WWE WrestleMania 33 Review

There's not a load of stand out matches on the WrestleMania card this year but it's always the highlight of the wrestling year. For the first time,  I've tried to fit in as much wrestling over this weekend as possible and it's been great. In theory, this should be the highlight but with so many promotions running top draw cards it's going to be tough.

Let's start with a quick review of NXT Orlando which took place the night before. The eight person tag match between Sanity and Team Perfect 10 was a great choice for an opener. It was fast paced and never let up. Ohno was obviously the fourth person on Tye's team and was far better in this role than No Way Jose. After his awesome "Fade to Black" promos, the former Tommy End delivered against Almas (who is seriously underrated). The three way tag match was the match of the weekend, just straight up awesome. I would question the booking of having DIY being eliminated first but maybe it was more of a send off for the Revival. I had high expectations for the Women's match and considering we've only seen Ember Moon in short matches, I feared it wouldn't live up. I was glad to be disappointed. Ember showed that she can hang with Asuka. I'm surprised Asuka retained but the dusty finish is the right call to set up a rematch. I do fear what the women's division will become when Asuka inevitably gets called up. The main event was good, not great but the crowd helped make it a main event style bout. I've never been impressed by Roode but he did good here. Overall, as normal a great show to watch. All matches above average which is what you expect from a TakeOver.

Onto the WrestleMania Pre-show. I expected Aries to go over but Neville cheating to win (like Asuka the previous day) opens up to a rematch. Neville has been great since returning and is the main reason why 205 Live is still interesting. The Battle Royal was a disappointment. Who the hell booked Braun to go out early and Jinder to be in the final two. I guess it makes sense for the celebrity involvement but I just don't understand how someone as awesome as Sami Zayn made it in here. I would have had Sami, Braun and Dolph as the final three. The IC title match was okay but nothing special, if it was on the main card they could have done with a hard-core stipulation but this was just the pre-show. I'm sure they'll get a rematch. A bit of a comedown for Dean as his Shield buddies take prominent positions on the card and he's stuck in a match that no one cared for.

Onto the main show. The New Day opened. I don't understand why they are 'hosting' and not in a match. Plus, I can't look at Xavier Woods in the same way anymore. AJ versus Shane was a blast and had the benefit for a very hot crowd. Props to AJ who could wrestle air and make it entertaining. He deserved better. It's not like he's a young guy with plenty of Mania's ahead of him. Also credit to Shane, not only did he pull out his insane stunts but he also looked like Zack Sabre Jr with his submission work and busted out a freaking SSP. Probably match of the night. Jericho and Owens went out next and put in a great match. Owens' finger on the bottom rope continues to show why he's one of the best. I bet facing Jericho at Mania meant a lot to Owens and he deserved it. The Raw Women's Four Way felt rushed for time. Considering the awesome match Charlotte, Sasha and Becky put on last year it felt a bit of a let down. The booking leading in wasn't the best either, clearly Bayley should have lost at the Rumble and won the title here.

The only spoiler I read was that the Hardys were back because WWE sent an email about it. Damn it. But it didn't stop me marking out when they came out. They were possibly my second favourite thing about wrestling when I first started wrestling (after the Rock) so it took me back to my childhood to see them hitting the Poetry in Motion and Twists of Fate. I've also seen their recent work for ROH including a contender for match of the weekend 24 hours prior to WrestleMania against the Young Bucks in a ladder match. Jeff did his silly dive like it's 1999 again and Matt got the belts to win. Strange they are doing the delete taunt but not the Broken gimmick. The mixed tag match was fine for what it was. Without the Miz it would have sucked but it worked in a kind of retro way.

