I am fine with that. I think she's going to be their new Eva Marie, except she can actually wrestle. I'm fine with these next couple of months being focused solely on WrestleMania and Mania being the culmination to the year of WWE. Emmalina would be a wonderful "RAW After Mania" debut.

But hell, open up her segments to both RAW and SmackDown and create some ambiguity as to where she is going and increase the scope of her wonder.

Not sure if it has popped up in the vignettes, but she appears to have a theme floating around. It seems to fit the gimmick and has a beat similar to her dancing theme underneath it all (I'm not a musical guy, so I can't be sure if I am detecting this wrong). I've always been a sucker for gimmicks that tie a wrestler's history together.

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credit wrestling observer/smelly meatball's dirty sheets


I would be surprised if they didn't do Kevin Owens/Chris Jericho

"So Wrestling Observer is reporting a bunch of stuff might have been decided, but it will probably change. Par for the course for them."
-The CyNick

If they don't do Owens vs. Jericho, I imagine that they will be RAW Tag Team Champions still doing their full shtick as best friends. When coming up with a match that is "big" enough for them, The New Day really seem like the best opponents, given that they are such heavy merchandise movers. I've posted that I'd love to see American Alpha vs. Owens & Jericho, but I just can't see it for whatever reason. Sheamus & Cesaro function as transitional champions to get the belts onto Owens & Jericho for the big WrestleMania tag between the top faces of the division and the hottest double-act they have. Sheamus & Cesaro probably don't split, but rather do a "Welp, shall we enter the Battle Royal and kick ass together and hope it's us at the end?" thing. Can't believe that Show vs. Shaq is a lock. Seems a perfect fit to head into the Battle Royal. Yeah, both were in it last year, but Shaq wasn't advertised.

I can see The Wyatt Family being over sooner rather than later, sadly, and that probably leaves Orton to face Bray with Harper in the Battle Royal, on the outside or in the inevitable Ladder Match for the IC Title. I thought about a Triple Threat, but Orton has been in so damn many at WrestleMania, and the three-way gimmick doesn't really add anything to the drama.

A RAW Women's Title match makes sense, and I can see the WWE being scared of not doing one after all this Women's Revolution talk, because it hearkens back to the days where the Divas Title was only defended at Mania once. That being said, I wonder if Charlotte vs. Nikki Bella in a Champion vs. Champion Match is the best way to go? It's kind of frustrating to your average fan to have two Women's Champions defending on the same show, because it's kind of got a "Well, who really is the best women's wrestler" problem, since you don't see them fight. I think Champion vs. Champion Matches are problematic, but I could see it. After all, Charlotte has pretty much burnt through everyone on the RAW side. Sasha, Becky & Bayley can team up to face Alexa, Nattie & Nia or something. Two women's matches, you spread out your "revolution" girls, get some new ones on the show, pay respect to a veteran, keep the Samoans happy and have two very different looking matches with different stakes.

There's a similar problem with the SmackDown Tag Titles, but I can see the WWE just not caring about those belts. American Alpha can retain in your stock Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match at their first Mania on the Kickoff. The Usos would be logical opponents. Slater & Rhyno are probably broken up by then, but maybe. The Fashion Police can be in there. The last team may even be The Revival, who I can see being called up according to plans, but not getting the push that you'd hope because of their tweeting.

I'm really hoping AJ Styles beats John Cena at the Royal Rumble. I think AJ needs the belt more than Cena does. It's gonna be awesome when Cena gets 16, but does it really have to be now?

I think AJ Styles needs to face either Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, or Goldberg at WrestleMania, and win. That makes AJ Styles, IMO. Right now he's on that Chris Jericho level of main eventer but can be easily beaten, maybe just above it. A win over Cena at the Rumble and then over 'Taker, Lesnar, or Goldberg at Mania would make him the most over guy in WWE.

I'm hopeful for this:

WWE Title Match- AJ Styles (C) vs. Royal Rumble winner Brock Lesnar

John Cena vs. Goldberg

The Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns

WWE Universal Title Match- Kevin Owens (C) vs. Chris Jericho

No DQ- Seth Rollins vs. Triple H

WWE Raw Women's Title Match- Charlotte (C) vs. Trish Stratus

WWE Intercontinetal Title Loser Leaves SmackDown! Ambrose Asylum Match- Dean Ambrose (C) vs. The Miz

Big Show vs. Shaq

WWE United States Title Ladder Match- Braun Strowman (C) vs. Big E vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Sheamus vs. Cesaro vs. Finn Balor vs. Rusev vs. Sami Zayn

Triple Threat Match- Bray Wyatt vs. Luke Harper vs. Randy Orton

WWE SmackDown! Women's Title Match- Becky Lynch (C) vs. Mickie James

Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal

WWE SmackDown! Tag Team Title Fatal 4-Way Match- American Alpha (C) vs. The Revival vs. The Usos vs. #DIY

#1 Contender For WWE Raw Women's Title Match- Bayley vs. Sasha Banks

WWE Cruiserweight Title Match- Gran Metalik (C) vs. Kota Ibushi

Alvarez is reporting that after WK11, WWE want one of their main events to be that good. Not sure who they could do it with though... Joe V AJ? AJ V Nakamura? I'd fucking love it if they could somehow make ot AJ V Zayn.

