WWE WrestleMania 29: Preview and Predictions from B/R's Evolution

Following an awesome WrestleMania 28 pay-per-view last April, it'll be quite difficult to raise the bar this year. Being only mere hours away until the greatest spectacle of the year finally comes to fruition, it's time to cast our picks for each of the advertised matches for The Show of Shows.

With more questions than answers leading into WrestleMania 29, we look to analyze each bout and its potential worthiness of watching. This year's huge WrestleMania event could possibly outlast any other 'Mania in recent memory, but only time will tell.

Tonight, we could witness the end of a title reign, streak and even a career. WrestleMania 29 could easily exceed expectations and deliver on all fronts, so here's hoping it doesn't disappoint.

Here, I am once again joined by the past, present and future of Bleacher Report to help me analyze tonight's electric pay-per-view with insight on all things wrestling.

Without further ado, please allow me to introduce the recognizable talent of Seth Guttenplan, SiD and Nate Scaccia, otherwise known as the Evolution of Bleacher Report for the most jam-packed prediction article ever conducted.

Pre-Show: Wade Barrett vs. The Miz (Intercontinental Championship)

GSM: While it's a shame that this match is being relegated to the pre-show, I'm still looking forward to it nonetheless. I'm a major supporter of both Wade Barrett and The Miz, but it's a shame that WWE has given the fans no incentive to care about either guy or the Intercontinental Championship in recent months.

Based off their initial a few weeks ago on WWE Raw, I'm sure this rematch will be just as solid, so here's hoping it's given enough time to shine. Even if The Miz does win the strap, it won't mean much since the belt has been absolutely abused over the last year. That being said, I expect Barrett to retain in order to continue the feud between the two.

Guttenplan: The outcome of this match is not necessarily predictable. Wade Barrett has been portrayed as a weak champion, like the midcard champions have in the recent past. The Miz has a good WrestleMania record, even main eventing and winning WrestleMania 27 against John Cena. Some may think WWE would like to keep The Miz’s record strong, but it is also debatable if the pre-show would count in the streak.

Both The Miz and Barrett have been featured in WWE Studios films recently, so that argument can’t be made for either one. WrestleMania should start out strong, and one way of doing this is by having The Miz win the Intercontinental title during the pre-show.

SiD: In the pre-show, The Miz faces Wade Barrett for the Intercontinental Championship. For the fans, this match is nothing but filler, because there's absolutely zero build to this title match. Yet, my prediction is that The Miz will regain his Intercontinental Championship, and Barrett will move on to bigger and better things, while The Miz will rule over the midcard.

Scaccia: Good pre-show match, but this match deserves to be on the actual card. These two guys could and will put on a good match. Since it is a pre-show, I say Wade Barrett retains. I don`t like the idea of changing champions via pre-show.

Overall Consensus: Barrett-2, Miz-2

Tons of Funk and The Funkadactyls vs. Team Rhodes Scholars and The Bella Twins

GSM: Of all the matches on the card, it's no secret that this is the least anticipated bout of them all. Why this match isn't on the pre-show is beyond me, but I assume it will serve as a buffer on the main card. The feud has been building since the WWE Elimination Chamber event in February, so at least it's not extremely random.

I'm disappointed that Team Rhodes Scholars were relegated to this joke of a match, but I'm appreciative that they're on the card to begin with. The match won't last more than a few minutes, and I fully expect Tons of Funk to go over there with this being the event where most babyfaces reign supreme.

Guttenplan: Whichever team wins this match should be next in line for a tag team title match. We have seen Team Rhodes Scholars against Team Hell No numerous times with the same outcome. It would be intriguing to see a babyface team like Tons of Funk feuding with the tag team champions. WrestleMania needs to include dancing from Tons of Funk and The Funkadactyls, so the most logical situation would see them win.

SiD: Tons of Funk plus The Funkadactyls will win, because in big team matches with no prestige, the faces always end up winning. Besides, Rhodes Scholars can move to bigger and better things after they lose to Brodus and Tensai.

Scaccia: Rhodes Scholars get the win.

