WrestleMania 35: Predicting the match card

WWE is defined by WrestleMania. Initiated to counter Starrcade, the flagship show of WCW, WrestleMania has grown to become one of the most viewed and followed event in the history of Sports. Being the flagship event of WWE, WrestleMania season ensures an increased viewership and boost in the subscription of WWE network.

In order to make use of this, the company tries to invest all their resources in order to bring an event grander than the previous year’s Mania. This has led to many memorable moments taking place on the show, including Daniel Bryan’s WWE Championship win at WrestleMania 30 , The Rock and Ronda Rousey confronting Stephanie McMahon and Triple H, along with the ‘Heist of the Century’ at WrestleMania 31 and so on.

The rumored main event of WrestleMania 35 was The Rock returning to the squared circle to fight his cousin Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship. With Reigns being the champion, this seemed inevitable.

However, following Reigns’ departure from the company due to his returning leukemia, the entire landscape of WWE has changed. To add to that, injuries of various main-event superstars like Triple H, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn have landed the entire company into a mess.

But, with a roster so huge and so talented, WrestleMania 35 can be a guaranteed success even now. With Vince McMahon himself announcing that all the superstars with potential will be given chances at the 17th December 2018 edition of RAW, one can expect a blockbuster event in April 2019. So, without further ado, let us take a look at the matches which can take place at WrestleMania 35 and how they can be booked from the current scenario:

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1) Dean Ambrose (c) v/s Seth Rollins v/s Elias v/s Bobby Lashley – Intercontinental Championship

Like WrestleMania 34, WrestleMania 35 needs to have a multi-man match for the IC Title

WrestleMania 34 kicked-off with a Triple Threat match between Seth Rollins, Finn Balor and the then-Intercontinental Champion The Miz. A fast paced match led to ‘The Kingslayer’ overcoming the odds to become the new Intercontinental Champion. While his reign post-Mania was exciting and elevated the title a lot, his reign post-SummerSlam did more harm to the title than good.

The blame cannot be entirely placed on Rollins. The Shield reunion was one of the major reasons why Rollins’ second run with the Intercontinental Championship failed. The title is now held by Dean Ambrose, who is coming across as a sadistic heel and a promising champion.

On the other hand, Bobby Lashley and Elias have not been utilized properly in recent months. Their feud against each other has been not so good to say the least, and these talented superstars need to be utilized properly.

WWE may be looking to stretch the Ambrose/Rollins feud until WrestleMania at least, and the only way to keep it fresh, other than making the title move back and forth among the two men, would be introducing more superstars to it.

Having Elias and Bobby Lashley enter the title scene will improve their credibility. Like WrestleMania 34, having a multi-man match for the IC title at WrestleMania 35 may be the best option right now. Having Elias perform a concert before the match will surely be welcomed by the WWE Universe.

Is the Intercontinental Championship willing to 'Walk with Elias'??

The pace of the match may not be very quick, but having 4 talented wrestlers will surely give us some nice highlight moments and a decent match. One may argue that Elias needs to win the title here, but having Ambrose retain the title by stealing the victory from Elias will be the right thing to do, as it allows Elias to continue feuding with Ambrose for the title and eventually winning it, while both Rollins and Lashley can make the move to SmackDown Live before the Blue brand moves over to the FOX network.

Not to mention, this helps Dean’s heel character and cements him as a champion who can do anything to retain his title.

Winner and STILL Intercontinental Champion: Dean Ambrose

2) Daniel Bryan (c) v/s Finn Balor – WWE Championship

'The Demon King' v/s 'The Flying G.O.A.T.'

Shinsuke Nakamura’s heel turn at WrestleMania 34 was perceived by many as the greatest booking decision WWE made for Shinsuke Nakamura. A complete character change led to Nakamura becoming a cocky heel who delivered short promos. The modified theme song only added to his new character, but ‘The King of Strong Style’ has been completely devalued in recent months due to poor booking.

