411 PPV Roundtable Preview: WWE The Bash 2009
Posted by Stephen Randle on 06.27.2009
HHH will battle Randy Orton for the WWE Title in the Three Stages of Hell Match! Elsewhere, CM Punk defends the World Title against Jeff Hardy, Rey Mysterio’s mask is on the line as he challenges Chris Jericho for the IC Title, Tommy Dreamer defends the ECW Title in the return of the scramble match and more! Check out 411’s complete WWE The Bash roundtable for all the details and remember to join us Sunday night for our live coverage of the event!
Introduction:
This Sunday, WWE presents yet another in their ongoing quest to empty your wallets, The Great American Bash PPV. This time, WWE has provided for your entertainment, a total of six title matches, including the return of the "Three Stages From Hell" match, a gimmick not seen in many years in WWE. In addition, The Miz looks to catapult himself to mega-star status by taking on the biggest dog in the yard, John Cena. All this, and just for Small, The Great Khali too!
And, of course, the 411 Staff is right here to give you all their thoughts, predictions, and unfunny jokes about what might happen this Sunday, as WWE presents The Bash!
The Staff:
Stephen Randle, The Wrestling News Experience
Shawn S. Lealos, 411 Movies/TV Alternate Takes
Alistair McGeorge, 411 Music A Lesson In…
Len Archibald, 411 Movies/TV Around The World in 24 Frames
Julian Bond, Against The Grain
Dan Torkel, Brooklyn Brawlin'
Michael Weyer, Shining A Spotlight
Andy Clark, The Shimmy
Andy Critchell, ECW Extreme Extracts
WWE THE BASH 2009
Dolph Ziggler vs The Great Khali - No Disqualification
Stephen Randle: Anyone who doesn't know that they're grooming Ziggler to be a mid-level heel hasn't actually been watching Smackdown at all. And shame on you, by the way. Anyway, beating Khali is an easy way to establish anyone, because he gets all his heat back instantly just by being a giant Indian guy. I wonder, is he affected by Vince's declaration that Smackdown will be "English only"? Who gets to tell him?
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Shawn S. Lealos: Dolph Ziggler is a promising young talent with some great charisma. Khali is a walking joke. This prediction is easy. My question is a little more complicated - John Morrison beat CM Punk on Smackdown and is in a big feud with Edge, one of the hottest heels in the company. Why is Khali and Ziggler on the Bash PPV and neither Edge nor Morrison are?
Winner: Great Khali in a squash
Alistair McGeorge: I'm actually getting behind Dolph Ziggler now, after his mini-feud with MVP and now this. Never been a Khali fan, but I'm not sure if I can see him losing. That said, Ziggler needs a win, and if it's No DQ, that gives him a way to do it.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Len Archibald: Here is, what I feel is the parallel of the Evan Bourne/Mark Henry mini-feud, only that it's the heel that is attempting to overcome the odds and slay the larger, more intimidating monster. And like how the Bourne/Henry feud will(read: should) end, this will be the same. There is more upside to Ziggler right now than the Punjabi Playboy.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Julian Bond: It may sound crazy, but I digging Ziggler in the ring more and more each week. Thank God at least ONE member of the horribly talented Spirit Squad stable broke out successfully! Been liking his and Khali's mini-feud as of late and since it's DQ, Ziggler for sure takes the big win here.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Dan Torkel: I love this, no sarcasm! In the old days it was build on tv and pay off on ppv, and this little SD feud has been good for almost a month now. I think Ziggler has a bright future, but Khali is big and strong. I just hope they don't squash Ziggler. Oh, screw it I'll be optimistic.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler - lots of chair shots
Michael Weyer: Here we go with a mindless brawl type battle to kick the card off. It should be somewhat entertaining and think Ziggler might get a win as they need a boost for a new guy in the event scene.
WINNER: Dolph Ziggler
Andy Clark: It's actually kind of cool that these guys get to have a PPV match. Almost reminds me of how Carlito and Sandman somehow ended up on the Bash card two years ago. Ziggler looks like he could be winning the IC Title any day now and he's yet to actually score a pinfall victory over Khali. The No DQ stip should allow him to do that.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Andy Critchell: Ziggler has beaten or beat up Khali for three weeks in a row and now it's time for the Punjabi Playboy to get a measure of revenge.
Winner: Khali
John Cena vs The Miz
Stephen Randle: I remember, a few years ago, that there was a young lower card heel with a decent edgy gimmick who was really developing a fan following and was more than ready to move up and see if he could hang with the big boys. So, WWE fed him to their most established Superstar, The Undertaker, who proceeded to squash that wrestler live on PPV, doing serious damage to his momentum which forced him to work twice as hard from that point to become credible in the eyes of the fans. Fortunately, he had insane charisma and excellent wrestling skills, so he was able to do that, and become a multiple time World Champion and one of the largest merchandise movers of all time. Now, I'm not saying The Miz is on that level, but just in case (and especially now with the news that Matt Hardy is on the shelf for the near future, creating a void in the lower upper card), do you think WWE has learned anything since 2002?
Winner: The Miz
Shawn S. Lealos: The Miz needs this win much more than John Cena. He has been fantastic on the mic the last month and has improved tenfold since he debuted in the WWE. If he is given the chance, he can be a great heel. That also makes this an easy one to pick.
Winner: John Cena without much trouble
Alistair McGeorge: I'll admit I've become a huge Miz mark since he was drafted over to Raw. I was always a bigger fan of Morrison in that team, but The Miz has really made everything he can from what he's been given. He's been saying everything the IWC want to say about Cena. I actually like Cena as a champ, but after his promo burying The Miz on Raw, Cena has to lose.
