Professional Wrestling (WWE, TNA, ROH, etc)

[Andrew]

(Double post to fix the weird error in this thread)

Having seen Smackdown this week, I'm wondering if Taker's streak will indeed be broken. He kind of had the "last word" posing in the ring as the show ended which would usually mean he's doing the job at the PPV. Still, it seems unlikely,

[spoiler]especially since all the spoilers I've read point to him winning the title and keeping the streak intact. No disrespect to Edge, but I'd certainly prefer if those spoilers are true.[/spoiler]

Anyway, I still plan on getting the PPV. I usually only buy a couple a year anyway and Wrestlemania is always one of them.

[Chino]

Anyone heard about the plans of TNA flying a plane on Wrestlemania 24? The plane will fly over the Citrus Bowl and have banner "Watch TNA wrestling".

[deihatein]

Good luck on getting the PPV Andrew, I dont want Taker streak to be broken in Mania, if it is broken then i dont want Vicky anymore

[Andrew]

Anyone heard about the plans of TNA flying a plane on Wrestlemania 24? The plane will fly over the Citrus Bowl and have banner "Watch TNA wrestling".

I read about that today. It comes off as being pretty desperate and lame to me but I've seen some commentary on it, favourably comparing it to the old WWF/WCW wars. If the best TNA can do to compete with the WWE is pull a stunt like that, I think it's a poor reflection on their creativity and the quality of their product.

I suppose they deserve some credit for the stunt but I don't think any of their anti-WWE stunts like the VKM promos, doing angles at WWE house shows, answering challenges put forth in WWE angles or Kurt Angle's various promos against the company and out of character interviews haven't exactly propelled TNA to the point where they're serious competition for the WWE. It seems to me they should be focusing on their own product to make it the best it can be, rather than trying to interfere with the WWE.

[Lean]

I doubt 'Taker's streak at 'Mania would end, I mean that's one of the many things a fan would remember about the Undertaker and ending it just doesn't seem right to me. Well, I've got nothing to do with it if they indeed end it.

Anyone heard about the plans of TNA flying a plane on Wrestlemania 24? The plane will fly over the Citrus Bowl and have banner "Watch TNA wrestling".

Meh I remember that Vinnie Mac parody on iMPACT and it was pretty lame because I think they "ran out" of creativity and just came out with that random act/promo/whatever-you-call-it. They even brought up the "Vince Loves Cocks" angle in that segment. The funny thing though, is that when the girl who interviewed "Vince" said "...only on TNA." at the end of her interview.

Here is the video:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WX9lhKNDBo[/youtube]

Anyway I'm posting my Wrestlemania XXIV predictions:

ECW Championship Match: ECW Champion Chavo Guerrero vs. Winner of the 24-Man Battle Royal Match

Whoever Chavo faces will feud him for the next couple of months so I think one of the top guys in the 24-man Battle Royal should be cool enough to be at Wrestlemania. My prediction would be Chavo vs. Kane but Chavo will retain and feud with <any random superstar> for the next PPV.

Winner: Chavo Guerrero

Belfast Brawl: Finlay vs. JBL

If JBL wins this one it would extend the feud and Finlay gets himself appear on RAW every week after Wrestlemania. This match better be good as it will be one of the "filler matches," though I expect this to be lengthy and "bloody." I'm picking JBL because, I don't know, at least one heel should win at Wrestlemania.

Winner: JBL

Bunnymania Lumberjack Match: Maria & Ashley vs. Melina & Women's Champion Beth Phoenix

Every time the Glamazon has a match you can easily predict that she would win it, power and all that scoop slam = easy win. This match could be Maria's stepping ground to be #1 contender for the Women's title but we really need to see if these girls can deliver at 'Mania. I mean, c'mon, that match between Trish and Mickie James is damn nice compared to last year's Women's Championship match.

I don't get what does Snoop Dogg have to do with the match aside from being an MC.

