WrestleMania 31 roundtable with predictions for WWE's biggest event
A CBSSports.com squared circle roundtable ahead of WrestleMania 31 on Sunday.
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24 min read
Whether you refer to it as the "Showcase of the Immortals," "Granddaddy of them All" or, simply, WrestleMania, the WWE's premier event each year will turn 31 on Sunday when it emanates live from Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
To preview the event, which will air live on the WWE Network beginning at 7 p.m., four CBSSports.com staffers have taken a break from our usual roles in order to break down what you need to know -- and perhaps more importantly, what we're thinking -- entering Sunday's event.
First, as a matter of introduction ...
Dave Richard, Fantasy Football Writer: A life-long wrestling fan who began his career writing a popular column on independent wrestling website TPWW.net, Dave became a producer at WrestleLine.com, one of the leading sports entertainment websites in the early 2000s. In his role there, he was backstage at several wrestling events and interviewed tons of superstars. More recently, he lost a bet to his friend, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, and had to do DDP Yoga with him as a consequence. Follow him on Twitter @daverichard.
Denny Burkholder, Producer (Pro Sports): An observer of pro wrestling since 1984 who has covered the industry for numerous outlets over the last two decades, Denny was in the audience when Randy Savage crushed Ricky Steamboat's throat with a ring bell in 1986. He regrets not doing more to stop the attack. Denny (@DennyBurkholder on Twitter) was a writer for the short-lived ECW Magazine as well as a writer, editor and producer at WrestleLine.com. He is currently a voter for the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame.
Adam Silverstein, Editor (College Football, Golf): The owner and editor of Top Rope Newsletter (1996-2002), which amassed more than 50,000 subscribers back in the day, and a wrestling contributor for the Miami Herald those same years, Adam has been following wrestling for more than two decades. He's attended two WrestleManias (XXIV, XXVIII), covered countless live shows and interviewed some of the biggest names in the business, including Mick Foley and Dusty Rhodes. Adam (@SilversteinAdam on Twitter) once did the head shake with D'Lo Brown.
Ivan Irizarry, Product Manager: The co-host of the Call It In The Ring wrestling podcast, Ivan has been watching wrestling for 24 years and likes to look at sports entertainment in a positive light -- because if you don’t like something, why watch it? Follow him on Twitter @theiri and the show @ciitrshow.
And now, the roundtable on the squared circle ...
1. How do you feel about the state of WWE entering WrestleMania? Did the build over the last two months live up to your expectations?
Richard: Nope. I'm thoroughly unexcited with the direction of the company as they have done very little to get me excited for this pay-per-view. But then again, I'm a 38-year-old fan who typically doesn't spend much money on WWE in the first place. They're aiming for a younger fan base these days, so I understand many of the decisions they've made. It just doesn't appeal to me. I'm hoping some surprises in the booking change how I feel.
Burkholder: WWE is in a very interesting place. They've got some promising NXT guys that could be strong additions to the main roster with the right booking. This feels like it could be a transitional WrestleMania year. We've got The Undertaker competing with no streak on the line, John Cena de-prioritized and guys like Seth Rollins, Bray Wyatt -- and of course Roman Reigns -- in a position to potentially steal the spotlight. It would have been helpful if Reigns had more wind at his back heading into his big moment but that's not insurmountable. The strangest aspect of the WrestleMania build has been Bray Wyatt's weekly monologues about The Undertaker. Mostly because The Undertaker never appeared, even in pre-recorded form, to acknowledge the challenge. It's just been Wyatt -- who is fantastic, by the way -- preaching into a vacuum, by himself, week after week. A year ago, the presence of the rest of the Wyatt Family at least implied that he had real influence and wasn't just a crazy megalomaniac talking to himself. On the other hand, Paul Heyman might be the best WrestleMania hype man since Mean Gene Okerlund badgered us every week to call our local cable providers.
