WWE Championship Match
-Batista (c) vs. John Cena
The buildup for this match was OK. They’re doing their part to build that tension between the two, but for me they haven’t done anything serious to sway it in someone’s favor. Politically speaking, we’re probably going to see Cena take it this year. The guy’s a monster face and unless they plan on building a long-term feud with these two, we’ll probably see Cena get the nod. Politics aside, I’d like to see Batista keep the belt and establish himself as a monster heel, minus the heel shenanigans (winning by DQ, changing match stipulations, etc.) and winning his matches legitimately and in true "Animal" fashion.
WINNER – John Cena
World Heavyweight Championship Match
-Chris Jericho (c) vs. Edge
This one’s a no-brainer. We’re going to see Edge crowned the new champ. Edge returned as a huge babyface and he’s gotten the people behind him in no time at all. Jericho won the title at The Royal Rumble with little to no build up at all, which leads me to believe that they needed a transitional champion. The crowd’s already behind Edge with the whole “SPEAR! SPEAR! SPEAR!” chant.
On a side note, I’ve always enjoyed this side of Edge. He’s so much more entertaining this way.
WINNER - Edge
Streak vs Career No Count Out, No DQ Match
-The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels
This, my friends, is THE match everyone’s looking forward to. The build up for this match has been so great and intelligently planned that I’m not even sure how the WWE plans on swinging this. There are arguments going back and forth that people are tired of the streak because they’ve built it up so much over the years that it’s just a given and there’s less attachment by the fans. The other side of the argument is that HBK has been named “Mr. Wrestlemania” because he made each of his Wrestlemania matches into memorable ones. You just can’t write that into the “script”.
With that said, I think the WWE’s going to finally put the streak to rest. 17 years is no walk in the park, so ‘Taker’s already made his mark with that. There’s been talk that HBK’s truly going to retire after WM and he’s going to concentrate on resting and working on outside projects. Plus, it doesn’t make sense for HBK to lose twice in a row and to leave on a low note.
WINNER - HBK
Money In The Bank Ladder Match
-Participants: MVP, Christian, Evan Bourne, Kane, Dolph Ziggler, Shelton Benjamin, Jack Swagger, Matt Hardy, Drew McIntyre, and Kofi Kingston
Since it first came out in 2005, this match in particular has almost become as standard fare as ‘Taker’s streak. This year, we have some pretty good participants. Since there are a lot of participants, I’ll make this as brief as possible.
The losers:
MVP – The WWE hasn’t really done anything with this guy lately and unless he steps his game up, he’ll be the king of the mid-card.
Evan Bourne – I’m ashamed to put him on this end of the list, because this guy’s such an awesome talent. Unfortunately, he’s been so underutilized; you don’t have any emotional investment in him winning this. As much as I want this guy to win this, the only thing he’ll be doing is setting up the bigger spots of the match.
Matt Hardy – The guy’s on his last legs, unfortunately. He just isn’t the same Matt from 5 years ago.
Kane – He seems to be using his time lately putting other people over. This will be just another chance for him to put newer talent over. On top of that, he’s been in a semi-feud with Drew McIntyre for the IC title.
Drew McIntyre – The guy’s already got the Intercontinental title and he has Kane gunning for him. On the other side of the coin, he can also go on to be a dual champion.
The winners:
Christian – Since he came back from TNA, this guy’s been on a great run (ECW champ, NXT mentor). He has the look, charisma, and the work ethic to really move up. This might be his time.
Shelton Benjamin – In all of the MITB matches he’s participated in, he’s always delivered the best spots. This guy has done so much in these matches that he deserves it this time around. The only thing going against him is that he’s so-so on the mic.
Jack Swagger – One of the “new breed” of wrestlers that’s just asking to be brought up. A former ECW champ, he has proven himself in the ring.
Kofi Kingston – Kofi’s gotten a taste of the limelight with his past feud with Randy Orton. Unfortunately, we didn’t see this come to fruition and he moved back into the mid-card. Now he has a chance to rekindle that flame and make his mark permanent.
My choice for WINNER - Christian
Singles Match
-Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon
This match is 13 years in the making. We all know the die-hard fans have been waiting to see this. We all know that Bret’s going to win this one because, well, he just has to. ‘Nuff said.
WINNER – Bret Hart
Singles Match
-Triple H vs. Sheamus
Eh, I’m not interested in this match. Since the word on the streets is Triple H and Sheamus are boys backstage, I think they’re going to put on a great match, with Trips putting Sheamus over.
WINNER - Sheamus
Unified Tag Team Championship Match
-Big Show and The Miz (c's) vs. John Morrison and R-Truth
Another match I’m not too emotionally invested in. Morrison and Truth are a good tag team with skills, but they just reek of a tag team slapped together. I just don't see any long term potential with Truth and Morrison.
WINNER - ShowMiz
Triple Threat Match
-Randy Orton vs. Ted DiBiase vs. Cody Rhodes
I really like how the WWE took their time with this one. I like all the participants and this one could quite possibly be a sleeper hit of the night. With the entire goings on with this program, Orton became an inadvertent face at some point, with DiBiase as the spoon-fed face. Orton’s the one with the most experience, but instinct tells me that DiBiase’s going to walk out the winner with this one.
WINNER – Ted Dibiase
Singles Match: If Mysterio loses, he must join the Straight Edge Society
-Rey Mysterio vs CM Punk
If there’s anything Smackdown does well, it’s the way they play with the fans’ emotions to get them involved in a match. This one’s no exception. I’ve been to a recent house show and to say that CM Punk’s Straight Edge Society is hated is an understatement. There was so much deris being thrown into the ring, I thought it was WCW all over again. And to include Rey’s family in the build was a great touch. Rey’s just as straight edge as CM Punk is, but in his own special way. Both are proven talents in the WWE and outside in their previous endeavors. This proves to be another classic match and possible sleeper of the night.
The only drawback I see with this is the fact that this seems to be a rehash of Rey’s old storyline in WCW with Eddie Guerrero and the LWO when Eddie challenged him to a match. If Rey lost, he had to join the LWO. However, we could see this as a good way to bring the Straight Edge to the face side and if Rey ends up losing, could end up being the new leader of the SES.
My choice is based upon what the long-term potential of this match could be instead of the quick win and the end of the storyline. This sets up Rey and Punk for a more compelling and long-term program that has the potential to be a real great focus for Friday nights. With that said, I see Punk winning and Rey joining the SES.
WINNER – CM Punk
Well, what do you think? Agree with me? Disagree with me? Please let me know!
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