WrestleMania 28: Rock vs. John Cena and 15 Bold Predictions for the Big Event
With WrestleMania 27 slowly coming to a close and reverting back to the same old lackluster storylines, Superstars and ratings, we once again begin our Road to WrestleMania. However, this year, we begin our path to the Show of Shows quicker than usual, all thanks to the immediate announcement of The Rock taking on John Cena at next year's event.
This has thoughts racing through the heads of wrestling fans worldwide, concurring our predictions as to what might happen even though we have nearly 360 days left! I join the majority with my ultimate preview of what awaits us next April and what I expect to see.
Of course, nearly all of these predictions are subject to change due to the everlasting changing landscape of professional wrestling, but it's only my two cents. Make sure to leave your comments and your own personal predictions below following my presentation.
Visit my website at Next Era Wrestling for more of GSM's writings, along with WWE/TNA news, recaps and more.
Sheamus Will Make the Card
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At WrestleMania 27, Sheamus was originally scheduled to defend his prestigious United States Championship against Daniel Byran, in what was expected to be a candidate for Match of the Night. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, both men were pulled from the card to give other lackluster matches more time.
I won't begin my ranting here, but it still shocks as to why a former WWE Champion and a future WWE Champion were pulled from the card that could have quite possibly saved the show. Nonetheless, look for the Celtic Warrior to make his return to the Grandest Stage of Them All next year in a memorable bout.
Wade Barrett Will Go Solo
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For the last nine months, Wade Barrett has almost always being accompanied by either the Nexus or the Corre. Although they benefited him at first, both groups would ultimately reach their downfall.
As of now, I personally hope either group lives on much loner. Barrett is capable of so much more, and could have a rather worthy title run as Intercontinental Champion if he wasn't being held down.
Expect for the NXT Season 1 Winner to depart from his allies soon enough, allowing him to compete in a WrestleMania match that lasts over 90 seconds.
Christian Will Be in Action
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For months leading up to WrestleMania 27, many members of the IWC expected Christian to return to WWE and enter the World Heavyweight Championship picture, effectively setting up an encounter between himself and long-time "friend" Edge at the event. As each day past, my hope began to slowly die, until I witnessed the return of Captain Charisma at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.
Although he was never officially entered into the match between Edge and Alberto Del Rio, he would stay ring side and aid the Rated-R Superstar in retaining his title. Leaving Christian out of participating in an actual match somewhat bothers me, as someone of his ability should be used at the biggest show of the year.
With the recent wins over Alberto Del Rio and a possible heel turn in the works, I expect to see Christian finally be recognized as a top talent, allowing him to compete in a worthy match at WrestleMania 28.
Big Show and Kane Will Once Again Be Wasted
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As each WrestleMania rolls again, it seems to become a tradition to throw WWE's useless giants into pointless matches, most specifically Big Show and Kane. The tradition was once again carried on this year as they won a wasted eight-man tag team match against the Corre in less than 90 seconds.
Big Show is not everyone's favorite wrestling, mostly due to his slow skills. Kane, on the other hand, entertains me with his heel character and should have been used correctly given that he was reigning as World Heavyweight Champion only a mere four months ago.
There are not many more opponents for either man to feud with, but please WWE, give us watching a reason to care about either man's matches at the event.
More Gimmick Matches
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At this year's WrestleMania, there seemed to be a huge lack of gimmick matches at the event, besides the No Holds Barred Match between the Undertaker and Triple H. Usually, this void is filled with the annual Money in the Bank match that has since been removed.
There was a time a decade ago that there was not one regularly contested bout at a WrestleMania. Due to the popular fan demand, hopefully we see the MITB Match make its return to WrestleMania next year.
Beth Pheonix or Natalya vs. Awesome Kong
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Awesome Kong has been the hot topic amongst the WWE Diva's division since her signing in late December, having many watchers of RAW and Smackdown on the lookout for her immanent debut. As a huge fan of hers, I am much anticipating the power, strength and star power she can bring to the lackluster division.
It was rumored for a match to take place at WrestleMania 27 between Kong and Phoenix, however, the match was scrapped to make room for the mainstream icon Snooki. Plans currently call for the Goliath to debut in June on the RAW brand to feud with Eve Torres.
I would certainly feel I paid my money's worth for WrestleMania 28 if Kong were set to defend the title against either fellow powerhouses Natalya or Beth Phoenix.
More Championship Matches
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As I mentioned in an article I composed a few days ago, WrestleMania 27 was the first WrestleMania in history to not have a championship change hands. This is mostly due to the lack of title matches on the card, with only the World titles being defended and the U.S. title match being bumped to a dark match.
Maina, to me, doesn't feel special without a title change. I hope this is changed next year, with an amazing Intercontinental or United States Championship defense.
I mean, let's face it: The WWE Tag Team Championships aren't even worth defending any more.
The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler
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There is no doubt The Miz has improved tremendously over the last year, proving himself to be a top heel on the Monday Night RAW brand. Please, do not give me heat for this comment, but the Miz has certainly made a lasting impression in the WWE.