Overall Consensus: Tons of Funk-3, Rhodes Scholars-1 

Chris Jericho vs. Fandango

GSM: While I wasn't the biggest supporter of this match when it was first announced, I think it could end up being pleasantly surprising. As seen in recent weeks on both WWE Raw and SmackDown, Fandango is quite the athlete inside the ring, so don't count out his in-ring abilities.

He could create some awesome chemistry with Chris Jericho, so I look forward to the match itself. Jericho winning wouldn't make much sense, especially since he'll be leaving the company sooner rather than later. WWE obviously has big plans for Fandango, so a victory for him here would only be logical.

Guttenplan: Unfortunately for Chris Jericho, Fandango has to win this match. With a loss, his character would lose complete momentum. He is making his WrestleMania debut and cannot afford a loss. Jericho does not need to win, and if you couldn’t tell already, he returns to WWE to help others get over.

SiD: FAAAAAN....DAAAAAN...GOOOOOOOOO....has had a great debut so far, with him not wrestling until someone pronounces his name correctly. Many superstars and announcers have failed to do so, but one man, namely, Chris Jericho, not only mispronounced his name, but made fun of his name and character, which caused Fandango to be extremely angry, and Jericho had a laugh, and so did the fans. But, Fandango looked for revenge and ambushed Jericho twice, causing this match to take place at the grandest stage of them all. This will be Fandango's first match in the WWE.

My prediction will be short and simple: Fandango wins. It's Fandango's first match in the WWE, and usually, the first match results in a victory. Also, Jericho is known for putting over superstars, and he will do the same at WrestleMania, because he is the best in the world at what he does.

Scaccia: I don`t doubt that this match can be interesting to watch. Jericho is one of the greatest performers of all time, so the match should be full of nice spots and interesting moves. I do, however, question why we are getting this match at Wrestlemania. Fandango is not over with the crowd yet, and he is unproven inside the ring. I would much rather prefer this match be at another PPV, but since it is at ‘Mania, this probably means Fandango is going over.

Overall Consensus: Fandango-4, Jericho-0 

Ryback vs. Mark Henry

GSM: As great as Ryback's rise to the top has been in the last six months, he hasn't won a match on pay-per-view since last July. He's a fresh face that would fit well in the World Heavyweight Championship picture, but another loss to him on a big stage will do major damage to his character.

Mark Henry has been booked as an absolute beast since returning earlier this year, but there's no reason for him to go over. Of course, Ryback hitting his "Shell Shocked" finishing manuver on Henry would also be a tremendous visual and would allow Big Hungry to have his WrestleMania moment.

Guttenplan: Ryback needs to win much more than Henry. Ryback has lost each month on pay-per-view since October’s Hell in a Cell. Henry is nearing the end of his career, and putting Ryback over would be a logical decision.

SiD: The clash of the two monsters, Ryback will face Mark Henry in a big man contest at WrestleMania. This feud started abruptly, and then it became a competition with weight lifting, destroying jobbers and much more. Yet, when I look at this match, I don't see two men just tumbling and walking, I see two bohemians bringing the best out of each other.

I expect Ryback to win this match, after delivering the "Shell Shock" to Mark Henry to a huge ovation. Ryback will defeat the veteran, cementing his legacy in the WWE.

Scaccia: Here is an interesting match. Two behemoths take on each other inside one ring. Who walks out alive? Maybe not that dramatic but a great match up nonetheless. Expect a slow match with tons of big power moves with each man trying to outdo the other. I expect Ryback to go over here and be handed the reins of the “WWE’s Strongest Man.”

Overall Consensus: Ryback-4, Henry-0

Team Hell No vs. Dolph Ziggler and Big E Langston (WWE Tag Team Titles)

GSM: I'll admit that I would have much rather seen Dolph Ziggler a in higher profile match at this year's WrestleMania, but this is still a nice consolation prize. Ziggler's girlfriend, AJ Lee, has history with almost everyone in this bout, so that makes this match much more interesting. This contest also marks Big E Langston's official in-ring debut, which hasn't gone unnoticed by the commentators.

Team Hell No has grown tremendously tiresome in recent months, as it seems they're the only true tandem left in the tag team division. Giving the straps to Ziggler and Langston wouldn't accomplish anything, so it seems a victory from Team Hell No here is practically inevitable.

