WrestleMania XXVII Predictions: The Rock, Cena and Undertaker's Streak
It's that time of year again, WrestleMania, otherwise known as the Super Bowl of wrestling. Or is the Super Bowl the WrestleMania of football?
In any event, April 3 will mark the day that wrestling fans anticipate all year long. There have been mixed feelings regarding the strength of the WrestleMania card this year, but there are some extremely interesting dynamics involved.
To my knowledge, heels have never had so much to gain at any WrestleMania in its rich 26-year history. The Miz, Alberto Del Rio, Sheamus, Cody Rhodes, CM Punk and The Corre would all benefit greatly from wins on wrestling's biggest stage.
As we all know, however, WrestleMania is traditionally a stage where the company's top faces shine brightest.
Will this year see a landmark change in the way the WWE approaches WrestleMania? Read on to find out what I think will happen in each of WrestleMania XXVII's nine matches.
Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan for the United States Championship
1 of 9
Prediction:
This match pits two wrestlers who have been on a bit of a slide against each other. Sheamus ended Bryan's six-month U.S. title reign two weeks ago on RAW, and Bryan invoked his rematch clause for WrestleMania.
When Bryan beat The Miz for the US title, he was absolutely on fire. He was defending the belt on a regular basis, defeating all comers and putting on high quality matches on pay-per-views. Over the past couple months, however, Bryan has become more of a comedic character due to his involvement with the Bella twins and Gail Kim.
Sheamus, on the other hand, has been in a huge slump since losing the WWE Championship at Night of Champions. Although Sheamus did win the King of the Ring a couple months later, he was booked terribly afterward and suffered losses to the likes of Mark Henry and Evan Bourne.
Both of these superstars could really use the win, but only one of them can get it. I feel like Sheamus will retain since he just won the title and seems to be on the rebound. Unfortunately, this will force Bryan to slide even further down the mid-card.
How it will happen:
This match should be a great one to open the show and get the crowd involved early. Bryan will keep the pace up early in the bout with an array of kicks and high-flying maneuvers. Much like their previous RAW matches, I envision Bryan carrying the match for the most part.
Bryan will attempt to apply the LaBell Lock, but Sheamus will find a way to squirm out of it. Sheamus will then hit Bryan with a Brogue Kick, pick him up, and put an exclamation point on the match and their feud with a Celtic Cross for the win.
The Corre vs. Big Show, Kane, Santino and Kozlov
2 of 9
Prediction:
I'm not really looking forward to this match up. I'm a big fan of Wade Barrett, but it's highly unlikely that we'll see any technical wrestling or exciting spots in this one.
The face team seems like the type of team the WWE would normally put over, but there's absolutely no reason to bury The Corre here. The Corre hasn't done a whole lot since debuting on SmackDown, but it's beginning to look like they're slowly being built up.
Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater are the Tag Team Champions, and Barrett won the Intercontinental title off Kofi Kingston last week. With all of those titles, The Corre is starting to look like a legitimate stable, so it would be a huge mistake to derail their momentum.
The Big Show and Kane are veterans who have nothing to gain here, so I definitely think The Corre will pick up the victory.
How it will happen:
As the Big Show and Kane always do, I expect them to dominate The Corre for most of the match. Santino and Kozlov will provide plenty of comedic relief throughout the match as well.
I don't have a really good feel for how the match will progress, but I do think that Ezekiel Jackson and the Big Show will have a one-on-one confrontation at some point with Big Show getting the best of him.
The Corre will use the usual heel tactics throughout the match like distracting the official and trying to isolate the opposition in their corner. I can't see Kane or the Big Show getting pinned in this one, so I think that there will be some sort of altercation outside the ring between the majority of the wrestlers in the match.
While the melee is occurring outside, Barrett will get the better of Santino and hit him with Wasteland for the victory. The Corre will then retreat up the ramp as the Big Show and Kozlov tend to Santino.
Since Kane's character has been softened in recent weeks, I expect him to beat down his teammates after the match in frustration in order to restore his character to normalcy.
Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes
3 of 9
Prediction:
In terms of pure wrestling, this match undoubtedly has a great chance to take “match of the night” honors. I've never been big on Mysterio, but he can definitely put on a great match when he's on top of his game.
Rhodes is an excellent in-ring competitor in his own right, and his “Dashing” gimmick really helped put him on the map as a singles competitor. I prefer him as “Dashing” Cody Rhodes, but this new, dark persona has certainly added a lot of depth to his character.