Winner: The Miz (via Show-a-ference)
Len Archibald: Y'know, I'm getting a weird vibe from this program – all stemming from Cena's "I'm gonna knock you back to the midcard" promo; The majority of the IWC feels that this was made only for Mr. "I'M AWESOME!" to be built up and crushed by SuperCena. There's one problem with that particular theory, though: See, with all the weird comparisons/non-comparisons between Cena and The Rock, there is one GLARING similarity: they didn't mind losing. John Cena (from where I sit) has understood that a loss will not damage his "overness". The Miz loses to Cena, and we lose out on not only two months of the most legitimate move-up-the-card performer, but also – there would be no suitable conclusion to the little relationship between The Miz and Maryse. I could be SO wrong with this one.
Winner: THE MIZ! (Len's UPSET OF THE NIGHT!)
Julian Bond: I've been liking the slow-burning war of words between these two and I for one think that The Miz is one of the most underrated up-and-coming wrestlers in the WWE today. I pray that for the simple fact that Cena beat Big Show twice in a row now, that Cena (no offense to him winning and all) takes a big loss here which in turn would be a HUGE win for The Miz. BUT I think that giving someone like The Miz a major PPV win against the former Heavyweight Champ would be way too humongous just to spring up. Miz will eventually get the upset at another time (probably non-PPV), but I think that he first gets to prove himself in a major fight to put him over big time here.
Winner: John Cena
Dan Torkel: We know my stance on Cena, and all definable logic says he has to lose here to pay off the angle, so naturally I choose...
Winner: John Cena
Michael Weyer: Forget the match, just give these guys a half hour in a mic duel and the crowd will be entertained. The match itself should be good with Miz eleveated nicely battling Cena. But don't see the big man going down here.
WINNER: John Cena
Andy Clark: Ever since Cena came back from his injury in January of last year I've been complaining about the absolutely horrible way that they've treated his character. He spent most of 2007 jobbing, and while his brief run as World Champion and chasing the title before Mania was good, he's spent months wrestling Big Show is awful matches. All that being said, this would be one situation where I'd actually like to see him lose because a win would be huge for The Miz. I don't think we'll see it because I don't think this feud with continue, but I do think we'll see Miz hang in there and come dangerously close to winning.
Winner: John Cena
Andy Critchell: A win here would really legitimize The Miz and create a new star. Sadly, based off of what happened on Raw, I think this will basically be a squash by Cena to send the fans home happy.
Stephen Randle: Speaking of things to be blamed on the Undertaker…so, wouldn't this match be better saved for Night of Champions? I mean, just so we don't have to see it twice.
Winner: Melina
Shawn S. Lealos: Wait. When did Melina become the champion? Oh wow, six months ago. Shows how much I care. I'd rather see Maryse and Mickey James anyway. McCool beat Gail Kim in a tag that Melina was involved in so I would say that might give McCool the advantage but does the E want two evil women's champions?
Winner: Melina
Alistair McGeorge: As much as I like both of these as wrestlers (well, McCool more than Melina), I don't really have much interest in the match, and I can't even remember much of the storyline. We'll go with Michelle McCool being the first woman to hold the Women's and Diva Championships.
Winner: Michelle McCool (new Women's Champion)
Len Archibald: Has the Maryse/Mickie James' match been added to this card? I really think the result is contingant on if it is. Put simply: If The Divas Title is on the line, Mickie James will become the first "Diva" to be both Women's and Diva's Champion. If not, Michelle McCool will be. Either way, one of those titles are changing hands.
Winner: AND NEW WOMEN'S CHAMPION - Michelle McCool? (If Maryse/Mickie James doesn't compete)
Julian Bond: I just thought about this…I was at the Royal Rumble here in my hometown of Detroit where Melina won the Women's Championship and that was like six months ago!!! So unless they plan on making Melina a great long-standing champ, I think that they give the win here to McCool to make her the first one to ever hold both Women's and Diva's championships.
Winner and NEW Women's Champion: Michelle McCool
Dan Torkel: Another example of how good SD is, is another smaller level feud gets a ppv payoff. I think Michelle takes the title here thanks to Alicia Fox interference and they rematch at Night of Champions.
Winner and NEW Champion - Michelle McCool (Styles Clash)
Michael Weyer: This I'm looking forward too as both are good in the ring and this should be a good bout if given enough time. Melina is a great champ but making Michelle the first woman to hold both belts is too tempting to pass up.
WINNER and NEW Womens' Champion: Michelle McCool
Andy Clark: WWE does realize that they have a PPV next month where all the titles are being defended right? Which means they didn't need to book this match yet? Anyhow, Melina wins, holding off on McCool's title reign. Yawn.
Winner and STILL Women's Champion: Melina
Andy Critchell: Melina is a Cali girl and The Bash is in Sac-Town. This will be another babyface win to make the fans happy.
Stephen Randle: I'm fairly sure if Legacy doesn't win the belts, they will never, ever, escape the perception that they're nothing but Randy Orton's personal servants. Even so, they've still got a long way to go before anyone thinks that they're anywhere near the level of the third man in the stable, belts or no belts.
Winner: Legacy
Shawn S. Lealos: Has Priceless been misused in the WWE? It was asked of me last month in Fact or Fiction and I believed they had to an extent. This could go a long ways to making them a bit more respected. Also, how cool would it be to see Legacy hold both the World Title and World Tag Team titles? It would be reminiscent of the Horsemen. Therefore, another easy pick
Winner: The Colons
Alistair McGeorge: Carlito definitely seems to have stepped up his game since Primo joined, but maybe management are thinking it's time to split them up? If that's the case, I see maybe Carlito turning heel to give Legacy the titles, leading into a feud with Primo to elevate both, with Primo eventually getting the win. Plus, it gives Legacy another piece of gold to show off.
Winner: Legacy (Carlito turns on Primo, new Unified Tag Team Champions)
Len Archibald: I don't think this is in any doubt. For crying out loud, the team's name is LEGACY!
Winner: AND NEW UNIFIED TAG-TEAM CHAMPIONS - Legacy (Len's BRINKS LOCK OF THE NIGHT!)
Julian Bond: FINALLY Legacy is getting a tag team title shot. Since Orton is back on top again with the belt, I think that it's due time that the duo gets the tag belts to really get their "Legacy" name over even more.
