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Its always billed as the biggest party of the summer in the wrestling world, but with only two showcase matches I think the WWE are making a big gamble.
The two main events have been given a lot of build up, and thats because theyve been done so well. However, the focus on the WWE and WHC match has harmed the overall appeal and mid-card of the show but it still has potential. Here are my thoughts, predictions and running order for tonights show and how I would book it
Fella!
The Miz v Rey Mysterio.
This match isnt even advertised for the show but I expect and hope that it is. Both guys had a great match on Raw in the final of the Job to Cena tournament a couple of weeks ago, and the Miz attacking Rey before their booked match on Raw, means theyll eventually meet. This match is 100 per cent proof of how the focus on only the Main events has hurt the PPV already. I feel people would pay to see a re-match so why not give them and actual angle and create a buzz. Hopefully this match, if it happens, will be the start of a feud between the two. Id love it. Its fresh and theyve proved they have chemistry. Im picking The Miz to win, he needs a big win at the minute, and after this potential angle has played out, I would have him in an angle for the WWE title again against the winner of Cena/Punk.
My winner: The Miz.
Alberto Del Rio v Kofi Kingston
Ditto really. This match could gain interest but it hasnt even been put on the card. I hope it happens. Its been booked as an angle through the past few weeks of Raw, but thats it, nothing to look forward to or anything announced. I would have Del Rio win in a shortish, but decent match, Im a fan of both guys. I also dont think it should be the last time we see Del Rio on the night either
.
My winner: Alberto Del Rio
Beth Phoenix v Kelly Kelly (Divas Championship)
This being one of only five pre-announced matches on the PPV, it finally looks as if the WWE are giving the Divas a chance to shine, or glimmer in some cases of the weak talent in the Divas roster at the minute. Theyve started the correct way though. Turn Beth Phoenix heel and put the title on her, hopefully. She was at her best in her first run, when she destroyed every other woman in the company, and she made the Divas interesting. Back to basics I hope. I dont know if turning Natalya heel was right though, it sort of ruled out the two best Divas having an angle anytime soon. One step at a time though starting tonight
Beth Phoenix wins the title.
My Winner: Beth Phoenix
Dolph Ziggler v Alex Riley OR Cody Rhodes v Ezekial Jackson
I dont think there will be both of these matches. I say this because having both would probably take time from the two main events, and for them to be as good as they have to be to make the show, one of these matches, IC title or US title wont happen. I could be wrong. WWE do like to book quick matches so both could happen still. I personally think that Ziggler v A-Ry (hate that name) will happen. Theyve done well in there roles lately and it looks as if Mr. Ziggles is going in the direction of no Vickie by his side, and this extra time on a PPV could further that angle. I wouldnt expect Riley to win the title though. Another ending like Raw, where Vickie costs Ziggles the match but he keeps the strap would be how I book it. This match would also mean we wouldnt have to be forced to watch Ezekiel Boring Jackson on another PPV either. No-one cheered louder than me when Cody took the title off him on last weeks Smackdown, No-one! There will be a title re-match, but hopefully not at Summerslam.
My winner(s): Dolph Ziggler / Cody Rhodes.
Daniel Bryan v Wade Barrett
This match can help both guys. They are both good workers and need their chance. Barrett has main evented PPVs before but he needs to show he can maybe do that without a big name like Orton or Cena. The right thing for WWE to do however would be have Bryan go over in a strong 10 minute effort. He is MITB after all and needs to look strong
. That always happens in WWE right?
My Winner: Daniel Bryan
Sheamus v Mark Henry
WWE are really pushing this, and pushing Mark Henry as a monster heel again, the only way he should be booked. Putting him against a newly turned Sheamus is smart. Both guys will benefit. The crowd will respond to Sheamus as he battles back against Henry who is trying to take out another guy bigger than him. It can work.
My winner: Id have a none result. Maybe a double KO or something. Make it a strong draw. Is that a thing? Who knows? . A double Count-out will probably happen which might harm it.
Christian v Randy Orton (World Heavyweight Championship)
What will Christians surprise be? Im hoping something big. A return maybe? Tomko? Edge getting involved? JERICHO?? All three would work. I think it will become apparent after Orton dominates Christian for a while. There should be some good spots in this one to with weapons allowed.
I dont know who should win this one though. Personally I hope Christian wins because hes been a really good champion and he should be allowed to keep it going. One thing is definitely for sure, Smackdown needs new stars already after the draft
Enter Del Rio. I would have Alberto cash his money in the bank be moved back to Smackdown. There is potential new feuds with Orton for ADR and others on Smackdown, it would make sense, and I would love for it to happen. I think its too early for Bryan to cash in.
