Written by Michael Vacchiano
Editor’s Note: This match may be canceled due to Mysterio’s injury.
In what seems like it’s long overdue for wrestling fans, the Samoan Submission Machine is finally making his WrestleMania debut. A near 20-year veteran who has his first taste of WWE gold, Joe will get to dance on the big stage with a true living legend in Mysterio. Despite being two of the oldest guys on the card, these men could easily put on the match of the night.
The build to this bout hasn’t been personal or emotional by any means. Joe has been on an absolute tear after winning the U.S. title in a fantastic fatal-4-way against Rey, R-Truth and Andrade on Smackdown Live! several weeks ago. He’s been attacking and blindsiding any potential challengers for his belt, and yet Rey-Rey continues to be the proverbial fly who refuses to be swatted. Both of these guys always excel at playing the roles of bully and underdog to perfection. And for two highly respected in-ring masters like these, that’s all us fans need to be invested.
Joe will utilize his arsenal of hard-hitting strikes and brutal submission skills to try and keep his opponent grounded, while Mysterio will pick up the pace, stick-and-move, and unleash precise aerial attacks. On a side note, the Master of the 619 has shown in this recent comeback that he has not missed a beat, and may just be as good as he’s ever been. I expect these two soldiers of SoCal to put on 10-15 minutes of quality action at MetLife Stadium. In the end, however, I’m predicting Joe to lock on the Coquina Clutch and send Rey on his way to Slumberland en route to retaining his title.
Winner: Samoa Joe
