Vince hiked prices during the start of the recession and hasn't looked back since. The reality that no one is buying the PPVs means nothing to him. As for my picks, I am going with Heelamania to bi-win this for me.
Miz d. Cena. Even though they just telegraphed Rock costing Cena the match with the AA on Rock. I still will go with Rock hitting the Rock Bottom on the announcer's table for Cena to lose via count out. If Cena does win, I still expect him to eat a Rock bottom.
Edge d. ADR. I just can't see Christian turning on Edge maybe costing him the belt, but not straight out turning. Plus, I don't think ADR is ready to be champ and I can't imagine it will pop the ratings if he does win, I actually see a JBL effect with him.
Ziggler and LayCool d. Snooki, Trish and Morrison. I know its a bad idea to go against celebrities at Mania, but arriving 3 hours late as well as trashed for a video shoot can't get you in Vince's good graces. Layla pin Snooki.
Cole d. Lawler. I know, I know. It should be kick, stunner then piledriver for the win. Cole does deserve it and it would be awesome to see, yet I get this weird feeling they like the idea of evil trash talking Cole more then beatdown Lawler. I am sure Cole will be stunnered at some point, I think its after he pins Lawler. The next night, Linda or Shane reveal Cole is the GM and then fired.
HHH d. Taker. I am partially hoping this goes on last, so I can leave the Mania party early, so I am not dead ass tired for work on Monday. Even with that, if this goes on last, its a joke. I do think HHH will beat Taker even after HBK superkicks HHH. The win would prove HHH is better then Shawn and everyone else, its just the ego boost HHH desperately needs. It makes him the biggest heel in the company over night.
Punk d. Orton. While it does appear, Orton will be the couragous hero fighting through injury in the match, I just don't see him getting the win. Punk has been on fire in this feud and he deserves the win.
Rey d. Rhodes. Not all heels can go over. I am not sure about Rhodes in this spot at all, but the only reason to watch is to see what outfit Rey is going to wear anyway.
Bryan d. Sheamus. I expect this to be the match of the night. If they can give them 15 minutes, this will elevate both these guys to the next level.
The Corre d. Show-Kane and the Franco-Russian Connection. The faces got their big win on Monday even with the post-match celebration.
Kofi wins some meaningless Battle Royal even though he should be facing Rey instead of Rhodes.
Originally posted by lotjx I know its a bad idea to go against celebrities at Mania, but arriving 3 hours late as well as trashed for a video shoot can't get you in Vince's good graces. Layla pin Snooki.
Don't mean to pick on you here, but I've seen this twice now on this board, and I believe it was Prowrestling.net that had a first-hand account from someone at the bar disputing this fact. Not sure where it was first reported, but it sounds more like it would play into Snooki's "image" than something that actually happened.
Show/Kane/Santino/Kozlov vs. The Corrrre: The Corre to keep the holders of 3 belts looking strong. (Hey remember when the Nexus helped Kane bury his brother alive?)
Sheamus vs. Bryan: Sheamus. No reason to switch the title back again so soon.
JoMo/Trish/Snooki vs. Ziggles/LayCool The faces win, Snooki pins Michelle after the 2 are kept out of the ring for most of the match. (Hey remember when JoMo blew our minds at the Rumble and Dolph was a #1 contender?)
Rey vs. Cody: Cody Rhodes
Lawler vs. Cole: Lawler. Stunner for Swagger during the match; Stunner for Cole after the pinfall.
Orton vs. Punk: I'm biased and rooting for Punk, but I think they'll give it to Orton for a feel-good face at Mania moment.
Taker vs. HHH Taker of course.
Edge vs. Del Rio Alberto achieves his destiny. Gold confetti falls. I hope Christian doesn't turn. (and how incredible is it that Brodus Clay LOST NXT4 yet gets to be in the corner of a WM title match...and Johnny Curtis has been completely MIA since winning it) (And incidentally, Wrestlemania.com has this match listed at the top of its card)
Cena vs. Miz (vs. Team Bring It) Cena. All signs point to Rocky costing Cena the match...but again, I think the Miz's awesome run as champ ends here regardless.