Winner: Us, if we get to see some boobs. Kidding aside, Maria and Ashley will win this.

SmackDown vs. RAW: Batista vs. Umaga

I'd just like to see if Batista can power bomb Umaga. Other than that, I'm pretty sure that Batista will win this one.

Winner: Batista

Floyd Mayweather vs. Big Show

Lame promo for this match makes it boring to see, in my opinion. Definitely we get to see Floyd run around, Big Show catching him, throw him around then at one point, Floyd will knock Big Show out. Usual stuff.

I think it would be like the Akebono vs. Big Show sumo match at 'Mania 21.

Winner: Floyd Mayweather.

Money in the Bank Ladder Match

Would there be a MITB match that has no highflyer superstar in it?

I'm picking either MVP or Chris Jericho because I can't see anyone among them to be on the main event picture with their characters except for the two I mentioned. If Jericho wins, he could be #1 contender and Intercontinental Champion at the same time, same thing with MVP.

Winner: Either MVP or Y2J. And I will not be surprised if the stunts from last year will be seen again this year.

World Heavyweight Championship Match: World Heavyweight Champion Edge vs. The Undertaker

'Taker's reign last year is really short-lived. And since Edge is the "screw-up" character throughout his stint at SmackDown this year, I'm pretty sure that 'Taker will win this one.

Winner: The Undertaker

WWE Championship Triple Threat Match: WWE Champion Randy Orton vs. Triple H vs. John Cena

Anyone but Cena, please.

After I watched Shawn Michael's "Heartbreak and Triumph" video, I learned that Triple H was supposed to be the #1 contender instead of HBK so this year is some kind of a retribution year for Triple H.

Like Andrew said, John Cena will be gone to shoot a new movie and will likely feud with the Champion. I'm picking Triple H to win this one. If Cena wins then this 'Mania will be a disappointment like last year.

[rant]I mean, HBK carried the WWE Championship Match last year. Cena is just like "clothesline-flying-shoulder-block-clothesline-five-knuckle-shuffle-FU-STFU"[/rant]

Winner: Triple H

That was quite a long post.

[BIG GREEN]

Well...you're on point with some of those but wrestlemania wasn't as predictable as you think. ....twas great.

rock on the hall o fame ceremony was tremendous...thats all i can say.

[Chino]

Results of Wrestlemania 24:

[spoiler]JBL defeated Finlay in a Belfast Brawl

CM Punk won the "Money in the Bank" Ladder Match

Batista (Smackdown) defeated Umaga (Raw)

Kane defeated Chavo Guerrero to become the NEW ECW Champion. - finally, a title reign for Kane. I hope this title reign will last long. Also, based from some wrestling site, the match only lasted six seconds.

Shawn Michaels defeated Ric Flair in a Career Threatening Match

WWE Women's Champion Beth Phoenix & Melina defeated Maria & Ashley Massaro

Randy Orton defeated John Cena & Triple H to retain the WWE Championship in a Triple Threat Match

Floyd Mayweather defeated Big Show

World Heavyweight title match: Undertaker the new WHC! Undertaker used his new submission move on Edge.[/spoiler]

[deihatein]

You didn't tell who wins in the Edge vs Undertaker match up. Ric Flair shouldn't win it.

[[Q]]

it's the last line of the spoiler, dawg

[Chino]

it's the last line of the spoiler, dawg

Actually, when I posted the spoiler I just put Undertaker vs Edge and didn't put who won the match. I've edited it and put who won.

[Lean]

Well at least I got 4 match predictions correct, and Kane being the guy to face Chavo.

[spoiler]Jeesh, I was surprised with Orton retaining the title.[/spoiler]

[Andrew]

Well, I thought it was quite a Wrestlemania. My thoughts, match by match. I'm guessing it's been long enough to forego the spoiler tags.

