Analyzing 12 possible Wrestlemania 31 matches

This year’s Wrestlemania has the potential to be one of the biggest ever. With one of the strongest rosters in years and a strong supply of undercard talent, mixed with the NXT newcomers, this year’s event should blow the last one out of the water which in itself was a big one. With the Royal Rumble only days away where the road to Wrestlemania will officially begin, I thought I'd take the time to analyze some possible matches for the stellar event that will be Wrestlemania 31.

#1 Triple H v Sting

Probably the most obvious Wrestlemania match thus far. Sting has only made two appearances yet WWE have obviously been building towards an epic Sting v HHH match at the grandest stage of them all. At Survivor Series Sting debuted, attacking Triple H and helping put The Authority out of power. He then appeared on Raw, distracting The Authority and allowing Cena to win back the jobs of Ziggler, Ryback, and Rowan. A clearly irate Triple H stood atop the announce table furiously screaming at Sting. Many fans may rather see a Sting v Taker dream matchup, but all indications so far instead point to a match with HHH which will surely still deliver. The bout may also feature some sort of stipulation about The Authority being kicked out of power again.

Predicted winner: Sting

Despite being the most obvious match this far out, there are still multiple different routes they could go with this rivalry. Another option is to put Rollins in the match against Sting. Rollins is an incredible in ring performer and would be able to carry any deficiencies in ability due to Stings age. If Rollins were to face Sting, Triple H could easily face someone else like Ziggler. Another option, which may seem unlikely but would ultimately work, would be to book a tag match featuring HHH & Rollins v Sting & Ziggler. This would lessen the work load on the aging Sting (and HHH). Another option would be to book the dream match, Sting v Taker. However both are now very old and may struggle to perform at an adequate level. Not to mention that all of Stings appearances have involved The Authority and seem to be leading to some sort of big pay-off.

Possible alternatives: Sting v Rollins, Triple H & Rollins v Sting & Ziggler, Sting v Undertaker, Triple H v Ziggler

#2 Brock Lesnar v Dolph Ziggler (WWE Championship)

Maybe I’m a little biased, but I truly believe Reigns isn’t ready for the main event and that Bryan shouldn’t return from injury straight back into the main event. That leaves a man that has the skills, has paid his dues, has had the year of his life and deserves that final push into the main event spot, Dolph Ziggler. A Lesnar v Ziggler match would be legendary and now is Zigglers time to shine. The fans love Ziggler and they have opportunity to capitalize on his momentum by having him win the rumble and push him into the main event title match. Whoever faces Lesnar should come out victorious, but I also believe a Rollins cash in is inevitable. No matter what happens, I think Rollins will walk out of Mania the champion.

Predicted winner: Ziggler wins followed by a cash in from Seth Rollins

Personally, the only other option I believe is to have a Lesnar v Ambrose match. Of course Lesnar v Reigns still seems the most likely even though I don’t believe he’s ready. Bryan is also a possibility but I don’t think he should be handed the main even straight away after missing the majority of the year with an injury even though it may make for a great comeback story. That being said, I still believe Ambrose has the ability to carry the main event, it may be too soon in his career. Lesnar v Orton would be a great match but WWE needs to use Lesnar to push a new star, not someone that has had plenty of main events.

Possible alternatives: Lesnar v Reigns, Lesnar v Bryan, Lesnar v Ambrose, Lesnar v Orton

#3 Rusev v Roman Reigns (US Title match)

Rusev has been built up as an absolute powerhouse who deserves a proper feud at Wrestlemania. If Reigns doesn’t get thrust into the main event title bout prematurely then this may seem a very plausible option. WWE could still make Reigns look strong by having him defeat the monster Rusev who has never been pinned. Also, with the massive heel heat that Rusev gets, mixed with Reigns playing the patriotic route and not being pushed too much, he may win some fans back.

