Latest WrestleMania 33 rumors - UPDATED in Post 817

[RP]

Only thing i hate about Taker winning the Rumble is that he did the same thing in 2007.

[RP]

I cant buy your Nakamura angle, but i can see it getting put together.

[RP]

I really love the way Ambrose and Styles work. I wouldnt be opposed to seeing something built towards a match with them. How about a cage match? When's the last time we've seen that at WM?

[Mr. Nerfect]

I assume you mean straight, traditional cage matches, because we got a Hell in a Cell this year.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I could see Styles vs. Ambrose or Styles vs. Ziggler. It wouldn't have that much...oomph, but I could see it as a "Well, we need to do something" kind of match. Like how Orton and Kane got thrown together for WrestleMania 28. You know, the "Randy Orton match" most years.

The Wyatt Family vs. The New Day isn't something I'm too keen for, but I can see it happening. There could be some interaction at the Royal Rumble that leads to The New Day costing The Family the belts against a team. In my recently jumbling of names, I actually had it as Ambrose & Ziggler in my mind. They're in similar spots on the roster -- kind of floundering and could use a branch to grab onto. A Tag Team Title run might freshen them up a bit. They're different enough as personalities that I can see them having good chemistry. Maybe they can go against American Alpha at WrestleMania, with Ambrose and Ziggler being the more heelish team, which would be a damn good match.

[RP]

Styles Ambrose wouldnt be thrown together though. They could start right now. We just dont get many gimmick matches 1v1 anymore at WM and it would be refreshing ( WWE will steal this idea and ignore my application once again ).

[Mr. Nerfect]

I should have used the term "leftovers." We've seen them fighting since September.

[RP]

No.

I mean, Styles Ambrose is established. They could carry a story to WM.

[Evil Vito]

Styles and Ambrose have been feuding since just after SummerSlam and that ended only a few weeks ago. Having them feud again straight away and carrying it to Mania would be overkill.

[Simple Fan]

Styles and Ambrose or Styles and Cena are their best options as far as Styles goes. A match with HBK wouldn't be bad but I just feel like the history he has with Cena that the money is in that match. If not Cena then Ambrose is the next best case.

I don't see the intrigue in Cena vs Taker. It would be a poorly thrown together program that would end up being lack luster. Of course that's really anything they do with the Undertaker though. Personally I think Taker, Kane, and Sting vs The Wyatt Family would be good.

[Sepholio]

Cena has gotten a lot better before our eyes, very subtly. He's now a legitimately great professional wrestler, as opposed to a guy with certain qualities and a lot of potential to live up to. His push is also less sickening (remember when Cena held the WWE Title for over a year?). It's been over two years since the guy has been WWE Champion, and he lost it in what was a smooshing. That Brock match helped Cena a lot, because it took out a lot of the pent-up frustration fans had with Cena being perceived as invincible. It was a cathartic moment that gave people that nut-off and move past how produced Cena was, and see how truly talented he is. The US Title reigns also helped tremendously too. It took him out of the main event picture and used his unflappable status to put the spotlight on some other guys by at least having great matches with them. It worked so well that they thought they'd try it with Reigns, but they've missed the part where he's not dominating the main event picture at the same time.

I used to hate cena and thought he was extremely limited. His stint as us champion completely changed my opinion of him. He has put in some of the best matches I have ever seen in the last couple years. That's not all him but also who he was facing in his feuds but he stepped up to another level himself.

I've also noticed that I now sort of miss him when he's gone for long periods of time. He can carry good chunks of time and at least make them entertaining. Also feel like his only real drawback now is that he is shackled in the confines of his gimmick. He needs to be given that freedom to do something g different. I think he is more than capable and has a lot of acting talent hiding behind the surface. He could shine so much brighter if they would just let him evolve.

[Simple Fan]

Cena has been showing a little more edginess in his character recently that I like.

[Evil Vito]

Cena has been amazing the last couple of years. It actually pisses me off in a way because it's very possible he was always this good even during his Super Cena years but he was forced to be one dimensional.

[XL]

I was dead set against a Taker/Orton retread but framed with Wyatt in the background - two victims of The Streak trying to avenge their losses - I might be able to buy in.

[Jordan]

How about Taker and Kane vs Wyatt and Orton? Gets Kane on the card and simplifies that story.

[Evil Vito]

I really don't want to see the Brothers of Destruction squashing the Wyatts again.

[#1-norm-fan]

But it will do so much for The Wyatts just being in the ring with Taker, right? Right??

[Damian Rey 2.0]

That is exactly the problem with a lot of the things the WWE does these days lol.

And while that's a valid argument, I don't think it applies to two part timers, one of which is at the end of his rope and the other who's transitioning into a seasonal attraction. Not every match or feud has to lead somewhere. Taker Cena is one of those matches.

[mike adamle]

I'm hopeful WrestleMania looks something like this

WWE Title Match- John Cena (C) vs Royal Rumble winner Goldberg

The Undertaker vs. AJ Styles... Really wanna see this match before Taker retires

Brock Lesnar vs. Kurt Angle... If Kurt Angle can't come back I'd replace him with Finn Balor. If Finn Balor is still injured I'd replace him with Roman Reigns. Roman Reigns could just be scratched off the ladder match, make someone else champion coming in.

Triple H vs. Seth Rollins

WWE Raw Women's Title Match- Charlotte (C) vs. Asuka

WWE Universal Title Match- Kevin Owens (C) vs. Chris Jericho

Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt (vs. Luke Harper?)

WWE United States Title Ladder Match- Roman Reigns (C) vs. Sami Zayn vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Braun Strowman vs. Big E vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Rusev

WWE Intercontinental Title Match- The Miz (C) vs. Dean Ambrose

WWE SmackDown! Women's Title Match- Becky Lynch (C) vs. Sasha Banks (No idea how you get Sasha over there, so I'm just pipedreaming here.)

WWE SmackDown! Tag Team Title Match- American Alpha (C) vs. The Revival

I'm sure there'd be more matches but this would be what I would put on my main card.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Styles and Ambrose have been feuding since just after SummerSlam and that ended only a few weeks ago. Having them feud again straight away and carrying it to Mania would be overkill.

Yeah, I agree with this.

And while that's a valid argument, I don't think it applies to two part timers, one of which is at the end of his rope and the other who's transitioning into a seasonal attraction. Not every match or feud has to lead somewhere. Taker Cena is one of those matches.

Fair point, but then you are really selling the match itself. What happens when it is clunky and below expectations?

Styles and Ambrose or Styles and Cena are their best options as far as Styles goes. A match with HBK wouldn't be bad but I just feel like the history he has with Cena that the money is in that match. If not Cena then Ambrose is the next best case.

I don't see the intrigue in Cena vs Taker. It would be a poorly thrown together program that would end up being lack luster. Of course that's really anything they do with the Undertaker though. Personally I think Taker, Kane, and Sting vs The Wyatt Family would be good.

I am on board with Styles vs. Cena. I think Styles vs. HBK would be bigger, better and fresher, but I'm board with Styles vs. Cena. It is my favorite "realistic" match. I'm not big on Sting returning after he lost to Triple H at WrestleMania and given the shape of his neck, but that is probably the best idea I've heard for him. They'll probably put the babyfaces over and have Wyatt go 0-3 at WrestleMania, but I still not shed tears because it is a big step up for Harper and I don't really care about Orton losing. It could lead to the destruction of that incarnation of The Family too. It is all about how they sell the loss. If it's business as normal for The Wyatt Family afterwards, it is death.

Styles/Ambrose is the only thing I really don't like. Ambrose is flat as shit right now. The crowd basically turned on him during his program with Styles. To give him yet another shot against Styles would just be tedious. I've honestly got no clue where you insert Ambrose in any sort of meaningful role at Mania -- his stock has dropped so much even with a WWE Title reign.

[Mr. Nerfect]

A question about Owens/Jericho:

Who is the babyface in that feud? It feels very similar to the Rollins/Triple H stuff in that it would seem logical to turn the fresh young kid face, but thus far there are no endearing traits being displayed. Rollins didn't get confident and start proving himself in competition, earning the ire of "Daddy" who wasn't needed anymore. Owens is losing all his non-title matches and looking like a coward constantly.

Jericho's persona is honestly more interesting and he could very easily get pops by just rehearsing his shtick, but it is so obviously a heel gig. Whenever Jericho turns face all that stuff is dropped and he becomes Y2J Classic again. I mean, I love Jericho, but remember him from the AJ Styles feud? I was quite fine with him, but I completely got why so many people were underwhelmed and were like "Just go away, Jericho."

I honestly can't see how you get to Owens/Jericho when both have been such cowardly babies. I think Owens is better served as being a babyface, but unless Jericho costs him the Universal Title on purpose and really dials up the heat, I can't really see how people are supposed to feel too sorry for Owens, given that he is clearly using Jericho, and frankly dependent on him.

[Mr. Nerfect]

That being said, given that it doesn't really seem to make sense, I think it is a fair prediction for WrestleMania. :y:

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Fair point, but then you are really selling the match itself. What happens when it is clunky and below expectations?

Taker rattled off back to back matches with Lesnar that were great. Cena is on another level right now. These aren't guys who suck. Unless there's an early in match injury I can't see how these two don't come thru in a big match.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

And not booking a match because it might be clunky or underwhelming is not a valid reason to avoid a match. Even the best in ring talents put on clunkers.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Cena has gotten a lot better, but he's not exactly the sort of guy who carries ring performances. Think about the lack of chemistry he had with Randy Orton. Yeah. I have no doubt the effort would be there, but I can see it being clunky and kind of boring.

Maybe they have the best match ever? I dunno, but it just doesn't mesh well in my mind.

[Mr. Nerfect]

And not booking a match because it might be clunky or underwhelming is not a valid reason to avoid a match. Even the best in ring talents put on clunkers.

Agree to disagree here. That is not an argument that ring work is the end-all, be-all if you've built to something that you want to blow-off, and I'm sick and tired of all the same matches being of a "good" standard, because I think it devalues "good," but I don't think a high-stakes "dream match" can afford to disappoint, especially given how much Cena's current goodwill seems to hedge on him now being able to consistently do good stuff.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

He's been doing good stuff for a while, far before his U.S. title resurgence run. When he has a good opponent, he's just as money as anybody.

Undertaker is a good opponent. You make it sound like Taker is done and hasn't produced quality matches in recent history. He has. With Lesnar, who's reputation as an in ring performer has deteriorated in his second run. He and Taker tore the house down at Summer Slam and HIAC in 2015.

These are two of the biggest names in the last 10 years and the last real dream match left. I cannot fathom why anyone would be against it.

The body of work for each men speak enough, to me, to give them the benefit of the doubt. Especially Cena's run as a legitimate top in ring performer.

The build is already there. The biggest star of his era looks to knock off the franchise player of the company and take his place as the new living legend.

[Mr. Nerfect]

He's been doing good stuff for a while, far before his U.S. title resurgence run. When he has a good opponent, he's just as money as anybody.

Undertaker is a good opponent. You make it sound like Taker is done and hasn't produced quality matches in recent history. He has. With Lesnar, who's reputation as an in ring performer has deteriorated in his second run. He and Taker tore the house down at Summer Slam and HIAC in 2015.

These are two of the biggest names in the last 10 years and the last real dream match left. I cannot fathom why anyone would be against it.

The body of work for each men speak enough, to me, to give them the benefit of the doubt. Especially Cena's run as a legitimate top in ring performer.

The build is already there. The biggest star of his era looks to knock off the franchise player of the company and take his place as the new living legend.

Lol, Brock Lesnar is someone very special. Brock can shit out masterpieces and is really undervalued for how good he is. When he works with Taker he does magic because it's Taker so Brock wants to be magic. He just tosses around mid-carders because why break a sweat and bust your mystique?

Undertaker, *sigh*, I'm just going to say it -- the dude isn't as good in the ring as people say he is. When he's got a great opponent he is great, but he needs that great opponent. You say that Cena is that guy, but I think he works with other guys that are great. When you have two guys that work to the level of their opponent, you often get a fucking borefest. Has Taker really had a great match with anyone that isn't great? So we're left discussing the greatness of John Cena, and I'd like to know when he last carried someone. Cesaro, AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose, Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and whoever else Cena tore the house down with have never needed to be helped in that regard, lol. Cena could keep up with them, but he won't be "keeping up" with Taker.

Sometimes you don't do the dream match. Remember Vince vs. Bret? You don't just do it because it is there. Your story outline for it means that Cena has to win, surely? Otherwise you're going to have a part-time Cena that was never as good as the legend. And if Cena knocks him off as the living legend, then Taker has to go, surely? And if Taker is still good why do you want him to go? Think about the crowd reaction if Cena pins The Undertaker at WrestleMania. Cena has been building so much good will. Are you really ready to go back to Super Cena? And think about what happens if The Undertaker wins. It's a continuance of the status quo, which is exactly what is wrong with the WWE creatively.

There are plenty of reasons to not want to see this match, lol. I've never been a massive fan of either man, personally. That's one. I feel like the timing is wrong. That's two. I feel that neither gets anything out of it. That's three. There are the directional problems I pointed out, and even if you consider them minor, that's four. There are far more interesting things for each man to do. That's five. I feel it will be a "Cena is the best" wankfest that regresses his persona. That's six. I honestly think the match will suck. That's seven. I could probably keep going.

[DAMN iNATOR]

No idea why everyone wants to see a triple threat RAW Women's Championship match at WM 33...Charlotte and Sasha have had their feud, it was supposed to be done and over with at Roadblock: End of the Line, and I think Charlotte v. Bayley one-on-one would be amazing given the proper build and time on the show. Put Bayley over in a singles match at Mania and then after a title defense or 2 for Bayley at PPV's maybe have her put the title on the line v. Sasha @ SummerSlam. I think Bayley © v. Sasha @ SummerSlam is a good fit, especially considering their history and the classic they put on the night before SummerSlam 2015 @ NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn for the NXT Women's Championship.

[Mr3Maker]

...and King of Lurkers Tournament Finals...I won't show up...

[DAMN iNATOR]

...and King of Lurkers Tournament Finals...I won't show up...

You're in v. Dennis Stamp pending him being booked, but as of right now, according to Mr. Stamp, when reached for comment, had this to say:

S-udzBWFHDs

[Damian Rey 2.0]

That street fight with Droford should be the inaugural MLB open thread championship.

[Mr. Nerfect]

No idea why everyone wants to see a triple threat RAW Women's Championship match at WM 33...Charlotte and Sasha have had their feud, it was supposed to be done and over with at Roadblock: End of the Line, and I think Charlotte v. Bayley one-on-one would be amazing given the proper build and time on the show. Put Bayley over in a singles match at Mania and then after a title defense or 2 for Bayley at PPV's maybe have her put the title on the line v. Sasha @ SummerSlam. I think Bayley © v. Sasha @ SummerSlam is a good fit, especially considering their history and the classic they put on the night before SummerSlam 2015 @ NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn for the NXT Women's Championship.

I don't think it's so much that people want to see a Triple Threat so much as people think we will see a Triple Threat. Sasha Banks, despite Vince apparently losing faith in her, is a "star" in the division. She will be at WrestleMania somewhere. She's on the RAW brand. It goes to fit that people would predict she'd end up involved in the RAW brand women's match somehow. Unless they are going to do three or more women's matches on the show (and I wouldn't put it past them with how they are trying to promote the girls as more important now), it goes to reason that Sasha Banks would have to fit into the RAW Women's Title match.

