High Road/Low Road 03.12.10: Edge vs Chris Jericho at WrestleMania 26
Posted by Chad Nevett on 03.12.2010
In this week's edition of the High Road/Low Road, we look at the World Title match at WrestleMania 26. Is this the best option for both men or should the WWE have gone in a different direction? Find out what we think inside.
Welcome back to the High Road/Low Road!
A brief explanation of the column: Sat takes the High Road (positive view) on angles, gimmicks, and other wrestling related "stuff" while Chad Nevett takes the Low Road (negative view).
Results for Shawn Michaels/Undertaker Rematch at WrestleMania 26:
High Road: 68%
Low Road: 22%
Both Roads: 11%
Chad Nevett: I'm definitely in the Both Roads camp here. I'm cautiously optimistic as the fanboy inside wants to see this match a lot, but the Undertaker's health puts the actual quality of this match into question. I mean, would even a three-and-a-half star match do at this point? This match has to be fantastic and I'm not sure that the Undertaker has it in him. But, I want it to be great and hope it will be.
Sat: This is a hard road for me to take. The obvious choice would be high road, but the stipulation has me a bit worried going into this match. Plus, both guys wrestled a dangerous match last year, so I am hoping that they keep it on the safe side this time around.
Chris Jericho and Edge at WrestleMania 26
High Road:
This feud has been set since Edge's injury when Edge and Chris Jericho were the Unified Tag Team Champions. We have seen Chris Jericho make remarks about Edge since then and I think it has lead to this point. I will admit that the injury happening to Edge (which if I recall correctly, Jericho had nothing to do with) being the reason for the feud is a bit weird; I still think that this is a solid feud.
Low Road:
The feud was out of the audience's mind for a long time. While it began when Edge got injured, the WWE didn't do much with it until Edge actually returned, making it somewhat abrupt. Jericho had moved on to other things since then. They could have teased it out more, but wanted to have Edge's return be a surprise. It also took the surprise out of Elimination Chamber where it quickly became evident than it was going to be Edge/Jericho and Jericho had to win.
High Road:
I think the match that Edge and Chris Jericho will have at WrestleMania 26 will definitely be a good one. In fact, I look at the entire WrestleMania card and I think we are guaranteed three very good matches. Edge and Chris Jericho have shown in the past that they can have a good match and I expect the same at WrestleMania.
Low Road:
Edge's in-ring abilities are in question given his injury and not being the ring for a while. He's delivered some solid matches on Smackdown, but with these two, the expectations for the wrestling are very high and it's still not guaranteed that Edge can deliver.
High Road:
Edge and Chris Jericho was the only logical option to go with at the main event on the SmackDown side of things. The only other option that could have worked would have been CM Punk and Rey Mysterio. The Edge and Chris Jericho feud probably works better in the main event slot over Punk and Mysterio just because it has been building for a lot longer.
Low Road:
Prior to Elimination Chamber, though, it could have easily been the Undertaker and someone, or even Batista and someone. With Jericho winning the World Heavyweight Championship, yeah, there's nothing better, but a feud featuring the Undertaker or Batista could have worked just as well.
High Road:
For this feud, I was expecting Jericho to have upper hand throughout the entire feud. I was expecting Chris Jericho to keep getting the best of Edge, which would lead to Edge getting the victory at WrestleMania. The WWE has decided to do the opposite of this, which I think is interesting because if Jericho had been getting the upper hand this feud would have been boring and predictable. Now, I am looking forward to seeing when Chris Jericho gets the advantage.
Low Road:
While interesting, it's making the World Heavyweight Champion look like a complete chump leading up to WrestleMania, which doesn't seem like the right way to go. Nor does it necessarily fit with Jericho's character since, while a cowardly heel, he's usually depicted as being smarter than his opponents and outsmarting them in and out of the ring. It's so one-sided that it doesn't quite fit with the characters.
High Road:
I'm not a big fan of the whole spear spear spear thing that Edge has been doing recently, but I have to admit that it looks to be working. First, it fits into the fact that Chris Jericho has been seeing the spear hitting him in his dreams and whatnot. Second, the crowd has really gotten behind this whole spear spear spear thing which is definitely a good thing. I am not a fan of the whole spear spear spear thing, but it seems to be working, so I guess that does it make it a good thing.
