411’s PPV Roundtable Preview: WWE Judgment Day 2008

Posted by Stephen Randle on 05.17.2008

Who will have Judgment served upon them?



INTRODUCTION:
This Sunday, WWE presents another in their ongoing attempts to take your hard-earned money, also known as the annual Judgment Day PPV. This year's edition, coming barely three weeks after Backlash, and barely two weeks before One Night Stand, is long on potentially decent matches, but short on great build. In fact, the Intercontinental title, the United States title, the ECW title, and the World tag team titles are not scheduled to be defended on the show as of press time. But hey, the continuing "Shawn Michaels is possibly a lying bastard" storyline continues, and the WWE and World title matches look like they will be pretty solid events, so let's give them the benefit of the doubt…for now.

For more on the build to Judgment Day, Brad Borchardt has a preview of all the matches booked thus far.

And with that done, let's see what the 411 Staff has to say about Sunday night's super-card!

THE STAFF:

Stephen Randle, The Wrestling News Experience

Daniel Wilcox, Thoughts From The Top Rope

Dan Torkel, Brooklyn Brawlin'

Andy Clark, The Shimmy

Ryan Byers, 411 Legend

T.G. Corke, The Seventh Dimension

Jarrod Westerfeld, Scripted Through Sin

Shawn S. Lealos, 411 Movies' film and DVD reviewer

Bayani Domingo, Truth B Told

Michael Bauer, ECW recapper

Larry Csonka, receiving his comeuppance this Monday

Stuart James, The Dusty Shelf

Andy Critchell, Diva enthusiast

Michael Weyer, Shining A Spotlight

Jeremy Thomas, 411 Movies' film and DVD reviewer

Robert S. Leighty Jr, From The Bowery

and Jeffrey "The Vile One" Harris, 411 Movies' film and DVD reviewer


~WWE JUDGMENT DAY~

John Cena vs. JBL

Stephen Randle: This can go either way, since the two Cena-JBL matches in years prior hit opposite ends of the spectrum, from really good (I Quit) to really bad (WrestleMania). With One Night Stand on the very (very) near horizon, I suspect we'll have a similar dyad of matches. How will the quality be? Who knows, but I'd bet the second will be better.

Winner: Cena by DQ

Daniel Wilcox: OK, let's do the math here. The company's biggest star coming off the back of three straight pay-per-view loses in championship match + one out of shape number two heel on the brand who's only win since returning has been against Finlay = a foregone conclusion. Right? Right. You thought I was going to say "right? Wrong." didn't you? Wrong. Regardless, Cena finds himself in a position that he hasn't been in for years, and that's needing a victory stay in the title hunt, and to stay number one face. Cena's performance have been good if unspectacular since his return earlier this year and he's proved he can haul JBL to a great match (Judgment Day 05) but this isn't a brawl like that match was. If JBL is on form, and Cena is at his best, it'll be great, but don't look for this to be much more than a repeat of WrestleMania 21.

Winner: John Cena

Dan Torkel: This pay per-view seems to have fallen in a trap the last few years of being too many repeating matches and this is no different. 4 out of 6 matches are rematches (or same pairings) from Backlash. Plus, 6 matches! You know they might add another on Smackdown, but really, 6 matches? Regal/Kennedy? Finlay/MVP? A US Title match? Is any one really looking forward to this? To the match...JBL has bored me to death since returning and Cena is treading water since the Rumble. Call me crazy but Cena and Edge could use a brand switch giving Triple H a new top heel (aligned with Orton) and Taker a new challenger in Cena. I cannot imagine JBL winning here, and without some hardcore gimmick, I can't imagine the match being any good either.

Winner: Cena (STFU)

Andy Clark: OK, here's the deal. I love John Cena, the guy is my favorite. And the Cena-JBL I Quit Match at this very event three years ago is one of my all time favorite matches. But with that being said I don't have high hopes for this match. JBL hasn't been very good since returning, although his PPV efforts have been the highlights of an otherwise dismal comeback. And I really don't think Cena is back to the great performer he was a year ago because his one-on-one matches since his return in January have been a little lacking. Add to that the downright awful booking of Cena recently and you have a recipe for disaster. Cena desperately needs the win but JBL is probably the next challenger for Triple H. We also have an all gimmick PPV in two weeks so why not have an inconclusive finish here allowing them to have a better match at One Night Stand.

Winner: Double DQ or Count Out or something where referees must separate them

Ryan Byers: It seems sort of odd that this went from being the main event of Wrestlemania a few years ago to being the least hyped match on one of the least important pay per views of the year. I guess that just goes to show how little JBL means when he doesn't have the momentum of a ten-month title reign behind him. Anyway, I have a feeling that something screwy will happen here leading to a JBL win and an extension of the feud, in part because there is absolutely nothing else for either guy to do right now and in part because it seems like a waste to do a four week "feud" in which one of the wrestlers isn't even on TV for two weeks.

Winner: Bradshaw

T.G. Corke: Biggest star in the company, on a pay-per-view losing streak the likes of which he hasn't seen in years, and away from the title scene for the first time since Rob Van Dam was champion...vs. a slightly washed-up Bradshaw who beat Finlay clean at Wrestlemania a couple of months back, was placed in the WWE title match at Backlash for little reason other than to shake things up, and frankly has nothing to offer in the ring long-term due to his injuries. I know some are predicting a screwy ending that continues the feud, but I pray it doesn't happen. Another successive major loss for Cena against anyone, let alone someone who is practically irrelevant in today's climate, could actually create irreversible damage to his current stature. Imagine Jim Duggan pinning Shelton Benjamin, then multiply it by the number 'despair', and you might be roughly 6% there.

Winner: Cena losing to Orton? Commendable. Cena losing to Bradshaw? Contemptible.

Jarrod Westerfeld: Once again it's time for the WWE to roll around and present to us yet another pay-per-view event that should either continue their roll as of late, or put the first black eye on their resume this year. How we manage to go from one overwhelming cluster of an event in Sacrifice to this under whelming event is beyond me. For example, here, Cena and JBL's build has been interesting but very flat. I had to take a second glance to make sure that this wasn't just some flat chested 12-year-old girl. These two, in the past have shown great chemistry but it's never been for a straight up singles match, it's been for gimmicked matches where they can simply brawl and do spots to get fans approval and heat. So I'll go with everyone else, thus far, who's calling for this to extend over to One Night Stand. The question is which ending do they go? A DQ that favors one or simply a double count out brawl that leads to being pulled apart? Well, I think the answer has to be Cena getting the DQ victory here just to keep his heat up.

