NXT just completed the last TV tapings before their next Takeover special which happens to be during Wrestlemania weekend and it looks like it will try to dethrone Takeover: New Orleans as the greatest Takeover special. Now, heading into the taping, we knew three matches; Pete Dunne defending his United Kingdom Championship against Walter, Shayna Baszler defending her NXT Women's Title against Bianca BelAir, Kairi Sane and Io Shirai and the War Raiders defending their titles against the winners of the Dusty Rhodes Classic. It's already stacked.
With Tommaso Ciampa's unfortunate injury, the planned main event of Ciampa VS Gargano IV is out the window, although it will make for a hell of a comeback feud if Ciampa can make a full recovery by the end of the year. Instead, Triple H announced that while Gargano would still compete for the NXT Championship, it would be against a new opponent and it would be a 2/3 Falls match for the championship. The winner of Aleister Black, Ricochet, The Velveteen Dream, Matt Riddle and Adam Cole would get the right to challenge for the title. You know, the top talent in NXT. Personally, I was pulling for Ricochet or Cole as they've been there the longest without challenging for the NXT Title at a Takeover. It looks like Riddle has the win when he tapped out Dream but Cole distracted the ref and picked up the victory, meaning Adam Cole will face Johnny Gargano in a 2/3 Falls match for the NXT Championship two nights before Wrestlemania. That's insane. Now, looking at the way the match ended, it could seem that NXT is going in the route of a Cole/Riddle feud down the line. They also teased in on the last episode of NXT. Gargano was primed and ready to finally win the NXT Championship but he's basically already faced all the top talent in NXT except Keith Lee, Matt Riddle and Adam Cole. This is really going to be interesting to see who wins. If Gargano wins, this will probably be the last hurrah for Undisputed Era in NXT. I do think another UE VS War Raiders match would be sick, especially with a stipulation like a ladder or TLC. If Cole wins, Gargano will be getting the permanent call up, hopefully to Smackdown so he can flourish. If I'm a betting man, I'm going with Gargano, just because it makes sense if he was going to win anyway and you still have the option of doing Gargano/Ciampa one more time.
The Dusty Rhodes Classic ended and we got Aleister Black and Ricochet with the win. The tag team chemistry is there and it's easy to see why they went over against The Forgotten Sons. Black/Ricochet will now challenge War Raiders at New York. Also announced was Velveteen Dream defending the NXT North American Championship against Matt Riddle. Keith Lee VS Dominik Dijakovic looks might be taped at Takeover New York before the show goes on the air. You know, for the recap episode.
So, let's recap.
Adam Cole VS Johnny Gargano in a 2/3 Falls match for the vacant NXT Championship
Velveteen Dream VS Matt Riddle - NXT North American Championship
Pete Dunne VS Walter - WWE United Kingdom Championship
Shayna Baszler VS Bianca Belair VS Kairi Sane VS Io Shirai - NXT Women's Championship
War Raiders VS Aleister Black and Ricochet - NXT Tag Team Championship
Is it April 5th yet? This is such an amazingly stacked card and I know that they are going absolutely kill it, especially with it being Wrestlemania weekend.
Are you as excited as me?
Friday, March 15, 2019
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Wrestlemania Build for Smackdown
This has been a great week of WWE television. Fastlane was good, Raw was good and Smackdown ended the live week well. There aren't that many highlights but what was there was notable.
Shane McMahon solidified his heel turn, running down Miz and claiming he turned because he was tired of people using him to get ahead in life. He's not the best in the world because he won a trophy but he's best in the world because he was BORN that way. He then books himself in a match against Miz at Wrestlemania, giving Shane his fourth straight match at Wrestlemania since his return in 2016. He's 1-2 at the event since and I can't see him beating Miz, especially if they're going to be running with this babyface Miz. Who knows? Maybe Miz and Bryan will cross paths again, just this time, the WWE Title will be on the line.