Also note the wording "one of their main events".

There's no way THE main event is going to be as good. They aren't having AJ/Nakamura, AJ/Zayn, or whatever they come up with close out the show.

Styles vs. Michaels, baby. Come on. You know that will live up to it.

That's why I have AJ vs. Brock as my personal choice for main event. AJ being the creative wrestling genius that he is and Brock being the beast that he is I have no doubt these guys would deliver a very unique classic.


I'd love AJ vs. HBK, but if HBK didn't come out of retirement to face Daniel Bryan, his student, I don't see why he'd come out of retirement to face AJ Styles.

Brock vs. Shinsuke Nakamura is something I'd be very interested in, but they're not gonna make Shinsuke a main event player in 3 months.

I'm pipe-dreaming with Styles vs. Michaels, but it is within the realm of possibility. When HBK retired, it was actually before all this part-timer stuff started happening. That really kicked up in 2012 with The Rock and Brock Lesnar. And while HBK was probably happy being retired then, just two years after those classics with Taker, who is to say that his kids aren't just that bit older and said "We'd love to see you wrestle one more time, daddy." I mean, that's just speculation, but the difference between his son being 10 and 17 and daughter being 6 and 13 is pretty huge. And maybe he's just gotten itchy?

It would have been great for Shawn Michaels to come back against Daniel Bryan, but that was still only a few years after his retirement, and once you get to WrestleMania XXX it was basically injuries for Bryan. Maybe there'd have been more talk if Bryan had stayed healthy? And there's also that personal element to it. HBK and Bryan are both professionals and surely Bryan owes a lot to HBK, but they seem like very different people. Maybe they don't "get along" as well as we project onto them? Not in the sense that HBK would be dying to come out of retirement to work with him, anyway.

I dunno, there are a lot of variables that could all be in play here. The reason I'm hoping so hard for it is because AJ Styles, more than anyone since Bryan, feels like the perfect guy for it. He teased it with that Twitter post, and while Styles could have just been feeding the "Fantasy Warfare come to life" gimmick, it put vibes out there. I probably look into things too much when I read HBK denying that anyone has approached him about doing the match and I immediate think "That's bullshit -- I'm sure the only reason Vince doesn't call you every day and ask you to return is to respect your wishes not to be bugged literally every day."

Brock vs. Nakamura is something I do see happening at some point, but maybe not in the immediate future. I'm actually fine with Brock vs. Shane at Mania. Brock is good at kicking ass and Shane is good at getting his ass kicked. It's a perfect dynamic in many ways. Plus, if they're going to re-sign Brock (and Vince will try) then they're going to need to feed him. I'd rather see Shane take on that role than a younger talent who is going to be just another guy who lost to Brock Lesnar.

I was gonna make a dream WrestleMania card but then I realized even an ideal card would be mostly shit. Taker vs Cena is big time. Outside of that, they've gotten to the point where it's hard to make WrestleMania card that's much bigger than a Fastlane card. They even proved last year that they can take the big fight feel out of a Brock fucking Lesnar WrestleMania match.

I'm with Noid on the AJ Styles/HBK match although I think it should have happen ed at the Royal Rumble instead. If they want a match to come close to to the Wrestle Kingdom match it has to be one with Styles. Styles/Cena would be my choice as I think they ruined it by just giving Cena the title shot. I'd had Styles out there talking how he'd beat everyone on SD and was just going to take the Royal Rumble off only for HBK to come out and challenge him. They would have a killer match at the Rumble with Styles winning. Cena wins the Rumble and sets up Styles vs Cena for the WWE World Championship at Wrestle Mania. You have the best wrestler in the world coming off a win over a Hall of Famer and the most popular wrestler in the world going for #16.

I have no desire to see HBK come back to job to AJ Styles.

The only problem with Styles going from HBK to Cena is that you're going from an exciting dream match to a great match, but one that we've seen quite a few times. It's liking starting your porno with anal and then working back to cuddling.

Intriguing. I'm not saying you're incorrect, but I'd love to see that match. I'd even be fine with it if Styles lost. It's hard to think of anything "special" for WrestleMania. I've come around on Cena vs. Taker. I still think that putting Taker over is a bit dumb and Cena doesn't actually get much from the win, other than confirmation that the last twelve years haven't been accidental, but I can understand why people would feel that it is something special. The hype videos would be magical, and possibly better than the actual match.

I don't want to see Taker unless its a match with Sting. Don't care if the match would suck I just want it to happen. I have no intrest Taker vs anyone else. Especially Cena, I just don't see the appeal. Cena needs to be in a match with some one who can pull a great match out if him and Taker can't do that.