I personally have no interest in Charlotte vs. Bayley. I didn't really love Bayley that much in NXT (I thought she stole Becky's thunder), and although her climb was good, once you'd seen it that was pretty much all with her. If they're doing the title shot at the Rumble, you're going to have to work really hard to keep things interesting until April, considering they are already having televised non-title matches now.

[Evil Vito]

Don't be silly Noid. Of course people want to see a PPV match that they readily give away on free TV over and over again.

[#1-norm-fan]

Buncha ham-and-eggers.

[Evil Vito]

Manager for two high-profile matches?! I'm the Bobby Heenan of TPWW. I'll take it.

Well, working two gimmicks at once might make you a bit more like Sensational Sherri and Peggy Sue. But hey - that's not all that bad!

[Mr. Nerfect]

I can't remember if I posted this in here or not, but a few weeks ago I had this realization that they might do AJ Styles vs. Kane at WrestleMania. It's exactly the tone-deaf thing the WWE loves to do. It would be a presented like a "high profile" match on the same card where his brother challenges the champion. I think the story would be that AJ Styles wants in there with Cena and Taker, but Shane says no, so Styles says he is going to keep demanding a title shot until he gets his way and then the pyros go off and Kane is out to defend his brother's right to challenge. They've been protecting Kane quite auspiciously for something at Mania.

It may not be a dream match, but AJ Styles should go over, which is...something.

I won't call it an official prediction. I still wonder what the plans with the WWE Title are. I can see Cena vs. Undertaker, but I can also see that away from the belt. I can also see Samoa Joe debuting in the Royal Rumble. They wouldn't possibly do Styles vs. The Undertaker and Cena vs. Joe at Mania, would they?

The most WWE thing to do would be for Cena to win the belt and Taker to win the Rumble and AJ Styles to catch a branch on the way down. That could be Kane, or it could be a match against Nakamura or even the IC Title Ladder Match. At this point a Styles vs. Rollins RAW vs. SmackDown -- former champions proving that they belong match is somewhat appealing if Triple H agrees to sit Mania out. HA! I know.

[slik]

RAW hinted at GOLDBERG vs ROMAN REIGNS in my opinion

[Mr. Nerfect]

If Reigns ends up winning the Universal Title at the Royal Rumble (likely) then Owens would probably be upset and throw a hissy fit and want to be put in the Rumble Match, right? That's probably how they get to Jericho vs. Owens (Owens tosses out his buddy or something). I'd really prefer to see the tag though. You could even do them as champions against American Alpha or something. Hell, Finn Balor returning to face Kevin Owens wouldn't be insane, so maybe Balor could be Zayn's partner to face Owens & Jericho for the RAW Tag Titles?

WrestleMania really needs to go for two nights with everything as booked out as it is. You really shouldn't be doing multiple Women's Title or Tag Title matches on the same show anyway. A RAW WrestleMania and a SmackDown WrestleMania, or just a Night One/Night Two event would work a lot better and give things more room to breathe. One is headlined by Cena/Taker for the WWE Title and the other is headlined by Reigns/Goldberg for the Universal Title. Brock vs. Shane on the undercard of the WWE Title one, Triple H/Seth Rollins on the undercard of the Universal Title show. A Women's Title match on each one; a Tag Title match on each one. Do the Andre Battle Royal on another and the multi-man Ladder Match on the other.

These events are going to go too long and everything is going to feel like the same.

[Mr. Nerfect]

RAW hinted at GOLDBERG vs ROMAN REIGNS in my opinion

With Taker being in the Royal Rumble, I do think it could be Cena vs. Taker. But it seems he and Goldberg are your two contenders to win the whole thing. Sorry AJ, but at least you might have the best North American match in 2017 at that point in time against John Cena.

I'm not a big fan of Cena vs. Taker, but accepting that fate, do you think AJ Styles petitioning Shawn Michaels for a "dream match" would be a pretty welcome thing for WrestleMania? Since it's in San Antonio, maybe Styles goes to cheat against Cena, but HBK hits Sweet Chin Music and prevents Styles from using the title belt or something. Cena wins the title and Styles spends his nights calling out HBK and maybe even uses Bryan to get to Michaels.

If they went this route, I'd have Goldberg eliminated from the Royal Rumble...by Roman Reigns. Goldberg comes out on RAW and says he got screwed, but that was the dumbest mistake of Roman Reigns' young life. Goldberg asserts that Reigns cost him the Rumble because he doesn't want to face him at Mania. Reigns comes out and says "Your generation really is stupid, isn't it? I tossed your ass out of the Rumble because you're the guy I do want to face."

* Cena (c) vs. Taker for the WWE Title
* Reigns (c) vs. Goldberg for the Universal Title
* AJ Styles vs. Shawn Michaels
* Brock Lesnar vs. Shane McMahon
* Seth Rollins vs. Triple H
* Kevin Owens & Chris Jericho (c) vs. Sami Zayn & Finn Balor for the RAW Tag Titles
* The Wyatt Family vs. The New Day
* Charlotte (c) vs. Bayley for the RAW Women's Title with Ronda Rousey as referee
* Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal featuring Big Show, Shaq, Braun Strowman, Sheamus, Cesaro, etc.
* Nikki Bella (c) vs. every other woman on the roster in a sudden death match for the SmackDown Women's Title or a giant women's tag pitting all the babyfaces against all the heels
* The Miz (c) vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin vs. Kane vs. Kalisto vs. Apollo Crews in a Ladder Match for the IC Title
* The Revival (c) vs. American Alpha for the SmackDown Tag Titles (Hulk Hogan appearance to raise the arms of Alpha)
* Neville (c) vs. Kota Ibushi for the CW Title

That's a pretty fucking hefty Mania.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'd also be fine with Sheamus & Cesaro being Owens & Jericho's opponents and Sami Zayn facing Nakamura with Finn Balor's return being held off. But I guess he could also find himself facing AJ Styles if they don't do the HBK stuff. But it's all starting to click a bit more into place. Or they do Styles vs. Balor, have Nakamura team with Zayn and still have Cesaro & Sheamus in the Battle Royal. I can see their team dissolving -- or loving to fight with each other so they can eventually fight against each other at WrestleMania. They're kind of tailor-made for the Battle Royal. Big Show vs. Shaq hasn't really got much there. It wouldn't surprise me if they did it one-on-one, but why not just have Show go after the Battle Royal and have Shaq stare him down and say he's getting the trophy and they can beat up Tony Nese and Drew Gulak to remind people of how big they are or something?

[Mr. Nerfect]

I couldn't call this a "prediction," per se, but it is very easy to imagine Shane McMahon announcing that at WrestleMania, SmackDown will give the women of WWE a try chance to shine in an exhibition like nothing else in the WWE. It will be the first-ever "Femme Royal" for the SmackDown Women's Championship. The rules are that all competitors will start in the ring, but then be eliminated when they are tossed from the ring, until two girls are left to compete in a match to be won by either pinfall or submission, and he is opening the floor to the women of RAW as well.

The match ends up being Alexa Bliss vs. Becky Lynch vs. Carmella vs. La Luchadora vs. Mickie James vs. Naomi vs. Natalya vs. Alicia Fox vs. Emmalina vs. Nia Jax vs. Sasha Banks with Lita being announced as the final legend returning to the ring for the title opportunity. Maybe it comes down to Mickie and Nikki at the end, or Mickie and Sasha, or Becky and Sasha, or even Becky and Lita. It'd be a bit more intriguing than a lot of the other match possibilities. This would also be a cool place to debut Asuka, but you can also hold off on that.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Love that idea

[Mr. Nerfect]

Another idea is to do Bayley vs. Charlotte vs. Sasha for the RAW Title; Alexa vs. Nikki in a short match for the SD Title; and Becky vs. "obsessed fan" Mickie in a more personal bout. Three women's matches might seem excessive, but they've kind of forced themselves into a corner with the whole "Women's Revolution" thing. One match would be token; you now have two championships, so ignoring one looks bad; but if you just do one for each belt, are you falling into the same trap as having just one match?

They'll probably just do two, but I guess the formula should really be n (Number of championships) +1.

[hb2k]

The Meltz reported today on Observer Radio that plans for Mania are up in the air after discussions within the last 48 hours or so...

[slik]

Hmmmm....

Last night really made me think they were teasing Goldberg vs Roman Reigns so maybe all plans are up in the air.

[The CyNick]

The Meltz reported today on Observer Radio that plans for Mania are up in the air after discussions within the last 48 hours or so...

In other words the intern that Dave gets info from hasn't been included in the plans for Mania, so he's reporting plans are up in the air. Meanwhile, plans have been set for months.

[The CyNick]

Another idea is to do Bayley vs. Charlotte vs. Sasha for the RAW Title; Alexa vs. Nikki in a short match for the SD Title; and Becky vs. "obsessed fan" Mickie in a more personal bout. Three women's matches might seem excessive, but they've kind of forced themselves into a corner with the whole "Women's Revolution" thing. One match would be token; you now have two championships, so ignoring one looks bad; but if you just do one for each belt, are you falling into the same trap as having just one match?

They'll probably just do two, but I guess the formula should really be n (Number of championships) +1.

I would expect a minimum of two women's matches on the main show (ie not the kickoff). My guess if they end up with at least three when all is said and done. I could see a third SDL vs Raw match just to get more girls on the show.

My guess right now is Charlotte vs Bayley one on one for RAW and Nikki vs Alexa from SDL. Bayley should probably win here (after losing at the Rumble due to cheating). I envision a Banks heel turn post Mania to set up Banks and Bayley through to SummerSlam. I would like to see Nikki get a spotlight win after all she's fine for the women's division. I feel like she hasn't gotten the respect she deserves.

Then you have Lynch and some SDL girls vs Banks and some RAW girls to get more girls on the show. Not being in the spotlight women's matches could help fuel the fire for Banks turning heel.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Really hoping for AJ Styles vs. Shawn Michaels now. I'll be completely okay with Cena vs. Undertaker and Reigns vs. Goldberg if Styles/HBK is the third match from the top.

As for the women, I am wondering if Emmalina fits in anywhere? I'd be happy for her push to be held off until after stories are finished at Mania. I'm thinking Bayley could beat Charlotte with Sasha's help at the Rumble (so Sasha can re-contend), but that obviously doesn't sit well with either girl. Sasha tells Bayley she should be thanking her, because she couldn't beat Charlotte on her own, and Bayley tells Sasha she deserves to be here 800 times. In their rematch at Fastlane, Charlotte wins the belt back when Sasha throws in the towel for Bayley (still her "friend" at the time) and Charlotte becomes an 11-time champion or whatever she's at. WrestleMania is all the personal issues boiling to the surface.

Alexa Bliss is the SmackDown heel and defends it against Nikki. Simple.

Becky Lynch vs. Mickie James with James being an obsessed Becky fan. I'd actually be interested in seeing these girls open WrestleMania -- a spot that Vince sees as quite prestigious. The finish can see Mickie grabbing Lynch by the hair, licking as if going for her Trish-grab spot at Mania 22, but Becky counters into the Dis-Arm-Her and gets the submission win. Nikki can enter as Becky is making her way to the back and the two can trade looks as if to say "You will see us wrestle each other 90 times soon." So the two matches are kind of part of the same segment. And Nikki basically squashes the overconfident Bliss, who gets Speared and is done. She tries to blame the loss on La Luchadora but gets taken out by her too.

[Big Vic]

Emmalina will probably debut after Mania.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I am fine with that. I think she's going to be their new Eva Marie, except she can actually wrestle. I'm fine with these next couple of months being focused solely on WrestleMania and Mania being the culmination to the year of WWE. Emmalina would be a wonderful "RAW After Mania" debut.

But hell, open up her segments to both RAW and SmackDown and create some ambiguity as to where she is going and increase the scope of her wonder.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Not sure if it has popped up in the vignettes, but she appears to have a theme floating around. It seems to fit the gimmick and has a beat similar to her dancing theme underneath it all (I'm not a musical guy, so I can't be sure if I am detecting this wrong). I've always been a sucker for gimmicks that tie a wrestler's history together.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2EagL8wrboU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[slik]

credit wrestling observer/smelly meatball's dirty sheets



Some key changes have been made to what was the WrestleMania show, although what those changes are isn’t confirmed. Three of the key bouts remain Brock Lesnar vs. Bill Goldberg, Seth Rollins vs. HHH and Big Show vs. Shaquille O’Neal. Aside from a Raw women’s title match, of which there are at least two different possibilities, everything else is up for grabs. The only other non-regular confirmed as wrestling on the show is Undertaker. We’re told the Mania card should be finalized internally in about two weeks, as the booking of that show will determine the booking and direction of the Royal Rumble, which takes place on 1/29 in San Antonio at the Alamodome.


I would be surprised if they didn't do Kevin Owens/Chris Jericho

[Evil Vito]

"So Wrestling Observer is reporting a bunch of stuff might have been decided, but it will probably change. Par for the course for them."
-The CyNick

[Mr. Nerfect]

If they don't do Owens vs. Jericho, I imagine that they will be RAW Tag Team Champions still doing their full shtick as best friends. When coming up with a match that is "big" enough for them, The New Day really seem like the best opponents, given that they are such heavy merchandise movers. I've posted that I'd love to see American Alpha vs. Owens & Jericho, but I just can't see it for whatever reason. Sheamus & Cesaro function as transitional champions to get the belts onto Owens & Jericho for the big WrestleMania tag between the top faces of the division and the hottest double-act they have. Sheamus & Cesaro probably don't split, but rather do a "Welp, shall we enter the Battle Royal and kick ass together and hope it's us at the end?" thing. Can't believe that Show vs. Shaq is a lock. Seems a perfect fit to head into the Battle Royal. Yeah, both were in it last year, but Shaq wasn't advertised.

I can see The Wyatt Family being over sooner rather than later, sadly, and that probably leaves Orton to face Bray with Harper in the Battle Royal, on the outside or in the inevitable Ladder Match for the IC Title. I thought about a Triple Threat, but Orton has been in so damn many at WrestleMania, and the three-way gimmick doesn't really add anything to the drama.

A RAW Women's Title match makes sense, and I can see the WWE being scared of not doing one after all this Women's Revolution talk, because it hearkens back to the days where the Divas Title was only defended at Mania once. That being said, I wonder if Charlotte vs. Nikki Bella in a Champion vs. Champion Match is the best way to go? It's kind of frustrating to your average fan to have two Women's Champions defending on the same show, because it's kind of got a "Well, who really is the best women's wrestler" problem, since you don't see them fight. I think Champion vs. Champion Matches are problematic, but I could see it. After all, Charlotte has pretty much burnt through everyone on the RAW side. Sasha, Becky & Bayley can team up to face Alexa, Nattie & Nia or something. Two women's matches, you spread out your "revolution" girls, get some new ones on the show, pay respect to a veteran, keep the Samoans happy and have two very different looking matches with different stakes.

There's a similar problem with the SmackDown Tag Titles, but I can see the WWE just not caring about those belts. American Alpha can retain in your stock Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match at their first Mania on the Kickoff. The Usos would be logical opponents. Slater & Rhyno are probably broken up by then, but maybe. The Fashion Police can be in there. The last team may even be The Revival, who I can see being called up according to plans, but not getting the push that you'd hope because of their tweeting.

[mike adamle]

I'm really hoping AJ Styles beats John Cena at the Royal Rumble. I think AJ needs the belt more than Cena does. It's gonna be awesome when Cena gets 16, but does it really have to be now?

