Match Booking Order For WM 31

[bk555]

Concerned about the match order at the show. I think the show ends with Triple H/Sting and then the WWEWHC match but I wanted to know what you all would do about the rest of the card. As of now we seemingly have the following card:

Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royale
IC Title Ladder Match
US Title Match (Rusev vs Cena)
Bray Wyatt vs The Undertaker
Seth Rollins vs Randy Orton
Triple H vs Sting
Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns

So the question is how would you order these matches? Also do you think we'll get Mizdow and Miz or Goldust and Stardust?

 

[TheICChampion]

I doubt Cena will be any lower than 4th or 5th on the card, but I think your idea should be pretty accurate. MAYBE we see Miz vs. Mizdow on the pre-show, but I'm not entirely sure as I think Miz has been added to the Battle Royal. As for Goldust vs. Stardust, I think it's pretty likely we'll see them one-on-one with Oldust as Special Referee or at least at ringside.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

I'm thinking the final match order for the main card will go something like this:

1. WWE Tag Team Championship - Cesaro & Tyson Kidd vs. The Usos: 12-15 minutes

2. Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal: 12-15 minutes

3. AJ Lee & Paige vs. The Bella Twins: 6-8 minutes

4. Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins: 15 minutes

5. WWE Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match: 20 minutes

6. The Undertaker vs. Bray Wyatt: 15-20 minutes

7. WWE United States Championship - Rusev vs. John Cena: 20 minutes

8. Sting vs. Triple H: 22-25 minutes

9. WWE World Heavyweight Championship - Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns: 25 minutes

I'm debating really whether the tag title match, or I should say possible tag title match, or the ladder match kicks the show off. The ladder match is guaranteed to deliver exciting opening action but, then again, so can those two tag teams if they're told to just leave it all out there in the ring. If the plan is to put the title on either Ambrose or Bryan, then I could see the benefit of having this match going on first as a means of firing the crowd up from the start. However, I think this order looks pretty reasonable overall.

As for Miz vs. Mizdow or a possible match with Goldust & Stardust, I'd put them on the kickoff show or just save them for another time altogether as neither feud is generally all that important or gotten all that much airtime. Besides, if last night is any indication, Stardust looks to be in the ladder match, so I suppose they could always add Goldust to the match as well. I know that Miz is in the battle royal, so I'm guessing that Mizdow will be added as well. If so, I see Mizdow eliminating Miz, fully beginning their program. In any case, I've no interest in Miz vs. Mizdow or Goldust vs. Stardust on the main card. They just strike me as low card matches that fit more in like with the kickoff show, on television or at one of the "B ppvs" rather than the biggest show of the year.

 

[laodaron]

I don't know how they'll do it, really, as far as the Pre-Show. I don't know who they'll have fight, maybe Rowan and Big Show, or Ryback and Kane, or something? I really don't know.

1. Andre Battle Royal. I think this gets first billing. It will have some decent action, but not so much that it would burn the crowd out early.

2. Tag Title Match. Man, I'm excited to see Tyson Kidd get back to Wrestlemania, even better that he's still a tag guy. This match will be really decent, and I hope the management and booking and creative have enough faith in Kidd and Cesaro to let them hold the belts for a while.

[This is where things get difficult, because every single match after this is a main event on a regular PPV, except the Divas, but they'll be used in the middle of the next 7 matches to give the fans a water break.]

3. Orton v. Rollins. This match happens at the hour 1 to hour 2 turn. I think they'll get a full 20 minutes, depending on the shape Orton's in. But to not use Rollins for the full 20 seems silly. Expect this match to entertain on every level, and face Orton is always pretty decent.

4. Rusev v. Cena. I know, everyone thinks that Cena will go on later in the show, but I have a feeling that if there's a title change here, it needs to happen early, since the expected finish in the main event is a title change.

5. Bray v. Undertaker. Man, am I not looking forward to this match. Anyway, this will happen right before the Divas again, especially because they'll be changing the set from Undertaker's to HHH's Wrestlemania entrance set.

6. Divas. Piss break mentality instead of trying to give the Divas a solid 15 minute match. I think it's time to bring up Charlotte and Sasha and give them a 15 minute match. Include Natty, Paige, and AJ if necessary.

