Top 4 of WWE Raw 4/2/12

What? A top 4 on Raw? Well yes, Raw was awesome!

4. Brock Lesnar Returns

I am not a huge Brock Lesnar mark. Or smark. Or fan. His return was anticipated, it was just a matter of when. What made this appearance so darn special is he shut John Cena up. Cena was giving the most boring promo of the last year and if someone did not come out and shut him up I would have crawled through my television and done it myself. Instead, Lesnar did it, and the thousands of fans who were leftover from Wrestlemania went crazy for it.

3. Alberto Del Rio’s Return

The night of a bit more triumphant returns. Sure, we saw Del Rio a month ago, but what has he done since then? He and Sheamus agreed to a match on Smackdown during their segment together and that’s what Smackdown will need. It gets Sheamus and Bryan away from one another and perhaps a feud for Bryan that will be based on character and not on a title.

2. Santino vs. Jack Swagger vs. Dolph Ziggler

Ziggler is a sell machine. Swagger is a beast. Santino is hilarious. This match is well put together and the three move fluidly, even when they are crashing into one another. Santino had to win this, at this point it was the only way it could go. Swagger and Ziggler give him a run for his money but inevitably turn against one another when it seems the other might win the title! Seeing Ziggler’s epic sell job of the Brodus Clay head bump and a potential evolution in character for Brodus Clay (you know, actually doing more than dancing and squashing) makes this extra worth every second.

1. Mark Henry vs. CM Punk w/ Chris Jericho

Mark Henry and CM Punk put on a match that shows both are athletes. Henry may move slow, and Punk might be a little slicker, but together these two were magic in the ring. AND this was not two minute match that Henry inexorably lost because they can’t hurt Punk. Punk loses after a brutal beating (though it’s by count out, but it still gives Henry a win) and then Jericho appears, wearing a new jacket with gold. I love how he sparkles. Yes, he slips in beer, but now is the time when it should become personal and not about the title. This seemed to impress me more than the past two weeks. I hope these two keep up the momentum and I hope that Henry continues to be booked correctly instead of thrown back into the background again.

Wrestlemania Prediction Guidelines

It’s that time again, and now it is for the biggest prediction challenges of the year! Wrestlemania XXVIII is here and ready to challenge everyone, or not depending on your take. There are eight announced matches and a JPEG title on the line. The current title holder is @MarkBilly. Will you be the one to steal it from him?

The matches you must predict this PPV are as follows:

John Cena vs. The Rock

Triple H vs. The Undertaker

-Tie Breaker Part 1: How many 2 counts during this match?

-Tie Breaker Part 2: Who has the most 2 counts during this match?

CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho

Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus

Cody Rhodes vs. The Big Show

Randy Orton vs. Kane

Team Teddy vs. Team Johnny

Maria Menounos & Kelly Kelly vs. Beth Phoenix & Eve

 

EXAMPLES OF HOW TO WRITE THE PREDICTIONS! – There are 42 of you SO FAR. Please follow the example. It’s a lot of work for me every month to go through and fix them.

 

Triple H vs. The Undertaker

There is no way that Undertaker is going to lose his streak to Triple H when he could go out 20-0. Winner: Undertaker

Tie Breaker 1: 15

Tie Breaker 2: Undertaker

CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho

Chris Jericho’s contract is said to be running out, I doubt they are giving the title to another person on their way out. Winner: CM Punk

 

You may leave your predictions in the comments below, you may dm them to me on twitter, or you may email them to me at SolaceWinter@yahoo.com

 

TLC Predictions

Another Pay-Per-View and another round of predictions. This PPV we had fourteen predictors. For a while I thought many people were going to get it straight down the board. It seemed this was going to be a very predictable PPV. For some it still was, but those who were most confident fell a little behind!

In the event there was a tie we needed a tie breaker, for this time there was a title on the line! (Thank you Shawn Decker!) The tie breaker was how long would the main event last. Unfortunately with little knowledge of everything else that was going to be thrown into the show, this was a complete guessing game. The main event lasted 18:15 which made my good pal BizarroDoom the closest guesser. However, since he was not in the final few, the next closest was OWA_Sephiroth! Congratulations, sweetie, you won!

Here’s how our predictions went down for this night!

Dolph Ziggler vs. Zack Ryder for the US Title

Solace Prediction:
I love Ziggler. Ziggler should hold onto this title for as long as he can. That being said, if Ryder loses again they will have made this feud a joke and given the bird to the community. Ryder has to win, even if it’s a fluke. Winner: Zack Ryder

TheSupremeForce Prediction:
They’ve held off throwing the title on Ryder longer than I expected, considering the WWE’s tendency to overreact to everything. I just hope Ryder doesn’t win cleanly. Ziggler deserves better. Winner: Zack Ryder

StephiOC815 Prediction:
Think they got to give this to Ryder or there really WILL be a riot. Let’s Ziggler move on to bigger & better things. Winner: Zack Ryder

TheJurn Prediction:
Zack Ryder is finally going to become US Champion, it’d be stupid to let him lose after all this build-up and Dolph can now move on. Winner: Zack Ryder

JayTheBrainMann Prediction:
My broski Zack Ryder’s gotta win it. If he doesn’t, it’ll be a #screwjob. #WWWYKI Winner: Zack Ryder

SirTweets_ALot Prediction:
Like many others, I’m a Zack Ryder guy. I want to see him win, but he won’t. Much like Rhodes, Spirit Squad Nicky is destined for a WHC…There are too many Cenas and Del Rios on Raw to give Ziggler a legitimate spot in the title picture, so he stays in the US**** “division”. Winner by outside interference + Zig Zag, Mr Ziggles. Winner: Dolph Ziggler

BizarroDoom Prediction:
*Sigh*. Okay, look. I like Zack Ryder. I really do! But this is all starting to happen a little quickly. If there’s one thing that WWE consistently fails to grasp, it’s pacing. Zack will win the match and the title. He’ll be pushed to the moon. And, in two years, everyone (or almost everyone) who creid for him to get a chance will hate him. That’s what happened to Cena. This match will begin Zack Ryder Overkill. Winner: Zack Ryder (new US Champion)

