WWE WrestleMania 35: What To Expect, Match By Match Analysis, & Betting Odds

WWE WrestleMania 35: AJ Styles vs Baron Corbin

AJ Styles vs Randy Orton

Before AJ Styles became the 'face that runs the place,' SmackDown Live was Randy Orton territory. Orton was synonymous with WWE and the brand for a decade before Styles made his WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble. Shortly thereafter, Styles cemented himself as not only one of the greatest wrestlers on the independent scene, but as one of the greatest wrestlers in WWE history. On any other pay-per-view, a battle between two future Hall of Famers for SmackDown Live supremacy is a main event bout, but this is WrestleMania.

Orton seemed lost in Styles' shadow and as Styles ascended, Orton found himself a forgotten component of SmackDown Live and as a dreaded mid-carder. That didn't sit well with the future WWE Hall of Famer. Orton has made no secret that he is no fan of independent wrestling. He frequently criticizes the 'dives' and gymnastic style prevalent on the indies and that doesn't sit well with Styles, who spent the majority of his career on the circuit.

Tensions run high with these two who are engaged in one of the most believable feuds in recent memory. Styles accused Orton of knowing only one move and being handed opportunities while in WWE. Orton returned fire, accusing Styles of being a corporate champion.

Who will win this bout? WWE CEO Vince McMahon is not unaware of the recent surge in indie wrestling. He knows that AEW is seen by many as an alternative to WWE and that doesn't sit well with the ultra competitive McMahon, who is as tribal as they come. If readers have any doubts as to who will win this match, just re-watch Sting losing to Triple H at WrestleMania 31 in a reenactment of the Monday Night Wars.

Look for WWE to re-assert its dominance over the indies and for Randy Orton to hit AJ Styles with the most devastating move in wrestling (the RKO) for a pinfall victory.

Odds On Favorite: -165 Randy Orton

Projected Winner: Randy Orton