Winner: John Cena (via DQ)

Shawn S. Lealos: I thought JBL was one of the best heel champions that the WWE had seen in a long time when he was running roughshod over Smackdown. The Cena and JBL feud was the hottest thing at the time and when Cena went over JBL, it cemented his status as the top baby face in the promotion. My, how times have changed. Cena is not getting the face pop he used to get and is starting to lose the interest of the people who loved to boo him as well. JBL also does not hold the same heat he once had, despite his feuds with Jericho and Triple H. The match also does not seem that interesting right now since Cena has been gone filming his new movie. No build + lack of interest = pushing the feud on for another PPV.

Winner: JBL

Bayani Domingo: I think I already saw this match. It was when John Cena had the single most under whelming first title victory of his career at Wrestlemania a few years back. He stopped JBL's seemingly unbeatable title reign and now he's at it again. This is probably one of the worst built up Cena feuds in a while and they can't keep booking him like a bitch so let's see if we can't swing the momentum back his way.

Winner: John Cena

Michael Bauer: Well, if nothing else, this should be an entertaining brawl. It's actually kinda of nice to see these two together because they can compliment each other nicely. I just hope that is ends up being more like their I Quit Match and less like their Wrestlemania match. Cena has barely on TV while Bradshaw got built up.

Winner: JBL

Larry Csonka: This is easy, Cena has been doing a LOT of jobs since returning. He gets a win here in what will essentially be a big old brawl. It should be fine.

Winner: John Cena

Stuart James: Cena doesn't lose three times in a row on Pay-per-view. Not that that's a bad thing, he's the biggest star in the company, and is now in a position where he has to win. A defeat to JBL would look awful as we head towards Cena vs. HHH II at SummerSlam, so I can only see this ending in a DQ or a win for Cena. On the other hand, if this is a win for Cena, this has been a terrible build up, but if it wasn't the end of the feud then I'd call it a good build up to a long-term feud. As it is? Probably a very short, abrupt feud.

Winner: John Cena

Andy Critchell: Unlike most people, I think that JBL is a pretty good worker and executes the "brawling style" very well. Plus I think that John Cena can have a good match with just about anyone so this match should be a lot of fun. That being said, this match is pretty much set up just to have an excuse to have Cena on the PPV and to keep him looking strong for his eventual title challenge.

Winner: John Cena

Michael Weyer: Ah, memories. Was it really only three years ago these two had their title feud? The set-up has been a bit rushed but they do have chemistry in the ring so expect a hard-hitting battle. Still surprised they've been putting off Cena winning the belt but I don't expect him being jobbed out here after coming up short the last two PPVs.

WINNER: John Cena

Jeremy Thomas: Should be a fun little match. The feud's been weak, but considering Cena's been off filming 12 Rounds, there wasn't all that much they could do. The smart thing would have been to have JBL "injure" Cena so he was out of action, put JBL into a match with some other face for Judgment Day (someone who could use the rub, like, say...CM Punk or Kennedy) and have Cena come back to screw JBL out of the win. Instead, they did a Lesnar/Goldberg and tried to rest the feud entirely on Bradshaw. Didn't work. Anyway, I see a good brawl, and Cena has to go over. However, he won't, because they need someone to feud with Triple H to fill time before Cena/HHH, and I really don't see the Upper Midcard Heels, Jericho and Regal, being seen as legitimate threats.

WINNER: JBL by pinfall (Dirty Tactics)

Robert S. Leighty Jr We have seen this before, and at this same PPV too. Sadly, I don't think this will touch that crazy brawl they had back in 05. This match doesn't have the added benefit of the I Quit stip, and instead we will probably get something more like their short, disappointing WM 21 Title Match. No matter as the result will be the same as it was 3 years ago.

Winner: John Cena

Jeffrey "The Vile One" Harris: Well it's a nice little diversion for Cena after getting buried for his last two PPV world title matches. And I imagine it will be an easy win for Cena. I think if they switched places with this and the main event, and HHH wasn't the champion it would be a lot better.

Winner: John Cena


WWE WOMEN'S TITLE MATCH: Mickie James © vs. Melina vs. Beth Phoenix

Stephen Randle: The real feud is between Phoenix and Melina (well, the real insta-feud), but I think Mickie escapes with the title in the confusion.

Winner: Mickie James

Daniel Wilcox:I'm loving the potential that this match carries, almost as much as I loved the angle where Melina was inserted into this feud. She's looking like she'll be more of a tweener in this match and could be a real threat if management has plans to turn her face to feud with Beth, but I don't think that'll happen just yet. On the contrary, Melina is probably just there to take the loss, keeping Phoenix strong while James' reign as champion continues.

Winner: And STILL Women's Champion, Mickie James

Dan Torkel: Typical and predictable booking from the WWE. They don't want to do a title change too soon, so they involve a third party to take the fall.

Winner and Still WWE Women's Champion: Mickie James (pins Melina)

Andy Clark: This is a nice little match and should be a lot of fun. I don't see Mickie dropping the belt here although Melina winning could be a nice surprise. This could be the sleeper match of the night.

Winner and STILL Women's Champion: Mickie James

Ryan Byers: I'm going to go out on a limb here and pick Melina as YOUR winner and new champion. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my Mickie James matches. However, she's done absolutely nothing interesting as champion, and there aren't that many fresh opponents for her who would be capable of putting on half decent matches. She's feuded with Melina. She's feuded with Victoria. She's feuded with Phoenix. Katie Lea would be a nice change of pace, but giving her a push in the women's division runs the risk of her overshadowing Pirate Paul, which I doubt WWE wants to do. Nattie is hanging around on Smackdown, but she looks and acts a bit too much like Beth Phoenix for them to be on the same brand for an extended period of time. That leaves us with one option: Get the belt off of Mickie. The seeds have been sewn for that over the last couple of weeks, with Melina and Phoenix having issues. I'm betting it gives up Melina's first run as a babyface in WWE, which should provide for all sorts of new matchups in the women's division.

