Well, the time is now, finally, almost here. It is now just a few hours until the biggest show of the WWE, and pro-wrestling's, calendar. Wrestlemania XXIX will take place April 7th in New Jersey's 'Met Life' stadium and an expected 90,000 fans will be on hand to witness it live, as well as millions around the world on PPV. Wrestemania has provided countless "memorable", "iconic" and "historic" moments throughout it's long, rich history and now, in it's 29th year, I'm going to take a look at what this years event has in store as well as take my best shot at predicting what may transpire.
PRE SHOW:
WWE Intercontinetal Championship
Wade Barrett (c) vs. The Miz
In a somewhat peculiar decision, the Intercontinental Championship will be contested on the Interactive Pre-show, as champion Wade Barrett defends against The Miz. The build up to this one over recent weeks has been physical one. On the March 18th episode of RAW, Barrett retained his title in a triple threat match against both The Miz and Chris Jericho and ever since, The Miz has been gunning for another shot. While the rivalry has included a lot of talk from The Miz, belittling the Englishmans "starring" role in spectacular flop 'Dead Man Down from WWE Studios and a chain of events that has led to Hall of Famer Ric Flair "passing" the Figure Four Leg Lock on to the challenger, there has also been plenty of matches and physical spots between the two men.
I actually have high hopes for this match. The Miz has looked sharp as of late and the ever well-rounded Barrett has only strengthened his game in recent months, in both his look, style and move-set. I know that I personally would much rather be paying for this match than some of the others on the card but the Champion and the former WWE Champion should hopefully be able to provide a solid match to get everyone amped up for the show, and maybe even convince a few of the undecided to order the event.
Prediction: This one could go either way all in honesty. Given the fact that United States Champion Antonio Cesaro is not even booked for the event and this match has also not been deemed worthy for the main card, it's very difficult to foresee what kind of plans the WWE have for the Championships of its second tier. However, considering I struggle to see a plan in place for the champ post-Wrestlemania, and given the WWEs recent attempts at getting The Miz over as a heel, and maybe reclaim a spot in the company, I'm going to have to go for The Miz to win the title.
WWE Tag Team Championship
'Team Hell No' Daniel Bryan & Kane vs. Dolph Ziggler & Big E. Langston
This title reign has been a good one for the team of Daniel Bryan and Kane. Through some brilliant, comedic sketches with Dr. Shelby and a lengthy run with the belts, the partnership of Team Hell No has been a beneficial one to both parties, in my opinion.
Daniel Bryan was arguably pushed to the top, and the World Heavyweight Championship, too soon. Personally I loved Bryan as WWE Champion, but once his reign was over, his career almost seemed to be at a standstill. Where do you take him next? Well, the WWE decided to take him to the Big Red Machine and form an unlikely partnership. Not so long ago, the never-ending chants of "YES! YES! YES!" were starting to really grate on my nerves, and I felt the brilliant talents of Bryan were being overshadowed by a cheap, easy catchphrase. However, as part of 'Team Hell No', a heel turn, a new, edgier attitude and a genuine ability to perform well with even the comedy elements, Daniel Bryan has matured into a much more confident performer while his wrestling ability, which was never in question, has certainly not been hurt. Kane has provided the guidance, as he often has in the past, for Daniel Bryan to evolve from a simply brilliant wrestler to a well-rounded performer.
Big E. Langston will make his debut at Wrestlemania, teaming with Mr. Money in the Bank Dolph Ziggler. In a rather confusing partnership, as far as I'm concerned, Big E. Langston has acted as Zigglers "heavy" and bodyguard in recent weeks, interfering in matches and coming to Zigglers aid. With girlfriend AJ at his side, Dolph goes into Wrestlemania to compete, with current NXT Champion Langston, for the World Tag Team Championships. However that may not be the real story.
Prediction: Team Hell No have been showing the cracks of a championship team who are not on the same page, leading many, including myself, to believe that a break-up is on the cards. While I wouldn't say this isn't the case anymore, I do feel like the heat has been turned down a little and that the "imminent" break-up has been no more than simmering in recent weeks. If this is the case, and this is intentional, it could be for the simple reason that Dolph Ziggler still has that Money in the Bank contract for a World Heavyweight Championship match, won on July 15th of last year. While it is not absolutely necessary for this to be cashed in just yet, I wonder what bigger or more appropriate stage there is for the hard-working Ziggler to finally receive his prize.
