411 PPV Roundtable Preview: WWE Unforgiven 2007
Posted by Stephen Randle on 09.15.2007
Unforgiven is Sunday night, and the 411 staff has their picks on the first PPV after Pharmacygate!
Good morning, everyone, and welcome to another exciting PPV Roundtable. This time, we're taking a look at WWE Unforgiven, or, as it may come to be known, "the one after everyone got suspended". With storylines being changed on the fly for the last couple weeks, the card assembled still turned out pretty decent. Of course, the United States, Intercontinental, and Cruiserweight titles aren't on the line, which you'd think would be easy ways to make filler matches, but you can't have everything.
That aside, here's the 411 staff that decided to grace you all with their predictions:
Stephen Randle, The Wrestling News Experience
Jerome Cusson, 411Movies' Retro TV Review
T.G. Corke, The Seventh Dimension
Stuart Carapola, Friendly Competition
Dustin James, 411's MMA Rankings
Randy Harrison, 411MMA's The Sprawl and Brawl Video Review
Rod Oracheski, 411Games' PS3 reviewer
Jarrod Westerfeld, Your Viral Dose of Reality
Andy Clark, The Shimmy
Tim Haught, Pro Wrestling Pundit
Steve Sullivan, Happy Go Sucky Wrestling Report
Andy Critchell, transient
Matt Short, The Navigation Log
Bayani Domingo, Truth B Told
Sat, High Road/Low Road
Michael Bauer, ECW recapper
Jeff Small, The Small-For-All News Report
and Larry Csonka, guy in charge of most things.
And now, let's take a look at the card:
Undertaker vs Mark Henry
Stephen Randle: I thought I'd put this first just to get the obvious one out of the way.
Winner: Undertaker
Jerome Cusson: The question isn't whether the dead man is going to win, but how quickly.
Winner: Undertaker
T.G. Corke: Before the apparent re-signing of the Silverback/front/anywhere he's sweating Mark Henry, this would have been an absolute synch. However, since it seems the former Sexual Chocolate, or the Cocoa Cuddler as I like to call him, was made an offer he literally could not refuse, it's slightly more open. That said, Undertaker still picks up the win and hopefully we may see that Mark Henry/Batista program come to fruition after all these years.
Winner: Undertaker
Stuart Carapola: Anyone who thinks Mark Henry has a chance of winning this is insane. I just wish Undertaker's return match wasn't one we've seen before and sucked even then.
Winner: Undertaker
Dustin James: Ahhh, so the Dead Man returns once again. I just can't see Sexual Chocolate picking up the win here. That Unforgiven promo featuring the Undertaker is one of the sweetest I've ever seen, yet this match will NOT be one of the sweetest thing's I've ever seen.
Winner: Undertaker
Randy Harrison: Mark Henry is rumored to be on his way out of the WWE and The Undertaker is making his standard yearly (it seems)ominous comeback. I can't see any way that Henry comes out of this one with a win, unless it's a screwy ending to set up another match that sees The Undertaker win definitively and give a kayfabe excuse for Henry's disappearance.
Winner: The Undertaker
Rod Oracheski: Nobody can stop the rampaging man-ape, Mark Henry. Well, nobody except a returning superstar. To add to the tension, pop open a beer as the match starts and try to finish it before the inevitable Undertaker win.
Winner: Undertaker
Jarrod Westerfeld: A part of me wants to try and care about this after the months of build for Mark Henry's character. Who'd have thought after 10 years of attempted sabotage to rid themselves of this oversized problem, they finally found him a gimmick that works for him, and leaves me wanting to see what he can do with Marcus Cor Von – just imagine it, the Alpha Male taking on the Silver Back. But here we have the millionth return of Calloway, which of course will be successful and lead to his return to the title scene as this was to have been his big year in the main event. Why should I care for Mark Henry after this?
Winner: Undertaker
Andy Clark: Triple H won his return match. Rey Mysterio won his return match. Oh yeah, I'm picking Mark Henry here.
Winner: Undertaker
Tim Haught: WWE signed power lifter Mark Henry to a long lucrative contract to ensure WCW could never get their hands on him. How weird is that to think about now? WWE has been trying to unload the guy for years, and then right before his contract is up, he learns how to be a character and creative learns how to push him. Still, of the current WWE monsters, he's one of the less interesting ones. Undertaker returns from the dead for the umpteenth time, and it would be stupid to bet against him. I don't agree however that it will be a total squash. You can enjoy a few beers during this one.
Winner: Undertaker
Steve Sullivan: I have to agree with a lot of collegues. It would be nice to see Mark Henry's character get a little respect after the long buildup. But it looks as though that WWE creative plans on burying him, no pun intended. Anyone notice how Mark Henry has had nothing but job matches since returning? I think the WWE was hell bent on making sure this match happened that they made sure Mark Henry couldnt hurt himself for the 764th time. So hopefully, this will be worth it, but I doubt it.
Winner: The Undertaker
Andy Critchell: I know that many, many people are still down on big Mark and I have no idea why. Ever since he came back to the WWE last year he has been one of the best booked characters around. He always plays to his strengths and his weaknesses are never exposed. As for the match itself, if it is anything like the Wrestlemania match the two had, then I will be pretty happy as I thought that was a fun match. Look for the same result too since this is the Undertaker's big return and a loss here won't really hurt Mark since he will still be a huge, imposing figure.
Winner: The Undertaker
Matt Short: Time once again for the Undertaker to return. That means an entrance longer than the match itself. It's a shame they haven't had enough for Henry to do in his latest run. He was doing well before his last injury and now all he's done is squash jobbers and say "I'M THE SILVERBACK!" He might look like more of a threat. Anyone who thinks Taker is going to lose
Winner: Undertaker
Bayani Domingo: IF the HHH and Mysterio returns recently are any indication, you just don't return a "main event" wrestler from injury with a loss. That coupled with the rumor of Mizzark being finally let out to pasture and I think it's pretty obvious.
Winner: ‘Taker
Sat: Does anybody expect the Undertaker to lose his return match?
Winner: The Undertaker
Michael Bauer: Due to it being football season, it's time for the odds maker Bauer to make his debut. Odds on this match: 3 to 1 – Odd that the match is like every other return we saw this summer. The over/under for time on this match is 17 minutes, with 6 of it being on the ring entrance.