My winner: Randy Orton then Alberto Del Rio to cash in to set up a feud. Hopefully with Christian in there too.
John Cena v CM Punk (WWE Championship) - HHH as Special Guest Referee.
Sadly, I think without the amazing Chicago crowd, this wont be anywhere as good as The Money In The Bank effort. Thats probably why Hunter has been added to the mix, give it an extra dimension. If its given time the crowd will definitely get involved, but no-where near as involved as last month. The winner? There are a few outcomes. Two of them which arent, are a Cena or Punk clean win. The obvious one to predict would be a HHH heel turn to start an angle with Cena and Punk walks out champ and into a programme with Miz or Rey for the title. I think its to early to turn trips though, maybe they could tease it as he reluctantly counts Cena down after a mistake. One theory also is this. Its Summer Slam. Its arguably the second biggest PPV of the year. Its in LA. The Rock is filming a new movie at the minute
probably in LA. The Rock has also committed himself to a few PPVs before Wrestlemania next year
hmmmmm. Cena and Rock have been verbally jousting lately, and CM Punk even showed a video of the Rock on Raw. Dont be completely surprised if Rocky turns up and costs Cena the title again. I think this may have been a plan, but with HHH now involved I think this is a long shot. It should be great, and intriguing again also, the exact un-predictable outcomes a big PPV should have.
My Winner: CM Punk.
I will be live tweeting throughout Summerslam. @jonnymason19. It should be fun. Enjoy. If The Rock does turn up or ADR wins a title, Ill apologise now for filling your timelines. Thanks for reading.
As the WWE leaves Atlanta Georgia and embarks on the slow build to next years Wrestlemania 28 in Miami Florida, the only thought going through my mind is It could have been so much better. Perhaps with the announcement of next years main event already pencilled in on Raw, maybe the WWE are trying to make people forget about it already, and turn focus to next years effort.
When the show opened live to the world on Sunday night I was excited for an extravaganza, sadly it didnt come. The first disappointing part of the night was to learn through Twitter that the Bryan v Sheamus US title match had been dropped from the Main card and integrated into the pre-show battle Royal that the live audience could only view.
What was if bumped for then? A Rock promo that wasnt really necessary. The opening of any Wrestling show is meant to be the most important part of the night behind the Main event. The Rocks promo wasnt his best if honest. I thought it was quite pointless too. I could understand opening the show with him if he had been announced as the Host of Mania but not been on Raw. The wasted 20 minutes used up could have easily been used for Bryan and Sheamus, two of the best workers in the company, to excite and open the show with entertainment, not something weve seen on free TV for the past three weeks. Sorry Great One.
After the standard dazzling open video package from the WWE production team, the opening match was the World Heavyweight title match between Edge and Alberto Del Rio. I thought this was totally disrespectful to both performers. The first thought that crossed my mind was that the WWE didnt trust Del Rio to perform in the main event slot at the years biggest show. Why push him on both shows so heavy then? And more disrespect was then shown to Edge. He has been in the main event for the last three Wrestlemanias. Surely if anyone can help Del Rio work a big time match in front of the world its him. Apparently not. Apart from the wrong position on the card, both guys produced an above average match. I thought Del Rio was winning, but he didnt. I expect him to get the title at Extreme Rules in a re-match and maybe in a triple threat involving Christian after he turns on Edge. As this show proves though, anyones guess at the booking of a WWE show could be correct these days.
Second up was my potential show stealer. The Rhodes and Mysterio program has been a good one. They got a good 15-20 minutes at Mania. The match was the best technical wrestling match on the show, and if it opened it instead of The Rock and the World Title match it would have been a great start to build on. It seemed lost in the mid-card. Mysterio has opened Manias before and well, versus Eddie at 21 comes to mind, so why change something that works. Anyway Rhodes got the win and that was pleasing. Im loving his character at the minute even though hes dropped the best entrance song in WWE Smoke and Mirrors. There was one brilliant spot in the match where Cody delivered a hanging super-plex from the middle rope. The match was the best wrestling match on the card, booked well and the right person won in terms of pushing the right star. Mysterio doesnt need to progress as a character, if anything he needs re-booting. Rhodes win hopefully sees him a bigger superstar up the card soon.