Winner: 411's Favorite Interviewee

T.G. Corke: Part of me wonders why Maria, though useless, isn't part of this match. Another part of me thinks that maybe the triple-threat rules are in place to see Beth win the title back without having to job Mickie. And yet another part of me will be happy one way or the other. I'm talking about my penis, of course. Yeah, the bulldozer of joke just crashed through a barrier.

Winner: Mickie James

Jarrod Westerfeld: I slept through Raw (this week) and didn't catch up with it prior to writing out this entry, so I haven't a clue, really, as to what's been going on with this build, but like I've complained about TNA for changing things on the go-home to a pay-per-view, I'm going to complain here about the go-home to Judgment Day as the WWE really hasn't built this match up more so than they've built up Melina and Beth Phoenix. Anyway, as for the match, I'll just roll with the concept that Beth takes the title leaving Melina as the new face to dethrone the dominant Diva, though I'd bank on that being a bad idea as that would have been twice, now, that Beth has lost to a competitor. Oh well.

Winner: Beth Phoenix (NEW WWE Women's Champion)

Shawn S. Lealos: Mickie has been a great face champion, getting the most important feeling title change in the WWE (yes, her win seemed to feel more important to me than even that of Triple H). They are setting up a feud between Melina and Best Phoenix, I think, so I guess her feel good story is about to come to an end. I don't like the idea of Melina as a face though. She is too good as the arrogant bitch. Maybe they could just make Beth Phoenix a Godzilla like character who fights everyone, face or heel. Beth Phoenix vs. The World.

Winner: Beth Phoenix

Bayani Domingo: Wow, this is intriguing. So Melina is eating the pin, but against whom? Could it be a swerve and Melina lays down for Beth Phoenix? Well she'd probably have to since Beth would have her way with her if she didn't. Like one of those badly lit 90's porno's set in an all female prison. I'm thinking the part where the "fresh meat" is "initiated" by one of the hardened lifers. Damn…did I just accidentally turn myself on?

Winner: Beth Phoenix

Michael Bauer: The triple threat makes sense as it becomes painfully obvious that Melina is taking the pinfall. Mickie is not losing the title yet.

Winner: Mickie James

Larry Csonka: Obviously if this is given time they can have a good match, but that's the key. Even though there are only six matches on the card, I don't trust WWE to give the ladies more than 6 or 7-minutes at most. And that's a shame. I don't se any reason to do a title change as of yet, but they may surprise us.

Winner: Mickie James

Stuart James: While Melina looks to be turning face (!!!), I still can't see Mickie James dropping the title so soon. I'm glad Melina is getting in on the mix, as her and Mickie work awesome together (see, Backlash 2007), and Mickie and Beth work well together (see, Raw when Mickie won the belt). I say, Mickie pins Melina, Beth kills them both, and Beth takes the title in a couple of weeks leading to a match with Melina later on. This could be quite good actually.

Winner: Mickie James

Andy Critchell: This match looks designed to start a Melina/Beth Phoenix feud. As for where they are going with Mickie, I have no idea but I can't see her dropping the belt.

Winner: Mickie James and her sweet ass

Michael Weyer: Looks like WWE is finally starting to compete with TNA's Knockouts in terms of actual wrestling ability. This should actually be good as Melina may be rough in the ring but the other two should make up for it. I don't see Mickie dropping the belt again so fast but it should still be a good match that can hopefully pave the way for the division being respected again.

WINNER and still Women's champion: Mickie James

Jeremy Thomas: I sort of have liked the set-up, and it's been nice to see the Women's Title being given some time. Unlike, you know, the Intercontinental Title. But Mickey, Melina, and Beth should be able to put on a pretty damn good match. Hell, the only way WWE could have had a better match was if Nattie and Victoria were in somehow. Damn SmackDown. Anyway, putting Melina in was a smart move, as she can take the pin, Beth doesn't lose any steam, and Mickey stays champ.

WINNER: Mickie James (STILL WWE Women's Champion, Pinning Melina)

Robert S. Leighty Jr This Women will work hard, and deliver a match that most will say "that was better than I expected." Melina can more hold her own with James and Phoenix in there, and hopefully they will give the ladies some time to work with it being a Three-Way (yeah, I know). Any of the three walking out with the win seems plausible with me, but I think the champ retains.

Winner and Still Champion: Mickie James

Jeffrey "The Vile One" Harris: Well at least it's a little different than the usual James vs. Phoenix. And Melina was certainly decent as champ. They should have a watchable 6-8 minute match, and James will pick up the win and retain her title.

Winner: Mickie James


NON-TITLE MATCH: Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho

Stephen Randle: Seriously, has Shawn forgotten one little detail? Someone on Smackdown (who, coincidentally, doesn't have a match on the show) promised that if Shawn wasn't really injured, he would be. I tell you, Jericho's a genius. But it's a Shawn match, so no doubt he'll get the pin on Jericho first before the interference.

Winner: Shawn Michaels

Daniel Wilcox: Holy sh!t I've been marking out so much since this match was made official, even moreso since Michaels revealed that he wasn't hurt at all, because that means they can have a normal match instead of Jericho working the leg until Shawn makes his comeback. Their bout at WrestleMania XIX is still one of my favorite matches ever and even though both men are a lot older, I still think that they are at least able to match that effort, and I hope they do. As was the case at Backlash between Shawn and Batista, either guy could be turning heel in the future which means that the match could go either way too. Considering Batista promised to get Shawn if it turned out he wasn't hurt, look for The Animal to interfere and cost Michaels the match.

Winner: Chris Jericho

Dan Torkel: The one and only match I am interested in and yet again, WHY ISN'T THE BELT ON THE LINE?!?!?! They did this a few months back with Hardy vs. HBK on Raw. They are basically saying, "Attention WWE fans: Shawn Michaels is a main eventer and will not disgrace himself by holding such an inferior title as IC Champ." Here is a genuine opportunity to do something with the belt. Have Shawn win it, a legit top player, that way the guy who beats him (Shelton?) looks awesome and have then celebrate like Mickie winning the Women's Title. Anyhoo...Logic dictates that since Shawn was faking the injury, Batista come out and DESTROY HIM setting up a Streetfight between the two at One Night Stand. Shawn has made Jericho look foolish so I say Jericho scores the win and Shawn takes a beat down.

