leader. The group would later add Dominik Mysterio and has since been running rampant in the WWE.
Edge would return months later and sought to destroy the very menace that he created. The encounters with the group would get personal even resulting in his wife, Beth Phoenix getting caught in the crossfire. Edge and Phoenix got their revenge by defeating Bálor and Ripley at the Elimination Chamber. After that victory, Edge was ready to put the Judgment Day behind him but Bálor thought otherwise and challenged the Rated-R Superstar to a match at WrestleMania. Edge upped the ante but challenging Bálor to meet him inside Hell in a Cell and has even called on Bálor to bring The Demon to WrestleMania.
Edge himself has stated that he created the Judgment Day to elevate younger talent and that is exactly what he has done, even if not the way he originally envisioned it with Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio having shown to have benefitted the most. The group has done well for Bálor too but a win against a talent like Edge in a match of such high prestige as Hell in a Cell will really give Bálor more credibility as a top star. Also with the prospect of The Demon persona returning at WrestleMania, there is an opportunity for The Demon to be redeemed since his last appearance did not end well for many killed the character.
With Edge having already secured his moral victory and revenge on the group with his and Beth Phoenix's victory over them at Elimination Chamber, as well as this likely being Edge's final WrestleMania, it makes the most sense for Finn Bálor to leave with the victory and for Edge to put him over on the way out.
Predicted Winner - Finn Bálor
Main Event - Roman Reigns (c) vs. Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes takes on the "Tribal Chief" and longest reigning WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns.
This main event is the culmination of a record-setting title reign by Reigns as well as a lifelong journey for Rhodes to win the one championship that his father, WWE Hall of Famer, "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes never held.
Cody Rhodes is a superstar who has always been looked at as a future main-eventer. After failing to reach that potential in his first run, Rhodes left the WWE and set out to prove that he was the star he was always destined to be. He established himself on the independent scene and after dominating that scene he established WWE's rival promotion All Elite Wrestling. After proving himself once again, Rhodes bet on himself and returned to WWE last year in a move that shocked the wrestling world.
Since his return at WrestleMania last year, Rhodes has quickly established himself as the hottest babyface in the WWE with 3 straight victories over Seth Rollins including a career-making performance inside Hell in a Cell with a completely torn pec. Rhodes returned from his injury at the Royal Rumble and went on to win the match and secure his place in the Main Event of WrestleMania.
Roman Reigns has dominated the WWE since the summer of 2020 and has had one of the most dominant championship reigns in modern history holding the championship for 930+ days and unifying the Universal and WWE Championships at last year's WrestleMania. Many have challenged and fallen to the Tribal Chief including the likes of John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Edge, Daniel Bryan, Logan Paul, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Drew McIntyre, Braun Strowman, Goldberg, and even his own cousin Jey Uso.
Given that long list of big names, it is clear that Roman Reigns has done it all and beaten them all. With no credible challengers left for Reigns to vanquish and Rhodes' white-hot momentum, WrestleMania is the perfect stage for Rhodes to dethrone the Tribal Chief and take his place as the top star he was always meant to be.
Predicted Winner - Cody Rhodes
And those are my thoughts and predictions for this year's WrestleMania!! I am excited to see how this years event turns out! What are your thoughts and predictions on this years show? Let me know and happy WrestleMania season!!
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