Paradise_Lost12 Prediction:
They could have done this months ago, and people would have been happy. But they’ve made us wait, but the feud has to end now. Ziggler can move up, and Ryder is in the perfect position to win that belt, and hopefully they use the twitter/youtube for future feuds. Winner: Zack Ryder

OWA_Sephiroth Prediction:
Zigs could win and lose it at the Rumble, but he’s probably moving on. The Broski has earned the belt. Winner: Zack Ryder (WWWYKI)

MarkBilly Prediction:
Please… just please! Winner: Zack Ryder

shawndecker Prediction:
Ryder with the upset of the year. Ziggler drops US strap and begins his hunt for the WWE championship… with a Rumble win! Winner: Zack Ryder

Yawsrko Prediction:
*sighs* Zack Ryder. Because I know that’s what you want, and they want, and everybody seems to want. I’ve lost interest in him though. Winner: Zack Ryder

ZackZiggler Prediction:
Dolph to retain… Ryder winning would almost kill his progression.. they still have to keep him back a little while longer… no title til at least WM… as much as a Ryder win would rule… we are going with Dolph… and of course you know. we are torn. Winner: Dolph Ziggler

Drustuart Prediction:
Sorry Ryder fans. Clean win for Dolph but he will then drop US belt on RR undercard to Zack before winning the Rumble. Winner: Ziggler

Winner: Zack Ryder

AirBoom vs. Primo & Epico

No predictions as this was a “last minute” match.

Winner: AirBoom

Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett in a Tables Match

Solace Prediction:
I love Randy, we know I do, but I really, really, REALLY want to see Wade win this one. Despite the fact that Randy actually been losing lately I still think it would do more for Wade to win. Winner: Wade Barrett

TheSupremeForce Prediction:
Wade in what will probably be something of a “fluke” victory, since that’s how Tables Matches tend to go.Winner: Wade Barrett

StephiOC815 Prediction:
Have loved the way they’ve built this up but I think w/ Wade getting the upper hand so far, Orton will get his revenge. Winner: Randy Orton

TheJurn Prediction:
The Barrett Barrage is going to roll on and Barrett will beat Orton and become the next credible heel on Smackdown. Winner: Wade Barrett

JayTheBrainMann Prediction:
I’m going with Orton. He’s a beast right now, so I can’t see his momentum slowing with him breaking through a table. Winner: Randy Orton

SirTweets_ALot Prediction:
Although there’s been a lot of build up for this match, I don’t find myself caring whatsoever. Winner by Wasteland through a table: Wade Barrett

BizarroDoom Prediction:
They’ve both been looking pretty strong going into this match, which is nice. And, being a Tables Match, they can both continue to look strong coming out of it. So, I’m thinking Barrett wins with help and Orton wins the eventual blowoff. Winner: Wade Barrett

Paradise_Lost12 Prediction:
Wade has really gotten the better of Orton for most of this feud, and even if Barrett loses here he’s still gained a lot from this, and Orton is due a win. I figure a match where he doesn’t have to pin Barrett, gives Randy a win without hurting Barrett’s momentum. Winner: Randy Orton

OWA_Sephiroth Prediction:
Calling Orton, here. Barrett went over last PPV, and they’ll probably want him looking good for the Rumble, or a title match. Winner: Orton

MarkBilly Prediction:
Barrett is (again) proving he’s amazing. Orton is boring. I’m just hoping they go with Barrett! Winner: Wade Barrett

shawndecker Prediction:
Orton defeats Barrett, unless big Skip Sheffield returns to resume his role as Wade’s enforcer… Now that would be fun! Winner: Randy Orton

Yawsrko Prediction:
Duh. Randy. lol. I like Wade, even though the awkward moments where his hair unglues startles me without fail…I have to go with Randy. If it was Randy vs. CODY in a tables match, I’d go with Cody. Winner: Randy Orton

ZackZiggler Prediction:
So hard to call Orton has been losing and Barrett has been winning.Don’t know if that can continue. We think this match has big implications going forward. To Royal Rumble/ElimChamber and even WM… quite possibly a 3/4 way match at WM. Might be big thinking eitherway.. but Barrett has our vote… Winner: Wade Barrett

Drustuart Prediction:
Difficult, Wade is on a roll, Randy has lost more than usual recently. As it is in theory no 1 contenders I’ll go for Orton. Winner: Orton

Winner: Randy Orton

Beth Phoenix vs. Kelly Kelly for the Divas Championship

Another unannounced match that we did not take predictions on.

Winner: Beth Phoenix

Triple H vs. Kevin Nash in a Ladders and Sledgehamer Match

Solace Prediction:
I would like to make an educated guess, but I just simply don’t care about this match. I’m going to say Triple H because he has to prove that he can’t be kept down by simply nearly dying. Winner: Triple H

TheSupremeForce Prediction:
There’s little point for Nash being around at all. Also, if Nash somehow “wins” this match, I’m afraid of some beyond awful Punk vs Nash match at the Rumble. Just thinking about it makes me want to throw up. Winner: Triple H

StephiOC815 Prediction:
The “Ow, my ACL!” Match. I’m actually “excited” to see how this turns out, I <3 train wrecks. Just beacause…Winner: HHH

TheJurn Prediction:
Triple H is taking this, Nash can’t work anymore than one match so he can’t come out on top. Besides that, no one cares so the face’ll win. Winner: Triple H

JayTheBrainMann Prediction:
Does anyone seriously think Triple H will lose a match in 2011? This is, what, his 3rd or 4th match? I’m going with HHH. Winner: Triple H

SirTweets_ALot Predictions:
I think that Kevin Nash is going to climb the ladder, and get the sledgehammer, but I think that SuperHunter will overcome, and win. Winner: Triple H

BizarroDoom Prediction:
There’s no logic behind choosing a winner, here. Nobody needs the win. Nobody is hurt by a loss. I suppose the question is whether or not they want to extend the issue to the Royal Rumble. I’m going to just go out on a limb and say that Nash wins through Nefarious Means and another match takes place in January. Winner: Kevin Nash

