WWE WrestleMania 34: Breakdown & Predictions

With April starting up just a few days ago, that means it’s time for the Super Bowl of WWE: WrestleMania 34. Representatives from the Athletes Hub are going to do a breakdown of every WWE Pay Per View and predict who is going to win each match, starting with WrestleMania 34. This year’s edition of WrestleMania has some interesting bouts, but who will come out on top?

Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Roman Reigns For The WWE Universal Championship

Martin’s Take: With talk ongoing about Brock Lesnar leaving the WWE for the UFC after WrestleMania for a majority of the current year, it makes no sense for the WWE to keep the title on Lesnar unless something drastic happens. Even though fans do not want Roman Reigns to win the Univeral Championship, the reality is that Reigns will win the title and close out WrestleMania. The good part about Reigns winning is that the company will actually have a world champion that is there every week, rather than someone that will for ten shows a year.

Prediction: Roman Reigns

Rami’s Take: With rumors of Brock Lesnar leaving, this is the perfect opportunity, not only for WWE to get the title off of Brock Lesnar, but to put it on a man who they’ve been trying to push it onto since the split of the Shield. There could possibly even be a swerve with Paul Heyman helping Roman Reigns win the match for a Roman Reigns heel turn, to give Heyman a spot on the roster after Lesnar leaves.

Prediction: Roman Reigns

Luke’s Take: Lesnar is apparently going back to the UFC, and Paul Heyman isn’t booked for any dates after RAW post-Wrestlemania. As much as we want to see Lesnar win because, well, Roman; Roman Reigns will get his Main Event moment.

Prediction: Roman Reigns

Elsio’s Take: Rumors of a UFC return being imminent for Lesnar has led to the widespread belief that he’ll drop the title to Roman Reigns at Wrestlemania. In addition, Reigns has managed to get over with his anti part-timer promos.

Prediction: Roman Reigns

AJ Styles (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura For The WWE Championship

Martin’s Take: Ever since both superstars signed with the WWE, this has been a dream match in a lot of fans’ minds. With Shinsuke Nakamura winning the Royal Rumble and AJ Styles retaining his championship in his latest defense at Fast Lane, the dream match will finally happen. Before Styles and Nakamura signed with WWE, they faced off in New Japan Pro Wrestling at Wrestle Kingdom 10 in what was a phenomenal matchup. After Nakamura won the Royal Rumble, he has gotten a lot of momentum leading up to this high profile match. At the end of the day, this will be a close match, but Nakamura will come out on top and win the WWE Championship.

Prediction: Shinsuke Nakamura

Rami’s Take: This is going to take the cake for match of the night, clearly. As much as I want it to be the main event, I can’t see it doing so. Shinsuke Nakamura has clawed his way to the top upon arrival to the main brand, just like he did in NXT. I think now is Nakamura’s time to make history in being the first Japanese WWE Champion.

Prediction: Shinsuke Nakamura

Luke’s Take: In what will be the match of the night, New Japan fans will be frothing at the mouth more than usual. Nakamura will counter the Phenomenal Forearm, hit the Kinshasa, and secure his first WWE Championship.

Prediction: Shinsuke Nakamura

Elsio’s Take: Shinsuke Nakamura has been over with fans since his NXT Days and hasn’t lost traction after his call-up. He has also been receiving a hefty push, even winning the Royal Rumble over Roman Reigns. Plus, this would extend the feud somewhat and will make it seem like Styles can’t beat Nakamura. Get ready to be emotionally invested in a long-term feud.

Prediction: Shinsuke Nakamura

Kurt Angle & Ronda Rousey vs Triple H & Stephanie McMahon

Martin’s Take:  Just a few months ago, Ronda Rousey made her debut after the Women’s Royal Rumble. Now, she is going into her first WrestleMania with Kurt Angle as her partner, as they take on Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. This match could go either way, as Ronda is such a huge name, so it might be beneficial to have her win her first match at WrestleMania. On the other hand, Rousey could get the AJ Styles treatment and lose her first match at WrestleMania. Either way, this match will be interesting to say the least. Seeing how the WWE has been pushing Ronda, and the amount of media exposure they would get if she won, Rousey and Angle should come out on top here.

Prediction: Kurt Angle & Ronda Rousey

Rami’s Take: WWE would be fools to let Ronda Rousey lose in her first match in the WWE. She is one of the biggest signings in a long time, possibly since the Attitude Era, and I don’t think even Triple H’s ego can get in the way of Rousey winning her first match.