Belfast Brawl: Finlay vs JBL

It's a good thing this one was No DQ as the weapon spots were the highlight, particularly when the trash cans started to get tossed around and Finlay diving through the ropes into that vicious shot with a trash can lid. There was a pretty sloppy bit where JBL waited for Finlay to hit him that looked incredibly contrived (even by pro wrestling standards) but the finish was pretty good. I guess the feud will continue.

My Predictions: 0-1

Money in the Bank

Has this match ever disappointed? I know the purists despise spotfests but there was some really innovative stuff going on here. Morrison's moonsault holding the ladder set the tone and pretty much everything from there on was impressive; Benjamin's tumble onto the ladder breaking it in two (though it was kind of a rehash from last year), Morrison trying to climb the propped up "closed" ladder, Matt Hardy's surprise appearance and the Twist of Fate on MVP off the ladder and of course, the sunset flip/suplex spot just to name a few.

CM Punk winning was a surprise, perhaps an indication he's going to one of the major brands (perhaps RAW since he's been making some appearances there). I thought MVP would be the most likely followed by Jericho but maybe this means Punk is destined for a bigger push somewhere down the line. Of course, MITB can be defended like a championship belt so they could always go in a different direction.

My Predictions: 0-2

Batista vs Umaga

It was what is was. The Batista Bomb was impressive and it facilitates Umaga's rumoured move to Smackdown (presumably getting traded or being fired for losing the match), but I thought it was odd booking to have him dominate Batista only to be hit with a couple of signature moves and then lose cleanly by pinfall. Regal's gimmick of mistakenly calling Umaga "Umanga" is more stupid than funny.

My Predictions: 1-2

ECW Championship Match: Chavo Guerrero vs Kane

So I guess Chavo is in trouble backstage. I guess the fact Kane is booked as a monster salvages some of Chavo's credibility but this still seemed like a waste. Looks like Kane is headed to ECW fulltime. Perhaps having an established character holding the belt will give it some more credibility which should help the up and coming wrestlers on the ECW brand when it comes time for them to hold it.

My Predictions: 1-3

Retirement Match: HBK vs Ric Flair

Short of a victory, I don't know if Flair could have asked for a better finale. It's laughable that Hulk Hogan claimed he should be in this match. As great as Hogan is, he's not the worker HBK is nor should he be the person to end Flair's career. Ego can be an ugly thing.

Anyway, I loved the psychology of this match with Michaels holding back on the first opportunity for Sweet Chin Music and Flair pulling out all his famous spots that have served him well throughout his career and the break in the action where they both talked some trash after some chops in the corner. The near-falls helped make the match and when Flair locked in the Figure Four for the second time, I thought they might actually go the other way and have him retire on his own terms with a final victory, so it kept me guessing even though I'd read the spoilers. That was very well done.

The finale was a fine way of topping off the match with HBK selling the idea he was disgusted with what he had to do. At first I thought it was a bit strange that he left so abruptly as I was anticipating he'd help Flair up and shake his hand and whatnot, but the quick exit probably worked better and let Flair have the stage to himself for his curtain call as an active wrestler.

Great match.

Predictions: 2-3

BunnyMania Tag Match

A few decent spots prevented this one from simply being an excuse to do some softcore porn. I would have thought Maria would go over with all the Playboy hype but I suppose a fair share of heels have to win at the event and if they care at all about the women's division, the champion needs to look strong. I'd say it was pretty decent, Snoop Dogg getting involved made it worth bringing him in for the event. I still think Marella is a bit overrated as a talker but as the annoying character you want to see get his ass kicked because it's always funny, he's brilliant.

My Predictions: 2-4

WWE Championship Match: Randy Orton (c) vs John Cena vs Triple H

Whoa! Just when you think you've got everything figured out and the spoilers have you one up on WWE creative. How many smarks would have picked this one? The match itself was strong, the finish didn't put Orton over as being very dominant but it did portray him as opportunistic and that works for him being the brand's top heel. I'm guessing it's only a matter of time before HHH regains the belt but that was a major swerve in my opinion and I liked it.

