WrestleMania XL predictions: Can Cody Rhodes win? Will The Rock play spoiler?

Saturday marks the first day of a highly anticipated two-day WrestleMania XL weekend in Philadelphia. “The Grandest Stage of Them All” will feature 13 matches at Lincoln Financial Field.

Fans will be treated to seven championship matches, including the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship pitting Cody Rhodes against Roman Reigns, who has held that title for more than 1,300 days.

It’s time for predictions! The Athletic’s Chris Vannini, Jason Jones, Eric Koreen, Richard Deitsch and Rob Rossi have chosen their winners for every match on the card.

NIGHT 1

The Rock and Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins

Vannini: The Rock and Roman win on Night 1, setting up absolute chaos to happen on Sunday. I’ll also say The Rock gets the pin on Cody.

Jones: The Bloodline wins. Cody gets beat down again to set up the ultimate underdog story for the second night.

Koreen: You don’t announce the stipulations of a second match not to use them. The Bloodline wins, but we see some signs of discontent brewing between Dwayne and Roman.

Deitsch: Easy pick. The Bloodline have to win here to set up everything that comes on Night 2. But how they win will be very interesting viewing.

Rossi: Seth pins Roman. The Rock, as the “Final Boss,” tells the official to restart the match — but not until he, Roman and The Bloodline obliterate Seth and Cody. The Rock takes the pin of Cody away from Roman and does it himself. Philly riots!

Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Becky Lynch

Vannini: This might be the toughest match to pick on the card and one of the biggest women’s matches of all time. I think we’ve sort of forgotten just how good Becky is. Rhea’s basically beaten everyone else and would have nowhere else to go, so I say Becky wins.

Koreen: Becky’s criticism hit a nerve leading up to the event: Rhea hasn’t really defended the title often since winning it a year ago. This will be one of the three or four matches in competition for best in-ring work of the weekend, but I’ve got Rhea establishing herself as an unbeatable champion — and probably holding the title for another year. (Could Rhea vs. Bianca Belair headline WrestleMania 41?)

Jones: Mami holds on to the title. There are a lot of matches out there for Ripley that could happen, perhaps after some roster shake-ups. This is the first time it really feels the title could change hands during Ripley’s reign, but a win solidifies her as the No. 1 woman in the business.

Deitsch: I think Rhea retains for a number of reasons. First, she’s just scratching the surface of her potential, and you can make money from whatever upcoming feuds she has. Second, I think Becky is much better chasing a title and gives her a little bit of a schedule breather. The money match next year (in theory) is Rhea vs. Jade Cargill, so that’s another reason I think you keep the belt on Rhea.

Rossi: Becky wins with help from … Charlotte Flair. Swerve! Makes it more interesting as Rhea moves forward having been outsmarted, but it also becomes somewhat sympathetic. Becky and Charlotte can plant seeds for the one-on-one WrestleMania 41 match they were born to have.

Intercontinental Championship: Gunther (c) vs. Sami Zayn

Vannini: Gunther. This Sami Zayn story just isn’t clicking for me. We want to see him in a world-title feud. Gunther’s record IC title reign should be ended by someone who needs it — like Chad Gable.

Jones: Gunther rolls on to victory. I don’t know who takes the belt off him, but Zayn has already been Intercontinental Champion. I’m not sure this title does as much for Zayn as it would another star on the roster. And as dominant as Gunther has been, I can’t imagine him being pinned at ’Mania.

Koreen: Nobody plays the underdog like Sami, but he doesn’t need this title in particular, and there are other ways to get Gunther up a level. This will feature the best physical storytelling of the weekend, but Gunther retains. I wouldn’t be surprised if Damian Priest comes out to cash in his Money In The Bank briefcase, although doing that for a mid-card title did not help Austin Theory.

Deitsch: This strikes me as the second-easiest match to predict. You’d hurt Gunther as a draw if you took the title away from him. Also, they need to figure out something with Sami that’s an interesting storyline.

Rossi: Gunther dominates, but he can’t put Sami away … until he does by demanding the referee to give Sami a standing 10 count. Sami can’t answer.

Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso

Twin brothers Jey Uso (left) and Jimmy Uso were the first two entries in the Royal Rumble earlier this year. (Joe Camporeale / USA Today)

Vannini: Jey Uso. The lack of story around his match has been disappointing considering how much history there is to use. Maybe the pre-match video will be good. Jey is incredibly over, but he needs a big win.

Jones: Jey Uso should probably be the man to end Gunther’s title run. That wouldn’t make sense if he can’t beat his brother.

Koreen: Jey. It’s not “Main Event” Jimmy Uso. It’s “Main Event” Jey Uso. Jimmy exists to eat pins for Bloodline losses, even in one-on-one matches.

Deitsch: Both are great performers, but I have zero investment in this match because whatever comes after it will be more interesting for Jey and Jimmy than pitting them against each other in a singles match.

Rossi: It’s WrestleMania 10, with Jey as Shawn Michaels and Jimmy as Razor Ramon. They steal the show. But Solo Sikoa somewhat begrudgingly screws Jey after refusing to help Jimmy until last minute, bringing sound doubt as to how much longer he wants to play second fiddle to anybody in his family.

Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship (Six-Pack Ladder Match): The Judgment Day (c) vs. DIY vs. Awesome Truth vs. The New Day vs. New Catch Republic vs. A-Town Down Under

Vannini: WWE said both sets of belts need to come down, so I expect two different winners: Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) win one set, while A-Town Down Under (Austin Theory and Grayson Waller) win the other, giving “Raw” and “SmackDown” their own tag-team champions … finally.

Jones: The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor and Damian Priest) without at least one set of belts would weaken the faction, so they have to claim the “Raw” titles. As for “SmackDown,” Waller and Theory makes sense. Waller is incredibly entertaining, and he as a champion would bring even more heat. I think last year when Theory was pushed as the chosen one hurt him, and this is a good way to build his character back up.

Koreen: These titles get split up, but I see Finn and Damian retaining one set, with Theory and Waller grabbing the other and doing a poor man’s version of The IIconics bit as champions on “SmackDown.” (I miss The IIconics.)

Deitsch: I see split titles and Finn Bálor and Damian Priest have to retain one of them. You don’t want to weaken them heading forward.

Rossi: The Judgment Day’s most interesting angle moving forward involves only Priest holding a title. He and Finn look strong, but something goes wrong and — oh, the indignity — they drop the titles to The Miz and R-Truth.

Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill and Naomi vs. Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Asuka and Kairi Sane)

Vannini: Bianca, Jade and Naomi look like a superhero trio, and I want to see everything they can do together, starting with a win at WrestleMania. I don’t see Jade losing her first match.

Jones: No way Belair, Cargill and Naomi lose. Cargill is being groomed for superstardom. Belair is already in the upper echelon, and Naomi didn’t return to WWE just to pile up losses.

Koreen: I hope Dakota Kai and Kairi Sane have loose back and neck muscles, because they are going to be smashed repeatedly by Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill. This is a showcase for Belair and Cargill — which could turn into a one-on-one feud by SummerSlam.

Deitsch: The easiest pick of both nights: Bianca, Jade and Naomi are absolutely going to crush. I’ll be curious to see who gets the pin between Bianca and Jade.

Rossi: Jade is a star. She must be protected. Tension builds between her and Bianca. Naomi can’t keep peace. Damage CTRL needs to keep some momentum, and they capitalize on the discord to sneak out a win. Bianca loses it after the match, and Jade pushes back. Heel turn for Bianca.

Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee vs. Santos Escobar and Dominik Mysterio

Vannini: Dominik and Santos. This is a bit of a random matchup given the faction warfare, but Dominik cheats to win and gets revenge for last year’s loss to his dad.

Jones: Every ’Mania seems to have a “Where did this come from?” match, and this is it. Dirty Dom, however, will get the pinfall on his dad. Wrestling needs great heels, and Dominik has been one of the best in the company for more than a year.

Koreen: Dominik has low-key been one of the most important wrestlers on the roster over the past year-plus, making an impact on every show. Eventually, he needs some accomplishments to go along with the heat he gets from the crowd, and saying “I beat my deadbeat dad at WrestleMania” is a good way to make sure those boos continue.

Deitsch: Dominik Mysterio has really developed into a tremendous performer, and I don’t think most viewers would have guessed that when he debuted. He and Santos go over.

Rossi: This story is just getting good. Keep it that way. Rey takes the pin from Dom, but Santos isn’t too pleased.

NIGHT 2

Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Cody Rhodes

Vannini: Cody Rhodes finally finishes his story and wins the top WWE championship his father never could — with run-ins from a score of wrestlers, highlighted by an appearance from “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, who stuns The Rock.

Jones: “Bloodline Rules” mean anything goes. And that also means Cody could get help from Jey Uso and Seth Rollins. But Reigns could have The Rock, Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa and, perhaps, more family members show up. I think Reigns gets enough family help to win.

Koreen: Cody gets his title, with plenty of outside help, including some of the biggest names in WWE history. Sometime in the week that follows, The Rock excommunicates Roman from The Bloodline, and that feud gets going.

Deitsch: First, I would not take any prediction I have here and bet on it. I almost always predict the main event incorrectly. The swerve, of course, would be Cody getting denied once again, but I don’t think WWE’s creative team has it in them to send fans home unhappy again. Philadelphia is the ultimate underdog city, and Cody finishes his story. Also, from a real-life standpoint: Joe Anoa’i deserves some time off the road.

Rossi: The calvary doesn’t arrive for Cody. The Rock makes it so nobody can come to his defense. Cody takes a beating. But when he has Roman pinned clean, The Rock decides he’s the referee, and just before he counts to three, he stops. He tells Roman he has to finish Cody himself. Roman obliges, only The Rock doesn’t count. They have words. The Rock stares a hole through him. The Anoa’i family emerges from their seats near ringside. Roman looks at his uncles and cousins in disbelief. Paul Heyman realizes what is happening. Cody gets up, and The Rock nods. Cross Rhodes. The Rock counts slow to make his point. Cody finishes his story with The Rock raising his hand. It’ll take the scheme of a lifetime to take down Roman … and the road to WrestleMania 41 begins.