Winner: Chris Jericho (Lionsault after Batista-ference)

Andy Clark: I really don't mind the IC Title not being on the line here, but let's add the HBK "injury" angle to the list of stupid booking WWE has done recently. HBK hurt himself briefly and then shook it off to finish the match at Backlash, it's not that complicated. Why everyone had to make such a big deal about this is beyond me. The wacky turn of events on Monday didn't help matters any. I don't doubt that it will be a good match, but the booking is just stupid. Look for HBK to win with Sweet Chin Music only to be attacked post-match by Batista who will then legitimately (kayfabe) injure HBK's leg.

Winner: Shawn Michaels

Ryan Byers: When I saw this listed as a "non-title match," I honestly had to stop and think for about thirty seconds before I figured out which of these men had a title. Anyway, I would imagine that Michaels still has some unresolved issues with Dave Batista, whereas Jericho has absolutely nothing important on his plate. (And, yes, I'm including being Intercontinental Champion in that description.) Given that fact, Michaels probably needs the win more.

Winner: HBK

T.G. Corke: Jericho's pay-per-view record since returning has looked like this - DQ win, DQ loss, Chamber loss (though he did get an elimination), loss, guest referee. In comparison, Michaels's in the same length of time has been pinfall win, Rumble loss (but with multiple eliminations), Chamber loss, pinfall win, pinfall win. The statistics don't lie - Jericho needs to win this almost as much as Shawn doesn't need to. Besides, Batista's probably going to get involved somehow and sway the decision in Jericho's favor.

Winner: Chris Jericho

Jarrod Westerfeld: I know I should cream my pants here and accept that we're getting a clash of great talents here, but the build here hasn't really intrigued me as much as the Michaels and Batista feud from last month – can one even call that a feud? So Shawn swerved Chris into finally believing his lie, only for Shawn to swerve him and prove he was right to doubt him – how is Shawn still a face with this type of tactic? Anyway, it'll be a good match, but I'm not hyped to see it based upon this storyline, but I'll bet this continues leading to Jericho's inevitable heel turn, so I expect Chris to eat a pin here and turn on Michaels at the end of the bout. Oh, and one other thing, has anyone seen the IC title in the past month, because I had this crazy notion that a champion was meant to at least walk about with the title, proud of such an accomplishment. Color me crazy for wanting to see that a title still means something to at least its holder.

Winner: Shawn Michaels

Shawn S. Lealos: Shawn Michaels tried a heel turn on RAW but the fans no sold it. Guess you have to be Ric Flair or Hulk Hogan to turn the fans on HBK. This should be the best match of the night. Nothing else will come close and if both guys bring their A-games, it might be an instant classic. Remember when Batista told Shawn that if he was not hurt, he will be next time he sees him? Guess who is not involved in the PPV. Chris wins thanks to Big Dave destroying Shawn. And people will still cheer for a lying, underhanded HBK. Go figure.

Winner: Chris Jericho

Bayani Domingo: HBK you big fibber you. I thought "don't lie" was one of those commandments that you hold so dear to your heart? What's next? Are you going to covet Stephanie McMahon next? Tsk, tsk. It seems here that if it's "non-title" then it's a foregone conclusion.

Winner: HBK

Michael Bauer: I thought for sure this was a title match, but it's better off not being one, as we can have a guess as to who wins rather than an obvious answer. Jericho needs this win, but Michaels just doesn't lose anymore for some reason. Michaels faking was a complete shock for me, because I swore he was reported as hurt. I'll go on a limb here.

Winner: Chris Jericho

Larry Csonka: I have high hopes here. HBK is on as always, but Jericho has been cold upon return as far as in the ring goes. Nothing he has done in singles has really impressed me. This is his chance here and he and HBK could have an awesome match. I will say that since Batista is not on the card, he comes out to KILL HBK since he is a big fat faker.

Winner: Chris Jericho

Stuart James: Don't get me wrong, this should be awesome. However, I wasn't the biggest fan of the Wrestlemania match when it happened, as Shawn's work wasn't really at his best (sorry, but his selling was way off). However, I think this one should be much better. Shawn's added more and more psychology to his matches and Jericho needs a really great performance since his debut. I see this as being similar to Michael's match with Kennedy at Armageddon, with some awesome psychology and selling by both men, with the only difference being a hot finish to make it really good. But I think we all see an animal coming, but I think it's for the DQ for Michaels.

Winner: Shawn Michaels

Andy Critchell: This feud has had a pretty interesting and compelling build. But where is Big Dave? Why has he been written out? Hmmmm. He also doesn't have a match going for Judgment Day. Hmmmm.

Winner: Y2J with an assist from Batista

Michael Weyer: Well, the non-title factor sort of gives it away, doesn't it? But hey, it's HBK and Y2J, these guys are awesome together and we may get an early MOTY candidate. It would be good for Jericho to get a win back but the non-title thing pretty much makes the answer clear.

WINNER: HBK

Jeremy Thomas: You know, I was at WrestleMania XIX, and this match then is still one of my favorite matches I've ever witnessed live. Shawn and Chris have that chemistry in the ring that just makes their matches an absolute joy to watch. I personally have loved the build here--the Highlight Reel segments have been amazing. I loved the "Academy Award" moment, and HBK superkicking Y2J to prove he wasn't injured was awesome. This is a hard one to pick, but I'm going to agree that most likely, Batista comes out to cost Shawn the match against Jericho, giving Chris a win he desperately needs and taking this three-way feud of sorts through to SummerSlam.

WINNER: Chris Jericho (Lionsault after Batista Interference)

Robert S. Leighty Jr Can you say Show Stealer? The question will be if they can match their WM XIX classic, and I think they can. The x factor will be the knee injury angle. Shawn has been on a roll in telling a story with different angles and stipulations (vs. Orton at S. Series and vs. Flair at WM), and I think he and Jericho will deliver another classic. Give them time, and they will deliver. Shawn went over Flair and Batista clean the last 2 PPV, so I look for Jericho to go over here by cheating to win. It would also be awesome continuity if after the match someone gets kicked in the balls after a handshake.

Winner: Chris Jericho

Jeffrey "The Vile One" Harris: While I'm excited about the idea of another Jericho/HBK match . . . I don't get it, why is this non-title? This has been an OK feud, but Jericho should've been feuding with someone else like CM Punk. I have a feeling Jericho will win, or Batista will return, turn heel, and destroy HBK. Why is HBK the face though if he was in fact faking an injury? That's kind of prickish if you think about it, the way he's acted in recent weeks.