Silverstein: It's tough to be excited for WrestleMania this year. The event is supposed to showcase WWE's best performers on its biggest stage. Instead, there are more than 40 superstars competing in the event (including Fandango, Zach Ryder, Darren Young and Heath Slater) with WWE shoving seven guys into an Intercontinental title match. In the three biggest matches, half of the competitors are part-timers. WWE is neither developing nor showcasing young stars on its main stage, and coupled with a more-than-lackluster build, this appears to be the least-anticipated WrestleMania in quite some time. That being said, the go-home show of Monday Night Raw was the best yet in building anticipation. Heyman is a genius on the microphone and definitely sold the main event.
Irizarry: I’m happy with the current product. The WWE has a ton of young, exciting, superbly talented stars and three of them (Reigns, Wyatt and Rollins) are being featured prominently in major storylines on a weekly basis. Remember how bad the product was before CM Punk’s “pipebomb” and his subsequent run? Yeah, the WWE is doing just fine right now. I will, however, admit the buildup to this year’s WrestleMania hasn’t been great. It’s tough to create excitement for a show when arguably your three top matches involve guys who aren’t around every week. It’s clear there isn’t the excitement and anticipation for this year’s ‘Mania as there was last year, but that’s an unfair comparison. Last year’s show was one of the best ever. WWE is in more of a transitional phase now. All that being said, I do think WWE has put together a good card and I’m confident the performers will deliver. Would I have preferred a Lesnar/Bryan main event? Sure. But I’m not going to pout about it because I truly believe Lesnar and Reigns can put on a good, compelling main event.
2. Looking at the undercard of the event: Are you actually enthusiastic for either of these matches?
Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal feat. The Miz, Curtis Axel, Ryback, Fandango, Adam Rose, Zach Ryder, Jack Swagger, Titus O'Neil, Darren Young, Big Show, Kane, Erik Rowan, Damien Mizdow, Sin Cara, Goldust, Heath Slater, Mark Henry, TBD NXT entrant
Divas tag team match: AJ Lee and Page vs. The Bella Twins
Richard: Not. At. All. Last year, the company took the opportunity presented by the battle royal to thrust Cesaro into the spotlight. I'd love to see them do the same thing with Curtis Axel, whose #AxelMania gimmick got some good attention. Plus, he's a hard worker who deserves a shot to work the mid-card. The Bellas are still the star attraction for the WWE's Diva division. They should win. Predictions: Curtis Axel, The Bella Twins
Burkholder: The battle royal is what it is: A chance for a ton of guys to get on the show and earn a WrestleMania payoff. I give them credit for making it more special with the Andre the Giant angle. I don't particularly care who wins because I'm not convinced it will matter in the long run (see Cesaro, 2014). But I'd settle for a cool spot or two, like last year's bodyslam callback, and the novelty of seeing an NXT guy work the big show. Let me say this for the divas match: Paige might have the coolest finishing move in all of WWE. It's hard to get excited about a match that will probably be intentionally lightly booked, since if they find themselves running long, that'll likely be the match that gets shortened or alltogether cut from the show. Predictions: Big Show, AJ Lee and Paige
Silverstein: It's unfortunate that both of these -- as of press time, at least -- are on the main show. What happened to Goldust vs. Stardust or The Miz vs. Mizdow? WWE could have gone with either of those in a stipulation match, and it would have worked. Instead, the Rhodes brothers are split up and Miz/Mizdow will be competing for attention with Big Show and Kane (work together, turn on each other, boring), et al. Ultimately, the WWE needs to put someone over here and give the fans a win. As far as the women's match, it has the potential to be entertaining if booked well becuase there is some talent in the ring; it just needs to be utilized properly. Predictions: Damien Mizdow, AJ Lee and Paige
Irizarry: Enthusiastic? Sure. Last year’s battle royal provided one of the most memorable moments of the show, and I’m guessing the guys “stuck” in this match will look to do the same this year. The Miz/Mizdow storyline should play a major role in this one, and that in and of itself is something to look forward to. WWE also announced a four-man NXT tournament at Axxess and the winner will be in battle royal, which is exciting. Here’s hoping it’s Tyler Breeze. Besides all that, I can see Sheamus making his big return (hopefully as a heel) in this match, and I’m also a big Ryback fan. Oh, and #AxelMania! So yea, I’m looking forward to this. The divas match could be good if given some time. With the recent #GiveDivasAChance “movement” I can see WWE giving these ladies a spot to shine on the grandest stage. Nikki is simply fantastic. Her aggressive, powerful in-ring style is just so much fun to watch. Paige and A.J. have proven themselves time and time again in the ring. This could be pretty good. Predictions: Ryback, AJ Lee and Paige
3. The secondary titles are being featured quite differently on Sunday, though one running theme in each match is a main event performer (Daniel Bryan, John Cena) developing a reason as to why he suddenly wants one of the belts. Will either capture the crown?
