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NewsWrestleMania XXX Predictions & In-Depth Analysis

WrestleMania XXX Predictions & In-Depth Analysis

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Alright boys and girls, we’re under a week away from the biggest show of the year, as WrestleMania XXX takes place this Sunday night, April 6th, from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. As is the case with every major pay-per-view, I will take a look at what I feel fans should expect from each match on the card. Without any further ado, let’s jump into the predictions and analysis for this Sunday’s show…

The Shield vs. Kane & The New Age Outlaws

Boone’s Analysis: I’m a little disappointed that this was the best match that WWE could come up with for The Shield for this year’s WrestleMania. Honestly, I assumed that one of two things should have happened as it relates to The Shield and WrestleMania. Either Roman Reigns should have broken away from the group and feuded with them, culminating in a grudge match against one or both of the other two members at WrestleMania, or they should have had the big turn take place at WrestleMania itself. In this scenario, I don’t see either of those things happening.

With that being said, on paper, this should be a decent enough match. I wouldn’t expect it to be at the level of most Shield matches we’ve come to expect, as the level of opposition isn’t what we’re used to seeing against the outstanding trio. All three guys have seen their best years, and other than Billy Gunn, none at any point were considered among the best “in-ring workers” of any particular generation.

Once again, getting that part of the equation out of the way, this should be a fun match. A crowd pleasing match. There isn’t any major significance with this one, which is kind of a shame considering the year that The Shield has had. One would assume that with the kind of year they’ve had, when it comes to WrestleMania, they would finally get a moment to truly shine. Instead, because The New Age Outlaws reportedly asked to work a program with them, we had a long tease of a Shield break-up scrapped, and instead had the group turn babyface with only a couple of weeks to build anticipation for a pretty random match. No lengthy feud and no real gripping desire to “finally” see these six go at it.

Will the match be good? Probably. Will the crowd be into it? Most likely. Could they have done more with The Shield at this year’s WrestleMania? Absolutely. Oh well, there’s always next year …or is there? I doubt The Shield remains a unit for another 365 days, but I guess time will tell.

Boone’s Prediction: The Shield

Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal

(Four Superstar Additions Remain)

– Mark Henry, Kofi Kingston, Cody Rhodes, Sheamus, Christian, Fandango, Jinder Mahal, Dolph Ziggler, Drew McIntyre, Damien Sandow, Heath Slater, The Miz, Goldust, Big E, Big Show, Alberto Del Rio, Titus O’Neil, Brodus Clay, Darren Young, Justin Gabriel, R-Truth, Rey Mysterio, The Great Khali, Santino Marella, Zack Ryder, Sin Cara

Boone’s Analysis: Other than milking the legend of Andre The Giant on the 30th anniversary of WrestleMania, as well as providing an opportunity to get as many Superstars on the biggest show of the year for the big pay off, I’m not exactly sure why someone should care about this match. To me, it seems like a regular battle royal. You can give it whatever fancy name you want, but at the end of the day, it’s a bunch of bodies in the ring at the same time, and people flying over the top rope every minute or so.

When you really sit back and look at some of the talent involved in this one, much like I mentioned with The Shield above, it’s kind of a shame that at a show as big and as important as WrestleMania, this is the best WWE could come up with for some of these guys. At the same time, considering the level of some of the talent involved in this one, maybe they’ll come up with some cool spots and the match will turn out to exceed expectations.

Generally speaking, when a big battle royal type of match takes place on a big stage, it really could be used to elevate someone to a bit of a higher status. It gives them bragging rights. If it’s a throw-away battle royal on RAW or SmackDown, or something along those lines, there is little significance behind a victory. This, due to the marketing of the match, could be a light version of a Royal Rumble, in that the winner actually won something that was built as having a decent amount of importance. Unfortunately from that standpoint, I don’t think that’s the mindset of WWE heading into this one. I think they’re going to go the historical route, and because of that, I think the winner will likely be “Andre Jr.” Just a hunch.

Boone’s Prediction: Big Show

WWE Divas Championship

Vickie Guerrero Diva Invitational

– AJ Lee (c), Naomi, Cameron, Natalya, Nikki Bella, Brie Bella, Eva Marie, Summer Rae, Alicia Fox, Emma, Aksana, Layla, Rosa Mendes and Tamina Snuka

Boone’s Analysis: This is basically the Divas version of the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal. It’s an excuse to get as many Divas as possible involved in the big show. With the success of Total Divas, it’s also a way to showcase the talent from that show on the “grand stage.” For wrestling purists, it’s a bit of a slap in the face. It pretty much continues to give that type of wrestling fan zero reason to view the Divas division as more than anything but a joke.

If you want to build credibility in the Divas division, the formula is simple. Build a strong personal rivalry between two of the girls on the roster, and have it be resolved in a legitimate singles match for the title at WrestleMania. Oh well, every show needs its’ popcorn run, right? This year, as is the case almost every year, the Divas match is the one.

