Double G Sports Staff Predictions: WrestleMania 34

After months of waiting, WrestleMania 34 has finally arrived! In front of 70,000+ people inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, WWE will look to continue their run as the top brand in sports and entertainment. With a card like this, it should be no problem. For the first time since maybe WrestleMania 17-19, this WrestleMania is filled with the best pro wrestlers in the world. Match after match, there there are many things to get excited about.

There are so many questions heading into WrestleMania. Will The Undertaker actually appear? How will Ronda Rousey fair in her WWE debut? Who will be Braun Strowman’s tag team partner? The staff of Double G Sports decided to put our heads together and give our predictions for The Show of Shows. We will try to get these questions answered as best as a we can.

On the panel today is yours truly, Double G Sports’ lead wrestling writer, Daniel Yanofsky. Joining me will be passionate wrestling fans who know a thing or two about the graps. They are team Double G writer Chris Passarelli and senior editor / New York Giants lead writer Scott Rogust.

Let’s get down to business, starting with the pre-show.

Women’s Battle Royal

Dan Y: After all the controversy surround the name, and how the trophy looks like… well…you know… we finally get to see some of the best females in WWE compete at WrestleMania. The main takeaway from this match will feature the rivalry between Sasha Banks and Bayley. They could have had a match on the main card, but their involvement in this tournament helps elevate it. Becky Lynch is always the underdog choice to win, but there seems to be some rumblings on a certain star.

Sonya Deville, the other MMA-skilled wrestler, has been on a role since the Elimination Chamber PPV. She has been getting a lot of praise on Raw recently from the announcers, and it might be due to Ronda Rousey. Her arrival could spark an MMA stable with those two and Shayna Baszler, if WWE really wanted to. While Mandy Rose appears to be the breakout star of Absolution, Sonya seems like the right person to lead the charge at WrestleMania.

Winner: Sonya Deville

Scott R: The inaugural women’s battle royal will no doubt pull out all the stops to make this match truly special. While names are confirmed, there will probably  be some surprises, whether it’s talent from NXT or legends, like we saw in this year’s Women’s Royal Rumble. In recent months, WWE has teased us with an eventual Sasha Banks-Bayley feud, which makes me believe that the match will come down between the two. However, I think Banks solidifies her status as “The Boss”, and returns to her heel status from NXT.

Winner: Sasha Banks

Chris P: The match formerly known as the Fabulous Moolah Memorial Battle Royal had a facelift after wrestling fans all complained about the match being named after a woman with a dark history.

The main storyline will be the battle between Bayley and Sasha Banks.  The two women have been bickering for weeks, with a possible heel turn from Sasha turning into a possible heel turn for Bayley?  Who knows, but look for one of those two women to win.

Winner: Sasha or Bayley

Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

Dan Y: Ah, I remember when there was such promise to this match. After Cesaro’s epic win at WrestleMania 30, there hasn’t been much momentum given to the winner of the battle royal. The most recent winner, Mojo Rawley, is proof of that. With several talent expected to return like Jeff Hardy and Samoa Joe however, things could change.

The star of the show will no doubt be Elias, as he will play a concert in the middle of the ring like he normally does. Two battle royals within the same pre-show may seem like overkill, but so is seven hours of a show in general. If Jeff Hardy ends up on the show, it wouldn’t be impossible for Brother Nero to get another WrestleMania moment.

Winner: Jeff Hardy 

Scott R:  The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal has taken a dip in credibility over recent years, as compared to when it was first introduced in, ironically, New Orleans. This year, there are a few names confirmed, leaving much room for surprise entrances. I’ll stick to my guns like I do every year, and predict an NXT superstar to win the battle royal.

Winner: NXT Superstar

Chris P: This year’s battle royal will be interesting because of the lack of names committed. Usually, the battle royal names have been filled out by this point.

