[OFF TOPIC] WWE Thread

[batbobi 21]

John Cena is one of the biggest wrestler, who had a major role in modeling the WWE product through the years. He had the best rivalries with one of the most significant wrestlers in the business, including Edge, Randy Orton and many more. Cena has been 16 times World Champion of which, 13 times WWE Champion and 3 times World Heavyweight Champion. Here we'll take a look, how he have won this championships and the rivalries he's been in for them.

 

John Cena's Way to Sweet 16 Titles

 

 

 

• Feud with John "Bradshaw" Layfield and 1st World Title

John Cena's climb for his first World Title began at WWE No Way Out (2005), where he defeated Kurt Angle in the finals of a tournament to determine the #1 Contender for the WWE Championship, as previously in the tournament Cena have defeated Orlando Jordan and Booker T. As the #1 contender, Cena began a feud with the champion - JBL. At the moment Cena was the United States Champion and at the March 3rd episode of SmackDown, he lost the title to Orlando Jordan, after JBL hit Cena with the WWE Title belt. In search for redemption, Cena brought a steel lead pipe to the ring with him and ordered JBL to come out to the ring and fight him, but SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long announced that if Cena laid a hand on JBL, he would lose his WrestleMania match. JBL tried to provoke Cena to attack him, but Cena kept his cool. Later Theodore Long clarified that if JBL physically provoked Cena, then Cena could retaliate. Cena then attempted to provoke JBL, by vandalizing his limousine, and spray painting "FU" on JBL's shirt. On the last SmackDown before Mania, JBL interrupted Cena's match and had him arrested for vandalism and, once Cena was handcuffed, JBL nailed him with a low blow and ended the show by leaving Cena laying defenseless. All the heat between the two erupted at WrestleMania 21, where John Cena defeated John "Bradshaw" Layfield with the FU to capture his first WWE Championship. After WrestleMania, John Cena introduced the new "spinner" design of the WWE Championship, which was used for almost 8 years. At WWE Judgment Day (2005), Cena defeated JBL in an "I Quit Match" to retain the WWE Championship, afterwards Cena was drafter to RAW, therefore ending his feud with JBL.

 

• 2nd and 3rd reign as WWE Champion, feuding with The Rated-R Superstar Edge

Cena was still in his first reign as WWE Champion and had to defend the title in an Elimination Chamber Match at the WWE New Year's Revolution (2006). Although, Cena began the match, he was able to retain his championship, eliminating Carlito last. While Cena was bleeding and attempting to recover, Edge cashed-in his Money in the Bank contract and after two Spears, he pinned Cena to win the WWE Championship, thereby starting their feud. The next night on RAW, Edge held a live sex celebration which got smashed up by Cena and Cena delivered an FU on Lita. At WWE Royal Rumble (2006), Cena regained the WWE Championship, making Edge submit to the STFU, thus beginning his second reign as champion. Cena and Edge's paths met again at the WWE Backlash (2006), where Cena defeated both Edge and Triple H in a Triple Threat Match to retain the WWE Championship. On May 22nd episode of RAW, Cena defeated Chris Masters in a singles match and after the match Rob Van Dam came to the ring and announced that he would cash-in his Money in the Bank contract, which he won at WrestleMania 22, on the next PPV. At ECW One Night Stand (2006), John Cena lost his WWE Championship to RVD in an Extreme Rules Match, after Edge interfered and speared Cena. Cena began a mini-feud with the ECW brand, as he went on the TV debut of ECW, attacking Edge, who cost Cena the WWE Championship at ECW's One Night Stand. On the next episode of RAW, Cena defeated ECW's Balls Mahoney, but after the match was attacked and assaulted by Sabu, an ECW superstar as well. On the next episode of ECW, Cena challenged Sabu to an Extreme Rules lumberjack match. At WWE Vengeance (2006), Cena defeated Sabu, winning the mini-feud, also in the PPV, RVD defeated Edge to retain the WWE Championship. On June 26th, episode of RAW, Cena faced RVD in a singles match for the WWE title, but the match ended in a no contest, after interference from Edge. On the next episode of RAW, Edge defeated Rob Van Dam and John Cena in a Triple Threat Match to win the WWE Championship. Cena continued his feud with Edge over the WWE title, as they faced off at "Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIII", where Cena defeated Edge by DQ, after Lita slapped the referee. A match was made for SummerSlam with the stipulation if Edge gets himself counted-out or disqualified, he'd lose the title. Edge made the rivalry personal, as he went to Cena's father's house and slapped him. At WWE SummerSlam (2006), Edge defeated Cena, after hitting the back of his head with brass knuckles. On the August 28th episode of RAW, Cena challenged Edge for the WWE Championship with the stipulation being that if Cena lost, he would not challenge for the title again and would leave RAW to go back to SmackDown. Edge accepted the challenge, stating that the match would take place in his hometown and it would be a match that Edge had never lost: a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match. At WWE Unforgiven (2006), Cena defeated Edge to claim his 3rd WWE Championship. Edge invoked his rematch clause and on October 3rd episode of RAW, Cena defeated Edge in a Steel Cage Match to retain the title and end his feud with Edge for the time being. Cena held the title for more than a year, but was forced to relinquish it after he suffered a torn right pectoral tendon.

