After a fairly well done WrestleMania 30 (John Cena Winning & Undertaker’s streak not effectively executed aside), it’s time to start thinking about matches that we would like to see before WrestleMania 31. These are in no particular order, just 10 matches that I would like to see, as well as many other wrestling fans, before WrestleMania 31. Keep in mind that some of these matches might actually happen in WrestleMania 31, but let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope at least half of these matches happen beforehand.
So let’s start this list with a bang…
Goldust Vs. Cody Rhodes: The Battle of Brothers
Do you believe in the term “written in the stars”? If so, then this match has been written in the stars by the wrestling gods for years. The amount of potential this match has to not only be the best wrestling match of the year, but the best wrestling match in either of their careers. This match can make push both brothers into icon status. It can give that push that Cody Rhodes needs and make Goldust into a respected legend. I’ve always had the image of both of these brothers going at it at WrestleMania with Goldust having a similar entrance as Ric Flair did in WrestleMania 26, with a massive gold robe and the blonde wig. It could happen, but as of now it would be nice to give the fans a taste of what the Rhodes brothers can do against each other.
Since the loss of the tag titles, both brothers have been in a losing streak so it wouldn’t be a surprise if they turn on each other. They can start this feud heading to SummerSlam, and reconcile before reprising it again leading into WrestleMania 31 only with Cody asking Goldust to put his career on the line. It doesn’t matter who is going to be the bad guy in this feud, all that matter is that both of these men can really go at it better than half of the wrestling roster today. All I’m asking is when/if this match becomes official, I would like to see the return of Goldust ‘s Shattered Dreams.
John Cena Vs. Daniel Bryan 2 For The WWE World Title
Accept it, whether you like it or not John Cena will be back in the title picture. Hopefully though, he won’t be having a title shot at Wrestlemania, but will most likely before it; like SummerSlam or on the fall PPV (Night of Champions or Hell in a Cell). Now that I think about it, just make it SummerSlam. But just how does Cena get the title shot? Well, it’s quite simple. Do you remember SummerSlam from last year? John Cena was the champion and lost the title to Bryan. Although that Bryan title run was short lived, he did get his rematch; John Cena didn’t. All Cena has to do is to cut a promo saying “ I’ve enjoyed watching Bryan become the top man here in this company, but I feel that he hasn’t been challenged enough as a champion. So I, John Cena will take the challenge to Daniel Bryan at SummerSlam.” Daniel would then come out and mention how he does need his rematch from last year and accepts the challenge. Very simple, and very possible.
Cesaro Vs. Brock Lesner : The Battle Of Heyman Guys
The first thing you might be asking yourself is, “ Why is Paul Heyman with Cesaro, and Not With Brock?” Before I answer that question, I have to say I easily see this match headlining WrestleMania 31 and if not, at least at SummerSlam. Now back to your question. What if I told you that Paul Heyman would most likely turn babyface heading into WrestleMania or even SummerSlam. Sounds impossible right? Well, not entirely. All that has to happen is Brock Lesnar come out and simply say “I don’t need you anymore.” I mean, the man has conquered the highest peak in all of wrestling by beating The Undertaker’s Wrestlemania Streak. Why does he really need a manger? Let’s face it, he’s set for life at this point. Also, if he wants to make the message clear, he should cut a promo and end by giving an F5 to Paul. While Cesaro is in shock over what happens, Brock goes after him and lays an F5, thus beginning the feud.
Paige Vs. Aj Lee
You don’t think I’d have a list without mentioning the Divas on it. I can safely say the treatment of the Divas division has been more focused on their reality show superstars, than headlining matches. But that has changed since the debut of Paige. Look, I’m not saying Paige will put the Divas back on the map, wrestling wise, but if she’s going up against AJ Lee, It would be a start. It’s easy to say that we’re going to have the best battle between two Divas since Lita and Trish Stratus. Bold Statement, I know, but if you have ever seen Paige on NXT before hand, you know what I’m talking about. Also, there is no question about Aj Lee and her ability in the ring. Aj might have lost the title after WrestleMania to Paige, but knowing her, she will back someone to look for throughout the rest of the year.