Winner and NEW Unified Tag Team Champions: Legacy
Dan Torkel: This will be like Armageddon 2003 where one stable ends the night with all the gold. Legacy takes the straps, and the Colons chase and thus get elevated by default.
Winners and New Champions: LEGACY
Michael Weyer: This should be a good tag match but Legacy has been needing a boost and getting the belts is the logical way to do it.
WINNERS and NEW Tag Team Champions: Legacy
Andy Clark: I would love to see the Colons win because they are infinitely more fun to watch than DiBiase and Rhodes (although Rhodes is actually pretty good, DiBiase is as bland as they come) I don't see how Legacy doesn't win here. I'm thinking we could see DiBiase & Rhodes vs. Triple H & Cena at Night of Champions, allowing a brief break in Triple H-Orton matches so they can finish up at SummerSlam. Without any titles that can't happen.
Winners and NEW Unified Tag Team Champions: Ted DiBiase & Cody Rhodes
Andy Critchell: The Colons have very little heat going but Legacy needs the belts more than the Colons do.
Stephen Randle: It's not like they haven't weaselled out of Rey losing his mask without technically winning the match before (see: vs Kane, last year), but the common wisdom is that these guys are booking their own feud, and it's not like Jericho has an issue with losing matches, as he's developed 1004 different ways to get his heat back the very next show (Heat Retrieval Method #27: ARM-bar). Anyway, WWE isn't WCW, they won't go for a "shocking swerve" instead of the guaranteed millions from selling replica masks to small children for years on end.
Winner: Rey Mysterio
Shawn S. Lealos: Rey lost his mask in WCW too. The big question is whether Jericho will lose his title or Mysterio will lose his mask. I say neither will happen.
Winner: Rey Mysterio by DQ (Jericho retains title)
Alistair McGeorge: It seems like everything Jericho has touched since he returned has turned to gold (not always Women's gold though). I wasn't happy initially that Jericho was being 'lowered' to the IC title, but Mysterio has stepped up his game, and the title has been elevated in the process. As much as I want Y2J to get a longer run with the strap, I'm not sure if I see Rey losing the mask. I'll have to go with what I expect to happen, but I'll be hoping I'm wrong.
Winner: Rey Mysterio (new IC Champion)
Len Archibald: This is really a program that could go either way. According to the "WWE UNIVERZE!", Rey has never been unmkased *shifty eyes* - Right. So, it *is* a possibility that it could happen. But of course, then the WWE would lose out on how much $$$ from no longer selling the mask. Sorry, Jericho – you're Canadian and I love you, but money wins.
Winner: AND NEW IC CHAMPION – Rey Mysterio
Julian Bond: Loving the nice little feud these two been having the last few weeks. As hot as it is now, I doubt it that they just go cold turkey after this. I don't think that Rey loses the mask, but I'm thinking (since they haven't pulled this in any of their matches yet) that Jericho gets himself DQ-ed and still goes after the mask anyways.
Winner: Rey Mysterio (either by DQ or with becoming NEW Intercontinental Champion…can't decide)
Dan Torkel: LOVE IT, ANOTHER SMACKDOWN MATCH! I cannot imagine the WWE takes away its hottest selling merchandise item with Rey's mask. Jericho probably makes a better IC Champ, with a John Morrison feud on the horizon. My heart says Jericho, my head says Rey and the mask money.
Winner and NEW IC Champion - Rey Mysterio
Michael Weyer: Last PPV showed they can make an awesome match work and this should be the same. I don't think WWE will go with unmasking Rey again so he should get the belt here with a great pop.
WINNER and NEW Intercontinental Champion: Rey Mysterio
Andy Clark: The match should be awesome as the feud has been thus far, but how much of a dope does Rey look like for putting his mask up for the INTERCONTINENTAL Title? I mean if it were a young guy I'd get it, but Rey is a former World Champion, WrestleMania main eventer, and one of the most popular wrestlers in the company. I know many will say it elevates the prestige of the IC Title, but it really just makes Rey look dumb. Ultimately it won't matter though. I rarely say WWE should make a decision due to merchandise sales, but they'd be crazy if they unmasked Mysterio considering how many of those masks they sell.
Winner and NEW Intercontinental Champion: Rey Mysterio
Andy Critchell: This will easily be a MOTN candidate and it's easy to see why. These two have been tearing it up lately but Rey winning here would be the logical end to the feud.
Stephen Randle: I guess with Unforgiven gone, this gimmick is free to shift shows at random. No Evan Bourne is a shame, but his time will come. Until then, it's pretty guaranteed that this is a way to get the belt off Dreamer without entirely ruining the meaning of him winning the belt in the first place. But who gets the belt? Ah hell, I'll go with the crowd.
Winner: Jack Swagger
Shawn S. Lealos: Thanks for the memories Tommy, your one month title reign is almost over. Also, Christian got his reward for jumping from TNA with a short lived title reign. It's back to the mid card for Captain Charisma in the WWE. This comes down to a newly determined Finley or Jack Swagger.
Winner: Jack Swagger pins Tommy Dreamer
Alistair McGeorge: I think we all marked out when Tommy Dreamer finally captured the ECW Championship at Extreme Rules. I wasn't expecting a long reign when he won it, but with a new, 3-5 year deal maybe Dreamer will keep it a little bit longer. I say everyone gets a "title win" in this, with Dreamer stealing one from Christian at the very last second.
Winner: Tommy Dreamer (still ECW Champion)
Len Archibald: So, Mark Henry was made to look dominant at the end of this weeks' ECW, but still has issues with Evan Bourne (who isn't in the match) so he's out. I think Tommy Dreamer got his run and now he can go back to being the greatest JTTS that ever lived, so he's out. That leaves us with Finlay, Christian and SWAGGER. I have a feeling that Finlay will play into the finish, probably destroying Christian in some way so SWAGGER gets the pin and the win. (I'm an emcee, cuz I rhymes like that! Tomko, gimme a beat!)