I really, really don't want to see Taker vs. Sting, but I totally get you on the other points. I'd be fine if Taker decided to take it off and work later in the year instead. Give him some time to rest up from that surgery or whatever it was he had. Survivor Series XXX is in Houston this year. That being said, you know we are getting Taker. I'd actually be fine with that suggested Wyatt Family vs. Taker, Kane & Sting match. Share the workload between the older guys. If they still went with Styles vs. Michaels (in my dream world) they could also do Cena vs. Joe.

I think that's a lot less likely than Cena/Taker for the belt, but whatever.

Sting and Taker doesn't have to be a good match although I think it would be better than most think. Them just meeting in the ring would make for a moment unlike any other on the show.

Isn't Sting like almost paralyzed at this point?

It's hard to feel the "magic" with Sting when his biggest moments in WWE have been losing to Triple H and getting his neck broken by Seth Rollins. He's also already gone into the Hall of Fame. I think we're pretty much done with Sting beyond video games and memories.

I don't think so. He's been putting off having surgery in hopes of having the match I believe.

That being said, I've never really gotten Taker vs. Sting as an attraction. Is it because they are both "dark" characters? Or is it because they are seen as "franchise guys?" Because the match itself has never really appealed to me. Sting seems more of a guy that matches up well with workers like Ric Flair that he can no sell against and shit. The franchise element is pretty much moot because it's happening in the WWE. It'll also bring out the asshole in Undertaker (remember 2001?) and Vince McMahon if they make it WWF vs. WCW again. Sting will woo and then be Tombstoned and that will be it, lol.

Would rather see The Miz vs. Sting at this point. Seriously. Or a heel Dolph Ziggler who can pinball around for him and also no longer matters.

I'd be fine with that match. I just want to see them in the ring together. No other match involving either interest me.

Miz vs Sting? How do you even build for that. Some one that no longer matters is Taker. Miz is another guy that needs to work with some one who will pull a great mat have out of him. Miz vs Nakamura would be my choice for Mania but it won't happen.

I kind of like the idea of only having the stars of the show on the main show and leave the "get everyone on the card" matches for the pre-show.

I'm hopeful that WWE will have the 3rd Lesnar-Goldberg match at Fast Lane. Have Lesnar enter at like 30 and have Goldberg be the iron man and have Lesnar get a cheap elimination on Goldberg. Then have Lesnar win the Rumble. The rematch can be for a shot at the main event at WrestleMania.

AJ Styles needs to stay champ and needs to solidify his spot. A main event match with Lesnar win or lose does that. I'd prefer he wins but that kind of leaves a "where do you go from here?" for Lesnar. I think Lesnar should go over Styles in the main event of Mania for the title after thinking about it.

Goldberg said he wants one more title run. After losing to Lesnar he's not done. He still wants one more title run. But one man has something to say about that. John Cena. He challenges him to a match at WrestleMania. I'd probably have Goldberg go over here, not sure if it would be as strongly as he did over Lesnar though.

I think you could have Roman Reigns get a cheap elimination on The Undertaker to set up their match at WrestleMania. 'Taker could get the fans even more on his side talking about how Reigns isn't right for the company and how it's up to Taker to stand up for his generation yada yada yada. If this is Taker's last match I'd have Reigns go over here. This makes Reigns a top guy no matter what anyone thinks if he wins.

Triple H vs. Seth Rollins will probably be on this show. I think Triple H needs to put Seth over here. I'm not sure if this would be as big of a victory as Reigns over Taker, but this certainly helps, I don't think a loss does anything for Rollins, and Triple H doesn't lose anything taking the L here.

Charlotte should defend the Raw Women's Title against Trish Stratus in a dream match and retain. Maybe even make it a squash to prove her dominance.

Kevin Owens should defend the Universal Title against Jericho. Either guy could go over here and I wouldn't be bothered.

I think dissension in The Wyatt Family needs to hit it's peak here as a Triple Threat will take place between Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton, & Luke Harper. I'd like it if Harper got a dominant win over these two to really put him over.

I think Dolph Ziggler should turn heel after losing so much and should challenge Shane McMahon to a match for holding him down. Dolph could go over after Shane does a bunch of crazy shit.

Hopefully Big Show faces Shaq in a classic 5 star battle.

Becky Lynch could defend her SmackDown! Women's Title against Nikki Bella, Mickie James, & Alexa Bliss. I really don't care who goes over here honestly.

I think Miz and Ambrose should keep their feud going until it culminates at WrestleMania where it culminates in some sort of gimmick match. Maybe and I quit match where the loser leaves smackdown or the loser's girlfriend leaves smackdown and winner becomes Intercontinental Champion.

I like the idea of a United States Title 8 Man Ladder Match opening the main show. I'm hopeful Braun Strowman can win the United States Title at some point in the near future and defend against Big E, Kofi Kingston, Cesaro, Sheamus, Rusev, Sami Zayn, & a Mystery entrant which would either be a returning Finn Balor or if he's not ready I'd put Shinsuke Nakamura in there. Either way I'd have the mystery entrant go over.

On the Pre-show I think you end it with a #1 Contender for Raw Women's Title Match between Sasha Banks and Bayley. Put Sasha over and start a fresh feud with Charlotte.

And with the Andre Battle Royal which I'd have Samoa Joe win.