Look for a guy like Bray Wyatt or Dolph Ziggler to get back on the right track with a win. They’ve been mostly off of television and Bray Wyatt has been rumored to be repackaged, so a win would do both of them good. Realistically, the match on the pre-show doesn’t mean all that much but they could make it mean more with a guy with stature winning.

Winner: Bray Wyatt

Cedric Alexander v. Mustafa Ali – Cruiserweight Title Match

Dan Y: It baffles me how a title match that was booked better than almost everything on the show will be on the pre-show. The same thing happened with Neville and Austin Aries last year, and we all know what happened to the both of them (Neville is technically still with the company). I previewed this match earlier, predicting that both the heart and soul of 205 Live will have a chance to steal the show. It’s not impossible, especially with how well 205 Live has been booked recently.

As for the match itself, Cedric and Ali can do no wrong. Before Enzo Amore was fired, I had a feeling Cedric would have won the title off of him. With two faces leading the charge, it’s hard to say who anyone would be rooting for or against here. Although Alexander may be ready, Ali has been booked well enough to be considered a legitimate champion for WWE. Hopefully these two get enough time to showcase their skills to the world.

Winner: Mustafa Ali

Scott R: The finals of the Cruiserweight Championship Tournament has me excited to tune into the pre-show early. 205 Live underwent a dramatic change in recent months, and for the better. Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali have the potential to tear the house down, and could prove to be the match of the night. I have Alexander’s journey culminating at the Grandest Stage of Them All, winning the Cruiserweight Championship. Tune in early, this match will be worth it.

Winner: Cedric Alexander

Chris P: The Cruiserweight Championship has the unfortunate distinction of being the least known or cared about title on the line. The two fighting in the finals of the Cruiserweight Tournament deserve to be there, being the most talented of all the cruiserweight’s.

At first glance, Alexander looks to be the heavy favorite because of his incredible athleticism and charisma.  However, Ali has been on fire lately and will look to turn an underdog story into a championship win.

Winner: Mustafa Ali

And now it’s onto the main show!

The Usos v. The New Day v. The Bludgeon Brothers – SmackDown Tag Team Titles 

Dan Y: Hey look, The Usos are finally on the main card. It has taken them so long to finally get the pre-show curse off of their back, and just in time. These two may be the best tag team in WWE today. Their feud with The New Day was something else. Add in a motivated Luke Harper and Erick Rowan, and you have a recipe for success… or disaster… however you think this match can go.

Harper and Rowan have all the momentum in the world after getting repackaged, and The New Day are The New Day. If WWE books this correctly however, The Usos will have all eyes on them as they retain their gold. The only other winners of this match could be Harper and Rowan, but I just can’t see WWE committing to pulling the trigger on them. That’s not paranoia…

Winner: The Usos  

Scott R: The Usos and New Day feud has proven to be one of the greatest tag team rivalries in recent memory. The tremendous feud between both teams now have an added piece: the Bludgeon Brothers, who made one hell of a statement at Fastlane. This has all the makings to be a great match. With both The Usos and New Day swapping the tag team titles over the past calendar year, I think a new team emerges on top. The Bludgeon Brothers will walk out new Smackdown Tag Team Champions.

Winner: Bludgeon Brothers

Chris P: This triple threat match is realistically a match between The Usos and The New Day with The Bludgeon Brothers thrown in there to avoid a repeat of what have been a good batch of matches.

The Usos run as heel champions has been fantastic. They aren’t the team of old that was a bit cheesy and played out. They now bring prestige to the titles. The New Day always bring fun and energy to the tag team scene, and they’ve been more serious as of late. The Bludgeon Brothers are good but don’t have the support of the crowd to win. The Usos will retain and go on an even longer run.

Winner: The Usos

Randy Orton v. Rusev. Jinder Mahal v. Bobby Roode – United States Title 

Dan Y: Man, WWE has struck gold with Rusev Day. That seems like the case every year with Rusev; the man knows how to get over. Unfortunately, I can’t see Rusev walking away with the gold just yet. Imagine the pop he would get though if were to win the title? Now that would end up being better than him coming down the isle in a tank. OK, I won’t get too ahead of myself there.

