411 PPV Roundtable Preview: WWE Backlash 2008 (PART I)

Posted by Stephen Randle on 04.26.2008

All the fallout from WrestleMania 24 is coming to a head this Sunday, live on PPV, and the 411 staff is here with their very special thoughts on the big event.



INTRODUCTION:

This Sunday, WWE presents the first PPV after WrestleMania 24, that's right, we're talking about Backlash. This PPV, traditionally dedicated to the fallout from Mania, once again follows that theme, as we've got two WrestleMania title re-matches, a modified rematch, and the resolution of a long-running (lonnnng-running) feud that culminated with a triumphant Mania return. Okay, I just repeated "WrestleMania" or various iterations way too many times in one sentence. But I digress, and that's not what you're here for.

What you are here for is the amusing, entertaining, and occasionally intelligent (very occasionally) predictions and thoughts of the 411 writing staff, and we shall not disappoint you. Because we care. And also because we've done this every month for so long that it's ingrained into our nature. That aside, here's the 411 staffers that presented their opinions on the big matches for WWE Backlash.

THE STAFF:

Stephen Randle, The Wrestling News Experience

Andy Clark, The Shimmy

Jerome Cusson, 411 Movies/TV Retro TV Reviewer

Daniel Wilcox, semi-retired

Jarrod Westerfeld, Your Viral Dose of Reality

Dan Torkel, Brooklyn Brawlin'

Shawn Lealos, 411 Movies/TV Film Reviewer

Jeffrey Harris, 411 Movies/TV Film Reviewer

Ryan Merholz, Worth Your Wealth?

Larry Csonka, Boss and Curmudgeon

Jeremy Thomas, 411 Movies/TV Film Reviewer

Bayani Domingo, Truth B Told

Seth Roy, 411 Movies/TV "Office" Reviewer

T.G. Corke, The Seventh Dimension

Stuart James, The Dusty Shelf

Michael Bauer, ECW recapper

JT, JP's alter ego

and Robert S. Leighty Jr, From The Bowery

And we're off!


~WWE BACKLASH 2008~


Mickie James, Kelly Kelly, Cherry, Ashley, Maria and Michelle McCool vs. Beth Phoenix, Natalia Neidhart, Victoria, Jillian Hall, Melina and Layla

Stephen Randle: Well, that came out of nowhere, sort of. Not that I'm complaining, because this way I actually get to see Natty Neidhart wrestle. The issue is still between Phoenix and Mickie, but I have this suspicion that they'll want to transition Mickie to someone else for a little bit. I have no idea who, but whatever, I'm just rambling anyway.

Winners: Team Phoenix

Andy Clark: Kind of makes the Survivor Series match seem like less of a big deal, huh? In any event I'll be curious to see if all the heel Divas can work together. I wouldn't mind seeing Beth Phoenix and Nataylia Neidhart going at it. I could actually see Neidhart pinning Mickie James in order to set up that very face off.

Winners: Beth Phoenix, Melina, Jillian Hall, Victoria, Nataylia Neidhart, & Layla

Jerome Cusson: I'll be honest. I could care less about this entire match since this is a pretty lame excuse to get as many divas inserted into one match as possible. I'd much rather see Mickie James defend the title against Melina and maybe have Beth Phoenix beat the crap out of Michelle McCool. It's okay to let their feud simmer a bit, but having twelve people in a match just turns this into a meaningless clusterfrick.

Winners: Beth Phoenix and company

Daniel Wilcox: I was impressed with the Divas segment on Raw this week because for the second straight week, the women's title seemed to mean something. To keep that going, Pnoenix and co. will get a win her to confirm Beth as the number one contender. I don't expect Mickie to take the fall though.

Winners: Beth Phoenix, Melina, Jillian Hall, Victoria, Nataylia Neidhart and Layla.