SmackDown! Tag Team Title Match- with American Alpha vs. The Usos vs. DIY vs. The Revival. Put the Revival over here.

A Cruiserweight Title Match with Neville and Kota Ibushi should open the pre-show. Neville goes over since he's actually under contract.

This is what Mania should be like IMO

Not a bad card. I wouldn't do things exactly that way, but I agree with the philosophy that the "jam everyone on" mentality needs to go.

I'd be all for Styles vs HBK. With AJ going over.

We have to get to a point where the current guys are being put on an even keel with the part time guys, and presuming AJ is losing to Cena (who is part time himself) at Rumble, and they tie him (Cena) up with Taker (no real gain for either guy winning), and with Lesnar/Goldberg cancelling each other out, a HBK/Styles match mirrors the HHH/Rollins match on the Raw side.

After the years he's had, and as one of the few permanents fixtures on SDL he needs and deserves something special for MANIA.

My WM Card the way they have been booking:

Main Events:

-Goldberg vs Lesnar
-Seth Rollins vs HHH
-Taker vs Cena (WWE Championship)

Undercard:
-AJ Styles vs Baron Corbin
-Kevin Owens vs Chris Jericho (Universal Title)
-Roman Reigns vs Braun Stroman (US Title)
-Miz vs Dean Ambrose (IC Title)
-Bayley vs Charlotte vs Nia Jax vs Sasha Banks (RAW Women's Title)
-Becky Lynch vs Nikki Bella vs Alexa Bliss vs Natalya (SD Women's Title)
-New Day vs The Clubs vs Ceasaro/Sheamus vs Cass/Enzo ( RAW TT Ttitles)
-American Alpha vs Wyatts (SD Tag Team Titles)
-Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal-Debuting Samoa Joe wins

And please hopefully no Big Show vs Shaq (WWE Please Read This)..Do not take quality PPV time for a guy that is winding down his career to overpay some celebrity. Leave the time for showcasing the talent that is and will be carrying your company for the next 2-5 years or more.

Only problem I have with a Styles/Lesner match is Lesnar usually just does the bare minimum during matches. Like I thought Lesnar/Ambrose would have been a lot better than it was.

I think that's just more Ambrose not being outspoken and Brock being Brock. I think AJ and others will be vocal and Brock would be more than willing to go all out. I could always be wrong though.

It's a match I'd like to see as well and I'd hope Brock would give his all. Nakamura is another I'd like to see with Brock as they have history in Japan and I think he's win someone Brock would respect. I agree with you as I don't think Brock took Ambrose seriously and thought he should have been in a higher profile match.

Last years card had 12 matches; 3 on the pre-show, 9 on the main card (albeit one was that thing with The Rock). There are now 9 championships in WWE, all of which could do with being defended, plus a likely match of Lesnar vs Goldberg and the Battle Royal so that'd take up 11 spots unless you do a champion(s) vs. champion(s) showcase match.

Probably going to borrow some ideas from the thread, a mix of what's possible/probable and what I wouldn't mind seeing, some I'll flesh out more that others.

I really dig the idea of AJ Styles vs. HBK as a feature match on SDL side of things, as the match to rival the Wrestle Kingdom 11 main event.

HBK will be at Raw this week (along with Taker) and it'd follow on quite nicely from what AJ has going on with Cena if, the following night, he were to invoke the names of Taker (another part timer coming to hog the limelight, who's on SDL one week, Raw a few weeks later) and Shawn Michaels (this is the one that really gets AJ because HBK is already retired). AJ cuts a scathing promo on Cena, Taker, and Michaels.

Also on this show Bryan comes out to promo to the crowd about how SDL is the land of opportunity, having crowned 8 new champions since the brand split, and in order to increase the opportunities offered to all SDL superstars he is scrapping the automatic rematch for dethroned champions; so when Styles defends against Cena it's the last time unless the loser qualifies to compete for the title again.

At the Rumble in San Antonio HBK and family are invited guests and given front row seats. AJ wrestles Cena for the WWE Championship and at some point AJ ends up on the floor in front of Michaels. He gets to his feet to find Shawn smiling in his face, AJ shoves or slaps HBK in front of his wife and kids which leads to a bit of a pull apart between the two. You can either have Styles return to the ring distracted and have Cena go over, or be a bit more overt and have HBK hit SCM leading to the AA and win for Cena. This leaves you with Cena as WWE Champion, and Styles out of immediate contention.

Cena gets his 16th reign to tie the record but under less than admirable circumstances. It's the first time in 2 years he's been at the top but he's still not sure if he could have done it without the inadvertent help of HBK. This is the impetus for Cena challenging Taker to a match at Mania; to prove he can beat the very best on their best stage at the biggest night of the year. You can even do a match between Styles and Taker for #1 Contendership to give SDL a ratings bump in lieu of no PPV between Rumble and Mania if you like.

