10 Early Predictions For WWE WrestleMania 34

4. John Cena Vs. Baron Corbin

Reigns Lesnar
WWE.com

Baron Corbin is being groomed for the big push on SmackDown later this year, by all accounts. He was favoured in the betting odds to dethrone Dean Ambrose as Intercontinental Champion, but that result never materialised - possibly because WWE has grander plans for him.

Corbin is very well-liked and much improved, but he's still nowhere near over nor accomplished enough to enter WWE Heavyweight Title contention on the biggest show of the year. If he beats Randy Orton for that prize, as has been mooted, it's more likely to happen at SummerSlam than WrestleMania. The autumn months are traditionally quiet, which is why WWE in recent years has compensated for the lull by bursting the pay-per-view calendar at the seams. It's safer to conduct the Corbin experiment at that time.

If Corbin is removed from the title picture prior to 'Mania season, it makes sense to rehabilitate him by programming him opposite John Cena in his new role as a shattered glass ceiling.

John Cena hasn't challenged for a top-tier WWE title on the grandest stage for four years, and it his reduced presence hasn't had a depreciative effect on WWE business. He's a scalp in 2017, and there's no reason why that should change in 2018. Corbin more than any emerging heel would benefit from taking it in New Orleans.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and surefire Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!