WrestleMania XXXIV Predictions

   It's hard to believe that WrestleMania XXXIV is almost upon us.  As of this writing we're half a day away.  The card looks pretty good and although some of the build has been poor, it's still WrestleMania!  It's a WWE fan's favorite time of the year!  All of the Championships will be decided, we will witness the return of Daniel Bryan, and see the debut of Ronda Rousey.  Dream matches like AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura and Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka will take place.  Who will Braun Strowman's partner be?  Will we see a concert by Elias?  Also, it doesn't look like the Undertaker and John Cena will square off at all.  Let's get to it!

KICK-OFF

Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

   Unfortunately, all four past winners of this match didn't really go much further up the card.  The same can probably be said for this match.  There were rumors that this match was originally going to appear on the main card and taken more seriously due to the timing of the Andre the Giant HBO special that recently took place.  However, it looks as if it's an excuse to get everyone on the card to get that WrestleMania payday.  Either way, it's always fun to see a Battle Royal and there just may be some surprises.  As for a winner, I'm choosing a returning Samoa Joe.

Cruiserweight Title Tournament Finals - Cedric Alexander vs. Mustafa Ali

   This should be the show-stealer of the Kick-Off, at the very least.  I couldn't think of two more deserving guys to be a part of this.  It's come down to these two extraordinary superstars.  Cedric has always been a fan favorite but lately we've seen the rise of Mustafa.  His promos have been on point and he's just as ready for this opportunity as Cedric is.  The action will be nonstop!  In my opinion, I can't imagine a scenario that the fans won't enjoy, whatever the outcome may be.  Both are certainly deserving.  It can go either way but in the end, I'm predicting Cedric to take home the Cruiserweight Title.  

Women's Battle Royal

 We had an unfortunate name change due to some controversy about the late Fabulous Moolah.  However, much like the men's Battle Royal, I'm afraid it's simply a way to get the remaining women on the card and unlike the Women's Royal Rumble a few months back, it won't have as much meaning.  However, that's not to say it won't be entertaining.  There's the possibility of seeing Trish Stratus or Lita make an appearance and I wouldn't be surprised if the Bella Twins showed up.  I can even see brand new Hall of Famer Ivory take part.  It's unfortunate that the newly ignited feud between Sasha Banks and Bayley will not get its own match.  I'm predicting the end will be co-winners in the form of NXT's Iconic Duo, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce.

MAIN SHOW

Raw Tag Team Titles - The Bar vs. Braun Strowman & a Mystery Partner

   Though Braun won a Tag Team Battle Royal by himself to gain contendership to the Raw Tag Team Titles, WWE management has told the Monster Among Men that he must choose a partner.  Being smarter than led to be believed, Braun has not disclosed his partner's identity yet.  It could be any number of partners at this point.  I've heard rumors of Samoa Joe, a returning Big Cass, Rey Misterio, and even James Ellsworth if you can believe it.  I think Braun's partner will not disappoint.  When it comes down to it, I'm going with the Big Show.  Though many were under the impression he was about to retire, the big man has said he is not done yet.  It would be pretty cool to see and it would come full circle as the last time we saw the Big Show, Braun slammed him through a cage.  I think mutual respect has come from their battles and he would be the perfect partner for Braun.  If that's the case, I can't see them losing the Titles for a long time.  

Smackdown Tag Team Titles - The Usos vs. The New Day vs. The Bludgeon Brothers

   Any time you put the Usos and the New Day together, you're in for a treat.  Now we add the dynamic of the Bludgeon Brothers, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan.  These men have had wars with the Usos a few years ago when they were members of the Wyatt Family.  At Fastlane, the Bludgeon Brothers destroyed both the Usos and the New Day and due to how brutal it was, they were added to this Championship match.  I can see a scenario where any of the three times emerge victorious.  The Titles have been on lock down in the Uso Penitentiary for quite some time and they have proven they are the best team in the company.  My pick is for the Bludgeon Brothers to walk away with the gold.

US Title Fatal Fourway - Randy Orton vs. Bobby Roode vs, Jinder Mahal vs. Rusev

   After Orton defeated Roode at Fastlane, I assumed a rematch would take place at WrestleMania.  For a while now, Jinder has tried to hinder both men and had been added to the match.  Once that announcement was made, my original prediction was for Jinder to become the new United States Champion.  However, recently, he lost a match to Rusev and now the Bulgarian Brute has been added as well.  With his recent popularity and the fact the WrestleMania happens to fall on Rusev Day, he has become my official predicted winner.  

