THE SPECIALISTS HOOPS BLOG: WrestleMania 25 Predictions - Cena siding with Vickie, Hunter doesn't get his WrestleMania moment, MITB darkhorse
Apr 5, 2009 - 8:37:48 AM
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By Brian Hoops, Torch Nostalgia specialist
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Edge vs. John Cena vs. Big Show for the World Title
Edge has been a very entertaining champion and deserves a long run with the belt, with his babyface challengers chasing him for the belt. I don't see Big Show winning the title here. If they put this match on last, I think it gives away Cena winning the belt and sending the fans home happy with the company's biggest babyface as champion center stage at WrestleMania to end the show.
The problem with this scenario is Cena is reportedly shooting another movie this summer and they will need to take the belt off him in a few weeks. This shouldn't be a big problem as the title isn't that important to the match or the company anyway. Cena winning also makes the most compelling storyline as it puts Cena with Vicky Guerrero. Since this storyline hasn't been explored yet, I will predict Cena winning the title at Mania.
Triple H vs. Randy Orton for the WWE Title
This is a tough call as Triple H retaining the title and avenging the McMahon family just about ends this feud. However, if Orton retains somehow, whether through cheating or a possible McMahon family member turning on Triple H and siding with Orton, it furthers the storyline and takes it to the next level. I would think Triple H would want his WrestleMania moment with a win, but I am going with Orton winning the title and furthering the Orton vs. McMahon/Triple H angle.
Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker
This is the match I am most looking forward to and I think this is the real main event of WrestleMania. I have a feeling this could be the show stealer of the night if given the time. I think you have to go with Undertaker running his streak to 17-0 and narrowly defeating Michaels. A win for Michaels doesn't elevate him or make him more over, that should be reserved for a young and up and coming wrestler who needs the distinction of beating Undertaker and ending the streak.
Miz & Morrison vs. The Colons in a Tag Title Unification match
This could be another show-stealer of a match, although I think the Lumberjack stipulation hurts the match more than helps it. I like Miz and Morrison in this match, mostly because they have been so awesome this year in carrying the tag team division for the WWE. I could see a Bella heel turn costing the Colons the match.
JBL vs. Rey Mysterio for the IC Title
Since Rey went over clean on Raw Monday night, I am picking JBL to retain the title here. This would make them 1-1 and my fantasy booking wish would build to a rematch at Backlash. They could add a mask vs. IC Title or retirement for JBL stip to make it more interesting. I am guessing JBL drops the title either at Mania or just shortly after and retires from active competition and heads back to his color analyst role. With Tazz leaving WWE and the new Superstars show debuting in April, WWE will be very short on announcers. I will pick JBL to retain at Mania and retire as IC. My fantasy booking hopes this year's King of the Ring tournament crowns a new IC Champion.
Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Hardy
At WrestleMania 10, heel Owen Hart defeated babyface Bret Hart to further their feud and build to the main event at SummerSlam that year. I hope the WWE is booking that far in advance this year and giving Matt the win to elevate Matt over Jeff and then follow it up with Jeff eventually avenging his loss down the road and prevailing in the feud like a babyface should. I don't hold out hope for that one, but booking logic tells me to take Matt in this one. A win by Jeff to make the fans happy shouldn't be ruled out.
Chris Jericho vs. Steamboat/Snuka/Piper in an Elimination Match
I really don't see how they can dig themselves out of this booking hole other than having Jericho go over the Legends but somehow getting laid out either by Mickey Rourke or Flair putting Jericho in the figure four to make the crowd happy. Jericho is the MVP of the WWE over the last 12 months and shouldn't be doing jobs to these legends. I will predict Jericho getting the win, but the Legends getting the upper hand over Jericho in the post match.
Money in the Bank Ladder Match
I know a lot of people are picking MVP to win this match, so that tells me he probably won't be winning even though this may make the most logical sense. Shelton Benjamin dropping the U.S. Title makes him a darkhorse candidate, but he has had so many chances that if the WWE were going to get behind him, they would have done it already.
Therefore, I am picking Christian to win MITB. Christian has been one of WWE's best performers since returning and his versatility in the ring and on the mike, makes him the one guy of the eight in this make to go after any title or any challenger on the three brands. He has had his shot at the ECW Title and has been nothing short of awesome, furthering my view that he is ready to move to either Raw or Smackdown in the draft.
25 Diva Battle Royal
The WWE may be lucky to get 25 women to even appear in this match. Personally, I have zero interest in this match. The way this has been promoted, makes me think somehow Santino gets into the Battle Royal and gets the win. That is my first choice. If he doesn't make an in-ring appearance, I am taking Beth Phoenix to win as it would further the storyline they are pushing on TV of Santino wanting to win the match and becomes jealous of the Glamazon's victory. Gail Kim is a darkhorse as she is a fresh face, but she has barely been acknowledged on TV. Her winning would be a major surprise.
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