Guttenplan: I don’t think Ziggler and Big E are meant to be tag team champions, but I also don’t like the idea of Langston losing in his debut. Team Hell No has yet to have any serious threats to their titles, so perhaps this is the beginning. Then again, Ziggler and Langston could win the match via disqualification and not win the titles.

SiD: This match has one veteran, two stars that could one day be the face of the company and one superstar having his debut match—the perfect equation. Big E Langston debuts at WrestleMania as he joins Dolph Ziggler to face the team of Daniel Bryan and Kane.

It's no shock that they are four of the best talents in the WWE currently, and Team Hell No has had the tag titles for a long period. Hence, I expect Ziggler and Big E to win this match, and become the new tag team champions. Also, expect Big E to get the pinfall, and AJ Lee to prance around at ringside.

Scaccia: Any other time I would be saying Team Hell No should drop the tag titles and move on to different things. This is the only time I will not say that, as I do not want Ziggler being held down by a tag team title. He needs to do bigger things, not get himself involved in the tag team division. Plus, Big E is not over with the crowd and has not done anything useful inside the ring to date.

Overall Consensus: Hell No-3, Ziggler/Langston-1 

The Shield vs. The Big Show, Randy Orton and Sheamus

GSM: With four impressive victories under their belt, I find The Shield to be one of the best booked stables in years. Unfortunately, there's a likely chance that their strong momentum comes to an end at the hands of three guys who don't need a victory.

The fact the latter trio has teased tension in recent weeks leads me to believe that we may be seeing one of them turn their back on the others, specifically Orton. I don't see Orton's heel turn coming as soon as Sunday, but I expect the seeds to be planted for it with Orton taking the pinfall loss in this match.

Guttenplan: The addition of Big Show will not change anything. The Shield will still win. The bigger question is whether or not Randy Orton will turn heel. It has been a huge debate among wrestling fans for a long time. Personally, I don’t expect a turn. I won’t be surprised if Orton turns heel and joins the Shield.

I won’t be surprised if Orton turns heel and doesn’t join the Shield. However, I still don’t expect it to happen. Orton is still a top name in WWE, but there are others WWE seems more focused on pushing.

SiD: The Shield has been a great faction thus far. Debuting at Survivor Series, The Shield has destroyed and decapacitated everyone on the roster, including big stars like Ryback and John Cena. Now, three mega-stars in the Big Show, Sheamus and Randy Orton want to exact revenge on The Shield, as they face them at WrestleMania.

For my prediction on this match, I fully expect Orton to turn on his members and RKO everyone in his team, and then leave the WrestleMania arena. The Shield will capitalize on this, and will end up winning the match, much to the dismay of the crowd at MetLife.

Scaccia: Something big might happen here. Besides the actual match, Orton is due for a heel turn, and this would be the perfect place for it. Since Orton has done nothing but warn Sheamus of the Big Show, have Orton turn on the group. Orton is revealed as the leader of The Shield (a.k.a. Legacy V2), and he goes back to his heel antics. The Shield wins either way.

Overall Consensus: Shield-4, Orton/Show/Sheamus-0

Alberto Del Rio vs. Jack Swagger (World Heavyweight Championship)

GSM: While the in-ring action could ultimately be worth watching, the feud itself has left a lot to be desired. Alberto Del Rio isn't clicking as a babyface just yet, and Jack Swagger is struggling to get over. I appreciate the effort WWE put into repackaging Swagger, but his act has already grown stale and it's only been a few months. I couldn't care less about this bout, and the fact the build-up has been lackluster up to this point doesn't help matters.

After sustaining a DUI charge in late February, I don't see any reason why WWE should put the belt on Swagger anytime soon. Furthermore, I don't see Dolph Ziggler cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase at the event, as it wouldn't make sense if this bout were to kick off the show.

Guttenplan: This match could go to Del Rio, Swagger or Ziggler. As someone who will be in attendance at WrestleMania, I would love to witness Ziggler’s cash in. I attended WWE TLC 2012 and was hoping it would happen then.

Four months later, I have another opportunity to witness a Money in the Bank cash in for the first time in my life. I am going to go out on a limb here and predict Swagger to win, Ziggler to cash in and see a triple-threat feud going forward.