Ultimately you've a few routes and outcomes with this; if this is Taker's last match you could have him beat an increasingly desperate Cena for the belt, only to pose at the end of the show and disappear into the night leaving the belt and his hat/gloves/boots? in the ring. Cena becoming desperate during the match can lead to him taking some time off if that's the plan to reflect on what he was willing to do to prove he could still hang only to return to try to win 17 and set a new record in a more valiant way. #redemption

Or, if Taker wants to go out on his back you could do the the long sought after Cena heel turn. Or, you know, CENAWINSLOL.

Coming back to the rule about no automatic rematches, this happens next week prior to Miz getting a rematch for the Intercontinetal Championship. He cites this as further proof that Daniel Bryan is vicitimising him, he says he's making an official complaint to the "Board of Directors" and that he intends to go to Raw, but as long as he's on SDL he's going to make Bryan's life hell. He disrupts SDL/Talking Smack regularly, he continues the animosity with Renee Young, he's basically out to get anything SDL brand related.

At some point you have Miz disrupt a match by taking out both guys (maybe an "Opportunity Knocks" match pitting two new guys/NXT guys against each other for a SDL contract, or an IC #1 Contenders match). He rants and raves about wanting his opportunity at the title, or the opportunity to go to Raw, and he wants an answer from the BOD.

The BOD eventually decide that Miz should be given an opportunity to get back into contention for the belt he lost. Ultimately Miz wins the IC Title back but he continues to make Bryan's life as GM a misery. Eventually Shane O'Mac makes his return, he says he'd love to book a match pitting Miz against Bryan but unfortunately Bryan isn't cleared to wrestle. But there's a man that is, a man that bleeds SDL blue, a man that wouldn't be much of a Commissioner if he didn't stand up for his own GM. Shane McMahon vs The Miz with the IC Title on the line is booked for Mania with the added stips that if Miz retains he is free to go to Raw with the belt.

As for the Women's and Tag Titles, it's important that these belts get a little shine as they're so new and this will be the first time they're defended at WrestleMania. I'd keep it quite simple with the women; who are my top 2 priorities going forwards. That's likely going to be Becky Lynch or Alexa Bliss defending against Nikki Bella with Nikki cementing her feel good story with the win.

With the tags, I don't think there's much of an obvious match to go to with the lack of depth/over teams on SDL. Best from an in-ring would likely be Alpha defending against The Usos, or a team of Orton and Harper with Bray having helped them work together. Or this is where you do the Champions vs. Champions deal and have American Alpha face Sheasaro in what could be a bit of a barn stormer. This option gets the tag champs in a featured match but frees up another non-title focused slot on the card.

You could do Orton vs. Wyatt (vs. Harper) here. Those two guys probably deserve something outside of the ATGBR.

SmackDown Live portion

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
John Cena (c) vs. The Undertaker

GRUDGE MATCH
AJ Styles vs. Shawn Michaels

INTERCONTINETAL CHAMPIONSHIP (if Miz wins he takes the belt to Raw)
The Miz (c) (w/ Maryse) vs. Shane McMahon

SMACKDOWN WOMENS' CHAMPIONSHIP
Becky Lynch (c) vs. Nikki Bella

TRIPLE THREAT MATCH
Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt vs. Luke Harper

CHAMPIONS VS. CHAMPIONS
American Alpha vs. Cesaro & Sheamus

Plus Brock won't be competing in a UFC match for a while at least...

Yeah he was pretty lame on his Podcast with Stone Cold. Didn't want to say anything.

I would love to see HBK wrestle again, but I just don't see it. I think he will be at the Rumble in some type of host/enforcer role. I could see that leading to a non wrestling role at Mania. For example he corners someone. Just to throw an idea out there, maybe Dolph Ziggler cuts a promo on HBK prior to the Rumble talking about part timers taking up spots. At the Rumble HBK could call him an HBK wannabe. Ziggler lays a beating on him and stretchers him out in his hometown. AJ acts as the surrogate for HBK, and HBK gets involved at Mania to help AJ win. You could also run a similar angle with Baron Corbin.

Speaking of, I think he's going to have a high profile match at Mania. He's my dark horse to win The Rumble and go on to face Cena. If you notice, Cena's new gimmick appears to be that of the vet who feels like he's being pushed aside, but isn't going to let that happen. As much as it seems like Taker vs Cena makes sense, I don't really see how it fits into Cena's current storyline. Not to say WWE can't make it work, they clearly can, I'm just not convinced it's the direction. Booking wise I think Corbin's next big program has to be for either the IC title or the WWE title. Ambrose vs Corbin for the IC is a possibility, but so is Corbin vs Cena for the big title. I'll be interested to see what happens this week on SDL between Cena and Corbin to see if it's a one off or something more long term.

I can also see Miz and Ziggler creating an alliance of bitter guys who feel they are better than everyone else. Them vs Alpha would be a fun match.

Jacket vs Jacket match who ever loses much never wear a trench coat again.

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GP T6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAA AElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; ██████████relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BPCVrXch4iH/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">I'm coming for you BIG SHOW</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A video posted by DR. SHAQUILLE O'NEAL Ed.D. (@shaq) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-01-09T08:15:04+00:00">Jan 9, 2017 at 12:15am PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
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I would rather see Cena/Reigns than Cena/Taker but I do want both...