I expect this match to be the opening match of the night and for Team Hell No to retain against the recent, seemingly make-shift team of Langston and Ziggler. I then hope to see the Money in the Bank cashed in later in the evening.
Chris Jericho vs. Fandango
There are many reasons to feel sorry for Johnny Curtis. His last match on the main roster was, I believe, in 2011. He has worked hard on NXT ever since in an attempt to make it back again. When he finally made it back in October of last year when he began working dark matches and house shows, audiences were shown their very first vignette for 'Fandango' just a few short weeks later - a rather cheap, tacky looking (in my opinion) call back to the more gimmicky days of WWE, as Curtis has been repackaged as a sparkly pants wearing ballroom dancer who is adamant everyone pronounce his name correctly. Factor in the fact that it seems to me he is being made to push the homosexual button too (how wonderfully stereotypical) and really what are you left with is Rico version 2.0, minus the mutton chops.
However there is one very significant reason not to feel sorry for Curtis. His hard work has resulted in a very high profile pay-off, as he competes in his debut match as 'Fandango' on the biggest stage possible, and against the man who can assist in elevating his career like nobody else, Chris Jericho.
After weeks of being scheduled to make his debut, only to eventually refuse to do so until ring announcers and wrestlers alike learned to pronounce his name correctly (I believe it's 'Fann - dangg- go'), this match would be booked after an altercation between the two backstage where Jericho, in typical fashion, enjoyed several amusing but ultimately unsuccessful attempts at prouncing the debutantes name. Fandango has since attacked Chris Jericho and utilised a beautiful top-rope leg drop in the process. Can he continue the assault at Wrestelmania or can the veteran see off the new blood and hand him a defeat on his first outing?
Prediction: Chris Jericho's role within the WWE at this time seems very clear. Between Fozzy tours and other activities outside of wrestling, Jericho continues to return home and his contribution to the product is to make stars. I'm not sure what to make of the 'Fandango' gimmick, I'm not enjoying it so far, and I really don't see a future in it. What hopefully does have a future, however, is the career of Johnny Curtis, and at Wrestlemania I fully expect that these two will have a very solid match, and if given the right amount of time, could even have an outside shot of stealing the show. I also expect for Chris Jericho to do his best to make Fandango a star, and that should involve handing him his first win.
Ryback vs. Mark Henry
Since The Royal Rumble, The Shield have left a trail of destruction week in and week out on RAW. Ryback was one of their first victims. The size and stature of the big man proved not to be an issue as the three-man team played the odds and preyed on the solitary Ryback on more than one occasion. When The Shield delivered a triple powerbomb to Ryback, payback was looking certain to be on the cards, however the trio were suddenly not his biggest problem anymore.
A returning Mark Henry set his sights immediately on Ryback and the two powerhouses have butted heads ever since. This is very much a tale of two giants, of Goliath vs. Goliath, a match-up the WWE has often attempted to promote in the past. The build up has been typical of this kind of match-up, with the two attempting to out-do each for strength and power, such as the recent weightlifting contest on Smackdown! where Mark Henry, worried he was about to be upstaged, interrupted and assaulted his Wrestlemania challenger. Arguably the two biggest powerhouses in WWE collide on Sunday night.
Prediction: I recently read an article on Bleacher Report by Robert Aitken where he wrote that this match could be the 'Sleeper match of the night'. Personally I feel this is overly optimistic. I don't foresee a wrestling match but rather a show of strength, a slow paced collision of brute force vs. brute force that is probably unlikely ever to hit a gear high enough to really capture it's audience. Mark Henry, upon returning after injury, must be wondering whether or not he will ever again reach the heights of a World title reign. Well, for now I get the feeling he will have to wait. Ryback is taking much more momentum into Wrestlemania and I'm gonna have to go with Ryback for the win.
