Top ten wrestling matches of 2021

By: Justin Hopkins

It is that time of year, where we sit back and recollect on the past. Thinking about the excellent movies, shows we got to experience over the past 12 month. Which we will soon be getting to, but lets kick the countdowns off right, with the best wrestling matches of the year, and was it no easy feet. In some cases, felt like there was a new candidate nearly every week, especially where a certain Bryan Danielson was involved. Who threatened to take over the entire list by himself. Now, this list will contain matches from AEW, NXT, and WWE, because those were the three I followed most. I promise I will change that next year, cause I just know the like of Impact, NJPW, and so many others put on bangers as well. Just need to make the time to check them out. With that said lets jump right in with…

HONORABLE MENTION

Christian Cage Vs Kenny Omega Impact Championship

This is a compromise to myself. How much I wanted to put this on my top ten list, because I was there for it. Had a fantastic time and this match was so good. Didn’t think for a moment Christian was walking away with the victory either. Figured no way they would have an Impact title change on AEW, but was wrong in the best of ways.

10. Pac vs Orange Cassidy vs Kenny Omega AEW Heavyweight Championship Double or Nothing

At some point, going to stop rolling my eyes when Triple Threat Matches are announced. I am proven wrong nearly every time, and this match blew away every expectations. Three completely personalities and styles and they knocked it out of the park. Knew that Kenny wasn’t losing that belt, but they sucked me in and made a believer that both Pac and Orange had a chance, and that moment where Pac had Orange locked in the Brutalizer and Kenny is kicking him but Pac is laughing off the blows. Forcing a Panicked Omega to take out the Ref to save the match will live on in my head forever.

9. Bianca Belair Vs Sasha Banks Smackdown Women’s Championship Wrestlemania Night 1

For the moment alone, this would have made the list. Two of the best going in WWE today, in Bianca and Sasha. Two of the most deserving women, who have worked so hard to be where they are. Such a feel good moment to see them bath in the Crowd reaction to them Main Event Night 1 of Mania. Then they had a stellar match. Cementing this is the place of history and with Mania going to two nights. will hopefully open the door to more women’s matches in the Main Event Slot.

8. Pete Dunne vs Finn Baylor XXT Championship Vengeance Day

As someone who really likes slow build technical based matches, these two guys ticked all of the boxes. Finn can go against anyone and make something magical and Pete Dunne is fantastic when it comes to working over his opponents, Together they made something magical and I hope Dunne finally gets that belt in 2022.

7. MJF vs Darby Allin Full Gear

I knew this match was going to be good going in, but was not ready for just how good it turned out to be. They opened the show and could make the argument that they had the match of the night. Highlighting both of their strengths and brought out the best in one another. Looking forward to see what happens next, in what I am sure will be a storied rivalry between the two and I am willing to be next time will involve a championship.

6. CM Punk vs Eddie Kingston Full Gear

Now this is how a blood feud is done. Two guys who don’t like each other and wanted to fight. Punk didn’t do his normal routine on the ramp. Eddie starting things off with the spinning back fist and they just went from there. Flipping each other off and went at it till Punk hit the final blow, but even in defeat, Kingston felt so important cause on another night. Could swing his way and with how Kingston’s year went. Think that might be sooner then later.

5. Bryan Danielson vs Kenny Omega Grand slam

This is a match I have been looking forward to, even when this was a pipe dream. Would talk about this with Co-Workers who would wish I would talk about anything else, and was thrilled to see that we were not only getting it, but weren’t wasting time. The match was everything that I wanted. Even knowing they would probably run the time limit draw, was still so entranced by everything they did, and the way they ended it. Suggested this is just an appetizer for things to come.

4. Bryan Danielson vs Hangman Adam Page AEW Heavyweight Championship Winter Is Coming

From a time limit draw we saw coming to one we did not. We get this gem from deep into the year. They had set the match up perfectly going in and Bryan almost toying with Hangman as the match went on. Proving more and more that he is less human and more actual wrestling machine. From someone who never yells at the tv, when it was under a ,minute, I was out of my seat yelling for Hangman to get up. Part 2 can’t get here soon enough.

3. IIja Dragunov vs WALTER NXT U.K Championship NXT Takeover 36

The best match WWE put on this year, was easily, Dragunov vs WALTER 2. These two guys went out there and beat each other like a bongo drum. WALTER being the prominent monster for 800 plus days and IIja being a smaller guy, but refused to being defeated on this day. Returning fire with everything that he got and getting the win by submission felt like a massive feather in the cap for him.

2. Thunder Rosa vs Dr. Britt Baker Unsanctioned Lights Out St. Patrick’s Day Slam

For me, this was monumental. Sure other places have let the Women’s Wrestlers go like this, but I had never seen it. Let alone on National Television like this. They made it feel like a big deal and solidified that Lights out matches will be brutal no matter who will be in them, and Baker and Rosa set the bar incredibly high. The match complimented the rivalry, paving the way for the two of them to go tooth and nail against one another and in the end. Both walked away bigger stars for it and was so close to being my match of the year.

1.Bryan Danielson vs Minoru Suzuki on a buy in for a Rampage on freakin YouTube!

Let that sit in for a moment. This was a dream match on YouTube. A counter to what WWE was trying to do to them. No one would have faulted them for going half speed and taking it easy. Nope, they beat each other within an inch of their lives. So, many moments they went toe to toe, throwing punches and kicks and every time was more exciting then the last. Concern every time Bryan hit the ground like a safe and felt like he only got 9the win, cause for a single moment. Was able to outsmart the murder grandpa. I don’t normally share matches with my non-wrestling friends. Last time was Shield vs Wyatt Family. I shared this one though. They treated a free match on YouTube like it was a Main Event of a Big PPV and will love it forever.

