411’s PPV Roundtable Preview: WWE One Night Stand (IV) 2008

Posted by Stephen Randle on 05.31.2008

All the matches are Extreme Rules, a legendary career is on the line, and the 411 staff has all their thoughts on One Night Stand!



INTRODUCTION:
This Sunday, just two weeks after their last PPV, WWE presents One Night Stand, where all the matches have an "Extreme" stipulation. Hey, whatever works. More importantly, it seems that finally we will have a definitive World Heavyweight Champion, with the added possibility that the Undertaker will be banished from WWE if he loses. I know, just go with it.

For more on this PPV, check out Stuart James' Road to One Night Stand PPV Preview.

It's been a long couple months full of PPV Roundtables, but shockingly, much of the 411 staff still has the energy to provide you with all their vast wisdom, knowledge, and just plain wacky theories about One Night Stand. Let's look at the contributors.

THE STAFF:

Stephen Randle, The Wrestling News Experience

Stuart James, A Week In Preview

Shawn S. Lealos, 411 Movies/TV Alternate Takes

Michael O, 411 Smackdown recapper

Jerome Cusson, 411 Movies/TV Retro TV reviewer

Dan Torkel, Brooklyn Brawlin'

Dan Wilcox, Thoughts From The Top Rope

Michael Weyer, Shining A Spotlight

Jarrod Westerfeld, Scripted Through Sin

Bayani Domingo, Truth B Told

Larry Csonka, the #1 Threat to America

Michael Bauer, 411 ECW recapper

Matt Short, The Navigation Log

Andy Clark, The Shimmy

Jeremy Thomas, 411 Movies/TV DVD reviewer

Robert S. Leighty Jr, From The Bowery

Jeff Small, The Khali-For-All News Report

And now, courtesy of the 411 staff, let's take a match-by-match look at the card for One Night Stand 2008.


~WWE ONE NIGHT STAND (IV) 2008~


I QUIT MATCH: Beth Phoenix vs. Melina

Stephen Randle: This match just serves to separate Beth from Mickie for a month, and get that sick submission move over a little more. Like we needed more reminders that Beth Phoenix is head and shoulders above every Diva on the roster.

Winner: Beth Phoenix

Stuart James: Please give them time, please give them time, and please give them time. This match should be pretty good if they give them time. I can't stress that enough, but this one should be very interesting to say the least, and I'm more curious than anything to see how this one turns out. Still, this could be anywhere between disaster and greatness. Let's hope for the latter. As for a winner? Well, it's hard to call, since Beth is a monster, but faces tend to win I Quit matches, so flip a coin:

Winner: Beth Phoenix

Shawn S. Lealos: Melina as a good guy is just strange to me. She is too much of a bitch and I can't forget when she fired Mick Foley. I would have preferred Beth Phoenix vs. The World over turning Melina good on Monday night. Thanks Julian. Beth is just too much for Melina to handle.

Winner: Beth Phoenix

Michael O: I quit paying attention to the women's title scene long, long ago, so I really have no clue as to what the direction is that the division is heading. Is Natalya slated to start working Mondays? If so, I guess Melina keeps it. If not, maybe Beth wins? Bah, let's just go with the conventional "why should the person who just won the belt lose it" wisdom.

Winner: Melina

Jerome Cusson: There's a women's match and it's not even a title match? It's almost like we're trying to have an actual division here. I'm not sure how a women's "I Quit" match will play to the crowd, but I think the match itself should be okay. Melina has improved a lot and Beth Phoenix might be the best women's wrestler in the WWE. Clearly, they're building her for a championship match with Mickie James, and I'm expecting a Phoenix squash.

Winner: Beth Phoenix

Dan Torkel: Beth DONT TAP! Melina is hot but not a chance tonight. Hope they give the ladies some time.

Winner: Beth Phoenix

Dan Wilcox: The one thing I can't stand about women's wrestling in WWE is the constant high-pitched screaming. It puts me right off the match and you can guarantee that there'll be a boatload of it here. I have to question them wasting such a great gimmick as an "I Quit" match on a women's feud that a) has only had four weeks build and b) isn't even for the championship. I suppose it is at least a sign of them putting some effort into the Women's division and for that I am grateful. And with these two involved, there's a good chance that the match will be enjoyable to watch; as long as they get time it'll be enjoyable.

Winner: Beth Phoenix

Michael Weyer: Now is this for the title or not? Heard different ways on it. Either way, should be a good battle overall but the fact is, Phoenix just has more power and skill behind her to make a beat down of Melina work and not the sort to say quit. So expect her to pound her way to a win here.

WINNER: Beth Phoenix

Jarrod Westerfeld: Long builds are good, so for a long build you have Melina fall short of the task and just being unable to bare the pain. But this is not only the WWE, this is the WWE's WOMENS division, which means much like those who surf the web to masturbate to free clips of porn films, this won't last long. And because of that, Beth has to dominate here, and slowly grind this feud to an end by the next pay-per-view, which should be in two weeks.

Winner: Beth "Beastly Goddess" Phoenix

Bayani Domingo: Man, I wouldn't mind making Melina say "I Quit". Yeah, that's all I have to say about this match.

Winner: Big Bertha Phoenix

Larry Csonka: I Quit matches, like stretcher matches are a tricky thing, no near falls can hurt the drama factor if the workers aren't up to the task. I am not sure if these ladies have the ability to pull it off, I am not sure if the crowd will care enough to stay with them and I am not sure that they will be given the proper time to try. I hope they have the chance. I cannot see them making Beth say "I QUIT" at all, as it would kill her mystique of dominance.

Winner: Beth Phoenix

Michael Bauer: Melina has no business winning this match. She is in there with a stronger, better, and more durable wrestler. End of story.

Winner: The Glamazon

Matt Short: I've liked the build to this match quite a bit. Melina's face turn has been interesting so far. Mostly, I'm glad we're getting a competitive women's match on this PPV between two ladies who are competent in the ring. No pudding match this year!