Prediction: Kurt Angle & Ronda Rousey

Luke’s Take: Ronda Rousey will look like an animal, ravaging Stephanie McMahon. On the other hand, Kurt Angle won’t be able to do the same, as Triple H will take out Angle with a cheap low blow followed by a Pedigree for the win. Afterward, look for Rousey to go after Triple H.

Prediction: Triple H & Stephanie McMahon

Elsio’s Take: I see this being another swerve. A draw as big as Ronda Rousey losing at her first Wrestlemania? Well in case you forgot, AJ Styles lost his first Wrestlemania match. In my eyes, Rousey will be pinned, but it won’t be clean. Look for a controversial HHH pedigree at some point in the bout.

Prediction: Triple H & Stephanie McMahon

Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn vs Daniel Bryan & Shane McMahon

If Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn win, they are back on SmackDown. If they lose, they remain fired.

Martin’s Take: This is a match that has a lot at stake, and considering this is Daniel Bryan’s first match in two years, it makes it a lot more special. For the past few months, there has been speculation that either Shane McMahon or Daniel Bryan will be turning heel in this storyline. With the rumored brand split coming up, the WWE could use the fired storyline as a way to move Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn to Monday Night Raw, but I agree with three of my colleagues when they say that Daniel Bryan will turn on Shane McMahon and help Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn win. Depending on the outcome, this could lead to a matchup at SummerSlam between McMahon and Bryan.

Prediction: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn

Rami’s Take: With Daniel Bryan finally being cleared, I can’t see the WWE making him lose his first match back, especially with the build-up that they’ve given this match. I also wouldn’t expect many dangerous bumps in this match, much like the common Shane McMahon matches in the past.

Prediction: Shane McMahon & Daniel Bryan

Luke’s Take: I’ve tossed and turned this one a few times, but I feel like Tristin is right here. This will the time where Bryan turns, goes “full time”, and starts a feud between McMahon and Bryan for SummerSlam. Where this goes, you can’t be too sure. Hopefully, we see both Zayn and Owens move into the WWE Championship picture.

Prediction: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn

Elsio’s Take: Remember the two ref match when Daniel Bryan seemed to save the careers of Owens and Zayn? I feel like that was a planted seed. Bryan is in cahoots with his Indy darling brothers. This match will either be a loss for Shane McMahon (with a betrayal by Daniel Bryan) or a no contest with Bryan, Owens, and Zayn beating down the General Manager if SmackDown Live, setting up many possibilities.

Prediction: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn

The Miz (c) vs. Finn Balor vs. Seth Rollins Triple Threat Match For The WWE Intercontinental Championship

Martin’s Take: For the past few weeks, Seth Rollins and Finn Balor have both been going after the prestigious Intercontinental Championship that The Miz currently holds. All three superstars have a lot to gain in this match. As for The Miz, he is close to breaking the record for combined days held with the title in company history, which is held by Pedro Morales for 619 days. Meanwhile, Rollins is looking to become a Grand Slam champion with the Intercontinental Championship, and Balor is looking to win his second title in his WWE career. At the end of the day, with The Miz is just having his first child, he will likely want to take some time off, so this is the perfect opportunity for the WWE to give Seth Rollins the chance to complete the Grand Slam.

Prediction: Seth Rollins

Rami’s Take: This one is a tricky one, simply because any of the three could work out perfectly. With that, I’m sensing Finn Balor picks up the win, and maybe with the help of Gallows & Anderson for a full-fledged heel turn?

Prediction: Finn Balor

Luke’s Take: Balor has been lured out of obscurity, and while the booking leads me to believe that Rollins will get the win, the plot twist will be that Gallows and Anderson will come out and assist Balor in his win. This results in Balor turning heel, and #BC4Life comes rolling into the WWE full force.

Prediction: Finn Balor

Elsio’s Take: This match makes too much sense, as Rollins has been known to get his Mania moments. From beating a living legend in HHH to cashing in during the main event, Rollins would be a Grand Slam champion with this win.

Prediction: Seth Rollins

Charlotte (c) vs. Asuka For The SmackDown Women’s Championship

Martin’s Take:  Ever since arriving in the WWE, Asuka has been undefeated, which is something the WWE is really high on. Even though Charlotte has been an amazing champion, she will not break the undefeated streak, resulting in Asuka becoming the SmackDown Women’s Champion. One thing to watch is Carmella, who has the Money In The Bank briefcase, which allows her to challenge for the title anytime she wants for an entire year.

Prediction: Asuka

Rami’s Take: The undefeated Asuka taking on the Smackdown women’s champion Charlotte Flair is quite possibly the biggest women’s match to happen in WrestleMania history. Asuka has not been defeated since 2016 while Charlotte has been winning titles from NXT, Raw, and Smackdown to make herself known as one of the greatest female athletes today. Asuka won the first ever women’s Royal Rumble in January and chose to face Charlotte about a month ago. This match can go either way, but the outcome will be historic.