Tons of Funk (Brodus Clay & Tensai) and The Funkadactyls vs. Team Rhodes Scholars (Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow) and The Bella Twins.
How things change so quickly in the WWE. It only seems a matter of weeks since Tensai was the silent, broody, Japanese-trained warrior. Marching to the ring, shoving "mentor" Sakamoto to the side and squashing opponents inside two minutes. It also seems like just a few short weeks since Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes announced their decision to break their partnership and go their seperate ways as singles wrestlers. Of course that could well be because it is just a few short weeks since that all happened.
Reunited Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow have also formed an alliance with Nicky and Brie Bella, very recently rehired after being previously released from their contracts. On the side of the team now being referred to as 'Tons of Funk' are their dancing, cheerleading duo of Cameron and Naomi to complete the mixed tag team match at Wrestlemania.
Their feud has been somewhat a light one, the program a short one in the build up and resulted in Sandow and Rhodes mocking their opponents when they came to the ring dressed as Brodus and Tensai, their costumes somewhat, uh, "padded" and had a little fun at the expense of Tons of Funk. There would be retaliation as the team, along with The Funkadactyls would hit the ring and a melee would ensue.
Prediction: What to say about this one? In my opinion it has definitely been billed as the match that carries with it the lowest amount of importance. To me Brodus and Tensai look like two men partnered together out of sheer desperation, a lack of ideas, and what could be a lack of a future in WWE for both men. Sandow and Rhodes have likely been reunited due to an under-strength and floundering WWE tag team division that is, frankly, much stronger with them than without. Having said that, one thing Tons of Funk do have is the attention of a younger audience and I believe that for this reason, for sheer popularity alone, that I have to go with Brodus, Tensai, Naomi and Cameron.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Alberto Del Rio vs. Jack Swagger
Arguably the most controversial Wrestlemania program, the pairing of Jack Swagger with Zeb Coulter has sparked complaints from individuals and groups outside of the WWE who have taken offence to the xenophobic, racist heel union.
Since Jack Swaggers return in February of this year, and his victory at The Elimination Chamber to ear the right to compete in this match, he has forsaken the clean-cut, groomed, All American look of the idealised collegiate wrestler and, along with the addition of Coulter has found himself mired in the controversy.
Swagger and Coulter have assaulted the WWE Champion and took issue with the Mexican Champion's success in "their" America. Swagger has also taken Del Rio's personal ring announcer Ricardo and broken his ankle with what he now calls the "Patriot Act" submission hold. Alberto Del Rio finds himself on the back foot going into Wrestlemania but has been impressive as of late, having some good matches on both RAW and Smackdown! Can the champ retain or is 'Jack Swagger's America' about to get a lot bigger?
Prediction: Firstly I find the controversy that this match has created to be ludicrous, but it doesn't surprise me. WWE has been clear to state that this is a work of fiction, a storyline, and does not represent the political views of the company which again just begs the question why people wouldn't simply choose to change the channel. However what I think this angle has done has given Jack Swagger an identity. Swagger was never the most confident or able on the mic and with Coulter at his side, he hasn't needed to be. Jack Swagger has been repackaged and given a change in attitude and in my opinion, it's working. Del Rio doesn't seem to have a prominent role in the show as champion and so in that sense I would have predicted a title change, due to the greater momentum Swagger is bringing. However, the winner of this match could be determined by whether or not the Money in the Bank is also cashed in tonight. I have a feeling it will be, and so I'm going to predict that Del Rio retains or the match ends in a no-contest.
The Undertaker vs. CM Punk
Much like the World Heavyweight Championship program, this feud has also been sparking controversy. Following the real life death of William Moody a.k.a Paul Bearer, the heat was turned up on this much anticipated match, which could well be the best match of the night. CM Punk has targeted the Dead Man by mocking his former manager, stealing the urn that was at the centre of the Undertakers character in the early 1990s and symbolic of his strength and power.
