WrestleMania 37 Night Two: Picks And Predictions

WrestleMania 37 Night Two: Picks And Predictions

Featured

by | Apr 11, 2021 | Featured

Happy WrestleMania Day, part two!

The Grandest Stage of ’em all, The Showcase of the Immortals, The event where moments are timeless, legends are cemented and boyhood/girlhood dreams come true…surely you’ve heard all of this before, but they all pale in comparison when you hear those monikers again.

This is what pro-wrestling fans of all affiliations, all ethnicities, and walks of life look forward to all year. Since 1985, wrestling’s greatest spectacle, the “Super Bowl” of the sport, and ender to all major feuds usually occur once a year on a one-night-only basis. But since last year, things have been anything but normal from the perspective of a regular ‘Mania period.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck down all normalcy (at least, how we know it) on March 10, 2020, there hadn’t been any live fans at a main-roster show in 397 days.

Last night at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, that finally changed.

25,675 eager WWE fans sounded like a sold-out crowd as they packed Raymond James Stadium ahead of night one of WrestleMania 37. (Connor Casey/ComicBook.com)

For the first time in over a year, 25,000+ rowdy members of the WWE Universe rejoiced and filled Raymond James Stadium on the first of two nights at WrestleMania, and the performers backstage couldn’t be more eager to hear their joyous cheers and the ravenous chorus of Boos raining down from their patrons.

Last night’s first half of the pro wrestling’s grandest showcase was as historic as it was awe-inspiring, and hearing 25,000+ scream at the top of their lungs (with masks on, of course) and just enjoy a wrestling show had to be one of the most cathartic processes for fans both in the stands and at home. The card was exceptional from top to bottom, and fans left Raymond James Stadium overtly satisfied with the finish of night one as well.

As we predicted, Bianca Belair walked into RJS as a challenger and walked out as a first-time champion in WWE. From Cesaro and Seth Rollins putting on a technical classic, Bad Bunny putting on what was probably the greatest celebrity match of all time to Bobby Lashley surprisingly defending his WWE Championship by incapacitating Drew McIntyre for the show’s opener, night one was one for the books.

But now for the second and final night of ‘Mania 37. We’ll get into that and more as we break down and give our official SneakerReporter predictions for the second night of pro wrestling’s most grandiose spectacle, kicking off at 8 p.m./7 p.m. ET on the Peacock Network

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Singles Match: Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn (w/ Jake Paul as Manager)

WWE

As for another celebrity-involved match on the card for night two of WrestleMania 37, Kevin Owens battles his best friend of over 20 years in Sami Zayn in what’s sure to be a spot-filled war that touches all levels of technicality, brutality, and a hint of recall from their feuds back to their NXT and Ring Of Honor days.

There aren’t many performers that know each other inside and out like how Zayn and Owens do, and for what’s to be another chapter in the friendship and rivalry between two future Hall of Famers, their first singles match at a WrestleMania against each other will do everything but disappoint.

We live in the age of information, and misinformation, during this upheaval of digital transformation of the world around us, and to some, equality and a world without injustice cannot be reached if there is a clear-cut conspiracy against those who cry out against it. Through near-falls, broken-up pins, and a stolen Intercontinental Championship, Sami Zayn had been left with no other choice but to dismantle the supremacy from orchestrators beyond his control by breaking ground with a controversial documentary to show the truth.

One SmackDown a few weeks ago, Kevin Owens’ signature “KO Show” featured Zayn on the segment, and after an unsuccessful effort to pry Owens’ eyes open to the uncomfortable truth, the rivalry was renewed. Zayn believes he and his old friend could have ruled WWE had they fully grasped the power to change the narrative, but at WrestleMania, where the borderline maniacal Kevin Owens shines, they will settle their long-simmering differences in the ring for yet another time.

This match is going to be a really fun watch and should go around 15-20 minutes. And since Jake Paul is involved in this feud, a bunch of stunners and helluva kicks will be handed out between the two in the ring and Paul on the outside. More than likely, Owens should win this match and cease the conspiracy-spewing that Zayn has done for months.

And maybe, juuuuuuust maybe, Kevin Owens might find a way to dive off the large ship part of the WrestleMania stage.

Prediction: Kevin Owens def. Sami Zayn via pinfall.

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Nigerian Drum Fight For The Intercontinental Championship: Apollo Crews vs. (C) Big E

WWE

From a storytelling standpoint on multiple aspects, this is one of the most developed WrestleMania storylines in recent memory.

It all started with a Lumberjack Match between Big E and “Mr. Conspiracy” himself Sami Zayn, and with the help of a Crews (who was drafted to SmackDown weeks prior to the match), Zayn was picked up by the former champion and thrown back into the ring, not allowed to escape any further as Big E planted Zayn with a Big Ending to win his 2nd Intercontinental Title.

Once friends at one point, Crews attempted to inquire about a potential match against Big E, since he wouldn’t have that title without him. E obliged, and they had a series of matches against each other, in which all wouldn’t go his way at all.

Growing discontent and rejections from wished chances after chances got under the former United States Champion’s skin and following some “advice” from the likes of Roman Reigns and his special counsel of Paul Heyman, the nice guy facade was dropped, and the advantageous side of Apollo Crews came out, first trying to assault E by dropping steel steps on him while he was injured ringside, and in future occasions, try to attack the Intercontinental Champion when he least suspected it.

Now, for their match at Mania. At first, the Intercontinental Champion scored a win over Crews at WWE FastLane, but the former champ unveiled his true Nigerian warrior personality, unleashing not just a new accent but fury on his opponent with a brutal post-match beatdown.

As this feud grew more intense, it was Apollo that came out and proposed a Nigerian Drum Fight, details of which are to be determined tonight.

But per Crews’ words, it is

“An ancient duel created by my ancestors for those that were wronged with the chance to make it right, and it has no rules, no limitations, but just a beating so loud that it sounds like a drum. And there, all of Apollo’s family there with the spirits watching will drum along to the sounds of Big E’s bones cracking from my fists.”