Winner: Undertaker
Jeff Small: Even with a contract extension, Henry's got no chance in hell.
Winner: Undertaker
Larry Csonka: HAHAHAHAHA… Oh wait, you want a real prediction. HAHAHAHAHA…
Winner: Undertaker
Triple H vs Carlito - No DQ for Carlito only
Stephen Randle: Well, at least now Carlito won't get squashed, but he doesn't have a chance in hell anyway, otherwise they wouldn't need to add the stipulation.
Winner: Triple H
Jerome Cusson: Look at that crazy WWE, trying to put drama in another match with a forgone conclusion. They're sort of trying here, but is there any doubt?
Winner: Triple H
T.G. Corke: Although I've made no secret of my anxiety regarding the stipulation here in my debut column, the match itself may turn out to be pretty decent. Carlito's already pinned Cena this year, so that lends an element of doubt to precedings, but in all reality it doesn't seem like a result worth considering. Triple H wins, but at least Carlito is now being used.
Winner: Triple H
Stuart Carapola: Read my comments about Undertaker vs Henry and just substitute the names. No way Carlito's winning here. If anything, I expect this to be the beginning of the big build to Triple H getting a WWE Title shot in the near future, a build which will feature Triple H steamrolling over everyone in his path on the way to said title shot.
Winner: Triple H
Dustin James: Wouldn't it be cool if Carlito picked up a clean victory here? I know it would never happen in a million years, but I'm just saying. Since I foresee a Randy Orton/HHH program down the line, The H's goes over here sadly.
Winner: HHH
Randy Harrison: The stipulation is meant to add drama, but who in their right minds think that Carlito could win this? He's been booked as an afterthought for months now and he's going to pick up the win over the newly returned, newly reconstructed Triple H? Essentially this comes off as almost a variant on the same handicap match that Trips had a thousand times while in DX except this time it's the rules stacked in the opponent's favor as opposed to the numbers. The result will still be the same.
Winner: Triple H
Rod Oracheski: Carlito has a good chance of making it to the 10 minute mark, but no chance of picking up a win. HHH isn't going anywhere but up after his return, so Carlito takes the dive.
Winner: HHH
Jarrod Westerfeld: At least the WWE is trying to give me reason to care for this match. No longer does it feel like it'll be an out-an-out squashing of Carlito to sate Triple H's ego – now it'll possibly an out-an-out squashing of anyone that runs into aide Carlito in this match. Triple H already destroyed Umaga, even though it let [Umaga] walk away with all of his monster heel heat, but even worse than that was when he destroyed all 5 members of the Spirit Squad, William Regal, Fit Finlay, Ken Kennedy, both McMahon men and Big Show all of last year. Exactly what makes me think Triple H will lie his ego down long enough to allow Carlito to go over him? It's not like Carlito is a big prize in the WWE's eyes, and a cash cow like Cena.
Winner: Triple H
Andy Clark: I don't care if Carlito uses a machine gun, Triple H wins.
Winner: Triple H
Tim Haught: This match should determine the number one contender for the WWE title. Therefore, if I think Orton will go over, I should go with the baby. If I think Cena will retain, I should go with Carlito. However, all that logic is thrown out the window when you realize that the Orton/Cena program is not likely to end at Unforgiven. If that's true, Carlito and Triple H is likely to continue as well. The best way to draw out this storyline is to have the heel go over with the stipulation and have the babyface get revenge later. Unfortunately, in this case, the baby is Triple H, and there is no way Carlito is going to win. Umaga is next.
Winner: Triple H
Steve Sullivan: I don't think a lot of people are giving Carlito's current push much thought, but I think the WWE really is determined to get Carlito into the upper card, and this is the match that could do it. This feud doesn't necessarily have to go on forever. In fact, a new program can begin by having interference come in and beat up Triple H enough that Carlito gets the pinfall. Triple H begins his new feud and Carlito can claim pinfalls against John Cena and Triple H in the last month, setting up a Triple Threat match at Cyber Sunday involving Cena, Orton, and Carlito. Makes sense to me!
Winner- Carlito
Andy Critchell: Even with the stipulation, this match is a no-brainer. Carlito is treading water in the "jobber to the stars" role and Triple H is...well, Triple H. I think the stipulation was put in just to keep this from being a pure squash match.
Winner: Triple H
Matt Short: So by adding a special stipulation Carlito has an "advantage." Right.
Winner: Triple H
Bayani Domingo: Since when is HHH feuding with the lead singer of ‘Gym Class Heroes'? Oh wait, that's....OH...man, that is a bad haircut indeed. I mean, take a look at his haircut...Haircut...it's the only one's he's got. Well this is going to sting a bit young Carlito, but something tells me that you're jobbing to the boss's son in law.
Winner: HHH
Sat: The stipulation definitely favors Carlito, but he has no chance in hell of winning this match.
Winner: Triple H
Michael Bauer: Odds on this match: 2 to 1 – Odds that Larry has to bring in his fruit picture on the 4 R's for Carlito.
Winner: Triple H
Jeff Small: Even with a No DQ stip, Carltio's got no chance in hell.
Winner: Eugene's Favorite Wrestler
Larry Csonka: HAHAHAHAHA… Oh wait, you want a real prediction. HAHAHAHAHA…
Winner: HHH
Candice Michelle (c) vs Beth Phoenix - Women's Championship
Stephen Randle: Candice is improving, but Phoenix is already a real wrestler, and a good choice to have dominate the division for a while.
Winner: Beth Phoenix
Jerome Cusson:Honestly, does anyone even care about this division anymore? It's to the point where I can barely remember who even has the belt anymore. I guess because she's getting a push and can sort of wrestle, Phoenix has the advantage.
Winner: Beth Phoenix
T.G. Corke: Hate to say it, but I simply don't care who wins. Candice is still green as hell (hell in this example being a single blade of grass), and I haven't had a chance to care about Beth yet. I'm guessing either Candice retains and loses it down the road, or Beth wins and loses it back to the Go Daddy girl. I'll reservedly guess the latter of the two.
Winner: Beth Phoenix
Stuart Carapola: I think the outcome of this match is going to tell us whether the near future of the Women's division is going to be about T&A or actual wrestling. I'm going to say that the push they've given Phoenix has been strong enough that I don't see how they're going to have her lose.