United States Championship: Rusev (c) vs. John Cena
Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match: Wade Barrett (c) vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Luke Harper vs. R-Truth vs. Stardust vs. Dolph Ziggler
Richard: I think the WWE missed a chance to do the Cena/Rusev feud a favor and have Cena cost Rusev the belt on the way to 'Mania. Then, someone else could've held the title while Cena and Rusev were built in a match solely about pride. As it stands, Rusev may still come out with the tile as Cena picks up a win via disqualification or count out. On the other hand, I would love to see Bryan win the Intercontinental title because, well, I like seeing Bryan win. I'd especially like to see him use the belt as an excuse to demand a world title shot. However, I do think this is a chance for the WWE to push someone else, possibly Ambrose. Predictions: John Cena (via disqualification), Dean Ambrose (new champion).
Burkholder: It's always weird when a guy that has dominated the world title scene for years suddenly chases a secondary belt. In Bryan's case, it was bad luck (injury) with a generous side dish of heavy-handed "convince his fans he's happy with second place" booking that resulted in his sudden interest in the Intercontinental title. In Cena's case, more interesting than the belt he's pursuing is the change in phrasing when he cuts promos and when the commentators talk about him. Suddenly, they're calling him a veteran, which is a subtle cue to the audience that he's not where the future lies. Which is fine -- and furthermore, it's the right move -- but still strange to watch unfold. Predictions: John Cena via submission (new champion), Dean Ambrose (new champion)
Silverstein: The WWE deserves credit for finding an opponent and situation in which the audience, which got tired of seeing Cena as a main eventer, would once again feel comfortable rooting for the goody-two-shoes-babyface-who-just-won't-turn-heel. Rusev, while not a fighting champion, has at least brought some legitimacy back to the US title. WWE did itself a disservice by going off the rails with the build and overboard with the booking for the Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match. The whole stealing-the-title-from-each-other thing was silly and made the reigning champion, Barrett, look like a fool. Rather than build up the Intercontinental title to its rightful stature, WWE's had the belt change hands far too often and allowed whoever is holding the strap to lose multiple non-title matches. It diminishes the title and the superstars. But I digress. What's important here is what happens with the IC title going forward. It needs to be held for a while and defended often, which will -- eventually -- bring it back to a level of prestige and catapult its carrier either into (Ambrose) or back into (Bryan, Ziggler) the main event picture ... like the good ol' days. It seems obvious to me that they're setting up a Bryan-Ziggler feud (Ziggler has two pinfall victories in as many weeks), but they have enough clout for that feud to exist without a title. Predictions: John Cena (new champion), Daniel Bryan (new champion)
Irizarry: I love that WWE is seemingly making a concerted effort to make the mid-card titles matter again by having two of their top stars gunning for the belts. The program between Cena and Rusev has been quality from the start. Rusev’s presence and in-ring work along with Lana’s impeccable work as a heel manager make this duo must-see TV. However, the real MVP of this feud has been Cena. Not enough is being made out of the fact that Cena, inarguably one of the greatest of all time, has taken a step away from the main event for two straight years to build up young heels. I see Cena winning the US title, and that’s a good thing for Rusev. It’s time for the streak to end so Rusev can move on to bigger, better things. The buildup for the IC title match has also been very good. Having so many wrestlers gunning for the belt makes it seem important. I don’t think this will be the show-stealer everyone is expecting. I’m expecting a spot-fest, which is perfectly fine. This will be fun no matter who wins. Let's go with Bryan winning only to get kicked in the face when Sheamus Returns, setting up the long-rumored Bryan/Sheamus feud, this time for the Intercontinental strap. Predictions: John Cena (new champion), Daniel Bryan (new champion)
4. Seth Rollins is WWE's best-developed heel, yet he's not in one of the three main events. Of course, he still holds the Money in the Bank briefcase and that has already been teased about potentially coming into play. How do you see his night unfolding, through his revenge match with Randy Orton?