As always, I hope you enjoyed and….

Thank You For Reading!

Summerslam 2021 Predictions

By: Justin Hopkins

The wrestling will be good. See, I knew I’d find the positive. The one thing that has been saving the WWE is that the wrestlers are incredible in between the ropes. Able to carry the lackluster booking that is surrounding this card. Only thing that will get me to tune in Friday is that at least the matches will be enjoyable and that is the sad part. Some of these matches are going to be big but they are capable of so much better stories and ideas to sink your teeth into, and some of them are just a few tweaks away. Lets put on the tin foil hat and I’ll try to predict and explain what I mean.

Eva Marie vs Alexa Bliss

Like this for example. If they dropped the doll and hypnotizing stuff. Let Alexa keep doing what she is in the Playground, but a brutal force in the ring. To the point where she goes almost to far in the way she goes in the ring. Doesn’t even try to pin or submit her opponents. Just keeps attacking till they are out cold and you got something to build on. No, we got it tied around a doll. Don’t even know if Eva will fight and it’ll be Doudrop and way more stupid stuff, and I normally like when the horror aspects blend, but this isn’t working. Going to go with Bliss for the win in the hope we can get Bliss to move on to something else.

Winner – Alexa Bliss

Drew McIntyre vs Jinder Mahal

Out of all of the history they could have told. This started over a text message and turned into fighting over a sword. A sword that Drew can’t use anyways. Please don’t have him use the sword. They had to learn something from the eyeball thing. Going to go with Drew to win and feud will probably continue.

Winner – Drew McIntyre

Edge vs Seth Rollins

This feud has been alright. They are playing off when Seth attacked Edge during retirement. Comparing their careers has been interesting. As much as I would like to pick Edge. If they are going to start tilting Seth toward Roman. He needs to pick up some wins.

Winner – Seth Rollins

U.S Championship Match Damien Priest vs Sheamus (Champion)

Sheamus has been having a great year. His matches against Humberto got real repetitive real fast, but he had some of the years best. His promos the last few weeks though have been rough. I am glad to see them using Priest more, please get him away from Miz and Morrison, especially since I am picking him to walkout as the new U.S Champion. Him being the champ this time is no excuse for more matches.

Winner and New United States Champion – Damien Priest

Raw Tag Team Championship Match – RK-Bro vs AJ Styles and Omos (Champions)

This has been probably the best built match on the card. About fifty percent great and fifty percent cringe, but that is my take on Riddle in general. AJ and Omos have been great antagonist to them and the fact that they kind of brought them on themselves. All they had to do was not interrupt them and just let Orton walkaway. Only thing I would have done was hold off on the hug and let it happen after they win the belts.

Winners and new Raw Tag Team Champions – RK-Bro

Smackdown Tag Team Championship Match – The Mysterios vs The Usos (Champion)

What am I suppose to say about this match. We have seen it. Seen the single matches and this will just be here. Should have at least made it a multi team match. Add the Street Profits and Alpha Academy so we can get something else.

Winner and still Smackdown Tag Team Champions – The Usos

RAW Women’s Championship match – Charlotte Flair vs Rhea Ripley vs Nikki Cross (Champion)

They did this story backward. Nikki (No I will not call her ASH, the name gets worse the more you think about it) could have worked it to where she doesn’t back down. She pushes her opponents, who are not Charlotte or Rhea, to the absolute brink time and time again losing by the littlest reasons, but she believes she can. So much so, she announces she will use her Money in the Bank contract to make it a Triple Threat at Summerslam and finally win. Making the journey to full Superhero. No, they put the belt on her right after Money in the bank. had the champion say, I almost won, and a series of wins and losses, to make it so none of these three can possibly look good in the process and why is this a triple threat with Charlotte and Rhea! You have Shayna Baszler right there. One of your best heels on the roster, who could beat Nikki down repeatedly and build sympathy for her. While letting Shayna rehab her character back to being a killer. As far as the Triple Threat goes… I don’t know…Rhea. Sure why not.

Winner and new Raw Women’s Champion – Rhea Ripley

Smackdown Women’s Championship – Sasha Banks vs Bianca Belair (Champion)

This will be a great match between two who smashed it at Mania. If given the time, they can easily be match of the night again and I think the results will be the same with Bianca retaining.

Winner and still Smackdown Women’s Champion – Bianca Belair

WWE Championship Match – Goldberg vs Bobby Lashley (Champion)

I am kind of scared because of how much his kid has been on. We might see a Goldberg victory here, but I am going to cross my fingers and hope for the best.

Winner and still WWE Champion – Bobby Lashley

Universal Championship Match – John Cena vs Roman Reigns (Champion)

I was okay with this. I knew it would happen. The promos went just about how I expected them to go, but they lost me with one thing. By teasing Finn Balor. I would so much rather have Balor and Roman. Seems so much more exciting then this. Yeah, it was a tease for later, but could have had Balor at least interrupt the 30 minute promo last week. To keep the pressure on Roman and his anger over the situation. With that ramble out of the way. I don’t see a title change happening here. Cena is here to help build Roman that much more and that comes with him losing.

Winner and still Universal Champion – Roman Reigns

Yeah, this was more irritable then normal. Like I said, the wrestling will be good. Just wish they put more into their stories and builds. As always, I hope you enjoyed and….

Thank You For Reading!

Money In The Bank 2021 Predictions

By: Justin Hopkins

Behind the Royal Rumble, the Money In The Bank has grown rapidly as one of the most exciting times of the year for the WWE. For good reason, the briefcase adds a level of excitement and unpredictability when the briefcases are in play. Well, for the most part. Some have been questionable but that is besides the point. With this being the first major crowd back, since Mania. I am expecting the wrestlers to go all out and that can only make these matches that much better and hopefully jumpstart WWE a bit more going forward. Lets put on the tin foil hat and try to predict some of these matches.