Winner: Candice
Dustin James: A former Diva contest contestant against a woman who can actually wrestle? Since it's WWE I should go with Candice Michelle, but I highly doubt they've been pushing Beth Phoenix only to feed her to Candice. But it is WWE, so I really could go either way here.
Winner: Beth Phoenix
Randy Harrison: Beth has been built as an absolute monster and there's no one left for the women in terms of heels that can take the belt and run with it. Candice has already beaten all the other credible challengers (credibility in the women's division?), so it looks like there's going to be at least one new champion at Unforgiven.
Winner: The New WWE Women's Champ, Beth Phoenix
Rod Oracheski: I can't remember the last time I cared about this title at all, so I'll give the decision to the one with the tougher sounding name. Hopefully they can blow off this feud at Wrestlemania with a HIAC match. I smell five stars!
Winner: Beth Phoenix
Jarrod Westerfeld: This ought to be interesting in that we'll get to see just how far behind the WWE wants to try and push the new face of their women's division, Candice, over the more talented member of their Raw women's division. One would want the WWE to place the title back onto a talented women's wrestler, but one also forgets that this is the WWE, and they don't really care for women's wrestling. Just because the title used to be on Lita and Trish Stratus doesn't necessarily mean they like talented women's wrestlers – just women with good, solid, marketable looks. And if Johnny Ace is stroking to them long enough, they might just get a couple of nods to not only stay on the roster, but get the big push to the women's gold.
Winner: Candice Michelle
Andy Clark: This is one of the most hyped women's matches not involving Trish Stratus, Lita, or Mickie James in some time. Beth Phoenix is booked like a monster and I don't see little Candice pull it off.
Winner and NEW Women's Champion: Beth Phoenix
Tim Haught: I still care about the women's division. Maybe I am the only one. Mickie James and Victoria may be positioned far from the title for now, but I am still hoping these two get a real chance to tear the house down someday. Michelle will be fed to "The Glamazon", who no matter what you think of women's wrestling has had the best character development of anyone on Raw in recent memory. I am going to assume she gets DQ'ed in this one, although she might win by countout. WWE isn't ready to put the belt on her just yet.
Winner: Candice Michelle
Steve Sullivan: As much as I love to look at Candice Michelle, the women's division has sucked since she's been the champ. Women's wrestling is far more entertaining when a face is chasing a heel champion. Enter Beth Phoenix, and who better to feud with her than Mickie James. Anyone remember the storyline before Beth broke her jaw? Beth is some figure from Mickie's past and it looks like the WWE is finally let the cat out of the bag. This should set up one of the best women's feuds since Trish vs. Lita.
Winner and NEW Women's Champion- Beth Phoenix
Andy Critchell: This one will be a clash of styles as Beth has been the strong bruiser and Candice is more suited to a higher tempo style. Candice has improved by leaps and bounds in the ring but I can't see the WWE booking her to finish over Beth for two reasons: 1. If Beth loses here there is really nothing for her to do and 2. This will make up for Beth getting her jaw broken in her first Raw match by Sloppy James.
Winner and NEW Women's Champion: Beth Phoenix
Matt Short: Beth Phoenix has looked good since coming back. I kind of see Candice winning, but I rather the belt change hands so we can get Beth Phoenix vs. Mickie James later on.
Winner: Beth Phoenix
Bayani Domingo: I'm sorry, but I just never got on the Candice Michelle bandwagon. Sure she's a decent piece of tail, but I never really accepted her as a women's champ, especially considering how many more dominant women there are in the division, she's like a weird big breasted Rey Mysterio and I hope the Glamazon finally slays her. Slowly....oh...so slowly.
Winner: Beth Phoenix
Sat: I think that Candice Michelle has had an okay run with the title, but it is time for a change.
Winner: Beth Phoenix
Michael Bauer: Odds on this match: 15 to 1 – This will actually not be the worst match of the night. Over/Under on time: 4 minutes. The line is off on a new champion, because I frankly have no idea.
Winner: Beth Pheonix
Jeff Small: Our third squash of the evening! The Glamazon is on a roll and it shouldn't stop here. Considering she talks and wrestles better than Candice, she should bring more credibility to the title. Throw in the fact that Mickie James is #1 contender and the women's division is at least stronger than the IC title once again.
Winner: Beth Phoenix
Larry Csonka: It is time to get the title on a heel and someone that can wrestle. Beth fits both of these molds and I think deserves the shot.
Winner: Beth Phoenix
Matt Hardy and MVP (c) vs Deuce and Domino - WWE Tag Team Championship
Stephen Randle: This is the best part of Smackdown, and it'd be better if MVP were allowed to wrestle full time. I sense the tag titles are just a way to keep Matt and MVP feuding, but Deuce and Domino aren't the right choice to take the belts, mostly because they suck.
Winners: Matt Hardy and MVP
Jerome Cusson: Let me know when the quality matches come up cause I haven't seen a single match on this card that has a chance of being decent. Deuce and Domino have no business on the main roster because they are not ready. MVP and Matt Hardy should be wrestling each other because at least then we'd have a good match.
Winners: Matt Hardy and MVP
T.G. Corke: This is tricky. Before the South African house shows, I'd have said Dunce and Dorito were certain to regain the titles here. However, we've just had the World Tag Team championship on Raw switch hands twice in the space of three days, which leads me to believe Hardy and MVP will retain and lose them on Smackdown when one turns on the other, thus re-igniting the US Title program.
Winner: Matt-VP
Stuart Carapola: Let's see how many cute ways we can book MVP into matches and have him do as little as possible! Deuce and Domino are the Basham Brothers of 2007, they had their shot with the gold, bored me to hell, and finally, mercifully dropped the title. Not that this title, which has repeatedly been used to build singles feuds instead of being worth something in its own right, means crap at this point. I don't see them getting it back here, but do see Hardy and MVP's little Odd Couple gimmick continuing until MVP's cleared to wrestle full time again so Hardy can hopefully get that title since it seems to actually mean something.
Winner: Matt Hardy & MVP
Dustin James: The MVP/Matt Hardy storyline has been one of the most interesting and hilarious storylines I've seen in awhile. It would be stupid to have them drop the tag titles this suddenly. Maybe if Michael Vick was on the opposing team, I'd have them losing the titles since suspended NFL players are a HOT commodity in the wrestling world right now, but since it's Deuce & Domino....