Paradise_Lost12 Prediction:
Nash’s return match has been pushed back so many times, I can’t see them continuing this feud, seems as if they have little faith in what he can offer to the company, so I see this match ending in H’s favor and Nash fades back out of the picture again. Winner: Triple H

OWA_Sephiroth Prediction:
WWE have probably changed their mind on keeping Nash, so Triple H will probably take him out, here. Winner: Triple H

MarkBilly Prediction:
Nash is just disastrous in the ring. HHH will use his power to get Taker at Mania again so needs the win. Winner: Triple H

shawndecker Prediction:
Triple H beat Punk last time out… His luck runs out against Nash, who will have some henchmen waiting in the wings. New DX! Winner: Kevin Nash

Yawsrko Prediction:
Nash. Why? Because I don’t like Hunter that much. Will this prediction be wrong? Probably. But I don’t care. Nope. But I will say that I seriously doubt any ladder higher than a stepstool that a pottytraining child might use will be involved. Winner: Kevin Nash

ZackZiggler Prediction:
HHH has to win this, if rags online are true, and the prediction for him to face Taker again at WM. Thinking about it now. If Nash wins then he might face Taker. That would suck we think. Nash just isn’t exciting anymore… We are going with HHH though. Winner: Triple H

Drustuart Prediction:
Nash will claim the s/hammer, not sure how he manages to climb ladder though. Trips will claim the win. Will be painful. Winner: Triple H

Winner: Triple H

Jack Swagger vs. Sheamus

Another unannounced match with two men I love, but I have to admit I was rooting for Swagger. I think it is his time to make it back into the main events.

Winner: Sheamus

Mark Henry vs. Big Show in a Chairs Match

Solace Prediction:
Jack Swagger just recently bragged that Mark Henry has never beat Big Show, but that he has, and that eluded to his feud with Show next, for the title. I think Mark Henry wins to throw a stick in the spokes of this plan. Winner: Mark Henry

TheSupremeForce Prediction:
Henry has to win, or his entire push has been one massive waste of time. Winner: Mark Henry

StephiOC815 Prediction:
I don’t know if I care about these two anymore. So, because I want Henry vs. Bryan at WM…Winner: Henry

TheJurn Prediction:
Mark Henry’s finally going to go over Big Show again, I don’t see why Big Show would win this especially considering how good Henry’s been. Winner: Mark Henry

JayTheBrainMann Prediction:
I’m going with Mark Henry because WWE seems insistent on not letting Show win. (watch me be wrong) Winner: Mark Henry

SirTweets_ALot Prediction:
If they know what’s good for them, Mark Henry. Probably by a World’s Strongest Slam on a chair. Don’t see these 2 on a PPV again after this. Winner: Mark Henry

BizarroDoom Prediction:
I feel safe in assuming that Big Show isn’t coming out of this feud with the title. They’ve stretched this story longer than I expected, but a Mark Henry win, here, seems pretty imminent. Winner: Mark Henry (and still World Champion)

Paradise_Lost12 Prediction:
I just can’t see Show getting the belt at this point, Henry’s been built as a dominant monster, I think we might see Kane in this one, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Bryan cash in as well. Henry would still look good, and have a new feud for 2012. Winner: Mark Henry

OWA_Sephiroth Prediction:
Henry wins after a World’s Strongest Slam onto a set-up of chairs. WINNER: Mark Henry

MarkBilly Prediction:
Think it’s time for Henry to give up title. I expect Kane to make an appearance. Winner: Big Show

shawndecker Prediction:
Mark Henry defeats Big Show. Henry is just too much fun as champion. The Big Show doesn’t need the belt- Henry does. Winner: Mark Henry

Yawsrko Prediction:
FINE…Big Show…put the belt on somebody else who can ONLY FIT IT AROUND THEIR NECK OR WRIST. #WhenDidTheWHCTurnIntoJewelry Winner: Big Show

ZackZiggler Prediction:
We really want to go with Henry… we have no idea how it will happen though. We want Henry to retain all the way to WM28, and face Dbryan. We fear though that BigShow can gain that title tonight. Don’t get us wrong, we like BigShow a lot, but really dig on whats going on with Henry. Winner: Mark Henry

Drustuart Prediction:
I see this being the end of a great feud, can see interference to keep Show looking strong – Kane, Clay or Skip Sheffield? Winner: Henry

Winner: The Big Show

Daniel Bryan vs. The Big Show – Money in the Bank Cash In

Daniel Bryan rushed out to cash in as The Big Show laid unconscious and went for the pin.

Winner: Daniel Bryan 

Cody Rhodes vs. Booker T for the Intercontinental Championship

Solace Prediction:
Ummm…. Ummm… This is the first match EVER where a commentator has stepped into the ring and I’ve been excited to see it. Yes, I know, Booker is a former wrestler himself, but still doesn’t change my shock at wanting to see this. And this could go any way… Ummm… Ummm… Winner: Cody Rhodes

TheSupremeForce Prediction:
Too sudden and not enough build for Booker to be making a full in ring return. Winner: Cody Rhodes

StephiOC815 Prediction:
This could be a fun match. But since it’s for the title, I think Cody keeps it. Can’t see them giving Book a title. Winner: Cody Rhodes

TheJurn Prediction:
Cody Rhodes is going to retain the title, as Booke said himself he will be Cody’s legitimizer and Cody will move on after this. Winner: Cody Rhodes

JayTheBrainMann Prediction:
Sorry Booker, but your prime is gonna get cut down at the Cross Rhodes. (what a crappy pun) Winner: Cody Rhodes

SirTweets_ALot Prediction:
Most people are going to pick Cody. I’m picking Booker, and here’s 2 reasons why. The WWE needs something a little out of the ordinary… And having a commentator be a champion is just that. Also, Cody Rhodes will be a world champ before 2013, and it’s his time to main event. Winner: Booker T

BizarroDoom Prediction:
Let’s be real: Booker isn’t winning the title. The question is whether Cody will get the win or Booker will get a DQ or count-out victory. I expect that WWE will want Cody in the Rumble, so I’ll go ahead and call a Cody win to gain him some credibility, and he moves on to other things. Winner: Cody Rhodes (still I-C Champion)

