#2 WWE Universal Championship – Kevin Owens (champion) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Finn Balor
Trending
Kevin Owens has been on an amazing run since capturing the WWE Universal Championship, and I expect that to continue through WrestleMania 33. His two opponents here would have very different paths to their title shot.
Finn Balor became the first ever WWE Universal Champion by defeating Seth Rollins at the 2016 SummerSlam, only to vacate the title the following night due to injury. Having never lost the title, he has a legitimate claim to this match, and I see Mick Foley giving it to him. This just might be Balor’s first match back from injury.
Shinsuke Nakamura just lost the NXT Championship at Takeover: Toronto, and is likely to lose his rematch in Japan. If so, that would clear the way for a surprise Royal Rumble debut, and an even bigger surprise Royal Rumble win! The precedent is there, and it can be seen in his opponents as well.
Kevin Owens won his main roster debut in a big way, against John Cena (while still holding the NXT Championship). Finn Balor debuted by winning a four-way match and cleanly pinning Roman Reigns to get to the SummerSlam Universal Championship Match, proceeding to beat Seth Rollins to win the title.
The WWE is not shy about debuting major NXT stars in a big way, and Nakamura in this match only enhances the global demand for WrestleMania 33.
Projected Result – Finn Balor regains the WWE Universal Championship.
Did a WWE Hall of Famer predict John Cena's heelish ways long ago? More details HERE.
