Predictions for WWE NXT Stand and Deliver 2025 and WrestleMania 41 Saturday
We’re finally here! The biggest weekend of the year for wrestling fans is upon us, and there’s a lot to cover. While I would have loved to do just one column about the entire weekend, it would be way too long to cover everything, so I’m splitting it into two columns—one for all the WWE events on Saturday and another for Day 2 of WrestleMania.
But before I dive into my predictions for both events on Saturday, I want to rant a little bit about how WWE has decided to stack two events on the same day, seemingly to block indie companies from getting fans to their shows during the day. Normally, WWE is in town really early in the week of Mania to set everything up. That includes both the arena and the stadium where all the events will take place.
So it would be easy for them to run Stand & Deliver on Thursday night instead of Saturday afternoon if they really wanted to. Starting the weekend with a bang on Thursday would elevate the NXT show, rather than making it feel like just another event slotted in before Mania. Plus, the crowd wouldn’t be half asleep because of the early start time. I really hope that someday WWE realizes this and uses that extra day for Stand & Deliver, instead of jamming it in on Saturday.
I also want to give my thoughts on this year’s Hall of Fame class. About a month ago, I wrote a column predicting who I thought would be inducted and who would never get in—and boy, was I wrong. After the full class was revealed, I’ve got to say, I can’t see anyone who doesn’t deserve it.
Triple H is a great headliner. His speech will probably be polarizing to some, but that’s who Triple H is.
Lex Luger will have the most emotional speech of the night. His induction is long overdue. I would’ve loved for Sting to induct him, but I get why WWE and AEW didn’t want to do business together.
While some fans don’t like Michelle McCool being inducted, I think she’s more than deserving for everything she did for the women’s division during an era when management treated it like filler.
The Natural Disasters weren’t a long-lasting team in WWE—they formed in ’91 and were gone by the end of ’92—but I’m just glad Earthquake is finally being honored, even if it’s as part of a team. I’m sure Typhoon will have a lot of fun stories to tell.
The legacy inductees also all deserve the honor. I understand why they were added to that category—none of the three had huge runs in WWE, so it makes sense to recognize them that way.
The idea of inducting matches is actually really cool, and I get why they picked Bret vs. Austin as the first one. But honestly, I would’ve gone with Steamboat vs. Savage. That match is the one everyone still talks about as the one that got them into wrestling. It’s more influential for this generation of wrestlers than Bret vs. Austin, in my opinion.
Now enough about that—let’s get to my predictions for both events happening on Saturday, starting with NXT Stand & Deliver:
1. Fatal Four-Way to determine the No. 1 contenders for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles
Meta-Four vs. Gigi & Tatum vs. Roxanne & Cora vs. Fatal Attraction
This match will be on the pre-show, which is a shame considering the talent involved. Honestly, it could’ve replaced the six-man tag on the main show, but that’s just my opinion. As for the match itself, it’ll be your typical four-way with all the tropes, but still a strong showing.
I’d love to see Gigi and Tatum win since they’re my favorite team here, but I think it’ll come down to Meta-Four or Fatal Attraction. My pick is Fatal Attraction—Meta-Four has had multiple shots already, and it’s time for someone new.
Winner: Fatal Attraction
2. Ladder Match for the vacant NXT Women’s North American Championship
Zaria vs. Sol Ruca vs. Kelani Jordan vs. Izzi Dame vs. Lola Vice vs. Thea Hail
This kind of multi-person match is a yearly tradition for this event, but honestly, they’ve usually been my least favorite. They tend to overcomplicate things, especially with the women, and botched spots have been common.
For the winner, I was torn between Zaria and Sol Ruca, but since Sol just won the Speed Championship, I think WWE gives the belt to her tag partner instead.
Winner: Zaria
3. Fatal Four-Way for the NXT Women’s Championship
Stephanie Vaquer vs. Giulia vs. Jordynne Grace vs. Jaida Parker
This year is heavy on multi-person matches. I’m not the biggest fan of them since they’re often overbooked, but this might be the exception. These four are incredibly talented and will go all out.