Richard: In the back of my mind, I have a suspicion that he could end the night as the world champion. Losing to Orton and then showing up to pin Lesnar could be an interesting twist. Of course, I think the audience would love to see Rollins ultimately lose that MITB shot -- whenever he does take it. That might be more juicy than Lesnar dropping the strap to Reigns, after all. Prediction: Randy Orton (via disqualification)
Burkholder: The beautiful thing about holding the Money in the Bank briefcase is that even when you're not the main focus of the show, you can still quickly become the focus of the show with almost no reason given. Rollins losing a show-stealer to Orton and then cashing in to win the title at the end of the show would be bananas. But that only happens if Reigns is the winner in the main event. Ain't nobody cashing in a Money in the Bank briefcase on Lesnar unless he's lying unconscious. But no, I don't put much stock into his place on the card this time. He's proven he deserves to be a top guy. Prediction: Randy Orton
Silverstein: Rollins is the best thing the WWE has going for it in terms of a true heel, main event-caliber wrestler. But this feud with Orton does not seem like it is ready to end, not with Extreme Rules (WWE's next pay-per-view) around the corner in April; these two are built for a hardcore stipulation match to end things once and for all. Like Dave, I could see Rollins factoring into the main event somehow, but I'll err on the side of caution here. Prediction: Seth Rollins
Irizarry: Rollins and Orton are on fire right now. Since turning on The Authority, Orton has been doing the best work he’s done since his Legend Killer days. I never bought Orton as a white-meat babyface. It just didn’t fit. This “I have no allies” persona is perfect for him and it has been a lot of fun to watch. Rollins has been consistently great since the breakup of The Shield, and this feud with Orton has been no different. It’s tough for such a great worker to keep the crowds booing, but he has done so throughout his run. I love to boo Rollins. The pseudo reset of the Orton/Rollins/Authority feud upon Orton’s return was certainly odd, but in the end the performers (including the wonderful J&J Security) made it work. This is my pick for match of the night. I’m going with Orton to get the big win and end this feud, which will free up Rollins to do … something else … Prediction: Randy Orton
5. With a once-a-year performer in The Undertaker (vs. Bray Wyatt) and first-time WWE contributor in Sting (vs. Triple H) both in the upper portion of the card, will we look back on either of these matches fondly years from now? Is the mystique of The Undertaker at WrestleMania gone after his defeat at the hands of Brock Lesnar last year?