Another thing that was apparent also from The Rocks opening promo was that he over-ran. The knock on effect was the 90 seconds 8-man tag that was next. What a way to end a two month feud eh? A 90 second blow off. Also Kofi was put in the match as a replacement for Kozlov after he had been attacked by the Corre over the weekend. Where? When? And why hasnt he pressed charges yet? Sorry, kayfabe. WWE should have put Kofi in the match in the first place instead of insulting our intelligence. After a hilarious Santino entrance mocking the Ultimate Warrior burning out in his entrance, the team of Show, Kane, Santino and Kofi got the win. The wrong booking again but Ive talked too much about this match already. Onwards.
Next was a backstage sketch involving The Rock and Mae Young. It was actually funny. This is what The Rock should have been doing all night instead of taking up new superstars time. At the end of the sketch was easily my favourite moment of the Show. An Austin/Rock stare off. The crowd popped BIG for it, probably the most awake they were all night. I would totally pay to see one more match between them two.
Next up was CM Punk v Randall Keith Orton. This feud was also brilliantly, and simply, built up. I was hoping for a Punk win to continue his way to hopefully the WWE title soon, but Orton got the more expected win. The match was a solid effort from both with Punk praying on Randalls injury. The end spot was great with Randy catching Punk out of nowhere with the RKO as Punk dived back into the ring. This match, a long with Rey/Rhodes so far met my expectations as far as time and performance would go on the card. Hopefully this angle will re-ignite later in the year with WWE title involved. It could be great again.
Next up was the Cole versus King match. I was hoping this match would have been earlier so that JR could have called more of the show but I was sadly wrong. I was also expecting the match to be a complete squash in the favour of King. I was wrong again. The match dragged, and killed the crowd with Michael Cole for some astounding reason actually getting offense in on the King. All it needed was King to beat on Cole for five minutes, a Stunner to Swagger and thats it, move on, get the real stars in the show. It was a bore at times, as the Atlanta crowd also shared with us with a boring chant and was poor really. After a funny moment of Austin asking Cole if he tapped out after tapping for a good 20 seconds the match was over and King won. Well that was until the GM buzzed in and awarded the match to Cole via disqualification. Three things about that decision. 1) I think Cole is definitely the Raw GM in some capacity. 2) This angle is sadly not over and 3) We got a hilarious Stone Cold Stunner on Booker T after he celebrated with King. I LOVE that move. And at least I didnt enjoy this match as less as Kurt Angle apparently did. I would have turned off
..
Heading into the Triple H versus Taker match next, it needed to be good in order to save a distinctly average Wrestlemania so far. Looking back now I dont think it saved the show but it was the only part of it that I could re-watch time and time again. That was solely down to the performance of both men in the ring. Genius. The match wasnt the best wrestling match on the card. The Triple H entrance though was the best one of the night. The match was spot heavy as opposed to technical with both men hitting big moves all the time, but the storytelling of both was immense. The whole match was built around The Undertaker not letting the streak die and HHH being his old heel self, continuously assaulting Taker even though he didnt enjoy it. The crowd was apart of it for most of the match and they popped big for some moments, especially the tombstone from Hunter to Taker. In the end the drama and performance of both was really enjoyable after Taker made HHH tap in the hells gate. Afterwards Taker was stretchered out. I guess thats him off until SummerSlam now. Great wrestling drama from this one, easily the best match of the night.
Next up was the debut of Snooki Mania. Not only did I not know who this chick was, but I didnt care for the match she was in. The only good thing about this was Trish Status. She. Looked. Amazing! Ive commented on Twitter leading up to Mania that Morrison and Ziggler in a Divas match at Mania is a disgrace. Ziggler is finding his feet as a top performer now and the effort Morrison has put in the past year has once again been overlooked again by WWE creative. A one-on-one match between the two could have been good, but that probably would have been dropped from the main card as well for The Rocks pointless promo. Anyway Snooki won and then left, hopefully forever. It looked as if her place in the match would have been Kelly Kellys with the way the angle with Vickie Guerrero was going so it was nice for Snooki to steal her moves then wasnt it. Disgrace. I want wrestling
and Trish
definitely Trish.
Next up was the Main Event. John (wearing a red shirt this time) Cena, versus the Miz. The Miz vignette before his entrance proves he is now a top star and the WWE love him. It was brilliant comparing him to many of the great Wrestlemania characters of the past. Cenas entrance was a gospel one complete with full clapping choir. This was a massive difference to his Im a real life Marine ones in the past which made me think he was turning heel. But it didnt happen. Also before the match, in fact in his pointless promo at the opening of Mania, The Rock said he was going to create the most memorable Mania moment ever. I instantly thought he was using his host powers, putting himself into the match and walking out the new champ. I would have marked out, but it never happened. The match was a solid one from both guys but again, nothing special. The end was disappointing with both men getting counted out in the crowd after Miz took a horrible bump onto the concrete floor. The Rock came out, restarted the match, Rock Bottomed Cena, and Miz won. That was Mania over for another year. Thats it!? That was the most memorable Mania moment ever!? I saw that coming as soon as Cena AA Rock on Raw. A flat end to a disappointing show.
