WWE WrestleMania 31: Match Card, Predictions And Preview For 2015 PPV

The match card for WWE’s biggest pay-per-view of 2015 has been set. Including the pre-show, nine matches will be on the WrestleMania 31 card with four titles being placed on the line.

Brock Lesnar will defend the WWE World Heavyweight Championship for a third time, facing Roman Reigns in the main event. The Undertaker is set to return for the first time since losing at WrestleMania 30, and Sting will make his WWE in-ring debut. Seth Rollins will face Randy Orton, and there’s speculation that he’ll finally cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase for a title shot.

WrestleMania 30 was one of the most memorable events in the PPV’s history. In addition to Daniel Bryan winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and The Undertaker suffering his first WrestleMania loss, Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock began the event with an opening promo. None of the three former wrestlers have been advertised for the event, though The Rock has suggested that he could make an appearance.

WrestleMania usually offers a few surprises, and Sunday’s PPV should be no different. Who will leave WrestleMania 31 victorious?

Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns (WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match)

Reigns has been destined to win the title at WrestleMania 31 since The Shield disbanded nearly 10 months ago. He looks like the prototypical WWE superstar, and he was one of the most universally liked wrestlers in the company before he got injured in September. Lesnar has been a dominant champion, and the mixed crowd reaction could force WWE to keep the belt on Lesnar. But WWE went through with their plan of putting Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania, despite the reaction of fans at the Royal Rumble, and they will likely go through with their plan of making Reigns the champion. Lesnar's uncertain contract situation makes it less likely that he will retain the belt, though WWE could have him beat Reigns, followed by Rollins cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase the next night on "Monday Night Raw."

Prediction: Roman Reigns

Sting vs. Triple H

It might be hard to imagine that Sting would lose his first WWE match, but the feud between the two wrestling legends suggests that Triple H could steal the victory. Sting has gotten the upper hand on Triple H during the entire build towards this match, helping Team Cena win at Survivor Series, making sure the members of Team Cena got re-hired and delivering a Scorpion Death Drop to Triple H at Fast Lane. The COO hasn’t done any damage to the former face of WCW, and he might finally get his revenge at WrestleMania 31. The babyface is the favorite in every main event match, and there’s likely to be at least one unlikely winner. Sting can get a win at another PPV, but a cheap victory for Triple H would help him become an even bigger heel to the entire fan base.

Prediction: Triple H

Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match

It’d be surprising to see Luke Harper, Stardust or R-Truth leave the PPV with the title, but a few wrestlers have a legitimate chance to win the match. Dolph Ziggler is one of the most popular babyfaces in WWE, and he might be the ideal Intercontinental Champion. But getting back-to-back clean victories over Daniel Bryan seems to indicate that he won’t get another win on Sunday. Bad News Barrett could retain the belt, prolonging his reign to give the title more meaning. Dean Ambrose is one of the favorites, and it seemed like he was on his way to becoming the champ when he began his feud with Barrett two months ago. But Bryan is the most logical choice to bring prestige to the belt, since he’s one of the most popular wrestlers that WWE has had in the last 15 years.

Prediction: Daniel Bryan

The Undertaker vs. Bray Wyatt

Wyatt will be one of WWE’s top stars for the next decade, and a victory over the Deadman would make him an even bigger heel. The Undertaker hasn’t been seen on WWE TV since his WrestleMania streak was broken by Lesnar. While his legacy as one of the greatest WWE superstars of all-time has already been cemented, it’s not likely that The Undertaker will lose two consecutive matches at the year’s biggest PPV.

Prediction: The Undertaker

Rusev vs. John Cena (United States Championship Match)

Rusev has yet to be pinned or submitted in WWE, but that will likely change on Sunday. If anyone has a chance to beat Rusev, it’s going to be Superman, himself. The feud for the United States Championship has been a classic one between good and evil. The evil foreigner who doesn’t like the U.S. won’t leave WrestleMania victorious.

Prediction: John Cena

Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins

This might be the most unpredictable match on the card. Rollins is such a good heel that he’s proven he can lose and still be the most hated wrestler in WWE, while the veteran Orton doesn’t necessarily need a victory. The feud might continue beyond WrestleMania, but Rollins has the slightly better chance of getting the win, likely cheating to get his first WrestleMania victory as a singles wrestler.

Prediction: Seth Rollins

Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

Only a handful of wrestlers have a realistic chance to win the second annual battle royal. WWE has advertised Sheamus’ return for weeks, and he could make his first appearance at the PPV and win the trophy. Damien Mizdow is the most popular babyface in the match, and his split with The Miz could become official with a victory. The size and strength of Ryback and Mark Henry gives them a shot for the victory, and Curtis Axel is a dark horse candidate. But Mizdow has gained steam in the last few months, much like last year’s winner, Cesaro.

Prediction: Damien Mizdow

AJ Lee & Paige vs. The Bella Twins

It’d make little sense for The Bella Twins to get the victory. Not only has Nikki Bella been the champion since Survivor Series, but she beat AJ at two straight PPV’s for the belt. Nikki defeated Paige on the go-home edition of “Raw,” and the babyfaces should get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: AJ Lee & Paige

Kickoff Fatal 4-Way (Tag Team Championship Match)

The Usos might be the only real threat to the team of Cesaro and Tyson Kidd. Los Matadores hadn’t been on TV much before the build to WrestleMania, and Big E and Kofi Kingston have not been over since they formed The New Day with Xavier Woods. The Usos held the title for a long time before Cesaro and Kidd became champs at Fast Lane, and the champs hold onto the belts for few more months.

Prediction: Cesaro & Kidd