Since WrestleMania is WWE’s biggest show of the year, the Kickoff show is almost a Pay-Per-View in its own right (except it’s free). In this two hour long show, we will not only see previews for all the matches on the main show, but we will also get a couple matches here as well. Advertised matches for the Kickoff show are the fourth annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal and Neville defending the Cruiserweight Championship against Austin Aries.
Neville (c) vs. Austin Aries – WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Neville joined the Cruiserweight Division in December of last year and made an impact by destroying TJ Perkins and Rich Swann at Roadblock: End of the Line. One month later at the Royal Rumble, Neville defeated Rich Swann for the Cruiserweight Championship and has retained the title several times since. Austin Aries transitioned from the commentary team to in-ring action a few weeks ago when he attacked Neville in an act of investigative journalism. While Neville is the champion, Austin Aries has not lost a match since his return.
Austin Aries gets the King of the Cruiserweights in the Last Chancery submission maneuver, but Neville rakes the previously injured eye of Aries to take advantage. Neville finished Aries off with the Red Arrow, securing a win in his first WrestleMania match. Winner, and STILL Cruiserweight Champion: Neville
Predicted Winner: Neville (1/1)
Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
Since WrestleMania 30, a battle royal dedicated to the legendary Andre the Giant has taken place to showcase Superstars (and surprise guests like Shaquille O’Neal) who aren’t involved in the rest of the ‘Mania card. Cesaro, Big Show, and Baron Corbin won the first three, and Big Show has the opportunity to be the only two-time Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal winner. Two NXT Superstars are involved in this match.
Two NXT Superstars are involved in this match. First is Killian Dain, who won an 8-man tag team match last night at NXT TakeOver: Orlando alongside SAnitY. The other is Tian Bing, who is the first WWE Superstar from China.
Order of Eliminations: Primo, Kalisto, Simon Gotch, Heath Slater, Uso #1, Goldust, Konnor, Big Show, Viktor, Braun Strowman, R-Truth, Rhyno, Aiden English, Curtis Axel, Uso #2, Jason Jordan, Chad Gable, Tyler Breeze, Fandango, Sin Cara, Mark Henry, Tian Bing, Epico, Bo Dallas, Apollo Crews, Dolph Ziggler, Luke Harper, Titus O’Neil, Sami Zayn, Killian Dain, Jinder Mahal
During the match, Jinder Mahal throws Mojo Rawley out of the middle rope and attacks him outside the ring. They are right near Rawley’s friend, and New England Patriots Tight End, Rob Gronkowski. Mahal stares down Gronk, takes his beer, and throws it right in his face. After Mahal goes back into the ring, Gronkowski makes his way into the ring and hits Mahal with a shoulder tackle to help Rawley win the match.
Winner: Mojo Rawley
Predicted Winner: Braun Strowman (1/2)
Dean Ambrose (c) vs. Baron Corbin – Intercontinental Championship
Both Dean Ambrose and Baron Corbin were involved in the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber match, where Ambrose would eliminate Corbin. After getting eliminated, The Lone Wolf would assault The Lunatic Fringe before leaving the chamber, costing Ambrose the WWE Championship. Since then, Ambrose has wanted revenge on Corbin, but Corbin has always gotten the advantage. The peak of their battles took place a few weeks ago when Corbin sneak attacked Ambrose and crushed his chest with a forklift.
Since the SmackDown Women’s Championship match was moved to the main show, the Intercontinental Championship match was moved to the Kickoff Show. Also, Mauro Ranallo is unfortunately still away from health issues and Tom Phillips will take his place as the play-by-play announcer.
Baron Corbin attempts the End of Days, but Dean Ambrose flips out of it and hits The Lone Wolf with Dirty Deeds. Ambrose then gets the pinfall and makes up for his loss to Brock Lesnar last year. Winner, and STILL Intercontinental Champion: Dean Ambrose
Predicted Winner: Baron Corbin (1/3)
