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The Grandest Stage of Them All, The Show of Shows, etc. are some of the taglines associated with WWE’s premier event, WrestleMania. However, the tide has turned, and just like the whole world, WWE has faced the brunt of the deadly COVID-19.



The company had to move WrestleMania from the capacity arena at Raymond James Stadium in Florida to the WWE Performance Center, change it to a two-night event, and tape it a week before the scheduled broadcast. The whole circumstances surrounding the show have been bizarre, but the show must go on.



The WrestleMania 36 match card currently has sixteen matches, with all the matches already taped last week. Some of the matches underwent last-minute changes due to the outbreak. We look at the card and give our thoughts and predictions for the biggest(?) event of the year.



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Otis vs Dolph Ziggler (w/Mandy Rose)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://i.imgur.com/AQjtShQ.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption>Image via WWE</figcaption></figure>



Dolph Ziggler has been in the company for more than a decade, and despite winning two world titles and several other championships in his career, he has surprisingly never had a singles match at &#8216;Mania.



The streak shall end at WrestleMania 36, as Ziggler will take on Otis of Heavy Machinery, whose feud with The Show Off has been picture-perfect. Otis’ rise as the sympathetic babyface on the blue brand is a fantastic sight, and the tussle for Mandy Rose has led to this &#8216;Mania match.



Rose will be in Ziggler’s corner for the matchup, but her realizing Otis’ true love will be a memorable &#8216;Mania moment.



Prediction: Otis wins the match and Mandy Rose.



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Elias vs King Corbin</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://i.imgur.com/voMb5ka.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption>Image via WWE</figcaption></figure>



Elias and Corbin may not win a lot of titles in the company, but both the stars are featured regularly on the weekly shows. Corbin turned his sight to Elias, after almost four months of a deeply personal rivalry with Roman Reigns.



The two superstars are not exactly known for their in-ring prowess, and hence, this match wouldn’t exactly set the stage on fire. They are, however, two greatly talented story-tellers, and it would be fun to see them collide inside the squared circle.



Prediction: Elias wins.



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Aleister Black vs Bobby Lashley (w/Lana)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://i.imgur.com/aU6GNO6.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption>Image via WWE</figcaption></figure>



A match without any story taking place at WrestleMania is something unimaginable, but WWE has outdone itself this time around. Lashley and Black were inexplicably put in this random match for &#8216;Mania, which was most likely to fill the card with as many matches as possible for the two-night event.



Lashley had his issues with Rusev for a long time, while Black had a very short rivalry with AJ Styles which was quickly dropped. Black should win this match comfortably, and continue his dominating run on the main roster.



Prediction: Aleister Black wins



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Boneyard Match: AJ Styles vs The Undertaker</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://i.imgur.com/WyhVTVB.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption>Image via WWE</figcaption></figure>



The Undertaker and WrestleMania is a never-ending story, and the Deadman shall return for a Boneyard Match against the Phenomenal One, in what is surely a dream match for the fans of the wrestling community.



Styles and Taker first crossed paths at the Super ShowDown event in Saudi Arabia, and then things got heated when Styles got personal with the Deadman. Taker could be teasing a return of his former American Badass gimmick for the match, which would surely be an iconic moment.



There is no way in hell Styles gets a win over Taker, although he deserves to be in the illustrated list along with Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns.



Prediction: The Undertaker wins.



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Kevin Owens vs Seth Rollins</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://i.imgur.com/9nLKy3U.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption>Image via WWE</figcaption></figure>



The two top guys of RAW will finally collide at WrestleMania, after months of random six-man and eight-man encounters involving their buddies. Owens had the Street Profits, Samoa Joe, and Viking Raiders by his side while Rollins had AOP and Murphy to support him.



With all the foreign elements out of the picture, the two will get to showcase their skills in singles action, in what is sure to be a tremendous encounter.



Owens is desperately waiting for his big WrestleMania moment, and a win over the Messiah could be the start of great things for the Prizefighter.



Prediction: Kevin Owens wins.



