Wrestlemania 31: Which Side Are You On?

[OYDK]

I've noticed over the past few weeks, that the fan base almost seems to be split right down the middle when it comes to two matches; Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns and The Undertaker vs Bray Wyatt. One half of the fan base it seems, wants to see Bray Wyatt beat The Undertaker at Wrestlemania and continue his push towards the WWEWHC, while the other half is adamant that Taker needs this win after his loss to Brock Lesnar last year. Similarly, I've noticed many fans with the opinion that Brock Lesnar should continue his dominant title reign by beating Roman Reigns at Mania (if he re-signs of course). On the other hand, there are fans that say WWE should follow through with the Roman Reigns experiment and give us a full-time WWEWHC.

I can't really remember the last time the IWC was so split on two Wrestlemania matches. I would assume that this is going to turn out badly, given that one way or another, there's going to be a lot of angry fans... most of whom will undoubtedly take to these forums to voice their displeasure... joy.

Personally, I would like to see Wyatt and Reigns win their individual matches at Wrestlemania. As one of the fans who has been clamoring for some fresh new talent for the past 7 years, I would love to see a brand new WWEWHC and a new "face of fear". I say go all in with your young guns and don't worry about the smark backlash... they don't know what they want anyway.

So which side are you on?

Would you prefer to see Wyatt or Taker standing tall at Mania? Reigns or Lesnar? And for what reason?

 

[Nate DaMac]

I'm not overly invested in any of the guys winning or losing. I'd prefer Reigns and Wyatt wins but it's only due to my personal preferences. I like those guys more. But I won't be upset if either guy loses. I'm 100% expecting Wyatt to lose and Reigns/Lesnar can go either way.

 

[Richard Blonoff]

I'm pretty much with Nate on this one. I prefer Wyatt and Reigns due to my personal preference, both guys being personal top five, but I'm not going to be too upset if they lose.

Wyatt losing would just be another in a long line of weird decisions regarding his main roster career. I'm more confident of a Reigns win, but if Lesnar is sticking around I wouldn't be shocked if he pulls out the win.

 

[Dave]

For me, I'm pulling for Lesnar and The Undertaker. Might be a shit idea to put over two part time wrestlers but it makes a lot more sense in the grand scheme of things. If The Undertaker is scheduled to face off against Sting next year, how can you expect anyone to want to see it when The Undertaker has lost two years in a row? Nah, I see Taker going over Bray and putting him over as one of the most dangerous superstars he has ever faced at Mania. I expect their match to be an utter war but a Taker finally coming up with the goods to put Bray away.

As far as the WWE Championship match goes, I'm not entirely fussed about who wins because it really doesn't make a difference. There is a lot of repercussions depending on the winner, like whether or not Brock Lesnar will stay or Seth Rollins will cash in. For me though, I'd much rather have Lesnar win and stay with the WWE. The Reigns experiment hasn't really worked unfortunately. And I don't think he deserves to win against Lesnar or be the WWE Champion. Still, a lot can and will happen before Mania. I still think that Lesnar is a better choice however.

 

[Navi]

Both matches hinge on one thing, is Brock going to stay around or not? Let's take a look at the "If he leaves scenario first".

All year long Lesner are been billed as "The one who beat the one in twenty one and one". If Taker loses the match to Wyatt then Lesnar becomes "One of the guys to beat the one in twenty-one and two". Doesn't quite have the same ring to it. Plus it makes Lesnar's victory over Taker doesn't seem like such a big deal anymore. If Lesnar is leaving though, who gives a damm, give the win to Wyatt and be done with it.

Lesnar VS Reigns. Lesnar has tore through the main event talent of the WWE this year, Taker, Cena and Rollins. If you take into account who he's also beat in the past, HHH, Rock, CM Punk, Big Show, Cena, Rollins just to name a few, Reigns with his limited experience just doesn't seem as much of a credible threat to him. But if he's leaving then he has to drop the belt, and I know this is a scripted sport, but he not dropping it to someone who I think is ready and will be widely accepted. Rollins leaving Mania with the belt after cashing in would be a much better option.