Predicted winner: Reigns becomes the first to pin Rusev

Rusev v Cena is another option that has been rumoured. This match would really help to elevate Rusev and the US title to a completely other level. But, should Cena be the one to stop this beast? Or should it be a younger star like Reigns who needs the push more. Although, imagine if Rusev defeated Cena???? Another possibility is to have Rusev’s current rivalry with Ryback lead to a match at Wrestlemania.

Possible alternatives: Rusev v Cena, Rusev v Ryback

#4 Daniel Bryan v John Cena

A sequel to their excellent Summerslam bout would be sure to build intrigue. Neither man would need to turn heel (although I’m sure Bryan would be the favourite), it would be a match simply built on respect. Many want to see Bryan thrust straight back into the main event title picture, but he shouldn’t, he had his moment last year. Of course he will have many more Wrestlemania moments but this year is not the right time. After missing the majority of the year with an injury, he shouldn’t go straight into the main event spot. That spot should go to someone who needs the push and has performed strongly as a top babyface in Bryan’s absence such as Ambrose or Ziggler. A Bryan v Cena match would be a solid match up.

Predicted winner: Bryan

If Cena went to battle with Rusev, Bryan could easily wrestle someone like Rollins instead in what would be an amazing (5 star?) match. Rollins v Bryan would easily be on the same level as a great match like the HBK v Kurt Angle match, if not better.

Possible alternatives: Bryan v Rollins, Cena v Rusev

#5 Cody Rhodes v Goldust

I thought this match would happen at Wrestlemania last year… It didn’t. I was then sure if would happen at Summerslam last year… It didn’t. Now I am almost certain that it should happen this year. The question is whether it will happen at Wrestlemania or at Summerslam. With what may be a packed Wrestlemania card, there may not be space for the brother v brother feud. If this match does happen, I would love to see an ‘I Quit match’ but that would be unlikely. Cody should get the win and Goldust time in WWE may be limited.

Predicted winner: Cody Rhodes wins, Goldust retires next night on Raw

If this match doesn’t happen, they will probably both find themselves in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. However they could also find themselves in a tag team title match, or possibly both.

Possible alternatives: Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal, Tag Team Title Match

#6 Bray Wyatt v Randy Orton

Bray Wyatt v Undertaker has been heavily rumoured, but is that the right option? Personally I believe that now the streak is over, that the Undertaker shouldn’t wrestle again at Wrestlemania because the mystique and excitement regarding the streak is now gone. The only reason Taker should wrestle again would be to see the epic Sting dream match but both man are too old and WWE seems to have other plans for the vigilante. So who does Wyatt have to face? The answer… Randy Orton. Orton is one of the last top veterans for Wyatt to fight and a rivalry between the two would be epic.

Predicted winner: Wyatt wins

The only problem is that Orton will probably resume his feud with Rollins upon his return which will lead to a match at the big one. If Undertake doesn’t return, then this would leave Wyatt without a match. However they could always book a Wyatt Family Triple Threat match since they have now broken up. But Wyatt seems to have been built up very strong for something much bigger as evident in his dominance throughout his feud with Dean Ambrose. It’s all dependant on whether Undertake decides to return which I personally believe he shouldn’t.

Possible alternatives: Wyatt v Undertaker, Orton v Rollins, Wyatt v Harper v Rowan

#7 The Miz v Damien Sandow

This rivalry is bound to happen very soon, the question is whether WWE think it deserves a spot on the Wrestlemania card. Sandow has reinvented his career as a stunt double and has everybody strongly behind him. It’s time to capitalise on his momentum and popularity by giving him a huge push. The first step is to book him against the man he mimics every night, The Miz. Tension has been building for quite some time as Miz becomes frustrated with Mizdows growing popularity. Expect a split to occur soon, possibly beginning at the Royal Rumble

Predicted winner: Sandow

If this match doesn’t happen at Wrestlemania, both men will very likely find themselves in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Sandow may even be a favourite to win the battle royal.