I think AJ Styles needs to face either Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, or Goldberg at WrestleMania, and win. That makes AJ Styles, IMO. Right now he's on that Chris Jericho level of main eventer but can be easily beaten, maybe just above it. A win over Cena at the Rumble and then over 'Taker, Lesnar, or Goldberg at Mania would make him the most over guy in WWE.

I'm hopeful for this:

WWE Title Match- AJ Styles (C) vs. Royal Rumble winner Brock Lesnar

John Cena vs. Goldberg

The Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns

WWE Universal Title Match- Kevin Owens (C) vs. Chris Jericho

No DQ- Seth Rollins vs. Triple H

WWE Raw Women's Title Match- Charlotte (C) vs. Trish Stratus

WWE Intercontinetal Title Loser Leaves SmackDown! Ambrose Asylum Match- Dean Ambrose (C) vs. The Miz

Big Show vs. Shaq

WWE United States Title Ladder Match- Braun Strowman (C) vs. Big E vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Sheamus vs. Cesaro vs. Finn Balor vs. Rusev vs. Sami Zayn

Triple Threat Match- Bray Wyatt vs. Luke Harper vs. Randy Orton

WWE SmackDown! Women's Title Match- Becky Lynch (C) vs. Mickie James

Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal

WWE SmackDown! Tag Team Title Fatal 4-Way Match- American Alpha (C) vs. The Revival vs. The Usos vs. #DIY

#1 Contender For WWE Raw Women's Title Match- Bayley vs. Sasha Banks

WWE Cruiserweight Title Match- Gran Metalik (C) vs. Kota Ibushi

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Alvarez is reporting that after WK11, WWE want one of their main events to be that good. Not sure who they could do it with though... Joe V AJ? AJ V Nakamura? I'd fucking love it if they could somehow make ot AJ V Zayn.

[Evil Vito]

Also note the wording "one of their main events".

There's no way THE main event is going to be as good. They aren't having AJ/Nakamura, AJ/Zayn, or whatever they come up with close out the show.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Styles vs. Michaels, baby. Come on. You know that will live up to it.

[mike adamle]

Also note the wording "one of their main events".

There's no way THE main event is going to be as good. They aren't having AJ/Nakamura, AJ/Zayn, or whatever they come up with close out the show.

That's why I have AJ vs. Brock as my personal choice for main event. AJ being the creative wrestling genius that he is and Brock being the beast that he is I have no doubt these guys would deliver a very unique classic.


I'd love AJ vs. HBK, but if HBK didn't come out of retirement to face Daniel Bryan, his student, I don't see why he'd come out of retirement to face AJ Styles.

Brock vs. Shinsuke Nakamura is something I'd be very interested in, but they're not gonna make Shinsuke a main event player in 3 months.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'm pipe-dreaming with Styles vs. Michaels, but it is within the realm of possibility. When HBK retired, it was actually before all this part-timer stuff started happening. That really kicked up in 2012 with The Rock and Brock Lesnar. And while HBK was probably happy being retired then, just two years after those classics with Taker, who is to say that his kids aren't just that bit older and said "We'd love to see you wrestle one more time, daddy." I mean, that's just speculation, but the difference between his son being 10 and 17 and daughter being 6 and 13 is pretty huge. And maybe he's just gotten itchy?

It would have been great for Shawn Michaels to come back against Daniel Bryan, but that was still only a few years after his retirement, and once you get to WrestleMania XXX it was basically injuries for Bryan. Maybe there'd have been more talk if Bryan had stayed healthy? And there's also that personal element to it. HBK and Bryan are both professionals and surely Bryan owes a lot to HBK, but they seem like very different people. Maybe they don't "get along" as well as we project onto them? Not in the sense that HBK would be dying to come out of retirement to work with him, anyway.

I dunno, there are a lot of variables that could all be in play here. The reason I'm hoping so hard for it is because AJ Styles, more than anyone since Bryan, feels like the perfect guy for it. He teased it with that Twitter post, and while Styles could have just been feeding the "Fantasy Warfare come to life" gimmick, it put vibes out there. I probably look into things too much when I read HBK denying that anyone has approached him about doing the match and I immediate think "That's bullshit -- I'm sure the only reason Vince doesn't call you every day and ask you to return is to respect your wishes not to be bugged literally every day."

Brock vs. Nakamura is something I do see happening at some point, but maybe not in the immediate future. I'm actually fine with Brock vs. Shane at Mania. Brock is good at kicking ass and Shane is good at getting his ass kicked. It's a perfect dynamic in many ways. Plus, if they're going to re-sign Brock (and Vince will try) then they're going to need to feed him. I'd rather see Shane take on that role than a younger talent who is going to be just another guy who lost to Brock Lesnar.

[#1-norm-fan]

I was gonna make a dream WrestleMania card but then I realized even an ideal card would be mostly shit. Taker vs Cena is big time. Outside of that, they've gotten to the point where it's hard to make WrestleMania card that's much bigger than a Fastlane card. They even proved last year that they can take the big fight feel out of a Brock fucking Lesnar WrestleMania match.

[Simple Fan]

I'm with Noid on the AJ Styles/HBK match although I think it should have happen ed at the Royal Rumble instead. If they want a match to come close to to the Wrestle Kingdom match it has to be one with Styles. Styles/Cena would be my choice as I think they ruined it by just giving Cena the title shot. I'd had Styles out there talking how he'd beat everyone on SD and was just going to take the Royal Rumble off only for HBK to come out and challenge him. They would have a killer match at the Rumble with Styles winning. Cena wins the Rumble and sets up Styles vs Cena for the WWE World Championship at Wrestle Mania. You have the best wrestler in the world coming off a win over a Hall of Famer and the most popular wrestler in the world going for #16.

[#1-norm-fan]

I have no desire to see HBK come back to job to AJ Styles.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'm with Noid on the AJ Styles/HBK match although I think it should have happen ed at the Royal Rumble instead. If they want a match to come close to to the Wrestle Kingdom match it has to be one with Styles. Styles/Cena would be my choice as I think they ruined it by just giving Cena the title shot. I'd had Styles out there talking how he'd beat everyone on SD and was just going to take the Royal Rumble off only for HBK to come out and challenge him. They would have a killer match at the Rumble with Styles winning. Cena wins the Rumble and sets up Styles vs Cena for the WWE World Championship at Wrestle Mania. You have the best wrestler in the world coming off a win over a Hall of Famer and the most popular wrestler in the world going for #16.

The only problem with Styles going from HBK to Cena is that you're going from an exciting dream match to a great match, but one that we've seen quite a few times. It's liking starting your porno with anal and then working back to cuddling.

I have no desire to see HBK come back to job to AJ Styles.

Intriguing. I'm not saying you're incorrect, but I'd love to see that match. I'd even be fine with it if Styles lost. It's hard to think of anything "special" for WrestleMania. I've come around on Cena vs. Taker. I still think that putting Taker over is a bit dumb and Cena doesn't actually get much from the win, other than confirmation that the last twelve years haven't been accidental, but I can understand why people would feel that it is something special. The hype videos would be magical, and possibly better than the actual match.

[Simple Fan]

I don't want to see Taker unless its a match with Sting. Don't care if the match would suck I just want it to happen. I have no intrest Taker vs anyone else. Especially Cena, I just don't see the appeal. Cena needs to be in a match with some one who can pull a great match out if him and Taker can't do that.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I really, really don't want to see Taker vs. Sting, but I totally get you on the other points. I'd be fine if Taker decided to take it off and work later in the year instead. Give him some time to rest up from that surgery or whatever it was he had. Survivor Series XXX is in Houston this year. That being said, you know we are getting Taker. I'd actually be fine with that suggested Wyatt Family vs. Taker, Kane & Sting match. Share the workload between the older guys. If they still went with Styles vs. Michaels (in my dream world) they could also do Cena vs. Joe.

I think that's a lot less likely than Cena/Taker for the belt, but whatever.

[Simple Fan]

Sting and Taker doesn't have to be a good match although I think it would be better than most think. Them just meeting in the ring would make for a moment unlike any other on the show.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Isn't Sting like almost paralyzed at this point?

[Mr. Nerfect]

It's hard to feel the "magic" with Sting when his biggest moments in WWE have been losing to Triple H and getting his neck broken by Seth Rollins. He's also already gone into the Hall of Fame. I think we're pretty much done with Sting beyond video games and memories.

[Simple Fan]

I don't think so. He's been putting off having surgery in hopes of having the match I believe.

[Mr. Nerfect]

That being said, I've never really gotten Taker vs. Sting as an attraction. Is it because they are both "dark" characters? Or is it because they are seen as "franchise guys?" Because the match itself has never really appealed to me. Sting seems more of a guy that matches up well with workers like Ric Flair that he can no sell against and shit. The franchise element is pretty much moot because it's happening in the WWE. It'll also bring out the asshole in Undertaker (remember 2001?) and Vince McMahon if they make it WWF vs. WCW again. Sting will woo and then be Tombstoned and that will be it, lol.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Would rather see The Miz vs. Sting at this point. Seriously. Or a heel Dolph Ziggler who can pinball around for him and also no longer matters.

[Simple Fan]

That being said, I've never really gotten Taker vs. Sting as an attraction. Is it because they are both "dark" characters? Or is it because they are seen as "franchise guys?" Because the match itself has never really appealed to me. Sting seems more of a guy that matches up well with workers like Ric Flair that he can no sell against and shit. The franchise element is pretty much moot because it's happening in the WWE. It'll also bring out the asshole in Undertaker (remember 2001?) and Vince McMahon if they make it WWF vs. WCW again. Sting will woo and then be Tombstoned and that will be it, lol.

I'd be fine with that match. I just want to see them in the ring together. No other match involving either interest me.

[Simple Fan]

Would rather see The Miz vs. Sting at this point. Seriously. Or a heel Dolph Ziggler who can pinball around for him and also no longer matters.

Miz vs Sting? How do you even build for that. Some one that no longer matters is Taker. Miz is another guy that needs to work with some one who will pull a great mat have out of him. Miz vs Nakamura would be my choice for Mania but it won't happen.

[mike adamle]

I kind of like the idea of only having the stars of the show on the main show and leave the "get everyone on the card" matches for the pre-show.

I'm hopeful that WWE will have the 3rd Lesnar-Goldberg match at Fast Lane. Have Lesnar enter at like 30 and have Goldberg be the iron man and have Lesnar get a cheap elimination on Goldberg. Then have Lesnar win the Rumble. The rematch can be for a shot at the main event at WrestleMania.

AJ Styles needs to stay champ and needs to solidify his spot. A main event match with Lesnar win or lose does that. I'd prefer he wins but that kind of leaves a "where do you go from here?" for Lesnar. I think Lesnar should go over Styles in the main event of Mania for the title after thinking about it.

Goldberg said he wants one more title run. After losing to Lesnar he's not done. He still wants one more title run. But one man has something to say about that. John Cena. He challenges him to a match at WrestleMania. I'd probably have Goldberg go over here, not sure if it would be as strongly as he did over Lesnar though.

I think you could have Roman Reigns get a cheap elimination on The Undertaker to set up their match at WrestleMania. 'Taker could get the fans even more on his side talking about how Reigns isn't right for the company and how it's up to Taker to stand up for his generation yada yada yada. If this is Taker's last match I'd have Reigns go over here. This makes Reigns a top guy no matter what anyone thinks if he wins.

Triple H vs. Seth Rollins will probably be on this show. I think Triple H needs to put Seth over here. I'm not sure if this would be as big of a victory as Reigns over Taker, but this certainly helps, I don't think a loss does anything for Rollins, and Triple H doesn't lose anything taking the L here.

Charlotte should defend the Raw Women's Title against Trish Stratus in a dream match and retain. Maybe even make it a squash to prove her dominance.

Kevin Owens should defend the Universal Title against Jericho. Either guy could go over here and I wouldn't be bothered.

I think dissension in The Wyatt Family needs to hit it's peak here as a Triple Threat will take place between Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton, & Luke Harper. I'd like it if Harper got a dominant win over these two to really put him over.

I think Dolph Ziggler should turn heel after losing so much and should challenge Shane McMahon to a match for holding him down. Dolph could go over after Shane does a bunch of crazy shit.

Hopefully Big Show faces Shaq in a classic 5 star battle.

Becky Lynch could defend her SmackDown! Women's Title against Nikki Bella, Mickie James, & Alexa Bliss. I really don't care who goes over here honestly.

I think Miz and Ambrose should keep their feud going until it culminates at WrestleMania where it culminates in some sort of gimmick match. Maybe and I quit match where the loser leaves smackdown or the loser's girlfriend leaves smackdown and winner becomes Intercontinental Champion.

I like the idea of a United States Title 8 Man Ladder Match opening the main show. I'm hopeful Braun Strowman can win the United States Title at some point in the near future and defend against Big E, Kofi Kingston, Cesaro, Sheamus, Rusev, Sami Zayn, & a Mystery entrant which would either be a returning Finn Balor or if he's not ready I'd put Shinsuke Nakamura in there. Either way I'd have the mystery entrant go over.

On the Pre-show I think you end it with a #1 Contender for Raw Women's Title Match between Sasha Banks and Bayley. Put Sasha over and start a fresh feud with Charlotte.

And with the Andre Battle Royal which I'd have Samoa Joe win.

SmackDown! Tag Team Title Match- with American Alpha vs. The Usos vs. DIY vs. The Revival. Put the Revival over here.

A Cruiserweight Title Match with Neville and Kota Ibushi should open the pre-show. Neville goes over since he's actually under contract.

This is what Mania should be like IMO

[Mr. Nerfect]

Not a bad card. I wouldn't do things exactly that way, but I agree with the philosophy that the "jam everyone on" mentality needs to go.

[XL]

I'd be all for Styles vs HBK. With AJ going over.

We have to get to a point where the current guys are being put on an even keel with the part time guys, and presuming AJ is losing to Cena (who is part time himself) at Rumble, and they tie him (Cena) up with Taker (no real gain for either guy winning), and with Lesnar/Goldberg cancelling each other out, a HBK/Styles match mirrors the HHH/Rollins match on the Raw side.

After the years he's had, and as one of the few permanents fixtures on SDL he needs and deserves something special for MANIA.

[Phenomenal 1]

My WM Card the way they have been booking:

Main Events:

-Goldberg vs Lesnar
-Seth Rollins vs HHH
-Taker vs Cena (WWE Championship)

Undercard:
-AJ Styles vs Baron Corbin
-Kevin Owens vs Chris Jericho (Universal Title)
-Roman Reigns vs Braun Stroman (US Title)
-Miz vs Dean Ambrose (IC Title)
-Bayley vs Charlotte vs Nia Jax vs Sasha Banks (RAW Women's Title)
-Becky Lynch vs Nikki Bella vs Alexa Bliss vs Natalya (SD Women's Title)
-New Day vs The Clubs vs Ceasaro/Sheamus vs Cass/Enzo ( RAW TT Ttitles)
-American Alpha vs Wyatts (SD Tag Team Titles)
-Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal-Debuting Samoa Joe wins

[Phenomenal 1]

And please hopefully no Big Show vs Shaq (WWE Please Read This)..Do not take quality PPV time for a guy that is winding down his career to overpay some celebrity. Leave the time for showcasing the talent that is and will be carrying your company for the next 2-5 years or more.

[Simple Fan]

Only problem I have with a Styles/Lesner match is Lesnar usually just does the bare minimum during matches. Like I thought Lesnar/Ambrose would have been a lot better than it was.

[mike adamle]

I think that's just more Ambrose not being outspoken and Brock being Brock. I think AJ and others will be vocal and Brock would be more than willing to go all out. I could always be wrong though.