World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins (c) vs. Drew McIntyre

Vannini: Drew McIntyre is truly doing the best work of his career, and he has to win this championship — perhaps with accidental CM Punk interference.

Jones: Drew will get his WrestleMania moment (with fans present this time). I could see a Rollins loss becoming the start of a heel turn for him that takes off once CM Punk returns.

Koreen: For the most part, everything Drew has been saying about Seth being distracted (in kayfabe, obviously) has been true. This would be an interesting spot to have a squash match, but I don’t think they would do that to Rollins, especially with CM Punk on commentary. Drew is, indeed, winning.

Deitsch: I think you reward Drew for all his great work during COVID when he carried the brand. Like everyone else, it does set up for CM Punk to play a role.

Rossi: Drew picks apart a beaten Seth, while CM Punk watches. Drew wins. He goes at Punk afterward. As Drew jaws at Punk in the ring, Damian Priest cashes in and gets help from Punk. Seth gets his needed break to heal his body, Drew has something else to complain about, and SummerSlam between Drew, Punk and Damian awaits.

Women’s Championship: Iyo Sky (c) vs. Bayley

Vannini: Bayley. I could see Iyo holding on and Bayley winning the title at a future date, but let’s go with Bayley.

Jones: I’m rolling with Bayley, but the Damage CTRL feud is far from over.

Koreen: This is the toughest match to call for me. Since I have the ostensible heel winning in the other women’s title match, I’ll take Bayley here … although I don’t feel good about having Damage CTRL go 0-2 this weekend.

Deitsch: Bayley is one of the great performers in the company, and she’s fantastic either as a champion or chasing a title. She wins.

Rossi: Bayley is old-school. She puts over Iyo. Philly fans turn Iyo and Damage CTRL into the most hated women’s faction in pro wrestling history.

United States Championship (Triple Threat Match): Logan Paul (c) vs. Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens

Logan Paul enters WrestleMania as the WWE United States Champion. (Joe Camporeale / USA Today)

Vannini: Logan Paul retains as Randy Orton and Kevin Owens turn on each other.

Jones: Logan Paul sneaks out with a win after Owens and Orton start feuding. Then he and his buddies Austin Theory and Grayson Waller would all be champions, making for a trio of obnoxious heels.

Koreen: Orton delivers the RKO to Owens, but Paul sneaks in after taking a beating and hits Orton with the brass knuckles and falls on Owens to retain. An awesome Orton-Owens feud ensues.

Deitsch: Nobody is predicting Kevin Owens here, but I will as an honorary Canadian.

Rossi: A spot fest with actual storytelling. Randy turns on Kevin. Kevin turns on Randy. With that out the way, they turn their attention to Logan, who sells like Ric Flair used to do. Logan ultimately pins Randy, who is giving back and having the time of his life.

LA Knight vs. AJ Styles

Vannini: LA Knight. He had a heck of a 2023 but didn’t win any of his big singles matches. He finally gets one here in his first WrestleMania. “YEAH!”

Jones: LA Knight finally gets his revenge: He’ll sell a lot of merchandise, and he’ll be back in the championship picture.

Koreen: LA Knight wins — and this is my lock of the weekend.

Deitsch: WWE needs to heat up LA Knight again, and a win over Styles helps that cause.

Rossi: Styles’ new character needs a loss, and Knight’s character needs a win. Sometimes, the obvious way to go is the best way to go. After Styles makes Knight look like great, a certain rattlesnake comes down to help Knight celebrate with some “Hell YEAHs.” And then, maybe a stunner … because, why not?

Philadelphia Street Fight: Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits (Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins) vs. The Final Testament (Karrion Kross, Akam and Rezar)

Vannini: The Final Testament. I’m mostly hoping for this result so Lashley and the Profits can split up and go back to being awesome separately.

Jones: This is tough for me because I enjoy the work of everyone involved separately. The Profits should be in the tag-team title picture. Lashley should be challenging for a singles title. Kross had his NXT momentum killed when he was put in a silly costume, and the Authors of Pain should be chasing gold. This rivalry needs something at stake, and right now, there’s nothing. I’ll take The Final Testament, just because every time they’re on “SmackDown,” they beat up their counterparts.

Koreen: Bobby and the Profits, although the faces haven’t done much to elevate one another. I think it’s time to re-establish “Project Make Montez a Solo Star.”

Deitsch: I’m going to focus on Lashley here because I absolutely love the guy as a monster who destroys people in singles. Maybe he’s not CM Punk on the mic, but he’s a great performer, and in the right storyline, the guy can make you money. I’d like to see him get into an interesting storyline post-WrestleMania.

Rossi: Lashely needs a reset. This match will allow him to get it. There is no reason for his team to win. The Final Testament is cooked if it doesn’t go over, and with The Bloodline and The Judgment Day in chaos going forward, Triple H will need to push a new faction on “SmackDown” — so they get the rub.

(Top photo: Alex Bierens de Haan / Getty Images)