Low Road:
It's annoying and can easily turn around on the WWE when it becomes something that fans chant for no reason other than to chant it. It could easily become the next ‘What?' and we already have one of those. And it's annoying as hell. The ‘spear spear spear' chant catching on could retroactively make this whole feud a bad memory.
High Road:
Edge has been one of the most despised heels in the WWE in recent memory. For the fans to buy the new Edge, you needed to have him in a feud with somebody who the fans were not going to cheer for over Edge. I think Chris Jericho is the perfect option for this and I think this feud will help to make Edge more loved by the WWE universe.
Low Road:
Why does Edge need to turn face? His character wasn't stale, particularly since when we last saw him, he'd finally gotten rid of Vickie Guerrero and was flying solo again. His injury cut short that time to enjoy Edge as heel without Vickie in the picture and I personally would have enjoyed more of that. Edge's last attempt at a face turn didn't work and I wonder if this one could be sustained without someone like Jericho on the other side of the ring. More than that... can Edge actually play a face? Since returning, he's looked visibly thrown when he comes out to cheers. His mannerisms and speaking patterns are still geared to the heel characters he's played almost all of his career. Can Edge be a convincing face without Chris Jericho as the heel? That's what I'm wondering.
Simply write "High Road", "Low Road", or "Both Roads" in the comment section.
E-Mails:
These are all of the e-mails that we received this week. We do not respond to the actual e-mail, but the reply to your e-mail will be below.
Sat: We only received emails from people who were voting, so let's go to the comments.
Comments:
Below are the comments for last week's columns and our responses. Every comment will not be included because it makes our lives a lot easier. The comments section was last looked at on Sunday Night Pacific Time.
Greg Writes:
HIGH
Potentially the biggest hyped match in the history of WrestleMania, and potentially the greatest rematch in WrestleMania history. Nuff said.
Sat: It's pretty hard to accurately say whether this is the biggest hyped match in the history of WrestleMania, but I am definitely thinking the same thing you are.
Chad Nevett: This isn't the biggest hyped, but it's had a great build.
Zack Writes:
High Road
"The Undertaker's health is, apparently, much worse than last year and that doesn't raise my hopes for his in-ring performance."
So you think he should sit WM out then? Or you'd rather he be paired with someone less likely to be able to carry him to a great match, if his health does turn out to be an issue?
Those are the obvious options for Low Roaders.
Sat: I think Chad made a good point and that is the Undertaker's health is worse this year and that might lead to a worse match than last year. I don't think he said anywhere that Taker should sit out WrestleMania.
Chad Nevett: No, but perhaps booking him in a match that draws such high expectations for in-ring performance and direct comparisons to a fantastic match from last year isn't the right call. Booking him in a different sort of match that works to cover his weaknesses could have been done.
Guest#7223 Writes:
High Road.
As a wrestling fan, how could you not want to see this? They had the match of the year last year and the build to the rematch has been brilliant. That video package last week made it seem like the biggest match of all time, and it's not too far off. I believe this is in the top 5 of all time biggest Wrestlemania matches. Undertaker's streak v Shawn Michaels career, it just sounds epic! Don't be fooled by the talk of both guys being banged up, they will deliver another classic, I'm sure.
Sat: I think last year's match was overrated by a lot of people; I liked Jericho/Mysterio from The Bash I believe a lot more. Still, I am looking forward to this match.
Chad Nevett: I really do worry about how well the two matches will compare since I really loved their match last year. I think this match could be a step down. Still better than most matches, but it has a very tall bar to clear.
ROH Commish Writes:
Big negative has to be that this takes away the sole highlight of WM 25. If they deliver an equal performance, there is no reason to ever watch anything from WM 25 again.
Taker v Punk really should have been this mania's Taker match but they neutered Punk and rushed the angle. Taker really didn't need to return until Survivor Series at the earliest.
Really Mania sells itself. It is not necessary to have this match to pop a buyrate.
The greatest rematch was Rock v Austin and biggest hyped match was Andre v Hogan.
Sat: I don't agree with the negative that you are taking about. I think if they deliver a good match, both matches will be remembered.
Chad Nevett: Yeah, that point didn't make much sense to me.