"You’ve got the crazy eyes." - RAW GM Laptop, 9/27/10
Show/Kane/Santino/Kozlov vs. The Corrrre: Before Barrett won the IC belt, I would have said ShoKanSanKov, but now that 3/4 of the Corre have gold, they'll probably want them looking strong. A loss to a hastily thrown together team of misfits won't accomplish that. So with that in mind... Winner(s): Show/Kane/Santino/Koslov
Sheamus vs. Bryan: I can see this feud continuing and wouldn't be shocked to see the belt trade hands a few times between now and the end of the feud. Winner: Bryan
JoMo/Trish/Snooki vs. Ziggles/LayCool They're probably paying that Snooki thing a fair few dollars to appear so they'll no doubt want to squeeze all the mainstream press out of the deal that they possibly can. That means Snooki pinning one of LayCool. Winner(s): JoMo/Trish/Snooki
Rey vs. Cody: On paper, it looks like an easy win for Rey. But then, Rey handpicked Rhodes for his WrestleMania feud and apparently they're friends so maybe Rey won't mind putting his friend over. It would certainly help Rhodes' credibility. Winner: Cody
Lawler vs. Cole: Lawler kills Cole dead. Austin kills Cole dead. The Divas thwart Cole's plans to run away and ensure he's killed dead. Even J.R leaves the announce table to help kill Cole dead. Swagger runs away. Winner: Lawler
Orton vs. Punk: It's been such a one-sided feud that Orton pretty much has to win. The only other outcome I see is some sort of double DQ finish, setting up a NHB matched next PPV. Winner: Orton
Taker vs. HHH I have enough faith in HHH and Taker to lay out an awesome match that doesn't expose their physical limitations. Michaels will play a part, likely teasing a Sweet Chin Music on Taker that would end the streak, avenge last years loss, and give the big win to his best friend... but I don't think he'll go through with it. Taker wins after a slew of dramatic near-falls. Winner: Taker
Edge vs. Del Rio Having Christian turn on Edge would be too obvious. I think Del Rio will get the belt before the year is out but I don't think he'll win it here. Winner: Edge
Cena vs. Miz I sincerely hope they don't go the predictable route of having Cena earn Rock's "respect" and ending the show with Cena as champion, celebrating with Rock in the middle of the ring. If this match goes last, I fear that's what will happen. That said, there's so much money to be made with a Rock/Cena feud and eventual SummerSlam showdown, that if there's an amount of money that would coax Rock out of retirement, I believe Vince would be only too willing to pay it. So, unlikely as it is, I dare say it's not outside the realms of possibility for Rock to repay Cena for that AA from RAW, and cost him the match. The safe money is on Cena winning though. Winner: Cena
I think Miz/Cena will be good, especially because of The Rock's involvement. I want to say Miz wins and keeps the title somehow, but also don't see Cena not leaving WM as champ. Because of the rest of my picks, though, gotta go with Cena winning the title here
I love Alberto del Rio, so I'm excited for him to win the belt
Lawler/Cole will be a great payoff to Cole being such a douche the last several months. Looking forward to him getting the crap kicked out of him and then hopefully transitioning to becoming a manager instead of an announcer.
Not too high on HHH/UT, but I'm sure it will at least be interesting. No way UT loses before 20-0 next year
I love CM Punk, but hate Randy Orton, so am sort of blah on that match. Hoping CM Punk will be able to pull something good out of the match. I'm gonna say this either ends in a DQ or with Punk getting the win by cheating or something, keeping the feud going up until at least the next PPV
Not too thrilled about Snooki being involved in a match, but I'm sure Morison/Ziggler will do most of the match work and the girls won't be involved too much, so the match shouldn't be too horrible. I'm sure they'll have Snooki pin Layla or something like that at the end of the match, giving the "good guys" the win
I'm optimistic about Rey/Rhodes as I think Cody Rhodes has been getting much better in the last few months, especially with his new character. Rey is always good, so that should be a good match. I'm giving this one to Cody in a surprise victory over Rey
Bryan/Sheamus will be good as both of them are good. This will probably be the opener and will be a nice hard hitting match. Sheamus wins, again keeping the feud going with the rematch happening on the next PPV
And the 8 man is pretty much just there. I don't think it will be horrible or anything. Santino takes a pin losing for his team
The Undertaker wins clean. Shawn Michaels either plays no role or super kicks both guys, though I'm leaning towards remaining neutral.
The Miz vs John Cena (WWE Title)
Alex Riley tries to interfere but is stopped by The Rock. The Miz still manages to cheat-to-win. Afterward, Cena eats a Rock Bottom.
Edge vs Alberto Del Rio (World Heavyweight Title)
Christian neutralizes Brodus Clay but Roberto Rodriguez manages to interfere, costing Edge the match. No turn by Christian here. On the following Smackdown, Christian points out that he has defeated del Rio on two separate occasions and suggests that Edge just doesn't have what it takes, inserting Christian into the title hunt. Christian faces del Rio at Extreme Rules and loses the match thanks to Edge, leading to a feud between the two of them. (Unlike everyone else, I don't think Christian turns on Edge, I think it'll be the other way around.)
John Morrison/Trish Stratus/Snooki vs Dolph Ziggler/Laycool
Not only do you not bet against the celebrity, you don't bet against the wrestler who debuts as a trainer on Tough Enough the next night. They're not going to cut the legs out from under Trish. I'm guessing this ends with a second- or top-rope splash by Snooki onto Layla. The whole point of the match is to garner mainstream media coverage and a picture of Snooki flying through the air will guarantee that. (Kelly Kelly will most likely prevent Vicki from interfering at some point.)