I though Seth versus Hunter was a great match. The crowd didn't seem to agree but they may have been tired by this point. I read another review which I agree with which said if you watched the match on mute it may have been match of the night. After his sucky match last year, it showed Triple H can still go if he has the right opponent. Despite a long and interesting build, Orton versus Wyatt always felt like an afterthought. Both can put on great matches but probably need the right opponents, together it didn't quite work. Luckily, they had the projections onto the canvas of worms and other creepy crawlies which kind of saved this match. I'm sure they could have come up with a better finish but it was kept short so it's fine. Lesnar versus Goldberg must be the best under five minute match ever. Just pretty perfect. You have got to question bringing in Goldberg and leaving him squash the monster and win the title when he can't last more than 5 minutes in the match due to his age but nevertheless, the match rocked. Brock is a beast again and hopefully Goldberg is done. The Smackdown Women had to follow, it was fast a little sloppy and over pretty quickly. Did not care about Naomi. Yeah, it's a decent story that she had to give up the title and come back to win it in her hometown but I couldn't care less. After all this Women's Revolution talk, both women's matches were just thrown together multi-women matches that felt rushed.
I

wondered why Reigns versus Taker went on last. When they brought out JR for commentary I assumed this was the end for Taker. It sucks because I would have loved to see him against Demon Finn Balor and a blockbuster match against Cena. Taker started strong and it looked like we'll see a great showcase. But Taker looked beaten up and a shell of his former self. Roman didn't really know how to build a match around him so he stuck to his familiar routine. It sucked quite frankly and was a let down in the main event to a pretty great Mania. Reigns won and Taker left his hat, gloves and coat in the ring to retire. It was an awful main event but looking back at it in pure storyline terms it kind of works. Reigns was like the new lion in the pack putting out the old alpha male. Taker tried but couldn't keep up with him and lost.

I'm always going to love Mania even if it sucks (see last year) because all of the pomp and ceremony but this one was everything you'd want in a WrestleMania.

On other WrestleMania Weekend shows, Evolve's highlight was Ricochet versus Keith Lee. Whilst from what I saw from Supercard of Honor, the ladder main event between the Hardy's and the Young Bucks killed it. I still need to watch Mercury Rising and hopefully the Progress event but overall, what a weekend for wrestling.

Extreme Rules 2015 Predictions

We are in the fallout from WrestleMania where we saw the “Vigilante” crushed, the Deadman return and the World Champion losing the title without being pinned or submitted. But forget all those storylines, none of them matter for Extreme Rules, the so called “one night of the year when WWE gets Extreme”. Of course, this event has changed a lot from its roots as “ECW’s One Night Stand”, you only got to look at the match stipulations which include a “Kiss Me Arse” match. Yeah, really.

 

WWE Tag Team Championships:

Tyson Kidd and Cesaro (C) vs. The New Day (Big E and Kofi Kingston)

Story Arc: A new tag team on the block (the Lucha Dragons) steal the spotlight from The New Day. But with some new heel tactics, the New Day win themselves a title opportunity.

Prediction: I would have loved to have seen the Lucha Dragons challenge for the titles but it’s good booking by WWE to have the New Day slowly turn heel and earn themselves the number one contenderships. Kidd and Cesaro should go over here to set up a future bout with Sin Cara and Kalisto. Although, equally in storyline terms, the masked duo facing The New Day would also work. However, Kidd and Cesaro are an excellent team and the longer the two have the titles, the better the tag division will be.

Winners: Tyson Kidd and Cesaro

Chicago Street Fight:

Dean Ambrose vs. Luke Harper

Story Arc: The monster keeps on destroying the man. But this is no normal man.

Prediction: I’m glad to see these two on the card. Not only are these two too good to be left off a PPV but also it shows the WWE giving their midcarders a chance. With both mens past, I expect this to be pretty brutal. It’s not going to be all barbed wire and week-whackers but there should be at least one bump that deserves a Joey Styles “OH MY GOD!” That is, as long as they get enough time. It really depends on who the WWE wants to push. Knowing WWE, neither. I’m hoping Ambrose goes over here. He’s been losing a lot of big matches since breaking from the Shield, this is one he can win.

Winner: Dean Ambrose

Kiss Me Arse Match:

Dolph Ziggler vs. Sheamus

Story Arc: The returning Irishman, with a fresh new attitude and look tries to bully all. One man stands against him.