Jarrod Westerfeld: It's that time again to deliver on the roundtable, and we start with a match I can't believe the WWE didn't opt to build up for Survivor Series instead of Backlash. While we have to deal with the dastardly Kelly Kelly, and the iffy Cherry on one side, the other has a very unknown dent in Jillian and Natalia, while Layla, much like Maria and Michelle, is growing up to be a fairly decent diva. This should be a fun, decent bout that serves its purposes of establishing a serious push in direction for the Divas. Seeing that Beth is still dominant, I would have to bank on the Glamazon to get the decision for her team, placing some seed of doubt back in Mickie that she might have gotten a fluke victory, after all.

Winner: Femme Evil (Beth Phoenix, Melina, Jillian Hall, Layla, Natalia Neidhart, Victoria)

Dan Torkel: Wow, you notice how TNA puts focus on the Knockouts, and now the WWE suddenly cares about Diva wrestling. The heel team will win this to push the rematch between Beth and Mickie. I would to see Nattie get some offense but bet on Beth to score the pin.

Winner - Team Phoenix (Beth pins Cherry)

Shawn Lealos: Dan makes a good point when he mentioned that WWE never cared about the actual wrestling aspects of the DIVA'S until TNA started promoting their women better. I think the Mickie James build to her title win was the best done baby face win the WWE has done in a long time. I think we might see a switcheroo here with Natalia getting the pin over the champion, leading to conflict between her and the Glamazon. It would be the best way to build a competitive division.

Winner: Natalie Neidhart pins Mickie James

Jeffrey Harris: This is a pretty random match to put on here considering they could've easily fit the tag team title match between Holly and Rhodes vs. Carlito and Santino on here. Or even a London and Kendrick vs. Cade and Murdoch match. I see Beth Phoenix and her team getting the win, most likely with Phoenix beating James to continue their feud over the women's title.

Winners: Team Phoenix

Ryan Merholz: Not a lot to say about this...Ashley is involved so there is a high probability of suck, but we've also got all of the best women in the company tossed in. Team Phoenix is stacked with a lot more talent, but Mickie is fresh off her women's title win. Mix it all up and add next to no build as a whole and it's a pretty tough call. Luckily it also doesn't matter all that much. I'm gonna go ahead and pick Team Phoenix to win with Nattie Neidhart being involved in the finish in some way (be it the win or the assist).

Winners: Team Phoenix

Larry Csonka: The set up for the match here wasn't that bad as they got to put over Mickie and the Title on Raw. The good girls got to celebrate until the BAD GIRLS came to the ring with attitude. As for the match, I fear that they will only get 5-6-minutes, which means that they won't be able to do much because there is 45 of them in there. If Mickie, McCool, Beth, Melina, Jillian, Nattie and Victoria get to do the bulk of the work, then it could be good, if they get the time. They need to set up another contender I think so that it isn't a 2-lady show, and should do that here.

Winner: THE BAD GIRLS (Beth Phoenix, Melina, Jillian Hall, Layla, Natalia Neidhart, Victoria)

Jeremy Thomas: Way, WAY too many. There's really no reason to have this many Divas in one match. I get that they want to give Natalia a big first Pay-Per-View match, and there's the Mickie/Beth rematch to build up to, but that's no reason to force Kelly Kelly and Layla on us. This match would have worked much better as two, with Mickie, Ashley, and Maria vs. Beth, Melina, and Jillian, and Michelle/Cherry vs. Nattie Victoria. On another note, I don't see this as "WWE caring about the Divas because of TNA," I see this as the once-a-year "Oh, yeah, we have women wrestlers" push that the 'E always seems to do. Anyway, Mickie got the big title win on RAW, and Nattie could use some momentum in her first PPV, so I see the heels picking up the win here.

Winner: Team Beth (Phoenix pins Ashley)

Bayani Domingo: So it's the "Good girls" vs "The Bad Girls Club". I can't wait to hear Victoria go on and on about her juice in a bumble rasta accent. "Mick-KEE…I haven't gotten my juice yet Mick-KEE…where is my juice Mick-KEE…". Yeah, so this is my filling space with a joke only 3 people will get. Shows you how much I care about this match because if this was real life the heels would literally beat, rape, and pillage the faces in the ring. Which would be worth well over the $45 for the PPV.