Winner: Beth Phoenix

Andy Clark: This should be intriguing. I'd love to hear Mick Foley's kayfabe thoughts on this match considering how his last I Quit Match turned out. No way Phoenix loses here.

Winner: Beth Phoenix

Jeremy Thomas: This is a far more interesting match then they could have done with anything involving Mickie, because it's finally building up another talented face Diva to match off against Beth when she eventually gets the title back. I'm digging Melina as a face, and I think it's a step in the right direction for the Women's division. Of course, there's no way she's winning. Beth is the dominant Diva in the mold of Chyna (but more talented and attractive), and she's going to make Melina scream in some vicious way, solidifying her face turn.

Winner: Beth Phoenix (Some painful submission or another)

Robert S. Leighty Jr: This will be quite interesting. I think the WWE is trying to show that they have some wrestling talent at the Diva level to squash all the TNA Knockouts hype. I think Phoenix vs. James would have been the better match, but this could be quite good (if they are given time). I will mark out though if Phoenix gets old school and pounds Melina with the mic after asking her if she quits. No reason for Phoenix to say the two words, five letters.

Winner: Beth Phoenix

Jeff Small: This should be the most entertaining "I Quit" match since MI Smooth took on Norman Smiley on Thunder. I would assume that the winner of this match will face Mickie James at Night of Champions. So by process of elimination, new face Melina will suffer an immediate setback. Expect Melina to turn heel again in a few weeks.

Winner: Beth Phoenix


FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE MATCH: Umaga vs. Jeff Hardy

Stephen Randle: Umaga tries a big charge or splash somewhere in the arena, Jeff moves. Jeff does a Swanton from a high area, Umaga does not move. There, I saved you watching it.

Winner: Jeff Hardy.

Stuart James: This one I'm very enthusiastic about, since these two have the rare chemistry where they never seem to have bad matches together. Putting Hardy in a feud with Umaga on his return is a good start, and while I hate the idea of Umaga losing once again, I am still looking forward to this match. The falls count anywhere stipulation will allow for some innovative offence, but I think it's going to be Jeff Hardy to win and continue his momentum

Winner: Jeff Hardy

Shawn S. Lealos: Umaga is about to leave RAW for Smackdown (if those plans are still on) and Jeff Hardy is right back in the middle of the title pictures. This should be a good match as Hardy proves to be a good match up for the big man. I honestly think Umaga on Smackdown will be a waste, especially in matches against Undertaker, if that is where they are going with this. Hardy continues his winning ways here.

Winner: JEFF HARDY

Michael O: The Hardy boy would seem like a lock, but if Umaga is Smackdown bound, they may want to keep him strong and a win here would surely do that. Then again, when have they ever cared about making someone look strong on the way to Smackdown? The answer to that question is never, by the way.

Winner: Jeff Hardy

Jerome Cusson: Let me get this straight. You get suspended for 60 days, and then are rewarded by having a big Pay-Per-View match? This is completely outrageous. I don't even care why he was suspended. He should not even be sniffing Pay-Per-View until the fall to send a message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated. Umaga should squash Hardy here and move onto Smackdown with a lot of momentum. But of course Hardy will win and probably get a renewed push.

Winner: Jeff Hardy

Dan Torkel: Umaga took the pin on Raw so he might get a win back, but all sources say Umaga to Smackdown, so the stipulation at least enables Jeff to use a sick twisted spot to win.

Winner: Jeff Hardy

Dan Wilcox: Winner! Get two guys who have shown amazing chemistry every time that they've stepped into the ring together, throw them in a hardcore environment and let them tear shit up. This one is going to kick all kinds of ass, folks, especially when you take into consideration the fact that this stipulation is right up the ally of both men. I'm anticipating all kinds of great spots from this one and am looking forward to see Hardy take that wind-up slam on another hard surface. Logic says Hardy picks up the win here with Umaga being drafted shortly after, and Hardy slowly making his way back up to the spot that he was in before the suspension.

Winner: Jeff Hardy

Michael Weyer: Apparently, Umaga is heading to Smackdown while Hardy is being pushed again (heaven knows why) so the answer seems obvious. Then again, it's possible Vince may still want to punish Jeff a bit more for blowing so many plans and give Umaga a big win. But, we know logic rarely works in WWE so…

WINNER: Jeff Hardy

Jarrod Westerfeld: As fun as this match will be, I'm not that excited. Call my picky or just plain emo, but I'm still kind of wondering what Jeff is to learn from failing company policy if he's just being pushed up the ladder again. Oh well, I guess this world wants another Eddie Guerrero type story – famous wrestler found dead in hotel room, and all could have been prevented had someone really helped them out and told them to take it easy.

Oh, right, the match – Hardy is going places, so he wins. End of discussion

Winner: Jeff Hardy

Bayani Domingo: This could be a fun little mindless brawl with Umaga throwing around Jeff Hardy like a rag doll and Hardy jumping off of all sorts of cool stuff onto the chubby Pacific Islander. Then again I'm bored of this feud. I've seen it, fairly recently too and I just don't see how the "e" can push Hardy back into the upper mid-card so soon after strike 2. Well they have to send a message to the roster and having Rainbow Brite go over isn't it.

Winner: Umaga

Larry Csonka: This stipulation should allow for some wildness from both men. They have the ability do have a great match here, but I am not sure they will be allowed all the tricks, due to the main events needing them. There should be a crazy bump though, and Jeff wins.

Winner: Jeff Hardy

Michael Bauer: This will be just like the two matches they had already. Hardy will be a human pincushion and flop like a fish, but still win after some bizarre spot, which I can only imagine.

Winner: Jeff Hardy

Matt Short: These two work so well together and the hardcore match environment of it all just adds to the insanity of this match. On Monday I don't know how many times JR and King made the claim that "THE PIN COULD HAPPEN ON THE ANNOUNCE TABLE" but it seemed like they were just trying to drop hints. Jeff wins after a Swanton from a ladder through the announce table. I'm calling it now.

Winner: Jeff Hardy

Andy Clark: If Hardy hadn't lost on Monday I would have said he loses here just because he's due. Quite frankly it wouldn't surprise me too much if he ended up losing anyhow. As a matter of fact, I think I'll go with the upset as Jeff wipes himself out on some big move.