Paradise_Lost12 Prediction:
Rhodes has been amazing the past few months, and has done wonders for the IC title. I can’t see this awesome reign being ended by Booker, Rhodes is going to hold onto that belt for awhile longer, a win over a veteran like Booker is just gonna make Rhodes look better. Winner: Cody Rhodes

OWA_Sephiroth Prediction:
There are ways to make a Booker win mean something to help Cody, but I don’t see it happening, at least not here. Winner: Cody Rhodes

MarkBilly Prediction:
Think Booker is a good way to propel Cody but making it for the title means it’s obvious who’ll win IMO. Winner: Cody Rhodes

shawndecker Prediction:
Winnerooni! Booker T triumphs by DQ against Cody Rhodes, the Superstar of the Year, who rightfully holds onto his belt. Winner: Booker T

Yawsrko Prediction:
Cody. This is if it’s written properly, bc Booker has too much ring rust. If written improperly and rushed, Booker will win. I have no reason to think it WON’T be rushed–they rushed Cody and Ted’s storyline way too fast–but I’m hoping common sense wins and Cody keeps the belt at *least* through Feb. This of course is to set Goldust’s return up. Winner: Cody Rhodes

ZackZiggler Prediction:
Cody Rhodes all the way. he has been on such a tear for the last year.. After his win over Mysterio at WM27.. he has been almost unstoppable. Do people even care about BookerT??… The only thing we could see is somehow book gets the win, and loses it back to Rhodes Mon/Tues But we will stick with Rhodes. Winner: Cody Rhodes

Drustuart Prediction:
Booker has potential to make Cody look even better. I see Cody getting dubious win to set up SD rematch prior to Rumble. Winner: Rhodes

Winner: Cody Rhodes

CM Punk vs. The Miz vs. Alberto Del Rio in a TLC Match for the WWE Championship

Solace Prediction:
They’ve decided Del Rio isn’t as important to them right now with everything else going on and even if The Miz is super angry it’s just going to cloud his reactions. Winner: CM Punk

TheSupremeForce Prediction:
Punk is going to win this one. I’d rather have either guy as Champion, but Punk’s probably going to hold the title at least until Wrestlemania. Winner: CM Punk

StephiOC815 Prediction:
Since they actually did something RIGHT this time and left Punk in the dust at the end of Raw, think Punk keeps it. Can’t see them taking it off Punk this early. Winner: CM Punk

TheJurn Prediction:
CM Punk wins, he’ll back up his claims of the hot potatoe game of the WWE championship being over and he’ll be champ for a while. Winner: CM Punk

JayTheBrainMann Prediction:
Mah boi CM Punk’s gotta win it! Winner: CM Punk

SirTweets_ALot Prediction:
I think WWE is realizing that the title has changed hands about 6 times more than it should have this year. I think this is when ADR gets Buried. Prediction: Good showing by Miz, but CM Punk making ADR tap to the Anaconda Vice. Winner: CM Punk

BizarroDoom Prediction:
This should be the best match of the night, and I’m really looking forward to it. I don’t think there’s any chance of Punk losing the title right now, and that’s the way it should be. But it will be a fun ride with a unique dynamic and creative spots. Can’t wait! Winner: CM Punk (still WWE Champion)

Paradise_Lost12 Prediction:
I’m kinda torn because part of me can see The Miz winning this too, but Punk retaining to me, seems more likely right now. Del Rio doesn’t really have a place in this match, I don’t see him as a potential winner at all, and I don’t think they’re giving it to Miz just yet. Winner: CM Punk

OWA_Sephiroth Prediction:
I don’t see the belt going elsewhere so soon. It’s staying around the waist of the “Best In The World.” Winner: CM Punk

MarkBilly Prediction:
Surely WWE can’t mess up his push? Oh wait, who am I kidding?! Winner: CM Punk

shawndecker Prediction:
CM Punk can not lose his title again. Not to Del Rio. That would make no sense. At all. It can’t happen. Please. No. Right? Winner: CM Punk

Yawsrko Prediction:
Miz. Because nobody else thinks Miz is going to do it. Winner: The Miz

ZackZiggler Prediction:
How can Punk not retain?! R-Truth return and put Miz through a table? Starting that Feud… and Del Rio… ummm.. bitching about destiny? Has it been 30 days?? on 27… so perhaps not… Winner: CM Punk

Drustuart Prediction:
TLC match has great potential, all 3 prepared to put body on line. Would be poor booking taking title from Punk so early. MOTN. Winner: Punk

Good job to StephiOC815, JayTheBrainMann, Paradise_Lost12, OWA_Sephiroth, and MarkBilly for getting 5 of 6 correct! Congratulations to our new title holder, OWA_Sephiroth, for guessing closest to the main event time and breaking the tie! We’ll see you next PPV to defend!

 

Main Event Length:
Solace: 23:47

BizarroDoom: 22:17

StephiOC815: 25:00

Yawsrko: 27

SirTweets_ALot: 23

Paradise_Lost12: 35

TheSupremeForce: 31

JayTheBrainMann: 10

Markbilly: 24

TheJurn: 26

OWA_Sephiroth: 23:36

ZackZiggler: 28:12

shawndecker: 25:12

Drustuart: 28:34

 

Vengeance Predictions and Winners

Once again it was time to predict a pay-per-view. No one wanted to admit going in they were not confident in their predictions, but perhaps despite all of our griping over the weeks they may have done a good job lining up this pay-per-view. Vengeance was hard to predict and for the most part had pretty good matches.