7. Intercontinental Ladder Match. Get some big action right after the Divas and right before the slow grind of Sting and HHH.

8. Sting v. HHH. This will be two 15 minute entrances followed by a 15 minute slow grind match. All in all, it will be a massive nostalgia pop, and it will be fun. My question is "18 years later, do you let Sting (force Sting) to drop from the rafters, or even stand in the rafters?"

9. Roman v. Brock. This match only has 14-18 minutes in the gas tank. But, we'll see.

 

[Max Headroom]

I like the look of Jack-Hammer's show pacing. But there are a slight few changes I'd make:

1) Ceasro/Kidd v. Usos. -> Good paced opening match, let Cesaro and Kidd go over after 15-20 minutes or so to start the crowd off happy (of course they'll be the over team at WM)

2) The AtG Battle Royal. Battle royals tend to be a cluster up until the last few people, so it would probably be best suited to go here. This is where you can have the Miz/Mizdow finally split. ~15 minutes.

3) IC ladder match. Has the potential to be the match of the night. I feel putting it on later would risk overshadowing both HHH/Sting & Reigns/Lesnar. ~25 minutes.

4)Orton/Rollins. A good, fast-paced match to follow the ladder match without dropping in quality too much. Also, if you plan to have Rollins lurking in the ME, you have to have his match done rather early. ~20 minutes.

5)Rusev/Cena for the U.S Championship. They belong around the middle of the show. ~20 minutes.

6) Divas match. I find this is where they would fit best, give the crowd a little break before the 3 main matches. ~15 minutes.

7) Bray/Taker. As Taker is generally around this portion of the card. ~25 minutes.

8) Sting/HHH. Obviously can't be the Main Event, and will probably be the slower paced match of the three, so it belongs in between both. ~25 minutes.

9) Roman/Lesnar. I can't see this being a superb technical match, but more of a fast, hard-hitting one. So I can't see this going over ~20 minutes.

However, these times leave around an hour of time left (4 hours, right?). However, with entrances and other segments, I'm sure it would fill out. Maybe fit one more match in there, or give an extra 5 minutes to each given match. Not sure where Stardust and Goldust fit in. Maybe in the ladder match. I guess they could go the way of having Bryan go against Sheamus in a singles match, instead of having them in the ladder match. This would yield another ~20 minute match.

 

[Dagger Dias]

Here's how I predict it will go at this point....


1. Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match

2. Tyson & Cesaro VS The Ascension (Tag Team Championship)

3. Andre Battle Royal

4. Bray Wyatt VS Undertaker

5. Seth Rollins VS Randy Orton

6. John Cena VS Rusev (US Championship)

7. Triple H VS Sting

8. AJ & Paige VS The Bellas

9. Brock Lesnar VS Roman Reigns (World Heavyweight Championship)

10. Seth Rollins VS World Heavyweight Championship match winner via Money In The Bank cash-in.


They'll want the first match to be one that sets the pace for the rest of the night and gets the fans excited. It almost has to be the Ladder match. Now, I could see it being the Andre Battle Royal also or maybe the Tag Team Championship match (if the one I predicted even makes the card) but starting off with the Ladder match feels right. Many of the other card spots could be subject to change, but if we get the divas tag match (or whatever divas match we end up getting) then it should be in between Trips/Sting and the World Heavyweight Championship match. Otherwise we risk a situation where the fans are worn out and tired from Trips/Sting, making Reigns/Lesnar all the less interesting. Seth cashes in on the winner to close the show as your new World Heavyweight Champion. Will this all happen? Who knows. We'll find out.

 

[MCMG]

1) The Intercontinental Title ladder match. Fairly obvious. An exciting fast-paced start to the show that gets the crowd going. Should get around 15 minutes.

2) Tag-title match. I'm guessing this will be Cesaro and Kidd vs The Uso's but they might throw in The Ascension and one of New Day/PTP. Not much can be said but just under 10 minutes for this will be fine.

3) Randy Orton v Rollins. This is a bit early but I don't see anywhere else for this match. In the past big World Title matches have kicked off the show and given the rest of the card, there isn't much to complain about here. Hopefully this gets time - between 15 and 20.

4) Andre the Giant Battle Royal; and breathe. Orton/Rollins will be big as well as the ladder match. A few minutes of the enhancement guys getting thrown around before an interesting finish.

