411 PPV Roundtable Preview: WWE WrestleMania 23 (Part 1)
Posted by Stephen Randle on 03.31.2007
It’s time for the granddaddy of them all, and 411 has their predictions for the WWE’s big show.
It may be April Fool's Day in the morning, but this Sunday night, WWE presents its biggest show of the year, WrestleMania. This year we have two massive world title matches, an 8-man Money in the Bank match, and let's not forget, the Battle of the Billionaires. With a PPV this big, you just knew we were going to super-size the Roundtable, and just look at everyone who turned out to put in their two cents.
Stephen Randle: The Wrestling News Experience
Ari Berenstein: Column of Honor
Mathew Sforcina:, The Fink's Payload
Vinz Rothenburg, The Timewarp
Ron Gamble, Just S'pose
Matt Adamson, puro reviewer
Louis Izzo, 411 Wrestling Noob (column soon to debut)
Matt Short, The Navigation Log
Jordan Linkous, WWE vs TNA
Sat, High Road/Low Road
Mike Minotti, Can They Be Champ?
Andy Clark, The Shimmy
Cook and Penguin, the best comedy duo this side of the janitor's closet
Chris O'Donnell, 411 Wrestling Noob (column soon to debut)
Michael Weyer, Shining A Spotlight
Stuart Carapola:, Friendly Competition
Derek Walker, The Shark Tank
Bayani Domingo, Truth B Told
Brad Borchardt, Smackdown recapper
Rob Halden, You're An Idiot And Here's Why
Uncletrunx, High Road/Low Road
Jeff Small, The Small-For-All News Report
Neil Borenstein: 411 Sports' MLB Fastball
Michael Bauer, ECW recapper
Samuel Berman, The Independent Mid-Card
Larry Csonka, The Boss
Daniel Wilcox, Schmozzes and Screwjobs
Matt Nicholson, This Week's Wrestling, By A Mark
Meehan, Meethinks
Julian Williams, Top Ten
And so, with only a little bit of ado, and a small delay, let's take a look at the card for WrestleMania 23, and what 411 thinks might just happen.
Kane vs The Great Khali
Stephen Randle: It's amazing that it took Kane nearly a year to figure out he could use that hook from his movie appearance to give his character a new dimension. Anyway, Khali is really, really big.
Winner: The Moderately Horrible Khali
Ari Berenstein: And humanity wept with sadness and trembled in fear. Look, there are four hours to Wrestlemania. Even if this match only takes four minutes of that four hours worth of time, it would be three minutes and fifty seven seconds longer than necessary. Great Khali's dialogue (such as it is) has become a sort of underground cult source of humor, but even that is not ever going to be enough to get me to want to watch him in the ring. Amazing, well, no, not amazing, that this match is on the card and London and Kendrick, the fourth longest reigning tag team champions in WWE history, don't even get a sniff of a Wrestlemania program. Finally, Kane is bringing the meat hook from his movie (what did he have it special delivered from the prop department vault?) See No Evil. I wish that Wrestlemania was in 3-D this year so that the meat hook popped out of the television screen and took out my eyes. That way I wouldn't have to see this evil.
Winner: The Great Khali (via disqualification when Kane tries to use the meat hook)
Mathew Sforcina: You know, I don't hate Khali as much as most people, for the simple fact of, in Smackdown Vs Raw 2007, he's AWESOME in Rumbles. Getting that Legend Rumble Acheivment was pretty easy once I got a handle on him. That said, they pulled a Khali/Taker match from Summerslam due to it sucking. While I like Kane, he's not on that same level as Taker, due to his knees. And while Khali does seemed to have improved slightly...this won't be pretty. But here's hoping it's short.
Winner: The Great Khali (Chop to the head)
Vinz Rothenburg: To be honest, I'm actually kind of looking forward to this. You know, just a tiny little bit. Not that much. Honestly! ... Awww, screw this, I am looking forward to this, period. So there. Anyway, I think we are looking at a pretty clear cut affair here: While Kane will do most of the work, Khali will ultimately go over, because he is really, really big and thus one of Vince's favorite pets. Besides, Kane is scheduled to take a break after this show, so look for Khali to sideline him with the chop... OF DOOM or the big boot... OF DEVASTATION!
Winner: Khali via chop, boot, or both.
Ron Gamble: Because WrestleMania is such a special time, I needed to get into the Roundtable. However, since I have not watched any of Vince's Intellectual Property since August, it's time once again for the Magic 8 Ball Predictions(c)! But, since this is special, I went to the Radio8Ball(c). First match:
Q: Will Kane be able to make this match watchable?
A: "They are going to be mad." - Ani DiFranco, "Shameless"
Q: Will Great Khali finally kill someone in America?
A: "You think a thing and you go out and meet it on the street." - Chain Austin, "White Girl"
Okay, this may not be as great as I thought it would be...
Winner: Kane
Matt Adamson: I cannot really expect much from this match, nor find myself interested in the outcome. You have The Great Khali on one side, with what I would consider to be the most one dimentional offense in wrestling today, and on the other side you have Kane. Kane has always been WWE's answer to a circus sideshow, but now we have a double dose of circus sideshow and it isn't going to be pretty. Since Kane has earned the status as WWE's most intimidating jobber, I'm going to say that Khali is going to come out on top here.
Winner: The Great Khali
Louis Izzo: This one has bowling shoe ugly written all over it. The Great Khali is, by far, the worst male wrestler on either of the three WWE Rosters. Kane, who deserves more credit as a worker than he usually gets, is not the guy to carry him, and the fact that he's pretty much on his last legs as a wrestler hurts their chances even more of even having a watchable match. I see this being nothing more than a punch-kick-clothesline match until Khali Hassan-Chops Kane into a new feud with the next piece of crap WWE hires.
Winner: The Great Khali
Matt Short: If they can turn this into some wild brawl there might be some hope for it. Otherwise we're looking at a slow paced mess. Kane better at least use the hook after all these weeks of being menacing with it.
Winner via DQ: The Great Khali
Jordan Linkous: This match might not be as bad as everyone says. It will be worse. Kane is not that good of a wrestler, and Khali couldn't chop his way out of a paper bag. Here's hoping that they make this short.
Winner: Khali
Sat: Wow, this is going to be bad.
