Wrestlemania XXVI

[MTMT]

Since it's such a big deal, let's start this thread early...

Predictions, bitching, commentary, etc.

Mickie James, Kelly Kelly, Eve, Gail Kim & Beth Phoenix vs. Michelle McCool, Maryse, Layla, Alicia Fox & Vickie Guerrero
Who cares? Thrown together at the last minute... ugh. Anyway- The faces will win.

Unified Tag Team Champion Big Show & The Miz vs. John Morrison & R-Truth
This is the closest thing to a "filler" match all night (unless they throw in a Divas match), simply because it's been kind of a thrown-together feud. However, should be a good match on pure wrestling skills. I think that Miz, Morrison, and Truth all deserve to be in the Money in the Bank match, but at least they get to be on the card. Anyway... I'm going to go with ShowMiz.


Triple H vs. Sheamus
Had this match had championship gold attached, I would have been pissed. My distaste for Sheamus is well known. But since there's no gold, I actually like this match. Triple H can really help Sheamus get over. I see a lot of potential in him, he's just too green at the moment. I don't see this feud ending, which is why I see Sheamus cheating to win.


Randy Orton vs. Ted DiBiase vs. Cody Rhodes
I think they dropped the ball on this one a bit. I think it would have been more interesting for a three-way split; DiBiase and Rhodes are still working together. Not to mention- who are we cheering for? Orton has always had his supporters (myself included) who are vocally supporting him. But logically, DiBiase and Rhodes would be faces in this scenario... yet Orton seems to be more over. Anyway... should be a good match, and probably the least predictable on the card. I think DiBiase will win (my hope would be Rhodes, but that's just my preference). EDIT: based on last week, when we saw the seeds of issues between Rhodes and DiBiase (which was kind of lame, by the way)... I'm changing my prediction to Orton. Rhodes and DiBiase will start fighting each other, Orton will take advantage.

CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio
If Punk loses, Rey joins Strait Edge Society. I'm going to go with Rey. If Rey joined SXE, it would only work if he embraced it and became a full heel. And Rey Mysterio should NEVER be a heel. NEVER. NEVER. NEVER. But even if he joined against his will... it would be just a stupid storyline. I hate when faces are forced to heel join factions against their will. It's always the same- the face is forced to do the group's bidding, feels morally bad but doesn't have a choice, eventually realizes that he can split from them with the only consequence being that he'll have to fight a match with the leader. Ugh. So I'm saying Rey will win, if only because I have hope that WWE makes the smart move.


Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Kane vs. Bourne vs. MVP vs. Christian vs. Captain Ziggles vs. Benjamin vs. Swagger vs. Matt Hardy vs. Drew McIntyre vs.
Rumor has it that Kofi Kingston will take the last spot. I think it comes down to Christian, Kofi, and Benjamin... at least, I'm alright with any of these three winning (I'd be ok with Kane winning, if only for the fact that he paid his dues long ago. Why he's never held the title more than a day is beyond me). More I think about it, the more I think it'll be either Christian or Kofi... and I'm going with Kofi. 10 people feels a little crowded, though with really good talent (still, I'd replace McIntyre with R-Truth and Ziggles with John Morrison). EDIT: The more I think about it, the more I think it's going to be Christian. So, changing it to Christian.


Bret Hart vs. Mr. McMahon
Bret Hart. Bret Hart. Bret Hart. I don't care how predictable this match is. It'll be the perfect ending to this 12-year feud. Anything else in unacceptable.


WWE Champion Batista vs. John Cena
I guess I'll go with Cena. I don't want to. Either that, or Batista retains and the MitB winner (Kofi) immediately cashes it in (much like how Batista got his title match right after Cena won at Elimination Chamber).


World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho vs. Edge
Edge. Based on pure-wrestling skills, this could very well be the match of the night.


The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels
This should close out the show. The storyline behind this has been phenomenal, even outshining the Hart/McMahon feud 12 years in the making. It's so much less predictable that last year. We knew that Taker is very protective of his streak. We saw HBK constantly getting the upperhand on Taker every single week, to the point where the outcome was obvious. The match itself was great, and had plenty of shocking near-falls... but the end result was still what we expected. Now, though... I don't know. I really don't. The situation of the storyline has been reversed; Taker has gotten the upperhand on HBK, and HBK has more to lose. Streak vs. Career. That's the brilliance of this feud. There can't be a "happy ending." Assuming HBK doesn't go all Ric Flair on us and unretire, this could be his last match. But you know what? I think Michaels is going to win. It's not a solid opinion, and I'll probably change my mind all the time until the match ends... but that's why it's so exciting.