5) John Cena and Rusev. Start of the second act. Once more, a little early for Cena but needs must. I'm looking forward to this match regardless of placement. Under 20 is fine for this too.

6) The Undertaker vs Bray Wyatt. I don't think this needs to go too long but 15-20 is fine. The entrances too will take up time.

7) Divas match - AJ/Paige vs The Bellas. Notoriously the piss-break match and this is a fine time for it. It can be a great match but that doesn't change the fact it will be shorter than the others and will be placed strategically. Not a chance they get over 10 minutes but I do hope they can actually have a match.

8) Triple H v Sting. Given it's Sting's first WM and Triple H helps run the place, I'm guessing this goes on second to last. Kind off like Triple H and Brock. Again, two long entrances and a match of around 20 minutes in length.

9) Roman Reigns v Brock Lesnar. This has to close the show. It won't be a long match and given the two guys involved it doesn't have to be. I mean, there is hardly going to be many rest-holds. Around 20 minutes is again sufficient time.

I do think there is the possibility that Bryan and Sheamus have a match. They would still have 6 for the ladder match and either the tag match or the battle royal gets moved to the pre-show. I'd much prefer to see that myself but it's unlikely. This Mania seems curious. There are 5 matches which I can see comfortably going over 15 minutes. The ladder match won't be far behind and if we do get Sheamus/Bryan that will need time too.

Cesaro and Kidd can do wonders given time and, given the spotlight, the divas should get some too. Furthermore, Cena, Sting, Taker, Triple H, Wyatt all have to make entrances and they will do well to get everything crammed in. Like I said, I'm all for putting the battle royal on the pre-show. It's on the Network either way so I'm hardly effected.

 

[Elchicano15]

Here's my booking
Pre-show
Cesaro/Kidd (c) vs Ascension vs Usos vs PTP For the WWE Tag Team championship.
Main Show
Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royalwill open the show
Wade Barrett (c) vs Dean Ambrose vs R-Truth vs DZ vs DB vs Sheamus vs Goldust vs Stardust Ladder match for the IC Championship.
Comedy backstage segment involving Los Matadores and the rosebuds pissing off Adam Rose.
Randy Orton vs Seth Rollins
New Day performs a musical segment.
John Cena vs Rusev
Panel segment with Renee Young & Company.
Brock Lesnar (c) vs Roman Reigns
Nikki Bella(C) vs Paige Diva's vs AJ Lee vs Brie Bella Fatal 4 Way. title match.
Undertaker vs Bray Wyatt
H.O.F Segment.
Sting vs Triple H

After watching smackdown this week I'm convinced that they may not go the Goldust/Startdust 1 on 1 match which is kind of a bummer in my opinion but when you think about it you only have so much time on the main card with a certain amount of matches to put on. Maybe it's possible they do the match on the pre-show as they maybe have the pre-show go on for 2 hrs again like last year.

 

[Dave]

For me, the match card bought to start off with something exciting and will get the fans into the show from very early on. Honestly, the best match to put on first is the Intercontinental Championship match. With Ambrose very likely to go over in the match, you can pretty much be assured that the fans are going to be positive and into the show immediately. The last thing you want is for the crowd to be dead from the start of the show like at Fastlane. The rest of the card is up for debate but it is very likely that the World Championship will end the show and Cena / Rusev and Triple H / Sting will likely be towards the end of the card. For me, this is the most realistic.

Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match
Tag Team Championship Match
Seth Rollins versus Randy Orton
Andre the Giant Battle Royal
John Cena versus Rusev
Sting versus Triple H
Divas match
Romania Reigns versus Brock Lesnar

And that's obviously only the matches that look like they are going to happen at this point. There is no telling what could be the card if Daniel Bryan, Sheamus, Goldust and Stardust get on the card. So, with all these people moaning about the Mania card, Myself included, it doesn't look too bad from a booking standpoint.

 

[Navi]

For me, the match card bought to start off with something exciting and will get the fans into the show from very early on. Honestly, the best match to put on first is the Intercontinental Championship match. With Ambrose very likely to go over in the match, you can pretty much be assured that the fans are going to be positive and into the show immediately. The last thing you want is for the crowd to be dead from the start of the show like at Fastlane. The rest of the card is up for debate but it is very likely that the World Championship will end the show and Cena / Rusev and Triple H / Sting will likely be towards the end of the card. For me, this is the most realistic.

Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match
Tag Team Championship Match
Seth Rollins versus Randy Orton
Andre the Giant Battle Royal
John Cena versus Rusev
Sting versus Triple H
Divas match
Romania Reigns versus Brock Lesnar

And that's obviously only the matches that look like they are going to happen at this point. There is no telling what could be the card if Daniel Bryan, Sheamus, Goldust and Stardust get on the card. So, with all these people moaning about the Mania card, Myself included, it doesn't look too bad from a booking standpoint.

I pretty much agree with this version, although were would you put Taker/Wyatt? I would slot them in where you've got the Diva's match, and put the Diva's in the second match. That way it gets them out of the way early. The Tag Team title match can move to the preshow to help sell the network.

Bit worried about the last match being Reigns/Lesnar. The WWE will want to go out on a high note, and if the crowd revolts then that won't happen. You don't want people walking out during your marquee match. So I'm thinking depending on what happens in the next couple of RAW's that match might have to be moved also.

 

[Dave]

For me, the match card bought to start off with something exciting and will get the fans into the show from very early on. Honestly, the best match to put on first is the Intercontinental Championship match. With Ambrose very likely to go over in the match, you can pretty much be assured that the fans are going to be positive and into the show immediately. The last thing you want is for the crowd to be dead from the start of the show like at Fastlane. The rest of the card is up for debate but it is very likely that the World Championship will end the show and Cena / Rusev and Triple H / Sting will likely be towards the end of the card. For me, this is the most realistic.

Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match
Tag Team Championship Match
Seth Rollins versus Randy Orton
Andre the Giant Battle Royal
John Cena versus Rusev
Sting versus Triple H
Divas match
Romania Reigns versus Brock Lesnar

And that's obviously only the matches that look like they are going to happen at this point. There is no telling what could be the card if Daniel Bryan, Sheamus, Goldust and Stardust get on the card. So, with all these people moaning about the Mania card, Myself included, it doesn't look too bad from a booking standpoint.

I pretty much agree with this version, although were would you put Taker/Wyatt? I would slot them in where you've got the Diva's match, and put the Diva's in the second match. That way it gets them out of the way early. The Tag Team title match can move to the preshow to help sell the network.

Bit worried about the last match being Reigns/Lesnar. The WWE will want to go out on a high note, and if the crowd revolts then that won't happen. You don't want people walking out during your marquee match. So I'm thinking depending on what happens in the next couple of RAW's that match might have to be moved also.

Hmm! I knew I had missed something when I write it. Silly me. Honestly, I don't think that The Undertaker and Wyatt will be towards the end of the card. If I had to guess where it would go, I'd likely put it right after the Battle Royal when all of the main matches are getting started. I'm still pretty certain that Taker is going to go over Wyatt and the rest of the audience can be pretty sure of that too.with that in mind, I don't think it deserves to go on anywhere near last.

The Divas match will stay on there at the end, simply because of time restrictions. If some of the bigger matches go on for longer than they should, then it is going to be the Divas match that gets the chop. So obviously it needs to stay at the end of the card. Then again, with all of the fuss about the Divas division right now, the WWE would be insane to cut that match.

 

[mkw1962]

You need to kick off the show with a bang, here is your order.
1. Tag Team Title Match: Cesaro & Kidd vs. Usos vs. PTP vs. The Accension
2. Intercontinental Title Ladder Match: BNB vs. Dean vs. Dolph vs. R-truth vs. Luke vs. Stardust
3. Seth vs. Randy
4. Divas Title fatal 4 way: Nicki vs. Paige vs. Brie vs. A.J.
5. Andre the giant memorial battle royal
6. Undertaker vs. Bray
7. HHH vs. Sting
8. United States Title Match: Rusev vs. John
9. Daniel vs. Sheamus
10. WWE/World Heavyweight Title: Brock vs. Roman
The only problem is how to end the show on a feel good moment because Seth is probably going to cash in on Roman after he wins. So do you put John and Rusev after the World title match, or if Daniel is in IC ladder match put that last and let Daniel win. Maybe just let Roman win and see how the fans react. I just drew a blank is it called the WWE/World heavyweight title.