[Simple Fan]

It's a match I'd like to see as well and I'd hope Brock would give his all. Nakamura is another I'd like to see with Brock as they have history in Japan and I think he's win someone Brock would respect. I agree with you as I don't think Brock took Ambrose seriously and thought he should have been in a higher profile match.

[XL]

Last years card had 12 matches; 3 on the pre-show, 9 on the main card (albeit one was that thing with The Rock). There are now 9 championships in WWE, all of which could do with being defended, plus a likely match of Lesnar vs Goldberg and the Battle Royal so that'd take up 11 spots unless you do a champion(s) vs. champion(s) showcase match.

Probably going to borrow some ideas from the thread, a mix of what's possible/probable and what I wouldn't mind seeing, some I'll flesh out more that others.

I really dig the idea of AJ Styles vs. HBK as a feature match on SDL side of things, as the match to rival the Wrestle Kingdom 11 main event.

HBK will be at Raw this week (along with Taker) and it'd follow on quite nicely from what AJ has going on with Cena if, the following night, he were to invoke the names of Taker (another part timer coming to hog the limelight, who's on SDL one week, Raw a few weeks later) and Shawn Michaels (this is the one that really gets AJ because HBK is already retired). AJ cuts a scathing promo on Cena, Taker, and Michaels.

Also on this show Bryan comes out to promo to the crowd about how SDL is the land of opportunity, having crowned 8 new champions since the brand split, and in order to increase the opportunities offered to all SDL superstars he is scrapping the automatic rematch for dethroned champions; so when Styles defends against Cena it's the last time unless the loser qualifies to compete for the title again.

At the Rumble in San Antonio HBK and family are invited guests and given front row seats. AJ wrestles Cena for the WWE Championship and at some point AJ ends up on the floor in front of Michaels. He gets to his feet to find Shawn smiling in his face, AJ shoves or slaps HBK in front of his wife and kids which leads to a bit of a pull apart between the two. You can either have Styles return to the ring distracted and have Cena go over, or be a bit more overt and have HBK hit SCM leading to the AA and win for Cena. This leaves you with Cena as WWE Champion, and Styles out of immediate contention.

Cena gets his 16th reign to tie the record but under less than admirable circumstances. It's the first time in 2 years he's been at the top but he's still not sure if he could have done it without the inadvertent help of HBK. This is the impetus for Cena challenging Taker to a match at Mania; to prove he can beat the very best on their best stage at the biggest night of the year. You can even do a match between Styles and Taker for #1 Contendership to give SDL a ratings bump in lieu of no PPV between Rumble and Mania if you like.

Ultimately you've a few routes and outcomes with this; if this is Taker's last match you could have him beat an increasingly desperate Cena for the belt, only to pose at the end of the show and disappear into the night leaving the belt and his hat/gloves/boots? in the ring. Cena becoming desperate during the match can lead to him taking some time off if that's the plan to reflect on what he was willing to do to prove he could still hang only to return to try to win 17 and set a new record in a more valiant way. #redemption

Or, if Taker wants to go out on his back you could do the the long sought after Cena heel turn. Or, you know, CENAWINSLOL.

Coming back to the rule about no automatic rematches, this happens next week prior to Miz getting a rematch for the Intercontinetal Championship. He cites this as further proof that Daniel Bryan is vicitimising him, he says he's making an official complaint to the "Board of Directors" and that he intends to go to Raw, but as long as he's on SDL he's going to make Bryan's life hell. He disrupts SDL/Talking Smack regularly, he continues the animosity with Renee Young, he's basically out to get anything SDL brand related.

At some point you have Miz disrupt a match by taking out both guys (maybe an "Opportunity Knocks" match pitting two new guys/NXT guys against each other for a SDL contract, or an IC #1 Contenders match). He rants and raves about wanting his opportunity at the title, or the opportunity to go to Raw, and he wants an answer from the BOD.

The BOD eventually decide that Miz should be given an opportunity to get back into contention for the belt he lost. Ultimately Miz wins the IC Title back but he continues to make Bryan's life as GM a misery. Eventually Shane O'Mac makes his return, he says he'd love to book a match pitting Miz against Bryan but unfortunately Bryan isn't cleared to wrestle. But there's a man that is, a man that bleeds SDL blue, a man that wouldn't be much of a Commissioner if he didn't stand up for his own GM. Shane McMahon vs The Miz with the IC Title on the line is booked for Mania with the added stips that if Miz retains he is free to go to Raw with the belt.

As for the Women's and Tag Titles, it's important that these belts get a little shine as they're so new and this will be the first time they're defended at WrestleMania. I'd keep it quite simple with the women; who are my top 2 priorities going forwards. That's likely going to be Becky Lynch or Alexa Bliss defending against Nikki Bella with Nikki cementing her feel good story with the win.

With the tags, I don't think there's much of an obvious match to go to with the lack of depth/over teams on SDL. Best from an in-ring would likely be Alpha defending against The Usos, or a team of Orton and Harper with Bray having helped them work together. Or this is where you do the Champions vs. Champions deal and have American Alpha face Sheasaro in what could be a bit of a barn stormer. This option gets the tag champs in a featured match but frees up another non-title focused slot on the card.

You could do Orton vs. Wyatt (vs. Harper) here. Those two guys probably deserve something outside of the ATGBR.

SmackDown Live portion

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
John Cena (c) vs. The Undertaker

GRUDGE MATCH
AJ Styles vs. Shawn Michaels

INTERCONTINETAL CHAMPIONSHIP (if Miz wins he takes the belt to Raw)
The Miz (c) (w/ Maryse) vs. Shane McMahon

SMACKDOWN WOMENS' CHAMPIONSHIP
Becky Lynch (c) vs. Nikki Bella

TRIPLE THREAT MATCH
Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt vs. Luke Harper

CHAMPIONS VS. CHAMPIONS
American Alpha vs. Cesaro & Sheamus

[XL]

I think that's just more Ambrose not being outspoken and Brock being Brock. I think AJ and others will be vocal and Brock would be more than willing to go all out. I could always be wrong though.

Plus Brock won't be competing in a UFC match for a while at least...

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

I think that's just more Ambrose not being outspoken and Brock being Brock. I think AJ and others will be vocal and Brock would be more than willing to go all out. I could always be wrong though.

Yeah he was pretty lame on his Podcast with Stone Cold. Didn't want to say anything.

[The CyNick]

I would love to see HBK wrestle again, but I just don't see it. I think he will be at the Rumble in some type of host/enforcer role. I could see that leading to a non wrestling role at Mania. For example he corners someone. Just to throw an idea out there, maybe Dolph Ziggler cuts a promo on HBK prior to the Rumble talking about part timers taking up spots. At the Rumble HBK could call him an HBK wannabe. Ziggler lays a beating on him and stretchers him out in his hometown. AJ acts as the surrogate for HBK, and HBK gets involved at Mania to help AJ win. You could also run a similar angle with Baron Corbin.

Speaking of, I think he's going to have a high profile match at Mania. He's my dark horse to win The Rumble and go on to face Cena. If you notice, Cena's new gimmick appears to be that of the vet who feels like he's being pushed aside, but isn't going to let that happen. As much as it seems like Taker vs Cena makes sense, I don't really see how it fits into Cena's current storyline. Not to say WWE can't make it work, they clearly can, I'm just not convinced it's the direction. Booking wise I think Corbin's next big program has to be for either the IC title or the WWE title. Ambrose vs Corbin for the IC is a possibility, but so is Corbin vs Cena for the big title. I'll be interested to see what happens this week on SDL between Cena and Corbin to see if it's a one off or something more long term.

I can also see Miz and Ziggler creating an alliance of bitter guys who feel they are better than everyone else. Them vs Alpha would be a fun match.

[Big Vic]

That being said, I've never really gotten Taker vs. Sting as an attraction. Is it because they are both "dark" characters? Or is it because they are seen as "franchise guys?" Because the match itself has never really appealed to me. Sting seems more of a guy that matches up well with workers like Ric Flair that he can no sell against and shit. The franchise element is pretty much moot because it's happening in the WWE. It'll also bring out the asshole in Undertaker (remember 2001?) and Vince McMahon if they make it WWF vs. WCW again. Sting will woo and then be Tombstoned and that will be it, lol.
Jacket vs Jacket match who ever loses much never wear a trench coat again.

[slik]

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GP T6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAA AElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; ██████████relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BPCVrXch4iH/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">I'm coming for you BIG SHOW</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A video posted by DR. SHAQUILLE O'NEAL Ed.D. (@shaq) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-01-09T08:15:04+00:00">Jan 9, 2017 at 12:15am PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
<script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>

[Jordan]

I would rather see Cena/Reigns than Cena/Taker but I do want both...

If they go with Cena/Reigns I hope AJ gets Taker. If they go Cena/Taker I hope AJ gets something special. Maybe Joe, if they is actually going to happen.

[The CyNick]

I would rather see Cena/Reigns than Cena/Taker but I do want both...

If they go with Cena/Reigns I hope AJ gets Taker. If they go Cena/Taker I hope AJ gets something special. Maybe Joe, if they is actually going to happen.

My thinking is Cena should be the one to retire Taker. HBK retired Flair, Taker retired HBK, you need a big name to retire Taker. Cena fits the bill.

If Taker still has a few more Last Rides in him then Cena v Taker isn't needed THIS year.

[Jordan]

My thinking is Cena should be the one to retire Taker. HBK retired Flair, Taker retired HBK, you need a big name to retire Taker. Cena fits the bill.

If Taker still has a few more Last Rides in him then Cena v Taker isn't needed THIS year.

Yeah I agree, kinda hinges on how much Taker has left in the tank. Roman and Cena must happen as well, but not necessarily before Cena/Taker.

[XL]

Let me have a crack at Raw's half of the show.

THE BEAST VS. THE BERG
There's every chance we get this despite all of the the pairings available so let's do you it. Probably feels the biggest match on the red side.

UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Roman Reigns (c) vs. Braun Strowman
Again a much rumoured match. Whether I like it or not this feels like a bigger deal than Jericho's/Rollins. Give Braun the Rumble win if you want to rocket him into position for this. Roman wins the belt from Owens at Rumble, retains at Fastlane. I can see fans getting behind Braun to the point where a Mania crowd will likely choose him over Reigns, so maybe we attempt a double turn here. The Usos help out their cousin to retain here and set The Bloodline up as an entitled heel group who haven't been given the respect they deserve by the fans.

NO DQ MATCH
Seth Rollins vs. HHH

Rollins goes over.

UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
Chris Jericho (c) vs. Kevin Owens

Jericho wins the US Title (maybe tonight?) and Owens' losing the UC pushes him over the edge and sets up these 2 best friends battling over the US belt.

RAW WOMENS' CHAMPIONSHIP FATAL FOURWAY MATCH
Charlotte Flair vs. Sasha Banks vs. Bayley (vs. Becky Lynch)

If you do Bliss/Bella on the SDL side maybe you work out a deal to bring Becky Lynch across to do the full Four Horsewomen match. This follows on from last years a Triple a Threat and gets 6 of your top priorities on to the show.

SIX MAN TAG TEAM MATCH
Shaq & The New Day vs. Big Show & The Club

Well it looks like they've started the build to the Shaq vs. Show match so lets at least get New Day in the mix that sets them apart from the Battle Royal.

CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER MATCH
Neville (c) vs. The Brian Kendrick vs. TJ Perkins vs. Rich Swann vs. Jack Gallagher vs. Noam Dar vs. Cedric Alexander vs. Gran Metalik

Do a bunch of qualifiers on 205 leading to this. Let them go.

ANDRE THE GIANT MEMORIAL BATTLE ROYAL
I count 34 non-cruiser/not injured guys without involvement in a programme. Lets cut one and go with 33 participants to match the number on the Mania. Top picks include Baron Corbin trying for back-to-back wins, Dean Ambrose, Dolph Ziggler, Rusev, Sami Zayn, Kane, Big Cass, and James Ellsworth. Maybe they throw a bonus title shot in for the winner to add a little sizzle for those guys that are realistically above this match.

[Emperor Smeat]

Neville vs Ibushi is currently rumored to be another match planned for Mania according to a recent episode of the Observer Radio show.

Unlike with Sabre Jr, WWE doesn't hold a grudge against Ibushi for refusing to sign a deal after the CWC and Triple H is rumored to be the one pushing the hardest to get Ibushi for Mania.

[XL]

That's 14 matches total. You'll have to bin some of the shite skits/music performances/filler.

[Simple Fan]

I like the idea of having the Cruiserweights in the ladder match. Neville vs Ibushi would be fine though.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Neville vs Ibushi is currently rumored to be another match planned for Mania according to a recent episode of the Observer Radio show.

Unlike with Sabre Jr, WWE doesn't hold a grudge against Ibushi for refusing to sign a deal after the CWC and Triple H is rumored to be the one pushing the hardest to get Ibushi for Mania.

Yessssssss!

It makes sense. Ibushi has edged himself into being a star in the company's eyes.

Pure speculation: ZSJ got his fair amount of criticism from certain officials in WWE, allegedly, and after watching him a bit it was easy to see why. Dude still has a long way to go. He probably should have been grateful for a contract, to some degree. I mean, he's a different case to Ibushi.

Also, with Vince taking an interest in 205 Live and his stubbornness to get it over, Ibushi is clearly the star you run with. Neville is clearly the guy destined to be the champion. That is your "big match" in the division.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I like the idea of having the Cruiserweights in the ladder match. Neville vs Ibushi would be fine though.

Cruiserweights were never really associated with Ladder Matches. I mean, it's fine if you want to see it, but traditionally Ladder Matches, even clusterfucks, have had more of a variety of contenders in them. You usually get bigger guys as bases, spotty guys for the stunts, experienced workers to tie things together, etc.

If there's a Ladder Match, I imagine it will be for one of the secondary titles. Ambrose vs. Corbin is actually pretty likely for the IC Title, but you could just as easily throw Ambrose, Corbin, Crews, Kalisto, Kane, Ziggler and Miz together for a Ladder Match and have that variety and layers of experience and newer stars being exposed.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'm really feeling Jericho & Owens vs. The New Day for the RAW Tag Team Titles now. They're one of the best double-acts in the company (although heatless), so I don't know why you wouldn't put the Tag Titles on them, at least for a little while. I have a feeling they are still completely in on The New Day. They still move a lot of merchandise and they have that cereal out. We will get tired of them long before Vince does. I could see them being babyface challengers. It also completes the Jericho story, with him originally coming into the WWE to protest New Day.

It's easily the highest profile thing they can do for those belts at Mania.

[A.J.K]

Cruiserweights were never really associated with Ladder Matches. I mean, it's fine if you want to see it, but traditionally Ladder Matches, even clusterfucks, have had more of a variety of contenders in them. You usually get bigger guys as bases, spotty guys for the stunts, experienced workers to tie things together, etc.

If there's a Ladder Match, I imagine it will be for one of the secondary titles. Ambrose vs. Corbin is actually pretty likely for the IC Title, but you could just as easily throw Ambrose, Corbin, Crews, Kalisto, Kane, Ziggler and Miz together for a Ladder Match and have that variety and layers of experience and newer stars being exposed.

Perhaps a potential Cruiserweight Open shades of Wrestlemania 20 or a new type of match created specific for the Cruiserweights.

[The CyNick]

I'm really feeling Jericho & Owens vs. The New Day for the RAW Tag Team Titles now. They're one of the best double-acts in the company (although heatless), so I don't know why you wouldn't put the Tag Titles on them, at least for a little while. I have a feeling they are still completely in on The New Day. They still move a lot of merchandise and they have that cereal out. We will get tired of them long before Vince does. I could see them being babyface challengers. It also completes the Jericho story, with him originally coming into the WWE to protest New Day.