Ojj Writes:
Im going low road with this since I dont want the streak broken and call me selfish but I dont want Michaels to retire either. Plus I'm not sure how they could make the match any better than it was last year.
Sat: This is one of the low road arguments that I will buy.
Chad Nevett: I think the streak versus career element was needed only to make this match bigger than last year's... and, maybe, to add drama to a match that won't be as good as last year's.
Guest#3675 Writes:
Can't be anything but a high road for this one, if it's anywhere near the quality of last years match then it'll be MoTY plus the story they can tell with HBK's career on the line should be epic. Streak aint gonna end though, Shawn will go the Foley route from 2000 and find a way back within a few weeks of his "career being over"
Sat: I can't see the WWE doing this. The most hyped match ever needs to be definitive; either the streak ends or the career.
Chad Nevett: I agree with Sat here. At minimum, Michaels needs to be gone for close to a year if he's going to return, not a few weeks. Ideally, this would be the retirement that sticks.
Kyle Writes:
High road. Undertaker going into Wrestlemania has been a predictable outcome lately. Career vs. the streak though gives Wrestlemania a little something extra. HBK is still one of the best performers and the added incentive of it being Wrestlemania makes it that much sweeter. This time the Undertaker's streak is in serious jeopardy. The outcome could go either way and has fans talking. We all want matches where the outcome is unpredictable and we have it finally for an undertaker match.
Sat: I think the streak versus the career thing has really upped the ante and I see this Mania doing a huge buy rate.
Chad Nevett: The stipulation does make it a little more unpredictable and that's something the match needed.
The Gold Standard Writes:
Low Road. Usually Wrestlemania rematches happen at other ppvs ex. rock vs. Hogan 2 nwo 2003 orton vs taker and hbk vs. angle happened at other ppvs. I just think its a lose lose situation because if you have Taker win, then its meaningless as he did a year before and people were expecting it. If Taker loses, then a guy (HBK) whos well established gets the rub of ending Takers streak win it would be better suited for an up and comer to do so. Like Ted DiBiase or yes Sheamus
Sat: I can understand the WWE's reluctance to have a young guy end the streak because he could walk away at any time.
Chad Nevett: I still think Kane should end the streak. Third time's the charm!
Guest#1599 Writes:
Low Road.
Positives:
- The build-up has been good
- I trust both veterans to find ways to improve upon last year's match
Negatives:
- Will overshadow the title matches
- Likely screwy finish: Streak can't end and I don't think HBK would want to lose cleanly again
- Time running out: While Taker can still deliver, he needs to perform alongside young guys
Sat: I agree that it will overshadow the title matches, but I am also really intrigued with Batista and John Cena.
Chad Nevett: I think the title matches are both strong enough that they can stand with this one. It feels more like three main events than anything else.
Cyks Writes:
Low.
HBK doesn't need the rub of beating UT and ending the streak.
UT doesn't need the rub of retiring HBK.
Such big stipulations will only push this match to be the biggest of the night and overshadow what should really matter (the titles).
There's no reason they couldn't have the fight at any other big PPV for the fans' sake.... With the two of them involved, there doesn't need to be anything on the line- so couldn't they have it at SummerSlam
just to see who the better man is?
Sat: It would have worked at another pay per view, but doing this at Mania is going to draw the WWE a huge buy rate.
Chad Nevett: I don't think that overshadowing the titles is a bad thing necessarily and the match could have happened elsewhere, but it wouldn't have the same drama and mystic since the Streak wouldn't be involved.
s1rude Writes:
High Road. Streak vs Career gives us, for the first time in a long time, (1) a match that we can't predict the outcome of and (2) for me at least, a match that I could be convinced that either outcome was a good one. I would book it for Michaels to get the pinfall (as only Mr. Wrestlemania could end the streak), then have them shake hands and both announce their retirement - having nothing else to prove or accomplish in the ring. Given that they seem unwilling to turn HBK, why not play the face v face respect angle to the hilt?
Regardless of how they take the story after the match, Taker still has a "no one else is even close" 17 straight WM victories and can continue to win at the Big One so that his record remains 17+x and 1. Creative gets out of what is becoming a booking bind - how do you plausibly keep the Streak going, and how do you top (presumably) two 4-5 star matches with Shawn?
I just can't see the negative on this one...looking forward to it!