SiD: This feud has had the best build up for WrestleMania so far. With Jack Swagger returning and getting a new racist manager, and him also being arrested, the hype for WrestleMania has also been off the charts. Also, Alberto Del Rio's new face turn and Ricardo Rodriguez being himself has also received rewards. Simply put, this is going to be a great match at WrestleMania.

As far as my prediction goes, it doesn't matter who wins this match. I expect Swagger to dethrone Del Rio, and as he's celebrating, Dolph Ziggler runs out and cashes in his briefcase, thus turning himself and his full faction face, which would be beneficial in the future.

Scaccia: This match should not be on the Wrestlemania card. Don't get me wrong, Del Rio and Swagger will probably put on a good match. I just don`t feel that Swagger is over, and Del Rio is unproven on The Big Stage. Although he is hot right now, the fans could turn on him easily. I think this match would be better suited for another PPV. Plus, I would like to think Swagger would be getting punishment for his recent arrest soon, so I cannot see him going over here.

Overall Consensus: Del Rio-2, Swagger-2

Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar (No Holds Barred with HHH's Career on the Line)

GSM: Quite honestly, I was not at all looking forward to this match a number of months ago when it became apparent that a rematch would be held at WrestleMania. However, I've found myself extremely entertained by the revival of this rivalry since their bloody brawl on WWE Raw in late February. It's been built brilliantly since then, with Shawn Michaels even being placed in Triple H 's corner for the contest. I don't expect HBK to play a pivotal role in this bout, but it's nice to see him on the grandest stage of them all nonetheless.

It's possible that The Game could lose here and resume his office duties, but he is nowhere near being done inside the ring. Besides, HHH needs to avenge his loss from SummerSlam, so it's unlikely that Brock Lesnar emerges victorious.

Guttenplan: If Triple H wins, he gets redemption from losing to Lesnar last year. If Triple H loses, he can retire and focus solely on helping run the company. Part of me still feels that Triple H will win because he can continue to be an occasional wrestler. He is not in the same shape he was years ago, but the COO has proven he can still perform. Triple H losing would be looked at as a fake retirement.

SiD: The "brawl" of WrestleMania, Triple H takes on the beast, Brock Lesnar in a No Holds Barred match where The Game's career will be on the line. This feud has been going on for months now, but has recently been ignited with Lesnar attacking Triple H's father-in-law, Vince McMahon. Brock Lesnar has Paul Heyman in this corner, while Triple H has the Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels.

My prediction will be that Lesnar will win this match, thus adding a new dimension to this storyline, and also making Lesnar look like an absolute beast in the future.

Scaccia: First, let me say that I do not understand why Triple H comes out of retirement for a win or a retirement match. It makes no sense to me. Anyhow, this will be a good match with a slew of great spots. Expect a brutal fight, and, for some reason, I think Triple H will win.  

Overall Consensus: HHH-3, Lesnar-1

The Undertaker vs. CM Punk

GSM: I was extremely excited for this match when it was first made official in early March, but the build up to their 'Mania match has been odd. I don't find anything they've done to be disrespectful, but having CM Punk target Paul Bearer is taking things a bit too far. Regardless of how badly built this match has been, we are certainly in for a treat at WrestleMania. Punk wouldn't benefit from ending the storied streak, so Undertaker winning here is the best bet.

Guttenplan: After holding the WWE title for over 400 days, breaking the record of the last 25 years, Punk wants to break another record. The Undertaker is undefeated in WrestleMania matches, meaning a win would cement Punk’s legacy. The Undertaker probably doesn’t have many more WrestleMania matches left. If someone is going to end the streak, there is a good case for Punk to be the guy.

With that said, I still don’t think Punk will end the streak. I feel as though the Undertaker will make it to WrestleMania 30 to face John Cena. Therefore, the streak needs to continue at least one more year.

SiD: Oh, it's time to predict the best match at WrestleMania: the streak match. Every year, one challenger tries to break The Streak, and this time, it's CM Punk. But there's a difference this time around. Instead of The Undertaker playing mind games with his opponents usually, this time, Punk is playing mind games with The Deadman, and is forcing him  to lose his anger and control, thus unleashing a monster on the Straightedge Savior. 