However, there was another unexpected heel turn on SmackDown Live which completely shook the landscape of the blue brand. In a shocking turn of events, AJ Styles’ 371 day title reign ended as the Phenomenal One was defeated by Daniel Bryan, who used the low blow to win the title.

Post return, Daniel had many on-paper intriguing feuds which failed to deliver. However, Daniel has been on fire since turning heel. His promos may seem to be naïve given that he is insulting people due to the environmental issues, but the way Bryan presents them does prove that he has fitted in the character.

His character is now of a man who betrayed everyone and insults them, only to back his words with his in-ring skills. In brief, turning Daniel Bryan heel and giving him the WWE Championship has been one of the best booking decisions taken by WWE in 2018.

Somewhere else on RAW, Finn Balor, who was being consistently sidelined, is now enjoying a renewed push on the Red brand. He pinned Drew McIntyre at the TLC PPV, being the second person to pin the Scottish Psychopath since his re-debut on the main roster.

As it was Finn Balor ‘The Man’ who pinned McIntyre and not Finn Balor ‘The Demon’, one can believe that Finn Balor is destined for bigger and better things in 2019.

So, if the leader of Balor Club is destined for a push, why not make him the main event star he was supposed to become prior to his injury in 2016?

Is 'The Demon King' set to win another title on the main roster?

Here, one may argue that Finn Balor should fight Brock Lesnar for the title he never lost, but given that Drew McIntyre, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins are rumored to be the next set of Universal Champions, Balor will have a difficult time capturing the Universal Title. With rumors circulating about the return of Batista and The Rock for WrestleMania, Balor’s chances for the shot at the World Title seem to be very low.

On the other hand, fans have been waiting eagerly for Balor to move over to SmackDown Live. With the blue brand known to serve feuds which appeal the hardcore fans (AJ Styles v/s Shinsuke Nakamura, AJ Styles v/s Samoa Joe), having Daniel Bryan and Finn Balor fight for the coveted WWE Championship can do wonders for the participants, the title as well as the PPV.

Kicking the rivalry off will be an easy way from here. Having Balor win the Royal Rumble or the Elimination Chamber in a shocking way to challenge the ‘new Daniel Bryan’ will surely draw in more ratings. The following weeks can show Daniel Bryan trying to play mind games with Balor. Even Styles and the Good Brothers can step up to have the back of their friend.

The match itself is sure to be a classic, with Balor’s quick offense and Bryan’s submission skills bound to tear the house down. Having ‘The Demon King’ defeat 'The new Daniel Bryan' after a grueling match will surely establish Finn Balor as the main-eventer he was always bound to be.

Winner and NEW WWE Champion: Finn Balor

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3) Batista v/s Randy Orton or Batista v/s Randy Orton v/s Triple H

Who should 'The Animal' face on 'The Showcase of Immortals'?

While many may want Triple H and Batista fighting in a singles match, it is quite unlikely. Initially, Batista was set to return to fight Triple H in a marquee match at the Grandest Stage of Them All. The Evolution reunion at SmackDown 1000 did ignite the fire between the two men. However, after Triple H got injured in the main event of the Crown Jewel PPV, plans for this match were seemingly scrapped.

Rumors did circulate about Randy Orton v/s Batista post Crown Jewel and it may come across as the right thing to do. We can have Batista make his return at the Royal Rumble, only to be eliminated by The Viper. Orton will then repeatedly assault Batista, declaring The Animal to be his next victim.

This would lead to a match between the two at The Showcase of the Immortals. WWE can even have Triple H enter the fray in order to talk sense into Randy Orton, only to receive a RKO from the Apex Predator.

Many may argue that this may not be the right match for Batista, but one needs to look at the wider image. Orton will serve as the sadistic heel that has been quite dominant, while Batista serves as the full-fledged babyface hero who is returning for the fans. Both men know each other very well and can produce a decent match in the least.

Having a ‘no disqualification’ helps too, as Orton has already proved that he can produce many highlights using weapons. Having Triple H interfere in the match, only to cost Batista the win will be the perfect way to kick-off the Triple H/Batista feud, which may stretch out till SummerSlam 2019 or even WrestleMania 36.