Randy Orton came out for a fantastic promo about AJ Styles, claiming that while AJ was down in the bingo halls getting paid in hot dogs and hand shakes, Orton was in the big time, becoming the youngest World Champion in history and competing with The Undertaker at Wrestlemania. He also said Styles was too busy getting a tan with Dixie Carter. Good stuff! AJ comes out to say he was handed everything and claimed he wouldn't have gotten anywhere with his dad and his rip off off Diamond Cutter. Orton rebutted, saying don't tell him his little indie buddings haven't done the same and threw up The Kliq's signature hand sign. Orton demands Styles to pay rent in the house Orton built and Styles points to the Mania sign to collect while Orton leaves. Goosebumps. THIS is going to be one hell of a match at Mania guys!
The main event segment saw Vince come out to give Kofi Kingston a Wrestlemania opportunity. His New Day brethren put Kofi over to Vince who said if Kofi was good enough to become champion in the last 11 years, it would have happened by now. Kofi claims he hasn't complained and he just wants to know what he has to do. Out comes Randy Orton and Vince says, all you have to do is beat him, and then Samoa Joe's music hit, then The Bar came out and finally Rowan. Kofi must run the gauntlet AGAIN against those 5 men, two being former World Champions and Royal Rumble winners. Kingston only got through three men last time in Bryan, Jeff Hardy and Samoa Joe. This gauntlet features three monster men, a Swiss cyborg and a Viper. This is going to be an amazing story for Wrestlemania. I just wonder how he'll do it. Maybe the people the heels are feuding with (Styles for Orton, Ali for Rowan, New Day or any tag team for The Bar and Mysterio for Joe) will interfere to help Kingston get his moment. Time will tell. It's going to be an awesome hour of Smackdown next week.
Wrestlemania is shaping up. Can't wait to see what next week has in store.
Shane McMahon solidified his heel turn, running down Miz and claiming he turned because he was tired of people using him to get ahead in life. He's not the best in the world because he won a trophy but he's best in the world because he was BORN that way. He then books himself in a match against Miz at Wrestlemania, giving Shane his fourth straight match at Wrestlemania since his return in 2016. He's 1-2 at the event since and I can't see him beating Miz, especially if they're going to be running with this babyface Miz. Who knows? Maybe Miz and Bryan will cross paths again, just this time, the WWE Title will be on the line.
Randy Orton came out for a fantastic promo about AJ Styles, claiming that while AJ was down in the bingo halls getting paid in hot dogs and hand shakes, Orton was in the big time, becoming the youngest World Champion in history and competing with The Undertaker at Wrestlemania. He also said Styles was too busy getting a tan with Dixie Carter. Good stuff! AJ comes out to say he was handed everything and claimed he wouldn't have gotten anywhere with his dad and his rip off off Diamond Cutter. Orton rebutted, saying don't tell him his little indie buddings haven't done the same and threw up The Kliq's signature hand sign. Orton demands Styles to pay rent in the house Orton built and Styles points to the Mania sign to collect while Orton leaves. Goosebumps. THIS is going to be one hell of a match at Mania guys!
The main event segment saw Vince come out to give Kofi Kingston a Wrestlemania opportunity. His New Day brethren put Kofi over to Vince who said if Kofi was good enough to become champion in the last 11 years, it would have happened by now. Kofi claims he hasn't complained and he just wants to know what he has to do. Out comes Randy Orton and Vince says, all you have to do is beat him, and then Samoa Joe's music hit, then The Bar came out and finally Rowan. Kofi must run the gauntlet AGAIN against those 5 men, two being former World Champions and Royal Rumble winners. Kingston only got through three men last time in Bryan, Jeff Hardy and Samoa Joe. This gauntlet features three monster men, a Swiss cyborg and a Viper. This is going to be an amazing story for Wrestlemania. I just wonder how he'll do it. Maybe the people the heels are feuding with (Styles for Orton, Ali for Rowan, New Day or any tag team for The Bar and Mysterio for Joe) will interfere to help Kingston get his moment. Time will tell. It's going to be an awesome hour of Smackdown next week.
Wrestlemania is shaping up. Can't wait to see what next week has in store.
Monday, March 11, 2019
Wrestlemania Build
With Fastlane done and over with, all shows will now build towards Wrestlemania. Raw did a great job at building anticipation towards the event in many different ways.
The Shield farewell address was Roman Reigns just talking. He put over Rollins and Dean and him left. Heyman had Shelton Benjamin attack Rollins, which led to a good match between the two. Rollins went over of course. I was convinced that Rollins was going to slay Lesnar at Mania but now, I'm not so sure. I hope I'm wrong.
