WrestleMania 33, WWE.com
How does the WrestleMania 33 match card look after the WWE Fastlane pay-per-view?
With Raw and SmackDown’s exclusive pay-per-views having come to an end, it’s time to focus on WrestleMania 33. It’s WWE’s biggest show of the year, which features the marquee feuds of the year and the matches with the most at stake. Nearly every title is usually defended too, especially with the longer run time for the event.
Sunday night saw the WWE Fastlane PPV come to an end, which means the focus can be placed on the Show of Shows. Despite the finish of the Universal Championship match, Goldberg was already set to face Brock Lesnar. This is still the case, except the title will likely be on the line. It has a chance of main eventing the show on April 2 as well, unless WWE is serious about Bray Wyatt defending the WWE Championship in the last match of the night.
Goldberg vs. Lesnar was confirmed all the way back in early February, very early for any WrestleMania match to be made official. However, this could have been due to Fastlane being a short time afterward.
After that, nothing else has been confirmed. However, other matches have been speculated on. This includes John Cena and Nikki Bella vs. The Miz and Maryse, Kevin Owens vs. Chris Jericho, Baron Corbin vs. Dean Ambrose, and Wyatt vs. Randy Orton. Depending on the next few weeks of WWE TV, all of these bouts could be officially set for WrestleMania 33.
Following Fastlane, there will be plenty that goes into creating the match card. Even with the speculated contests, there are still some that are going to be unpredictable additions, like the WWE Cruiserweight Championship and most of SmackDown’s undercard titles. Some won’t make it onto the show, however.
So what could we see at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL?
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Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal is heading into Year 4. The first three matches have pretty much delivered, with the exception of last year’s bout being taken a little less seriously than the other ones. There were storylines intertwined in 2014 and 2015, but 2016 didn’t feature this. However, Baron Corbin made his WWE main roster debut and won the whole thing, which was a surprising result.
For 2017, the favorite will be Braun Strowman, unless he’s featured in another WrestleMania 33 match. After what happened at Fastlane, there doesn’t seem to be a clear-cut direction for him. So if WWE wants to give him a dominating win to look strong heading into the Raw after ‘Mania, then expect him to walk out victoriously.
Here’s some of the Superstars you could see compete in this battle royal:
- Aiden English
- Apollo Crews
- Big Show
- Bo Dallas
- Braun Strowman
- Curtis Axel
- Erick Rowan
- Fandango
- Goldust
- Heath Slater
- Jinder Mahal
- Kalisto
- Konnor
- Luke Harper
- Mojo Rawley
- Rhyno
- Simon Gotch
- Titus O’Neil
- Tyler Breeze
- Viktor
It’s not a thrilling battle royal field, but that’s become the case with this over the past two years. Strowman stands out the most here, with a potential showdown with Big Show possible. Other than that, don’t expect much.
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SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match
American Alpha (c) vs. The Usos
Since the brand split began in July 2016, it’s felt like American Alpha and the Usos have feuded. It’s what led to the heel turn for the latter team in the first place, which had seemingly lifted their stale happy-go-lucky characters. However, not much resulted from this, except for multiple SmackDown Tag Team Championship losses to Heath Slater and Rhyno.
Months later, we’re back to American Alpha and the Usos rivaling again. However, they’re likely heading into WrestleMania 33 with the SmackDown Tag Team Championship on the line. It’s a potential Kickoff Show match.
Since winning the belts, Chad Gable and Jason Jordan have received inconsistent TV time. They didn’t make it into the Royal Rumble and miss SmackDown every other week. There hasn’t been any character development with these two either, making for not only a disappointing title run, but an underwhelming stint on the main roster.
As for Jimmy and Jey, they may be in position for a tag title win. After receiving multiple tries, WrestleMania 33 may be their opportunity to shine. With how American Alpha have been booked, there’s not much reason to keep the belts on them, so should we expect a change of the guard?
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WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match
Neville (c) vs. Jack Gallagher vs. Austin Aries
Having a ladder match for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship wouldn’t be a bad idea. There’s so many cruiserweights that are featured on Raw, and something like this could be used to finally get them off the ground. However, no one has been built up enough for the title picture, which has been focused around Neville and Jack Gallagher.
There may be a third person added to the mix, though. Austin Aries’ cruiserweight debut has received vignettes, so it seems he’ll be wrestling soon. If so, it’s perfect timing with WrestleMania 33 just around the corner.
Aries, Gallagher and Neville being in the Cruiserweight Championship mix would provide an entertaining triple threat match. It features probably the only three competitors that fans care about, giving them reason to not turn their heads or take a bathroom break during the show. While stars like Brian Kendrick, TJ Perkins and Rich Swann are all talented, they’ve been tried out in front of the fans and haven’t drawn as much of a reaction as Gallagher and Neville have.