Winners: MVP & Matt Hardy V1!
Randy Harrison: This all seems to be building to an MVP swerve on Matt Hardy, which reminds me a lot of when Cade and Murdoch pulled one over on the Hardyz on Raw. If that happens and he falls for it he might be the most gullible babyface since Sting. The only question seemingly is does it happen now or does it happen on the "Season Premiere" of Smackdown. The writers have done the best they can to keep both these men in the spotlight after MVP's health scare derailed the story they had going, but hopefully it can end soon so both can move on to something fresh. Oh that's right, they have opponents in this match. As much as I would loathe to see them as champions again, Rhythm and Blues 2k7 seem like they're going to get the belts back once the MVP/Hardy feud resumes, it's just not going to happen Sunday night.
Winner: Hardy and MVP
Rod Oracheski: Matt and MVP will have their falling out eventually, but dropping the belts to Deuce and Domino? I hope not. If MVP isn't healthy enough to resume a full-time singles schedule then the inevitable M&M showdown will have to wait, and they'll keep the tag division alive until then.
Winners: Matt Hardy and MVP
Jarrod Westerfeld: This is the match to really watch, as we'll get to see how Matt carries the work load to help alleviate some of the stress on MVP's heart, and further this feud between them as to whom is the better man in the feud. This might also help establish D&D as a legitimate item in the tag team fixture, despite Domino looking about as green as Master's Raw run. I do believe we might see this tag team feud go on at least another month before we see the big pay off that leads us back into Matt Hardy proclaiming the US title as his own.
Winner: Matt Hardy and MVP
Andy Clark: While I could potentially see some sort of miscommunication or MVP walking out of the match or something to get Deuce'n'Domino the belts back, I think WWE likes the odd couple dynamic here.
Winners and STILL WWE Tag Team Champions: Matt Hardy & MVP
Tim Haught: Everyone knows that the story here is when will MVP turn on Matt Hardy. My guess is sooner, rather than later. I see MVP standing on the apron, refusing tags. He wants Matt to be competitive and do it himself. Matt will almost get the job done too, until MVP turns on him. Some think it's a mistake for them to drop them to Deuce and Domino. Who the hell else is there on Smackdown? The Major Brothers?
Winners: Deuce and Domino
Steve Sullivan: This is the only reason to watch Smackdown right now. This feud is actually bringing back some prestige to the United States Title and I would love to see these two feud on a main event level. I look for MVP and Matt Hardy to work together like a team and get people thinking that these two are becoming friends. They'll retain here so that they can drop them at Cyber Sunday and set up the big match at Survivor Series.
Winners- Matt Hardy & MVP
Andy Critchell: The bookers on Smackdown have done a really good job with the MVP/Hardy feud and have shown that they know how to make both these guys look good. This should be a fun match, largely thanks to the efforts of Hardy and MVP, and while I could see D&D winning thanks to the strife between the tag champs, I don't think WWE would change the titles back so quickly.
Winner: Matt Hardy & MVP
Matt Short: I'm amazed that Deuce and Domino have lasted as long as they have. A program with guys like MVP and Matt Hardy actually seems like a good way to build them up. It gives them some experience in big matches and it puts them on PPV. Maybe the tag titles are just being used as a prop for the Hardy/MVP US title feud, but at least they're getting time. D & D could very well win the belts back here, but it seems more likely that the Odd Couple walks out with the titles. My guess is they'll drop them sometime between now and the next PPV on TV to build toward their next singles match.
Winners: MVP & Matt Hardy
Bayani Domingo: This match makes me sad because it seems so very obvious what's going to happen and Douche n' Domino don't deserve the titles because there isn't really a great feud for them on the horizon. Still, they have got to separate the belts and create a new feud somehow.
Winner: D n' D
Sat: I think that Matt Hardy and MVP have been an entertaining team, but I don't see their title run lasting that long. Expect Deuce and Domino to regain the titles when MVP turns on Matt Hardy.
Winner: Deuce and Domino
Michael Bauer: Odds on this match: No line due to MVP's heart condition. If he's solid, then they lose and go back to the US Title hunt. If not, champs should retain. Odds I'm wrong: 5 to 1
Winners: Matt Hardy and MVP
Jeff Small: Eh, Unforgiven's surely shaping up to be a great card ain't it? Personally, I hope that Hardy and MVP win not because I love the "feuding superstars became tag partners" storyline but I really don't want Deuce and Domino to be on my Smackdown screen again.
Winner: MVP and Matt Hardy
Larry Csonka: There was dissention between Hardy and MVP this week, I think MVP leaves Matt for dead and then their feud can continue.
Winner: Deuce and Domino
Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch (c) vs Brian Kendrick and Paul London - World Tag Team Championship
Stephen Randle: I know why they did the South Africe title change, just to give the people there something interesting. I think London and Kendrick deserve the belts, but the company is obviously getting behind Cade and Murdoch, and they're no slouches themselves.
Winners: Cade and Murdoch
Jerome Cusson: If this match gets time, it could be the best on the card. My hunch is it will open the show and barely get ten minutes. Both teams are pretty good, so I could live with either one winning. I see this match happening again at No Mercy and possibly ending at Cyber Sunday, so I'll go with Cade and Murdoch this time.
Winners: Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch
T.G. Corke: By the same token as I used for the last match, the titles are unlikely to change hands here. I can only see London and Kendrick winning by disqualification, otherwise the Redneck Wrecking Crew are walking out the victors as well as champions.
Winner: Cade-och
Stuart Carapola: I'd like to see Kendrick and London get the Raw tag title and get another nice run with it like they did on Smackdown, but I think Cade and Murdoch have that spot right now. Hopefully this will lead to a decent feud and some good matches and maybe Kendrick and London will get the title down the line, but I don't see it happening here.
Winner: Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch
Dustin James: I'm still confused as to why they gave London and Kendrick a house show victory for the titles only to have them lose them right back. Since there really isn't another team for these guy's to feud with, I can see the feud going on a little while longer.
Winners: Kendrick & London via DQ
Randy Harrison: After flipping the titles during the tour of South Africa, this one is another in what seems to be a long line of forgone conclusions on this card. Hopefully they get some time to work as this could be a sleeper match of the night, but knowing the E and their aversion to tag team wrestling this probably won't get more than about 8 minutes and will most likely be the opener. As an aside, am I the only one that thinks that there need to be more named tag teams a la The Midnight Express? The fact that there aren't any tag teams on this show that have an actual name is indicative of what the division has become. Ah well, at least us writing-type folk tend to make up names for them ourselves.