When looking at the possible outcomes, the only one that really makes sense is AJ Lee defying the odds and continuing her record-setting title reign. Basically put, can you come up with a legitimate reason to expect any single particular Diva to come out on top in this one? At one point it seemed like Naomi was being groomed for that spot, but since returning, they haven’t done much to remind people that she was on her way to being a real challenge to AJ’s title.

Boone’s Prediction: AJ Lee

WWE Tag-Team Championships
– The Usos (c) vs. Los Matadores vs. The Real Americans vs. Ryback & Curtis Axel

Boone’s Analysis: The news just came out today, as announced by WWE themselves, that the WWE Tag-Team Championship match at WrestleMania XXX has been moved to the pre-show.

A few things stand out in my mind when looking at this one. One, where the hell are the Rhodes Brothers? If you’re going to have a multi-team match for the titles at a show like WrestleMania, how could you leave one of your best teams out of the mix?

Another one is The Real Americans. I think it’s a damn shame that much like The Shield, they began the tease of breaking the group up, only to trash that idea (for no apparent reason) and throw them in a meaningless spot instead. Hopefully I’m wrong. Hopefully either Jack Swagger or Cesaro, preferably Cesaro, is close to winning the match, and the titles, for his team, only to be screwed over by the other. Whether on purpose or not, hopefully this was a way in prolonging the split, because I think the time to pull the trigger on Cesaro is now. Sometimes in this business if you wait too long, people stop caring. I think WWE really needs to do something with Cesaro while he’s in the midst of really breaking out with the “WWE Universe.” Something tells me that The Real Americans end up winning this one, and hopefully end up feuding for one reason or another during their title run.

Finally, what the hell is Los Matadores doing in this match? Goldust and Cody Rhodes? Nah, you guys are better off in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal. What this match needs is …Los Matadores! Seriously? Whatever. The only reason I can see that the two were added to this one was to help get some speed and movement in a match full of big guys. If they somehow walk out of this one with the straps, I think I’ll need a change of underwear shortly after.

Boone’s Prediction: The Real Americans

Winner Advances To The Main Event
– Triple H vs. Daniel Bryan

Boone’s Analysis: All I can say when it comes to this one is thank god WWE finally decided to go with Daniel Bryan. People can tell me until they’re blue in the face that this was their plan “all along,” but unfortunately I know better. The decision to add Bryan to the main event wasn’t made until well after many think. If anyone is under the impression that the plan was for a slow-build for Bryan dating back to SummerSlam, then trust me when I say, you’re just plain wrong.

With that said, whatever the case may be, at least they are doing the right thing. I don’t want to jinx anyone and overly praise WWE just yet, because it’s not Monday morning yet, Daniel Bryan isn’t the WWE World Heavyweight Champion yet, and none of us have the image of 70,000 people ending the show cheering Bryan on with a passionate “Yes!” chant. Do I expect that to happen? I sure hope so. And I think it will. But before it can, Bryan has to beat “The Game.”

In hindsight, it’s kind of funny that CM Punk walked out on WWE because he didn’t think a match with Triple H at WrestleMania was a big deal, and because he wanted to be in the main event of WrestleMania. He left, Daniel Bryan was moved into his spot, and what do you know? Triple H’s match (thanks to Daniel Bryan, obviously) feels like one of the true “main events” on the show as it is, and the winner of “Triple H’s match” moves on to the real main event anyways. Would that same scenario have played out if it were HHH vs. Punk? I doubt it. I’m pretty sure the only reason this match was given the added “advance to the main event” stipulation because there was a demand for Bryan to be in the main event of WrestleMania, and for him to become the champion.

The match itself should be awesome. Despite Triple H having so many haters, you can’t deny his talent or abilities. It reminds me of a debate I had with a caller on a recent edition of WZRtv (Tuesday nights, 8-10pm EST. at WZROnline.com). In passing, I had mentioned how Triple H is a definite legend of wrestling, and a no-brainer as a future WWE Hall Of Famer. The caller disagreed, and many in the live chat room that takes place during the show seemed to be of the same opinion. That blew my mind. To me, there’s absolutely no doubt that Triple H is a legend and a future Hall Of Famer, and for good reason.

This match should be excellent. Daniel Bryan is one of the best “in-ring workers” in the business today, and in my opinion, Triple H belongs on the short list of guys like Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, etc., in terms of being among the top “big match performers” in history. The story leading into this match has been excellent. The crowd should be hot as hell for this one on Sunday night. It has all the ingredients to be an awesome match. And that’s exactly what I expect. As far as predictions are concerned…c’mon.

Boone’s Prediction: Daniel Bryan

John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt

Boone’s Analysis: I’ve read some feedback where people don’t seem to be enjoying the build up to this match. I think that’s ridiculous. I think Bray Wyatt’s promos have been excellent. I think the idea that John Cena is afraid of Bray is a smart move. Cena appeals to the younger demographic. What better story to tell to children than that of their “superhero” being afraid of someone? And what better character for a “superhero” to be afraid of then a creepy, devilish type of character like Bray Wyatt? It’s perfect.

