411 PPV Roundtable: WWE Over The Limit 2010

Introduction:

This Sunday on pay-per-view television, World Wrestling Entertainment presents the first annual Over The Limit extravaganza. It features eight matches with various personal issues and title implications at stake. The WWE, World, Intercontinental, Diva & Unified Tag Team championships will be on the line, one man will put his hair on the line for a chance to make his adversary join his society, and…well, Virgil will be there too.

I’m Steve Cook, and I found myself in quite a pickle when the Honorable Ashish decided to do maintenance on the forums on the very week that I was scheduled to fill in for Stephen Randle on organizing this very Roundtable. I was given an e-mail list, but it took awhile for some people to get the memo…and, well, some people didn’t.

It turns out that it may have been a blessing in disguise. I don’t know about you guys, but when I read the Roundtable last month I saw way too much agreeance for my liking. This left me to wonder if us 411 writers are so caught up being in our ivory tower and on our high horses that we can no longer see the forest for the trees…or if WWE’s product has become so predictable that everybody has the same opinion about it. So I opened up the ranks to some of my bestest Internet friends and had them chime in with what they thought would happen at Over The Limit. We’ll find out if some new blood will result in differing of opinion, or if WWE just generates the same opinions from everybody that watches it.

The Participants:

First of all, the man who does the Contentous Ten and does other things to draw the ire of commenters everywhere…hubba hubba, it’s Aaron Hubbard!

Secondly, please welcome Chad “Don’t Call Me Ochocinco” Nevett!

Introducing a former 411 Fan Forum and e-fedding legend from the United Kingdom…he was one of the first 411 friends of your humble correspondent and has the distinction of being the only person I know that actually met his wife at this very website. Well, I think they consummated things elsewhere, but still it started at 411. Richard Elsey, come on down!

Say hello to the man on the Smackdown beat…Michael Uphoff!

It wouldn’t be a 411 Roundtable without the man who runs this ish and is a mean mothertruckin‘ servant of God, Larry Csonka!

From the Arctic Circle, getting ready for the Summer Of Penguin, it’s the Penguin!

From the 411 Movie Zone & Steve Gustafson’s Big Screen Bulletin, a man who’s followed wrestling longer than the Jack Daniel’s will let him remember and who knows his Batman…Tony Acero!

Here’s another one of my e-fedding buddies, a kid who made his 411 debut many years ago when he recapped the CHIKARA Podcast A-Go-Go for my News From Cook’s Corner column. Now he’s a class president that loves wrestling. Who’da thunk it. Welcome back Steve Montoya!

411’s Divas Expert is here to make his picks and show some love to the ladies…say hello to Andy Critchell!

This man has been entertaining the 411 writers ever since I can remember…please welcome Manu Bumb!

Now introducing…the man who took over the Rs & Fact or Fiction from Larry Csonka and provides the Movie section with the Hush-Hush News Report…it’s Jeremy Thomas!

And there’s me too. So let’s get to the predicting!

Images courtesy WWE.com

Ted DiBiase vs. R-Truth

Aaron Hubbard: Aside from the fact that VIRGIL is here, there’s nothing special about this match. DiBiase can have good matches. R-Truth can have good matches. I don’t know if they can have a good against each other. Moreover, I don’t know if they will get the time to have a good match. DiBiase is the one they are going to push, so I’ll give him the nod here

Winner: Ted DiBiase

Chad Nevett: I’m not entirely sold on Ted DiBiase basically copying his father’s gimmick, especially with Virgil in tow, but it has been entertaining. He hasn’t had the upper hand entirely and think a win here will give him the necessary heat.

Winner: Ted Dibiase

Richard Elsey: I see DiBiase picking up a win here so he can continue what momentum he’s garnered so far. From the Million Dollar Belt to the inclusion of Virgil, R-Truth being over is no reason to hold Ted’s push down.

Winner: Ted DiBiase

Michael Uphoff: For a match that seems thrown together at the last minute, I’m intrigued and interested to see this one. R-Truth can go with just about anybody, and DiBiase is rocking this newfound gimmick of the Fortunate Son. I hope that they get some decent time because they might actually put on a good midcard match.

Winner: The Fortunate Son Ted DiBiase, Jr.

Larry Csonka: This could be a pretty good undercard bout. I like Ted and he is talented, and R-Truth can deliver when not on 4-minute bullshit matches. Right now everything is about pushing Teddy, but I could see Virgil costing Teddy the match and getting fired and being beat down.

Winner: R-Truth

Penguin: Is it just me or has this angle toed the racist line a little too closely? I see the original Virgil turning on Teddy Jr. and helping R-Truth get the victory. Surely the WWE wouldn’t fall into the Booker and HHH trap again would they?

Winner: R-Truth

Tony Acero: VIRGIL FOR THE WIN!!! Ah, nostalgia…so great in small doses. I met R-Truth once and asked him a couple of questions, judging by his answers he literally is there to have fun and doesn’t mind his position. I like that in a performer. At any rate, DiBiase is getting the push here and I see Virgil having something to do with R-Truth’s loss. Truth can handle it and DiBiase needs it.

