Wrestlemania XXVIII
Miami, Florida
There's no way we get more than 8 matches. Look at the past Wrestlemania's. Hell, look back at this years. They had to bump Sheamus/Bryan and had 2 filler 6 man/intergender tag team matches that lasted a total of 4:30-5 minutes. It was a 7 match card, but discounting those filler (which did have their full entrances and post match), it was essentially a 5 match card.
Now, I know a lot had to do with The Rock hosting. He had a long opening promo, and was constantly featured in backstage segments. This year will probably be a more wrestling focused event with maybe them interviewing various celebrities (Miami Heat Big 3? i dunno, you get the picture) who give their opinion on who's going to win the big showdown between Rocky & Cena.
Here's the card I see, and I'll tell you why. I'm not going to predict the order because it's way too unpredictable. Who would've expected a World Title match to open Mania? But one thing's for certain. Rock/Cena will be the main event. So I'll start with that.
The Rock vs. John Cena
I don't need to explain this. I'm just going with the assumption that it won't be for the title. Rocky said he's not interested in it, and I think it was just thrown out as obviously an option, but more so to give Cena something to do for a year. That's why he's centered around the championship and has been involved in every main event this year. That could very well change @ Night of Champions, but I'm not gonna get into that.
WWE Championship
Chris Jericho vs. CM Punk(c)
"Best in the World at What He Does" vs. "Best in the World" for the WWE Championship makes sense based on Jericho's tweets and the rumors. I don't think we're going to see Punk/Austin this year. Again, I don't want to dive too much into it, but business wise, why not hold off a year for that showdown when you already have The Rock's involvement this year? They could save it for WM29 if Punk's steamrolling as so many predict, that would be a major headliner and great follow up.
I think Jericho returns and wins the Rumble. The feud starts and goes wherever it goes. It'll probably be really compelling and a potential show stealer.
World Heavyweight Championship
Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton(c)
I think Bryan will actually hold off on officially cashing in MITB until WM like he says. That doesn't mean he can't or won't tease it. I think initially it'll be kind've a friendly thing between the two. It may start with Orton winning a match, Bryan coming out and waiving the briefcase and smiling as if to say he can do it any time. It'll grow more as maybe Orton gets beat down and Bryan runs out with the case, and just stands over him.
Eventually, Bryan will either be frustrated because Orton beat him in a tag match or whatever, and Bryan could just kick the piss out him and call for a referee. Then, he could grab the mic and cut a more vicious promo. The crowd will still probably be split at Wrestlemania, but why not add some intensity to the feud? It may turn Bryan in a similar way that Christian has turned (where adults still cheer him), but that's great.
Undertaker vs. Sheamus
Maybe it could be Triple H again. Perhaps it'll be Mick Foley. I dunno. I just think this is one hell of a matchup, and I'd consider it a darkhorse that I'll try to run with.
Sheamus can continue his hot face run. As Wrestlemania approaches, Sheamus can come out and talk about his rise in the WWE. Obviously how quickly he rose to Champion.
Meanwhile, Undertaker will deem Sheamus not worthy to challenge the streak. He'll point out that he beat Triple H last year, the only man Sheamus faced at Wrestlemania and Sheamus lost.
Sheamus can talk about how Triple H warned him about walking into Wrestlemania as a rookie and how Sheamus had to work his way back up to the top just like Triple H did when he got crushed by the Ultimate Warrior. Last year he wasn't at Wrestlemania even though he was the United States Champion.
Somewhere along the line, Sheamus can kick the crap out of Taker and the match will be set. Undertaker will be forced to deem him worthy!
Sheamus will promise Undertaker won't get to 20-0, and that this will be the end of his career. Or whatever. You get it, dontcha champ?
Triple H vs. The Miz
I like this match up. As soon as Triple H got on board, Miz ripped him. Him and R-Truth have been talking conspiracy for a long time (well, mostly R-Truth but he planted the idea. no not like Inception. not at all.).
Much like Punk/Jericho, the promo's will be great. And I think these two could put on a great match too. Miz is still a big deal and a future asset to the company. He'll be featured in a high profile match as well, and it doesn't (it does) get any bigger than Triple H.
The Rest of the Card that I'll try to predict but ya never know.
WWE Tag Team Championship
Air-Boom vs. Christian & R-Truth(c)
Alberto Del Rio vs Sin Cara
Mark Henry vs. Rey Mysterio
Intercontinental Championship
Haha, just kidding.
What? You know it won't happen.
That's also 8 matches. Fuck. I really didn't want to go over 8. There's still gonna be some sort of Diva's match, which I'll guess is
DIVA's Championship
Beth Phoenix vs. Natalya(c)
So that's 9. I mean 8-10 years ago this wouldn't be a problem. I dunno, I'm not gonna worry about it despite my opening bullshit.
Oh, and don't forget these Gems!
(1) National Anthem
(2) Hall of Fame Recognition
(3) Long Entrances
(4) Backstage Segments
(5) A Few(Good?) Promos (probably featuring Zach Ryder. yeah, I said it)
(Not 6) I actually don't think there will be a live band performance (think Kidd Rock and Ceelo), unless of course its Living Colour for Punk.
(Actually #6) Ya know what, Living Colour will play CM Punk to the ring live.
That's pretty much it.