While the Greatest Man That Ever Lived hasn’t stepped into the ring on WWE’s main roster, he would be a fresh face that has an extensive background. Fans are also familiar with him from the commentary table, which is only a small detail but something that could carry since those watching Raw or 205 Live are accustomed to hearing him.
This triple threat match won’t be heavily featured at WrestleMania 33, but it’s a way of getting this title on the show.
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SmackDown Women’s Championship Match
Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Becky Lynch vs. Mickie James
It looked like Naomi was heading into WrestleMania 33 as SmackDown Women’s Champion. Unfortunately, for her, in the match with Alexa Bliss at WWE Elimination Chamber, she hurt her knee. It led to WWE vacating the belt less than two weeks later, ending a brief, heartfelt story.
Now Bliss is a two-time champion and could be the titleholder when WrestleMania 33 rolls around. However, it’s her potential opponents that are up in the air.
The logical candidates to face Bliss are Becky Lynch and Mickie James, both of which she’s had the most recent history with.
With Lynch, she’s been around the title picture since the SmackDown Women’s Championship was created last summer. She even held the belt for a few months, before dropping it to Bliss. WWE putting the Irish Lass Kicker back into the mix less than two weeks ago may mean she’s a factor again, which could impact what’s done with the belt in less than one month.
As for James, minor tension has been teased with Bliss after being inadvertently knocked off the apron by her ally twice. There may not be a face turn in the works, but some dissension between the two women could mean they no longer work together and target each other.
credit: wwe.com
Raw Tag Team Championship Match
Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows (c) vs. Enzo Amore and Big Cass
Call it déjà vu, but Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows facing Enzo Amore and Big Cass in a rematch at WrestleMania 33 could be possible. After what happened at Fastlane, maybe it’s a guarantee.
Enzo and Cass didn’t start chasing the titles until a few weeks ago. Before that, they spent their time feuding with Rusev, Jinder Mahal and Lana, over things like being nude and making false advances. It filled up WWE TV for about six weeks, coming close to the PG rating WWE programming has.
With Anderson and Gallows, they’re just over one month into their Raw Tag Team Championship reign. It hasn’t been incredibly successful, as they were clobbered by Roman Reigns in back-to-back weeks in two-on-one handicap matches, which accomplished nothing. They also barely got by the Realest Guys in the Room at Fastlane, which has been the story in nearly every match they’ve been in.
This seems like it could be Amore and Cass’ moment at WrestleMania 33. It’s one that’s been in the making since their post-WrestleMania 32 debut, and should push them to the top of the Raw Tag Team Division. Does it mean as much nearly one year later? What about Anderson and Gallows’ future after the Show of Shows?
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Ladder Match for WWE United States Championship
Samoa Joe (c) vs. Sami Zayn vs. Finn Balor vs. Rusev vs. Cesaro vs. Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler
The Money in the Bank Ladder match used to be the multi-man staple of WrestleMania. With it being its own PPV, WWE has turned to putting the Intercontinental Championship in this spot. However, for reasons we’ll explain soon, this won’t be the case at WrestleManai 33. Instead, the United States Championship will get the ladder spotlight.
Chris Jericho holding the U.S. Title until WrestleMania doesn’t seem possible. if he’s going to face Kevin Owens. While having a belt on the line would help, it should be the Universal Championship. Having Raw’s mid-card strap used would make it drop into the background. So maybe Samoa Joe is used to take the belt off Y2J.
If Joe wins, then there’s going to be a handful of people going after him. Sami Zayn was his Fastlane opponent, so it’s possible their tensions aren’t done. Finn Balor could be back soon, and would step into the equation. Rusev isn’t doing much. Cesaro and Sheamus are also better off on their own and could play terrific roles in this too. Then Dolph Ziggler can win a match on SmackDown to earn this opportunity as the only Blue Brand star to be in the mix.
This ladder match has the chance of being the best one of the evening, if it happens.
Source: WWE.com
WWE Intercontinental Championship Match
Dean Ambrose (c) vs. Baron Corbin
When Baron Corbin attacked Dean Ambrose at Elimination Chamber, something seemed to be brewing. They also brawled on the following episode of SmackDown, leading to what should be a potential encounter for Ambrose’s Intercontinental Championship.
The slight issue with the build is they broke this in with brawls, so we’ve already seen the two get their hands on each other. Unless we’re going to see one full month of verbal barbs, then don’t expect anything to get too outside-of-the-box here.
With so much time left before WrestleMania 33, maybe we get a title match on SmackDown. It could end in a disqualification or countout finish, leading to a second bout, one with a more extreme feeling to it. Even though this would be Ambrose’s second straight WrestleMania with a No Holds Barred stipulation, it works well for a match with Corbin after their two fights.