Sounds…interesting.

We’ll know soon enough if Big E can rise to the challenge of the vicious tactics, or succumb to the painful implications of this new match. Seeing as how much creative wants to develop Big E even more into a potential challenger for the Universal Title someday, it makes sense if they see the heel go over at ‘Mania to make his character look even stronger.

Prediction: Apollo Crews def. (C) Big E, wins first ever Intercontinental Championship.

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Singles Match (Or Not?): The Fiend (W/Alexa Bliss as Manager) vs. Randy Orton

WWE

Mind games are the story, and like every ‘Mania that dabbles in the field of the supernatural, the scary vibes return and will play out in front of live fans at a WrestleMania for the first time since 2018.

Randy Orton isn’t happy about the fact that the Fiend basically no-sold being burned alive back in last December’s TLC PPV, as the entity of Bray Wyatt startlingly returned at last month’s FastLane.

And while there was no conceivable way of knowing whether or not he would ever be seen again after The Viper sadistically set him on fire back at WWE TLC. I t was only a matter of time before Alexa Bliss’s forebodings came true as she began to alert Orton of his impending return.

From the demonic, twisted, and possessed mind of Alexa Bliss, to the unsettling unpredictability from the Fiend himself, Randy Orton will be in a battle and war of survival with the reanimated Fiend at The Grandest Stage of them All, pitched forth by the new Fiend at the ensuing Raw after FastLane.

Will Orton fall prey to the ghoulish onslaught from the Fiend inside the squared circle, as Bray Wyatt’s soul will have its vindication from Randy Orton imploding the Wyatt Family and his loss to Orton at WrestleMania 33, or will the Viper finally put this chapter of his illustrious career, and the Fiend itself, to eternal rest?

For the first time in this renewed feud, there won’t be any type of cinematic magic in use popularized by the effects of the ThunderDome, since fans will be present to see every camera change and movement. So, if this becomes a matter of a straight match, it will likely follow the path of Wyatt and Orton’s match at ‘Mania in 2017, which Orton won. The same booking decision won’t happen this time around, however, as the Fiend will likely look like that strong, unstoppable Demigod here and go over. A series of Orton sending RKO’s will be followed by a Sister Abigail and mandible claw from The Fiend, who will win the match by rendering the 14-time champ unconscious.

Prediction: The Fiend (W/ Alexa Bliss as Manager) def. Randy Orton via submission.

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Raw Women’s Championship Singles Match: Rhea Ripley vs. (C) Asuka

WWE

Talk about a battle of NXT Legends!

And on the Grandest Stage of Them All, The Empress vs. The Nightmare? Take my money!

Rhea Ripley finally turned up on Raw to make a comment by challenging Asuka to a match for the Raw Women’s Championship at WrestleMania after weeks of videos announcing her arrival, and after a series of challengers stepped up and were told to step aside due to circumstances out of their control, here we are. It will be the former NXT Champion and breakout star, the Nightmare Rhea Ripley, doing battle with the current Raw Women’s Champion and The Empress of Tomorrow Asuka for the second of three women’s title matches at the Showcase of the Immortals.

Following Charlotte Flair and Lacey Evans’ self-imposed disqualification from the Women’s title picture at ‘Mania, in came the new Raw call-up from Full Sail’s NXT in Ripley, who on her first night on the main roster, proposed the challenge of a title shot at WrestleMania, the second time she’d do so in her career — the first being her challenging Charlotte Flair as the then NXT Women’s Champion and subsequently losing to the Queen during last year’s fanless Wrestlemania 36.

Now, a stronger and more experienced Ripley is calling her shot at the indomitable Asuka, who much like Ripley, has an extensive track record from her days as an undefeated champion at NXT but has yet to win at ‘Mania. Ripley, on the other hand, will contend for the Raw Women’s Championship against Asuka inside Raymond James Stadium, as she was scheduled to do so against Charlotte Flair this time last year.

One question remains though: since we know the Nightmare to be as dominant as they come…is she ready for Asuka?

Short answer – yes.

Though Asuka is looking for her first win at the show of shows, she’s getting older and is more dead-set on putting over younger stars so they can get their shine in front of thousands in stadium seats and millions at home. Therefore, this match will feature a blend of two different styles – that being Ripley using her size to her advantage and Asuka using high-flying mechanics and speed. Knowing how professional they both work, they’ll make this look seamless for what should be a good 15-minute battle. But ultimately, Rhea Ripley will win her second piece of championship gold by hitting Asuka with a RipTide in the middle of the ring, rolling Asuka over, and getting the three-count.

Prediction: Rhea Ripley def. (C) Asuka via pinfall, wins first ever Raw Women’s Championship.

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United States Championship – Singles Match: Sheamus vs. (C) Riddle

WWE

On recurring episodes of Monday Night Raw, Riddle’s calm and joyful championship vibes collided with Sheamus’ volatile anger, and the two in-ring brawlers will fight for the United States Championship at WrestleMania in what should be one of the cleanest matches on the card.

Following his successful win of the US title in, first a triple-threat No. 1 contender’s match with John Morrison and Mustafa Ali and then a massive victory over Bobby Lashley at February’s Elimination Chamber PPV, Riddle has been living the “High Life”, if you will, in his first singles title reign in WWE. The King of Bros trots his flip-flops, giving virtual fist-pounds to the onlookers inside the ThunderDome, and often pops into conversations between other superstars and factions to talk about his many stories and friends not involved in the business. Did I mention he even named the Eagle on the US Title “Travis”?

An easy-going fellow that Riddle is, while his opponent tonight is anything but. The Celtic Warrior Sheamus is fuming after a brutal loss to former best friend Drew McIntyre at last month’s FastLane in a destructive Falls Count Anywhere match that literally made the ThunderDome look as if a bomb went off in the building. He wasn’t in the best of moods following his loss, and after the scooter-ing Riddle plucked the wrong feathers with his naturally playful persona, the feud between both strikers was born.

