On Sunday, WWE will be hosting their 34th annual Wrestlemania event live from New Orleans, Louisiana. All week there have been events ranging from conventions, to the annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony, all a part of “Wrestlemania week."
As we descend into the pinnacle of the “wrestling season,” it’s time (as is per tradition) to preview this year’s Wrestlemania. This year, it will be a three-part series.
Let's begin.
Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal and Women’s Battle Royal
Prior to the main show, there will be a two-hour pre-show on the WWE Network and YouTube which will feature three matches, two of which are battle royals. The first is the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal named after the late Andre the Giant. Each year, the winner of the over-the-top-rope battle royal receives the trophy that bears likeness to Andre. Since being introduced at Wrestlemania 30 (also in New Orleans) three of the winners have been, or went on to become, champions: Cesaro, the Big Show, and Baron Corbin. Only Mojo Rawley, who won last year, has not.
Some of the veteran wrestlers that will be in the battle royal include Kane, “Woken” Matt Hardy, Goldust, Dolph Ziggler, and Shelton Benjamin. Younger stars include Tye Dillinger, Zack Ryder, and Aiden English.
My prediction: Dolph Ziggler has become one of the most popular wrestlers in WWE over the years, despite the company not pushing him far. By having him win the battle royal, he could add yet another accolade to his resume… and more fuel to the fire. Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Then there is the first-ever Wrestlemania Women’s Battle Royal. Originally named in memory of The Fabulous Moolah, there was controversy regarding dedicating it to her when allegations about her actions behind the wrestling scenes took light. Nevertheless, the battle royal moves on. And some of the top female wrestlers in WWE/NXT will be taking part in it, from Becky Lynch to Sasha Banks, as well as Mandy Rose and Natayla.
My prediction: As much as I would enjoy seeing Becky Lynch winning the match, and still believe she has a good shot, Bayley and Sasha Banks are in the middle of an intense feud on Monday Night RAW. Having either one of them winning would, like Ziggler, add more intensity into an already interesting rivalry to see which women wrestler is better. Winner: Bayley or Sasha.
WWE Cruiserweight Championship match: Cedric Alexander vs Mustafa Ali
The final pre-show match is the WWE Cruiserweight Title match. Both Ali and Alexander had advanced to the finals in a tournament featuring all of the cruiserweights on the roster. Because of Enzo Amore’s release due to sexual assault allegations, WWE had vacated the Cruiserweight championship, and instead of just awarding the title away, there was a 16-man tournament, and Wrestlemania is the pinnacle.
My prediction: Ali is a highly skilled yet underrated performer in the ring, but he may in for a big challenge against the more experienced Alexander. I expect the Charlotte native to win the Cruiserweight championship. Winner: Cedric Alexander
RAW Women’s Championship match: Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax
It's one of the best rivalries RAW has to offer, as two former friends clash for one of the most prestigious women’s titles in WWE. For over six months, Alexa Bliss has been the champion, and has not defended the title many times (less than five since October, to be exact). Also of note: she’s never had to defend the title against Nia Jax. Jax is one of the toughest women on the roster, with a mentality of not letting anyone try to bring you down, while at the same time displaying sheer dominance of anyone in her path. These two were friends until Bliss was caught on “candid camera” bullying Jax about her looks, prompting general manager Kurt Angle to book the match for Wrestlemania. For Jax, it is the chance of a lifetime.
My prediction: Jax will most likely dominate the majority of the match, and Bliss will struggle to remain in the match. However, I still don’t see Jax winning the title at Wrestlemania. She’ll win it soon… but not THIS soon. Winner: Alexa Bliss.
Smackdown Women’s Championship match: Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka
This could be a show-stealer. It’s an undefeated streak on the line at Wrestlemania, and those that know about The Undertaker prior to Wrestlemania 30 know those matches don’t disappoint. Asuka is perhaps the best women’s wrestler in the world, but she will meet her biggest challenge yet in a woman who was born for the business… Charlotte Flair. Asuka wanted to Flair so she could, in her mind: “beat the best”. Having dominated everyone on RAW already, the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble winner set the stage for Wrestlemania.
Both of these ladies are submission specialists, with Charlotte’s “Figure Eight leg-lock” and Asuka’s “Asuka lock”, and are both highly athletic in the ring. Charlotte is a bigger risk taker, while Asuka is quicker on her feet and lethal.
My prediction: It’s the streak vs. the title. A match that can be (and will be) etched in Wrestlemania history. But who will win? Will the streak live on? I believe it will. In one of the longest matches of the night, Asuka will barely edge out Charlotte to win the title. Winner: Asuka.
Check back for the second part of my three-part Wrestlemania preview!
