The time has come – as of this writing, five days are left until Wrestlemania. I want to discuss the eight matches that are going to take place, starting with the much-anticipated face-off between Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero that was finally solidified last Thursday night. I am as happy about this as everyone else. What I really liked was the way that the match was arranged. There was no big fight to split up this team; no double-crossing during their match. Rather, after Guerrero saying that he wanted to wrestle Mysterio (yes, thanks to Chavo’s persistence), Rey waited until their match ended and then agreed. Both of them said that they would “tear the house down”, and I fully expect that to be the case. On paper, several of the matches look to be very strong, and this is one of them. These two great wrestlers have all of the quickness and athleticism necessary to deliver a five-star performance, and I don’t think that we will see anything less from them. They are evenly matched and know each other so well as to bring out the best in the other. The winner here? OK, I started off with a really hard one, because I have absolutely no idea. I like them both so well that I can’t even pull my favorite out of the mix, so I’ll just throw this out there.
Winner: Eddie Guerrero
I am probably one of very few that is looking forward to the contest between Big Show and Akebono. If nothing else, this match will be different, and I like that. I do wonder if Show will come out in the traditional Sumo dress – hmm, not a visual I particularly want, (one dressed that way is enough), but when in Rome, so to speak. And no one can accuse Show of not taking one for the company. He has always been willing to go the extra mile, playing up his good sense of humor, even in the Taxi Driver trailer. Anyway, getting back on track, I’m pretty sure this match will not go over well with the majority of fans, but I’m sure willing to give it a chance. There should be no question as to who will win, given the credentials of Akebono, but sometimes I get too analytical about these things. Oh well.
Winner: Akebono
Win or lose, I feel that the self-proclaimed Legend Killer Randy Orton will have his hands full with the Legend he chose to tackle this time, The Undertaker. Admittedly, and as I have said for a long time now, ‘Taker is my favorite, and I will have a hard time if I have to watch him lose. But with a ‘Mania record of 12 and 0, The Dead Man is not going to go down easily. The cocky Orton will come firing I’m sure, but will his arrogance lead to his demise? I see this match going back and forth with several false finishes, but ultimately the hand has already been dealt. When will there be another to carry an undefeated record for this length of time? I bank on NEVER, and for that reason there is only one choice!
Winner: Undertaker – 13 and 0
Two warriors will take center stage when Kurt Angle faces The HeartBreak Kid, Shawn Michaels. It’s hard not to say these two veterans, since it seems as if Angle has been in the business for a really long time. Both men have given so much to the business, but neither of them are the soundest members of the roster, physically speaking. No matter, they forget that when they walk through the curtain. Besides, their mental game is so strong that I have absolutely no doubt that this match will be another that will stand alone at the end of the night. I’m really looking forward to this one but again, a winner is a hard thing for me to pick. Angle has been doing great in his heel role, and I think that HBK will get the biggest reception of the night. As much as I would love for Michaels to win this, I feel that Kurt will get the push.
Winner: Kurt Angle
Now for the most physically challenging match of the evening, that of the Money in the Bank Ladder Match between six superstars; Christian, Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit, Shelton Benjamin, Edge, and Kane. This should really be interesting. Just who will walk away with the chance at a Title shot? We have one powerhouse in here with Kane, with the others being quicker and more agile. Putting the ladder in the mix ups the anti for the chances of injury ten-fold (duh!), and I’m pretty sure all of the parties will walk away with more than the normal bumps and bruises. Hopefully there won’t be more than that. Any of the participants could pull it off, but who would be a worthy future Champion? In my mind, it will – should – come down to Kane and Y2J. Kane has been denied for way too long, and just why they have been ignoring Jericho is beyond me. He is first class. Therefore, between the two,
Winner: Chris Jericho
Moving on to the three Championship matches now, and I am very disgusted with the first one that I’ll mention. The Women’s Champion Trish Stratus has worked really hard to be where she is right now. I was not a fan of her in the beginning, but she so improved that I had to respect her. She deserves a match all right, but with another woman who can wrestle! What’s wrong with Victoria? Molly? It doesn’t even matter which show they are on, just give her an opponent with some talent. Did they do that? No! She has to face Christy Hemme, Diva winner. Give me a break! As far as I’m concerned, this is a slap in the face of Trish, and all of the others who worked hard to hone their craft. Let Christy mud wrestle or something, the fans would probably like that better anyway.
Winner: It damn sure better still be the Women’s Champion, Trish Stratus!
John Cena wants to take the WWE Championship away from John Bradshaw Layfield, and I’m sure he will put up a good fight to do so. Still, Bradshaw is a strong competitor who loves his title and will not let it go easily. Is Cena ready for a belt around his waist? Bradshaw has had the Championship for quite a while now, but for some reason I don’t think he will drop the belt at ‘Mania. I do think this will be a pretty good match, but it shouldn’t have as much fan following as the other big title match on the card. Still, I’m sure it will be good watching.
Winner: John Bradshaw Layfield
If Bradshaw wants to hang on to the belt, there are not enough words to describe the feeling that Triple H has with regard to the World Heavyweight Championship. It is his life, it is his soul, it is all that is important to him – the only thing. Enter Batista, big, strong, clever, and probably a bit under-estimated by HHH. 3H has Ric Flair to push him and tell him just how great his is, and that Batista is nothing. Triple H believes his own hype, and that will be his downfall. I believe this will be a super match, and really gives Batista a chance to shine and show just what he is made of. It is hard to remember this Championship not around the waist of HHH, but that just might change this weekend, even if the victory is not for very long.
Winner: Batista
I can’t forget the return of Piper’s Pit, with “Rowdy” Roddy Piper’s guest none other than Stone Cold Steve Austin! I am certain that the place will go crazy at Austin’s return – it will probably be as loud as any of the pyro we’ll hear during the night. This should be great, as I’m sure both men will be at their very best for this segment. I can’t even imagine just what will come out of either of their mouths, and I’ll just sit back and enjoy them.
So, there you have it. I’m going to be at the Hall of Fame Induction as well as Wrestlemania, and I’m looking forward to a super weekend. As always, your feedback is appreciated. Agree (yea!), disagree (boo! Just kidding!), it doesn’t matter. Just have fun!
Be safe and God Bless,
Barb.
Copyright © 2005; TheWrestlingVoice.com & Douglas Nunnally.
All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer & Privacy Statement
| What Did You Think About WWE Backlash 2008? |
|
|