Randy Orton vs CM Punk
The bulk of the match is dominated by Punk. Orton wins by countering the GTS with the RKO. Punk attacks afterward to set up a rematch at Extreme Rules.
Dashing Cody Rhodes vs Rey Mysterio
This is the only match I'm not confident on regarding my pick. My mind keeps saying that if Cody wins here, it will be a heel dominated 'Mania. My heart argues that Lawler, Undertaker and Orton winning big will be enough to send people home happy. Rey has had some big wins at Wrestlemania, defeating Eddie, winning the Intercontinental title from Bradshaw in under 30 seconds and, of course, winning the World title. A win here for Cody would be a career defining moment. He's only 25 years old. If they can turn him into a main eventer, he could have a whole lot of mileage. Against my better judgment (or, perhaps I should say, my faith in WWE management) I'm going to go with Cody cheating to win.
Jerry "The King" Lawler vs Michael Cole
If Cole wins this match then I also predict that he goes on to break The Streak later that night. He'll then go on to purchase TNA and invade the WWE.
The odds of Lawler losing this match are about as low as the odds of Swagger getting out of this without being stunned. Lawler beats Cole like a government mule, ending with the Pile Driver. Cole is then further humiliated by the divas. Swagger eats a stunner and a beer bath. (The biggest possible pop of the night might come from Lawler getting Cole up for the piledriver, Swagger trying to interfere and Cole being piledriven while Swagger is stunned.)
Sheamus vs Daniel Bryan (US Title)
Sheamus wins clean, possibly following some ingenious using-the-ring-as-a-weapon, after a long, hard fought match in which Daniel Bryan comes off looking like a complete bad ass. The next night on Raw, Bryan points out that while he lost the US title to Sheamus, he originally won that title from Miz and announces his intentions to take yet another title from Miz.
The Corre vs Big Show/Kane/Santino/Koslov
This is the only other match I'm not 100% comfortable with my choice. If they give Cody a win but don't want heels to win a majority of the matches, they could decide to tip the scales in the favor of the faces with this match. But I'm going to stick with The Corre, by pinning Santino. I'll also predict that at some point, Heath Slater gets launched so far over the top rope that he actually goes through the Titan Tron. (450 to Santino seems like an obvious ending but I would think it would require the other 3 men to all be taken out so that they don't block the 450 attempt. Also, I could see Santino attempting the Cobra on Ezekial Jackson only to break his hand on Zeke's bowling ball traps.)
It may be a bad idea to predict both title matches going to heels but I really believe that Taker, Orton and Lawler will generate big enough pops to keep everyone happy. If you had told me last year that Randy Orton and Jerry Lawler were going to be two of the hottest faces at this year's Wrestlemania, I probably would have watched a lot more TNA, but I really think this card has potential to be great.
- Cody - again, he needs it more and Rey seems to win a lot at Mania the last few years and is due for a loss. Especially if the rumors are true he may be on his way out.
- Lawler
- Orton
- Undertaker
- Edge - As I said a few weeks ago, he has lost a lot at Mania the last few years, and deserves a big singles win at Mania that doesn't involve going through a flaming table. Plus, it seems ADR has lost some momentum.
- Miz - my hope is Rock accidentally costs Cena the match causing a massive heel turn by Cena, who then injures Rock to set up SummerSlam. Either way, Miz wins.
"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."
Del Rio Cena Taker Orton Lawler Rhodes Morrison/Trish/Snooki Sheamus Corre
Now those are my official picks, but they aren't what I want to see happen. If it was my choice, I'd hold off on Del Rio winning and get Christian involved in the whole thing. Miz would beat Cena and Punk would beat Orton. Also, Operation Thunderbolt would be put into effect to rescue Morrison, Trish, and Dolph and then just firebomb that match out of existence. Also, Bryan/Sheamus would get 20 minutes. But hey we can't have everything. :D
Michigan against the SEC: 20-6-1 (7-4 in bowl games)
Miz v. Cena: Cena. Miz has been pretty dominant in the buildup so far. And I don't think Rocky is going to be sticking around for much longer past Wrestlemania, so I doubt an extended Cena/Rock feud is in the works.
Del Rio v. Edge: Del Rio. My only doubt here is the lack of Smackdown faces to challenge Del Rio. But he'd be much better at champ than Edge. And hey, maybe they can finally move up John Morrison to feud with him afterward.
Taker v. HHH: Taker. I've long since been in the "Taker retires with the streak unbroken" camp, and I'm not seeing anything different this year.