My Predictions: 2-5

Floyd Mayweather vs The Big Show

Ugh.

I'll give it some credit. It wasn't the complete train wreck I thought it would be but I hope the McMahons noticed the boos that had very little to do with heel heat and the lack of reaction when Mayweather won. As long as Wrestlemania is a financial success I suppose it doesn't matter but this was a tremendous waste of time. Even the BunnyMania match was more compelling.

I think this could be the only time "David" has ever gotten booed in a proverbial David vs Goliath matchup. The in-ring action was extremely subpar with Mayweather landing a few punches early on that had little effect, followed by Show dominating him while Floyd's manager complained that he shouldn't be allowed to stomp on his hand and so forth (in the middle of a No DQ match, no less) and Show failed to win the match at every opportunity because he wouldn't pin.

Then, for reasons I cannot comprehend, the supposed underdog and face in this whole thing heelishly decides to quit and tries to run away, leading to the heel getting the face pop when he chases after him, taking out all the bodyguards and bringing Mayweather back to the ring. Then the tables turn as Mayweather gets some chairshots in and knocks out Show with some brass knucks, celebrating his victory while few people in the Citrus Bowl appear to care.

The bottom line? Big Show, who is rumoured to be entering the title picture now, has little credibility having been beaten by someone about a third of his size in a horrible match at the biggest PPV of the year. I really hope the $20 million payout was a work. If not, McMahon might as well have come down to the ring with the $20 mil and set fire to it in front of 70,000 fans. What a joke.

My Predictions: 3-5

World Heavyweight Championship Match: Edge (c) vs The Undertaker

I was looking forward to this as I hoped it would result in a victory and another title reign for Taker and I wasn't disappointed. However, much like the Flair/HBK match, I enjoyed the way the match kept me guessing even though Taker's victory seemed assured and all the rumours pointed to him becoming the new champion. It's amazing what some well-timed near-falls and the idea that either man could walk out the winner being credible can do.

Even though the counter into the submission hold that won the match was something new, it was kind of a letdown. As Lance Storm commented in a recent blog, the hold doesn't necessarily suit the Undertaker whose signature moves are well established as being powerful and capable of defeating anyone else in the company. Still, it would have been a bit silly for him to hit the tombstone again after the earlier spot and it protected Edge to have him countered after the second spear rather than Taker just getting up, hitting his finisher and winning so it worked.

All in all, quite a good match and I'm glad to see Taker have the opportunity to main event a Wrestlemania with a better bout than Wrestlemania 13 against Pscyho Sid and walk out with his sixth major title reign. If there was one downside, it was the commentary. I don't miss JBL but Cole and Coach don't come close to JR and King.

My Predictions: 4-5

The Big Show/Mayweather match was a disappointment but I still thought it was a thoroughly entertaining show. HBK/Flair was special, the streak continued for The Undertaker, MITB didn't disappoint and I enjoyed all the swerves. Definitely worth the money for all the good moments. I'm a bit disappointed my predictions were so off but in another way, I'm kind of glad. I wasn't expecting the WWE to throw that many curveballs but they did and it paid off.

[Lean]

I don't miss JBL but Cole and Coach don't come close to JR and King.

Not even "close" can describe the disparity between the two brands' commentators.

The most surprising match result to me is the WWE Championship match. But as I've said, anyone but Cena will do.

It's also great to see Kane hold a major title (well, on the lesser brand, shucks), it's been a long while since we see him as brand champion.

Now I haven't seen this yet, but which of these was the last match?

[Andrew]

Undertaker/Edge was the main event. The WWE Championship match was the third last match on the card and Big Show/Mayweather was in between the two title matches.

[Srbija]

I always knew the Mayweather/Big Show match was going to be a flop. I remember when they had a boxing match with Evander Holyfield against Matt Hardy. Man was that horrible...

