WWE WrestleMania 32: Match Predictions for Undertaker, Brock Lesnar and More
Now that Fastlane is behind us, we're a matter of weeks away from WrestleMania—and in the wake of this week's Raw, its card is finally beginning to take shape.
WWE always goes all-out for its biggest show of the year, and with great expectations of filling the 100,000 capacity of AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, there's more pressure than ever before to produce a card that will draw a massive crowd to the arena.
As legends from the past make their returns, and as the stars of tomorrow jockey for position in showcase matches, it's an exciting time to be a pro wrestling fan.
Here are the projected matches and predicted outcomes for some of the biggest names set to appear at WrestleMania 32.
AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens
1 of 5
Based on the current crop of contenders to the Intercontinental Championship, there seems like no better option for WrestleMania than a clash between Kevin Owens and AJ Styles.
These two have clashed before on the independent scene, competing in singles competition for promotions like House of Hardcore and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. However, outside of a few encounters in 2014 and this year's Royal Rumble, they've scarcely met in the last decade.
Given that both men have developed their skills considerably in that time, there's every reason to believe this bout is worthy of a spot on the WrestleMania card. If nothing else, it's sure to give fans of the independent scene another reason to tune in.
The biggest question here is who would come out on top. KO has demonstrated time and again that he's a compelling champion at any level, but there might be more benefit to giving The Phenomenal One a run with the title.
Traditionally, the Intercontinental Championship was a plaudit for a workhorse who could be relied upon to deliver a top-quality match with just about any opponent. Styles certainly fits that bill.
Prediction: AJ Styles
Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks
2 of 5
At present, we're scheduled to see Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch fight it out for a WrestleMania title shot over the next few weeks. However, it seems much more likely that both women are on their ways to the Showcase of the Immortals.
Banks, Lynch and Charlotte were all plucked from NXT at the same time, and it would be apt for them to compete at WrestleMania as a trio. They're the foundation of a new era in women's wrestling for WWE, and a showcase match on the biggest pay-per-view of the year would cement that.
A disputed finish in the bout to decide the No. 1 Contender would be a simple but effective way of setting up the match. More to the point, there's been enough tension between all three to deliver a compelling build to a Triple Threat.
As for WrestleMania itself, Banks seems like the top prospect to walk out as champion. Charlotte's reign has been a great way to establish her as a worthy competitor, but now it's time to transition toward fleshing out the division even further.
Prediction: Sasha Banks
Dean Ambrose vs. Brock Lesnar
3 of 5
Despite the rumors of The Beast fighting Bray Wyatt, it now seems clear that Brock Lesnar will in fact be preparing to square up to Dean Ambrose.
The Lunatic Fringe did a stellar job in the build toward the main event of Fastlane, to the point where his rivalry with Lesnar was arguably more compelling than the title ramifications of the match. Few will be disappointed that we're seeing the two meet at WrestleMania—especially given the street fight stipulation.
That said, it's difficult to conjure up a scenario where Ambrose gets the win. WWE has presented Lesnar as an unstoppable force, whereas Ambrose has struggled for victories in the majority of his feuds.
If WWE is preparing to position Ambrose as a main eventer, then a win over Lesnar would be a terrific way of kickstarting that process. That being said, there's a select list of people who can claim to have defeated The Beast in the last few years.
Prediction: Brock Lesnar
Shane McMahon vs. Undertaker
4 of 5
This week's broadcast of Raw opened with a shocking segment that set up a WrestleMania match few would have expected. Making his return after a yearslong absence, Shane McMahon will face Undertaker inside the confines of Hell in a Cell.
It's a complete curveball and one that was set up by a memorable piece of television that reintroduced McMahon effectively and raised some serious stakes for the bout itself. If he can do the impossible and beat The Phenom, he'll be in control of WWE.
There are two possibilities here. This match could be the first chapter in a big storyline set to kick into high gear post-WrestleMania. Alternatively, it could just be a creative WrestleMania program for Undertaker put together as a response to the recent injury epidemic.
At present, it seems more likely to be the latter—but, either way, it will certainly produce a memorable match on the night.
Between McMahon's reputation as a daredevil and the Hell in a Cell stipulation, there surely has to be some big plans for spectacular spots. Don't go in expecting a five-star classic, but anyone looking for a destructive, entertaining bout will likely be well-satisfied.
Prediction: Undertaker
Roman Reigns vs. Triple H
5 of 5
Despite WWE offering up the potential for a twist at Fastlane, the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania will be the bout everyone has been expecting for some time: Roman Reigns vs. Triple H.
Whatever your opinion on the long-term booking at play, there should be little question of this being a great match. Triple H is a legend who's arguably been at his best in recent years, and Reigns has proved he can play his part well when wrestling a class act.
It'll be interesting to see whether this match goes on last. On paper, it should—it's the coronation of the man who's poised to be John Cena's successor—but a straightforward win for The Big Dog would no doubt prompt a chorus of boos in the ensuing celebration.
Wrestling fans love to see twists and turns, and Reigns' ascent has been rather short on that kind of interest. However, a post-match swerve could make for a compelling reason to tune in for the Raw after WrestleMania.
Realistically, this is going to be the most predictable match on the card—an enjoyable bout, hampered by its telegraphed intent.
Prediction: Roman Reigns
What are your early predictions for WrestleMania? Let us know in the comments section below!
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