Winner: AND NEW ECW CHAMPION – Jack SWAGGER!
Julian Bond: I was praying that Dreamer won last month, but I predicted that Extreme Rules was his swan song…glad I was wrong! BUT now I strongly think that his time with the belt is up since he's been barely flashing it around AND because Swagger's been looking horribly strong as of late. So Swagger takes it here and I honestly have no idea who he's going to face after this. Crossing my fingers that it's Evan Bourne!
Winner and NEW ECW Champion: Jack Swagger
Dan Torkel: I like how they put a Scramble match here because an entire ppv of them was overdoing it last year. I think this is the end for Dreamer and congrats to him for his one month reign, but its time for the heel to take over. I love Tweener Finlay, but I think the call here is Swagger and another month of him and Christian feuding.
Winner and NEW ECW Champion - Jack Swagger
Michael Weyer: I think Dreamer's win was a "years of service" type affair and won't last long. Question is, will they take it off him so quickly? My gut says no, especially not in a scramble match like this. It'll be wild but Dreamer will end up retaining.
WINNER and Still ECW Champion: Tommy Dreamer
Andy Clark: I figured they would have waited to do a Scramble Match at Night of Champions so they could get more people on the card. It is pretty cool that ECW is going to get 20 minutes on PPV. I don't think anyone ever though Dreamer was going to be a long term champion, so here is where he loses it. I think the best choice would be Finlay, would could finally win a World Title and could match up with just about anyone with his new tweener persona.
Winner and NEW ECW Champion: Finlay
Andy Critchell: This should also be a great match and the Scramble concept is really fun and exciting. Swagger makes the most sense here since there aren't enough heels on ECW for a babyface champion to fight. Look for Mark Henry to split a bunch of wigs even in a losing effort.
Stephen Randle: Are you kidding me? You can't end Punk's reign now, I want to see more of Morrison vs Punk, this time for the gold!
Winner: CM Punk
Shawn S. Lealos: Vince said on Smackdown he doesn't want Jeff Hardy representing the company because he was a crack head. Punk is straight laced, so I'm sure Vince loves him. The fans want to see Hardy get revenge for Punk cashing in his chance on Hardy (although I was there when he did it to Edge and they loved him for it then).
Winner: CM Punk
Alistair McGeorge: A few years ago, would anyone have expected CM Punnk and Jeff Hardy facing off on a WWE PPV for the World Heavyweight Title? Furthering the CM Punk "tweener/heel" persona, this is the match I'm most looking forward to (bar Jericho-Mysterio). Their styles should fit well together, and this should be a great match. Punk won't lose the title already, and I'm hoping they push him a little bit further to being a full heel in some way during the match.
Winner: CM Punk (still World Heavyweight Champion)
Len Archibald: Oh, this is the match I want to see. I will be honest with you...If they played their cards right the ‘E could've made this an EPIC WrestleMania type build for Hardy who finally overcomes the last demon on his quest to be champion – CM Punk, a straight-edge holier-than-thou prick who never allows Jeff to let go of his past sins. They may be heading in this direction – perhaps for SummerSlam. If they do, I think we know what the result should be; I think Vince sees $$$ in not only this program, but as Punk as a long-term (in this day and age) champion.
Winner: AND STILL WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION – CM Punk
Julian Bond: The horribly vague (face or heel…face OR heel?!?!?) direction of CM Punk on Smackdown now is easily one of the best things I've seen on TV in a good while. Look very, very closely and he is definitely heading towards "The Dark Side". Should be match of the night here if the 3 Stages of Hell doesn't take the cake. Punk retains through shady ways and I hope and pray that since Umaga's sadly gone, when Taker returns that he may instead start a program with Punk since the Dead Man's pretty much faced everyone on Smackdown.
Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: CM Punk
Dan Torkel: I have 4 title changes already, so the big belts stay put. I personally would have thrown Edge in here as the special guest ref since he would actually call it down the middle. I think Edge and maybe Morrison get involved here, but in the end Punk wins and "edges" closer to full on heeldom. Hardy gets screwed over and sets up possibly a 4-way match at N of C.
Winner and STILL WORLD Champion - CM Punk
Michael Weyer: The setup has been great and both men can bring it big time. I still think WWE have doubts in Jeff as a long-term champ and Punk as a heel champ might be a good idea to play with. So, Punk retains here to set up a longer feud.
WINNER and still World Champion: CM Punk
Andy Clark: I'm really looking forward to this match. Jeff really doesn't stand a chance but the match should be fast and furious anyhow. I'd expect to see a big leap in Punk's heelishness either in this match or directly after. Punk gets the clean win to bounce him back from the Morrison loss and probably gives Jeff a post-match GTS.
Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: CM Punk
Andy Critchell: Not that Hardy isn't deserving, but Punk is just gaining steam in his well executed heel turn. I think this feud can go a little while longer too.
Stephen Randle: Yes, yes the LMS match on Monday was great. Isn't that irritating, to know that Triple H is capable of busting out **** matches if he feels like it, but the majority of the time, it seems like he just doesn't want to today? I'd say it's pretty certain that this feud isn't over, because frankly, who else is left on Raw to feud with Orton that hasn't done it ad nauseum already, besides John Cena?
Winner: Randy Orton
Shawn S. Lealos: Is it time for Triple H to get his revenge on Randy for his past transgressions? Yeah, but he won't win the belt. Might even see a heel Vince turn on his own son-in-law, using the "a kick in the head was the best thing that could have happened to me" (thanks Ted!)? Hunter wins the first fall, Orton takes the second with help from Legacy, who are then kicked out of the arena by Vince and then the chairman helps Orton take out Hunter on a stretcher in the third match.
Winner: Randy Orton
Alistair McGeorge: I was dreading this match up until the Last Man Standing match on Raw. These two had a great match that I really got into (which is saying a lot, after I genuinely fell asleep during their WM25 encounter). With the stipulations, this could end up being very good, and a definite end to their rivalry. I'm 100% behind Orton keeping the title, but I can't see it happening for definite. I'm expecting some McMahon interference, but I'll go with my gut.
