7 early predictions for the WrestleMania 38 card

WWE is promoting WrestleMania 38 as the most stupendous two-night event in the company's history. This could lead fans to think that the promotion will be presenting some major matchups to bolster the card.

The Royal Rumble 2022 kicked off the road to the event and showcased some surprise returns.

With returning legends and competitors coming back from injuries, the roster is picking up at just the right time. The Rumble gave the audience a clearer picture of what to expect from The Showcase of the Immortals.

The two-night spectacle will have to live up to the traditional expectations for the biggest event of the year for WWE.

In this article, let's take a look at seven early predictions for the WrestleMania 38 card.

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7) Shane McMahon vs. Austin Theory - WWE WrestleMania 38

Austin Theory has been a focal point of Monday Night RAW as of late. Ever since being revealed as the superstar who stole Vince McMahon's egg back at Survivor Series 2021, Theory has taken on the role of protege to Mr. McMahon.

He has even pulled out a victory over the first Universal Champion, Finn Balor.

His relationship with McMahon has led to reports and rumors that he could be pegged for a WrestleMania 38 showdown with a member of the family. Vince is in his late-70s, so it is easy to assume he won't be facing Theory.

This is why one of the surprise returns at Royal Rumble 2022 seems fitting for this storyline.

Shane McMahon returned to WWE at #28 in the Men's Royal Rumble Match. The fans were excited to see him.

Despite not interacting with his father's new protege, a matchup between the two would give the storyline a direction. McMahon vs. Theory could provide a fun sports entertainment spectacle to the lineup.

6) Queen Zelina & Carmella vs. The Bella Twins for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships - WWE WrestleMania 38

The women's Royal Rumble match offered WWE with quite a few options for tantalizing matchups for WrestleMania 38.

With legends like Lita, Mickie James, and Michelle McCool returning in the contest, they could square off with the current crop of talent for intriguing feuds.

WWE Hall of Famers The Bella Twins returned to make an impact, eliminating stars such as Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan.

Despite Brie taking Nikki out of this match, they are still sisters and could team together to revitalize the women's tag team division.

Queen Zelina and Carmella are in desperate need of a fresh tag team, so facing a legendary unit at Mania would be compelling.

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5) Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair for the RAW Women's Championship - WWE WrestleMania 38

At SummerSlam 2021, Becky Lynch made her long-awaited return to WWE and instantly found herself in a SmackDown Women's Championship match.

After challenging the reigning champion Bianca Belair, Lynch blasted her with a right and hit the Manhandle Slam to win the title. This has led to a new persona for Becky, with Big Time Becks doing whatever is possible to keep her top spot.

Belair has tried to regain the gold on multiple occasions. In two singles contests and a triple threat match, the EST of WWE was unable to defeat The Man.

The fanbase loves Belair and wants to see her reach the mountaintop again. This would complete the story started at SummerSlam. It depends on how they get Belair back there, but this would be the most desirable RAW Women's Title Match.

4) Edge vs. Kevin Owens - WWE WrestleMania 38

As a WWE Hall of Famer and current top star for the promotion, Edge will always have an important match on any card, including WrestleMania 38.

After headlining WrestleMania 37 in a triple threat match against Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan, the Rated R Superstar has to be wanting a fresh opponent at the Show of Shows.

Kevin Owens presents a captivating character to interact with the Ultimate Opportunist. The two men share a lot of traits, from doing whatever is possible to win gold and being liars to get their way.

However, Edge has taken on a new leaf since his return. Owens pointed out these comparisons could make for an intriguing rivalry and high-profile WrestleMania encounter.

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3) Randy Orton vs. Riddle for the WWE Championship - WWE WrestleMania 38

With recent reports of Riddle being considered for the winner of the 2022 Men's Royal Rumble Match, it has led many to believe the company may have huge plans for the Original Bro at WrestleMania 38.

WWE could be preparing to elevate Riddle up the card after a successful run with the RK-Bro tag team, which also presents the perfect matchup for Mania.

Randy Orton is very experienced with top matches at the Showcase of the Immortals. Whether for championship gold or settling a score, the Legend Killer has created his legacy at the event.

Fans have been wanting RK-Bro to implode, and what better way than for the top prize in the company. Orton winning the WWE Championship on the Road To WrestleMania could set up the biggest win of Riddle's career.

2) Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey for the SmackDown Women's Championship - WWE WrestleMania 38

Ronda Rousey shocked the wrestling world by winning the 2022 Women's Royal Rumble Match to punch her ticket for the main event of WrestleMania 38.

The Rowdy One is a UFC Hall of Famer and former RAW Women's Champion. She left the company after losing her title to Becky Lynch in the first-ever all-female main event at WrestleMania 35.

However, recent reports suggest that Becky Lynch won't be her opponent at the Showcase of Immortals. SmackDown Women's Champion Charlotte Flair lobbied to face Ronda at WrestleMania this year.

The two women have their own unfinished business after a disqualification finish at Survivor Series 2018 and no rematch since.

Their interaction at the end of the women's Rumble adds to what will be a show-stealer. The two women have worked well together in singles and triple threat action, so it is safe to assume they will deliver on this huge stage.

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1) Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship - WWE WrestleMania 38

If one thing became perfectly clear at Royal Rumble 2022, WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns will face the men's Rumble winner Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 38. This is a fact that should have been known since SummerSlam 2021.

After the biggest party of the summer, Lesnar returned to WWE after a 18-month absence to confront Reigns and his special counsel Paul Heyman.

Brock proceeded to cause dissension between Roman and Paul by suggesting that Heyman still worked with him.

The dissension reached its boiling point when the Tribal Chief interrogated his special counsel, and Heyman responded by saying he was protecting Roman from Brock.

Reigns fired Heyman and hit him with a Superman Punch. The former ECW owner was absent for a few weeks but returned following WWE Day 1 when Brock Lesnar won a Fatal Five Way to win the WWE Title.

This all led to the Royal Rumble 2022, where Roman Reigns interfered in the WWE Championship Match between Lesnar and Bobby Lashley.

After Roman hit the spear on Brock, he stared at Heyman and reached his hand out. Paul Heyman finally made his decision and handed Reigns the WWE Championship to blast Lesnar with.

Following Brock's surprise arrival as #30 in the men's Rumble and victory, it would be surprising if he didn't choose the Head of the Table.

Their issue dates back to WrestleMania 31, and this year will mark their third meeting at the biggest event of the year. WrestleMania 38 should finally end this long-standing saga with Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, and Paul Heyman.