WWE WrestleMania 35 match Prediction

​​Hey Machiavellians... This year's WrestleMain, honestly, is pretty underwhelming for me.  In truth, as many of you know, I think much of WWE has been in this funk for a number of years.  That being said this IS Wrestlemania and my feeling is anything is possible.  So here are my 2019 WrestleMaina 35 Predictions.

Now in my own personal twist I am giving you two different answers.  I will give you my Prediction for what WWE will do but also my thoughts (as a former booker of wrestling) of how I would book the finishes as well

The Kickoff Show

• Cruiserweight Championship -- Buddy Murphy (c) vs. Tony Nese (Kickoff Show):

​​What is most likely the most underwhelming match of the night, the Cruiserweight Division has been pretty much a sidetone for WWE since it's beginning.  I do not see much in the way of drama here and this will be the ONLY match I do not give you my personal booking on.  WWE will just look to book a spot-fest here to entertain those hardcore indy fans who show up early.

WINNER: Buddy Murphy

• Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal (Kickoff Show):

​​Honestly, when the Andre Memorial Battle Royal was first announced back in 2014 I thought this was an amazing way to launch talent... in other words the winner gets the next big push.  Like in the Attitude Era when the current IC Champ was poised to be the "next" top start (see HHH, The Rock, Stone Cold).  However, WWE has not lived up to that since the first winner Cesaro.  So in that vane I feel it will only be a time filler at best.

WINNER: Braun Strowman

TITUS WINNER: Otis 

​Yes, I know I know, Otis came from Rocky Mountain Pro... I work at Rocky Mountain Pro and yes he is a friend of mine.  None of that matters here.  Otis is a social media fan fav, he is talented, entertaining, and likable.  He will be a great star in WWE once he is out on his own.  Is now the time to break up Heavy Machinery? No!  But giving Otis a push here could be used in several ways, as a single or to elevate the tag team.  Otis standing center ring with his partner Tucker celebrating would be a great lift to the battle Royal and a way to bring those early fans (pre-show remember_ some enjoyment and set the table that THIS Mania will be better than you think.

• Women's Battle Royal (Kickoff Show):

​​The argument that the Woman's Battle Royal is a social justice skit is unfounded.  Yeah, I understand the argument but in this case it is not justified.  Women's wrestling is at its apex and these Women deserve their moment too.  Besides, unlike the decades past, you have enough quality Women to do this match well.  Sadly, I think this year's contest will end up as a consolation prize for that star NOT in the first ever Woman's Mania Main Event.

WINNER: Asuka

TITUS WINNER: Ruby Riott

Should Asuka not win?  Of course not.  But in the spirit of what the battle royal should be, as a way to push newer talent, Asuka really doesn't need the push.  She is already one of the top Stars in the division.  Ruby is, in my opinion in that Top 5 just not getting the distinction she deserves.  This is THAT opportunity to show Ruby is a top talent and thrust her into the top tier to challenge for the title(s).

WrestleMania 35

 

• ​​​​​Raw Tag Team Championship -- The Revival (c) vs. Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins:

​​So The Revival, so unhappy with how they were getting booked, asked for their release.  Instead WWE put the Raw Tag Team Titles on them and now they are the Tag Team Championship who are still getting booked terribly.  And who are they facing?  The Kings of bad booking Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins.  ZERO story... ZERO drama... ZERO interest other than to see how bad Vince turns these guys into.

WINNER: The Revival

TITUS WINNER: The Revival

So here is the difference.  Instead of making a throw away match that was only booked 3 days before the show.  Like someone realized ..."Oops we didn't book a Tag Team Title Match for Mania .. hmmm who isn't doing anything?  Oh Yeah Ryder and Hawkins!!"  Instead I would have built The Revival as a dominate Tag Team over their reign and made Ryder and Hawkins an underdog challenge.  I would have booked this as a strong tag team match with many close finishes for Ryder/Hawkins and who at the end just couldn't outlast the Champions.  But I expect this to be a poorly crafted match making both teams look terrible.  What a waste of The Revival!
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• SmackDown Tag Team Championship -- The Usos (c) vs. Ricochet & Aleister Black vs. The Bar vs. Rusev & Shinsuke Nakamura:

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​​Again, more of the same from WWE and their Tag Team Divisions.  Lord... they have screwed up Tag Teams for years now they get to do it twice as much!!.  So we have the Usos defending in a gimmicky (let's get all the teams in there) match.  I barely accept triple threats for Championship Matches let alone a 4 way.  But this is a 4 way with 8 guys.  Hard to book, hard to keep straight, not designed for a mat classic.