Richard: The Undertaker will always have mystique, but it's up to him to deliver a good match in order to regain his WrestleMania stroke (for lack of a better term). It would be weird to have The Undertaker lose again, especially in back-to-back years. I'd bet Denny's beard that Sting wins his first WWE match. Triple H has proven to have no problem losing on the grandest stage in big-time matches. I just hope Sting, 56, can hold up his end of the bargain. Predictions: The Undertaker, Sting
Burkholder: Triple H vs. Sting will likely be remembered if only for the novelty of Sting being part of it. Even if Sting were to stick around in WWE for several more years, he won't do it as an active wrestler for much longer. This will serve as Sting's big WWE moment in the sun, and I fully expect Triple H to let him shine here. As for Taker vs. Wyatt, whether this match is remembered years from now likely depends on how much the Dead Man can still do in the ring. It may not be much. If that's the case, if you can't mystify them with your move set, you might as well baffle them with booking. I expect two amazing ring entrances, a moderately good match and a few spots and theatrics worthy of the Monday morning water cooler. Predictions: Bray Wyatt, Sting
Silverstein: For the Dead Man, The Undertaker, not to have made a single television appearance prior to WrestleMania, even via a vignette, makes little sense. He should ultimately go over against Wyatt, continuing his still-impressive legacy at the event. Could they book him as long two-in-a-row only to return in 2016 for a final match, allowing him to leave as a winner? Sure ... but why? As with Rollins/Orton, I could see Sting/Triple H being the first of two matches with a stipulation rematch (bat vs. sledgehammer -- it's been hinted at enough by now) set to follow at Extreme Rules. In lieu of that, and not knowing the length of Sting's contract, I think the safer bet is in order here. Overall, while it is nice to have these guys make an appearance (especially Sting, his first ever), WWE has gotten away from pushing full-time roster talent during WrestleMania season, which is a standing issue. Predictions: The Undertaker, Sting
Irizarry: I don’t think The Undertaker’s WrestleMania mystique is lost. I don’t buy that the work he did over 21 WrestleManias was erased with one loss, especially since that loss came to the biggest, baddest and best “Monster” heel the business has seen since, well, Taker himself. As far as these two matches go, I think we’ll definitely remember Wyatt/Undertaker because I see it as a passing of the torch. Undertaker is as old-school as they come, and the old-school mentality in the business is to lose your last match. Go out on your shield. I think this is it for The Undertaker. I wasn’t excited about Sting vs. Triple H until Monday. Stephanie McMahon and Triple H are so good at being hateable that I’m now fully on board to see Sting take them down. The match itself will be likely forgettable but not "bad" by any means. These two legends will be able to tell a fine story in the ring, and with this being a pure Good vs. Evil story, seeing good triumph will be fun. Predictions: Bray Wyatt, Sting
6. The World Heavyweight Championship match has been controversial to this point with many feeling Roman Reigns did not deserve the push he received from winning the Royal Rumble. How do you see the world title match with Brock Lesnar playing out and do you think those plans have changed from what they were prior to the Rumble?
World Heavyweight Championship: Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Roman Reigns
Six hours after this was published, Lesnar announced that he re-signed with WWE on Monday night and will not return to UFC.
Richard: I think their plans are the same as they were before the Rumble ... not that I'd have booked it that way. I would close the show by shocking the audience and letting Lesnar carry the title some more because everyone expects him to lose due to his contract reportedly being set to expire. Well, what if he extended that contract by a night? A month? I would be pleasantly surprised to see Lesnar win. That doesn't mean I won't respect a title change (or two?). Prediction: Roman Reigns | Bonus prediction: Reigns over Rollins, who cashes in his MITB briefcase
Burkholder: The world title match ought to play out the way WWE has likely intended for months with Reigns rallying to defeat Lesnar despite enduring an impressive, somewhat scary beating. Once Lesnar beat The Undertaker's WrestleMania streak last year, WWE booked Lesnar as a virtually unbeatable monster. A large reason for booking Lesnar that strong was the idea that when someone finally beat him, that guy would be instantly made. Nothing is guaranteed for Reigns, but at this point, WWE should just follow through with their plans for him and let the chips fall where they may. And regarding that reaction at the Royal Rumble, let's be clear: Those people weren't really booing Reigns. They were booing the bookers that denied them Bryan's big comeback as world champion. Prediction: Roman Reigns (new champion)
