WrestleMania 33 Preview and Predictions

Red light. Green light.

Giving their thoughts and predictions on what to expect from the PPV are members of the site @JoeyOnEarth, @TimWelcomed and @TomBlargh.

Neville vs. Austin Aries for the Cruiserweight Championship

Joey:

This may be the first time a credible popular face is challenging a credible popular heel since the cruiserweight division became a part of the main roster. That is pretty cool. Neville and Austin Aries have been delivering some compelling segments in recent weeks. They’ve set the tone for an important kickoff match. I think they will have a great match to start the evening/late afternoon. Neville has to retain. That title has changed hands way too many times already and Neville is on fire as a heel right now.

Interest Level: 8/10
Prediction: Neville wins.

Tim:

EDITOR’S NOTE: Tim is currently dealing with real bad weather in Arkansas, but he may get his predictions in later.

Interest Level: Pray for Tim/10
Prediction: Please stay safe.

Tom:

ALRIGHT, HERE GOES. I can’t stand Aries as a personality in 2017, especially when he’s meant to be the face. I bloody love Neville though. I think the two will have an excellent match together in a half empty stadium, but the set looks beautiful so that’ll be fun for them.

Interest Level: 9/10
Prediction: Neville wins.

2017 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

Joey:

I always enjoy the battle royal on WrestleMania and think it’s a great idea. Everyone assumes Braun Strowman is getting the win here but I think it will be Big Show’s year again. Show got into such great shape for the huge Shaq match and is now relegated to a pre-show battle royal.

I think WWE rewards him with the win. I also believe they would have bumped something else to the pre-show if Braun was winning or any big surprises were planned. Big Show wins a battle royal with minimal surprises.

Interest Level: 6/10
Prediction: Big Show wins.

Tim:

EDITOR’S NOTE: Tim is currently dealing with real bad weather in Arkansas, but he may get his predictions in later.

Interest Level: Pray for Tim/10
Prediction: Please stay safe.

Tom:

The big question is “will Shaq be in the Battle Royal?” and here’s my answer: I think so, yes. I’ve got no idea what Braun is going to do so shut up about that, alright? Maybe Big Show and Shaq team up to eliminate him, I don’t know.

Anyway, I’m hoping the main story of this is old Sami Zayn and Samoa Joe continuing to rough each other up, with Sami finally getting the win before having a trophy smashed over his sweet head.

Interest Level: 8/10
Prediction: Sami Zayn wins.

Alexa Bliss vs. Naomi vs. Becky Lynch vs. Carmella vs. Natalya vs. Mickie James vs. TBD for the Smackdown Women’s Championship

Joey:

This match is likely going to be a mess but hopefully they can find a way to make it work. The ladies of Smackdown have been doing a great job since the brand split and definitely deserve to have this on the main show, assuming it is.

As much as I’d love for Naomi to get her moment back in her hometown, I believe Alexa Bliss retains and WWE continues to go with her as the champ for a while. Please keep Kelly Kelly away from the ring.

Interest Level: 7/10
Prediction: Alexa Bliss wins.

Tim:

EDITOR’S NOTE: Tim is currently dealing with real bad weather in Arkansas, but he may get his predictions in later.

Interest Level: Pray for Tim/10
Prediction: Please stay safe.

Tom:

It’s not on the preshow, thank God! I know the official reason is because we, the fans, demanded that it be on the main show but I think we all know it’s really because they can’t have Naomi’s entrance while it’s still light outside.

Anyway, is this the match where they have a bunch of old WWE divas show up to launch a feud between the new WWE female superstars to have a scrap over who is strongest/sexiest/most powerful? Hope not! Just let Naomi win, come on.

Interest Level: 8/10
Prediction: Naomi wins.

Dean Ambrose vs. “The Big Breakfast” Baron Corbin for the Intercontinental Championship

Joey:

It is cool to see the Intercontinental Championship defended in a singles match on WrestleMania but this is a pretty basic combination. WWE has done a great job with Baron Corbin lately and this feels like a coronation moment of sorts.

Obviously, the IC Championship isn’t that big of a deal compared to past eras, but a young star winning his first title on a WrestleMania is always noteworthy. I don’t have much expectations for the match itself unless they are allowed to use weapons and forklifts.