Prediction: Did we really need this stipulation? I mean really? Both men are good workers, so regardless of the 90’s stipulation, this should be a good match. I don’t know what the WWE are trying to do with Sheamus. He came back as a badass but this stipulation kind of diminishes that. Since he just returned, Sheamus should win this to keep his momentum going. I don’t know what’s next for him. Maybe he goes for Bryan’s IC title? Maybe Cena’s US title?

Winner: Sheamus

 

WWE Intercontinental Championship:

Daniel Bryan (C) vs. Bad News Barrett

Story Arc: The former king of the hill claims the second most coverted prize in wrestling but the former champ wants his belt back.

Prediction: The real question in this match is whether Bryan will be able to wrestle. He’s been injured and it’s currently unknown whether the “YES” man will be able to compete. There are two ways around this. If they know Bryan will be out for a long period then he will have to relinquish the belt. Alternatively, if they think Bryan will be out for only a week or so, then they can have him attacked backstage and cancel the bout. If the match goes ahead, it should be a fun match. Bryan can have a good bout with everybody, even if he is not 100% (just watch some of his ROH matches, he even competed with his eye half hanging out). If Bryan is fit, then Bryan should retain. If not, then he may lose it quickly, either by handing the belt back or losing quickly.

Winner: Daniel Bryan

WWE Divas Championship

Nikki Bella (C) vs. Naomi

Story Arc: Umm... I don't know actually

Prediction: What has happened to the Divas division? First AJ Lee retires then Paige leaves kayfabe injured. It’s a little bit muddled. Naomi heel turn was done well but with the Divas division lacking a face, I’m unsure whether this was done at the right time. If the Bella’s have turned face, then that just adds to the confusion. I’m unsure what to make of this. Like the tag title bout, it makes better business sense to keep the titles on Nikki.

Winner: Nikki Bella

Last Man Standing:

Roman Reigns vs. Big Show

Story Arc: Former challenger takes on the giant (in a lame build up)

Prediction: Let’s first point out that Extreme Rules will take place in Chicago, which is usually quite a rowdy crowd, so expect Roman to be boo’ed. They may even boo the entire match. Although the build-up could be better, this is the right move for Reigns. There’s no point in Reigns remaining in the title picture and throwing the championship on him. The problem is that The Big Show shouldn’t be in one of the main feuds at his age. That said, it could be a decent enough match. As long as these two just slug it out and hit a few big spots. With it being a Last Man Standing bout there should be a big finish. The winner is in no doubt.

Winner: Roman Reigns

Russian Chain Match

WWE United States Championship

John Cena (C) v Rusev

Story Arc: American hero captures the belt but the angry foreigner wants a rematch in his terms

Prediction: One thing WWE has done right is the Cena/Rusev feud. I’m surprised they haven’t built this up more as the rubber match, Rusev won at Fast Lane, Cena won at WrestleMania. So what happens at Extreme Rules? Cena winning would be the sensible call, he’s bringing prestige to the belt and defending regularly. However, another loss for Rusev would damage the previously unbeaten Russian. The best call would be for Rusev to pass out from some chain submission move, possibly the Accolade or STF.

Winner: John Cena

Steel Cage Match

WWE World Heavyweight Championship

Seth Rollins (C) vs. Randy Orton

Story Arc: Fresh off his shocking title win, the new champ finds himself a new challenger with a familiar face

Prediction: This is a proper main event. Maybe a little bit overbooked with the RKO banned and Kane at ringside but other than that this has all of the makings of a stellar cage match. Steel Cage matches have lost that thrill they used to have but Rollins and Orton have excellent chemistry. Rollins is also very inventive so I’m looking forward to see what he can come up with inside a cage. Kane being at ringside should change something. I’m unsure at the moment whether he’ll help the champ or not. If I had to guess, I’d say he’d be against Rollins all match then screw Orton at the end, allowing Rollins to get the win. It’s a shame the RKO and the Curb Stomp are banned because both off the cage would be excellent spots.

