WWE: State of the Women's Division

From the desk of:  VINCE SR.'s WORST NIGHTMARE

I first became passionate about wrestling as a single-digit midget back in the mid 1970s when all territories were still under the umbrella of the NWA and kayfabe ruled the day.  Our local territory was then known as the WWWF, and was owned by Vince McMahon Sr.  At the time, his son Vince Jr. was doing little more than cutting promos and ring announcing.  When Daddy Mac decided he'd had enough, he made Vince Jr. promise to not break up the territory system.  So what did Sonny Mac do?  He swallowed up the competition with haste thus ending the territory system.  Vince Jr. would argue in the same spirit that Brett Hart screwed Brett Hart, the various territory owners killed the various territories.  My son and I constantly debate the evolution of wrestling from when I was a kid through today's era of Sports Entertainment.  It is therefore my honor and privilege to introduce to you the newest contributor of the Brooklyn Trolley Blogger, my son, Michael III.

Several years ago, the WWE promised a “Women’s Revolution” where the women of the WWE would be featured more prominently and get the same opportunities as the men did.  The company for the most part has delivered on that promise. Women like the Four Horsewomen, Nia Jax, Alexa Bliss and now Ronda Rousey have all been featured in prominent spots on pay per views, even main eventing a few.  The first ever women’s Royal Rumble, Money in the Bank and Hell in the Cell matches have all taken place in the last few years, something previously thought impossible several decades ago. However, with every success there are always missteps and the WWE is in the midst of a roadblock when it comes to the presentation of the Women’s Division.  

The major problem facing the women of Raw and Smackdown is the fact that the WWE writer’s only seem capable of juggling one major women’s storyline per show.  When Sasha Banks and Charlotte were feuding for the Raw Women’s Championship several years ago, it was the only women’s story that mattered on Raw. Too often the titles on both shows are the centerpiece of women’s storylines while the other women are usually crammed into multi person tag matches that don’t really matter much.  While the title should always be the focus for a main event feud, the ability to tell multiple compelling stories is something the WWE writing staff has struggled with for years. This problem is currently fairly evident on Raw and Smackdown right now. With Summerslam quickly approaching, the WWE has a chance to fix this problem and actually deliver some compelling material the women of Raw and Smackdown can sink their teeth into.  

Fixing RAW

On Raw, there is currently two major storylines taking place for the women right now.  The first is Ronda Rousey’s quest to get revenge on Alex Bliss and finally capturing the Raw Women’s Championship.  The Rousey storyline will ultimately culminate at Summerslam with Rousey most likely beating Alexa Bliss and establishing herself as the top face on Raw.  While there is nothing inherently wrong with this program, the road to Rousey winning the title should have been a little bit longer. Rousey herself has stated that she didn’t want to jump the line and go right into the main event picture but be a regular Superstar.  Yet in her second ever match she was challenging Nia Jax for the title. Now, I understand the WWE has to capitalize on Rousey’s star power but they really are rushing her ascension.

At the conclusion of the Rousey Vs. Jax match, Alexa Bliss cashed in her MITB briefcase, robbing both women and walking out with the title.   Now people love to get on Roman Reigns for getting multiple main event pushes and being shoved down the throats of the fans. If that’s the case, Alexa Bliss has to be the Roman Reigns of the Women’s Division.  She has dominated the Women’s Division since her NXT call up despite not being very good in the ring. She’s amazing on the mic but that’s really about it. Her title win here will add more heat and make the moment Rousey ultimately defeats her more satisfying.  Even still, Nia Jax who finally won the big one at Wrestlemania, is now being shuffled to the background and probably won’t be relevant again for a while. Turning Jax heel and setting her up as a monster against Rousey will set up a compelling feud for both. Maybe even aligning Jax with Stephanie McMahon would make sense seeing Steph still has unfinished business with Rousey.  Throw in the eventual betrayal by Rousey’s bff Natalya and Ronda’s got months worth of worthwhile feuds to occupy her for the rest of the year.