Interest Level: 6/10
Prediction: Baron Corbin wins.

Tim:

EDITOR’S NOTE: Tim is currently dealing with real bad weather in Arkansas, but he may get his predictions in later.

Interest Level: Pray for Tim/10
Prediction: Please stay safe.

Tom:

I genuinely, unironically like “The Big Breakfast” Baron “Corbs” Corbin. He’s come along so far since his NXT days, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets a world title run in the next year or so. I go back and forth on Ambrose, though I’m mostly frustrated by him. He needs an actual heel turn because the low-key wacky face stuff wore out its welcome a full two years ago.

Anyway, the match should be alright. I’d like to see Corbin win, but I think that’ll only come next month at Extreme Rules.

Interest Level: 6/10
Prediction: Dean Ambrose wins.

Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson vs. Enzo Amore and Big Cass vs. Cesaro and Sheamus in a Ladder Match for the Raw Tag Team Championship

Joey:

This is the most pointless ladder match on paper in many years. The feud has sucked. I can’t imagine caring about the storyline involved here. My only guess as to why WWE would add ladders at the very last moment to an irrelevant feud is to bring back the Hardys in grand fashion. Yes, I am being optimistic. Let me dream.

Interest Level: 7/10 (2/10 without the Hardys)
Prediction: The Hardys win.

Tim:

EDITOR’S NOTE: Tim is currently dealing with real bad weather in Arkansas, but he may get his predictions in later.

Interest Level: Pray for Tim/10
Prediction: Please stay safe.

Tom:

Joey’s prediction for The Hardys is fun, but… man, I’m not sure. It’s rare that they do big surprises at WrestleMania, at least in terms of returns or debuts, so it feels unlikely. They’d be a great addition though, because this match seems like an odd mix of guys otherwise!

Nobody seems like they’ll be particularly comfortable on a ladder – Cesaro is probably the best bet for doing creative stuff, though I know I’m not alone in fearing for Enzo’s wellbeing. It’s sad that there’s no way this will live up to the NXT three-way tag from last night, but that’s the main roster tag scene for you.

Interest Level: 6/10
Prediction: Anderson and Gallows win.

John Cena and Nikki Bella vs. The Miz and Maryse

Joey:

The rumor of this match annoyed the hell out of me because it felt like a huge waste of John Cena. Naturally, Cena has done a great job of making it the most important feud on Smackdown. The match itself could be a flop but the fact that people care about it is a testament to all involved, especially Cena.

This is a lose-lose for Cena in terms of perception of his relationship with Nikki. If he does propose, it looks like he is only doing it for the attention and buzz. If he doesn’t, he seems like an even bigger jerk for letting down lovesick fans.

Hopefully Al Roker proposes to Nikki and we all live happily ever after.

Interest Level: 7/10
Prediction: John Cena and Nikki Bella win. John coincidentally proposes to Nikki with The Today Show’s Al Roker in the ring.

Tim:

EDITOR’S NOTE: Tim is currently dealing with real bad weather in Arkansas, but he may get his predictions in later.

Interest Level: Pray for Tim/10
Prediction: Please stay safe.

Tom:

THE REALITY ERA RETURNS. So, the match itself is going to be whatever – I don’t think it’ll be too much as far as sensational in-ring action goes, but hopefully it’s a big soapy mess like Vince and Shane at WrestleMania 17. The real question is, if Cena IS going to propose, will he hide the ring in his jorts or will he let Al Roker handle the responsibility of keeping it safe?

Interest Level: 8/10
Prediction: The Miz and Maryse win, but John Cena pulls a sweaty ring out of his jockstap afterwards and proposes to Nikki Bella.

Chris Jericho vs. Kevin Owens for the United States Championship

Joey:

The feud has been consistently superb over the past few months. Kevin Owens’ character is at a peak as a top star following the turn on Chris Jericho. I don’t think I’ve personally enjoyed a face version of Jericho this much since maybe 2001. It truly feels like a WrestleMania-worthy match. Owens has his first chance to have a special WM match. Jericho has perhaps his last chance at another special WM match. I think they have a great match together.