Winner: Seth Rollins

Wrestlemania 31 Predictions

Some people have been critical of this year’s Wrestlemania build up. Some complaining about the amount of part timers, some complaining about Roman Reigns’ push and other complaining about the storyline build to the matches. However, after watching the Wrestlemania Today programmes, I think they got it right. If you look at it from a storyline point of view they’ve done everything right. Yes, the booking on Raw and Smackdown hasn’t been the best. But from an overall storyline arc point of view, I think they got it right. Here’s my predictions and point of view on this year matches on the Show of Shows.

WWE Tag Team Championships:

Tyson Kidd and Cesaro (C) vs. The New Day vs. Los Matadores vs. The Usos

Story arc: Reigning champions who believe they are the best, put the titles on the line against four teams rather than one.

Prediction: Kidd and Cesaro are great together, they did a good job on Wrestlemania today hyping up the match. This should be a hot opener, expect plenty of high spots and the match ending on a flurry of mayhem. The Uppercats (or the Masters of the WWE Universe or whatever they are called) should leave with the belts. They are the best team in the division and there’s no reason to put the belts on any of the other teams.

Winners: Tyson Kidd and Cesaro

Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

Story Arc: Okay, so the pre-show matches don’t really have story arc’s. It’s a repeat of last year’s match which pushed Cesaro so well last year… or not.

Prediction: It’s a shame this match ended up on the pre-show. I understand giving time to the rest of the matches on the main card but this really should be on the main card. Ryback has been booked the strongest going into this but I think that’s too obvious. Sheamus could always return and make an instant impact. Hideo Itami won a tournament to be involved in this, expect a good showing but he won’t win. My prediction is WWE plays the safe card. The Big Show turns on Kane and wins the bout.

Winner: The Big Show

Ladder Match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship:

Bad News Barrett (C) vs. R-Truth vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Luke Harper vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Stardust vs. Daniel Bryan

Story Arc: With such a stacked card, a lot of talented Superstars have entered the race for the Intercontinental title, with the title becoming a hot potato recently.

Prediction: My first prediction for this match is that it will open the main show. Everyone knows a ladder match is an exciting match. It’s a simple formula, put this on first to get the people watching at home pumped up. There are so many choices for this match. Aside from R-Truth and Stardust, anyone could win this (hopefully Goldust reappears to cost Cody the belt, to restart that feud). Some rumours have said Bryan is going to win but I think Barrett’s retaining. Maybe leading to a triple threat between him, Bryan and Ziggler. I’d pay to see that.

Winner: Bad News Barrett.

The Bella Twins vs. AJ Lee and Paige

Story Arc: Mean Girls versus the misfits.

Prediction: A four way for the title may have been more suitable. But maybe their saving that for the next PPV. I must say the women’s division has stepped up this year, I actually care about what happens and I will watch. I think that has a lot to do with Paige and specially NXT. And with more NXT women being called up in the future, I think it’s only going to get better. I’m torn on who is going to win. I’ll say the Bella’s just to keep the champ strong

Winners: The Bella Twins

WWE United States Championship

Rusev (C) vs. John Cena

Story Arc: Undefeated Russian brute facing American Hero (Think Rocky IV but without Apollo Creed dying).

Prediction: It’s not a prediction but I hope WWE goes to town on this bout. I’d have Rusev come out with Russian troops with all the cliché’s you can get. Hell, even get a Vladimir Putin impersonator on the stage. Then, have Cena come out with a full American entrance. Bring out Sgt Slaughter and Hacksaw Jim Duggan too. Make it so American it hurts. Usually I’d be against all this. But I like the old school feel to this feud and I hope the WWE runs with it. Going by their match at Fast Lane this should be good. With so many big matches on the card, they might get less time than they did last time. Hopefully they get enough time to tell their story and Cena goes over. It might not be a popular choice but I think Cena is the right man to end the streak. It won’t harm Rusev and who else is there to break Rusev’s streak?

Winner: John Cena

Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins

Story Arc: The handpicked Future of the WWE turns into one of the WWE’s biggest names, returns to the side of his master then is edged out by the new handpicked Future of the WWE.

