Wrestlemania Preview...

May want to print this out to keep score...The RAW matches in red, Smackdown in Blue...

World Heavyweight Championship: Batista vs. Triple H

Batista is given the ball, let's hope he can run with it. This was likely Orton's slot as originally planned, but the fan's disinterest in him forced the WWE to bring Batista into the spotlight early. Whether Dave's popularity is due to himself, or simply that he's challenging HHH; I'm not sure, but we'll find out.


WWE Championship: John Cena vs. JBL

Cena's got a bad movie out...might as well give him the belt. JBL did manage, by sheer act of will, to turn me around on him. He became a classic heel, every time outwitting his opponents. Unfortunately, there's noone but Cena, whose 'thug' act has become more and more juvenile, to challenge him. Let's hope he doesn't pimp out the Title belt like he did the U.S. Title.


Kurt Angle vs. Shawn Michaels

Bit of a push...Give it to Shawn. I still hold that while this will be a great match and a possible show stealer, they're about 3-4 years too late. It's too easy to have high expectations for this match, so be forewarned.

Piper's Pit with Stone Cold Steve Austin

Someone will get a Stone Cold Stunner, and finally the 'WHAT?' chants will make some sense. They'll still be annoying though.


Money-In-The-Bank Ladder Match

Edge? no reward for bad behavior. Shelton? too green, but keep an eye out. Jericho? unfortunately seen as tainted goods. Christian? Please. Kane? Thrown into the mix because of the Hardy/Edge/Lita Triangle. My guess is Benoit takes the briefcase and either turns heel or starts the process. Another potentail show stealer.


Women's Championship: Christy vs. Trish

Hopefully the WWE has recovered from their delusion, and Trish beats the holy hell out of Christy. But since the WWE fired most of their female wrestlers and hired 'self-employed models' instead, I'd expect Christy to win. As unskilled as she's been on TV, Trish might have to pin herself. Also, look for a Lita heel turn.


Undertaker vs. Randy Orton

While I'm not much of a Taker fan, I'm sure not an Orton fan. While the WWE has been forcing him down our throats, I think they'll have him break Taker's streak in a last ditch effort. I'd rather see Taker's useless streak continue, but I'm not counting on it.


Sumo Match: Big Show vs. Akebono


Gah. That much flesh slapping against each other might cause a fire. Unless Show pulls out that long rumored moonsault, this is a good bathroom break.

Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero

Possible show stealer. Pity there's no real story behind it. They're still Tag Champs, so you can't even have a 'former champs turned enemies' angle. Eddie lies, cheats and steals to get the win, setting up more discord. Look for them to lose the titles soon.



Other Notes:

There will be a 30 man Battle Royal vith both brands. No word on if it will air on Heat or the PPV. There are conflicting reports that have Hogan doing something at Wrestlemania.

TITLES NOT APPEARING:

RAW

Intercontinental [Shelton in Ladder Match]

Tag Titles [Regal and Tajiri]

SMACKDOWN

Cruiserweight [Paul London]

Tag Titles [Eddie VS Rey in match]

US Championship [Orlando Jordan]




I hope you enjoyed that, but please remember that I'm not liable for any financial losses based on any bets made using this info.

Take Care,

Mike G.