While Jax and Rousey battle it out, Alexa Bliss should move onto a feud with Ember Moon.  It will help Ember get over more than the endless matches with the Riot Squad have. With two fresh feuds ready to go, we turn our attention to the other major storyline happening on Raw: the never ending breakup of best frenemies Sasha Banks and Bayley.  These two have been engaged in an on and off again feud since 1946. There has been no payoff and when it seemed like we were finally going to get the big pay per view match we were promised, Sasha confessed her love for Bayley last week turning this into an episode of General Hospital.  If something worthwhile doesn’t finally come from this program I’m going to lose my mind. With Summerslam right around the corner, the logical thing would be have these two finally face off in the same building that they made history in during their time in NXT, the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.  

There are currently rumors that Stephanie McMahon is set to return tonight to announce the creation of a women’s only pay per view and the introduction of women’s tag titles.  If the writers are not going to have Sasha and Bayley face off at Summerslam, they should have them team up and become the inaugural Women’s Tag Team Champions. Having them work their differences and ultimately triumph and become champs can be just as compelling a story as them beating the crap out of each other.  Having them defend it across both Raw and Smackdown would give them compelling matchups against teams like the Riot Squad, the IIconics and even maybe their fellow Horsewomen, Becky Lynch and Charlotte.

Fixing Smackdown

Smackdown’s problems are even more profound than Raw’s.  Literally the only woman’s storyline going on at any given time is Carmella and her cheating to keep her title.  Carmella, like Alexa Bliss, isn’t very good in the ring but solid on the mic and an amazing heel. The only problem with her is that her title reign has made a mockery out of any worthy challenger.  Charlotte fresh off beating Asuka’s undefeated streak dropped the title to Carmella and hasn’t been seen since. Asuka, at one time the most dominant woman in NXT history, has been pinned by Carmella more times than anyone would like to acknowledge.  Her aura and credibility have been completely eviscerated. The only hope Smackdown has to end the reign of Carmella is Becky Lynch.

Lynch finally looks poised to re-enter the title picture and she should finally be the one to dethrone Carmella at Summerslam.  Becky Lynch may be the most natural babyface in the WWE aside from Daniel Bryan. She is a hero the kids can get behind and she should be rewarded for her hard work with a lengthy title reign.  Her first reign as champ did not last long at all but this time around she should sit atop the Smackdown Women’s division for several months.

Aside from the championship picture, the other women of Smackdown are relegated to meaningless tag team matches.  The IIconics, Naomi, Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville really do not have anything to do. Hopefully the introduction of the Women’s Tag Team Titles will reinvigorate these women along with the other female Superstars on the roster.  As far as Asuka goes, a heel turn should fix her issues. She has lost several times to Carmella that it is finally time for her to snap. Turn her heel and have her regain her momentum by systematically destroying anyone in her path.  When Charlotte Flair returns, Asuka should be standing in her way ready to resume their Wrestlemania feud. The two of them had the best match at Wrestlemania and they can have an enormous feud while Becky Lynch defends her title against Carmella and the other heels on Smackdown.

WWE Summerslam 2018: Battling a Hostile Brooklyn Crowd

From the desk of:  VINCE SR.'s WORST NIGHTMARE

I first became passionate about wrestling as a single-digit midget back in the mid 1970s when all territories were still under the umbrella of the NWA and kayfabe ruled the day.  Our local territory was then known as the WWWF, and was owned by Vince McMahon Sr.  At the time, his son Vince Jr. was doing little more than cutting promos and ring announcing.  When Daddy Mac decided he'd had enough, he made Vince Jr. promise to not break up the territory system.  So what did Sonny Mac do?  He swallowed up the competition with haste thus ending the territory system.  Vince Jr. would argue in the same spirit that Brett Hart screwed Brett Hart, the various territory owners killed the various territories.  My son and I constantly debate the evolution of wrestling from when I was a kid through today's era of Sports Entertainment.  It is therefore my honor and privilege to introduce to you the newest contributor of the Brooklyn Trolley Blogger, my son, Michael III.