Prediction: This should just be a brawl from the start to the finish. Orton should be flying at Rollins from the bell. With so many big singles matches, WWE needs to ensure that each match feels different. Make this a brawl from the start to the finish. Hopefully WWE doesn’t pull a DQ or count-out finish on this one. Rollins is a constant top performer and on his WWE singles Wrestlemania debut I expect him to go all out. Expect J&J to get involved at some point. Like the Divas match, this could go either way. But I think Rollins getting the win would open this up for future rematches.

Winner: Seth Rollins

The Undertaker vs. Bray Wyatt

Story Arc: The former King of the jungle disappears after being dethroned, a new hungry lion hopes to defeat the former King to gain respect and put the King to sleep for good.

Prediction: First off let’s praise Bray Wyatt for building up a match (at Wrestlemania no less) without actually having an opponent. We are quick to praise guys like Daniel Bryan who can wrestle anyone and look good but Wyatt has shown just how good he is at promos. Full credit must go to him. My prediction is that ‘Taker will look to make up for last year’s concussion and put on a great bout. If Sting never returned I would have been 100% percent behind Wyatt. Just for him to get that passing of the torch moment. But Wyatt winning would kill dead the build to a potential bout with Sting at next year’s Mania. Wyatt can still look excellent in defeat. So ‘Taker has got to go over to get back on track and set up the ‘Mania match we all dreamed of.

Winner: The Undertaker

Sting vs. Triple H

Story Arc: The blueblood-turned-degenerate-turned-top dog-turned-company man attempts to put the final nail in the coffin of WWE’s biggest rival.

Prediction: The build-up for this one hasn’t been that good but it’s Sting in a WWE ring! Who’d have thought it? I wonder how this one will go down. Maybe a slower pace to the rest of the bouts. Triple H beats down Sting then the Vigilante has the comeback to win the bout. It may not be a mat classic but it should be a nostalgic bout. I might be underestimating these guys too much. Triple H can still put on top matches. Sting is a bit of an unknown factor. He has put on some great bouts in TNA but in the last few years has looked like an old man past his prime. I’m hoping for a Wrestlemania XXIV Ric Flair versus Shawn Michaels kind of feel. Sting has to go over here, I expect some Authority shenanigans which can lead to a baseball bat / sledgehammer fight. But I think Sting going over is the right call.

Winner: Sting

WWE World Heavyweight Championship

Brock Lesnar (C) vs. Roman Reigns

Story Arc: The Beast faces his match.

Prediction: This is the most controversial match, the bout which has had many of the WWE Universe complaining. I think Reigns facing Lesnar is the right choice, it’s just the build-up for Reigns has been a let-down. To be a threat to Lesnar, Reigns should have been spearing everyone, every week, looking unstoppable. But what is done is done, now we just await the match itself. There is a possibility that the fans will turn on Reigns in the match and boo him. Hopefully that doesn’t happen because I am hoping for a good bout. Reigns had good storytelling at Fast Lane and sold well, if he does the same well, it should be a good bout. As long as they don’t book Reigns like Superman bout with Lesnar destroying Reigns, then the former Shield member not selling anything and winning with a Spear. All along I was completely convinced that Reigns would walk out as Champion. But with Lesnar signing on with the company, that makes me less certain. However, Brock signing a new deal is just a red herring, they wouldn’t have him retain after building up Reigns so much. Would they? 

Winner: Roman Reigns

Of course, there is one more prediction to make. Will Seth Rollins end the night as champion? Will he cash in his briefcase and become the new WWE World Heavyweight Championship? If it happened it would surely be one of the most iconic moments at Wrestlemania. Rollins has defiantly got the skills to be the top guy in the business. He’s proven he has what it takes ever since breaking away from the Shield. Plus cashing in on Roman would re-awaken their feud. But I can’t see it happening. WWE had a plan to put the title on Reigns and I don’t see it ending straight away. Maybe in a month or two.