Winner: Umaga

Jeremy Thomas: This really has the potential to be a fun match. Jeff and Umaga have, surprisingly, a hell of a lot of chemistry together (I never would have predicted it), and a match like this is perfect for them. The end result is pretty obvious to me...Hardy, who's Mr. Teflon with the Wellness Violation slipping right off his back, bumps his ass off before picking up a huge win with some sort of insane spot.

Winner: Jeff Hardy (Whisper in the Wind off a Ladder or Some Such Craziness)

Robert S. Leighty Jr: This should be fun as these guys have great chemistry. They had a great cage match earlier in the year, and with this being a brawl all over the place, I look for something a little better. Hardy looks to be back on his push, and though it sucks Umaga has to job again, the fans are still solidly behind Hardy. Either one of these men would benefit from a move off the RAW roster.

Winner: Jeff Hardy

Jeff Small: In an epic prediction, this match should be the opener. Surprisingly, Hardy has gotten back on path for his main event push and should pick up the win here. As for Umaga, he's off to Smackdown to start thumbing random bitches.

Winner: Jeff Hardy


STRETCHER MATCH: HBK vs. Batista

Stephen Randle: I think the teased chairshot this past Monday is a sign that Jericho and Shawn still have issues to work out, and perhaps we'll see an actual chairshot in this match, to put Shawn on the stretcher.

Winner: Batista

Stuart James: While perhaps not the greatest stipulation in the world, it does fit in with the story of Batista wanting to hurt Shawn Michaels. I'm hoping for great things here, since their match at Backlash was pretty good and they can probably do better. Both men are on wonderful form right now, but I see Batista getting his revenge at One Night Stand and making up for a loss at Backlash

Winner: Batista

Shawn S. Lealos: This has been a great storyline, as none of the three men involved have turned. It is not often that three popular faces can have a blood feud and remain popular. I feel they tried, and failed to turn Shawn when he admitted to lying about his injury but the fans no sold that attempt. I thought Jericho would be the one to finally turn on HBK Monday night with the steel chair, but he backed down. Batista is the only one who has not shown the tendency to turn, and is the one that seems to have the only legitimate beef of the three. Batista feels Shawn used underhanded tactics to beat him while HBK is portrayed as the crafty veteran who will do anything to win and Jericho is just pissed off because he was shown up by the Showstopper. It should be a fantastic match and Shawn will be in his perfect environment as the underdog in a match that there is no possible way he should be able to win. It would be cool if Shawn found a way to win, but I think Batista redeems himself here. I also think Y2J will get involved.

Winner: BATISTA

Michael O: I'm having a hard time with this one. Batista seems like the easy choice, given the nature of the match and the fact that Shawn has yet to take a loss in this feud. But then I thought Batista screwing Shawn at Judgment Day and Jericho turning heel by now were two things to bank on, and obviously neither has happened, so I'm not really sure about anything anymore. Hmmm...I never would have thought trying to predict the result of a professional wrestling match could cause an existential dilemma, yet here I am.

Winner: Batista

Jerome Cusson: This whole angle going back to when Michaels and Flair were feuding has been the best WWE's had all year. Nothing has really gone the way all of us internet smarks have predicted, and that to me is what's made this so much fun to watch. We're all waiting for someone to turn once and for all. I say it happens here although I could very well be wrong. I say Jericho turns on Michaels and helps Batista get the victory here. Maybe take Michaels out for a bit so they can build to a big Summerslam three-way or tag team match.

Winner: Batista

Dan Torkel: This has been the best continuing feud the E has going since Wrestlemania especially with Jericho's inclusion. Batista jobbed at Backlash and Jericho jobbed at Judgment Day so I expect Jericho to cement a heel turn here. Although the last two ppv matches were clean and without interference, I feel that ends here to set up the Triple Threat match and then a brand switch for 1 or maybe 2 of the three involved parties. Match should be good though and Batista needs to look like a monster here.

Winner: Batista (Jericho-ference)

Dan Wilcox: Everyone thought Chris Jericho would play a role in the outcome of the Backlash match. He didn't. Everyone thought Batista would cost Michaels at Judgment Day and he didn't. Everyone thought that by now, someone would've turned heel. No one has. So kudos to creative for making this a compelling angle from start to finish and kudos to all three performers for giving us great matches and great promos. Predicting this thing isn't easy and it could go either way, and Jericho could influence the outcome. I'm thinking they finally pull the trigger on a Jericho turn here, but it may need be the direct cause of the outcome.

Winner: Shawn Michaels

Michael Weyer: This has been a great build-up feud and both guys have done good work in the past. I see it as a knockdown drag-out affair with plenty of wild action but Batista is due for a real push as a monster again and this is the perfect opportunity for it. So expect HBK to be carried out as a mess with Batista standing high.

WINNER: The Animal

Jarrod Westerfeld: First off, I hate Stretcher Matches – this is something straight out of Jake Chambers column because it's so whacky, only it managed to have sex with Russo's imagination, creating this "thing". I've never liked the concept. I would prefer an ambulance match to this, or even a Last Ride match, though that's the same thing as the former. Anyway, that aside, this feud has been really intriguing, but I think at some point Michaels has to go down here, which could leave a bitter taste in fans mouths thus giving Batista some heel heat. And why not? Evil Dave has certainly got to be better than clean-cut Dave, right?

Winner: Batista

Bayani Domingo: I actually think this has been one of the best feuds of the year thus far. I think the build has been good and seeing as how Jericho doesn't have a match yet I think we'll be seeing him at some point being the decision maker. Probably helping Big Dave get the win and evening the series. While I'd love to see an HBK or more likely a Batista heel turn here I doubt it will happen because the WWE tends to be scared of turning any of their "Big Merch" guys heel unless they are married to the boss's daughter. This really could end up being a real show stealer here as I think this will end up being probably the 2nd best match on the card.