Here’s how the six of us lined up this time:

Air Boom vs. Jack Swagger and Dolph Ziggler

Solace Prediction:
Air Boom is on a roll and Swagger and Ziggler just can’t seem to work consistently together. However I can’t say Air Boom is going to win. I’m not sure if it’s my love for the two Heels in this match or what, but I’m going with Winner: Jack Swagger and Dolph Ziggler

@SirTweets_ALot Prediction
JackDolph. I think the titles are changing hands, and that Dolph is going to be holding 2 titles, if only for an hour. Winner: Jack Swagger and Dolph Ziggler

@yawsrko Prediction:
I HATE AIR BOOM. I FUCKING DESPISE AIR BOOM. AIR BOOM SUCKS. I HOPE AIR BOOM CHOKES TO DEATH ON A BOWL OF *censored*. DID I MENTION I DON’T LIKE AIR BOOM? Anyway…I’m giving this to Swagger and Ziggler so they can continue to strengthen Vickie’s stable. PLUS I HATE AIR BOOM. I never said my hate was rational, either. But it exists and I must acknowledge it. Winner: Jack Swagger and Dolph Ziggler

@Paradise_Lost12 Prediction:
I wasn’t going to pick them, then I found out Dolph has two matches and not one. I see Ziggler leaving with gold tonight, but I don’t think they’re going to give him the status as double champion. Winner: Jack Swagger and Dolph Ziggler

@MarkBilly Prediction:
AirBoom have brought interest back to the titles, Swaggler have provided good opposition for them. I reckon Swaggler will finally get the titles off AirBoom. Winner: Jack Swagger and Dolph Ziggler

@TheSupremeForce Prediction:
This match scares me. I’m afraid they’re going to pull the trigger on the Ziggler/Swagger pairing too soon, which means they lose. I’m going to try to be optimistic and pick Zig Swagg to win. Winner: Jack Swagger and Dolph Ziggler

Winner: Air Boom

Dolph Ziggler vs. Zack Ryder

Solace Prediction:
This is a great push for Ryder, but Ziggler is on fire. Ziggler can’t move up yet to the main title belt when there is such an array of storyline going for it already. Better to keep the title on Ziggler and still let Ryder look like a champ. Winner: Dolph Ziggler

@SirTweets_a lot Prediction:
Now this match, I have put A LOT of thought into. Follow me on this. If Zack Ryder has anybody in his corner, he will lose. If Dolph has Swagger and Vickie in his corner, and they DO NOT get banned from ringside, Ryder will win via miscommunication between Dolph and Jack/Vickie. HOWEVER. If Swagger and Guerrero get banned from ringside at any time before/during the match, Ziggles wins. Winner: Zack Ryder (because of the stips and what happened in the match)

@yawsrko Prediction:
Zack Ryder. Not saying this because you’re a Zack fan or Stanford junkie, saying it because Zack’s earned the push *and* if Cody wins against RKO, retaining the IC belt (which is more prestigious than the US one), Vickie’s stable won’t need a second win for this PPV. Winner: Zack Ryder

@Paradise_Lost12 Prediction
It may be a massive want pick at this point, but WWE has clearly noticed Ryder’s efforts. I think they might give him the US title here Ziggler has two matches, Ryder can beat him in the second match of the night. It allows the feud to continue, Ryder gets his opportunity. Winner: Zack Ryder

@MarkBilly Prediction:
If WWE tease Broskis this much with a Ryder title match on a PPV and don’t give him a title people will probably give up on him (through no fault of his own). So I’ll predict Ryder for the win and maybe some kind of guff about how he’s double champion (Internet Champ) and Ziggler isn’t. That’s be interesting in my opinion. Winner: Zack Ryder

@TheSupremeForce Prediction:
I’m terrified that Ryder wins this, which would be too soon. I’m picking Ziggler though, out of the HOPE that the WWE gets this one correct. Ziggler needs to leave Vengeance with two Titles. Ryder can take the title from him later (leading the Swagger vs Ziggler feud that I’m not quite ready for yet). Winner: Dolph Ziggler

Winner: Dolph Ziggler

Beth Phoenix vs. Eve Torres

Solace Prediction:
I have nothing invested in this match at all. Letting Eve win proves nothing but that we should not take these Divas of Doom seriously. Winner: Beth Phoenix

@SirTweets_ALot Prediction:
The only Superstar that I hate more than Eve is Riley. If Eve were to win, I would have a hissy fit. Beth, in hopefully dominating fashion. Winner: Beth Phoenix

@yawsrko Prediction:
Nobody cares.

lol ok, well now that my feelings are out of the way, here’s hoping Beth. I’m not ready to let the “Divas of Doom” go yet. Especially to Eve Torres. If Eve had the ‘it’ factor, maybe, and fine, but…no. Keep that ugly-ass designed-by-a-7-yr-old title belt on Beth for now. Winner: Beth Phoenix

@Paradise_Lost12 Prediction
They just gave Beth the belt, I can’t see them taking it off her this soon. I think she’s going to get a good reign with it, and the only person I see taking it away from her, is Natalya down the road. Winner: Beth Phoenix

@MarkBilly Prediction:
Beth has been champion for about 47 minutes (that’s how long it’s been since the last PPV… right?) so she’ll keep it. Maybe a Kelly heel turn on Eve cos KK didn’t get a rematch. (I admit I’ve heard rumours of a KK heel turn on the net, I’m predicting it will happen now.) Winner: Beth Phoenix

@TheSupremeForce Prediction:
Beth needs to keep the title or they might as well scrap the entire angle and start over. Winner: Beth Phoenix

Winner: Beth Phoenix

Christian vs. Sheamus

Solace Prediction:
Has Christian really won any of his feuds since losing the title? Winner: Sheamus

@SirTweets_ALot Prediction:
I think that it is finally time for Christian to be buried, and done with this “One more match” fiasco. Sheamus will win, and I foresee Christian being either an Intercontinental or Tag Champ in the near future. Winner: Sheamus

@yawsrko Prediction:
Hmm. I typed Sheamus as the winner, then backspaced. Because Vickie can’t have 3 losses in her stable in the same PPV…BUT…it really doesn’t matter *who* gets the win, Christian or Sheamus, since it’s not like either *needs* to get over…hmm. I’ll say Christian if only to have a bigger, better, badder #FELLABRATION at the end of the PPV. Winner: Christian

@Paradise_Lost12 Prediction:
Not sure what they’re doing with Christian these days, but it seems as if Sheamus has been dominating most of this feud. Christian can certainly use the win here a lot more than Sheamus can at this point. Winner: Christian

