WrestleMania 27 Predictions: GSM's Picks, Preview and Potential for Each Match
After nearly a year of long waiting and high anticipation, the spectacle known as WrestleMania 27 is finally upon us. Oh, what a rocky road it was.
Tomorrow, on April 3rd, 2011, WWE will present its 27th annual Show of Shows with yet another strong and suspenseful card. But the real question is this: who will walk out of the Georgia Dome victorious?
Here, you will find my personal predictions, picks and previews of each contest and their potential to be a very successful match. The following picks do not contain spoilers or inside information, merely just guesses similar to everyone else.
On a side note, the match order was apparently leaked by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper, so my previews will follow in that order.
Will WrestleMania 27 be able to live up to the hype? Will it be able to top last year's performance in Phoenix? Will it be remembered as a memorable or forgettable event?
Get ready for these questions to be answered along with many more, so here we go!
Visit my website at Next Era Wrestling for more of GSM's writings, along with WWE/TNA news, recaps, and more.
1. Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan for United States Championship
1 of 10Preview
This match has been highly anticipated for weeks now among the IWC with the potential of being a show-stopping opener. Both Daniel Bryan and Sheamus are tremendous workers, and given enough time, we could see a contest much similar to Bryan's match against Dolph Ziggler at last year's Bragging Rights.
Although I would have liked more hype and build to this match, it's acceptable to what we were given. This will be their third consecutive match against each other; as in their last match, Sheamus emerged as the new United States Champion a few weeks ago on RAW.
Prediction
With Sheamus fresh off his title win and on a newly found winning streak, I expect the Celtic Warrior to successfully retain his championship against Daniel Bryan. However, I do hope the feud continues well into next month's Extreme Rules pay-per-view.
Potential
As stated before, I hope we will receive at least a 10-minute match from these amazing workers. It fits well into the first match slot and should set the stage for the rest of the show.
2. Jerry Lawler vs. Micheal Cole with Stone Cold as Referee
2 of 10
Preview
With this rivalry brewing since December last year, I cannot wait until the Georgia Dome explodes when Jerry Lawler finally gets his hands on Michael Cole. A few months ago, I was rolling my eyes at the fact that Cole might actually be wrestling a match at WrestleMania 27, but with the time and build-up this feud has gotten, I am eagerly waiting as to how it will play out.
I was never high on Cole until a few months ago when he started bothering Lawler and costing him championship matches, and my interest in the broadcaster was elevated when he was teamed with Jack Swagger, and especially his new creation, the "Cole Mine."
Cole's skits with Swagger have been laugh-out-loud hilarious, and Lawler has played his serious role very well. It also helps the King accomplish his dream of competing at WrestleMania.
Prediction
Jerry Lawler has long anticipated this match for years, and after being dominated week in and week out by Cole and Swagger, one can only assume the King will be victorious. Adding Stone Cold Steve Austin as the special guest referee will add more attention to the match—and hopefully some comedy.
Rumors going around state Jim Ross might be involved in WrestleMania 27 at some capacity. I'd prefer him gaining revenge on Cole, but calling the match behind the announce table will be just as appealing.
Potential
Obviously, this will not be known as a five-star wrestling class but more of an emotional comic relief. From what I've heard, this is supposed to be a top match on a card, so placing it second wouldn't sense.
Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes
3 of 10
Preview
Much like the United States Championship Match, this contest could be a shoo-in for match of the night. This boiling rivalry has been spanned over the last two months on the SmackDown brand but hyped in an unusual fashion.
After having his nose broken by Rey Mysterio, Cody Rhodes took time off television to sell the injury and supported a face mask upon his return. Their promo following the Elimination Chamber with Dusty Rhodes was very well done, but everything following has been disappointing.
Each man has been involved in random matches over the last month, with Rhodes not even bothering to get suited in his wrestling gear for his respective matches. The highlight of the feud came last Friday when the former "Dashing" one sought revenged on the Master of the 619 by viciously kneeing him in the head while wearing a knee brace similar to Mysterio's.
I'd be a little more interested in this match if the Mask vs. Mask stipulation was added, but hopefully it will down the road if the feud continues.
Prediction
Rey Mysterio has been booked to be the underdog in nearly all of his feuds, and his last four consecutive wins at WrestleMania can prove that. I would usually assume the Ultimate Underdog to win in this case, but with Cody Rhodes being heavily pushed lately as a top heel, I predict him to go over and on to bigger things.