The Celtic Warrior’s United States Title intentions were made clear after a vicious beatdown of The Original Bro with his own scooter on Raw, and a punishing victory over the champion on the subsequent episode a week later made them even clearer. Sheamus wants to become a three-time United States Champion, while Riddle wants to cement his place on Raw by defeating one of the show’s most experienced Superstars.

This match will be hard-hitting and expect a flurry of stiffs to be thrown out occasionally. The best part about this match is that it feels like a knockdown, drag-out fight, and Sheamus and Riddle cannot wait to tell a story of ferocity and who can outlast the other. Sheamus has had a reputation of giving a lot of top guys their matches of the year as the self-proclaimed ThunderDome MVP”, and quite honestly, he’s not wrong. The Irish brawler is the more experienced one here, and though it makes sense for Riddle to get the nod, Sheamus deserves to have gold around his waist and have his hand raised at yet another WrestleMania.

Prediction: Sheamus def. (C) Riddle, becomes three-time United States Champion.

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Women’s Tag Team Championship – Tag Match: Natalya/Tamina Snuka vs (C) Nia Jax/Shayna Baszler

WWE

As a result of last night’s Tag Team Turmoil match, Natalya and Tamina outlasted four other teams and advanced to Night Two of WrestleMania 37 to face the Tag Team Champions of the Irresistible Force Nia Jax and the Queen of Spades and Submission Magician Shayna Baszler.

The “BOAT” herself, Natalya, and the daughter of the great Jimmy “Superfly Snuka, Tamina, earned the right to challenge Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships after defeating Naomi & Lana, Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke, The Riott Squad, and Carmella & Billie Kay in a Tag Team Turmoil Match on Night 1 of WrestleMania. Fresh off their momentum that’s been built for the last few weeks, Natalya and Tamina were easily the most dominant Tag Team in that match last night, and they’re looking to bring that same intensity tonight against a team they know all too well.

Two cousins in Tamina and Nia Jax will be squaring off tonight, while Natalya and Shayna Baszler have individually held singles gold at one point in their time with WWE. Natalya, a former SmackDown Women’s Champion back in 2017, and Baszler, a former NXT Women’s Champion in 2018.

However, with all the accolades that all four women have acquired in the WWE, Natalya and Tamina have recently taken their relationship to a new level, believing they do not get the respect they deserve. Natalya is technically the winningest woman’s performer in the company’s history, and Snuka has been an overwhelming threat that’s never gotten her just due.

But do they, on the other hand, have what it takes to defeat the dominant duo of The Queen of Spades and The Irresistible Force? That answer will be found out, though, in the necessity of building up both shows’ Women’s division and the tag teams within them, Jax and Baszler could likely be heading toward a feud after this match concludes.

This could mean that some wacky ending with Carmella’s former Sommelier Reginald could make a critical error and cost them the titles, or, potentially by either Shayna or Nia’s own doing, the Tag Titles could be dropped with their somewhat volatile pairing reaching its breaking point at the Showcase of the Immortals. But, the underlying main point here would be to give the tenured duo of Natalya and Tamina their own WrestleMania moment by either of them pinning the champs for the Tag Titles.

Prediction: Natalya and Tamina def. (C) Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler, win first ever Tag Team Championship.

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WWE Universal Championship – Triple Threat Match: Daniel Bryan vs. Edge vs. (C) Roman Reigns

WWE

It’s time for the main event of WrestleMania 37.

Had you asked any fan of WWE that if they could fathom the mere thought of a man who had triple-fusion neck surgery with the rest of his career in doubt, another man with concussion history so disheartening and capable of ending his livelihood had he competed in another match, and a man who had to battle leukemia and essentially be told his chances of returning to the ring being slim to none, that all three of those men would be headlining WrestleMania 37 in arguably the most anticipated title match in the past decade…you’d think of that question as hogwash.

In the words of the great Muhammad Ali, Impossible is nothing.

This road to WrestleMania for three surefire Hall of Famers started way before the clock struck 12 on New Year’s Day. It’s been a bumpy one where there wasn’t quite an end to an extensive tunnel, but that light was reached by the likes of the Tribal Chief Roman Reigns, the leader of the Yes! Movement Daniel Bryan, and the 2021 Men’s Royal Rumble winner and the Rated-R Superstar Edge, as all three will participate in the most epic three-way battle of the year.

In his triumphant return back to the ring in last year’s Rumble on January 26, 2020, it was beyond belief that Edge, one of the most decorated and prolific superstars in all of pro wrestling’s long history, was ever to return to a wrestling ring. Until his music hit and he did.

After eliminating a litany of superstars and Randy Orton included, Edge finalized the last chapter between he and Orton at last year’s WrestleMania and BackLash PPVs. The Rated-R Superstar split the series against Orton and didn’t see a ring until the Royal Rumble of this year due to a torn tricep. But after entering No. 1 and outlasting 29 other worthy men, the Ultimate Opportunist and co-creator of the Five-second pose kicked adversity in the rear and won his second Royal Rumble, earning him a title shot of his choice at WrestleMania, where he’s only lost twice in his career.

The man he initially thought he was going to face was none other than The Tribal Chief and Head of the Table Roman Reigns, no longer under the babyface moniker of “The Big Dog.” Now more focused and intent on supplanting his rightful place atop the hierarchy of the WWE food chain, he sought the counsel of the always insidious-but-genius Paul Heyman and got a Universal Title out of it, which has been on his waist since SummerSlam of 2020.

And then came along a little Daniel Bryan, with that big old heart of a lion he has. Daniel knows that Father Time isn’t on his side when it comes to staying competitive, for more reasons than just his health.

As a matter of fact, today is his and Brie Bella’s seventh anniversary, and as his two kids get older and his age increases, his time in the ring decrease by the day, hour, and minute. There is a serious possibility that this could be Daniel Bryan’s last WrestleMania…ever.