My favourite moments of the show were: 1. The Rock/ Austin stare off. 2. Triple Hs performance. Although he lost he even made Taker look even better than he already is at Wrestlemania, and thats saying something. And 3. The Miz beating Cena. It wasnt cleanly but it shows the Miz is on top and staying there.
My three least favourite moments were easily: 1. Learning a match I wanted to see was not even happening. 2. Jerry The King Lawler being 0-1 at Mania whereas this Snooki is 1-0! And 3. No HBK face off with either Rock or even Austin. It was the perfect opportunity to get another reaction like the Austin/Rock did. Shame.
All in all I dont think it was the worst Wrestlemania ever but it was the most un-entertaining in regards to what it could have been. There was one memorable performance for HHH and Taker, and some pure wrestling matches I would watch again (Rhodes/Rey, Punk/Orton) but that was it. You can always tell the success of a wrestling show thanks to the crowd. They seemed dead for most of it. After a brilliant Elimination Chamber PPV my hopes were incredibly high, and I think that was the problem. Maybe next year Ill try not to get too excited about Wrestlemania. I mean its not as if the dream generation versus generation match is happening, Rock v Cena is it? Oh
. Hang on
..
One of the greatest Wrestlemanias of all time was 10 years ago in Houston Texas. It was WrestleMania 17. The three ticket selling matches were The Rock v Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker v Triple H, and the return match simply entitled TLC II (Hardys, Edge and Christian and the Dudleys).
Heading into Mania 27 this April, there is still the star power and star attraction matches in order to create the same memories the WWE did that night in Texas. In some cases, the exact same.
Triple H and Undertaker will meet once again, The Rock will host the whole show, Stone Cold will likely be there and some of the matches could steal the show like the TLC match did at Mania 17.
What does that mean for this years WrestleMania then? The set up and booking plans are sort of similar to that ten years ago. Will people pay to see HHH/Taker again? Do people care that the Rock is there? Will they attract the pure wrestling fans?
Of course they will
In fact I think this years has more potential then the occasion ten years ago. Heres why I think so. Firstly the simple fact that The Rock is there after his seven years away, and his build up with todays Stone Cold, John Cena.
Cena is the company guy like Austin was in the late 90s and early 00s. They have built the company and brand around him. The dream match that was Rock v Austin in Houston, is being dwarfed at the minute thanks to the first few weeks of the Rock/Cena inevitable confrontation.
The simple fact is I think because no-one ever thought it would happen. Cena, as the company guy, said some things about The Rock a few years ago, questioning his passion and love for the business that made him a household name. He was probably told to say those things by Vince McMahon in order for this exact moment in wrestling. Vince knew The Rock would come back one day. Therefore, The Rocks return has kind of been building for the past five years
it will not let the watching world down on April 3rd in Atlanta.
I would book it also similarly to the way Rock/Austin was booked. This was the night that Stone Cold turned heel for the first time in his WWE stint, while carrying his revolutionary Austin 3:16 attitude. Why not turn Cena heel? I would love for The Rock to attack Cena with his signature moves and have him on the turnbuckle, posing to close the Show but why not kill two stones with one bird.
The impact would be massive if the now company guy Cena turned his back on the fans like Austin did. I would love it. Having everyone wanting The Rock to put him in his place, its the perfect opportunity to shake the WWE up again.
The perfect scenario would be for the Rock to cost John Cena the win. This would also mean a massive moment for The Miz, who for me needs to be the new guy on Raw, with CM Punk, that can make everyone better, but thats for another blog time. Miz wins, thanks to Rocky, Cena and Rock make up, then Cena beats the hell out him, maybe use blood, get total heat and hatred for Cena. I would mark out! Cena is stale at the minute and needs a 3:16 type revolutionary change. Mania 27 is the perfect opportunity.
Undertaker versus Triple H is now officially booked. I think they will use the bout at WrestleMania 17 in promoting this bout. It doesnt matter if they dont however because the simplicity brilliance that it was set up with on last weeks Raw was enough for me to want to see it at this years event.
Hopefully, if the rumours are true that, this match will be another Streak v Career one, and Shawn Michaels will be involved in it somehow. It would be a good moment if Michaels was to be the referee and had to count Hunters career away. The way he performed the retirement of Ric Flair and the end of his own career in the ring was high class. Im sure he can send his real life best friends career out on a high as well.
