Through RyanSatin
FOX Sports WWE Analyst
WrestleMania 38 is finally here!
After months of preparation, the Road to WrestleMania has headed to Dallas, Texas, where 14 matches will be held over the next two days at The Showcase of the Immortals.
There’s a winner-takes-all unification match, celebrity involvement, a surprise competitor, and the possibility of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin wrestling for the first time in almost 20 years. To say it’s packed would be an understatement.
Before I give you my predictions though, here are a few quick thoughts on this week’s Friday Night SmackDown.
The strongest part of the show was Pat McAfee’s constant build up against Austin Theory. McAfee is one of the most popular people in WWE right now and fans went berserk when they saw him being attacked by Theory.
Also, with Vince involved once again, I’m wondering if he’ll do the same in their match.
I also thoroughly enjoyed Charlotte Flair’s delusional “cool” promo, which was one of her strongest in a while, as well as Ricochet, who pulled off a win over Los Lotharios in a triple threat title defense. I’ve talked about how Ricochet was treated since winning the Intercontinental Championship, so I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out when something was done right.
As for the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, I didn’t see a problem with winning Madcap Moss. WWE is clearly interested in taking him to the next level in some way, so why not with a win in a notable match?
Now let’s move on to the WrestleMania predictions.
WRESTLEMANIA SATURDAY
Becky Lynch (c) vs. Bianca Belair – Raw Women’s Championship
That’s a no-brainer: Bianca Belair, all the way.
Bianca’s rise to superstardom has been halted since SummerSlam – which is understandable given that Becky Lynch deserved the attention following her return – but now it’s time to get back on track.
I expect Bianca to win the Raw Women’s title, which keeps Becky spinning for a few months until she finally rediscovers “The Man” and then sets her sights on Ronda Rousey for next year’s WrestleMania in Los Angeles.
PREDICTION: Bianca Belair
Rey and Dominik Mysterio against The Miz and Logan Paul
Part of me wondered if this would end with Logan Paul turning on The Miz to help The Mysterios, but this program is building on the popular YouTuber getting the double 619 – so I’m hoping that happens.
I could also see Logan hitting on Miz after their match, but the end result will likely be the same.
PREDICTION: The Mysterios
Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin (with madcap moss)
My money is on McIntyre in this case, and the reason is pretty simple – WWE’s Universal cover photo.
When WrestleMania is over in a few days, no matter what happens in the main event, Roman Reigns is going to have someone to mess with. Drew is currently the only viable option
PREDICTION: Drew McIntyre
usos vs. Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs — SmackDown Tag Team Title
This is difficult to predict.
On the one hand, Rick Boogs and Nakamura are engaging with audiences, and giving them a run with the tag titles might be fruitful. Then again, it makes sense that The Bloodline holds a lot of gold from WrestleMania.
If I had to choose one, it would have to be reluctantly…
PREDICTION: The Usos
the new day vs. Scheimus and Ridge Holland
Am I walking here with my mind or my heart?
Because my heart says New Day must win to avenge Big E’s injury. However, my brain keeps reminding me that Sheamus, Ridge, and Butch (aka Pete Dunne) are in the middle of a TV foray. And if Big E hadn’t been hurt, it most likely would have been at his expense.
As always in my life, I go with my heart, but I have a feeling my brain will be the last laugh.
PREDICTION: The new day
Seth Rollins vs. TBD
After a week of trolling posts from Mr. Rollins, tonight we finally get to know who the mysterious opponent Vince McMahon has chosen for him is.
Before Friday night, I was convinced that Cody Rhodes had to be the most likely option. Why else would he give up what he was doing if not to return home?
However, after the Hall of Fame ceremony ended with Undertaker putting his hat, gloves, and jacket back on and then saying “never say never,” the odds of The Deadman being in the match went up sharply.
Still, I think it’s all a red herring and the rumors are becoming reality.
PREDICTION: Cody Rhodes
Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey – SmackDown Women’s Championship
The clear favorite at the betting odds for this game is Rousey, who goes home with the gold, and for good reason: that’s clearly what’s going to happen. I just don’t see a case where Charlotte is lagging behind.