I don’t see Stephanie dropping the title so soon after winning it last month and relinquishing the North American title. It wouldn’t make sense.
Winner: Stephanie Vaquer
4. NXT Tag Team Championship
Hank & Tank vs. Axiom & Nathan Frazer
This feud was built really well. Hank & Tank are positioned as underdogs, and the fans are behind them. They’ve earned this shot, and now it’s time to complete the journey with a big upset in front of a huge crowd.
Winners: Hank & Tank
5. NXT North American Championship
Ricky Saints (c) vs. Ethan Page
Finally, a one-on-one match! This will be a big test for Ricky Saints to prove whether he can be a major WWE star. Both guys are great in the ring and were underutilized in AEW.
If they get enough time, this could be great. But I don’t see Ricky dropping the belt just yet.
Winner: Ricky Saints
6. The D’Angelo Family vs. Darkstate
Personally, I can’t get behind Darkstate—they remind me too much of Retribution, but with unknown guys. That said, HBK seems to like the gimmick and has been pushing them hard. I think the Family will be used as a stepping stone here.
Winners: Darkstate
7. Triple Threat for the NXT Championship
Oba Femi (c) vs. J’Von Evans vs. Trick Williams
I like Oba Femi, but I’m getting tired of seeing him in triple threats every PLE. That aside, this match should still deliver.
J’Von will likely be the standout here, while Trick and Oba handle the bulk of the fight. I don’t think it’s J’Von’s time yet, and Trick might be getting called up soon.
Winner: Oba Femi
Now for my WrestleMania 41: Day 1 Predictions:
1. WWE Tag Team Championship
The War Raiders vs. The New Day
We’ve seen this match before, and it always delivers. But the roles have flipped—New Day are heels, and the War Raiders are faces. WWE seems all-in on this heel New Day run, and I think they win the belts to add even more heat.
Winners: The New Day
2. Rey Mysterio vs. El Grande Americano
We all know who’s under the mask—it’s an even worse-kept secret than Mr. America. But the match will be great. I think this is where the El Grande gimmick kicks into a new gear, with Rey trying to unmask him but getting caught and pinned.
Winner: El Grande Americano
3. Jade Cargill vs. Naomi
This won’t be a wrestling clinic—it’ll be a brawl. Naomi has really found herself with this new heel persona, and that will help make the match work. In the end, Jade gets her revenge and moves on to bigger things.
Winner: Jade Cargill
4. WWE United States Championship
LA Knight (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
This will be an entertaining, high-energy match. Both guys are super over. While it makes sense for Jacob to win, I think Solo interferes and accidentally costs Fatu the match, setting up a face turn.
Winner: LA Knight
5. WWE Women’s Championship
Tiffany Stratton vs. Charlotte Flair
The build has been a rollercoaster—great physicality, but shaky promos. Still, I think they’ll bring it at Mania.
This could go either way, but I’m going out on a limb and picking WWE (and Charlotte) to do the right thing and give Tiffany the biggest win of her career.
Winner: Tiffany Stratton
6. World Heavyweight Championship
Gunther (c) vs. Jey Uso
This should open the show and steal it. Gunther is arguably the best wrestler and heel in WWE right now, and Jey is insanely over with fans. His story adds emotional depth.
I think this is where Gunther finally drops the title and Jey has his big Mania moment.
Winner: Jey Uso
7. Triple Threat Match
Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins
This could be the match of the night. The whole build has revolved around Heyman—will he be a factor? I think so.
If I were fantasy booking, I’d have Heyman turn on both Punk and Roman to align with Rollins, but that’s probably not happening. I’m picking Punk to get his fairytale ending.
Winner: CM Punk
And there you have it—my predictions for both events happening on Saturday. I’ll be back tomorrow with my predictions for WrestleMania Sunday!