Winner: Big Dave

Larry Csonka: Stretcher matches are a tricky thing, no near falls can hurt the drama factor if the workers aren't up to the task. I cannot think of that many stretcher matches that I really LOVE off the top of my head either. But this IS HBK we are talking about and anything is possible. I say Batista finally wins one here, ending HBK's little streak, since he doesn't have to get pinned.

Winner: Batista

Michael Bauer: Michaels has gotten what is called a tainted victory over Batista and now he should have to repay the favor. At least Michaels doesn't have to be pinned here. This is one of those feuds that I hope can be continued after the darft in 3-4 weeks as I still think there is some life left in it for one more match after this.

Winner: Batista

Matt Short: The booking leading up to this almost demands that Jericho have a hand in the finish of this match. Though the events of Monday night cast a little bit of doubt on that as he didn't fully turn heel. The Jericho thing aside, this has a lot of potential to be a great match. Especially if Batista comes into this motivated it'll be worth watching. I'm not a big fan of the stretcher stipulation, but the action should be pretty entertaining regardless. Since he won't have to be pinned here, I'll say HBK ends up taking the loss.

Winner: Batista

Andy Clark: It would be a true travesty of justice if Michaels wins here. I'm looking forward to watching Batista destroy that smug, Flair-retiring faker. If he gets some help from Y2J that works to, but Batista might just as soon kick Jericho's ass as well.

Winner: Batista

Jeremy Thomas: This is still my favorite feud of recent months, with Jericho thrown in. The whole thing's been beautifully played out, and I can't wait to see what Big Dave and HBK do with all the rules out. In the end, I see Jericho coming out and turning on Shawn, going full-on heel, which will probably piss Dave off. This can lead to a full-out Jericho/Michaels feud while Batista moves on, or Jericho/Batista while Michaels moves on, or even a triple threat match next month. SO many ways to go.

Winner: Batista (Jericho Shenanigans)

Robert S. Leighty Jr: This should be better than their previous match because of the stipulation. Michaels has gone over every PPV since WrestleMania. I think that streaks ends here. With relaxed rules, I also expect Jericho to get involved in this match. No full heel turn yet, but he costs Shawn the match "accidentally." I would like to see a clean finish, but got to keep the story going.

Winner: Batista

Jeff Small: How awesome has this feud been? Kudos to the WWE for getting an excellent storyline from Ric Flair's retirement match. I expect Jericho to interfere here and help Batista cripple Shawn. This will allow Shawn the opportunity to grow back his beard and allow him to return at Summerslam.

Winner: Batista


FIRST BLOOD MATCH: JBL vs. John Cena

Stephen Randle: The First Blood match is a match made for cheating heels to get undeserved wins. While I don't wish this feud to continue, I could conceivably see interference from someone, either a member of a new Cabinet for JBL, or maybe that guy who used to be in TNA who tried to feud with Cena on YouTube and is allegedly set to debut any day now, causing Cena to bleed and giving Bradshaw the victory.

Winner: JBL

Stuart James: This one should logically see Cena defeating JBL. JBL getting beaten by Cena wouldn't hurt him in the slightest, whereas, if it were the other way around, Cena would almost certainly get hurt. There's also the fact that JBL has gotten the best of Cena two weeks in a row, and Cena's looking to go into a feud with Triple H sometime soon and needs to be kept strong.

Winner: John Cena

Shawn S. Lealos: John Cena and JBL. This has been going on for a long time, it seems and this is just the latest chapter of the feud. JBL has knocked around Cena for the last two weeks and Cena did pick up the win at the last pay per view. I don't see what good it would do for JBL to lose two straight but Cena can't afford to lose right now. Maybe JBL gets a fluke win, or better yet, Cena gets the fluke win and JBL can call shenanigans.

Winner: JOHN CENA

Michael O: I'm assuming whoever wins here goes on to face the champ at the next PPV and I'm also assuming that "Cena-HHH II" will be saved for a bigger show, so...

Winner: JBL

Jerome Cusson: These two are one for three as far as having good matches. The one came in an "I Quit" match where they could just brawl and bleed all over the place. Here they won't be able to bleed, and I'm not expecting much since JBL hasn't had a good match since his return and Cena hasn't wrestled very much the last few months so he could be rusty. Plus, with every match having some sort of wacky stipulation, some matches are going to suffer. I think this is going to be one of them.

Winner: John Cena

Dan Torkel: UGH! Why!?!? Logic says Cena loses since he doesn't need to actually job. You notice Cena, Shawn and Triple H are all in matches where they don't have to be pinned to lose btw...If JBL wins that continues the feud and his "push" and I don't understand that logic so I am going against character and calling a dominant Cena win to push towards the inevitable Cena/Triple H Summerslam feud.

Winner: John Cena

Dan Wilcox: Cena actually needs a win here. JBL doesn't. It's as simple as that. This could also be a hell of a match if their "I Quit" bout from 3 years ago is anything to go by.

Winner: John Cena

Michael Weyer: These guys always do good work together so it'll be a good battle. However the "first blood" rule may take away some of the passion of it but still expect some hard-hitting and since Cena is due for a big win again, I see him going over here to reassert himself.

WINNER: John Cena

Jarrod Westerfeld: Well, any plans for a Regal and Triple H feud have gone up shits creek into the water fall without a paddle or a prayer, so I guess the next best thing is…JBL? I honestly can't see them going with Trips and Cena just yet, as you still have time until SummerSlam. I can see JBL exacting some revenge here after those two PPV loses, while Cena walks away looking dominant and cheated of a victory he was due. So I expect JBL to really let loose with some dastardly tactics, and then taking that momentum to feed Triple H a challenge until Cena gets his shot at the Slam.

Winner: JBL

Bayani Domingo: I wasn't a huge fan of their "I Quit" match a few years back and I'm not a huge first blood match fan in general. It just seems like a really long and drawn out brawl where they stop it every 30 seconds or so as the referee checks for blood. I'm liking how they are keeping Cena out of the main event for now but at some point they have to figure out a better feud for Cena as his last feud with JBL was much better built up as the "underdog" trying to win his first title. It just seems flat now. That being said I think this will end up being the win that propels Cena back into the title scene.