But as the saying goes, if you’re going to go out, at least go down swinging. But in the eyes of a man who’s already 1.) defied every doctor that said he’d never compete again, 2.) outlast the entire locker room during a gauntlet match on SmackDown and five other men inside the unforgiving chain mail of the Elimination Chamber to earn a title shot on the same night, and 3.) scratch, claw, and fight to get his one final WrestleMania moment.

The last time he had one of those, you ask? Try the main event of WrestleMania 30, where he not only loosened the goliath-like grip of the Authority but defeated both Randy Orton and Batista to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion on the magical night of April 6, 2014.

The stories told in this gargantuan main event exclaim themselves. From Edge literally competing for the Universal Championship on the exact day of when he had to retire in front of 30,000+ 10 years ago, to the tale of Roman Reigns, who couldn’t compete at last year’s Mania as a health precaution, considering he was high-risk as a patient that was still finishing up his chemotherapy treatment, and to Edge, who a few years ago was one back bump away from paralysis…it is simply phenomenal what these titans of the sports entertainment business have overcome on their roads back to the Grandaddy of ’em All.

So as this match goes, it’s too hard to even predict the “right” finish, because not one man can really afford to lose with all of the hype and momentum built up for each participant.

Roman is on the best run of his career since his return to WWE last summer, and the Tribal Chief character is beyond over. For the first time in over seven years, Roman is getting constant praise and cheers for his best character work yet.

Daniel Bryan is, arguably, the most beloved babyface ever, and for returning fans who would love to leave ‘Mania happy and see Bryan pull off yet another heroic feat before he rides off into the sunset.

And then there’s Edge, one of the greatest workers, most recognizable faces, and in-depth characters to ever set foot inside a ring. And he’d like nothing more than to recapture his 12th world title on the 10-year anniversary of his retirement.

You simply cannot go wrong with whatever you pick, but our job is to pick a winner, and that man will be…

*drumroll*

None other than the Tribal Chief Roman Reigns, who is the youngest guy that’s here for the long run as both Edge and Bryan are counting down the months and maybe years until permanent retirement. After a wild sequence filled with spears and yes locks, Daniel Bryan will be the one to take the fall, but by an intimidating guillotine at the hands of Reigns.

Prediction: (C) Roman Reigns def. Daniel Bryan, Edge, retains Universal Championship.

(Photo Source: WrestlingNews.co)

Apr 11, 2021 No Comments
The Nike Blazer Mid ’77 “First Use” Pays Tribute To The Day The Swoosh Was Trademarked

The Nike Blazer Mid ’77 “First Use” Pays Tribute To The Day The Swoosh Was Trademarked

Sneaker Releases

by | Apr 10, 2021 | Sneaker Releases, Sneakers

Nike Sportswear is set to release a new Blazer Mid that pays homage to the day the Swoosh was officially trademarked. For over the 57 years, NIKE, Inc. has created products that drew inspired from the world around by their latest introspective exercise, draws inspiration for its logo (Swoosh) that is so synonymous.

This Nike Blazer Mid ’77 features the exact date the swoosh was trademarked, (June 18th, 1971) printed on the lateral below an orange outline of the Swoosh that seats atop a white leather upper with suede overlays on the eyelets, forefoot, and heels, paired with Orange contrasting accents and rubber outsole. Finishing off the design is a Golden Swoosh with a solitary diamond lace dubrae.

Nike Blazer Mid 77 SE First Use DH6757-100 Release Date

Nike Blazer Mid ’77 SE Color: White/Orange-Summit White-Sail Style Code: DH6757-100 Release Date: 2021 Price: $110

Branding on the tongue label and upper heel underlay also harken back to the earliest iteration of “nike,” which has been utilized on other heritage-inspired products too. Underfoot, sole units abandon any use of the Carolyn Davidson-designed logo in favor of a “colorless” midsole and vibrant, citrus-covered outsole.

Nike Blazer Mid 77 SE First Use DH6757-100 Release Date

An official release date hasn’t been confirmed, but this Blazer Mid is likely to launch around June 18th to celebrate the swoosh’s 50th anniversary.

Nike Blazer Mid 77 SE First Use DH6757-100 Release Date

Nike Blazer Mid 77 SE First Use DH6757-100 Release Date

Nike Blazer Mid 77 SE First Use DH6757-100 Release Date

Nike Blazer Mid 77 SE First Use DH6757-100 Release Date

Nike Blazer Mid 77 SE First Use DH6757-100 Release Date

Nike Blazer Mid 77 SE First Use DH6757-100 Release Date

 

 

 

 

Apr 10, 2021 No Comments
Detailed Look At The Fragment x Nike Dunk Highs

Detailed Look At The Fragment x Nike Dunk Highs

Sneaker Releases

by | Apr 10, 2021 | Sneaker Releases, Sneakers

Thanks to retailer Stadium Goods fans have gotten the best look yet at the Fragment x Nike Dunk High “Beijing”  colorway from the upcoming Fragment x Nike Dunk High collab releasing this Fall 2021. In addition to being linked with Travis Scott on a future Jordan 1 collaboration and the Fragment x Sacai x Nike LDWaffle rumored to hit shelves this Summer Hiroshi Fujiwara and Nike will also be reissuing the Fragment Dunk High “City Pack”.

The Japanese designer originally shared on Instagram a preview of the sneaker in a Black/White photo, however it did reveal the shoes would feature a traditional two-toned color blocking with the label’s iconic lightning bolt logo embedded on the heel counter.

The Return Of Fragment Design X Nike Dunk High "City Pack" Nike set to revive the Dunk High Model

Fragment Dunk High “City Pack” (2010)

As Part of a three-pair “City Series” collection that released in 2010 each shoe had respective colors representing: New York, Beijing, and London. Modified for its 2021 retro, this pack will feature the label’s iconic lightning bolt logo embedded on the heel.

