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As the WWE Universe eagerly anticipates the milestone event of WrestleMania XL, speculation is running wild about what thrills and surprises await on the grandest stage of them all. With decades of history and tradition behind it, WrestleMania has consistently delivered unforgettable moments, epic matches, and unforeseen twists. From championship clashes to career-defining moments, WrestleMania promises to be a spectacle like no other. Taking place on April 6 and 7 on Lincoln Financial Field, here’s a primer on what to expect this weekend in Philadelphia and who we believe will come out on top of each match:
Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee vs. Santos Escobar and Dominik Mysterio
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Is this going to be the last match we see Rey Mysterio perform in? In recent weeks, he’s been featured in multiple TikTok videos without his patented lucha mask. Some feel as if this could signal an impending retirement. At the very least, he’ll get to square off against his son in what should be a very fun match. While the Mysterio vs. Mysterio storyline is fun, this match could ultimately be more about Dragon Lee emerging as a future star within the company. He’ll be given the platform to break out on the grandest stage.
Winner: Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee
6-Woman Tag Match: Damage CTRL vs. Naomi, Bianca Belair, and Jade Cargill
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No belt is on the line here. As such, we should be treated to some creative liberty. Damage CTRL is the bully stable on the block. This past SmackDown, we saw Jade Cargill make her in-ring debut on the show. In the process, she helped Naomi and Bianca avoid a total beatdown when running out from the back and demolishing Damage CTRL by herself. With Cargill projected to be a massive star within the company, we can’t see her lose in a match that will truly showcase her talents to millions across the globe for the first time (sorry, AEW).
Winner: Naomi, Bianca Belair, and Jade Cargill
LA Knight vs. AJ Styles
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This feud does feel a bit tacked on, but there was no way WWE was leaving LA Knight off the WrestleMania card. Knight has steadily ascended since winning the SummerSlam Battle Royal in August. Two months later, he was awarded a title match versus Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel but fell short. He’ll take on AJ Styles who has carried a more serious demeanor since returning in December. This one isn’t overly difficult to predict. Styles is one of the best in the business and is there to ensure Knight looks good. Knight wins, and the crowd eats it up.
Winner: LA Knight
Women’s Championship: Bayley vs. Iyo Sky (C)
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The rivalry between these two has been built up immensely well. Bayley had been the de facto leader of Damage CTRL…until she wasn’t. The new faction now has Iyo Sky in control of The Kabuki Warriors and Dakota Kai. What Bayley lacks in numbers she more than makes up for with support from the WWE Universe. She’s a huge favorite within the Women’s Division — and she’s gotten even more over since being betrayed by her former stable. Bayley’s work on the mic, coupled with her in-ring performance, makes her a sensible choice to take the belt and begin a new reign as champ.
Winner: Bayley
Tag Team Championship 6-Pack Ladder Match: The Judgment Day (C) vs. #DIY vs. The Awesome Truth vs. The New Day vs. A-Town Down Under vs. New Catch Republic
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A matchup that could easily steal the show. Six electric tag teams will enter what should be a grueling match. The Judgment Day’s (Finn Bálor and Damian Priest) reign as tag team champions has had its fair share of highs and lows. Cracks within the group have begun to surface over recent weeks. As such, we could see one of the members slip up in a match that obviously does not favor them. The Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) seem like a viable option to come out victorious given their ties to the current champions. However, we like #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tomasso Ciampa) to come out of this one. Gargano and Ciampa have never really gotten their due on the main roster, and this will be WWE’s best chance to give them a real shot.
Winner: #DIY
Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso
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This brother vs. brother showdown has lost a bit of steam. That’s likely because it’s taken a backseat to other ‘Bloodline’-centric storylines. Don’t get us wrong, this will be a banger of a match. The Usos have always risen to the occasion on the big stage. Jey has been rapidly ascending ever since breaking off his familial ties. We saw the brothers matchup as the first two entrants in the Royal Rumble back in January. Even then, it didn’t seem like they were overly comfortable going up against each other. Maybe it’s been ironed out since then. Either way, there’s no chance that Jey takes a loss here.