Winner: The Bad Girls Club

Seth Roy: Let's just hope this is a short one. This could make a few women really stand out as contenders, but like others, I think Beth Phoenix probably needs this one to get back some of her street cred.

Winner: Beth Phoenix, by pinning Ashley

T.G. Corke: I think my summary of the match can best be portrayed like this:



Winner: The faces via six simultaneous pins over the heels

Stuart James: I actually like this. For once, I'm really excited for the WWE Women's division, even if its under false hope, but Mickie James' title win has me more optimistic than I really should be. This is an interesting one, as the face team is so unbelievable weaker (in terms of talent) than the heel team, sans a few. I think I can see the heel team winning to build up some new challengers for the throne. I can see Beth Phoenix steamrolling through the weaker faces to get to Mickie, thus leading to a heel victory.

Winner: Beth Phoenix's Team

Michael Bauer: Well, I appreciate the effort the WWE is using with the women and their division. But I'd stil prefer the Tag Team Titles. This should be bearable, I hope.

Winners: Team Mickie

J.T.: Okay are the divas all behind in rent? Why the incessant need to get all of them a PPV check? Not only that, with there only being six matches on the card this will assuredly get way more time than it needs, thus giving the chicks that can't wrestle ample opportunity to prove exactly that. However, I will give WWE credit for at least *appearing* to have started caring about the Women's Division.

WINNER: Team Pheonix via Beth

Robert S. Leighty Jr:This could be entertaining if they let the actual workers work and leave the eye candy as eye candy. It will be interesting to see if this gets any time with all the ladies involved. Mickie just got one back for the face Divas by winning the strap, so now would be a good time to let a heel take the lead as the next challenger.

Winner: The Heel Divas


The Big Show vs. Khali

Stephen Randle: I love the new version of the Big Show, he's channelling all his charisma and in the right frame of mind, too. This match really had to happen, and the best time to do it is when Khali is on his way to a (well-deserved, actually) break, because with two giants, you muddy the waters of who the real dominant big man is.

Winner: The Big Show

Andy Clark: I know most people are going to completely crap on this match but guess what? I'm not. I've been interested in this match ever since they went toe-to-toe back at Saturday Night's Main Event two years ago. Will this be a technical masterpiece? Hell no. But it'll still be awesome just watching these two giants slug it out. The only thing that worries me is that there are only six matches on the card so this might get more time then it should. As much as I'm looking forward to this match, the shorter it is the better. I don't see Khali getting the duke here because Big Show has bigger fish to fry.

Winner: Big Show

Jerome Cusson: The build-up to this match has been fantastic. The night after Wrestlemania and the way WWE used that camera angle made these two look like the biggest monsters ever. Unfortunately, these to have an actual match that will more then likely be terrible. Please, keep this under five minutes. Otherwise, these two guys are gonna suck enough air in kill the first five rows because of a lack of oxygen. Also make the Wight decision.

Winner: The Big Show

Daniel Wilcox: When these two men first went toe-to-toe the night after WrestleMania, I pretty much marked out. While I knew the match would technically be competing with the dreadful Kane/Show match from Backlash two years ago, it'd at least be a hell of a spectacle to see this two men fight. And then with every segment these two men have done since that moment, I've become less and less interested in this rivalry. How many times do we need to see Show get in Khali's face only for the Punjab Pussy (can I say that here? If not, Punjab Pu$$y it is...) to back off? So yeah, I'm not looking forward to this one at all. With Khali apparently heading home for a few months (shame) and Big Show rumoured to be heading to a title program sooner or later, I think that the winner here is obvious.

