WrestleMania 28: Match Predictions for the Big Event

WWE and professional wrestling's biggest event of the year is just six days away.

This article is a taste of what to expect this Sunday at the "Showcase of Immortals."

Please note that match predictions are based on my personal opinion. Readers should therefore feel free to disagree. You may also leave behind your predictions on the comments section.

 

Cody Rhodes vs. The Big Show (Intercontinental Championship)

While most fans appeared to have little interest in this feud at its beginning, the build-up has been interesting enough to arouse interest in the majority of fans.

Second-generation superstar Cody Rhodes has been taunting and humiliating Big Show with TitanTron clips highlighting the World's Largest Athlete's "embarrassing" record at WrestleMania.

Rhodes has played his role well, so much that fans are feeling sympathetic towards the gigantic star and will get fully behind Show at 'Mania against the much smaller Cody.

I think Big Show will pick up the victory. I, too, wouldn't be surprised if the match doesn't last more than five minutes because Big Show will dominate the proceedings.

I know Cody has improved a lot over the last year and is in need of a big WrestleMania win to elevate his status to main-event status, but I don't see WWE booking him to win against Show this time.

Winner: Big Show

 

Maria Menounos and Kelly Kelly vs. Eve Torres and Beth Phoenix

The obvious reasons behind Maria's inclusion in this bout is presumably because of her celebrity status. She may not be considered an "A" or "B" level celebrity, but she is a celebrity nonetheless.

WWE has always booked celebrities to win their WrestleMania matches and it will not be any different this time.

On paper, Maria and Kelly Kelly may not be as strong as the team of Eve and the dominant Beth, but watch out for the former pair to pick up the win over their heel opponents.

Winners: Maria Menounos and Kelly Kelly

 

Team Teddy vs. Team Johnny

This is a hard-to-predict encounter. But from my judgement, the outcome will be based on who—between John Laurinaitis and Teddy Long— WWE deem appropriate for the role as GM for both RAW and SmackDown.

Based on that argument, WWE will most likely book Team Laurinaitis to emerge victorious as "Mr. Excitement" looks the most likely man to get the nod to head both Shows.

Laurinaitis has been playing his role perfectly well and it wouldn't make much sense if Long were to be chosen over him.

Winner: Team Johnny

 

Randy Orton vs. Kane

This is probably the easiest match to predict.

Orton is one of WWE's biggest stars and it would be pointless to have the third-generation grappler lose to the veteran Kane, who is possibly in his final run as a performer.

"The Viper" will defeat "The Big Red Machine."

Winner: Randy Orton

 

Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus (World Heavyweight Championship)

Since winning the Royal Rumble match in January, "The Celtic Warrior" has been on a roll. WWE officials seem to be having faith in the Irishman and will most likely continue with quest of transforming Sheamus into a top face.

Bryan has been a success story, too. Especially since his heel turn. His vegan gimmick and love angle with A.J. has seen the former ROH star rise from mid-card status to arguably the biggest heel in the company today.

My assumption is that Sheamus will win the bout and capture the World Heavyweight Championship for the first time since joining WWE.

Winner: Sheamus

 

CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho (WWE Championship)

This should be a mouthwatering clash. Jericho and Punk are both immensely talented wrestlers and will probably steal the show at 'Mania.

While it is hard to predict who will be the winner, Jericho's status as a part-time Superstar will be the major factor in seeing Punk booked to retain his title.

Jericho will reportedly be leaving the company in June or July as he will be touring Europe with his band Fozzy.

Winner: CM Punk

 

The Undertaker vs. Triple H (Hell in a Cell)

This encounter, dubbed "The End of an Era," is a huge attraction for this year's WrestleMania.

While some fans were initially critical of a third 'Taker vs. HHH 'Mania bout being booked, the veterans' confrontations may have changed critics' perceptions. Segments involving Undertaker, Triple H and Shawn Michaels (who will be the special guest referee) have been drawing big—a sign that fans have rekindled their interest in this match.

WWE will probably want to keep 'Taker's streak intact as it is a major selling point for future WrestleManias. "The Phenom" may not have many years left as a performer, but this won't be his last—and the streak will not be ended at this year's event.

Winner: Undertaker

 

The Rock vs. John Cena

This is not only the main event of WrestleMania 28 but it is also the most anticipated match on the card.

WWE booking team must be in a dilemma as to who should pick up the win in this big collision, knowing that fans not only want to see this match, but they want to see who gets his hand raised in victory, too.

The easy way out for WWE officials would be to have the bout end in a disqualification. The Miz, who is still not scheduled to compete at the event, is rumored to be lined up to interfere in the latter stages of the match.

If the Miz does indeed interfere, it will be a disappointing finish to a match that fans want to see a clear and decisive winner.

But if the match is to have a rightful winner, John Cena is the most likely to be victorious.

The Rock defeating "The Champ" would be damaging to Cena's reputation as "The Great One" has not competed in a one-on-one match for almost nine years. Cena, on the other hand has been an ever-present wrestler since June 2002.

And with Cena's status as WWE's main marketing tool, the company will not bury their biggest star at the "Grandest Stage of Them All."

The Rock also has a reputation of being generous and will have no problem putting Cena over.

Winner: John Cena

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1119170-wrestlemania-28-match-predictions-for-the-big-event

Mark Fraser Andy Greene zach Parise bryce Salvador Wade Belak Martin Erat