Bobby Lashley beat Finn Balor to become Intercontinental Champion for the 2nd time in his career. I don't know where this is leading for Mania but I can only assume they're going to bring out Demon Balor to end their feud.
Ricochet and Aleister Black faced Bobby Roode and Chad Gable in a quick match, which led to The Revival attack the winning Ricochet and Black. I think Black and Ricochet are going win tag team gold at Mania, but don't know if it will be a multi man match or just two on two.
Ronda's heel turn continued as she ran down the WWE Universe and assaulted Dana Brooke, who tried to make an opportunity for herself. That opportunity was get her ass beat. I love heel Ronda and I hope she sticks around after Mania.
Alexa Bliss is hosting Wrestlemania because why not?
Batista and Triple H had a shouting match promo which led to the inevitable; Batstia VS Triple H at Wrestlemania 35. As I suggested, it will be No Holds Barred, which would be best for both wrestlers who are 50 (HHH will be in July). I like both guys, the promo was fun and I think the stipulation will help both guys in the match.
The shenanigans from the WWE Women's Tag Team Title match continued on Raw, with Natalya taking on Nia Jax...but the match lasted one minute before Beth came in and attacked Nia. They fought and chased off The Samoan Slaughterhouse, who then were attacked by Boss N Hug Connection backstage. I'm guessing the Fatal Four Way for the Women's Tag Titles is happening. We just need a Smackdown team to get involved, as they should. Sasha and Bayley need to go to Smackdown tomorrow.
Kurt Angle announced that he will be having his retirement match at Wrestlemania. There are so many dream matches for Angle left in WWE but it unfortunately, none of them will happen at Mania because most of the guys are already or will be busy. Styles will definitely be facing Orton, Bryan will most likely face Kofi and Rollins is busy with The Beast. Shinsuke Nakamura would be my choice if we're going with a dream match. The Internet seems to think John Cena will get the nod which would be nice, but I'm already all in on Samoa Joe VS John Cena. I think we'll get the direction for the US Title picture after Joe defends against R Truth. I would also be OK with either Rey Mysterio or Andrade, who could definitely use the momentum for his post Mania life. Cena/Angle makes sense but so does Joe/Cena if Truth is Cena's hero.
Roman Reigns was going to return to action on Raw this week against Baron Corbin but Drew McIntyre had other plans and laid the Big Dog OUT. An attack from behind, followed by two massive Claymore kicks, including one into the ringpost. McIntyre just booked his match for Wrestlemania folks. This did not sit well with Ambrose who demanded a Falls Count Anywhere match with McIntyre to Triple H, who just happened to be trying to check on Reigns. HHH agreed and we got a brutal main event, one that saw McIntyre 'stab' a pencil into Ambrose's eye, javelin him into the LED board and gave him a vicious Claymore kick while Dean's head was in a steel handrail. McIntyre destroyed Ambrose. Was this a way to write Ambrose off TV and out of the WWE? Time will tell but I'l tell you one thing; if Seth Rollins doesn't find a way to defeat Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania, Drew McIntyre has to be the one to stop him. He just has to get past The Big Dog first. The problem with a McIntyre/Reigns match is that one of them has to lose. This will be McIntyre's first Wrestlemania back on the main roster after his return in 2017. This will be Roman's grand return to Wrestlemania after returning from cancer. McIntyre is looking to push his way up the card while Reigns is looking to reclaim his top spot. I'm a huge fan of McIntyre and while a great showing would be fantastic for his stock, a victory over the four consecutive Wrestlemania main event Reigns would do wonders for his career. This is a tough one.
WWE did a great job of building excitement for Wrestlemania. I hope they can continue the trend. I'l do a post after Smackdown to see how they build the next step towards #kofimania.
The Shield farewell address was Roman Reigns just talking. He put over Rollins and Dean and him left. Heyman had Shelton Benjamin attack Rollins, which led to a good match between the two. Rollins went over of course. I was convinced that Rollins was going to slay Lesnar at Mania but now, I'm not so sure. I hope I'm wrong.
Bobby Lashley beat Finn Balor to become Intercontinental Champion for the 2nd time in his career. I don't know where this is leading for Mania but I can only assume they're going to bring out Demon Balor to end their feud.