Silverstein: First, let me tell you how I would book the main event. Reigns takes an early advantage, surprising and rattling Lesnar, until Lesnar regroups and begins to dominate; the two then go back-and-forth with Lesnar on the precipice of ending things when Paul Heyman -- screaming out instructions -- distracts Lesnar and assists Reigns with the win. Reigns turns heel (crowd can easily be pushed that way) with Heyman in his corner as his mouthpiece (needed), while Lesnar graduates back to the UFC and has a ready-made angle for his return, whenever that might be. As far as how this actually ends? I would bet the plan was to give Reigns the strap, but I'm wondering if it has now changed. I'm starting to believe Lesnar, a crowd favorite despite his heel position, retains and re-signs with the company, despite rumors of him jumping to UFC. Prediction: Brock Lesnar retains | Hope: Roman Reigns turns heel, becomes new champion with Paul Heyman
Irizarry: Traditionally, WrestleMania ends on a positive note. Over the years, WWE has been reluctant to do anything other than end the show on a feel-good moment (WrestleMania 2000 and WrestleMania 17 being the only exceptions). Because of that, I’ve been torn about how I think this one will go ... and that’s a good thing because unpredictability is fun! Over the last week or two, I’ve flip-flopped between two outcomes: Reigns winning straight up and Brock winning after a Reigns heel turn. I’m going to go with neither. I’ll say these two beat the crap out of each other, earn the respect of the crowd and in the end, Brock retains ... cue Rollins’ music. Rollins cashes in his MITB and brings Kane/Big Show with him to aid in the victory. However, Reigns takes out the two big goons, allowing Lesnar to F-5 Rollins and retain his title, setting up a Reigns vs. Rollins feud. This scenario allows WWE to keep the belt on Lesnar, retain Reigns as a face and give the crowd the exhilarating, feel-good moment they’re looking for to end the show. Overbooked? Probably. A whole heck of a lot of fun? Believe that. Prediction: Brock Lesnar retains
7. What do you hope to see the company achieve at this event? WrestleMania has the ability to set WWE up for success in the months that follow. Will this year's show accomplish that goal?
Richard: Every show the WWE has, including WrestleMania, should be used as an opportunity to promote its young roster talent. Whether they will do that certainly remains to be seen, especially with three part-timers (Taker, Sting, Lesnar) and Triple H (mostly an authority figure these days) in the three biggest matches.
Burkholder: The best thing about this WrestleMania might be the Monday Night Raw immediately afterward, as WWE shuffles the deck and introduces new faces and feuds. A lot of things at this WrestleMania feel like one-and-dones. Wyatt lost something when they took his "family" away, so it might be useful if they used his match with Taker to reignite his character. As silly as it may sound to make a new star based off a battle royal win, if WWE is going to attach Andre the Giant's name to something and make it feel special, they might want to do what they did last year and use it to try and elevate a promising midcard guy ... and, ideally, stick with that push for a few months afterward. All three former members of The Shield have the potential to come out of WrestleMania looking strong, which wouldn't be the worst thing.
Silverstein: The greatest thing that WWE could achieve is bringing some relevance and prestige back to the second-tier titles while providing a platform for some of the overlooked talent to develop over the next year without being stunted by booking. The big names are nice, but they are not the future of the industry. WWE has a lot of ground to make up after a poor three-month lead into this event, but a strong WrestleMania can set the stage for a hot start to the new season. There is plenty of talent around, the WWE and Vince McMahon just need to figure out how to best package and utilize it.
Irizarry: WWE is in a transition period. Stalwarts like Cena, Orton and Triple H are still featured prominently, but they’re in the process of making a new generation of stars with the likes of Reigns, Rollins, Wyatt and many others. This year’s WrestleMania is all about taking this young crop of talent to the next level. Last year WWE turned Bryan into a top star they can count on. If they play their cards right at this year’s show, WWE could have three new top stars in the aforementioned trio. With the uncertainty of Lesnar’s contract situation, it’s tough to say where WWE will go after Mania. If Lesnar stays, I imagine he will continue his run as champion and do so as a pseudo-babyface, with a slew of young, talented heels WWE can throw his way. If Lesnar is leaving, then I imagine we’re in store for a Reigns vs. Rollins title feud after Mania. Wrestling is cyclical. The quality of WWE’s product had been on a downswing in recent years. With the glut of superb young talent on the roster, I believe we’re in the midst of the start of an upswing.