Winner: The Redneck Whirling Dervish
Rod Oracheski: Kendrick and London are exactly what the WWE needs these days: smaller guys (no steroids here!) who are quick and can entertain a crowd. The house show belt switching might have been testing the waters for reaction, and SummerSlam saw complaints about the lack of title changes, so I can see this one switching hands given the relative stability of the other titles.
Winners: Kendrick and London
Jarrod Westerfeld: Instead of Cryme Tyme, who were possibly the most over tag team in the entire company since the Hardy Boyz reunion tour, we're treated to Londrick actually getting some usage on Raw. The problem with this being that someone still forgot to take the leash off the boys so they can attempt to steal the show and get themselves over with the crowd that is still unfamiliar with them even after an amazing ladder match at last year's Armageddon pay-per-view. The sad part? As dead as the crowd can be for London and Kendrick, they're still more over than Cade and Murdoch – gee, I wonder why that could be? Maybe it has something to do with Cade and Murdoch being made to look like jobbing jokes back in '05? Maybe that has a little something to do with it.
Winner: Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch
Andy Clark: When was the last time we saw two tag title matches on one show? Hopefully they let these guys cut loose and London & Kendrick can show why they stole the show on SmackDown. It's really a toss up of a decision though, so I'll go with the champs.
Winners and STILL World Tag Team Champions: Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch
Tim Haught: The Redneck Wrecking Crew vs. The Hooliganz. How hard is that? With Cryme Tyme's release, this whole thing has been thrown together. What are the teams on the horizon to compete for the belts? The Highlanders? Ugh. I actually care about this one a lot less than the women's match, which is sad because Cade and Murdoch are awesome! WWE loves a title chase, so expect London and Kendrick to wait a while before taking the titles. Either that or expect Cryme Tyme's release to last as long as The Boogeyman's from a year ago, and for them to return for the World Tag Team Titles and more Money, Money Yeah Yeah!
Winners: Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch
Steve Sullivan: I don't really understand why the WWE put the titles on Londrick then took them off before they even came back to the States. Much less, I don't understand why they didn't mention this on WWE TV. Or did they mention that during my bathroom break? Regardless, I guess they decided to let London and Kendrick do what they did in South Africa again, only this time on Pay Per View where Americans can see it.
Winners and NEW World Tag Team Champs: Paul London & Brian Kendrick
Andy Critchell: Obviously London & Kendrick have taken the spot that Cryme Tyme was supposed to occupy and as such there has not really been proper time to really build this feud, though they are off to a good start. I think that L&K will end up winning the titles but not this soon. Remember kids, the money is in the chase!
Winner: Cade & Murdoch
Matt Short: Sweet. Cade and Murdoch have made the most out of their previous PPV appearances this year and them paired with London and Kendrick should prove to be interesting if given enough time. The title switches overseas were an interesting twist, but don't read too much into those to find the outcome of this match. The champs retain.
Winners: Cade & Murdoch
Bayani Domingo: This feud has such potential, but still wouldn't be the feud I most want to see. If given a chance and if they allowed to let LonDrick work in some more ‘high risk' spots then a Hart Foundation 2K7 vs LonDrick could be an awesome feud for RAW, but that would entail them getting the title first. I'm going with my gut here and saying that an upset special could be in the....wait, what am I saying, Vince hates cruiserweights...
Winner: Redneck Express
Sat: I would love to see Brian Kendrick and Paul London win the titles, but with one tag team title changing hands, it makes no sense for the other to change hands as well. So, I expect Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch to retain the title by cheating.
Winner: Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch.
Michael Bauer: Odds on this match: 8 to 1 – Odds the titles will change hands for the third time in as many weeks. Oh, why did the switch the titles in Africa? I like the Cade and Murdoch team, but it's time for the speed guys to get the due they had on Smackdown.
Winners: Kendrick and London
Jeff Small: If there was a match to convince me to order this PPV, it's this match. I can't see a title switch here considering that Londrick are only in this match because Cryme Tyme were fired. Unless the WWE really wants to stick it to the anti-Man and give them the title. I see the champs retain here but lose it in a gimmick match at Cyber Sunday.
Winner: Cade and Murdoch
Larry Csonka: London and Kendrick got the one up on the champs this week, but I don't think it is time to take the titles off of the Dervish. They need a good and long feud before they drop the titles.
Winner: Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch
CM Punk (c) vs Elijah Burke - ECW Championship
Stephen Randle: Total on-the-fly booking due to Morrison's suspension, so don't expect anything new here.
Winner: CM Punk
Jerome Cusson: Sometimes they've had good matches. Other times, they've had really bad matches. With this being a Pay-Per-View and the ECW title on the line, I expect a great effort out of both guys. Punk is coming off his best match in WWE when he beat Nitro, so he has a lot of momentum. Burke has been a forgotten man since Morrison/Nitro came to the brand, but with the roster being so thin I think he'll take advantage of this opportunity.
Winner: CM Punk
T.G. Corke: It would be somewhat cruel irony for CM Punk if he ends up losing the belt on the same show he was likely scheduled to win. And to Elijah Burke, who has been Cap'n No-Drug's perennial job-boy for the best part of forever. But it's not going to happen. Punk retains the belt at least once before his reign is done and dusted.
Winner: CM Punk
Stuart Carapola: Word is that Punk just got the title because Morrison was taking his little vacation and that he's already planned to drop it back to Morrison as soon as he's back, so I think the odds of Elijah getting the title here are pretty slim. What I WOULD like to see out of this match, however, is for CM Punk to work his ass off and impress the right people so maybe management will think twice about making him drop the title back to Morrison in three weeks.
Winner: CM Punk
Dustin James: So, CM Punk finally realized his dream and is now holding the........ECW Championship? As much as the WWE loves to fuck with CM Punk fans, I don't expect him to drop the title so soon.
Winner: CM Punk
Randy Harrison: Thus begins the reign of CM Punk. Sadly it seems like this reign has a predetermined length, as apparently once his thirty days are up, the Shaman of Signature will be getting his belt back. You'd think they would learn the lessons of the past (WCW anyone?) when it comes to booking the champion's loss before he's even won the title, but it is what it is. Hopefully Punk and Burke have a barn-burner and during the next thirty days Punk can change some minds and they'll rethink their whole strategy regarding his championship reign. It should be a great match but again the outcome is set in stone.
