{"id":21117,"date":"2017-04-01T21:21:11","date_gmt":"2017-04-01T11:21:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thefatwebsite.com\/?p=21117"},"modified":"2017-04-01T21:21:37","modified_gmt":"2017-04-01T11:21:37","slug":"wrestlemania-33-preview-and-predictions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.thefatwebsite.com\/?p=21117","title":{"rendered":"Wrestlemania 33 Preview and Predictions"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"tagwwe\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"wm33preview\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

W<\/span>restlemania<\/em> weekend is upon us!<\/p>\n

The biggest event\u00a0in the pro wrestling calendar is upon us and Wrestlemania\u00a0weekend is as huge as it has ever been. \u00a0Emanating from Orlando, Florida at the Camping World Stadium, the show itself is expected to draw over 60,000 fans. \u00a0Not only that, there has been an explosion in the number of other wrestling promotions who have thrived in recent years that piggyback off the popularity of the\u00a0Wrestlemania<\/em> and have their own shows on the same weekend.<\/p>\n

Just look at this absurdly stacked line up being run over the weekend by these various\u00a0promotions:<\/p>\n

\"wmweekend\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The weekend’s matches includes a mix of popular independent wrestlers, international stars and industry veterans. \u00a0Wrestlemania<\/em> weekend has become a popular tourist attraction internationally and for wrestling fans wanting to indulge themselves in wrestling over and above what the WWE has on offer, there is a plethora of shows to choose from.<\/p>\n

\"weekendhighlights\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Of course the WWE themselves have greatly expanded the output of their product during Wrestlemania<\/em> week. \u00a0There’s the Hall of Fame ceremony, the Axxess<\/em>\u00a0fan event and NXT Takeover<\/em>. \u00a0The actual Wrestlemania\u00a0<\/em>event itself now is a mindboggling six hour spectacle when you include pre and post show content. \u00a0And as has become tradition, the first episode of\u00a0Raw<\/em> after\u00a0Wrestlemania<\/em> has also become a major drawcard as it often represents a ‘resetting’ of storylines and the introduction of new talent.<\/p>\n

So what about\u00a0Wrestlemania<\/em>\u00a033?<\/em> \u00a0Is the show itself expected to be any good?<\/p>\n

The short answer is a rather blunt ‘no’. \u00a0I wrote in last year’s preview that\u00a0Wrestlemania<\/em> has had three years of badly handled storytelling and focused on wrestlers that the WWE fanbase has vocally rejected. \u00a0This year’s card is probably the worst one in recent memory but fans have seemingly reached a point of numbness where they don’t care. \u00a0The ratings for Monday Night RAW have been steadily declining for years and at this stage, I think all that remains are the rusted on diehard wrestling fans who will never stop watching. \u00a0Of course they’re frustrated that their favourite wrestlers (Chris Jericho, Kevin Owens, Dean Ambrose etc) aren’t featured in the marquee matches but I think they’ve given up on expecting any sort of meaningful change in the promotion until something significant happens from a creative direction (e.g. Vince McMahon retiring). \u00a0I think there is a begrudging understanding that\u00a0Wrestlemania<\/em> is an event promoted at the casual viewer who doesn’t watch year round. \u00a0The WWE’s creative mishandling of popular wrestlers doesn’t draw the angry response it once did. \u00a0This is because the WWE weekly content has been consistently terrible for years now and its getting much easier for fans to find content that is geared towards match quality much more easily, either within the WWE ecosystem with NXT and 205 Live, or externally with New Japan Pro Wrestling and dozens of other promotions who have created their own digital streaming services.<\/p>\n

In short, there’s been a mediocre lead up to\u00a0Wrestlemania 33<\/em> with plenty of confusing decisions on how the matches have come together. \u00a0But fans basically don’t seem to care anymore and just enjoy the spectacle for what it is. \u00a0And on that note, here is my preview and predictions for\u00a0Wrestlemania 33<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"goldberglesnar\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Goldberg (c) vs Brock Lesnar
\n<\/strong>WWE Universal Championship
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