As for Jinder, well, he is just there. Remember, this feud centers around Orton and Roode. The former took the title off of the Glorious One in the first place. Long-term booking has shown that the hero will regain his prize.

Winner: Bobby Roode

Scott R: Orton joined the Grand Slam Champion club by defeating “The Glorious” Bobby Roode last month for the United States Championship. Now the two will be joined by Jinder Mahal to compete for the title. Originally, I expected Mahal to emerge as the victor at WrestleMania. However, with the uber-popular Rusev being added to the match, I think this Sunday will be a very Happy Rusev Day!

Winner: Rusev

Chris P: Rusev Day has come to WrestleMania! This title is some kind of convoluted as there have been tons of changes., with many people trying to bring prestige back to it.

It will most likely be a short match with all four guys trying to get all their stuff in. Orton has been a decent champion but he has no steam going into this. The only one with momentum? Mr. Rusev himself. Rusev Day will be victorious and win the U.S. Title.

Winner: Rusev

The Miz v. Seth Rollins v. Finn Balor – Intercontinental Title 

Dan Y: First off, if we don’t get some sort of Demon Finn at WrestleMania, that will be upsetting. This match is interesting based off the talent alone. Can The Miz prove that he is the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time? Given his resume, he has certainly proved that to be the case. With the arrival of the “It Baby”, it is possible Miz takes time off to take care of his newborn daughter.

That leaves Seth and Finn open to take the title. With a win, Seth can become a Grand Slam Champion. For Finn, it’s a chance to finally gain the momentum he is still looking for after injuring himself against Seth at SummerSlam a few years ago. These two always bring out the best in one another. In the end, the Demon King should walk out victorious, setting him up for better opportunities in WWE.

Winner: Finn Balor

Scott R: This match has all the potential to steal the show. The Miz has evolved into one of the best superstars this past year, with his work in the ring and on the mic. Now he faces off against Seth Rollins and Finn Balor, who are known for their tremendous skillsets. This match has the potential to be WrestleMania 34’s equivalent of Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat for the Intercontinental Championship. I believe “The Demon” walks away with championship gold in his very first WrestleMania.

Winner: Finn Balor

Chris P: The Miz has been a fantastic ambassador for the IC title. Jeff Jarrett even said so, mentioning him in his Hall of Fame speech. He is the best talker in WWE by far and has greatly improved as a wrestler. This match should be match of the night.

The combination of Finn Balor and Seth Rollins just screams five stars.  Both have been great as of late, and they bring a lot of prestige to this title match. All three men are former World Title holders. Miz will retain, but it will not be easy. I foresee a count out of some sort.

Winner: The Miz

The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro) v. Braun Strowman and ___ – Raw Tag Team Titles 

Dan Y: Realistically, Braun could probably beat both of these guys by himself. This match is actually intriguing due to the guessing game of picking who will team with Braun. Rumors have been going around, with names like Batista, Samoa Joe and even Neville popping up. Braun winning is the obvious outcome, but who will hold the gold with him?

In the end, I believe it will be a surprise pick, Bobby Lashley. Remember, his contract expired with Impact Wrestling recently, and WWE has shown interest in him. Two powerhouses teaming together? At this point, it makes the most sense.

Winner: Braun and Lashley(?) 

Scott R: The unlikely tag team of Sheamus and Cesaro have shined over the past year, winning tag team gold multiple times. Now they face uncertainty, as they face off against BBBRRRAAAUUUNNN Strowman and a partner of his choosing. There are plenty of rumored partners, such as Bray Wyatt and Samoa Joe. However, I think Elias is chosen as Braun’s tag partner, and the two popular Raw Superstars walk out of the Superdome as champs.