WINNER: Ricochet & Aleister Black

TITUS WINNER: Ricochet & Aleister Black

More of the same from the last Tag Title Match, poorly booked.  Now Ricochet and Black have been booked pretty well... even though I do not get nor accept the pairing of them.  If this were a straight-up Uso v Ricochet/Black match I would have higher hopes.  But the fact there are so many men involved it is bound to become a cluster with a gimmicked finish.  I would prefer a straight-up tag match with a clean "dominate" finish from the NXT call-ups.

• Kurt Angle vs. Baron Corbin (Farewell Match):

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Honestly, this is one of the few matches I want to see.  And based on two reasons.  To see Kurt finish his career (especially as I watched live him start his career live in 1999).  The other, is based on the hope WWE books this the way I would.  

WINNER: Baron Corbin

TITUS WINNER: Kurt Angle

There is an unwritten rule in wrestling... call it doing the honors... giving back to the business.  Many examples of that, see Hogan v Andre at WM3.  But this is one of those moments that the rule shouldn't apply.  No title on the line, no retirement terms, no gimmick.  Just a this is my last match moment.  I would have booked this an entirely different way.  But since this is the match we got this is how I do it.  I have Kurt take Corbin out in a quick 5 minute match... yes is could "hurt" Corbin but really... how worse could it get for him?  After his victory, the music of John Cena plays and he comes out all geared up ready to rumble (thank you for ruining that phrase WCW).  In classic Cena form he cuts a promo that Angle shouldn't leave like that.. in a quick toss-out match.. but instead against the man that Cena himself debuted again.... yes John Cena.  Cena of course loses (his character can take it) and Angle leaves to fireworks, tears, applause and the loudest YOU SUCK chant in history.  PLEASE VINCE... do this match the justice it deserves!
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• The Miz vs. Shane McMahon (Falls Count Anywhere):

I care about this match about as much as I do the lackluster Cruiserweight Match in the Pre-Show and almost choice not to add my booking to it.  I do not understand the point of pushing Shane like this nor the desire if only to feed someone's ego.

WINNER: Shane McMahon

TITUS WINNER: The Miz

If you know anything about me you must know I LOVE THE MIZ!!  He is a classic old-school type of heel that most guys don't want to be anymore.  He can talk, get good heat, and can work in the ring.  Years ago I claimed he would be my pick as the face for the New 4 Horsemen (the Ric Flair).  But WWE has a problem with him.  Backstage, ego, who knows really.  Maybe Cena has buried him.  Anyway.  As he is the face in this match I would book him a redemption angle in this match.  He would get tons of heat thrown on him by Shane, his Dad in the audience  his wife and child, and have him dig in deep to win the match.  Then... on Smackdown turn heel by doing something nasty.  I prefer hating him (thus loving him) more than cheering for him.
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• Women's Tag Team Championship -- Sasha Banks & Bayley (c) vs. Beth Phoenix & Natalya vs. Nia Jax & Tamina Snuka vs. The Iconics:

​​Oh boy!  Another cluster lets get as much in this match Tag Team Title Match.  Instead of the FIRST EVER WOMEN'S TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH IN WRESTLEMANIA HISTORY being a classic, iconic, memorable match we get a cluster F*@K.  I cannot even express my anger enough.  Love Beth but this has to be a one-off, Nia and Tamina are not real competitors for the Tag Titles, and I am not really into The Iconics.

WINNER: Sasha Banks and Bayley

TITUS WINNER: Sasha Banks and Bayley

There is no there ... there for this match.  I never would have booked it in the first place.  As it is.. try to book an even paced match, make Beth look strong, Nia and Tamina strong, and give the Iconics a couple of places to shine.  Put the Champs over strong at the end and BUILD REAL TAG TEAM DIVISIONS!!!!

• United States Championship -- Samoa Joe (c) vs. Rey Mysterio:

​​What could have actually been Samoa Joe v Kurt Angle for the US Championship and having Kurt, the American Hero, winning the Title in his last match and retiring the US Champion ended up being this.  Hey I love Rey... always have, even in his no mask WCW years.  But they built up Joe so strong I find it hard to suspend belief that Rey can win.