The sort of thing that makes wrestling fans give up on the creative direction of the WWE is spending three years rebelling against Roman Reigns’ unwanted presence in the main event of Wrestlemania<\/em> only for the company to instead give them a headline match between two part time wrestlers, one of whom is about two decades<\/em> past his prime.<\/p>\n

Goldberg vs Brock Lesnar first\u00a0took place at\u00a0Wrestlemania XX<\/em> and the crowd booed the match relentlessly from start to finish because prior to the event news broke that both wrestlers were about to leave the promotion. \u00a0Thirteen years later, both guys are back in the main event. \u00a0They have met on two previous occasions in the lead up to Wrestlemania 33<\/em>\u00a0– at\u00a0Survivor Series<\/em> and\u00a0Royal Rumble<\/em> – and worked for about 3-5 minutes each time. \u00a0Goldberg in particular (aged 50), seems to be handled with extreme care due to his age and presumed inability to either bump or have the cardio to work any longer.<\/p>\n

The odd thing is that the crowd seem much more receptive to this nostalgia act the second time around.<\/p>\n

With Goldberg having soundly beaten Brock in their previous two interactions, the outcome of this match (and the medium term future of the title) seems pretty obvious. \u00a0Brock Lesnar wins, goes on holiday until Summerslam in August, and then drops the title to Roman Reigns. \u00a0What a depressing thought.<\/p>\n

I think the most significant thing about this main event is that it shows the extent to which the WWE is willing to prioritise nostalgia acts over their full time roster when it comes to Wrestlemania<\/em>. It bears repeating – their champion on the flagship show is fifty years old and doesn’t work for more than a couple of minutes. \u00a0It seemingly opens the door to future\u00a0Wrestlemania<\/em> main events being headlined by the likes of Hulk Hogan, The Rock and The Undertaker.<\/p>\n

Who Should Win: \u00a0<\/strong>Brock Lesnar
\nWho Will Win: \u00a0<\/strong>Brock Lesnar<\/p>\n

\"ortonwyatt\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Bray Wyatt\u00a0(c) vs\u00a0Randy Orton
\n<\/strong>WWE Championship
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

Wrestlemania 33<\/em> is a much deserved championship match for Windham Lawrence Rotunda who originally debuted in the company as Husky Harris before successfully reinventing himself as Bray Wyatt.<\/p>\n

Wyatt’s swamp preacher gimmick is one of the most interesting personas in the WWE. \u00a0He has a distinctive moveset, an intriguing personality and a memorable ring entrance. \u00a0All the ingredients to be a star in the company and make it in the world of professional wrestling.<\/p>\n

This is a pretty classic set up with the babyface Randy Orton chasing the title held by the dastardly heel Bray Wyatt in the culmination of a months long feud.<\/p>\n

Having said that, I think this match would have meant so much more if Bray Wyatt had actually been afforded a couple of big wins in the build up to this moment. \u00a0He has had two previous high profile\u00a0Wrestlemania<\/em> matches against John Cena and The Undertaker and he lost both. \u00a0If he had won either of those previous matches, I don’t think the outcome here would be nearly as certain.<\/p>\n

Who Should Win: \u00a0<\/strong>Randy Orton
\nWho Will Win: \u00a0<\/strong>Randy Orton<\/p>\n

\"stylesshane\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Shane McMahon vs AJ Styles<\/strong>
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

Since his debut at\u00a0Royal Rumble<\/em> last year, AJ Styles has cemented himself as one of the most popular wrestlers in the WWE and has continuously put on some of the best matches in the company, month after month. \u00a0So how was he rewarded for his efforts at the biggest show of the year? \u00a0With a match against the bosses’ son, a semi-retired wrestler. \u00a0In a creative decision, typical of the baffling and frustrating climate that is the current WWE, AJ Styles is facing Shane McMahon in a match that I don’t think anyone really cared to see.<\/p>\n