Winner: John "Baby Jesus" Cena

Larry Csonka: This one is a bit tricky to me. If JBL would have won last month, I could have seen Cena winning for sure here. But since Cena won, I have doubts now. I sense shenanigans here, and JBL magically winning the match. Not that I want that to happen.

Winner: JBL

Michael Bauer: JBL has been Cena's bitch for far too long. Everyone knows that Cena and JBL can go very well in this type or match, as they proved when Cena was champ on Smackdown. With Regal now gone for 60 days, they need another heel to step up before Summerslam and JBL is the best fit. But for that to happen, he needs the win here.

Winner: JBL

Matt Short: These two are great in No DQ-style matches together, but I'm not sure this is going anywhere good at the moment. I highly doubt this feud will end with this, so that would dictate that JBL would win to gain some momentum. After all, if a feud is going to continue the heel has to have the upper hand. At the same time, Cena could use the win too. I think the smart money is on JBL winning and the feud going on. I'm not giving up on seeing a Bull Rope Match coming out of this.

Winner: JBL

Andy Clark: Cena should win because it's about damn time for Triple H-Cena, but I have a feeling since this isn't a pinfall match he won't. JBL will make Cena bleed, but then Cena will get angry. You won't like him when he's angry. Cena loses the match but kicks the ever-loving shit out of JBL afterwards.

Winner: JBL (but only because the announcer and referee say so)

Jeremy Thomas: This is the feud that I really want to end. Cena's just biding time until his main event spot again; I see a long and fairly brutal brawl that will result in Cena's feud-ending win and moving onto either Triple H for SummerSlam or a feud with someone coming over from the draft.

Winner: John Cena (F-U Onto Some Piece of Furniture)

Robert S. Leighty Jr: This will hopefully be better than last month. This needs to play to the First Blood stipulation to keep it different from the other "hardcore" matches that will follow. JBL will probably bust out the Vaseline to prevent any bleeding (yes, I'm aware what I just said), and cheat to win. He has basically been a jobber to the Main Event Stars. He has to get one back at some point.

Winner: JBL

Jeff Small: Out of all the stipulations on the card, this is by far the worst. I can't recall a good first blood match in the WWE and I'm not sure this one will break the curse. I would love to see JBL pick up the win but that won't be happening.

Winner: John Cena


ECW #1 CONTENDER'S SINGAPORE CANE MATCH: The Big Show vs. CM Punk vs. John Morrison vs. Tommy Dreamer vs. Chavo Guerrero

Stephen Randle: Punk doesn't need the title shot, Dreamer and Chavo have no business winning it, and the Big Show is the obvious guy to dominate the current champion. Despite nobody apparently remembering how much Kane-Show matches absolutely suck.

Winner: The Big Show

Stuart James: I think it's pretty obvious that this match is between John Morrison, CM Punk and Big Show. Chavo and Dreamer haven't got anything new on the horizon, and CM Punk doesn't need to win to get a title match. On the other hand, I can't see Kane vs. Big Show for Night of Champions, for some reason, so that leaves Morrison – and I'm making a bold prediction for Morrison to do a double feature at Night of Champions, with him defending the tag titles and challenging for the ECW Title. Makes a bit of sense, since he and Kane have been feuding of late.

Winner: John Morrison

Shawn S. Lealos: The ECW match is not for the title, but for the number one contendership to the title. I do not want Morrison and Miz broken up, and I need to figure out who would be better fighting Kane at Night of Champions. Not Tommy Dreamer. Not Chavo Guerrero. CM Punk might be the one to switch over to RAW at the draft. That leaves Big Show.

Winner: BIG SHOW

Michael O: I'm a little unclear here...is this elimination rules? 'Cause if so, Big Show fo sho. If not...ah, let's just say Big Show either way.

Winner: Big Show

Jerome Cusson: There's a lot of predictable outcomes on this card. This match is not one of them as the ECW roster will be shifting from Smackdown to RAW, which changes things a lot. Will Morrison and Miz still defend the world tag team titles on ECW? Will Big Show remain on ECW? Honestly, Dreamer has to be the choice because he is for sure going to be on ECW for a while and I think they can build his title shot for "Night of Champions" quite well. Kind of a "last chance" championship match.

Winner: Tommy Dreamer

Dan Torkel: Looks like we better get ready for another Kane/Show classic. You know what, NO I don't want to see that match ever again. Punk vs. Kane hasn't been done yet, so have that match and then move Punk to SD.

Winner and new #1 contender: CM Punk

Dan Wilcox: Well this is random, but it could be all kinds of fun. I'm just praying for a spot where all four guys are beating the shit out of Big Show with their canes at the same time, because you know Show's the favorite here. I'm also intrigued as to what kind of crazy stuff John Morrison can come up with, having been amazed at the stuff this guy tries to pull off in similar environments in the past. That said, I think that we can safely rule off any chance of Morrison, Dreamer or Guerrero winning again. Punk has a decent chance but considering the fact that he's got to be one of the favorites to get drafter, and he's got that Money in the Bank briefcase, I don't think he'll win this one. Look for Show to get the win so we get the rematch that absolutely nobody wanted (remember Backlash 2006?).

Winner: Big Show

Michael Weyer: Well, this is a random selection. I'd hate to say Show even though he is a favorite but we've seen him and Kane enough times already. Morrison has done well and Chavo is good too. Always the chance for Dreamer to get another shot as an old-timer but since he's still being primed for a push…

WINNER: CM PUNK BABY!

Jarrod Westerfeld: Dear God, every time I pray to you about the WWE growing a brain and keeping Punk away from the ECW title, you mock me and allow the WWE to continue to squander away the goods. Now you mock and taunt me as the WWE threatens to have Punk possibly use the biggest win of his career into a squandered moment as he'll likely now cash in his Money in the Bank contract to win a useless, deflated, invalid, secondary title. Why do you hate me so? WHY!?

I'm praying it's just Big Show's mini-push to a worthless title…wait, that's just as bad as the situation with Punk. Why are two hot guys who have big fan appeal put into this match over a worthless title? WHY GOD?! WHY!?