Punk interrupted the Undertakers tribute to his friend and most recently on RAW, conspired with Paul Heyman to assault his opponent when Heyman dressed as Bearer, urn in hand, and appeared on the stage amongst several of The Undertakers 'druids'. Punk would reveal himself as one of the hooded druids and assault The Undertaker, before covering the fallen veteran in the "ashes" of Paul Bearer. It was shocking, controversial television and, in my opinion, the kind of thing not seen often at all since the explosive "Attitude" era of the late 1990s. While it may have divided opinion in regards taste and necessity, it undoubtedly has set up a personal, emotional match-up as The Undertaker seeks vengeance and respect.
Prediction: Every year I always wonder the same thing. How will The Undertakers historic undefeated Wrestlemania streak finally end? I see it ending in one of two ways. Either it remains perfect, a tribute and legacy for the great Dead Man that arguably transcends any World title run or the streak is ended on The Undertakers own terms, as surely he earned the respect to call the creative shots on this one. What would The Undertakers terms be? Well, it could be to uphold the tradition of the veteran putting over a younger talent, for the future of the industry, or it could be The Undertakers wish to have one last great match with an established talent he respects. I always wondered if HHH or Shawn Michaels might not be that man, but they weren't and, surely, with his Wrestlemania legacy still intact following matches with both of them, there isn't any veteran left with whom he could end his career that way. CM Punk is arguably the strongest candidate The Undertaker could pass on his legacy too, but with rumours of CM Punks impending absence as he is reported to be taking time off after Wrestlemania, I don't see 20-0 becoming 20-1.
Randy Orton, Sheamus & The Big Show vs. The Shield (Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins)
So called "Internet wrestling fans" are renowned for being insatiable, impossible to please and never getting what they want. Well, they called out for Dean Ambrose, as well as Reigns and Rollins, to be called up to the main roster and at The Survivor Series they got exactly what they wanted - but surely the majority did not realise quite what they were in store for.
The union of Ambrose, Reigns and Rollins, three men who were still working in Florida Championship Wrestling and NXT just a few months ago, are a powerful group of hungry vigilante's, fighting for what they perceive to be injustice in the WWE. Collectively known as The Shield, the group made an unexpected, unannounced appearance at The Survivor Series in November where they helped CM Punk to retain his WWE Championship and powerbombed Ryback through a table in the process. Ever since The Shield have been running rampant through the WWE, assaulting and attacking several WWE Superstars, including Randy Orton, Sheamus and The Big Show. Randy Orton and Sheamus were struggling to contend with the trio - until the addition of the giant who has seemingly helped to settle the score. However, can they trust The Big Show to co-exist and do The Shield have what it takes to claim another scalp, and what would be undoubtedly their biggest to date?
Prediction: In my opinion the union of Big Show, Randy Orton and Sheamus is much like the union of Tensai and Brodus Clay in that it seems all too convenient to have these men work with one another, as it gives them something to do with talent lacking in any creative direction. The Shield on the other hand have a precise, clear direction and they are destroying everything in their way. It makes much more sense to have The Shield continue on their path than to have them stopped by a union of convenience. There is also the question of whether or not The Big Show can be trusted which could be a huge factor. as ot could possibly lead to him turning on his team mates. I have to predict a Shield victory, but it wouldn't surprise me if their current run is ended just to help these three, formerly prominent, main event stars can cling to their spots and maybe halt their decline back into the middle of the pack.
Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar
The build-up to this match has been somewhat slow-burning. With Lesnar only contracted to a certain number of appearances, the program has been sketchy at best. However, in my opinion, what has transpired between Brock Lesnar and the future Hall of Famer HHH has been worth watching.
HHH disappeared into his day job after last years Wrestlemania and his presence lay sleeping until, on a rare appearance on RAW, Vince McMahon was interrupted by the man who was once known as "The Next Big Thing, a former Wrestlemania main-eventer and WWE Champion in Brock Lesnar. Brock delivered the F5 to the chairman of the company and put him on the shelf - which was just the catalyst that HHH needed to return to the ring.
The assault on Vince McMahon, the father-in-law of The Game, reignited the spark and the feud between these two men and certainly made it personal. An enraged HHH, who had previously seen Lesnar assault not only his family but his best friend Shawn Michaels, demanded another match with Lesnar and he would eventually receive it.
