Here we are; a little over one week away from the biggest spectacle in sports entertainment! I speak of course, of the twenty-fourth installment of WRESTLEMANIA!! Although there may be quite a long way still to go, I would like to take this time in The Dog Pound to offer my predictions on this years show.
First, we have a 24-man battle royal where the winner gets a shot at the ECW Championship that same night. I like this aspect because it gives some focus and SOME credability to the ECW title. The downside is, those involved are just wrestlers that don't have matches on the card. Now, I understand that it isn't possible to fit everyone on the card, but this just seems like an easy way to get as many people on as possible. No matter the outcome, I would like to see the ECW title change hands. I'm going out on a limb and saying Kane is walking away with this one. Winner: Kane.
On top of this, we are treated to a Playboy Bunny Lumberjack Match. I truly feel that, despite the talents involved, this is a complete waste of time for a PPV like Wrestlemania. I would much rather see another battle royal for the Woman's title where it came down to the powerhouses like Beth Phoenix and Victoria (who has gotten lost in the shuffle of everything). I don't really care about the match and feel that if it had to be done, a smaller PPV like Backlash would be the right place to do it. Winners: Maria & Candice.
A "Belfast Brawl" featuring Finlay taking on JBL is also on the card. I like the way the WWE has set this one up, but at the same time, it feels a bit un-natural. I mean JBL goes from fighting Chris Jericho, to getting involved with Finlay and Hornswoggle out of nowhere. Either way, I see Vince getting involved somehow, as well as a return for Hornswoggle. Since JBL has gotten the upper hand every week lately, I see Finlay winning and getting some big time redemption. Winner: Finlay.
Batista vs. Umaga in a battle for bragging rights for the respective brand of each. Other than that, there is no real heat between the two. I am glad Batista isn't fighting for the title for once, and because Umaga has really stepped up his game as of late, the match could be very good. I see this fued continuing and Umaga jumping to Smackdown afterward; therefore there will be no definite winner. Winner: Batista by DQ.
The MITB Ladder Match. This is one match that every fan has become accustomed to seeing. A match that offers both a great challenge and great opportunity to the winner. My only complaint is that this year, it seems to be a little less structured and seemingly "thrown together" with a bunch of wrestlers. I see how Jericho, Kennedy, and even CM Punk fit nicely; but guys like Shelton Benjamin and Carlito qualified with little or no build-up. I am very glad John Morrison qualified because he fits nicely as well. I am anxious to see how MVP fits because he is one that has stepped up his game lately as well and his interaction with Jericho came off very natural.
My only other complaint was the fact that the WWE chose not to fill the spot left by Jeff Hardy. Now, if this is a surprise that could be for a returning Matt Hardy, than that's fine but if they let a spot go to waste I will continue to wonder why. When all is said and done, I see Chris Jericho walking out the winner! He is the man with the most momentum and the fans would love to see a big win for Y2J. Now, what happened to Mr. Kennedy?? Momentum gone. Winner: Chris Jericho.
Now, Big Show vs Floyd Mayweather is another match I could care less about. I cannot stand the way this has taken center stage over what I feel are more important matches. I do like how Mayweather has been able to incite fans each and every week, and his interaction with Show comes off very good. In the end, I don't really care who wins, but somehow I see Mayweather getting the win. Winner: Floyd Mayweather.
Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair. There's not much i can say about this match other than it will be a classic! Two of the best performers of all-time going one-on-one on the biggest stage of them all! This could be Flair's last match, and if so, I see him surprising everyone with a big win! Winner: Ric Flair.
The Streak vs. Title. I am looking foward to this match very much because Edge deserves it. He has come such a long way in his career and it's about time he gets a chance main-eventing Wrestlemania. In the end however, I see the Undertaker winning the title and continuing his streak. Hopefully this fued continues because I enjoy it very much. Winner: Undertaker.
The main event triple threat match for the WWE title! The way this match has been booked thus far has been very solid. I like the chemistry between all three men, as each seems to show their own unique personality and drive when it comes to the title. In the end, I would LOVE to see Randy Orton keep the title and shock the world with a big upset; however, I see Triple H winning and continuing a one-on-one fued with Orton. Winner: Triple H.
There you have it, a rather lengthy read on my own Wrestlemania predictions. I hope it lives up to its name as being the "Grand Daddy of 'em all" and really gives the fans something to remember.
Remember, you are always welcome...at "The Dog Pound."
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