Raw Tag Team Championship Match – The Viking Raiders vs AJ Styles and Omos (Champions)

This feud has been alright. Could have been a better, but this match could be a fun little match with the Raiders trying to figure out a way to handle Omos and I kind of expect them to be successful to a point, but I don’t expect a title to change here. Not when there is a bigger match on the horizon.

Winners and still Raw Tag Team Champions – Aj Styles and Omos

Raw Women’s Championship Match – Charlotte Flair vs Rhea Ripley (Champion)

The temptation to just put for periods, pick Rhea to retain and moving on is strong. Seriously, they have to start pushing more women on Raw.

Winner and still Raw Women’s Champion – Rhea Ripley

WWE Championship Match – Kofi Kingston vs Bobby Lashley (Champion)

This match is going to be a lot of fun. Especially following Bobby’s outburst at the end of the wall. Kofi is perfect to bounce off the powerhouse of Bobby and they can make some real magic happen, but since a later prediction ties into this one, will have to pick Bobby to take the W here.

Winner and still WWE Champion – Bobby Lashley

Universal Championship Match – Edge vs Roman Reigns (Champion)

Yeah, as much as I would love to see the Rated R Superstar take the belt off the Head of the Table, but Roman is the biggest story going and it isn’t coming to an end now.

Winner and still Universal Champion – Roman Reigns

Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match – Kevin Owens vs Drew McIntyre vs Riddle vs Ricochet vs John Morrison vs Big E vs Shinsuke Nakamura vs Seth Rollins

This match is just going to be mad. while I do wish that Cesaro would have been apart of this. The guys in here are going to go crazy and let it all fly. Morrison and Ricochet are going to do stupid stunts off the ladder. Same with probably Owens. Drew and Big E going to be the powerhouse chucking people and ladders around and Riddle is a wild card on what to expect from him. When the match has concluded I think there can only be one winner that makes sense and we get a reunited New Day out of it.

Winner – Big E

Women’s Money In The Bank Ladder Match – Nikki Cross vs Asuka vs Naomi vs Alexa Bliss vs Natalya vs Liv Morgan vs TBD

I almost have no idea who can walk away with this one. Asuka would be nice. Give her the chance with the case that she didn’t get last year Nikki Cross (I know it’s ASH but no. Superhero is one word so ASH does not work) could really use the win. At the same time she can ride the momentum she’s got to ride into a title match. Liv really needs it as well, but then you got the TBD and speculation is going wild on who it can be. Coin toss and the TBD can really throw a wrench into my pick but going to still with Liv as the one walking away with the case.

Winner – Liv Morgan

As always, I hope you enjoyed and….

Thank You For Reading!

Wrestlemania Backlash 2021 Predictions

By: Justin Hopkins

The name of this PPV makes me not want to watch. I like to try and find the pros and not really like to dwell on negative, but this is pretty much a one match card. The wrestling should be good, because these wrestlers are some of the best that has ever been in the company, but the booking has just been dreadful and that is the sad part. This could all be so much better if they put forth the slightest of effort and not been pumping out some of the worst episodes of Raw. Enough wallowing, lets jump in and try to Predict to the best of my ability.

Damian Priest vs The Miz Lumberjack Match

We kick things off with the rivalry that just won’t die. Hopefully this will be the end, with what I expect will also be the end of the team of The Miz and John Morrison. Priest can get the win and move on to something better.

Winner – Damian Priest

Smackdown Tag Team Championship Match – Dominik and Rey Mysterio vs The Dirty Dogs (Champions)

Now, I have enjoyed The Dirty Dogs as Tag Team Champions. Dolph And Roode have got really got chemistry together as a team. It is unfortunate that they haven’t gotten to defend those belts many times since they won them and I believe this has been their first defense on PPV. Doubly so since I don’t think they are retaining them here. It’ll be a good match but at the end, think we are looking at the first Father and Son Tag Team Champions.

Winner and New Smackdown Tag Team Champions – Dominik and Rey Mysterio

Smackdown Women’s Championship Match – Bayley vs Bianca (Champion)

This will be a great match if given the time. Both of these women are just uber talented in the ring. Wish they would have booked Bayley to be more of a threat. The shape of the Smackdown Women’s Division though. It was either Bayley or Sasha. Since Carmella has just been brought back last week, same with Ruby and Liv. So, yeah, Bayley is really the best option. See what I mean about the booking. Anyways, we aren’t seeing a loss here. Bianca is just getting going.

Winner and still Smackdown Women’s Champion – Bianca Belair

Raw Women’s Championship Match – Asuka vs Charlotte Flair vs Rhea Ripley (Champion)

There are not enough obscenities to describe how much I hate this match. I am not talking about it. Just make Rhea a world ending babyface. Charlotte should be rivaling with Alexa. Give Sonya Deville, Nikki Cross to work with. Let Nikki just destroy the Women’s Roster while Sonya slides it under the rug. Spinning her path of destruction as a way to show Pearce can’t control the locker room to usurp power, and build Nikki up in the process to face Rhea at Summerslam, and stop making Asuka look bad.

Winner and still Raw Women’s Champion – Rhea Ripley

WWE Championship Triple Threat Match – Braun Strowman vs Drew McIntyre vs Bobby Lashley (Champion)

I enjoy the fact that MVP has been talking about the fact Bobby lost his U.S Title in a triple Threat when he wasn’t involved in the finish. MVP has really been an amazing manager in all of this. Of course it’ll be a good match, but it is still way to early for the belt to come off the Almighty One.