Winner: The Great Khali
Mike Minotti: Let's look at this match positively. It was a given Great Khali was going to be on this card, so if he has to have a bad match with someone, it might as well be with someone who consistently has bad matches. So instead of having two bad matches with some random midcarders trying to carry Kane and Khali, we just put them together and get it out of the way in one match. As for the victor, I'm sure Khali will win it. He's been getting pushed as a monster for awhile, but hasn't had a meaningful victory since his feud with Taker way back. Besides, a loss isn't really going to hurt Kane at this point in his career.
Winner: The Great Khali
Andy Clark: I'm one of the few people on this planet actually looking forward to this match. Do I want it to go long? Hell no. But this could be a good big man match and Khali is perversely entertaining. PLEASE let him do a prematch promo! Somehow the meat hook will be involved but I'm not sure how; usually they don't give the wrestlers weapons that are actually lethal. While I could just as easily see Khali get the duke, Kane has the cooler weapon.
Winner: Kane
Cook: We're starting off with Kane vs. Great Khali, probably because Randle hates us all. Penguin: So much for a hot opener. Well unless Kane can set Khali on fire. Which would rock.
Cook: We can only hope...honestly, it's stuff like this that makes me spend my monday nights watching 24, even though that's going through a down year too. Considering these guys had some of the worst matches on PPV last year, I'm hoping they can combine and have an effort that will outsuck all of their matches last year.
Penguin: Well, one positive we have going is that Khali was actually knocked off his feet out of the ring a couple weeks ago. The amount of moves he can sell has risen 100%!
Cook: Holy crap, how'd that happen?
Penguin: Maybe I was dreaming. Either way, I see no way in hell this is even watchable and I simply pick Kane out of hopes that Khali drops off the face of the earth.
Cook: All right, I'll agree with you because I really don't want to talk about this match any longer.
Penguin says: I don't think it'll be getting MOTU consideration, that's for sure
Winner: Kane
Chris O'Donnell: Why couldn't they make this like hardcore-based? Take your pick, do you want this to be your bathroom break or the women's title match? I'll say this one so I'll see my fair share of t n' a. Khali will go over because Kane jobs to every other monster WWE builds up.
Winner: The Great Khali
Michael Weyer: As openers go...this is pretty bad. But I guess it's time for a "big guy" battle that ends up stinking up the joint. Still, maybe they can find some way to entertain a bit.
WINNER: Kane
Stuart Carapola: While the sadist in me wishes that this was an Ironman Match, you have to make do with what you have. With that in mind, Kane seems to be in another one of his lulls where he floats around in a half-hearted feud with a big scary guy and ultimately loses. Plus, Wrestlemania hasn't traditionally been Kane's most successful PPV.
Winner: The Great Khali
Derek Walker: No reason why either of them should be on the show. Big ass brawl from the start. I can see this falling out of the ring and getting the brawl to the back treatment for a follow up match just to fill another ppv.
Result: Double Countout
Bayani Domingo: So no tag title match, no cruiserweight match, no IC title match, but Khali is on the card? Someone better die in this match to make up for it.
Winner: Khali via beating Kane to death with Davari
Brad Borchardt: This has Undertaker vs. Giant Gonzales written all over it. How did Undertaker vs. Great Khali in a Last Man Standing Match at SummerSlam get pulled yet we have to deal with Khali vs. Kane in a one on one match at WrestleMania? Maybe Vinne has more trust in Kane then they do with Taker. Ha! Hopefully Great Khali's first WrestleMania will be his last. No question who is going to win this.
Pick: Great Khali
Rob Halden: Hardest pick of the night. Why? Cuz neither of these guys is doing anything or heading anywhere. Every single time Khali gets a direction or motivation, it gets dropped quicker than an RVD title run. So who do we cheer for in this one? Why, the crazed serial killer guy with his giant lethal hook of course! And why? Cuz the other guys looks foreign, that's why!
Winner: Kane
Uncletrunx: Oh heavens. It saddens me that Edge, Orton, Booker and Kennedy get thrown into Money in the Bank while these two get a match to themselves. Khali to win as Vince loves big men, so the bigger of the two gets the nod.
Winner: Khali
Jeff Small: Using the transitive property of WWE logic, The Great Khali pinned the Undertaker using his CHOP. The Undertaker has made Kane look like his bitch twice at Wrestlemania. So the Great Khali will pin Kane after using his bitch CHOP twice.
Winner: The Great Khali
Neil Borenstein: This match definitely looks like garbage from the onset, and the build has basically been the same thing every week. The Great Khali makes an impromptu appearance on RAW by getting involved in a match he has nothing to do with, and Kane comes down to scare him away with a hook on a chain. Basically, all this match at Wrestlemania is going to be is a brawl, and probably a quick one at that. The fact is, it makes sense to match Khali against Kane because outside of The Undertaker, he's his only logical opponent. It just still smells like a stinker. Why must the WWE employ Khali?
Winner: The Great Khali
Michael Bauer: In honor of Timberland performing at Wrestlemania, I will put all of my picks in rhyme. Please note that I'm white, so they may not be good. So here we go:
So we got the no work rate freak known as Khali,
Battling in the ring with The Big Read Machine.
Kane's got a hook, used it in a movie,
Khali can scream, proved it in a movie.
Khali in his first appearance at The Big Show,
Same name as who Kane teamed with a year ago.
So who's gonna win or at least stop the pain?
For all my money, it better fucking be Kane.
Winner: Kane
Samuel Berman: I repeat the hope that this is Khali's one and only Wrestlemania appearance. Maybe they're gearing up for another Kane 'push'.
Winner: Kane
Larry Csonka: Let's get some of the ugliness out of the way early, good plan! At one time Kane was a pretty damn good big man, but time, injury and a little extra weight have slowed him, and most likely the lack of direction plays mind games on him and that doesn't help things. Khali is here because he is big. That's all. Khali is useless, but really, are they just going to have Kane get his semi-annual title push and fail again? Honestly I do not care who wins, because we all lose.
Winner: Khali, he's bigger
Daniel Wilcox: The majority are predicting that this match will be an atrocity and I don't blame them for thinking that, based on Khali's past performances and Kane not being the best guy on the roster. Who knows, they might surprise everyone and put on a really fun big man match but I wouldn't get your hopes up. As for the winner, I'm going to go with Kane. It doesn't seem like WWE has any major plans for Khali at this point in time and Kane is coming to that part of his cycle wear he gets a decent push towards the championship and I see that coming this Spring. The other option would be to continue the feud after Mania but even then I think Kane should go over first then allow Khali to take the win in the rematch at Backlash. I'm going to make an extra prediction that this will not be anywhere near as bad as everyone is thinking. Don't get me wrong, it won't be in contention for MOTN but I can see it making a couple of stars.