Potential
If I'm not mistaken, these two have contested in three previous bouts against one another in the last six months, and all three have been phenomenal. Mysterio hand picked his opponent for a reason because he knows Rhodes can really mix with their chemistry.
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Big Show, Kane, Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov vs. the Corre
4 of 10
Preview
Of all the matches on the WrestleMania card, this has to be the one I am least looking forward to. For a match that was just confirmed on Monday, this is a rivalry that has been horribly booked and not cared about at all.
Big Show began his rivalry with nefarious Corre stable in January, before Kane was entered in the mix just last month. The matches they've contested in have mostly ended in disqualification, and most recently, Show and Kane have formed an uneasy alliance to fight Wade Barret's group and dominating leading up to this Sunday.
Former tag champs Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov have had an on-and-off feud with Corre for the past few months and were added to the eight-man tag team match on RAW in an effort to get everyone on the Show of Shows.
Prediction
With the face team's dominance over the last few weeks, I would have predicted Corre to win at WrestleMania 27 to build their credibility up. However, a few hours ago, it was confirmed that Vladimir Kozlov was injured by the Corre following his match at Fan Axxess.
Much speculation is going around as to who might replace Kozlov in the match. I don't read spoilers, so for those reading who know the surprise entrant, please do not share your knowledge with the rest of us below.
My top picks for replacements are Kofi Kingston (who has yet to be added to the event), a possible Roddy Piper who teased a surprise at the event, and Diesel who has been rumored to possibly take part. If Kozlov is indeed replaced, I expect this new interest in the match will lead Big Show's team to victory.
Potential
Almost none of these men in the match have chemistry wrestling each other, so I hope it isn't given much time. Big Show will look to slow down the match, but I hope Barrett and his stable look strong in defeat.
John Morrison, Trish Stratus and Snooki vs. Dolph Ziggler and Lay-Cool
5 of 10Preview
This match came about a few weeks ago on RAW during Snooki's reign as guest host. After attacking both members of Lay-Cool, Snooki accepted Vickie Guerrero's challenge to a six-person tag team match for WreslteMania 27.
Of course, I, among many others of the IWC, are not anticipating the Jersey Shore star's appearance on the show. As long as she gains pay-per-view buys and mainstream, I guess that's all that matters.
It's depressing to see Dolph Ziggler and John Morrison fall so far in two months, but at least they were lucky enough to be present on the card. It is also shame that Trish Stratus' return to WWE and competing in her first WrestleMania in five years weren't treated as a bigger deal that it has been.
Prediction
I'm confident in my choice that Team Snooki will leave victorious. Winning this match will do nothing to either team, so it's more of a special attraction match than anything in my opinion.
Potential
I pray to the skies that Snooki will not present in the match for more than 30 seconds. I'm hoping that Ziggler and Morrison provide most of the in-ring work with strong spots and give Lay-Cool some time with Stratus as well.
If as goes well, some decent time with less Snooki will make this an acceptable match. However, I have a strong feeling Snooki will be involved in the finish somehow.
Randy Orton vs. CM Punk
6 of 10
Preview
For two of the best workers in the company today, I'm somewhat surprised this match hasn't been treated as a bigger deal as it is. A rivalry that began nearly two and half years ago gives this feud more fire power rather than an ordinary match.
Having Orton punt each New Nexus member in the head and out of action makes them look weak if they to return to the group eventually, but also set up for a predictable set of matches leading up to WrestleMania. Punk's recent mic work in promos has also made the feud more interesting.
Prediction
With the fact that CM Punk was never able to get revenge on Randy Orton gives him the edge of winning the match, but I'm not certain. The Legend Killer has been booked to look as the weaker force on recent episodes of RAW and has yet to win a pay-per-view match since Survivor Series.
Being more popular than ever, I give this win to Randy Orton. Nonetheless, I look to see the feud continue for the next few months.
Potential
Orton and Punk have loads of chemistry which was seen in their last match back in 2008. I have a feeling Orton's knee injury will play a factor in the match, but given enough time, these two can provide us with a very solid match.
Edge vs. Alberto Del Rio for the World Heavyweight Championship
7 of 10Preview
Since wining the 2011 Royal Rumble Match, Alberto Del Rio would constantly get the best of Edge and attacking him at every turn. It was painfully obvious Edge would retain his World Championship inside the Elimination Chamber, continuing the lackluster feud.