 

• Cena's 1st World Heavyweight Championship (4th World Title), reigniting his feud with Edge (5th World Title)

Both main titles had switched brands following the 2008 WWE Draft - the WWE Championship moved to SmackDown and the World Heavyweight Championship moved to RAW. On the November 3rd, 2008 episode of RAW, Shane McMahon announced that the returning John Cena, from a herniated disk injury, would challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship at Survivor Series. At WWE Survivor Series (2008), Cena defeated Jericho to win his first World Heavyweight Championship. The feud between John Cena and Chris Jericho continued on into WWE Armageddon (2008), where Cena defeated Jericho to retain the World Heavyweight Championship. At WWE No Way Out (2009), Cena had to defend the World Heavyweight Championship in an Elimination Chamber Match, where Edge prior to the match attacked Kofi Kingston and took his spot in the chamber, as earlier in the night Edge lost his WWE Championship in the first EC match. Cena was eliminated early by Edge, as he won the chamber match and became the new World Heavyweight Champion, reigniting his feud with Cena. Originally the plans for Mania were for Big Show to challenge Edge for the World Heavyweight Championship, but Cena extorted a video footage from the SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero in which she was having adulterous relations with The Big Show, for which Vickie added Cena to the match. At WrestleMania XXV (2009), Cena defeated Edge and Big Show in a Triple Threat Match to regain the World Heavyweight Championship. Cena and Edge continued their rivalry over the World Heavyweight Championship, as they faced off in a Last Man Standing Match at WWE Backlash (2009), where after interference from Big Show, Cena wasn't able to answer the 10 count and lost the title, this time Edge winning the feud.

 

• Feuding with The Viper Randy Orton over the WWE Championship (6th and 7th World Titles)

Cena's road for a 6th World title began with a single-elimination tournament, where in the semifinals Cena defeated The Miz and in the other semifinal Triple H defeated MVP. The final of the tournament took place on the next episode of RAW, where Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase interfered in the match and attacked both Cena and Triple H. As a result of the attack it was announced that Orton will defend his WWE Championship against Triple H and Cena in a Triple Threat Match. At WWE Night of Champions (2009), after interference from Rhodes & DiBiase, Orton pinned Cena to retain his championship. On the July 27th episode of RAW, Cena competed in a Beat the Clock Challenge, as the winner would receive a championship opportunity against Orton at SummerSlam. The other participant were Mark Henry, MVP, Triple H and Jack Swagger. Cena defeated The Miz for less than 6:49, thus beating Henry's time, and earn himself a championship match. At WWE SummerSlam (2009), Orton tried to cheat in all kinds of ways - first he got himself disqualified by shoving the referee, but the match was restarted as a "No Disqualifications". Then Orton got himself counted-out, but the match was restarted again as a "No DQ and No Count-Outs". Orton pinned Cena, while using the ropes as leverage, but the referee reviewed the finish and restarted the match. Cena had Orton locked in the STF and Orton was ready to submit, but a person from the crowd (later revealed as Bret DiBiase, Ted DiBiase's brother) attacked the referee. After the person was removed from the ring, Orton executed an RKO and pinned Cena to retain the title. As a result of Orton's actions in the match, WWE Chairman, Vince McMahon awarded Cena a rematch, an "I Quit Match in which had anyone interfered on Orton’s behalf, Orton would immediately lose the title, for the next PPV. At WWE Breaking Point (2009), Cena defeated Orton and captured his 4th WWE Championship (6th World Title). The feud continued at WWE Hell in a Cell (2009) in a Hell in a Cell match, where after a Punt Kick, Orton pinned Cena to regain the title. Their rivalry got it's conclusion in a "60-Minutes Anything Goes Iron Man Match" at WWE Bragging Rights (2009), where Cena defeated Orton with a 6 to 5 decisions, winning his 7th World Title. In the midst of December, Cena dropped the WWE Championship to Sheamus in a Tables match at the WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2009).

 

• The battle of the "Future". John Cena vs. Batista (8th and 9th World Titles)

Prior of Elimination Chamber, John Cena competed in a qualifying match for the eponymous match, where he defeated Cody Rhodes. At WWE Elimination Chamber (2010), Cena won the Elimination Chamber match by eliminating Triple H last, to capture his 8th World Title. Immediately after the match the WWE Chairman, Vince McMahon, forced Cena to defend the newly won WWE Championship against Batista. After a Spear and one Batista Bomb, Batista pinned Cena to win the championship. On the February 22nd episode of RAW, Cena asked for a rematch for the title at WrestleMania, which McMahon gave him the opportunity to as long as he defeated Batista that night. Later that night, Batista intentionally got himself disqualified by kicking Cena in the groin to set up their match. At WrestleMania XXVI, Cena tapped out Batista to regain the WWE Championship (9th World Title). The feud continued for two more PPVs, at Extreme Rules (2010), Cena defeated Batista in a Last Man Standing Match, by tying Batista's feet to the ring post with duct tape. At Over the Limit (2010), Cena defeated Batista in an "I Quit Match" to end the feud.