Ricochet and Aleister Black faced Bobby Roode and Chad Gable in a quick match, which led to The Revival attack the winning Ricochet and Black. I think Black and Ricochet are going win tag team gold at Mania, but don't know if it will be a multi man match or just two on two.
Ronda's heel turn continued as she ran down the WWE Universe and assaulted Dana Brooke, who tried to make an opportunity for herself. That opportunity was get her ass beat. I love heel Ronda and I hope she sticks around after Mania.
Alexa Bliss is hosting Wrestlemania because why not?
Batista and Triple H had a shouting match promo which led to the inevitable; Batstia VS Triple H at Wrestlemania 35. As I suggested, it will be No Holds Barred, which would be best for both wrestlers who are 50 (HHH will be in July). I like both guys, the promo was fun and I think the stipulation will help both guys in the match.
The shenanigans from the WWE Women's Tag Team Title match continued on Raw, with Natalya taking on Nia Jax...but the match lasted one minute before Beth came in and attacked Nia. They fought and chased off The Samoan Slaughterhouse, who then were attacked by Boss N Hug Connection backstage. I'm guessing the Fatal Four Way for the Women's Tag Titles is happening. We just need a Smackdown team to get involved, as they should. Sasha and Bayley need to go to Smackdown tomorrow.
Kurt Angle announced that he will be having his retirement match at Wrestlemania. There are so many dream matches for Angle left in WWE but it unfortunately, none of them will happen at Mania because most of the guys are already or will be busy. Styles will definitely be facing Orton, Bryan will most likely face Kofi and Rollins is busy with The Beast. Shinsuke Nakamura would be my choice if we're going with a dream match. The Internet seems to think John Cena will get the nod which would be nice, but I'm already all in on Samoa Joe VS John Cena. I think we'll get the direction for the US Title picture after Joe defends against R Truth. I would also be OK with either Rey Mysterio or Andrade, who could definitely use the momentum for his post Mania life. Cena/Angle makes sense but so does Joe/Cena if Truth is Cena's hero.
Roman Reigns was going to return to action on Raw this week against Baron Corbin but Drew McIntyre had other plans and laid the Big Dog OUT. An attack from behind, followed by two massive Claymore kicks, including one into the ringpost. McIntyre just booked his match for Wrestlemania folks. This did not sit well with Ambrose who demanded a Falls Count Anywhere match with McIntyre to Triple H, who just happened to be trying to check on Reigns. HHH agreed and we got a brutal main event, one that saw McIntyre 'stab' a pencil into Ambrose's eye, javelin him into the LED board and gave him a vicious Claymore kick while Dean's head was in a steel handrail. McIntyre destroyed Ambrose. Was this a way to write Ambrose off TV and out of the WWE? Time will tell but I'l tell you one thing; if Seth Rollins doesn't find a way to defeat Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania, Drew McIntyre has to be the one to stop him. He just has to get past The Big Dog first. The problem with a McIntyre/Reigns match is that one of them has to lose. This will be McIntyre's first Wrestlemania back on the main roster after his return in 2017. This will be Roman's grand return to Wrestlemania after returning from cancer. McIntyre is looking to push his way up the card while Reigns is looking to reclaim his top spot. I'm a huge fan of McIntyre and while a great showing would be fantastic for his stock, a victory over the four consecutive Wrestlemania main event Reigns would do wonders for his career. This is a tough one.
WWE did a great job of building excitement for Wrestlemania. I hope they can continue the trend. I'l do a post after Smackdown to see how they build the next step towards #kofimania.
Friday, March 8, 2019
Fastlane 2019 Predictions
We're on the fastlane to Wrestlemania 35! So much so that WWE has to remind everyone by having Fastlane take place this Sunday. 9 matches on the card and with this show, we should have a clearer picture of more matches for Wrestlemania in a month's time. Let's discuss!
With Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy taking off until his Wrestlemania 35 (pre show) match, the pre show is left without a must see match....that was until they announced Rey Mysterio would be facing Andrade in a highly anticipated rematch. I originally thought Andrade was going to defeat R Truth here and win the United States Title to defend against Mysterio at Mania but Samoa Joe changed that this past Tuesday. Instead, we get this amazing pre show match that will be near impossible to follow. Mysterio and Andrade have killed it any time they've competed and their Smackdown match back in January remains the best main roster match of 2019. Just because these two are on the pre show means nothing. Do not miss this epic clash. I don't see Andrade getting his moment against Mysterio on the pre show and still think these two will clash at Wrestlemania with some type of stipulation so I'm going with Mysterio for the victory.