So that’s the ‘Mania predictions done. With some hope, this should be a great Wrestlemania. But anything is possible with the WWE. Do you agree with my choices, who do you think will be victorious at Wrestlemania? Let me know @marcusandberg

Alternative Reigns ‘Mania matches

On January 25^th when Roman Reigns won the main event of the twenty-eighth annual Royal Rumble event, we all thought Reigns versus Brock at ‘Mania was dead certain. But with Triple H’s announcement and Daniel Bryan’s subsequent win, maybe ‘Mania isn’t cut and dry as we first thought.

Of course, Reigns not being in the ‘Mania main event will make his Rumble win a bit of a joke and that cool segment between the champion and challenger on the Raw after the Rumble pointless. But what are the alternatives to Brock versus Reigns and where does that leave the Royal Rumble winner?

1) Roman Reigns versus Triple H: This seems the only reasonable alternative. Have DBry go over at Fast Lane but make Reigns look strong in the process. Reigns goes after ‘the King of Kings’ after screwing him over one too many times. Triple H heavily hinted that he was getting back in shape on the Stone Cold Podcast, this would be a great return and a call back to his last set of matches (Evolution versus Shield). The result is the perfect way to create your new babyface. The problem being Sting. ‘The Icon’ is on a collision course with ‘The Game’ with the two meeting at Fast Lane. But maybe they’ll keep Sting out of the ring and keep his ‘vigilante’ character going.

2) Roman Reigns versus Seth Rollins: A little bit different but the booking writes itself. Reigns has never really got payback on Rollins for stabbing him in the back. With Rollins being the Authorities golden boy at the moment, it would make perfect sense. With the two being old Shield buddies, I’m sure these two could put on a great match, possibly even show stealing if Rollins pushes himself like he did at the Rumble. Hell, add in Ambrose for a Shield triple threat #FantasyBooking

3) Roman Reigns versus Randy Orton: Reigns and Bryan clash at Fast Lane but wait, there’s a ref bump, who’s that? RKO to Reigns, RKO to Reigns! That’s how you set up this match, why? I don’t know but does it need a reason, WWE usually don’t. Like versus Triple H, this would be a good way of setting Roman up as ‘the man’. The problem arises that Orton isn’t back in action yet and if he is to return it is likely to be against the Authority, not fighting one of their main rivals.

4) Roman Reigns versus Rusev: Wait? Isn’t Rusev feuding with Cena? Hear me out; Rusev beats Cena at Fast Lane (yeah, not going to happen but stay with me), Rusev gets put over as unstoppable, enter Roman Reigns. The two meet on Raw’s leading to Mania in little fights and brawls but they get their first bout at Mania, where Reigns goes over. Should put over both men as top talents. The problem with this one is what does Cena do at Mania and would this match be a good enough match to be on the Mania card?

5) Roman Reigns versus the Authority: A little bit of 1 and 3 together. I think Mania is destined for some kind of multi-man tag bout between the Authority and Cena’s new reinstated buddies. Reigns would add the firepower to Team Cena (which would likely be without Cena since he would be up against Rusev). Some combination of Reigns, Ziggler, Ryback, Rowan or maybe Ambrose versus Rollins, Big Show, Kane, Harper or possibly Triple H. Although I see this kind of match happening, wouldn’t it be a sad sight to see the Royal Rumble winner reduced to what is essentially a filler.

Despite the alternatives, it seems most likely that Reigns versus Brock is our ‘Mania main event. It’s a catch 22 situation, you take Reigns out of the match now and you annoy another bunch of fans or you stick with Reigns and annoy those who wanted Bryan to win. WWE are going to have to be very careful of how they book the match at Fast Lane. One alternative not mentioned but would satisfy both set of fans is a triple threat.