@MarkBilly Prediction:
They’ve managed to build an interesting feud based on nothing but the fact they both didn’t have a feud! As I’m expecting a (probably not so) surprise return in another match that means the WHC will be tied up for at least another PPV I think this feud will keep going, therefore a Christian win is needed. Winner: Christian

@TheSupremeForce Prediction:
Christian seems to currently be the “filler heel” used to give wins to faces at ppv’s. They can’t do it to Jericho or Punk right now, so that leaves Christian and the Awesome Truth. Winner: Sheamus

Winner: Sheamus

R-Truth and The Miz vs. CM Punk and Triple H

Solace Prediction:
R-Truth and The Miz are great, but Punk and Triple H are not going to lose to them. Winner: CM Punk and Triple H

@SirTweets_ALot Prediction
If something important were on the line, Punk and HHH, but since it’s just a bunch of mad guys, Awesome Troof. Winner: R-Truth and The Miz

@yawsrko Prediction
Ugh….Punk and Hunter, because Hunter can’t swallow his ego enough to lose at a PPV, even though a PPV Payday is a guarantee for him. Not breaking Taker’s streak and ‘being returned to the roster full-time’ “requires” a Triple H win. To which, I boo, hiss and throw shit. Winner: CM Punk and Triple H

@Paradise_Lost12 Prediction:
This will hardly be a clean call, but I think this feud is going beyond this PPV. It should, and them stealing the win helps. Winner: R-Truth and The Miz

@MarkBilly Prediction:
I don’t see anything that would make a Punk/Trips win make sense. Which if anything should mean I go straight for a Punk/Trips win, however I’ll say the WWE will get this right. Nash will return, Michaels’ (who’ll undoubtedly feature in the PPV earlier on) music will hit but it’ll all be some kind of Laurinitis screw job and he won’t come out. Miz/Truth win. Winner: R-Truth and The Miz

@TheSupremeForce Prediction:
I only see the Awesome Truth winning if there’s a run in or Triple H turns on Punk. I’m guessing they don’t do that here, since I’m already predicting a run in during ADR/Cena. Therefore, I guess I have to go with Punk/HHH even though Miz/Truth are 8000 times better. I hope to be wrong here. Winner: CM Punk and Triple H

Winner: R-Truth and The Miz

Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton

Solace Prediction:
I want Cody to win, but Randy’s been beaten too many times recently. They can’t have one of their big names going down so many times in a row. Winner: Randy Orton

SirTweets_ALot Prediction:
If the match continues to be non-title, I think that Randy will win, but if the title is put on the line, Cody will win via dirty tactics. Winner: Randy Orton

@yawsrko Prediction:
In my heart, I want this to be Cody. I honestly don’t know. I know Randy’s wanting to work this program with Cody, so I’m hoping that Creative indulges him and allows Cody to go over. He doesn’t have to go over cleanly quite yet; just over. I would like to see this extend at least as long as Big Show and Mark Henry; I also wish Ted hadn’t been separated from Cody quite yet, because Legacy still has a lot of story they could be telling. But we’ll go with Cody via a DQ or dirty win as my prediction. Winner: Cody Rhodes

@Paradise_Lost12 Prediction:
Hardest call really, but I think they’re going to make Cody a main event guy with this feud. I see him getting the win here, though I highly doubt we’re seeing a Cross Rhodes and three count and a clean win for Cody this time around. Winner: Cody Rhodes

@MarkBilly Prediction:
Rhodes has been awesome since February and his feud with Mysterio, bringing back the classic IC title is a nice touch. The IC title means something again… but it’s not for the title, so I see Orton winning and going for the title later. Plus I doubt I’d see the day Orton loses 3 PPV matches in a row! Winner: Randy Orton

@TheSupremeForce Prediction:
I imagine that Cody’s going to put a good fight but eat an RKO at the end. I hope the feud continues, but I don’t see Orton losing at three ppv’s in a row. Winner: Randy Orton

Winner: Randy Orton

Mark Henry vs. Big Show

Solace Prediction:
Big Show made his triumphant return and now is out to get the man who took him out of the competition for awhile. Unfortunately, Big Show started this fight to begin with. I love Big Show, but I’m going with: Winner: Mark Henry

@SirTweets_ALot Prediction
Mark Henry. He’s a steamroller, and I don’t foresee them taking his title away before Royal Rumble 2012. Winner: Mark Henry

@yawsrko Prediction
Too soon to kill the Monster Heel Which Is Mark Henry’s Character quite yet. Otherwise, it would cheapen Randy’s character. This Big Show/Mark Henry will probably go at least 1, possibly 2 more PPVs. Then Big Show will ‘discover the secret’ of how to beat Mark …or whatever the hell. Winner: Mark Henry

@Paradise_Lost12 Prediction
I really don’t see the title going on Big Show at this point, too much work in building Henry up as a monster for him to fail now. I don’t know if it’s going to be a clean ending, as I can see this going through the next pay-per-view. But I think Henry is going to win. Winner: Mark Henry

@MarkBilly Prediction:
I’ve never liked or disliked Henry during his career, neither been impressed or depressed by his work… until now. I’ve still not developed any emotion towards him but I think he’s been on top of his game. I reckon he’ll retain his title… with a win. Go to crock Show again and Kane returns to stop him (and feud with him next, hence Sheamus/Christian feud continues). Winner: Mark Henry

@TheSupremeForce Prediction:
Henry retains. Probably not cleanly. I think the Henry/BS feud has been kind of stupid and backwards. Does that count? I hate the WWE’s standard approach to booking feuds like this. Big Show assaults Henry for no reason, but Henry is somehow the “bad guy” for retaliating. They did the same thing with Cena/ADR. Winner: Mark Henry

Winner: No Call

As the match ended with both Mark Henry and Big Show unable to continue I’ve decided to be nice and not include this match in the percentages for predictions. Personally, I enjoyed watching the ring fall even as it was being predicted on twitter.