Mysterio reportedly handpicked Rhodes as his WrestleMania opponent, so there's reason to believe that he would be willing to put Rhodes over. I think that a victory for Rhodes over an accomplished opponent at WrestleMania could catapult him into the main event scene.
I think the WWE realizes they have a potential young star in Rhodes, so he'll be tabbed to pick up the win.
How it will happen:
Any match that involves Mysterio is a fast-paced affair, and this will be no exception. I think Mysterio will frustrate Rhodes early in the match with his immense speed and signature aerial moves.
Rhodes will eventually get into the match, however, and begin viciously assaulting Rey, looking to exact revenge for his “mangled” face. A series of stomps and knees will ensue as Rhodes will slow the breakneck pace a bit.
The tide will turn once again as Mysterio will execute a series of hurricanranas and cross bodies. Rey will then set up Rhodes on the ropes and attempt a 619. Mysterio will execute the move, but much to everybody's surprise it will have no effect because of Rhodes' protective mask.
This will swing the momentum in favor of Rhodes, who will hit Mysterio with a Cross Rhodes to pick up a clean victory.
I'm going outside the box a bit with this next prediction, but I certainly think it's possible. Cody has attempted to unmask Rey for the past few weeks. I can't see the WWE making Rey ditch the mask since it's such a huge part of his persona, so this is what I think might happen.
As Rhodes begins to unmask Mysterio, Sin Cara will run in and attack Rhodes. Rhodes will retreat with the victory, but Rey's dignity will be saved. Since Sin Cara is expected to make his in-ring debut the night after WrestleMania, it isn't unreasonable to think that he could make an appearance. I think it would make sense for a fellow luchador to make the save, and for Sin Cara and Mysterio to forge an alliance.
John Morrison, Trish Stratus and Snooki vs. Dolph Ziggler and LayCool
4 of 9
Prediction:
I actually like most of the wrestlers involved in this match, but the inclusion of Snooki really ruins it for me. I understand what Vince McMahon is doing from a business standpoint, though. As stupid as it is, Jersey Shore is extremely popular right now. Vince wants mainstream attention, and that's exactly what he's gotten to this point.
With the exception of Pete Rose, celebrities are absolutely never made to look bad at WrestleMania. In fact, they're undefeated in matches as Mr. T, Lawrence Taylor, Floyd Mayweather and Butterbean have all scored victories.
I fully expect that trend to continue, and it pains me to say this, but Morrison, Stratus and Snooki will pick up the win.
How it will happen:
When Morrison and Ziggler are in the ring together, this match will probably be a pretty good one. Both are highly athletic and have put on some good matches together on RAW recently. It's when the ladies get tagged in that things will go down hill, however.
LayCool will likely be made to look completely incompetent in this match, which is a shame since they're my favorite divas. Trish will dominate both of them over the course of the match.
At some point, Vickie Guerrero will try to get involved. When this happens, Snooki will jump into action and do the only move she knows, jumping on Vickie and pounding her head on the ground. As this is happening, Morrison will take control as Ziggler will be distracted by the beat down being administered to Vickie. Morrison will eventually hit Ziggler with Starship Pain.
Instead of going for the cover, though, Morrison will tag in Snooki and allow her to get the pinfall on Ziggler. This will be a measure of revenge for Morrison, as he pinned by Vickie in similar fashion on RAW a couple weeks ago.
Randy Orton vs. CM Punk
5 of 9
Prediction:
This is yet another match where the heel has more to gain than the face. Punk belongs in the title hunt, but it's been a long time since he has been. He's been tied up in titleless feuds with Mysterio, Big Show and now Orton for the last year-plus, though.
I like that even though Orton has punted every Nexus member back to developmental, Punk has been able to get the best of him the past couple weeks. This was a necessary move by creative because Punk has been made to look weak hiding behind the Nexus and the Straight Edge Society.
While I don't think the win is necessary for Orton, I do think that he'll come away with the victory. The WWE has spent a lot of time building Orton up into a super face over the past year, so I think they'd like to see some return on their investment in the form of a WrestleMania win.
How it will happen:
Although I'm not much of an Orton fan, I think this should be a good, old school, psychological wrestling match. Punk is the best in the business in terms of psychology, and I think Orton can hold his own in that regard too.
The main storyline within this bout will be the leg injury Orton suffered at the hands of Punk two weeks ago. The seed was planted that it would adversely affect Orton when he was unable to punt Punk on last week's RAW.
I think Punk will work over the leg for the better portion of the match and will appear to be in complete control. Eventually he'll slip up, however, and Orton's leg will appear magically healed as he begins his signature move sequence.