Luke’s Take: In result of this match, the undefeated streak for Asuka will stay alive. The one person who logically could break the streak is still in NXT in Ember Moon, but that is fantasy booking is for another time.

Prediction: Asuka

Elsio’s Take: Asuka has been undefeated since entering the WWE, and she won’t lose that streak at her first Mania event. In result, Charlotte can recover more from the loss as well. I would look for an Asuka to win, followed by a failed cash in by Carmella.

Prediction: Asuka

The Bar (c) vs. Braun Strowman & TBA For The Raw Tag Team Championship

Martin’s Take:  If I had to guess who his partner is, it would have to be Rey Mysterio. Although, don’t be surprised if it is someone like the Big Show, due to the fact that he announced that he is not hanging up his boots yet. Both sides have been talking about a return for some time now, and as long as Mysterio is cleared from his injury, it would make perfect sense for this pairing to come together.

Prediction: Braun Strowman & Rey Mysterio

Rami’s Take: The Big Show apparently signed a multi-year deal with the WWE, noting that he isn’t retiring soon. With this said, the last time Big Show was seen on television, he lost to Braun Strowman. The reason for teaming up could be due to a great amount of respect.

Prediction: Braun Strowman & Big Show

Luke’s Take: Never mind that this is far from where Strowman should be, there is no way that The Bar can keep the titles here. I could see Rey Mysterio as the mystery partner, but it will be an interesting match regardless.

Prediction: Braun Strowman & Rey Mysterio

Elsio’s Take: I don’t see a partner for Strowman, as I feel the WWE is going to have him take on a dominant run of holding the tag titles on his own. If he does end up with a partner, look for it to be a return or a jobber.

Prediction: Braun Strowman

Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Nia Jax For The Raw Women’s Championship

Martin’s Take: For the past few months, it seems like Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax were best friends. That was until a few weeks ago, as Bliss admitted on camera that she was just using Jax to keep her title, and Jax heard everything she said. This match has potential to be a swerve, and the company could give Jax a run with the title. To me, that doesn’t seem likely with the way Bliss has been performing as of late.  

Prediction: Alexa Bliss

Rami’s Take: I think it’s finally Nia Jax’s time to win gold. She has been promoted as the most dominant female on the roster, but how can she be that legitimate when she’s been chasing gold for nearly two years and always comes up short? I say she has to win this match to solidify she’s not just a normal powerhouse.

Prediction: Nia Jax

Luke’s Take: The swerve could be on, however, I do not expect to see both women’s champions lose their title. Alexa Bliss is one of the most over wrestlers on both rosters and her ability to get out of any match with the title should see her come through and retain on the “Granddaddy of them All”.  

Prediction: Alexa Bliss

Elsio’s Take: I feel like WWE will shock/swerve everyone and pull the trigger on Nia. I could see a small push for Nia but ultimately she’d be a bridge champion. Taking the title off Bliss for a while could shuffle the women’s division. I feel WWE is behind Nia enough to give her a short run.

Prediction: Nia Jax

Randy Orton (c) vs. Bobby Roode vs. Jinder Mahal vs Rusev For The WWE United States Championship

Martin’s Take: This was supposed to be a Triple Threat Match between Randy Orton Bobby Roode and Jinder Mahal for the United States Championship, but that was until last week’s edition of SmackDown, as Rusev turned it into a Fatal Four Way match for the title. This match has a chance to have some interesting possibilities, but the WWE should use this opportunity to hand Rusev some momentum.

Prediction: Rusev

Rami’s Take: Watching Randy Orton win the United States Championship didn’t really feel like he won it to beat Bobby Roode, but more or less, to be a grand slam champion. I’m going to say that was the reason Randy Orton won the United States Championship, but the WWE is still going to protect him by putting Bobby Roode over Jinder Mahal.

Prediction: Bobby Roode

Luke’s Take: Orton is more of a transitional champion here, and Roode will get a glorious entrance, which inevitably means he shall not win. Rusev is due for a big Wrestlemania moment, and this could very well be it.

Prediction: Rusev

Elsio’s Take: I wish I could say Rusev would win but I feel like Roode will get the win and have a good mid-card push on SmackDown. This could be somewhat of a bridge reign in more than one way. Roode, like Orton, could be a transitional champ for someone else on SmackDown and this reign could be a way to slowly push Roode into the main event scene.