Winner:Ted DiBiase

Steve Montoya: Well it seems like they’re pushing Teddy here especially with the return of THEE WRESTLING SUPERSTAR Virgil. If they give this enough time, it could be a decent little match. I’m really glad that DiBiase is done with Rhodes/Orton. He’s getting a real personality, albeit that it’s a rip-off of daddy, but whatever.

Winner: Ted DiBiase

Andy Critchell: Is this the match that will launch Ted Jr. to the main event? Probably not. But R-Truth is a very over babyface and an underrated worker and should provide Ted with the opportunity to show his skills and impress some people.

Winner: Ted DiBiase

Manu Bumb: I’m not buying Teddy as the next Million Dollar Man (Virgil wasn’t even wearing a glittery vest for pete’s sake!), but I’ve never really bought R-Truth at all in WWE (although I do enjoy his sing-along). I really enjoyed their first interaction where Killings slapped Ted, but……ever since then, I just haven’t cared. Having said that, it does have the potential to be a decent mid-card match.

Winner: Ted DiBiase

Jeremy Thomas: DiBiase needs the win more and has the bigger star on him. I don’t mean to be too brief on this, but it’s just as simple as that. I think these guys will have a competent match but not much more than that and after some back-and-forth action, Virgil helps Ted pick up the win.

Winner: Ted DiBiase

Steve Cook: Teddy needs the win a lot more than R-Truth, who has a certain popularity with the masses that allows him to lose matches and still have the people yell “WHAT’S UP?” on any given night. DiBiase needs to establish himself as a singles guy, and this could be the start. I don’t see this being a particularly good match…maybe a decent Superstars main event if we’re really lucky.

Winner: Ted DiBiase

Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk: If Rey Loses, He Joins The Straight Edge Society. If Punk Loses, He Gets His Head Shaved

Aaron Hubbard: I still say this should be Mask vs. Hair, but whatever. If this would have happened a month ago, I would have given the nod to Punk because they could have continued the storyline. At this point though, this pretty much seems like it should be the feud-ender. Mysterio seems like he should be facing Swagger for the title. Punk can work against anybody, but it would probably be Christian. Wonder what Punk will look like bald.

Winner: Rey Mysterio

Chad Nevett: I’ve loved this story, but have been awful at predicting who will win these matches. With any luck, it will be another quality performance from these two and I think CM Punk will walk away from Detroit bald.

Winner: Rey Mysterio

Richard Elsey: Ooooh, this one’s a critical one for yours truly. Quite honestly, I don’t know which way this is going to go, and that’s a testament to this feud. Punk keeping his hair serves as an avenue for the SES disbanding. I guess I can see Mysterio joining the SES, but using it to his advantage by further ‘poisoning’ the minds of Luke and Serena.

Winner: CM Punk

Michael Uphoff: Unlike some people, I’ve followed this feud ever since before Wrestlemania and enjoyed nearly every part of it. I was shocked when they only got six and a half minutes at Wrestlemania, and their Extreme Rules match was better. The stipulations of each match were ok, but what they did was kill the match and make it dead easy to guess. Rey losing at Mania or joining the SES, where Punk puts up absolutely nothing. Punk losing at Extreme Rules and going bald or Rey losing and giving up absolutely nothing. Since they actually have a double stipulation, I’m thinking Punk wins to force Rey to join the SES. That would certainly liven up Friday nights. Here’s to hoping that they get good time like they did at Extreme Rules, but finally put on the match that they are capable of. The past two matches, it seemed like something was missing.

Winner: CM Punk; Rey Mysterio must join the SES

Larry Csonka: I have really enjoyed the feud thus far. While I feel that the matches have needed some more time and can be even better, they should get the chance to deliver here. With Rey’s mask not on the line here, I hope that they pull the plug on Rey losing and having to join the SES. The booking possibilities are so much more if that happens. Then later, Rey can put his mask on the line against his freedom.

Winner: CM Punk

Penguin: Finally we have to get a payoff, or do we? I still see this ending in a mask vs hair match at Summerslam. To make that happen, Punk has to keep his hair. I see a Punk victory and Rey putting his mask on the line to get out of the SES. Surely in a four month long feud we can get one above average match, right?

Winner: CM Punk

Tony Acero: I seriously sat here for a long time considering this match and that is why I think it will take match of the night. The storyline is compelling, they’ve got CM Punk being CM Punk, and they’ve completely got me hooked anytime they are on the screen. Let’s not forget the masked vigilante who continually interrupts the matches in Punks favor (with the exception of Smackdown yesterday). Basically, this feud has been going on since Mania and not once have I felt bored with it. What confuses me the most about it is what happens after the win. If Rey wins, Punk shaves his head and although I’m sure Punk can make it work, I don’t think I want to see it. If Punk wins, Rey joins SES and I don’t see that as exciting TV either. Looks like I’ll have to flip a coin.

Winner: CM Punk with help from The drug free masked man (yeah…the coin told me that)

Steve Montoya: Now here’s the match I’m looking forward to most on this card. Punk, as much as I thought how overrated he was on the indies, really, along with his crew are becoming the one thing I truly enjoy on WWE programming besides Bob Barker…oh that was a one shot deal? Damn. I’m going to pick Punk because one, I don’t wanna see a bald punk and two, I’d like to see how Mysterio is booked as a member of the SES.