Winner: Big Show

Jarrod Westerfeld: This started off interesting and then took a somewhat turn for the worst. My interest in this match has floundered since the night Khali attempted to appease Show with all of those gifts, as I never bout the reasoning for Khali to be so afraid of a man without even coming to blows with him. I can't really get into this bout now as it just took a weird turn before actually seeing these two clash. But Show is owed a big win here for, once again doing the job on the biggest stage of all to a celebrity and this'll be the win that reestablishes his return to the circle as a dominant threat.

Winner: The Big Show

Dan Torkel: - This was a forgone conclusion to me before I read Khali was going back to India for a month. Show jobbed to Mayweather, so he destroys Khali and sends him packing.

Winner - Big Show

Shawn Lealos: The Big Show came back and lost right out the gate against a non-wrestler. It is time for Show to get a big win to make his return mean something. Besides, he needs it more than Khali right now.

Winner: The Big Show

Jeffrey Harris: Show needs to win this match to help re-establish and build him up as a big player in the company again and put him back on the road to dominance after the loss against Mayweather. Khali is the best way to start. From that perspective, the match makes perfect sense, and Show should pick up the victory.

Winner: The Big Show

Ryan Merholz: Do we really need to discuss this match? Show is back after an extended leave, in great shape, and fresh off a big-money Mania feud...Khali, well, sucks. 'Nuff said.

Winner: The Big Show

Larry Csonka: This one is rather cut and dry to me, and I am certain of three things.
1. They have big plans for Show.
2. Khali is heading back to PUNJAB and is taking a leave of absence.
3. The match should suck a fierce dick.

Winner: The Big Show

Jeremy Thomas: I'm actually a bit of a Show mark, and so this match has been interesting to me. The opening confrontation was pretty well-done, and I'm really gonna love watching Show take Khali out. Not only is Khali gone after this for a bit, but Show needs the win after jobbing out to Mayweather at Mania. The match won't be great, make no mistake, but I'll mark if Show goozles Khali.

Winner: The Big Show (Choke Slam)

Bayani Domingo: When is the last time Khali mattered?

Winner: Big Show

Seth Roy: This should be quite the spectacle. While seeing two 7-foot-plus, 450 pounds-plus behemoths in the ring will be entertaining, the actual match could be pretty bad. Not to mention, Khali's been booked like a wimp so far.

Winner: Big Show

T.G. Corke: Big Show returned not long ago, whereas Khali's been de-pushed a bit. That in itself would usually suggest a Big Show victory, but when added to his loss to Floyd Mayweather it almost guarantees a win. The one big doubt comes from whether this is a long-term programme, which wouldn't benefit from Show jobbing Khali first-time out. But having Khali pin Big Show may damage show, so I predict a DQ or count-out. Probably in Big Show's favour.

Winner: Big Show via Count-out

Stuart James: Like the diva's match, I'm probably more optimistic than I should be, but I love the thought of this match, even if the actual match itself will suck. However, Big Show losing to Mayweather and Khali would just be a fail of Bam-Bam proportions, so let's go with the favoured Show winning.

Winner: Big Show

Michael Bauer: I like the build tons and this match should be what gets Paul Wight back on track.

Winner: The Big Show

JT: I think timing wise this match is actually very beneficial for both guys. Khali is going home for a little while, and this will be an excellent first "legit" opponent for Big Show to get a win on now that he "is gonna run through the WWE like we've never seen".

WINNER: Big Show

Robert S. Leighty Jr: Keep this short with no rest holds, and some decent power moves, and I will be happy. The crowd will probably be into to this to start just from a freak show aspect. Again, just keep it short and hard hitting, and it will serve its' purpose. Show should go over since he did the J-O-B to Floyd at WM 24.

Winner: The Big Show


Batista vs. Shawn Michaels w/ Special Referee Chris Jericho

Stephen Randle: This feud is great, if only because they finally managed to create an intriguing feud without involving belts and title shots first. This is the kind of stuff that makes Larry put up witty jpegs about "many buys" and stuff. Jericho's involvement wasn't really necessary, but either way, this match will kick ass.