Winner: Please let it be Tommy Dreamer – anyone but Show and Punk!

Bayani Domingo: Seriously? So who makes sense here? Oh, that's right…BIG SHOW. Duh. This will just end up as another match CM Punk was in that didn't mean jack shit as they have been stuck in neutral with the guy forever. GEEEZ. Just move him to Smackdown already to take on Edge as one of the actual feuds that make sense on a perfectly gimmick-centric level.

Winner: Big Show

Larry Csonka: This will be likely short, with 5600 cane shots but does have a chance for fun. Show wins here, Punk likely jobs again, and we move on.

Winner: Los Big Show

Michael Bauer: Ok, first things first. Chavo is a third fiddle to the Edge saga, he won't win. Dreamer is the most likely person to win via experience, but let's get real... he's an original. That leaves Big Show, CM Punk, and Morrison. I honestly don't think Punk needs the win here, but he needs some wins soon. Big Show is the obvious choice, but with the success Morrison has had with Kane lately, I like him as a dark horse, even if he is one half of the Tag Champs.

Winner: John "Shaman of Sexy" Morrison

Matt Short: They did a great job of selling the guys involved in the match this week on ECW and their credentials as past champions. But Big Show is going to win this. He sudden insertion into the match is remarkably similar to when Bobby Lashley was put into the Elimination Chamber match where he won the title. As soon as it happened. the question of who was going to win was inevitable. So we end up with Kane vs. Big Show, Part 34, which never quite lives up to the hype.

Winner: Big Show

Andy Clark: I'm really looking forward to this match even if the winner is a foregone conclusion. I hate the fact that Punk is even in this match because I hate when MITB winners get title shots, but whatever. There is no way Big Show loses.

Winner: Big Show

Jeremy Thomas: Well, the winner here WAS in doubt for about half a show. Let's be honest, none of the other four has any business beating Show, and we've been hearing that there's things planned for the big man...this must be it. I'd say Morrison has a chance, but next month is Night of Champions, so one would imagine the Tag Belts will be defended, and Show needs a match for that one. Ahh well, lots of cane shots, the other four guys bump like nuts, Dreamer bleeds like a stuck pig, and Big Show moves onto what could be a fun program with Kane. And if Punk takes the fall, I'm going to be as pissed as everyone else.

Winner: The Big Show (Choke slam on Tommy Dreamer)

Robert S. Leighty Jr: As long as this has a frantic pace with lots of stiff cane shots, and decent spots, I will be thrilled. Punk has been jobbing like crazy, but doesn't need this since he has MITB. Show seems like the sure bet, but I think Morrison is the dark horse. I also like that Dreamer gets a PPV payday. I am tempted to go with Morrison, but Night of Champions is the next PPV, and he will be busy defending the tag titles. I'll go with the sentimental choice of Dreamer.

Winner: Tommy Dreamer

Jeff Small: Clearly the company is building to a Big Show vs. Kane match. At least, it will stay on Sci-Fi and not on my Monday nights.

Winner: Big Show


WWE TITLE LAST MAN STANDING MATCH: HHH © vs. Randy Orton

Stephen Randle: I can't believe everyone has forgotten the "Triple H Spring Title Feud" progression, which dictates THREE one-on-one singles matches with the same opponent, usually ending in Hell in the Cell. Of course, in this case they started the gimmicks with the first match, but whatever. Anyway, when you want to prolong a feud, the Last Man Standing match is perfect for its ability to have no conclusive winner. Hey, the only people who get screwed are the paying customers, after all.

Winner: Draw

Stuart James: This one is the big blow off to a seven-month feud, which has had its ups and downs. Hopefully this is as good as their No Mercy match, and maybe better since they had both wrestled a match already that night – and if it is, I doubt anybody will be complaining. The outcome is pretty predictable, unless WWE want to really put over RKO, but I think that HHH is a safe bet, with him going on to feud with several more wrestlers over the summer.

Winner and STILL WWE Champion: Triple H

Shawn S. Lealos: These two always put on quality matches. Actually, the best thing about HHH as Champ is that he almost always puts on quality matches. Trips wins here in a long match that should be the match of the night.

Winner: TRIPLE H

Michael O: Anybody not picking Triple H? That's what I thought.

Winner: Triple H

Jerome Cusson: These types of matches are mixed bags. I've seen good and bad, but the flow is always somewhat ruined because there's a "10" count instead of a simple 1-2-3. But considering they're running out of matches for these guys to have, I understand why they went with this one. It also plays nicely into the storyline too. I'll say Triple H retains here if for no other reason then I think he wants a longer title reign and wants to move on to feuding with someone else. Depending on who gets drafted, I think Triple H will be having a new challenger.

Winner: Triple H

Dan Torkel: Another match between these two. I just don't see Triple H jobbing as Cena is ready for the Summerslam feud. I could see Orton taking the loss and going over to Smackdown to regain his top heel status. Should be bloody and fun though.

Winner and still WWE Champ: Triple H

Dan Wilcox: After their fantastic promo work on Raw this week, I'm finding this one harder to predict than you would think. I think having Triple H win it and go onto feud with Cena throughout the summer is a little too obvious, and I question what Orton would do if he's not in the title picture. Perhaps I'm over-thinking this one. I probably am. But I think The Age of Orton still has a lot of legs and they should go back to it. Cena and Orton never had that one-on-one blow-off and Triple H has a ready-made feud with JBL with or without the title. I'm thinking Orton gets another reign, albeit a short one. This and the TLC are prime candidates for MOTN but Orton and The Game will struggle to top their No Mercy effort. Regardless, this'll be another great match and I'm OK with the outcome either way.

Winner: And NEW WWE Champion, Randy Orton

Michael Weyer: HHH has done good as champ again but I still sense they're building back to Orton/Cena down the road. In which case, this would be the chance for Orton to get it back. LMS matches are a mixed bag to be sure and it seems on paper that it'll go to a brutal fight. However, given WWE's tendency for screwy finishes lately, I highly suspect they'll find a way to mess this up with both guys knocking each other and unable to rise at ten.