 

• Feud with the A-Lister The Miz (10th World Title)

The road for WrestleMania XXVII for Cena began at WWE Royal Rumble (2011), where Cena participated in the Royal Rumble match, but was eliminated by the WWE Champion The Miz, who didn't participate in it, thus staring the feud. At January 31st episode of RAW, Cena participated in a rumble match, as the winner would face the WWE Champion at Elimination Chamber and the losers would compete in an Elimination Chamber match to determine who will face the WWE Champion at Mania. Jerry "The King" Lawler won the rumble match, so Cena qualified for the chamber match alongside CM Punk, Randy Orton, Sheamus, John Morrison & R-Truth. At WWE Elimination Chamber (2011), John Cena won the chamber match and earned himself a match against The Miz for the WWE Championship. At WrestleMania XXVII, Cena failed to win the WWE Championship, after The Rock executed the Rock Bottom on Cena and The Miz managed to score the pinfall. Miz & Cena continued their rivalry, as they faced-off in Triple Threat Steel Cage Match (w/ John Morrison) at WWE Extreme Rules (2011). At the PPV, Cena pinned The Miz after executing AA from the top turnbuckle, winning his 10th World Title. At WWE Over the Limit (2011), Cena defeated The Miz in an "I Quit Match" to retain the WWE Championship, ending the feud.

 

• The Champ vs. The Best in the World - John Cena vs. CM Punk a.k.a The Summer of Punk (11th and 12th World Titles)

The feud between John Cena and CM Punk is, in my opinion, the best feud of the decade, even better than Cena-Edge and it all began on June 13th episode of RAW, in which Punk defeated Cena in a non-title match. Afterwards, Punk became the #1 Contender for the WWE Championship by winning a Triple Treat Falls Count Anywhere match against Alberto Del Rio and Rey Mysterio. After the match, Punk revealed that his WWE contract would expire at midnight on July 17th, immediately after the Money in the Bank PPV ended and vowed to win the championship and leave the company with it. On the next episode of RAW, Punk cost Cena a tables match against R-Truth and delivered his infamous pipebomb for which Punk was suspended and stripped of his championship match against Cena. Cena confronted McMahon and threatened to walk out on him and return the WWE Championship if Punk were not reinstated. McMahon relented on the condition that if Cena lost the title, he would be fired. At WWE Money in the Bank (2011), Punk defeated Cena, captured the WWE Championship and left the arena through the crowd.

As Punk left with the WWE Championship, the RAW brand was left without it's major title, so McMahon announced an 8-man tournament to decide the new WWE Champion. On July 25th episode of RAW, Rey Mysterio defeated The Miz in the tournament finals to become the new WWE Champion. Later that night, Mysterio defended the WWE Championship against Cena, as Cena picked up the win, capturing his 11th World Title. After the match, Punk returned to WWE with the title belt he had won at Money in the Bank. As both Punk and Cena had possession of two different WWE title belts, a match was scheduled to determine the Undisputed WWE Champion. At WWE SummerSlam (2011), Punk defeated Cena, despite Cena's foot being on the bottom rope, to become the Undisputed WWE Champion. While celebrating his win, a returning Kevin Nash attacked Punk with a Jackknife Powerbomb, afterwards Alberto Del Rio cashed-in his Money in the Bank contract and pinned Punk to win the title.

On the August 22nd episode of RAW, Punk and Cena faced against each other to determine the #1 Contender for the WWE Championship. After some interference from Kevin Nash, Cena was able to pin Punk. At WWE Night of Champions (2011), Cena defeated Del Rio to regain the WWE Championship and win his 12th World Title. In the main event after interference from Nash, Triple H defeated CM Punk. On the September 18th episode of RAW, Triple H announced that Alberto Del Rio will receive his rematch against WWE Champion John Cena, so will CM Punk in a Triple Threat Hell in a Cell Match. At WWE Hell in a Cell (2011), during the match Del Rio locked Cena out of the cell, hit CM Punk with a lead pipe and pinned him to win the WWE title. Cena invoked his rematch clause and challenged Del Rio to a Last Man Standing Match for the WWE Championship. At WWE Vengeance (2011), Cena failed to win the title back, after he was attacked by The Miz & R-Truth and hit with the WWE title belt from Del Rio. At WWE Survivor Series (2011), CM Punk defeated Del Rio to win the WWE Championship and begin his 434 days long reign.

 

At WWE Money in the Bank (2012), Cena won the RAW's Money in the Bank match, which insured him a match for the WWE Championship whenever he wants. Cena cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase on CM Punk on the 1000th episode of RAW, but failed to win the title, as Big Show attacked him, which resulted in disqualification. On the following week Cena and Show fought in a number one contender's match for a shot at the WWE title, but the match ended in a no contest after interference from Punk. The new Raw General Manager AJ Lee announced that Punk will defend the title against both Cena and Show in a Triple Threat Match. At WWE SummerSlam (2012), Punk trapped Show's head in a Koji clutch while Cena put Show in the STF, which caused Show to submit. Because of the confusion over who won the match, AJ Lee came to the ring and restarted the match. Cena was able to execute the AA on Show. Punk however, then tossed Cena out of the ring and pinned Show to get the win and keep the title. Cena and Punk continued to feud over the WWE Championship, as at WWE Night of Champions (2012) they created again a masterpiece. Initially Cena pinned Punk and started celebrating, but after a few seconds the referee declared the match for a draw, as both men's shoulders were on the mat for the 3 count, thus Punk retaining the WWE Championship. Cena received one more chance of regaining the WWE Championship in a Triple Threat Match against Punk and Ryback at WWE Survivor Series (2012). At the event, after interference from The Shield, Punk pinned Cena to retain the title. The conclusion of this year long rivalry took place on the February 25th 2013 episode of RAW, where Cena put on the line his spot in the main even of WrestleMania. John Cena won the match after executing hurricanrana followed by an AA to pin CM Punk, ending the rivalry once and for all.

