IT’S WRESTLEMANIA WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!! – The highlight of every wrestling fan’s year, even if we do think the build hasn’t been all that. Of course, the WrestleMania festivities are also now a huge part of the WWE Network. The past couple of days we’ve already had four hours of WrestleMania Today, and while some may not like the concept, you’ve got to give props to WWE for giving us four additional hours of mainly first run Network programming.
That is what we all want, after all.
In today’s edition of WWE Network Lowdown, we’re going to be taking a look at what days after WrestleMania have in store for us on the WWE Network along with all us guys here at WrestlingDVDNews.com giving our predictions of what we think will go down tomorrow night at the showcase of the immortals. So why don’t we start there?
WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match
Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns
AARON: I think this is a really interesting main event after the news that Brock Lesnar has re-signed with the WWE. I also don’t think it is a coincidence that the new contract was confirmed the week of WrestleMania because it makes it less obvious that Roman Reigns is going to de-throne the Beast Incarnate. I really like Roman Reigns and I believe he is going to be ‘The Guy’ at some point in the near future. There is no denying he needs to improve on a few aspects of his game to become an all-around performer but learning on the fly could be the best thing for this guy. With that being said, the crowd is going to boo this man out of the building in the main event which has led many people to speculate on a possible heel turn. Brock is going to be the biggest Babyface on the entire card whether WWE likes it or not. Throughout the match, Roman Reigns is going to show flashes of heel tactics and I think he is going to win the title in a very ‘heelish’ manner. I can see Paul Heyman turning on Brock in a shocking WrestleMania moment to help Roman Reigns capture the WWE World Heavyweight Title. This would get huge heat on Roman and it would hide his below average speaking skills by pairing him with one of the best mouthpieces in the history of the business. Don’t let the new Lesnar deal swerve you – Roman Reigns is the guy – This is his year – This is his WrestleMania. The winner and NEW WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Roman Reigns!
DAN: Something shifty is going to happen here. I am totally convinced that Brock Lesnar is going to retain his title, but one thing I think he will lose is his advocate Paul Heyman. Roman Reigns has the look to be champion, but he hasn’t got the charisma of his former Shield mates. I think Paul Heyman will turn on Brock and align himself with Reigns. It makes sense to be his mouthpiece. I doubt we’ll see Seth Rollins with his brief case tomorrow night.
JOE: It’s pretty rare that we have no idea who will win going into a main event, but this is a very tough one to predict. I’ll say Lesnar retains, and the crowd embraces him in the process. I won’t rule out the possibility of a cash-in, since it hasn’t happened at Mania yet (and has already happened at the Raw afterwards, which is what makes me skeptical of that).
MARK: I think the money here is in Roman’s chase for the title, so from a business point of view I think Brock will retain and Roman will take the title in a rematch next month at Extreme Rules… only before Seth Rollins cashes in on Reigns, this will then kickoff Roman’s new championship chase.
DANIEL: I can absolutely see Heyman turning on Brock in this match – but let’s not forget Brock is staying now and he needs that mouthpiece with him too. I think there will be shenanigans involved whether it’s the Heyman turning, Brock turning, or Rollins cashing-in, but I’m going to say Brock wins this match and leaves with the title. We’re just one year removed from Lesnar taking out the Streak and I think that still means a lot to WWE in terms of their investment, so The Beast’s reign is about to continue, not stop here.
Triple H vs. Sting
AARON: Sting making his WWE debut at Survivor Series was an incredible moment that will go down in history as one of the coolest surprises ever. Before he came to the WWE, I wasn’t the least bit interested in seeing Sting wrestle or get physical to any extent. But once he made his way down the aisle at Survivor Series; I was intrigued to see what the 56 year old former surfer dude has left in his tank. Triple H has his work cut out for him in this match because Sting’s mobility and ability have significantly deteriorated over the years but I think this will be a fine match that relies on overarching psychology and storytelling. This is going to be a ‘Rock/Hogan’ type of match that is going to rely on the crowd reactions and participation to live up to expectations. I’m taking the Stinger.
DAN: There is a chance Triple H could win, but I don’t think so. Sting’s contract allows him to be used six times. WrestleMania will be his sixth appearance and therefore, the feud ends here. Sting will take the victory here.
JOE: Don’t see how Sting can lose here. Of course, anything can happen (look at Taker’s match last year), but this seems like the easiest prediction on the card.