Sat: The one thing that I have thought is that both guys are probably not going to retire anytime soon. They make a good amount of money for a pretty easy schedule.
Chad Nevett: I wonder how great the match itself is going to be. Michaels can carry people to great matches, but... yeah, I just don't know.
Eboney Writes:
High Road. Sorta..
Who doesn't want to see a match that can be generally enjoyed by all? It is kind of funny how the one guy the IWC as a whole accepts is Taker.. And bad health or not, he is still busting out great matches. However, their match at Mania 25 totally killed the crowd afterwards. Much like the way Hogan/Rock really hurt anything after it.
If the match is the main event, then oh hell yes. haha
Sat: Here's how I see the last three matches playing out, Cena/Batista, Divas match, HBK/Taker.
Chad Nevett: This match needs to be last, definitely.
Sneezy Writes:
Low Road.
Is the outcome REALLY in question? HBK is not gonna end the streak, and everybody knows that retirements in this business are only good until Creative finds a good way to bring the guy back.
While the build up has been GREAT so far, and the match will likely be an instant classic, it just feels like lazy booking to me. HBK vs. HHH was the money match this year and I think the storyline that would have led to that match would have been much more emotional and compelling than a simple rematch of last year's WM.
Indulge me for a minute as I make a prediction for the end of the match:
Ref Bump, HBK makes a pin, which is counted by some sort of unofficial referee, match restarted, Chokeslam, Tombstone, 1,2, KICKOUT, Last Ride, 1,2,3, enjoy your 3-6 month vacation Shawn. See ya soon.
Sat: Here's the thing though; if the WWE does a fake retirement, then I think when we look back at this match, it will have lost its luster. The cynic is me is saying that Shawn loses, comes back in six months, and the WWE will expect us not to complain because Shawn is back.
Chad Nevett: I also think that Michaels may be willing to retire. He's said he always thinks he's going to post-WrestleMania, but gets talked back into returning, so, maybe, this year, that's it. He had a fun run with Trips, goes out in a big match at ‘Mania and he's gone. I could see that happening.
HBK's Smile Writes:
High Road. This simply is the one possible WM match that can maximize mainstream intregue and workrate appeal.
The backstory is already written - two legends, coming off the heels of the best WM match in years, put up their all in a rematch. Shawn's career vs Taker's career-defining accomplishment in the streak. And after last year, we know these guys can deliver in spades.
Could there be a better workrate match possibly signed for WM? Possibly (and Jericho-Edge may be that). Could there be a bigger possible match in terms of mainstream appeal? Possibly (Taker-Cena comes to mind). But no other possible match could fuse the two so well as the rematch.
Sat: The only thing that might slow these two down is their health.
Chad Nevett: Which is where my main concern comes in. The only thing holding me back from totally marking out is the Undertaker's health.
Kyatollah Writes:
I'm going High Road for several reasons. First, from a financial standpoint, a rematch to one of the greatest WrestleMania should-have-been-the-main-event matches of all time is a licence to print money. Matchwise, worn-down or not, Undertaker would never miss 'Mania if he could help it, and Shawn is the one guy who could take care with Taker and still put on at least a 4-Star match. We had near 2 years of Shawn v. Hunter, and while fresh by now, the set match is the one to bank on. There are many, myself included, who'd love to see Michaels take down the Streak (in my eyes, he is the only one worth it.) Yet if this is to be HBK's swan song, he should go out in a show-stealing blaze of glory. The only thing he hasn't done is face the Rock, which likely will never happen. I personally see only one downside: if Shawn Michaels loses, wrestling loses me.
Sat: I agree. This match is a license to print money.
Chad Nevett: "I smell money!" — Vince McMahon.
Slunk House Writes:
Triple H will definitely be involved in this match. Does no one else see this?
Sat: I've given this some thought and I could see it happening, but the backlash is going to be crazy if this happens.
Chad Nevett: Yeah, I think (hope) the WWE is smart enough to know that this match requires no interference and a clean win or else people will be pissed.
Your reasons for taking the High Road, Low Road, or Both Roads and suggestions for future High Road/Low Road are welcome at satuncletrunx@gmail.com or in the comment section. Your reply will be included in next week's column.
How in god's name can this be anything but a high road?
High Road Over And Over!