Winner: Kane
Matt Nicholson: I'm dying for this match to be No Disqualification. If it is hardcore rules I'd say Kane, but as it stands, I've gotta go with Khali
Winner: The Great Khali
Meehan: Post-match "I won but then got beat up" injury angles are a WrestleMania rarity... but with Kane due for time off and Khali winless against people who matter (ever since losing to The Undertaker)? Smart money is on Khali to come out of this one with a win AND an injury to Kane to his credit.
Winnner: Khali
Julian Williams: Ohh brother, is this match really going to happen? Really? This isnt just a really cruel April Fools joke? Dammit. Well if I have to choose between Khali and his PRIMAL SCREAM OF DEATH or Kane and his EVIL HOOK OF DREAD, I guess I'd have to say Khali since Kane pretty much never wins any marquee match nowadays. This is piss break #1 for me.
Winner: Khali
ECW Originals (Tommy Dreamer, RVD, Sabu, and Sandman) vs The New Breed (Elijah Burke, Marcus Cor Von, Kevin Thorn, and Matt Striker)
Stephen Randle: This feud has revived ECW somewhat, and also immediately positioned the New Breed as superstars of the future. And they've even kept it relatively even, not like the Invasion, so it's really anyone's game. But the trigger must be pulled, and the New Breed needs the big win.
Winners: The New Breed
Ari Berenstein: Rumor mill spins hot and heavy that after this match, the ECW Originals will ride into the sunset, especially Sabu and The Sandman. While I'll believe it when I see it, it isn't too unbelievable to think that the way will be cleared for CM Punk and a few new faces to take up the slack against the so called New Breed. Maybe it's for the best, after all, I don't think I could stomach another war between two factions where you can tell the sides by who wears what T-Shirt. All that notwithstanding (TM Vincent Kennedy…Kennedy McMahon), I think this will turn out to be a pretty decent little deal and a fine enough under card match. It will be worth it just to see the oddity of Monty Lashley, errr, Cor Von, appearing on a WWE pay per view for the first time.
Winner: The ECW Originals (CM Punk distracts Elijah Burke leading to pinfall)
Mathew Sforcina: Why, oh why, oh WHY is this not Wargames? Huh? What, couldn't they work out how to do the Hell In A Cell? Ok, do it in a cage. Geez, you'd think that withg Dusty booking...well, there's always Backlash. That said, the heels need to go over here in order for the faces to either ride off into the night or seek revenge later, and while I'd much prefer the faces to win...
Winners: The New Breed (PO...Shoulder Tackle Combination to Dreamer, Burke pins Dreamer)
Vinz Rothenburg: This looks really good and should be a nice little match if given some time. I would have included Hardcore Holly instead of Striker, but what do I know? Common sense would dictate that the ECW Originals pick up the win here, seeing how they've been constantly overpowered, outsmarted and humiliated by the New Breed in recent weeks. Unfortunately, WWE is run not by common sense, but by Vince McMahon, who apparently is looking to end this feud at WM. Because ECW was so much more exciting before that storyline came around, remember? Yeah, me neither. Anyways, I'm afraid this means...
Winners: The New Breed
Matt Short: If most of the Originals are on the way out, now's the time to put over The New Breed strong. Add in the fact that we're going to see guys like Sabu, Sandman, and the man formerly known as Monty Brown at a Wrestlemania and you get a weird freak show type feeling to the match. If this is under Extreme Rules then it may have a few cool spots.
Winner: The New Breed
Ron Gamble: Q: Will the Originals win before being pushed out the door?
A: "You got up and lost your place." - Mike Ruekberg, "Years"
Umm, yeah.
Winners: The New Guys
Matt Adamson: I'm going to have to agree with Sforcina here. This match should be a Wargames match. If ever there were a time to bring back Wargames, or something similar, this would be the feud to do it in. Well, since dreams really don't come true and we're being subjected to a standard Eight Man Tag affair, I'm not as excited about this as I would otherwise be. I'm expecting a pretty fun match and I hope this match really gets the time it needs to put over the New Breed as the future of ECW. With the rumour mill turning regarding the future of certain members of the ECW roster, the New Breed is the obvious choise to come out as the victors here.
Winners: The New Breed (Burke gets the pinfall victory)
Louis Izzo: Let's see, ECW Originals, or Vince's Pet Projects. For those that never witnessed December to Dismember, Vince obviously has a thing about burying the original ECW, even if he had a working relationship with Paul Heyman during its run. The Originals will be squashed, and the Sandman and Sabu released about a week later.
Winner(s): The New Breed; Cor Von pins Rob Van Dam
Jordan Linkous: For the most part, this is a forgone conclusion. Normally in these types of feuds, the heels come out on top. I have high hopes for this match, and I think many of the guys who wouldn't normally make it onto a regular PPV are getting their time to shine, so let's hope they make the best of it.
Winner: New Breed
Sat: I have been digging this feud and it is great that all of these guys made it to WrestleMania. The New Breed gets the win here because the Originals are on their last legs. I'd say that Sabu or the Sandman take the loss.
Winner: The New Breed
Mike Minotti: This feud doesn't look to be slowing down, and I'd be surprised if it ended after this match. I'm expecting a lot of heel tactics from the New Breed, ultimately resulting in a victory for them. With so many faces in the main events, we need some heel wins somewhere.
Winners: The New Breed
Andy Clark: This could be a good match, although it's decency depends on the ability of the New Breed and RVD to carry the other three. Since there isn't a shot in hell that they let Styles & Tazz anywhere near the Battle of the Billionaires this is essentially the ECW main event. While I could very easily see the Originals pull the upset, this isn't WCW, so the New Breed go over.
Winners: The New Breed
Cook: Next up, we've got the ECW Originals vs. the New Breed. Wasn't that a long lost tag team from the 1980s NWA? Penguin: While I normally don't pass up the opportunity for a Chris Champion reference, I think they are talking about a different team.
Cook: You know, I still haven't seen this Marcus Cor Von character wrestle. What's he like?
