WWE WrestleMania 2016: Early Predictions for Every Announced Match
We will soon witness the spectacle of WrestleMania 32, as there are just over two weeks left until the biggest show on WWE's calendar.
WWE has assembled a surprisingly strong undercard alongside the blockbuster main event matches planned for the April 3 event—and there's a sense we could see some surprises play out during the night.
Most would point to the result of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match between Triple H and Roman Reigns as being rather easy to predict. Given that's the case, we might see some swerves implemented elsewhere on the card—or even in the title fight itself.
Here are some early predictions for all the matches confirmed to be on the card at WrestleMania 32.
The 3rd Annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
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The only names confirmed for the 2016 edition of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal are the four members of the Social Outcasts—and it doesn't seem likely that any member of that faction will come out on top.
However, we can make an educated guess as to the other Superstars who will make an appearance in the pre-show match based on who's not on the card at this point. Last year's winner, Big Show, has to be a favourite to survive well into the contest.
It will be interesting to see whether NXT is represented akin to the way Hideo Itami entered in 2015. With Sami Zayn wrestling a doubleheader over the weekend, it wouldn't be too surprising to see someone on the verge of graduating to the main roster make an appearance.
That said, given the notable absence of The Wyatt Family from the announced WrestleMania card, a win for Braun Strowman would be a canny way of ensuring that faction maintains some relevancy. If the giant does enter the match, he seems likely to win.
Prediction: Braun Strowman wins the trophy.
The Usos vs. The Dudley Boyz
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Despite not having much depth to its build, this tag team grudge match seems poised to deliver the goods between the ropes come April 3.
The Dudley Boyz are a legendary duo, having competed everywhere from the cramped arenas of ECW to world-class venues such as the Tokyo Dome. Their WrestleMania comeback should inspire Bubba Ray and D-Von to produce a great contest.
Of course, their opponents are far from untested. The Usos carried the tag division through a meagre period, putting on great matches with the likes of The Wyatt Family. They have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to thrive in big matches, and we should see another great performance here.
However, there should be little doubt that Jimmy and Jey will pick up the win. The Dudley Boyz are an asset to the division, but their role needs to be in service of younger duos such as The Usos.
Prediction: The Usos pick up the win.
Ryback vs. Kalisto for the United States Championship
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This United States Championship match might not sound like a great contest on paper, but there's reason to believe Kalisto and Ryback could silence the critics.
The pair had a great match as part of the tournament leading to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at Survivor Series 2015. Of course, they've had some duds in the past as well, but hopefully the grand stage causes each man to up his game.
It's clear Ryback has been attempting to do just that in recent weeks, tweaking his character and trying to add some variety to his arsenal.
Meanwhile, Kalisto is in the midst of a good—but not great—run as United States champion. Anyone who's seen his work as Samuray Del Sol on the independent scene will know he's capable of more, so hopefully he can begin the next chapter of his WWE tenure with an attention-grabbing WrestleMania showing.
Prediction: Kalisto retains the gold.
The League of Nations vs. The New Day for the WWE Tag Team Championship
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In terms of in-ring action, few matches on the WrestleMania card are as promising as this enormous clash between The New Day and The League of Nations.
The talent on both sides of the bout is staggering, and we've already seen that the two factions have great chemistry. The match for the tag titles that kicked off the most recent broadcast of Raw was terrific. With more active participants, the WrestleMania follow-up looks set to be even better.
Given the proper amount of time, this bout could well steal the show.
Despite the deck being stacked against The New Day thanks to the man advantage The League is set to enjoy, the champions seem poised to retain. The group is transitioning into a fan favourite, and a win over strong competition could solidify its in-ring legitimacy to back up its massive comedic appeal.
The League of Nations deserves more than the limited platform it's been given as of late, but a great match at the biggest show of the year would be an excellent use of such potent wrestling talent.
Prediction: The New Day survives the other side of the numbers game.
Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte for the Divas Championship
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Last year, the Divas Revolution prompted a great deal of criticism from fans who weren't happy with the extent of the changes being made to women's wrestling in WWE.