Winner: Batista

Andy Clark: This is a very intriguing match. I really loved the work Batista and HBK did prior to Jericho's involvement and was looking forward to the two of them going at it. With Jericho's involvment it looks like the finish here may not be very clean cut, but it should still be interesting. I was going to pick Batista before Jericho got added to the match and I think I'll stick with that pick. Don't be surprised if we see HBK-Jericho IV at Judgment Day.

Winner: Batista

Jerome Cusson: I wanted to pick Shawn Michaels really bad here, but that was before one Chris Jericho inserted himself into this match. This feud has also been booked very well. It developed organically after the Ric Flair retirement, and it feels like these two have a real purpose for wanting to get it on. I think Jericho makes his heel turn and he starts a more extended program with HBK that will consume most of the summer.

Winner: Batista

Daniel Wilcox: How good has this angle been? There are still many ways that this one could go; any of the three could be a full blown heel by the end of the night, or indeed any two of the three. Jericho isn't just there for decoration and will play a role in the outcome of the match. That said, I think that the loser here goes on to feud with Jericho. Batista/Jericho probably wouldn't work, and Michaels/Jericho will kick so match ass, so let's go with a Batista win. Here's to hoping Batista brings his A game because this could be a tremendous match.

Winner: Batista

Jarrod Westerfeld: This has had such amazing build, with so many shades of gray added throughout. Though I'm not too thrilled with Jericho being thrown in the middle, as I feel a great opportunity to utilize him in another program has been lost, but him being there should mean that a heel turn is in the makes and I can't see him going down the road of feuding with Michaels again, so his turn may come at the cost of screwing Batista out of this bout.

Winner: Shawn Michaels

Dan Torkel: I cannot wait for this match! With Jericho having issues with both men I am hoping he calls it fairly straight forward. This match serves so many purposes as it gets Batista to turn full heel as he has been teasing and Shawn gets to carry a big monster again. I am torn here on two lines of thinking: 1) Batista simply destroys Shawn clean en route to returning to Raw and a top feud with Cena or Triple H leading to Summerslam or 2) Shawn gets the skin of the teeth victory and then gets ruthlessly destroyed post match. Either way I don't suspect a good end for Shawn so I'll give him the win before the beatdown.

Winner - Shawn Michaels

Shawn Lealos: I really hope they let the match build, because this one could be great. Remember how awesome Big Dave's matches against Triple H were and Shawn can carry a dead man to a five star match. The only thing that could get in the way of a great match would be shenanigans by Y2J. I think this will be the best match of the night. I do think Y2J will influence the decision and whatever he does will lead to his next feud, hopefully against HBK.

Winner: Shawn Michaels

Jeffrey Harris: It was a huge mistake involving Chris Jericho in this feud when he easily could've been involved in something more worthwhile post-Wrestlemania being the Intercontinental champion and all and feuding with CM Punk, the current money in the bank holder. It's been built up where the now, more heel-like Jericho kind of has it out for both guys. But I expect Batista to win in some strange fashion to prolong the feud.

Winner: Batista

Ryan Merholz: I'm really glad WWE booked Jericho as a total bitch for the sake of building the feud between these two guys when they didn't even need the help to sell this. Not to mention he's the new IC champ, having just defeated Jeff "I can't believe he didn't win at No Way Out" Hardy...why did he need to be involved and totally buried by superkicks and Davebombs? I'd have still bought this match with Jericho nowhere near it. But anyway, I'm excited for this. It's tough to pick the winner, which is always a good thing. Given that I'm not that high on big Dave, I'd love to see Shawn knock his ass out, but I have a feeling we'll see a full Jericho turn to set up a feud with Michaels on Raw.

Winner: Dave

Larry Csonka: The build to this feud has been rather good as we went from the ultra emotional Flair retirement angle right into this, which was a great idea. They have built the entire match on history, promos and almost no contact and the anticipation has grown. Big Dave had a horrible outing at WrestleMania after a good run of matches, and Shawn is Shawn. I think Big Dave steps up here and that they have a good match.