Penguin: Strangely enough he reminds me a lot of Monty Brown.
Cook: Huh, well he must be fun then. I think the best thing about this match is the fact that Sandman and Sabu are getting some nice WM paychecks. And I think this might be Dreamer's first WM even though he's been in WWE forever. Yay!
Penguin: He's been in some dark match battle royals hasn't he? If not I think RVD is the only person in the match who isn't debuting at wrestlemania.
Cook: You're right, but dark match battle royals only count in horseshoes and hand grenades.
Penguin: Well then this could be the most debuting wrestlers in one match for wrestlemania. Beating the Ladder match at 2000! On the match itself, I'm hoping that my praise of Matt Striker on the forums won't go to waste, and the new breed shows they are ready to be at this level. As far as the originals go, I hope no one breaks anything important.
Cook: If Kevin Thorn still has Ariel by his side, I have no problem supporting his team. And Elijah Burke was pretty good in OVW, so go New Breed! And I'd go look up that record, but we have a sucker doing Ask 411 that can do that for us.
Penguin: That guy doesn't know anything though! Anyways, the only sensible solution is that the New Breed wins, so I'm taking them. What's next?
Winners: The New Breed
Chris O'Donnell: If 3/4 of one team is fading out after Wrestlemania, do you really think they'll win?
Winner: Team Black Vampire Teachers
Michael Weyer: Well, the final nail in the classic ECW mentality will be nailed in here. Personally, I think it's high time that fans realize it's not 1995 anymore and these guys just don't have the skills they once did. Maybe giving them time here will let fans warm up to the new ECW a bit more as something to watch rather than hold to the past.
WINNER: New Breed
Stuart Carapola: Can you say "curtain jerkers"? Seriously, I've been very happy with the way this feud has been put together and played out, giving a fresh lease on life to the ECW brand. Has anyone else noticed that the brand basically consists of 12 guys and that's it? However, it's about the future in this match and, as entertaining as they may have been 10-12 years ago, the time for the ECW Originals is long past.
Winners: The New Breed
Derek Walker: Give RVD and Sabu a little offense and then let the New Breed take over. Of the 4 New Breed, Cor Von or Burke need the win to propel them higher. Burke has seniority so give him the win over Sandman and start a Lashley/Burke feud. I hope they give this match some time because these guys need a showcase over what they get every Tuesday night.
Winner: The New Breed
Bayani Domingo: So raise your hand if you'll have a spot in ECW after this match…not so fast Tommy and Sabu.
Winner: The team with the most black guys on it.
Brad Borchardt: First of all, Hardcore Holly should be in there for either Kevin Thorn or Matt Striker or they should of added both him and Balls to the match. I would love the Originals to go over here but all four guys might be gone by next year's WrestleMania while Burker and Cor Von have promising futures.
Pick: New Breed
Rob Halden: I'm trying not to base this on the fact that the rumour mill says team numero uno, will be hitting the bricks as soon as they're done with their showers. So I'll base it on the fact that Elijah Burke is the greatest thing thing WWE has that's not on Raw (100% fact) and Cor Von's Pounce on Sabu looked freakin' cool.
Winner: THE NEW BREED
Uncletrunx: The new breed to win in the least surprising result since the demolition of the Alliance. Remember folks; if Vince didn't create it, it's not as good.
Winners: The New Breed
Jeff Small: Oh man, I think we should rather bet on which Original will take the pin. Dreamer's the obvious candidate but I'm looking at the Sandman in an upset. There's no reason to push the Originals over the New Breed considering that the WWE has no use in pushing their originals. Sabu's time came and went (through a table); RVD blew his chance up in smoke; the Sandman is not even needed when the real thing is back; and then there's Tommy Dreamer. Like Dreamer will account for anything in the WWE. Here's a bold prediction: the New Breed member that gets the pin will be the next in line to challenge Lashley for the title.
Winners: The New Breed
Neil Borenstein: This is one of only three matches on the Wrestlemania 23 card that actually excites me. I really like the direction ECW has taken as of late with this Originals vs. New Breed angle, and if anything is going to make ECW a success under the WWE name, it's going to be this feud. After all, the easiest way to make something work in wrestling is to do it with factions. I'd like to think the Originals would get the win here, but I doubt it's going to happen. The WWE has done a good job making sure no side gets a big advantage over the other in the win department, keeping both pretty even keel. But on the big stage, I don't think the WWE would really hold down the new guys. The Originals should make a decent showing, but the New Breed is what the WWE wants to be pushed heavily in ECW along with Bobby Lashley.
Winners: The New Breed
Michael Bauer: It's the battle for dominance in the E-C-Dub.
Originals fighting since New Breed were cubs.
But what really is the prize for this great fight,
Why would any of them want this spotlight?
Yes you get the power if you can win the day,
But it's only on a third rate show where you play.
Vince hates the Originals and some are heading out,
Kinda makes it easy when picking this bout.
Plus if The Breed don't win, then it was all a waste.
And I doubt Vince wouldn't make that mistake. (Would he?)
Winners: The New Breed
Samuel Berman: I like this feud, as it's giving a lot of talented guys (and Kevin Thorn) something to do. Ideally, they won't mix the 'who's Punk going to join' storyline in here, because I'd like to see Punk's involvement in the Ladder Match go untarnished. As for a winner in this one, the Wrestlemania feel-good ending is RVD or Dreamer pinning Burke, but I think they'll go the other way, setting up The New Breed as the dominant faction until One Night Stand.
Winners: The New Breed
Larry Csonka: Well from all accounts you can kiss the originals good bye after WrestleMania. The match should be fine, if it gets time, and could actually be a lot of fun. What will be telling here is WHO gets the big pin and how they are booked afterwards. The fact, in my opinion anyway, is that of the group Cor Von aka Monty Brown is the star of this group and should look strong here in his WrestleMania debut with a SICK pounce on someone, perhaps an ALPHA BOMB and the pin.