WINNER: Samoa Joe

TITUS WINNER: Samoa Joe

Again I never book this match-up in the first place, but this is the match I was given. Lots of heat on Rey... make Joe look dominate as hell and Rey showing tons of heart and courage.  In the end Rey goes for a big high risk and Joe Squashes him into a tap out.
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• Intercontinental Championship -- Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Finn Balor:​

Let me be 100% clear.  I am not nor have I ever liked Bobby Lashley.  He cannot talk, he barley can wrestle, and he has ZERO charisma.  Let me also be clear that I work with people who know him personally and as he is connected to Colorado if he ever saw this I would have my neck broke, and I would probably deserve it for that comment.  I am not a fan... however I am looking forward to this match for ONE REASON.  The Demon!  However, knowing Vinny Mac, Bobby the muscle bound dude beats the Indy Darling.

WINNER: Bobby Lashey

TITUS WINNER: Finn Balor aka The Demon

It has been years since Finn dug out the Demon and it will be the first time at Wrestlemania   If I am booking, which why else are you reading this, I book a strong back and forth match, Lashley off-guard at The Demons power and the Coup de Grace finish and a Title Victory for the Demon.  That could lead to a rematch the night after on Raw with The Demon getting banned for the building, I know hooky as hell but this is wresting after-all   Maybe Lashley regains, maybe there is a thrown out finish, but the storyline could continue on from there.
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• Triple H vs. Batista (No Holds Barred; Triple H's career on the line):​​

This is the last match of the night I really care about, more for nostalgia more than anything.  This will undoubtedly be Dave's last match but NEVER say NEVER in wrestling.  This will be nothing more than your traditional WWE big man v big man match.  I expect big bumps and hard hits.  Fingers crossed a good ole fashioned Sloberknocker!!!

WINNER: Triple H

TITUS WINNER: Batista

Ooh I know!!  HHH losing?!?!  Let's face it, his good days are behind him and he is more effective as an onscreen character anymore.  Plus.... It keeps the door open for a rematch at Mania 36.  Triple H wants back in the ring... only Batista have the keys to that.  They rematch next year in a Hell in the Cell and Triple H wins that allowing him to compete again.  Whatever, again it is wrestling have some freaking fun with it.
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• AJ Styles vs. Randy Orton:​

WARNING THIS IS MY SLEEPER MATCH OF THE NIGHT.  I am not saying this could steal the show or be a great WrestleMania match.  However, the plies are there for it.  Randy Orton, though a scumbag IMO, is without a doubt a WWE Legend and has amazing matches in his career.  He takes on AJ Freaking Styles.  There is something there and the storyline build has been pretty good.

WINNER: AJ Styles

TITUS WINNER: AJ Styles

I think... THINK... WWE will book this match right.  A rarity for this night but this could be the match people talk about at the water cooler the next day at work.  Fingers crossed!
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• Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre:

This match in interesting.  Not saying I am excited and it definitely isn't on the pace of the last night.  However, the storyline has been ok, the pace of the build has been fine, so I expect the match to be fine.  I'm not a Reigns hater nor a fan of Drew.  I just am about this match.  

WINNER: Roman Reigns

TITUS WINNER: Roman Reigns

Cue the Titus Sucks Chants.  I know Roman is about every Indy Fan's least favorite Star.  Honestly, I get it however I blame Vince not him.  Roman has been overly booked the passed number of years and the WWE has refused to listen and learn.  That being said I see something different since his return from battle cancer.  I see a difference in the fans.  If I am booking this match, make it as "traditional" as you can.  Classic heel heat on Roman, hope spots, and the comeback for the victory.  NOT DOMINATION by Reigns!!! If he looks human and not Superman I see this match working well.  As for the finish, it has to be Reigns as Drew has had the better of him and with his triumphant return this has to be the payoff.
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• WWE Championship -- Daniel Bryan (c) vs. Kofi Kingston:

Ok, I don't give a damn about this match.  No really!  I don't.  This will be a place to go to the kitchen a refill my drink and to get a snack.  I find this to be a totally lost storyline.  Is it race not its not, is it the underdog.. no.. wait yes.  DB has done a great with his New Daniel Bryan gimmick.  Lots of heel heat, you know I love that.  But the build up of Kofi seems to be either forced because Vince didn't expect the response and they are making it up as they go or something.  I am not following, if you would like to try and explain your view hit me up on Twitter at EvilGenisTitus.