Also added to the pre show while I was getting this ready was New Day taking on Shinsuke Nakamura and Rusev, because why the heck not? I can't see Kofi getting shafted and then his teammates losing as well so I'm going with New Day. Hopefully WWE will push up Andrade and Rey to open Fastlane.
If WWE wants a hot show opener, they should start the show with the Triple Threat for the Raw Tag Team Championships. The Revival will defend their titles against Bobby Roode and Chad Gable and the makeshift but working surprisingly well team of Aleister Black and Ricochet. This is an all stars game of former NXT stars and champions from different eras of the black and yellow brand. This will be a show stealer if given enough time. I've been pretty against Chad Gable and Bobby Roode as a team, only because I think EC3 would mesh much better with a heel Roode and the fact that I think Gable would be better as a singles guy. Ricochet and Black both deserve to be singles stars but their teaming has been a shock to me. They gel together so well in their short time together and already have big wins over The Revival and The Bar. As much as I love The Revival, their time together as champions has been horrible, losing to DIY one week after winning the titles and then losing again to Black/Ricochet. They really need a win and that win will come Sunday. The Revival will retain their tag titles, most likely pinning Roode. I expect a pre show match for them at Mania though.
Asuka will defend her Smackdown Women's Title against Mandy Rose. Yes, I know. I'm not sleeping on Mandy Rose here as she has pinned Asuka, joining only three other women who have. Asuka has unfortunately had to play really third fiddle in the women's division during this year's road to Wrestlemania, with everyone focused on the Becky/Charlotte/Ronda drama and the new women's tag titles. Asuka hasn't been able to get a compelling feud since Becky at the Rumble. There's no doubt that Asuka will win here but who will she face at Mania? I'm thinking she'll be on the pre show in some type of multi person match ala Wrestlemania 33's match. Mandy will tap out to Asuka.
The six time tag team champions The Usos defend against Shane McMahon and The Miz. We all see where this is going right? Miz or Shane is doing the turn here post match which means The Usos will be winning here. With The Hardy Boys back, it only makes sense that The Usos, the most decorated tag team of this era face one of the biggest tag teams of the Attitude Era. This stuff writes itself. Back to Miz/Shane, if Triple H is going to be face heading into Mania, then Shane can be heel. Can't have all of the power figures as heels can we? Plus, when's the last time Shane's been heel? Mid 2000s? It's time. I'm not really into Shane/Miz at Mania but it does make sense in the grand scope of storytelling. Anyway, The Usos retain while Shane and Miz implode.
Sasha Banks and Bayley will make their FIRST defense of their newly won WWE Women's Tag Team Titles as they face Nia Jax and Tamina. Nia bringing up the fact that Sasha hasn't successfully defended any title on the main roster stings and it's most likely the reason why she finally will come Sunday. If Tamina and Nia were going to win the titles, it would have been at the Chamber and WWE would have had Sasha and Bayley chase them for the titles until Mania. With that out the picture, I fully expect Sasha and Bayley to retain. Don't be surprised if you see some female Hall of Famers try to team up and take the titles from Boss N Hug come Mania. Or some IIconic Australians. Or some Sky Pirates. The field is really open.
The Big Dog is back! One week after announcing to the world that he's in remission, Roman Reigns called The Shield to arms; to reunite one more time. This is of course, playing off the fact of Reigns' recent illness and the fact that Dean Ambrose may be on his way out of the company. Despite being at odds with one another, common enemies brought the three together again and at Fastlane, The Shield reunites to face Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre and Baron Corbin. McIntyre better not take the fall here! The Shield is not losing their first match back, especially with Roman beating cancer. Come on. Plus, you have the Royal Rumble winner Seth Rollins attached to the team. He needs all the momentum he can get heading into facing Lesnar at Mania. This one is easy. The Shield is victorious in their return, with Roman Reigns pinning Baron Corbin. I'm guessing if Cena may be facing Samoa Joe at Wrestlemania, that would leave McIntyre out of an opponent. Reigns/McIntyre is a huge match for both men and one that could determine the next challenger for the Universal Championship. Book it WWE.
