The “Demon” Finn Balor vs. “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio
Finn Balor and Dirty Dom have had this Judgment Day dissension storyline stretch for so long that it would have been criminal if it had not been booked for Mania. When Balor last unleashed the Demon, he was robbed of a victory over Edge at ‘Mania 39 that would have solidified his leadership of the Judgment Day.
The Demon was buried that night. Now that he is unleashing the Demon after three long years, he must win to solidify his departure from the Judgment Day.
Balor elevated everyone around him in that group and needs to break away to pursue his own self-interests in the main event scene after only holding the world title for 24 hours back in 2016. Meanwhile, Dom can eat the loss here and still win MITB in September to advance to the main event scene.
Prediction: Finn Balor
Jade Cargill (c) vs. Rhea Ripley – WWE Women’s Title Match
Jade Cargill and Rhea Ripley started this feud off cold with a promo battle about muscles and even stealing each other’s lines and catchphrases. However, it got more interesting when Cargill created a new faction with Michin and B-Fab. It would be completely asinine if Cargill created that faction just to lose to Rhea, who already had three major WrestleMania moments in her career against Asuka, Charlotte, and Becky Lynch and does not need this win.
In fact, Jade Cargill needs to solidify her title reign with a victory over a former World Champion like Ripley so that there are more mega stars at the top of the card. Also, a post-match Bianca Belair return is likely here, and Cargill still has unfinished business with Belair that should have the title on the line on the road to SummerSlam.
Prediction: Jade Cargill
CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns – World Heavyweight Title Match
Roman Reigns envied CM Punk for having a strong connection with the fans. WWE can manufacture and control the narrative with Reigns, but they cannot do the same with Punk.
The reason the fans connect with Punk so well is that his arduous journey to the top felt humane, authentic, and relatable. Meanwhile, Punk envied Reigns for being a part of a familial dynasty that granted him the privilege of main eventing over 10 WrestleManias and being a multi-time World Champion for over 1000 days in record time.
After this revelation, Punk could turn heel. Punk is jealous that The Bloodline always helps Reigns with everything. But what if Bloodline screws Reigns here? What if The Rock screws Roman Reigns for disgracing the Bloodline after losing the title to Cody Rhodes?
What if The Rock helps CM Punk as consolation for ending his 434-day title reign at Royal Rumble 2013 and taking away his WrestleMania main event at WrestleMania 29, which was the last Mania Punk competed in before leaving WWE for 10 years?
This would not only set up a marquee retirement dream match between Roman Reigns and The Rock at Mania 43 next year but also allow Punk to continue as a fighting champion and elevate rising talent, like future King of the Ring Winner, Oba Femi, at SummerSlam, instead of elevating an already established part-time wrestler in Roman Reigns.
That World Heavyweight Title was initially created in defiance of Reigns’ burying talent for three years straight. It would destroy the prestige of the title if Reigns held it. Punk must win and retain.
Prediction: CM Punk
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