Possible alternatives: Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal

#8 Nikki Bella v Naomi v Paige v AJ Lee (divas title match)

It seems very likely that Nikki will now hold the title until Wrestlemania. Hopefully WWE doesn’t decide to book a Brie v Nikki match though. Three divas that deserve a match at the big one, Naomi, Paige and AJ could find themselves in a fatal four way which would probably be a fairly exciting bout if given the right time. I think it’s time to give Naomi a run as divas champ as she is incredibly talented.

Predicted winner: Naomi gets a push

WWE could decide to throw some more names into the mix like they did last year. Also there is a possibility that they could book two divas matches. One featuring the divas title, the other featuring Stephanie McMahon who performed very well in her Summerslam bout last year. If Stephanie did wrestle, a likely opponent would probably be AJ Lee.

Possible alternatives: Natalya or Brie could both enter the title match…, AJ Lee v Stephanie McMahon

#9 Dean Ambrose v Seth Rollins

What will WWE do with Ambrose at Wrestlemania? If they don’t push him into the title picture, there’s a possibility that could reignite the hottest feud of 2014 which didn’t have a decisive conclusion and have him face Seth Rollins. If this match happens, I’d expect Ambrose to get his revenge and come out victorious.

Predicted winner: Ambrose

Another option is too a book a triple threat match between The Shield members which is yet to happen and would be awesome. Ambrose could also turn heel and start a singles rivalry with Roman Reigns. Imagine if Reigns wins the rumble, Rollins wins the title at the rumble and Ambrose wins a match at Fastlane to earn his way into the main event then we have a triple threat Shield match for the WWE Championship to close the show. Only problem is that if they take the title off Lesnar no it will seem like a waste.

Possible Alternatives: Ambrose v Rollins v Reigns, Ambrose v Reigns, Ziggler v Rollins

#10 The Usos v The Ascension v Cesaro & Kidd v The New Day (elimination tag team title match)

I expect WWE to book a similar tag title match to last year. Multiple teams competing with no real feud which will still create a very exciting match up but will possibly be relegated to the pre-show with some members pulling double duty to appear in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal. I would love to see Cesaro & Kidd win the title but it may be too soon.

Predicted winner: Cesaro & Kidd

There have been some rumours recently of Bubba Ray and D’Von returning at the Rumble. If they decide to stick around for Wrestlemania, a match with The Usos for the tag titles would be huge.

Possible alternatives: The Usos v The Dudley Boyz

#11 Bad News Barrett v Eric Rowan v Luke Harper v Jack Swagger (IC Title match)

The IC title started to regain prestige mainly thanks to Ziggler and the amazing matches he has with guys like Cesaro, Harper, etc. Having Barrett win back the title upon return wasn’t such a bad idea as it allows Ziggler to move onto bigger things. The only problem is that WWE has returned to its old ways of burying the IC champion. While Ziggler was champion he defended his title on a regular basis and won a lot of matches. In the few short weeks that Barrett has been champion he has lost consistently even losing to guys like Sin Cara. One of the only matches he has one was a rematch against Sin Cara for the title.

Predicted winner: Barrett, maybe…

Barrett could face anyone at Wrestlemania (maybe even Ziggler if he doesn’t get the push he deserves or a returning Sheamus) but chances are that he will end up in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal along with Harper, Swagger, Rowan and other mid card talent. Which is unfortunate because Barrett is a talented, entertaining performer.

Possible alternatives: Barrett v Ziggler, Barrett v Sheamus, Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

#12 Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal

It is very likely that they decide to continue the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal as an ongoing yearly event which allows more talent to get on the Wrestlemania card. Personally though I believe that should cut the numbers back from 30 to 20 (or maybe even 15) because it should be a privilege to wrestle on the grandest stage of them all.

Predicted winner: Anybody… (Sandow, Harper, Ryback, etc.)

Possible alternatives: Various Mid Card Matches

#13 Final Thoughts

The road to Wrestlemania has only just begun and so much can change within the next few months. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens. However come this Sunday, after the Royal Rumble is done, the main event championship match should be set in stone. Feel free to comment below, your Wrestlemania predictions.

Darcy Willowhite