It's easily the highest profile thing they can do for those belts at Mania.

I like this idea. Owens and Jericho could do the split at Mania.

[The CyNick]

I like the idea of having the Cruiserweights in the ladder match. Neville vs Ibushi would be fine though.

Cruisers tend to be weak. They look bad trying to pick up and set up a ladder. IC/US title or tag is the best for Ladder Matches.

[Simple Fan]

Cruisers tend to be weak. They look bad trying to pick up and set up a ladder. IC/US title or tag is the best for Ladder Matches.

Well yeah if you have a match full of Ellsworths but have you seen some of the Cruiserweights. Most are short jacked dudes who would have no problem with a ladder. Let's not forget that everyones favorite non cruiserweight that's actually a cruiserweight Kalisto made his name in a ladder match. Then again that is probably something WWE wants us to forget so you probably already forgot.

[slik]

Foreshadowing?


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Could this be foreshadowing to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wrestlemania?src=hash">#Wrestlemania</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BraunStrowman">@BraunStrowman</a> vs <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheUndertaker?src=hash">#TheUndertaker</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RAW?src=hash">#RAW</a> <a href="https://t.co/MQQHUTvOLc">pic.twitter.com/MQQHUTvOLc</a></p>&mdash; Tappedoutwrestling (@tappedoutpod) <a href="https://twitter.com/tappedoutpod/status/818656118767546369">January 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;The only BOSS in this room is ME!&quot; - <a href="https://twitter.com/StephMcMahon">@StephMcMahon</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/SashaBanksWWE">@SashaBanksWWE</a> after her demanding a tag team match... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RAW?src=hash">#RAW</a> <a href="https://t.co/xjKPEMYzUl">pic.twitter.com/xjKPEMYzUl</a></p>&mdash; WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWEUniverse/status/818647216499757056">January 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[The CyNick]

Well yeah if you have a match full of Ellsworths but have you seen some of the Cruiserweights. Most are short jacked dudes who would have no problem with a ladder. Let's not forget that everyones favorite non cruiserweight that's actually a cruiserweight Kalisto made his name in a ladder match. Then again that is probably something WWE wants us to forget so you probably already forgot.

Kalisto was in there with other big guys who could do the heavy lifting and let him do the jumpy stuff. Even though some of the cruisers are strong for small guys, they are still small guys and generally look silly trying to manipulate ladders.

[Simple Fan]

With the exception of Kevin Ownens every member in the IC ladder match last year at Mainia was under 225lbs. I don't see 20lbs being a big factor in lifting an aluminum ladder. Most that weight is just for the hight difference. I think the Cruiserweights would kill it in a ladder match but if they can get Kota Ibushi for a match with Neville that would be even more killer.

[Big Vic]

Kayfabe wise is Seth Really wanted to get HHH to come out of hiding he'd pedigree Steph.

They hot-shotted that angle too early.

[XL]

Does Ibushi equal more subs from the non-IWC crowd?

[Simple Fan]

Probably not but he made a big enough impression in the CWC to gain interest. Then again they might just want to throw him on the card to up the interest in Japan although calling up Nakamura would do more for that than Ibushi would.

[Rammsteinmad]

Kayfabe wise is Seth Really wanted to get HHH to come out of hiding he'd pedigree Steph.

They hot-shotted that angle too early.

Yeah, it's one of the kayfabe writing issues I have with guys like Triple H at Wrestlemania.

All this time in hiding, and yet, come Wrestlemania that big something will happen that will make him come out of hiding and agree to a match.

[Big Vic]

I think HHH will cost Seth the Rumble. Which in that case you didn't need HHH costing Seth the title 6 months ago.

[XL]

Probably not but he made a big enough impression in the CWC to gain interest. Then again they might just want to throw him on the card to up the interest in Japan although calling up Nakamura would do more for that than Ibushi would.

But you're only catering to the CWC/IWC/Meltzer sheep,,,, and they'll be subscribed already.

[Simple Fan]

A cruiserweight match isn't really going to draw any casual fans anyway. It will probably be on the pre show or kickoff the show.

[Big Vic]

I'd be for Taker vs Roman if Roman retires Taker and turns heel.

[mike adamle]

Wouldn't be surprised if they have Kota Ibushi take on The Undertaker since they wanna have a match like Wrestle Kingdom

[Emperor Smeat]

Recent speculation by the Observer implied the WWE is looking at only 2 more matches for Taker's Mania career although it all depends on if Taker decides Mania 33 or Mania 34 is his last.

If Taker decides to not retire, its very likely going to be Taker-Cena at Mania 33 and Taker-Reigns at Mania 34.

If Taker decides this year is his last, Taker-Reigns is very likely to occur at Mania 33 instead.

Observer did imply previously the WWE has a contingency plan in place in case Reigns fails again to become their new mega star but likely wouldn't kick in till after Taker-Reigns. Rollins is penciled in right now as that person but WWE also has plans to keep going with the Reigns experiment till at least Mania 34.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Just do Cena vs. Taker and Reigns vs. Goldberg. Give Taker the Rumble and have Goldberg beat Brock at Fastlane after Shane shows up and costs Brock leading to Shane vs. Brock. Simple. AJ Styles demands a chance to prove himself after losing the WWE Title at the Rumble, while Sami Zayn wants a chance to prove himself over on RAW -- those two become a natural lock (and an easy win for AJ Styles).

After what I heard happened on RAW, it seems we are probably heading to Charlotte vs. Nia Jax or a Fatal 4-Way with Stephanie involvement. Not big on on the 4-Way, but I can understand why they are doing it, given their "stock" in these women, even though I feel it devalues them and Nia isn't nearly ready for the position she is in.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Alleged hall of fame

DDP
Ravishing Rick Rude
William Regal
Christian
The Natural Disasters
IRS

[Evil Vito]

Would be surprised if there wasn't a female inductee.

[Big Vic]

Maybe one of the 7 identify as female.

[Jordan]

The Natural Disasters ... really????

[slik]

Alleged hall of fame

DDP
Ravishing Rick Rude
William Regal
Christian
The Natural Disasters
IRS


It was also implied the headliner could possibly be:


The Undertaker

[#1-norm-fan]

Needs a celebrity. Should be Andy Kaufman. Will probably be Tom Selleck because he once walked by Vince in an airport or something.

[Sepholio]

Dunno if anyone has mentioned it but you could see some of the contigency plan for takers decision at raw I think. The stroman staring at undertaker on tv bit...there's no room for that if current plans are to be believed. I'm wondering if they go with undertaker V stroman at mania if he decides to stick it out until 34. Either that or we get another triple threat at this mania. Taker V reigns V stroman and they obviously have reigns go over both (gives more boost to their last ditch effort to push him again) and softens the blow of taker losing his last match at wm as stroman can take the fall. Stroman has now indicated clearly he wants reigns and he presumably wants taker because of the aforementioned tv spot. Why else set those up now?

[Sepholio]

If stroman goes over Rollins in their little feud now too....that's clear indication he would go after Roman next. And if he goes over rollins...really what else would be the next logical step in his push than to test him in the main event?

[Evil Vito]

I'd have to think Daniel Bryan is a likely HOF inductee next year in New Orleans.

[Emperor Smeat]

Recent news from the Observer hinted at the WWE currently leaning away from the idea of Taker's Mania match involving the WWE or Universal belt. Could be a possible sign Cena and Reigns won't both be grabbing gold at the Rumble if its true.

Observer did hint recently the WWE isn't planning on another Mania coronation event for Reigns so if he wins the Universal belt, its either at the Rumble or after Mania.

[Jordan]

I am uncomfortable with the ever pressing need to fit everyone on the card for Wrestlemania. Pulling in part time wrestlers does make an event special and give it that big show feel, but I can't deal with the amount of part timers that will be on the this card. Folks like AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose, Miz, Big Cass, New Day, all killed it this year and likely won't be given a huge WM spot because not only will Undertaker, Lesnar and Triple H be on the card but also Shaq and Goldberg.

The biggest trouble I have is making a Wrestlemania match for AJ Styles. I don't have faith that Samoa Joe is going to be the answer to this issue, plus I don't think he's deserving of being hot shotted into a huge match like that. Would I take it if it happens? Yeah absolutely, but I don't count on it.

I really can't even fathom a card that will make me feel too excited for this show. I don't see an opponent for AJ or Cena better than each other either and that match has been done enough by the time Mania comes.

[slik]

Brian Alvarez mentioned earlier today that outside of the three "set in stone matches" that WWE is really changing up the card it would seem, and that many of the planned matches are ones no one has even thought about.


Big Dave just tweeted this...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Really interesting <a href="https://t.co/YWl9lKtnna">https://t.co/YWl9lKtnna</a></p>&mdash; Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) <a href="https://twitter.com/davemeltzerWON/status/819351186524377088">January 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[slik]

Bryan Alvarez did confirm that James Ellsworth is not being considered for Undertaker's opponent at WrestleMania

[slik]

Main-Event confirmed:


http://i.imgur.com/l1SrofK.png

[Sepholio]

Lmao love how they gave the 2 Romans alternate color outfits like an old school fighting game. I'm going with red roman.

[The CyNick]

Brian Alvarez mentioned earlier today that outside of the three "set in stone matches" that WWE is really changing up the card it would seem, and that many of the planned matches are ones no one has even thought about.


Big Dave just tweeted this...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Really interesting <a href="https://t.co/YWl9lKtnna">https://t.co/YWl9lKtnna</a></p>&mdash; Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) <a href="https://twitter.com/davemeltzerWON/status/819351186524377088">January 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

#FakeNews

[The CyNick]

Card has been set for some time. But they won't report what it is because they don't have the Intel. Failing site getting desperate for clicks.

[Droford]

Needs a celebrity. Should be Andy Kaufman. Will probably be Tom Selleck because he once walked by Vince in an airport or something.
Shaq

[Sepholio]

Card has been set for some time. But they won't report what it is because they don't have the Intel. Failing site getting desperate for clicks.

I see what you did there. Nice.

[slik]

UPDATE from Wrestling Observer:




* There have been some changes made in WrestleMania plans as noted in recent weeks, with the major thing being that the proposed Undertaker vs. John Cena match is off the show. Vince McMahon has changed his mind on the match.


* Undertaker right now is not scheduled to challenge for either the WWE or Universal Title on the show. He will face someone on the Raw roster. There was a tease of Braun Strowman on Raw, but it will not be Strowman as things stand right now.


* The key matches remain Brock Lesnar vs. Bill Goldberg, which based on current hints and direction looks likely to be presented as the main event on the show, HHH vs. Seth Rollins and Big Show vs. Shaquille O’Neal. There has been the long tease of Kevin Owens vs. Chris Jericho. With Jericho still on the books for Fozzy touring over the summer, Mania seems like the place to finally do the match. They have just started teasing a split up of The Wyatt Family on Smackdown.


* Roman Reigns will obviously be in one of the major matches on the show. This also leaves open spots for Cena, A.J. Styles, Finn Balor (who is expected to be back in action around March unless that date is a Rumble swerve -- which it probably isn’t) and Dean Ambrose. Ambrose and Miz are just starting a program and timing wise I could see them building to a blow-off.


* There will be six or seven major main event level singles matches on the show, not including cruiserweights or women. The women’s match is not finalized, but Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks vs. Bayley vs. Nia Jax is the current proposed main woman’s match.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

The WrestleMania show isn’t finalized, but there is an idea on the table where Joe will debut with a major push and be in one of the top few matches on the show, which also makes it likely he’s starting very soon and would have to have a big Rumble if he’s in it.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'm not convinced that Cena/Taker is off the table. I'm also not convinced that Brock/Goldberg is happening. I think Undertaker and Strowman could be the last two in the Rumble -- that is what the foreshadowing was about.

I can see Dean Ambrose & Renee Young vs. The Miz & Maryse making the main card too. That will get SmackDown women on the show. AJ Styles gets left with Sami Zayn.

[Droford]

Undertaker vs someone on raw

Not reigns Rollins Jericho Owens strowman Goldberg or lesnar

Who could that be..who? Who? Who?

[Emperor Smeat]

The last part is pretty interesting since either the WWE finally realized part-timers were hogging up too many spots or the same guys kept locking up too many spots leaving little for new stars.

Past few years its basically been a combo of Reigns, Cena, Lesnar, Triple H, and Taker hogging up main event match spots. Goldberg, Rollins, and possibly Strowman joining for this year to make it 8 guys for 6 spots (3 matches). Either more from the usual combo have to get demoted or more main event tier matches get added.

[broverboard]

I'd get behind Cena vs The Miz for the WWE Championship. Quite easy to write with Miz's Hollywood gimmick and Cena getting another film role.

I also though about HHH & Strowman vs Reigns and Rollins. Braun has issues with both as HHH has done and it saves a spot on the card. With Braun absolutely destroying Reigns and Rollins and looking like a monster until Ambrose interferes and unites The Shield.

[broverboard]

I could also see The Undertaker vs Finn Balor. "Battle of the Longest Entrance".

[Lock Jaw]

Alleged hall of fame

DDP
Ravishing Rick Rude
William Regal
Christian
The Natural Disasters
IRS


It was also implied the headliner could possibly be:


The Undertaker


Come on, bro. They already have a headliner in there.

It's Christian :shifty:

[Big Vic]

Undertaker vs someone on raw

Not reigns Rollins Jericho Owens strowman Goldberg or lesnar

Who could that be..who? Who? Who?

It's the New Day yes it is!

[Big Vic]

Come on, bro. They already have a headliner in there.

It's Christian :shifty:

https://media.tenor.co/images/af9bc329794fa6666519d4d02ed76b81/raw

[Jordan]

Maybe Rusev vs Undertaker

[Evil Vito]

Taker is definitely fighting either Cena, Reigns, or Strowman. I really can't imagine anybody else.

[Jordan]

Lesnar/Goldberg
Triple H/Rollins
Big Show/Shaq
Taker/Strowman
Cena/Reigns
Styles/Joe
Miz/Ambrose
Orton/Wyatt
Jericho/Owens
Andrew The Giant Battle Royal
Charlotte vs Bailey vs Sasha vs Jax

That's a lot of matches

[Jordan]

I could see some of those turning into tags or multiples somehow.

[Evil Vito]

Gonna get a huge boner if my Styles/Joe suggestion from months ago actually comes to fruition.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Come on, bro. They already have a headliner in there.

It's Christian :shifty:

https://media.tenor.co/images/af9bc329794fa6666519d4d02ed76b81/raw

SHOW SOME RESPECT FOR A 2-TIME WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION WHO NEEDED EDGE TO HELP HIM WIN HIS FIRST ONE AND HAD LAUGHABLY SHORT RUNS BOTH TIMES!!!!!!

[The CyNick]

The WrestleMania show isn’t finalized, but there is an idea on the table where Joe will debut with a major push and be in one of the top few matches on the show, which also makes it likely he’s starting very soon and would have to have a big Rumble if he’s in it.

Top matches have been locked for months

[Emperor Smeat]

Or Vince legit doesn't know what he wants to do for Mania outside of wanting select guys locked into spots for the multiple main event matches.

People who have worked with him before stated he changes plans all the time because he can't commit to plans or long term booking. Also him suffering from paranoia about people knowing stuff before it gets officially announced. For example Jericho was meant to win the 2012 Rumble before it got changed at the last minute to Sheamus and wrecking some of the plans in place for Mania at the time.