If Lesnar decides to resign the landscape may change somewhat. I don't think Wyatt will beat Taker, just to preserve Lesnar streak breaking moment. There is also a good chance that he will retain the title, as the WWE might decide that Reigns isn't quite ready. I don't know where that leaves Reigns though. It might be better for him not to win this year and give him the chance to get more experience, rather than give him the title and his run is awful. That would set him back further, and the WWE is notorious for losing confidence in wrestler that don't perform up to their expectations.

So the bottom line is. If Lesnar leaves, the Taker/Wyatt match can really have any outcome it wants, and I don't care personally. Reigns will win the title and Rollins will cash in either at Mania or RAW.

If Lesnar stays, Taker will win against Wyatt, and there is a good possibility that he retains the title also.

 

[George Steele's Barber]

I'm with the apathy group. WWE hasn't made me want to watch let alone care who wins either match. I guess if I had to pick I would go with Lesnar because it makes it more likely that he signed a new contract and Vince is willing to admit that elevating Reigns at this time in this way was a mistake. As for UT and Wyatt, um, ah, I'll go with Taker just because Taker's absence routine is more interesting than Wyatt's nonsense routine.

 

[L@RISANO]

For me, I'm pulling for Lesnar and The Undertaker. Might be a shit idea to put over two part time wrestlers but it makes a lot more sense in the grand scheme of things. If The Undertaker is scheduled to face off against Sting next year, how can you expect anyone to want to see it when The Undertaker has lost two years in a row? Nah, I see Taker going over Bray and putting him over as one of the most dangerous superstars he has ever faced at Mania. I expect their match to be an utter war but a Taker finally coming up with the goods to put Bray away.

As far as the WWE Championship match goes, I'm not entirely fussed about who wins because it really doesn't make a difference. There is a lot of repercussions depending on the winner, like whether or not Brock Lesnar will stay or Seth Rollins will cash in. For me though, I'd much rather have Lesnar win and stay with the WWE. The Reigns experiment hasn't really worked unfortunately. And I don't think he deserves to win against Lesnar or be the WWE Champion. Still, a lot can and will happen before Mania. I still think that Lesnar is a better choice however.

This is about the same as I am thinking as well.

IF Sting vs Taker is in the works for next year, and this year, is just to see if they both can go in the ring... then it is better if Taker doesn't lose 2 in a row at this point. I still firmly believe that being opposite Taker, merely a year after facing Cena at Mania, is a big deal for the Bray Wyatt character anyways...


As for Reigns vs Lesnar;
I think Reigns' comeback from injury was poorly handled from a character and storyline POV and given the way that the Rumble went, Reigns was basically thrown into a deep pit. Until now, he has only managed to get his hands out of it.
Simply, IF the plan is to keep him babyface, then a loss to Lesnar in a close hard fought brawl would do him a world of good going forward.

 

[Mustang Sally]

One half of the fan base it seems, wants to see Bray Wyatt beat The Undertaker at Wrestlemania and continue his push towards the WWEWHC, while the other half is adamant that Taker needs this win after his loss to Brock Lesnar last year.

I'm with the latter section of the base. Especially if Undertaker is to fight Sting at WM32, he needs a win this year. I absolutely can't believe he'll lose two matches in a row.....and face the possibility of three in a row a year from now.

By the same token, Bray Wyatt is the type of character who doesn't need the world championship to be an effective performer. In fact, I can't even see him carrying the belt around; with his singular personality, the title would mean nothing to him. Too, he lost his series to John Cena and still remained an attractive performer; he applies his own brand of weirdness to everything he does.......and can afford a loss to an all-time wrestling immortal without being sent backward in status. Remember, the guy is only 27; he's got plenty of time.....while Undertaker's time is almost gone.

'Taker wins.... I want him to and think he will.

Similarly, I've noticed many fans with the opinion that Brock Lesnar should continue his dominant title reign by beating Roman Reigns at Mania (if he re-signs of course). On the other hand, there are fans that say WWE should follow through with the Roman Reigns experiment and give us a full-time WWEWHC.