But, if Triple H does make it in time for Mania, having an Evolution Triple Threat too works for such a grand PPV. Another rumored match for WrestleMania 35 was The Shield Triple Threat match for the Universal Championship. With Roman Reigns out due to leukemia, this may serve as a nice replacement for it.

All 3 men have nice mic skills and can surely hype the feud up for Mania. Having Randy take the pin from Batista in this case helps to further the narrative between The Game and The Animal. Be it Orton v/s Batista or The Evolution Triple Threat, continuing the HHH/Batista storyline post Mania will keep fans invested into the product.

Winner: Randy Orton (If Batista v/s Orton takes place) or Batista (By pinning Orton in the Evolution Triple Threat)

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4) AJ Styles v/s Shawn Michaels

The Heart Break Kid v/s The Phenomenal One

Shawn Michaels is a WWE legend known to all the wrestling fans. The ‘Heart Break Kid’ has delivered many memorable matches in his illustrious career and his skills and ability to sell a match cannot be compared to any other superstar. His excellent showings at The Grandest Stage of Them All earned him the title of Mr. WrestleMania.

After being forced to retire post his loss in a Streak v/s Career match against The Undertaker in 2010, Michaels came out of retirement 8 years later to fight Undertaker and Kane alongside Triple H at the Crown Jewel PPV in November 2018.

AJ Styles on the other hand, has had a short, yet a ‘Phenomenal’ (pun not intended) career in WWE to say in the least. The Phenomenal One debuted at the Royal Rumble in 2016 and has face off against the greatest superstars of the company in Roman Reigns, John Cena, Chris Jericho, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.

The face of SmackDown Live is already a 2-time United States Champion and a 2-time WWE Champion. His latest reign with the WWE title was 371 days long, a feat which has been achieved by only a handful of superstars in the company.

Although Michaels has hinted that his return at the Crown Jewel PPV was a one-off thing, this may just be a false announcement to surprise the fans when HBK returns at the Royal Rumble. A classic showdown between him and Styles is enough to make the fans go crazy.

This match might have been the WWE Championship match for the Royal Rumble 2017 PPV

Styles himself posted the above picture prior to the 2017 edition of the Royal Rumble, proving that the officials of WWE were highly invested in the rivalry. AJ Styles has already shown how amazing a heel he can be and turning him on Michaels would be the perfect way to garner heat for Styles and kick the feud off. Even if Styles remains a face this encounter has enough of star power so as to write itself until Mania.

Coming to the match, it is going to be nothing less than a classic. Michaels proved that he hasn’t lost a step in the ring when he carried the main event of Crown Jewel himself post HHH’s injury. His ability of selling moves hasn’t changed a bit and he is as athletic as he has ever been.

The Phenomenal One too is an exceptional performer who is safe to work with. His match against Shane McMahon at WrestleMania 33 was enough to prove everyone that he can produce a decent match with any wrestler. Winning the match against Michaels will surely establish Styles as the face of the company.

Styles can then move onto RAW to fill in the void created on the red brand following Roman Reigns’ departure. This is the only match which can best the Michaels’ retirement match.

Winner: AJ Styles

5) Brock Lesnar (c) v/s Drew McIntyre – Universal Championship

Will 'The Chosen One' dethrone 'The Beast Incarnate' for the latter's Universal Championship?

No title has been as unlucky as the Universal Title. The 1st ever Universal Champion, Finn Balor, had to vacate the title just the night after winning it due to a shoulder injury. While Kevin Owens’ reign may have done a bit to add prestige to the red strap, having him lose it against a part-timer in a squash match nullified it all.

Even a legend like Goldberg was booed due to this particular title. Not to mention, Brock Lesnar’s year and a half long reign did more harm to the title than good. When it seemed that Roman Reigns would finally make the title feel important, he was diagnosed with leukemia. Brock Lesnar currently holds the Universal Title and the title is harming RAW. WWE creatives need to seriously do something about it.