Winner: Randy Orton (still WWE Champion)
Len Archibald: All I want...Really, is for this to be IT! Please, just end it. Either pull the trigger and make Randy Orton the undisputed badass he was when 2009 started or abort the whole thing altogether. Problem: if Triple H wins, his only true heel nemesis would be...ugh...The Big Show. There's also a promise that was made by a particular BALLIN' superstar (made conspicuous by his absence on Monday) that he's going to interject himself into the title hunt. I can't see Trips allowing him to move up the card and get a leg up. He's one of "those kinds" of people. (I KEED, I KEED, Booker T!) I also think there's the possible cool visual of Legacy coming out in Glorious Golden Glory on RAW.
Winner: AND STILL WWE CHAMPION – Randy Orton
Julian Bond: I like many others have sadly been scared from the horribly lame match from these two at this year's Wrestlemania. I like HHH. I like Orton. But I'm getting a tiny little bit tired of seeing these two go at it. Even with this feeling, I still think that they will make up for it here in a kick-ass bout. Didn't think that Orton won't lose last PPV since we was just getting on a roll, but now he's just getting started. Orton BARELY retains here.
Winner and STILL WWE Champion: Randy Orton
Dan Torkel: This is why I love Raw (SARCASM ALERT!!!) 3 months after the biggest ppv of the year here we go again! Their Raw match was good, not great, but that screams to the total lack of chemistry these guys have. This is the perfect scenario for Orton, as he can cleanly beat Triple H and Hunter doesn't have to take a deciding pinfall. Triple H wins fall 1 with the Pedigree, Orton wins fall with an RKO somewhere outside the ring. And Orton wins the stretcher fall with Legacy's help and the 3 champions pose to end the show.
Winner and Still WWE Champion - Randy Orton
Michael Weyer: I'm amazed this type of match isn't done more often as it's a cool style. It fits these guys perfectly as we can expect a brutal and bloody match with plenty of "ouch" moments abounding. There's a chance for McMahon interference but I still see Orton retaining as he just gels as a champ so well.
WINNER and still WWE Champion: Randy Orton
Andy Clark: There Last Man Standing Match on Raw helped recapture my interest in this feud. I like the 3 Stages of Hell Match and figured that was just about the only thing they could pull out to add to this show after LMS (because they wouldn't waste Hell in a Cell on a one week build and there are too many matches for an Iron Man). Orton should get the big win here so they can set up for Hell in a Cell at SummerSlam.
Winner and STILL WWE Champion: Randy Orton
Andy Critchell: Orton really should win here. Triple H is at the stage of his career where he is basically bulletproof and a loss is no big deal. Orton is at the top of his game and a nice long title run will really go a long way to getting him established as THE man on Raw.
Winner: Orton
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Dolph vs khali
Prediction: dolph. he's being built up so he can eventually take the IC title from rey mysterio at breaking point or on smackdown.
CENA VS MIZ:
Prediction: CENA wins in a decent time length match when he makes the miz tap out, but miz puts up a fight. i say this match goes about 11 mins in time.loosing this match will actually help miz get to the upper card more and eventually take the US title at night of champions.
WOMENS TITLE: MELINA VS McCOOL
Prediction: melina, she does not need to loose untill night of champions.
UNIFIED TAG TEAM TITLES: COLONS VS LEGACY
Prediction: Legacy wit a possible heel turn by carlito. this would be good for carlito. possible match against primo at summerslam. and both carlito and primo could go for the US TITLE.
INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP- JERICHO VS MYSTERIO
Prediction: rey mysterio. jericho will be in the world title match at NOC,while rey will defend the IC title against Dolph Ziggler and/or shelton benjamin.
ECW CHAMPIONSHIP: SCRAMBLE MATCH
Prediction: MARK HENRY he will pin jack swagger, wit less then 45 seconds left in the match. i think swagger and/or christian will be moving 2 a differnt brand following this match.
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: CM PUNK VS JEFF HARDY
Prediction: Jeff Hardy by dq. thsi match sets up a fatal 4 way elimination match at NOC. EDGE ,JEFF HARDY,CM PUNK, CHRIS JERICHO.
WWE CHAMPIONSHIP:RANDY ORTON VS TRIPLE H.
Prediction: RANDY ORTON. TRIPLE H WINS MATCH 1 BUT LOOSES THE FINAL 2. This will set up Randy Orton vs Triple h at Summerslam in Iron Man Match, But first Orton has to get bye the big show at NOC.
Posted By: donnie (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 02:33 AM
I've read that Edge is resting up some nagging injuries..which is probably why he's not at this show.
Posted By: Joseph Lee (Registered) on June 27, 2009 at 02:34 AM
I will be there....free of charge!!!
Posted By: Patrick D. Bailey (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 02:36 AM
Ziggler via pinfall
Miz via roll up tights
Melina via pinfall
Legacy via pinfall
Rey via DQ
JACK SWAGGER
CM Punk via pinfall
Randy Orton in third stage
Posted By: Freeman (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 04:13 AM
If Rhodes & Dibiase don't win the belts I don't think it means anythining on their standing with Orton.But if Orton ain't a long term WWE Champion then Legacy don't mean shit. I think they've ruined Orton at least 3 or 4 times and they need him to have an actual title reign with real victories over main eventers.
Posted By: Jesi (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 04:38 AM
And so it was that Stephen Randle graced the world with the phrase..."the lower upper card."
R-Truth...Shelton Benjamin...Dolph Ziggler--rest assured. You are not filler or rising stars or...dare we say...midcarders. Such a pejorative term, that. No, no, you comprise the LOWER UPPER CARD!
And take solace in the fact that give hope to those below you, like Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne, the mid-lower upper carders of the world! : )
Posted By: Sam! (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 04:59 AM
how does dolph ziggler get a ppv match and not john morrison????