If they go with Cena/Reigns I hope AJ gets Taker. If they go Cena/Taker I hope AJ gets something special. Maybe Joe, if they is actually going to happen.

My thinking is Cena should be the one to retire Taker. HBK retired Flair, Taker retired HBK, you need a big name to retire Taker. Cena fits the bill.

If Taker still has a few more Last Rides in him then Cena v Taker isn't needed THIS year.

Yeah I agree, kinda hinges on how much Taker has left in the tank. Roman and Cena must happen as well, but not necessarily before Cena/Taker.

Let me have a crack at Raw's half of the show.

THE BEAST VS. THE BERG
There's every chance we get this despite all of the the pairings available so let's do you it. Probably feels the biggest match on the red side.

UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Roman Reigns (c) vs. Braun Strowman
Again a much rumoured match. Whether I like it or not this feels like a bigger deal than Jericho's/Rollins. Give Braun the Rumble win if you want to rocket him into position for this. Roman wins the belt from Owens at Rumble, retains at Fastlane. I can see fans getting behind Braun to the point where a Mania crowd will likely choose him over Reigns, so maybe we attempt a double turn here. The Usos help out their cousin to retain here and set The Bloodline up as an entitled heel group who haven't been given the respect they deserve by the fans.

NO DQ MATCH
Seth Rollins vs. HHH

Rollins goes over.

UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
Chris Jericho (c) vs. Kevin Owens

Jericho wins the US Title (maybe tonight?) and Owens' losing the UC pushes him over the edge and sets up these 2 best friends battling over the US belt.

RAW WOMENS' CHAMPIONSHIP FATAL FOURWAY MATCH
Charlotte Flair vs. Sasha Banks vs. Bayley (vs. Becky Lynch)

If you do Bliss/Bella on the SDL side maybe you work out a deal to bring Becky Lynch across to do the full Four Horsewomen match. This follows on from last years a Triple a Threat and gets 6 of your top priorities on to the show.

SIX MAN TAG TEAM MATCH
Shaq & The New Day vs. Big Show & The Club

Well it looks like they've started the build to the Shaq vs. Show match so lets at least get New Day in the mix that sets them apart from the Battle Royal.

CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER MATCH
Neville (c) vs. The Brian Kendrick vs. TJ Perkins vs. Rich Swann vs. Jack Gallagher vs. Noam Dar vs. Cedric Alexander vs. Gran Metalik

Do a bunch of qualifiers on 205 leading to this. Let them go.

ANDRE THE GIANT MEMORIAL BATTLE ROYAL
I count 34 non-cruiser/not injured guys without involvement in a programme. Lets cut one and go with 33 participants to match the number on the Mania. Top picks include Baron Corbin trying for back-to-back wins, Dean Ambrose, Dolph Ziggler, Rusev, Sami Zayn, Kane, Big Cass, and James Ellsworth. Maybe they throw a bonus title shot in for the winner to add a little sizzle for those guys that are realistically above this match.

Neville vs Ibushi is currently rumored to be another match planned for Mania according to a recent episode of the Observer Radio show.

Unlike with Sabre Jr, WWE doesn't hold a grudge against Ibushi for refusing to sign a deal after the CWC and Triple H is rumored to be the one pushing the hardest to get Ibushi for Mania.

That's 14 matches total. You'll have to bin some of the shite skits/music performances/filler.

I like the idea of having the Cruiserweights in the ladder match. Neville vs Ibushi would be fine though.

Yessssssss!

It makes sense. Ibushi has edged himself into being a star in the company's eyes.

Pure speculation: ZSJ got his fair amount of criticism from certain officials in WWE, allegedly, and after watching him a bit it was easy to see why. Dude still has a long way to go. He probably should have been grateful for a contract, to some degree. I mean, he's a different case to Ibushi.

Also, with Vince taking an interest in 205 Live and his stubbornness to get it over, Ibushi is clearly the star you run with. Neville is clearly the guy destined to be the champion. That is your "big match" in the division.

Cruiserweights were never really associated with Ladder Matches. I mean, it's fine if you want to see it, but traditionally Ladder Matches, even clusterfucks, have had more of a variety of contenders in them. You usually get bigger guys as bases, spotty guys for the stunts, experienced workers to tie things together, etc.

If there's a Ladder Match, I imagine it will be for one of the secondary titles. Ambrose vs. Corbin is actually pretty likely for the IC Title, but you could just as easily throw Ambrose, Corbin, Crews, Kalisto, Kane, Ziggler and Miz together for a Ladder Match and have that variety and layers of experience and newer stars being exposed.

I'm really feeling Jericho & Owens vs. The New Day for the RAW Tag Team Titles now. They're one of the best double-acts in the company (although heatless), so I don't know why you wouldn't put the Tag Titles on them, at least for a little while. I have a feeling they are still completely in on The New Day. They still move a lot of merchandise and they have that cereal out. We will get tired of them long before Vince does. I could see them being babyface challengers. It also completes the Jericho story, with him originally coming into the WWE to protest New Day.