 

• "Greatness vs. Redemption" - The Rock vs. John Cena (13th World Title)

It all started back on the February 14th 2011 episode of RAW, where The Rock was revealed as the host of WrestleMania XXVII. Upon his return to WWE, The Rock began a feud with John Cena which continued for weeks in terms of verbal insults, until the March 28th episode of RAW, where Cena delivered the AA to The Rock after he fended off attacks from The Miz and Alex Riley. At WrestleMania XXVII, The Rock got involved in the main event WWE Championship match between The Miz and John Cena, which initially ended in a double count-out. After the match was restarted under no disqualifications, no count-outs rules, The Rock delivered a Rock Bottom to Cena, thus enabling the Miz to win and retain the title. Cena & Rock's first match was promoted throughout all of 2011. At WWE Survivor Series (2011), Cena & The Rock teamed up to defeat The Miz & R-Truth in a tag team match, but after the match The Rock executed Rock Bottom on Cena. At WrestleMania XXVIII, The Rock defeated John Cena. Cena's 2012 was his worst year in WWE as Cena blamed Rock for sending his life into a downward spiral, citing events such as being attacked by Brock Lesnar on the post-WrestleMania RAW, Big Show turning heel on him, being embarrassed by John Laurinaitis at Over the Limit, failing to cash in his Money in the Bank, losing to CM Punk multiple times and losing to Dolph Ziggler at TLC, even getting divorced with his wife. But finally after all this downs, at WWE Royal Rumble (2013), Cena won the eponymous match, earning himself a spot in the main event of WrestleMania and rather a shot at redemption. At WrestleMania 29, John Cena defeated WWE Champion The Rock, winning his 11th WWE Championship (13th World Title).

 

• Reigniting his feud with Alberto Del Rio (14th World Title)

After losing his WWE Championship to Daniel Bryan at WWE SummerSlam (2013), Cena went on hiatus to repair an injured elbow. On the October 3rd episode of RAW, Del Rio tried to coerce SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero to formally announce him as the "face of the WWE", but for Del Rio's expense, Vickie announced that he will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against a returning John Cena at the upcoming PPV. At WWE Hell in a Cell (2013), Cena defeated Del Rio, winning his 3rd World Heavyweight Championship and 14th World Title overall. At WWE Survivor Series (2013), Cena defeated Del Rio to retain the World Heavyweight Championship and end the feud.

 

• WWE World Heavyweight Champion (15th World Title)

After Daniel Bryan was forced to vacate the WWE World Heavyweight Championship due to an injure, a Money in the Bank Ladder match was scheduled for the vacated title, as Cena defeated Kane in a Stretcher match, on the June 16th 2014 episode of RAW, to qualify. The participants were Alberto Del Rio, Bray Wyatt, Cesaro, Kane, Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, Sheamus and John Cena. At WWE Money in the Bank (2014), Cena won the ladder match, becoming the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion (15th World Title).

 

• Feud with AJ Styles and Record-tying 16th World Title

John Cena returned on the May 30th 2016 episode of RAW, after recovering from a shoulder injury. Initially, Styles went to the ring to welcome Cena back, but it was scam, as Styles & The Club attacked and assaulted Cena. On the following episode of SmackDown, on June 3rd, a match was scheduled between Cena and Styles for the upcoming PPV. At WWE Money in the Bank (2016), AJ Styles defeated Cena, but not without the help of The Club, which interfered while the referee was knocked-out, delivered Magic Killer on Cena and placed Styles on top of him. The feud between Cena and Styles continued, as in the following weeks both of them interfered in each other's matches, costing themselfs a shot at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. On the July 4th episode of RAW, The Club again attacked Cena until Enzo Amore & Big Cass saved Cena. Later that night, a 6-Man Tag Team Match was made between the two teams. At WWE Battleground (2016), the team of John Cena, Enzo Amore & Big Cass defeated AJ Styles & The Club. On the July 19th was held the 2016 WWE Draft, where Enzo Amore, Big Cass & The Club were drafter to RAW, while John Cena and AJ Styles were drafted to SmackDown, splitting up the two teams. On the August 2nd episode of SmackDown, Styles challenged Cena to another match, which Cena accepted. At WWE SummerSlam (2016), Styles pinned Cena clean. AJ Styles went on to win the WWE World Championship. On the September 13th episode of SmackDown, Cena demanded a match against Styles in an attempt to become a 16-time world champion, while Ambrose invoked his rematch clause. At WWE No Mercy (2016), Styles pinned Cena to retain the WWE World Championship. On the December 27th episode of SmackDown, Styles retained the WWE Championship by defeating Dolph Ziggler and Baron Corbin in a Triple Threat Match. That episode, John Cena returned from a near three-month hiatus and challenged the winner of the match, so a match between Styles and Cena was scheduled. At WWE Royal Rumble (2017), Cena defeated Styles, to tie Ric Flair for the most recognized world title reigns at 16, thus ending the feud.