The “Beijing” Dunk High indulges in a “Wine/Black/White” colorway, however, the mismatched aesthetic previously divided between right and left shoes is abandons its for a symmetrical makeup. Finishing off the design is a White midsole with various texts and on the midsole’s lateral side, a design choice that’s become synonymous with Virgil Abloh’s Off-White models. The numbers including “FA21” possibly indicating that the pack will return later this year.

Fragment x Nike Dunk High Beijing DJ0382-600 Release Date

Check out the detailed images of the retro here below, and stay tuned to Sneaker Reporter for updated information on sneaker and more.

Fragment Nike Dunk High Beijing DJ0382-600

Fragment Nike Dunk High Beijing DJ0382-600

Fragment Nike Dunk High Beijing DJ0382-600

Fragment Nike Dunk High Beijing DJ0382-600

Fragment Nike Dunk High Beijing DJ0382-600

Fragment Nike Dunk High Beijing DJ0382-600

Apr 10, 2021 No Comments
WrestleMania 37 Night One: Picks And Predictions

WrestleMania 37 Night One: Picks And Predictions

Featured

by | Apr 10, 2021 | Featured

Happy WrestleMania day!

The Grandest Stage of ’em all, The Showcase of the Immortals, The event where moments are timeless, legends are cemented and boyhood/girlhood dreams come true…surely you’ve heard all of this before, but they all pale in comparison when you hear those monikers again.

This is what pro-wrestling fans of all affiliations, all ethnicities, and walks of life look forward to all year. Since 1985, wrestling’s greatest spectacle, the “Super Bowl” of the sport, and ender to all major feuds usually occur once a year on a one-night-only basis. But since last year, things have been anything but normal from the perspective of a regular ‘Mania period.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck down all normalcy (at least, how we know it) on March 10, 2020, there haven’t been live fans at a main-roster show in 397 days.

Tonight at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, that finally changes.

First emerged photos of the WrestleMania 37 stage. (Wrestlinginc.com/Brian Wohl)

For the first time in over a year, 25,000 rowdy members of the WWE Universe will rejoice and fill Raymond James Stadium on both nights of a two-night WrestleMania, and the performers backstage couldn’t be more eager to hear their joyous cheers and the ravenous chorus of Boos raining down from their patrons.

Disclaimer, that pop will signify the biggest return of 2021, and to get that “rousing ovation” feel, the card for night one is kicking off with what’s predicted to be an absolute BANGER.

We’ll get into that and more as we break down and give our official SneakerReporter predictions for night one of pro-wrestling’s most grandiose spectacle, and we’ll do the same for Sunday’s card as soon as the first night concludes.

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Singles Match: Drew McIntyre vs. (C) The Almighty Bobby Lashley for the WWE Championship

YouTube/Cristopher WWE

Former WWE Champion Drew McIntyre, whom after successfully retaining his title at the time from completing the merciless gauntlet of the Elimination Chamber, was unsuspectingly brutalized by the Hurt Business CEO Bobby Lashley, and per request of The Miz, the-then Money In The Bank briefcase holder, Lashley would make sure the already-fatigued McIntyre wouldn’t be able to even muster the energy to leave the ring. His wishes were granted, and Lashley would proceed to dismantle the WWE Champion with a scintillating dominator.

To the obvious chagrin of the WWE Universe, the A-Lister’s music hit, and sprinting down the Thunderdome ramp came The Miz and after cashing in his MITB briefcase, he’d add a Skull Crushing Finale for insurance. The one-two-three mat count was given, and to the sound of piped-in boos, The Miz held his 2nd-ever-won WWE Championship up high over the unconscious cadaver of the Scottish Psychopath as the Elimination Chamber Pay-Per-View went dark.

But due to the services of Lashley, The Miz had to withdraw some compensation for one small payment of a title match on the ensuing Monday Night Raws which he, of course, never got the chance to escape with his black and gold diamond-encrusted title belt. After a series of runaway attempts, Bobby Lashley became WWE Champion after making The Miz tap out to an inescapable and impenetrable Hurt Lock in a lumberjack match.

Weeks following the title win, enter Drew McIntyre, following his own dispute with former best friend Sheamus after a grueling Falls Count Anywhere match at FastLane. Drew now wants his title back after it was stolen from him, and for the first time in Lashley’s career, he’ll be defending his first WWE Championship at the Grandest Stage of them all.

And albeit, It’s been a bumpy road for both champion and challenger. Lashley and manager Montell Vontavious Porter (MVP) had to put down and disband one half of the Hurt Business as both Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander were left in the dust, while former champ McIntyre had to overcome an entire locker room’s high-priced bounty on his head prior to ‘Mania.

Now we’re here, and for the show opener, Lashley wants to show the world that the Almighty Era isn’t ending any time soon, and two-time champ Drew, who won his first-ever WWE Championship against Brock Lesnar inside the WWE Performance Center at last year’s fan-less WrestleMania, is looking to replicate that success in front of 25,000 supporters.

This won’t be like last year’s main event, as both Lesnar and McIntyre were throwing their finishers at each other at every pulsating twist and turn. This will have its own share of physicality and psychology to commemorate the build of the match, but this will ultimately end in the favor of the Scottish Warrior by virtue of a crushing Claymore Kick delivered right between Bobby Lashley’s eyes. Drew will earn the three-count, and the present crowd will erupt in celebration.

Prediction: Drew McIntyre def. Bobby Lashley (C) via pinfall, becomes a three-time WWE Champion.

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Raw Tag Team Titles Match – Omos and The Phenomenal AJ Styles vs. (C) The New Day (Kofi Kingston. Xavier Woods)

YouTube/ REVAMPED WRESTLING 2K

After defeating the crumbling Hurt Business for another Tag Team title reign — their record 11th title win and fourth title reign as Raw Tag Champs (Kofi Kingston’s sixth title reign as tag champs with not just the New Day, but with CM Punk and R-Truth too!) The New Day needed some opponents for what was to be their first WrestleMania as an incomplete unit. Big E was heartbreakingly drafted to SmackDown as part of the brand-reforming WWE Draft back in October of 2020, meaning the SmackDown Tag Team Champion New Day (composed of Kingston and Woods) at the time would make the move to Monday nights while WWE creative saw an opportunity to give Big E his long-awaited singles push.