Winner and still WWE Championship Match – Bobby Lashley

Universal Championship Match – Cesaro vs Roman Reigns (Champion)

My head tells me that he doesn’t have a chance. That my only hope to see what I want, is he gets cheated out of the win. To go on and win Money In The Bank and use it to demand the rematch and then win the strap in front of a crowd, but I can’t bring myself to go against The Swiss Superman. The only thing keeping me going in WWE, this year, has been the fact Cesaro has been getting the push he so, so deserves, and even if it tanks a pick. I am going for it.

Winner and New Universal Champion – Cesaro

Sorry for being more negative, but I hope you enjoyed and as always….

Thank You For Reading.

Wrestlemania Predictions

By: Justin Hopkins

It is Wrestlemania week and boy did they not bother with the build in any possible meaning of it. Which is actually quite sad. The wrestlers have been working themselves to the bone and with the most of these matches could have had amazing builds and stories to work with, but instead, seems creative just shrugged their shoulders and said, people will be there and that is enough. Which seems lazy, I mean proper stories going in would hype up the live crowd that much more, wouldn’t it? At least some of these matches are going to be great at least. So, lets try and big brain are way to some predictions.

Night 1

Steel Cage Match Shane McMahon vs Braun Strowman

Lets get the worst out of the way, and I mean that. This is as pointless as it comes. This will either come down to Braun doing something dumb to cost himself or outsmarting Shane and I couldn’t care less. We got Owens to do a big jump or fall, we don’t need Shane on the card and Braun needs something better to do. Going to go with Braun for the win so we can end this feud.

Winner – Braun Strowman

Tag Team Turmoil for the number 1 contender ship to to Women’s Tag Team Championship match – Naomi and Lana vs Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke vs Natalya and Tamina vs The Riott Squad

Wacky theory, Becky Lynch and Charlotte as surprise entrance. Probably going to see Carmella and Billie, although an Iconic reunion would be so much more welcome. It’s not going to be the Riotts is it. Despite them being the most well rounded team on the roster. You can see how they work together as a team. Making double team moves and just deserving so much more than the nothing they have gotten in return. It will probably be Tamina and Nattie, but I will tossing a prediction to go with the team that deserves it.

Winner – Riott Squad ( Send them to NXT they need the teams and Riotts can be used.)

Raw Tag Team Championship match – AJ Styles and Omos vs New Day (Champions)

So while this has come out of nowhere and been a bit more on the comedic side. I am looking forward to seeing what Omos can do. Think his partnership with AJ is just what he needs. With the workhorse in AJ doing the work and Omos being the powerhouse and AJ being a grandslam champion is just a nice thing. So, we are getting new Tag Team Champions.

Winners and new Tag Team Champions – AJ Styles and Omos

Bad Bunny and Damion Priest vs The Miz and John Morrison

Alright, hands up, I don’t know much about Bad Bunny but as far as Celebrities at this years mania go, all for this to happen. He has been putting in a ton of work and I think we might see a surprise here in the form that he is going to be the one in trouble and have to make the tag to Priest for the hot tag, but their is no way Bunny is losing this match.

Winner – Bad Bunny and Damion Priest

Cesaro vs Seth Rollins

So, I keep pulling for Cesaro. Getting my hopes up and getting dashed, but I am still pulling for the Swiss Superman and if these two are given the time. They can really steal the show and the push for Cesaro continues.

Winner – Cesaro

Smackdown Women’s Championship Match – Bianca Belair vs Sasha Banks (Champion)

Hey we are up to one of those matches that needed a proper build and they have done everything they can to take the wind out of their sails. Want to say it is because they just didn’t want to build it higher than what they wanted to be the Main Event, but they didn’t book anything to feel like a Main Event and this could have been a Main Event. It still might be, but they deserved better. They can still go out their and tear the show down and at the end, think they are going to make the change and Sasha is losing the belt.

Winner and new Women’s Champion – Bianca Belair

WWE Championship Match – Drew McIntyre vs Bobby Lashley (Champion)

This has either been the most big brain situations were they split the Hurt Business to allow them to interfere or the most dumb. Breaking up the Hurt Business to get Drew cheered instead of just making Drew more likeable. The Money in the Bank cash in should have happened after Mania. Book Lashley to bee an unstoppable Monster and make the Hurt Business unlikeable and Drew and Battered warrior still holding his ground, with his title. Instead of just fine. Fine is for B-Level PPVs not Mania. I am backing Drew because I want him to keep his pop, although I still say he could have got that defending his belt.

Winner and WWE Champion – Drew McIntyre

Night 2

Sammi Zayn vs Kevin Owens

Oh, I so hope they are just allowed to fight each other. The rivalry is as storied as they come and each get the best out of one another and I have got such a worried feeling it is going to be more about Logan Paul than the two who earned the bright lights of Mania. Should be higher on the card and am going to hope for the best and Owens gets his momentum back.

Winner – Kevin Owens

Intercontinental Championship Nigerian Drum Match – Apollo Crews vs Big E (Champion)

What? That about sums this match up. This should be more blood feud at this point and this feels almost like it can get a little over the top. Apollo has lost to many times and I want to see him succeed, I don’t see this being the end of the Big E run.

Winner and still Champion – Big E

The Fiend vs Randy Orton

This needed to be a Firefly Funhouse. This feud has had so many ups and downs and irritating moment, but Randy has such a vast legacy to dive into and a regular match would simply not cut it. There last was an inferno match afterall. A regular match is a step back.

Winner – The Fiend

Raw Women’s Championship Match – Rhea Ripley vs Asuka (Champion)

During the ” Can they Coexist” rerun we have seen 5 or six times this year, we saw flashes of what fun these two could have had in this feud. With Rhea screwing Asuka by tagging her with a pat on the head or them ignoring the other during tag moments. This Rivalry had one moment of excellence when Rhea threw the table into her face, Asuka was a star when they didn’t know how to handle the empty arena and out of anyone, deserved something special and she didn’t get it and unfortunately for her. Only one way to salvage the mess they made of the women’s division and that means putting the belt on Rhea. Give her at least fifteen minutes to close her reign on a high.