[Simple Fan]

Most the matches that have been locked up for a while involve part timers. Shaq/Show, Lesnar/Goldberg, and HHH/Rollins. Cena and Taker are locked into spots on the card maybe the same spot but both are part timers.

[Droford]

Gonna get a huge boner if my Styles/Joe suggestion from months ago actually comes to fruition.

This isn't Bound for Glory

[Droford]

Lesnar/Goldberg
Triple H/Rollins
Big Show/Shaq
Taker/Strowman
Cena/Reigns
Styles/Joe
Miz/Ambrose
Orton/Wyatt
Jericho/Owens
Andrew The Giant Battle Royal
Charlotte vs Bailey vs Sasha vs Jax

That's a lot of matches

They have about 6.5 hours to work with given how long last year went

[slik]

I think the cruiserweights are getting the multi-man ladder match this year

[Emperor Smeat]

Most the matches that have been locked up for a while involve part timers. Shaq/Show, Lesnar/Goldberg, and HHH/Rollins. Cena and Taker are locked into spots on the card maybe the same spot but both are part timers.

Even when considering the part-timers, only Lesnar/Goldberg and Shaq/Show are really locked in. Lesnar/Goldberg is the only one that fits as a top match candidate and Shaq/Show only got locked because it was announced right after the last Mania.

Everything else is just assumed to be happening either because of the status of those wrestlers or delays that occurred. HHH/Rollins was something originally planned for Summerslam but kept getting pushed back to now being a Mania or bust match.

[Simple Fan]

I think the cruiserweights are getting the multi-man ladder match this year

According to CyNick they are to weak and small to handle the ladders.

[slik]

Meltzer talking about WM on Wrestling Observer Radio r/n. Meltzer re-iterated Strowman vs Taker is not happening at WM. Plans for Cena are undecided for WM but Cena vs Taker is not happening. Sounds like Taker vs Roman or Taker vs Balor tbh from what he is saying.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I've got no interest in Taker vs. Reigns.

[Evil Vito]

Taker vs. Reigns would be nothing short of dreadful

[Droford]

Finn vs Taker would be interesting. Battle of the 20 minute over produced entrances.

Finn can cost Taker the Rumble without having to get too physical and it can be an appearance/promo build until he's ready to come back.

Makes sense if Taker is facing a Raw gut but not any of the big nsmes

[Mr. Nerfect]

I really don't think that will be going ahead. There's more to Reigns/Goldberg at this point. Cena/Taker is the choice. I think Vince is still set on it, or if he has changed his mind, will quickly change it back.

And I don't see a way Taker doesn't win this Royal Rumble, to be honest. Unless they have Braun Strowman eliminate him illegally to set up a feud between the two, but that would be dreadful too.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Finn vs Taker would be interesting. Battle of the 20 minute over produced entrances.

A complete miss-match on paper. Balor could work as a cocky prick heel trying to bury Taker, I guess, but there is lower fruit hanging with more pay-off.

[Evil Vito]

Thinking outside the box here - I could actually see a triple threat between Reigns, Taker, and Strowman for the Universal Title. Taker could pick up his second WrestleMania loss without actually being pinned, and it could set up a Reigns/Taker showdown at WM34 in New Orleans, home to Undertaker's greatest defeat. Vince has such a raging hard-on for Reigns, I'm thinking Taker/Reigns does wind up happening somehow and I could see Vince intentionally building to it for a long period of time as opposed to 2 months.

So if that happens and Cena/Taker is off the table, I've warmed up to the idea of The Miz winning Elimination Chamber (and fulfilling Daniel Bryan's greatest nightmare) to become #1 contender for the WWE Championship and facing John Cena at WrestleMania. He's been the most effective heel in the company for quite some time and I feel that warrants a high profile Mania match. It'd have to be better than their WM27 match because Miz got concussed and people spent the entire match waiting for The Rock to show up. That match didn't do either man in it justice.

Neither Taker/Strowman/Reigns nor Cena/Miz feel like show closing bouts, but I guess that doesn't matter as much if Goldberg/Lesnar is going to be the main event as Dave suggests. Bleh.

[The CyNick]

Or Vince legit doesn't know what he wants to do for Mania outside of wanting select guys locked into spots for the multiple main event matches.

People who have worked with him before stated he changes plans all the time because he can't commit to plans or long term booking. Also him suffering from paranoia about people knowing stuff before it gets officially announced. For example Jericho was meant to win the 2012 Rumble before it got changed at the last minute to Sheamus and wrecking some of the plans in place for Mania at the time.

Where did you get that info from?

[The CyNick]

Most the matches that have been locked up for a while involve part timers. Shaq/Show, Lesnar/Goldberg, and HHH/Rollins. Cena and Taker are locked into spots on the card maybe the same spot but both are part timers.

Most of the key matches at Mania involve part timers. So like I said, most of the card has been in place for months.

[The CyNick]

According to CyNick they are to weak and small to handle the ladders.

By the nature of the division they are small. They are too small too handle ladders without looking weak and inferior. If they could pretend Kane was a CW and he could do all the set up work, the little guys could jump off the ladders and entertain.

[Simple Fan]

They set the ladders up before ladder matches now anyway. Half the work is done already those little guys should be able to do the rest.

[The CyNick]

Meltzer talking about WM on Wrestling Observer Radio r/n. Meltzer re-iterated Strowman vs Taker is not happening at WM. Plans for Cena are undecided for WM but Cena vs Taker is not happening. Sounds like Taker vs Roman or Taker vs Balor tbh from what he is saying.

Why didn't Meltzer just reveal the card?

Imagine his conversations if we are to believe his "reporting" is accurate:

*Text messages received from an anonymous former MI6 agent*

Meltzer: hey it's Big Dave

Random WWE Writing Staff Coffee Getter: oh hey Dave, great to hear from you. How's the movie business treating you?

Meltzer: No no it's BIG Dave!

RWWSCG: from the escort service?

Meltzer: WTF, it's Dave from The Sheets

RWWSCG: huh? Oh, shit...Joke. lolz.

Meltzer: so what's the word on Mania? Ya know? Haha.

RWWSCG: I dunno, I keep telling you, that stuff is kept air tight with Vince's inner circle, I just get coffee for the writers assistants. And other...tasks.

Meltzer: you're useless, and to think I got you out of that whole DDP Yoga ponzi scheme. You gotta give me something. Ya know? Haha.

RWWSCG: okay well I did see a piece of paper with some matches jotted down.

Meltzer: perfect. So what is listed?

RWWSCG: Can't tell ya, I think they have our phones tapped.

Meltzer: what if I guess?

RWWSCG: this again? And why is your font so small?

Meltzer: Yes, this again! Ya ungrateful shit

RWWSCG: sorry...

Meltzer: Okay, Taker vs Cena?

RWWSCG: I didn't see that written

Meltzer: good enough for me. Now let me tell the Mexican kid to post this on our site and do a breaking news audio spot. Ya know? Haha.

RWWSCG: okay, I gotta go, someone just made a mess of the bathroom.

*End of transcript

[The CyNick]

They set the ladders up before ladder matches now anyway. Half the work is done already those little guys should be able to do the rest.

That works outside the ring. Inside they still gotta be set up. Then that look like midgets trying to carry a ladder to the check out counter at a home Depot.

[Emperor Smeat]

Where did you get that info from?

From interviews and stories of people who worked in Creative and/or management after they left the WWE.

One of the former main writers of Creative spilled the beans a while ago about what the original plans were for the 2012 Rumble and Mania prior to its last minute changes.

[The CyNick]

From interviews and stories of people who worked in Creative and/or management after they left the WWE.

Names? I know lots of people who worked at various companies, doesn't mean they were in on the top level planning meetings.

For the record, Vince is THE MAIN writer. He decides when to bring everyone in in his plans.

[Emperor Smeat]

Legit thought about searching online for the names and stories/reports you want but in the end would just be a huge waste of time since you'd just brush it off or cling on to the same stance you always have in regards to stuff like this.

Rather spend that time watching the rest of this week's episode Lucha Underground and the upcoming Nintendo Switch event.

If you want, Google can be very helpful in finding the stuff you want.

[The CyNick]

Legit thought about searching online for the names and stories/reports you want but in the end would just be a huge waste of time since you'd just brush it off or cling on to the same stance you always have in regards to stuff like this.

Rather spend that time watching the rest of this week's episode Lucha Underground and the upcoming Nintendo Switch event.

If you want, Google can be very helpful in finding the stuff you want.

I'm not the one trying to prove a point. I KNOW what these ex writers say is generally BS. They take a small nugget and turn it into something bigger because they want to extend their five minutes of fame. Guys like you will eat it up and continue to keep them relevant.

I've heard enough interviews and talked with people who were actually in the inner circle to know 99% of the stories you hear from these ex writers is BS. You my friend are the one who should do research and not just jump on any fake news you read and take it as fact.

[slik]

I can't even imagine the live crowd if Roman goes against Taker of all people. At a WrestleMania. If would make the oh-so-warm reception he received against HHH and Lesnar seem joyous.

[Mr. Nerfect]

All I have gathered from the latest game of "try reasoning with cynick" is that he obviously listens to a lot of Meltzer to have his alleged speech patterns down and that he believes people inside the company have less reason to work people than people outside it. People that Vince McMahon apparently paid to do nothing. What a philanthropist.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'm still not buying Undertaker not winning the Rumble. Even if he goes against Reigns, why wouldn't you have him win the Rumble to get a Universal Title shot against him? I'd rather see AJ/Taker, as I think they could have some sort of Taker/HBK quality to their match. Cena can face Samoa Joe.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Because if he wins the Rumble only to lose at Mania it kinda kills the aura a bit? Unless he's gonna retire this year, he should prob win.

[Sepholio]

Meltzer sheep,,,,,,,,,,

[The CyNick]

All I have gathered from the latest game of "try reasoning with cynick" is that he obviously listens to a lot of Meltzer to have his alleged speech patterns down and that he believes people inside the company have less reason to work people than people outside it. People that Vince McMahon apparently paid to do nothing. What a philanthropist.

Anyone who's been a loyal follower of mine would know I was a subscriber of the Observer for years. Hell I've met Dave a few times. I think he's a nice guy. I think aspects of his work are great. I just don't believe he has CREDIBLE inside sources to report backstage news. So yeah, my incredible wit comes from a place of experience.

To me it's very simple. If he has a guy or guys on the inside, why not post the ENTIRE card as it stands today, and then post it again next week with all the changes. He'll if he's got someone on the inside they should be able to produce material like proofs for upcoming ads that will promote individual matches. Instead is always these vague one offs. Cena v Taker is OFF the card. Okay cool story bro, but what's the new card? You think Vince is like "well we'll either do Taker vs Cena or we will scrap that and we'll give them programs two weeks before Mania!"?

He either has access to this info or he doesn't. The way he"breaks" his news like this, and he does it almost every year when he doesn't get the card, is he'll start with some matches, then say they were changed, but may change again, and then if they go in the direction he guessed (based on watching the TV) he goes well they went back and forth for weeks. Or if he was wrong, he says Mania has been rewritten so many times, and this is where they landed. So it justifies why he couldn't get the card ahead of time.

[Big Vic]

Top matches have been locked for months

Where did you get that info from?

[The CyNick]

Where did you get that info from?

I know the process. I've heard it from credible sources with first hand experience. I've seen proof.

[Blonde Moment]

Must be why the moved the Undertaker from Smackdown to Raw... was written in stone months ago..........................................................

[The CyNick]

Must be why the moved the Undertaker from Smackdown to Raw... was written in stone months ago..........................................................

When did they move him to RAW?

Maybe you missed the part about the National Championship being played against RAW. It behooved WWE to promote something special for RAW to minimize lost viewership. Seemed to work fairly well.

Plus he was never drafted to either brand. So no change was made.

[slik]

Major Major Major news about Undertaker incoming...

[Evil Vito]

How major is it?????

[slik]

Big Cass is one of the people being considered for Undertaker's opponent at WM33, which would mean Cass would have to eliminate Taker at the Rumble, turn heel on Enzo and then squash Enzo at Fastlane.

[Simple Fan]

Don't like it. Enzo and Cass still have a lot they could do as a tag team. Still don't think they should split them though. If they want Cass as a singles guy keep Enzo with him as his manager.

[#1-norm-fan]

If they wanna turn him heel though, he's kinda gotta turn on Enzo. Enzo as a heel manager wouldn't work at the moment.

[Simple Fan]

I agree. Don't think they should turn him heel just get though. When they do split him turning on Enzo will be big but it needs to wait.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I like Big Cass and think he's better than this jobber team with Enzo. You don't necessarily need to turn him heel. Fans won't boo Taker, but it would make sense for him to lead the program.

[The CyNick]

Seems rushed if Cass is going to turn heel, beat Enzo and then lose to Taker. Would be probably better to be a babyface, challenge Taker, be competitive with Taker but lose, then turn heel on Enzo the night after Mania.

[Mr. Nerfect]

What do you think Sami Zayn does at WrestleMania this year? It's hard to be excited about his current position on the card, but I do feel that he is valued as a guy that helps others look great. He was in quite a few MOTY candidates last year. I can't see him being left off the Mania card, but he doesn't feel like the sort of guy you just throw into the Battle Royal.

If they do go with Cena/Taker, AJ Styles vs. Sami Zayn makes sense as a random Mania match with guys on the opposite disposition on the opposite brand looking to prove themselves. You're pretty much guaranteed to get a good match out of them.

There's always the possibility they just delayed his trade to SmackDown in order to get more out of his work with Strowman and that he ends up challenging for the IC Title there. I think we're heading towards Ambrose & Renee vs. Miz & Maryse for Mania now, but Miz could easily cost Ambrose the IC Title to someone like Ziggler who can put it on the line against Sami or do that Ladder Match they like to do.

Another possibility is to start something up with Rusev. There's another guy that should be featured in something, but he's more a natural fit for the Battle Royal than a Zayn would be. But Lana is also someone with some star qualities that they might like to tie into a story told between them.

Truth be told, while I like the idea of finally giving Dolph a singles match at WrestleMania, there are likely to be so many singles matches at Mania. A Ladder Match pitting Ziggler against Zayn, Kalisto, Kane, Crews, Corbin and someone like Harper or even Swagger would give the show more variety. You can build the singles feud between Ziggler and Zayn coming out of Mania.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Don't really see the need to turn Cass on Enzo. He's got something likable about him and is inexperienced enough that you can buy him finding his feet in a sympathetic way. I'd rather see Enzo turn on Cass, to be honest, with Cass being loyal until the end with Enzo, but it being Enzo's jealousy and little man syndrome that causes him to go out on his own before Cass realizes he has outgrown him.

I'm willing to bet that Enzo could fucking talk as a heel. The catchphrases are over, but they are limiting and he's already been stomped into the ground as a babyface. Enzo would be a good choice to get into a war of words with The Rock at WrestleMania too. Obviously Rocky's not wrestling, but he'll be doing something talky, and the best thing Enzo does is talking, so if you want to emphasize him, that might be the best way.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Drew Galloway and The Hardys' contracts are coming up with TNA. That The Hardys could be at WrestleMania is something that hasn't really been considered. Most of the boys seem to a mark for the bullshit they are doing, so it wouldn't be too strange to see them show up and start something with The New Day (if they do Owens vs. Jericho) or Owens & Jericho (if they don't), or possibly even both teams. We haven't seen TLC at WrestleMania in some time...