Winner: BIG DAVE DOES NOT APPROVE via Jericho Shenanigans

Jeremy Thomas: I love how naturally this feud has evolved, and how neither man to date has needed to turn in order for them to build to the match. My first concern post-WM was that they were gonna do a "Shawn Lost His Smile" redux angle, and thank all the gods in the heavens that they didn't. Tossing Jericho in this was kinda pointless, as this show could have used an Intercontinental Title defense. Seriously, they couldn't have toss Y2J up against Burchill, Punk, or Santino? For that matter, why the hell is Punk not on this Pay-Per-View? He wins the Money in the Bank match, and then doesn't get a match at Backlash? C'mon, 'E! Anyway, like most, I think they're building toward a feud for Jericho, and Michaels makes sense (unless they Russo-swerve us and have him screw Dave). Big Dave could use the win, anyway.

Winner: Batista (Jericho Fast Count)

Bayani Domingo: I dig the whole ‘schworky' nature of this feud and I was hoping it would lead to a Batista heel turn, but alas it looks like it will be Jericho turning rotten here. Let's just hope his eventual feud will end up with Batista since we've already seen HBK/Y2J before.

Winner: Batista

Seth Roy: This should be quite the entertaining match. Hopefully Jericho doesn't insert himself too much into this match. Sure, a screw job is almost a sure thing, but for who? Obviously, Y2J hasn't endeared himself to HBK or the Animal. This will be a pretty big clash of styles, but should be entertaining. Maybe an HBK/Y2J feud is set up out of this.

Winner: Batista, with Jericho's help

T.G. Corke: This is probably the most difficult of the big matches to predict, because of how both characters have been played as tweeners. Adding Jericho to the mix only makes things more confusing, so to be honest the big question isn't who wins - it's who turns heel. I reckon Batista is actually least likely, unless jerichi is heading to Smackdown soon. Either Michaels and Jericho reveal they had a pact to defeat Batista and become that tag team a lot of us want to see, or Jericho just screws both of them by costing Michaels the match thus not allowing Batista to really prove himself. I'd love to see the Michaels/Jericho tag team, but I think a feud between them is more likely. Therefore, Batista is my pick for this match.

Winner: Batista

Stuart James: I've loved the build to this match. The subtle heel tendencies of each man has just made it all the more intriguing and Chris Jericho's involvement, while I'd prefer to have him defending the Intercontinental title against someone like Punk or whoever, has added even more predictability. In all honesty, this could easily steal the show if Batista is motivated, as all three men have great charisma, and nobody works a big man-little man match better than Shawn Michaels. This should be great given the build up. Look for a Jericho heel turn and Batista ready to continue his momentum following Wrestlemania.

Winner: Batista

Michael Bauer: This is another feud I have loved the build for. Shawn Michaels has nothing to prove to anyone, including Dave, yet Dave doesn't approve. I would think Michael's knocks his head off, but yet, I don't buy it.

Winner: Batista

JT: This match was doing just fine all on it's own and really there was no need to insert Chris Jericho into it. I had hoped that HBK/Dave might last until SummerSlam, but now I'm getting the feeling that they want to build HBK/Y2J for SummerSlam. For that to happen, some sort of shenanigans will take place resulting in Shawn losing this match. Regardless of the post-plans though, I have loved the build to this match and I am praying for Batista to bring his absolute A+++ game because if he does this could end up being a fantastic match given the build/feel.

WINNER: Big Dave

Robert S. Leighty Jr: The addition of Jericho has been intriguing, and is the most interesting thing they have done with him since his return (which is kind of sad). The story has been great so far, and I expect the match to be quite good. Shawn is on quite the roll, and he knows how to work the little man vs. big man match. Batista needs to deliver more than he did at Mania, but with Shawn in there he should be fine. This will be fun, and is the match I am looking forward to the most. Batista gets the rub and gets some revenge for Michaels taking out his mentor. Jericho costs Shawn at some point, and hopefully sets up his full-blown heel turn.