Women’s Tag Team Championship Match The Riott Squad vs Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax (Champion)

This tag team title reign has been an absolute plague on the Women’s Roster for months. It is bad writing all around. That has ruined both the Raw and most definitely Smackdown’s Women’s Feud going into Mania. As well as bury the ridiculously talented Shayna and protected Nia for who knows what reason. I am going with the Riotts cause they are my choice, but whoever wins the turmoil match, needs to win this match. Get those belts off them and get Shayna off this go awful team and get her back to being the Queen of Spades.

Winner’s and new Women’s Tag Team Match – Riott Squad

U.S Championship Match – Sheamus vs Riddle

it will be a fun match and while I want Sheamus to get a reward for his hard work. Want to see a longer title reing start taking priority and with that, going to go with Riddle.

Winner and still U.S Champion – Riddle

Universal Championship Match – Daniel Bryan vs Edge vs Roman Reigns

This is the hardest match to book and sure while it was a bit of a botch and they had to hurry and put Bryan in. This match should be excellent and I am really looking forward to it. While I kind of want top see Bryan walk away the victor. I can’t see Edge not winning the belt here. It is the anniversary of him having to retire and just poetic. See Edge pinning Bryan and dropping the belt to Roman at the next PPV.

Winner and new Universal Champion – Edge

As always, I hope you enjoyed and….

Thank You For Reading.

NXT Stand and Deliver Predictions

By: Justin Hopkins

While the Wrestlemania build has been rather lacking across the board. At least we have the warming comfort of NXT to look forward to. I was a little surprised when they announced that it would be over two nights. Certainly stacked both nights with with some gold standards Championship Matches and blood feuds that can rank among best of the year by the end of it all. So, lets jump in and try and big brain our way to some predictions shall we.

Night 1

Kushida vs Pete Dunne

This is going to be fun. A match based around who is the best technical wrestlers. Going to be a different style that will fit perfectly between some of the matches to come and while each of them kind of need the win here. Going to go with Dunne for the win. To try and get some of his momentum back following the loss to Baylor.

Winner-Pete Dunne

NXT Triple Threat Tag Team Championship match – MSK vs Grizzled Young Veterans vs Legado Del Fantasma

Building off their recent vacancy to crown the new Tag Team Champions. We can drop Legado del Fantasma, I think this is coming down to the Vets and MSK and I so want to say MSK. Do to the time of the year and the heels normally losing, but this might be an exception. See the Grizzled Young Veterans pick up the win here and building to the third match down the line. Which I want to see happen.

Winners and new NXT Tag Team Champions – Grizzled Young Veterans

Gauntlet for the number 1 contender for the North American Championship – Isiah “Swerve” Scott vs Leon Ruff vs Bronson Reed vs Cameron Grimes vs L.A Knight vs Dexter Lumis

So, the winner of this will go on to face Johnny Gargano of night two. Now, any one of these guys can go on and tear it up with Gargano, would love to see Cameron, that would be hysterical. There is only one will winner here. Lumis has been tormenting The Way for weeks. Barring a really shock win. Can only really go with Lumis for the win.

Winner – Dexter Lumis

U.K Championship Match – Tommaso Ciampa vs WALTER (Champion)

This match is just going to be brutal. They are just going to beat the snot out of one another in all of the most wonderful of ways. WALTER throwing chops that will echo throughout the surrounding area and Ciampa doing everything he can imagine to take him down. It’s be grueling and devastating and done to perfection but when the fighting is over, I don’t exoect the title to change hands.

Winner and still Champion – WALTER

NXT Women’s Championship – Raquel Gonzales vs Io Shirai (Champion)

This is the match I am looking forward to the most. Io wanting to face the best and with her constant attack on Raquel last week. Raquel looks like an absolute world beater right now. Give them the time they need and believe they can steal the night and maybe even the week. As much as I have loved the matches Io has had with the belt. Time to put the belt of someone new and Raquel has been set up perfect and on Wednesday, Io’s time has come.

Winner and new Champion – Raquel Gonzales

Night 2

Cruiserweight Unification Ladder match – Santos Escobar vs Jordan Devlin

Having Shawn Micheals to set this ladder match up was perfect. A match set up thanks to Jordan not being able to travel thanks to travel restrictions. While I feel bad that Jordan didn’t get his full run with the belt. Kind of want to see Escobar keep the belt here. Keep it going for a bit longer and really feel like someone has to ascend to a whole new level to take the belt from him.

Winner and Cruiserweight Champion – Santos Escobar

NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship Match – The Way vs Shotzi Blackheart vs Ember Moon (Champions)

I can tell you about how excited I am for this match and point out the possibility of The Way winning, but I can’t. I love the tag team of Shotzi and Ember and think they have one of the coolest entrances going. The belts are new and they need to do a better job on them. Which means keeping the belts were they are.

Winners and still NXT Women’s Champions – Shotzi Blackheart and Ember Moon

NXT North American Championship – Dexter Lumis vs Johnny Gargano (Champion)

Since I am going with Lumis figure we will keep it going. It’ll be a good match and at the end of the day, think they are going with Lumis. If he doesn’t win they are going to have to go back to the drawing board cause I don’t think he can take a loss at the moment.

Winner and new North American Champion – Dexter Lumis

Unsanctioned Match – Kyle O’Reily vs Adam Cole

Oh, this is going to be so good and perfect counterpart to the likes of Walter vs Ciampa. While that match is going to be brutal within the ring. Kyle and Cole is going to be the outrageous destruction of former friends turned bitter enemies in all of it’s glories. This match is just going to be great. Storytelling and production at its finest and I don’t know who to pick and pretty sure the aftermath Roderick is going to pick the bones, but I am gfoing to go with Cole for the win.