WWE’s biggest party of the summer is right around the corner.  Summerslam will hail from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY and is sure to have a raucous crowd.  Being from Brooklyn myself, I know that we by our very nature are A-holes and if we don’t like something, trust me you will know.  As if they have proved in the past, the WWE Universe loves to crap all over the product if the WWE Creative team does not give them what they want.  That, coupled with the extended times of WWE’s pay per views usually leads to the crowd tuning out of matches, chanting things that make no sense and throwing beach balls at each other.  While this is sometimes hysterical, it is also pretty annoying. The Brooklyn audience is always relentless so the WWE has to ensure that Summerslam is a stacked show that will ensure the WWE Universe, both the live and home audience, enjoys the show.  There are several ways to do this, whether or not WWE follows through or just does whatever they feel like again is up to them.

The Liberation of the WWE Universal Championship

Amelia Earhart, Osama Bin Laden, Brock Lesnar, hide and seek champs.  Brock Lesnar and the Universal Championship have been seen so infrequently that people have started to forget Raw has a top world title.  With Lesnar’s imminent return to the UFC, there is finally hope that he will drop the title at Summerslam and give Raw a much needed shot of adrenaline.  Roman Reigns and Bobby Lashley are set to battle it out tonight on Raw to see who will face Lesnar at Summerslam. Neither of those matches sound particularly appealing so there will be some sort of shenanigans that take place that will allow both men to challenge Lesnar in a Triple Threat Match.  

No one wants to see Lesnar keep the title hostage, the crowd will hate every second Reigns is in the ring and Lashley hasn’t really earned a main event spot.  So all three men winning the title is a lose lose situation. The only way to make sure the Brooklyn crowd goes home happy is have Braun Strowman cash in his briefcase.  It will be the biggest pop of the night when Strowman lays waste to whoever the winner is and finally claims his spot at the top of the mountain. A Lashley or Reigns heel turn post Summerslam will provide Strowman with a strong feud to carry his title into.  A Strowman win at Summerslam is the perfect ending to the show that will leave everyone happy.

AJ Styles Vs. Samoa Joe

Despite WWE’s insistence that the real top champion is whoever holds the title on Raw, AJ Styles has proved time and time again he is the top world champion in the company.  Styles has seemingly silenced every challenger available to him since he became WWE Championship last year. One of the last few big money feuds Styles has left available to him on Smackdown is a battle against Samoa Joe.  Joe proved he belonged in the main event throughout his tenure in NXT and his battles against Lesnar and Reigns on Raw. Anyone that has seen their battles in TNA know that Styles and Joe have amazing chemistry and can tear the house down.  Their match at Summerslam has the potential to steal the show and can truly make a star out of Samoa Joe. A Joe win can offer some new and fresh matchups in the Smackdown main event scene with Joe taking on top faces like Daniel Bryan, Jeff Hardy or even a potential dream match with a returning John Cena.  

New Women’s Champs

At Summerslam, Ronda Rousey will challenge Alexa Bliss for the Raw Women’s Championship and Becky Lynch will most likely challenge Carmella for the Smackdown Women’s Championship.  Bliss and Carmella are two hated heels that play their roles well but both of them have had their time to shine. Becky Lynch, one of the most natural babyfaces on the roster, should finally get her moment and capture the title that has eluded her since she won the inaugural Smackdown Women’s Championship two years ago.  Ronda Rousey has taken the WWE by storm and has gotten over fairly well despite being new to the wrestling scene. Beating such a natural heel in Bliss will allow Rousey to capture the strap and electrify the Brooklyn crowd.

Indie Darlings Get Their Due

WWE loves pushing people that the WWE Universe doesn’t really want to see.  Guys like Seth Rollins, Daniel Bryan and Finn Balor have often been overlooked in favor of guys like Roman Reigns and whatever other big guy with long hair Vince McMahon has a chubby for at that moment.  The so called “Indie Darlings” have done fine on their own but most are not allowed to grab the brass ring organically.

