WrestleMania Goes Hollywood—WWE descends on SoFi Stadium for two unforgettable days in Los Angeles, California.
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns will defend his title, and his record-setting title reign, against Royal Rumble winner Cody Rhodes. Can Cody Rhodes “finish the story”?
John Cena returns to WWE with his eyes on Austin Theory and the United States Championship. Rhea Ripley looks to take out Charlotte Flair, and take home the SmackDown Women’s Championship, in a rematch from WrestleMania 36.
Who will be the big winners and losers of the weekend? Join the NZPWI Roundtable as we break down the card for WWE WrestleMania 39.
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United States Championship:
Austin Theory vs. John Cena
David Dunn (90% accurate in 2023):
In 2013, a full-time WWE Superstar overcame a Hollywood megastar in a championship bout at WrestleMania 29. I was backing John Cena 100 percent that night, but when it comes to being a full-time WWE Superstar, those days are long behind him.
Winner: Austin Theory
Grady Hooker (90% accurate in 2023):
My man has shown that he can hang with the best of them, but he hasn’t shown that he can hang with John Cena… This will be the toughest battle yet, but I think Theory has the braincells to never give up and overcome this Cena-sized obstacle.
Winner: Austin Theory
Steve McCleary (80% accurate in 2023):
Cena lit a fire under Theory and now he’s the one that’s gonna be burned by it. While John’s been off playing Peacemaker, Theory’s been fighting for his life every week. This battle falls to the younger, hungrier competitor.
Winner: Austin Theory
AJ Murtagh (60% accurate in 2023):
I think John Cena and the fans have taken Theory to lightly for too long. Austin has a lot to prove and appreciates the magnitude of the moment. Cena’s complacency will get the better of him.
Winner: Austin Theory
Sammy G (40% accurate in 2023):
John Cena’s meteoric rise to becoming a legendary champion in WWE started with the United States Title at WrestleMania XX. 19 years later, Cena can either prove he’s “still got it” or he can Hustle, Loyalty, Respect himself down the Hollywood Walk of Shame!
Winner: Austin Theory
Picks Summary
United States Championship:
Austin Theory: David, Grady, Steve, AJ, Sammy (100%)
John Cena: – (0%)
SmackDown Women’s Championship:
Charlotte Flair: – (0%)
Rhea Ripley: David, Grady, Steve, AJ, Sammy (100%)
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship:
Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn: David, Grady, Steve, AJ, Sammy (100%)
The Usos: – (0%)
Becky Lynch, Lita & Trish Stratus: David, Grady, Steve (60%)
Damage CTRL: AJ, Sammy (40%)
Logan Paul: AJ, Sammy (40%)
Seth Rollins: David, Grady, Steve (60%)
Dominik Mysterio: Grady, Steve, Sammy (60%)
Rey Mysterio: David, AJ (40%)
Alpha Academy: Steve (20%)
Braun Strowman & Ricochet: David, Grady, AJ (60%)
The Street Profits: Sammy (20%)
The Viking Raiders: – (0%)
WWE WrestleMania 39
Sunday, April 2
12pm NZST (WrestleMania Kickoff from 10am)
WWE Network
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship:
Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes
David:
I don’t believe Cody Rhodes was ever undesirable but he’s certainly undeniable now! A torn pec couldn’t keep him down; 29 WWE Superstars couldn’t stop him in the Royal Rumble. Despite Roman Reigns’ best efforts, I think we’ve got a new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion at WrestleMania.
Winner: Cody Rhodes
Grady:
Everything comes down to this; multiple years of Reigns’ reign and the injury-to-Rumble-to-WrestleMania main event pipeline. This match would not surprise me either way, both men are at the top of their game—I just think Cody Rhodes might have that little something-something called timing that will help him conquer the kingdom.
Winner: Cody Rhodes
Steve:
Like an epic movie, everything feels like it’s been cascading toward this—the unstoppable force finally meeting its match. Cody Rhodes is ready to achieve his lifelong dream, the same dream of his father, and dethrone the strongest champion in history in the process.
Winner: Cody Rhodes
AJ:
Cody has been able to rise above Paul Heyman and the Tribal Chief’s mind games, indeed sowing seeds of doubt amongst The Bloodline. It’s the least stable we’ve ever seen the faction and I believe Cody will finish the story.
Winner: Cody Rhodes
Sammy:
Every WrestleMania main event in history has had a special aura around it. This year, the main event feels even more personal as the Anoa’i family’s champion and “Tribal Chief” goes up against the “Son of a Son of a Plumber” of the Rhodes family! This is about more than a championship, this is about honouring legacy.
Winner: Cody Rhodes
Picks Summary
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship:
Cody Rhodes: David, Grady, Steve, AJ, Sammy (100%)
Roman Reigns: – (0%)
Raw Women’s Championship:
Asuka: David, Grady, Sammy (60%)
Bianca Belair: Steve, AJ (40%)
Intercontinental Championship:
Drew McIntyre: David (20%)
Gunther: AJ, Sammy (40%)
Sheamus: Grady, Steve (40%)
Hell in a Cell:
Edge: David, Steve, AJ (60%)
Finn Balor: Grady, Sammy (40%)
Brock Lesnar: David, Grady, AJ (60%)
Omos: Steve, Sammy (40%)
Chelsea Green & Sonya Deville:- (0%)
Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez: – (0%)
Natalya & Shotzi: – (0%)
Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler: David, Grady, Steve, AJ, Sammy (100%)
WWE WrestleMania 39
Monday, April 3
12pm NZST (WrestleMania Kickoff from 10am)
WWE Network
