In this article, PWP Nation’s John “JCD” Dimiceli gives his thoughts and predictions for WrestleMania 33.
With the holidays now in full swing, the road to WrestleMania 33 has begun. With two December pay-per-views, Royal Rumble and two February pay-per-views, a lot can happen between now and then.
A few matches are becoming very obvious, and some direction is taking shape for what the match card will look like. A lot can and usually does change, especially with Vince McMahon running the show, but assuming things do not, let’s take a look at what could be an amazing WrestleMania.
Let’s begin:
The Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal:
Baron Corbin, Cesaro, Sheamus, Rusev, Rhyno, Heath Slater, Kane, Luke Harper, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Apollo Crews, James Ellsworth, Erick Rowan, R-Truth, Goldust, Zack Ryder, Mojo Rawley, Aiden English, Simon Gotch and Samoa Joe.
For this match, the best way to handle it would be to book it just like last year: have a debuting star win. With Samoa Joe finally moving away from NXT (hopefully), I believe Joe winning would really kickoff his main roster run on solid footing.
Ladder Match for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship:
Brian Kendrick vs. Noam Dar vs. TJ Perkins vs. Akira Towaza vs. Gran Metalik vs. Tony Nese vs. Rich Swann vs. Jack Gallagher vs. Austin Aries
The usual multi-man championship match will feature the kings of 205. I’m not entirely sure who will be the champion leading into this match, but this could be a prime opportunity for Austin Aries to become the face of the division for the majority of 2017.
WWE Intercontinental Championship:
Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Sami Zayn
In this scenario, the “underdog of the underground,” Sami Zayn gets his wish and moves over to Tuesday nights. This match could be stuck in the undercard and definitely be a show-stealer.
WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships:
The Revival (c) vs. American Alpha
SmackDown’s tag team roster is pretty slim, which is why it would be the perfect chance for the Revival to debut and capture the tag titles almost immediately. Pair them with a team that they have tremendous chemistry with like American Alpha and I think you can have another show-stealing match in the making.
WWE Raw Women’s Championship:
Sasha Banks (c) vs. Bayley
This story writes itself. With Banks possibly turning heel, she would be the perfect matchup for Bayley, especially on a stage like WrestleMania 33. These two have such tremendous chemistry and can produce incredible matches. Also, on a match with big time matches, this match can be one of the more personal feuds on this card.
WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship:
Becky Lynch (c) vs. Nikki Bella
Due to the fact that Ms. Cena needs a high-profile match, this match would be a no-brainer. But this match has an incredible upside. If Lynch can regain the title, a win over someone like Nikki Bella in front of the mainstream audience that WrestleMania attracts, it would really cement Becky as the face of the SmackDown women’s division.
WWE Raw Tag Team Championships:
The New Day (c) vs. Enzo Amore & Big Cass
It’s obvious that the New Day is heading toward breaking the record to beat Demolition for the longest tag title reign in WWE history. Additionally, it’s clear from the finishes of their wins lately, the New Day will be turning heel in the near future. Just like American Alpha on SmackDown, this would be a perfect chance for Enzo & Cass to take the titles off of the New Day.
Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton
The current Wyatt Family storyline will implode, which will obviously lead to a match between Wyatt and Orton. This card has plenty of opportunities, and Wyatt could benefit from it the most, as he can finally get that big WrestleMania win.
Big Show vs. Shaquille O’Neal
Here’s your usual celebrity involvement match. This will likely lead to a celebrity Hall of Fame induction for Shaq.
WWE United States Championship:
Roman Reigns (c) vs. Braun Strowman
With the way Strowman has been built up, it makes perfect sense for him to be slayed by WWE’s golden boy, Roman Reigns. This’ll be your classic, big-man, hard-hitting match that’ll keep Vince McMahon happy as the rest of the card is for us diehard fans.
WWE World Championship:
AJ Styles (c) vs. The Miz
I don’t think anyone in WWE deserves a world title shot more than the Miz. This story can be very simple: find a way to make the Miz the number one contender for the title, and move him into a feud with Styles, who will be freshly turned face. Another added element to this feud would be the Miz and Daniel Bryan, as Miz continues to threaten Bryan by the whole, “what if I become WWE Champion? Will you respect me then?” This story writes itself and the Miz deserves it, no question about it.
Dean Ambrose vs. Shane McMahon
On the post-Survivor Series SmackDown, Shane was less than thrilled with Ambrose and his actions during the 5-on-5 elimination match. When they were interacting, it seemed like Shane had some heel vibes when talking with Ambrose and I believe this match could be a big, fun spotfest. If you want to add another dynamic to this match, make Daniel Bryan the special referee.
Segment:
Charlotte confronted by Ronda Rousey
Let me be clear: this will not be a match, but after weeks and months claiming she is the most dominant female ever, Charlotte “invites” Ronda to WrestleMania 33. After some verbal back and forth, Ronda takes down Charlotte, similar to her WrestleMania 31 appearance with Stephanie McMahon.
Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg
This match doesn’t really need an explanation. It’s more than likely that Brock Lesnar eliminates Goldberg from the Royal Rumble match, which leads to a final encounter between the two. The story of Brock finally beating Goldberg is enough to sell this match.
Triple H (w/The Club) vs. Seth Rollins
We finally get this match. Triple H and his new henchmen, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson screw over Rollins in the Royal Rumble match, as Hunter is deadset on getting Rollins out of the title picture anyway he can and gets the help from the Club to do so. I think this match can have a really creative ending, which can go something like this: during the match, Triple H and the Club seem to have Rollins put away, when Rollins then receives help from his former Shield buddies, Reigns and Ambrose, which leads to Rollins winning the match and celebrating with his former stable-mates.
WWE Universal Championship:
Kevin Owens (c) vs. Finn Balor
In this story, it would make sense for Balor, if he’s cleared by then, to return and win the 2017 Royal Rumble. If I’m WWE, I want to continue the momentum I built up with Balor before he got hurt. Balor then continues to WrestleMania to face Owens for the title (he never lost). This story writes itself and the entrance from Balor at WrestleMania will be epic.
John Cena vs. The Undertaker
This one is simple. No streak, no titles, no story needed; just two all-time legends going one-on-one on the grandest stage.
Thank you for reading, everyone. Leave comments and questions below.
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