Pay Per View Crystal Ball
Predicting All of the Matches at Wrestlemania 29!
by Donald McDermott & Jesse Berberich
I have been a pro wrestling fan nearly my entire life. That’s a long time, trust me. And I do mean Pro Wrestling….not necessarily Sports Entertainment. I am proud to say that before the days of Pay Per View, I watched the very first WrestleMania on Close Circuit TV at the Ridgewood Grove Arena in Queens, NY.
Almost three decades later, I get the chance to attend my very first Mania in person. I for one can’t wait. Let’s take a look at some of the most anticipated matches on the card at WrestleMania 29.
Pre-Show for the Intercontinental Title
Wade Barrett vs The Miz
I have to say that I am still not a big fan of using title matches on the pre-show. It’s a good way to get people to check in early I guess. I thought that having Jericho in the mix here for a triple threat would have been more exciting. I am sure we will still see a decent match from two solid performers. The fans may be warming a little more to Miz as a face, but I still expect Barrett to walk out as the I.C. Champ.
My Crystal Ball Says: This year Wade Barrett is the one who gets to be aaaaaaawesome at WrestleMania.
Jesse Says: The Barret Barrage rolls through Miz and Wrestlemania 29 (the pre-show anyway)!
Chris Jericho vs Fandango
Being sort of an “old-school” wrestling fan, I admit that I have enjoyed the slow build to Fandango’s first match. Making that debut match at WrestleMania has caused a bit of a buzz lately too….which in the world of Professional wrestling is always a good thing. Is he deserving? Is he ready for the opportunity? We find out on April 7th. Pitting him with a seasoned pro like Y2J was a smart move.
My Crystal Ball Says: Fandango may have been ready for Mania, but he isn’t ready for this big a win yet. Y2J breaks the walls down.
Jesse says: Jericho reigns supreme as the Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla!
Ryback vs Mark Henry
I was actually excited when I saw this match coming together. Your classic irresistable force running into the immovable object. I will let you decide on your own exactly who is who. I think Mark Henry has done some of the best work of his career as a heel in the past year or two. He is reaching the end of his hall of fame career though, and quite honestly, after coming up short the past few Pay Per Views, Ryback needs the win here a lot more.
My Crystal Ball Says: The Big Hungry takes a bite out of the World’s Strongest Man.
Jesse Says: If the rumors are true that Ryback is indeed turning heel, what better catalyst then ANOTHER PPV loss on the Grandest Stage of 'Em All? That's what Mark Henry does! And he picks up the win!
The Shield vs Big Show, Sheamus and Randy Orton
The Shield has pretty much dominated every three-man team that has been put in their way so far. So why should this time be any different? Each member of the Shield can work, and both teams seem to work well together and against each other. The big questions here are can Big Show be trusted on the same team with two of his biggest rivals. And is this where Randy Orton makes his long-awaited heel turn?
My Crystal Ball Says: The Shield stands tall as The Viper strikes out at his own partners.
Jesse Says: Big Show turns first, costs the faces the match, Shield wins, THEN Orton turns.
Tag Team Title Match
Team Hell No vs Dolph Ziggler and Big E Langston (with A.J. Lee)
I think WHERE this match is placed on the card at this year’s Mania will say a lot about the outcome. It certainly looks like Kane and Daniel Bryan are headed for splitsville. But we have been saying that for awhile, haven’t we? AJ has provided the perfect distraction, Dolph has looked great in the ring, and Big E has dominated. Not sure we have seen enough of Dolph’s bodyguard in the ring to put a title belt around his waist just yet.
My Crystal Ball Says: Team Hell No retains? YES, YES, YES! Maybe with some help from Divas champ Kaitlyn?)
Jesse Says: NO way in HELL does Ziggy 'N' E pick up the win and the belts (see what I did there?).
World Heavyweight Title Match
Alberto Del Rio vs Jack Swagger (with Zeb Coulter)
At one point I would have said for sure that Swagger was taking this one. Then at another time I thought for sure that Del Rio was accepted as a face and was sure to retain. Now I am not so sure either way. Fans seemed to have cooled off on both men considerably (although I still love any time Coulter has the mic). This might be a perfect time for Dolph to cash in his Money in the Bank contract on whoever wins.
My Crystal Ball Says: Ziggler is forgotten about after losing earlier in the card. Del Rio wins a draining physical contest, and Dolph cashes in.
Jesse Says: I agree with Donald's prediction.
Team Rhodes Scholars and the Bella Twins vs. Tons of Funk (Brodus Clay and Sweet-T) and the Funckadactyls
Jesse Says: So, Donald forgot to predict this match, so, to keep it brief, Rhodes Scholars and Bellas pick up the win!
Triple H vs Brock Lesnar
A rematch from this past SummerSlam brings the CEO of the company out of semi-retirement to face the man who broke his arm, broke his best friend’s arm, and handed him one of his most crushing personal defeats. I have been a HHH fan since day one and am always happy to see him back in the ring, no matter who it is against. Brock is a beast, but with his career on the line I expect the Cerebral Assassin to be at the top of his game.
My Crystal Balls Says: We could see a SummerSlam repeat, but I will always cast my vote for the Game to be on at WrestleMania.
Jesse Says: Triple H wins but not before getting his ass handed to him by the BEAST!
CM Punk vs The Undertaker
When they finally made this official, I was actually worried that there wasn’t enough time to get a decent build-up for a match between these two superstars. Boy was I ever wrong. Punk has become the best heel in the business, doing everything he can to infuriate the fans, disrespect the Undertaker, and tap dance along the line of what might be considered “going too far.” If there is such a thing in wrestling.
My Crystal Ball Says: Punk’s work aside, as long as Taker continues to wrestle, the streak continues. CM Punk rests…in…peace.
Jesse Says: I'm not gonna touch this one.
WWE Title Match
The Rock vs John Cena
Last year’s build up to their match at Mania was epic. This year’s build-up was non-existent. The Rock's part-time status as WWE champ, the long stretch Cena has gone without a championship and WWE's focus on Cena redeeming himself make the outcome here feel inevitable to me. Cena’s promos have gotten a bit “edgier” lately however, and I am starting to wonder if we may finally get to see a heel John Cena?
My Crystal Ball Says: Cena finds a way to win the match and say “The Champ is Here” one more time.
Jesse Says: Cena wins, but maybe there's a surprise or more to the story after the match is over.