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">WWE NXT Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley(c) vs Charlotte Flair</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://i.imgur.com/XqLGVg7.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption>Image via WWE</figcaption></figure>



The NXT Women’s title found a place in the WrestleMania 36 match card after Royal Rumble winner Charlotte Flair decided to challenge the young sensation, Rhea Ripley, for her title. Flair, who has won the women’s title ten times in her career, decided to go back to where she came from, and take on the Australian upstart.



Ripley has become a major name in the Women’s Division, after her tremendous performances during the Survivor Series season last year. She is one for the future, and WWE will benefit from giving her a victory over the most-crowned star in WWE’s history.



Prediction: Ripley rips Charlotte Flair to retain the title.



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: The Kabuki Warriors(c) vs Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://i.imgur.com/wrKkfUQ.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption>Image via WWE</figcaption></figure>



Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross clamored for weeks for a match against the Japanese duo and finally got their chance after Asuka decided to answer their challenge. Asuka and Kairi Sane have run through the thin roster on RAW and will look to continue their reign by taking down the sweet duo from the blue brand.



Cross and Bliss are former champions themselves, and handing them the straps will surely open up more possibilities for the often neglected tag-team division for the women.



Prediction: Bliss and Cross becomes the new Women&#8217;s Tag Team Champions



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship| Fatal 5-Way Match: Bayley(c) vs Sasha Banks vs Tamina vs Naomi vs Lacey Evans</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://i.imgur.com/MArUT9Q.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption>Image via WWE</figcaption></figure>



Bayley took down every woman on the roster over the course of the last few months, which begged the question of who will she face at WrestleMania. There were rumors of her turning on Sasha Banks, while some reports mentioned the return of Nia Jax. However, Paige announced the whole of SmackDown roster participating in this matchup, which is certainly not the way to practice social distancing!



Sasha Banks and Bayley’s stories will most likely continue post-WrestleMania, and either of them will leave the arena with the title on their shoulders. Banks winning the title will put more cracks in their relationship, which could eventually lead to a match at SummerSlam.



Prediction: Sasha Banks becomes the new SmackDown Women&#8217;s Champion.



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">WWE Raw Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch(c) vs Shayna Baszler</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://i.imgur.com/HobH8Dx.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption>Image via WWE</figcaption></figure>



Shayna Baszler made her debut in terrifying fashion by biting and leaving Lynch bloodied on RAW a few weeks ago. She went on to defeat all the other competitors at the Elimination Chamber to earn herself the right to face Lynch, who defeated Baslzer’s good friend Ronda Rousey to win the title last year.



Although Baszler has received a lukewarm reaction, and even the backstage authorities are said to be unconvinced of her talents, she could end up dethroning Lynch, as there are no other credible challengers left on either of the rosters.



Prediction: Shayna Baszler becomes the new Raw Women&#8217;s Champion



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">WWE Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn(c) vs Daniel Bryan</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://i.imgur.com/I917c2z.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption>Image via WWE</figcaption></figure>



A decade ago, Sami Zayn (El Generico) taking on Daniel Bryan (Bryan Danielson), would have been a major ROH matchup. Fast forward to 2020, and the two former indie darlings will collide for one of the most prestigious titles in WWE.



This will be Zayn’s first singles match in a really long time, and hopefully, he can dust off the ring-rust and deliver a tremendous encounter with the equally proficient Bryan.



Zayn won his first-ever championship on the main roster last month, and WWE would be looking to let him continue his run with the title for a bit longer. Bryan is slated to take a paternity leave soon, which puts Zayn in prime position to win this matchup.



Prediction: Sami Zayn becomes the new Intercontinental Champion



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">WWE RAW Tag Team Championship: The Street Profits(c) vs Austin Theory and Angel Garza (w/ Zelina Vega)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://i.imgur.com/i1SA5X0.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption>Image via WWE</figcaption></figure>



Angel Garza and Austin Theory are still technically part of the NXT roster and are merely there on the main roster due to Andrade’s troubles. Garza debuted after Andrade was suspended, while Theory debuted last week after Andrade suffered a rib injury.



