WWE WrestleMania 2022: WrestleMania 38 Night 1 predictions, matches, and PPV preview

WrestleMania 38, a two-night event held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday and Sunday, is the largest weekend of the year in professional wrestling. Almost all of WWE's top talents will be in action, as is customary for WrestleMania. This includes the two women's champions, who will defend their crowns on Night 1 of the tournament. Becky Lynch will defend her Raw women's title against Bianca Belair, while Charlotte Flair will defend her SmackDown women's title against Ronda Rousey.

In addition, social media sensation Logan Paul will join up with The Miz to face Rey and Dominik Mysterio in tag-team action. When the four interact, Paul and Miz have the upper hand on the Mysterios, who have been battling for weeks. Seth Rollins will be joined by a surprise guest when he competes at WrestleMania against an opponent who has yet to be revealed. The first night of the event is set to conclude with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin returning to WrestleMania to appear on Kevin Owens' "KO Show," a showdown that is nearly certain to end in carnage.

Predictions for WWE WrestleMania 38 Night 1 in 2022

Happy Corbin vs. Drew McIntyre

A months-long feud with Corbin and Madcap Moss is, of course, a significant step back for McIntyre from prior WrestleManias. Still, it's clear that WWE still views him as a main event contender, thus the Corbin feud has served as a vehicle to keep the Scot on TV until he's promoted again. Corbin has evolved into a heel that can fit in any place, lose the big blowoff match, and immediately turn on another babyface. McIntyre has no cause to lose in this game.

Pick: Drew McIntyre wins

The Usos (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship

This could easily pass for a typical "faces vs. heels" match at WrestleMania. That said, I'm not certain Nakamura and Boogs will be the ones to bring the Usos' long reign to an end. Although Nakamura and Boogs appear to be a popular duo in WWE, it's difficult to overlook the fact that Nakamura recently enjoyed a 182-day reign over the intercontinental championship, during which he only defended the title once.

Pick: The Usos retain the titles

The New Day vs. Sheamus & Ridge Holland

WWE was planning a New Day reunion as well as a six-man tag team match. Unfortunately, Big E broke his neck a few weeks ago on SmackDown and is currently healing. All signs lead to a fan-friendly triumph for Kingston and Woods, thanks to E's injury, Butch's careless inclusion, and the New Day reunion angle.

Pick: The New Day wins

The Mysterios vs. The Miz & Logan Paul

In the vast cosmos, there is no reality cruel enough to subject WWE fans to a Logan Paul victory at WrestleMania. Rey Mysterio is one of the most enduring good guys in pro wrestling and sports entertainment. The Miz and Paul are readily dislikeable foils for a father-son duo who should raise their hands at WrestleMania.

Pick: The Mysterios win

TBA vs. Seth Rollins

If WWE executes a bait-and-switch and fails to deliver former AEW executive vice president Cody Rhodes, fans will be dissatisfied. Since removing the Stardust face paint in 2016, Rhodes has reshaped himself into a character who is believable as a top WWE talent. It's critical that WWE chooses Rhodes over Rollins. It would be disastrous for Rhodes' momentum if he made his WWE debut and lost, but this is also an opportunity for WWE to convince unhappy members of the AEW roster that they can succeed in the WWE.

Pick: Cody Rhodes wins

Becky Lynch (c) vs. Bianca Belair for the Raw Women's Championship

There's no way for WWE to "make up" for Lynch's victory over Belair at SummerSlam in a matter of seconds. The only legitimate "conclusion" to Belair's story, though, would be to reclaim the championship on the big stage. Anything less would be a disaster. Lynch may also take a break from television to retool her on-screen character, as she's lost a lot of the enchantment that made her such a force in the past.

Pick: Bianca Belair wins the title

Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Ronda Rousey for the SmackDown Women's Championship

Rousey made her successful return in January at the Royal Rumble, and she immediately started a top program versus Charlotte Flair. Don't anticipate the corporation to slow down just now. Flair will put on a tremendous performance, but Rousey will be crowned the new SmackDown women's champion after all is said and done.

Pick: Ronda Rousey wins the title