Wrestlemania Review

Wrestlemania 26 has come and gone. And boy did it deliver. I'm not ready to call it one of the best, but it certainly was entertaining from top to bottom. And I went 7 for 10 on my predictions. Not bad! Here's my little recap of each match with how I fared in picking them...

Show-Miz defeats R-Truth and John Morrison to retain Unified Tag Titles:
It wasn't the best of openers but it was what's to be expected. No surprise that Show-Miz retains the Unified Tag Titles, and I am glad they went over clean. This tag team is working and they need to stay together. Truth and Morrison on the other hand should be pushed as singles wrestlers. I'm glad there was no heel turn for Morrison, not yet any way. Was not a long match so they couldn't tell much of a story. 1-1

Randy Orton defeats Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes in a Triple Threat Match
Again, not a long match but it played out as was expected. I don't know anyone who couldn't have seen the arguing between Rhodes and DiBiase coming. Orton is miles ahead of both and the crowd loves him. It made sense to have him go over here. It will be interesting to see where this Legacy thing goes next. 2-2

Jack Swagger wins the Money in the Bank Ladder Match
The first and only really big surprise of the night. I thought Drew McIntyre and Christian were the only ones with a shot, as did many. And perhaps WWE caught wind of that expectation and threw us a curveball. I don't mind it at all. Swagger has a lot of potential to me and has been in WWE for over a year now. He's much more primed for a push than Drew McIntyre. And Christian can easily be thrown into the title mix at another point. I'm guessing Swagger will feud with Cena, giving him someone fresh to work with. The match itself was awesome as always with some really neat moments (i.e. Kofi using the ladder as stilts, Evan Bourne's SSP off the ladder). BTW, I thought Bourne really shined here. Things definitely started picking up after this match. 2-3

Rey Mysterio beats CM Punk
Another match not given enough time but they put on a very good one in the little time they had. I was wrong about Punk winning here. And so Rey will not be joining the SES. I hope this isn't the end of the feud because they need to have at least another match with more time. I love that Punk continues to talk before all his matches. The man needs to be in the title picture real soon. And since Rey is not joining the SES, wouldn't now be a the perfect time to debut Kaval (AKA Low Ki) as the anti-Rey Mysterio? He could be Punk's own straight-edge superhero and we could finally get the oft-rumored Kaval/Mysterio feud. You listening WWE? 2-4

Triple H beats Sheamus
Nothing special here. As I said, Trips gets another Mania win under his belt and Sheamus will likely win next PPV. 3-5

Bret Hart defeats Vince McMahon in a No Holds Barred match
This was a little disappointing. I mean, it was absolutely awesome to see Bret back in the ring. I did have chills. But, he really had little to offer. Not even a Russian Leg Sweep for old times sake? He got his revenge though, double crossed the double crosser. And I am happy the Hart Dynasty were involved (will this lead to a push finally?). But really the match could have been booked better. I have no problem with Vince getting zero offense in, but the chair and crowbar shots got very old quick. And teasing the Sharpshooter only to hold off really took a lot of wind out of the sails. It just wasn't the same when he finally locked it in. I hope Bret was happy with it though and that he finally has the closure he deserves. 4-6

Chris Jericho defeats Edge to retain the World Championship
As was expected a very solid match. Not quite a classic, but that's okay because it leaves lots of potential for the blow off. So glad Jericho won here. Trust me Edge fans, title wins are much sweeter when you have to wait for them. Lots of cool counters in this match though by two of the best. And Edge's spear of Jericho through the barricade should at least provide some delight for his fans. 5-7

Heel Divas defeat Face Divas
I was wrong. Oops. 5-8

John Cena defeats Batista to win the WWE Championship
While nothing phenomenal wrestling-wise, the match was entertaining enough. I would say a notch above a typical Raw main event with a couple of added spots (Cena's 5 Knuckle Shuffle from the top rope and kicking out of the Batista bomb for example). Certainly going on after the Divas helped. Crowd seemed to be more against Cena than for him, but into the match nonetheless. I am not a Cena fan but the hatred of him is really getting old, especially when he's wrestling Batista. I could see if he was wrestling Edge or Jericho (someone with real technical skill). Face it, Cena is the face of the company and arguably its biggest draw. The guy is limited in what he can do, but he pours his heart out for the business. He deserves to win the belt at the biggest PPV of the year. 6-9

The Undertaker defeats Shawn Michaels, forcing him to retire
This definitely lived up to the hype. And I'm glad they put this match on last. I don't know if it was better than last year, but it was very good. They told an incredible story as few wrestlers can. And they didn't go overboard with the no DQ rule. They used it to allow Shawn's moonsault onto Taker's leg (which was awesome) and a few other spots. But other than that it was a straight up match. The ending was strange, but I liked it. The slap to the face at the end would have been as good a time as any for Michael Cole to say "Vintage Michaels"! Shawn Michales whole career has been about his cocky, no fear attitude and looking good even in defeat. And that's what this match was. The best overall wrestler of all time (I'm officially sold on it) putting over one of his best opponents. It was bitter sweet but the best way to end Wrestlemania. And we will see Shawn again. I'd count on it. Thanks for the memories HBK.7-10

What a night. I can say I really enjoyed this event almost the whole way through. Tonight's Raw should kick off a very interesting new season of WWE.