 

Well this is it, all of Cena's rivalries connected to title wins. Will he ever beat Ric Flair's record and win a 17th World Title? We'll wait and see.

Edited April 3, 2020 by batbobi

[batbobi 21]

It's time for an adventure. An adventure, on the Grandest Stage of Them All. A night, where heroes are created and legends will be born. Welcome to the show, that is too big for just one night, welcome to the showcase of the immortals. Welcome to WrestleMania!

 

 

 

 

It's time for our prediction of the WrestleMania card. Sixteen matches are announced, as they will take place on the 4th and 5th of April. For the first time ever, WrestleMania is taped, because of the state of emergency, generated by the coronavirus. I've kept myself out of spoilers, so now I'll give you my genuine predictions for the event.

 

WWE WrestleMania 36

 

 

Aleister Black vs. Bobby Lashley

Singles Match

 

That match came out of the blue, without even a storyline was used for it's build, just these wrestlers put in a one-on-one match. So as we don't have any storyline to work with, I think it's all about, who will benefit more by winning. Bobby Lashley has won a lot championship and had a really great career thus far, so winning will not be beneficial for him in any way. On the other hand we have a wrestler, who was soon called up from NXT and his path must be in an upwards direction. I don't know if Lashley will be there, because he is in quarantine, but nonetheless Lashley or other superstar, Aleister Black will kick their heads off.

 

Prediction: Aleister Black

 

 

RAW Tag Team Champions The Street Profits vs. Austin Theory & Angel Garza

Tag Team Match for the RAW Tag Team Championship

 

Originally, The Street Profits were scheduled to face Andrade & Angel Garza, but after Andrade got injured, he was replaced by NXT's Austin Theory. Both Theory and Garza are just still young and trustless to put the titles on them and carry such responsibility, so I'm very confident about that.

 

Prediction: The Street Profits retain the RAW Tag Team Championship

 

 

Women's Tag Team Champions The Kabuki Warriors vs. Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross

Tag Team Match for the Women's Tag Team Championship

 

The Kabuki Warrior are now champions for 178 days, but the titles were barely defended or promoted on the shows and I think they deserve better, so I think it's time for a change.

 

Predictions: Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross become the new Women's Tag Team Champions

 

 

Elias vs. King Corbin

Singles Match

 

I'm speechless for this one, because this match came out of the blue as well, only that Corbin tried to murder Elias on an episode of SmackDown. Corbin is out of a horrible feud with Reigns, which he lost, so a win here can be very useful, to bring him back some credibility, but also there might be interference on Elias's side by Mojo Rawley and WrestleMania's host Rob Gronkowski. It's really 50/50 for me, so I hope I can guess it right.

 

Prediction: King Corbin wins

 

 

SmackDown Tag Team Champion John Morrison vs. Jimmy Uso vs. Kofi Kingston

Triple Threat Ladder Match for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship

 

Because of the coronavirus outbreak, John Morrison will have the hard task of defending the SmackDown Tag Team Championship all by himself. All three of the wrestlers that will participate in the match are very athletic and will make a great show. Again all of them can leave with the titles, but I'm going for a retention.

 

Prediction: John Morrison wins the ladder match to keep the tag titles

 

 

Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn vs. Daniel Bryan

Singles Match for the Intercontinental Championship

 

Zayn has just won the title last month at the Elimination Chamber, so I think it's too soon to drop it. His feud with Bryan could continue, as both of them are very gifted wrestlers and I'm sure they can deliver amazing matches for the next couple of months.

 

Prediction: Sami Zayn retains

 

 

SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley vs. Lacey Evans vs. Naomi vs. Sasha Banks vs. Tamina

Fatal 5-Way Elimination Match for the SmackDown Women's Championship

 

I'm really intrigued of the relationship between Sasha and Bayley, because I think they deserve a great storyline between them that will culminate in a match probably later in the year at SummerSlam. They might try to tease a miscommunication, but it won't result into Sasha turning face. Actually any women, besides Tamina can walk out with the title, but I'm putting my bet on Bayley.

 

Prediction: Bayley retains

 

 

Otis vs. Dolph Ziggler

Singles Match

 

The feud between the two is basically a story of a good looking boy, who always takes the pretty girl and a boy with a low self esteem, who never gets the girl of his dreams. It's time that to be repaired. I also predict that there will interference from Sonya Deville, who will try to help Ziggler, but with the help of Mandy, Otis will pick-up the win and the girl at the end.

 

Prediction: Otis

 

 

Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins

Singles Match

 

Rollins issued the challenge, but Owens named it to happen at WrestleMania. Rollins told Owens that he chose poorly, because he have a positive record at Manias and at the grandest stage of them all, he turns into a god, while Owens can't beat him even when he's not at his best. Also the story involves around Owens, never receiving his WrestleMania moment, so I think he'll overcome Rollins' toughness and get his big moment. As for Rollins, after Mania I think he'll be starting a feud over the WWE Championship and maybe will defeat Owens in a WrestleMania rematch to become the number 1 contender, so for now.

 

Prediction: Kevin Owens defeats Rollins

 

 

Edge vs. Randy Orton

Last Man Standing Match

 

This is probably one of the easier matches to predict on the card. Edge just returned from 9 years of retirement and started feuding with Orton, as the feud turned personal pretty quickly. Orton vowed to end this fairy tale for Edge and put him back into retirement, but as we know Edge has signed a multiyear contract with WWE, so this ain't happening.