Winner – Adam Cole

NXT Championship Match – Karrion Kross vs Finn Baylor (Champion)

It is weird, this is the top title of NXT and feels like just another match. Nothing against either guy. match is going to be good. Just what it has to go up against. I am going to go with Kross. To get him back on pace before his injury.

Winner and new NXT Champion – Karrion Kross

As always, I hope you enjoyed and….

Thank You For Reading.

Fastlane 2021 Predictions

By: Justin Hopkins

I am being a bit overdramatic when it comes to this rather rocky pitstop on the Road To Wrestlemania. The first PPV under the Peacock Flag, for the U.S, and while the In-Ring Wrestling part is going to be fantastic. The booking on the other hand, seems to be even more haphazard than usual and Fastlane just feels like an unwanted waste of time. Of course, I will watch because, like I said, I do think the Wrestling part is still good, and since I am watching, might as well try to put my thinking cap on and try to figure out who will win and who will lose.

Braun Strowman vs Shane McMahon

Going to start with a match that may not even be happening. They announced it on Raw, but it is not in their site. So, it has either been cancelled or someone hasn’t updated the page. Honestly, I don’t care and neither do they. Braun should be doing more and I can go without seeing Shane get in the ring again. Even if the match goes on, it’ll end with something to set up for mania. My guess, Dabba-Kato gets involved and sets up a handicap match.

Winner-Shane McMahon

Women’s Tag Team Championship Match – Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair vs Nia Jaxs and Shayna Baszler with Reginald (Champions)

Remember how much fun we were having and could be having had they actually had Billie Kay join the Riott Squad. An actual team that could be so much more than what we have been given. We could be having a hoss battle with two of the most prestigious NXT Women’s Champions in Asuka and Baszler at mania. Remember the excited feeling of Sasha vs Bianca Headlining Night 1 of Mania. This story has honestly felt like punishment for the fans that have no way to feel rewarded by the end. The Women’s Tag belts deserve better. Sasha and Bianca deserve a better feud. While I hope that Nia and Shayna retain and we give the belts to the Riott’s at Mania. What I think will happen is Reginald turns on Nia and costs them the victory, to help solidify Sasha’s heel turn in the next few weeks, and we may not even get a women’s tag match at mania.

Winners and new Tag Team Champions-Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair

Intercontinental Championship Match – Apollo Crews vs Big E (Champion)

Finally, the worst is behind us and we come to a match that I am actually looking forward to. Big E has been on a tear and is always one of the most entertaining and dynamic wrestlers they have and Apollo, while always good in the ring, finally getting to show a heel persona that to match his in-rig side and expect them top tear it up in the ring, but I also expect to have another screwy finish and not have an out right winner and my guess is Big E is going to get Disqualified to set up a bigger match for Mania. Which would tie into him talking about going old testament on him last week.

Winner by Disqualification – Apollo Crews

Drew McIntyre vs Sheamus

I almost wish that they had held off on the Miz cash-in and Bobby Lashley taking the belt till after Mania. Sheamus and Drew have been having some stellar matches, especially Sheamus who is on a tear as of late. Could have made for a classic at Mania. While, on Paper, I do think Drew is clearly going to win this. Going to pick the Celtic Warrior to plant the seeds for a triple threat at Mania.

Winner – Sheamus

Randy Orton Vs Alex Bliss
To those who have read my previous wrestling blogs or my fantasy booking which Asuka to take the belt from Kofi, knows that I have talked highly of wanting to see Intergender Matches. Done right, with the likes of an Asuka, Rhea Ripley or even a Charlotte. Think they could make compelling and just as good matches as a regular match. This is not one of those times. It’ll be more promo than match and just a way to bring Bray back.

Winner – Alexa Bliss, I guess

Universal Championship Match – Daniel Bryan vs Roman Reigns

Edge is going to be special Enforcer and while it will be a really good match. Which is obvious when it comes to Bryan and Roman. While the triple threat for the WWE Championship at Mania is pure speculation, I would be shocked if it doesn’t happen here and that will come off the back of Edge costing Bryan the match here.

Winner and still Universal Champion – Roman Reigns

As always, I hope you enjoyed and….

Thank You For Reading.

WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 Predictions

By: Justin Hopkins

And here we are, at our first stop on our road to Wrestlemania, the Elimination Chamber. Which kind of shows how Bi-Polar WWE’s Booking truly is. Some of the bad is not their fault, while others is absolutely on them. Not saying that it is all bad. What they are doing right is exciting and the wrestling, at the very least, should be awesome and if you couldn’t tell with the thumbnail, super excited for one match in particularly. So, lets dive in and try to predict this whopping four.. maybe five match card.

UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP – RIDDLE VS KEITH LEE(?) VS BOBBY LASHLEY(C)

Alright, so according to the rumor mill and announce team on Raw, Keith was injured and position in the match may be up in the air. Personally. think it is a work and he will be fine. Certainly hoping so, otherwise we are looking at another match between Riddle and Bobby and getting tired of the feud between Riddle and the Hurt Business. They are fully capable of having feuds with others and the sad part is, think this is going to continue. Think they are looking to change it up though, and by that, I mean Lashley will be dropping his title to one Riddle and have him chase to Wrestlemania.

Winner and new United States Champion – Riddle

RAW’S WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP – ASUKA (C) VS ??? (LACEY EVANS)

Before I get to the prediction, I am very happy for Lacey Evans and her family on the pregnancy’s and hope for nothing but the best.