[deihatein]

Just realized that both superstar Vicky Guerrero support on lose to both the brothers of destruction. Although i just read on how Kane defeat Chavo, Kane using a Hornswoogle like strategy to win.

[Lean]

Undertaker/Edge was the main event. The WWE Championship match was the third last match on the card and Big Show/Mayweather was in between the two title matches.

Doesn't sound good for a card arrangement.

[Matthew]

Undertaker/Edge was the main event. The WWE Championship match was the third last match on the card and Big Show/Mayweather was in between the two title matches.

Doesn't sound good for a card arrangement.

When you think about it it's perfect card arrangement. The purpose of Mayweather was to not only bring in a new audience, but re introduce people who used to watch wrestling. Having Mayweather as the match before the main event was genius as those old fans are more likely to remember the undertaker and are likely to stick around to watch that match as well.

If there was one downside, it was the commentary.

Yeah, if only they were talking about the Bulls

Short of a victory, I don't know if Flair could have asked for a better finale. It's laughable that Hulk Hogan claimed he should be in this match. As great as Hogan is, he's not the worker HBK is nor should he be the person to end Flair's career. Ego can be an ugly thing

So you endorse Lance Storm commenting about the finish to the main event but get butthurt because Hogan feels he should of been in Flairs final match? Hogan vs Flair would of been bigger then HBK and Flair and lets face it, Hogan and Flair have had alot more (classic) matches then Michaels and Flair. But the flipside is this puts Michaels over even more I guess, and Hogan isn't the worker that HBK is.

At first I thought it was a bit strange that he left so abruptly as I was anticipating he'd help Flair up and shake his hand and whatnot,

You weren't satisified with him holding Flairs face talking to him after he pinned him? Whatever.. lol.

The ovation Flair received was moving after the match. But even with 75,000 fans on their feet applauding it wasn't enough. Fans, other wrestlers and anyone else associated with pro wrestling owe alot to him. It was also good to see him smile briefly when he was walking back up the ramp.

The rest of the card meant nothing to me, that was the only reason I bought the ppv.

[BIG GREEN]

Most people agree that it was the match of the show. Raw tonight had some serious flair man-love going on too. I wish more stars showed up from flair's past like hogan and sting but what can you do? Im sure they showed him support behind the scenes. Alot of kayfabe breaking on raw tonight also...big show is a real emotional guy.

PS...looking at ricky steamboat's old matches against flair on youtube.....liu kang anyone?

[J@3]

That Mayweather match was absolutely retarded. Could they have gotten a more unlikeable boxer? Everyone hated him, he was just some arrogant little turd who QUIT in the middle of the match I wanted Big Show to flatten him but obviously there's no way it'd happen. Complete waste of time.

[Matthew]

Uh Jae, you do realise it's scripted right? He had an angle to play and he did.

[J@3]

He's still unlikeable. I knew who he was before he did the WWE thing and he was a cocky little shit then as well. It is scripted and Mayweather was supposed to be the face, so either the WWE creative team have no idea how to make someone a face or Mayweather is just an unlikeable character in general... i think that is more likely.

[Matthew]

Having him use brass knuckles, consistently run from big show and have outside interference are not traits of being a face.

[J@3]

Did you watch any of the build-up for the month or so before WM? He was supposed to be the face, Big Show the heel. The only reason they changed things up a bit in Wrestlemania is because the crowd reaction to him from the beginning was so negative that I don't think they really had any choice.

Plus I guess they had to find a way to make it plausible that a guy that small could beat the Big Show, that whole match was a mess.

Personally I'd have preferred Hogan vs Flair... I like HBK but it just seemed random to me, they don't have a great deal of history (that I know of) together and as good as HBK is it just seems weird that he'd be the one to end Flairs career.

[Matthew]

I saw the original confrontation where Big Show was on his knee's and got his nose "broken". I saw the apology from the big show. Mayweather always had his entourage and was always skeptical about confrontations one on one with the big show from the very beginning which is not a trait of being a face.