Making McIntyre the next Universal champion would be the right way to do so. Following his departure from the company in 2014, McIntyre underwent a complete makeover and rocked it on the Indies before returning to WWE.

As a part of NXT, McIntyre was a beloved babyface who defeated a dominant heel in Bobby Roode to win the NXT Championship. An injury postponed his debut on the main roster, but he did debut with a bang on the Red brand. His alliance with Ziggler and feud with the Shield helped him in settling on the main roster and ‘The Prodigal Son’ is now ready to move to the main-event scene.

The story-telling would be quite compelling, as Lesnar is a heel at his best and McIntyre is not going to turn face soon. Having McIntyre eliminate Finn Balor to win the Royal Rumble would surely be a nice way to start the feud. Having Drew dominate the Elimination Chamber to earn a shot at the Universal Championship would work wonders for him as well.

Both men are heavyweight grapplers and while Lesnar draws business, McIntyre draws the fans. McIntyre can surely work as a tweener and dominate the match to defeat Lesnar for the championship. A brutal attack post-match or on the RAW after WrestleMania will be the perfect way to write Brock Lesnar off-television as the Beast departs from WWE, while the Scottish Psychopath can continue to dominate the RAW roster either as a heel or as a face.

Winner and NEW Universal Champion: Drew McIntyre

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6) Rusev (c) v/s Shinsuke Nakamura v/s Rey Mysterio v/s Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas v/s Mustafa Ali v/s Kofi Kingston – 6 Men Ladder Match for the United States Championship

The United States Championship deserves a Ladder match

Yes, you read it right. Rusev has defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to become the new United States Champion. The match will air on the Christmas Day edition of SmackDown Live. Whether Rusev will lose the title back to Nakamura to have the fans invested in the latter’s reign or whether he will serve as the United States Champion we all deserved for a long time remains to be seen. In both cases, this match seems to be a definite possibility.

With the McMahons recently announcing fresher matchups and execution of fan’s demands, bringing back the ladder match seems inevitable. The MITB ladder match was one of the most anticipated matches of Mania before it got its own PPV.

There have been several ladder matches in recent years, with the IC title being on the line in both WrestleMania 31 and 32 and the RAW Tag Team titles being defended under the same stipulation at WrestleMania 33.

On the other hand, except for Kevin Owens v/s Chris Jericho, the US Title has not received nice rivalries and stipulations at the Showcase of Immortals. The Fatal 4 Way match which took place earlier this year between Randy Orton, Bobby Roode, Jinder Mahal and Rusev was one of the worst matches of the night. The US title has been neglected a lot lately and it is in need of a serious reboot.

Mustafa Ali, who has been a recent addition to the SmackDown Live roster, is set for a huge push and so is Almas. Rusev and Shinsuke should continue their rivalry till the Royal Rumble PPV before Mysterio, Kingston, Almas and Ali are added to it.

This will give the company enough time to hype the match. The superstar heading into Mania as the champion can even defend the title against stars like R-Truth, Miz, Tye Dillinger and even John Cena to prove his dominance. All the superstars involved in this match are extremely talented and can give us a match to remember.

Having Almas, Ali and Kingston soar through the skies of New Jersey in order to win the title will surely add to its prestige. The ending moments of the match can have Mustafa Ali and Rey Mysterio fighting on top of the ladder, when Almas throws the ladder down and gets an upset victory over both ‘The Heart and Soul of 205 Live’ and ‘The Biggest Little Man’.

It will serve justice to all men involved, as Almas will finally get a title run on the main roster which was long overdue, while Ali and Mysterio will come out strong and can continue to feud with Almas for the US Title, just like the Elias/Ambrose case mentioned previously.

Winner and NEW United States Champion: Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas

The Mexican Sensation deserves a run with the United States Title

So, here are my predictions for WrestleMania 35. Which match would you like to see on the flagship event of WWE? Do drop your valuable opinion in the comments box!

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