It's easily the highest profile thing they can do for those belts at Mania.

Perhaps a potential Cruiserweight Open shades of Wrestlemania 20 or a new type of match created specific for the Cruiserweights.

I like this idea. Owens and Jericho could do the split at Mania.

Cruisers tend to be weak. They look bad trying to pick up and set up a ladder. IC/US title or tag is the best for Ladder Matches.

Well yeah if you have a match full of Ellsworths but have you seen some of the Cruiserweights. Most are short jacked dudes who would have no problem with a ladder. Let's not forget that everyones favorite non cruiserweight that's actually a cruiserweight Kalisto made his name in a ladder match. Then again that is probably something WWE wants us to forget so you probably already forgot.

Foreshadowing?


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Could this be foreshadowing to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wrestlemania?src=hash">#Wrestlemania</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BraunStrowman">@BraunStrowman</a> vs <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheUndertaker?src=hash">#TheUndertaker</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RAW?src=hash">#RAW</a> <a href="https://t.co/MQQHUTvOLc">pic.twitter.com/MQQHUTvOLc</a></p>&mdash; Tappedoutwrestling (@tappedoutpod) <a href="https://twitter.com/tappedoutpod/status/818656118767546369">January 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;The only BOSS in this room is ME!&quot; - <a href="https://twitter.com/StephMcMahon">@StephMcMahon</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/SashaBanksWWE">@SashaBanksWWE</a> after her demanding a tag team match... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RAW?src=hash">#RAW</a> <a href="https://t.co/xjKPEMYzUl">pic.twitter.com/xjKPEMYzUl</a></p>&mdash; WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWEUniverse/status/818647216499757056">January 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Kalisto was in there with other big guys who could do the heavy lifting and let him do the jumpy stuff. Even though some of the cruisers are strong for small guys, they are still small guys and generally look silly trying to manipulate ladders.

With the exception of Kevin Ownens every member in the IC ladder match last year at Mainia was under 225lbs. I don't see 20lbs being a big factor in lifting an aluminum ladder. Most that weight is just for the hight difference. I think the Cruiserweights would kill it in a ladder match but if they can get Kota Ibushi for a match with Neville that would be even more killer.

Kayfabe wise is Seth Really wanted to get HHH to come out of hiding he'd pedigree Steph.

They hot-shotted that angle too early.

Does Ibushi equal more subs from the non-IWC crowd?

Probably not but he made a big enough impression in the CWC to gain interest. Then again they might just want to throw him on the card to up the interest in Japan although calling up Nakamura would do more for that than Ibushi would.

Yeah, it's one of the kayfabe writing issues I have with guys like Triple H at Wrestlemania.

All this time in hiding, and yet, come Wrestlemania that big something will happen that will make him come out of hiding and agree to a match.

I think HHH will cost Seth the Rumble. Which in that case you didn't need HHH costing Seth the title 6 months ago.

But you're only catering to the CWC/IWC/Meltzer sheep,,,, and they'll be subscribed already.

A cruiserweight match isn't really going to draw any casual fans anyway. It will probably be on the pre show or kickoff the show.

I'd be for Taker vs Roman if Roman retires Taker and turns heel.

Wouldn't be surprised if they have Kota Ibushi take on The Undertaker since they wanna have a match like Wrestle Kingdom

Recent speculation by the Observer implied the WWE is looking at only 2 more matches for Taker's Mania career although it all depends on if Taker decides Mania 33 or Mania 34 is his last.

If Taker decides to not retire, its very likely going to be Taker-Cena at Mania 33 and Taker-Reigns at Mania 34.

If Taker decides this year is his last, Taker-Reigns is very likely to occur at Mania 33 instead.

Observer did imply previously the WWE has a contingency plan in place in case Reigns fails again to become their new mega star but likely wouldn't kick in till after Taker-Reigns. Rollins is penciled in right now as that person but WWE also has plans to keep going with the Reigns experiment till at least Mania 34.

Just do Cena vs. Taker and Reigns vs. Goldberg. Give Taker the Rumble and have Goldberg beat Brock at Fastlane after Shane shows up and costs Brock leading to Shane vs. Brock. Simple. AJ Styles demands a chance to prove himself after losing the WWE Title at the Rumble, while Sami Zayn wants a chance to prove himself over on RAW -- those two become a natural lock (and an easy win for AJ Styles).

After what I heard happened on RAW, it seems we are probably heading to Charlotte vs. Nia Jax or a Fatal 4-Way with Stephanie involvement. Not big on on the 4-Way, but I can understand why they are doing it, given their "stock" in these women, even though I feel it devalues them and Nia isn't nearly ready for the position she is in.

Alleged hall of fame

Would be surprised if there wasn't a female inductee.

Maybe one of the 7 identify as female.

The Natural Disasters ... really????

It was also implied the headliner could possibly be:

Needs a celebrity. Should be Andy Kaufman. Will probably be Tom Selleck because he once walked by Vince in an airport or something.