Posted By: Mikey!! (Guest) on March 11, 2010 at 10:48 PM
high road easily....
are you guys really running out of column ideas? try finding more topics that are 'in the middle'....
Posted By: gomer (Guest) on March 11, 2010 at 10:50 PM
Low Road. Build has been god awful for this match. Not believable. Edge has not gotten over why he hates Jericho.
The feud should have started with Jerishow vs Edge and Christian.
Look at the tag match with thrown together Morrison and Truth and tell that the mania card would not have benefited with a Jerishow tag match and Morrison, Truth in MITB. Punk would be my champ or even Taker going into mania.
Posted By: ROH Commish (Guest) on March 11, 2010 at 11:07 PM
Both Roads.
While the match should be off the charts the build for it's been bland. Nothing really awe taking just edge saying SPEAR a lot.
Posted By: Evan (Guest) on March 11, 2010 at 11:24 PM
ITA w/ ROH Commish @ March 11, 2010 at 11:07 PM
WM is stacked pretty well, but it could have been better...
Edge could have returned at the Rumble and cost Big Show and Y2J victories. Sets up Edge/Christian v. JeriShow (still Unified Champs @ WM).
Who wins Rumble? CM Punk... who faces champion Rey (who beat Undertaker at Rumble or at Elim Chamber due to HBK-interference.) With the title, the match doesnt need any mask/hair stipulation ... which would naturally be added at their SummerSlam rematch.
Posted By: Guest#1850 (Guest) on March 11, 2010 at 11:48 PM
High Road
This is going to be a fantastic match for sure and the build up has been both epic and well thought out (especially given how rare it is to see a feud with more than a month of buildup)
The ONLY downside I can see is how completely onesided it's been so far. Jericho mouths off, Edge spears him. Rince, repeat, ad nauseum. Really it would be nice to see Edge get the upper hand at least ONCE before Wrestlemania.
Posted By: Guest#7644 (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 12:06 AM
Low Road. Build has been god awful for this match. Not believable. Edge has not gotten over why he hates Jericho.
The feud should have started with Jerishow vs Edge and Christian.
Look at the tag match with thrown together Morrison and Truth and tell that the mania card would not have benefited with a Jerishow tag match and Morrison, Truth in MITB. Punk would be my champ or even Taker going into mania.
Posted By: ROH Commish (Guest) on March 11, 2010 at 11:07 PM
I was going to say that the only people calling for 'Low Road' here would be diehard ROH/TNA fans that can't accept reality, and sure enough the screen name says it all.
High Road for me big time.
Posted By: Greg (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 12:35 AM
High Road.
Positives:
- Both know how to perform "big"
- This is hopefully the launching point of a longer feud
Negatives:
- As previously pointed out, there is no clear reason for these guys to hate each other
- Not enough build: the feud didn't really start until Edge selected Jericho as his opponent (just a few weeks ago)
I'm hoping for a good match with Jericho cheating to win. Actually, I'm hoping they both cheat like crazy.
With a "normal match" not being enough to settle the feud, it would be logical for them to start competing in gimmick matches at the upcoming themed PPVs.
Posted By: Guest#5767 (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 01:00 AM
High Road.To great wrestlers and something new and fresh.I just hope Jericho retains as I think they could drag the feud maybe a month or so and blow it off in a TLC match.Plus it would prevent Jericho from seeming as a transitional champ.
Posted By: The Gold Standard (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 01:06 AM
High Road
I think this weeks High Road/Low Road is REDICULOUS.
When you put WWEs 2 most creative wrestlers and main eventers in the same ring for the years biggest PPV, how can anything go wrong?
Posted By: Guest#4704 (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 04:34 AM
High Road.
The build up hasnt been great but its still Jericho v Edge & it should be a good match, i really hope Jericho wins somehow because its a nice change when a Rumble winner comes up short & i think the fued should continue till Backlash where Edge could then win.
Posted By: jbardo (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 06:28 AM
High Road for Edge and Jericho. And i know this is late but low road for HBK/Taker. Pure and simply HBK/Taker will barely be a 4-star match this year. And as long as Edge is semi fit, him and Jericho will easily tear the house down and i think Edge/Jericho is the only match that deserves to mainevent. Only one thing could stop WWE from putting it as mainevent and for me that would be Jericho retaining and WWE not wanting the show to end with a heel on top.