WINNER: No contest, double KO

Jarrod Westerfeld: It's a replay of Judgment Day's round table discussion: Triple H wins, end of story.

Winner: Triple H (RETAINS WWE Championship)

Bayani Domingo: HHH is turning heel at some point…I'm going for Riiiiiight after this match. Hence it looks like it'll end up being Orton vs.…someone really soon. Smart money is on it being a newly drafted Batista or Punk.

Winner: HHH

Larry Csonka: My main problem with this match isn't so much that it has already been done, or that they have been fighting for numerous PPV's. The problem is that they faced in a cage, and HHH won CLEAN with the pedigree in the middle of the ring. They really should have moved on in my opinion. The possibility for greatness is there, they did it once before, and with them trying to shake things up, and HHH's title reign being less than exciting, I could see a title change here, especially since HHH doesn't have to get pinned.

Winner: Randy Orton

Michael Bauer: Randy Orton has been repaying Triple H for the victory back in the fall and I don't think that ends before the night is over. Randy Orton will probably come one count away from winning twice, but Triple H is not ready to drop the title yet. Figure you put JBL vs. HHH for a little bit and then build right up into Cena or another dark horse I can't picture, maybe out of the draft.

Winner: HHH

Matt Short: The promo these two did on Monday was really good and it really stressed the importance of the match for both Orton and Triple H. Their previous Last Man Standing match was quite good and hopefully this can live up to that. I'd like to think that Orton is going to win here, but its more likely that Triple H is going to get his win back from the first Last Man Standing.

Winner: Triple H

Andy Clark: The match should be good, but I don't expect it to be as great as their No Mercy match, mostly because there is no drama. Triple H is winning no doubt about it, but I look forward to being convinced otherwise while the match is going on.

Winner and STILL WWE Champion: Triple H

Jeremy Thomas: Like most, I don't feel they necessarily needed to extend this out, but I don't have any major problems with it because I've enjoyed the feud to date. While they definitely could have ended it after Judgment Day, I'm actually excited about seeing them do Last Man Standing again, because I enjoyed the hell out of the No Mercy match. As to the winner, I think it's still a foregone conclusion, much like last month. Orton still wants some time off, and there's more money in the eventual HHH/Cena feud then Orton/Cena. Orton will look like a million bucks, but Hunter gets the duke.

Winner: Triple H (Just barely avoiding the double count-out following Sledgie shot; STILL WWE Heavyweight Champion)

Robert S. Leighty Jr: I don't see both titles changing on this night, so we will go with HHH. I think they can recapture the magic from No Mercy. It is a great nod to continuity that Orton would pick LMS since that is the only match where he has been able to defeat HHH. Much like Savage was Hogan and Flair's bitch (he lost every World Title to those 2 men), Orton seems destined to be HHH's.

Winner: HHH

Jeff Small: Considering I missed their LMS match at No Mercy, I am definitely looking forward to this one. At the same time, I hope this is the final Orton/Triple H match for a while as the feud is on its last legs. Triple H should pick up the win here and go on to a multi-man match at Night of Champions.

Winner: Triple H


VACANT WORLD TITLE TABLES, LADDERS AND CHAIRS MATCH - If the Undertaker Loses, he is BANISHED from the WWE: The Undertaker vs. Edge

Stephen Randle: It would have been a strong consensus that Edge had to walk away with the belt here, rather than lose FOUR straight PPV matches cleanly to Undertaker. Then they added this BS "banishment" stipulation, I suppose to really stack the odds or something, but all it really does is make people roll their eyes and say "yeah, right". Since Edge even clarified on Smackdown that the banishment covers all three brands and is permanent (again, "yeah, right"), in the end, we got a four-month feud that never progressed past the first match.

Winner: The Undertaker

Stuart James: If the stipulation of Undertaker being fired wasn't put into place, this would be harder to predict. On the other hand, WWE may swerve the viewers, but I think that would be ripping off the viewing fans, but for now we'll just keep with the Undertaker winning. A TLC match will be a very interesting stipulation, and this match hinges on how well the Undertaker adapts to the environment. As it is, expect to see Edge bumping around like crazy, while outside interference puts the odds against Undertaker.

Winner and NEW World Heavyweight Champion: The Undertaker

Shawn S. Lealos: I have picked Edge three pay per views in a row. Either The Undertaker loses and haunts the Rated R superstar until he begs him to come back to face him again or The Undertaker wins and Edge gets drafted to RAW, losing his protective general manager and finding himself back at the hands of Teddy Long. I'd rather see Undertaker win and Edge come over to RAW to feud with Triple H over the summer. After three misses, I will finally switch to the Dead Man.

Winner: UNDERTAKER

Michael O: I've felt all along that the Undertaker's strip show on Smackdown was merely a creative way to prolong this feud and squeeze another PPV match out of the two, under the pretense of crowning a "new" champion, before moving 'Taker on to new challengers. Now that the Undertaker is facing banishment from the WWE should he lose, I know I was right. Sure, Undertaker's been sent packing before (so many times in fact that one could easily see this being the set up for another sabbatical), but "The E" can ill afford to lose any top talent on any show for any period of time right now. Undertaker wins, and Edge goes off to pick on Matt Hardy for saying bad things about him on the internet 3 years ago.

Winner: Undertaker

Jerome Cusson: This is an insult here. No way Undertaker is losing. If they had said he was only leaving Smackdown, I think there'd be some drama. But there isn't, and it's a slap to the face of WWE fans that they're even having this stupid stipulation.

Winner: Undertaker

Dan Torkel: They CANNOT job Edge 4 straight times to Taker! The bonus stipulation of Taker's banishment will be nullified when he is drafted magically in a month. Taker does not need to take a pin so Edge and La Familia steal this one.

