The Spectacle

So here it is again, another Wrestlemania approaches tomorrow, sure to want to hand us all some entertainment, not to mention (hopefully) surprises. It’s actually quite important that the WWE actually deliver now, despite everything I (and others) have said about TNA’s lack of ability to draw a Monday Night crowd. Believe it or not, while TNA doesn’t pose an actual threat to WWE programming as it stands, IF they shape up a few things they COULD begin to compete, instead of being an also-ran.

However, I’m not writing about TNA right now. Instead I am making my somewhat convoluted predictions about tomorrow’s Wrestlemania, amusing at least myself, and hopefully some of the rest of you out there. I’ll be mentioning things in no particular order, so don’t take this as a prediction of scheduling – and yes, I HAVE had people write me complaining that they have in the past missed matches because of the order I made a prediction. Silly, huh?

I’ll take the Money in the Bank Ladder Match first. Loads of talent in this one:

• Christian
• Kane
• Dolph Ziggler
• Shelton Benjamin
• MVP’
• Jack Swagger
• Matt Hardy
• Evan Bourne
• Drew McIntyre
• Kofi Kingston

This one could go many, many ways. Looked at as a reward for a job well done AND as recompense for the end of ECW, Christian certainly becomes a front-runner. Let’s not forget that IF he were to win AND Edge defeats Jericho, we could see the start of a program between Christian and Edge that has been a long time coming. From another angle, Drew McIntyre – IF he is going to continue favored son status – needs this win to forgo the need to write a program to get him a Title. Matt Hardy on the other hand would be a natural counter to a Jeff Hardy TNA Title run, so they could give him the briefcase for a “What If” scenario. The rest of the field is wide open – many deserve a title shot, but few of them would be credible as WWE or World champion.

I’m going out on a very slim limb on this one. After examining it from as many angles as I can concoct in my devious mind, a small process of elimination, and thinking hard about who I could see as a Champion, I give this one to…. Kane. My reasoning is simple – he’s been an also-ran in this match for so long, it’s about time he wins it – not to mention that he’s clearly getting close to hanging up his red & black tights, and really should get one decent Title reign before he goes.

Next let’s take the Unified Tag Team Championship: Big Show & The Miz vs. John Morrison & R-Truth. OK, so I have to be careful here – I admit to not at all liking the Miz. Sure, he’s grown as a wrestler (Man, that tastes bad.. eww), but I still don’t get the Title runs he’s getting. On the flip side, Big Show really has been getting wasted in the Tag picture for a while now, and frankly – I think they aren’t done with him there despite my notions. So, I see Show-Miz taking this one, HOPEFULLY by DQ – that at least sets up Morrison and Truth to get them down the line.

So – Randy Orton vs. Ted DiBiase vs. Cody Rhodes (Triple Threat Match). In yet another Heel vs Heel(s) match-up, we really have limited options. We know that neither side is going to make a Face turn (Unless they want to waste Orton in that role), so it really comes down to two things. One – it’s all a ruse AGAIN so that the now Hall of Fame member Million Dollar Man can be humiliated by his son.. or Two, the Million Dollar Man gets his revenge on Orton for all the ills of the past. Either way, I see Orton taking this one.

Well then. CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio. What can I say about this? Undoubtedly, it should be a spot fest of a match, since these two talents definitely can get it done. They’ve done their level best to make Mysterio the sympathtic favorite here, which screams to me that Punk is going to take the win here. It would make for fun TV, watching Mysterio tear apart the Straight Edge Society from the inside…

Now for  Triple H vs. Sheamus. Honestly here, why? Was this put together just so Trip could have a Wrestlemania moment? Let’s face it – Sheamus, while doing in my opinion a great job as an interim champion, is hardly ready to carry Main Event status. The fans aren’t feeling him yet, although he shows signs of being great in the future if allowed to carry on. I’m giving this one then to Trip – and I hope that it’s done in a way that elevates Sheamus in some fashion.

10-Diva Tag Team Match. Do I HAVE to even talk about this one? I freely admit, I’m pulling this one out of a hat filled with names – Mickie James is my choice to win.

WWE Champion Batista vs. John Cena comes up next for me. They’ve pulled out all the stops to make Cena be the Underdog of this match – so much that they are definitely make this seem as if it’s a foregone conclusion that Batista will retain. So of course, just to be contrary, and because I think Batista losing makes for a better program, I’m saying Cena wins. Not saying he’ll get the Title, just that he’ll win.

World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho vs. Edge. Here we go again, the WWE pushing a feud in a blatant direction. Edge comes back, wins the Rumble – and takes out Jericho in revenge for all the bad things he said about Edge. OK, let’s get this one out in the open. Jericho has been the go-to guy for several years now, always putting forth a great effort and honestly not getting any real recognition. Forget Slammys, forget Tag titles – he’s earned a decent run with a Single’s Title. So let’s give this to Jericho, and let Edge beat him next time.

Bret Hart vs. Mr. McMahon. Let’s face it, there’s only one conclusion that makes this worth the setup. If Bret doesn’t come out on top – there’s something wrong with the world. Of course, there COULD be a huge swerve, and Bret joins forces with Vince to screw Shawn Michaels in his match – but I consider that to be WAY long odds.

Speaking of that – The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels. Ending The Streak would be foolish – Giving the Taker the distinction of never losing at a Wrestlemania sets up so many possibilities for future booking that I just cannot see Vince allowing it to end. Yes, it’s sad that Shawn will be leaving – for however long this time. But we’re talking Legacies here – and the Phenom should have this as his crowning feature.

So – right or wrong, there you are. I’ve made my calls – and I doubt I’ll hit even 40% correct if some of the silly choices of late continue. We’ll see after Sunday.