Blog: WrestleMania Predictions

By: Tim Grzecki
@tjetski971

The time has finally come as WrestleMania 31 takes place tonight from Levi's Stadium in the Bay Area.  Just for fun here's my opinions and picks for each of the matches on tonight's card.

UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: RUSEV VS JOHN CENA
As much as I am tired of the same old song and dance from Cena's character, I expect the WWE's top face to show up big tonight. Say what you will about his style or his five moves of doom, Cena comes to work in big situations.  This should be well timed and paced for what I believe will be a slower and hard hitting match.  I would like to see Cena put Rusev over once again, but I don't think WWE is going to do that, Cena wins.

THE BELLA TWINS VS PAIGE AND AJ LEE
Sadly…I don't have much to say about this one.  I wish I did.  I think both Paige and AJ are super talented, The Bellas have improved immensely over the last couple years, but I just am not into this one.  The infamous "Divas Bathroom Break Match" description seems to fit once again.  Hopefully the WWE gives them a chance to prove that opinion wrong.  Paige and AJ win…just because I like them more.

INTERCONTINENTAL LADDER MATCH: WADE BARRET, R TRUTH, DANIEL BRYAN, DOLPH ZIGGLER, LUKE HARPER, DEAN AMBROSE, STARDUST
The majority of the guys in this match deserve better than to be thrown together in a Ladder Match for no apparent reason other than to get them a spot on the card.  Barring too many botched spots this one is going to be great.  Expect big things from Bryan, Ziggler and Ambrose.  My sleeper for a big spot in this match however is Harper.  The biggest man in the match can flat go and do so in many ways, so don't be surprised if he does something unexpected that has you chanting "THIS IS AWESOME" or something else that I can't put in print on this website.   Too many variables to pick a winner in this one…yes that's a cop out…yes I'm comfortable with that.

BRAY WYATT VS THE UNDERTAKER
I really do not like this match.  Wyatt has done a great job on the mic selling it.  Without an appearance from Taker though, for me it's been all for not.  Last time we saw him was when he lost to Brock Lesnar last year.  Why should we feel he's any type of threat to Wyatt?  Why should Wyatt want to face him?  What good does it do for either man to come out on top in this match?  That last question poses the real problem.  If Taker wins it hurts Wyatt.  If Wyatt wins it doesn't mean as much now that Taker has been beaten at Mania.  Undertaker wins…unfortunately.

RANDY ORTON VS SETH ROLLINS
I expect this to be the best all-around match of the night.  There will be fast paced moments and methodical ones.  There will be technical moments and hard hitting ones.  The big question going in is will Orton and Rollins be given the opportunity to do this one on their own.  That's what I want to see.  Keep Kane and Big Show behind the curtain.  Have Orton take out J&J Security early on, or the referee can ban them from ringside.  Whatever it takes just let these two guys put on the show they are capable of.  Orton has gotten the better of Rollins at every turn thus far, which is why I expect Rollins to come out on top when it's all said and done tonight.

STING VS HHH
In what will be an instant classic solely for the reason its Sting's first appearance at WrestleMania, do not expect a great wrestling display.  Instead expect a well thought out story telling affair that will feel bigger and better than it really is due to the participants and the energy from the crowd.  Sting and HHH are pros, they won't disappoint so long as you accept what it's going to be.  Sting wins...cause otherwise what was the point?  The real intrigue from this one is what they do in the coming weeks after.  There has to be more to this than just the one match right?

WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: BROCK LESNAR VS ROMAN REIGNS
The most intriguing match on the card should be the last.  Can Reigns rise to the occasion and put on a Mania Main Event caliber performance?  Can Brock carry the match if need be?  Will WWE continue the push of Reigns despite the backlash that's come from the fan base?  Does Brock resigning with the company guarantee he retains the title?  Some of those answers will only come with time.  However, I bet this match will be better than it will be given credit for.  Not saying it's going to be one for the record books, but it should be a solid performance.  Now before Brock announced he resigned with the company I was predicting a Reigns victory and then Rollins cashing in his Money in the Bank contract.  I just don't see the point in keeping Lesnar on without the title at this point though.  Brock Lesnar remains the reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World.

There you have it.  What are your thoughts on tonight's show?  Sound off in the comments section.