Winner: Chris Jericho


WWE TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH: The Miz and John Morrison © vs. Kane and CM Punk

Stephen Randle: Oh wow, I suspect they suddenly realized that the tag champs, the ECW champ, and the (allegedly being pushed) Money in the Bank winner weren't on the PPV. Maybe they also realized that Kane-Chavo wouldn't fly a third time. Total filler match, but it might not suck.

Winner: Miz and Morrison

Daniel Wilcox: Let's not take the gold off of the best team in the company in favor of a makeshift team, please?

Winners: And STILL WWE Tag Team Champions, The Miz and John Morrison (I hope)

Dan Torkel: Another peeve I have with this ppv, they had built Shannon and Yang up for a tag title shot, waste it on regular TV and then have the champs challenge two thrown together guys. Who is booking this, Vince Russo? I know the defacto logic is who laughs last on TV loses at the ppv, but Kane is ECW Champ and Punk is MITB so why add to that while lessening the meaning of the Tag belts. Punk and Kane have issues and the heels take this leading to a Punk/Kane Title match.

Winners and Still WWE Tag Champions: Miz and Morrison (Miz pin Kane after errant Punk briefcase shot)

Andy Clark: This match could be a lot of fun. While we're listing WWE's stupid booking let's add CM Punk's post-MITB booking to the list. Miz and Morrison have been great champions and I would love to see them hold the titles for a long time. That being said, after the awesome way WWE put them over on ECW I just don't see them doing all that and still walking away with the titles. Between beating Kane and the awesome showing he had against Batista I have a feeling WWE is ready to get Morrison back on the singles track, and hopefully they won't forget about The Miz in the process. Kane & Punk will probably just be transitional champions to Chavo & Bam Neely or Hawkins & Ryder.

Winners and NEW WWE Tag Team Champions: Kane & CM Punk

Ryan Byers: Poor CM Punk. The guy wins Money in the Bank and probably thinks his career is going somewhere, only for him to be put on the Last Train to Jobsville. Seriously, when CHUCK PALUMBO gets to leave you laying and you never get your comeuppance, you may as well just hang up your boots. At this rate, I would honestly be surprised if young CM managed to hold on to his briefcase long enough to cash it in. That being said, he and his large red partner did drop their singles matches to the tag champs on Tuesday night, and that usually means . . .

Winner: Punky & The Kane

T.G. Corke: This could all be a big swerve that cements Miz and Morrison once and for all, but I don't think so. After Miz pinned Punk cleanly on ECW and Morrison cheated to beat Kane, the chances of them retaining are slim to say the least. It's a shame, as they make a very good team, but obviously WWE wants to run the whole "will Punk betray Kane and cash his title shot in against him?" deal before pulling the trigger on a 'surprise' World Heavyweight Championship feud against Edge.

Winner: Kane and CM Punk (Punk pins Miz)

Jarrod Westerfeld: I screamed upon first hearing this match being announced. Then I cried in the corner. Then I sucked it up only to break down again. Why, of all the people you could possibly build for a tag title match, would you place Kane and CM Punk against a formerly random and thrown together tandem in Morrison and Miz just now when they've solidified their unity and their ability to carry the floundering and directionless SmackDown/ECW tag division? Doesn't Kane have other duties to attend to as an ECW Champion? And doesn't Punk have enough momentum to move up the card and challenge for more and bigger singles titles? This feels more like punishment for Morrison. Oh, and perhaps even Miz, though who really cares for him? I'll just bank on M&M winning this, otherwise I'm going to fall into an emotional breakdown at the terrible booking job of Michael Hayes replacement.

Winner: God, if you're listening, help guide Miz and Morrison to RETAIN.

Shawn S. Lealos: I don't see MnM, version 2, losing the titles here. Two reasons: (1) They are brilliant on the mics. Every time they come out to talk, they create highlight moments. And (2) CM Punk is Mr Money in the Bank. Now, if Kane and Punk do win, I think they will do what the WWE is best at – break up a good tag team. Morrison is a star as a singles wrestler (who saw that coming when he was Johnny Nitro, Eric Bischoff's personal assistant?). Here is why I don't think it will happen. CM Punk is holding the Money in the Bank briefcase. Kane is the ECW World Champion. Ask anyone who has followed Punk's career and they will tell you he is best as an arrogant heel. He can keep the Straight Edge gimmick and just let everyone know it makes him better than them. Maybe they will lose thanks to Punk turning on Kane and beating him down. Then after the match, Punk will cash the briefcase in and pin Kane for the ECW Title. It would be different then the Edge thing, since Edge was a bad guy and ran in after someone else's match to cash it in. They have not used a swerve to pay off the briefcase before, and it would make Punk the most hated man in the WWE instantly.

Winner: Miz and Morrison

Bayani Domingo: So my guess is that Punk either walks out on Kane or simply gets taken out by MnM 2.0 and Kane eats the pin after getting double teamed and a ref bump allows both of them to hit him with some kind of foreign object…like Santino. Or a diva breast implant. Either way MnM2.0 retain and then Punk uses the opportunity to cash in his MiTB opportunity and pins Kane. Which actually would suck ass because that is a total waste of an opportunity. You know what would be ever cooler? If none of that happens and he pins Edge for the title instead after his match with ‘taker. Not gonna happen though.

Winner: MnM 2.0

Michael Bauer: Why in the hell is Kane and Punk getting a tag team title shot? They don't need the belts and they will look weaker than hell by losing to these guys again after losing one on one matches on ECW this week. So I guess we get new champions and Punk continues to be wasted as the Money in the Bank briefcase holder.

Winners: CM Punk and Kane

Larry Csonka: I know I am hoping against hope here, but when The Miz and John Morrison got the big beat down on ECW, that signaled that they were going to pull the title change to me. I hope I am wrong here, but I see Kane and CM Punk getting a short title run out of this. WHAT TAG TEAM DIVISION?