Winner: Slut Magnet Punk

Andy Critchell: This feud has lost a little bit of steam in my opinion but both guys are very talented in their roles and Rey being forced into the SES has a lot of fun possibilities.

Winner: Punk

Manu Bumb: I actually like this feud. They’ve done good stuff over the past couple months. We all know ChipMunk Punk and Rey can deliver, so if given the time, I fully expect this match to be one of the best all night, if not THE best, and there’s not even a title involved! Rumor has it Rey was supposed to get knee surgery sometime before WM, but he stuck around, and kept sticking around long after that, so either he needs to go now, or that was just a hoax. Either way, I see Punk winning, possibly with a post-match beatdown of Rey to take him out for a while.

Winner: Punk

Jeremy Thomas: Decisions, decisions. Do they make Rey join the Society and expand this angle further, or shave Punk’s head? My money isn’t on Rey. The reason for that is because there is still mileage here and if Punk loses, he loses the respect of the Society and we still have a mystery man to name. I think that mystery man gets involved here and costs Rey the match once again, and then is named after the match or on SmackDown. Oh, and this should be a great match.

Winner:CM Punk

Steve Cook: Hubbard makes a good point that Rey would be a good opponent for Jack Swagger in a title feud. However, I feel that the issue between Swagger & Big Show will still be going on after this show. I also feel that it would be totally wrong for CM Punk to not have hair. I think this feud has fallen victim to high expectations, meaning that people expect so much from these guys since they’re two of the better in-ring workers in the company, so when they don’t have a **** or above match or get the time allotted to do so, people get pissy. It’s been a good feud, but still some people expect more. Will it end here? I’d say not.

Winner: CM Punk

WWE Divas Title Match: Eve © vs. Maryse

Aaron Hubbard: I don’t care. Maryse doesn’t exactly lose often, but I don’t think Eve is dropping the title yet.

Winner: Eve

Chad Nevett: Um, yeah… this looks awful, if only because anytime these two wrestle, I’m convinced one of them is going to walk away injured. Give the belt back to Maryse, I guess?

Winner and NEW WWE Divas Champion: Maryse

Richard Elsey: Sleeper this one, and I see Eve retaining as I feel both women’s titles have been getting tossed around lately. Maryse does pretty well for herself – gold or no gold.

Winner: Eve

Michael Uphoff: I’ve not really watched RAW the past couple weeks when the Divas were on screen, so I really don’t know what’s been going on between the two, aside from backstage fighting. Of course, Maryse gets to have her rematch, but I really don’t care who wins, although it would make no sense for Eve to lose. So I guess I’ll go with……….

Winner: Eve

Larry Csonka: Truth be told, I am not really into the feud as I do not feel that they have done that much to make me care. It will be short, and they likely switch the title back to Maryse here.

Winner: Maryse

Penguin: Apparently they are trying to market Eve. I know this because when I was in Mexico she was on a bag of chips in my room. Unfortunately, I don’t have a clue who she is. Maryse on the other hand I’m a big fan of. Which means she’ll lose.

Winner: Eve

Tony Acero: Did somebody say….3 Minutes! Yes, because that’s about how long this will last. Then again, I’m not entirely sure I’d want it to last any longer. On Smackdown, I thought Eve was serviceable and even though Maryse isn’t the GREATEST in the ring, I think her bitchy personality helps immensely. I won’t sit here with crossed fingers hoping for a good match, but I will say that Eve wins simply because I don’t think they’re done with this blonde vs. brunette fued.

Winner: Eve

Steve Montoya: I usually grab a beer, piss or fast forward during diva segments, so I’ll just pick Cook’s girl.

Winner: Maryse

Andy Critchell: So after I come home from a long day at the office I find dinner waiting for me. After sampling the delicious Spanish inspired dishes and French wine we retire to the hot tub…oh wait, you want to know about the match? Uh, well I guess this should be fun or at least fun to look at. They are both hot.

Winner: Maryse

Manu Bumb: Who cares? Wait – why is my “winner” field already filled in with Maryse? Damn you Cook! (Editor’s Note: These accusations are completely unfounded and we’ll chalk them up to Manu being three sheets to the wind.) Anyways, just kidding about “who cares”. Well, partially. I love good wrestling, be it men or women. A good wrestling match is a good wrestling match. Having said that, neither of these women are what I consider good. But, given they’re all WWE has, I hope its short, I hope no one gets injured while spinning around *cough**cough**cough* maryse, and I hope Eve retains. I know she doesn’t get a lot of love here in the IWC, but I think she tries hard, she’s doing some sort of martial arts training, she’s not as bad as some of the other divas, and she was kinda getting a push on SD with Cryme Tyme, so I’m hoping WWE sees something in her and lets her retain for the time-being.

Winner: Maryse Eve

Jeremy Thomas: Simple math. Eve has Jillian, Alicia Fox and Maryse as potential opponents; Maryse has Gail Kim, Natalya and the Bellas, plus Melina when she gets back. Plus Maryse is better in the ring. I vote her. Ooh la la.

