3 Bold Predictions for WrestleMania 41

1. Nick Aldis is Randy Orton's Opponent

Since Kevin Owens landed on the shelf with a neck injury, rumors have swirled around who could replace him to square off with Randy Orton. A lot of fan speculation about this vacant spot has pointed to former AEW stars Rusev and Malakai Black, who have reportedly signed with the WWE, according to various outlets.

The issue is the seeds the company is planting suggest Orton will be in a featured program next month heading into Backlash, which will be in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. It would be a waste to re-debut someone just to have them lose to Orton or have Orton eat a pin before likely entering a feud with the winner of Cody Rhodes and John Cena.

That leaves Aldis, who is only 38 and is a premier technical grappler who was a standout in places like TNA and NWA. He can have a phenomenal showcase with Orton, but considering he's been out of the ring for years, it wouldn't hurt his stock to succumb to an RKO out of nowhere.

2. Jey Uso and Gunther Lasts Under 10 Minutes

The bulk of criticism toward Jey Uso is due to his shortcomings between the ropes. He's never exactly been a five-star technician, but he's one-half of a legendary tag team with plenty of stellar showcases under his belt. Being a solo performer is different, but he is capable of more than what he's shown in the past few months.

But Uso's uber-over is because of his underdog mentality, electrifying presentation, and personality on the mic. His fans don't necessarily want an exhibition of chain wrestling, just for Uso to succeed and have his hand raised at the end.

A slow burn would only highlight Jey's weaknesses and lessen the impact of a dramatic victory. The best way to keep Gunther strong but give Uso the rub is to provide the latter a fluke opening (perhaps a trip from Gunther) before hitting a trio of spears and a splash in quick succession.

3. The Cody Rhodes and John Cena Finish is Reminiscent of WM40's Finale

John Cena has looked feeble for weeks. After his vicious heel turn at the Elimination Chamber, he's looked like an incompetent mess on television. Cody Rhodes has largely owned him during their promo battles, and every physical encounter has ended with a Cross Rhodes and the champion standing tall.

If Cena is going to come out on top, which seems like the current direction, it has to be thanks to plenty of help. Rhodes will likely have an answer for The Rock and Travis Scott, perhaps Stone Cold and Bad Bunny, but will have no solution for the new member of the Hollywood stable.

One of Logan Paul, Seth Rollins, or Randy Orton will shock the world and cost Rhodes his precious gold belt. That will further Cena's despicable persona and generate tantalizing angles heading into the summer.