Predicting the outcome of matches in a fixed "sport" like pro wrestling is an exercise in futility. Analyzing tales of the tape, won-loss records, previous matchups, etc. do nothing to help determine who is more likely to win a match. Predictions are based more on "smart" analysis like, "Who needs this win more?" or "Which outcome will set up the next PPV?" And even those prognostications are best guesses, because sometimes when the answer seems apparent, WWE likes to paraphrase "Rowdy" Roddy Piper: "Just when you think you've got the answer, we change the question!" WrestleMania represents the biggest night of the year for WWE. The (supposed) biggest storylines going collide on one night. Grudges are settled, feuds ended. It's not always the results of the matches, but the journey fans go on during the four-hour escapade, that is the selling point of the event. So, rather than simply stating who might be more likely to win each match, what are some bold predictions for WrestleMania? What would be out of left field if it happened, but isn't totally unreasonable and is in the realm of possibility? Stone Cold said he believes CM Punk will return at WM 30, so that "bold prediction" will have to fall by the wayside for purposes of this countdown. Don't want to borrow the Rattlesnake's prediction.
6. The Shield Wins In Under 5 Minutes, New NXT Guys Attack After Match
No group has consistently put on better matches during the past year than Ambrose, Rollins and Reigns. The Shield has collectively been workhorses since moving beyond just special attraction matches. Their performances are often the highlight of a show, so one might expect them to shine most when the lights are brightest. But for WrestleMania, they've been matched up against an aging Kane and past-their-prime New Age Outlaws. This doesn't exactly scream "workrate." If they're going to lock up against three veterans like this, the longer it goes, the worse it could get. So expect a short match, with the Shield decimating the Attitude Era stars in quick fashion... ...Only to get jumped by debuting NXT stars. Remember a few weeks back when Kane warned the Shield that they were replaceable as enforcers for the Authority? What better time to debut a group like the Ascension than at WrestleMania taking out the most dominant group of the past year-and-a-half? There obviously is precedence for introducing a new faction at a major show. See Shield, The at Survivor Series 2012.