WWE: What Should Be the Main Event of WrestleMania 29?

Now that the WrestleMania 28 forecast is beginning to look clearer with each passing week, we're tempted to already look ahead to MetLife Stadium on April 7, 2013—the site and date of WrestleMania 29.

Since 1985, if there is anything that "The Show of the Immortals" has taught us—punctuated by this year's dream match between The Rock versus John Cena—is that WrestleMania annually boasts the biggest match of the year.

Its placement on the card, too, has usually been at the very top.

Based on past precedent, the headline bout is usually the most hyped affair, the deciding factor for ordering the show as well as the lasting impression fans have just before the satellite feed goes dark.

Sometimes the final images are not particularly memorable (i.e., Triple H at WrestleManias 16, 18 and 25, The Miz vs. Cena at WrestleMania 27), but most of the time they live on forever.

For instance, who can forget Randy Savage defeating Ted DiBiase to become the World Wrestling Federation Champion at WrestleMania 4?

The Ultimate Warrior upending "Hulkamania" at WrestleMania 6?

Shawn Michaels fulfilling his boyhood dream at the expense of Bret Hart at WrestleMania 12?

Steve Austin kick-starting the Attitude Era by "stunning" Shawn Michaels into retirement at WrestleMania 14?

Batista conquering his former Evolution stablemate, Triple H, at WrestleMania 21?

The Undertaker forcing Shawn Michaels into retirement at WrestleMania 26?

Given the likelihood that The Rock vs. Cena will go down as a worthy main event becoming of WrestleMania, one would expect the 29th installment to offer a similarly intriguing contest to close out the show.

Let's examine five potential matchups that have a realistic shot at happening:

Steve Austin vs. CM Punk

In wrestling, there are very few pairings that write themselves; this is one of them.

The story is simple: Austin is a beer-swilling redneck who answers every problem with violence, whereas Punk abstains from "unnatural" substances and prefers logic to physical harm (most of the time).

Yet, despite their differences, their characters share one unmistakable commonality.

During his tenure, Austin represented the anti-hero who "spoke" to the masses. Today, Punk is an anti-hero in his own right as "The Voice of the Voiceless."

As two of the most gifted performers on the microphone and in the ring, a potential feud between them would pack more punch than anything else in the last decade.

Steve Austin vs. John Cena

Assuming the WWE has plans to further cement John Cena's unassailable legacy beyond his clash with The Rock, Steve Austin would serve as a suitable follow-up challenger.

In effect, WrestleMania 29 would be the Attitude Era's last stand, represented by Austin, against the Hulk Hogan of our generation, John Cena.

Unlike his exchanges with The Rock, though, Cena would be hard-pressed to manipulate the fans into booing Austin.

Moreover, the chemistry—in-ring and backstage—would be very interesting to follow as Austin has been known to be much more protective of his character than The Rock is of his.

Ultimately, watching the true leaders of this era and the last lock horns would be a sight to behold.

Undertaker vs. John Cena

Besides Sting, which may never come to fruition, Cena would be the most viable challenger to The Undertaker's legendary streak.

Let's face it: To the chagrin of many, the purveyor of "Hustle, Loyalty and Respect" has almost always risen to and overcome any obstacle in his path.

Against "The Dead Man," a majority of fans would really doubt the outcome and seriously consider the possibility of the WWE sacrificing the last great benchmark in wrestling in order to justify Cena's (oft-disputed) legacy.

From an excitement standpoint, this bout, if it were to transpire, could easily engineer the most suspenseful near-falls in WWE history.

Undertaker vs. The Rock

While most fans, at least subconsciously, could anticipate the winner of this one, it would still satisfy the criteria for a mega-marquee match.

Additionally, it has been a while since Rock and Undertaker had their (brief) rivalry in the late 1990s.

And as popular as they were then, they are (and will continue to become) even bigger household names.

Since even non-wrestling fans have heard of these two men, one could make the argument that the potential audience would be endless as long as their feud is compelling enough.

Undoubtedly, it would be insofar as we witness vintage Rock making fun of Undertaker's old age, eyeliner, interminable ring entrance, etc.

The Rock vs. CM Punk

Not counting retired wrestlers (i.e., Steve Austin), The Rock and Punk are currently the two most explosive talkers on the microphone.

Whether it's their expert intonation, content or delivery, "The Brahma Bull" and "The Cult of Personality" are in a class of their own when it comes to riveting the audience.

Not to mention, like Cena, Punk has publicly objected to what The Rock—particularly Dwayne Johnson—has stood for.

If Punk were to bring up his dissenting views in the ring in the context of a storyline, The Rock would have to deal with his tallest order yet.

Because, as much of a struggle The Rock has had holding his own against Cena, it would pale in comparison to the slaughter he'd receive at the hands (and words) of Punk.

If nothing else, it would force The Rock to not rely so heavily on catchphrases.

All in all, though, New Jersey/New York would be on fire for their two adopted sons fighting for supremacy on the biggest stage.

Which match do you think should headline WrestleMania 29?

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