Winner: Braun Strowman and Elias (or Other)

Chris P: The Bar currently own the Raw Tag Team titles, and have been on an impressive run for the last few months. Cesaro and Sheamus are a match made in heaven.

However, no one can handle the strength of Braun Strowman. He is a man among boys and single-handedly won the right to be in this match on Raw a few weeks ago. Strowman was told he needed a partner in order to compete, and this is still unknown. Will he reunite with Bray Wyatt?  Will he have a Twin Towers redux with the Big Show?  What about a surprise partner in Rey Mysterio?  No one knows, but he will win either way.

Winner: Braun Strowman and partner 

Alexa Bliss v. Nia Jax – Raw Women’s Championship

Dan Y: The battle of the besties. In all honesty, this feud could have been so much more than petty “big woman” jokes, considering how friendships last in pro wrestling. Over the past few months, Nia Jax has dramatically improved in the ring, and Alexa is always on point. If everything is booked correctly, one of two things could happen: Alexa could play possum and toy with Nia throughout the match, or Nia just dominates Alexa.

The second option makes the most sense for Nia, given the way she has been booked for a long time. The woman who is not like most girls will finally get her time to shine while Alexa will get her comeuppance.

Winner: Nia Jax

Scott R: Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax is truly an intriguing matchup. The body-shaming story does somewhat take away from the match. However, the two have shown over the past year that they can put on good, quality matches. I feel Jax has her big career moment in WWE, winning the Raw Women’s Championship from her best friend.

Winner: Nia Jax

Chris P: This match doesn’t come in with all that much fanfare. Alexa Bliss has been champion for a while and has been great, but her feud with Nia Jax has been straight up mean. She’s a great heel, especially with Mickie James as her sidekick.

Big things are in store for Nia, but Bliss has been too good as champion. One day Jax will hold the gold, but it won’t be the case tonight.

Winner: Alexa Bliss

Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon v. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn

Dan Y: This match is interesting on so many fronts. Ever since Daniel Bryan announced that he was able to compete again, the entire world has been smiling from ear to ear. For him to actually be able to wrestle at WrestleMania is a dream come true. Expect a ravenous crowd chanting “YES” in unison for an extended amount of time. He will face two men he knows very well in Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens, who have become the best thing about SmackDown Live. The only problem: Shane McMahon is his partner.

In reality, Shane’s health is in question due to diverticulitis, but that’s not the main concern storyline wise. Zayn and Owens’ jobs are on the line in this match. I have a feeling WWE wouldn’t “fire” the duo, so some tomfoolery has to happen, right? Either Shane or Bryan will turn on one another and let Sami and Kevin win, and weirdly enough, it might be Shane. It may not make sense, but that’s pro wrestling for you. KOMania 3 will thrive in New Orleans.

Winners: Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn

Scott R: The six month feud between Shane McMahon and Kevin Owens/Sami Zayn will likely reach it’s conclusion at the Showcase of the Immortals. However, what makes the matchup that much more interesting is the emotional return of Daniel Bryan, who was medically cleared to wrestle after two years into retirement. Bryan did take an apron powerbomb from Owens, so that answers the question of how much physical action he could take. Bryan leaves the Superdome just like he did four years earlier, victorious. It will be fun to see him in the ring with Owens and Zayn.

Winners: Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon

Chris P: This is another interesting matchup, with the return of the people’s champion Daniel Bryan. McMahon is returning from diverticulitis surgery, and is looking to steal the show like he has many times before.

This match has a stipulation if Zayn and Owens lose they are fired from the WWE. This match could go one of two ways. Either the duo finds a way to cheat out a win, or they’re fired and try to sneak their way back into SmackDown Live every week. Either way, it will be an interesting match between four of the best performers in the business. Zayn and Owens will cheat their way to a win, and there will be A LOT of controversy come Tuesday.

