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.