While that worked out quite well for E, as he’s currently the Intercontinental Champion, the Raw Tag Champs encountered a new couple of opponents after their battles with Retribution ended.

A man that’s been described as one of the greatest of all time, the Phenomenal One has held every title there is to win in WWE since his return to the company during the 2016 Royal Rumble…except for one.

It seems that the former leader of the Bullet Club and TNA Legend has won every individual title with the Tag Titles not even in the vision of Styles, but now with Performance Center standout and up-and-comer Jordan Omogbehin, or “Omos” in Kayfabe terms, Styles sees the possibility of helping to build a new star in Omos and becoming Tag Champs for the first time ever but also becoming the 27th man in the extensive history of WWE to capture the prestigious title of Grand Slam Champion, bestowed to fellow all-time greats like Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho, Triple H, Randy Orton, Edge, and Seth Rollins.

That likely happens here, as it’d be another historic win at WrestleMania for Styles to further supplant himself in the annals of WWE lore.

But even further: Omos will be the x-factor.

The seven-foot-three, 335-lb giant hailing from Lagos, Nigeria has but yet to even compete inside a WWE-sanctioned ring, but seeing that…

1.) His partner is (subjectively) a top-five performer of All-Time, and 2.) HE’S SEVEN FEET TALL, THREE-HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FIVE POUNDS, AND ONLY AN INCH SHORTER THAN THE GOLIATH-LIKE ANDRE THE GIANT, the big man should serve as an interesting dynamic to what’s already looking to be a show of skill and technicality between three of the most technical and athletic performers on the planet.

Though the New Day is undefeated at WrestleMania, don’t bank on them retaining with either Styles or Omos being pinned with the current champs going over. This is the business of building new stars, so while the main story’s headline may include “AJ Styles becomes a Grand Slam Champion”, the attention grabber will be the performance of Omos.

Prediction: AJ Styles, Omos def. (C) The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods), become Tag-Team Champions.

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Steel Cage Match: Shane McMahon vs. Braun Strowman

WWE.com

While it’s not one of the more generally favored feuds of WM Weekend, you still can’t go wrong with a brutal, barbaric Steel Cage Match at The Showcase of the Immortals.

Braun Strowman is not one for patience. After losing his Universal Title won at last year’s WrestleMania to Roman Reigns at SummerSlam during a triple-threat with The Fiend, a disgruntled Strowman was subsequently drafted Monday Night Raw, and in his eyes, was not pleased with the lack of respect and mistreatment, going so far as to put his hands on WWE’s public official Adam Pearce a few weeks after Team Raw’s win over Team SmackDown at Survivor Series.

He’d be kayfabe “suspended”, announced as “effective immediately” at the moment on social media by Pearce himself. As many thought they had their heads behind the curtain, thinking of potential conspiracy against the likes of Strowman and whether or not he’d be “Future Endeavored” (fired, for fans unfamiliar with the lingo) the Monster Among Men wouldn’t return until after the announcements of the ensuing Elimination Chamber participants.

Shane McMahon, son of WWE CEO Vince McMahon and current promoter and minority owner of WWE, returned to his humble abode of Monday Night Raw to assist Pearce in the announcement of all participants for the Raw Chamber match, who were all former WWE Champions. Still displeased of his place on the WWE totem pole, Strowman’s music would hit, and he’d voice that frustration of not being in the match as a former Universal Champion, though the selection criteria required him to have held the WWE Title belt.

And thus, the feud between Strowman and Shane was conceived.

Being a McMahon, and unafraid of losing his spot atop the hierarchy of WWE, we know him to not hold his tongue, or his temper when he sees fit. Behind his back, he’d call Strowman “stupid” repeatedly, and with Strowman catching wind of the passive-aggressive disrespect, he’d then demand an apology from ol’ Shane O’ Mac. And as disingenuously as possible, Shane “apologized”, but not in the formal terms that Strowman was requesting.

So, after a series of underhanded attacks, cameras to faces, and slime dumped on The Monster Among Men, Shane accepted a challenge of a match against Strowman at FastLane. However, Shane was forced to forfeit the match after “injuring” his knee during a pre-match training session. One night later, while crutched up with a wrap-around his knee, Strowman would come into the ring during an Elias and Jaxson Ryker segment and fight back against one of WWE’s top executives. And to no one’s surprise, McMahon wasn’t injured, swinging his crutch to the legs and midsection of the beastly Strowman.

So here we are. It’s a “battle of brains and Braun” on Saturday, as Shane O’ Mac returns to the Showcase for the first time since 2019 when he faced The Miz in a Falls Count Anywhere match. But this time, the childish jokes and unnecessary bullying are over, as Shane will have to deal with The Monster Among Men inside a Steel Cage.

This is sure to not go too long, but have a bunch of high-flying and cringe-inducing spots. McMahon’s history at WrestleMania is much respected and sought after, as he’s dueled with the likes of his own father (WM X8, 2002), and the Undertaker (WM 32, 2016). He’s known for making the trip Coast to Coast (missile dropkick from one side of the ring to the other) or taking a massive bump from high platforms and making some of WrestleMania’s most memorable moments in its 37-year history.

While he’ll make an emphasis to do so, expect Braun Strowman to go over and get his second-ever win at WrestleMania, while telling the story of not letting anyone bully you, no matter who you are. Consider it Schadenfreude, but seeing something around a massive power slam or a colossal throw-off-the-top-of-the-cage spot would close the book on this feud in an exciting fashion.

Prediction: Braun Strowman def. Shane McMahon via pinfall.