Winner: The New Breed
Daniel Wilcox: First things first, this feud should continue well beyond WrestleMania. It's the hottest thing in ECW right now – the new guys are slowly getting more and more over and by the end of this Elijah Burke, Kevin Thorn, Matt Striker and Marcus Cor Von will be stars. Particularly Burke and Cor Von. And if this thing is going to continue then I say the Originals should go over here leading to the NB continuing to try and prove themselves. I'd also like to see some more guys brought into the feud (see my take on the draft lottery in S&S this week). The whole angle with CM Punk is coming along nicely but I'm split on which side Punk should join. Regardless of where he ends up, I doubt it'll have an effect on tonight's match. I'm sure this will be a good match and it will be a personal mark out moment to see the likes of Sandman, Tommy Dreamer and Sabu performing at WrestleMania in front of 70,000 people. And WWE, PLEASE pay out for "Enter Sandman" so he can spend 15 minutes coming through the 70,000 fans at Ford Field.
Winners: The Originals (Tommy pins Striker)
Matt Nicholson: This is a long shot but maybe CM Punk will come down and help the New Breed after losing Money in the Bank, prompting a heel turn and feud with Van Dam, which comes to ahead at One Night Stand
Winner: The New Breed – Burke gets pin
Meehan: Little known fact: RVD is ALSO "unbeaten" at WrestleMania, ya' know. Regardless, a tough call here, but I'm gonna' have to go out on a limb and say New Breed, simply because I can't help but think that WWE believes RVD "doesn't care about wins or losses" at this point, and are almost daring him to jump over to TNA to prove that their longstanding lack of confidence in him was right all along.
Winners: New Breed
Julian Williams: Well since it's been rumored that all the Originals except for RVD will be gone after Wrestlemania, it would be kind of stupid for the Originals to win here. So I look for The New Breed to take this and hopefully they'll make it an Extreme Rules match because I want to see some barbed wire, broken tables, and blood dammit! A regular 8 man tag between these two teams will suck ass. Unwashed ass.
Winners: The New Breed
Melina (c) vs Ashley - Women's Championship - Lumberjill Match
Stephen Randle: This match sucks. And it sucks too loud. Anyway, isn't it nice of Vince to provide us with matches that nobody in their right mind would watch, just to make sure we have time to go to the bathroom during a four-hour PPV?
Winner: Ashley
Ari Berenstein: Matter and Anti-Matter collide and explode, thus starting a new solar system. With any luck, this will be short, have some gimmicks and tricks to hide the potentially horrific botches of Melina and bowling shoe ugly tendencies of Ashley (and I don't just mean her double lip pierced face ). Expect a run in by Mickie James (and as a result perhaps the return of the inexplicable Wrestlemania pop she received last year) to even the score with The Screamer.
Winner: and NEW WWE Women's Champion, Ashley (These Are The End of Days, May Heaven Help Us All)
Mathew Sforcina: So, it's come to this. Well, if Victoria is to crush someone to regain HER title, or if a certain second generation Canadian woman is to do the same, and if Melina's gonna join Mercury on the unemployment line, the result, while distasteful, is obvious.
Winner, and NEW WWE Women's Champion: Ashley (Playboy Roll-Up)
Vinz Rothenburg: Let's make this quick: Ashley is on the cover of Playboy, while Melina is in the dog house and playig the role of a heel champion rolling into WM. I think we can all put two and two together.
Winner and NEW Women's Champion: Ashley
Ron Gamble: Q: Will the Playboy chick beat the non-Playboy chick?
A: "What's the hassle, I'll buy the castle." - They Might Be Giants, "We've Got a World that Swings"
Got it? Good.
Winner: I don't know, the Playboy chick?
Matt Adamson: Over the last year we have seen the WWE women's division become something interesting and something to take serious. However, the ever present LUST MONSTER has hit the WWE fanbase as Ashley has posed for Playboy. What does this mean? That the women's division and a majority of its storylines revolve around the girl posing in the beloved Men's magazine. I'm just looking forward to a talented wrestler like Victoria to squash Ashley when this is all over. Depending on where it falls, either this or The Great Khali match will be my bathroom break.
Winner and new Women's Champion: Ashley
Louis Izzo: Okay, I lied. THIS has a chance to be the Worst match in WrestleMania history. Ashley is NOT a wrestler, and she looks nothing like a wrestler. To be taken seriously (pfft...) she needs to, you know, wear actual wrestling attire instead of her wanna-be punk crap. Melina is tolerable, but it's the WWE Women's Division. It'll suck no matter who you plug into the hole.
Winner and Still Women's Champion: Melina
Matt Short: This is the token women's match combined with an attempt to get everyone onto the card. It's hard to predict how some women's matches will turn out, as there have been surprises in the past. The fact that they've added the "lumberjills" will probably lead to… nothing special.
Winner and NEW WWE Women's Champion: Ashley, because she got nekkid for a magazine
Jordan Linkous: Playboy Model > Chick in Doghouse.
Winner: Ashley
Sat: Both Ashley and Melina are awful in the ring. This match is going to be awful and it should be kept very short. I think that Ashley wins this match because of Melina's problem backstage and the fact that Ashley posed for playboy.
Winner: Ashley
Mike Minotti: Hey, not bad. Send every diva out there for one match, instead of adding some filler bras/panties match to the card. Alright, no point to be cute or funny here. Expect a boring match with a lot sloppy looking moves, and a lot of "lumberjills" pushing people back into the ring. Melina will go for a heel finish, probably try to hit Ashley with the belt, then get stopped by the face "lumberjills", and then lose to a… oh I don't know, let's say a kick.
Winner and new Women's Champion: Ashley
Andy Clark: Well, the Lumberjill stip will probably distract from the fact that Ashley sucks. Unfortunately that also increases the liklihood of a title change. If Melina remains employed post-Mania she can win the title back at Backlash, but Mrs. Massaro will win the belt here to "keep Melina in line." Hopefully for her celebration she'll eat a sandwhich or something.
Winner and NEW Women's Champion: Ashley Massaro
Cook: We got our annual "Playboy vs. Women's Champion" match, as it's Ashley vs. Melina. Penguin: Did you notice that the cover of the playboy advertises having Chyna and Sable in it, but not Candice?
Cook: You looked at the cover! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Penguin: Quiet you, we have a match to discuss. I guess you can call this a match.
Cook: Theoretically. You know, I used to hear all the time about how Melina was a pretty good worker...but honestly, from what I've seen I'm not all that impressed. How about you?
Penguin: She's the second best female wrestler they have! Which....means nothing. At least, unlike Kane and Khali, this one has T&A.
Cook: tomatoes and asparagus?
Penguin: God I hope not. Anyways I figure Ashley wins this since there's no reason to protect Melina's "title run".
