Wrestlemania 39 is just days away and there is no better time than now to look ahead to the massive two-day event and make some bold predictions for the biggest show on the 2023 WWE schedule.
Wrestlemania 39 is set up to be one of the most highly anticipated in recent memory. Sure, the return of legends like Edge and John Cena in recent weeks has certainly improved the event that will take place on April 1 and 2, but the card has captured the interest of fans because it will be the culmination of multiple long-term storylines.
WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and his Bloodline faction have dominated the company for the better part of the last three years. However, at a time when the group’s reign of terror could be growing stale, over the last eight to 12 months they have delivered some of the most entertaining and compelling storytelling in promotion history.
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Much of the focus for the event will be on the match between Reigns and 2023 Royal Rumble winner Cody Rhodes for the WWE’s top titles, and unified tag team champions The Usos battling Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in a brothers against “brothers” matchup. But, the two-day event is also filled with meaningful bouts that are sure to entertain.
With all of that in mind, let’s make some bold predictions for the “Showcase of the Immortals” this weekend.
Randy Orton makes shocking return at Wrestlemania 39
Over the last couple of weeks, there have been rumblings that WWE legend Randy Orton will be in attendance at Wrestlemania 39. It doesn’t mean he will be on camera, but there would be no better time than now for him to end his months-long hiatus following back surgery.
For an event where Reigns and The Usos are expected to finally fall, Orton being a part of that would make a lot of sense. The Bloodline was the reason he was sidelined in the current storyline, and an Orton versus Reigns feud was reportedly in the works before he needed surgery.
An “RKO out of nowhere” to help The Usos and/or Reigns lose their gold fits for those storylines, and could easily set up future matchups. Which Wrestlemania has a long history of doing.
Omos scores massive win over Brock Lesnar
The matchup between Omos and Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania 39 is a classic spectacle pairing that the event has always been known for. In most cases, “The Beast” going home with the W would seem likely, however, with recent reports that his contract with the company could soon be up, this would be the perfect time for the future WWE Hall-of-Famer to do the honors and give the young star a major win on his way out.
While Omos has the size to beat Lesnar on his own, expect him to get an assist during the match. For the last couple of months, the company has hinted that The Hurt Business faction could be reuniting. Revealing that Omos is a member of the group as they reform to help defeat Lesnar connects various story threads and keeps the WWE legend strong in the event he does return to the company down the road.
Jay White makes WWE debut, helps Logan Paul beat Seth Rollins
Over the last couple of months, it has been rumored that one of the best free agents in the industry, New Japan Pro Wrestling superstar Jay White, could be headed to WWE. A debut at Wrestlemania would be a fantastic way to let him make a major statement to fans unfamiliar with his NJPW exploits.
However, what would be the best place to insert him? One logical option is the highly entertaining feud between Logan Paul and Seth Rollins. White is deserving of a major feud upon his debut in the company. And as they did with Cody Rhodes last year, a new star making their name at the expense of Rollins to set up a new long-term feud is very possible.
Plus, it gets Paul — an absurdly talented newbie — a victory he can hang his hat on for years to come.
Asuka and Rhea Ripley take home gold at Wrestlemania 2023
Wrestlemania 39 will bring a needed change of the guard in the women’s division. Judgement Day member Rhea Ripley was one of the breakout stars of 2022. Her January victory in the women’s Royal Rumble match was well-deserved, and getting a revenge win over Charlotte Flair after losing to her at the same event several years ago is “what’s best for business.”
However, Bianca Belair’s year-long reign at the top of the Raw women’s division has grown stale. While her current storyline with multi-time champion Asuka has been confusing at best, her finally taking an L and giving up the title is a decision that has been long overdue. Expect not one but two new women’s champs after the 2023 Wrestlemania.
Trish Stratus makes stunning heel turn at Wrestlemania 2023
The six-women tag-team match at this year’s ‘Mania featuring Trish Stratus, Lita, and Becky Lynch versus Damage Control is one of the more clunky storylines on the card currently. Sure, it checks off several boxes by getting a couple of legends involved in the show, but it has lacked real intrigue. But, during Paul Levesque’s time as head of creative, things are often much more than they seem.
That is why it makes sense for a big surprise to happen during this matchup, and Stratus turning on the tag champs fits. After losing tag team gold and Bayley’s recent title match defeats, Damage Control deserves a big win. Plus, a Stratus turn would then set up a monumental dream match between her and Lynch at Summerslam later this year. Wrestlemania is all about surprises and this bout is set up perfectly for one.
Edge defeats The Demon
Edge’s feud with the Judgement Days has been one of the longest-running storylines in the company. It will come to a definitive end at Wrestlemania 39.
His Hell in a Cell match with Finn Balor will be a major moment for both men’s careers. It could very well be the last Wrestlemania bout for the WWE Hall-of-Famer, while it will be the biggest showcase match for the former Universal champion to date.
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That is why “The Demon” is expected to make an appearance at the event. However, with Judgement Day teammates in Ripley and Dominick Mysterio likely to get wins at the event, the booking balance probably means Balor will be defeated this weekend. And considering how the storyline has played out, Balor falling is a fitting end to the rivalry.
Cody Rhodes finishes the story at Wrestlemania 39, but it won’t be easy
It has been a very long time since Roman Reigns was not the betting favorite heading into a title match. That has finally changed for this event and with good reason. Since returning to the company last year at this very event, Cody Rhodes has been one of the promotion’s most popular stars. Even after missing eight months with a torn pectoral, the co-founder of All Elite Wrestling has maintained his superstar status in the eyes of fans.
The stars are aligned for Rhodes to be the man that finally brings Roman Reign’s legendary run as champion to an end. But it won’t be easy. Expect many shocking near falls and involvement from The Bloodline and their bitter rivalries. But when all is said and done, Rhodes will finish the story, make his dream come true, and reach the mountain top in WWE on Sunday night.
The defeat will likely send “The Tribal Chief” into a hiatus that may very last until he remerges looking to win back his gold just in time for Summerslam.