Dunno if anyone has mentioned it but you could see some of the contigency plan for takers decision at raw I think. The stroman staring at undertaker on tv bit...there's no room for that if current plans are to be believed. I'm wondering if they go with undertaker V stroman at mania if he decides to stick it out until 34. Either that or we get another triple threat at this mania. Taker V reigns V stroman and they obviously have reigns go over both (gives more boost to their last ditch effort to push him again) and softens the blow of taker losing his last match at wm as stroman can take the fall. Stroman has now indicated clearly he wants reigns and he presumably wants taker because of the aforementioned tv spot. Why else set those up now?

If stroman goes over Rollins in their little feud now too....that's clear indication he would go after Roman next. And if he goes over rollins...really what else would be the next logical step in his push than to test him in the main event?

I'd have to think Daniel Bryan is a likely HOF inductee next year in New Orleans.

Recent news from the Observer hinted at the WWE currently leaning away from the idea of Taker's Mania match involving the WWE or Universal belt. Could be a possible sign Cena and Reigns won't both be grabbing gold at the Rumble if its true.

Observer did hint recently the WWE isn't planning on another Mania coronation event for Reigns so if he wins the Universal belt, its either at the Rumble or after Mania.

I am uncomfortable with the ever pressing need to fit everyone on the card for Wrestlemania. Pulling in part time wrestlers does make an event special and give it that big show feel, but I can't deal with the amount of part timers that will be on the this card. Folks like AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose, Miz, Big Cass, New Day, all killed it this year and likely won't be given a huge WM spot because not only will Undertaker, Lesnar and Triple H be on the card but also Shaq and Goldberg.

The biggest trouble I have is making a Wrestlemania match for AJ Styles. I don't have faith that Samoa Joe is going to be the answer to this issue, plus I don't think he's deserving of being hot shotted into a huge match like that. Would I take it if it happens? Yeah absolutely, but I don't count on it.

I really can't even fathom a card that will make me feel too excited for this show. I don't see an opponent for AJ or Cena better than each other either and that match has been done enough by the time Mania comes.

Brian Alvarez mentioned earlier today that outside of the three "set in stone matches" that WWE is really changing up the card it would seem, and that many of the planned matches are ones no one has even thought about.


Big Dave just tweeted this...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Really interesting <a href="https://t.co/YWl9lKtnna">https://t.co/YWl9lKtnna</a></p>&mdash; Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) <a href="https://twitter.com/davemeltzerWON/status/819351186524377088">January 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Bryan Alvarez did confirm that James Ellsworth is not being considered for Undertaker's opponent at WrestleMania

Main-Event confirmed:


http://i.imgur.com/l1SrofK.png

Lmao love how they gave the 2 Romans alternate color outfits like an old school fighting game. I'm going with red roman.

#FakeNews

Card has been set for some time. But they won't report what it is because they don't have the Intel. Failing site getting desperate for clicks.

Shaq

I see what you did there. Nice.

UPDATE from Wrestling Observer:

The WrestleMania show isn’t finalized, but there is an idea on the table where Joe will debut with a major push and be in one of the top few matches on the show, which also makes it likely he’s starting very soon and would have to have a big Rumble if he’s in it.

I'm not convinced that Cena/Taker is off the table. I'm also not convinced that Brock/Goldberg is happening. I think Undertaker and Strowman could be the last two in the Rumble -- that is what the foreshadowing was about.

I can see Dean Ambrose & Renee Young vs. The Miz & Maryse making the main card too. That will get SmackDown women on the show. AJ Styles gets left with Sami Zayn.

Undertaker vs someone on raw

Not reigns Rollins Jericho Owens strowman Goldberg or lesnar

Who could that be..who? Who? Who?

The last part is pretty interesting since either the WWE finally realized part-timers were hogging up too many spots or the same guys kept locking up too many spots leaving little for new stars.

Past few years its basically been a combo of Reigns, Cena, Lesnar, Triple H, and Taker hogging up main event match spots. Goldberg, Rollins, and possibly Strowman joining for this year to make it 8 guys for 6 spots (3 matches). Either more from the usual combo have to get demoted or more main event tier matches get added.

I'd get behind Cena vs The Miz for the WWE Championship. Quite easy to write with Miz's Hollywood gimmick and Cena getting another film role.

I also though about HHH & Strowman vs Reigns and Rollins. Braun has issues with both as HHH has done and it saves a spot on the card. With Braun absolutely destroying Reigns and Rollins and looking like a monster until Ambrose interferes and unites The Shield.

I could also see The Undertaker vs Finn Balor. "Battle of the Longest Entrance".

Come on, bro. They already have a headliner in there.

It's the New Day yes it is!

Maybe Rusev vs Undertaker

Taker is definitely fighting either Cena, Reigns, or Strowman. I really can't imagine anybody else.

Lesnar/Goldberg
Triple H/Rollins
Big Show/Shaq
Taker/Strowman
Cena/Reigns
Styles/Joe
Miz/Ambrose
Orton/Wyatt
Jericho/Owens
Andrew The Giant Battle Royal
Charlotte vs Bailey vs Sasha vs Jax

That's a lot of matches

I could see some of those turning into tags or multiples somehow.