Posted By: spud14 (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 05:25 AM
Lealos, I respect your logic.
Posted By: The Logical One (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 06:27 AM
WWE CHAMPIONSHIP:RANDY ORTON VS TRIPLE H.
Prediction: RANDY ORTON. TRIPLE H WINS MATCH 1 BUT LOOSES THE FINAL 2. This will set up Randy Orton vs Triple h at Summerslam in Iron Man Match, But first Orton has to get bye the big show at NOC.
Posted By: donnie (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 02:33 AM
what the hell are you thinking? Orton vs Show?
that will kill raw. there both heels for a start.
if anyone, it'll be MVP
Posted By: jacob (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 07:02 AM
Looking forward to the show, the IC title match should be another good one, the 3 stages of hell match should be pretty good even though im bored with the fued but the main selling point of the show for me is Punk-Jeff, the build up of Punks carracter in the last 3 weeks has been awesome & im expecting a really good match & a Punk heel turn.
Good call on Edge v Punk v Jeff v Jericho at the next ppv aswell, hell you could even add Morrison to it.
Posted By: jbardo (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 07:56 AM
Dolph v. Khali: Dolph
Cena v. Miz: While I want it to be Miz to keep this feud going, I think Cena will win because logical booking 101 says Cena isn't going to get NOC off and he needs a win.
Melina v. McCool: Melina
Colons v. Legacy: Legacy
Jericho v. Mysterio: This seems like the blowoff, so I'll go Jericho.
Scramble: Jack Swaggah!
Punk v. Hardy: Punk
Orton v. Trips: Orton
Posted By: Jason (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 08:18 AM
Prediction: RANDY ORTON. TRIPLE H WINS MATCH 1 BUT LOOSES THE FINAL 2. This will set up Randy Orton vs Triple h at Summerslam in Iron Man Match
r u nuts donnie. u still didn't get enough of this feud. orton vs hhh should END at the bash, hopefully. People will die seeing an iron man match between the two.
Posted By: Guest#5698 (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 08:24 AM
Dolph Ziggler vs The Great Khali - No Disqualification
DOLPH ZIGGLER
Posted By: HBK (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 08:26 AM
Man, why do you guys mark anytime someone new starts speaking up. To "me" personally the Miz is boring, he's kind of a douche, not in a cool Edge type way but more like get the fuck off my tv way.
I hope Cena or a random ticket holder beats the daylight out of this guy, he is not the next big thing.
Posted By: JcJames (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 09:28 AM
Correct me if i'm wrong, but this is prob the first time Edge has been left out of the card when he is technically not injured (at least story-line wise). I thought Edge v Morrison would be an insane match at the Bash, but i guess either the card is too stacked, or they are saving it for a bigger PPV. 3 stages of hell match is a good idea (better than the overused HIAC) and i pray to God that this is the end of the fued. Hell, bring on Cena v Orton. I'd rather see tat.
Posted By: Guest#7431 (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 09:49 AM
if any of the Heavyweight championships change hands, ill be pissed. Can someone keep their belt for longer than a month? Also, when will we see one set of tag team titles instead of them coming to the ring with both belts. i just hope the new ones dont spin.
Posted By: hum (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 10:35 AM
I think that Cena will beat Miz after a long match and after Cena will try to shake Miz's hand, but Miz will blow him off.
Posted By: The Great Capt. Smooth (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 11:07 AM
"Stephen Randle: I remember, a few years ago, that there was a young lower card heel with a decent edgy gimmick who was really developing a fan following and was more than ready to move up and see if he could hang with the big boys. So, WWE fed him to their most established Superstar, The Undertaker, who proceeded to squash that wrestler live on PPV, doing serious damage to his momentum which forced him to work twice as hard from that point to become credible in the eyes of the fans. Fortunately, he had insane charisma and excellent wrestling skills, so he was able to do that, and become a multiple time World Champion and one of the largest merchandise movers of all time."
See? This is why I don't like Cena fanboys. Cena isn't a horrible wrestler or a bad character by any stretch of the imagination. But instead of just saying that Cena is good the fanboys have to say that he's insanely great. He's not. He's average. He's a decent wrestler who has enough charisma to main event. But he doesn't have insane charisma. Insane charisma wouldn't allow you to still be booed by half the audience 4 years after you first win the title.
Excellent wrestling skill? No, an excellent wrestler can get very good matches out of bad wrestlers. Cena's matches with Show and Khali were horrible. Again, he's a DECENT wrestler. He's good. He's nowhere near great.
---
"Len Archibald: There's one problem with that particular theory, though: See, with all the weird comparisons/non-comparisons between Cena and The Rock, there is one GLARING similarity: they didn't mind losing."
And what the heck are you talking about? Cena doesn't mind losing? Cena has the best win/loss record of anyone in the WWE both on RAW and especially on PPV. Hunter can't even touch him. Cena losing is like seeing a unicorn. Seeinghim lose cleanly is impossible. Please stop bold-faced LYING.
---
Call me a Cena hater if you want. I'm not. I recognize that the guy is pretty good. I just can't stand extremes which means both people who worship the guy and those who act like he's the worst thing to hit the WWE in history.
Posted By: Tom Talker (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 11:39 AM
hbk returns superkicks hhh to cost him the title
Posted By: b (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 12:31 PM
I would love to see HHH and Orton blow this fued off with HIAC at Night of Champions, but I guess that's not going to happen now...
Posted By: Patrick Buckingham (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 02:21 PM
"The Miz loses to Cena, and we lose out on not only two months of the most legitimate move-up-the-card performer, but also – there would be no suitable conclusion to the little relationship between The Miz and Maryse. I could be SO wrong with this one."
Am I crazy, or would a Miz/Maryse pairing (with her going almost completely to a valet position), along with a Cena win, pretty much cement him in the upper-card completely?