Winner and NEW WORLD CHAMPION: Edge (Taker banished until draft)

Dan Wilcox: I really don't think that this one is as much of a foregone conclusion as everyone else would have you believe. We've already seen the Board of Directors step in the way of Vickie Guerrero's actions, so logically it would make sense if Edge were to win here, only for the Board to step in again after Vickie does something else drastic in a few weeks, fire her, and reinstate The Undertaker. However, I don't know how likely that scenario is. Having said that, Edge jobs to Taker for the fourth time in a row, I'll be pissed. It would mean that the entire stripping Taker of the title and the screwy finish at Judgment Day was simply to stretch the feud out because there's not enough time between pay-per-views to build new feuds. Great work, guys. Anyway, this Edge and Undertaker and it's Tables, Ladders and Chairs, so we are at least guaranteed a very good match full of drama and high spots and we can't ask for much more than that. Taking into consideration my aforementioned proposed scenario, and the fact that I think WWE has more sense than to job out one of their top heels four shows in a row, this one is more or less a toss-up, but I'll go with the underdog.

Winner: And NEW World Heavyweight champion, Edge

Michael Weyer: This…is a toughie. The whole "stripped of the belt" thing seemed designed to prolong the feud and most assume the banishment thing means a UT victory is a foregone conclusion. However, Edge is just so damn good as a heel champ aiding Smackdown and it is his style of match. So I do think he'll win here, Taker will take time off and come back in a few months with one of his big fancy entrances and a loophole to challenge again. For the match itself, it'll be rough as Taker really doesn't take well to ladder bouts but no doubt a few good spots to liven this one up.

WINNER and NEW World Champion: The Rated-R Superstar

Jarrod Westerfeld: Well, the WWE sure wants to keep us in suspense over this, that's why the stipulation of Undertaker leaving SmackDown looms in the balance – oh, wait…that doesn't add anything to the suspense. Damn it.

Okay, so we know Undertaker is happy in SmackDown, and enjoys the schedule, so why would he lose this match based upon this stipulation? Even Vince isn't dumb enough to try and move this guy off of his show if he doesn't want to budge.

Winner: Undertaker (NEW World Heavyweight Champion)

Bayani Domingo: No way 'Taker wins here. He's RAW bound and I could stand to see a HHH vs. Taker feud one more time since it's been a pretty long time since that happened. Then again I just can't see them making 'Taker's title reign end on such a pitiful note, but I guess thems the breaks.

Winner: Edge

Larry Csonka: POSSIBLE SPOILER HERE As I discussed in the most recent news column, for upcoming house shows, they are advertising Edge vs. Batiata main events. Obviously most main events, when scheduled to be one on one for house shows are title matches. The face usually wins in some way to send the crowd home happy, and that is that. At One Night Stand we have Edge and Taker fighting for the World Title, which is vacant. It's a TLC match, and the added stipulation is that if the Undertaker loses, he is BANISHED from WWE. Of course WWE is known for throwing out the occasional red herring, and we already discussed that these could have been sent out way in advance. Or maybe, just maybe Taker is off that day from house shows. But there is the chance that this is an oops if you will, a mistake, and maybe this is a tip off that the Undertaker could be losing at One Night Stand. Perhaps he will be taking on of his sabbaticals, moving to raw to freshen things up. Maybe he suffered a bit of a wellness suspension. All I know is that this has peaked my interest, and I will say that Edge wins the title at ONS, so that Taker can be BANISHED to nailing Michelle McCool on vacation. And that's a good thing. I pick Edge for this reason, and for the reason that the Undertaker doesn't have to get pinned.

Winner: Edge

Michael Bauer: The more I think about this, the more the logic makes sense that The Undertaker is leaving Smackdown. The problem is that the banishment was from the WWE, not from Smackdown. So having Edge win would put the Dead Man out for good, which doesn't seem logical either. Then again, how many times can Edge get punked out by the Dead Man before he finally wins another one? I'll go against my common judgment here and take Edge, but knowing I will most likely be wrong.

Winner: Edge

Matt Short: I'm not so sure about this match. The one other ladder match the Undertaker wrestled in is thought very highly of, but that I think has more to do with the story between him and Jeff Hardy that was played out during the match. It worked because Taker was a heel and Jeff got the snot kicked out of him and kept coming back. It just strikes me as less realistic when he plays the face. Edge is going to have plenty of interference on his behalf. That, plus the fact that Undertaker won't have to be pinned is another check in Edge's favor. Last is the banishment aspect of the match. Undertaker's absences and returns are almost a running gag at this point. With the draft coming up this is the perfect chance to get him to another brand. Edge wins, but not before someone goes flying through tables from the top of a ladder.

Winner: Edge

Andy Clark: And here we have a truly main event level match. I'm not thrilled with how we got here, but this should be a lot of fun. I see Edge winning giving Taker one of his yearly breaks, but I'm not sure how they get around that whole banishment thing. This match should be a lot of fun and has the potential to be a MOTYC.

Winner and NEW World Heavyweight Champion: Edge

Jeremy Thomas: I'd love to go with conventional wisdom, as it seems like such a no-brainer. But Edge really needs the win at this point. Either way, it'll be a really enjoyable match, and I see La Familia screwing Taker over badly, then sending him off to pasture for all of a month or two while Edge finds a new opponent.

Winner: Edge (Ladder Retrieval While Taker is Occupied with the Edgeheads; NEW World Heavyweight Champion)

Robert S. Leighty Jr. : Well, at least we don't have to keep hearing that Edge has never lost in this type of match (actually he has lost twice, but that's just picking nits). Taker has showed he can do ok in this type of environment. Edge was able to carry Flair in a TLC match, so I see no reason why this won't be excellent. The WWE can easily write Taker back into the WWE whenever they want (probably to RAW). The Rated R Era resumes, and hopefully we get some fresh Main Events with MVP (should he turn heel), Matt Hardy, and others.

Winner and New World Champion: Edge

Jeff Small: Thank God the WWE has realized that this feud is DOA. While I would hate for Edge to job to the Undertaker for the 4th time, the Undertaker needs this win. Or else his epic wins at No Way Out and Wrestlemania would have led to this limp development.

Winner: The Undertaker

Remember to join 411 for our LIVE WWE One Night Stand Coverage, starting at 7:30pm Sunday Night!