April 11, 2017
We’re only a couple weeks removed from Wrestlemania 33, but I thought I’d go full brash and attempt to predict some of the things revolving around next years Mania. I’m going to do this in 3 segments, First the Hall of Fame, then NXT, then Wrestlemania 34 so let’s get started.
As I wrote the words above I realized it’s going to probably be one short ass post today. Why? Because aside from maybe the Hall of Fame I don’t know how many predictions I can make in terms of superstars and matches, however we’re going to try. So let’s start with the Hall of Fame. Your top star is going to be The Undertaker. If he’s actually done as it seems so heavily speculated, then it’s going to be him headlining the Hall of Fame from the spookiest place in the country New Orleans. Other members of the Hall I believe will include Kane, a man whose given his all to the business just as Taker has. Plus, their careers are completely intertwined so it’s hard to think that they won’t be getting inducted together. I think another inductee we see is Jim Cornette. After his return to the company this year, I think it’s finally time that we see him take his place among the greats in the hallowed halls of the WWE HOF. As for you’re Women inductee, I think there are a couple here that would make sense but the first is Ivory. She was a fantastic wrestler in her day and did a lot for Women’s wrestling. I don’t know if it’s too soon or not, but I think she does deserve a spot there. The other option here, at least in my opinion, is Miss Elizabeth. This is a woman whose deserved to be in the hall of Fame for years but somehow has continued to be overlooked. As far as the Warrior award recipient, I can’t make a call on that, but I think honestly that’s a pretty decent class of 2018 should they pull the trigger on all of these names.
NXT Takeover
As far as the imminent Takeover event that will occur the weekend of Wrestlemania, there’s a lot to be shaken up there. First off, I still believe that Bobby Roode will either have just lost his NXT Championship, or will be losing it that night. The question is to who? (Cue: Who from the crowd.) My bold prediction here is that we will be getting an Alister Black championship run after Bobby Roode finishes up with the brand. I might be a bit off the mark but I fully believe that we’re going to see Alister Black holding the title at the end NXT Takeover. On the womens’ side I believe your defending champion will be Ember Moon, that’s because Askua will be coming up to the main roster after Summerslam, at least that’s my guess. So then, who is the opponent for Ember? I think it boils down to either one of Billy Kaye, Patton Royce, or Nikki Cross. I think by this time next year they will be extremely rooted in their ways and have the ability to challenge such a strong wrestler. Last, I believe that the Authors of Pain will defend one more time against DIY which will happen either in May or at Summerslam. From there they will be coming to the main roster while AOP continue their domination. But then whose to challenge them? Looking at the landscape right now their tag team division is thin, so if I had to guess based on current landscape you’ll get Heavy Machinery to challenge the AOP in a match that will shake the ring. My last prediction of NXT revolves around Sanity. I believe that with, or without Nikki Cross Sanity will be making their debut after mania so this is where I feel they finish up whatever storyline they’ve got running at the time. Regardless, at the end of NXT Takeover, it’s sure that we’re going to have a brand new NXT landscape. That much I can almost guarantee.
Wrestlemania 34
So this particular card will be much harder to predict due to the size and overwhelming nature of the beast. However, it seems the Main Event is set and it looks to be Lesnar vs. Reigns for the Universal Championship. This is going to piss off a lot of fans, myself included but that’s not to say that Lesnar won’t lose the title to regain it between now and then. Though it’s hard to say. I believe we’re also going to have Kevin Owens in another Title match, either defending or challenging. That’s because Owens is on a hot start for mania appearances appearing in championship matches his first two show of shows. I believe they continue that trend next year. I’d like to say that next year AJ will be getting a shot at the WWE Championship, though it’s hard to think that might be the case depending on the situation that befalls him between now and then. Finally, and this one is more of a hope then a prediction, but if we could get AJ vs. Wyatt for the WWE Championship, I’d be more than okay with that. But it’s hard telling how the next year is going to play out, one thing is for certain. As we roll onward to next years Mania, it’s going to be a hell of a ride and I’m glad as a wrestling fan that I can be a part of it.
Join me next week as I talk about the Undertaker, and what he meant as a character and a performer to the WWE. Until then, I’m Kyle Robinson picking up the pen, and closing the book on this subject.