John Cena Vs. Cesaro
What would John Cena do once he’s done feuding with Bray Wyatt? Or if he was to lose his hypothetical rematch to Daniel Bryan? Why not go up against the “King Of Swing” himself. This is a must book match, one that can build wonderfully if given enough time. Cena will do his promo, but Paul Heyman work his magic and counter attack before the match with a promo only he could cut. Some of you have seen Paul Heyman talk about Cena before, back when he was with Cm Punk but this time would be different. Paul could simply say “Cesaro, is the next man to carry the company, the era of Cena is over. The King Of Swing is here to stay, for good and you Cena already have your toes out the door.” This match can happen either at next years WrestleMania, or right after SummerSlam.
Triple H Vs. Roman Reigns
The tension from the return of Evolution is rising, and it’s clear to say Triple H is back as a wrestler, at least for now. So why not go against another young cat that he believes can be a major superstar one day. He did it before with a superstar, who is now getting booed to death every time he enters a ring; I’m of course talking about Batista. Those two went at it for 4 months back in 2005 simply to get Batista over with the fans. The same idea can work again with Roman Reigns as he is now in need of a massive feud to get over. This can easily happen at SummerSlam, with the other members of Shield going against either Batista or Randy, or even both. We shall see the aftermath of Extreme Rules, that will be the make or break for this match happening.
Brock Lesner Vs. Batista (The Beast Vs. The Animal)
Speaking about Batista, he should have another massive match before WrestleMania 31. It’s pretty much the only way the man can get respected again. So why not go up against each other? Well, they’re both hated by fans and a match would force fans to choose sides. The match could also be very possible for SummerSlam, especially since it’s going to be in Hollywood, so why not have a movie star of the next big Marvel movie go up against the man that has conquered everything in his path. Both of these men can make for one hell of a show. Batista is getting better in the ring (whether you like it or not) and Brock can outsell a broom if he has too. SummerSlam.
Roman Reigns Vs. Dean Ambrose Vs. Seth Rollins
It’s going to happen and when it does it’s going to be amazing. At this rate it can happen as soon as the end of this year, but whenever it happens it will be one of the best matches in years. The best way to end this faction is to have a brutal war of power within it. These hounds of justice have the total package; the high-flyer with Seth Rollins, the brawler in Dean Ambrose and the muscles in Roman Reigns. It would take a big pay-per-view to handle these guys going full out war mode. I can see it at Survivor Series, where they debuted or at TLC. I’m not sure who would be the winner of the match, all I know is all wrestling fans, young and old will have their eyes glued to the TV.
Bryan Wyatt Vs. Daniel Bryan For The WWE Heavyweight Title
After Bray Wyatt destroys John Cena (we hope), he should go after the WWE Heavyweight Title; he does have every right too. All he has to do is cut a promo, reminding the crowd that he has beat the Champion before. A match between him and Daniel would go excellent in a Hell In The Cell, if they build up it right. I’m not worried about the match, as both of these men will sell it perfectly with each other. It doesn’t matter who wins the match, if Daniel loses, people will still love him and if Wyatt losses he would be pushed more as the amazing heel he already is. It’s a win/win.
Brock Lesner Vs. Daniel Bryan For The WWE Heavyweight Title
To the Daniel Bryan fans out there; if there were a moment where you had to accept that Daniel Bryan would lose the title it would be most assuredly be to Brock Lesner. Remember, the goal Lesner had before having his match with The Undertaker? He was chasing the WWE World Heavyweight Title and after breaking The Undertaker’s Streak, it’s easy to say that he will be coming in strong for the next WrestleMania as champion. There would be no worries about this match being bad, or poorly built up. It could be as good, or even better than the match between Cm Punk had with Brock Lesner back in SummerSlam 2013. Maybe after he wins the title at the Royal Rumble, which is the most reasonable event to display his win. He can go on the next night on Raw and say to Paul Heyman that he doesn’t need him anymore and F5 him and Cesaro leading to that feud.
What do you think of these predictions? Love them, Hate them? I am always excited to talk wrestling. WWE, TNA, ROI and even more indie goodness. You can keep the conversation going by dropping me a message via twitter @Nando_Pov
This article originally appeared in the May issue of GAMbIT Magazine which is free for all readers and can be found (here)
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