Winners: Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn 

Kurt Angle and Ronda Rousey v. Stephanie McMahon and Triple H 

Dan Y: When Ronda first came to wwe, it was questioned beyond belief. While she is very green on the mic, it appears she’s giving this her all, as we have seen in her training videos. This match is long-term booking at it’s best, stemming from Rousey’s appearance at WrestleMania 31, when she was on top of the MMA world. My how times have change .

While the outcome may seem obvious (Stephanie getting her comeuppance as well), expect an entertaining affair. Ronda will most likely take control, even though Kurt still has a few moves left in him. The question will be whether or not she can handle the vocal WWE Universe. Nobody has seen the moves she has reportedly been training nonstop to do. If she can get the crowd on her side throughout, she should be set. The Olympic athletes are taking this one home.

Winners: Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle

Scott R: This is the match that all of sports and entertainment are tuning in for. The in-ring debut of former MMA fighter Ronda Rousey. It is rare that a debuting wrestler get’s to debut on The Grandest Stage of Them All, but Rousey’s star power is the lone exception. Now, she will be pairing off with WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle to face off against Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. This may just be the beginning of a remix of the Stone Cold-Mr. McMahon feud. However, with all eyes on Ronda, it is impossible to see her leave on the losing side. Ronda wins with an armbar to Stephanie.

Winner: Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle

Chris P: This match should be an interesting mix of legitimate wrestling and who knows what with Steph and Ronda. It will be Ronda’s in-ring debut at the biggest stage in wrestling, and she will shine.

The most intriguing part of this match will be how Stephanie McMahon does in an extended ring role. She has been in some matches before, but will Ronda be fighting her OR some mix of her and Triple H?  Either way, Ronda gets her first win in the WWE with the help of Kurt Angle.

Winner: Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle

Undertaker v. John Cena (?)

DY: We’ll consider this a break from the predictions, due to nobody knowing what will happen. Is John Cena just going to sit in the audience the entire show? Will The American Badass show up? Will nothing even be mentioned about it? There are so many outcomes, it’s hard to imagine what WWE will do here. I can actually see Undertaker not wrestle, but confront Cena. With WrestleMania 35 in NY/NJ next year, there are rumors of their match, if it were to actually happen, taking place there.

I see this going one way, especially if there is no match: A tombstone on John Cena, courtesy of The Undertaker.

Scott R: A dream match that feels about ten years too late. However, you can’t help but be interested in two of the top superstars in the past two decades facing off in the ring. Cena has been calling out The Undertaker for the past month, but to no avail. In an homage to the 90’s, Cena actually called upon the WWE Universe to summon The Undertaker, but still no answer.

Charlotte v. Asuka – SmackDown Live Women’s Championship

Dan Y: A match that could main event any show at any given time. This is the battle of two of the best female wrestlers in WWE, maybe even the world. The title v. the streak, the Queen v. the Empress. Ever since Asuka won the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble, fans have been waiting for this matchup. For me, it’s the true apex of the Women’s Evolution.

Surprisingly, these two have never fought before one on one. We got a taste of what these two can do in the Mixed Match Challenge earlier in the week. While questionable, it got me really excited for what should be a wild time. Will Charlotte outdo herself after hitting multiple spots outside the ring in previous years? Will Carmella cash-in? I can’t actually see that happening, but I can see a true classic take place. Like everyone else, Charlotte own’t be ready for the undefeated Empress.

Winner: Asuka 

Scott R: Over a month ago, I was not exactly sold on this year’s edition of WrestleMania. However, once Charlotte vs. Asuka was confirmed for the Show of Shows, I was sold. Charlotte has been at the top of her game, and improved each year ever since emerging from NXT. On the flip side, Asuka has run roughshod over the entire women’s roster, but she has never faced Charlotte. Asuka keeps her streak alive in a Match of the Night candidate.

Winner: Asuka

Chris P: The more anticipated matchup of the two women’s title matches,. It’s the classic case of the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object. Streak vs Champion. Flair vs Asuka.