Daniel Bryan got over on his own without help from the WWE machine and they refused to push him until they had no other choice.  At Summerslam he appears finally set to battle the Miz who he has had issues with for years. Fans have been waiting for this match ever since D-Bry came back from injury.  There is nothing more that the Barclays Center would love than for Daniel Bryan to give the Miz the absolute beating of a lifetime.

Likewise, guys like Finn Balor and Seth Rollins need to be highlighted and given quality matchups at the big event.  Balor has yet to receive his rematch for the Universal Title and the journey to that match should start with a big showing at Summerslam.  Rollins has been the workhorse of Raw and he should have a big showing at Summerslam, probably against Dolph Ziggler again after they killed it in their IronMan Match last month.  Both Rollins and Balor deserve the spotlight on Raw and with Brock Lesnar most likely heading back to the UFC, opportunities for the Universal Championship will actually begin to come more frequently.

Wrestlemania 35: Ridiculously Early Predictions

From the desk of:  VINCE SR.'s WORST NIGHTMARE

I first became passionate about wrestling as a single-digit midget back in the mid 1970s when all territories were still under the umbrella of the NWA and kayfabe ruled the day.  Our local territory was then known as the WWWF, and was owned by Vince McMahon Sr.  At the time, his son Vince Jr. was doing little more than cutting promos and ring announcing.  When Daddy Mac decided he'd had enough, he made Vince Jr. promise to not break up the territory system.  So what did Sonny Mac do?  He swallowed up the competition with haste thus ending the territory system.  Vince Jr. would argue in the same spirit that Brett Hart screwed Brett Hart, the various territory owners killed the various territories.  My son and I constantly debate the evolution of wrestling from when I was a kid through today's era of Sports Entertainment.  It is therefore my honor and privilege to introduce the newest contributor to the Brooklyn Trolley Blogger, my son, Michael III.

*            *            *

Once again, Wrestlemania season has come and gone.  Now is usually the downtime for the company as the creative team scrambles to set up new storylines and feuds to carry us through the next few months.  The Superstar Shakeup has moved several wrestlers from Raw to Smackdown and vice versa while also bringing up some top prospects from NXT. New and exciting rivalries are poised to begin and we can sort of get a feeling of who is going to be feuding with who.  What’s harder to predict is what the WWE is going to look like next year for Wrestlemania 35.

It’s almost impossible to know what will happen come Wrestlemania.  Superstars can get injured, some might leave the company by that time and some you might not expect to have any impact could be top stars by that time.  Despite all that, guessing and predicting is always fun so let's do it anyway. The match card I’ve made is a little bloated but it gives a chance for everyone to get on the show and for the show to make sense storyline wise. The 35th anniversary of Wrestlemania will be a historic show hailing from Metlife Stadium in New Jersey. A spectacle like that deserves top caliber matches that will cater to all types of wrestling fans interests.

Wrestlemania KickOff-Show: Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, Wrestlemania Women’s Battle Royal, WWE Cruiserweight Championship: Cedric Alexander (c) Vs. Roderick Strong

The Andre the Giant Battle Royal really serves no other purpose than to get every male superstar on the show.  In the years since its inception, the winner has received no meaningful push of any kid and it is really seen as an afterthought.  Despite it being on the pre-show, I’m hoping that the company actually treats this one a little better. With the way the rest of my card looks, this Battle Royale should still have a decent amount of star power behind it.  Rusev, Matt Hardy, Bobby Roode, Jinder Mahal, Tye Dillinger, The New Day, Elias and several other solo stars and tag teams can fill out the field.  With the Raw tag team division not nearly as stacked as Smackdown’s and the card already being pretty full, I would put whoever the Raw Tag Champs are at the time in this match as well.  Bobby Roode should get the win here because hopefully by this time he will be in the middle of a solid heel run and the win can boost him even more.

The women’s battle royal pretty much serves the same purpose as the men’s: getting everyone on the card.  This will be the first of an unprecedented four women’s matches I expect to see at Wrestlemania next year.  Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax, Ember Moon, Carmella, Natalya and Naomi should add some needed star power and combined with some NXT superstars and legends the match should be an entertaining one.  Ember Moon should take the win here and use that for some momentum that could lead to a title run down the line.