But then again the Edge/Jericho match could have a new layer to it completely if Christian wins money in the bank. Imagine Christian with the World title as the show fades off. And then imagine Christian v Jericho v Edge at extreme rules in a ladder match.
Posted By: Rob (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 06:52 AM
High Road, its going to be a great match with these two. Edge has started pulling off solid matches and is getting better. Jericho is an amazing wrestler and can make anyone look good, Edge doesn't really need anyone to make him look really good. Its also something fresh, we haven't seen this in a long time.
Posted By: Guest#9716 (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 08:14 AM
Er... Low Road.
As talented as they may be, there's just something about Jericho and Edge that doesn't scream "main eventers". It is kind of hard to explain. The main eventers of the WWE have that special IT factor that makes them stand out. They don't need a far-fetched gimmick and they don't need to do a bazillion wrestling moves. And you can build a brand around them.
Posted By: Eboney (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 08:49 AM
High road simply because they wii put on a great wrestling match at Wrestlemania.
The build has been incredibly bad, but this is only the 4th biggest match on the show anyway behind Taker-HBK, Batista-Cena and Bret-Vince.
Essentially, we already got the payoff to this angle on Edge's first night back, when he entered the Rumble and within 20 seconds, speared and eliminated Jericho. Jericho has been Edge's bitch for the past month and a half, is there really any great calling to see him get beat by him again, only this time in an official match? I think in most fans eyes there isn't, and that's why this match will not close the show, it would be a very flat ending.
Like I said, I'm still looking forward to it, they are 2 good wrestlers who will put on a good match, but this had the potential to be so much bigger than it is.
Posted By: Guest#6292 (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 08:51 AM
Both roads, leaning low because of how much I hate Edge as a face. But I can't vote low on anything that puts the strap on the Ayatollah and ensures him more screen time.
I disagree that "spear, spear, spear" is getting over - the crowd seemed pretty indifferent to it last Friday night - he's selling it so hard that it's embarrassing, and the move itself looks pretty weak and is used by a couple of other guys on the main event scene! This and some lame bad breath jokes and I see a heel turn by the end of summer.
Plus, they're spending all of their time on getting pop for Edge and not telling the story of why these guys are feuding. I guess the belt explains it, but the suggestions by other posters of JeriShow v a reunited Edge & Christian and Punk v Rey Rey for the WHC have me mourning for what might have been.
Regardless, this Jericoholic is expecting some good-to-great matches featuring a sneaky victory by the heel at 'mania that leads to longer chase. It's not all bad...
Posted By: s1rude (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 10:48 AM
Both Roads, for sure. This has a lot of parallels to the HBK/Taker match. If Edge isn't on his game (a valid question), then Jericho could definitely make this a 4 star match by sheer force of will; he's really that good. I feel Jericho needs to win, though, precisely because Edge hasn't clicked that well as a face and the reaming he's given Jericho this whole feud (I don't like the idea of chants equally success otherwise Morrison would be huge for his Mr. Ziggles stupidity). If Edge wins in a mostly one-sided affair, then I'm afraid we'll see more face Edge which doesn't seem like a good use of his talents. But if Jericho wins, maybe we can get a slow burn on Edge cracking and becoming his normal self again. I think WWE loves it's producing faces because they make more money than anything else, but Edge is not that guy. I had this idea that, to screw Edge but keep Jericho his cowardly self, they would have ShowMiz lose the belts and have Show interfere for Jericho for the win. Hopefully, interference like that doesn't happen (I like tag-team wrestling), but the best bet to me seems like giving Jericho the Flair treatment and having him just barely win matches and keep the belt. BTW, I have NO confidence in my booking skills.
Posted By: ThePants (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 10:49 AM
High and low.
High points: The match should be really good and it's got the big time feel of a "very first time encounter." Both guys, while not on the absolute main event level of HBK, HHH or Undertaker (mostly due to Edge's injuries and Jericho's sabbatical) are capable of easily putting on the match of the night.
Low Point: The build hasn't really been there. I realize they were tag champs, Edge got injured and Jericho took on a new partner. But why does Edge despise Jericho? The SPEAR thing hasn't really made it to WHAT levels just yet.
Posted By: Jake Fury (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 10:56 AM
High Road.