MARK: For me this comes down to this question – will WWE finally put WCW over? The answer, I think is yes. I think the Stinger has to pick up a big “W” here to help cement his new WWE legacy and maybe, possibly build towards a last hoorah vs. Undertaker next April in Arlington, TX.
DANIEL: Getting excited for this match but, don’t know about you, I’m still wondering why it’s happening over Sting/Taker, especially with the reports out there that Sting isn’t coming back for another. To be fair, I know Triple H will get a good match out of him so that’s the ultimate reason for the pairing. I just can’t picture Sting being brought in to lose to anybody, so – Sting.
The Undertaker vs. Bray Wyatt
AARON: In the modern era of professional wrestling it is nearly impossible to create genuinely shocking moments but at WrestleMania 30, the WWE succeeded in making every fan gasp in sheer disbelief – The streak was over. For the past decade or so, The Undertaker’s match at WrestleMania has become on-par with the actual main event and in some instances surpassed it. These matches have been packed with emotion, near-falls, and drama that had every fan thinking in the back of their head that the Streak may end. The Streak was synonymous with WrestleMania and I am really interested to see what it is like seeing The Dead Man perform with the stakes lowered immensely. Nevertheless, I have been incredibly impressed with Bray Wyatt’s ability to sell this program on his own. I’ve been a big fan of Bray’s since he has been working Superstars and I still think he can be a huge star in this company which makes me think he may be going over here. I think this match will deliver from a storytelling standpoint but it will ultimately fall short of The Undertaker’s match quality he has had for the past decade. Look for The Undertaker to lose here and come back at next year’s WrestleMania where he will look for a win in his final match ever at Cowboy’s Stadium.
DAN: After last year’s upset, I wanted the phenom to avenge his loss to Brock Lesnar. The streak meant so much and McMahon took that away. As exciting as it will be to see The Undertaker, his match with Wyatt is just another match on the card, despite the effort to get Bray over as the new phenom. I think the Undertaker will defeat Wyatt in a knock down drag out.
JOE: Expectations for this match seem pretty low, so I’m hopeful that this can be a little better than expected. Taker gets the win here, and Bray still looks great just being in the ring with him.
MARK: Taker wins. He must, plus I really want Sting vs. Undertaker next year. It would be really, REALLY cool if that match is announced with a face-off here between the two of them… now that’d be a WrestleMania moment!
DANIEL: I kind of hope Wyatt goes over here in somewhat of a mini-shocker after last year’s massive shocker. It intrigues me to think Taker could go on a little bit of a losing streak at Mania now. And if the Sting/Taker match is in the works for next year, that losing streak could play into their storyline somehow. WWE are however not booking it how I want – Taker’s gonna win.
Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins
AARON: This match is going to be really really good. Randy Orton is a crazy maniac that can’t be trusted and Seth Rollins is The Authority’s golden boy with a golden briefcase. Believe it or not, I have no huge problems with this match-up even though it took Randy Orton the length of one of his drug suspensions to finally “turn” on Rollins and The Authority. It is no secret that Seth Rollins has been an absolute superstar since turning on his fellow Shield members in June. He has delivered on the mic, in the ring, and has managed to stay fresh even though he is surrounded by some of the stalest cookies in the sleeve. I think Randy is at the point in his career where he understands that giving a young guy like Rollins a definitive win at WrestleMania is more important than getting the win himself. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a big spot that sounds a lot like “curb-stomp into an RKO outta nowhere on the announce table!!!!” You already RKnOw who I have winning this match – Seth Rollins.
DAN: From comments I have read online, it seems that most people believe that Randy Orton is going to walk out of WrestleMania with his hand raised. I, on the other hand don’t. Seth Rollins needs to win this match for legitimacy. WWE needs good bad guys and I think Rollins is the best. There’s mileage in this feud.
JOE: I feel like this may never happen, but I’ll make what might be my boldest perdition of the bunch: Orton finally hits the punt kick again, giving him the win.
MARK: I could see this one go either way, however to go with my theory regarding the World Heavyweight Title, I think Seth eeks out a quick victory on the viper in Santa Clara tomorrow night.
DANIEL: Gotta agree with the majority opinion here, Rollins will take this one as WWE continue to push him as a top tier guy, even if I have trouble quite believing that sometimes.
Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match
Bad News Barrett vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. R-Truth vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Luke Harper vs. Stardust
AARON: There has been an unprecedented amount of criticism aimed at the overall creative for this year’s WrestleMania. Although some people may think the Lesnar/Reigns match is the main culprit of this, I personally believe this match has been one of the most offensively bad builds in recent memory for a major show. I’ve made peace with the fact that the Intercontinental Title will never be close to the prestigious acclaim it had throughout the 80’s and 90’s but building an entire match on these grown men trying to steal a wrestling championship is downright insulting to WWE’s audience. Everybody in this match (excluding R-Truth) has been or will be a main eventer someday, which makes this match equally frustrating and interesting. Seeing Dean Ambrose go from the hottest thing in the company to a guy dancing next to R-Truth really makes me wonder what kind of people are writing for this company…ugh…but I digress. Ultimately, there is little doubt in my mind that this is going to be a spectacular match that has the capabilities of truly stealing the show if given proper time but I can’t overlook the baffling creative ineptness that has haunted these men for the past month. Let me leave this here: Does it really matter who wins this match? I’d argue no but I am going to enjoy the ride. Winner (and new **takes drink** Intercontinental Champion **takes drink**) Daniel “B+” Bryan.
DAN: This match is where I believe we see the return of Sheamus. I think it is safe to say that there will be a new champion, but you just never know. I am going with Daniel Bryan in this match, as he is the superstar that can change the division for the better. I think Sheamus will return and show heelish signs of behavior, but not turn.
JOE: As much as we all may want him in the main event, Bryan making the IC Title the “workhorse title” again makes a lot of sense. I think he picks up the win.
MARK: While the build has been excessively comical, this match could be a show stealer. We’ve seen what Ziggler can put out when the stakes are raised; Ambrose and Bryan also have points to prove. However, like Dan suggested I’m going to predict the winner of this match will be Sheamus! With his return imminent and the fact the Andre Battle Royal was moved to the Kickoff Show, I’m going to predict the Celtic Warrior finds his way into this match, but I think he takes the IC Title.
DANIEL: Good call on Sheamus coming in as a surprise participant! I can only see Daniel Bryan winning though as a sort of “sorry we’ve put you here, but here’s a title for your inconvenience”. While it’s bound to be a great match when it’s all said and done (build aside), it’s just a shame Bryan’s even been demoted to this match. Yeah, still not over that yet.
United States Championship Match
Rusev vs. John Cena
AARON: Quick question: What is the easiest way to make people stop booing John Cena? . . . Any takers? No – It isn’t him turning heel or even having him return to wearing throwback jerseys and spittin’ freestyles that end in something that rhymes with “nuts”. It is giving him the tried and true USA-Superhero gimmick because you know… booing America is not cool! In all seriousness, it is nice to see John Cena take a step out of the main event scene to work with the young guys for the 2nd straight year. I think fans don’t give John enough credit for being able to help the younger guys get main event level experience. Although the build to this match has been pretty unspectacular to say the least, the match on Sunday is going to be really hot because people love to root for the USA. If Jack Swagger being a USA defender got him over, I am pretty sure fans are going to take it easy on Cena on Sunday. With that said, I am afraid that the WWE has booked themselves into a tough situation here. It makes so much sense for Cena to beat an undefeated Russian assassin holding our United States Championship but I really hope they decide to keep Russev’s run going. Cena is going to win via DQ after Rusev refuses to remove the Accolade. Look for a cameo from the REAL American Hulk Hogan in this one to make the save on a lame-duck John Cena.
DAN: The end of Rusev and Lana is imminent. Rusev has got to lose sometime. Why not be on the biggest show of the year? Cena is the face of WWE, so there’s no shame in losing to him. I think John Cena will get his revenge and take back the United States Championship 11 years after first winning it.
JOE: John Cena saves America. And I’m holding out hope that after the match, Rusev eats a boot from another “Real American”.
MARK: Rocky IV was my least favourite Rocky movie and this storyline reminds me of that movie. I’m sure Rusev would have killed John Cena’s friend… problem is, he doesn’t actually have any (maybe the only babyface in wrestling history not to have a good buddy!). So I’ve probably droned on enough, so because I don’t like Rocky IV, I’m going to say Rusev wins via TKO or submission.
DANIEL: Don’t look for Hogan, look for Cena wearing that “Spoiler: I Win” shirt from the awesome Wrestling Isn’t Wrestling video, because that’s what’s gonna happen.
