WWE WrestleMania run-down: Brock Lesnar and Goldberg will go the distance, the Wyatt’s could reform against Randy Orton and Roman Reigns is on course to finish the Undertaker
AJ Styles will get the best out of Shane McMahon in their straight-up wrestling match and underdog Sami Zayn could steal the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
WRESTLEMANIA – the “Showcase of the Immortals” – is almost here.
Taking place at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida, it promises to be yet another extravaganza of top in-ring action and the very of WWE superstars.
In case you’re not up to date on all the goings from WWE, Sun Sport brings you this rundown of all the matches and what’s been happening on Raw and SmackDown LIVE.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest WWE and wrestling news here
Universal Championship Match - Goldberg (c) v Brock Lesnar
Background: Goldberg is the only superstar The Beast hasn’t yet conquered. So far, Goldberg has embarrassed him at every turn.
He demolished Lesnar at Survivor Series, tossed him out of the Royal Rumble, and floored him with a spear this week on Raw.
Since then, Goldberg defeated Kevin Owens for the Universal Championship – raising the stakes even higher.
But this isn’t just about the title. It’s about dominance and reputation.
Sun Sport Says: Lesnar needs to win this. He had a dreary 2016 and losses to Goldberg had damaged his star aura.
And while Goldberg’s return has been fun – making amends for his poor WWE run in 2003/04 – WWE knows those nostalgia pops will only last for so long.
There’s also the question of whether 50-year- old ‘Berg can work a full-length match.
It’s unlikely WWE will book another minute-long squash for the ‘Mania main event, so Lesnar will need to pull his working boots on and prove he’s worth the money.
And ignore the grumblings about these veteran part-timers hogging the top-spot – this is a main every calibre match worthy of the spectacle.
WWE Championship Match - Bray Wyatt (c) v Randy Orton
Background: Orton joined the Wyatt Family last year for reasons unknown.
It caused tensions with lifetime Luke Harper – who eventually split from the group.
Then after winning the Royal Rumble, Orton vowed he wouldn’t take his shot at WWE champion Bray. But you should never trust a viper.
Orton turned on Bray by desecrating the memory of Sister Abigail – burning her shack to the ground then later staking a crucifix into the hallowed earth (or her “heart and soul”).
Sun Sport Says: There’s been too much silly nonsense for a WWE Championship feud – magic, arson, and even a backstage sing-along of “He’s Got The Whole World”.
And the shenanigans aren’t finished just yet.
With Erick Rowan due to return from injury and Luke Harper apparently under Bray’s spell this week on SmackDown, the Wyatts could have a surprise reunion at ‘Mania and help Bray retain the title.
Undertaker v Roman Reigns
Background: This started at Royal Rumble when Roman dumped ‘Taker over the top rope. The Big Dog now says that ‘Taker no longer rules WWE and now it’s his yard.
Can Reigns do what only one other man in history has done, and beat The Deadman at WrestleMania?
Sun Sports Says: Undertaker – who looks in rough shape – can’t have many matches left.
Like him or not, this is Roman Reigns’ time.
Anyone who doubts that Reigns should beat ‘Taker just look back at his promo on Raw.
The heat was nuclear. Sorry haters, but you’ve been duped – the Roman push has been an incredible success.
He’s over in a big way. Easily big enough to beat Undertaker at ‘Mania.
AJ Styles v Shane McMahon
Background: After losing his number one contender’s match, AJ took out his frustrations by
smashing Shane’s head through a car window.
Shane retaliated as only he can – putting Styles through a table with his trademark flying elbow.
But as AJ later reminded him: this will be a traditional wrestling match. No weapons. No stunts.
Can Shane really out-wrestle the greatest wrestler in the world?
Sun Sport Says: The match no-one wanted could easily steal the show. AJ’s good enough to drag something phenomenal out of Shane.
And forget the traditional wrestling – Shane’s sure to pull off a death-defying stunt.
Could we see some run-ins too? Perhaps AJ’s Club cronies, Gallows and Anderson? Maybe followed by The Club’s old pal from Japan, Finn Balor?
Maybe even Shane’s old buddies, The Mean Street Posse?
Non-Sanctioned Match - Triple H v Seth Rollins
Background: Triple H turned on his one-time protege way back in August.
More recently, he ordered Samoa Joe to attack Rollins – re-injuring his knee in the process.
Now the doctors are refusing to clear Rollins, forcing The Architect to get his revenge in a non-sanctioned match.
Sun Sport Says: WWE almost dropped the ball with this by keeping Triple H off TV for so long.
But the introduction on Samoa Joe and the legit injury to Rollins’ knee has reignited the feud.
