The X-Factor: WrestleMania 38 predictions

There was a lot of indifference going into WrestleMania 31. Even with Sting making his debut, the IWC had been apathetic, especially towards its main event. How did that work out?

Across two nights, there’s gonna be some lows to be sure. How about we focus on the highs more?

Seth Rollins vs. Cody R…I mean TBA

It would be kinda funny if Shane McMahon turned out to be the mystery opponent. Or, they could use him as a fake-out to introduce the real opponent.

Did you ever imagine that the American Nightmare would be generating this much hype going into Dallas? Will Brandi be far behind? Maybe this will bring Stephen Amell back one day.

Winner: Not Seth

AJ Styles vs. Edge

Speaking of men who got rewarded for bad behavior…

…Edge as a crazy heel is a new thing for fans today, but not for those who watched in the mid-2000s like me. Also, turning heel after an inspiring comeback isn’t a new thing.

As for Styles who’s been in tag team limbo for the last year, he needs the win. 

Winner: AJ Styles

Anything Goes
Johnny Knoxville vs. Sami Zayn

If anyone’s worried about match quality, they shouldn’t be. Johnny’s used to putting his body through hell and he’s gonna be in there with Zayn. Plus, the both of them have promoted the hell out of this match.

Sami should take the fall given his deluded heel run, but can he do it without losing credibility? Probably. Also, celebs tend to come out on top at WrestleMania.

Winner: Johnny Knoxville

Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin

The fans need to calm the f*** down. Getting moved down the card isn’t the death sentence they make it out to be. They could position McIntyre to go after the unified champion later in the year.

Corbin won’t be too hurt by a loss.

Winner: Drew McIntyre

Raw Tag Team Championships
The Street Profits vs. RK-Bro (C)

How do they do it? Pull off these odd-couple tag teams? Randy was in need of a refresh and it’s impossible to hate Riddle. With Angelo and Montez at the top of their game, we’ll get a solid tag bout.

Winner: RK-Bro

Raw Women’s Championship
Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch (C)

She tried to cut off her ponytail. That’s her identity, her trademark. What did she think was gonna happen? 

As hot as Lynch is, she’s gotta be taken down a couple pegs. Bianca is the one who’s gotta carry the women’s division on Raw and convention says Becky’s gotta lose. Big Time Becks is so good as a heel, even I kinda hate her.

Winner: Bianca Belair

Smackdown Women’s Championship
Ronda Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair (C)

The match that will likely go on last on Night 1, but won’t be the “main event”.

It’s called mainstream appeal. If Ronda’s got it, they’re gonna use it.

There was no real conclusion to their singles bout at Survivor Series ‘18. The match will likely end with both alternating submission holds. Dislike her heel character if you want, but they push The Queen because she is that good.

Ronda isn’t that great on the mic, but she does have real respect for the business. Focus on that.

Winner: Ronda Rousey

Stone Cold Steve Austin “vs.” Kevin Owens

The “Attitude Era fan” in us wants to see an actual match with these two. If Austin could “smoke and mirror” enough with Owens picking up the slack? 

It’s not a deal-breaker for me. A big brawl with Owens getting the mother of all stunners would do it. 

Universal and WWE Championships

Roman Reigns (UC) vs. Brock Lesnar (WWE)

Seven years ago, he was rejected out of hand because he committed a “crime” against the fans. 

Now he’s the hottest thing across all the brands. Fingers are crossed it’s not booked as badly as 2018 and it’s as good as 2015.

I wouldn’t be mad if Lesnar won, but it really should be Roman. If they’re ever gonna do the dream match with The Rock, he needs the credibility. There’s also the chance John Cena returns for that 17th title. Beating either Reigns or Lesnar would make for a huge moment.

Well, there are my predictions. Nothing left to do but start up the Peacock app when it’s time.

Don’t mess with the X.