No Time To Repent...

Since it's time for your WWE Unforgiven preview...

This is a RAW brand PPV, and I hate to say it, but it looks like it might be pretty good.

Here we go in no particular order:

Shelton Benjamin vs. Kerwin White

This is a study of characters at a crossroads. Shelton Benjamin was once a mighty Intercontinental Champion with aspirations to become Heavyweight Champion. Since those heady days, he's been relegated to the midcard. Chavo Guerrero used to ride a stick horse to the ring, and now the former protege' to Eddie Guerrero has decided to trade in his name and ethnicity for a shiny white version in Kerwin White.

This match is more about the loser, rather than the winner. Both of these wrestlers need a high profile win, and whoever comes up short will be in a bad place. I think WWE should stick by Shelton and reintroduce Chavo/Kerwin to his heritage.

Trish Stratus & Ashley vs. Torrie Wilson & Victoria

This match pretty much encapsulates the state of female wrestling in the WWE. Trish [the returning champion, by the way] and Victoria are legitimate wrestlers who can also fill the 'eye candy' role of the standard valet/manager. Torrie and Ashley are very pretty models with scant wrestling ability. Also, both of them have been photographed by Playboy [do a Google Search to find a pre-Diva Search Ashley]

So who wins? I'd have to say whoever Tivos this match and plays it back in slo-mo.

Big Show vs. Snitsky

Two words come to mind when discussing this match: Holding pattern. Snitsky has taken his baby-killing 'accident' about as far as anyone could have forseen, and after his stint as Edge's muscle, he needs something new. As for Big Show, all signs had him pegged as the one to win the MasterLock Challenge, but thatwent away fairly quickly. This will be a standard Big Man Match, and I see Show coming out on top.

The Hurricane & Rosey vs. Cade & Murdoch for the World Tag Team Championship

Sadly, one of my favorite wrestlers has become linked with a tragedy. This in and of itself has little to do with the match, but it doesn't help. Cade and Murdoch have been getting a fair amount of exposure, and I think a title change is in the cards. But given how shabby the Tag Team situation is on RAW, it might not make a difference.

Edge vs. Matt Hardy in a Steel Cage

Back in my Summerslam preview, I said the match then was a month late. at this point, I can't tell if WWE is punishing Edge or Matt with this clunker of a storyline. Whatever excitement Matt brought with his return is long gone. And not to bring up old stuff, but Edge still has the Money In The Bank contract. Matt loses again, but gets the Moral Victory. Lita tries to express an emotion, but the strain causes her to pass out.

Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Masters

This match is pretty straightforward; Cocky upstart calls out the cagey veteran. For some reason, WWE is very high on Mr. Masters. Unfortunately for him, Shawn Michaels is due some payback.

After having to job to Hogan at Summerslam, I can't see him doing it again for a rookie like Masters. I see HBK powering his way out of the MasterLock and shutting him down with Sweet Chin Music.

Ric Flair vs. Carlito for the Intercontinental Championship

I'm actually looking forward to this one, even if it is like watching your grandpa wrestle. Carlito has become a very entertaining heel, earning extra points for having the IC title without ever defending it. Expect a lot of "WOOO!" and cheating, but Carlito retains the belt.

And finally:

John Cena vs. Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship

The WWE has tried to make this a story of a rebel fighting against a stacked deck, but what I'm noticing is the power of Evil Kurt. In his mind, he is the best wrestler on Earth and the title is his by divine right. Along with this attitude is a more intense style that I've noticed for a while now. But, with RAW's move back to USA later this month, along with the advertising featuring Cena, I don't see Kurt winning this one.

Later next week, we'll be discussing the results on the P1WAC.

Courage,
Mike G.