Winner: Batista


US Title Match: MVP © vs. Matt Hardy

Stephen Randle: Call me crazy, and maybe I am, but I think they're going to draw this out another month, hopefully to build it up better and create a really satisfying blowoff, maybe at One Night Stand? Seriously, once Matt wins the title, who does he face after MVP anyway?

Winner: MVP retains, possibly by DQ

Andy Clark: For the most part I have enjoyed this feud (pizza eating contest notwithstanding) but it is time for them both to move on. MVP should be moving up the card and Matt Hardy finally needs to actually win where it counts. I have my doubts that WWE actually sees it that way, but one can hope.

Winner and NEW United States Champion: Matt Hardy

Jerome Cusson: After almost a year in the making, these two finally have a title match. Frankly, I'm not a big Matt Hardy fan at this point because he gets injured way too often and looked really sloppy in his match with C.M.Punk. I would hold off a couple months on giving Hardy the big championship victory until he proves he can keep himself healthy. To me, MVP should win this match in nefarious fashion so this rivalry can continue.

Winner and still United States Champion: MVP

Daniel Wilcox: Man, this match has been shafted, huh? You'd think with only 7 matches on the card, they would be able to promote a little bit, but apparently not. Because they've done such a shoddy job of reminding us why these two are fighting (could we not at least get a video package of that beat down?) I think that the rivalry continues for a little while longer which means that MVP holds on to the gold. This match may be a dark horse for MOTN if it gets time, which it should do because again, the card isn't exactly stacked.

Winner: And STILL United States Champion, MVP

Jarrod Westerfeld: For some reason, I can see the WWE just ending this well built story immediately here with Hardy winning, and then MVP chasing for a while before being moved onto a different program, simply because this has gone on for so long they may be fearful fans won't care to see it continue any longer. That alone makes me fearful that this may be the end of a well built storied feud and may result in the crowning of a new champion before it may actually be time to do it.

Winner: Matt Hardy (NEW United States Champion)

Dan Torkel: The never ending feud....please end here! Closure sees Matt Hardy FINALLY win the US Title. I could see them maybe milking one more match with a gimmick at Judgment Day but this should be it. Then they can switch up Kennedy and MVP and freshen up the US Title division.

Winner and NEW US Champion - Matt Hardy

Shawn Lealos: This match has been a long time coming. I really hope they give it at least ten minutes, although I think it is too early to end the feud. It was building so great before Matt's injury, so they need to re-boot it a little, giving the two time to bring the goods once again. I think we might get an MVP win by cheating, leading to another rematch at the next PPV. Actually, I see a rematch no matter who wins. Matt Hardy needs the title win sooner or later though, and looking at Y2J's pretty easy victory over MVP on RAW, maybe they are ready to pull the trigger now. I think they will wait one more month, though.

Winner: MVP

Jeffrey Harris: The feud started well enough last year, when Matt Hardy was easily the most over guy on Smackdown! and was putting on fantastic singles matches week after week and never getting the proper recognition for it. MVP is definitely a future main eventer and world champion. He's held the title nearly a year, and he hasn't legit defended it on PPV since Great American Bash 2007, where he successfully defended it against his current challenger, Matt Hardy. Their feud dragged on too long and got way too sidetracked, where it simply just needed to climax with Hardy defeating MVP and winning the title. Then Hardy got injured and came back to pick up where they left off. Matt Hardy needs to win here, and win his first US title. If he doesn't, then WWE truly is a creatively bankrupt company. They've mis-used Hardy too much already when he already could've been a world title contender to someone like Edge on SD.