As a sad indictment on how bad this card is, I still expect this to be one of the best matches of the night. \u00a0Styles winning should be a formality but I don’t even know if that’s a certainty.<\/p>\n

The expected trade-off for the loss in match quality is another crazy stunt dive from Shane McMahon. \u00a0Preview pictures of the\u00a0Wrestlemania\u00a0<\/em>set design include a full sized roller coaster (!) and a mock up wrestling ring framed about thirty feet above the actual ring. \u00a0Surely they wouldn’t…<\/p>\n

Who Should Win: \u00a0<\/strong>AJ Styles
\nWho Will Win: \u00a0<\/strong>AJ Styles<\/p>\n

\"takerreigns\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Roman Reigns vs Undertaker<\/strong>
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

Despite four years of vociferous booing from fans, seemingly nothing is stopping the WWE in their relentless push to make Roman Reigns the marquee talent of their promotion. \u00a0Even a high profile failed drug test last year only derailed his momentum for a month before he resumed his winning ways.<\/p>\n

At this point, most people seem to have reached a stage of morbid curiousity with Reigns. \u00a0How far they can push this thing? \u00a0They already blew Undertaker’s two decade long unbeaten streak on Brock Lesnar. \u00a0Why not give Roman a win too, just for shits and giggles?<\/p>\n

As for Taker, rumours have been swirling for years about a possible retirement. \u00a0But if he can land a gig like Goldberg where he only has to wrestle for a couple of minutes on a light part time schedule, there could be years left in the tank for the wrestling phenom.<\/p>\n

Who Should Win: \u00a0<\/strong>Roman Reigns
\nWho Will Win: \u00a0<\/strong>Roman Reigns<\/p>\n

\"triplehrollins\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Seth Rollins vs Triple H
\n<\/strong>Non Sanctioned Match
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

Oddly enough, for a feud thats been in the works for something like eight or nine months, I still don’t really understand why these guys are feuding. \u00a0They used to be buddies and then Triple H turned on Seth for reasons I don’t really follow.<\/p>\n

Provided Seth’s health holds up (he’s rumoured to be battling pneumonia this weekend), this should be a fun brawl<\/p>\n

Who Should Win: \u00a0<\/strong>Seth Rollins
\nWho Will Win: \u00a0<\/strong>Triple H<\/p>\n

\"icchamp\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Dean Ambrose vs Baron Corbin
\n<\/strong>WWE Intercontinental\u00a0Championship
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

This is another one of those matches where poor booking in the past hurts the prestige of this contest. \u00a0Imagine last year, if at the height of his popularity, Dean Ambrose beat Triple H, Brock Lesnar or Roman Reigns.<\/p>\n

These two have had an intense build up to this match with Baron Corbin attacking Dean Ambrose with a forklift (!) on Smackdown. \u00a0In that respect, it seems odd that the match doesn’t carry some sort of stipulation to reflect the severity of their feud.<\/p>\n

Who Should Win: \u00a0<\/strong>Dean Ambrose
\nWho Will Win: \u00a0<\/strong>Baron Corbin<\/p>\n

\"mixtag\"<\/a><\/p>\n

John Cena and Nikki Bella vs The Miz and Maryse<\/strong>
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

Apparently this match exists so that John Cena can propose to Nikki in the ring afterwards? \u00a0That is some classic carnie wrestling antics right there. \u00a0A modern day Macho Man Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth!<\/p>\n

Who Should Win: \u00a0<\/strong>John Cena and Nikki Bella
\nWho Will Win: \u00a0<\/strong>John Cena and Nikki Bella<\/p>\n

\"uschamp\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Chris Jericho (c) vs Kevin Owens
\n<\/strong>WWE United States\u00a0Championship
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

The two most charismatic and beloved performers on Raw do battle after the acrimonious end to their friendship. \u00a0Both wrestlers have been in career best form in 2016 and this match should be an enthralling closing chapter to a highly entertaining storyline that has been the highlight of Monday Night Raw.<\/p>\n

