12 Early Predictions For WWE WrestleMania 35

11. Finn Bálor Vs. Dean Ambrose Vs. Seth Rollins - Intercontinental Title Triple Threat Match

Triple H Conor McGregor
WWE

In the short-term, the continued beatdowns inflicted by Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre on Seth Rollins telegraph the return of Dean Ambrose.

Whether the swerve turn is immediate or follows a further breakdown of a relationship astonishingly well-crafted by WWE seems immaterial: Ambrose possesses immense potential in the heel role, and the dormant motivation to avenge the events of 2 June 2014. This symbiotic relationship is actually something to believe in, through past precedent and the eternal spectre of Roman Reigns and the overarching drive to keep him - and his wider narrative - "strong". Collectively and apart, the entity known as The Shield is treated with uncharacteristic integrity.

This may not stretch to 7 April 2019, given the stretched WWE TV model. Moreover, WrestleMania is synonymous with multi-man midcard attractions; even in an optimistic piece - nobody ever really dreads WrestleMania, despite WWE's worst efforts - this cynicism cannot be helped. It's just what WWE does, and what WWE does, it invariably does again.

Cue a shoehorned third wheel deemed too important to toil in the Battle Royal under the demonic guise of Finn Bálor, inserting himself into a programme set to cool in the winter months.

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!