Winner: Maryse (NEW WWE Butterfly Champion)

Steve Cook: Richard makes a good point…the Sexiest of the Sexy doesn’t need the Divas title. Her glorious bitchiness comes across well whether she’s the champion or not, as she’s one of those people that thinks they’re the Ultra Mega Champion of the Universe no matter what anybody else tells them. Being one of those people myself, I appreciate that. The belt would do more to enhance Eve Torres’ standing within WWE than it would Maryse, so if I was thinking from a booking perspective I’d probably keep the belt on Eve. As leader of the 411 Branch of the Maryse Fan Club, I don’t feel obligated to think like a booker.

Winner: Maryse

Unified Tag Team Title Match: The Miz and Chris Jericho vs The Hart Dynasty ©

Aaron Hubbard: This has the potential to be a good match. I still have a fundamental problem with Chris Jericho being reduced to teaming with The Miz, and with The Miz still stuck in the tag team scene for that matter. The Hart Dynasy are the only real team left, (and don’t bring up the Dudebusters) they just started their reign and winnign the titles is a lateral move for The Miz and a step down for Jericho. If there’s any justice, we’ll get a retention here.

Winner: The Hart Dynasty

Chad Nevett: This has potential to be really good. The Hart Dynasty just got the belts and dropping them now wouldn’t make any sense. Better for them to win and for Jericho and Miz’s short-lived partnership to dissolve because of in-fighting. The Miz dealing with having no belts after having two (three?) should be entertaining. If anyone can turn losing belts into an advantage right now, it’s the Miz.

Winners and STILL WWE Unified Tag Team Champions: The Hart Dynasty

Richard Elsey: With The Miz most likely clashing with Danielson further down the road, and Jericho being the unconditional draw that he is, I’d say it’s a safe bet the champs will retain and will keep adding some credibility to their reign.

Winner: The Hart Dynasty

Michael Uphoff: I’m looking forward to watching this match. I am. I don’t get why the Miz is saddled with being a tag team partner. When he won the United States Championship from Kofi Kingston, I thought he was done with tag teams. When he partnered with the Big Show, that was pretty cool, but he doesn’t need to partner with Jericho. It does give the Hart Dynasty a good heel team to face (pun unintended), but it really isn’t needed. The Miz was focused as a singles wrestler. That being said, I don’t know how long the Hart Dynasty holds the straps. I’m about 50-50 on this one, and so I’ll just pick one.

Winner: The Hart Dynasty

Larry Csonka: This right here has a chance to be one hell of a match. Tyson and David can work, but they haven’t been given the chances to shine that many times in the company. They have the ability and athleticism to make good things happen. The Miz is constantly improving and working well with everyone these days, and with Jericho playing architect, I can see great things happening here. With the recent booking, I can see Jericho and Miz winning the titles for a short run so that they can feud with the Hart Dynasty more and help bring them up a level so to speak. This could be really good if they get the time.

Winner: The Miz and Chris Jericho

Penguin: The Hart Dynasty is riding on the coattails of Bret, who seems to be leaving. Miz just lost his title and needs something to do. Logic says a title change happens here. HOWEVER, I will buck that logic. WWE has yet to come up with a cool mashup of Jericho and Miz’ themes, and thus I don’t see them winning here.

Winner: Hart Dynasty

Tony Acero: Hart Dynasty hasn’t blown me away, but I don’t think that’s entirely their fault. The Miz, however, has been a favorite of mine since his feud with Cena. I also like his “talking from the back towards the ring” promos that he does. Oh the match? While I’d love for Jericho and Miz to get the gold, I don’t think we’re ready for it. Besides that, The Hart Dynasty needs some sort of build and/or legit threat to be considered champions and Jericho and Miz are just the two to do it for them.

Winner: The Hart Dynasty

Steve Montoya: I really wish Jericho was up in the main event picture cause I think he’s awesome at what he does but I think putting over some fellow Canadians wouldn’t hurt him at all. I’m really praying for this to lead to a Miz/Jericho feud that was oh so epic on Twitter last summer.

Winner: Hart Dynasty

Andy Critchell: Taking the belts off the Hart Dynasty here would totally kill their momentum. WWE is not stupid.

Winner: Hart Dynasty

Manu Bumb: I really hope they get a decent amount of time, because these two teams can do something great. I’m mostly talking about Jericho and Kidd, but I do like DH, and appreciate Miz showing up so its not a handicap match. With Bret winning the US title (or are they secretly retiring it?), I can’t see them giving the shaft to the hart dynasty, so hopefully they’ll get the rub from Jericho and retain.

Winner: Hart Dynasty

Jeremy Thomas:There’s no reason to put Jericho and Miz back in the tag team title arena. The point here seems to be putting the Harts over strong and I have no doubt that will happen. Of course, I also have no doubt that Bret will be involved which will hurt the Hart’s credibility a bit. Either way all four men will work their asses off in what will probably be the opening match of the show, and the belts will stay where they are.