 

Prediction: Edge

 

 

The Undertaker vs. AJ Styles

Boneyard Match

 

As the rivalry was turned personal by Styles, Undertaker will have to defend his and his wife's proud. Styles can very easy recover from a defeat, so while Taker plays in his backyard, he will have the advantage.

 

Prediction: The Undertaker

 

 

John Cena vs. "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt

Firefly Fun House Match

 

After "The Fiend" lost to Goldberg back at SuperShowdown, he lost a lot of his credibility. Also, prior of his challenge to Cena, Cena said that a WrestleMania spot should be earned and not granted to a part-timers. As this is advertised as a WrestleMania XXX rematch, I really think that Cena must take a step back and give the rub to a full-timer, who will benefit from it. A win for Cena won't accomplish anything, but a loss for Wyatt will result in a burial of his character. This is not a prediction, but a result I'd like to see.

 

Prediction: "The Fiend" beats Cena

 

 

RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch vs. Shayna Baszler

Singles Match for the RAW Women's Championship

 

Shayna has been build fiercely - 1st by beating Becky and Bayley at Survivor Series, 2nd by finishing as a runner-up at the Royal Rumble match, and most of all by eliminating all of her opponents at the Elimination Chamber match. If she loses now, all of this push will be thrown away into a garbage can, therefore this should not be allowed.

 

Prediction: Shayna Baszler defeats Becky to capture the RAW Women's Championship

 

 

NXT Women's Champion Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair

Singles Match for the NXT Women's Championship

 

This will be the first time ever that a NXT Championship is defended at WrestleMania. Rhea does have a win over Charlotte, so I don't think they'll go 2-0 for Rhea. I think she'll drop the title now and will go to the main roster, as for Charlotte, she will use the title to boost up the NXT ratings and have some good feuds with the women of NXT, eventually dropping the title to one of them.

 

Prediction: Charlotte wins the NXT Women's Championship

 

 

Universal Champion Goldberg vs. Braun Strowman

Singles Match for the Universal Championship

 

Initially, Roman Reigns was scheduled to face Goldberg, but after he requested to be removed from the match, because of the coronavirus outbreak, WWE had him replaced with Strowman. I think Reigns was going to defeat Goldberg and win the Universal Championship, but now I don't see Strowman walking out as champion. I think Goldberg will retain and as WWE will take a break after Mania, Goldberg won't be required to defend the title. He will hold it, until WWE can do again live crowd shows and then do the Spear vs. Spear match - Goldberg vs. Reigns.

 

Prediction: Goldberg retains the Universal Championship

 

 

WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Drew McIntyre

Singles Match for the WWE Championship

 

The storyline for this match is that in the past everyone saw that McIntyre had potential, but not being able to materialize it, really affected his passion, which let to low self esteem, because so far he hasn't won any World Championships in WWE. Will McIntyre finally fulfill his potential by defeating The Beast and becoming the new WWE Champion, or he'll fall short, becoming The Beast's next victim. This match must really go in McIntyre's favor, unless WWE decides to postpone his coronation and do it in front of a live crowd, but I'm not going to risk that much.

 

Prediction: Drew McIntyre fulfills his potential, beats Lesnar and becomes the new WWE Champion

 

Well, that's my prediction for the showcase of the immortals. Let's enjoy this WrestleMania, as we hope we never get to see another empty arena one!

Edited April 4, 2020 by batbobi

[batbobi 21]

So here are the matches that will take place tonight:

Women's Tag Team Championship
Elias vs. King Corbin
SmackDown Tag Team Championship
Intercontinental Championship
Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins
The Undertaker vs. AJ Styles
RAW Women's Championship
Universal Championship

 

And these will take place tomorrow:

John Cena vs. "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt
Edge vs. Randy Orton
Otis vs. Dolph Ziggler
Aleister Black vs. Bobby Lashley
SmackDown Women's Championship
NXT Women's Championship
RAW Tag Team Championship
WWE Championship

[batbobi 21]

WWE WrestleMania 36 Results

Night 1

 

Kick-Off:
Cesaro def. Drew Gulak

Very decent match with an interesting finish.

 

Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross def. Women's Tag Team Champions The Kabuki Warriors (1/1)
A great oppening match. It was funny to watch, but had a little sloppy ending. Still we have new champions.

 

Elias def. King Corbin (1/2)
A roll-up with grabbed tights. Very stupid finish...

 

RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch def. Shayna Baszler (1/3)
What the f**k...? And really, without crowd it's really weird. Still a match can't hype me up.

 

Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn def. Daniel Bryan (2/4)
The first match with a great storytelling and in-ring action, which actually got me invested. Zayn running away from Bryan, Gulak fighting on the outside with Cesaro and Nakamura. Bryan had the control for almost the whole match, as this way they're telling us that without the help of Cesaro and Nakamura, Bryan could easily defeat Zayn, which I hope will result in some storyline onwards. The end was very well executed. Nakamura and Cesaro on the outside attacked Gulak, Bryan went for a suicide dive and then climbed to the top rope, just to be welcomed by a Helluva Kick. Very well crafted match, which really showed that if you're good wrestler, you don't necessarily need a crowd.