AJ Lee & Paige vs. The Bella Twins
AARON: It appears like the #GiveDivasAChance movement has worked since the women have been getting a significant amount of TV time to wrestle the past few weeks on RAW. I hate to be the next person to point this out but it is really tough to watch the main roster Divas struggle to get respectable storylines and opportunities when the NXT divas are getting chances to shine every week. Let’s be honest: you can only shuffle these 4 around so many times before you are forced to introduce some new characters into the mix. I think this match will surprise some people – Nikki is a much improved worker compared to what she used to be and Paige and A.J are obviously very solid in the ring. Give these women 10 minutes and the people that left to get popcorn will be very upset they did so. I’m team Bella in this one.
DAN: I like to call these girls main event Divas. These are the four of the most popular on the roster, hence their presence on the card. Of all matches I am surprised that I have had the most difficulty in predicting the outcome. So I am just going to go with my favorite girls in the world – The Bella Twins.
JOE: Since this a non-title match, I’m pretty conditioned to assume that the champs will lose, and that’s what I’m going with. As to who takes the pin? That’s kind of a coin flip to me; I’ll go with Paige.
MARK: Another tough one, I could legit see either team picking up the win, but I’m going Paige and AJ (for no particular reason).
DANIEL: A really tough one to call actually. It almost seemed to me in the latest video package promoting this match that they are pushing The Bellas as the threat harder than they are AJ and Paige, so I think on the night it’ll be AJ and Paige ultimately winning this one.
Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
AARON: I am a sucker for a Battle Royal – Big – Small – Medium Sized – Reverse… You’re welcome Russo. The script for battle royals has been written so we aren’t going to see anything groundbreaking here but I think there will be significant storyline development within the match. Big Show and Kane are going to have a face-off that will eventually lead to a strong candidate for the worst match of 2015. Hideo Itami will have a nice run in the match before being dumped out by a superstar that is a) old, b) irrelevant, or c) a combination of both (If you guessed Goldust or Mark Henry – You’ve earned a star!). The one scenario that everybody has been waiting for is the face-off between The Miz and Damien Mizdow! This angle is one of the hottest things in the WWE landscape and the Mizdow turn has been expertly simmering for months. It is going to be so invigorating to have a storyline have a payoff at a show like WrestleMania. Here is how it will go: Mizdow and Miz are going to be the last 2 in the ring – Mizdow will crack him after strong deliberation – The crowd goes absolutely bananas – Mizdow throws Miz over the top like a ragdoll – The crowd erupts and goes extra bananas. Easy and simple booking will pay off big here. Winner: The Artist Formerly Known As Damien Mizdow!
DAN: The odds for most people are on: Big Show, Kane or Ryback. I believe Hideo Itami will have an impact in the match, but my winner is Damien Mizdow. Not only would it make sense going into his feud with the Miz, he will probably be the most over Superstar in the Match.
JOE: I’ll just say the final elimination occurs via Brogue Kick.
MARK: Now the Andre the Giant Battle Royal is bumped on to the Kickoff Show, I guess that means it can have a little more time. In terms of a winner, I’m going with…… Mizdow.
DANIEL: I can only concur, it’s Damien’s last night as a personal assistant!
Tag Team Championship Match
Cesaro & Tyson Kidd vs. The Usos vs. Los Matadores vs. The New Day
AARON: When I think about this match, I have a natural inclination to feel badly for all the participants involved. Being relegated to the pre-show on the biggest show of the year can’t feel good for any of these guys but I tend to sympathize for The Usos and Cesaro in particular. The Usos went on record during their WWE Network documentary saying that being on the WrestleMania 30 pre-show was one of the most disappointing moments in their career. Now they are in the same exact spot as last year except they aren’t the champions and Jey is banged up. Cesaro won the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal last year only to meander his way back into the lower-mid card scene to get lost once again. With that being said, I think this is going to be an incredible 15-20 minute match due to the high quality of performers. Kidd and Cesaro retain to get the smart traveling fans all heated up for WrestleMania!
DAN: Each team will have somebody in there corner, which may or may not have an effect. I don’t see New Day or Los Matadores as being title contenders at this time, so that only leaves the Usos and the champs. Jay Uso has unfortunately got himself a shoulder injury and we don’t know if he will be taking time off. Cesaro & Kidd are talented and original. I think they have more to give as champions.