Interest Level: 9/10
Prediction: Kevin Owens wins.

Tim:

EDITOR’S NOTE: Tim is currently dealing with real bad weather in Arkansas, but he may get his predictions in later.

Interest Level: Pray for Tim/10
Prediction: Please stay safe.

Tom:

This has to be the match with the best actual build, right? I’ve been impressed that Jericho has been able to maintain his rabid level of fan support since the big Festival of Friendship turn because I was worried he was going to revert back to being cheesy dad Jericho in a real bad way.

Hopefully they get a decent amount of time because they both deserve it – the biggest problem with this Mania is the lack of stories to really get stuck into, so if this is the last chapter of the Jeri-KO story (barring the appendix that we’ll likely get at Extreme Rules), I think it could stand out as a show stealer. The crowd should be very hot for it and both guys have been excellent lately.

Interest Level: 9/10
Prediction: Kevin Owens wins.

Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton for the WWE Championship

Joey:

This is tied with Alberto Del Rio vs. Jack Swagger for the least interested I’ve ever been in a world title match at WrestleMania. I can’t even pretend to care for this match and I’ll probably use it as a break to brush my teeth. What brand of toothpaste will I use? That’s the biggest mystery involved here.

Interest Level: 0/10
Prediction: Bray Wyatt wins.

Tim:

EDITOR’S NOTE: Tim is currently dealing with real bad weather in Arkansas, but he may get his predictions in later.

Interest Level: Pray for Tim/10
Prediction: Please stay safe.

Tom:

Alright, I’ve been weirdly into this, but mostly because it’s been VERY stupid. I think I’ve said this about Bray Wyatt ‘Mania matches before, but I really want them to lean hard into him having magic powers and stupid stuff happening. I just want bullshit! Is that so wrong?!? I just can’t deal with watching a very standard Wyatt/Orton 12 minute match, not tonight.

Interest Level: 5/10
Prediction: Bray Wyatt wins.

Bayley vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax in an Elimination Match for the Raw Women’s Championship

Joey:

My hopes are Nia Jax getting eliminated right away and the match getting good with the three entertaining wrestlers. Everyone seems to think Sasha Banks will turn on Bayley here to win the title. I do expect the turn but WWE just doesn’t seem to trust any woman aside from Charlotte Flair to win the big match.

Bayley eliminates Banks. Banks then turns on Bayley. Charlotte sneaks in to win the title. Charlotte always wins.

Interest Level: 8/10
Prediction: Charlotte Flair wins.

Tim:

EDITOR’S NOTE: Tim is currently dealing with real bad weather in Arkansas, but he may get his predictions in later.

Interest Level: Pray for Tim/10
Prediction: Please stay safe.

Tom:

The Raw women’s scene has been dragging its feet for a while, especially compared to how dynamic things are on Smackdown. My main hope for this match is that Sasha properly turns, since I can’t say I’m much of a fan of face Sasha. That’d leave Bayley in a fairly lonely position on Raw as the only female face, but that’s not the worst thing for her character. Match should be decent but God, please, let’s mix things up a little.

Interest Level: 7/10
Prediction: Sasha Banks wins.

Shane McMahon vs. AJ Styles

Joey:

AJ Styles wrestling Shane McMahon here is very disappointing but such is WrestleMania. I’m sure the match will be fine. Styles is good enough to create a compelling performance with anyone at this point and Shane loves jumping off things.

I buy into the rumors that AJ is going to Raw after WrestleMania and I don’t expect Shane to lose three straight matches after returning to WWE. Shane wins and Styles is sent to Raw the next night.

Interest Level: 6/10
Prediction: Shane McMahon wins.

Tim:

EDITOR’S NOTE: Tim is currently dealing with real bad weather in Arkansas, but he may get his predictions in later.

Interest Level: Pray for Tim/10
Prediction: Please stay safe.

Tom:

Eh. I think Shane being on WrestleMania in such a prominent position is probably the thing I’m most frustrated by. I was sat ringside for the Survivor Series match where he got clobbered by a Roman Reigns spear, and it just seemed to really showcase how he shouldn’t be in the ring anymore with top-level guys. He’s still got enough of a nostalgia buzz that he’ll get a reaction initially, but that Undertaker match from last year was absolutely dreadful. AJ is good enough that he should be able to spin this into something decent, but it still feels like a waste.