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No. 1 Contender’s Match For The Women’s Tag Team Titles: Tag Team Turmoil

WWE.com

So, that’s a lot to stomach, but as devised by Adam Pearce and crew, WrestleMania is playing host to a gargantuan Fatal Five-Way No. 1 Contender’s Tag Team Match for the right to go on to Night two of WrestleMania and face the Women’s Tag Team champions Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler.

While there hasn’t been a significant hype or build to this No. 1 contender’s match, the four teams jockeying for the position of the top contender spot are as follows: Naomi/Lana, Sexy Muscle Friends (Mandy Rose/Dana Brooke), Riott Squad (Liv Morgan/Ruby Riott), Natalya/Tamina, and Billie Kay/Carmella.

Each team has had their ongoing fight to get the to Showcase of the Immortals, whether it be Lana tagging up with best friend Naomi to seek retribution from the harassing Nia Jax who, not only but a few months ago, put poor Lana through a table for nine straight weeks and (kayfabe) broke her leg at a Monday Night Raw. During that ongoing rivalry, Nia and Lana would go back and forth, with both of them winning their fair share of wins and losses, and should Naomi and Lana win the Turmoil match, the rivalry will be reignited.

After Dana Brooke was traded to Raw, she was immediately tasked with making something between her and Dana Brooke work. And in a sense, they’ve succeeded. They too want a piece of the Women’s Tag Champs, as they’ve had numerous run-ins with both the Irresistible Force and Queen of Spades which haven’t quite turned out in their favor. But make no mistake about it, both Rose and Brooke are no pushovers and they’ll make an impact in this one.

For the Riott Squad, this will mark the first time ever that the Riott Squad will tag up at a WrestleMania and contend for the right to call themselves Number one contenders and potential champions on the biggest stage. While Liv Morgan has competed on the Grandest Stage, It’s not in memory that Ruby Riott has competed on the biggest stage, so it will be interesting how she handles the pressure.

Natalya and Tamina are the most tenured couple here, and likely have the best odds of winning here. Natalya is one of the winningest competitors in all of WWE throughout her 14-year career, but like Tamina, she’s never had a marquee WrestleMania moment, and since her SmackDown Women’s Championship reign back in 2017 after defeating Bayley, she hasn’t held gold in WWE since. Seeing as how both look like the most synergetic and strongest duo here, it makes sense for the both of them to go over.

And for a last-minute tag team, it seems that Billie Kay’s resume finally caught something in the waters of the job search. Carmella looks like she’s found a new Sommelier in Kay (momentarily) and they too will team up to get to Night two of ‘Mania and see if they can become Tag Champs. Billie Kay is no stranger to winning the belts at the year’s biggest show since she did it already at WrestleMania with her former IIconic teammate Peyton Royce in one of the most startling moments in WrestleMania history.

For the first of two women’s night one matches, the Tag Team Turmoil Fatal 5-way Tag Match is sure to entertain and be enjoyed, and if predicted correctly, the momentum that Natalya and Tamina have built up in weeks leading up to WrestleMania will pay off in them winning this chaotic match.

Prediction: Natalya and Tamina Snuka win Tag Team Turmoil Match.

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Singles Match: Cesaro vs. Seth Rollins

Sportskeeda.com

When Seth Rollins returned to SmackDown, he was greeted with disdain by many of his fellow blue brand Superstars, but maybe none more so than Cesaro. Rollins’ rage erupted into an all-out attack on The Swiss Cyborg that night, prompting Cesaro to react with an epic Cesaro Swing two weeks later, sending a simple message that he would not be accepting either of Rollins’ dreams.

Cesaro defeated Murphy, a former Rollins disciple, at WWE Fastlane, and SmackDown’s Savior responded with a victory over Cesaro’s former Tag Team Championship partner, Shinsuke Nakamura. On SmackDown, however, the bad blood reached a dangerous new stage when Rollins tried to end Cesaro’s career with a Stomp and a steel chair.

Now, the bitter rivalry can only be resolved on The Grandest Stage of them All – WrestleMania. The site of where the Architect, Seth Rollins, has previously excelled (WrestleMania 31’s Heist of the Century, WrestleMania 35’s upset over Brock Lesnar, and more) while Cesaro seeks one of the most significant victories of his WWE career in his first singles match on the biggest stage of them all.

Story short: this is going to be on the level of Benoit – Angle at WrestleMania 17, meaning it will be up there as one of the greatest, most technical stories ever told at a WrestleMania that, honestly, could be a 40-minute classic. But ultimately, while Rollins’ career has been littered by ‘Mania moments. Cesaro has never had one of those, but this will be the first.

Surely this won’t be one to miss.

Prediction: Cesaro def. Seth Rollins via pinfall.

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Tag Team Match: Damian Priest, Bad Bunny vs. Miz and Morrison

Sportskeeda.com

If you had asked anyone after his performance at the Royal Rumble that Latinx pop megastar Bad Bunny would be part of the calling card on WrestleMania, then you’d probably think they were lying. But as it turns out, Benito has not only been a huge fan of WWE and pro wrestling for the duration of his life – he’s getting the opportunity of a lifetime to perform inside of a ring for the first time ever! Fans of Bad Bunny and WWE fans will come together to see just what he’s got as he tags up with NXT standout Damian Priest as they’ll go up against the jealous deviants of The Miz and John Morrison, who have been anything but welcoming to the Grammy Award-winning performing artist.

Bunny, the former 24/7 champ had a signature moment that went viral at this year’s Royal Rumble when he, after seeing The Miz destroy the DJ set he used to perform his hit song Booker T, leaped in the air and cross-bodied both Miz and Morrison after the duo was eliminated from the Rumble.

Well, weeks after, The Miz, fresh off an embarrassing loss of his WWE Championship to the Almighty Bobby Lashley, wanted to take out his frustrations on someone that had gotten a little under his skin as of recently.