The early favorite to win is the Lone Wolf. He’s mostly been protected since the brand split began, only losing to John Cena in what seems like an eternity ago. There’s nothing to be concerned about with his push now, as he’ll potential walk out of WrestleMania with the title and go on to run over SmackDown’s mid-card.
Source: WWE.com
Raw Women’s Championship Match
Bayley (c) vs. Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax
The second of two women’s matches at WrestleMania (and probably the more likely one to happen) is a fatal four-way for the Raw Women’s Championship. This would see Charlotte, Bayley, Sasha Banks and Nia Jax compete for the title. Every challenger has a case to make to be part of this match too.
Charlotte is always in the title mix, and after Banks’ antics at Fastlane, she’ll get added.
With Banks, she defeated Charlotte on an episode of Raw in February. That should give her the right to a title match, even thoough it’s not the champion.
To top it off, Jax pinned Bayley on Raw. This could be her case to make, unless something changes over the next few weeks.
This fatal four-way has the chance to be something special. It’s the four top women’s performers (and basically the only four on Raw) on Raw going head-to-head-to-head-to-head in a matchup that should settle the chaos that has been the Raw Women’s Division. We could get break-off feuds from this too, especially if Bayley vs. Banks is the plan.
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AJ Styles vs. Shane McMahon
AJ Styles’ WrestleMania debut saw him lose to Chris Jericho, but then take off into arguably WWE’s top star since. He’s main evented a handful of PPVs, wrestled John Cena three times, and won the WWE Championship. It’s made for one helluva 365 days for the Phenomenal One as he steps into his second WrestleMania event.
However, with the persisting Wrestling Observer rumor about Styles facing Shane McMahon at WrestleMania 33, it’s led to a mixed reaction.
As of this writing, Styles is still in the WWE Championship picture for WrestleMania. He tied Luke Harper in the battle royal, then defeated him in a singles match to seemingly earn an opportunity against Bray Wyatt. Randy Orton then committed arson and proclaimed his desire to fulfill his WWE Championship opportunity. It led to Orton vs. Styles being created for the upcoming SmackDown episode.
In between this, we’ve seen the former NJPW star make subtle comments about management on Talking Smack. It hasn’t meant much, but may soon. A growing frustration with having to win the WWE Championship opportunity again.
I guess I'll just win my spot. Again. #Phenomenal #SDLive https://t.co/8dhsZjrwM1
— AJ Styles (@AJStylesOrg) March 3, 2017
This is another small tease of what’s to come. Styles losing to Orton makes the most sense, then with the anger being taken out on McMahon. After that, it’s going to be a hard sell keeping fans invested in a match that’s not believable.
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John Cena and Nikki Bella vs. The Miz and Maryse
This storyline has already seen quite a few developments and is all but confirmed by WWE to happen at WrestleMania 33. Here’s what has happened:
- Maryse was covered in makeup after being inadvertently involved in Nikki Bella and Natalya’s backstage brawl.
- John Cena pinned the Miz in the Elimination Chamber match.
- Bella accidentally hit into Maryse backstage during a match with Natalya, leading to the French-Canadian hitting the Total Bellas star with a bar.
- Cena eliminated Miz from the No. 1 contender battle royal, so the A-lister came back in and eliminated him.
- Maryse slapped Cena on an episode of MizTV, so Bella made the save.
This isn’t going to be one of WrestleMania’s top matches, an usual thing to say when John Cena is involved. Is this due to his rising Hollywood career? How about as a way to get him and Bella on the same side for at least one match?
There’s never been an all-time great mixed tag match, which goes against this being something special. With the heel run Miz has had and the star power of Cena, there will still be eyes on this. Don’t expect a wrestling clinic, but something fun to potentially send off the babyfaces into a hiatus.
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Kevin Owens vs. Chris Jericho
The WrestleMania 33 match that’s probably the closest to being confirmed is Kevin Owens vs. Chris Jericho. Ever since Owens turned on Jericho during the Festival of Friendship segment on Raw, it’s seemed inevitable that these two would meet up. If anything, this started way back when their tensions heated up in the early winter.
Since KO’s attack, we haven’t seen Y2J on WWE TV. He appeared at a few live events in Germany, but in a neck brace and crutches. This led to yet another beatdown by the Universal champion.
Speaking of said title, it won’t be on the line for their match after Goldberg won it off Owens at Fastlane. It somewhat takes away the importance of a Jericho vs. Owens match, but with the blood feud this has turned into, maybe it’s not the worst thing. They don’t need the United States Championship either, which is less important than their personal rivalry.