Winner:The Hart Dynasty (STILL WWE Unified Tag Team Champions)

Steve Cook: I’m more torn on this one than most of my colleagues. I can see Miz & Jericho pulling out the win to lead into an elongated feud with the Dynasty that allows them to sit under the learning tree of Jericho. But like many have said, I think a loss here would do enough short-term damage to DH & Tyson to make it a really difficult job to build them up again. I think the Harts will continue to ride the wave of momentum and Jericho & Miz will have to either go back to the drawing board or return to singles competition.

Winner: The Hart Dynasty

IC Title Match: Drew McIntyre © vs. Kofi Kingston

Aaron Hubbard: Yeah, because Kofi would definitely win the IC Title after Drew screwed him out of the title win on Smackdown! What do you think this is, Wrestlemania season? Please….

Winner: Drew McIntyre

Chad Nevett: This has been an interesting story, though I do think McIntyre would have been better off feuding with Christian only because he’s still fresh and should be paired against veterans as much as possible to help him develop. With rumours of either Kofi or MVP turning heel, a win here only for the belt to be taken away and the victory nullified could be a good reason for Kofi to snap.

Winner and NEW Intercontinental Champion: Kofi Kingston

Richard Elsey: All the shenanigans surrounding McIntyre since he won the belt, and most notably his reinstatement as champion lead me to think we’ll see a good ol’ Face vs. Heel pay off for Kofi. Expect Drew to get the next big push after this month however.

Winner: Kofi Kingston

Michael Uphoff: When did this match get added? I don’t really care about this match, even though I love watching Kofi Kingston. He’s a bigger, better version of Rey Mysterio. He’s younger, faster, and more athletic than Rey. With this being said, I don’t care AT ALL about Drew McIntyre. The guy is boring, his music is boring, whenever he talks he’s boring, his moves are boring. Something needs to change about this guy. He’s a decent wrestler with absolutely no heat. The WWE had him almost kill Hardy and that helped a little. That being said, a feud between these two might not be so bad. To prolong a potentially interesting feud, I say Drew wins via nefarious means.

Winner and still Intercontinental Champion: Drew McIntyre

Larry Csonka: The angle pissed people off (in the good way and the bad way), and the follow up booking is key to the success of the feud. I like Kofi and really hope he doesn’t become the next Shelton Benjamin, but I don’t see him winning the title (back) just yet. Drew is a weird cat to me. There are times that he does some of the small stuff right, but as Jim Ross would say, there is no sizzle to the steak.

Winner: Drew McIntyre

Penguin: Drew McIntyre’s awesome music needs to play twice. Thus he needs to win. Seriously though, the character they are building with him only really works if he continues to get his way. Kofi will get his push following the MITB PPV coming up.

Winner: Drew McIntyre

Tony Acero: The best thing about Drew McIntyre is his entrance, after that I’m left with nothing. Kofi deserves the belt but I don’t see him getting it here. I feel there’s two kinds of dislike in wrestling; the character you dislike because they want you to and the character you dislike because he brings nothing to the table. WWE may want us to dislike McIntyre for the first reason, but anytime McIntyre is on my screen it’s for the second one. I don’t get any impression of greatness in him. Either way, Kofi can sell and even though McIntyre, in my eyes, isn’t champ material I think this match might not be all that bad. As for the winner, McIntyre takes this one to elongate the McTeam (McIntyre/McMahon….get it? Never mind, bad joke)

Winner: Drew McIntyre

Steve Montoya: You know I really wish they had done more to make me care about this match. Drew reminds of that dude from the Gargoyles, I know everyone here is too old to understand that reference but yeah, he bores me. Kofi needs a new damn finisher. This one is a coin flip, but I’m too lazy to flip, so Kofi because he wins the battle of the entrance music.

Winner: Kofi Kingston

Andy Critchell: Drew is great. It’s time we all realize it. His performance on Smackdown last week when he got his belt back was perfectly done. Kofi is a good foil for him simply because they are totally opposite.

Winner: Kofi by DQ, Drew keeps the belt.

Manu Bumb: Apparently Drew got reinstated and got his title back because WWE decided not to push Matt Hardy and his twitter account (allegedly). Poor Matt. Moving on. I’m glad to see Kofi starting to be used again after he ended up in the Raw dog-house for getting up too soon for Randy Orton’s liking (allegedly), even if it was at Christian’s expense (I’ve given up on him getting anywhere in WWE, and never bought his run with the WWEcw title as worth anything). I see good things in Kofi’s future as long as he remains on SD, but for now, Drew’s the chosen one.

Winner: Drew McIntyre

Jeremy Thomas: If they make Kofi lose here, they have no confidence in him. He will have picked up a win to claim the vacant Intercontinental Title, then had it stolen and finally been beaten on Pay-Per-View by the man he was supposed to succeed as champion. I know they love Drew and I don’t hate on him like most, but here I see him finally losing the belt so he can throw a tantrum and throw everything he’s got at Kofi to get the belt back. That will hopefully make him step up his game.

Winner: Kofi Kingston (NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion)

Steve Cook: I think at some point McIntyre actually has to get victories in order for people to take him seriously. The results on Smackdown make me think more about my decision because they obviously have big plans for Kingston…but they can accomplish those things without having him win the title here. In fact, they could draw it out some and then it would mean a lot more than it would after just a couple weeks of interaction. Drew wins, and we get to hear his music. There’s no way Kofi’s is better, Montoya.