Wrestlemania 26 Predictions

The wait is almost over... just another day till the "grandaddy of 'em all", Wrestlemania!

I haven't posted in a week and a half, but really there hasn't been a whole lot to say. This week of TV was 99.9% about promoting Wrestlemania 26, as it should be. Even NXT (which I am still enjoying) took a big step back this week to make room for 'Mania hype. The promos throughout the week did get a little tiresome after a while, but this Wrestlemania has been built up so solidly and I am really looking forward to it.

The only thing that bothers me a little, and is directly related to this post, is that most of the matches seem really predictable. I really don't want to complain because they seem to be giving the fans the matches they want this year, and almost every match appeals to me. Plus, I've been very, very wrong on many, many occasions about the outcome of matches. I'm sure WWE has some sweet surprises planned.

I have no clue what the order of matches will be though I do hope HBK/Taker is last. I'll just post this in some combo of matches that appeal to me and their likely place in the card. Without further ado, here are my picks:

Unified Tag Title Match - John Morrison and R-Truth vs. Big Show and the Miz(c)
Show-Miz has been working really well lately, though I think the team was made more for Big Show's sake than Miz's. The Miz really should be pushed as a singles star. Truth and Morrison were obviously grouped together to get them on the card, but I don't see this team lasting very long after Sunday night. They really both should be in the Money in the Bank match, but I guess they provide Show and Miz with some serious opponents (I wish it were the Hart Dynasty). It should be a fun match but I don't see any way Truth and Morrison walk out as champs. Morrison might even turn heel on Truth and begin a feud with him.
The Pick: Big Show and the Miz retain

Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk (If Rey loses, he must join the Straight Edge Society)
Wow, has this match been built up nicely. CM Punk is absolutely one of the top two (with Jericho) heels in the company right now and has been for quite some time. I can still see it going even further though because he is just on a tear. I love that his character is just a sick, twisted bastard. It's the perfect compliment to Rey's underdog, good guy, kid-friendly style. Now the rumor is that Rey is going to need surgery and some time off but is willing to work a little longer. I hope so because this feud has legs. That's why I think the right move is to have Punk win here and force Rey to join the SES. That would make for a very interesting story. The other thing that has me leaning towards Punk is the fact that they scrapped the original plans for a Hair vs Mask match, which clearly Rey would have won. This way, they can put Punk over. I think he'll win and you'll see a month of Rey wallowing in the SES until he finally gets his revenge and his freedom at Extreme Rules next month or a little further down the line. Then he'll take his much deserved break.
The Pick: CM Punk wins

Randy Orton vs. Ted DiBiase vs. Cody Rhodes
This is one of those matches that just seems too obvious to pick. Of course, you never know. But, I'm still saying that Orton will win the match after getting double-teamed for most of it. The tide will turn when Ted and Cody fight over who gets to pin him and the wiser, more accomplished Orton will take advantage. RKOs for everybody.
The Pick: Randy Orton wins

Money in the Bank Ladder Match featuring MVP, Drew McIntyre, Evan Bourne, Jack Swagger, Christian, Kofi Kingston, Shelton Benjamin, Kane, Dolph Ziggler, and Matt Hardy
As do most, I see very few possible winners here. I think it's a 2 man race between Drew McIntyre and Christian. McMahon's beloved new rookie and the fan favorite, overdue veteran. Everyone else is just there because they needed something to do or because they will have a specific role in the match (ie. Kane for the power spots, Bourne for the high flying, Benjamin for doing what he does every year in MITB - shock and awe). I really wish that Benjamin would win one of these things. Shouldn't having been in 4 already and never winning give him some sort of an edge? And he's almost always the star of the show, and yet he's never rewarded. Lame. Anyway, I'm going with Drew as my winner. I want to see Christian win so badly because I really think he'd be great in the title scene. Unfortunately, I think Drew is the guy they are pushing (way too quickly for my liking) and will continue to be forced on us, even though I have seen little from him in regards to ring work, promos, and fan reaction. The other thing being speculated is that the winner will cash in their title shot the same night after one of the main events. I for one, am not in favor of this (even if it is Christian challenging his old tag partner Edge). I've never liked that stipulation. Save it for RAW. You should have to wait at least 24 hrs before you can cash it in in my opinion.
The Pick: Drew McIntyre wins

10 Diva Tag Match
Sorry Ladies, I am not into this one. The faces will win.
The Pick: Mickie James, Beth Phoenix, and company.