EDIT: Added Punk vs. Rey.

EDIT #2: Added the pointless 10-woman tag match, and changed my Orton/Rhodes/DiBiase and MitB prediction.

['The Solution' Jake Andrews]

Unified Tag Team Champion Big Show & The Miz vs. John Morrison & R-Truth:
I'm a bit saddened that they had to get Big Show in here and left out a US Title match but, I have to go with ShowMiz on this one. It will be a pretty decent yet, quick match


Triple H vs. Sheamus
I kinda like Sheamus, actually!
While he didn't need the title, they are building him up nicely against HHH I feel. I hear he is HHH's gym partner and travel buddy so, I see him putting Sheamus over and making him look like gold. Making him look like he deserved that title he once held. Leading into next months PPV
Sheamus wins


Randy Orton vs. Ted DiBiase vs. Cody Rhodes
I don't like this one. While I like all three men and I'm a huge Orton fan, I don't like this match to much. But, I look for Rhodes to be sneaky and pick up a very fast three count in what might be a classic triple threat match.
Rhodes wins


Money in the Bank Ladder Match:
Once again, I'm upset that the IC Title is being pushed off the card like the US title is! But, Don't look for Drew to win. It will be Christian. It will be the C-Man and they will start up something great with him. Shelton has a good chance but, I don't think they will ever give him what he really deserves....much like Kane. I actually see someone coming out and costing Kane the match
Christian Wins


Bret Hart vs Vince McMahon
Bret Wins plain and simple. Screw you if you think different and screw Vince if he thinks him winning is indeed a way to go.


WWE Champion Batista vs. John Cena
They have been talking WAY to much about "Bad Things" happening to Cena when he's in the ring with batista. That means to me that Cena is going to go in as the biggest underdog and come out as the big winner.
Cena wins



World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho vs. Edge
I like Edge but, I don't want him to get the HHH treatment! I don't want Jericho to just be a filler champion used to get the title off of Undertaker and onto Edge. I think with all the 1-ups that Edge is getting, it's setting himself up for disappointment and a loss. Jericho will come through with a killer reversal into the code breaker and pick up the win
jericho Wins


Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels
You know, when they talked about this match, I called 'Taker. I would have bet on him in a heart beat. But, I don't think I could do that now. Now that HBK has his career on the line as well. But, I don't think Taker will let HBK end his streak. HBK is hurting and needs the time off....
Undertaker wins the WM XXVI Main Event



Oh, whatever 'team' Lay-Cool is on will lose

[Anthony Jordan]

I really need to catch RAW and SmackDown. I feel so behind. Glad that Big Show may finally get a win at Mania. Hard to believe he's never won.

I notice a distinct lack of CM Punk.

[Gregory "Ripper" Kennedy]

You missed one.

Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk Singles match; if Punk wins, Mysterio joins the Straight Edge Society.

[MTMT]

Oh, shit... that wasn't on the WWE website. I'll edit my original post to include it.

[theegomjw]

Unified Tag Team Champion Big Show & The Miz vs. John Morrison & R-Truth:
I like all these guys to a degree, i hope the match is actually on the live show and not dumped on the free-for-all like last year.
My main issues are that (a) the US title is not being defended and (b) that none of these guys will really be elevated by the match
who i want to win - ShowMiz
who i think will win - ShowMiz


Triple H vs. Sheamus
I am also a fan of Shamus, he is a heel and he comes across as a heel should. His accent and his straight talking help and he is not at all bad in the ring. The guy got bumped to the top which meant he worked with Cena, and Cena is not the man to put a green fella with in a main event spot.
HHH is different, he can work to show Sheamus's strengths.
I see HHH doing a 'Batista' and putting this guy over in the hope of creating a top draw talent. Remember, before Batista won the Rumble he was not much more than an Enforcer for Evolution, HHH can make stars.
who i want to win - Sheamus
who i think will win - Sheamus