However, Flair deserves a lot of credit for the work she has done on this program. Getting fans to cheer for Ronda again wasn’t an easy task, but Charlotte is so good at her job that she made it look like it.
PREDICTION: Ronda Rousey
The KO Show with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin
The big question is will the bell ring for a match between these two, and if I had to guess, I’d say yes.
The build was designed to feel like Austin getting back in the ring and I just don’t think he would sign off on that unless he planned on doing more than just for a stunner and a beer bath in to climb the ring.
WRESTLEMANIA SUNDAY
Queen Zelina and carmela vs. Sasha Banks and Naomi vs. Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan vs. Natalia and Shayna Baseler — WWE Women’s Tag Team Title
The fans seem to be leaning towards Banks/Naomi as the winners of this match, but I’m not sure I see it that way. Sasha is one of the few Superstars who could take on Rousey, coming out of WrestleMania, should Ronda become the new SD Women’s Champion, and holding the tag titles would stand in the way of that.
Meanwhile, Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley are super fans and need something to do themselves. Also, they have great chemistry together. In that sense, Natalya and Shayna’s team would also be good for the division. Giving them the tag titles would be a much better use of the two gifted performers.
It’s hard to pick a winner that I’m confident in, but…
PREDICTION: Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley
Sami Zain against Johnny Knoxville
If this is a real match I would love to see Sami Zayn win. He’s a WWE Superstar and shouldn’t lose to a guy who’s being beaten up for a living.
However, if this turns into a Jackass match – involving the cast and pulling off various pranks – Knoxville should claim the win. That’s his thing and Sami Zayn could easily bounce back.
But which one will it be?
PREDICTION: Johnny Knoxville
Pat McAfee vs. Austin theory
Normally Pat would win all the time here, but Theory picking up wins against secondary champions makes it clear they have plans for his future.
But even if that leaves me with some doubts, I still have a hard time accepting that mega-babyface Pat McAfee will lose in his WrestleMania debut.
PREDICTION: Pat McAfee
RK-Bro vs. Street Profits vs. Alpha Academy – Raw Tag Team Titles
I’d love to see Street Profits or Alpha Academy pull off a win that propels their team to new heights here, but RK-Bro is still massively packed with fans.
Still, I believe my money is on Street Profits. They’re yet to have a major WrestleMania moment and winning the tag titles on Sunday would fit that description. They also showed off a new edge that I’d love to see more of.
PREDICTION: Street wins
edge vs. AJ styles
When Edge becomes the new Undertaker legend at WrestleMania that Superstars covet, you’d think he’d have to beat Styles—especially if that heel turn will result in another world title.
Also, winning at WrestleMania AJ doesn’t necessarily help. Whether he wins or loses, he is loved so much that his reactions will remain the same. Edge, on the other hand, needs more.
PREDICTION: Edge
Bobby Lashley vs. Omos
“The Irresistible Force” versus “The Immovable Object”. Wait, this is a different WrestleMania match, but it still counts here as Omos has asserted his dominance in the ring against everyone in front of him.
But will it be enough to conquer Bobby Lashley? My gut says no. Based on the way Lashley lost his title in the Elimination Chamber, I’m assuming this match will be the start of Bobby’s comeback.
PREDICTION: Bobby Lashley
Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Roman Reigns (c) – Winner Take All Title Unification
Since his return as The Head of the Table, Reigns’ career has been about building his legacy and positioning himself as a figurehead for this generation. If he is to cement that spot, Roman must beat the man who held him back at two previous WrestleManias. Plain and simple.
This feud built into the biggest match in WrestleMania history, and while you could argue against it, it still feels like a big deal. I expect Reigns to come out of Dallas gold-stained.
PREDICT: Roman Reigns
Follow WWEonFOX on social media throughout the weekend. I’ll be on site at AT&T Stadium Saturday and Sunday shooting reaction videos so you don’t want to miss all the action.
Ryan Satin is a WWE Analyst for FOX Sports. Satin previously starred in FS1’s “WWE Backstage” and founded Pro Wrestling Sheet, where he was the editor-in-chief of breaking news stories.
Get more from World Wrestling Entertainment Follow your favorites for updates on matches, news and more.