Winner: Kane and CM Punk

Stuart James: The tag team champions were made to look awesome on ECW this week, so WWE logic says they're losing the belts at Judgment Day. I'd love to be wrong, since an extended program with Morrison heading for the ECW title, or possibly higher (okay, now I'm dreaming), and M&Ms are just getting into their stride as tag champions. However, WWE like to do "tag teams who don't trust one another" and I foresee tension between Kane and Punk as they win the titles. Another route is Kane and Punk lose, so Punk beats the holy shit out of Kane and cashes in, but I'm going with the faces again (I think this could well be an all face PPV)

Winners: Kane & CM Punk

Andy Critchell: This match makes me sick to my stomach. If Miz & Morrison go over here then it will really legitimize their tag title run as they will beat the ECW champion and the Internet's sacred cow (and MITB winner.) But I don't see any dedication to tag teams by WWE PLUS both Miz and Morrison went over on ECW so I don't think things look good for "The In Crowd." The real question is, what happens to the Dirt Sheet? I pray to God and baby Jesus that the Dirt Sheet will survive this title loss.

Winner: Kane & Punk

Michael Weyer: Miz and Morrison have surprised me a bit at being a fairly good team. I still don't know if they'll go through with the title change as Kane and Punk are hot but WWE still seems to want to have some separation between ECW and Smackdown. I see a fallout between Kane and Punk that lets the champs retain and sets up their own inevitable match.

WINNERS and still WWE Tag champs: Miz and Morrison

Jeremy Thomas: Call me nuts, but I love the teaming of Kane and Punk. I would have much preferred to see a Kane/Punk match, not teaming, but I think we're building to that...but not yet. It makes sense at this point to have Punk turn on Kane or vice versa, leading to an extended feud between the two and allowing Miz and Morrison to keep the belts. But I've got a thought. Bear with me...they've been building Morrison up pretty big in the last week or so, with a strong showing against Batista and a big win against Kane. Somehow, I see Morrison being pushed back into the main event to feud with Kane over the ECW Championship. Miz can be his backup, or move on to feud with someone else...uh. Is there any other faces for him to feud with? Punk/Miz...no. Kofi/Miz? Ew. Well...hell. Either way, I see Miz and Morrison getting the win here, and they're going to build to either Punk/Kane or Morrison/Kane for SummerSlam.

WINNERS: The Miz and John Morrison (STILL WWE Tag Team Champions; Morrison pins Kane)

Robert S. Leighty Jr Do they dare do what TNA didn't and give us mismatched Tag Champions? I think no, as Miz and Morrison have grown together as a team, and have become quite entertaining. I think it has done wonders for the Miz to be in this role, and I think a loss of the Tag Straps would lead to him being shoved back down the card. Punk is quite over, and Kane will always remain over with the crowd, so a loss won't kill either of them. Hell, Punk has been jobbing like crazy since winning MITB.

Winner and Still Tag Champions: Miz and Morrison

Jeffrey "The Vile One" Harris: Ugh. Lame, lame, lame. Just when I thought they were going to revive tag team wrestling in WWE. This should be something like Santino and Carlito vs. Cody Rhodes and Holly. Or London and Kendrick vs. Rhodes and Holly. Even Cryme Time vs. Rhodes and Holly. Something better than this. Punk is the 2008 Money In The Bank winner. Why is he meandering around in crud like this after going to the finals of King of the Ring as well? A waste of time. And even moreso, I have a feeling they will have Kane and Punk win the belts just for the hell of it, which would be also stupid.

Winner: new champs, Kane and Punk


WORLD TITLE MATCH: Edge vs. The Undertaker

Stephen Randle: I'd say the news out of Stamford is all good news for my boy, Edge. At least they recognize that his heel act has incredible potential to carry the show until they can find a new face to take him on. Hey, maybe that Money in the Bank guy?

Winner: Edge

Daniel Wilcox: I've got no idea which way this one is going to go, but I keep questioning why they would strip Undertaker of the title only to have him regain it in a match two weeks later. It would make no sense but it's not out of the realm of possibility. Still, all logical signs point to Edge walking out as a five-time world champion.

Winner: And NEW World Heavyweight Champion, Edge

Dan Torkel: So this match again huh? MOTYC at WM, and a very good match at Backlash, so what's left? The stripping of Taker means nothing to the storyline and without "THAT LETHAL CHOKEHOLD" Taker is only left with the Tombstone, Last Ride, and Chokeslam as viable finishers. I see all the interference backfiring and Taker getting the win again. This should force Edge to snap on Vicky, dump her and be traded to Raw for Cena so he can reunite Rated RKO and feud with Triple H.

Winner and Still (New) Champion: Undertaker (Tombstone)

Andy Clark: And the stupid booking train continues. There is only one way that stripping Taker of the title makes any sense in the least and it's an idea that our very own Matthew Sforcina had, so all credit goes to him. There is no championship advantage, Taker locks in the That Lethal Hold and is disqualified, allowing Edge to win the title on a disqualification. Whoo hoo.

Winner by DQ and NEW World Heavyweight Champion: Edge

Ryan Byers: This may be the lamest "strip the champion" angle in history. Normally I'm not a fan of taking the belt off a guy outside of a match unless it's absolutely necessary, but, this time around, new standards of suck have been set. At least when it's been done in the past, the angle has been a way to set up something new, different, or exciting. This time around, it's just been a lame excuse to fill a couple of weeks of TV and build up to a match between two guys who we've seen wrestle numerous times recently . . . and did I mention that the two guys in question are also the last two champions? With rumors of Umaga switching shows soon, I'd imagine that UT takes the belt back to feud with the big Samoan, even though that would make stripping him all the more pointless.

Winner: The Undertaker

T.G. Corke: As I made clear in T7D last week, I consider this some of the most laughable main-event booking in years. I will never, EVER understand why the Undertaker was given the title in an effort to make up for the short reign he had last year that was apparently scheduled to last until Wrestlemania 24...only to then decide to clip the wings of his latest reign before it even reached the 'lofty' thirty-seven days he managed in 2007. What a pathetic joke, and what a waste of a chance to have Edge end his streak in the first place if Taker was never intended to hold onto the belt. It doesn't matter though, because this is probably just a tool to extend Taker's title record to seven before it's time for Edge to get it back and put CM Punk over. I am so ashamed of McMahon's decision.