[Mr. Nerfect]

It's a shame that Jeff's contract isn't up in time for the Rumble, because I could genuinely see the WWE giving him a Royal Rumble victory and putting the Universal Title on him at Mania if he were there.

[Mr. Nerfect]

No chance of this happening, but I'd absolutely love it if Triple H declined the invitation to face Seth Rollins and instead appointed a new sponsored opponent for Rollins. My mind immediately goes to Bobby Roode, since he basically channels Triple H. Drew McIntyre would work if they brought him back as "The Chosen One." But, if the plan is still to do Cena/Taker then this could be a roll they bring Samoa Joe up into.

It really feels like there is nothing for him left to do in NXT, and it's hard to fit him into something meaningful on the main show that isn't Cena. But if Triple H were ready to swallow his ego a bit, realize that WrestleMania doesn't need that Triple H match and instead sponsor some of his new wave NXT guys, then Joe vs. Rollins has got potential to be something. Or, if you do Joe/Cena, you can have Roode vs. Rollins. If they do what I hope they do and have Owens & Jericho win the RAW Tag Titles, Rollins could win the US Title from one of them and then defend it against Roode at Mania. This might be squishing things together too much, but if Ambrose & Miz are still fighting, you could do Rollins & Ambrose teaming up as champions to face Miz & Roode.

Just spit-balling some ideas there.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Another idea:

* The Undertaker wins the Royal Rumble and challenges Roman Reigns for the Universal Title.

* Samoa Joe crashes the John Cena vs. AJ Styles match at the Royal Rumble and leaves both men lying.

* Goldberg eliminates Brock Lesnar from the Royal Rumble, who in turn throws a tantrum and destroys the ringside area. Shane McMahon and officials come out to try and smooth things over, but it ends with Brock spitting on Shane or something, planting the seeds for an Unsanctioned Street Fight at WrestleMania with Daniel Bryan training up Shane for it.

* Rusev goes on to eliminate Goldberg setting up a match between them at Mania.

* Triple H keeps ducking Seth Rollins and calls in Bobby Roode to be his surrogate and fight Rollins at Mania.

* The Hardys return and challenge Owens & Jericho and The New Day to a TLC Match at WrestleMania.

* Randy Orton & Bray Wyatt decide that Luke Harper is the weak link of The Wyatt Family and turn on him, but Harper strikes up an alliance with Kane to fight against The Apex Predators.

* Charlotte is forced to defend her Women's Championship in a Fatal 4-Way against Sasha Banks, Bayley and Nia Jax. How ever will the champ keep her streak alive with the odds stacked against her?

* Becky Lynch wins back the SmackDown Women's Title and defends against Nikki Bella. Who really is the most popular Diva on SmackDown?

* The women also get involved in Dean Ambrose & The Miz's rivalry when they confirm a Mixed Tag Team Match, with Renee Young making her in-ring debut with the WWE. Will she be completely outclassed by the former Divas Champion?

* The Miz and Ambrose's rivalry costs them the Intercontinental Championship to Dolph Ziggler, who finds himself staring down the barrel at a hungry challenger just traded to SmackDown in Sami Zayn. Will the two have an Intercontinental Championship match for the ages?

* Neville goes on a tear through the Cruiserweight Division as its new champion and worries that there is no challenger in the world that can reach his level. Cue Kota Ibushi's golden return to the WWE.

* The Andre the Giant Battle Royal is announced, and Big Show declares he wants to win it again. Shaq confirms that he will be entering to get his hands on Big Show. Cesaro & Sheamus enter as partners that will fight through the crowd to make sure it is them at the end. The World's Strongest Man announces that it will be his last shot at glory in the WWE. Braun Strowman was the runner-up in the Royal Rumble and that lost still haunts him, so he looks for Battle Royal redemption. Baron Corbin looks to take back-to-back Battle Royals.

* Finally announced is an NXT classic. After American Alpha retain the SmackDown Tag Team Championship against recent rivals in The Usos at Elimination Chamber, they find themselves attacked at every point by The Revival, who want to make their main roster presence felt. Will they be able to wrest the SmackDown Tag Titles away from Alpha like they did the NXT Tag Team Championship?

That's only 14 matches. I think you could get that done in about 6 hours. Keep in mind that Goldberg vs. Rusev is likely to be a squash. Actually, Becky vs. Nikki can probably main event the pre-show, which they will make out to be a big deal. So that's really only 12 main card matches.

[Emperor Smeat]

"Vince has something huge for WM that everyone will LOVE."
From a recent episode of the Observer Radio show and them being vague about it since they know Vince will likely change it if it gets leaked out. Supposedly the match is something both Dave Metlzer and Brian Alvarez really like on paper which is why they don't want to risk it getting changed.

Recent update regarding the card itself was a lot of the current plans got shelved in favor of more "fresh" and non-leaked matchups instead. Only Goldberg-Lesnar and Shaq-Show survived the recent purge of the plans.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'm thinking Zayn/Nakamura and Neville/Ibushi are real possibilities for Mania this year. They clearly won't give a fuck if the show goes 6 hours, so I think they'll just jam everything on there.

I can see the undercard looking like a series of IWC dream matches, followed by your heavier hitting heavyweight main events.

[slik]

From a recent episode of the Observer Radio show and them being vague about it since they know Vince will likely change it if it gets leaked out. Supposedly the match is something both Dave Metlzer and Brian Alvarez really like on paper which is why they don't want to risk it getting changed.

Recent update regarding the card itself was a lot of the current plans got shelved in favor of more "fresh" and non-leaked matchups instead. Only Goldberg-Lesnar and Shaq-Show survived the recent purge of the plans.

My best guesses from that are:

Taker vs Balor (RAW guy)
Taker vs Roman (RAW guy, though I think it's safe to say the internet, as a whole, would not love that or welcome it)

Cena vs Samoa Joe (could he debut on SD?)
Cena vs Kurt Angle (ditto)

[Emperor Smeat]

Assuming the rumors about Joe getting a massive push for his call-up is true, Cena vs Joe makes the most sense. Anything involving Taker is probably going to be a one-off match while Cena-Joe can continue as a big focal point of Smackdown after Mania.

Also plays into the clarification of the Observer Radio's surprise involving either Taker or Cena.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I could see Joe attacking Cena and Styles at the Rumble and the WWE Title match being a Triple Threat. I have no clue how they spin their wheels through the next few months though.

[The CyNick]

From a recent episode of the Observer Radio show and them being vague about it since they know Vince will likely change it if it gets leaked out. Supposedly the match is something both Dave Metlzer and Brian Alvarez really like on paper which is why they don't want to risk it getting changed.

Recent update regarding the card itself was a lot of the current plans got shelved in favor of more "fresh" and non-leaked matchups instead. Only Goldberg-Lesnar and Shaq-Show survived the recent purge of the plans.

These guys are too much. So now they are telling their paying customers they can't reveal inside info because if they do, then good matches will get changed. Honestly, how do they have any subscribers at this point? I bow to the depths of their carny.

[Evil Vito]

Supposedly Beth Phoenix is HOF bound.

I definitely loved Beth Phoenix. She, Victoria, and Mickie felt like the lone bright spots in the women's division between 2006-12, at a time when they had separate women's divisions on each show and she's the only one of the group to have retired. But yeah, it's kinda hard to think of her as a Hall of Famer. Especially with Chyna not being in when Beth was sorta presented as being Chyna 2.0, a powerhouse who can (and did) kick guys' asses in addition to the women.

[RP]

You have Edge's babies, you get in the HoF

[slik]

Dave Meltzer is cyber-bullying me. SMH.


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Michale Cole performing a strip tease <a href="https://t.co/AFpJNfXAxf">https://t.co/AFpJNfXAxf</a></p>&mdash; Dave Meltzer (@DaveMeItzer) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaveMeItzer/status/821753165020209153">January 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[slik]

damn...it's a parody account...I was 100% ok with that answer

[Big Vic]

More FAKE NEWS from slik.

[slik]

More CYBER BULLY behavior from Big Vic, man responsible for attacking tpww ICON and mega-face, owenbrown!

[Big Vic]

For the 100th time, I never "mocked" owenbrown (would never do that) but simply showed him "groveling" when he totally changed a 6 year old story that he had written in order to make me look bad. Just more very dishonest media!

[Mr. Nerfect]

Beth Phoenix going in doesn't surprise me. That it's this year seems a bit early. I'd have guessed that Molly Holly or Victoria would have gotten the nod, with Sable going in next year. Something about Sable just seems tonally wrong this year, given that they aren't even a year into having "Women's Championships" back. I can see her going in once they are comfortable referencing, ironically, how they sexed up the women in the Attitude era. One more year adds to her "classique" value.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Haku and Rick Martel are good names to go in for guys that are still alive, kicking and aren't exclusively from the last 20 years.

[Maluco]

Haku and Rick Martel are good names to go in for guys that are still alive, kicking and aren't exclusively from the last 20 years.

Absolutely loved Martel. I feel like he is one of the most undervalued guys in WWE history.

He looked great, could go in the ring and played his eventual character perfectly. Absolutely agree on him going in.

Haku too when you consider his longevity in the business, but Martel was just awesome.

[Heisenberg]

add those two names along with Angle and it'll damn near make the HOF watchable this year

[#1-norm-fan]

Beth Phoenix going in doesn't surprise me. That it's this year seems a bit early. I'd have guessed that Molly Holly or Victoria would have gotten the nod, with Sable going in next year. Something about Sable just seems tonally wrong this year, given that they aren't even a year into having "Women's Championships" back. I can see her going in once they are comfortable referencing, ironically, how they sexed up the women in the Attitude era. One more year adds to her "classique" value.

If/when Sable goes in it's gonna be hilarious watching the video for her induction where they try to hype her up as something other than a pair of tits.

[Sepholio]

Her tits should be inducted into the celebrity wing of the hof on their own merits outside of wwe.

[AirJordanFan93]

If/when Sable goes in it's gonna be hilarious watching the video for her induction where they try to hype her up as something other than a pair of tits.I would find it hilarious if they called her "The Greatest Female Wrestler of All Time"

[Mr. Nerfect]

They will say things about her being "revolutionary at a time when content in the WWE was heading in a risque direction." They will show her Powerbombing Mero and emphasize how popular she was. They'll throw in something about her bringing back the WWF Women's Championship and planting seeds for women like Trish Stratus to follow in her footsteps.

[Mr. Nerfect]

This year I'd put in:

* Kurt Angle
* Bull Nakano
* Haku
* Kevin Sullivan (this year due to his Florida connections)
* Sean Waltman
* Teddy Long
* Muhammad Ali, Floyd Mayweather, Jon Stewart, etc.
* DDP as a second big name.

Pocket Martel for next year. You can't have all your older guys go in one year.

Ray Stevens should go into their Legacy section given that he should have been inducted prior to Mania 31.

[Mr. Nerfect]

While I would avoid this, just because I'm not a big fan of the style of match, I can see the WWE putting forward two Fatal 4-Way matches for the Women's Titles at Mania. Charlotte, Sasha, Bayley and Nia would make up the RAW one; Alexa, Becky, Mickie and Nikki would make up the SmackDown one.

Also possible is some sort of SmackDown Women's Scramble: Alexa Bliss vs. Becky Lynch vs. Mickie James vs. Natalya vs. Nikki Bella.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Let's say the plan is to keep Kevin Owens Universal Champion until WrestleMania, but the plan isn't to have him face Chris Jericho. Is there someone that you would like to see Jericho face? The show is already going long enough, but assuming that the plan is for Jericho to have a match where he puts over a younger guy -- who would you choose?

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Cesaro?

[poopfromweiner dude]

So this year and next years wrestlemania still really hinges on "whatever the undertaker wants..."

I've watched maybe the last 4 or 5 wrestlemanias...isn't anyone concerned about this guy dying? You can't bank on this guy being able to stand 14 months from now? Right? Right?

[Emperor Smeat]

Yeup that's been the case with Taker ever since the Triple H series of matches where parts of Mania's plans are entire dependent on Taker's status. They had to start his Mania feuds later than usual just because he needed more time to recover and had to tone down his matches for his own health's sake.

Observer had a report about Taker needing major hip surgery but has been postponing it for a while since he knows his career is over when it happens. Like Foley's medical problems, this is something that should have been done earlier but he doesn't want to do it yet.

Vince McMahon was on crutches this past week because he had minor hip surgery, apparently similar to the surgery Undertaker had. Undertaker at some point is likely to need a full hip replacement but has been trying to put that off until he retires and had his problems temporarily taken care of with his recent surgery.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Cesaro?

That would be a good match.

[Mr. Nerfect]

If they're not doing Cena/Taker, let Taker sit this one out. I did a write-up in another thread about now being fairly keen on Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins, with Brock working as Triple H's surrogate in order to receive a title shot for eradicating Rollins. I feel that has more sizzle to it than a straight-up Triple H vs. Rollins match.

[Mr. Nerfect]

There's no chance Triple H is sitting out Mania, but doing some thinking, would a six-man tag pitting Triple H, Kevin Owens & Chris Jericho against a babyface team led by Seth Rollins be a better overall direction? It's Triple H, his new chosen one and his best friend against the former chosen one. It makes sense and will probably "energize" people a lot more than Triple H vs. Rollins one-on-one will.

Sami Zayn seems like a logical choice for Rollins' first partner. He's fiery and has personal issues with Owens. The third man is trickier. I was actually thinking that this could be where Shinsuke Nakamura shows up. The idea would basically be that he respects Rollins & Zayn and when they need someone to fight against villainy, he steps forward because he's Shinsuke fuckin' Nakamura.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Random card:

* AJ Styles (c) vs. The Undertaker for the WWE World Title
* Roman Reigns (c) vs. Braun Strowman vs. Finn Balor for the WWE Universal Title
* John Cena vs. Samoa Joe
* Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar III
* Triple H, Kevin Owens & Chris Jericho vs. Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn & Shinsuke Nakamura
* Street Fight: Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt
* Charlotte (c) vs. Bayley vs. Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax for the RAW Women's Title
* Andre Battle Royal featuring Big Show, Shaq, Baron Corbin, Sheamus, Cesaro, Rusev, The New Day, Luke Harper, Kane, Dolph Ziggler, Kalisto, Apollo Crews, Gallows & Anderson, Enzo & Cass, Mark Henry, Mojo Rawley, Heath Slater, Rhyno, etc.
* Scramble Match: Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Becky Lynch vs. Mickie James vs. Nikki Bella vs. Natalya for the SmackDown Women's Championship
* Dean Ambrose & Renee Young vs. The Miz & Maryse
* Neville (c) vs. Kota Ibushi for the Cruiserweight Title
* American Alpha (c) vs. The Revival for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles

This gets WrestleMania down to a 12 match main card. Kickoff will probably be a UK Title match, a cruiserweight cluster maybe a RAW Tag Team Championship match with the teams all appearing in the Battle Royal later anyway, which they try to make a big deal. Maybe they add a stipulation that the winner of the Battle Royal, since it is all about dominance and presence, gets a spot on the WWE 2K18 video game cover and SummerSlam poster. Maybe they can get a title shot too.

For those thinking that I have given The New Day little to do, I can see them interacting with The Rock later on in the show and I'd give Big E the Battle Royal with Kofi & Xavier counting themselves as winners too. It'd really be a Big E earmarking moment.