Prior to his return, the last time we had seen HHH in the ring as an active competitor he voiced concern that, after having his arm broken twice at the hands of powerhouse, he may not be able to get the job done and suggested that his career as a performer may be over. Incensed by the personal attack of Lesnar on his father-in-law, HHH was goaded into signing a contract to face Lesnar at Wrestlemania where both his opponent and his opponents manager and mouthpiece Paul Heyman could choose the stipulation. With the contract already signed, Heyman revealed to the game that not only would the match be no holds barred, a stipulation Helmsley welcomed, but that The Games historic career would be on the line.
Prediction: Triple H's career is certainly coming towards it's end. His career is in its twilight years and one day I believe that not only will we see his final match, but given the opportunity his final match would honour the tradition within the wrestling industry, where he would put some talent over as a parting gesture. Plenty of people would disagree with this, due to his reportedly inflated ego. While HHH won't have too many matches left in him, I just can't see this match being the night he bows out for good. Brock Lesnar, in my opinion, has displayed carelessness in the ring since his return and in many ways looks a liability. A freak of an athlete, Lesnar may simply never know his own strength. I expect a brutal, violent, and possibly bloody match, despite the WWEs attempts to distance itself from such matches in recent years. Given the uncertain future of Brock Lesnar, I just can't see HHH giving his career to such a man for seemingly no productive reason. I expect HHH to emerge with the victory and for his career, at least for now, to continue.
WWE Championship
The Rock (c) vs. John Cena
Speaking of slow build-up's, I don't think I have ever experienced such a slow program for such huge matches than I have for The Rock and John Cena. This match marks the rematch of the "Once in a Lifetime" match (Yes, I'm aware) at last years Wrestlemania in Miami. The Rock has made his name in WWE and gone on to do something that wrestlers simply don't do, and made a successful career for himself in Hollywood. The Rock will absolutely go down as one of the biggest WWE Superstars of all time, and his contributions cannot be ignored.
John Cena is the biggest WWE Superstar since The Rock and Austin and the Attitude era. Cena has consistently drawn, whether he is cheered or booed and is arguably the biggest name in wrestling of the new millennium, both to fans of the product and non-fans. Their clash at last years Wrestelmania was the culmination of a year-long build-up, the likes of which had never been done before. This year, after defeating John Cena at Wrestlemania 28, has returned to face him again - and John Cena is out for retribution.
John Cena says defeat is not an option. John Cena says that his defeat in Miami has followed him ever since and, for his own sanity and validation, that he needs his redemption.
Prediction: Wrestlemania 29 marks two full years of promoting The Rock and John Cena. The build up, however, has been slow as The Rock has commitments in Hollywood and is not a full-time wrestler. I would be much more comfortable with this if it wasn't for one thing - The Rock is the WWE Champion. Something John Cena has not been in almost two years.
The Rock ended the historic, record-setting reign of CM Punk as WWE Champion, after 434 days atop the mountain. At the time I did not like the decision but I also wanted to believe that surely, if the WWE were to go as far as putting the belt on The Rock, that The Rock would be able to commit to working every RAW between the Royal Rumble and Wrestlemania. How wrong I was. With The Rock making sparse appearances on WWE TV during this time, as well as the full year that led up to their last Wrestlemania main event, John Cena has had to largely promote this match on his own.
Love him or hate him John Cena wrestles a full schedule for the WWE and, in my opinion, wears his passion and dedication to the cause on his sleeve. With The Rock either absent or appearing via satellite, or the WWE trying to promote the match with video packages, John Cena has often been required to deliver a promo and try to build the program without any help or involvement from his opponent. When you consider that the physical contact between the two men has also been virtually non-existent, I believe John Cena has performed exceptionally well while being backed into a corner and placed under a lot of pressure.
Rumours have been circulating that The Rock will also make appearances for the WWE in 2014 but if the last two years have been any indication, these appearances will be few and far between. The WWE cannot continue to allow its champion to be absent. I believe the title has been included within this rivalry for two reasons - to make the rematch as fresh as possible and also to give John Cena the redemption he has waited almost two years for.