Kevin Owens is back and he's getting a major opportunity. Owens was rumored to face Bryan at Mania but with #kofimania taking over, it looks like WWE took Kofi's opportunity at Fastlane to give him the big one at Mania. In the meanwhile, we get an early Christmas present with Kevin Owens taking on The New Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship. This will be good. I'm sure Kofi will be ringside or very close by watching. Owens looks to be a face for the moment so him beating Bryan wouldn't make any sense, especially if Kofi is getting his moment in MetLife Stadium. I don't think this one will end cleanly and expect either Ali or Kofi to get involved. I'm banking on Bryan taking advantage of the distraction and defeat Kevin Owens to retain the WWE Championship. I don't know if WWE is building towards a Fatal Four Way between Bryan/Kofi/Owens/Ali or a Triple Threat #1 contender's match for Smackdown but rest assured, Kofi Kingston has a high probability to walk out of Wrestlemania 35 as WWE Champion.
Charlotte will face Becky Lynch and if Lynch wins, she'll be added to the Raw Women's Championship match, making it a triple threat. Surprise surprise. This whole storyline has been so convoluted, especially with the whole Vince replacing Becky then Steph putting her back in despite her father's previous action. Is this leading to a power struggle between The McMahons? Anyway, Charlotte and Becky have amazing chemistry so this will definitely be a great match but it will no doubt end with Becky winning and then taking her rightful spot in the Mania main event. Ronda/Lynch/Charlotte is the money match for Mania and one with the most story build. Becky wins.
Fastlane could be a really fun event. Rey/Andrade, the Raw Tag Titles, Owens/Bryan and Charlotte/Becky could all be pretty special if given enough time. After this, we'll be four weeks away from Wrestlemania.
You ready?
With Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy taking off until his Wrestlemania 35 (pre show) match, the pre show is left without a must see match....that was until they announced Rey Mysterio would be facing Andrade in a highly anticipated rematch. I originally thought Andrade was going to defeat R Truth here and win the United States Title to defend against Mysterio at Mania but Samoa Joe changed that this past Tuesday. Instead, we get this amazing pre show match that will be near impossible to follow. Mysterio and Andrade have killed it any time they've competed and their Smackdown match back in January remains the best main roster match of 2019. Just because these two are on the pre show means nothing. Do not miss this epic clash. I don't see Andrade getting his moment against Mysterio on the pre show and still think these two will clash at Wrestlemania with some type of stipulation so I'm going with Mysterio for the victory.
Also added to the pre show while I was getting this ready was New Day taking on Shinsuke Nakamura and Rusev, because why the heck not? I can't see Kofi getting shafted and then his teammates losing as well so I'm going with New Day. Hopefully WWE will push up Andrade and Rey to open Fastlane.
If WWE wants a hot show opener, they should start the show with the Triple Threat for the Raw Tag Team Championships. The Revival will defend their titles against Bobby Roode and Chad Gable and the makeshift but working surprisingly well team of Aleister Black and Ricochet. This is an all stars game of former NXT stars and champions from different eras of the black and yellow brand. This will be a show stealer if given enough time. I've been pretty against Chad Gable and Bobby Roode as a team, only because I think EC3 would mesh much better with a heel Roode and the fact that I think Gable would be better as a singles guy. Ricochet and Black both deserve to be singles stars but their teaming has been a shock to me. They gel together so well in their short time together and already have big wins over The Revival and The Bar. As much as I love The Revival, their time together as champions has been horrible, losing to DIY one week after winning the titles and then losing again to Black/Ricochet. They really need a win and that win will come Sunday. The Revival will retain their tag titles, most likely pinning Roode. I expect a pre show match for them at Mania though.
Asuka will defend her Smackdown Women's Title against Mandy Rose. Yes, I know. I'm not sleeping on Mandy Rose here as she has pinned Asuka, joining only three other women who have. Asuka has unfortunately had to play really third fiddle in the women's division during this year's road to Wrestlemania, with everyone focused on the Becky/Charlotte/Ronda drama and the new women's tag titles. Asuka hasn't been able to get a compelling feud since Becky at the Rumble. There's no doubt that Asuka will win here but who will she face at Mania? I'm thinking she'll be on the pre show in some type of multi person match ala Wrestlemania 33's match. Mandy will tap out to Asuka.