The Cruiserweight title match was a tough one to call considering its hard to know what the 205 Live roster will look like next year.  Many expect Ricochet and Johnny Gargano to join the Cruiserweight division but they are more than deserving of main roster call ups and pushes.  Gargano in particular could have a Daniel Bryan like career ahead of him and Ricochet can help carry the NXT brand for the next year. The title match should come down Cedric Alexander and an NXT call up in Roderick Strong.  Strong looks set to have a heel push in NXT with the Undisputed Era but once that's finished he should come up to 205 Live and give Cedric Alexander a solid feud.

Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match: Finn Balor (c) Vs. Bobby Lashley Vs. Baron Corbin Vs. Bray Wyatt Vs. Dolph Ziggler Vs. Drew McIntyre

It’s hard to get every worthy Superstar on the card and still make meaningful one on one matches at the same time.  This is a result of a huge roster and there being a lot of solid mid card guys on Raw. As much as I would like Finn Balor challenging for world titles, it just doesn't seem to be in the cards so him going into Mania with the Intercontinental belt is the next best thing.  Ziggler and McIntyre should be in the middle of breaking up their alliance by this point so that adds a personal edge to the match. Add in Wyatt and two powerhouses like Corbin and Lashley, this match should be an entertaining start to the show. Winner: Finn Balor

Smackdown Tag Team Championship Fatal 4 Way: The Bludgeon Brothers (c) Vs. The Bar Vs. The Usos Vs. SAnitY

The Smackdown Tag Team division is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Superstar Shakeup. The division is stacked at the moment and the next year could see many interesting feuds and storylines.  SAnitY and the Bludgeon Brothers is an interesting rivalry that could take place soon as is the rivalry between the two best teams in the WWE right now, The Usos and The Bar.  The best use of all these teams is to have them all battle it out for tag team supremacy at the big show. Winner: SAnitY

United States Championship: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) Vs. Randy Orton

There is no doubt in my mind that Nakamura will become WWE Champion soon.  However his time at the top will not last all the way to Wrestlemania. Nakamura will drop back to the upper mid card and win the United States title which is perfectly fine.  With an opponent like Randy Orton, the program between the two could be the one of the best on Smackdown. With a heel Nakamura and an unpredictable Randy Orton, the match these two could put on could easily be one of the best matches of the night. Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura

Women’s Tag Team Championship: The IIconics (c) Vs. Sasha Banks & Bayley

If the current rumors are true than WWE will be introducing a Women’s Tag Team Championship soon.  This opens up many new options for the women that aren’t currently engaged in the main title feuds.  The IIconics recently came up from NXT and are the perfect pick to win the inaugural title. The championship could also have the added intrigue of being defended on both brands which allows the IIconics to battle as many opponents as possible during the months leading up to Wrestlemania.

Sasha Banks and Bayley are expected to continue their growing rivalry in the coming months. Eventually WWE will pull the trigger on a Sasha Banks heel turn and allow her and Bayley to deliver 5 star matches like they did in NXT.  Their rivalry will go on over the course of the next months with the two going their separate ways after. I can see Sasha winning the Raw Women’s title but eventually lose it to Ronda Rousey at the Royal Rumble which will set the stage for Rousey’s own Wrestlemania match.

Leading up to Wrestlemania, Bayley will become a victim of the IIconics with no partner willing to lend a hand to help.  This will lead to the reunion of Sasha and Bayley, a unit worthy of dethroning the IIconics. The possibility of Sasha of turning on her former friend at any given moment will add intrigue to the match and make their victory and title reign all the more interesting.  The match will also allow all four women to have a meaningful role without having to battle Ronda Rousey or compete for the Women’s championships. Winner: Sasha Banks & Bayley

Kevin Owens Vs. Sami Zayn

In this life three things are certain: Death, Taxes and Sami Zayn Vs. Kevin Owens.  It’s a scientific fact that these two are destined to fight forever. They may be aligned now but that alliance will disappear by the end of the year.  A move to Raw will allow the two of them to give the Tag division a boost but sooner or later the two must go back to singles stars. One will turn on each other leading to a series of show stealing matches leading to one final battle at Wrestlemania.  If the two are given enough time and maybe even an Extreme Rules stipulation the two can undoubtedly tear the house down.