Randy Orton vs. Ted DiBiase vs. Cody Rhodes
tough call, this has been a bit of a wasted effort i feel. I honestly think they could have built Kofi Kingston up slowly enough to be the man to face Orton in a One on One and to be made a star. Legacy should have continued as a team and should be the ones in the Unified Tag bout. They should have another year together before embarking on singles glory.
Anyway, this match could be good as long as they get some decent time
who i want to win - Rhodes
who i think will win - Dibiase


Money in the Bank Ladder Match:
Yes it sucks the that IC title is swallowed into this match. Drew could have and should have been put into a solid singles fued. In fact Kane/Drew could have worked if Kane had managed to win the belt, leading to him dropping it back to Drew at the PPV.
But alas.
Im scared that Drew will win, and then cash in his title shot on the same night, allowing him to walk out as a double champion. Would Vince do this? Yes. Should he do this? No.
Like Sheamus, Drew needs more time. A solid IC title reign is the way to go but Drew has had the biggest storyline going into this match, the investment must mean something right?
However the other one to watch is of course Christian. Could he win the match and cash in the same night, taking the belt from new champion Edge?
who i want to win - C-Man
who i think will win - Drew


CM Punk Vs Mysterio
possible show stealer.
The stip being that if Mysterio losses he joins the SES.
Not sure how that would work, and least it is not hair Vs mask.
Would they turn Mysterio heel eventually, i dont think so. So why have him join?
I hear Mysterio is screwed with injury, so he should loss ad go rest.
who i want to win - Punk
who i think will win - Mysterio


Bret Hart vs Vince McMahon
Sharpshooter...thats all
who i want to win - Bret
who i think will win - Bret


Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels
Im putting this here because however big the match, however important i am still a strong believer in the fact that a WM main event match should be for a title, and i pick the WWE title, it is the WWE afterall. I know tradition means nothing, and that this match is huge but i dont care. If the WWE champion and the contender can not follow this then maybe the wrong guys are the champions.
Why are people thinking that having HBKs career on the line means anything?
Retirement means nothing so this stip means nothing.
It does make thinks a little more interesting, but thats about it.
It still comes down to one thing, and thats Takers streak. Will he loss it?
You know what, im not actually that bothered.
Great match im sure, 2 legends. But who gains out of this? No one really, HBK does not need the accolade and Taker would notch up another win?
who i want to win - dont care
who i think will win - Taker

World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho vs. Edge
I didnt like Edge as a face before and im finding the same this time. It is a little better, he is less cheesy and he has done an awesome job with the 'spear' thing.
Jericho is almost in a league of his own when it comes to be an all round entertainer, ring work, mic work, expressions etc, he has it all.
This should be an amazing match.
who i want to win - Jericho
who i think will win - Edge


WWE Champion Batista vs. John Cena
both men can put on a great match when it counts, can they do it together? Not sure, this is meant to be the Austin/Rock of the new generation, it is not. Austin/Rock was something a thousand more times special but still, this is a big match but should have been built bigger.
Id like to see Batista walk out as the man, but im not sure
who i want to win - Batista
who i think will win - Cena




Overall
Im not that happy, the card is stacked thats true but which matches will really elebvate young stars and create future main eventers that make fresh feuds?
Possibly Sheamus, possible the MITB and possibly the Legacy triple threat. But there is no really backstory building up fresh guys, only mentioned for Sheamus.

Thats it, the tag match means nothing and the rest of the matches are full of the regular main eventers.

Someone other than HBK should have been built up over the last 6 months and should be the person putting an end to the streak.
i truely believe if they are going to cut the streak, someone with a long term future should benefit.


ANYWAY...this show is actually the real 25th Anniversary if the 1st WM, they billed last years as that show but it wasnt, it was WM 25, the 24th anniversary.


Ill be watching because im a fan and thats what we do.

[Anthony Jordan]

I think Jericho/Edge should be the main event. The Rumble winner should get to main event.

[Whitey Ford]

About the tag match, R-Truth could really use the win. What has he done thats even memorable in the WWE? Give him a chance. He's a great performer

[James Lucas]

i think they should make a new N.O.D, led by Ron Simmons as their manager.

the guy R-Truth is "mentoring"
ezekiel jackson
mark henry

they could try to recruit R-Truth and Shelton Benjamin. Could be a storyline. Eh, who knows. I'm tired tonight.