Winner: Drew McIntyre

Grudge Match: Randy Orton vs. Edge

Aaron Hubbard: I don’t think I’m alone when I say this is the match I’m looking most forward to. Randy Orton is rapidly becoming the most loved guy in the company not wearing a black trench coat, and Edge is back to his awesome heelish self again. Both guys know how to deliver a great match, and they have history with each other. While trying to not my hopes up too much, this does have MOTYC potential. Because I think these guys will be feuding for a while (possibly through-out the summer), I’m going to say Edge ekes out a win here in the first match. It won’t be clean though.

Winner: Edge

Chad Nevett: I actually liked Edge’s face turn and wish they’d given it a little more time, but him turning heel again has been great. After his loss to Jack Swagger at Extreme Rules, Orton needs a win and Edge can take a loss without much damage at all. Should be good, though.

Winner: Randy Orton

Richard Elsey: Edge bores me senseless, what can I say? As does Orton. This could simply be a transitional feud, so I’m predicting an early blow-off and a victory for Orton.

Winner: Randy Orton

Michael Uphoff: This has been the best feud post Wrestlemania, hands down. I had been waiting for this feud ever since they broke up Rated RKO. Edge, while good in his face run, is a born and natural heel. That is what he excels at. Randy Orton, while not the best wrestler or the most gifted, knows how to play to the crowd, and right now anything he does makes them molten. This should be a good to great match if given the proper amount of time, which it should be. This feud will continue, so I look for Orton to win here with an RKO.

Winner: Randy Orton

Larry Csonka: This is another match that has the chance to be really good. Both guys are very good performers, and given the right amount of time and if they just keep it simple, I expect good things. I figure Edge wins via some form of shenanigans to keep the feud going.

Winner: Edge

Penguin: This is the only match I have any real interest in, and it’s a hard one to pick. However, it seems to me that Edge’s new heel character can stand a loss more than Randy’s new face character, so I’m going that route.

Winner: Randy Orton

Tony Acero: I’m so happy that they’ve pretty much left the Orton character alone. When he and Legacy were parting ways, I thought it was going to be DiBiase and Rhodes that they were turning face but I was wrong. I LOVE when I’m wrong (well, when it comes to wrestling). Orton has been pretty much the same person for a while and continually adds little nuances to his character to not only freshen it but make us all the more intrigued. I felt Edge’s heel turn was rushed and didn’t feel right, but we all know he flourishes more in the role. Both Orton and Edge know how to put on a good match and I’m looking forward to it. Oh yeah, Orton wins.

Winner: Randy Orton

Steve Montoya: Randy Orton going back to RKOing everyone he sees has been totally great. I have a feeling these two will put a great match, maybe even MOTN if it’s not Rey/Punk. I want to see Orton win this with a monster punt.

Winner: Orton

Andy Critchell: The match I am looking forward to the most on the card. Orton has never been better and Edge is always great. The segment they did on The Cutting Edge a couple of weeks ago sold me on this match. I expect it to be brutal and fun.

Winner: Orton

Manu Bumb: I understand why Edge came back as a face, but I’m glad he’s being back to being a heel, because he’s a natural prick. And I’m glad Orton hasn’t changed with his face turn. That leaves us match with basically two heels – breaking the rules makes everything more fun 🙂 Should be a great match, maybe even match of the night. Orton lost to Swagger last month, I see him going over…the limit!!!!

Winner: Randy Orton

Jeremy Thomas: This one could definitely go either way. On one hand, you have Edge who could really use the win to put the final touches on his heel turn. On the other hand, Randy Orton has been insanely over for a while now and lost his match at Extreme Rules to Jack Swagger. Who do you put over? I could definitely see them putting the win on Edge because once this show is over, they’re going to need someone to take on Cena. (Oops, did I just give away my main event prediction?) But on the other hand, Edge vs. Cena is a feud we’ve seen over and over. Also, I can see Edge losing because he “just came over from the B Show and should lose to an A Show main eventer.” While I’m not discounting the possibility that Edge wins round one by nefarious means and the feud continues, I just see Orton pulling off this one.

Winner: Randy Orton

Steve Cook: I’d be surprised if it wasn’t one or both of these guys challenging for the WWE title soon after this PPV, but I’d be even more surprised if this feud came to a satisfying conclusion after less than a month of feuding. Some of my colleagues say that Orton needs a win here because he lost last month, but I think that Randy’s over enough at this point where Edge can cheat his ass off and get the win without hurting Randy’s popularity. This won’t be the last we see from these two.

Winner: Edge

World Title Match: Jack Swagger © vs. The Big Show

Aaron Hubbard: Not sure about this one. I like both guys, but they don’t strike me as guys that have a good match against each other. I imagine this is supposed to be reminiscent of Show’s matches with Lesnar and Angle, but I don’t think Swagger has the technical ability of Angle or the strength of Lesnar. If he has either and hasn’t shown it, then this could be solid. But I just don’t expect it. And Swagger’s not losing the title, so that means we are probably going to get a screwy ending.