No reason for these guys to hate each other? Guys, Jericho named Edge his partner to be Tag Team champions and then Edge got injured and bailed on Jericho. Jericho even cut a promo on Edge when he got injured calling him weak unlike Big Show.
The seeds for this fued were sown when Edge got injured.
While I think this match will deliver big time, the recent build up has been really underwhelming. They have failed to even mention Jericho and Edge were Tag Champs, and so far Jericho has looked like a big chicken despite being the champion. Oh, and that SPEARSPEARSPEAR chant is god awful.
Nevertheless, Jericho is world champ and that's a huge plus. I just hope he doesn't get speared and lose the title to Edge, that would be lame. I hope both men go all out and put on a 4 star match like we all know they can/will.
If Edge wins at WM I expect him to fued with Christian after he wins MITB. If not, I expect Edge to beat Jericho for the belt at the following PPV.
Posted By: Observer (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 11:29 AM
High Road for the match: this should be awesome. HBK may be Mr. WrestleMania, but look back at Edge's performances. He's damn close. HBK vs. Edge would rule at a future WM, by the way.
Low Road for the build: it hasn't been inspiring. Too much about the spear, not enough about their history, the title and the actual people involved.
Posted By: Trooft (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 11:40 AM
Both roads. Leaning towards low.
Posted By: Hyde_Hill (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 12:57 PM
Pretty good chance that there are screwy finishes or non-finishes, and then we get the real match a month later at Backlash (probably will be renamed to WWE Wrestlemania Rematches).
Posted By: Guest#7699 (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 02:35 PM
High road because it freaking EDGE vs JERICHO.
Posted By: david (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 03:06 PM
Edge and Jericho,two of the best wrestlers in the wwe,meeting at wrestlemaina.How is that NOT a high road?
Posted By: steven (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 03:20 PM
"It is kind of funny how the one guy the IWC as a whole accepts is Taker.. And bad health or not, he is still busting out great matches."
I dont know about the IWC as a whole. I find his matches to be better than average but not amazing, get tired of his backstage politics, and hate the fact that one match every year at WM is a foregone conclusion.
Yes the wrestling and story is important, but watching a match where the winner is 100% set in stone is annoying. Also, he never puts people over clean.
Also, anyone claiming Y2J/Edge as Low Road is a moron. This will be MOTN.
Posted By: Guest#1633 (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 03:33 PM
Both Roads
Edge and Jericho could in fact tear up the house and put on a great match and have people wanting for more..that said it could also be a cluterf#$k match with nothing but spear,lionsault...etc,etc.
I think these 2 superstars deserved a better buildup and agree that because of that the match doesnt seem to have the draw of UT/HBK.
In all fairness I expect a great match and would love to see Christain win MITB and cash in to be part of this match.a triple threat with these 3 and their history....now thats a match.
I still think HHH will interfere in UT/HBK..only way to appease the UT and HBK fans,UT streaks lives and HBK doesnt have to retire cause of HHHs intereference.
Posted By: The Reaper (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 04:28 PM
"Potentially the biggest hyped match in the history of WrestleMania, and potentially the greatest rematch in WrestleMania history. Nuff said"
Hyped, yes. Biggest rematch? Two words; Rock, Austin.
Posted By: PJL - FF (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 06:23 PM
I get the feeling that the whole spear thing is to set up Jericho actually kicking out of the move, throwing Edge off his game, leading to a loss. Then yes, a slow burn to a heel return.
Posted By: SpearSpearSpear (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 07:48 PM
I'm going High Road for this one as well. Edge and Chris Jericho are the most consistent main eventers not in a streak-vs.-career match. Provided the build evens out, we'll get, at worst, a bout to rival Edge-Taker. Also, given the severity of the injury (one my uncle suffered at great struggle,) I have a new respect for Edge, as I bet many do. He should have no problem holding the top face position on Smackdown as long as needed.
Posted By: Kyatollah (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 08:08 PM
ermmm, it's edge vs jericho? how high road can you get?