[James Lucas]

Unified Tag Team Champion Big Show & The Miz vs. John Morrison & R-Truth
Big Show and The Miz. They only made this match so the tag team championships would be on the line. No doubt, Big Show and The Miz win.


Triple H vs. Sheamus
I think HHH SHOULD let Sheamus win. Next month, HHH could try to get revenge on him. HHH SHOULD let Sheamus win, but I have a feeling HHH wins this.


Randy Orton vs. Ted DiBiase vs. Cody Rhodes
They fucked up on this feud. Could have been one of the best ones. Instead we've had a watered down version of it. I would like to see one of the younger guys win this, but I think Orton wins it.


CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio
If Punk wins, Rey joins him. It should have been, if Punk wins, Rey's SON joins him (let it be like Raven back in the day). No doubt, Rey will win this match. They won't let him be a part of Punks group. No way in hell.


Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Kane vs. Bourne vs. MVP vs. Christian vs. Captain Ziggles vs. Benjamin vs. Swagger vs. Matt Hardy vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Kofi
From the very beginning, I thought Christian had this thing. Then they added the McIntyre storyline, and then added Kofi and through me all off. I definitely think it's down to those three. I'm going to stick with my original choice. Christian wins. I wish so badly he would cash it in at WM and make his own WM moment.


Bret Hart vs. Mr. McMahon
I don't think anyone in the world thinks McMahon will win this. I don't see how it would be possible. Bret Hart with the Sharpshooter.


WWE Champion Batista vs. John Cena
I want Batista to win, but I have a feeling it's going to be Cena.


World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho vs. Edge
I want Jericho to win. He should win. But I think they'll have Edge win.


The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels
This one is hard. I wanted to see CM Punk go to WM and beat Undertaker for the streak. That would be fucking sick. I'm a huge HBK fan. Always have been. I know HBK takes time off usually after WM, so I've gotta go with Taker on this. Not sure I want to, but I feel like it's what will happen.

[Anthony Jordan]

Just chiming in to propose this idea:

We all think MITB is watered down with 10 men. Why not have 5 matches at Mania with the winners immediately being in MITB? If that's too long (and it could take too much time), have a 5-on-5 or 4-on-4 with the winning team immediately competing in MITB?

Or just scrap MITB, bring back King of the Ring, and give the winner the briefcase.

Also, don't like all the McIntyre. Really hope he doesn't win. Don't shit on the IC Title by basically throwing it away.

Pulling for C-man, but I'd love to see Kane win ONLY if they put the mask back on, turn him heel, and let him stalk the face champion. Imagine how chilling it would be for Cena or Edge to always have Kane hiding in the shadows and breaking them down. It could be sweet, if done right. Sadly, this idea is too good for them to steal.

[MTMT]

Kane shouldn't put the mask back on. It's pointless. The whole reason they had a mask was so there could be this air of mystery around him. Now that it's off, there's no reason to put it back on.

Now, they probably should have never took it off to begin with, but... eh, semantics.

[MTMT]

Interesting bit I found on NoDQ.com:

Gambling website 5Dimes.com is taking bets on this year's Wrestlemania. The current odds are below. For those not familiar with gambling, the ones with + are the underdogs, the ones with - are the favorites. A +450 means if you bet $100 you stand to win $450, while a -750 means you have to bet $750 to win $100. Note that the Money in the Bank match is not listed.

WWE Championship
Batista +450
John Cena -750

Career vs. Streak
The Undertaker -1050
Shawn Michaels +550

World Heavyweight Championship
Chris Jericho +240
Edge -320

No Holds Barred Match
Bret Hart -2750
Vince McMahon +1250

Undisputed Tag Titles
Big Show / Miz -750
John Morrison / R-Truth +450

Singles Match
Triple H -500
Sheamus +333

Triple Threat Match
Ted DiBiase wins Triple Threat -135
Randy Orton or Cody Rhodes wins -105

Singles Match
Rey Mysterio +170
CM Punk -230

[Anthony Jordan]

I'd bet on Sheamus in a heartbeat with those odds...and if I had some money.

Anyway, some friends are coming over for 'Mania, and I'm psyched!

[MTMT]

I added the 10-woman tag match, so I could have a complete prediction post. I also changed my Orton/Rhodes/DiBiase and MitB prediction.