Most recently, dirt sheets have reported a possible Miz babyface turn in the near future, something I am most definitely against if it was to happen. The WWE Champion plays his current role to perfection and is one of the reasons he has gained a bigger fanbase over the last year.
He has still many heel feuds remaining, but if WWE Creative does decide to turn him eventually, a feud with RAW's newest acquisition Dolph Ziggler is a must-see. Both have similar cocky attitudes that would make them a great tag team, and especially a passable feud.
A clash on the Grandest Stage would make this an awesome (no pun intended) opening bout.
Alberto Del Rio Will Be Champion
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I, among many others, was deeply surprised Alberto Del Rio didn't walk out of WrestleMania 27 as the new World Heavyweight Champion. It is his destiny to one day hold the prestigious belt, even if it comes as soon as Extreme Rules in three weeks.
One thing is certain: Alberto Del Rio will have at least one reign as World Champion come WrestleMania 28, and hopefully that will set him in another high-profile match against a top star either defending or competing for more World Title gold.
CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan
10 of 15This is a match that has long been anticipated by wrestling fans ever since Bryan's debut in the WWE. Both come from very similar backgrounds on the independent circuit, and obtain very entertaining styles of submission wrestling.
A feud between the two seemed possible following the Bragging Rights pay-per-view, but never came to fruition due to an injury sustained by Punk. Both Punk and Bryan are at the top of their game on RAW, and if both can survive the unpredictable WWE draft, we may have a dream match on our hands.
Chris Jericho Will Return
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Since his disappearance from the WWE in early October, Chris Jericho's return has been something we all have been asking about. As a top performer in wrestling and with the current state of the roster, Jericho's comeback will be nothing short of epic.
It was originally rumored for Jericho to return quite possibly as soon as the Royal Rumble, but plans were scratched due to his participation on Dancing with the Stars. I can not guarantee Y2J will be back by WrestleMania 28, but it does seem likely with a contract already on the table.
If so, I am highly look forward to a match between him and Orton due to their past history at the event.
Sin Cara vs. Rey Mysterio
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The moment Sin Cara signed the dotted line on his new WWE contract, rumblings erupted regarding a possible dream match between Cara and fellow Latino Rey Mysterio. Their chemistry would be off the charts, especially from what we saw from Sin Cara in his debut this past week.
Although the two are separated via the brand barrier, they doesn't stop WWE from making this dream match a reality to generate more buzz come WrestleMania 28.
The Rock Will Emerge Victorious
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With the segment that started the entire buzz regarding a WrestleMania that is nearly a year away, The Rock made a dream match come true, granting us himself a match with John Cena at WrestleMania 28.
Although I personally do not believe this to be a good decision to announce this far ahead of time, it does indeed put many thoughts into minds of intrigued wrestling fans. Given the setting of Miami for next year's WrestleMania, I don't think it would go over smoothly if John Cena was to emerge the victor.
If Cena was to win, I would expect a much needed heel turn, but don't get your hopes up. This blood-brewing rivalry will continue to heat up over the next year, and leave an image of the Great One posing over Cena victorious for the first time in eight years, implanted in our minds forever.
Edge Will Retire
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After much speculation and even some confirmation from Edge, it looks as if 2011 may the last full year of the Rated-R Superstar. With many nagging injuries slowing down his career as it is, Edge still is able to put on one hell of a show each and every night for wresting fans.
The current reigning World Heavyweight Champion has proved everything there is to prove in WWE, so it's no secret it's time to hang up the boots. It's a shame Toronto wasn't chosen as the site of WrestleMania 28, as we could have seen Edge end his career in his hometown.
Unless anything changes from now until then, I would expect Edge to compete in his last match at WrestleMania 28. With the Christian feud approaching quicker than expected, who will have the honor to compete in his final WWE match on the Grandest Stage of Them All?
The Undertaker Will Go 20-0
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Edge's career is not the only one I predict ending at WrestleMania 28. Only a week ago, the Undertaker continued his infamous streak with his 19th win at the Show of Shows, further cementing himself in WWE history forever.
Following his win over Triple H, the Phenom was stretched out in an odd manner, playing the "Undertaker is dead" story-line. I could see him returning as soon as SummerSlam, but I have a feeling it he could wait until right before WrestleMania 28.
Right before this Rock-Cena rivalry began, the planned match at Mania 28 was originally Taker defending the streak against John Cena in a match I have waited years for. Unfortunately, I can not decide which bout I'd rather see more.
Undertaker doesn't have much more in the tank, with his multiple injuries throughout 2010 being a prime example. If his 20th match at the biggest event of the year is indeed his last, I do not wish to the Game being the first pick. If Cena is unavailable, then let HHH take his place as Taker's final opponent.
There is no reason to end the streak at 19-1 come next year, so I certainly do not hope WWE makes that mistake by finalizing it there. As time goes on, more will unfold as to whether Taker will indeed retire come 2012.
Thanks for reading, Bleachers! Don't forget to leave your feedback below along with your own personal predictions for the event. 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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