Who Should Win: \u00a0<\/strong>Kevin Owens
\nWho Will Win: \u00a0<\/strong>Kevin Owens<\/p>\n

\"rawwomen\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Bayley (c) vs Charlotte vs Sasha Banks vs Nia Jax
\n<\/strong>WWE Women’s Championship
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

One of the five million terrible booking decisions this company has made over the last twelve months is kicking off Bayley’s debut championship reign on a random show\u00a0about a month before\u00a0Wrestlemania<\/em> instead of, y’know, at\u00a0Wrestlemania<\/em>. \u00a0They literally had Charlotte build up one of the longest undefeated PPV winning streaks in modern history, only for her to drop the title in February. \u00a0Why not wait until\u00a0Wrestlemania?<\/em> \u00a0Who knows? \u00a0The WWE is just weird like that.<\/p>\n

This match seems perfectly set up for Sasha Banks to make a long awaited heel turn on Bayley and start a new reign as champ. \u00a0So of course it won’t happen.<\/p>\n

Who Should Win: \u00a0<\/strong>Sasha Banks
\nWho Will Win: \u00a0<\/strong>Bayley<\/p>\n

\"smackdownwomen\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Alexa Bliss vs The Entire Womens Division On Smackdown
\n<\/strong>WWE Smackdown Women’s Championship
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

I hope they give this match the time it deserves. \u00a0Alexa Bliss is a fantastic new talent and is a deserved champion heading into\u00a0Wrestlemania<\/em>. \u00a0There are plenty of worthy contenders in this match. \u00a0Naomi is returning from injury and could have a shot at winning the title in her home town. \u00a0Becky Lynch has carried the division on her back for months and would be a fitting champion. \u00a0And what a comeback story it would be if Mickie James were to win the title after a prolonged absence from the company.<\/p>\n

Who Should Win: \u00a0<\/strong>Naomi
\nWho Will Win: \u00a0<\/strong>Alexa Bliss<\/p>\n

\"rawtag\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The Club (c) vs Sheamus and Cesaro vs Enzo Amore and Big Cass
\n<\/strong>WWE\u00a0Tag Team Championship
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

They should probably let Enzo and Big Cass have a run with the belts before fans get tired of their shtick. \u00a0Then immediately drop the belts to Sheamus and Cesaro who are the most well rounded team in the division.<\/p>\n

Who Should Win: \u00a0<\/strong>Enzo and Big Cass
\nWho Will Win: \u00a0<\/strong>Enzo and Big Cass<\/p>\n

\"wm33armbar\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Andre the Giant Jobber Battle Royal<\/strong>
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

Sami Zayn if they want a feel good moment. \u00a0Braun if they intend to make him a title challenger post-Mania. \u00a0Mojo Rawley for the lolz.<\/p>\n

Who Should Win: \u00a0<\/strong>Sami Zayn
\nWho Will Win: \u00a0<\/strong>Braun Strowman<\/p>\n

\"wmcruisers\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Neville (c) vs Austin Aries
\n<\/strong>WWE Cruiserweight\u00a0Championship
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

If they actually gave this match time, it’d probably be the match of the night. \u00a0Even if they don’t give it time, it might still be the match of the night. \u00a0On the pre-show. \u00a0In front of a half empty stadium.<\/p>\n

Who Should Win: \u00a0<\/strong>Austin Aries
\nWho Will Win: \u00a0<\/strong>Austin Aries<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Preview and predictions for the biggest wrestling event of the year!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":21119,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[495,1010],"class_list":["post-21117","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-wrestlemania","tag-wwe"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.thefatwebsite.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21117","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.thefatwebsite.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.thefatwebsite.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.thefatwebsite.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.thefatwebsite.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=21117"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"http:\/\/www.thefatwebsite.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21117\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21145,"href":"http:\/\/www.thefatwebsite.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21117\/revisions\/21145"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.thefatwebsite.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/21119"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.thefatwebsite.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=21117"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.thefatwebsite.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=21117"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.thefatwebsite.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=21117"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}