Posted By: Guest#6693 (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 02:33 PM
Ziggler vs Khali: Ziggler. It's no DQ and Khali is easy to build based on his size. The Ziggler build should run
Miz vs Cena: Cena (Miz DQ) Screw the squash, that does nothing for eithers character or Miz elevation. A battle where Miz puts up offence doesn't seem likely. Soooo...Cena squash match, Miz hits finish, Cena kicks out, Miz cheats is the most logical finish to me.Chair-destroying Cena to impress Maryse works for all characters. Guerrero finish after the Cena kick-out would totally mark me out but is unlikely.Squash, Miz cheating, but then easily losing clean will show lack of faith in Miz, but is probable wwe finish in the fucked up belief that positions him in the mid-card.
Melina vs McCool: McCool(Styles clash)
No problem with this, Melina manipulating her way back in works and Gail Kim can get involved in the programme.Screaming fit and kicking a few papparazi's fine to build the feud continuation also fair enough.
Los Colons vs Legacy: Legacy. Can't see how the Colons winning makes any sense.
Jericho vs Mysterio: Mysterio. This ain't WCW as has been said. Mysterio losing his mask, Jericho parading around with it in a re-run of the Juvi angle and millions of merchandise sales disappearing is NOT EVER going to happen.If it does, Christian wrestling in the mask whilst being introduced as Jericho until either the company goes under or Scooby-Doo unmasks him and Jericho blames the loss on "pesky meddling kids" is the only logical outcome.
ECW Scramble: Dreamer. As ECW is the development brand,Finlay and Dreamer don't need it as anything other than a thank you or prop to push others. Henry is built enough to move when needed. Thwagger, Christian or Bourne will need it when they move.Dreamer retains, then Thwagger destroys him for the title 1 vs 1 when it is time to move on, using Tommy's JTTS and willingness to take a hammering ability to get heat and credability.
Punk vs Hardy. Punk. Further establishing the turn/tweener role, Jeff hasn't re-signed and there be money to be made from him chasing until he does or leaves.
Orton vs HHH. Orton winning makes sense to build for a summerslam hell in a cell blow-off where either Orton "pays for his sins" or HHH is shown to be the man who created him. But f*** knows. Frankly, who cares?This feud has lacked any consistancy in development of character or positioning in Orton and has been less entertaining than a Goldswoggle squash match on Kendrick.
Reading back my predictions are too "heel" heavy for the usual wwe ppv so no doubt they are wrong, but this was fun to do.
Posted By: w00t! Prediction time! (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 03:12 PM
Posted By: Parxy (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 05:06 PM
i really hope dreamer retains the title
Posted By: Guest#3169 (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 06:28 PM
I have tix for the show, looks like a decent card. Hope Miz wins and his stock starts to rise. Smackdown matches should be good, looking forward to Jericho/Rey and Hardy/Punk
Posted By: D-Mac (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 06:49 PM
I take exception to the fact that you said Cena was fed to Taker. Frankly No. It was raising of the heat by association. He was allowed to go all the distance with Taker, making him loook like a credible threat.
Posted By: Arnab (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 07:14 PM
wtf, when does Cena lose? And his charisma is nowhere NEAR The Rock's. Either is his wrestling skill imo.
Watching the Macho Man dvd has shown me just how awful Cena really is. I used to think Hogan was a shit worker, but he actually did know how to tell a story and fire up the crowd. Everyone high up on the card in the 80s and 90s was better than Cena. The style is a bit different nowadays, and I like the SD workers a lot, but the RAW workers are all very, very bad. That includes HHH, even though I'll get flamed for saying that since the IWC loves that douche for some reason.
Posted By: Serp (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 09:23 PM
this ppv,like the state of the wwe, is terrible. If it wasn't for smackdown I don't think anything they put out is any good.
Posted By: mattz (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 09:37 PM
Edge gets involved between Punk and Hardy to set up the logical Triple Threat for Summerslam.
Posted By: Bookerman (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 09:58 PM
"Am I crazy, or would a Miz/Maryse pairing (with her going almost completely to a valet position), along with a Cena win, pretty much cement him in the upper-card completely?"
If they get paired together, I think Maryse will just play both roles as Lita did in 2006 when she was Women's champion and with Edge at the same time.
The Cena victory would help, but Miz doesn't need a valet. Plus, Maryse is constantly hamming it up for the crowd and the cameras, which would not be good for Miz or his opponents.
Posted By: Guest#2122 (Guest) on June 27, 2009 at 10:03 PM
SPOILER WARNING!
HHH Still Wins
Posted By: Guest#3035 (Guest) on June 28, 2009 at 12:06 AM
Dolph w/ a billion chair shots
Miz by cheating
Mysterio by DQ... because Edge has nothing going on right now and he could slide into the championship picture and Morrison could take the strap off Jericho.
Swagger wins the strap
Legacy needs it to legitimize them as nothing more than lackeys.
Punk retains... built in programs for continuing with Hardy (he hasn't even really given him the business yet!) or Edge
Orton needs it, unless they want to crap all over him... well, then again I remember Shane winning a 1 on 3 run-in. Orton still needs it, and Hunter doesn't as much. Problem is who does Orton defend against? back to H's?
Posted By: Guest#3127 (Guest) on June 28, 2009 at 03:02 AM
" it's not like Jericho has an issue with losing matches, as he's developed 1004 different ways to get his heat back the very next show (Heat Retrieval Method #27: ARM-bar)."
I lolled hard at that. Randall should be paid :D
Posted By: Mentalist (Guest) on June 28, 2009 at 06:36 AM
no way is HHH and Cena gona lose on da same night!? its unheard of
Posted By: r9 (Guest) on June 28, 2009 at 09:24 AM
I may get this the next day, for Sarah Stock and Kong. what? they don't have any of 'em? oh, yeah, this is wwe. then there's Angle, he sure can bring on the wrestling, my man... what? no Angle either? well, at least they have the Rock, he could make it worth the download, yeah, good ol' Rocky, you can always count on the... WHAT? THEY DON'T EVEN HAVE THE ROCK?
why the fuck should I care again?
