We're back, and it’s time to continue our Wrestlemania 34 preview special!
Let’s begin, shall we?
Daniel Bryan + Shane McMahon vs. Kevin Owens + Sami Zayn
When WWE finally cleared Daniel Bryan a couple of weeks ago, the world of wrestling became ecstatic. It had been over two years since Bryan last wrestled before he had to retire due to concussion-related issues. While other doctors cleared him, WWE still would not. And now that he’s cleared, he’s automatically thrust back into the wrestling ring. He will be teaming up with Smackdown LIVE! Commissioner Shane McMahon to take on the team of Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, both of whom have been a thorn in the side of McMahon, and as of late, Bryan.
If Bryan and McMahon win, Owens and Zayn get fired. Now, Bryan has seemed to have supported Owens and Zayn more than McMahon has, and it will seemingly play a pivotal role in Sunday’s match.
My prediction: In a stunning twist, either McMahon or Bryan will turn on each other, allowing Owens and Zayn to take advantage and gain the victory. Winner: Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
Ronda Rousey + Kurt Angle vs. Stephanie McMahon + Triple H:
This might be one of the most anticipated match-ups, as it’s Kurt Angle’s first Wrestlemania match since Wrestlemania 22. But it’s also going to be the debut match of Rousey, arguably one of the biggest free agency signings in WWE’s illustrious history. And the two will be facing off against the RAW Commissioner and COO of WWE. Angle had made it clear in the past that if Triple H ever “stabbed” him in the back again, he’d come after him. Following repeated cheap spots, Angle had enough, and used his authority as general manager to book Rousey’s debut match as a tag team match. While Stephanie is not normally a wrestler, she has held her own in the ring when called upon to do so. And as for Triple H, well… I don’t believe I need to begin listing his accolades. This tag team match will feature a lot of heat that will spice the crowd up over the course of the match. The moment when Rousey will enter the ring with Stephanie will definitely be one of the highlights.
My prediction: In what will be one of the night’s most memorable matches, for many reasons, expect Rousey’s debut match to end with a victory. Winner: Kurt Angle and Ronda Rousey.
Smackdown LIVE! Tag Team Championship Triple Threat Match: The Usos vs. The New Day vs. The Bludgeon Brothers
Instead of having a traditional Tag Team Championship match, Smackdown LIVE! has themselves a Triple Threat tag team match. The Usos and The New Day had one of the best rivalries in 2017, and in the end, had nothing but respect for each other. However, when the Bludgeon Brothers stepped in, anything resembling respect had gone out the window as brute force became a focal point. The Usos and New Day had more than they bargained for at Fastlane when the Bludgeon Brothers attacked and left both teams in ruin. It took weeks for them to get back in full health.
Now, it’s a matter of payback, for both The Usos and New Day. But it’s more than just that, as the tag team titles are on the line.
My prediction: The Bludgeon Brothers are the only tag team in the match to not hold the titles. It looks to remain that way on Sunday. Just because it’s the biggest event of the year doesn’t mean every title will change hands. In a match that won’t be very technical, expect the Usos to retain. Winner: The Usos.
RAW Tag Team Championship match: The Bar vs. Braun Strowman + TBD
Braun Strowman is without a doubt, one of the most entertaining wrestlers in WWE. Between his occasional comedic moments and his absolute path of destruction everywhere he goes makes him a great connector with the card. He recently entered a tag team battle royal all by himself and single-handedly won the match, becoming the top contender for the RAW Tag Team titles, currently held by The Bar. However, Kurt Angle forced Braun to find a partner, and there still is none heading into Sunday
So, who will his partner be? In my eyes, it will be none other than a former rival of his… Elias. While he’s a “heel,” he is over with the crowd enough to where the unusual pairing would do wonders. Now, there could be plenty of other options as partner (calling Bray Wyatt), but who knows what will happen.
My prediction: Whoever will face The Bar will have a tall task ahead of them. That is, unless you’re Braun Strowman. While I believe the Usos retain their titles, I see the RAW Tag Team Titles changing hands at Wrestlemania. Winner: Braun Strowman + TBD.
Intercontinental Title Match: The Miz vs. Finn Balor vs. Seth Rollins
If any match on the undercard has the makings to be match of the night, this is it. The Miz has become not only one of the greatest Intercontinental Champions in history, but one of the top superstars, something hardly anyone expected. But he’ll be in for one of his biggest challenges at Wrestlemania when he faces off against not only Balor, but Rollins, both of whom are looking to excel in 2018. Balor lasted nearly an hour in the 2018 Royal Rumble and Rollins set the record for the longest time spent in a match in RAW history. All three are risk-takers and show-stealers who have wrestled for over a decade. Balor hasn’t main evented a Wrestlemania, but has had vast success worldwide, notably in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
This might be the longest match of the night, because with three talented athletes such as these guys, it’s a match that you definitely would not want to rush if you were WWE. Giving three of WWE’s top stars the spotlight for nearly 15 minutes wouldn’t be too bad, considering the show is already seven hours long.
My prediction: The Miz has been breaking records in regard to his length (and reigns) as Intercontinental Champion. But I feel this Wrestlemania is where it comes to an end. At least, for a while. But who do I see winning? Both Rollins and Balor have been on a mission to reclaim gold, but it’s Balor who has the longer title drought. Winner: Finn Balor.
U.S Championship match: Bobby Roode vs. Randy Orton vs. Jinder Mahal vs. Rusev
And finally, we have the final match on the undercard: The United States title match. Yet again, another multi-man championship match. But, also yet again, a match full of some of the top wrestlers for their respective brand. Originally, Rusev was only on the pre-show’s battle royal, but he was added to the U.S Title match. He faces the champion Randy Orton, as well as recent champion Bobby Roode, and former WWE champion Jinder Mahal.
All four of these men can hold their own in the ring and have main-evented Smackdown LIVE! PPV events and have their own unique moveset. Orton’s “RKO” has been a devastating finisher in WWE for 15 years now, while Rusev and Mahal use their strength to their advantage. Roode, meanwhile, has a DDT that’ll knock any opponent out.
My prediction: Orton is in just his first reign as United States champion in his long career in professional wrestling. Despite the immense amount of talent in the ring, it’s hard to imagine him losing the belt after only a month. I see him losing it at the next PPV, but not at Wrestlemania. Winner: Randy Orton.
And that concludes the second part of the series. Check back for part three as we cover the two main events, plus John Cena, The Undertaker, and more!