Owens vs. Jericho at WrestleMania 33 should make for a fun match in the middle of the card. It could even make for a decent No. 2 bout behind the United States Championship Ladder match, taking things from wild and frantic to serious and physical.
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Roman Reigns vs. The Undertaker
During the 2017 Royal Rumble match, Roman Reigns and the Undertaker had one of the most intense standoffs for the bout. They brawled, and Reigns ended up eliminating the Dead Man over the top rope. This led to a stardedown between the two, the biggest hint of all that we should expect them to face off at WrestleMania 33.
WWE haven’t been shy with putting the Big Dog in a critical WrestleMania spot. They had him main event each of the past two shows, losing in 2015 when Seth Rollins cashed in Money in the Bank, and defeating Triple H in 2016 for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. While he won’t be headlining the show in 2017, facing the Undertaker still isn’t a bad spot. It freshens things up and lets Reigns cement himself in history by facing a legendary WWE performer.
This may be the Phenom’s biggest match at the Granddaddy of Them All since WrestleMania 30. He faced Bray Wyatt in 2015 in a match that never really got off the ground. Then in 2016, the Hell in a Cell match with Shane McMahon moved slow and ended up meaning nothing, despite the control of Raw stipulation.
By facing Reigns, it’s an actual big name at the time of the match. While Wyatt is a recognizable player in WWE, he had little momentum two years ago. McMahon also wasn’t believable with defeating Undertaker.
Source: WWE.com
Seth Rollins vs. Triple H
For about one month, it looked like Seth Rollins vs. Triple H would be off for the second straight year due to injury. Both times it has seen Rollins injury his knee, but in 2017, it may not cost him wrestling at the show.
On the recent episode of Raw, Rollins returned for an interview about his injury. At first, he made it seems like there would be little chance of returning, until Triple H and Samoa Joe entered the venue. The Game taunted the Architect and told him that if he shows up at WrestleMania 33, it will be the last time he steps into the ring. Rollins would say that he’ll be at the show.
Despite the doubt, it seems Rollins appearing at the Show of Shows is guaranteed, otherwise they wouldn’t have ran this angle. Don’t expect him to compete before the show, as WWE won’t want to risk injury. Not even a live event tune-up is worth it to put this match at risk. If anything, WWE could let Rollins wrestle Triple H, then take as much time as he needs to get to full health. There shouldn’t be an urgency to keep him in the ring, especially after what happened with his first knee injury. Let it heal even if he’s 90 percent ready for April 2.
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WWE Championship Match
Bray Wyatt (c) vs. Randy Orton
When they aligned in October 2016, it seemed Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton had a chance at WrestleMania 33. Then came the dissension with Luke Harper, leaving Wyatt and Orton as the only two left in the family.
Well, after Orton won the 2017 Royal Rumble match, he refused to face the Eater of Worlds for his WWE Championship that he won at Elimination Chamber. However, that didn’t last for long, as after AJ Styles became the new No. 1 contender to the title, the Viper decided to confirm his desire for the belt and proceeded to burn down Wyatt’s compound where Sister Abigail was buried.
Orton still has to go through Styles for the contendership, but don’t expect the Phenomenal One to get the win. The storyline makes more sense with the former involved, unless a third person was to join. That looked like it would be Harper, until he lost to Styles and had his babyface momentum disintegrate.
WWE keeps shouting that Wyatt vs. Orton will main event WrestleMania 33. We’ll believe it when we see it, especially with the final match we have yet to get to. It would be better to see two full-time stars receive the headlining spotlight, especially with their intricate story that has been in place since September. It’s probably going to take until we get up to the show, however, to see what actually closes it out.
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WWE Universal Championship Match
Goldberg (c) vs. Brock Lesnar
After WWE Fastlane, this is your likely main event of WWE WrestleMania 33: Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship. It’s a rematch of Survivor Series 2016 and their disappointed WrestleMania 20 bout, which saw both men depart WWE afterward. Fans realized this beforehand, so they let the Superstars know through a chorus of boos.
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13 years later, Goldberg and Lesnar are potentially stepping into the last match of the show. It’s a risky move, especially with the crowd reaction for the past two headlining bouts. This is a different story, however, as it’s two part-time performers being paid a ton of money to do little wrestling and mean little toward the long-term future of WWE.
However, having Lesnar and Goldberg in the main event of WrestleMania 33 could attract a main stream audience. Both have experience outside of the wrestling ring, including the Beast Incarnate’s stints with the UFC. The former WCW star also played in the NFL for a handful of years, so there’s media attention to be made off that.
Next: 20 Early Predictions for WM 33
The battle for the Universal Championship will possibly leave it in Lesnar’s hands after WrestleMania 33. What he does afterward with it remains a mystery, but it could make for an interesting post-Raw.