Whether Brock re-signs or not, I can see Roman Reigns winning this match.....partially because whomever wins is going to get cashed-in on, anyway......and partially because Brock has kept the world title in deep freeze long enough....I think it's time for a champion who's going to be on our TV screens every week, whether it be Roman Reigns or Seth Rollins.

If Brock does come back, it will be exciting to watch him mount the charge once again.

Reigns wins the title in a true slugfest.

 

[OYDK]

I've heard a lot of good, logical reasoning for why Taker should go over Wyatt... so much so, that I'm now a little iffy on who I want to see win that match. If WWE is indeed setting up Taker/Sting for Mania 32, than there's really no way that Wyatt goes over... is there?

As Navi and Dave have pointed out, the outcome of these two matches really hinges on two things: Brock Lesnar staying and a guaranteed Sting/Taker match next year... If Lesnar leaves and Taker vs Sting is not guaranteed next year, Lesnar obviously loses and I see no reason why Taker has to win. That's just me though. However, if Taker is to face Sting next year, than the logical route would be an Undertaker victory... that leaves me worried about where Wyatt goes from Mania after a one and done loss.

Either way, I would like to see a Roman Reigns victory over Brock Lesnar. As for Wyatt/ Taker... with the long-run put in perspective, I've been convinced that The Deadman may be the best route to go... but it pains me to say it.

 

[CrucifiedRaven]

Undertaker over Wyatt

You can't build up a 22-0 streak only to have him lose twice in a row at the end of his career. It devalues the streak and honestly makes Wyatt's win just look like a second rate win compared to Lesnar. Undertaker needs to win, but it doesn't mean Bray won't still be pushed well.

Lesnar over Reigns

If he re-signs, he should go over. Milk as much out of him as you possibly can, and the best way to do that is to keep him strong and dominant. The only way Reigns should win is if Lesnar is on his way out.

 

[MCMG]

I'm torn over both matches. I'd just feel shit if Taker lost again but Bray is so awesome and this would be great for him. Especially after such a weird up and down 18 months. Ultimately, I'd be instantly happy if Taker won but I'd rather see Bray win.

Lesnar/Reigns is a difficult one too but I'm in the Reigns camp. Again, I think he deserves this and it would be awful, after all this, for it to be taken away from him. He is clearly improving each week but was harmed by creative. Lesnar, however, is amazing to watch and I'd love to see where they go post-WM. The options for Brock as champ are probably better but he is set either way. Reigns needs this a little more.

I'd love if both Bray and Reigns won. Indeed, I'd be a little annoyed if Taker and Brock both one but I wouldn't be throwing a fit or anything.

 

[CharlesKane]

For me
Lesnar retains, because I don't believe Reigns is ready and think the loss will be better for him in the long run and a better moment when he is ready and does win.

Bray has to win, I know the arguments about breaking the streak and what not but

1. Undertaker vs Sting is all about nostalgia so records don't matter and I think if it is Taker ' s last match it would be better off at Survivor Series where his career started. Then be inducted into the hall of fame in his hometown.
2. It is an instant in to Wyatt Lesnar feud - the two guys to beat Taker at WM battling for supremacy.

 

[Hollywood Naitch]

I'm with the latter section of the base. Especially if Undertaker is to fight Sting at WM32, he needs a win this year. I absolutely can't believe he'll lose two matches in a row.....and face the possibility of three in a row a year from now.

By the same token, Bray Wyatt is the type of character who doesn't need the world championship to be an effective performer. In fact, I can't even see him carrying the belt around; with his singular personality, the title would mean nothing to him. Too, he lost his series to John Cena and still remained an attractive performer; he applies his own brand of weirdness to everything he does.......and can afford a loss to an all-time wrestling immortal without being sent backward in status. Remember, the guy is only 27; he's got plenty of time.....while Undertaker's time is almost gone.

'Taker wins.... I want him to and think he will.