The six time tag team champions The Usos defend against Shane McMahon and The Miz. We all see where this is going right? Miz or Shane is doing the turn here post match which means The Usos will be winning here. With The Hardy Boys back, it only makes sense that The Usos, the most decorated tag team of this era face one of the biggest tag teams of the Attitude Era. This stuff writes itself. Back to Miz/Shane, if Triple H is going to be face heading into Mania, then Shane can be heel. Can't have all of the power figures as heels can we? Plus, when's the last time Shane's been heel? Mid 2000s? It's time. I'm not really into Shane/Miz at Mania but it does make sense in the grand scope of storytelling. Anyway, The Usos retain while Shane and Miz implode.
Sasha Banks and Bayley will make their FIRST defense of their newly won WWE Women's Tag Team Titles as they face Nia Jax and Tamina. Nia bringing up the fact that Sasha hasn't successfully defended any title on the main roster stings and it's most likely the reason why she finally will come Sunday. If Tamina and Nia were going to win the titles, it would have been at the Chamber and WWE would have had Sasha and Bayley chase them for the titles until Mania. With that out the picture, I fully expect Sasha and Bayley to retain. Don't be surprised if you see some female Hall of Famers try to team up and take the titles from Boss N Hug come Mania. Or some IIconic Australians. Or some Sky Pirates. The field is really open.
The Big Dog is back! One week after announcing to the world that he's in remission, Roman Reigns called The Shield to arms; to reunite one more time. This is of course, playing off the fact of Reigns' recent illness and the fact that Dean Ambrose may be on his way out of the company. Despite being at odds with one another, common enemies brought the three together again and at Fastlane, The Shield reunites to face Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre and Baron Corbin. McIntyre better not take the fall here! The Shield is not losing their first match back, especially with Roman beating cancer. Come on. Plus, you have the Royal Rumble winner Seth Rollins attached to the team. He needs all the momentum he can get heading into facing Lesnar at Mania. This one is easy. The Shield is victorious in their return, with Roman Reigns pinning Baron Corbin. I'm guessing if Cena may be facing Samoa Joe at Wrestlemania, that would leave McIntyre out of an opponent. Reigns/McIntyre is a huge match for both men and one that could determine the next challenger for the Universal Championship. Book it WWE.
Kevin Owens is back and he's getting a major opportunity. Owens was rumored to face Bryan at Mania but with #kofimania taking over, it looks like WWE took Kofi's opportunity at Fastlane to give him the big one at Mania. In the meanwhile, we get an early Christmas present with Kevin Owens taking on The New Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship. This will be good. I'm sure Kofi will be ringside or very close by watching. Owens looks to be a face for the moment so him beating Bryan wouldn't make any sense, especially if Kofi is getting his moment in MetLife Stadium. I don't think this one will end cleanly and expect either Ali or Kofi to get involved. I'm banking on Bryan taking advantage of the distraction and defeat Kevin Owens to retain the WWE Championship. I don't know if WWE is building towards a Fatal Four Way between Bryan/Kofi/Owens/Ali or a Triple Threat #1 contender's match for Smackdown but rest assured, Kofi Kingston has a high probability to walk out of Wrestlemania 35 as WWE Champion.
Charlotte will face Becky Lynch and if Lynch wins, she'll be added to the Raw Women's Championship match, making it a triple threat. Surprise surprise. This whole storyline has been so convoluted, especially with the whole Vince replacing Becky then Steph putting her back in despite her father's previous action. Is this leading to a power struggle between The McMahons? Anyway, Charlotte and Becky have amazing chemistry so this will definitely be a great match but it will no doubt end with Becky winning and then taking her rightful spot in the Mania main event. Ronda/Lynch/Charlotte is the money match for Mania and one with the most story build. Becky wins.
Fastlane could be a really fun event. Rey/Andrade, the Raw Tag Titles, Owens/Bryan and Charlotte/Becky could all be pretty special if given enough time. After this, we'll be four weeks away from Wrestlemania.
You ready?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)