Posted By: gooched (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 08:11 PM
rock austin wasnt that big of a rematch, Maybe on paper, but by that time, rock and austin were pretty out of favour with fans thanks to rock running to hollywood, and austin "taking his ball and going home". It was certainly a big match, but no where near as hyped as taker and shawn 2, which is being wrestled by guys that were actually pretty relevant to wrestling in that past 12 months
Posted By: gooched (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 08:16 PM
HIGH road. both of these guys are absolute workhorses. they've been here before, they know what to do. how could you doubt edge like that??
Posted By: Csonkamaniac III (Registered) on March 12, 2010 at 08:37 PM
High road. You have two of the greatest performers in the WWE today, it's a fresh match up, Edge could win a title and not have it be cheap, and they DO have a good reason to fight. Y2J was being such a douche after Edge got hurt. I'd want some retribution and what better way than to take a belt at WM?
Posted By: The Great Capt. Smooth (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 10:49 PM
Gooched
The Rock had been a three time world champion in the year prior to the the Austin rematch. Austin was back from neck surgery in September and coming off a legendary feud with Triple H.
How on earth can you think they weren't relevant at the time of the rematch???
Posted By: Guest#7019 (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 11:36 PM
Middle road. If it's used to put Jericho over and further this feud into the summer it'll have been worthwhile. If Edge wins, it's a bit of a dead end.
Match quality is definitely up for question. I find Edge so underwhelming and these two didn't have particularly good matches back in 2004.
If Jericho wins, and say Christin wins MITB then post-Mania, Smackdown has a good chase for the title. You could have Edge, Christian, Morrison, R-Truth, Punk all with credible challenges to the champion.
Posted By: Guest#9661 (Guest) on March 12, 2010 at 11:40 PM
Next weeks column: Does Daniel Bryan have the basic in-ring wrestling fundamentals down?
Posted By: Gozzo (Guest) on March 13, 2010 at 11:12 AM
High Road all around.
You are guaranteed a good match and I don't think the outcome is gonna be all that predictible. Plus, if the WWE basically does what fans are predicting by having Christian win the MITB match, he can credibly go after either one, since he has history with both men. I find that interesting.
Posted By: JLAJRC (Guest) on March 13, 2010 at 04:32 PM
I'm going to say Low Road for the simple reason that their was an opportunity to have a genuinely special Wrestlemania moment. In my opinion it would have made more sense to have kept Jerishow together and have them defend their tag-titles against Edge and Christian. Not only does that give the fans something that they have been waiting for for close to a decade (the nostalgia dollar is always huge at 'Mania) but it also gives Edge a lighter workload after his rehab, and gives the Jericho/Edge feud more longevity leading to a possible singles match at Summerslam. I for one feel that they have rushed this feud as is the norm for WWE these days.
Posted By: Caulfield (Guest) on March 13, 2010 at 04:38 PM
High Road.
Posted By: kEkE (Guest) on March 14, 2010 at 12:10 AM
Both Roads. The criticism is well-founded and there have been predictable outcomes and stupid things to happen, and Edge as a face does not excite me.
HOWEVER.... Edge vs Jericho is one of the best possible matchups that they can and will make for a title at WrestleMania. While I would love to see Jericho/Punk or Jericho/Taker, they simply won't book them, so we get this instead. I hate the spear chants but this is finally the match where Jericho gets his due at possibly the best WrestleMania card ever. That alone gives this a high road. Chris Jericho in a world title match at the biggest stage that isn't a guaranteed squash match is enough to make me somewhat happy.
P.S. Jericho is winning this match.
Posted By: Jon (Guest) on March 14, 2010 at 04:46 AM
LOW ROAD
For the love of God, I love Jerico to death, but Edge? Come on, already. He was entertaining as hell as a heel, but he kept winning matches through loopholes that I lost all faith in him, and then he turns face with his big thing being "The Spear"? That gimmick is terrible. He's way overselling a move done by so many people so much better. I agree with a previous comment. This being an Edge/Christian vs Jerishow match would have been way better. TLC. Leave Edge heel to add tension. Give the people what the want.
Posted By: Rage (Guest) on March 14, 2010 at 11:06 AM
Low road.
Of course these guys can put on a great match, but I feel this feud was rooted in the fact that Jericho found a superior tag partner. The feud, I feel should have surrounded those titles. Jerishow should have dominated and never lost the titles.
The match should have been the reunion of Edge and Christian against Jerishow.
Posted By: Heyyo (Guest) on March 17, 2010 at 01:34 AM
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