Winner: And still ECW Champion, for now, CM Punk
Rod Oracheski: Burke's going to do big things, but not today. Punk can't get punked out so quickly after getting the belt, so I'd expect him to hold it for a while. With these two in the ring at a PPV with a belt on the line, expect a great match.
Winner: CM Punk
Jarrod Westerfeld: And ECW throws together another Punk/Burke match, but knowing that because a certain someone on the Raw writing staff doesn't think too highly of ECW, and has demonstrated this in the previous pay-per-views with how the ECW matches had been booked with almost no time to really get fans behind the workers, I don't expect this match to do anything but be yet another filler match that only limits the SmackDown triple threat main event to only 20 minutes. The sad part is, it won't even get big play time on Tuesday nights, so we may never know just how good these two can work together unless they're suddenly moved over to Raw, but by that time Triple H may be looking hungry again and need new, fresh young talent to feast upon.
Winner: CM Punk
Andy Clark: The Miz, Big Daddy V, even Kevin Thorn would have been better in this spot instead of Burke. Nothing against Burke, but he's lost to Punk about 4,000 times in the past year. Make that 4,001.
Winner and STILL ECW Champion: CM Punk
Tim Haught: This isn't one of the big four PPV's, so I'd like to see WWE take what they would most likely consider a risk and let these guys really go. I think they could steal the show if given enough time, and this match is for a WORLD title. Still, I think this will be the one that gets cut if other things go over. Sad… I love Elijah Burke, and would love to see him get a win, but I know better. Hopefully while Punk's wrestling Colt Cabana or someone can come hold the belt for him. After all, it's Punk's job to make sure it's still warm when it's time to hand it back to John Morrison.
Winner: CM Punk
Steve Sullivan: I love this because these are two of my favorite OVW alum that's come out of Louisville in the last couple of years. As much as I like Elijah Burke, I'd MUCH rather see a program between C.M. Punk and Big Daddy V. So look for some interference from the big man.
Winner- C.M. Punk by DQ
Andy Critchell: This is the match I am looking forward to the most. These two have wrested against each other several times and they know each other very well. They are also both very talented and I think that if given enough time this could be the match of the night. I got to see them face off in person at Judgment Day and if this match is as good as that one was, then I will be a happy guy. Now I am a big fan of Burke but I still need to be realistic; this feud's only purpose is to kill time until the Shaman of Sexy returns from his "sabbatical" so a title chance is very unlikely.
Winner: CM Punk
Matt Short: Punk just won the belt. Burke hasn't done much for awhile, though he's still always been considered a contender for the title. There's always been high expectations for these two, so they'll have to meet it. Especially Punk, who needs to shine now that he's got the title.
Winner: CM Punk
Bayani Domingo: How is this even supposed to look like a fair fight when Punk has just bitched out Burke at every opportunity and made him look like his own personal jobber? I am of the belief that when Punk loses the title it'll be back to Morrison anyways. A better match then Punk vs Big Daddy V, but a less convincing outcome.
Winner: CM Punk
Sat: There is no way that Elijah Burke is going to win the title.
Winner: CM Punk
Michael Bauer: Odds on this match: 15,000 to 1 – CM Punk losing the title. Yeah, I wouldn't take that bet either. Over/under on time: 9 minutes and it better hit the over.
Winner: CM Punk
Jeff Small: Man, another squash match. It's like I'm watching Heat again. I just wish Burke had a tad bit of credibility going into this match. As is, he's just dead in the water against the new champ.
Winner: CM Punk
Larry Csonka: There is no reason to take the title off of Punk so soon after he won it. Plus Burke is Punk's personal bitch.
Winner: CM Punk
The Great Khali (c) vs Batista vs Rey Mysterio - Triple Threat Match - World Heavyweight Championship
Stephen Randle: Batista keeps getting all these title shots simply because there's nobody else. I'd say the plan is probably to give Taker back the belt that he had to drop due to injury, and maybe set up a big Mania match against Khali.
Winner: The Great Khali
Jerome Cusson: If they're trying to insure Rey Mysterio doesn't have a good match, then this is a good way to do it. Khali is unbearable as the champion and has no business carrying the belt around. Batista deserves the championship, if for no other reason than he can carry the load until Edge is ready to come back. Unfortunately, I'm picking the person who will win, not who I want to win.
Winner: The Great Khali
T.G. Corke: Well, I think one of the WWE World titles is changing hands tonight. At least one, in fact. This one seems the most likely of the two for a few reasons. The first is that Khali was never intended to win the belt when he did, and considering that he's held it a good two months longer than was planned. The second is that Batista currently has credibility to the sum of jack shit. WWE needs to make a decision, whether Batista is capable of carrying Smackdown as their champion anymore. If the answer is no, he shouldn't be in the main event. Pick a path, Hayes. PLEASE. Rey winning would be a colossal upset, and I can only see it happening if he pins Khali after Batista does all the hard work. That would be cool, but would his second run with the belt really be any better than his first? I'm going to have to roll a dice to decide the outcome...
Winner: Batista
Stuart Carapola: I have a funny feeling that Khali's not losing the title here, and I wouldn't be surprised at all to see Mysterio take the fall. And for crissakes, how many more PPV main events is Batista going to back door his way into?
Winner: The Great Khali
Dustin James: I expect this match to be the match of the night. With Khali's technical skills, Batista's high flying skills, and Mysterio's brawling skills, it should range anywhere from **** to *****. Please, kill me now.
Winner: None of us.....ummm The Great Khali?
Randy Harrison: Khali has actually grown into a serviceable champion for the Friday night brand, and I could actually live with him hanging onto the title here. Rey-Rey is fresh from his comeback wins over Chavo Guerrero and has momentum on his side, but the stench of his first reign is still pretty heavy in the air and I don't think anyone would buy him as a champion again at this point. Speaking of not buying someone as champion, how many chances will Batista get before he finally is able to win the big one. I get that the money is in the chase but there are only so many times someone can look like a loser before the people know he's a loser and stop paying the money to watch the chase. If they don't pay off Batista here I don't think I could ever buy him as a credible challenger again.