Triple H Vs. Braun Strowman

Triple H needs a Wrestlemania match.  Like the Undertaker, Triple H usually only pops up for a handful of appearances a year and Wrestlemania is always a guarantee for the Game. This particular match was teased last year but nothing ever came from it. Strowman will be in the main event for the rest of the year but eventually he will transition from the title picture to a feud with the Game.

The setup could call back to their interaction at Survivor Series.  Strowman cannot be controlled by the Authority so Triple H has no choice but to take matters into his own hands. Expect this match to be filled with announce table destruction and chair shots. If WWE really wanted to surprise us they would have Strowman squash Triple H in a matter of minutes but we all know that won’t happen. Either way, Strowman should get the win to continue his momentum and Triple H doesn’t need big wins anymore at this stage in his career. Winner: Braun Strowman

Daniel Bryan Vs. Johnny Gargano

This match is just one on a long list of dream matches for Daniel Bryan now that he is medically cleared to compete.  Daniel Bryan will spend the rest of the year battling the Miz, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe and Shinsuke Nakamura with hopefully some well deserved title wins thrown in.  If he is not in the title picture by Wrestlemania, he needs a worthy opponent that can keep up with him in the ring. WWE doesn’t have to look far because they have the second coming of Daniel Bryan down in NXT in the form of Johnny Gargano.

Much like Bryan, Gargano is a natural babyface that gets over effortlessly with the WWE Universe. Eventually Gargano will have to leave NXT for the greener pastures of the main roster and Smackdown is the perfect place for him.  Gargano can become one of the Blue Brand’s top faces but first he must face the man shares so many similarities with him.

This battle of wrestling purists doesn’t have to really have that deep of a story behind it.  It can be just two guys at the top of their game seeing who's really better. They can both stay faces, even occasionally teaming with each other in the weeks leading up to Mania, even trying to one up each other.  If the WWE gives these guys enough time on the grandest stage, they will steal the show with no problem. Winner: Doesn’t matter.  Great match either way.

The Miz Vs. Shane McMahon

Since his return, Shane O’ Mac has been given a featured match at each Wrestlemania.  AJ Styles, The Undertake and most recently, Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens have battled him. Despite not being a real performer, Shane always delivers the goods and his matches are always entertaining.  Next year there may not be a better heel for him to face than the Miz.

Miz has been on top of his game for some time now.  His mic skills are arguably the best in the business right now and he has improved greatly in the ring.  He gets cheered more than booed nowadays but the WWE must resist the urge to turn him face. Miz is at his best as a dastardly and cocky heel and it is this persona that will bring out the best of Shane McMahon.

The Miz will probably spend a good amount of the year battling it out with Daniel Bryan, maybe even getting a crack at the WWE title somewhere down the line.  Unfortunately for Miz, the Wrestlemania WWE title picture is reserved for others besides him so Miz will take his frustration out on the commissioner. At Daniel Bryan’s request, Shane McMahon brough Miz over to Smackdown so Miz will undoubtedly have some issues with him.  The match will give them both something to do and Miz’s heel antics will be a perfect foil for Shane. Winner: The Miz

Smackdown Women’s Championship: Asuka (c) Vs. Becky Lynch

Despite having her undefeated streak broken by Charlotte at Wrestlemania, Asuka will continue to be a dominant force in WWE.  Now on Smackdown, Asuka will most likely resume her feud with Charlotte over the Smackdown Women’s Championship. Eventually Asuka will win the title and become the top woman on Smackdown.  For Wrestlemania Asuka will need a worth opponent and Becky Lynch is perfect for her.