Winner: Jey Uso
The Rock and Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins
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Night 1 will be capped off with one of the most anticipated WrestleMania matches in recent history. It’s been a journey to get here. Initially, it seemed like we were headed towards a Rock vs. Reigns finale. That was until WWE fans took to social media and began campaigning for Cody Rhodes to re-enter the picture. Following a memorable press conference and shocking backstage attack, the stage is set for a historic tag team battle. For storyline purposes, we see Rock and Reigns coming out on top of this one to further stack the odds against Rhodes for the following night. We’ll see just how well The Rock can hold up against three of the very best performers that the company has to offer. If the 51-year-old movie star has any tread left, this will be an absolute classic.
Winner: The Rock and Roman Reigns
United States Championship Triple-Threat: Kevin Owens vs. Randy Orton vs. Logan Paul (C)
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This will be just the second title defense during Logan Paul’s five-month United States Championship reign. Paul won the US Title from Rey Mysterio back in November at Crown Jewel. His lone defense came against Kevin Owens, and that match ended in a DQ. Now, he’ll face off with Owens again in addition to future Hall of Famer Randy Orton. These three were all featured at the Elimination Chamber, as Paul ultimately led to the downfall of both competitors. We could see Owens and Orton team up for stretches of this match as a result, which should create some entertaining spots. Ultimately, Paul is more suited to carry the mid-card championship over the two veterans. Paul wins via chicanery.
Winner: Logan Paul
Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn vs. Gunther (C)
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A match that nobody really asked for, but should deliver nonetheless. Sami Zayn earned his spot after defeating crowd favorite Chad Gable in a No. 1 contender’s match. The crowd had gotten behind Gable in recent weeks and had hoped The Alpha Academy leader would ultimately be the one who would put an end to Gunther’s dominant reign as champion. Some feel this is a step down for Zayn following a breakout year that saw him compete for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in his home country. With WWE set for a European Tour later this month, it’s hard to envision Gunther dropping the title in this situation.
Winner: Gunther
Women’s World Championship: Becky Lynch vs. Rhea Ripley (C)
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It’s hard to envision Ripley dropping the belt here. She’s arguably the most popular performer in the entire company. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be in for an entertaining match. Lynch is a consummate pro in all facets of the business. This will be a hard-fought, drag-it-out type of match. In the end, Ripley retaining the belt makes the most sense — especially with the impending return of Charlotte Flair and the introduction of Jade Cargill. A Ripley-Cargill match down the line could main event a WrestleMania one day.
Winner: Rhea Ripley
World Heavyweight Championship: Drew McIntyre vs. Seth Rollins (C)
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It has to be McIntyre, right? There are rumors he’s still without a contract extension. However, McIntyre has gotten a major push as a heel (where he’s totally excelling). The whole Rollins gimmick has gotten a bit stale. He lost a lot of momentum in the wake of the CM Punk injury. When Punk comes back, this feud between all three can be reignited in some form or fashion. This just appears to be McIntyre’s time to win the belt and give us a heel foil to the other major belt holder who will be a face (more on that later).
Winner: Drew McIntyre
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns (C)
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There are so many questions revolving around this fight. Assuming Night 1 results in a Roman Reigns/Rock victory, we will undoubtedly see the presence of The Bloodline in some form or fashion. This is particularly the case if/when Roman starts to falter. Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso will be present — as will The Rock. We then wonder who will help to combat those two. If the rumors are true, could we see John Cena and/or Stone Cold Steve Austin? Could Seth Rollins get involved? The biggest overarching question persists: Will Cody finish his story? After over a year of waiting to do so, we feel as if this could be the night for it to finally happen. In the process, we’d love to see The Rock double-cross Roman Reigns — thus setting up a new Bloodline narrative that could further carry the company to even greater heights.
Winner: Cody Rhodes