Winner: And NEW World Heavyweight Champion, Batista
Rod Oracheski: Khali vs Batista is a terrible match. We've seen it, we know. They toss Mysterio in there to add some speed and possibly even a spot or two where he'll do a high-flying move (into the inevitable catch and slam) but he's really got no shot at the gold. Batista, despite proclaiming innocence, has a name that's associated with the steroid scandal, so he won't get the title either. That leaves us with the lumbering highlight machine as the champ. This one's a good time for a bathroom break or, as an alternative to the 'beer race' from the Mark Henry/Undertaker match, open a six-pack when this match starts and see if you can drink enough to make it entertaining before it's over. On second thought, you better get a couple of six-packs or a bottle of the hard stuff.
Winner: The Great Khali
Loser: Everyone watching
Jarrod Westerfeld: First off, why can't the IWC figure out how to spell Khali from day to day? I know we don't like the guy, but it's not that hard – either the ‘h' is before the ‘a' or after! Aside from that, I'm actually liking the build of Khali in the championship role, but after watching him on Raw this past Monday (9/10), hearing the dead reaction he got compared to SummerSlam, and seeing how he couldn't figure out how to get a good looking grasp on Jeff, and holding onto his vice grip claw for almost 8 centuries too long, I think I may just want to retract my enjoyment of his current role. The sad part of all of this is, this is yet another main event to which to try and sell people on Batista, and this may be another event in which they have Khali walk out a champion, possibly leading to him and Taker clashing over Triple H's former ego-strap.
Winner: The Great Khali
Andy Clark: This is a very interesting match. I can't see them keeping it on Khali for much longer, but I also can't see them giving it to Batista now when they didn't a month ago. I'm also not delusional enough to think they'd give Rey another shot after they butchered his last title reign. I guess Khali retains so Undertaker can win the belt off of him.
Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: The Great Khali
Tim Haught: I actually don't care about either of these three guys at all anymore. I guess it's all based on whether Khali is going to go on to face the Undertaker, or if Batista is going to go on and face Edge. I am going to go with the former rather than the latter, and count on Edge to take the belt from the Undertaker, again. Taker should get his revenge around WrestleMania time.
Winner: The Great Khali
Steve Sullivan: The only good that can come out of this is a Batista heel turn. I think Rey gets pinned by Khali here, setting up Batista to get frustrated and fed up by Rey causing him to miss out on the title again. This sets up Rey vs. Dave and The Undertaker magically returns to become the #1 contender to take on Khali on the show where his WWE career began, Survivor Series.
Winner- The Great Khali
Andy Critchell: Khali has been a good champion for the blue brand up to this point and I don't see any reason to take the belt off of him just yet. My crystal ball tells me that the Punjabi Nightmare will retain likely due to some kind of incident between Batista and Rey, which will lead to a Batista/Rey feud while Khali finds someone else to kill.
Winner: The Great Khali
Matt Short: Brutal. Khali really hasn't been too offensive in his champion role as some would have predicted. But this is getting stale so fast. Smackdown's just got no one else to challenge Khali legitimately so until they figure something out we're stuck with Batista vs. Khali is some fashion. This month Rey Mysterio has been added to the mix to keep it "fresh." Sure. I hate to say it, but I just can't see the belt going anywhere. And that's bad because if Batista or Mysterio were to win it, the title picture would be freshened up tremendously.
Winner: The Great Khali
Bayani Domingo: I feel like this is leading to a Batista heel turn vs Rey and I'm all for it because it's clear that ‘Taker is going to be the one to take the title off Khali. If the Hardy/Khali match was any indication with how Khali works against High Flyers then it's probably better to add Batista to the mix, but if they weren't going to give him the title when Edge went out, then why give it to him now. Oh and Rey can just never be champion again, not after his name appeared on that list...that and because his reign just sucked balls. No...not that guy.
Winner: Khali
Sat: I really have no idea what is going to happen in this match. The triple threat match does allow for the title to change hands without the Great Khali getting pinned, but I also feel that the WWE wants to have the Great Khali have a huge run with the title. So, I'll just take a guess.
Winner: The Great Khali
Michael Bauer: Odds on this match: 10 to 1 – Odds this will be the worst match of the night. Odds of each person winning: Batista goes at 20 to 1 while Mysterio is at 50 to 1 and The Great Khali is at 4 to 3. There is no way he loses here, especially with the Dead Man returning. Am I the only one who hates the idea of Batista vs. Rey Mysterio?
Winner: The Great Khali
Jeff Small: Well, I guess with Mysterio in this match, it should be at least better than the Great American Bash three-way. I still don't see why Batista has to be in this match since he's been in every championship match this year (and lost). At least Rey vs. Khali would have been an interesting dynamic.
Winner: the Great Khali
Larry Csonka: I have no clue here, all I know is that they have a hard on for Batista and he has had about 97 title shots, and finally has to make due.
Winner: Batista
John Cena (c) vs Randy Orton - WWE Championship
Stephen Randle: It's almost convenient that Orton's actions against Cena's father have caused him to snap, because now Orton can go sit in the corner for the five hundredth time in the last three years on an injury angle, maybe setting up his inevitable return push, probably for Mania, since they don't seem to have any other ideas.
Winner: John Cena
Jerome Cusson: Before the drug scandal, I'd have said Orton walks away from this match the champion. The question now is how Vince McMahon or anyone from WWE go into Congress with a guy who's been suspended for drugs and other disciplinary problems as the number one guy in the copany. I don't see it. Not only will Cena win, but I think he's going to put Orton on the shelf post-match and Orton's own suspension will begin.
Winner: John Cena
T.G. Corke: While this isn't a simple pick by any means, I'm giving Cena the nod here. The reason being, and I know that this isn't always the rule of thumb but it often is, that Cena has barely been able to get his hands on Orton since the Legend Killer introduced his size 13 Gola Disco to the cranium of Johnny Fabulous. Cena's maintained his heat by beating up William Regal, cutting a promo and nearlycatching Junior Footlocker, but really...Cena hasn't had a single chance at revenge on Orton. Does that really sound like someone who's going to lose? Couple that with the Signature scandal, and the only reasons to doubt the outcome would be the fact I haven't picked many heels up until this point, it would end Cena's reign just one miserable day short of the full year, and they're rumoured to be facing off again at Cyber Sunday. So...
