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WrestleMania 34 is approaching and with Elimination Chamber and Fastlane yet to come, there's a lot to look forward to. Recently we saw the first Women's Royal Rumble in WWE. Additionally, Shinsuke Nakamura is set to face AJ Styles in a long-awaited dream match. Therefore, WWE needs to consider building decent low and mid-card matches for WrestleMania 34.
The huge success of NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 12 indicates the quality of international wrestling, with Chris Jericho making history with Kenny Omega. Therefore, Wrestlemania 34 must surpass Wrestlemania 33 and highlight the true power WWE has within the wrestling business.
So, here are 5 matches that WWE must book for WrestleMania 34.
#5 A United Kingdom Championship Battle Royal (with a twist)
In recent times, WWE created the United Kingdom Championship Tournament with Triple H taking the reign. The tournament consisted of some of the United Kingdom's most talented wrestlers; Trent Seven, Tyler Bate, and Pete Dunne, among others. WWE are finally working with 'Independent Promotions' such as Progress Wrestling and Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW).
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Over the last few weeks on WWE NXT, American wrestler Roderick Strong defeated Tyler Bate to become the number one contender for the United Kingdom Championship. Regarded as 'Mr. ROH', Roderick Strong is the first non-UK wrestler to compete for the championship. What does this mean for the UK Championship? Could WWE be setting up a WWE European Championship throwback?
However, WWE is focused on showcasing the UK talent but perhaps showcasing it at WrestleMania is the key. Creating a Battle Royal to crown a new champion or contender would be beneficial. In doing so, it creates an opportunity to bring in non-WWE talent such as; DH Smith, Mary Scurll, and Jimmy Havoc.
#4 The NXT World Championship being defended
The 'Grandest Stage of Them All' has provided some excellent matches and moments over the years. Therefore, wrestling fans expect the very best quality from WrestleMania events. In past years, Triple H envisioned the idea of WWE NXT and recently the brand has taken the wrestling world by storm. However, NXT has never had the chance to shine at WrestleMania.
Recently at NXT Takeover: Philadelphia, 2018 we were treated to Andrade 'Cien' Almas vs Johnny Gargano for the NXT Championship, which stole the show. However, an argument could be presented that a match of this caliber could steal the show at WrestleMania. Therefore, at Wrestlemania 34, WWE must book an NXT Title Match, proving that the brand is worth it.
However, who could face Andrade 'Cien' Almas to provide a worthy match. Well, we have seen Johnny Gargano put on a stellar effort, but the real dream opponent would be, Alistair Black. Almas vs Black could certainly provide the WWE Universe with drama and action that fits right in with WrestleMania prestige.
Furthermore, wrestlers like Velveteen Dream and EC3 are options for championship contenders. But whoever WWE chooses to face Andrade 'Cien' Almas, history would be made and WWE NXT would finally solidify as an opponent for the Raw and SmackDown Live brands.
#3 The Miz vs Finn Balor for the Intercontinental Championship
After leaving New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) for WWE, Finn Balor has had a rocky road in the WWE. In NJPW, Finn Balor wrestled as Prince Devitt, a founding member of Bullet Club alongside Karl Andersen and Luke Gallows. The trio revolutionized NJPW and a multitude of Bullet Club variations have appeared since their departure to WWE.
WWE understands the power Bullet Club holds over wrestling fans and recently formed 'Balor Club', (Andersen, Gallows, and Balor). This decision provides an opportunity to bring the success of Bullet Club to the WWE. However, another group is making waves within the WWE called, 'The Miztourage'.
‘The Miztourage’ led by The Miz and comprising of Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel seem to be headed for a huge push within WWE. Currently, The Miz is in his 8th Intercontinental Title reign, one away from tying Chris Jericho for the most reigns. A clash between Finn Balor and The Miz for the WWE Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 34 would be a perfect feud. Furthermore, the match could result in Finn Balor winning the title and The Miz could regain it in following months.
However, why would this be good for WWE? Well, the Intercontinental Championship is regarded as the stepping stone to World title success. With names such as; Bret Hart, Chris Jericho and Stone Cold Steve Austin have held the title, it becomes evident it is important. WWE could certainly build a great story using this title, specifically a feud between The Miz and Chris Jericho. Why Chris Jericho? Well, with his recent success against Kenny Omega in Japan, it would be crazy not to capitalize on his success.
#2 Braun Strowman vs Elias
Since the dawn of WWE, Vince McMahon has always favored the big guys as his primary characters. With names such as Hulk Hogan, Diesel, Ryback and Ultimate Warrior, it is difficult to believe that Vince will ever change. However, this 'Big Guy' type still exists, but with a twist, specifically because of Braun Strowman's excellent selling capability. Recently with having seen Strowman topple over an ambulance and pull down stage rigging onto Brock Lesnar and Kane, the crowd can't seem to get enough of him. Therefore, the question arises, how can anything top that? Well, it is relatively simple, Braun Strowman needs a similar opponent.
Elias is receiving a push different to that of Braun Strowman but offers a great opponent. Regular segments on WWE Raw provide Elias the opportunity to shine and seem to draw massive heat from the crowd. WWE is putting massive focus on these segments, allowing Elias certain freedom, specifically, renaming WWE as; Walk With Elias.
Therefore, all that is needed is an opportunity for these wrestlers to shine, what better way than a match at WrestleMania. A showdown between these two would build Strowman as a monster and could offer potential storylines for Elias as well. John Cena was laid out with a guitar by Elias on a Raw event, so why not have him interfere and cost Elias the match, leading to a feud between the two in the future.
#1 Kevin Owens & Daniel Bryan vs Sami Zayn & Shane McMahon
The tension between Daniel Bryan, Shane McMahon, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn on Smackdown Live has been escalating recently. We have seen good matches between Kevin Owens and Shane McMahon, however, Owens and Zayn are going to explode. With several weeks left until WrestleMania 34, Smackdown has potential to offer a story leading to a showdown between them all at WrestleMania 34.
Having the four wrestle in a tag team match is best for business. Furthermore, with Shane having good matches against The Undertaker and A.J. Styles, he is ready to go. Therefore, this WrestleMania match makes sense and looking back on Owens and Zayn's track record in Ring of Honor, this could be a classic showdown.
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