12 Early Predictions For WWE WrestleMania 35

8. Drew McIntyre Vs. Dolph Ziggler

Triple H Conor McGregor
WWE

Dolph Ziggler probably couldn't believe his luck when Creative laid out their plans for him immediately following WrestleMania 34 (plans that were in all likelihood settled hours ahead of the 16 April, 2018 RAW): a partnership and inevitable programme with Drew McIntyre.

Wrestling being wrestling, this partnership will combust at a rather convenient time - but is WrestleMania a grand enough occasion? Not that it matters, but there is character motivation to explore and exploit here. Suppose, after the usual tension-building tropes - Ziggler costs the team a vital win, etc. - McIntyre realises that Ziggler was only ever using him to cling to relevance. WWE could lean on the transparency of said trope by booking Dolph to turn on Drew just after the Royal Rumble, gleefully acknowledging his year-long scheme. Drew, enraged at Dolph's plan to use him to book his first-ever 'Mania's singles match, in the customary "reality" mode, denounces it as pathetic. Drew agrees to the match, but advises him to enjoy his first real 'Mania moment - lame WWE-style scripted promo incoming - "...because it will be his last!"

Cue a not-bad-at-all midcard attraction with highlighted, opening slot potential.

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 current Undisputed WWE 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!