With several quality teams at their disposal, WWE should’ve chosen a better alternative for this matchup, but it would sadly be the randomly thrown together duo of Theory and Garza who take on the Street Profits.



Prediction: The Street Profits retain.



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship | Ladder Match: The Miz and John Morrison(c) vs The New Day vs The Usos</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://i.imgur.com/1YAzktq.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption>Image via WWE</figcaption></figure>



A Tag-Team Ladder Match, featuring three quality tag-teams, is a classic throwback to WM 17, when Edge-Christian, Dudley Boyz and the Hardy Boyz collided in TLC matchup. It is rumored that the match will eventually be changed due to Miz staying away from the card due to COVID-19 concerns, but WWE hasn’t acknowledged the change as of now.



The New Day and The Usos will continue their iconic rivalry with the champs Miz-Morrison there to play the third wheel. Miz and Morrison should end up winning the match as the other two teams have had their share of title runs for a really long time.



Prediction: Miz and Morrison retain



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Last Man Standing Match: Edge vs Randy Orton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://i.imgur.com/lsrwZNE.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption>Image via WWE</figcaption></figure>



It is a travesty that the culmination of this rivalry will take place in an empty arena. Edge’s first match in almost a decade will take place in an empty arena, which is a bittersweet moment for everyone involved.



Edge and Orton have had a tremendous rivalry over the past few months, which has even seen Edge’s wife get hit by an RKO! The promo-work has been outstanding, and the two individuals have demonstrated exactly why they are considered as two of the very best in the ring.



Prediction: Edge wins.



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">WWE Universal Championship Match: Goldberg(c) vs TBA</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://i.imgur.com/Byo51Aw.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption>Image via WWE</figcaption></figure>



Roman Reigns has announced that he shall not participate in this year&#8217;s WrestleMania due to health concerns, however, WWE is still advertising the match for WrestleMania. Braun Strowman is the rumored replacement for this encounter, and WWE could make it official this week on SmackDown.



Strowman vs Goldberg is sure to be a messy match and with no buildup to the match, it would be a miracle if it isn’t a complete wreck.



There is no reason for Goldberg continuing as champion, and WWE should let Strowman hold the title which he should’ve won years ago.



Prediction: Braun Strowman becomes the new Universal Champion



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Firefly Fun House Match: Bray Wyatt vs John Cena</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://i.imgur.com/fcYhiGW.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption>Image via WWE</figcaption></figure>



The Fiend has taken down the likes of Seth Rollins and Daniel Bryan, but finally succumbed to Goldberg at the Saudi show a few weeks ago. Wyatt immediately set his sights on the returning John Cena, who gladly accepted the challenge.



Wyatt, whose new character has a knack for taking revenge for his opponent’s past actions, is seeking redemption for his WM 30 loss against Cena. Cena will be returning for a PPV for the first time in more than a year, as 2019 was the first year when Cena didn’t feature in a single PPV the whole year.&nbsp;



A win for Wyatt would be the perfect opportunity to establish as the top guy on SmackDown, and will help him restore the credibility which he lost after a surprising defeat at the hands of Goldberg.



Prediction: Bray Wyatt wins.



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">WWE Championship Match: Brock Lesnar(c) (w/ Paul Heyman) vs Drew McIntyre</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://i.imgur.com/cJx3nDy.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption>Image via WWE</figcaption></figure>



Drew McIntyre will finally get his moment in the sun, as he fights for the WWE Championship against the Beast Incarnate, Brock Lesnar. McIntyre, who was dubbed as the Chosen One in 2009, has achieved the boyhood dream, and if the buildup to the match is any indication, he will end up conquering the Beast.



Lesnar has become synonymous with championships in the last few years, as there’ve been very few months when the Beast hasn’t had a strap over his shoulder. However, it is McIntyre’s time to shine, and WWE will be wise to give the Scottish Psychopath the title.



Prediction: Drew McIntyre wins.

WWE WrestleMania 36 Match Card and Predictions

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