Cook : I have to disagree with you for one simple reason...I can't bring myself to pick a woman that's banging Matt Hardy.
Penguin: Afraid she has VEEE DEEEEE UHHH?
Cook: Well, I can't top that one, so let's move on...
Winner: Melina (Cook), Ashley (Penguin)
Chris O'Donnell: Just like the Battle of the Billionaires, this match has a tag line- Scuffling of the Silicon. If Melina is such a threat to her opponents and is a real bitch backstage, wouldn't it make sense to take the title off her and her ego?
Winner: Ashley
Michael Weyer: Like many, I don't think having Ashley be in a title match is right at all. Having the Divas at ringside seems to promise it turns into a wild, clothes-tearing meelee...which is a lot more fun than this actual match sounds.
WINNER: No-contest
Stuart Carapola: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MAKE IT STOOOOOOOOOP!!!! I DON'T CARE, I DON'T CARE, I DON'T CARE! I've said it a million times, if I just wanted to look at hot naked chicks, I'd watch a porno. But I guess I'm stuck looking at the scary, surgically altered Ashley instead in our annual "Playboy cover girl gets a women's title shot" match.
Winner: Ashley
Derek Walker: Two women rolling around the ring wasn't going to be enough to keep anyone near their television so they throw every diva they have out there to try and keep the audience. It still won't work and we still we have a crappy match. Can we all have a moment of silence for the women's division? I long for the days of Trish, Molly and Lita once again.
Winner: Ashley
Bayani Domingo: "Lumberjill"?? Man, I bet the women surrounding the ring have seen a lot more wood going up than coming down in their time. I hate the fact that showing your ‘nips and some pink' makes you a default face. But, I guess you gotta shill some magazines.
Winner: Matt Hardy's future Ex-Girlfriend
Brad Borchardt: This match should not be on the card. WWE should of drawn out the feud between Mickie James and Victoria but we will have to suffer through this crap fest. When this match happens, I might have to put in WrestleMania 22 and watch Trish and Mickie tear it up. If Ashley was on RAW I would give her a shot but I don't see the belt being inter-promotional.
Pick- Melina
Rob Halden: Well since I'll be urinating/fetching beers/watching my buddy Pete go for a smoke for the duration of this match, I'll say....
Winner: ASHLEY
Uncletrunx: Ashley has just done playboy. Ashley to win.
Winner: Ashley
Jeff Small: The Lumberjill gimmick has totally redeemed the value of this match since there's now a good chance that Melina will try to break Mickie James's neck once again! As for the match, Ashley is currently riding the Goldberg train and Melina is no more than Steve McMichael.
Winner: Ashley
Neil Borenstein: Stupid Playboy. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for nakedness. But only because Ashley poses naked do we have to deal with a Melina vs. Ashley match. Why not do something logical like have the Divas that have actually proven they can wrestle go at it for the belt? Well … because that would be logical. Now, it's highly possible Ashley can pull this off and put forth a decent match, but I'd much rather see Melina vs. Mickie James, or Melina vs. Victoria or Melina vs. Mickie James vs. Victoria. Instead, we get Playboy cover girl vs. the least talented in-ring worker of the three women I named before. The Lumberjill stipulation is just a dumb attempt to get as many boobs on PPV at the same time, and again, while I'm not opposed to boobs, I have the Internet after all. The WWE will give the fans the feel good story out of this one.
Winner and NEW Women's Champion: Ashley
Michael Bauer: Do I really care who wins the belt here?
Nah, but ladies make me wanna cheer.
Word is Melina is gonna be barking like a bitch,
Straight from the doghouse, better than a ditch.
Ashley is a fellow Long Islander with a pedigree,
Topped by a Playboy cover and a Smallville scene.
The match will not be the worst of the night,
As neither of these girls have any height.
So my pick to win, damn that's kinda tough.
I'll go for the one who had gotta like it rough.
Winner: Melina
Samuel Berman: Hey, T&A is fine by me. I don't care if Ashley's in Playboy or not, Melina is the hottest thing going in the Women's division (pun intended), so she gets the duke here.
Winner and STILL Women's Champion: Melina
Larry Csonka: Melina is fine as a wrestler and has the personality down. Ashley looks as if she wrestles underwater, so we are not looking good here. The "Women's Division" is a joke, they don't care, you don't care, I don't care. I'll flip a coin. Oh, kudos to getting 10+ pieces of ass all out there for one match and paydays, while one of you "longest running tag team champions" ever will be in the "Direct to DVD Battle Royal Clusterfuck."
Winner: Melina
Daniel Wilcox: I read a report on one of Raw's House Shows a while ago and this match was featured and the reporter actually said that this was a very good Women's match. And I believe him. Ashley is a million times better than what she was when she debuted and also a hell of a lot better than people have said she is. Melina is decent if sloppy at times but I expect a good match. I'm not talking Mickie/Trish like, but passable, even for WrestleMania standards. Ashley is getting the Playboy push but that doesn't guarantee a Women's Championship run, just ask Christy or Candice, but on the other hand Ashley is popular and Melina may or may not have her problems backstage so don't be shocked if we see a title switch here. I'd love to see Mickie help Ashley win only to turn on her afterwards and go back to being a psycho. As far as rumours of Melina being finished if she doesn't carry Ashley to a good match, I have to say if they are true it is quite ridiculous. For one, why put someone on WrestleMania that you think needs to be "carried?" And even if McMahonagement decide they don't want Melina in the ring I guarantee they'll keep her as a valet and to pose in Playboy next year.
Winner: And NEW Women's Champion, Ashley!
Matt Nicholson: I guess Melina will win, but if this really is her last chance to prove herself and she fails, how are they going to get rid of her? You would assume they would have her lose the title to Mickie James on Raw but if Melina knows she's on her way out, surely she's gonna take that opportunity to shoot the crap out of poor Mickie
Winner: Melina
Meehan: Once again, a tough call. Ashley could win, but then who would she defend the belt against on Smackdown!? Melina keeping the belt (and staying on RAW) keeps her heelish and hot, which would feed nicely into the Nitro/Foley program we're likely to see in the weeks to come. On a longshot, then, I'm gonna' say Ashley wins the match (to complete the three-show "punishment" of Melina for her attitude), but thanks to heelish shenanigans and/or outside interference, Melina winds up walking out of WrestleMania with the Women's Title still firmly held high.