Punk will reverse Orton's RKO attempt, though, and regain control. As the match nears its conclusion, Punk will put Orton on his shoulders to set up the GTS. Just as Punk is getting ready to finish him off, Orton will slither away and RKO Punk for the win.
As Orton is celebrating his victory, Punk will begin to stir in the corner. As is customary, Orton will get crazy eyes and start setting up for the punt. While Punk was able to escape the punt the previous week, he won't be so lucky this time as Orton will kick Punk straight into a few-week-long vacation.
This will allow Punk to return Nexus-free and begin to pave his own way toward a WWE Championship program down the line.
Jerry “The King” Lawler vs. Michael Cole
6 of 9
Prediction:
With “Stone Cold” Steve Austin as the special guest referee, this match has the potential to be extremely entertaining. Seeing as Cole isn't a trained wrestler, the in-ring work won't be great, but there are a number of different side stories that should make for some interesting moments.
Ever since this match was announced, Cole, along with his “trainer” Jack Swagger, have been getting the better of Lawler and numerous other superstars. This alone gives me reason to believe that Lawler will come out on top.
Add in the fact that Stone Cold is obviously on Lawler's side and that this is Lawler's first 'Mania match, I have little doubt that Lawler will destroy Cole in this one.
How it will happen:
Since there will be nobody left to commentate this match, I think Josh Matthews will be joined by Jim Ross. It certainly makes sense since Ross was the victim of a Cole/Swagger attack a few weeks ago on RAW.
Cole will spend much of the match running around the ring, trying to escape from Lawler. On the occasions that Lawler roughs him up, Cole will roll outside the ring and get some encouragement from Swagger.
I don't expect this match to last very long so the blow off should happen pretty quickly. Swagger will attempt to enter the ring, but Ross will jump up from the announce table and grab Swagger's leg. Swagger will kick Ross away and proceed to enter the ring. Once he does, he'll be met with a Stone Cold Stunner courtesy of Austin.
With nobody left to save Cole, Lawler will punch him out and finish him off with his signature flying fist drop. After the match, Ross will enter the ring where he'll join Lawler and Austin in an old fashioned Stone Cold beer bash.
Once Swagger gets back on his feet, he'll eat another stunner from Austin, and then Cole will get one for good measure as well.
Edge vs. Alberto Del Rio for the World Heavyweight Championship
7 of 9
Prediction:
If there's one wrestler who would benefit most from a victory at WrestleMania, it would have to be Alberto Del Rio. Since making his WWE debut in August, Del Rio has been on, perhaps, the most rapid ascent of any superstar in recent history. Del Rio's mega push culminated with a win at the Royal Rumble.
Edge is a good champion, and it's certainly safe to keep the belt on him, but there's really nothing binding him to the title. He has accomplished basically everything there is to accomplish in the WWE, and I'm sure he isn't above putting over his red-hot opponent.
I think that most fans feel as though Del Rio is poised to win the title, and I agree. I'm confident that the WWE realizes they need to capitalize on the shooting star that is Alberto Del Rio, and I believe they will.
How it will happen:
Most of this match will focus on Del Rio softening up the injured arm of Edge, just as he has done for much of the past month.
There will probably be an awful lot of hijinks occurring on the outside of the ring as Christian will be in Edge's corner and Brodus Clay and Ricardo Rodriguez will be in Del Rio's corner. I think that Clay and Rodriguez will attempt to interfere in the match multiple times, but Christian will act as an enforcer and thwart them each time.
I can see Del Rio controlling a good portion of the match by slowing down the pace and working over Edge's arm. At some point late in the match, however, Edge will begin to take control, hitting Del Rio with an Edgeucator and a DDT.
After laying Del Rio out with a DDT, Edge will retreat to the corner and begin setting up for the spear. Just as Edge is about to spear Del Rio, he will pull the referee in front of him, and the official will subsequently be knocked out.
Clay and Rodriguez will again try to interfere while the official is incapacitated, but Christian will again stop them. Christian will then grab a chair in an attempt to put Del Rio out once and for all. When Christian goes to hit Del Rio with chair, however, Del Rio will duck and Christian will end up up hitting Edge in his injured arm.
As Christian stands in shock, the referee will begin to stir and Del Rio will lock in his patented cross arm breaker on Edge. Just as the referee comes to, the pain will become too much for Edge to take and he'll tap out, meaning Del Rio is the new champion.
This mishap will ignite a slow-burning feud between Edge and Christian.