Interest Level: 6/10
Prediction: AJ Styles wins.

Triple H vs. Seth Rollins

Joey:

The feud between these two sadly missed out on its potential due to Seth Rollins’ injury. Hopefully he is healthy enough to give his all in this match. Rollins badly needs this moment to finally get going as a legitimate top face. Triple H’s annual WrestleMania entrance is always one of my favorite things associated with the show.

My prediction is Samoa Joe coming out to help Triple H and Finn Balor of all people making the save to help Rollins. I personally don’t want that at all and think Balor deserves to return specifically in the Universal Championship match. Still, I have Rollins getting the big W over H Man.

Interest Level: 8/10
Prediction: Seth Rollins wins.

Tim:

EDITOR’S NOTE: Tim is currently dealing with real bad weather in Arkansas, but he may get his predictions in later.

Interest Level: Pray for Tim/10
Prediction: Please stay safe.

Tom:

So, I know this match is unsanctioned and all that, but does that mean it’s no disqualifications? I’d assume so, right? Anyway, I think it should be better than Triple H’s ‘Mania showing last year – Rollins is a little more dynamic an opponent, so I have to believe that he’ll keep things moving.

This feels like another match that might end up having a fair amount of bullshit involved! Joe doesn’t have much of a role on the show and it does feel like they’re steadily building towards a more formal faction between Hunter, Joe and Owens. The idea of Balor returning to be part of this in some way doesn’t feel quite right to me, but it could work. Not holding my breath though!

Interest Level: 8/10
Prediction: Seth Rollins wins.

The Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns

Joey:

The more I think about this match, the more excited I am about it. I believe this could create the loudest crowd reaction in WrestleMania history. The most beloved legend in WWE history is potentially wrestling his final match. He’s facing the most hated wrestler in the company to the tens of thousands of diehard fans traveling to this show. The atmosphere will be absolutely electric.

For the limitations of The Undertaker at his age, the crowd should make up for it to carry the match. Roman Reigns benefits from just having the match. I don’t believe WWE will risk the hatred for him intensifying by dare beating Undertaker in his final match. Undertaker gets the win but Reigns earns his respect. They share the yard.

Interest Level: 10/10
Prediction: The Undertaker wins.

Tim:

EDITOR’S NOTE: Tim is currently dealing with real bad weather in Arkansas, but he may get his predictions in later.

Interest Level: Pray for Tim/10
Prediction: Please stay safe.

Tom:

The crowd will be loud for it, so that’s something. I don’t think this’ll be Undertaker’s last match, because you know WWE would announce that as a stipulation or SOMETHING ahead of time, right? I think the match should be pretty decent, though I just hope they’re honest with themselves about how capable Undertaker is at having a longer match in 2017 and it still being compelling.

Interest Level: 7/10
Prediction: The Undertaker wins.

Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship

Joey:

I have zero interest in Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg as a match. I do have interest in variables of the match length, crowd reaction and other factors. My hope is Brock winning in 1 minute and Finn Balor returning to get his rematch right there. I don’t expect that sadly and I think Lesnar will win a 5-10 minute match.

Side note: I think Undertaker vs. Roman should and will close the show as the main event. I just placed this match last because Wikipedia listed it as the main. Always trust Wikipedia.

Interest Level: 6/10
Prediction: Brock Lesnar wins.

Tim:

EDITOR’S NOTE: Tim is currently dealing with real bad weather in Arkansas, but he may get his predictions in later.

Interest Level: Pray for Tim/10
Prediction: Please stay safe.

Tom:

Yeesh. I have no idea what this is going to be, but I can’t imagine it going well. I’m almost expecting a truncated version of their 2004 match, with neither guy really knowing what to do or how to work around their limitations, so it ends up just being a lot of nothing until someone hits their finisher a couple of times. Having said that, I’m sure WWE is extremely conscious of what  Bill can and can’t do, so maybe the more likely story is Brock winning a very short match amidst a chorus of boos.

Interest Level: 4/10
Prediction: Brock Lesnar wins.