Charlotte Flair has been the main attraction in this Women’s Evolution and has been a great champion. However, Asuka has been built as a monster for a reason, and that reason is to take the title.

Winner: Asuka

A.J. Styles v. Shinsuke Nakamura – WWE Championship

Another match that could have been the main event. I briefly discussed their upcoming match, wondering if these two could recreate the match they had at Wrestle Kingdom 10. If it’s half the match that was, hold onto you butts. While the booking could have been a lot better, the in-ring work by these two will do all the talking.

Shinsuke has been booked in a way that a WrestleMania victory can erase all of the mistakes that have bee made. nothing else to be said about this match, except sit back and relax. Also, Shinsuke’s entrance should be incredible.

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura

Scott R: The Dream Match indeed. We have been teased an eventual A.J. Styles-Shinsuke Nakamura match since Money in the Bank last year. Now, Nakamura emerged victorious in the Men’s Royal Rumble, last eliminating Roman Reigns, making his win mean that much more. Nakamura meets Styles for the first time since Wrestle Kingdom 10. Both talents have shown throughout their careers that they can light it up between the ropes, and we will all be watching with bated breath. Nakamura wins the people’s main event, becoming the new WWE Champion.

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura

Chris P: A.J. Styles has been the true definition of a champion when he won the WWE Title in what feels like ages ago. He has held the title in high esteem, and has been an ambassador for not only the SmackDown brand, but also the entire wrestling community.

Shinsuke Nakamura comes into this matchup as the winner of the men’s Royal Rumble this past January. It’s a long time coming for the Japanese superstar as he was kind of meandering around after his great stint in NXT. Styles will retain, but this will be a feud that will go on for a very long time.

Winner: A.J. Styles

Brock Lesnar v. Roman Reigns – WWE Universal Title

Dan Y: Where have a seen this before? Oh yeah, at WrestleMania 31. WWE has been trying to get Roman over as THE GUY for so long, but it hasn’t gone their way. Recently however, fans are finally starting to turn on Brock Lesnar, and for good reason. They are smartening up, realizing he is a part-time talent that’s just there when he wants to be. We know he is leaving after the show for the UFC once his contract expires, as stated by UFC President Dana White a few days ago. So, what’s the point here?

It’s actually simple: to get Roman another WrestleMania moment. Credit where credit is due: Roman has been impressive in the ring and so-so on the mic. If you let him be a badass, he’ll be beloved. Maybe one time, we will see glimpses of the old Brock Lesnar out there facing Roman Reigns. Maybe then, it’ll be a match worth remembering. Expect multiple false finishes on this one, and an overall violent time. The Roman Empire is about to rise again, whether we like it or not.

Winner: Roman Reigns  

Scott R: Come on now. We all know how this is going to end: Reigns emerges victorious after a plethora of suplexes, F-5’s, Superman Punches, and spears to notch another WrestleMania moment in his belt.

Winner: Roman Reigns

Chris P: It’s clear that Brock Lesner hasn’t been all that interesting or interested for that matter with the Universal Title. He has shown up for maybe a quarter of the Raw’s, and unlike his manager Paul Heyman, has done very little to talk up this match.

It came out about a week ago that Dana White has agreed to bring Brock Lesnar back to the UFC.  His contract is expiring with WWE and he doesn’t look to be coming back. The WWE has done a great job building Roman Reigns as the good guy for once, using Brock’ s real life part-timer attitude as motivation for Roman wanting the title so badly. Roman will win and will probably be a legitimate face after this. Of course, people will still hate him, but he’s come a long way since the 2015 Royal Rumble.

Winner: Roman Reigns  

By he time you read all of this, it will be just about time to tune into the WWE Network for WrestleMania 34. You can follow us three at the following accounts below for all WrestleMania coverage. Enjoy the show!

Dan Yanofsky

Scott Rogust 

Chris Passarelli

@DGS_MainEvent

@DoubleGSports