Winner: The new US Champion, Matt Hardy

Ryan Merholz: Remember how awesome this feud was when it started? Like, 9 months ago? I was thrilled with the way they ran Hardy's return at Mania and picked up right where they left off. When this match wasn't on the Wrestlemania card, I began to worry they were going to abandon the feud entirely. These guys have great chemistry in the ring and the feud has been boiling for a payoff for a VERY long time. However, Matt picked up a clean win on Smackdown! a few weeks ago, which makes me wonder if he'll go over MVP again this Sunday. Personally I wouldn't mind seeing these guys have another meeting after Sunday night anyhow, so I'm going with MVP.

Winner: MVP

Larry Csonka: This is the feud that God hates. Injuries and the like have stopped and started this thing so often, and it has hurt it in the long run. But the fact is that MVP has held onto the title for a very long time, and now they have a decision to make. To they finally do the title change for the big Matt Hardy win and continue the feud through that dynamic, or do they continue to make him chase, sidetrack him a bit, and let MVP keep running with the title until he breaks the record to become the longest running US Champion ever? There are advantages to both, and since Hardy did get the TV win a few weeks back, I think MVP sneaks out with the win yet again.

Winner: MVP

Jeremy Thomas: About damn time. I know this feud's been sidetracked by injury after injury, but it's one of the feuds I've most enjoyed in the 'E for quite some time. From the silly sports and pizza-eating contests through their tag title reign, all the way from there, this rivalry has been nothing but golden. As much as I'd like to see MVP hold the belt another 35 days after Backlash and become the second-longest US champion in history (behind only Rick Rude), it's time to finally pull the trigger and give Matt the belt. I see this feud extending maybe another month, after which MVP will move on and Matt will get a good, long reign.

Winner: Matt Hardy (Twist of Fate) - NEW WWE United States Champion

Bayani Domingo: This would have been a really great match about 3 MVP losses ago. This is a foregone conclusion and it's about time Hardy got his title. Too bad they both got jobbed out last week and now this seems a bit anti-climactic.

Winner: V.1

Seth Roy: The match we've been waiting five months for. While the WWE hasn't done a great job of building this up again after Hardy returned, this is still one of the matches I'm most looking forward to. Hopefully these two get a good 12 to 15 minutes to tell a story. Is this the end of the feud? I guess we'll see, depending on who wins this match.

Winner: Matt Hardy

T.G. Corke: A Matt Hardy US title reign is long overdue. However, a month's worth of rebuild may not be enough in the eyes of the WWE. I'll go with my heart and say Hardy wins the title, but I have a feeling MVP's going to retain via Disqualification.

Winner: Matt Hardy via DQ (MVP retains)

Stuart James: This could easily be the sleeper match of the night. Due to the unpredictability of the outcome, I think this one will have great near falls and should be a fun match. Unless the ECW Title match goes on first, I'd expect this one to open to get the crowd going for the night. This is just one of several matches which will probably be good but have the potential to be great. As for the prediction? Well, I say make Matt chase for a few more weeks, get the feud really serious and have him win the big blow off at Judgment Day (MVP's one year mark as US Champion). The victory will mean more if the fans are made to wait a bit.

Winner: MVP

Michael Bauer: Ok, can we please get the title on Matt already?

Winner: Matt Hardy

JT: It was a fun 12 months minus an injury here or there, but it's time for this feud to end. MVP no longer needs the U.S. Title, and I suspect WWE has decided it's time to reward Matt with his first single's title for being the "reliable Hardy". I don't think Matt really needs the title given how universally over he is, but he certainly doesn't do anything to further diminish it.

WINNER: And NEW United States Champion, Matt Hardy

Robert S. Leighty Jr: This is where it ends. There should be great heat, and given time these two men will deliver. MVP is ready to be elevated to World Title Contender on SmackDown, and Hardy needs this win. This has been building for ages it seems, and after all the twists and turns the road ends here. Hardy should be in line for a decent push, and unlike his brother he won't screw it up (barring more injuries).

Winner and New US Champ: Matt Hardy

Head over to part II of the round table for our breakdowns of the ECW, World and WWE Title matches!