Triple H vs. Sheamus
Again, I think this is too easy. This is a lay up WM win for HHH, who has lost a lot of Mania matches over the last 5-6 years. He's gotta build the win total back up. I think he wins decisively and Sheamus gets his revenge at Extreme Rules next month.
The Pick: HHH wins

WORLD Title Match - Edge vs. Chris Jericho(c)
This should be a classic. I really think WWE nailed it this time with the two best all around talents in the company going one on one for the title. I can see it going both ways but I think it makes the most sense to have Jericho retain and make the fans wait a little longer to see Edge get his win. Jericho is just too good with the belt. Plus, he deserves to have a reign longer than a month.
The Pick: Chris Jericho retains

No Holds Barred Match - Bret "the Hitman" Hart vs. Mr. McMahon
Never thought I'd see the day! I've said before I am worried about how good of shape Bret is in, but if anyone is capable of putting on something entertaining, especially with a 65 year-old non-wrestler for an opponent, it's the Hitman. I think this will be short and probably include some interference. Ultimately it will end with Bret Hart slapping the sharpshooter on Vince for the submission victory. I can't wait to see Bret in the ring again, even if it will be more of a "fight" than a wrestling match.
The Pick: Bret Hart wins

WWE Title Match - John Cena vs. Dave Batista(c)
While I am not a big fan of either one, especially Batista, this was definitely the right match to have. Two of the biggest names in the company over the last 6-7 years, both multi-time champs, and yet two guys who have not had many encounters before. This match was really supposed to happen last year but an injury kept Batista out. He won their match at Summerslam that year, which I can only assume was done in order for Cena to go over him at Wrestlemania. I think this is the culmination of that and I fully expect Cena to win the title and make the crowd happy. I just hope they bring their A-games because no matter how you slice it, this match will be sandwiched between some very interesting bouts.
The Pick: Cena wins the WWE Title

Career vs. Streak - Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker
I still don't know how they can top last year, but clearly they believe they can or they would not have this match. It would be the ultimate shocker if Undertaker's streak comes to an end. And I am sure the idea has at least been brought up. I just think it's become too much of a novelty for WWE to give up. Shawn will put on the match of his life and will bring out all the stops. But in the end, it's gotta be Taker who wins and keeps the streak alive. Shawn will be forced to retire... that is until a few months when he heals up and creative finds a way to bring him back. And I won't mind at all. He's the best... ever.
The Pick: The Undertaker wins

On paper this looks like one of the best Wrestlemanias ever. I think they will deliver to. Many of these picks were obvious, but ya know what? Sometimes the obvious thing is the right thing to do. Let's hope they aren't overly concerned with shocking everyone. Just give us the best wrestling you've got. I'm looking forward to it.

RAW Thoughts 3/15/10

A great ending to a so-so Raw. Here are my quick thoughts:

- Great to see Austin back. He's still majorly over. Nothing special said in this intro, but nothing needed to be.

- Cena vs. Big Show was pretty much a DUD. Is it just me or has Cena actually been made to look weak lately? Batista's interference was predictable. I still can't get excited about this feud.

- Austin and HBK convo was cool. I love when they bring up the past. Made me wish we could have seen Austin vs. Michaels II. Oh well. Classic Austin fake laughing with Jericho. Loved this segment.

- Clearly the HBK/Jericho match was not going to be on the level of their past matches. This was actually pretty bland as far as their match ups go, but the point was to give heel heat to Jericho which he achieved by bailing on the match and set-up Edge to come in and get revenge for what happened on Smackdown.

- Why must it be Evan Bourne who gets annihilated by Sheamus? On one hand they want you to believe that Bourne, as a Money-in-the-Bank competitor is a legitimate contender to receive a title shot, but on the other hand is treated like a jobber every other week. I don't understand. I get that they want to make Sheamus look strong, but why not put him in a match with an actual jobber? At least someone who won't be featured in a marquee Wrestlemania Match.

- Orton vs. HHH was completely predictable with Legacy and Sheamus all doing run-ins. Crowd actually seemed confused since Orton has been developing towards a face turn. I like that they are teaming him with HHH next week. He should be full-fledged face by the RAW after Wrestlemania.

- Nothing bothers me more than watching Batista destroy a great wrestler like Kofi Kingston. Again, how about an actual jobber here? What did Kofi do to deserve this? And why isn't Kofi in Money-in-the-Bank??