Orton v. Punk: Pulling for Punk here, but I think Orton will get the win.
Lawler v. Cole: Lawler. No question.
Mysterio v. Rhodes: Mysterio. I think Cody's already got plenty of heat from his new gimmick and the buildup so far, enough that I don't think he really needs a win here.
Team Snooki v. Team Vickie: Team Snooki. Never bet against celebrities.
Sheamus v. Bryan: Again, I'm pulling for Bryan here but I think Sheamus wins. It's too early to swap the belt back.
Corre v. The Law Firm of Wight, Kane, Marella, and Kozlov: Faces win.
(edited by Shem the Penman on 31.3.11 1408) "The object of persecution is persecution. The object of torture is torture. The object of power is power. Now do you begin to understand me?"
Originally posted by Lordsofpain.net Jerry Lawler was reportedly told that he cannot use the piledriver in his match with Michael Cole at WrestleMania 27. As you know, Lawler uses the piledriver as one of his finishing moves.
If this is true, it's a bummer.
(edited by El Nastio on 31.3.11 1421) After a (very) long hiatus, I have begun to write again. And this time, I'm not alone!
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Originally posted by Lordsofpain.net Jerry Lawler was reportedly told that he cannot use the piledriver in his match with Michael Cole at WrestleMania 27. As you know, Lawler uses the piledriver as one of his finishing moves.
If this is true, it's a bummer.
(edited by El Nastio on 31.3.11 1421)
I am hoping this is a misinformation piece. If not then, The flying fist pump will have to do. I guess that means HHH getsa Tombstone or three to end that match.
(edited by lotjx on 31.3.11 1414) The Wee Baby Sheamus.
No Holds Barred: The Undertaker Vs. HHH * Undertaker of course.
WWE Title Match: The Miz (c) Vs. John Cena * Miz if it is not the main event. Cena if it is. Slightly colored by what I WANT to see happen (Miz winning)... So I'll probably be wrong.
World Heavyweight Title Match: Edge (c) Vs. Alberto Del Rio * Edge (would rather see Alberto)
Mixed Tag Match: John Cena/Trish Stratus/Snooki Vs. Dolph Ziggler/Laycool * Team Snooki. Don't bet against WM celebrities.
Randy Orton Vs. CM Punk * Orton (though Punk would be much more awesome).
Dashing Cody Rhodes Vs. Rey Mysterio * Cody, since Rey wanted this match and Rey doesn't really need it.
Jerry "The King" Lawler Vs. Michael Cole * Lawler
United States Title Match: Sheamus (c) Vs. Daniel Bryan * Sheamus
Eight-Man Tag Team Match: The Corre Vs. Big Show/Kane/Santino/Kozlov * Corre
Originally posted by lotjxThe Corre d. Show-Kane and the Franco-Prussian Connection.
Really, now.
Fixed?
It is the policy of the documentary crew to remain true observers and not interfere with its subjects. "Well. Shit." -hansen9j Go Pack Go! (Champs!) Let's Go Riders!
Undertaker with him taking on Cena next year. I do think it will be a good match, because neither guy really has to worry about coming out healthy the next night.
WWE Title Match: The Miz (c) Vs. John Cena
I would say Miz wins because they've spent so much effort to build the Miz up. But if Cena loses, what do they do with Cena? Cena wins but then Rock gets his revenge.
Edge (c) Vs. Alberto Del Rio Edge and like many have said, Del Rio gets the belt at the next PPV. Too soon to blow this feud away.
Mixed Tag Match: John Morrison/Trish Stratus/Snooki Vs. Dolph Ziggler/Laycool Snooki goes heel, gives heels the win.
Randy Orton Vs. CM Punk If Cena wins against Miz, Punk wins against Orton. I'll go with Orton though because I think Miz is going to retain against Cena.
Dashing Cody Rhodes Vs. Rey Mysterio Mysterio is well past his prime and much slower in the ring. I'm going with Rhodes on this one.
Jerry "The King" Lawler Vs. Michael Cole The match itself will be awful but all the storylines they pull during this match will be great. I think Cole wins via screwjob then eats a Stunner.
United States Title Match: Sheamus (c) Vs. Daniel Bryan Sheamus
Eight-Man Tag Team Match Big Show/Kane win
Dark Match: I suspect Evan Bourne will be part of this... Not announced but they always have one of these.
Thread ahead: YOUR BELOVED TNA IMPACT WORKRATE COMIX- 3/31/2011!! Next thread: Your Saturday and Sunday WWC Estrellas De Lucha Libre for 4/2/2011-4/3/2011! Previous thread: Ethnic Wrestling Heels
Voodoo Chili? Anyway, how do you know Vince is too cheap to buy the music? I remember hearing something during WCW's heyday that the cost of the rights to use that song was somewhere around $20,000.