Winner: Ashley (no title change)
Julian Williams: Piss break #2
Winner: Ashley
Chris Benoit (c) vs MVP - United States Championship
Stephen Randle: Benoit will be putting over talent again, and it seems like MVP is earning his way into the upper echelon. This match could surprise.
Winner: MVP
Ari Berenstein: According to some house show reports, these two have been tearing it up in matches. This to me is a bit surprising, since I didn't think all that much of MVP when he was Antonio Banks on the indie scene, and I think even less of him in the pedestrian, X-Pac heat persona of MVP. However, it's Chris Benoit, so then again maybe it isn't so surprising to hear such things. Therefore I am in a dilemma. I don't want to see MVP in action for any length of time, and yet the longer this match goes the better it will most likely turn out. Cross your fingers and hope for the best.
Winner: Chris Benoit retains the U.S. Championship
Mathew Sforcina: I still maintain that MVP needs a good 5-6 person entourage at all times. He should be ripping off that "I'm so important I need people all the time" vibe that boxers and such have. Miz as a spokesman, Kristal as his Valet, Davari as a Manager, Regal & Taylor as his trainers, Paul Burchill as his bodyguard, anything, just get a bunch of people around him at all times. That would get heat, and have a nice little mid-card heel stable easy enough. That said, the logical progression here is that MVP, who has been running his mouth, gets killed. Or steals the victory and continues to run his mouth. I honestly prefer the second one.
Winner, and NEW WWE US Champion: MVP (Roll up with tights, ropes, Kristal, the ref, the tag rope and a mack truck)
Vinz Rothenburg: With Benoit apparently preparing for a switch to RAW, I think it's safe to assume that MVP will cheat his way to victory here. I just hope WWE has thought beyond the title change itself and actually intends to, you know, do something with it, because MVP's wardrobe is glitzy enough without another useless gold accessory.
Winner and NEW US Champion: MVP
Ron Gamble: Okay, time to end that experiment. On to another site: The Mystical Smoking Head of 'Bob.'
Q: Will the universe collapse on itself if Chris Benoit does not win?
A: Outlook Not So Good
Q: So, Chris Benoit will win, right?
A: Very Doubtful
Wow. Well, Bob has spoken...
Winner: MVP (whoever that is)
Matt Adamson: It has seemed fairly obvious to me that Chris Benoit has been treading water as U.S. champ. Not that he hasn't done a great job living up to that oh so high standard that the Smackdown writers have built for the title. However, as is the case with the Intercontinental title, it should be on a young guy with a future that is greater than that of United States Champion, and that's unfortunately not Benoit. Since Benoit has likely seen the peak of his career as far as push goes, look for MVP to steal this victory and the title away from Benoit in what I hope to be a really fun match.
Winner and new US Champion: MVP
Louis Izzo: For the second WrestleMania, Benoit gets to drop the United States Title in an undercard match that no one even remembers being added to the show. Unlike last year, though, MVP hasn't shown any signs of being a good worker, and his promo work is the same generic heel stuff that we see every week. He's basically the black Rob Conway. Benoit will most likely get a "good" match out of MVP, but this won't get any more than 10-minutes, killing any chance of it being great, anyway.
Winner and NEW United States Champion: MVP
Matt Short: Wasn't Benoit defending the US Title last year against JBL? I think the match will be fine, especially from what I've heard about MVP's work elsewhere and I don't think he's looked as horrible in his current run as some people have said. Benoit has had the belt for awhile and since there's going to be a rematch no matter what happens…
Winner and NEW WWE US Champion: Montel Vontavious Porter
Jordan Linkous: If Benoit is going to RAW, it makes perfect sense for him to lose the title to MVP. MVP has actually been growing on me, and I think this guy has potential. He is still green, though. However, I have faith in Benoit to pull off an entertaining match nonetheless.
Winner: MVP
Sat: I have been impressed with MVP and I think that he deserves to win the United States title at WrestleMania. With the rumor that Benoit could be going to RAW in the near future, I think that MVP gets the title.
Winner: MVP
Mike Minotti: I have some hope for this match. This will easily be MVP's biggest match in his short time in the WWE so far. Let's hope he steps up his game. Besides, he's in there with freaking Chris Benoit. I'm sure MVP will win. There's really little reason to have this match other than to put him over. Prediction: Benoit will drop the US Title at every WrestleMania until the day he leaves the WWE.
Winner and new US Champion: MVP
Andy Clark: This could be the sleeper match of the show, but then again I said the same thing about Benoit-JBL last year and that blew something hard. I have been really impressed with MVP the last few months and if anybody can bring out the best in him it'll be Benoit. From all accounts their house show matches have been awesome, and since there are only eight matches on this show this could get time to develop into something good. I see the young gun winning the belt here, but I doubt this is the last time we'll see these two meet up.
Winner and NEW United States Champion: Montel Vontavious Porter
Cook: It's Chris Benoit taking on MVP. I've missed out on this MVP phenomenon...you think he deserves to be here? Penguin: Depends on your definition of the word "deserve". Are there people I'd rather see in the match? Yes. Is he good enough to warrant being here? Maybe. Does that answer your question?
Cook: Fair enough. You know I'm terribly biased towards Benoit, so I'm pretty much going to pick him against anybody...even if he does tap out to Cena after 5 seconds in the STFU these days. Sigh.
Penguin: It was more like seven. Benoit is getting stale in the US title scene, and in my humble opinion having that belt on a younger guy would help alot. Vince McMahon thinks like me, so MVP wins here.
Cook: I'm not sure if I'd advertise the fact that I think like Vince McMahon. As a graduate student, do you make undergraduates join the "Voodoo Penguin Kiss My Ass Club"?
Penguin: I did until it got my head shoved in the ass of one of our more portly philosophy professors. Really an ugly mess I'd rather not talk about.
Cook: Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiice.
Winner: Chris Benoit (Cook), MVP (Penguin)
Chris O'Donnell: This is what I'm waiting to see. According to Larry's DSW reports, MVP has a lot of untapped potential that we don't see on SmackDown. I'm hoping they let him loose, and if they do, this could be a great match because, you know, its Benoit. Even without the rumors of Benoit going to Raw, I expect him to put over MVP here.