Posted By: tully (Guest) on June 28, 2009 at 12:12 PM
Posted By: Reviewer (Guest) on June 28, 2009 at 01:59 PM
Orton wins due to outside interference from none other than...... HBK!!!!
Yes Shawn Michaels returns to superkick HHH onto the stretcher and complete his heel turn just in time for HHH-HBK Summerslam rematch! You heard it here first!
Posted By: jokerdoom (Guest) on June 28, 2009 at 02:14 PM
Khali VS Dolph Ziggler: Will start off like a standard Khali squash, but then Ziggler knocks Khali out with some sort of kayfabe weapon to get the win.
John Cena VS The Miz: The ONLY way the Miz is going over is if Big Show gets involved or Cena gets disqualified when the referee "reverses their decision". That being said, Big Show probably DOES get involved and they tease a Miz win, but in the end Cena goes over cleanly.
Michelle McMool VS Melina: WHO CARES?
The Colons VS The Legacy: Logical booking here has The Legacy going over by heelish means (foot on the rope pin, handful of tights) and the Colons getting their rematch in 3 weeks at Night of Champions.
Chris Jericho VS Rey Mysterio: This match could probably go EITHER WAY and could steal the show, as long as it doesn't have a Dusty Finish (or something). Since Rey Mysterio's mask generates a LOT of revenue, it would be hard to see McMahonagement pissing away such a top seller over over short-sighted booking. Then again, WWE Creative has REALLY built up Rey Mysterio's unmasking, which could signal a new (more Heelish?) direction for his character if he loses cleanly. Unfortunately, I foresee a dreaded Dusty Finish; Mysterio wins by DQ but Vince McMahon forces him to unmask in the ring "because he didn't win the title" or BE FIRED.
ECW Title Scramble Match: I say that Jack Swagger wins then moves on to a program with Evan Bourne for SummerSlam. Tommy Dreamer, Mark Henry, and Finley remain in ECW, but Christian comes over to RAW ro help the paper-thin Main Event Scene.
C.M. Punk VS Jeff Hardy: C.M. Punk retains, but not cleanly. This match is just the first part of a MUCH BIGGER FEUD that will culminate no earlier than SummerSlam, with "straight edge" C.M. Punk getting more cocky, more arrogant, and bringing Jeff Hardy's real-life "personal demons" into the feud before all is said and done.
Triple H VS Randy Orton: Let me get this right: a friggin STRETCHER MATCH is supposed to be the final Blow-Off Match for 3 Stages of Hell and the Orton/Triple H feud? A STRETCHER MATCH? While the match itself could be a **** encounter, I think EVERYONE knows what's coming: It goes 3 falls (regardless of how the first two play out), Orton wins cheaply by dragging the Stretcher across the line (possibly with help from The Legacy or The Big Show), then Triple H recovers to beat down Orton and get his heat back. At Night of Champions we have a Scramble Match including Orton, Trip, Big Show, Cena, and let's say MVP to move the Title OUT of the HHH/Orton feud and into the Cena/Big Show feud (with HHH costing Orton the decisive fall or something), which frees up Orton and Triple H for their INEVITABLE Hell in a Cell blowoff match at SummerSlam.
Posted By: Guest#6347 (Guest) on June 28, 2009 at 02:21 PM
Problem is that the logical feud winners to build programmes lead to an almost all heel ppv, with the exception of Rey.
Which doesn't work as a ppv card when you look at it as a whole, so you are almost forced to throw a few b.s finishes in there.
You have to book around things by putting Mysterio over 2/3rd from last to continue the Punk build/Hardy non-r-sign in a logical way and have Punk winning, which then forces your main event.
It is a nasty card to book,so one or some of Dreamer/Cena/The Colons have to go over in some way for balance almost by default .
I'd go Dreamer or Christian over with a Cena win over Miz in a to allow me to put Punk over and have a HHH loss.
Punk/Rey have to win.
Thwagger/Orton/Miz/Legacy all winning on the same card in addition to that doesn't work
Posted By: Guest#3564 (Guest) on June 28, 2009 at 02:54 PM
Let's see...
Khali wins no DQ unless somebody interferes and helps Ziggler. Would be a surprise for the crowd if that happened. I like the way Ziggler has looked so far. A loss won't hurt his push here.
Miz should get at least one win over Cena if they have any plans for him. Not a fan of his, but he does say some funny stuff. I see Show interfering for the Miz win and the feud continuing. A Cena win would mean the last two months of Miz was pointless and a waste of time to me.
Seems like a good time for a McCool win and then a feud with Gail Kim.
Carlito and Primo have been good champs, but Legacy will probably win this one. I wish they'd either make new belts, or better yet, split them back up again to give a little more focus to tag team wrestling.
Mysterio either by DQ or clean, but I do not see him losing his mask. A DQ means this entertaining feud will continue, which would be nice.
The scramble. I see Swagger being the only world heavy weight title change. I agree there have been too many hot potato title changes, but this one makes sense to me. I don't have a problem with Dreamer as champ.
Punk wins and this feud continues. I like them giving the ball to Punk and Hardy and seeing what they can do. I'm ready to see more of a heel character from Punk.
Orton wither interference help. I don't think I've seen HHH job clean to him yet, so why should that change here? Orton needs to go over, though. HHH is looking for 16, so a title change is not out of the question.
Whatever goes down, I hope for a good show and a safe show for all of the wrestlers.
Posted By: Guy Incognito (Guest) on June 28, 2009 at 04:37 PM
Guys wouldn't it be AWESOME if the new Smackdown 6 (Jeff, Edge, Jericho, Rey, Morrison and Punk) had a 6 way match at some PPV? That would be a match of the year candidate
Posted By: haha (Guest) on June 28, 2009 at 04:39 PM
Randy Orton is going to get owned and sent to the hospital(Hence the stretcher match) and Rey is leaving WWE
Posted By: Guest#3704 (Guest) on June 28, 2009 at 06:26 PM