Revamping an entire division was always going to be something of an arduous process, and there were some missteps along the way. However, it's difficult to be too dissatisfied with the state of competition for the Divas Championship, especially with this Triple Threat on the horizon.
Anyone who saw what Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks and Charlotte were capable of in NXT will be eagerly anticipating this match. The only question that remains relating to its quality is whether the bout will be given a sufficient amount of time to make good on its potential.
Conventional wisdom would suggest Charlotte will win and continue her reign. However, the Triple Threat structure allows for some interesting possibilities—a Banks pin on Lynch offers up the opportunity for a slow build toward The Boss defending against Charlotte come SummerSlam.
Banks already has a good portion of the crowd behind her, so it seems like high time for WWE to capitalize on that popularity. Given Charlotte has reigned since September 20, 2015, it's perhaps for the best that someone else leads the division for a while.
Prediction: Sasha Banks wins the Divas Championship.
Dean Ambrose vs. Brock Lesnar in a No Holds Barred Street Fight
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Prompted by a strong encounter in the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at Fastlane, the clash between Brock Lesnar and Dean Ambrose promises thrills and spills.
The Lunatic Fringe would be among hallowed company if he were to pick up a win over Lesnar. Since his return in 2012, the only competitors to have beaten The Beast Incarnate in singles competition are John Cena, Triple H and The Undertaker.
That said, the No Holds Barred stipulation does play into Ambrose's hands—as emphasized on the latest edition of Raw, where Mick Foley bestowed him with a barbed wire-covered bat. Seeing Lesnar go hardcore against an opponent seasoned by a spell in Combat Zone Wrestling will be a sight to behold.
Ambrose enters as the underdog, but there's an outside chance WrestleMania could be the night he gets the big win fans are desperate for him to accomplish. He's on the verge of being an established main event talent—notably without a world title reign—and beating Lesnar would finish the job.
Prediction: Brock Lesnar wins, but Dean Ambrose goes down swinging.
Roman Reigns vs. Triple H for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
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It seems more than likely Roman Reigns is going to claim the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania. All signs have pointed toward this outcome for quite some time.
Seeing Triple H retain the world title at WrestleMania would be a big surprise.
It's not an impossibility, though. The Game has been terrific in recent weeks, both in the ring and out, and seeing him defend against anyone from Bray Wyatt to a returning Seth Rollins could provide for an interesting title feud in the coming months.
However, this seems set to be the definitive coronation of Reigns as the top dog after a few false starts. Some kind of twist in the execution is probable, but the end result is clear.
Prediction: Roman Reigns becomes a three-time WWE World Heavyweight champion.
Shane McMahon vs. The Undertaker in Hell in a Cell
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After an electric start following Shane McMahon's shocking return to WWE television in February, there have been more questions than answers in relation to his Hell in a Cell match against the Undertaker at WrestleMania.
The stipulation of McMahon seizing control of Raw from his father has dominated the presentation of the feud on television, with promo battles between Vince and Shane being punctuated with gongs and ensuing Undertaker sightings.
It seems the implication of this match is that having Shane control Raw would lead to a brand split of sorts, where the other McMahons are exiled to the recently revamped SmackDown—and perhaps NXT.
Desire for that change seems to be the only reason fans have to get behind McMahon. Otherwise, Shane is better known for taking savage beatings than doling them out, his fan following being earned via risks taken rather than wins accumulated.
If Shane is to win and shake up the landscape of WWE television, then he'll need help to do so. Interference seems likely, although it's not clear who'll get involved.
Shane McMahon has a perfect record at WrestleMania, but Undertaker still has a WrestleMania streak to defend when it comes to bouts contested within Hell in a Cell. The Phenom gets the win here, but Shane-O-Mac will no doubt go big to satisfy a record-breaking crowd.
Prediction: Undertaker wins to close the show.
What are your predictions for WrestleMania? Who will be holding the gold at the end of the night? Which match goes on last? Make your forecasts in the comments section below.
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