I feel the same, I desperately want Undertaker to win this and I think WWE will book him to walk out the victor. We all know 'Taker is pretty much done, he may have 1 last match after this (hopefully with Sting) so I don't think WWE will have him lose twice in a row at WrestleMania. 'Taker will get the win here and I fully expect WWE to book him against The Stinger in their final matches next year in Texas- depending of course, if The Deadman is able to perform well this Sunday.

Wyatt is still a very young man, he's extremely talented and his time will come. Just working alongside Cena last year and Undertaker this year is fantastic for him, but he doesn't need to win this one in my opinion. Build him into a huge force over the upcoming year, but I don't want to see 'Taker losing twice in a row.


As for Lesnar v Reigns...I am pulling for The Beast. I know WWE are desperate for a new top face and have picked out Reigns, but now we know Lesnar is staying with WWE I don't think he needs to lose the title here, especially when it's likely the fans will be booing "the new face". Make Roman look strong in the match, make him look a legitimate threat to Lesnar and have him kick out of an F5, while giving the performance of his life. Then, on Raw have him come out saying how close he was to the title he's always dreamed of, and the taste of it makes him want it even more. He can then challenge Lesnar to a rematch a SummerSlam, giving him more time to develop his character, build the rivalry with Brock further and then become Champion at SummerSlam.

 

[JoeMallard]

For me
Lesnar retains, because I don't believe Reigns is ready and think the loss will be better for him in the long run and a better moment when he is ready and does win.

Bray has to win, I know the arguments about breaking the streak and what not but

1. Undertaker vs Sting is all about nostalgia so records don't matter and I think if it is Taker ' s last match it would be better off at Survivor Series where his career started. Then be inducted into the hall of fame in his hometown.
2. It is an instant in to Wyatt Lesnar feud - the two guys to beat Taker at WM battling for supremacy.

Why would Taker's last match be at a ppv that has become just another throwaway event. I know it used to mean something, but it doesn't anymore. If Taker vs Sting happens as both their last matches, it deserves to be at the biggest show of the year in both those guys hometowns. Mania 32 will probably be the biggest ever, it is the perfect sendoff.

 

[CharlesKane]

Why would Taker's last match be at a ppv that has become just another throwaway event. I know it used to mean something, but it doesn't anymore. If Taker vs Sting happens as both their last matches, it deserves to be at the biggest show of the year in both those guys hometowns. Mania 32 will probably be the biggest ever, it is the perfect sendoff.

I answered that question before it was asked. Because
1. it was at Survivor Series that he made his debut.
2. He should go into the HOF next year in his hometown.
3. Sting vs Undertaker could be the sole main event of SS. It is still one of the big 4 ppvs and it would give a good boost of buys for SS as opposed to WM which will sell roughly the same number either way.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

The Undertaker vs. Bray Wyatt - I don't really see a purpose to this match if Taker doesn't put Wyatt over. Taker's officially 50 years old, as of yesterday, so he can't have much more left in the tank realistically. He's feuded with most of the biggest American wrestling names of the 40 years, he's a 7 time World Champion, he's going in the HOF whenever he wants and there's nothing left to prove. After all, the streak is over; it's finished, done and that can't be changed. He's not gonna be chasing a title, he's not coming back full time, or even part time for that matter. There's absolutely nothing whatsoever to gain from Taker going over, so why does he need the win? His legacy is already long since assured.

Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns - In the grand scheme of things, all things being considered at this point, I'd rather Lesnar walk out of WrestleMania as champion instead of Roman Reigns. I agree that the title needs to be taken from Lesnar, so I've got no real problem if Reigns beats him Sunday, Seth Rollins cashes in his MITB briefcase and screws Reigns outta the title. I simply have not seen or heard anything over the course of the past 4 months or so out of Roman Reigns that makes me interested in seeing him as WWE World Heavyweight Champion because I just don't think he's ready.MAYBE IF Heyman turns on Lesnar, Reigns turns heel and Heyman aligns with him, then MAYBE it could be something interesting. Even then, however, Paul Heyman's not some miraculous magic pill that can just fix everything.