The Triple Threat for the Universal Title seems weird, but if you lock in Brock vs. Goldberg, assuming Vince wants to do it, and if you have Taker challenge Styles for one last Taker classic before he puts over Cena next year, then your remainder is really Strowman. He could be the runner-up in the Rumble (foreshadowed by Strowman watching The Undertaker segment) and after losing just starts attacking Roman Reigns wherever he goes. He takes his destiny into his own hands and inserts himself into the title picture. Finn Balor returns from his injury and injects some color into the proceedings. The Usos jump from SmackDown to RAW and there is the possibility of Bloodline/Balor Club involvement.

Between the Women's Championship matches and mixed tag, you are highlighting 11 different female performers. You could possibly add Lita to the SmackDown Scramble, but I think that's already pretty full and Mickie James is sort of filling the legend role in there.

Neville could easily defend against Rich Swann, Cedric Alexander, Kalisto or Gran Metalik, but I think the "dream" match is him versus Ibushi. It would turn a lot of heads and get people buzzing about the division. Ibushi could win the belt and be a traveling champion, but if he refuses to sign with the WWE full-time, you can easily just put Neville over and make him look like a world-beater. Politically it might seem uncouth to jam Ibushi into a major singles match at Mania over guys who did sign, but he's a bigger star, frankly, and I think most of the boys would spend more time marking out than complaining.

The Revival getting the SmackDown Tag Team Title match is a bit of fan service. Alpha currently have the belts because Vince wants them to stand out and be something, I imagine. Why not book their greatest rivals as their Mania opponents. Alpha can retain the belts against The Usos at Elimination Chamber and then get attacked by The Revival who kick down the door and set the table for Mania. If there is legitimate heat on them, just let that be pressure for them to live up to their own hype. Plus, you don't have to put the belts on them. Alpha can defeat Dash & Dawson soundly and then get their arms raised by Hulk Hogan or something, who makes sure not to wipe his palm on his pants after raising Jordan's. They can even come out with Hogan at the start to "Real American" as a way to pump the crowd up wearing red and yellow singlets.

I did have an IC Title Ladder Match on the show, with Dolph defending against Kalisto, Crews, Corbin, Kane and Harper (you can always add a seventh guy like Rawley, Slater or even Ellsworth to kill him off), but the show is pretty stacked and by pushing those guys into the Battle Royal you might help its importance. You would probably keep the IC Title on Ambrose until Mania then, and maybe have a stipulation that the title can change hands in the event of a decision involving the women. It does appear that the Renee Young stuff has been dropped, but that might be to just put it on ice until closer to Mania. But if you don't do the Mixed Tag, then Ambrose vs. Miz vs. Ziggler vs. Kalisto vs. Crews vs. Kane vs. Harper would be fine with me. Corbin can try and win the Battle Royal and be the only two-time winner in history and be the last guy eliminated after getting rid of Shaq, Big Show and Cesaro (the celebrity and the two former winners).

Another slight tweak, for continuity reasons, could be to have Sasha Banks out of the RAW Women's Title match because she was supposed to have received her last shot. I doubt that is the plan though. Emmalina could be inserted in Banks' place and Sasha could face either Stephanie McMahon or jump to SmackDown as an ally to Becky Lynch and find herself in the Scramble, which could just become a Six-Pack Challenge or something. Or maybe it's s six-woman tag with Sasha, Becky & Nikki facing Alexa, Mickie & Nattie. I guess it just depends what sort of mood you are in.

[Mr. Nerfect]

The more I think about it, the more I want that card to happen. As for the winners:

* I'd put Styles over Taker. Styles is around full-time and will basically be seen as a babyface by this point. This will be his confirmation as "the guy." He can clutch the WWE Title after defeating The Undertaker like it is one of his children. Taker can give Styles a sign of respect after the match and all can be good in the wrestling world.

* I'd put Finn Balor over Reigns and Strowman. The "faces" can work together to neutralize Strowman and he can take a bump off the stage or something. Reigns and Balor can then tear it up with each other before Strowman returns like a bat out of hell and destroys both guys getting near falls on both. Gallows & Anderson, who have been teasing an alliance with Balor hit the ring and end up taking out Strowman again. This brings out The Usos to fight with them to the back. Reigns Spears Strowman but Balor breaks it up with a Coup de Grace and then hits a new finishing move to pin Roman Reigns and become the two-time Universal Champion.

* Joe chokes out Cena. I'd love for Cena to tap, but they will probably protect the "Never Give Up" thing. Still, a submission victory on the books for Joe against Cena at Mania puts him right in Styles' sight as a challenger for the WWE Title. I'd really love it if he took out Undertaker too, but that is optional.

* I'm still thinking I'd put Goldberg over Brock. Make Goldberg that one dude that Brock just cannot beat, even when he is focused and ready. Heyman can talk Brock out of the loss and it lets you keep Goldberg on your shelf of draws.

* In the six-man, I'd put the babyfaces over. Nakamura is debuting and it'd be good for Rollins to get a Mania win as a babyface. Owens & Jericho are probably heading to the dissolution too. Triple H and Owens can blame Jericho for the loss (and indeed he is pinned by Nakamura) and that heads towards Owens vs. Jericho in the post-Mania season.

* Bray Wyatt could really use a WrestleMania win. It's also building another heel for Styles, and perhaps his immediate challenger. Maybe Orton can re-align with Bray after losing and realizing that he is the ruler he needs? Styles vs. Orton could be a lot of fun too. I'd like to see SAnitY on the main roster after WrestleMania, and having them force The Wyatt Family back together might be a fun little program that makes The Family faces, as crowds clearly want to cheer them. Whatever. This little spat ends with Bray winning and then you can do whatever.

* The Rock's cousin probably walks out of Mania with the RAW Women's Title. She can pin Sasha Banks, who I would move to SmackDown after this. Charlotte's streak can be broken and the frustrating thing is that she wasn't involved in the decision. Bayley also wouldn't have been pinned. Charlotte can be babyfaced by this decision, go on to beat Jax for the belt back, and that's when you can do Dana turning on Charlotte and helping Emmalina secure the belt and call up Asuka to RAW, because they are really going to need to broaden that division. Looking at those plans, you don't really need to move the belt until Emmalina wins the belt on a RAW, and you can keep the streak of Charlotte's alive. Maybe you do go with Charlotte winning at Mania?

* Big E wins the Battle Royal. If you do the IC Title Ladder Match (I would), then you can have Rusev be the last guy in there to give him some focus and shine. It can look like he is about to win, but Kofi & Woods re-enter, Rusev tosses them out again, but then finds himself the victim of some babyface fire from Big E to clotheslines Rusev out and wins the match.

* I'd love for Becky Lynch to win the SmackDown Women's belt back. I think she's the most over babyface they have in that division (well, she was the last time I watched), and there are so many great stories you can tell with her. She can get the last submission on Mickie James here, so Alexa can blame her for the loss and the two can feud moving forward. Sasha jumps over to SmackDown and immediately teases some tension with Becky Lynch. You'll have Nikki Cross coming in with SAnitY. I'd probably move Naomi, Carmella and Nikki Bella over to RAW in exchange for the girls that come over from RAW (Sasha Banks, Summer Rae and Paige...if they smooth things over with her). Natalya probably isn't necessary on SmackDown after this point either. She can go to RAW and work with Bayley and help get her more over. Becky, Sasha, Mickie, Cross are more than capable of carrying the division forward, with Alexa being the earmarked pet project. Asuka can finish things up with Ember Moon and then maybe join them on SmackDown. I think she'd fit the aesthetic of the show and be a lot of fun beating up both Becky and Sasha. I imagine that the Peyton Royce/Billie Kay double act will see the main roster at some point too. I wouldn't mind them joining Emma on RAW, but they could probably be used to "sex" up SmackDown with their more serious looking female wrestlers.

* Dean Ambrose & Renee Young win the mixed tag when Young hits Dirty Deeds on Maryse. I mean, that is what she'd be in there to do, right?

* I'd spin Dolph and Kalisto off into a singles feud after the Ladder Match. It'd be nice to see Kalisto get a run with the IC Title, but I can see them eventually heading towards Hair vs. Mask and you don't really need the title involved with those stakes already there. Kane would not be in there to win. Corbin is a guy they'd probably like to give a run with the belt, but I think it'd be more an anchor for the sort of performer he is. You can give him some shine in here without actually putting him over other acts. It really comes down to either Crews or Harper for me. I'd be fine with Harper winning the belt, but it could really help Crews if he somehow gets his head above water here and pulls down the belt. He's lacking in the personality department, but if he's built to be a champion it's time to start treating him like one. With Big E going over in the Battle Royal and American Alpha winning the opening match, Crews winning could also add to the black excellence of the event.

* Even if he doesn't sign a full-time deal with the WWE, I'd still put Ibushi over in the CW Title match. You can always have Neville win back the belt later.

* American Alpha win the opener.

So your champion roll call coming out of Mania would hopefully be:

WWE Champion: AJ Styles
Universal Champion: Finn Balor
IC Champion: Apollo Crews
US Champion: Chris Jericho might still have it, or it might have bounced between Jericho, Zayn, Rollins and Owens -- but let's say Jericho
RAW Tag Team: You can probably leave them on Sheamus & Cesaro in this scenario
SmackDown Tag Team: American Alpha
RAW Women's: Charlotte
SmackDown Women's: Becky Lynch
CW: Kota Ibushi

[Mr. Nerfect]

As for which male wrestlers would kind of be done on their brands after Mania, I can kind of see them moving Cena, actually, as Braun Strowman could use a piece of meat to toss around, and Cena seems to be in something of a rebuilding stage. He could align with Enzo & Cass for the stable wars against The Bloodline and The Balor Club. It'd be tempting to put The Shield back together and have SAnitY debut against them -- and that would be sick, but I think Reigns is already going to have a lot to do so I don't think the reunion happens.

But Rollins would be pretty well wrapped on RAW, so he'd be free to head over to SmackDown, where his interactions with Dean Ambrose could get interesting. He'd be a nice babyface to bounce around for Samoa Joe and The Wyatts in the short-term too. Crews wouldn't need a long run with the IC belt, and he could even drop it to Harper at the next SD PPV, and then drop it to Rollins, who is yet to have a run with the belt. The Miz could pull some interesting stuff out of Rollins too. I think it would be a good move.

As soon as they lose the RAW Tag Titles, I think Sheamus could use a change by heading over to SmackDown too. I mean, I'd like to see him get kicked in the head by Nakamura first, but after that he would make another good heel on SmackDown. He would actually have a lot of fresh match-ups over there.

American Alpha and The Revival are going to be the cornerstones of that division. #DIY probably get the nod up very soon after Mania too. I like The Fashion Police staying on SmackDown, but basically all the other teams can fuck off to RAW and be fodder over there.

I don't see much room upwards for Heath Slater or Mojo Rawley on SmackDown, so they'd be good candidates for a change of scenery to do things on RAW. Slater's goofy stuff would probably work better there anyway. With Joe and Harper as monsters, you can keep Kane around to put them over and focus on grooming Harper, but Rawley doesn't have much room to go up.

Curtis Axel can move to SmackDown where he becomes jealous of American Alpha being sponsored by Hulk Hogan. He could partner with Jack Swagger as a new Real Americans tandem? I guess you could put him with Bo Dallas, Curt Hawkins or even Rhyno though. But Axel's a steady hand that could put over Alpha and #DIY. Maybe Sin Cara to put over the likes of Dolph Ziggler and/or Kalisto.

But yeah, that would be my general direction after WrestleMania. The major moves would be John Cena jumping over to RAW with Nikki Bella with Sasha Banks, Seth Rollins and Sheamus coming over to SmackDown.

[slik]

UPDATE

Former WWE writer Brian Mann has stated that:


The card will surprise a lot of people, not because it is bad or good, but he compared it WM18, in that it will not be what anyone expects based on how storylines have played out on tv thus far.


* Brock/Goldberg is still planned to close the show

* Cena will not be in the WWE title match at Wrestlemania

* AJ/Shane will be a top SD feud for WrestleMania

* The SD WWE Title match will be in the middle of the show

* Bray vs Randy Orton will be the SD WWE Title program that will end up middle of the card

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Uh....where will the title be? No interest in Shane v Styles. Like, none. I'd rather Styles go in as champ and defend it to legitimize his run against a top face. The only other guy like that is Taker.

Cena is a stud. Confident whatever program he's in will lead to a good match. Maybe he's going against the rumored Samoa Joe.

Lesnar Goldberg closing is meh. But we'll see.

[Emperor Smeat]

Those plans would pretty much guarantee RAW is getting the Rumble winner and the main focus for the Road to Mania. Wouldn't be surprised outside of whatever Cena is doing, Smackdown feels like an afterthought for Mania till the Chamber ppv. Would also fit with recent rumors of Vince going overboard with total control of Mania plans.

Had they not just abruptly drop the tensions between Ambrose and Shane, that would have been a better Mania feud than whatever half-ass plan they have in store for Shane-Styles.

[slik]

I wonder if Shane will win the Rumble and face Styles for the title at WM...surely they wouldn't do that...right?

[The CyNick]

I wonder if Shane will win the Rumble and face Styles for the title at WM...surely they wouldn't do that...right?

That's not the plan. But plans change.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

I thought the plans were in place for months?

[Sepholio]

There's no chance Triple H is sitting out Mania, but doing some thinking, would a six-man tag pitting Triple H, Kevin Owens & Chris Jericho against a babyface team led by Seth Rollins be a better overall direction? It's Triple H, his new chosen one and his best friend against the former chosen one. It makes sense and will probably "energize" people a lot more than Triple H vs. Rollins one-on-one will.

Sami Zayn seems like a logical choice for Rollins' first partner. He's fiery and has personal issues with Owens. The third man is trickier. I was actually thinking that this could be where Shinsuke Nakamura shows up. The idea would basically be that he respects Rollins & Zayn and when they need someone to fight against villainy, he steps forward because he's Shinsuke fuckin' Nakamura.

Triple H, KO and Y2J vs The Shield but it begs the question where is the Universal title.

[RP]

Triple H, KO and Y2J vs The Shield but it begs the question where is the Universal title.

around Rusev's waist!

[slik]

edited post 488 to include:

* Bray vs Randy Orton will be the WWE Title program that will end up middle of the card

[Damian Rey 2.0]

I'm for that if Wyatt finally wins the big one.

[Emperor Smeat]

edited post 488 to include:

* Bray vs Randy Orton will be the WWE Title program that will end up middle of the card

Makes sense considering everyone else for Smackdown's IC/WWE title scene is either way too early for a possible title reign (Corbin) or likely going to be busy with other stuff (Ziggy, Miz, Ambrose). AJ-Shane makes no sense as a title feud so Styles is more likely losing the belt and if Cena isn't in a title match for Mania, it leaves just Bray and Orton as the top choices left.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Would they blow off the historic Cena title win only to have him drop the belt the next month?

Does Orton turn face again and dethrone Styles, then drop to Bray at Mania?

[slik]

http://www.wrestlecrap.com/punchy6.gif

[The CyNick]

I thought the plans were in place for months?

They are, but I'm not above lying to make it look like I know what I'm talking about. I'm trying to be like the wrestling journalists.

[The CyNick]

Would they blow off the historic Cena title win only to have him drop the belt the next month?

Does Orton turn face again and dethrone Styles, then drop to Bray at Mania?

Could see it either way. Cena could get the historic moment, but then get screwed at the Elimination Chamber. Or Styles beats Cena again, only to lose at EC, which fuels his beef with Shane for booking that match in the first place.

[Evil Vito]

Or Styles beats Cena again, only to lose at EC, which fuels his beef with Shane for booking that match in the first place.

That's pretty much how I see it going, Styles' complaining to Shane last week seemed to be planting the seeds for going that route.