For several years now Becky Lynch has been the workhorse of the Smackdown women’s division. She was the inaugural Smackdown Women's Champ but since winning it she has fallen down the card and has been involved in multi woman matches and meaningless feuds.  Lynch deserves to hold gold again and her ring work proves that she and Asuka can put on a hell of a match. Lynch is a natural babyface so going up against a dominant heel Asuka is the perfect matchup. Winner: Becky Lynch

WWE Championship: AJ Styles (c) Vs. Samoa Joe

AJ Styles is the best wrestler in the company right now and by Wrestlemania next year he will hopefully be involved in another bout for the WWE Championship.  He will most likely spend the next couple of months battling Shinsuke Nakamura but come Wrestlemania he should once again hold the title, prepared to defend it against another opponent that he knows very well.  That opponent is Smackdown’s newest acquisition, Samoa Joe.

Samoa Joe and AJ Styles are certainly no strangers to each other.  They have battled countless times in TNA and now they can finally bring their brutal rivalry to the WWE.  Aside from Brock Lesnar, Samoa Joe is easily WWE’s best heel. He doesn't use cheating tactics or excuses to win, he just flat out kicks ass.  Joe should spend this year taking on many of Smackdown’s top faces including Randy Orton and Jeff Hardy. His last true test should be ripping the WWE title away from Styles.

Styles is similar to Daniel Bryan in that he thrives when his back against the wall.  Being physically smaller than Joe should put him at a distinct disadvantage. Going into this match, Joe should completely dominate Styles, choking him out any chance he gets.  An underdog Styles against a brutal Joe is the perfect setup to a show stealer. The two know each other so well and if their matches in TNA were any indication, Styles Vs. Joe will be one of the better world title matches at Wrestlemania in recent memory. Winner: Samoa Joe

WWE Universal Championship Triple Threat Match: Dean Ambrose (c) Vs. Roman Reigns Vs. Seth Rollins

At any other Wrestlemania, this is the main event.  The three members of the Shield battling out for Raw’s top prize.  WWE went with this exact scenario several years ago but it was at a B level pay per view and the build to it was derailed when Reigns was suspended for violating the WWE wellness policy.  Now all the pieces have fallen together again to make this match happen even bigger and better than before.

Roman Reigns is the chosen one and after most likely dethroning Brock Lesnar and sending him off to UFC, he will dominate Raw with a long title reign.  Seth Rollins is the current Intercontinental Champion and has firmly established himself as Raw’s best wrestler and resident work horse. Dean Ambrose is currently injured but when he returns he should return as a heel and betray his former partners.  The Shield reunion was derailed last year and while there is always room to revisit it, now is not the time. These guys need all need to be at odds when Ambrose returns.

Ambrose needs to be able to fully make use of his Lunatic gimmick when he returns.  While Rollins tears it up with Balor, Roode and other mid guys for the IC belt, Ambrose should set his sights on Reigns and the Universal Title.  The two of them have never really had an extended program against each other and they could definitely deliver some solid PPV matches. Ambrose needs to be the one dethrone Reigns and walk into Wrestlemania as the champion.  Reigns, looking for revenge, declares a rematch for Wrestlemania but those plans are derailed by the winner of the 2019 men’s Royal Rumble, Seth Rollins.

Having Rollins interject himself into the Reigns Ambrose feud will give the WWE universe something to sink their teeth into.  Each member of the Shield has something that endears them to a portion of the WWE Universe. Ambrose’s mic skills and instability constantly make him a fan favorite whether he’s a face or a heel.  Rollins is universally loved by the fans for his match quality and unparalleled athleticism. And say what you will about Reigns but the guy has improved by leaps and bounds both in the ring and on the mic and always delivers an entertaining match.  These three are worthy of a main event match at Mania together and it will finally bring the story of the Shield full circle. Winner: Seth Rollins

Raw Women’s Championship: Ronda Rousey (c) Vs. Charlotte Flair

This match may very well be the first female main event in Wrestlemania’s storied history. Ronda Rousey is the biggest signing in the company’s history and with the women of the WWE being treated with way more respect nowadays, the WWE is now in a unique place in history.  It might finally be time for the women to main event Wrestlemania and there are no two bigger stars worthy of that spot than Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair.