 

SmackDown Tag Team Champion John Morrison def. Jimmy Uso and Kofi Kingston (3/5)
Even better that the previous match, even better than I expected it to be. Just the guys knew what they're supposed to do. Amazing match, they did lots of great spots and the end of the match was really awesome as well. Jimmy, Kofi and Morrison were all on three different ladders and unhooked the titles, but they all hold them. Jimmy and Kofi head bummed Morrison and he fell, but with the titles in his position, thus winning the match.

 

Kevin Owens def. Seth Rollins (4/6)
I can surely say, best match of the night. Great back-and-forth, amazing sequences and amazing counters. These two just tore the house down. Initially the match was won by Kevin Owens by DQ, after Rollins hit him with the ring bell. The match was restarted as a No Disqualification and no count-outs. Both continued a little longer, as in the end Owens put Rollins on top of the commentary table on jump on top of him from the WrestleMania sign. Then he returned him on the ring and executed a stunner for the win.

 

Mojo Rawley def. 24/7 Champion R-Truth

 

Braun Strowman def. Universal Champion Goldberg (4/7)
Meh... 4 spears and 4 power slams and the think that annoys me the most is that Goldberg defeated Wyatt, but he just lost to Braun. Probably Goldberg's contract expires after Mania and he didn't want to resign, so yeah Strowman is the new Universal Champion.

 

The Undertaker def. AJ Styles (5/8)
Great theatrical movie in that boneyard match. Great spots here as well. Loved that Taker used some supernatural powers, like teleporting, making fire out of nowhere, also throwing Luke Gallows from the top of the barn and throwing Styles with a chokeslam from the top of the barn as well. I imagined Taker putting Styles in the grave with a Last Ride, but either way it was fun.

 

So that's it from night 1. The show started really sloppy, but it improved by every next match. The matches that I loved, that really kept me glued to the screen were Zayn-Bryan, the triple threat ladder match, Owens-Rollins and Taker-Styles. The one I think was the worst from night 1 was for the Universal Championship. I predicted correctly 5 of the 8 matches, not the best result, but it could be worse. Tune in back tomorrow, as we'll follow the second night of WrestleMania!

Edited April 5, 2020 by batbobi

[bmo 194]

@batbobiI love these recaps you do! Since you are the wrestling expert around here, why is Goldberg still in wwe? His matches are terrible. They are very quick. Never understood why they have a water downed legend like Goldberg competing for the universal title, when they have plenty of younger talent waiting for their opportunity, but getting screwed by Vince McMahon. 

 

Who do you think puts on better shows: wwe or aew?

[batbobi 21]

@bmo Why someone would still be wrestling in this age. Probably for the love of he business or he's doing it for the money? Well it's for the money, money. He is an Attitude Era big attraction, a big name from the past, which people will pay to see and he's a ratings booster as well. In Vince's world if someone is a moneymaker like Goldberg is, he'd rather use him than a new superstar, who is not properly built. Simply put, Goldberg is money and Vince loves money.

 

About AEW, I'm really just watching WWE, I'm not watching any other wrestling promotion.

[batbobi 21]

WWE WrestleMania 36 Results

Night 2

 

Kick-Off:

Liv Morgan def. Natalya
Both Morgan and Natalya had good chemistry and worked a good kick-off match, as Morgan picked-up the win with a roll-up.

 

Charlotte Flair def. NXT Women's Champion Rhea Ripley (1/1)
Amazing chemistry, great athleticism from both women, amazingly worked match! Started slow, picked-up the pace. Charlotte started to work on Ripley's leg. The leg continued to be the main target of the match and after great 15-20 minutes of back and forth, Rhea submitted to the Figure-8.

 

Aleister Black def. Bobby Lashley (2/2)
No hype for this match at all, because it didn't have any story. OK performance, I'm just glad it's out of the way. The seeds for Lashley & Lana's break up were planted.

 

Otis def. Dolph Ziggler (3/3)
This match got me all invested in. Great long term booking from February, where this feud started, to all the way here. I'm really happy WWE decided to finish this storyline and turn in into a fairy tale. The match was OK, but the thing that mattered was giving the story a happy ending with Mandy Rose on Otis' hands walking into the sunset.

 

Edge def. Randy Orton (4/4)
Very enjoyable match. It's good they gave them so much time to work with. It really looked like, these guys hate each other and tried to destroy one another. Brilliant! The match lived to it's hype. These two created really something special and unique.

 

Rob Gronkowski def. 24/7 Champion Mojo Rawley

 

RAW Tag Team Champions The Street Profits def. Austin Theory & Angel Garza (5/5)
Match, that I don't have any interest in. What happened after the match was more interesting. Theory, Garza and Zelina Vega attacked and assaulted The Street Profits, but Bianca Belair came for the rescue.

 

SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley def. Lacey Evans, Sasha Banks, Naomi and Tamina (6/6)
Loved the match. Sasha and Bayley worked for the whole match together and were able to eliminate Tamina and Naomi. With some misunderstanding Bayley kicked Sasha in the head. That led to a confrontation between the two, which allowed Evans to eliminated Sasha. Bayley and Evans had some back and forth, but in the end Bayley retained with the help of her friend, Sasha Banks. Great story told in the ring, really interested to see how WWE are going to build the rivalry between Sasha and Bayley.

