WWE
Ashley Sweetly Writes: WWE Predictions for 2019
With Christmas come and gone, there’s only a few more days left until we ring in the new year. And I can’t think of a better way to get ready for NYE but to gaze into my crystal ball. Without a doubt, the WWE really needs to rework a lot to undo the damage of 2018. From poor booking decisions to half-assed storylines, they really need to get back to the drawing board if they plan on being successful in 2019. Sure, they’re monetarily successful, but numbers don’t lie. I haven’t sat down and watched an entire episode of RAW in months. Instead, I’d rather watch the highlights. That way, I can skip through the crap that I don’t need to see for the hundredth time. And I’m not alone in that, as the ratings continue to slide. So, let’s take a look at my WWE Predictions for 2019, shall we?
Of course, these are entirely my own thoughts and predictions and don’t necessarily reflect the opinions of other TSJ family members.
Charlotte Flair Wins the Royal Rumble
Does she need the win? Heck no!
But the WWE doesn’t care. This will be a poor booking decision to ensure that the Queen is able to step into the ring with Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania. Unfortunately for fans, this has been the plan all along. I wouldn’t doubt this will co-headline the event, with the WWE billing it as a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. Charlotte could get moved to RAW from a Superstar Shakeup, but that doesn’t look likely.
I’m hoping that I’m wrong here, and they throw us for a loop with Ember Moon or even Kairi Sane. But this goes in hand with the next point…
Ronda Rousey Leaves the WWE Undefeated
Ronda’s made it perfectly clear that she’s ready to begin a family. The WWE totally botched Asuka’s undefeated streak, so I think they’re going to give Ronnie a true undefeated streak. She will beat Charlotte at WrestleMania, only to leave the company the next night. After all, what else could she really accomplish at that point?
I always thought they were going to go with the 4 Horsewomen plans, but now I’m beginning to think that those plans have mostly been scrapped. Shayna is ready for a call-up, but her friends? Not so much. Bringing the other two women to Ronda and Shayna’s level of skill would simply take too long.
Even if Charlotte isn’t the one to take on Rowdy Ronda, I still think Ronda will retire from in-ring competition without a mark on her record.
Braun Doesn’t Tame the Beast
I don’t see Braun being the one to win the Universal Championship from Brock Lesnar. Although it looks like the WWE is going in that direction, they never really seem to pull the trigger with Braun. Unfortunately for the “Monster Among Men”, I still don’t see them doing it.
They have been building Braun back up as a babyface, sure. They didn’t have a choice after the unfortunate announcement made by former Champion, Roman Reigns, a few months back. However, there is still plenty of time to build up people who are truly deserving to conquer Brock…say, Seth Rollins, who managed to completely run Monday Night RAW by himself, while Brock was out doing whatever Brock does. Or maybe Finn Balor, who never truly got another shot after relinquishing the title a couple of years ago.
Or maybe AJ Styles, after being traded from SmackDown Live. After all, he easily made SD Live the superior show. Could he do the same for the red brand?
Sorry to say it, but the WWE doesn’t have complete faith that Braun can turn RAW into a must-see show, and frankly, neither do I.
The Boss ‘N Hug Connection Wins the Women’s Tag Team Titles
In another spectacular mockery of writing, the WWE will absolutely hand the belts over to Bayley and Sasha Banks. Why? Because they are popular and have literally nothing else going on.
As much as I don’t want to see this and prefer to see Sasha Banks heading over to the SmackDown Live roster, I think this is the direction the WWE will go. The on again, off again relationship between Sasha and Bayley will hit a high point, and the duo will make history together like they always do. They will beat us over and over with their love/hate relationship, reminding us forever of their history in both NXT and WWE. I can already hear the godawful commentary on it in my head…
But eventually, their relationship will hit a low point. These two will eventually crumble, like they always do. We will finally see one of them turn on the other (likely Sasha, because the WWE Creative Team is less creative than a stick figure).
I’m hopeful that the IIconics are at least in the final battle of however this competition is going to be run.
The Miz wins the Royal Rumble
Why else would the WWE be so confident in a Daniel Bryan heel turn? Of course he will eventually lose the belt to his one true rival. The WWE really loves repeating history, and they’ll do it again. Except this time, they are going to run with The Miz being the “good guy”, just because it’s so different and hip. Why not rehash old stories from 2011? Makes sense to me.
There could be quite a few viable options for the Rumble winner, but this is the best story to tell. These two are awesome on the microphone together, really understand the art of the business, and have a deep connection because of their history. Except the roles are reversed, and fans will be hoping to see Miz overcome Daniel Bryan. The WWE will really make a point that Daniel Bryan really let his status and fame get to his head, which is everything he never wanted back in the day.
There is a Complete Superstar Overhaul
I think we’re going to see a lot of Superstars heading out in 2019. Some of them will be released from their contracts, like Konnor and Viktor. Others will be ready to hang up their boots, like Mickie James. This will force the WWE to trim down, and it’s something that they honestly need to do anyways. It’s time to scale back and re-work divisions.
However, I think there are also going to be a lot of big names coming in 2019. It already looks like the WWE is scouting major talents, as reports that the Young Bucks and Cody Rhodes turned down some giant deals with the multi-million dollar wrestling company. If Vinny is ready to reach deep into his pockets for those guys, could we see him reach a little further? I’m thinking so.
John Cena Retires
Yes, I think this one is certain. I don’t think it will be right away in 2019, but I do think it’s going to happen. Captain America himself will likely retire from in-ring competition in 2019. This kind of goes along with my last idea, but it’s John Cena, so he gets a whole section to himself. After all, he’s helped elevate the WWE to what it is today.
He’ll probably still make appearances and all that, but I think it’s pretty clear that he’s taking Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s route. He’s on Hollywood’s hot list, and cranking out movie after movie. Plus, he’s good at acting.
The WWE can still call upon him when they need the extra ratings, because the kiddos always tune in for John. But overall, I think John is ready, and I think the WWE will be, too. As long as they truly start building towards the next guy to run the show, that is…
Finn Balor Wins the Universal Championship
Finally. Because he never got his rematch, I think this is long overdue. Admittedly, I’m not sure how the WWE is going to pull this off. I don’t know if it would be believable that he could beat Brock clean.
Could Finn be a Paul Heyman guy? It’s not out of the realm of possibility. We’ve already seen some cracks between Brock and Paul, though, so having Paul turn on his guy could make this work. Of course, the WWE isn’t that smart. I’m willing to bet Finn will win with an ounce of a chance in a triple threat match at WrestleMania. The other opponent will probably be Braun Strowman, because let’s face it: WWE will continue to be predictable in 2019.
CM Punk Returns
Just kidding.
That ends my 2019 WWE Predictions, at least for now….
Merry Christmas, everyone, and have a happy New Year!
XOXO,
Ashley Sweetly
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