I think the Main Event power that The Rock adds to the Cena/Miz match, probably means that will be the main event, meaning Taker and Triple H will be second last. The match will be good all round I think. Both can still do a technical job, and both are still story telling geniuses, Raw proved that. Both superstars have the history and respect, in the ring at least, for the match to be a money making one, even more then the match at Mania 17. That match was built on a personal feud. This one just needs to be booked simply as Undertaker v Triple H. Everyone knows who they are and what theyve done. Send Triple H out on a high with a match that people will be glad they watched. Undertaker wins, shakes his hand, maybe a Triple H-Michaels moment in the ring, even better. Perhaps the Rock can thank Triple H also, since in my eyes he had his best feud with him. Even better.
Matches like the probable Money In the Bank Ladder match can always compete to be the show stealer. The on-going CM Punk and Randy Oilton feud will be a fifteen minute master class also. There is however one match that I cant wait for and personally, I think it has show-stealer written all over it. Cody Rhodes v Rey Mysterio. Unlike the TLC match, where all of the superstars involved used it to further their careers and arguably move on to the next step, Rey-Rey has already done it. His career is probably winding down also. Taker v Rey at Mania 28? Streak-Career 3? Who knows
Cody Rhodes however is a star waiting for that next step. This could be it. Both are brilliant in-ring performers and this match could be, well, simply awesome. I expect it to open the show and thats the second most important match of the night, in terms of performance, behind the Main Event. Both will be on their game, which will be better for us fans. A Cody win would be the most sensible. He can take the Edge step, and make it to Main Event level after WrestleMania 27.
Looking at this years WrestleMania card and compared to the one exactly 10 years ago, one thing is for sure. I grew up watching shows like Mania 17 as just a fan and being amazed by the matches and feuds that I thought, honestly, were real. I was only young! Now though as a fan I understand how the business works more, and I am wowed by the show and performances not just wanting my favourite to win. The thing that struck me about this card the most is this. My favourite generation of wrestling is coming to an end.
The Rock coming back before his probable rightful place in the Hall Of Fame Next Year, Triple Hs last full-time match, Shawn Michaels in the Hall Of Fame, Undertaker seemingly doing the big events like Mania and Summerslam probably, Stone Cold hosting shows now; Its over. They still will be around for years to come, but as in-ring wrestlers and talkers, the reason I loved them in the first place, therefore the wrestling business in the first place, is ending.
I cant wait to see the Morrisons, the Rhodes, the Miz, the Bryans, entertain me for many years to come. But for now, the reasons why WrestleMania is great is because of history. This one seems to be the end of the present and the beginning of the future. I hope its a good one. The card proves it will be I hope. Id better savour it then
Did anyone else expect something different? I didnt but I certainly hoped so. The promo that has dominated the wrestling world since its debut airing four weeks ago, revealed to be a countdown to the WWEs Deadman, the returning Undertaker
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I know this is a day late but I have put my live match notes in so it is kind of as it happened still. I was expecting an average show, boy was I Wrong! The Road to WrestleMania goes though Elimination Chamber live, sort of, from Oakland Ohio
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The final Pay-per-view before the showcase of the year Wrestlemania, is Elimination Chamber. Going into Sunday nights show, and Its sad to write, I think its obvious who will win most of the bouts on the card. Will people buy the event to see things that they already know will happen. I say this because of the build up to the Mania matches already. Miz eliminated Cena from the Rumble, thats happening. Edge and Alberto Del Rio have built up the basis for a feud, thats happening. Punk cost Orton the WWE title, and beat on him on Raw, thats happening. So with three of the main events already set, what will happen at Elimination Chamber that they couldnt do on Raw or Smackdown. Heres my preview and the way I would book it
SUCKA
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One of the questions most likely to be answered, and personally I think it should be, at this years WrestleMania is; Who is the anonymous General Manager of Raw?
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Heading into a WrestleMania that was seemingly looking like an in-ring skilled focused show, much like last years in Arizona, an announcement made on last nights Raw has cooked up something we are all waiting to smell.
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Just two Weeks after the Royal Rumble and the preverbial 'Road To Wrestlemania' is in full motion. By now the knowledgable Wrasslin' fans out there will know that the top three matches this year, in Atlanta, are set.
The WWE title match will end up being John Cena vs The Miz. I already dont sound the like of this, for the simple matter of that we've already seen it. I always see Mania as a unique event as most, and the whole card should be matches that wets everyones appetite and a card that is completely fresh
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