 

"The Fiend" Bray Wyatt def. John Cena (7/7)
Just bizarre! I wish it didn't end so fast. From the start to the finish I couldn't move my eyes away from it. All of this throwbacks to the past - Cena's debut against Kurt Angle; Cena doing rap of his doctor of thuganomics gimmick; their match from WrestleMania XXX, etc. Great work from both. Bray Wyatt is something completely unique!

 

Drew McIntyre def. WWE Champion Brock Lesnar (8/8)
As expected, very fast match, something like Goldberg - Strowman. A lot of finishers in just 2 minutes. 3 F5s and 4 Claymore Kick were enough to crown a new WWE Champion and that is Drew McIntyre. I think the match was hurt of not being held in front of a live crowd, because it would certainly be longer in duration and the crowd would go nuts after the victory of Drew, plus the fireworks. Still congratulations!

 

That's it for this year's WrestleMania. For what is was, it has been pretty entertaining. I really appreciate that despite the situation, WWE decided to please us with this two-day spectacle. I really hope that things will get better soon and that the halls will be filled again with fans that these wrestlers deserve.

 

As for my prediction: in night 1 I got 5 out of 8 matches and as for night 2, I got all 8 of them correctly. So overall from 16 matches, I got 13, which is pretty outstanding. See you again next time, when WWE is on PPV, whenever that is.

 

Night 1: 5/8

 

Night 2: 8/8

 

Overall: 13/16

Edited April 6, 2020 by batbobi

[Monzanator 4,502]

Rob Gronkowski was actually wrestling here or was it some clown spoof?

[batbobi 21]

@Monzanator Every 24/7 Championship "match" is a joke match. It's not a serious deal.

[batbobi 21]

WWE SmackDown - April 10th, 2020 - Results & Review

 

The show began with the new Universal Champion Braun Strowman who delivered a babyface promo, but was interrupted by Shinsuke Nakamura who challenged him to a match. With that, the main event was set.

 

Women's Tag Team Champions Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross def. The Kabuki Warriors

This was a WrestleMania rematch, as Bliss & Cross won the match, retained the Women's Tag Team Championship and end their feud with The Kabuki Warriors. Now as Bliss & Cross are done with this feud, they are ready for new challengers, as later in the show, in a backstage promo, they were challenged by Carmella & Dana Brooke. I'm glad that the titles, at least for the time being, are featured more often in the shows, as that's probably the reason, the switch was made at Mania.

 

Elias performed a song, celebrating his win over King Corbin and probably announcing, that he'll participate in the Money in the Bank's ladder match.

 

Dolph Ziggler def. Tucker (Heavy Machinery)

Before the start of the match, Tucker showed some pictures on the titantron of Otis & Mandy being together, as a part of their WrestleMania storyline. During the match, Tucker was wrestling quite angry, maybe teasing for a future heel turn, but I hope not. Ziggler pinned him after a Super Kick, just as a rebound for his loss at Mania.

 

The Miz & John Morrison hosted "The Dirt Sheet", reviewing some WrestleMania results in their funny way, also noticing that Miz is still not cleared to compete. The segment was interrupted by The Usos and The New Day, as Big E announced that at next Friday's SmackDown, The Miz would defend the SmackDown Tag Team Championship in a Triple Threat Match, against Big E and Jey Uso.

 

The Forgotten Sons def. Lucha House Party

It was a NXT debut for The Forgotten Sons, so of course they would win this one.

 

For me, this is one of the best storylines going on SmackDown right now. It has great booking so far, a slow booking that will eventually explode and when that happens, it will be so f***ing AMAZING!

I'm talking about the relationship between The Boss Sasha Banks and the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley. Bayley slowly turns in a person, whose only goal is to stay champion. In attempts to do so, Bayley will use Banks as a scapegoat and throw her into the hands of her enemies, just so she can stay away and be safe. This plot is already going, as Bayley & Sasha's promo was interrupted by Tamina, who challenged Bayley to a match. Bayley, as a standard heel, knows that she won't be able to defeat Tamina on her own, so she threw Sasha into the fire, causing her to face Tamina first. The match was scheduled for next Friday's SmackDown and if Tamina defeats Sasha, she will receive a championship opportunity against Bayley. I just want to congratulate Sasha here for showing an amazing acting skills. They both acted amazing. I just love how Sasha's expression changed from a cocky-confident look to а worrisome and uncertain one, realizing that her friend had just screwed her.

I f***ing hope they to this right.

 

Sheamus def. Cal Bloom

I love that Sheamus has returned to his old hair style. It was a squash match, just to keep Sheamus look strong.

 

Universal Champion Braun Strowman def. Shinsuke Nakamura
Strowman won a hard fought battle against Nakamura, really great ME. The thing that followed the match was way more interesting, as on "Firefly Fun House", Bray challenged Braun for the Universal Championship. It's a common sense that Bray will go after Strowman, because they have a past together and I hope WWE and Bray himself can make this rivalry very intriguing and entertaining. But I'm not that excited, because Strowman had just won the title and I don't see him dropping it so soon. If, IF, Bray is here to lose, just let Bray wrestle and not "The Fiend"! It's great feud to have, but it's way too early to have these two against each other, because at the end, one of them must take the loss.