Prediction: Bobby Roode

Usos (c) v New Day v Bludgeon Brothers For The SmackDown Tag Team Championship

Martin’s Take: Ever since changing their image, The Usos have been nothing but impressive in the ring, especially on the microphone. It is difficult to believe that the WWE would want to have them lose the titles, even though the Bludgeon Brothers look like a promising tag team.

Prediction: The Usos

Rami’s Take: The Bludgeon Brothers are a rare example of the WWE using what seems to be a poor gimmick, but building it to be something great. The Bludgeon Brothers have gotten over widely with the crowd, not only because of a decent gimmick, but because the two know how to work off one another.

Prediction: Bludgeon Brothers

Luke’s Take: Day One-ish is back on the main stage and they will scrape away with the win, pinning the partner of Kofi Kingston. This will start the dissension within the New Day. With that, don’t be surprised if we see a turn on the first SmackDown back.

Prediction: The Usos

Elsio’s Take: The Bludgeon Brothers have been looked dominant as of late and have steamrolled the SmackDown tag team division. I can’t see that ending here, so look for a fairly lengthy monster heel reign from these two.

Prediction: Bludgeon Brothers

Cedric Alexander vs Mustafa Ali For the  Vacant Cruiserweight Championship

Martin’s Take: The Cruiserweight division, mainly 205 Live, has been outstanding for the last few weeks, and that is thanks to Triple H being handing control of the show to Drake Maverick. The Tournament is now down to the final two in Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali, and this brand needs a name that has loads of fan support. With that, Alexander fits the bill perfectly.

Prediction: Cedric Alexander

Rami’s Take: Despite Mustafa Ali impressing in recent weeks, showing off his unknown mic skills and storytelling, really making this storyline believable, Cedric Alexander has been a fan favorite for far too long. My bet says Cedric Alexander wins the Cruiserweight Championship.

Prediction: Cedric Alexander

Luke’s Take: The Cruiserweight division needs a champion who has been on TV for the majority to bring prestige back to the title. Drake Maverick has done a marvelous job to make 205 Live relevant, and Alexander should be the champ to take it forward.

Prediction: Cedric Alexander

Elsio’s Take: Both men deserve this chance, but Cedric Alexander has been over and very popular during his whole tenure in the division. This is his moment to shine, so except for the plan of action to be executed this weekend.

Prediction: Cedric Alexander

WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal

Martin’s Take: Over the past few weeks, Sasha Banks and Bayley have been going at it, leading us to believe that one of them will turn heel sometime soon. With that, WrestleMania is the perfect time to turn Sasha Banks heel by having her win the Battle Royal and eliminate Bayley in the final two.

Prediction: Sasha Banks

Rami’s Take: Becky Lynch is desperately in need of a win. I think that it’s a must right now for WWE to put Becky Lynch over in the first WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal. She hasn’t seen much love recently, on SmackDown! Live, as wrestlers such as Asuka, Charlotte and a few others are stealing her shine.

Prediction: Becky Lynch

Luke’s Take: Want a way to turn heel and still be on top? Have Sasha win by eliminating Bayley and Becky Lynch in the final three. The concept seems pretty simple if you ask me.

Elsio’s Take: This match is the women’s divisions answer to the ATGMBR, and this is the first match. Sasha Banks has made history being in many firsts, but has yet to win one. This is her chance, and a chance to turn her heel like fans have been basically begging for. Look for a Banks betrayal of Bayley leading to a win here.

Prediction: Sasha Banks

Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

Martin’s Take: Over the past few months, Elias has improved drastically in the ring and he is over with the crowd gimmick-wise. It is only a matter of time before the WWE gives him a serious mid-card push, and that will start at WrestleMania when he wins the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

Prediction: Elias

Rami’s Take: It’s quite apparent that WWE is very invested in Elias. They seem to not only love his in-ring skills, but his gimmick and way of working with his gimmick as well. The crowd has also been digging his ‘Walk With Elias’ gimmick. I would put money on the assumption that Elias comes out victorious.

Prediction: Elias

Luke’s Take: The last few winners were a little in limbo in the weeks before the Battle Royal. Elias has a strong following behind him, and he could use the push to send him towards the IC title picture. He will win it, eliminating Kane to secure the victory.

Prediction: Elias

Elsio’s Take: There are very few gimmicks as over in the WWE right now as “Woken” Mart Hardy. Thanks to an unfortunate injury to his brother, Jeff, and his feud with Bray Wyatt ending seemingly prematurely, there’s no other opportunity for Hardy on the card. I see him coming in and winning this match to start a push. Look for the “Woken” universe to be at the forefront of WWE starting soon.

Prediction: Matt Hardy

Photo Credit WWE.com