Winner: The Big Show (via disqualification)

Chad Nevett: This story has been entertaining, but this is obviously a way to get Swagger over more. He somehow overcomes the Big Show and he looks that much more legitimate. The Big Show has been used in this way numerous times before and it always works. This win may not be clean, but Swagger will walk away with the belt.

Winner and STILL WWE World Heavyweight Champion: The All-American American American American American American American American American American AMERICAN… Jack Swagger

Richard Elsey: Show’s had the upper-hand over Swagger thus far, so I see Swagger getting retribution when and where it really counts. He needs some more time to become comfortable as champion and I can’t see where they could take us with another Show reign.

Winner: Jack Swagger

Michael Uphoff: While covering Smackdown, I’ve watched these two face off week after week, and I have to say that I think that this feud has been built really well. Show has been built to look like a monster threat to Swagger’s title, and Swagger’s reactions to being outsmarted and outmuscled each time build on that. The last promo on Smackdown where they had Show destroy all of Swagger’s trophies was great. With that being said, it’s kinda hard to pick a winner, even though it’s obvious who needs the win. Big Show doesn’t need the win here, as people will always look at him as a perennial threat to the title, like Undertaker. I don’t think Swagger has the strength to Doctor Bomb the Big Show, but if that happens, that will open the crowd’s eyes to Swagger. I can see Swagger winning after maybe a chair shot to the back and multiple Vader Bombs, but I don’t think that is what is going to happen. I still see Swagger retaining, though, because I can’t see the Big Show as champion. If given time, they could do all right. Show can move pretty well for a big guy, and can bump as well, and Swagger is going to have to bring his A game to have a decent match.

Winner and still World Heavyweight Champion: Jack Swagger

Larry Csonka: I have actually enjoyed the feud between these two. Swagger’s promos have set him up as the “I am better than you” heel, and they have been playing off of he amateur background more. Although in my opinion, that becomes problematic when working with a guy like Big Show. I smell a DQ ending here to set up the Fatal Four Way PPV.

Winner: Big Show via DQ

Penguin This is essentially “build your face champion by feeding him a monster” but in reverse. I see no way that Big Show pulls out a win here. So expect him to be the new champ.

Winner: Jack Swagger

Tony Acero: I asked Show if he thought Swagger would win and he told me:

The Big Show is the guy you put in the ring when you want to get your champ over and I feel they’re doing that with Swagger. Show can lose and still be considered a threat, the key is in HOW Swagger wins. Can Swagger even lift Show up? I’m not sure that he can, not for a powerbomb at least. Most likely, Swagger will win by some sort of cheating as I don’t see them giving him a clean win at all (even though he might need it considering how they’ve booked him).

Winner: Jack Swagger

Steve Montoya: I guess this is the match where we really get to see how much faith Vince & company have invested in Thwagger, I’m hoping the guy gets a decent run and if Show is on his A game I could totally see this being a damn decent match.

Winner: Jack Thwagger

Andy Critchell: Is it just me or did Swagger’s trophy exhibition on Smackdown last week make him into a star? Seriously, he was unbelievable in how well he did that. Big Show is good in his role as well but his role is to lose here and make Swagger look good.

Winner: Swagger

Manu Bumb: What’s with all the Big Show hate? The one tangible commonality between JeriShow and ShowMiz was Big Show. I’m not saying he’s a great wrestler like Jericho, or as small and mobile as Miz, but the guy’s not bad. He played his part and played it well. Would the teams have been nearly as good if it was Khali instead of Show? (No offense my Indian brother!) I highly doubt it. Big Show has shown he’s capable of having good matches with the right people. I don’t think Jack Swagger is the right person. I was a HUGE fan of his when he debuted and quickly won the title. He then went to raw and…..well, that’s pretty much sums up his (and most everyone else’s) time on Raw. I know the guy’s talented, but he’s no Angle, Lesnar, or Eddie. The match will be MUCH better than the Tramp Stamp Title match, but it won’t be match of the night. Oh yeah – and Swagger’s winning.

Winner: Jack Swagger

Jeremy Thomas: This isn’t a match I would say I’m highly looking forward to. They’ve done a good job of building it by really making Swagger a hated heel and letting Show take it to the champ. I don’t know how well these guys are going to work inside the ring, but I doubt they’re going to be terrible. Frankly, I don’t think Swagger’s dropping the belt here. He’s still early in his run and is building momentum; keeping the belt on him will really build him into a main eventer on SmackDown and will help the ‘E into having a new star. I don’t think he’ll necessarily beat Show cleanly, but he will still be champion come Monday.

Winner: Jack Swagger (STILL World Heavyweight Champion)

Steve Cook: I’m digging Swagger as Champion. As Andy pointed out, the trophy promo was quite choice and really helped affirm his persona as “guy who thinks he is better than everybody in every conceivable way” while throwing out some one-liners that made him sound like a doofus. He was the MVP of OU’s scout team, you know. I’m thinking that this program lasts more than one month, and that they’ll go back to an old play they haven’t called in awhile. Specifically, they’ll get double counted out, or disqualified, or something where there isn’t a winner. That sets them up for a rematch next month, where Swagger will get the win. I’m thinking this gets the old Brock/UT treatment.

