By: Zach Brendza and Sam Fatula | The Duquesne Duke
The Super Bowl is a JV game compared to WrestleMania. On Sunday, World Wrestling Entertainment will hold its 30th WrestleMania in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La. Our two proffesional wrestling “experts” weigh-in on the winners and upsets to keep an eye on. (Note: Brendza will be the first prediction for each match)
Randy Orton vs. Batista vs. Triple H or Daniel Bryan (WWE World Heavyweight Title)
Pending his match against Triple H earlier in the night, Daniel Bryan can and will win the WWE World Heavyweight Title at the grandest stage of them all. Despite the push for Batista after winning this year’s Royal Rumble, I believe WWE will finally give the fans what they want: Daniel Bryan as champion. Yes.
Winner: Daniel Bryan – ZB
With the Triple H/Daniel Bryan rivalry going on in recent weeks, the feud has single-handedly taken over in popularity versus the WWE Championship match. For this match, it’s all about destiny and the ideal storyline. Typically in WrestleMania history, the main event is about resolution and “good over evil.” If Daniel Bryan defeats Triple H like I believe he will, he will also most likely beat all odds and take the WWE Title as well. Winner: Daniel Bryan – SF
Triple H vs. Daniel Bryan (winner enters WWE World Heavyweight Title match)
Daniel Bryan has been dissed by The Authority (The McMahons and Triple H) since SummerSlam in August. It’s time for Bryan to get revenge. Month after month on RAW Bryan got beat down, so he will come out on top here.
Winner: Daniel Bryan – ZB
During Triple H’s tenure as Chief Operating Officer of WWE, he has coined the phrase, “what’s best for business.” And what’s best for business is for Daniel Bryan to beat “The Game” at WrestleMania in order to go on to the WWE Championship main event. The “Yes!” movement lives on with a Bryan victory.
Winner: Daniel Byan – SF
The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar
21-0. That’s Undertaker’s career record at Wrestlemania. You don’t need to know anything more than that. With Lesnar’s part-time status with WWE, there’s no way they’ll have him end the streak. The Dead Man will win this match somehow.
Winner: The Undertaker – ZB
With the largest streak in sports entertainment on the line, “The Phenom” looks to go for his 22nd WrestleMania victory against “the Beast Incarnate.” It has been over a decade since these two heavyweights have gone toe-to-toe, with Lesnar coming out on top in previous matches. Since then, Lesnar went on to have a brief UFC career, and The Undertaker continued on with his undefeated streak, beating the likes of Shawn Michaels (twice) and Triple H. That being said, Lesnar has no chance at WrestleMania. The streak continues at 22-0.
Winner: The Undertaker – SF
John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt
This rivalry has been building since the Royal Rumble (WWE’s January Pay-Per-View) and will finally be settled. Bray Wyatt and the Wyatt Family are two of the hottest commodities in the WWE right now. If WWE is smart (which is a big if), they will give Bray the win and the push.
Winner: Bray Wyatt – ZB
The patriarch of the Wyatt Family interfered with the WWE poster boy at Elimination Chamber in February, causing Cena to lose his chance for another championship title. In the subsequent weeks, the self-proclaimed “Eater of Worlds” made it his mission to end Cena’s career by forcing his henchmen to beat him down at any given opportunity. Despite the Wyatts having the advantage at ringside on Sunday, rest assured Cena will find a way to win the match, thanks to previous experience in WrestleMania bouts.
Winner: John Cena – SF
The Usos vs. Los Matadores vs. The Real Americans vs. Ryback & Curtis Axel (WWE Tag Team Championship)
The Usos, reigning tag team champions, will face opponents at Wrestlemania that aren’t likely to win, Los Matadores, who are irrelevant. The Real Americans seem on the verge of breaking up and no one in their right mind would put the belts on Ryback and Cutis Axel. I would be shocked if the Usos don’t leave New Orleans with the titles.
Winner: The Usos – ZB
It has been some time since the WWE has had a tag team division that was competitive. Instead of having two rival tag teams simply pass the belts to each other every month or so like in recent years, this fatal four-way could have interesting results. Though four teams have the capability of winning, I see it going to one of two teams; the Usos or RybAxel. The Usos have not had the titles for long, and probably have the best team in terms of ability. RybAxel are a relatively new team, which causes me to believe that they will remain as a tag team for a while. Due to Ryback and Curtis Axel’s lack of time working together, the Usos will most likely retain their titles for the time being.
Winner: The Usos – SF
The Shield vs. Kane & The New Age Outlaws
This match may be one that I feel most divided on. But my gut tells me that through some distraction or outside interference, Kane and The New Age Outlaws win, which will lead to The Shield dismantling as a faction. Old stars will shine and Roman Reigns will finally get an opportunity in the singles division.
Winner: Kane & The New Age Outlaws – ZB
“Oh you didn’t know?!” The “Road Dogg” Jesse James and Billy Gunn have returned from the depths of the Attitude Era to team up with Kane, who has replaced his red mask for a corporate suit as Director of Operations. Against them are the Hounds of Justice, better known as The Shield. The young trio of Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns and United States Champion Dean Ambrose has been quite rebellious recently, going against the orders of Kane, resulting in this grudge match. In a bout such as this, the climbing age of Kane and The Outlaws will show, and The Shield should most likely win this match and overcome the corporation.
Winner: The Shield – SF
Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal
This match, set up like the Royal Rumble, is a bit of a wild card. Twenty seven of the 30 superstars have been picked, with three still a mystery. Although I would love to see a surprise entrant, like Stone Cold, win, that’s not going to happen. I’ll give the nod to Dolph Ziggler in the hopes gets a push.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler – ZB
To commemorate the fallen legend that was known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” Hulk Hogan, the host of WrestleMania XXX, announced a 30-man battle royal over-the-top-rope match. Although the winner is not promised a title shot, he does receive a trophy presented by the Hulkster. There are many noticeable talents in this battle royal, but the favorite has to be the Big Show. Standing at nearly seven feet tall and almost five hundred pounds, he will be expected to dominate with ease.
Winner: Big Show – SF
Vickie Guerrero Divas Championship Invitational
The reigning Divas Champion, AJ Lee, will take on 13 Divas, including the Bella Twins, Natalya, Summer Rae, among others. While the format is a little puzzling what we do know is the match will be 13 Divas in the ring at once and whoever scores the first pinfall wins the match regardless of the champion’s involvement. I think AJ Lee retains her title in this one, but look for Natalya to give her a run.
Winner: AJ Lee – ZB
With the addition of the majority of the women’s roster, this match may draw interest and should likely crown a new champion. The dark horse in this invitational is Tamina Snuka, daughter of the legendary “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. Acting as Lee’s bodyguard in recent weeks, Snuka has had her eyes on the title since the invitational announcement, and will most likely be the one to pin her former friend, ending the champion’s near 300-day reign.
Winner: Tamina Snuka – SF