What am I suppose to say about this? They knew Monday that Lacey was Pregnant and instead of trying to get Asuka another opponent, they ran some stupid story that implied that Ric is the baby Daddy. Asuka is one of the best wrestlers on the roster. She gives great to memorable matches and her promos are gleaming with passion. When lockdown was happening and WWE was scrambling trying to figure out how to do this, she was paving the way and making the shows so much better and is thanked with no story. This was a title match based around Charlotte. Asuka hasn’t had her own story since she feuded with Sasha and Bayley. Which in a way, was more their story than hers. Some theories for replacement, if they don’t just drop it entirely. Rhea Ripley, which I would love to see happen, with a proper story leading to Wrestlemania. Rhea and Asuka could legit put on a five star match that would threaten to steal the show, or Charlotte and have her take the title to defend it against Rhea and get Rhea her win back. Which is only happening because they have to fix the damage they made last year when Charlotte beat Rhea. It is amazing how they have this caliber of talent and can’t book a show.

Winner – They drop the match and bring Rhea up tomorrow and start booking for a ONE-ON-ONE match between Rhea and Asuka at Mania.

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH – KOFI KINGSTON VS JEFF HARDY VS AJ STYLES VS RANDY ORTON VS SHEAMUS VS DREW MCINTYRE(C)

Alright, back to happier things. I can’t understand the reason behind the idea of Drew dropping the belt to win it back in front of the crowd at Wrestlemania. It get that it is side, but he’ll get the pop he deserves arriving as Champion and it will be just as glorious instead of trying to manufacture the moment. This match should be great. Probably see a lot of story threads occurring. Kofi losing because of Retribution and can see Orton being taken out by The Fiend. I think he will leave the pod and be instantly abducted somewhere else and Drew picking up the victory and setting up Edge to pick him for Mania and more on why later.

Winner and still WWE Champion- Drew McIntyre

ELIMINATION CHAMBER WHERE THE WINNER GETS A SHOT AT THE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP – KING CORBIN VS SAMI ZAYN VS DANIEL BRYAN VS JEY USO VS KEVIN OWENS VS CESARO

This match is going to be incredible. These six guys are going to destroy one another in what is just going to be an amazing match where you can make a case for each of them to win this match, but.. I can’t go against it. For the first time in so long. Cesaro is finally, at long last getting his push, that he has worked so hard for, and I am fully behind it. Owens has had multiple shots. Daniel Bryan can get a title match at any time. Jey’s redemption is still cooking, and it won’t be heel vs heel, but could easily be way to turn Sami face which would be nice, but no. It’s time for the Cesaro Section to stand up and Cesaro takes this match.

Winner – Cesaro

UNVIERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP CESARO VS ROMAN REIGNS

Cesaro isn’t going to win this. Got to be realistic, but think about this. Cesaro wins a grueling Chamber Match, gets beaten down by Jey as Roman makes his way down, but Cesaro gets one big shot in before losing, and we are off from here. Cesaro making a big push to become number one contender at Fast Lane to take on Roman at Mania. Just think about the crowd reaction to finally seeing someone they have been wanting to see have his moment. Drew vs Edge would be stellar, but this could be a great match for someone who has been there all along, and seeds can be planted here.

Winner and still Universal Champion – Roman Reigns

As always, I hope you enjoyed and….

Thank You For Reading.

Royal Rumble 2021 Predictions

By: Justin Hopkins

It is the most magical time of the year. Better than any holidays or celebrations or even Wrestlemania itself, it’s the Royal Rumble. That greatest stipulation match. Pitting thirty wrestlers against one another and anything and everything can happen. From surprise entrances to heartbreaking eliminations. Circus like performances to stave off eliminations, all in the hope to be the one to point at the Wrestlemania sign, and this year is especially difficult to predict. Doing such a good job building a several potential winners in both Rumbles and to a point, that is both exciting and terrifying. With some really exciting choices, yet the building sense of grief of them picking someone who could royally torpedo the entire Road To Wrestlemania before it even begins. So, lets dive in and try to predict the Royal Rumble Card shall we.

WOMEN’S TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP – Nia Jax and Shayna Bazler vs Asuka and Charlotte Flair

We will start with the one that doesn’t matter. They have put less than minimum effort to make these titles feel special. Asuka is double champion who has almost nothing to do and Nia Jax is a constant concern that she will injure her opponent, but I am still going to pick Nia and Shayna because putting the belts on Charlotte and Asuka was a mistake to begin with and maybe they book in a good story. This really should have gone with the Riott Squad.

Winners and new Women’s Tag Team Champions – Nia Jax and Shayna Bazler

SMACKDOWN’S WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP – Carmella vs Sasha Banks

This has been a fun little rivalry, and we got to see Reginald show off a bit of his Circus roots and something small for Sasha to do following her rivalry with Bayley and Carmella is a lot better than most people give her credit for. I do expect Sasha to retain her belt in what should be a pretty solid match.

Winner and still Women’s Champion – Sasha Banks

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH – GOLDBERG VS DREW MCINTYRE

Drew… For the love of everything, Drew.

Winner and still WWE Champion – Drew McIntyre ( Seriously, do no put the belt on Goldberg.)

UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP – KEVIN OWENS VS ROMAN REIGNS

I would love to see Kevin win this one. he has been so good on the build up to this and deserves another run with the belt, but I don’t see it happening here. Not at the expense of Roman Reigns, who has saved himself from the never ending void of terrible booking and made himself WWE’s biggest villains. I expect these two to just kill one another and when it seems that they will both be counted out, a returning Jimmy will hold Roman up on his feet. Making the family whole.