I expect The Undertaker to defeat CM Punk and retain his streak, since 'Taker should never end The Streak, and if he wants to, then CM Punk is not the right man to be doing so. Therefore, expect The Undertaker to deliver a tombstone and end Punk's chances to become immortal at WrestleMania.

Scaccia: I love the way this has been booked. CM Punk looks to be the only man that has control over The Undertaker heading in to Wrestlemania. Punk is poised to be the man that ends The Streak. This match should be phenomenal and very long. Plenty of near falls are expected. But it`s ‘Mania, I cannot go against the Undertaker.

Overall Consensus: Undertaker-4, Punk-0 

The Rock vs. John Cena (WWE Championship)

GSM: You can't blame WWE for doing this match again, as last year's event received the highest buy-rate in history because of it. The promos this time around between John Cena and The Rock have been much better, aside from the fact that The Rock has sparingly appeared on WWE Raw in the last two months. Nonetheless, the outcome of this match seems much more obvious than their initial encounter, simply due to the fact that The Rock can't remain WWE Champion for another six weeks until the next pay-per-view.

Cena hasn't held the title since October 2011, so I'm completely content with him winning the belt here. Many fans are speculating a heel turn for Cena, but I honestly don't see that happening anytime soon, if at all. What Cena needs is a character change, which he'll hopefully undergo following this event. I'm also interested in how these two plan on topping their match from last year, as there's not much more they can do aside from kicking out of one other's finishers.

Guttenplan: I am with the popular choice of John Cena winning. I am in no way a Cena fan, but The Rock is a part-time wrestler and it wouldn’t make any sense for him to win. If The Rock were to win and then lose the title to Cena at Extreme Rules, it wouldn’t be as special. Cena needs to win it at WrestleMania.

SiD: This is a classic example of WWE running out of ideas; and thus, we get Once in a Lifetime, done twice, as The Rock faces John Cena. After proclaiming that The Rock will be WWE Champion after he defeated Cena at WrestleMania XXIX, he got a championship match at the Royal Rumble, which he won, in spite of an interference. However, at the same night, Cena won the Royal Rumble match by eliminating 29 other wrestlers to receive a championship match at WrestleMania. The Rock defeated CM Punk at Elimination Chamber, and then Cena defeated Punk two weeks later, thus setting up this epic clash.  

As far as my prediction goes, I know everyone is predicting that Cena will win the match, and I agree with them, but just not how they see it. While they see Cena winning clearly and shaking hands with The Rock, I expect John Laurinaitis to interfere and help Cena, which will turn Cena heel and make him the WWE Champion. He hasn't been WWE Champion in a long time, and I have a bad feeling that things will change at WrestleMania XXIX, in the MetLife stadium.

Scaccia: Not once, but twice in a lifetime we have this matchup. Everyone wants to see Cena turn heel here. I don`t see that happening, but I wouldn`t be opposed to it. The Rock is basically a transition champion. He is never on WWE Raw, and he hardly acts like the  champion. Cena is going to win here. The title needs to be featured on TV. Whether or not Cena will turn heel remains to be seen. He defeats The Rock, probably with a new move he learned somewhere.

Overall Consensus: Cena-4, Rock-0 

Conclusion

With only five hours remaining until the grandest spectacle of them all, the announced card has the potential to outdo last year's and set new standards for future of WrestleMania. Suspense, drama, emotion and most certainly historical significance is contained in each match, but will the strong card deliver?

WrestleMania 29 may not be known as the best ever, but if booked correctly, we could be witnessing something special. I believe, however, this show will certainly live up to the hype it has received over the last few months and provide us with many surprises and monumental moments.

I'd like to thank Seth Guttenplan, SiD and Nate Scaccia for collectively participating in my WrestleMania 29 preview, all of which put in valuable time and thought into making their respective predictions. Drop a comment with your thoughts going into the WrestleMania, and be sure to enjoy tonight's pay-per-view.

GSM, out.

Visit my website at Next Era Wrestling and listen to my wrestling radio talk show SAVE US GSM every Wednesday night at 10/9c.

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