Charlotte recently did something that few people thought was possible, she defeated Asuka at Wrestlemania and ended her undefeated streak.  Two nights later she lost her Smackdown Women’s Championship to Carmella and will no doubt seek to get it back. She’ll most likely regain that title at some point but after that her options on Smackdown are limited.  A move to Raw makes the most sense for her to have some fresh feuds. She didn't switch brands during the Shakeup but there is one way for her to get to Raw and face off against Rousey: winning the women’s Royal Rumble.

Earlier in this article, I presented a scenario for Rousey to win her first world title against a heel Sasha Banks at a major event like Survivor Series or the Royal Rumble.  Rousey should carry the Raw Women’s Championship into Metlife Stadium, having conquered all opponents on Raw worthy of stepping into the ring with her. The only match left for her would be the Royal Rumble winner, Charlotte, in a dream match of epic proportions.

Charlotte has proven time and time again that she can put on classic matches with just about anyone.  Rousey silenced all critics with her debut match and will only grow as a performer with help from vets like Natalya, Bayley and Sasha Banks.  The two of them will no doubt put on a clinic at next year’s Wrestlemania. Aside from one other match, this battle is arguably the best option to go on last.  If WWE does decide to pull the trigger on this main event, it will be the culmination of the Women’s Evolution. Winner: Ronda Rousey

Career Vs. Career: John Cena Vs. The Undertaker

If Rousey Vs. Flair doesn’t go on last, this is the only other match that should.  If this match doesn’t happen it’s because Taker can’t physically compete and in that case he should be inducted into the Hall of Fame next year and officially retire.  However, if rumors are to be believed, then The Undertaker is set to make a decent run this year, appearing and competing more than he has in a long time. That to me sounds like a farewell tour, one that should end next year against the man Taker squashed at this past year’s Wrestlemania, John Cena.

Like it or not, John Cena is a living legend.  Having carried the company longer than guys like Rock, Austin, Hogan or Michaels, Cena more than deserves his legendary status. Guys like Batista, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton have competed with Cena in popularity but none of those guys were ever really meant to eclipse Super Cena as “the guy.”  Recently Cena has taken on more of a part time role and has grown accustomed to putting over new stars, something he has been criticized for not doing in the past. Aside from tying Ric Flair’s championship record, there is little left for Cena to do in the company besides defeat the Undertaker at Wrestlemania.

Cena lobbied for this dream match for weeks leading up to this year’s Wrestlemania with Taker only finally responding at the last minute.  Taker proceeded to squash Cena in a short match that left many underwhelmed. At first it appeared like this match was all Taker was capable of but it could serve a bigger purpose.  It could allow Taker to get into even better shape for next year with his career culminating against Cena.

Cena’s path to the rematch is clear.  Much like his loss against the Rock at Wrestlemania 28, his loss against the Deadman can send Cena’s life into a tailspin.  Cena can spend the rest of this year losing to high profile stars, proving he might not be able to win the big one anymore. WWE isn’t above using personal issues to further a story either.  They included Cena’s real life divorce in the Rock storyline, implying that Cena’s real life unravelled after the defeat. Cena’s recent real life breakup with Nikki Bella serves a similar narrative point, along with the several losses he will suffer leading up next year’s Mania.

The Retirement Match between The Undertaker and John Cena could potentially be the biggest spectacle since The Rock Vs. Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania 18.  Cena gets a shot at redemption and Taker gets to prove that he is still the Phenom. Although some may be upset that two part timers are once again taking up a main event spot at Wrestlemania, this time it is necessary.  Cena Vs. Taker 2 is the biggest possible match that either of them can have. It will serve as a fitting end to the storied career of The Undertaker and allow him to retire on his terms. His defeat against Reigns felt empty so it was only right he came back to face Cena.  Cena is the only one who is worth of giving the Deadman his final match and finally put the Phenom down for good. Winner: John Cena

Michael III