The Undertaker vs. Triple H
8 of 9
Prediction:
It's possible that the streak will end one day, but unfortunately for Triple H, April 3 will not be that day. I can't envision the WWE allowing Triple H to end the streak. The only way I can see it ending is if either Cena does it, or a fast rising star (like Alberto Del Rio) does it since it would give the young star instant credibility and a massive rub.
If this were the Undertaker's final WrestleMania, I would slightly consider the possibility of him losing, but it has been reported that he'd like to compete in one or two more. I think this is one of the easier matches to predict.
How it will happen:
A lot of people are worried that Undertaker and Triple H won't be able to put on a good match because of the amount of time both have been injured. I'm not buying into the ring rust argument, though. These guys have been among wrestling's top entertainers for well over a decade. I've got to believe that wrestling is like riding a bike for these guys. They've done it so many times that it's tough to forget.
I expect the match to start off in much the same manner as the Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels matches of the past two WrestleManias. The men will spend a good portion of the early stages feeling each other out. I think that each man will just nearly miss hitting their finisher on the other, making the crowd feel as though the streak could end in the blink of an eye.
As the match continues it will likely be a very see-saw affair with each man having pockets of dominance. Because the match is no holds barred, I would expect a decent amount of action to take place outside the ring. At some point I can see Triple H Pedigree-ing Undertaker through the announce table as he has done to Sheamus and Ted DiBiase over the past month, although Triple H will be too tired to take advantage.
I also think that each man will kick out of the other's finisher in the match's latter stages to make it look like extraordinary measures must be reached to earn the victory.
I can see the blow-off of the match occurring in a couple variations, but all involve Shawn Michaels. Prior to Monday's RAW, I felt like Michaels would get involved, but his actions certainly clinched it for me.
Near the end of the match, each competitor will be laid out, struggling to get to their feet. As this is happening, HBK will rush to the ring. He will enter the ring and begin tuning up the band for the Sweet Chin Music. Absolutely everybody will think that his target is the Undertaker, but at the last second he will turn and kick Triple H flush on the chin.
Michaels will promptly walk back to the locker room as the crowd is left in shock. The Undertaker, not realizing what had just transpired, will pin Triple H and extend the streak to 19-0.
The next night on RAW, Michaels will reveal that his reasoning for turning on Triple H is jealousy. If Michaels wasn't the one to end Taker's streak, then nobody will do it, not even his best friend.
The Miz vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship
9 of 9
Prediction:
This match is the toughest one to call on the card in my opinion. The Miz would certainly benefit more by keeping the title, but the WWE has an obsession with making Cena look like a superhero as often as possible.
It's also difficult to say exactly what type of impact The Rock will have on this match, but it's obvious that he'll get involved in some way.
In the end, I think that the statistics are simply too much to ignore. For one, Cena is undefeated in singles matches at WrestleMania over the course of his career. Perhaps the more telling fact, however, is that every WrestleMania main event but one has been won by a wrestler who entered the match as a face. The lone exception is Triple H at WrestleMania XXIV.
Labeling The Miz as an afterthought may be a red herring of sorts to make fans believe he has no chance at retaining, but I think it's more a matter of foreshadowing Cena's inevitable triumph. I hope I'm wrong, but as is customary at WrestleMania, I think Cena will send the kids home happy.
How it will happen:
Although many are expecting The Rock to interfere with the match itself, I don't think that will be the case. I think he might join the announce team to call the match or simply watch from ringside to give the illusion that he will interfere, however.
I expect the match to occur in typical Cena fashion. The Miz will get his shots in, but Cena will likely control the match for the most part. I foresee Alex Riley trying to get involved early in the match, but getting caught by the referee and being banished to the locker room. This will take away The Miz's greatest advantage.
At some point late in the match, The Miz will gain momentum and go for the Skull Crushing Finale, but Cena will reverse it and his famous “Five Moves of Doom” will ensue. Cena will likely score the victory by slapping on the STF and forcing The Miz to tap out.
Cena will then celebrate and cater to the fans before Riley runs out from backstage. Riley and The Miz will proceed to beat down Cena in much the same way they did The Rock on RAW. While Cena didn't help The Rock on RAW, I think The Rock will enter the ring and ward off The Miz and Riley.
Cena will get up and offer The Rock his hand as a gesture of solidarity. The Rock will take a long look, and then Rock Bottom Cena instead; another role reversal from RAW. The show will end with The Rock celebrating, opening the door for a future Rock/Cena feud.
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