Intercontinental Title - The Miz vs. Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor

   You can make a case for any of the three to win here.  The Miz has really made the Intercontinental Title more relevant than it has been in years.  Though he just started his eighth reign as Champion and won't be able to beat the Honky Tonk Man's record for longest single reign, if the Miz wins, he will become for the record holder for overall most days as Intercontinental Champion.  However, with the recent birth of his daughter, it's possible he may take time off.  Seth Rollins is always a great choice.  I'm pretty sure that if Balor brings out the Demon, he will likely become the new Champion.  However, my gut tells me that the Miz will retain.

Smackdown Women's Title - Charlotte Flair v. Asuka

   This is a dream match if there ever was one.  Both of these women are tremendous performers.  As much skill as Charlotte has, I'm gonna go with Asuka on this one, and not just because of her undefeated streak.  Asuka won the first ever Women's Royal Rumble this year and since she's newer to the main roster, I see her taking home the gold.  In the future, Charlotte definitely has a chance to break the streak but I'm pretty sure Ronda Rousey will get the honor.  Of course, we may have to worry about Carmella possibly cashing in her "Money In the Bank."  If she chooses to do so, she may not cash in successfully.

Raw Women's Title - Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax

   This has "squash match" written all over it and I can't see it lasting more than 5 minutes.  Alexa has shamed and tormented Nia about her size for quite a while and an angry Nia Jax can be a scary thing.  Even with an assist from Mickie James, I think Little Miss Bliss is in big trouble tonight.  Basically, my prediction is that Nia becomes the new Raw Women's Champion.  However, I have even more for this match.  I'm not sure if the rules were made clear and they change them to fit their narrative anyway, so what's to stop Carmella from cashing in here?  After the loss, I can see Alexa and Mickie double team the new Champion, leaving her laying.  After that, I see yet another new Champion in the Princess of Staten Island.

Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn vs. Shane McMahon & Daniel Bryan

   The feud between Owens and McMahon began at SummerSlam of last year when Shane was the referee in Owens' rematch with AJ Styles for the US Title.  Sami Zayn got involved when he saved his estranged best friend Owens from a Shane elbow drop at Hell In a Cell.  Smackdown Commissioner Shane has let his emotions get the best of him in this blood feud but General Manager Daniel Bryan has tried to be the voice of reason, even somewhat siding with Owens and Zayn, despite their actions.  When Bryan was miraculously cleared to wrestle once again and decided to fire Owens and Zayn for attacking Shane, they brutally attacked him too.  If the best friends don't win, they remain fired.  My prediction is that they win, with Shane or Bryan turning on one another.

Triple H & Stephanie McMahon vs. Kurt Angle & Ronda Rousey

   UFC superstar Ronda Rousey made her debut at the Royal Rumble and made her intentions of competing at WrestleMania known.  Trouble soon began when she butted heads with the Authority during her signing and Angle instigated it, which has lead to this match.  Three years ago at WrestleMania 31, Rousey was invited to the ring by The Rock and nearly broke Stephanie's arm.  I'm sure McMahon never forgot that!  My prediction is Angle and Ronda win and most likely in the form of a double submission.

Universal Title - Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns
   As big as this match is, it's the match I care the least about.  For one, the Universal Title means absolutely nothing to me.  We've already seen this match three years ago but Seth Rollins cashed in his "Money In the Bank" to secure the heist of the century during the match.  I know it's mainstream but it just doesn't interest me in the least.  This match will probably be the main event and it shouldn't because Reigns did not win the Royal Rumble.  I'm just too much of a traditionalist.  If it somehow manages to find itself more in the middle of the card, it will certainly be my bathroom break.  99% of people will probably predict Reigns emerging victorious and he's my pick as well.

WWE Title - AJ Style vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

   This is it!  This is the match many have wanted to see on the big stage and now we're getting it.  The first time these two men fought was at New Japan's WrestleKingdom event two years ago.  The fact that we're getting to see it in WWE is amazing and at WrestleMania, no less!  Shinsuke won the 2018 Royal Rumble to earn a Championship match.  AJ on the other hand, survived a Title defense at both the Royal Rumble and Fastlane, to make this match happen.  Ultimately, I don't care who wins because the real winners are the fans, no matter which way this goes.  With that being said, however, I'm picking Nakamura to walk away as the first Japanese born WWE Champion.  Not only that, but if they want to send the fans home happy, this should be the main event!




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