WINNER: Daniel Bryan

TITUS WINNER: Daniel Bryan

​I get the historical significance of Kofi wining.  But that alone is not a reason book him winning the match.  You should never book a match because it sounds or looks good.  Book it because it's the right story.  NOW, if the build up in the match made more sense than I see how Kofi wins.  But I am honestly just confused on this whole deal. 
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• Universal Championship -- Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Seth Rollins:​

In the first part of How does WWE book a match soap opera, this should be interesting. First, do you book Brock like you have done for years, do you finally have him beat?  Seth's shine has worn off since the Royal Rumble.  The whole win the Rumble go to the Main Event of WrestleMania seems like a year ago plus he is not in the Main Event either.   Brock's hated by the general fanbase... so much that his victory could start a mini riot.  But is Seth the man to beat The Beast?  I'm not sold on that and really the storyline barely shows that.  Granted it is hard to standout when your opponent is rarely there (see John Cena build towards The Undertaker last year).

WINNER: Seth Rollins

TITUS WINNER: Brock Lesnar

This makes more sense as you read the main event.  This will anger the fans, put heat on Brock, and allow WWE to get the RIGHT guy to beat Brock who's name isn't Roman.  Who is that guy?  I am not sure but as of today as much as I really dig Seth it isn't him.  Stick with me... read the next part to follow my thoughts.

• Winner Take All -- Ronda Rousey (c) vs. Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Becky Lynch:

The second part of WWE How do your Book this match is the hardest.  And that is due to all the parameters involved.  There is the wrestling business that needs told but there is the Business side of things.  What do I mean?  All Storylines should have a payoff.  Example: Daniel Bryan put through all the struggles to finally win at WM30.  The payoff was his victory.  So the storyline payoff is Becky winning.  The business side is two fold.  

1. Who does Becky beat, story dictates it has to be Ronda.  But how
2. Does business do better with Ronda wining instead of Becky.

Let me explain.  First should Ronda win?  Maybe, because she transcends the wrestling business.  She brings the Rousey Brand with her.  All types of media will follow her this week/weekend.  She wins the first ever Women's Main Event you have every new outlet talking about it.  THAT is great for any business.  That brings ad revenue, new sets of eyes to watch, and the all important publicity.  But it angers the invested fans.

If we go with the storyline business we have another problem.  Becky wins but she wins matches by submission.  So you are asking Ronda who is an honest bad ass (for the moment ignore her final two MMA fights).  Ronda is a legit Judo fighter and won bronze at the Olympics.  She is a legit MMA fighter who has legit tapped people out.  So the issue her is to have a legit fighter tap out to a "perceived" fake fighting pro wrestler and have it NOT hurt HER brand?  Honestly, folks that IS an issue for people.  These pro wrestlers, MMA fighters, hell movie stars work hard on their brand.  It is their money maker.  Does Ronda tapping hurt her real world brand?  The answer is maybe.  Will she take the hit or stand strong and say I'll take the pin but never tap out?  That is the questions I have about this match.

Charlotte is the X-Factor... in my opinion she deserves to be in this match.  The first ever Women's Main Event at Mania??  Hell Yeah she earned that right.  Ronda is the attraction and freaking Becky earned it the ole fashioned way.  So with this I am honestly happy with the match HOWEVER the build up sucked bad.  That last segment of Raw was comical and misplaced in the show.  For me that could have been booked better (the cops were laughable) and it should have CLOSED OUT THE SHOW.  Leave us hanging.  Hell you could have talked on social media all day about them making bail.. or not making bail.  Ronda could have been filmed leaving jail with her husband, Charlotte with her father Ric and a lawyer and the question of poor old Becky being stuck in jail.  So many possible to push towards the big show.  But in typical form WWE blew it.

Ok, enough of that... here is the prediction.

Ok, WWE is more interested in stock price, ad revenue and profit than storylines.  OF course they are... they are a business.  And business dictates that Ronda (even if she is leaving via rumors) wins the match.  That photo of her stand center ring with both belts and all the fireworks will run all night Sunday and all day on Monday.  Hell will even get coverage for Raw that night.  After that if Ronda is leaving Becky could come out and the two one on one the Main Event and Becky wins there.  Fans will still hate it but total business will be done.

WINNER: Ronda Rousey

TITUS WINNER: Becky Lynch

Based on Brock winning against Seth the fans will be very anger, you can cover that feeling with the biggest feel good since Mania 30 with Becky tapping out Ronda.  Ronda take the rumored break and when/if she returns she returns hard, maybe comes right out and "break" becky's arm.  Gets serious heat and can claim Becky beat me in a stupid wrestling gimmick match and never one on one.  That leads to whatever major event you have coming up based on the return.  But WrestleMania 35, with the first ever Women's Main Event ends on the highest of high notes.

Make sure to Live follow me on Twitter for the  entire 7 hour show.  And tweet me your predictions on the show and leave your thoughts below?  Do you like my predictions?  My booking ideas?  Look forward to hearing from you!!!

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