Do you want to see Reigns versus Brock? What alterative bout would you book? Let me know @marcusandberg

 

Royal Rumble 2015 Predictions

It’s that time of year again, the ultimate opportunity. 30 men go in (apart from 2011) but only one will leave (apart from in 1994) with a guaranteed WWE World title shot. Here are 5 possible winners, some more probable than others:

 

1) Daniel Bryan – You got to admit from a storyline point of view, this makes perfect sense. The underdog overcomes the Authority wins the belt, gets injured, recovers, wins the Rumble and goes onto reclaim the title he never lost (and it makes up for the awful decision to have Batista win the Rumble last year, while the crowd chanted for Bryan who wasn’t even in the match!). I admit, it does sound good until you realise that it will be the same story as last year: Bryan versus the Authority. But the situation has changed. Batista is gone, Orton is seemingly not with the Authority and they wouldn’t put him against Triple H again. Which would suggest a bout against Seth Rollins. If that is the case, sign me up right away and give me a magic remote, so that I can travel forward to ‘Mania early.

 

2) Roman Reigns – Ever since his epic performance last year this guy has been favourite to win this year’s Rumble. The company seems to invest a lot in this guy and see him as their big name going forward. Is this his year? Yes, most likely. Despite Bryan’s comeback throwing a spanner into the works, Reigns is still the favourite to win. They got to be careful how they do it, push him too hard or have him eliminate someone like Bryan would be disastrous for his push. He doesn’t need another elimination frenzy like last year, just a clean performance to set up a most likely clash with Lesnar at ‘Mania. He is the favourite but are WWE really that predictable? Is Roman just a big red herring?

3) Dolph Ziggler – Hey, stranger things have happened. I know he’s currently fired and WWE seemingly doesn’t see him as a main event star but this could be a great opportunity for the “Showoff” to… well… show-off. He’s currently ‘fired’ at the moment which would make a great surprise at the Rumble and his win would really irk the Authority and allow him to fight to get his and his friends jobs back. The real question is whether WWE would really put Ziggler in a ‘Mania main event. You would think not but just look back to Survivor Series, I bet no-one predicted that either.

 

4) Randy Orton – It’s a given that he is going to make an appearance at the Rumble, it is just a question of ‘to do what?’ Will he interfere in the World title match? He’s got unfinished business with Seth Rollins. Could he cost him the win? It would be a bad move by WWE to just bring him back for the interference, so why not put him in the Rumble as well. It would provide a nice shock and if done well, get the crowd on his side. Of course, it could go horribly wrong like last year with Batista but Orton is WWE’s safe pair of hands. The only doubt is the Mania match. Storyline wise, it would make sense for him to face Rollins but would that really main event over guys like Cena, Lesnar, Bryan and Roman all of whom are going to be involved in the card. Most likely those two will get a grudge match at ‘Mania without the title, so the Rumble win for RKO is unlikely.

5) Cesaro – Dude can lift the Big Show over the top, surely he can… oh wait, we’ve forgotten that ever happened? Okay, WWE…

6) Triple H – Yeah, I said it. Personally I think it’d be awesome. It would be an obvious call-back to 1999 when Vinny Mac won the Rumble. But Triple H would make this work much better, mainly because as he has proven, he can still go in the ring. I’m still trying to work out the details, like who would he face at Mania. But let’s forget about that, how awesome would it be for Bryan to be the final guy and Triple H enter himself into the Rumble just to dump Bryan out. Imagine the heat. Yeah, it’s not going to happen but let me fantasy book in my head.

Others:

 

Bray Wyatt – It would be nice to see the WWE book him strong for once but this seems a step too much. Some promos cut during the match would be cool to see.

 

Dean Ambrose – A fan favourite and a winner the WWE Universe would get behind. But if he can’t even win a match on television, he’s not going to win the Rumble.

 

Either loser from the WWE title bout – This could be any of the three depending on the result. Lesnar losing the belt and winning the belt would be cool to see but would annoy a lot of people thereafter. Since they already complain about him being a part-time champ. Rollins winning the Rumble would also be cool to see but does he really need it? He’s already Mr. Money in the Bank and his time will come. And Cena, no, just no.

Do you agree with the predictions? Or do you have a different prediction for Rumble winner. Let me know @marcusandberg