The Miz struck a new chord on Raw by smashing a guitar over the back of the Grammy Award winner after weeks of back-and-forth. The two-time Grand Slam Champion issued a WrestleMania invitation for a one-on-one match the following week, which Bad Bunny accepted after repaying the favor with a guitar attack of his own.

On the final Raw of The Road to WrestleMania, Miz and Morrison assaulted Bad Bunny and spilled paint on his Bugatti. Bad Bunny and Priest countered by suggesting that the match be changed to a tag team match.

Tonight, we’ll get the answer to a variety of questions: will Bad Bunny be ready for The Show of Shows when he teams up with The Archer of Infamy, or will the newcomer’s WWE career be ended by Miz and Morrison before it even begins?

With celebrity matches, it’s pretty obvious that the biggest stars go over, but in this situation, The Archer of Infamy will likely have all of his offense showcased at the highest level of the profession. The Miz and Morrison are both former champions in their own aspect, so, again, in the business of crafting bigger future names, it’s only right that Bunny and Priest get the spotlight, courtesy of another crossbody from Bunny and a “Hit the Lights” on Miz, who will likely take the pin for Priest.

Prediction: Bad Bunny, Damian Priest def. Miz and Morrison via pinfall.

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Main Event: Singles Match for the SmackDown Women’s Championship – Bianca BelAir vs. (C) Sasha Banks

WWE.com

And here’s to the main event of WrestleMania 37: Night One. A historic one at that, in more ways than one.

For the first time, a WrestleMania’s night will be headlined by two women in a singles match for a title, and for the first time from an optics standpoint, two black women will headline a WrestleMania.

Bianca Belair, the winner of the 2021 Women’s Royal Rumble, proceeded to give one of the most emotional promos ever recorded in WWE when she, tearfully, exclaimed that she was headed to WrestleMania as she flung her long ponytail and pointed to the WrestleMania 37 sign as pyro erupted from within the ThunderDome.

After outlasting 27 other competitors inside the Rumble as the third entrant, The “EST” of WWE would, unsurprisingly, challenge the SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks at WrestleMania for what fans from everywhere prophesized would be the match of the night for whichever night it would be on.

Leading up to their showdown at ‘Mania, a bunch of factors have gone into their individual Roads to WrestleMania. What was initially supposed to be a healthy rivalry quickly turned into a feud of jealousy, disrespect, subtle hints of ageism, and vitriol for each other, which means this: a five-star match will go down, and history will be made.

Looking at the tale of the tape here: both women have never won any type of match at WrestleMania, with Sasha being an underwhelming 0-5 at the Showcase of the Immortals. And Bianca Belair, who had only been at one other WrestleMania prior to her main eventing Saturday night (WrestleMania 34 during Women’s Battle Royal), is just as green at ‘Mania as a trainee at the Performance Center. For a variety of reasons, this story that these two women are prepared to tell will live in history, no matter the result.

Back to when we did a Royal Rumble future storyline prediction, we mentioned that Bianca has always been a top-tier performer but not to the level of becoming a champion yet.

Until now.

Belair has been in and out of the title picture on both NXT and SmackDown, but she has yet to win a championship in WWE.  But, you don’t get a nickname like “The EST of WWE” unless you have a lot of faith and belief in yourself, and the Knoxville, Tennessee native proved it by battling for 56 minutes with four eliminations, teaming up with Rhea Ripley to toss Charlotte Flair and eventually eliminating The Nightmare after a heart-pounding brawl in the final moments of the Royal Rumble.

So, will Bianca be able to accomplish her goal she’s dreamt of on The Grandest Stage of It All, or will The Boss continue to show that she is WWE’s Blueprint?

Fans cannot wait to find out in what’s probably the most anticipated Women’s title match ever, to this point at least. But from the perspective of making new main event stars at the Grandest Stage of them All, it makes the most sense for Belair to go over and capture the biggest win of her life. While that may leave Sasha at 0-6 all-time at WrestleMania, she’d probably appreciate nothing more than to just be in the moment of black history, and pro-wrestling history as a whole. I’ll reiterate: this will likely steal the show and, in retrospect, could be the best match on the card – both nights combined.

Prediction: Bianca Belair def. Sasha Banks, wins first-ever WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship.

(Photo Source: WrestlingNews.com)

Apr 10, 2021 No Comments
Nike Officially Unveils The Air Presto-Inspired Nike KD 14 That Launches This Week

Nike Officially Unveils The Air Presto-Inspired Nike KD 14 That Launches This Week

Sneaker Releases

by | Apr 10, 2021 | Sneaker Releases, Sneakers

Nike has officially unveiled  Kevin Durants 14th signature sneaker, the KD 14 brings back a familiar friend with the return of the cross strap at the midfoot, which was last seen on the KD 7. The Brooklyn Nets star released the official images of his latest signature shoe on Saturday morning .

Other feature of this sneaker are  the full-length Zoom Air strobel that the KD signature line introduced with the KD 12, a medial cage that was inspired by the Nike Air Presto and, a thin elongated Swoosh as a nod to the original Bruin model.

Kevin Durant Nike KD 14

“It’s been a while since we incorporated the strap, which excites me,” says Durant. “My other favorite part about the shoe is the cushioning, which helps me feel low to the ground and still helps give me some of that energy back.”

The inclusion of engineered mesh upper means that graphics can be uniquely layered for detailed colorway  that will touch on Kevin Durant’s interests in art, music, and possibly his off-the-court endeavors in the world of tech and emerging media.

The Nike KD 14 officially launches today (April 10th) and in North America on April 14th.  in the “Black/White” colorway set at a retail price of $150. The “Cyber” colorway is releasing exclusively in Greater China on April 11th.

Nike KD 14 “Cyber” Style Code: CZ0170-101 Release Date: April 11, 2021 Price: $150

Look for Durant to debut his newest kicks on Saturday night when the Nets take on the Los Angeles Lakers.

 

Apr 10, 2021 No Comments