WWE WrestleMania 35: Preview and predictions

AJ Styles vs. Randy Orton

Even just a few years ago, who would’ve thought that a WrestleMania match between AJ Styles and Randy Orton was even possible? The dream match becomes a reality this Sunday when two of the best in-ring competitors of a generation go at it. Truthfully, I am very much looking forward to this match. These have been two of my favorites for a while and if Orton feels like getting after it, this could be a show-stealing type of match, much like his match with Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 31. Styles can make a match with just about anyone look like an instant classic and with the bright lights on this one, I think Orton brings his A-game and these two tear the house down.

Prediction: This one could go either way but a win benefits Styles just a bit more than it does Orton. There’s guaranteed to be a crazy RKO spot at some point in the match, even if we already saw a nice one on Tuesday night (perhaps this time we get one off the 450 springboard, which would be insane). Still, Styles somehow manages to overcome it to pick up the victory.

The Miz vs. Shane McMahon (falls count anywhere match)

It wasn’t all that exciting when Shane McMahon and The Miz got together, simply because it was obvious that they’d eventually split and get to this point, but the whole thing played out much better than expected. It’s still a little strange seeing Miz as a sympathetic babyface but as per usual, he’s pulling it off well. Seeing McMahon with a little fire in him has been enjoyable as well. The smart money is that the falls count anywhere stipulation was added because somebody found somewhere in MetLife Stadium for McMahon to perform some death-defying leap. It is Shane McMahon and it is WrestleMania, after all. There almost has to be a near-death experience, right?

Prediction: If creative wants to keep the momentum going for this weird edition of The Miz, it makes sense for him to pick up the win here. McMahon is likely to take one too many risks and it costs him in the end.

Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre

This little feud with Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre is getting intense. Reigns has had some physical programs over the last few years with the likes of The Undertaker, Braun Strowman and Brock Lesnar and it’s just as exciting to see him get it on with McIntyre just as much as any of those three. McIntyre has had a fantastic year and this is a huge spot for him. It’s been a while since Reigns hasn’t been in the main event of WrestleMania so that’s a little switch as well. But this still has a big-fight feel to it and it could be good if they just let these guys go at it.

Prediction: This one is a tough pick as well. There’s obviously the feel-good story with Reigns’ return to action after battling leukemia but there’s also the ascent of McIntyre into a main-eventer, and he is on that path. Some people wouldn’t like it, but the best course of action is to let these guys battle to a double count-out. The bad blood is there, and going to the outside and beating on one another until the 10-count is a realistic turn of events that keeps the feud open-ended. It’s a long-shot but that’s the official pick, which is no pick at all.

Kurt Angle vs. Baron Corbin (Angle’s farewell match)

So let’s get this straight. People don’t want Baron Corbin as Kurt Angle’s opponent for his farewell match? (Insert sarcastic comment or emoji here) No, Corbin probably isn’t the ideal guy for Angle to finish up with, but that’s what we’ve got. Corbin has been known to be a safe worker and the story actually makes sense as opposed to just throwing someone in there to throw someone in there. Yes, John Cena would have been a prime choice given his history with Angle but that doesn’t look to be in the cards. Just take this match for what it is and enjoy Angle one last time.

Prediction: It’s usually customary to go out on your back but things won’t play out that way here. Angle is one of those guys who deserves to go out on top, and watching that tribute video on Raw this past Monday night was beautiful. He truly is one of the best that this industry has ever seen. On the other hand, can you imagine what a win could do for Corbin and how he could use that for the rest of his career? Nope, not happening: Angle with the win and then Angle and the rest of us with all the tears and feels. It’s true.

Triple H vs. Batista (No Holds Barred Match)

How amazing was Batista’s promo on Monday night? I’ve never even been the biggest Batista guy but that was incredible. And it honestly is a little crazy to think that Triple H has never beaten him, but that’s where we’re at and what is essentially the point of this whole thing. Remember how Triple H had never beaten The Undertaker before their match at Super Show-Down last year and then won that one? That feels very similar to what’s happening here. But the build has been somewhat entertaining and the match itself should be decent enough, even with their combined age of 99 years. The no holds barred stipulation obviously opens up a world of possibilities for how this goes down (think of the numerous run-in possibilities, especially with D-Generation X being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame the night before) and Triple H’s career being on the line does add to it.

Prediction: I wouldn’t think that Batista would come back to WWE to lose but it’s also crazy to think that Kurt Angle and Triple H would both have their last matches on the same night. So let’s with interference giving The Game the victory. Unless Chris Pratt comes down in the Star-Lord costume and then it’s Batista all the way.