Winner and still Universal Champion – Roman Reigns

WOMEN’S ROYAL RUMBLE

This one I think is going to be more tricky to predict. Tend to pull from the legend and alum pool to fill out the numbers. It’ll probably kick off the show. I think that Bianca will be the Ironwoman of the match and will be the one to inevitably be the one to knock out the “Monster” Nia Jax, but will be knocked out by Bayley and while she is celebrating, will be eliminated by Charlotte. It’ll come down to Charlotte, Rhea, Shayna and Raquel Gonzales, with Rhea waling away the winner.

Winner – Rhea Ripley

MEN’S ROYAL RUMBLE

This can be a lot of fun and completely nightmare fuel and the fact they can control the crowd reaction with a button is what makes this scary. Would love to see Randy get number one, upset by the early entry and get even more angry when number two is Edge, but this will go out the window when they reveal the number one and two are announced on Backstage on Saturday. I expect this to be a lot of fun and wouldn’t mind seeing Brock come back for it, but could this be the year. The year I never thought would come. the year they finally give the Swiss Superman the recognition that has been long overdue. May not be the smart choice, but I have to believe that this will be the year of Cesaro.

Winner – Cesaro

While WWE has been a wild ride of some massive highest and ugly lows. Can put it all aside, for the best PPV on the calendar and I can’t wait to see what happens at this year’s Royal Rumble. As always, I hope you enjoyed and….

Thanks For Reading.

Heels and Faces

By: Justin Hopkins

Stories are all about heroes doing battle with heinous villains. All throughout media this is almost always the case and is no different in the world of wrestling. Dramatic tales of underdog heroes fighting to unseat the diabolical heel champions or fend off weaselly opponents. However, a lesser seen feud is when two faces or two heels mix it up themselves. We see matches here and there, but I am looking for proper feuds or heels where neither are expected to turn by the end. Which is a lot trickier especially when two heels square up, but was sold enough on the idea of putting my fantasy booking hat back on and talking about one of the things I love the most. So, here they are. Four matches, two heel and two faces and how I think it could be booked to where there are no turns. Using AEW and WWE. Sorry, Impact I don’t get the channel and struggle to keep up and wouldn’t do anything from there justice. So without further adieu, lets dive right in with the match on the Thumbnail.

Abadon vs Kris Statlander (Face)

Alright, two things, I am stretching the idea of Abadon potentially being face or heel. Her character is certainly not a normal face, but when the crow is chanting, eat your soul, at Shida, You aren’t an outright heel either and more importantly, Kris Statlander is injured and could be out for a while to come, but that is okay. Gives us time to set the table in advance. So, here’s how it could work. Keep pushing Abadon. She is running her way through everyone on Dark. Just keep it up. Beating everyone she gets in the ring with. After some time of this. Makes it all the way to a title match with Shida and gets the strap. Getting her win back and setting herself on top of the castle and she just keeps going. Leading to a Dynamite where her opponent no shows a title match. Is found by an interviewer leaving. Wants nothing to do with the Living Dead Girl. Angering Abadon who catches up with her in the back and takes her out. Other women start to avoid the number one spot because of this. Until, Brandy, or Matt Hardy depending on how far out you want to go, we are booking a feud between a zombie and alien after all, have fun with it. Where she declares she found a challenger not from this planet who is not afraid of her and the return, when she is healed and ready, Kris Statlander, who should walk away victorious. At this point, Abadon has made a name for herself and a force to be reckoned within AEW and Statlander picks up as one of their top women. Plus, these two are so creative with their characters that I want to see the match they can come up with. Winner – Kris Statlander.

Drew McIntyre vs Keith Lee (Face)

Okay, do not turn Keith Lee. This was the rumor that started the conversation that birthed this idea, and it is a woefully bad idea. He is one of your biggest crowd favorites you got and it doesn’t need it. Both of these guys are overflowing with charisma and are more than capable of making this feud happen. How, just have Keith Lee win the Royal Rumble. Just have them being friends but making it known that is secondary when it comes to the title. Don’t have them outright attack each other, but bumping each other. Let their promos and interviews build the tension up until the final raw and everything blows up. have them Main Event Main Event Wrestlemania as it should and… Drew should win. I would love to see Keith win it, but it would be almost too predictable. He’ll get the win back at Summerslam after cashing in the Money In The Bank. Just don’t want the champ losing at Mania this time around. Winner – Drew McIntrye

The Miz vs Roman Reigns (Heel)

This was much harder to book. Wanted to put John Morrison in The Miz’s place, but couldn’t think of any way Morrison doesn’t flip back to face in the process. When the Miz gets the chance, he is the best heel on the mic going today and that is what is needed for this and want to see the promo work between him and Paul Heyman. That would just be wonderful. How I would do it, is have The Miz line himself up as number one contender after Jey. Roman fresh out of destroying his cousin. Have Miz and Morrison rag on him for everything from his time off and attaching himself to Heyman and needing to check in at the end of a match in order to win the belt. He’ll need to dig deep in the bag to keep heel and can even go right into the Morrison turn from there. Roman will retain after another savage beating and showing the locker room that no one is safe. Winner – Roman Reigns

Brodie Lee vs Chris Jericho (Heel)

This match has had to have changed a good number of times. From Omega to Hangman, but as a friend pointed out, neither are official changes yet so that brings us to Mr. Brodie Lee vs Le Champion. Two extremely talented wrestlers and heads of their own top groups going right now. How I would start the feud is to have one of The Dark Order give a sheet to Sammy Guevara. This would obviously anger Jericho who will not be taking the idea of The Dark Order poaching on his boys and have Jack Hager beat up some of the Dark Order lesser members and the feud is on. A full on Faction War between The Inner Circle and The Dark Order. Leading to the match between Jericho and Brodie down the line to settle the score. Winner should be Brodie at the end of the day, he could use the rub from beating someone like Jericho and he wouldn’t lose anything in the loss. Winner – Brodie Lee

And that is all I got. As always, I hope you enjoyed and…

Thank You For Reading.