Winner: Undertaker

Jarrod Westerfeld: This went from interesting to bland. No, I'm not on the same wagon as everyone else who is against the idea of these guys going for a third time straight, and I wouldn't oppose a fourth straight bout with them come One Night Stand. The thing that turned this into a bland affair is the fact that you rode high on a yearlong history build from last May, ended the chase to redemption with Taker prevailing at Mania, then Taker taking things personally with Edge at Backlash only for this to become a battle to crown a new champion – either Taker wins back the title he never lost, or Edge wins back the title he lost on the grandest stage. I couldn't be arsed with this. I don't understand the reasoning for Taker to be stripped only to get a free pass into the title picture while Edge had to "fight" his way into this title match. I mean, wasn't it enough of an idea to put behind Taker remain champion up to the draft, where Edge manages to manipulate Umaga as his monster to destroy the Deadman? I mean, you could've done something there with Umaga being Andre to Edge's Ted DiBiase. Oh well, whatever, I'm banking on the Deadman to (retain) and for these two to blow off at One Night Stand.

Winner: The Undertaker (RETAINS NEW World Heavyweight Championship)

Shawn S. Lealos: I picked Edge in the last roundtable. Undertaker then went on to win. With Vicky as the evil manager/commissioner, I think he has a chance to win it again. This is the hardest match for me to decide, but I will stick with Edge for the second month in a row.

Winner: Edge

Bayani Domingo: Ugh….I hate this match as I've seen it far too many times. ‘Nuff said.

Winner: Edge

Michael Bauer: Edge sneaking into the title match was pure brilliance and purely the most obvious thing ever. If it is true that Vince doesn't buy Undertaker as champion, then Edge is getting the title back.

Winner: Edge

Larry Csonka: "Vince McMahon himself made the call to strip the Undertaker of the World Title. The feeling is that Edge makes for a better champion than challenger, and that the Undertaker as champion needs great challengers. Taker vs. Batista has been done a lot, and the feeling is that Edge vs. Taker isn't a money PPV match." Edge has been owned by Taker, let's go with shenanigans and an Edge win.

Winner: Edge

Stuart James: While I hate the build for this match, as the third match should have been dragged out until Great American Bash or sometime, while Edge wins the vacant title and takes on guys like Batista, Punk, or even Hardy. However, I am not complaining; as these two guys have a surprising amount of chemistry together, and they're generally pull off great matches. A lot of people see Edge winning here, but I don't. Sorry, but I think Taker's got the title here.

Winner: Undertaker

Andy Critchell: 99% of the time WWE does a good job of making me care about title matches. 99.9% of the time Edge is awesome enough on his own to make me care about his matches. That being said, I have no interest in this match whatsoever. Maybe it's because we have already seen it several times, maybe it's because I really don't care for Undertaker right now but whatever it is I find the prospect of this match to be dull even though I know that it will still be a well-worked match.

Winner: The Undertaker

Michael Weyer: Stripping Taker like that never made much sense to me as surely they could have waited for him to lose it here. Since it was Vince's call, it makes sense that Edge will keep it but hey, these guys do have great matches together so this should be the same. But since he's got the boss on his side, it's pretty clear that Edge is going to retain and keep up the cool heel champ factor he's got on his side.

WINNER and still World Champion: The Rated R Superstar

Jeremy Thomas: If the rumors are right, then Vince wants Taker to be chasing the title more, or at least build up a few more heel challengers before giving him a long run with the belt. Which begs the question...why the HELL did they not think of this before giving him the damn thing in the first place?!? Idjits. Anyway, I figure they're going to fix this particular problem in the draft. But until then, I think it's pretty simple. Edge wins the belt via his usual weaselly ways--and let me say, he's the best weasel champion the 'E has seen in years--and Taker comes out still looking strong, and still in the main event scene. Win-win.

WINNER: Edge (NEW World Heavyweight Champion; Heel Tactics leading to pin)

Robert S. Leighty Jr Part III of this series (not counting the MITB cash in match last year in my neck of woods: Pittsburgh, PA (GO PENS)), and this should deliver just like the previous two have. No reason to run Part III at this point unless the ending is different. My boy Edge gets another run with the World Title, and goes on to face CM Punk (cashing in his MITB against the Ultimate Opportunist) sometime this summer. The Undertaker can survive a loss, obviously.

Note: I would not be shocked if Punk cashed in the MITB after this match either. Think back to when Edge cashed it in the 1st time. He was in a IC Title match against Flair, got DQ, and went on to better things. Punk is in a Tag Title match, and could easily say to hell with this, and focus on bigger and better things. Pull the trigger Vince. Pull the trigger!

Winner and New Champion: Edge

Jeffrey "The Vile One" Harris: What retarded booking this all turned out to be. Why strip Taker of the title, giving him an even shorter reign than last year when he had to vacate it due to injury? Just to do another Edge/Taker title match. This is the definition of lame, stupid, inspired booking that has been dragging down WWE for quite some time. I say Taker regains his title he never should've been stripped of. If you wanted a type of tournament, why not just make it to get a shot at Taker's title? Vickie Guerrero also sucks as an onscreen character, which she has for two years.

Winner: New champ, The Undertaker


WWE TITLE STEEL CAGE MATCH: HHH © vs. Randy Orton

Stephen Randle: Orton wants time off. Champions don't get time off.

Winner: Triple H

Daniel Wilcox: This match has crazy potential. I can't remember WWE provide a real bloodbath, but I've got a sneaking feeling that this is going to be one, and I can't wait. Both guys are tremendous in dramatic environments such as this and it should be a hell of a match, but I really can't see any other outcome than Triple H retaining and moving on to fresh challengers in the summer.

Winner: And STILL WWE Champion, Triple H

Dan Torkel: Now this would be much better served as Heel champion defending instead of heel challenger trying to regain. Unless they are building up Triple H's title reigns for the purpose of beating Flair, I can't see him losing it back to Orton, at least not yet. I think Triple H retains in a bloody throwback to cage matches of old, but I would not be shocked if they did some type of Hogan/Orndorff tie to keep Orton in the title picture another month. In fact, that IS what I think will happen.

Winner: Draw (both escaping and hitting at same time)

Andy Clark: This match should be very good. Randy Orton doesn't stand a chance, especially how they've treated the World Heavyweight Title, but the match should be really good. I'll be interested to see what kind of shenanigans Regal pulls here. What if Regal turns out the lights mid match only for them to come back on and Orton is miraculously out of the cage and therefore the winner? Could be an inventive finish but I'm not sure having two screwy title match finishes in one night will really happen. Triple H will just barely beat Orton outside of the cage.