After teasing it on Raw, Rollins should defeat Trips with his own Pedigree finisher – the ultimate passing of the torch.
United States Championship Match Chris Jericho (c) v Kevin Owens
Background: Owens attacked his best friend Jericho during their festival of friendship.
A heartbreaking moment that will go down as one of WWE’s greatest ever betrayals (and there have been plenty).
Jericho got a taste of revenge at Fastlane, distracting Owens and costing him the Universal Championship.
Sun Sport: This is most engaging storyline on the card. That’s no great surprise – WWE took its building their friendship and tore it down in dramatic style.
It’s also been a renaissance for Jericho, who’s better than he’s been for years.
Don’t expect him to win though – KO’s new best pal Samoa Joe could prove a difference maker.
Raw Women’s Championship Fatal Four Way - Bayley (c) v Charlotte Flair v Sasha Banks v Nia Jax
Background: Ever since Bayley beat Charlotte for the title she’s been trying to prove herself.
But both Sasha and Nia have scored victories over Bayley, earning themselves a spot in this match.
Can Bayley finally prove she’s a worthy? And – perhaps more importantly – can she trust her best pal Sasha?
Sun Sports Says: There’s no question that Bayley, Charlotte, and Sasha can go in the ring.
But can they work around Nia and make her look like she’s on their level?
Bayley should retain here – but we predict a vicious heel turn from (soon to be former) BFF Sasha post-match.
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Mixed Tag Team Match - John Cena & Nikki Bella v The Miz & Maryse
Background: These two couples have been embroiled in a very personal war of words.
The Miz and Maryse have mocked Cena and Nikki’s relationship with their (genuinely hilarious) Total Bellas parody.
And Cena has fired back by telling Miz he can’t back it up in the ring.
Sun Sports Says: Cena’s promo work has been off the chart, made even better when he’s got Miz to play off.
Miz is the best heel in the company – and a win here would put him 2-0 over Cena at WrestleMania.
But that’s wishful thinking. Cena has to give Miz his comeuppance.
Just hope it doesn’t halt Miz’s momentum.
Raw Tag Team Championship Triple-Threat Ladder Match - Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson (c) vs Enzo & Cass vs Sheamus & Cesaro
Background: These three teams have been scrapping for weeks. On Raw this week they started clobbering each other with ladders (as you do in WWE) to get the TLC-style stipulation added.
Sun Sport Says: The multi-man ladder match is a tired formula. But WWE can’t resist booking them on the big show each year.
A victory for former champs Sheamus and Cesaro would be the fan’s choice, but WWE might finally pull the trigger on Enzo and Cass – a year since their man roster debut.
Intercontinental Championship Match - Dean Ambrose (c) v Baron Corbin
Background: Weeks of ringside brawling led to Corbin attacking Ambrose with a forklift truck. So far, Ambrose has mostly hit back with bad jokes.
Sun Sport Says: The sooner WWE puts the title on Corbin the better. The title could actually mean something for the up-and- comer.
Ambrose on the other hand, has seriously fallen from grace – lackluster ring work and unfunny promos.
His character desperately needs an overhaul.
SmackDown Women’s Championship Match - Alexa Bliss (c) v Becky Lynch v Natalya v Mickie James v Carmella v Naomi
Background: Alexa Bliss defends her title against all the women on the SmackDown roster.
Sun Sport Says: It feels like the SD women have been done a disservice with his thrown-together scramble.
But they did something spectacular a near identical (and very good) match at Backlash.
Returning former champ Naomi is positioned as a fan favourite, but Mickie James is our pick.
Don’t be surprised if some faces from the past enter the match.
Cruiserweight Championship Match - Neville (c) v Austin Aries
Background: What began as a simple interview segment between Aries and Neville quickly turned physical.
Aries claims that Neville isn’t on his level – but can the Greatest Man Who Ever Lived dethrone the King of the Cruiserweights when they finally lock up?
Sun Sport Says: Though bumped down to the pre-show, these two will deliver an innovative, fast-paced matchup.
Neville’s been on top form as the heel champ, but we want to see what Aries can do with the cruiserweight division.
Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
Background: The fourth annual Andre battle royal, featuring all the superstars who couldn’t nab a better spot on the card.
Sun Sport Says: Likely to be a throwaway match, this does has potential (see the ‘Mania 30 version, which was loaded with big climatic spots and a surprise Cesaro win).
Big Show and Braun Strowman are the obvious contenders, though don’t count out the ultimate underdog, Sami Zayn.
Watch WrestleMania 33 on the WWE Network this Sunday April 2