Unfortunately, because I believe that’s the mindset of this program in terms of the story being told, I have my doubts as to who will win. Who should win? Obviously Bray Wyatt needs the victory here more than Cena, but again, because of the story being told, it seems like Cena “has” to come out on top. At least that’s how I’m assuming it’s being sold behind-the-scenes.

If the WrestleMania XXX host was going to get involved in any match, I would assume this would be the one. I could see Erick Rowan and Luke Harper getting involved, and “The Hulkster” coming to the rescue. If anyone is going to “run into Hogan’s fists” on Sunday, I assume this is the match that will happen. And if so, then I don’t see how it happens unless it leads to “the good guy” coming out on top.

Boone’s Prediction: John Cena

The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar

Boone’s Analysis: 21-0 is the obvious statistic leading into this one. From my standpoint, the magic number is seven. Here’s a list of the last seven matches The Undertaker has had at WrestleMania:

WrestleMania 23: Undertaker vs. Batista

WrestleMania 24: Undertaker vs. Edge

WrestleMania 25: Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels

WrestleMania 26: Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels

WrestleMania 27: Undertaker vs. Triple H

WrestleMania 28: Undertaker vs. Triple H

WrestleMania 29: Undertaker vs. CM Punk

The Undertaker has had seven matches in a row at WrestleMania that are legendary. Each one of those matches could easily be considered, and most were, the match of the year for each of those particular years. For the first time in a long time, “The Dead Man” has his work cut out for him. That’s not to say Brock Lesnar is a “bad worker,” because he isn’t. Is he on the level of those guys? Outside of Batista, who shocked a lot of people by having a tremendous match with Undertaker at WrestleMania 22, he is not. But he is a guy who has had some incredible “brawls” with top Superstars since returning a couple of years ago. Matches with John Cena, Triple H and CM Punk immediately come to mind. All great brawls. And that’s what I expect with Taker and Lesnar this Sunday. A great brawl.

I’ve enjoyed the build up to this one, while at the same time I understand why some haven’t. Undertaker hasn’t physically been in any danger at any point during the build up. Knowing that he’s coming out on top on Sunday, you would think that during the build up you would try and convince people, through physical actions, that Lesnar poses a threat. WWE decided to go a different direction, and simply tell the story verbally, and through the use of video packages and strong promo work by the best in the business, Paul Heyman.

I think the story of putting Undertaker’s streak into perspective by having Heyman point out that some of the biggest names in history haven’t even been able to rack up 5 or 6 wins in a row at WrestleMania is great. I think the idea of showing people that while Undertaker has “just” been getting by his opposition the last few years, all the while Lesnar is running through these same people, is another strong idea. So while I can see why people don’t enjoy this, and why they feel like something is missing, I am personally enjoying this one for what it is.

Once again, when it comes to predictions for this one? C’mon. Seriously?

Boone’s Prediction: Undertaker

WWE World Heavyweight Championship
– Randy Orton (c) vs. Batista vs. Triple H or Daniel Bryan

Boone’s Analysis: It’s kind of funny how the first “WWE World Heavyweight Champion” seems like the most unimportant piece of the puzzle in the main event at WrestleMania. Batista is clearly the most hated guy in this match. Even if Triple H somehow gets by Daniel Bryan earlier in the night, which he won’t, I still think people would boo Batista more. There’s just something about that dude that people can’t stand during his latest run in WWE.

If Batista is the most hated, and Daniel Bryan, who I fully expect to be the third member of this match, is the most loved, where does that leave Orton? The guy is supposed to be “the man” in this one, but to me he just feels like someone who is holding a prop that he’ll be passing on to someone else by the end of the evening.

The match itself should be great. The crowd will be white hot with anticipation of Bryan finally becoming the champion (for real) and having his big “moment.” I hope, and expect, WWE will give it to both Bryan and the fans. This should be a good match, and at the end of the night, I fully expect to see 70,000 people chanting “Yes!” with the hottest babyface going today leading them on. If WWE pulls the ole’ swerve in this one, as disgusted as I’ll be, I’ll be eager as hell to see how bad the crowd “hijacks” RAW the next night. Something tells me that’s not going to be an issue.

Boone’s Prediction: Daniel Bryan

Closing Thoughts:

All I’ll say is thank god for “The Streak” and for Daniel Bryan catching fire the way he has. Without those two elements, this wouldn’t feel like a really big show. It certainly wouldn’t feel like the 30th anniversary of the biggest event in the history of the business. Even with both of those elements in the mix, it still feels a bit lackluster to me. Maybe we’ll get some surprises and things like that to spice it up a bit from start-to-finish, but this card, on paper, definitely leaves a lot to be desired.

Either way, it’s still WrestleMania. I’m still pumped. I’m looking forward to a great night of wrestling. I’m also looking forward to seeing how the WWE Network holds up with their first time attempting to stream an event of this size.

And as is always the case, before I head out, I want to remind everyone that I’d like to hear what you have to say. Leave your feedback in the “Comments” section below. You can also hit me up directly at Facebook.com/MattBooneWZR.

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