Winner: No Contest

WWE Title I Quit Match: John Cena © vs. Batista

Aaron Hubbard: Batista is quitting the WWE unless they’ve been swerving us, which is always a possibility. With that knowledge, I can assume Cena’s winning. The real intrigue is in the stipulations. What can these guys possibly do to each other to make either one say “I Quit” in a believable fashion? What lengths will they go to? How brutal will the action be? How exciting will the match be? What kind of sick finish do they have planned. That’s the real question.

Winner: John Cena

Chad Nevett: I don’t think we’ll ever see John Cena say “I quit” during a match. I can’t picture it happening ever, it’s just not in his character. With Batista on the way out the door, what better way to usher him along than having to quit to Cena, making it clear that he’s the loser and Cena is The Man. That way, Batista can slink away in shame and Cena can go on to face Sheamus.

Winner and STILL WWE Champion: John Cena

Richard Elsey: Batista is all set to disappear… well, I reckon he still is. Cena won’t lose this one as the whole focus has been on him putting to rest the notion he scored a cheap victory over Batista at Extreme Rules.

Winner: John Cena

Michael Uphoff: The build to this has been every bit as good as the build to the Wrestlemania and Extreme Rules matches. With that being said, I was underwhelmed by their Wrestlemania match, and their Last Man Standing match at Extreme Rules was good to great but never quite kicked into that higher gear. Something seemed to be lacking. I hope that both men can put on another good match, but they are capable of putting on a great match together given the right environment. Rumors are going around of Batista leaving the company and/or Batista retiring, and they say this might be his last match with the WWE. I don’t think there is any way that Cena loses here, but you never know. What do I know, however, is that these two will likely put on a good match. I just hope that if indeed this is Batista’s last match, and he does retire or leave, he leaves us with a hell of a match to remember him by.

Winner: John Cena

Larry Csonka: John Cena and Batista actually have a very good chemistry and tend to deliver in the big matches together. From all accounts Batista is still leaving, so I will go Cena due to that.

Winner: John Cena

Penguin Take out all the supposed backstage crap and this one is still easy as hell. John Cena’s whole character is based on not quitting. Kids love him for it. My stock value is dependant on kids loving Cena. So Cena must win.

Winner: John Cena

Tony Acero: *snores* Let me just go right out and say that I don’t like Cena. I don’t like his lack of selling, I don’t like his way of just getting up after getting his ass handed to him and acting like nothing has happened. I dislike his promo work when he flips from being serious to bein funny, and when he does try to be funny, he resorts to poop jokes….poop jokes. With that being said, when it comes to gimmick matches he is actually not bad and I have some semblance of hope for this one to be good. With all the rumblings of Batista leaving, I see Cena taking this. Although I’m not clear on when Batista will be leaving our little screen for his attempt at the big screen, I feel that Cena will not be losing this match. The Champ is indeed here.

Winner: John Cena

Steve Montoya: Hoping this won’t be the Main Event because I am not a huge fan of either guy but I’m sure it will be anyway. In my perfect world Batista loses, goes to TNA, wins the title & forms a team with Orlando Jordan making room for possibly a new guy to get the spotlight in the ‘E instead of his injury prone self.

Winner: John Cena

Andy Critchell: This could become Cena’s signature match. No way does he give up.

Winner: Cena

Manu Bumb: Given how quickly (and weakly) Batista tapped at WM, I don’t see the ending to this match being any better. I guess it’s no-DQ, so it has that going for it. Cena knows how to deliver a fun punching match (even if his STF is weaker than Vickie’s facelock), and Batista can do the same when he feels like it. Rumor has it Davey is on his way out the door soon, however that wouldn’t stop WWE from giving him the title for a short run (they gave it to him when he was injured and let him forfeit it, which was a surprise, but beyond stupid). I think WWE values Cena too much to pull that crap again. Cena goes over, Batista quits both the match, and WWE.

Winner: John Cena

Jeremy Thomas: This is pretty much the no-brainer pick of the show. Batista’s time has been short for weeks and weeks now, and Cena is rolling as champion. The end of this feud only works if the Manimal says the words; if Cena quits his image takes a hit after all the “I!!! WILL!!! NEVER!!! QUIT!!!” stuff. Plus, you don’t put your top title on the guy who’s leaving. Ask the US Champion about that. I think Cena and Big Dave will bust out all the stops and put on a great match, and we’ll enjoy it. Or I will, anyway.

Winner: John Cena (STILL WWE Heavyweight Champion)

Steve Cook: I’d really like to be a contrarian and go with Big Dave. It’d be just like WWE to put the title on Batista here whether he’s actually leaving or not, if for no other reason that none of us smarky markys expect it. But…John Cena quitting would pretty much render his character null and void. I could see them doing a Bret/Austin type finish where Cena passes out, but I don’t think John Cena should quit in any match against anybody until it’s time to build the guy that will replace him. That isn’t Batista.

Winner: John Cena

Don’t forget that 411 will have LIVE COVERAGE of Over The Limit starting at 7:30 EST Sunday Night!