Winner: MVP
Michael Weyer: I actually think MVP has some potential and putting him over in a showcase like this can push that further. It's Benoit so we're in for a good match overall as he'll do his best to make MVP shine.
WINNER and NEW US Champion: MVP
Stuart Carapola: This is going to be a good match. I've been a fan of MVP even going back to his days in FIP. He's a great talker and a better worker than he's given credit for. I also think there's big things in store for him and he meant it when he said that Benoit's going to have the honor of being the first guy to lose a title to MVP.
Winner: MVP
Derek Walker: Ok, every bone in my body wants Benoit to win this match. MVP has lost over and over again and his Wrestlemania warm up match is against a jobber. So the answer must be Benoit, right? Oh I forgot anything can happen in the WWE. I really hope this match is great. From what I've heard MVP can actually work with the right pairing and you don't get much better than Benoit.
Winner: MVP and don't be surprised to see the new cowardly champ find a bodyguard to help him keep the title. I hear Mark Henry is healthy again
Bayani Domingo: Chris Benoit should be helping to make new stars. But MVP is not a star, nor ever will be. Great gimmick and competent worker wasted on bad booking and not enough time to shine. I know MVP will go over, but you gotta hope right?
Winner: Benoit…by the grace of God.
Brad Borchardt: Really? This is the best they could do with Benoit? No offense to MVP, but nobody should be making their WrestleMania debut as a rookie against Chris Benoit. The build up for this match has been pathetic too. This will probably the opener for the show and Benoit will win to get the crowd going. Hopefully MVP comes to play and we get a good match up.
Pick: Chris Benoit
Rob Halden: I really enjoy MVP's work and think he's got a bright future. But, Benoit was made to tap on Raw and it's not like this title change can't take place on Backlash/Smackdown. So let's give the crowd what they want.
Winner: CHRIS BENOIT
Uncletrunx: I hope Benoit can carry MVP to something worth watching here. I think MVP will get the nod to boost him up the card. I hope it results in Benoit getting a renewed push to the main event without the US title to tie him to the mid card.
Winner: MVP
Jeff Small: With only eight matches on the card, here's hoping this one gets some time to shine (and by that I mean 12 minutes minimum). MVP has been quite impressive since his Kane feud and there's no reason to believe he won't be US Champion after this match. Benoit's best days are behind him on Smackdown so here's hoping a switch to Raw will give him a new lease on life.
Winner: MVP
Neil Borenstein: Chris Benoit can make anybody look good, plain and simple. Though MVP hasn't proven he's anything special yet in the WWE, I think this match could be at the very least decent. Benoit is going to have to carry MVP probably through most of it, but if MVP can just pull off his spots without a hitch, I don't think this match will be the complete abomination I originally felt it would be when it was first announced. With MVP basically just needing to hang around to pull the match off, I don't think he's nearly ready for any type of title run. So, let's keep the strap around the Crippler.
Winner and STILL United States Champion: Chris Benoit
Michael Bauer: It's time to answer the question that has torn my mind,
Is MVP that good or just another Santana kind?
You know, good in the ring and all that jazz,
But at Wrestlemania, he got no pizzazz.
Benoit lost the title last year at the same event,
But he's the champ and where is the time spent?
I haven't seen the rabid man on my screen,
Makes me believe we have a new champ-ing.
Winner: MVP
Samuel Berman: I'm not a fan of the MVP character, and I think they've dropped the ball on what could have been a nice push after his Inferno Match loss to Kane a few months ago. Benoit is Benoit; he's ultra-talented and elevates any match he's in and any opponent he faces. Conventional wisdom predicts a title switch, but I think they're going in a different direction.
Winner and STILL U.S. Champion: Chris Benoit
Larry Csonka: This is one of those matches that could go either way. If they have MVP work "WWE Style" and be bland and limited, it will be anywhere from "suck a cock" to decent. But, I have heard that they have been having the good house show matches and I have seen a different side of MVP in DSW as of late, and if he is allowed to be himself and Benoit cuts loose like he can, then this could be a surprisingly kick ass match.
Winner: MVP
Daniel Wilcox: Here's a match I'm quite looking forward to. I'd love to see this match get 12-15 minutes and I also wouldn't mind MVP busting out some of the moves he uses in Deep South Wrestling. The guy can apparently nail a springboard shooting star press. It's WrestleMania, why not let him use his full move set. Benoit will no doubt be bringing his A game, but with MVP on the rise and doing as well as he is doing, I don't see any other outcome other than Montel Vontavious Porter walking out with the United States strap. Rumour has it that Benoit is going to be moving to Monday nights where there are a lot of opportunities awaiting Benoit on Raw. MVP can become a star in the next year, but he needs some big wins under his belt. Recent history has proven that a run with the United States championship is a springboard to main eventing or even a run with the World title (Guerrero, Cena, Booker, Lashley, and Kennedy.) Mania is 4 hours so there is no reason why this shouldn't have enough time to be a great match and a possible dark horse for the show stealer.
Winner: And NEW US Champion, MVP!
Matt Nicholson: I really wanna see MVP with some gold but I also wanna see Benoit win at Wrestlemania. This is a tough one, but I'll go with the Rabid Wolverine
Winner: Chris Benoit
Meehan: For Mee, this is the easiest match to call of the night. Since WrestleMania XX, Benoit's star has faded, new stars have risen, his passion for the industry has been on the wane, and Chris Benoit has seen his role reduced from "Former World Champion" to upper-midcarder who can't seem to get past the U.S. Title picture. Since winning the World Title, we've seen Benoit busting his ass to put over all sorts of up-and-coming/repackaged heels on the U.S. Title circuit, including guys like Orlando Jordan, "King" Booker [T], "John [Bradshaw] Layfield", [Welcome Back] Finlay, and Mr. Kennedy. At 'Mania, Benoit will do most of the work, and I fully expect this program to extend in the weeks and months following tomorrow night's Big Dance -- but as to who's walking away victorious? Get used to spelling the phrase "United States Champion" starting with three capital letters -- M.V.P.
Winner: MVP
Julian Williams: Am I the only one who thinks this match will actually be good? Benoit is still fucking Benoit and MVP has improved by leaps and bounds since his debut. I don't think this match is going to steal the show or anything, but I think it will be a good match that might surprise a few people. Although I'm starting to dig MVP, I don't dig him enough to want to see him dethrone Benoit at Wrestlemania. Benoit makes bitches tap out!