Alberto Del Rio vs. John Cena

Solace Prediction:
I guessed Cena last time, and was wrong. I want to vote Cena again because are they really going to let him not win the title back two pay-per-views in a row? However, I’m going with they will. They will be in San Antonio Texas hot off their tour of Mexico. Don’t undermine the man with the smile and accent. Winner: Alberto Del Rio.

@SirTweets_a lot Prediction:
ADR, for two reasons. I think WWE is finally realizing that the title changes hands too often. Secondly, Survivor Series is coming up soon And I don’t think Cena is gonna have the title when he teams with The Jabroni-beating, pie-eating People’s Champ, THE ROCK. Winner: Alberto Del Rio

@yawsrko Prediction
Del RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRrio. Why? Because I like rolling the R’s. No, lol, because I think it’s too soon to put the belt back on Cena. We all know he’ll be going into WM28 as champ, at least give us *something* different for right now. And Del Rio’s doing a decent job carrying the belt, so there’s no need for him to drop it quite yet. Winner: Alberto Del Rio

@Paradise_Lost12 Prediction:
I have a hard time not seeing the belt on the line at SS, and they already confirmed Cena/Rock teaming. So ADR keeps the belt. Winner: Alberto Del Rio

@MarkBilly Prediction:
This is the hardest to call. I don’t see a way ADR can keep Cena down for 10 clean, don’t see a screw that will keep Cena down for 10. Ricardo Rodriguez does a good job of screwing opponents out of matches but that’s for a close 3, how will that work for 10?
Cena winning also gives WWE the chance to have the WWE title in everything when the Rock shows up. (They made a lot of Miz doing this and the Jackman punch on Ziggler, why not do it bigger than ever before?) However I don’t see why Cena actually needs to be champion (except for that one picture). So I can’t see ADR winning, only a flaky reason for Cena winning… I’ll go for Cena on the basis that they will happily chuck the title around by having that one photo then handing it on to someone else! Winner: John Cena

@TheSupremeForce Prediction:
ADR wins. This is probably the match featuring a run in. Cena can’t be Champion right now, but they’re not going to have him just lose a Last Man Standing Match. Winner: Alberto Del Rio

Winner: Alberto Del Rio

This pay-per-view proved to be much less predictable than the last one. Here’s how predictions went, minus the Mark Henry/Big Show predictions:

Solace – 71%
SirTweets_ALot – 71%
TheSupremeForce – 71%
Paradise_Lost12 – 42%
MarkBilly – 42%
Yawsrko – 28%

So how did you do?

Was Change Really What We Wanted?

The biggest topics of conversation through the WWE of late have been CM Punk and Triple H. To be honest, I have a short term memory when it comes to wrestling. I do this for a reason. People’s styles change and their stories change. I want to like, or hate, a wrestler for what they are at this moment and not what they did years ago. Or else I might question my love for Dolph Ziggler more if I focus heavily on the Spirit Squad days. While at the same time Zack Ryder has only improved upon his character since he was having daydreams of Rose Mendes on ECW.

CM Punk was the villain, because we know that living your life against alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs could not be something we want to teach our children. CM Punk was the villain until he decided he deserved better than how he was being treated. He wanted to be not just A guy but THE guy.

CM Punk found his voice in July and became “The Voice of the Voiceless,” but then quickly just became “A voice”. Once CM Punk became a main eventer he began to lose focus on the change because he had what he wanted. Now instead of being the voice for those that the WWE was not listening to his real focus came into play; himself. It was always about CM Punk.

Now, I’ve said time and again I’m not an expert on wrestling. So when my friends turn and say he’s “sloppy” in the ring I will shrug and say, “If you say so,” because I don’t tend to notice. If I do notice an error in wrestling it’s probably a really bad sign (I’m looking at you Alex Riley). I can only say if I enjoy someone in the ring and if I enjoy the character I’m seeing on the screen.

I do not enjoy CM Punk any longer. In the ring or on the microphone. I’ve heard this speech before. Please move on.

In mentioning CM Punk I would be remiss if I left out Triple H. Triple H is the man the fans want to see. I do not care how many people complain about Triple H, I’ve been one of them. As I stated in an earlier blog he is the one with the most cheers. He’s the one still in the top 10 merchandise sales even without a new shirt. He never fully left the minds of the fans.

I have less thoughts on Triple H than I would like to. When he walks in I don’t feel excitement, but I don’t feel ire. I don’t scream his name but there is no desire to boo him. He does not bore me but he does not make me want to tune in for him. It’s complete apathy when it comes to Triple H. I wish I had stronger feelings about it because I would love to discuss it with a reasonable head, but I can’t. When people bring him up in anger I want to defend him, but when they bring up in some celebratory manner I want to tell them where to stick it. Never have I felt so conflicted on an entertainer within the WWE and it makes me feel I’m a horrible judge to talk about him in depth.

Which is why I turned to my favorite lot of wrestling fans and asked them their opinions on CM Punk and Triple H.

@yawsrko on CM Punk

Face turns always make me scrunch my nose, roll my eyes, and make me unable to give any fucks. After Luke Gallows was released and the Straight Edge Society seemed to disband w/o any real closure to the storyline, I sort of really didn’t care about Punk anymore.

Then what happened in July didn’t really change your mind about him?

I already didn’t care. Sure, I got a few chuckles when he’d sit in the middle of the ring cross-legged, but he wasn’t my reason for watching. Basically.. he entertained me, and it’s no fault of his own that Serena and Luke got released, but I felt Creative treated us like idiots. Not giving any closure/explanation to a storyline that was watchworthy.

On Triple H

Ever since Hunter fired off that line of “I’m not Hunter, I’m your boss,” I’ve had a hope that he chokes on a bowl of *censored*. There’s so much (awesome) truth to Miz calling HHH a hhhypocrite. I am so over Hunter it’s not funny. Why does he get new merch when he barely wrestles? Why can’t another guy who works his ass off get opportunities? I see HHH as the next Hogan. Where he doesn’t know when to knock it the hell off.