Winner and STILL WWE Champion: Triple H

Ryan Byers: And now we move on to the most predictable portion of the evening. Triple H just won the title. Randy Orton just lost the title. Randy Orton is a heel. Triple H is a face. William Regal is receiving a massive heel push on Raw. Clearly, this means that Orton is going to win the championship and do a heel versus heel feud with Regal going all the way in to Summerslam. Wait, you mean this isn't TNA? In that case . . .

Winner: Triple H

T.G. Corke: And so, as R.D. Reynolds is so fond of saying, "the less things change, the more they stay the same". Now that's not necessarily a bad thing, and I don't dislike Triple H, but I was kind of hoping Orton would remain champion for a bit longer. To be honest, Orton should have retained at Backlash and lost it here in the cage, if they really wanted him to drop the belt (actually, I think he's looking for paternity leave). It would have been a better moment, I feel. That said, the fact that Orton ISN'T the champion at his peak, coupled with Triple H getting the final advantage on Raw, does lend an element of doubt. Maybe Orton's winning it back, and they just wanted to give him another feather in his cap? But no, I don't think so. Triple H/Cena is on the horizon, while Orton will have to be consoled by his new child.

Oh wait, Stephanie McMahon's preggers as well. I think my logic must be flawed. Well, too late now!

Jarrod Westerfeld: First official title defense for Triple H seeing as their bout on Monday was cut off and declared a no contest – yeah, I can totally see Triple H dropping his new toy. You know what I'll fill in this space by asking some important questions: where is Regal vs. Kennedy on this card? Where the hell is Cody Rhodes & Hardcore Holly vs. Carlito & Santino Marella? What of Mark Henry and Big Show? Hell, why isn't Big Show even on this card? You had a supped up and very hot Big Show and then you kill his momentum with a Khali feud that lost steam as it went on, and you push him to the back burner to further Undertaker and Edge for another month…way to blow it, WWE. You actually got Show mega over and much like WCW you squandered a hot star by not taking advantage of his newfound appeal. Brilliant. I hope this spring quarter ends up only getting you enough for bus fare and an egg roll. Jackasses.

Winner: Triple H (RETAINS WWE Championship)

Shawn S. Lealos: People are already jumping on the anti-Triple H bandwagon. I have read people talking about how Triple H is always in the World Title scene, despite the fact that he had essentially been out of it for two years. I guess people just love to complain about something. This match is in a steel cage and has the possibility of having the honorable King William Regal coming out and adding a number of strange stipulations to the contest. I'd really like to see Triple H carry the belt for a while as the cocky, arrogant good guy instead of the barbarian type warrior he usually portrayed during his good guy reigns. I'd also like to see another Triple H feud with Shawn Michaels for the world title, with Shawn as the bad guy. I also might be the only one who would want to see that. I'd also like to see John Cena turn bad and have another feud with The Game. I guess I want to see the same old shit in a new, unique way. Whatever.

Winner: Triple H

Bayani Domingo: I'm not all that tickled with this match either as I'm really tired of seeing HHH with the title and the next issue of WWE Magazine basically spells out that Vince is going to let Hunter win the belt a few more times just to "out title" Flair. What an ass.

Winner: HHH

Michael Bauer: Now this is the match I am getting tired of seeing, not Edge vs. Taker. HHH is not dropping the belt right back to Orton, end of story.

Winner: HHH

Larry Csonka: I predict an old school cage match here, mainly because HHH loves doing his tributes to Flair. A slow, brutal and bloody match I would suspect. Changing the title so soon would be foolish I feel.

Winner: HHH

Stuart James: I can't see WWE being stupid enough to have Regal pull the plug on this match. However, its been a while since WWE have done a good old fashioned cage match to main event a pay-per-view, and I hope this is a blood massacre, sort of like the last fifteen minutes of HHH vs. Austin at No Way Out. This one has also been done to death, and the result seems very obvious that HHH wins (unless they pull a WWF 2000 and have back to back title changes), but it should be a really good long match (all the matches should get a good deal of time, which is always good.

Winner: You never EVER bet against HHH …

Andy Critchell: I have a feeling that this match will be old-fashioned bloody fun. Orton is as good as he has ever been right now and Triple H rules in cage matches. Trips seems really motivated to have a great title run and I see this as being a match that people will remember. I am a huge Orton fan but the outcome here is pretty obvious.

Winner: Triple H

Michael Weyer: Now this is going to be good. We all know these guys work together well and the cage promises a long and bloody battle. For the victor, I'm going to go out on a limb, which I may be wrong but it's how I feel. I think HHH is actually going to drop it (when Orton cheats of course) and thus give Orton more of a rub as the guy is just great as a heel champ. That would set up the inevitable Orton-Cena title rematch for Summerslam. Again, could be wrong but it does seem that this title reign of HHH's isn't clicking as well and it'd be ironic to do a reverse of 2004 and have him lose to Orton only a month after winning it.

WINNER and NEW WWE Champion: Randy Orton

Jeremy Thomas: Let's do the math:

1. Randy Orton wants more time off so he stops flipping out and throwing food at people.
2. Triple H has had the title for less then a month, his first WWE Championship reign since 2002
3. Triple H/Cena has potential with an extended build (once JBL is out of the way). Orton/Cena has been done far too much.

1 + 2 + 3 = 0 for Orton. We call this WWE Math.

WINNER: Triple H (STLL WWE Champion; Pedigree)

Robert S. Leighty Jr Both men had classic, bloody cage matches with Ric Flair at Cyber Sunday/Taboo Tuesday in 04, and 05 respectively. Thus, I expect them to tear the house down with a hate filled, blood bath here. Sometimes a cage can restrict the action, but these two will do more than enough to entertain me. HHH isn't losing the strap this early, and I have no problem with that at this point. Let him have a run as a face (since his last face title run was aborted a month in) since the fans are way more accepting of him than they were in 2002.

Winner and Still Champion: HHH

Jeffrey "The Vile One" Harris: Ending the Orton era was the stupidest, dumbest, most idiotic thing WWE booking has done in a while. HHH and Orton having a rematch in a steel cage. Orton has no chance in hell of winning. HHH won't let go of the title this soon because he's HHH. The match itself might be pretty good, but this is the HHH era.

Winner: Hunter Hearst Helmsley

Remember to join 411 for our LIVE WWE Judgment Day coverage, starting at 7:30pm Sunday night!