JOE: I guess the champs retain? And we all wonder what went wrong with the tag division as of late.
MARK: Last year the four-way tag was a really fun match and even given a decent amount of time. I’m hoping for the same this year and I suspect we’ll see Cesaro and Kidd hang on to the tag straps.
DANIEL: The New Day’s a flop, only half of The Usos are functioning properly, and Los Matadores… are Los Matadores. Cesaro and Tyson Kidd take it. Yes, it’s a shame where Cesaro is a year later but it could be worse than being in this tag team – pity about the match WWE is actually giving their tag teams though after quite the resurgence in the division.
If our predictions have proven anything, it’s that yes we might have not felt the build to this WrestleMania, but what we have are nine matches which we can all see going different ways. As wrestling fans, that’s really all we can hope for and hopefully it delivers an exciting and entertaining show this Sunday at WrestleMania!
In a really rather cool move, and a move which makes WrestleMania weekend feel even bigger for those not in attendance, from 12pm EST tomorrow, the WWE Network will be bring live hourly updates from Levi’s Stadium. The live 5 minute specials will feature news and backstage interviews with the Superstars and Divas before the Kickoff at 5pm.
Monday at 11:05pm EST is always big time for the WWE Network and this week will not be the exception as coming up, last November’s huge DVD – Macho Man: The Randy Savage Story (well, the documentary portion) will air!
The timing of course is no coincidence as tonight Macho Man takes his spot in the Hall of Fame. If you haven’t seen the documentary; it’s a good ‘en and remember, it’s okay to cry. 😉
The latest series of WWE Tough Enough will begin airing this week as well. The 2011 series features everyone’s favorite trainer… Bill DeMott (sic).
We learned recently that Tough Enough would be returning to the USA Network later this year, so this should get you pumped up for the next series.
This Friday from 4pm will also see another Beyond the Ring match compilation added to the Network, this time “The Best of Saturday Night’s Main Event”. The DVD release was one of the best DVD sets produced in 2009; however with all the SNME shows on the Network, maybe this one is a little unnecessary?
Music is such a big part of WrestleMania and nowhere will this be more evident than tomorrow’s granddaddy of ’em all. So to mark this we thought for this week’s classic of the week we would give you our three favorite musical performances from recent WrestleMania history.
While some will bash having music acts at WrestleMania, personally I feel it makes the show feel a little more big time. So let’s get into some of our favs…
Mark Crozer, WrestleMania XXX
The whole Wyatt Family presentation was incredible, from their appearance right down to their entrance theme and even the crowd participation with the cell phones. The addition of the live performance and 75,000 fans made this that little more special.
Flo-Rida, WrestleMania XXVIII
How do you make arguably the biggest and possible most epic match in WrestleMania history even bigger and more epic… 15 minutes of musical performances. While Cena being referred to as an underdog didn’t go down well for his entrance, The Rock’s was pretty damn sweet.
Living Colour, WrestleMania XXIX
On paper the main event of WrestleMania XXIX might have been the “Twice in a Lifetime” bout, but to wrestling fans all around the globe that show will remembered as being headlined by a Deadman and a Punk. Both Undertaker (complete with zombies) and CM Punk had incredible entrances at WM29, but in terms of musical entrances it was Punk making his way to the ring as “Cult of Personality” blasting across New Jersey which was freakin’ awesome.
What do you think? Agree? Disagree? What were some of your favs, leave your comments!
Until next time guys and girls, from everyone here at WrestlingDVDNews.com we hope you enjoy all the WrestleMania festivities ahead. 🙂
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Welp . . . Surprises are good in wrestling!
Man I hope you guys didn’t bet money on the main event or HHH vs. Sting.
At least one of us (me) bet money on Sting! Oops :p
Make that two of us. Lol
Thought the macho man doc left out many things and only glimpsed over certain important events in his career.
Also, I think it’s absolutely ridiculous to turn Lesnar babyface after he ended the undertakers streak & squashed the company’s top babyface for the WWE title
While it was’nt a live performance, the Undertaker’s entrance at WM 27 to Johnny Cash’s “Ain’t no Grave…” for me is the entrance that had most impact in terms of being part of the storyline for a match, in this case: the theme of The last Outlaw.. very disappointet that it did’nt make it to the bluray/dvd release, but would of course cost a hell lot of money for the company.