@TheSupremeForce thoughts on CM Punk

I’ve been a fan of CM Punk for years, with my favorite “era” being during the Straight Edge Society days. Sure, Punk jobbed constantly, but his character was fantastic. Also, I kind of miss Gallows and Serena.
The “New” Nexus was crap.
Punk’s “shoot” promo was highly entertaining, and I was firmly behind him during his “I’m leaving” match against Cena, but I loathe Cena, so take that for what it’s worth. Since Punk’s return, all he’s really done is spend a lot of time repeating himself on EVERY show. He’s become increasingly hypocritical, and generally started to turn into John Cena. At this point, it appears that the “change” Punk wanted was to be CM Cena. Congrats.
I keep hearing people blame everyone else for Punk’s perceived failure at becoming the #1 guy, but the reality is that he was never taking the spot, nor does he deserve it.

Thoughts on Triple H

Triple H receives a lot of hate from “internet fans.” That’s nothing new. I’ll admit that I’m a long time fan of the guy, but I’ll admit that he does tend to eat up too much television time, especially since he’s not an active competitor. If Triple H wanted to return to a (nearly) full time schedule, I’d say go for it. But I don’t like hypocritical, pander obnoxiously to the fans Triple H. Make it stop. Please.

A lot of people have accused Triple H of “burying” CM Punk during their brief feud that brought zero closure. Maybe he did. That being said, I don’t care. Once Punk started spouting off his lame ass “shoots” every week, it opened the door for people to respond in kind. If CM Punk can’t out talk Triple H in that sort of environment, screw Punk.

The fact remains that Triple H is vastly more popular than CM Punk right now. Punk was unable to do anything about it, leaving me to conclude that Punk is really a lot of bark with little actual substance behind his words. Triple H tends to sound like a knob lately, as well, so it’s not like he’d even set the bar all that high.

I certainly haven’t been watching Raw in order to see either guy. The WWE has been doing a lot of things well recently, but that wasn’t one of them.

@MarkBilly on CM Punk

If you look on the internet, the internet will gladly impart the wisdom that FacePunk is much like the man behind CM Punk, he is Straight-Edge but isn’t militant like HeelPunk. However FacePunk and HeelPunk are as close to the man behind Punk as Viscera is compared to ‘CM Punk’ of now.

The fact is CM Punk hasn’t been seen in WWE for the past few months, the man masquerading as CM Punk has been Phil Brooks. The smarter ones will know Phil Brooks IS CM Punk but until now the reverse hasn’t been true.

Starting with THAT promo CM Punk has gone and Phil Brooks stands in his place. Everything PhilPunk has said in the past few months has been from the heart of Phil Brooks (with a little added WWE glitter). PhilPunk shook wrestling and the aftershocks are still working their way through WWE, but to think that this is new for CM Punk is wrong. The highlights of his promo are nothing different to past work by CM Punk. He used the ‘in my hands this microphone is a pipebomb’ line in Ring of Honor. In his closing days of his ROH stint he threatened to walk out with the ROH belt to WWE, in fact he did leave the building with the belt when faced with a challenger (though he did return to defend, and relinquish, the belt, he didn’t (kayfabe) leave the company).

The idea of trying to change things isn’t new either, when TNA stopped its talent from wrestling with ROH Punk tried to persuade then champion and fellow ROH buddy AJ Styles to speak up and resist, he hypothesised that if the ‘ROH guys’ stuck together they would be allowed to continue wrestling for ROH.

So history tells us that nothing overly new is occurring, so why is it only now that it has any effect? Simple – scale. I don’t know the viewing figures for WWE but a live WWE mic puts you in more auditory canals than a ROH mic does or no mic at all and that is a big factor. To paraphrase Biffy Clyro, PhilPunk wants to affect a change, with voice and electrical noises. The self appointed (and universally approved) Voice Of The Voiceless now has the electrical noises and is sending billions of volts surging around WWE. He’s popular because he’s saying what a lot of people think and is doing what Styles failed to do, using his position to speak up. Ten million hands on keyboards have nothing on one live mic.

To summarise, I think Punk’s character and current angle is great, it’s been waiting to happen in WWE for a long time. Long may it continue, but just to be sure, shovels at the ready because a microphone doesn’t work if it’s buried, the faster the dig, the faster we get our Voice back.

Now I really should put my immortality potion in the fridge before it goes off…

On Triple H

Triple H needs to decide whether he wants to be a wrestler or an authority figure, and when he does he better start doing a good job at it. There’s no place for an authority figure that sucks up to the crowd and there’s no place for a face Triple H.

Triple H is still doing the things he has done throughout his career that stops him from getting the respect he would like. Triple H would sell his own children to get what he wants (before you start stalking his house Angelina Jolie, I’m joking… I think).

Triple H started from the bottom as Hunter Hearst Helmsley, few would argue that he did well and was destined to shine once he ditched the terrible gimmick he was stuck with. This was not good enough for him though and he destroyed anyone who might stop him getting to the top.

Now he’s COO he doesn’t need to be liked, Vince McMahon never needed to be, his sole job should be to put over his talent. His past glories and WWE Universe’s belief that he can bring back the hallowed Attitude era mean he’ll be honoured and respected. Unless he is going to be hypocritical he needs to use this for the company’s benefit, not his own. The sarcastic comments he makes after one of ‘his talent’ speaks makes people forget what that talent said and a lot of the time they have a very good point.

For example, Wade Barrett spoke on Raw this week, one of the best up and coming mic men in the business according to just about everybody… Who remembers what he said? I only have a vague recollection of subject and remember that he delivered a fabulous speech but Triple H took all the heat and momentum out of Barrett with the smarmy remark about the Nexus, all of which occurred whilst Triple H was injured, not on WWE TV and before the position of COO was ever imagined. It left people wondering why he brought it up, rather than basking in the wonderful words of Wade Barrett.

Many men have tried to go on too long and tarnished their legacy, Michael Schumacher (google him), Ronaldo (google him), Bret Favre (you probably won’t need to google him).

Triple H is in danger of doing this, I have never been a fan of his but that doesn’t mean I want him to ruin his legacy.

It will be interesting to see what this vote of no confidence brings about in WWE and how Triple H reacts to it.

Which group will Triple H join – Armstrong, Lauda, Favre (2nd comeback) or Leonard, Borg, Favre (1st comeback)?