Winner: John Cena
Stuart Carapola: If Cena makes it through Unforgiven with the title, he's going to hit the one year mark with the WWE title. WWE usually doesn't seem to let milestones like that enter into their booking decisions (otherwise London and Kendrick might have kept the Smackdown title a little bit longer than they did), but it's pretty obvious that right now they're trying to build John Cena as the Hogan-like superhero of the modern era who gets a neverending procession of big mean opponents thrown at them, but somehow he always picks up the win at the end. Even though they've been booking him in a pretty strong fashion in recent months (despite all sanity given his personal problems), I still don't know if they've got enough confidence in Orton to actually put the title on him, especially given a)his propensity for getting called out in these steroid exposes, and b)you never know when he's going to blow up again on his own. Though the kinds of problems are different (as far as I know), he's become the Scott Hall of 2007 in that he's a guy that you can tell they want to get behind, but realize they'd be better served not to. So yeah, Cena retains.
Winner: John Cena
Dustin James: Cena has almost had the title for a year. Who's left for Cena to face after Orton? It's been along time since HHH has been in the title picture and you know he's getting hungry. I can see Orton going over Cena here, then going onto a feud with HHH for the title. Meanwhile Cena will go down to the mid card and feud with Shelton Benjamin.
Winner: John Cena (Ya, like he's losing)
Randy Harrison: The main event and actually the match on the card I am most excited to see, as they have built this one into an old-school grudge match based on revenge. The tested and true formulas still work and always will work and I don't know why they aren't used more. Cena has been great in this angry and emotional variation on his world-beater persona he's been playing since he won the title, and Orton has been just as great as the cocky heel, capable of doing anything to get to the top. There should be a ton of heat on this match as there is with any Cena match it seems. Love him or hate him, he gets the biggest reactions out of anybody on the roster and with Orton's name still floating around on the outskirts of the Signature scandal, Cena will retain here and move towards the one year mark as Champion.
Winner: And STILL the Champ everyone loves to hate, John Cena
Rod Oracheski: Cena can't lose with the WWE facing scandal. He's the All-American guy and, more importantly, not named in any steroid-related news. It also doesn't hurt that HHH is going to want his belt back, and meeting Cena for it will be a bigger draw than Orton/HHH - even with their history. Cena keeps the gold in a match that I think will be better than expected, even if everyone sees the result coming. It's the revenge payoff, so Cena might well get himself disqualified to get that payback, but it's all the same in the end.
Winner: John Cena
Jarrod Westerfeld: If the WWE has any sense, they'll suspend Orton for 180 days after his April antics, and then again for his name being involved in the Signature Pharmacy scandal. What does this guy have to do to get removed from the main event spot? Kill a hooker in the middle of the ring, snort lines off of her lifeless back, and then set her, the ring, and the entire arena full of fans on fire? What does he have to do before someone realizes that [Orton] being in this spot is going to hurt their locker room's morale? If the WWE has any sense, they'll keep the title on Cena in this one, just in spite of the IWC that hates his guts, and those who believe Orton to be the God of pro-wrestling.
Winner: John Cena
Andy Clark: This match got a lot more intriguing when Orton's name came up in the Signature Pharmacy investigation. I'd love to see Cena retain so he can have a full calendar year reign (it's good enough for me that he had an event-to-event reign, but I don't want to listen to everybody say it wasn't a real year), and I think his chances increased greatly when Orton's name came up in the scandal. It would be a bad precedent for WWE to set (continue?) to let Orton win, even if I don't personally mind Orton as champ.
Winner and STILL WWE Champion: John Cena
Tim Haught: Like the man once said, "ain't that a kick in the head?" Without the storyline with Cena's father and Orton's association with signature pharmacy, I would assume the Raw brand would be shifting back to Triple H. Instead, Cena gets a measure of revenge on Orton and retains. It won't be the last he hears from the "Legend Killer" however.
Winner: John Cena
Steve Sullivan: I'm going to shock a lot of people here. I don't see a title change, but I don't see Cena winning either. This feud is hot and they need to keep it going. I think Cena snaps and gets himself DQ'd. That allows this feud to continue and actually give us all a reason to be excited about seeing Cena in the ring. For once.
Winner- Randy Orton by DQ
Andy Critchell: I said earlier that Punk/Burke had the potential to be the match of the night but if I were to bet on it, this match would be my pick. These two seem to work really well together and Orton has never been hotter. That stunt with Cena's dad pretty much painted Orton as evil incarnate and a guy who is willing to do whatever it takes to beat Cena. Now Cena has had an amazing run but it's time for Orton to get the ball and run with it. Besides, Cena's chase of Orton would be a lot of fun.
Winner and NEW WWE Champ: Randall K Orton, Esq!
Matt Short: I'm torn. I really thought Orton was going to win at Summerslam, but was reminded of the cardinal rule of the WWE: don't bet against Cena. EVER. It's just as tough a decision this month. If Cena beats Orton here, he'll have no one left to face except who? Snitsky? Christ... I'm still not willing to take the risk and pick the challenger here.
Winner: John Cena
Bayani Domingo: Every explanation I have goes out the window when Orton's name appeared on that list again and I highly doubt that NOW is the time they'll risk getting further attention by having Cena finally drop his title...to someone named as a user of illegal steroids. This is pretty sad because if anyone was going to take the crown from off Cena's head it should have been Orton. Oh well, I guess HBK will need something to do when he gets back right? Cena/HBK III?
Winner: John Cena
Sat: I expected Randy Orton to win the title at SummerSlam and it didn't happen. So, I think that Orton's time is now. Also, if he doesn't win it here, then I don't think that he will win it from John Cena at all.
Winner: Randy Orton
Michael Bauer: Odds on this match: 2 to 1 – Odds that John Cena's reign last a full year, something unheard of in these times. The opening line was Orton at 5 to 1 until he was on the Signature Pharmacy list. Over/Under on Match time: 18 minutes. Probably hits the over.
Winner: John Cena
Jeff Small: Well the WWE has had another month to find an ending to this match to appease Vince. Randy really needs the win here or else I fear the safety of Cena's mother on Raw.
Winner: Randy Orton
Larry Csonka: I think that it is time to take the title off of Cena so that he can chase for a bit, but they won't. Cena gets DQ'd and they do a stipulation match next.