- The last segment really saved the show. Bret smiling throughout was great. Classic Austin bossing Vince around. I figured Hart would reveal himself to be healthy at Wrestlemania, so it was definitely a shock to me to see him remove the cast. I think it's the right move to make it a no-holds barred fight instead of a wrestleing match. The no-rules stipulation will help hide any deficiencies that we know Vince has and that Bret might have. And we finally get Stu Hart in the Hall of Fame. It's about time. The list of wrestlers he's influenced is endless. The only thing I thought might have happened that didn't was Austin announcing himself as the guest referee, but when they made the no-holds barred stip, that didn't make much sense. Great segment. The build has been really well done and I believe the crowd is more behind it than ever.

A disappointing RAW overall considering the hype with Austin coming back. It certainly was not his fault though. Aside from the Vince/Bret match, I think the best matches at Wrestlemania are coming from Smackdown.

Thoughts on this week - RAW, NXT

Just a busy week and not enough time to get to the two shows individually and on time. So I will offer some quick thoughts on both. Also, if anyone is wondering I do watch Smackdown, but always on DVR. And I usually do not finish it until a few days after Friday making it feel - much like this post does now - like a moot point. Anyways, here goes...

RAW
- I have to wonder if they are planting the seeds for a HHH turn. There seems to be a lot of ways they could eventually go with this. Maybe HHH calls out HBK on the Raw after Wrestlemania (after he loses) and breaks up DX because Shawn just "doesn't have it anymore" and he makes him sick, setting up a feud between the two when HBK comes back from "retirement".

- I'm enjoying the Legacy feud. But I have to wonder why they are giving these matches away now on TV. There's supposed to be a triple threat between Orton, DiBiase, and Rhodes on Monday. Shouldn't they save that for Wrestlemania? Maybe they will add a stipulation to make it more attractive at the big event. Whatever happens, Orton is coming out of this feud a face.

- Good to see Santino in a match, albeit for about 30 seconds. I like Swagger and I am glad to see he will be in Money in the Bank. He's not winning, but it will be a good opportunity for him to show us what he's capable of.

- Gotta admit, I fast-forwarded through the Batista-Cena exchange. I just don't care what Big Dave has to say. I like Cena on the mic, but nothing these two can say is really going to change the anticipation of the match. People know that the times these two have face each other are few and far between, and that is reason enough to want to see them go at it at Wrestlemania.

- Loved seeing Zack Ryder in action. Hated how quickly he was beat though, although I like MVP and am happy with him in MitB. A little continuity is all I am asking for. Ryder went a much longer match with Christian about a month ago, but suddenly jobs out to MVP in a minute and a half? That's just silly.

- I really wish the MitB qualifying matches were not so predictable. With the exception of Kane/McIntyre and Ziggler/Morrison/Truth, it was painfully obvious who was going to win. These matches could be really exciting, but instead it's just "oh, hey Swagger, go beat this guy you've already beaten a dozen times and hasn't been anything but a comedy act for the last 2 years, and you're in". LAME.

- So we are definitely getting Bret Hart vs. McMahon. I'm excited, very excited. BUT... I really hope Bret is okay to do this. Why the leg injury ankle? Is this to cover what they fear will be a sub-par performance by Bret? Or are they just trying to give the illusion that McMahon has the upper-hand? I really hope it's the latter and Bret shows us all he's still got it.

- And they are going with Sheamus and HHH at mania. What will Sheamus' reasoning for going after Trips be? Did he steal his gym bag last time they worked out together? I couldn't resist!

- Lastly... not very much wrestling on this episode, huh? Even for Raw, I can't believe how little in-ring action there was. I guess the most important thing right now is furthering the storylines for Mania.

NXT
- Not as good as last week but still entertaining. I think they are still trying to figure out the format on the fly, but the foundation is there. Matches, interviews, and angles. That's how you get guys over!

- I have no interest in Darren Young. His domination of Otunga seemed really silly after the quick loss last week. Otunga is the one with the potential here. It seems they want to make him a heel and a feud with his mentor R-Truth could work.

- Of course I hated Daniel Bryan losing too Wade Barrett but I am not that worried. He's already been built up as the best in the competition. It's probably the right move to take him down a few pegs, give fans the illusion that he's not going to win, and build him back up again. He's small and normal looking, so he fits the underdog persona better anyway. Wade Barret on the other hand should just stick to talking in his think English accent. At least he does that well.

- We didn't see much, but I did like what was presented of Justin Gabriel. He definitely has a look and style to get over in WWE. And it's not hurting at all that he is paired up with Hardy.

Things are really shaping up for Wrestlemania. I believe it has a ton of potential. I'm looking forward to it for sure.