However, Christian made his long-awaited return to WWE after five months to Edge's aid, making this rivalry more personal and interesting than before. For the following weeks, Christian would develop a hot winning streak to my liking, and defeat Del Rio on two separate occasions.
Unfortunately, Christian was never added to the World title match but will be present at ring side in Edge's corner to counter Brodus Clay in Del Rio's corner.
Prediction
Rumors have been roaming and speculation brewing on the outcome of the match has set the IWC ablaze. It's no secret that with McMahon high on Alberto Del Rio, he will be walking out as the new World Heavyweight Champion. But in what fashion?
In order to add some more suspense to the match, I'm expecting a Christian heel turn to cost the Rated-R Superstar the title. But knowing WWE, I'm guessing Del Rio wins clean, and leave us scratching our heads.
Potential
Being a first-time-ever match (not counting their match on SmackDown last fall), Edge and Del Rio can develop some real chemistry to make this a memorable match. Look out for the return of Edge's finishing submission maneuverer, the Edegcator, to counter Del Rio's armbreaker.
Undertaker vs. Triple H (No Holds Barred)
8 of 10Preview
Honestly, Triple H was never my first choice to be challenging the streak at WrestleMania 27, as I hoped either John Cena, Sheamus, Wade Barrett or any other fresh match we have yet to see. But seeing that Triple H is also fighting for the honor of his close friend, Shawn Michaels, it makes sense.
It bothers me neither man was allowed to mention their WrestleMania 17 match 10 years prior, since it would add more personal revenge. Their inagural meeting on the February 21st episode of RAW was simply epic, but every promo following that has been nothing but repetitive.
Fortunately, their meeting on this week's RAW made up for the lackluster hype and gave this viewer many more reasons to get excited for this match. In a battle of the icons, this should prove itself to a very memorable contest.
Prediction
In my opinion, this has to be the most predictable match on the card. The infamous streak would not end at here and now, if at all.
However, Shawn Michaels' participation in their promo this past week has me questioning as to whether he will involve himself in the match. If this was to come to fruition, I'd expect HBK to lay out both men with his patented Sweet Chin Music.
Potential
With the added No Holds Barred stipulation, this will allow both Taker and Triple H to take it easy but still work without limitations. Coming off injuries, don't expect anything too extreme, but definitely a strong match given at least 30 minutes of time.
The Miz vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship
9 of 10Preview
In a renewal of a rivalry from 2009, John Cena has really brought the best out of The Miz over the last few months. Miz's work as WWE Champion will not be soon forgotten, with his stock higher than ever.
Although it would seem Miz has been booked to seem like the odd man out with the Rock's return overshadowing the era of awesome, you can't help but admit The Miz might have a legitimate chance of walking out of WreslteMania 27 with his title intact.
There is no doubt that WrestleMania guest host, The Rock, will be involved, but similar to the World title match, it's questionable as to what role he might play. Nonetheless, the hype for this match has gotten hotter by the week and in my opinion should close out Mania.
Prediction
I, for one, am having a difficult time predicting a winner for this anticipated contest. John Cena has yet to be pinned or submitted at a WrestleMania, and being the poster child, Cena could quite possibly walk out a ten-time WWE Champion.
The Miz, on the other hand, has proved his championship reign to be successful with great matches, promos and gaining much mainstream attention each and every week. If WWE is truly committed to their youth movement, the Awesome One should be the man to prove many people wrong by pinning Cena clean.
The Rock will obviously make his presence known, but could he cost Cena his championship match and eventually lead to either man turning heel?
Potential
We have seen this match many times over the course of the past two years, but with Miz improving tremendously, this should definitley be his breakout performance. Although Cena may not be known for his wrestling skills, he can sure put on one hell of a WrestleMaina match each year.
With some hints from Rocky that this could be the main event of the evening, I am highly expecting we are in for a big surprise.
Conclusion
10 of 10
With only 24 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 WrestleManias. Suspense, drama, emotion and most certainly historical significance is contained in each match, but will the strong card deliver?
In my opinion, WrestleMania 27 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.
My predictions are in the books, so now it's time to make yours! Feel free to comment below to make your own personal picks regarding each match and if you think the show will live up to your expectations.
Enjoy WrestleMania 27, Bleachers! GSM out.
Visit my website at Next Era Wrestling for more of GSM's writings, along with WWE/TNA news, recaps, and more.
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